Bethel Fellowship International

I received the following question in an e-mail message: Is there a reason for human life?

First of all one must realize that “he is precious and valuable” in the sight of God. God does not make anything that is trivial, petty, insignificant, of little importance, of no value, good-for-nothing or useless. Many people in the cultures of the world think themselves to be just that. Isaiah 43:4

God is ALIVE! He is the same and never changes. He is more stable than the universe!

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 KJV.

“Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is always the same, yesterday, today, yes, and forever — to the ages.” Hebrews 13:8 AMP

God said, “Let us . . . (Father: LORD, Son: Jesus, Holy Spirit: Christ) . . . make man in our image . . . ” Genesis 1:26-27, 2:7. The word in Japanese for “create” shows God blowing air into a piece of clay resulting in a man standing up and moving forward. 造 .

Between conception and birth one goes through a period of time of being carried in the womb of its mother. This time period is called “gestation.” This time varies for each individual, but can be simply defined as between nine and ten months. During this time, the Spirit of God is at work in the pitch-blackness of the watery womb, much like He was at work in creation in the beginning:

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep (subterranean waters, i.e. secret, waters beneath the earth). And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:2. Or another viewpoint of the waters could very well be likened to seminal and amniotic fluid, showing the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit in the pitch-black darkness of the womb.

Psalm 139:13-18 reveals the account of God’s creation of every human being in its mother’s womb. The womb is defined in the original Hebrew language as “a hiding place, shelter, a hidden, secret place.” The Psalmist declares, “Thou hast covered (screened, protected) me in my mother’s womb.” During the months of gestation the Holy Spirit works non-stop, moving and brooding over the child in creating a one-of-a-kind original. All the while God makes notes in a diary with that child’s name inscribed upon it.

The amniotic fluid is described by the expectant mother’s cry, “My water just broke.” Yes, the great protective covering breaks just before birth. This breaking of the water is prelude to perhaps one of the most powerful Words God ever spoke — LET THERE BE LIGHT! The child is born out of a cramped place of pitch-blackness into a marvelous kingdom of light. The umbilical cord is cut and the child takes its first God-given breath and cries out. The cries can indicate discomfort, aches, and even hunger. But I can also imagine some sort of cry of relief from being set free into the hugeness of a life begun outside the womb. So happy to be set free that one cries! A cry of joy. “The joy of the LORD” could be the beginning of that little one’s strength.

Take a minute to read Psalm 139:13-18 and think on these things. You are indeed very, very special. Pause, and think about that!

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth (the womb). Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Why, then, was I created in my mother’s womb? And what, then, is the purpose of the life I have been given?

God says, “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him . . . This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.” Isaiah 43:7, 21. We were created by God in our mother’s womb to bring forth glory, honor and praise to God.

The Psalmist said,

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.” Psalm 9:1

“That I may shew forth all thy praise . . . I will rejoice in thy salvation.” Psalm 9:14

“O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.” Psalm 51:15

“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.” Psalm 79:13

“Who can utter thy mighty acts of the LORD? [who] can shew forth all His praise?” Psalm 106:2

As we mentioned before, the breath God gave us as we broke forth from our mother’s womb shows us that God gave us His very own heart! That breath coupled with its flowing across our vocal cords gives us our very own VOICE. None other like it. It is original, and for one purpose — to declare the works of God!

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” Psalm 118:17

In perhaps one of the most well-known verses of the entire book of Psalms, we can see and fully understand the purpose of our LIVING. The Psalm instructs us just how our lives can be fulfilled. It is a song, mind you, very demonstrative. In it the word PRAISE appears thirteen times; GOD/him/his appears fourteen times; HALLELUJAH/Praise ye the LORD appears two times. It’s Psalm 150. Now read it here:

1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 

2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 

3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 

4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 

5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 

6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

But, the key word to the entire song is very important. It’s in the last verse. It’s BREATH!

In Japanese the word for “breath” shows that God gave his own heart when he breathed into Adam the breath of life. At birth a VOICE is personally given by God. During the time a child is in its mother’s womb it moves and has it’s being because of the mother’s oxygen flowing through the umbilical cord. The child is NOT breathing on its own until the first breath is given by God upon bursting through the narrow birth canal. The breath is given by GOD; the breath is the child’s spirit.

Why, then, is breath given? It is given by God to look to Him and praise Him for LIFE! Our lives are a personal gift from God Himself. No two are alike. Each one is an original creation, a special edition, one of a kind, valuable and precious in God’s sight.

The reason for living? Because . . .

“The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 115:17-18

See explanations of Japanese characters for “breath” and “life” below.

 

「息」is pronounced “iki” and means “breath.” The upper half 「自」shows “God’s very own,” while the lower half shows 「心」”heart.” Genesis 2:7 says, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

 

 

 

 

「生」is also pronounced “iki.” It means “life.” ノ indicates action, movement. 三 shows from the top heaven, earth and sea.   | shows a standing person. We live to stand, act and move for God. Simply put, we’ve been created to show forth the honor, glory and renown of God seen in His creations of heaven, earth and the seas. The calligraphic expression here is quoted from Ezekiel 16:6 where the LORD passed by the young woman polluted in her own blood and said, “LIVE.”

—nils olson

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19

These studies were taught at Carnation’s Bethel Tabernacle and Cordova’s Little Chapel in 1977 before coming to Japan in January 1978. They were also taught during a summer Bethel Temple Camp Meeting afternoon session at Federal Way’s Mirror Lake Campgrounds in 1980. These thoughts were perhaps first inspired by my reading Pastor W. H. Offiler’s 1933 edition of  The Majesty of The Symbol concerning the dwelling place of God. It caused me wonder what may be in the Depths of The Sea.

Access by clicking here: The Depths of The Sea and What’s in Them — Studies by Nils Olson

BFI is in the process of preparing W. H. Offiler’s 1946 publication GOD AND HIS BIBLE or the HARMONIES OF DIVINE REVELATION to be uploaded in pdf format for easy access. The work is tedious, but it will certainly be a wonderful tool for personal, as well as group Bible studies. We highly recommend it. Look forward to this upcoming addition to the BETHEL BOOK ROOM.

In preparing the manuscript, we have noticed an unusual number of what people today would think were unnecessary commas. However, we think their presence in the writings actually reveal Brother Offiler’s way of speaking, as if he were actually speaking the words as he was writing. You can listen to Brother Offiler’s way of speaking in a 1945 audio recording of an old Bethel Temple Radio Broadcast here. You will notice the “comma-pauses” in his delivery. Click here to listen.

We would like to share one chapter of Offiler’s book on a very relevant subject for the days in which we live. Please take time to read through his study and comments on

THE ANTICHRIST

THE antichrist, is both a spirit and a man. 1st Jn. 2:18 “Little children ye have heard that antichrist shall come” . . . “even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” Antichrist is a “last time” human character, that is, he is to be revealed in all the fullness of his diabolic power.

The spirit of the antichrist is abroad today, everywhere. In one form or another this evil spirit is manifested, and in some cases whole nations are opposed to the Revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and this is that “spirit of antichrist” whereof ye have heard.

Today we see the subtle workings of this spirit to wean man away from all thoughts of God, and to prepare the way for the coming for that Son of Perdition, who is to dominate the whole earth in the closing days of time. He will be the last dictator ruler this world will ever see, and for this we are thankful. The spirit of the antichrist in its final revelation will be a spirit that is anti Father, anti Son, and anti to the blessed Holy Ghost — The satanic trinity!

The eyes of the world have always looked in the wrong direction for this last times manifestation of the Man of Sin. Faulty bible teaching is responsible for this condition. Bible students have been taught to look for some wicked king, or some world dictator with satanic characteristics, such as those who have just met their ignominious and scornful end. These teachers have played with these names of men, or kings, who, one by one have disappeared from the scene of action, proving the teachings to be wrong, as also their writings and publications.

Antichrist is prophetically shadowed, and typified, in both testaments. He is never symbolized by any king, or potentate, neither in Daniel or any other of the books of the Bible. He will be the last ruling dictator the world will ever want to see. The source of the antichrist is always to be discovered in those positions closest to God, to His Son, and to family, and to His Church.

Satan was once an Archangel, Lucifer, and the archangelic realm was next to the Throne of God. There were twelve archangels, and it is among the prophetic twelves of the bible that this monstrous traitor is discovered. Jacob had twelve sons, from whom all the tribes of Israel came. One of these sons was a traitor to the sanctity of his father’s couch, and home . . . Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, sinned a great sin, a presumptuous sin, and was rejected in Israel as far as the inheritance of the Birthright blessing was concerned. This blessing was transferred to Joseph, and inherited by Ephraim, and Manasseh, the two sons who were born to Joseph . . . the rejected one . . . in Egypt.

The New Testament example is found in the Twelve disciples, who later were to become the apostles of our Lord. “I have chosen you twelve, and one of you is the devil,” Jn. 6:70. You have often wondered why Jesus deliberately chose one who was, the devil. Jesus had no recourse, he had to choose one who was the devil, in order to fulfill, in antitypical manner, that which had gone before. There can be no question of the anti-christal spirit in Judas, he betrayed the Son of God.

Antichrist is the “Son of perdition” 2nd Thess. 2:3-12. The Son of Satan, the embodiment of all that is unclean and satanic. He will have universal dominion, and will be supported by the ten kings, or governments, they unite in making him the supreme ruler of the earth, for 1260 days, or the three and a half years of time, prior to the coming of the Lord from Heaven.

He does not come seven years before the end of the age, but from the time of his coming up to rule the world, until he is cast into the abyss, is but forty-two months, see Rev. 13:5. Thus, the idea that the antichrist comes seven years before the end, and makes a covenant with the Jews, and, then breaks that covenant after three and a half years, falls to the ground, he does not come into his power until Satan is cast from the heavenlies, Rev 12:9, 10, 11, 12, and comes down to the earth, having great wrath, because he knows that his time is short, and all this mighty operation is at the beginning of the great tribulation, and the great tribulation time is the last 3 1/2 years prior to the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, who, at his coming, destroys all flesh, with the brightness of His Coming. 2nd Thess. 1:7-10.

To take the number, name, or mark of the anti-christal beast is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and has no forgiveness, either in this world or the next! Therefore watch your step. Walk with God. Refuse all fellowship with sin, and the Lord of Glory will see you safely through.

As before remarked, the antichrist comes from one or the other of the twelves of the Bible. The shadows we have shown, as they appear in both testaments. The antitypical revelation of this awful being, which is yet future, is discovered in the last book of the Bible. The Book of Revelation.

In Rev. 12:1-17, is found the revealed mystery of the Perfected Church. The church of the last days. The woman clothed with the Sun, and with the Moon under her feet, and crowned with a diadem of twelve Stars — great with child, a married woman, the Bride of the Lamb, the Bride of our Lord Jesus Christ, the wedding consummated, the Man-child born, and snatched up to God and to His Throne — is the church perfected, and represents the Finished mystery of God. Rev. 10:7

At the head of the Woman, the Church, are twelve stars, Rev. 12:1. These stars are twelve men — apostles — of our Lord. Appointed by him to lead the church to its final ministry, and to its final victory. As one of the first twelve was a devil and betrayed his Lord, so one of this last twelve will likewise fall, betray his Lord, sell out to the devil, and become the recipient of all the power of Satan, 2 Thess. 2:3-11. Read it!

The falling star of Rev. 9:1 is this last day traitor, and to him is given all the power of Satan together with the keys of the abyss, and this is the last act of the great falling away! The place of Reuben was filled among the patriarchs, Gen. 48:5. The place of Judas was filled, Acts 1:15,26, and Jesus later appointed the man of His Choice, Paul, Acts 9:1-22.

The Twelve apostles of the Early Church, and the Twelve apostles of the last, or perfected church, constitute the Four and twenty elders, which sit upon the Four and Twenty Thrones, having Crowns of Gold, and raiment of pure white, as they worship God. Rev. 4:1-11. This is the order of worship as ordained of God, during the Thousand Year Reign of the Christ on the earth.

“Little Children ye have heard that antichrist shall come,” 1st Jn. 2:18. Rev. 13:

First — the Beast.

Second — Horns, representatives of power.

Third — Crowns or Diadems . . . Royalty.

Fourth — A throne and great authority.

Fifth — Controls buying and selling.

Sixth — Slays all who will not bow to him.

Seventh — Exercises universal dominion.

Assumes power at the beginning of the Tribulation.

Continues for the full period of the Tribulation.

He is world power in final consummation.

He is upheld by ten governments, or kings.

The antichrist is an individual — one.

Holds sway for 1260 days. Forty-two months. Time, times, and half-a-time.

A supernatural personage. Satan incarnate.

The son of perdition. 2nd Thess. 2nd Chap.

He is anti-God. Antichrist. Anti-spirit. Opposes all deity. Opposed to all things divine.

He is the Man of Sin. Working signs and lying wonders.

He is the embodiment of Blasphemy. Rev. 13.

The instrument that Satan uses in the persecution of the Church. The religious element is the most powerful trait in humanity.

A colossal deceiver. None but those filled with the spirit of Christ will be able to discern him.

A terrific confusion in the interpretation of this antichrist.

The Beast — Satan incarnated. The false prophet — his all human representative.

Shadows of the antichrist. The twelve sons of Jacob. The fallen one — Reuben. The lost birthright.

The twelve apostles of Christ. The fallen one — Judas.

The twelve stars at the head of the woman, Rev. 12. The fallen star. Rev. 9:1.

The great “falling away.” The falling star! Reuben “fell.” Judas by transgression “Fell.”

He doeth great miracles, Rev. 13:13,14.

Comes with all power and signs and lying wonders.

It is real satanic supernatural power.

Fire from heaven. Refer to Elijah. Sodom, etc.

 

(Note: Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing photo added by editor)

 

BFI has obtained two audio recordings of former Bethel Temple Pastor/Teacher W. W. Patterson. The recordings are from 1979-1980 during his retirement years when he taught mid-week Bible studies in the Book of Revelation at Mirror Lake’s Bethel Chapel. Originally recorded on old audio cassettes, they have been preserved here in mp3 format.

When he retired from the pastorate of old Bethel Temple in September 1948, W. H. Offiler appointed Patterson to succeed him as the lead pastor. The following quote is taken from ABOUT W. H. OFFILER on this website.

Then in 1948, at age seventy-three, Pastor Offiler felt it was time for a younger man to take the first-place position in the church, and he turned Bethel Temple over to Brother Patterson. He retained the position of president of the corporation and sat on the platform during services. He wrote for Pentecostal Power and was still active in the camp meetings. But he gave Brother Patterson a free hand. In fact, some years earlier, in Bethel Temple one Sunday afternoon, Pastor Offiler had called Brother Patterson’s name and said, quite abruptly and with no forewarning, “Come forward.” Then he said to the congregation, “If anything happens to me, this young man takes over.” Then he had him kneel down and had hands laid on him.

The Pattersons had been sent as missionaries to the Dutch East Indies in 1934 and stayed until World War II forced their leaving. They had returned to Indonesia in 1947 and were still there when Pastor Offiler asked them to come back to take over the church. 

Brother Patterson was a teacher of the Word specializing in studies on the Holy Spirit and the Book of Revelation. The Word of God taught by Brother Patterson was easily understood by those who sat and learned under his ministry. In his weekly Bible studies at Mirror Lake Patterson was known to say, “The Bible is more up-to-date than tomorrow morning’s Post Intelligencer.”

Current End-time Events, March 18, 1979 (48:36)

Vision of the Four Beasts, January 30, 1980 (46:46) 

You might also be interested in accessing Brother Patterson’s 24-page booklet titled: Speaking in Tongues — Sign and Gift in an easy-to-download pdf file by clicking on the link in this sentence.