The Special People
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
July 1, 2003

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ZADOK PUBLICATIONS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

July 1, 2003

The Special People

Everyday, it is a privilege to receive email and phone calls from God's Special People. They qualify for that group briefly referred to in Titus 2:14:

"Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."

Paul reviewed them as ranging from older men and women, young married couples, as well as servants and singles, who had one common bond: they turned from this world and its "labors" (II Tim 4:18...evil works, bondage) ceasing to embrace its "other gods" and were forward looking to the appearing of "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." These are the special folks, the dignitaries of Jude and the "preserved" of Timothy. These are the "special" treasures both to know and emulate. God called them "his special treasure" during Old Testament days, and David sang of them continually. (Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; & 26:18; Psalms 135:4; Titus 2:14 and I Peter 2:9)

They (as do many of you) lived in a world markedly different than the "church-at-large (commonly referred to as "the body of believers")." Not only did they know they were different by virtue of their thoughts and hearts, their experience level in the Lord reflected that difference. Not all saw visions, dreamed dreams, waged battle or stood out as Hall of Famers, but all saw, dreamed, envisioned and spoke prophetically over themselves and others. They knew they were "peculiar" and as defined, "were beyond usual."

Laughingly, my aged mother would reply to someone who challenged her right to stand out of line at a queue, " but you don't understand, I'm special." (She truly was.) Similarly, in the queues of religion there are few who understand that God has a possession of "special people." They are HIS. They are preserved BY Him, FOR HIM. The whole church was born to be these, just as the whole nation of Israel was, but alas, Israel turned from that designation and so has the church.

"Special folks" have to exist though, because the tug and pull into the vacuum of religion is so great that without them, those who are drawn away would never realize the difference between themselves and "those others."

Paul compared these two groups in II Timothy 2-3. He stated: "I endure all things for the sake of the elect (the special folks)." They are the enduring Ones (It is the enduring ones who reign.) They are the "sealed" Ones. Cancerous Hymenaeus and Philetus will not be "sealed." They are examples of the "last days" church-folk who have a "powerless form of godliness." (Godliness has power.) They resist the "truth," like Jannes and Jambres, who stood as examples of those "of whom Faith disapproves." (Faith has an approved list.)

Adding to this, Paul used a series of "My" teaching: My doctrine/My manner of life/My purpose/My faith/My long suffering/My love/My perseverance/My persecution/My afflictions. Every one of the "special folks" can relate to these "my" passages, for they possess the same traits. Paul even declared a special note for the special folks: "Continue in the things which you have learned and BEEN ASSURED of."

Alas, the church writhes in the last day's enigma of "heaped up(a Texas Pile Up)" teachers who please ears and teach fables. This is why there is a great need for the "special folks" to do the work of an evangelist, knowing that the Lord will stand and strengthen them. He will preach through them and deliver them from the lion's mouth. THIS is the group that can say forcefully:

II Timothy 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work (those works that are man's labors) and preserve (seal) me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (Personally, I have internalized this verse as a prayer and confession everyday of my life.)

Note: Hebrews 11 is open ended, awaiting the final version about God's Special Folks.

Until Next month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.

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