A White Stone Part Three

     Today is yet another bible study about why we should rejoice as overcomers who receive a white stone from Jesus as an admission ticket to the new heaven that removes all our sins. Jesus promises saints at Revelation 2:17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

     To understand why Jesus gives overcoming saints a white stone, let's look at another Greek definition of how white stones were used in the days of Jesus. Pictured above, we see a jury and some black and white stones. In ancient Greece, jurors would use black and white stones to determine whether a criminal was guilty or not guilty. When a jury was in deliberation, the jurors would drop either a black stone or a white stone into a bag. The black stone said the criminal was guilty. The white stone said the criminal was not guilty.

     Sometimes a jury would be hung because there would be one black stone among the white stones or one white stone among the black stones. But when the jury came to a final decision, they would present to a judge a bag with either one black stone or one white stone in the bag. If the stone was black, the criminal went to prison or died. If the stone was white, the criminal was set free. After the judge presented the black or white stone to the criminal, that was the end of the argument. The criminal could not make any more reprisals, rebuttals, or appeals. The decision was final.

     Jesus is the Final Highest Judge that gives saved saints a white stone. When Jesus gives every saint a white stone, Jesus proclaims that these saints are not guilty. Jesus pronounced His verdict for all saints at Hebrews 10:17 by saying And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

     Get saved today and receive a white stone from the Lord Jesus. Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. Jesus will make you free and remember your sins no more. Jesus will forgive you because the blood of Jesus washes away all your sins. 1 John 1:7 says But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. Jesus told us at John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Romans 8:33 says Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

     Notice the picture above of the Apostle Paul and find the only other place in the bible where the white stone appears. When Paul was a Pharisee sinner, Paul acted like a juror and gave his voice to condemn christians to death by showing a black stone instead of a white stone to christians. Paul said at Acts 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice (defined as presented black stones instead of white stones to condemn christians to death) against them. When Paul showed a black stone as his vote to condemn a christian to death, he blackballed that christian.

     People in early America like Paul voted to accept or reject a person from joining a club by either dropping a black stone or a white stone into a bag. If there was just one black stone in the bag among 100 white stones, the black stone blackballed that person and denied him from joining the club. But aren't you glad that when you get saved with Jesus, Jesus gives you a white stone admission ticket to heaven and no man or anything can blackball you and stop you from going to heaven. Romans 8:38 says For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate (or blackball) us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

     How do the above pictures of gasoline selling for $5.15 a gallon and a for sale sign in front of a foreclosed home relate to the white stone that Jesus gives all overcoming saints? Don't be discouraged about the high cost of gasoline, food, or housing in your country because the Lord Jesus promises that all saints will overcome this troubled world when Jesus gives every saint a white stone admission ticket to the peaceful kingdom of God forevermore. Jesus said at John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

     When Jesus spoke to the church of Pergamos, Jesus said at Revelation 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans: which thing I hate. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans (defined as conquering people) exists today where wealthy leaders conquer and control people by raising prices for rent, food, and gasoline. In Jesus' day, the Nocolaitans became big businessmen over the people. The popes in the Catholic church would take all the peoples money and put it into King George's treasury. They rich got richer and the poor got poorer. This is why the Vatican was running over with money and the poor folk had nothing.

     But even though the Nicolaitans were oppressing the people of the church of Pergamos, Jesus' promise of a white stone given to the saints at Pergamos encouraged these saints to rejoice. The hope of receiving that little white stone caused the saints at Pergamos to say we're going to overcome, we're going to live right, we're going to hate sin, we're going to serve our Saviour Jesus, and we're going to continue to bless the poor. We don't care about the Nicolaitans.

     Let's be like the saints at Pergamos and not be discouraged by the troubled world and high cost of living around us in our countries. Say the following scriptures and praise Jesus for giving us the hope of a white stone admission ticket to heaven where peace exists forevermore while we overcome this troubled world. 

     Psalm 12:5 says For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. Ecclesiastes 5:8 says If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they. Right now say and believe Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

     Take a good look at the picture above of a sword and a white stone. Now compare two scriptures that mention the sword and the white stone. Revelation 2:12 says And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He (Jesus) which hath the sharp sword with two edges. Revelation 2:17 says He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I (Jesus) give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. 

     Note that Jesus is holding two things in his hands. In one hand Jesus holds a sharp sword of judgment with two edges and in the other hand Jesus holds a white stone promising an admission ticket to the eternal peace of the kingdom of God. Somewhere between the sword and the white stone every saint is standing. Which one will you choose? The sword of judgment for damnation and destruction or the white stone as an admission ticket to heaven for life and peace. 

     Wouldn't you rather have forgiveness, mercy, and the gift of eternal life with our Lord Jesus in heaven than the sword of judgment and damnation in hell and the lake of fire. It's up to you. He that overcometh and gets saved with the Lord Jesus receives the white stone promising admission to eternal peace in the kingdom of God. He that does not overcome and rejects the Lord Jesus gets the sword of judgment and damnation in hell and the lake of fire for ever.

     Brother Bob prays in Jesus name that anyone who forevermore reads this bible study will get saved with Jesus and receive their own personal white stone admission ticket to heaven. Let's all be like Joshua and choose to serve the Lord Jesus stated at Joshua 24:15. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.       

A White Stone Part Two

     Let's continue our discussion about the white stone that Jesus gives to overcomers who get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for them, was buried, and rose again. Revelation 2:17 says He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. The white stone that Jesus gives his saints promises them mansions in the kingdom of God as a reward for giving Jesus a home in every saints' heart. 

     Pictured above we see Mary and Joseph trying to find a home where the Lord Jesus could be born. When Mary and Joseph were on the earth and people traveled, there were no Holiday Inns or Best Western motels. People would ask permission to stay overnight at a neighbor's home while they traveled across a country.

     Pictured above we see that the owners of an inn refused to allow Mary and Joseph a room where the Lord Jesus could be born. Mary and Joseph had to borrow a manger as the birthplace for the Lord Jesus. Luke 2:7 says And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. I'd like to have been the man that let Jesus use my manger. Or even better, I'd like to be the man that owned the inn. I'd say here baby Jesus, take my comfortable room in this inn. I'll sleep in the barn.

     When strangers ask us to bless them, they represent the Lord Jesus and should be given our best bed, food, and clothes. Don't make the mistake that the keepers of the inn did by putting Jesus in a barn manger instead of a nice soft bed in the inn. Instead, if we own an inn, we should all go sleep in the barn and let the Lord Jesus or any stranger sleep in the most comfortable bed of our inn. 

     Jesus will appreciate our kindness and give us a white stone reward to present to Jesus in heaven, guaranteeing us a mansion on a street of pure gold transparent glass in a city of pure gold clear glass with walls of jasper, instead of a barn behind a motel. Also note that when you bless a stranger, you might be blessing an angel of God. Hebrews 13:1 says Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Galatians 6:7 says Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. If you bless the Lord Jesus or a stranger angel with the best room in your house, the Lord Jesus will bless you with a mansion for ever in heaven.

     Take some time to meditate on the words of Jesus at Matthew 25:34 that says Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. After reading this bible verse, remember that whatever you do to strangers, you do to the Lord Jesus.

     Now let Brother Bob ask you a question while you read this bible study and learn how the innkeepers pictured above rejected the Lord Jesus by throwing Him out of the inn. Since you have to accept Jesus into your hearts and homes to get a white stone admission ticket to receive a mansion of peace for ever in the kingdom of God, does the Lord Jesus feel at home in your house?

     If Jesus came to your house today, would you have to throw away all your sinful books or turn off your cellphone or computer? If Jesus doesn't feel at home in your house, don't expect a white stone. But if Jesus comes to your house and feels comfortable, Jesus will promise and say to you, You can come to the kingdom of God that has many mansions, and the Lord Jesus will give you a white stone admission ticket to heaven as a token of His appreciation for your kindness.

     Jesus said at John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

 

     You might say what is Brother Bob doing with a picture above of people in a hotel asking for a room to stay in overnight? Notice that the husband and wife are giving the front desk hotel clerk a credit card that the husband signs, guaranteeing a room to stay in overnight. When we all get ready to check into our mansions in heaven, Jesus will give us all a white stone which is like a credit card that Jesus signs for us guaranteeing us eternal rest in our heavenly mansions.

     Jesus' white stone that is like a signed credit card will not run out or max out because Jesus owns all the cattle on a thousand hills, and all the taters in the hills, and all the gold. Jesus owns everything and the Lord Jesus isn't bankrupt. Jesus said at Psalm 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

     Take a look at the pictures above of a trophy and a white stone and learn about the white stone reward given to victorious saints. In ancient Greece, the white stone was called a victory stone. When they had contests during the first Greek Olympics, they didn't give out big tall trophies with names all over them. The winner or overcomer got a white rock with the name of the victor in the white rock. When an athlete won an ancient Greek contest, he did not get 50 million dollars and a three year contract for an extra 100 million dollars over three years. The Greek athlete just got a white stone with his name in it, guaranteeing that the champion would be admitted to a banquet with his own personal nameplate of honor where he would be fed at the public's expense.

      The white stone that Jesus gives to overcoming saints is like the victory stone given to Greek athletes, guaranteeing admission to the marriage supper banquet of the Lamb and the hidden manna who is Jesus. The Lord Jesus will always provide our food and living water for ever in the kingdom of God. Revelation 7:17 says For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

     When a christian receives their own personal white stone admission ticket to heaven, they will be happy to just be present at the marriage supper of the Lamb with Jesus and their own personal nameplate of honor. Just to be in the Lord Jesus' presence in the kingdom of God for ever will be a great blessing. 

     Psalm 84:10 says For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.

     Since you will be the only one that knows your new name in your white stone and won't know the new names in any other saints' white stones, there will be no jealousy in heaven. When a saint gets to the marriage supper of the Lamb, Jesus might call out the names of John, Peter, and James. Jesus may not mention Brother Bob's or any other saint's name reading this bible study at the marriage supper of the Lamb. But we'll all be so happy just to be sitting at Jesus' banquet table or standing as a doorkeeper at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

     You won't be jealous of Brother Bob's seat at the marriage supper of the Lamb. And Brother Bob won't be jealous of your seat at the marriage supper of the Lamb. We'll all just be glad to be present at the marriage supper of the Lord Jesus with our white stones with our own personal nameplates of honor. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name. 

A White Stone Part One

     Notice the picture above of a white stone. Today we will learn that any overcomer who gets saved, repents, decides to stop sinning, confesses that Jesus is God, and believes the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for them, was buried, and rose again will receive their own personal white stone (defined in Greek as an admission ticket to heaven). The white stone admission ticket to heaven was the promised blessing to the church of Pergamos and to all overcomers with the Lord Jesus. 

     This bible study will teach you the original Greek meaning of the word white stone, how to receive the white stone, and why it is so important for all saints to personally get their own white stone from Jesus to present as an admission ticket for entrance to heaven and the marriage supper of the Lamb Jesus.

     Let me state that we can only understand why Jesus gives overcoming saints a white stone as an admission ticket to heaven by looking at the many Greek definitions of the word white stone. The new testament originally was written in Greek and I encourage all those who read this bible study to use the website blueletterbible and learn the many meanings in Greek about the blessed white stone given to overcoming saints. Type white stone in the search box in blueletterbible and click the strongs box which will put a number by white stone that you can click to see the Greek meaning of white stone. You can do this with any word of the bible to read the entire bible in Hebrew and Greek and learn the true meanings of all the words of the bible.

     What you read in this bible study might not appear in your country's translation of the bible but it's the truth and the original Greek meaning of the word white stone. Also I encourage all saints who read this to do a general google search for "white stone revelation" and you will learn the many ways white stones were used during the time that our Lord Jesus spake to the church of Pergamos at Revelation 2:12-17.

     Now to understand the importance and blessing of receiving a white stone admission ticket to heaven, read what Jesus said to the church of Pergamos. Revelation 2:12 says And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He (Jesus) which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 

     But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

     Notice that in the above bible verse to receive the promised blessing of a white stone admission ticket to heaven, saints had to 1) deny sexual sins (fornication that is sex before marriage), 2) deny the love of money that was the doctrine of Balaam who agreed to curse God's people to receive money from King Balac, 3) deny being proud with power to control and conquer people that was the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (defined as conquering people from two Greek words nikos that means to conquer and laos that means the people).

     1 John 2:15 warns us to not commit the above three listed sins so we can get our personal blessed white stone and says Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh (sin of fornication), and the lust of the eyes (love of money or the doctrine of Balaam), and the pride of life (love of power over people or the doctrine of the Nicolaitans), is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

     Today like in the days of the church of Pergamos, sexual sins of fornication, the love of money, and the pride of controlling and conquering people prevent people from getting saved with the Lord Jesus. Saints should wait until after marriage (between a man and a woman) by a minister before being with a husband or wife to get the white stone. Saints should bless and give away money to the poor to get the white stone, instead of loving and hoarding money. Saints should be humble as servants and kind to all people to get the white stone, instead of conquering and controlling people.

     The good news is that if you get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again, you will be called an overcomer with the Lord Jesus and be able to receive your own personal white stone admission ticket to get into heaven. 

     John 16:33 promises that with the Lord Jesus, saved saints will receive their own personal white stone as an overcomer. Jesus said These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Also note that when you claim daily Galatians 2:20 and tell the devil I am crucified with Jesus Christ, the blood of Jesus Christ will cover you and make you an overcomer with a white stone. Revelation 12:11 says And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

     Notice the picture above of a family blessing a stranger with food and a blanket to use in the corner of their home. Let's study another Greek definition about the white stone. Note that in ancient Israel, after a stranger was comforted in a family's home, the stranger would show his appreciation by giving each family member a white stone that could be presented at the stranger's home as an admission ticket to enter the stranger's house. Note that if you give the Lord Jesus a place and home in your heart, the Lord Jesus will give you a white stone as an admission ticket to enter a mansion that Jesus has personally prepared for you in heaven.

     When Jesus walked on this earth, when a stranger was taken in, the stranger gave the owner of the house a white traveler's stone as a token of appreciation. That white stone said to the man that took the stranger in, When you're traveling through my country, you always have a place to sleep. History records that in ancient Israel, a white stone was defined as tesserae hospitales where a white stone was divided into two equal parts by two parties wishing to make an agreement or covenant of friendship. Each party took one half of the white stone, wrote his own name on it and then exchanged it for the other party's half of the white stone. Later, when either party made a journey that took them into the others territory, upon arriving at the border, the half of the white stone was presented to the watchman. Immediately the visiting party would be given the best hospitality and a safe passage.

     Now lets say that thirty years later, the little boy pictured above goes with his white stone to visit the stranger's house. After the stranger hears a knock at the door of his house and opens the door, there's a long haired, whiskered hippie. The hippie says to the stranger, Well I'm here to stay awhile. The stranger might say No you ain't. You need haircut and some clean clothes. You ain't coming in my house. The little boy now grown as a hippie replies Yea, but look here; And there's that little white stone. The stranger's got to honor his vow. So the stranger says Bring the hippie in. Clean him up, give him some new clothes, put him at the table, and let him eat with my children.

     The Lord Jesus has given white stones to saved saints that take Jesus into their hearts and get saved. If you take Jesus into your heart, Jesus will take you in and bless you with your own personal mansion of peace for ever in heaven. Like the long haired, whiskered hippie, we may not look very pretty, very handsome, or be very rich. But when we knock on Jesus' door that is one of the twelve gates or doors of heaven with our own personal white stone admission tickets saying Well Jesus Here I am, Jesus will reply Come on in and enjoy your own personal mansion because my word is good. According to Revelation 2:17 your white stone gives you a right to the hidden manna (bread of life who is Jesus) and the marriage supper of the Lamb Jesus.

     Jesus said at John 6:48 I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

     Like the family pictured above, when a stranger comes to visit you, maybe all you have to give the stranger is a blanket in the corner of your house because you're poor. The next day the stranger rises up and leaves. But you took the stranger in and gave him the best that you had. If you give any stranger just a blanket in a corner of your house, you are blessing Jesus and Jesus won't forget your kindness. Jesus said at Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Hebrews 13:2 says Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

     If you give Jesus your heart today and get saved, Jesus will never forget it. Whatever you give Jesus on this earth when you bless poor strangers, widows, and orphans, the Lord Jesus will give it back to you good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over. 

     Luke 6:38 says Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall measured to you again. Remember if you give Jesus your best, Jesus has even better for you. Ephesians 3:20 says Now unto Him (Jesus) that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

     Remember that when we bless strangers and take them in we bless the Lord Jesus and Jesus will pay us back. Jesus said at John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

     After you read this bible study, don't ask Jesus for a white cadillac, a white corvette, a white bass boat, or a white house. All that we should ask from Jesus is Jesus give us all our own personal little white stone. When you receive Jesus and get saved, Jesus will give you a white stone that will give you everything that you ever desired.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.