(1 Corinthians 2:6 - 1 Corinthians 2:7)
- - We do speak a message of wisdom, but not the wisdom of this world or of the rulers of this world, who are passing off the scene. (7) Instead, we speak about God's secret wisdom that has been hidden, which God destined for our glory before the world began.
Introduction to
The Mysteries of God

What is Truth? (We might as well start with the 'nitty-gritty'!)

Truth is the hardest thing to determine in the world today and from ages past. In the beginning, the days of Eden, the voice of the wiley deceiver challenged the Word of God saying, "Did God really say - -?" The adversary of humanity, Satan attempts to question God's Truth in the mind of each of us. He presents an alternative scenario. Any seeker of Truth must take the "this world's wisdom," the world's narrative of reality, and set it aside. "Prove all things," is the Apostle Paul's admonition. Jesus admonished his disciples looking foreward in time, "See that are not deceived." (Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13) Nothing is as it seems on the stage of this material reality. The ways of this world are the ways of deception. They who would discover the Truth will eventually discover that we are "in the world, but not of it." It comes down to this; Truth is a mystery, it is mostly hidden; except to those who God chooses to reveal it.

Some Choose to Seek
A person can seek to understand Spiritual things but have the wrong motives. Look at the account of Simon the sorcerer who desired to buy spiritual knowledge for his own glory. (See Acts Chapter 8:9) The individual's ego must be laid aside. As we decrease to ourselves we tnen can increase in Godly understanding.

Revelation and inspiration result from searching, knocking and asking. The pathways that lead a seeker into the knowledge of the mysteries of God are not easy to discover. "God is a Spirit," scripture declares. God's divine existence is one that can only be perceived, on a non-sensing level. If I say that I know God, whom you neither know nor see, you can only judge my assertions on the basis of my personal credibility. Some spokespersons for God are more credible than others. The early apostles did not so much argue the existence of God as a philosophical concept but sought to prove His existence by supernatural proofs. These proofs demonstrated His reality through the Power of God. (1Corinthians 2). So, we are faced with the challenge of proving to a materialistic, non-believing world that God is real and has a part in the day-to-day affairs of this world. It is a very great mystery that God calls us to have fellowship with Him. It is God who equips us to grow and eventually minister through His Spirit. It is God who preserves and keeps us blameless, until The Savior's coming when he will gather his called-out people (ekklesia or church) unto himself (John 14). So you see, the Christian life is very little about our performance or goodness. The gift of God prevails throughout the life of a believer. The gift, of course, is His rescuing us from judgment and destruction.

Searching, knocking, and asking (Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.) are the first steps to knowing God and His mysteries. What is the sincere motivation of your heart? God knows your heart. If your heart is humble and sincere revelation and inspiration follow. We find no shortage of so-called enlightened persons claiming to hold the key to spiritual wisdom. Those who would find the truth and to enter into God's kingdom, must knock at the right door. Every religion and cult claims to be this door. Today. I can declare with certainty, that this door IS found in only one place only, The Holy Bible. The Bible is not as some many describe it, an antique, irrevelant and out-dated document. The Bible has proven itself to be reliable to all who have studied it seriously. It holds a perfect record having hundreds of prophecies recorded on its pages that have come to pass. Our understanding can be ensured since the divine authorship is the Spirit of the Most High God, the very Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the one true God and reveals all Truth and Understanding that was in Jesus the Messiah. The pathway that leads a seeker into the knowledge of the mysteries of God is only through Yeshua, (Jesus the Messiah) and him only. Religions and Religious organizations can mask themselves with an aura of godliness. Hundreds of ministries and religious denominations present their path of redemption. Long held tradition and apparent affluence of the organization are not always proof of pure doctrine and a godly path.

Who is Jesus? The Neglected and Rejected Foundation Stone
Yeshua of Nazareth, Jesus, is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the rejected Jewish Messiah. The answer to the question about the identity of this man is the most important question you can address in your life. Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I Am?' Peter was inspired to give the proper answer as recorded in Matthew 16:13.

"God is a Spirit," the scripture explains. Spiritual things point to Heavenly things. God the Almighty, and the Spiritual world are mysteries. This is the domain of this unseen world consists of the divine substance of other dimensions. The Spiritual can only be perceived, received and believed on a non-sensing, non academic level. If I declare that I know God, who you have never known or seen, you can only judge my assertions on the basis of my personal credibility. Some who profess to be spokes-persons for God are more credible to us than others owing to certain expressions of character.

We know that the original apostles after the resurrection of Jesus, did not so much debate the existence of God as a philosophical notion or intellectual theory but demonstrated God's existence by supernatural attestations. They demonstrated the Power of God. (Read Paul's letter to Corinthians Chapter1 and 2). Yet many Christian apologists continue to strive to persuade a materialistic, non believing world based upon arguments, logic or intellectual proofs.

Progressive Revelation
First let me preface this topic by stating the principle that persons without the Spirit do not, can not, know God. They are wearing the spiritual blinders common to all humanity. However persons in this condition are totally unaware of this fact. Granted there are many fine people, of noble character and moral sensability who are yet "unredeemed." The first step to progressive revelation is to be born of God. This is a God-wrought transformation that allows them to be partakers of heavenly things and to partake of the Messiah's (Christ's) divine nature. After being spiritually renewed, they can read the word of God (scripture) with a passion, and derive understanding from it. Prior to this time their understanding of Scripture was only superficial. It was sealed to them. Their eyes have a veil of blindness removed through Christ.

There are some who will disagree with the concept of progressive revelation. Religions and those with "natural thinking" wish to see the mysteries of God (essential but mostly hidden truths) codified and made concrete to pass down to future generations. These understandings which we call "doctrines" of faith can vary considerably as to an interpretation of any particular scripture passage. The response from the doctrinal watchdogs say these have been the teachings of the fathers and we stand upon our doctrines. These doctrines of course, represent the codified view of that sect whether they be Catholic, Protestant, or the sub sects of Protestantism and even non Christian sects.

The Holy Spirit initiated the birth of the church on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, 50 days after the Jewish Passover. Jesus thus fulfilled that Jewish festival of Petecost as he fulfilled the previous three. This event recorded in Acts Chapter 1 and 2 was the moment of spiritual empowerment that was promised the disciples. The disciples were told not to teach or testify until after the "promise of the Father" had come to pass. The Holy Spirit has varieties of supernatural expressions (Spiritual Gifts) which we will discuss later. Among these is the Spirit of Wisdom and understanding. Wisdom lies latent in the Word of God (The Bible). Yeshua (Jesus) is also called the "Living Word;" he continues to speak to the reader. This same Holy Spirit brings revelation and understanding, the rhema word denotes revelation as directly spoken to illuminate the reader. It is not merely "intellectual" knowledge and understanding.

This makes the Bible unique. Not only does the information found in it prove valid but it has the power to reveal "heavenly things." Truth is often on a level beyond the factual or informational level. There are two levels which can be experienced by those who read Scripture, informational and revelational. Believers who are Spiritually reborn, empowered by the Holy Spirit Baptism are illumined by "The Rhema Word." Rhema enlivens the Scripture and makes it speak to the present needs of any reader. The Spirit brings life and understanding. "The letter of the Scripture kills.” Jesus said.

There are many who believe the Bible is mostly a fable or make believe. They have not yet received the necessary key to wisdom which is faith. Those who have received the measure of faith know that the stories of God's wonders in day of old are more than fables, they are assuredly true.

Jesus gave this testimony about knowing God. "I know Him, I am from Him, He sent me." (John 7:19.) Yet, not everyone is persuaded by these words to know that Jesus is the sent one. There are also many today who remain unpersuaded that Yeshua is the one mediator between God and Man and who truly speaks for God. (1Timothy2:5)
I have learned and have come to understand that God is a God of mysteries and hidden things.

Jesus Parables Hide Deeper Meanings
The parables taught by Yeshua (Jesus) had within them revelations of truth on multiple levels; plain story-level truth and higher spiritual levels. There is and always has been the matter of hidden truth or 'hidden manna.' To Christ's disciples it was given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of God while others received no more than a moral homily. Why is it that God reveals himself to some and not to others? (See Matthew 13:13-14 and Luke 8:10)

God Almighty in his wisdom chose that heaven and God's mysteries are not open for the vile and vulgar to intrude upon! There are defining limits between darkness and heavenly light. I have always puzzled that the Bible's TRUTH and the realities of God were never presented to the world in a plain fact document that was neatly delineated with point by point, topics.  Wouldn't that be wonderful if all the hidden facts about God and Heaven's realities were made accessible and easy to comprehend! But in God's wisdom, God has chosen to hide himself. He dwells in a secret place. (Psalm 91 also Proverbs 25:2 "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, the glory of kings to search out a matter.")

The unbeliever must set aside the vanity of self sufficiency and unbelief before he/she can make the first step of faith. (Hebrews 11 - - if anyone would come to God they must first believe that He is, and rewards those who seek Him (paraphrased). Thus the key to unpacking and deciphering the Word of God can not be achieved entirely by academic skills and study alone. If that were true only the bookish could know God.

The Divine Spirit, the Ruach ha kadesh, in Hebrew is called in King James vernacular the Holy Ghost. It is He and He only who opens the way to valid revelations of God. The Spirit of God always reveals and glorifies Jesus. See John 16:15 - All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you." There are of course mystics from other religions and cultures who receive spiritual revelations but these are from other spirits who masquerade as truth, and never conform to biblical truth. The Holy Spirit can truly be called the Spirit of Jesus as he is called in Acts 16:7, Philippians 1:19.

It is my desire that this writing be a testimony by which you may believe and then receive at least a glimpse into some of these mysteries and from there begin to enter a deeper realm of understanding. The insights that I share here were not learned from years of church experience before I knew God. They have been drawn from my own studies and experience. Please understand I find that these studies I believe entirely conform to the entirety of Biblical Scripture. If it did not it would be without value!

Without the Holy Spirit, the teacher of truth and discipler, one remains bound to a factual - informational level interpretation. We are given greater understanding in the light of Jesus. "The entrance of thy word brings light." (Psalm 119)

Understanding grows a little at a time. Understanding comes slowly, first in a line by line approach to scripture, but eventually it deepens to a precept upon precept understanding. Precepts are the understandings of how the Word actually interconnects as a whole and displays consistency from beginning to end. Jesus is 'the Word of God made flesh.' This is in Itself a profound mystery. When the Scripture (The Word of God) is made known in its completeness we shall See Him as He IS. (1 John 3:2)

The following chapters deal with the subject of Mysteries. You will find that the topics will appear initially familiar; such as those frequently addressed in a sermon or a Bible study. Though the topics sound familiar, I believe there are deeper, more profound revelations to be revealed. These topics follow no hierarchy of order. Nor will I suggest that my thoughts on these topics are more than a glimmer of light upon yet  deeper understanding. I can do little more than introduce the topics of God's mysteries. There are multiple mysteries throughout the Bible. These represent but a few. More remain to be explored and mined. 

Reading Bible Commentaries
Many teachers and religious authorities have provided us with their best understandings in Christian commentaries. Some commentaries date from early historic writers others more contemporary. Those who write commentaries are usually considered "theologians" and they tend to be learned men of letters. When we read commentaries from any teacher, expert, or authority, we tend to assume that these stand as dependable and represent fact and accuracy. But in reality, there is an alarming amount of disagreement among scholars, experts with regard to denominational doctrine. There are other spiritual sources drawn from occultism, New Age teaching or religions of the world. Those who are caught up in these other religions and cults may never moved to study Biblical sources at all.

Bible commentaries should never be regarded as absolute or definitive. It is up to anyone to search out these matters with diligence always going to the Bible for the answer. Precepts grow with each believer who diligently studies the Bible and trusts it as the word of truth. It is a process that may take years. The Holy Spirit presents nuggets of understanding as we read and reread the text. Illumined insights may well be God speaking to us in the Rhema word of God. But remember the whole of scripture must bear record to it. Every important Bible truth is recorded with multiple witnesses throughout the pages. (In the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses all matters are established.) This proceeding voice of understanding is the supernatural witness which speaks to us from the Word of God. It is this voice that builds understanding and edifies the Body of Christ with deeper understanding. Believers are among the called out ones (the ekklesia). We must understand that the divine author of the Bible knows Truth in its fullness. Many mysteries and questions are not fully answered or understood at this time and remain hidden for a season only to come to light later on. The greater part of the wisdom of God will only be fully grasped when we meet the Lord face to face in that time of perfection after we have left this world. There are so many mysteries and mysteries within mysteries in God’s heavenly realm, only to be revealed in the fullness of time. Revelation on a personal level is certainly progressive and ever deepening. Anyone can speculate on any of hundreds of questions but the result for the present remains only speculation. Matters that are never discussed in the Bible must be considered of less relevant than that which is recorded and especially when mentioned multiple places.

Contrary to what some may assert, not all the knowledge or answers (facts) are revealed. God has a set time prophetically, to complete his plan for The Church, for Israel and for the world. Some matters are not meant to be revealed until the end of the age! As God said to Daniel and to John in the book of Revelation, (*Rev.10) "Go your way, these matters are to be 'sealed up," or these are to be revealed in a time yet to come. It is clear in reading prophetic writings that God has withheld (sealed from understanding) certain matters because it is not yet His time to make them known. The mystery of the 'Church Age' was mostly hidden to all Old Testament prophets although they were given hints that the day would come when the nations, or the gentiles would become become partakers of the inheritance of Israel's blessings. The full revelation remained a secret until it was revealed to Paul by through the resurrected Jesus. Details concerning the resurrection were not known until after the apostolic age nor was there any understanding of the first and second advent. The Messiah was to suffer and sprinkle many with his blood but the rabbis did not discern this in Jesus' day. Certain matters dealing with the end of the age are only now be unsealed from Daniel. John who, writing around 90 ad recorded his divine vision, The Revelation, was told in *Revelation Chapter 10 that the things which the seventh thunder uttered were reserved to be prophesied at a future time.

EXAMPLES OF HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS REVELATION
Matthew 16:16 But who say ye that I am? Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter, answers and says, "You are the Messiah, the son of the Living God. " Jesus then tells Peter, "- - - Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. This example  demonstrates how we still may receive knowledge by Holy Spirit revelation. 

1Corinthians 2:0 - -"Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those that love him. 10: But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11. For man knows the things of a man, save the Spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God, know man knows, but the Spirit of God.”

Introduction to Bible Mysteries
The Bible, Word of God, is not an ordinary book. It is divinely inspired or more correctly, divinely authored. The word has an informational component, but more importantly it has a revelatory component. The word translated as "Word" has two forms in original Greek text. The Logos and the Rhema. The Logos pertains to the sum of the recorded word, the total counsel of God or the mind of God in its sum and its character. It may also be said that the Logos pertains to the Law of God. The Rhema is the word which means "spoken" or voiced, the Rhema component is the portion of the Word which is God breathed in the present moment. It is the voice of God which speaks spiritually to the mind and heart of the reader, or in this case "the hearer".

Hearing
True hearing is a spiritual process. The Spirit of God enables us to hear. Human ears are not the organ for spiritual hearing. The scripture says, "Man can not live by bread only, but by every word, (Rhema) which proceeds from the mouth of God. " It is God himself who governs this flow of his revelation into the hearts (an organ of inner knowing) of the hearer and this by an act of Grace. Even understanding is through the Grace of God. Scholars use the power of the intellect to school themselves or to gain academic understanding but there is a deeper understanding that only God's Spirit can open to human understanding.

Grace
For some this Grace (Spiritual enablement) appears absent for many who pick up the Scriptures to read casually. But to others it is fully in evidence to those who ask for it sincerely in faith. It would be presumptuous, however, to assume that we are automatically entitled to it. It is equally presumptuous to assume we may understand or comprehend the mystery of the Word with only the natural mind. Again the apostle Paul reminds us, "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:6) The Holy Spirit is He who God has sent to teach all things which are from Christ and God. As I stated, I am only one commentator, and do not pretend to be the only person who has received this understanding and doctrine for God is without partiality without 'respect of persons. ' He will reveal Himself to any who seek Him.

Judge the words and spirit of any who profess to speak of/for God. You the reader (or hearer) must judge these words against the Logos, the written Scripture, and the whole counsel of God. Then there is the inner witness; the AMEN of God. It is the FAITHFUL WITNESS. The knowledge of God is free to all. The knowledge of God is hidden or veiled until the veil is removed by the Spirit of Christ Jesus. We who are of the faith may say, "I was once blind, but now I see" (read, John Chapter 9.)

Here is an introduction to essential
BIBLICAL MYSTERIES

Many doctrines remain untaught or unrealized by nominal Christians today. Yet, the teachings presented here  are not esoteric or so-called "occult." Truths in the Bible are veiled until the HOLY SPIRIT reveals these truths to any one and enables becoming a  believer. It remains apparent that all who read the Bible do not apprehend the same doctrines or truths. Christian sects differ on what are the principle doctrines of the Bible because of the interpretation and understandings that they are guided to believe. {Links are found at top of page}

Mystery of Grace Working Through Faith

Mystery of Righteousness

Mystery of the Cross and Baptism

Mystery of the Cross and Baptism

The Mystery of the Word of G-d

Mystery of Power from Above

Mysteries of God 2

E Book 1:
The Gospel Without Religion

E Book 2:
A Disciples Handbook

E Book 3:

Index to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles

"Knowledge makes arrogant, love edifies."

08-09-2024

additional Biblical themes