For the past week I have been praying for President Trump and for the past two days I have felt led to enter a prayer for him on this forum. I don't wish in any way to be political here, but the near miss assassination attempt was a really big deal! We should look at it in sobering terms, I think.
Any who read this prayer and can give their assent to it is good, and I appreciate it if some will do so.
Dear Heavenly Father, our lives are in your hand and care. My Lord and God, Jesus, You are the one we trust in faith. Holy Spirit, you work in ways we cannot detect at times, nor in ways that are deeply changing people. We bring before You, God of all, Donald Trump tonight and we thank You for sparing His life by averting His head to look at the chart at just the exact moment the bullet came by his head. What an amazing miracle that was. Thank You.
Our prayer for President Trump is that he is dramatically changed by this event. We are glad to hear him say that You alone saved him from death that moment. We pray that he will be truly and irrevocably reborn, trusting in You alone for His life and salvation. We ask that You bring to Him conviction of his sinful depravity and repentance as he takes hold of Jesus by faith you supply. We ask that You speak to His heart in the deepest way, even in a similar way that You spoke to Saul of Tarsus and completely changed him in the deepest way, saving him and redirecting his whole life towards the fulfillment of the call you put on his life so many years ago. May President Trump be equally changed and reoriented to fulfill the call you place upon him. We pray that you will bring to President a humble and contrite spirit, an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards You, and a great desire to read Your Holy Word to find out the truth about You and how this truth applies to him, a sinner and one who is so much below who You truly are (as all of us are).
Many years ago the Holy Spirit stuck John 17:3 deep into me. It speaks of eternal life being knowing God the Father and Jesus the Son. Since that time I have had a burning desire to know as much as I can about Him Scripturally while I live in this life so that I can worship Him in Spirit and in truth. But this verse also speaks of a knowing in the context of intimacy. Knowing God and being Known by God. This is a relational aspect of growing in knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ and both the intellectual and relational knowing are wrought in us by the Holy Spirit. I never tire of learning and growing in this respect in my walk with God,
I don't want to have a "small" view of Him that does not esteem His great worth and glory.
I hope your weekend is going well.
How are your parents doing? I have been praying for you and them and the situation facing them in these last years of their life.
I had the ultrasound today but will not know the results until the radiologist examines the scans next week. I was just praying the whole time that the scan would show normalcy in all of the organs the tech scanned: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Perhaps it is a good thing after all to have this done, as it gives a baseline moving forward into the rest of my years. Will keep you posted when I hear more.
Don't know why I even bother posting after reading all the detail; complexities and truths in your latest series on transcendence.
Probably a good thing that I abandoned that a to z business on attributes of God. Truth be told I don't really plan for very long at least in written form what is posted here unless there is a rare event where I copy some old study on the subject.
What I usually try to do is try to bring some spiritual concept; particularly what I feel through spiritual discernment has been revealed and try to put verses together to expound on that point. I am focusing on what is going on in the spiritual realm as to my best understanding.
What is lacking obviously in that aspect is the wisdom that those with other giftings have; and of course I am wary of saying anything that can't be clearly backed up scripturally; and not stating something which may be stemming from my emotions.
You probably know me as well or better than anyone on this site. A lot of times the personal struggles I go through are somewhat calmed by the distraction of deep spiritual matters especially related to prophecy which is also the calling I have felt for 40 years. I can say with conviction that it isn't fascination with the subject that I elaborate and dig into the matter; it is the sense of urgency as to the time we're in.
Admittedly I am a very emotional person. I don't enjoy discussing eternal damnation; but understanding the horror of such things like the mark of the beast in all honesty was like insanity; basically leading me at the time to grasp onto the Lord for His mercy. The situation involved a relationship which I had to get away from in college. I never had a vision of hell itself though.
When I feel filled with the Spirit it is usually around others and I can't predict it totally; most of the time I feel so burdened I feel I am barely breathing spritually.
Anyway I thought your post deserved a comment; and just expressing my gratitude.
Ec.3:11 "From the beginning till the end" (2 of 2)
"for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob before and after Peniel could testify. The fulness of Christ makes his heart know the difference. Peniel speaks for his spiritual regeneration. However he has no more confidence in his flesh. It is the heart where new Jerusalem is created. The selfsame volume gives him insight into the significance of Mahanaim. (Ge.32:1-2)
What made Moses chose the life of suffering? " By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;/Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;/ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." (He.11:24-26)
This respect is what the imposter churches fail to inculcate in their congregation. Instead their spirits are like frogs, so the beast and the false prophet have same mind. "two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. Where are these false prophets lead their flock? "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet./For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth."
"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
Here we have the reason why God breathed into the nostrils of man and made him a living soul. In Christ the Alpha and Omega the heart is a level playing field. "From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth./He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." The right to know and understand is universal right and it is the blessing the everlasting covenant enshrines 'in our image and after our likeness."(Ge.1:28) So whosoever refused to enter into the day Seven rejected the seed within itself,- the truth. Calvin's doctrine of 'total depravity' is a heresy. God has set the world of the Spirit in their heart and what does it tell us?
The volume of a believer is arrived at because the fulness of Christs fills all. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"(Col.1:20) This is the work of God and it can only make sense to a believer in believing Jesus Christ whom he sent. This faith, or lack of it has been the undoing of imposter churches.
Thus the river of time flows right through heart of man whether he admits or not.
"And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament. The cities of refuge on the left bank and on the right bank is as clear as the light is separated from darkness.
"for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob before and after Peniel could testify. The fulness of Christ makes his heart know the difference. Peniel speaks for his spiritual regeneration. However he has no more confidence in his flesh.
Re.21:24 "Zion, New Jerusalem and cities of refuge."
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."(21:2).
Zion and New Jerusalem are the two great lights recorded in the covenant. "And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night."(Ge.1:16) The lesser light is called the light of the Lamb.
"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it./And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof./And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it." (vv.21-24).
Nations of them which are saved correspond to the cities God had commanded Moses to set apart for the Israelites and the Gentiles alike. "Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge./These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them." (Nu.35:14-15)
This resonates with the Mixed People Ezra in his time had to contend with. When Ezra is informed of this he was incensed."The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites./For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass"(Ez.9:1-2) They were not like Joshua who is a stand in for Jesus Christ. "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The saved on the earth signify the saved nations in Re.21:24.
One curious but very vital point to remember is that Jacob wanted to ask God was of his personal name. God refused. Instead God blessed him there. " And he blessed him there./And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." This knowledge is our inheritance. It begins while in our vile bodies. "the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."Seeing face to face is not for man formed of the dust from the ground can . Jesus speaks of the cloud of witnesses standing in the Presence of God. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."(Matt.18:10)
Inheritors of saints in light abide in Christ. Their volume has as the holy city of God reveals:"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel."(Re.21:12) These names are new as befitting the name of the city is New Jerusalem
Coming back to Jacob calls the place Peniel, a new name. It is thus New Jerusalem, is indicative of new creation.
"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."
Jesus Christ in the inaugural vision has many things against the church of Pergamos but he commends them that 'thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith',. So the new name is a personal name which holds true for the day of Regeneration,- and it has significance where we are talking about the new heaven and new earth.
God's gifts and calling are irrevocable. What God framed by his word are worlds that shall never change. But the earth which was without form and void shall made new from the standpoint of man who was predestinated "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,". The reason for it very simple. "Therefore if any manbein Christ,he isa new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Co.5:17). Therefore is a conjunctive adverb and his newness is firmly associated with death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new creation has similarly transcended his physical body and its lusts. This is where we acquire a volume so as associates our faith sets into the day of Regeneration and everlasting life. As emblematic of man's ascension to heavenly places, the new name sets the overcomer for glory and as Christ promises the Church of Pergamos, it is a name no other man shall know.
The Holy Spirit has supplied several instances of which God naming Jacob the heel-catcher to Israel is preeminent. "And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob./And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel."(Ge.32:27-28)
One curious but very vital point to remember is that he wanted to ask in return the personal name of God. God refused it. Instead blessed of God Jacob calls the place Peniel, a new name. It is thus New Jerusalem, is indicative of new creation.
While there is so much more that can be said concerning the transcendence of God, I would like to end with these ideas:
*We are to avoid the mistake of radical immanence in our perception of God, because:
1. Evil and the demonic cannot be accounted for if God is in everything (panentheism) or that everything is God (pantheism).
2. Ethical evaluation of events is impossible if God is within all that exists.
3. God loses His personal dimension if He is not distinct from creation.
*We are to avoid the problem of radical transcendence in one's view of God.
1. No one can know or relate to God in a personal way if He is wholly other (Deism)
2. God does not have control of the universe if He is not working within it.
3. God appears unapproachable and disinterested if He is not involved with creation.
4. Prayer is meaningless if God has no contact with life He created.
In closing, God's transcendence is not antithetical to His immanence. It is the ground and assurance of it. If God did not transcend space, He could not be present everywhere at once. ( Ps. 139:7) Though we cannot know and relate to God perfectly, God, due to His transcendence knows use completely, even things that we cannot know about ourselves, and He relates to us with unsurpassed intimacy, perfect knowledge, and boundless love.
Those who disparage God's transcendence to stress His nearness only strike at the foundation of divine immanence.
Transcendence and immanence are both always true of God. He us amazingly great and by far the most beautiful Being to behold. One day we will see Him in all of His glory when we meet Jesus face to face, in whom the Whole Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) dwells bodily forever (immanence) and also experience how God fills the universe with His presence simultaneously.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, Great in power, great in glory, King of Heaven.
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
This is in continuation of the post titled everlasting covenant. The blessedness of the covenant set the gate opened which are twelve and each gate is open for the saints redeemed from the earth to enter. God has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world so we are to have the boldness enter therein. This is the day God sanctified for us to enter. (Ge.2:1-3)
Every man who has heard the call and believes, has also a volume which speaks for our faith in the fulness of Christ. So St Paul speaks how our walk should be,-("For we walk by faith, not by sight,"-2 Co.5:7).We also have a body not made with hands. Iconography of it is evident in this verse: The walls- " had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel" Of this pearl we read thus,"every several gate was of one pearl."(v.22) The Parable of Jesus of the pearl of great price refers to Jesus Christ as the Man component in the covenant. From this we have now what made this a single measurement. The volume of every saint redeemed from the earth has angel representing the world of the Spirit and the day of salvation has kept the gate open for man. The 144,000 is made up where several gate was Christ working with each. Col.3:1-3 sets a saint seek things which are above. "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." So this angel is the glorious spiritual body God has created in his Son for perfect fit. The Names of the twelve tribes of the Children of Israel indicate the new name given by Christ similar to what Christ promised the Church of Pergamos.(Re.2:17) The command number of Three in Re. 21:12-13) establishes the order of Apostles and their thrones shall dictate the names of spiritual Israel as holy and without blame.
God's transcendence refers to His Lordship over the whole world with particular reference to His royal prerogatives of control and authority. So understood, God's transcendence does not imply that he is hidden from people (although He has described Himself that way in Is. 45:15-25). In His transcendence as sovereign authority and ruler of all surpassing any other rule or authority (which we cannot fully know), it is because He is sovereign ruler that He is the most visible being in the universe, as Paul says in Rom. 1:18. So in this aspect, His transcendence is also imminent as He controls all that occurs in history and nature and the heavens declare His work and power.
God's Lordship is His covenant relation to the world He has made, particularly to the persons in it. It is not just a relationship of power, control and authority, but also of presence with His covenant partners. The heart of the covenant is a relationship of intimacy. The chief promise of the covenant is the Lord's words: I will be with you" ( Gen. 21:22; 26:28; 31:35; 39:3-4; Ex. 3:11-12, 15; 7:14; Mt. 1:23)
The fact that God is both transcendent and immanent at the same time is in itself unfathomable for us. Other things that are unfathomable for us is the inner workings of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the One Being of God. We do not know how God can be One "what" Divine Being and three "Whos" (distinct persons) and be perfectly unified in His nature. We cannot know how God brought about the everlasting covenant between the persons of the Godhead before anything was created. We do not know the conversations they had between themselves unless He reveals it as it in Ps. 110:1 or in the prayers Jesus spoke to the Father heard by the apostles.
The more God's transcendence is emphasized the less His immanence is understood and vise-versa. But the fullness of God's nature includes both of these in order for all of His attributes to be fully, perfectly, and eternally.
*M.E.= My Essence Opens Me: Heart, Mind, Soul & Strength To Do My Best In Everything Me Do & Say To Glorify You; Starting Here & Now With John 8:32: Exodus 3:13-15 & Magnify Your Prophesied Son's Name In Isaiah 7:13-15 & Fulfilled In Matthew 1:22:23; and Even Always Acknowledge Your HOLY-GHOST'S Name IN John 14:26, TOO.!!!&!!!*
God created heaven and earth Ge.1:1) The Spirit of God works Up and Down. It sets the Man component which the Scripture says in this fashion, " He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."(Ep.4:10)
The Covenant promises blessings on man is in his Son. "(God) who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"(Ep.1:3) This man is created in our image and after our likeness" Accordingly seven days stipulate blessings in sequence. The man has fullness or volume since Christ's Advent and Ascension promises him Up Down and Across.
Jesus Christ commissions man with the promise,"and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."(Matt.28:20) Man is therefore equipped with the Spirit of Christ to understand the blessings to be had by abiding in Jesus Christ who is Alpha and Omega. (He.13:8)
What is faith then? It is for bearing fruits in his Son because His word abides in us and we are blessed as the tree "planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season." Notice the word season is used instead of time. Where does this river leads to? The day of Regeneration for the blessed is above while for those who rejected him is on the earth God in his infinite mercy allows pure water of life and the tree of life,"which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2). This is the tree with the seed in itself and the everlasting covenant promises just that. Faith must be as though planted by God so fruits are proof of Christ in us. Gospel preaching does not require falcon jets or ostentatious ensemble to show off prosperity. God is going to give a mighty shaking so heaven shall rolled away like a scroll. Fall of Babylon is not put off indefinitely .Making Babylon great once again is what imposter churches root for.
Differences between God and Satan in terms of the soul
The law of diminishing returns which our natural man itself is subject to means that all pleasures in life at some point apart from the Lord are vanity. God's gifts are from above without variableness or shadow ( James 1:17 loosely translated). The enemy infuses evil spirits to gradually bring men from what appeared at first to be a wonderful experience to one of torment and bondage. No wonder he is described as an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:14).
Clearly then our enemy doesn't appear like a creature with horns and a pitchfork. His true ugliness isn't from the outer appearance but from the corrupted nature that he has instilled in the world system ( James 3:15). We could say the opposite about the Lord; He doesn't have to show off; and there isn't anything appealing to the flesh in Him. Of course we all will be flat on our faces when He comes but His beauty shows forth to us mainly in righteousness and through the remnant Body of believers who are sold out for Him. Only God knows who are His; but the lukewarm show no clear difference from the world at large and are neither transforming society with salt or light or being any real help to the remnant that are fighting through daily spiritual warfare and not being given aid on the battlefield.
God grants legal authority to Satan based on two things; one as with Job to demonstrate testing and trials on a righteous man to exalt him further in the end or two the most common thing someone has sin in their lives allowing the enemy to continue to work on holding someone in bondage so that he is rendered ineffective for the Kingdom of God.
The Lord makes it clear; that He is Lord and Master as well as Savior; that He doesn't tolerate any others in charge over His subjects. The sooner we realize that true freedom comes through serving the Lord and not to being served what the world offers the better off we will be. (see Luke 14:28).
Difference between God and Satan: Transformation of the soul
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ( Psalm 103:2).
The scripture states in detail and multiple passages that we are to be crucified in Christ ( Gal. 2:20); the illustration of a seed from a dying plant going into the ground and renewing life ( John 12:24) and other verses on putting to death the old man and putting on the new ( Romans 8:12-13).
Nonetheless unlike the mindset of the world dying to self doesn't detract from our uniqueness or individuality. Our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God ( Romans 8:16).
I am not going to delve into whether the soul dies and the spirit lives upon death; in any case we are dead spiritually until salvation then alive after death ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
As with my last posting; the enemy has a plethora of "experiences" where it appears that some prophetic implications have been verified; other times there are parts of things often proven false and with enough delusion it seems some of the mega churches believe things that prove blatently false they are so deceived. Here are some things we often see.
1. Dreams or visions seem to come to pass. The enemy clearly has some insight on the future and can be involved in the lives of other people as well to bring about what appears to be our "soul mates" as a common tactic. The methodology to even the slightest discerning individual clearly is an attempt to lead one astray (as often is the case when people drift into affairs). Bringing someone what they want in what appears to be the exact thing we desire means we likely are ignoring James 4:3 in particular. The Lord doesn't work like a genie in a bottle to consume ourselves with our own lusts. He gives us what we truly need and teaches us to want things that He provides and reject cheap substitutes that have no lasting value for the Kingdom.
This shows we must heed Matthew 6:33 rather than putting ourselves first.
Difference between God and His angels and Satan and his legion: Miracles
In MacBeth Shakespeare says in a famous quote "It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." That is the basic view of meaninglessness much as Solomon states in Ecclesiastes of all the pleasures of the world apart from God.
When viewing Christ and His early miracles before He was to be revealed to the world and the ensuing factors that would essentially speed up the events leading to the crucifixion many times people were to tell no one who He was ( Mark 8:30; Matt. 16:20). The Pharisees were asking Him for a sign; which was not granted. The many miracles He performed were not accepted as from God and they were well aware of this; fearing that they would lose their position and nation ( John 11:48). He weeded out would be disciples with hard sayings (see John 6:66). Jesus knew that no man could even know who He was without Divine intervention ( John 6:44).
The enemy uses the opposite approach; Revelation 13 in particular shows how false signs and wonders deceive the masses. The enemy never holds back unless God Himself restricts him. We see many phenomenon which to an undiscerning mind cannot be differentiated from the truth; namely fire that appears to come down from heaven; a miraculous healing of a deadly wound; and a false prophet that no doubt uses whatever religion a person adheres to to convince someone that they are the ultimate fulfillment-hence their messiah.
Only the Lord can create anything from nothing; and that is seen in His miracles when on earth. He will continue as well with the new heaven and earth and our resurrection bodies. One could argue that the elements burning up in Peter merely means a reconfiguration of already existing matter; nonetheless our old world is destroyed and anew one commences. Exactly how our new bodies are made is a mystery but they will be immortal and incorruptible.
Simon was not merely a man of the street but was looked up as somebody in Samaria. "Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. " He was there to make Samaria great again.
When he saw the baptism of Spirit his mercantile spirit had to have it. So his belief was disconnected from reality and he offered them (the apostles) money. Simon Peter "said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money./Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God./ Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee./ For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."(8:20-23)
What did Simon really believe in? Jesus Christ who humbled himself had the power and Authority and his obedience was the cement that made the Gospel take root. Faith it is called where no bond of iniquity can tie believer down. Where God gives him freely joy and peace there can be no room for bitterness. That is what faith with works do. Simon believed only in himself though his Jesus talk impressed the people of Samaria. It is same as many celebrity TV preachers catch head lines after some scandal and fall in disgrace, one gets to see that his belief was only in himself. This is what studying the word of God without faith has produced. Without light in you what witnessing can you possibly do? "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."(Ph.2:15)
"Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."
This chapter sets the Spirit leading Evangelist Philip in spreading the gospel of God. Gospel of God is one. When Jesus came from heaven he was the Lord of heaven and he gave how the Gospel shall spead. " He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."(Matt.10:40) In Lucan gospel the same Principle of Association is set in terms of hearing."He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."( Luke 10:16). Up and Down Gospel came as the Word become flesh. Now how the same Gospel reaches the outer most parts is by the power and authority of the risen Christ. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth./Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." Evangelist Philip was as much effective as the apostles because he was led by the Spirit.
Failure of Simon teaches the vital error of what went wrong with churches of our times. He who hears the word must hear with the ear of faith. Constantine the great heard the Gospel but he only heard it so he may succeed to the mantle of the Imperial Rome. He delayed baptism till the last moment so he would have bth cake and eat it as well. Hie ear of faith was tightly shut to hear the great joy his conversion caused among Devil and in his kingdom of darkness. Now the foolish shepherds have continued from where Caesar Constantine stopped and brought about so many heresies along with it, it is vital to examine what really went wrong.
None shall question Simon who himself believed so his baptism, unlike that of the Roman emperor, in good faith. Faith however did not connect with the authority and power of the risen Christ. He had to make money here and now.
"The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)All the blessings God promised in his Son were wasted on the nation. Having the Law Moses but without faith it was as though they were thrust out into the outer darkness. This is what the Parable teaches? The Age of Apostles began with such signs and wonders have now become rogue what with false shepherds going into politics! We who believer in our Saviour Lord ought to say, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye 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."
Those planted by God shall be gathered for new heavens and the new earth. Those who belong to the outer darkness shall be cast out for the wrath of the Lamb. Of which those who find salvation shall be found on the earth and for them the light of the Lamb shall set their lives. "for the healing of the nations," they shall need the tree of life. Instead everlasting life their lives shall be covered according to months. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./In midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2
River of time brings this who were first to the last. How did it happen? Many are called but few are chosen since they did not gather with Christ. Even what they had they lost/
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath./And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness."
What is darkness? Absence of light, of course. God separated light from darkness. John applies it to the nation of Israel. And the darkness comprehended it not." ( John 1:4) refers to the verse below. "He (Jesus Christ) came unto his own, and his own received him not." (1:10-11)The world and Israel in particular, did not receive for the reason they did not have the light in themselves. It is to which Jesus referred,"But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"(Matt.6:23). In them the word as a seed meant nothing so it was as though God did not plant them at all. For this reason what fruits they could have produced? They were thistles and thorns only fit for fire.
Illustrations we can see how Israel became synonymous with outer darkness.
In Ex.24:3 Israel vows, "All the words which the Lord hath said will we do." They also saw God, " and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."(24:10) "In his clearness" was in effect was blind since they did not comprehend the true Light when he walked among the. In him was the light of men but where did they fail? "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."( 1 John 2:11).
Another time they said,"And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Ex.20:19) Did that help them when a voice from heaven sounded, "The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/ Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" What we read in the Book of Exodus illustrates this. Nevertheless the nation of Israel rehected his Son when he came into his own. Jesus speaks his 'woe to ye'' discourse in Matthew "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out./ And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God."
In the day of Regeneration children of the kingdom shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel which were cast out into the outer darkness by Jesus. What is left on the earth the Gentiles and the Jews alike are part of a mixed race. There is no difference in Jesus Christ. It applies to those who are saved and they walk under the light of the Lamb. Re.21:24. The twelve tribes they shall be in eternity..
Ex.24:11 " Also they saw God, and did eat and drink."
The superscription refers to Re.19:17. The Day of Regeneration is called the supper of God to which the blessed of God are called and it is also by invitation, as God invited Moses and a select body to 'come up unto the Lord."
Before this let us discuss this passage from the Gospel of St Luke.
Having said a parable in Ch.13 Jesus tells the Jews thus, "Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets," he goes on to prophesy a great gathering "And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God."( Luke 13:29). Background of this is set forth in the Book of Exodus. He referred to the time the Israelites supped in the presence of God which we shall first consider. This event was by invitation and God commanded Moses,
"Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off." The Spirit is setting two days from the Day decreed for his Son. (Ps.2:6-7) So we are looking the two from the Alpha and Omega aspect of Jesus Christ.
Gospel of Salvation has its judgment upon the disobedient,and the day of Regeneration runs simultaneously. This is what new birth means. They are in the forever mode. God revealed himself first through the Law. And I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them." The law is compared to the face. 'The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters-'Ge.1:2.It has the body of heaven, "And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."(24:10) "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
For the past week I have been praying for President Trump and for the past two days I have felt led to enter a prayer for him on this forum. I don't wish in any way to be political here, but the near miss assassination attempt was a really big deal! We should look at it in sobering terms, I think.
Any who read this prayer and can give their assent to it is good, and I appreciate it if some will do so.
Dear Heavenly Father, our lives are in your hand and care. My Lord and God, Jesus, You are the one we trust in faith. Holy Spirit, you work in ways we cannot detect at times, nor in ways that are deeply changing people. We bring before You, God of all, Donald Trump tonight and we thank You for sparing His life by averting His head to look at the chart at just the exact moment the bullet came by his head. What an amazing miracle that was. Thank You.
Our prayer for President Trump is that he is dramatically changed by this event. We are glad to hear him say that You alone saved him from death that moment. We pray that he will be truly and irrevocably reborn, trusting in You alone for His life and salvation. We ask that You bring to Him conviction of his sinful depravity and repentance as he takes hold of Jesus by faith you supply. We ask that You speak to His heart in the deepest way, even in a similar way that You spoke to Saul of Tarsus and completely changed him in the deepest way, saving him and redirecting his whole life towards the fulfillment of the call you put on his life so many years ago. May President Trump be equally changed and reoriented to fulfill the call you place upon him. We pray that you will bring to President a humble and contrite spirit, an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards You, and a great desire to read Your Holy Word to find out the truth about You and how this truth applies to him, a sinner and one who is so much below who You truly are (as all of us are).
cont. to Pt. 2
Many years ago the Holy Spirit stuck John 17:3 deep into me. It speaks of eternal life being knowing God the Father and Jesus the Son. Since that time I have had a burning desire to know as much as I can about Him Scripturally while I live in this life so that I can worship Him in Spirit and in truth. But this verse also speaks of a knowing in the context of intimacy. Knowing God and being Known by God. This is a relational aspect of growing in knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ and both the intellectual and relational knowing are wrought in us by the Holy Spirit. I never tire of learning and growing in this respect in my walk with God,
I don't want to have a "small" view of Him that does not esteem His great worth and glory.
I hope your weekend is going well.
How are your parents doing? I have been praying for you and them and the situation facing them in these last years of their life.
I had the ultrasound today but will not know the results until the radiologist examines the scans next week. I was just praying the whole time that the scan would show normalcy in all of the organs the tech scanned: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Perhaps it is a good thing after all to have this done, as it gives a baseline moving forward into the rest of my years. Will keep you posted when I hear more.
Probably a good thing that I abandoned that a to z business on attributes of God. Truth be told I don't really plan for very long at least in written form what is posted here unless there is a rare event where I copy some old study on the subject.
What I usually try to do is try to bring some spiritual concept; particularly what I feel through spiritual discernment has been revealed and try to put verses together to expound on that point. I am focusing on what is going on in the spiritual realm as to my best understanding.
What is lacking obviously in that aspect is the wisdom that those with other giftings have; and of course I am wary of saying anything that can't be clearly backed up scripturally; and not stating something which may be stemming from my emotions.
You probably know me as well or better than anyone on this site. A lot of times the personal struggles I go through are somewhat calmed by the distraction of deep spiritual matters especially related to prophecy which is also the calling I have felt for 40 years. I can say with conviction that it isn't fascination with the subject that I elaborate and dig into the matter; it is the sense of urgency as to the time we're in.
Admittedly I am a very emotional person. I don't enjoy discussing eternal damnation; but understanding the horror of such things like the mark of the beast in all honesty was like insanity; basically leading me at the time to grasp onto the Lord for His mercy. The situation involved a relationship which I had to get away from in college. I never had a vision of hell itself though.
When I feel filled with the Spirit it is usually around others and I can't predict it totally; most of the time I feel so burdened I feel I am barely breathing spritually.
Anyway I thought your post deserved a comment; and just expressing my gratitude.
All praise to the Father ,
Son and
Holy Spirit.
To all of you on this site and those whose lives you touch day by day.
The Lord is blessing me right now.
He woke me up this morning.
This is another days journey and I'm glad about it. I a so glad to be here.
I will pay my bows. I will call upon the name of the Lord. Psalms 116:12
May you be blessed. Please pray for me as I pray for you. Amen!
"for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob before and after Peniel could testify. The fulness of Christ makes his heart know the difference. Peniel speaks for his spiritual regeneration. However he has no more confidence in his flesh. It is the heart where new Jerusalem is created. The selfsame volume gives him insight into the significance of Mahanaim. (Ge.32:1-2)
What made Moses chose the life of suffering? " By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;/Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;/ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." (He.11:24-26)
This respect is what the imposter churches fail to inculcate in their congregation. Instead their spirits are like frogs, so the beast and the false prophet have same mind. "two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. Where are these false prophets lead their flock? "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet./For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth."
"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
Here we have the reason why God breathed into the nostrils of man and made him a living soul. In Christ the Alpha and Omega the heart is a level playing field. "From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth./He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." The right to know and understand is universal right and it is the blessing the everlasting covenant enshrines 'in our image and after our likeness."(Ge.1:28) So whosoever refused to enter into the day Seven rejected the seed within itself,- the truth. Calvin's doctrine of 'total depravity' is a heresy. God has set the world of the Spirit in their heart and what does it tell us?
The volume of a believer is arrived at because the fulness of Christs fills all. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"(Col.1:20) This is the work of God and it can only make sense to a believer in believing Jesus Christ whom he sent. This faith, or lack of it has been the undoing of imposter churches.
Thus the river of time flows right through heart of man whether he admits or not.
"And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament. The cities of refuge on the left bank and on the right bank is as clear as the light is separated from darkness.
"for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob before and after Peniel could testify. The fulness of Christ makes his heart know the difference. Peniel speaks for his spiritual regeneration. However he has no more confidence in his flesh.
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."(21:2).
Zion and New Jerusalem are the two great lights recorded in the covenant. "And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night."(Ge.1:16) The lesser light is called the light of the Lamb.
"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it./And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof./And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it." (vv.21-24).
Nations of them which are saved correspond to the cities God had commanded Moses to set apart for the Israelites and the Gentiles alike. "Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge./These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them." (Nu.35:14-15)
This resonates with the Mixed People Ezra in his time had to contend with. When Ezra is informed of this he was incensed."The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites./For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass"(Ez.9:1-2) They were not like Joshua who is a stand in for Jesus Christ. "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The saved on the earth signify the saved nations in Re.21:24.
(Ge.32:27-28)
One curious but very vital point to remember is that Jacob wanted to ask God was of his personal name. God refused. Instead God blessed him there. " And he blessed him there./And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." This knowledge is our inheritance. It begins while in our vile bodies. "the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."Seeing face to face is not for man formed of the dust from the ground can . Jesus speaks of the cloud of witnesses standing in the Presence of God. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."(Matt.18:10)
Inheritors of saints in light abide in Christ. Their volume has as the holy city of God reveals:"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel."(Re.21:12) These names are new as befitting the name of the city is New Jerusalem
Coming back to Jacob calls the place Peniel, a new name. It is thus New Jerusalem, is indicative of new creation.
"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."
Jesus Christ in the inaugural vision has many things against the church of Pergamos but he commends them that 'thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith',. So the new name is a personal name which holds true for the day of Regeneration,- and it has significance where we are talking about the new heaven and new earth.
God's gifts and calling are irrevocable. What God framed by his word are worlds that shall never change. But the earth which was without form and void shall made new from the standpoint of man who was predestinated "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,". The reason for it very simple. "Therefore if any manbein Christ,he isa new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(2 Co.5:17). Therefore is a conjunctive adverb and his newness is firmly associated with death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new creation has similarly transcended his physical body and its lusts. This is where we acquire a volume so as associates our faith sets into the day of Regeneration and everlasting life. As emblematic of man's ascension to heavenly places, the new name sets the overcomer for glory and as Christ promises the Church of Pergamos, it is a name no other man shall know.
The Holy Spirit has supplied several instances of which God naming Jacob the heel-catcher to Israel is preeminent. "And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob./And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel."(Ge.32:27-28)
One curious but very vital point to remember is that he wanted to ask in return the personal name of God. God refused it. Instead blessed of God Jacob calls the place Peniel, a new name. It is thus New Jerusalem, is indicative of new creation.
PT. 5
While there is so much more that can be said concerning the transcendence of God, I would like to end with these ideas:
*We are to avoid the mistake of radical immanence in our perception of God, because:
1. Evil and the demonic cannot be accounted for if God is in everything (panentheism) or that everything is God (pantheism).
2. Ethical evaluation of events is impossible if God is within all that exists.
3. God loses His personal dimension if He is not distinct from creation.
*We are to avoid the problem of radical transcendence in one's view of God.
1. No one can know or relate to God in a personal way if He is wholly other (Deism)
2. God does not have control of the universe if He is not working within it.
3. God appears unapproachable and disinterested if He is not involved with creation.
4. Prayer is meaningless if God has no contact with life He created.
In closing, God's transcendence is not antithetical to His immanence. It is the ground and assurance of it. If God did not transcend space, He could not be present everywhere at once. ( Ps. 139:7) Though we cannot know and relate to God perfectly, God, due to His transcendence knows use completely, even things that we cannot know about ourselves, and He relates to us with unsurpassed intimacy, perfect knowledge, and boundless love.
Those who disparage God's transcendence to stress His nearness only strike at the foundation of divine immanence.
Transcendence and immanence are both always true of God. He us amazingly great and by far the most beautiful Being to behold. One day we will see Him in all of His glory when we meet Jesus face to face, in whom the Whole Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) dwells bodily forever (immanence) and also experience how God fills the universe with His presence simultaneously.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, Great in power, great in glory, King of Heaven.
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
This is in continuation of the post titled everlasting covenant. The blessedness of the covenant set the gate opened which are twelve and each gate is open for the saints redeemed from the earth to enter. God has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world so we are to have the boldness enter therein. This is the day God sanctified for us to enter. (Ge.2:1-3)
Every man who has heard the call and believes, has also a volume which speaks for our faith in the fulness of Christ. So St Paul speaks how our walk should be,-("For we walk by faith, not by sight,"-2 Co.5:7).We also have a body not made with hands. Iconography of it is evident in this verse: The walls- " had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel" Of this pearl we read thus,"every several gate was of one pearl."(v.22) The Parable of Jesus of the pearl of great price refers to Jesus Christ as the Man component in the covenant. From this we have now what made this a single measurement. The volume of every saint redeemed from the earth has angel representing the world of the Spirit and the day of salvation has kept the gate open for man. The 144,000 is made up where several gate was Christ working with each. Col.3:1-3 sets a saint seek things which are above. "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." So this angel is the glorious spiritual body God has created in his Son for perfect fit. The Names of the twelve tribes of the Children of Israel indicate the new name given by Christ similar to what Christ promised the Church of Pergamos.(Re.2:17) The command number of Three in Re. 21:12-13) establishes the order of Apostles and their thrones shall dictate the names of spiritual Israel as holy and without blame.
Pt. 4
God's transcendence refers to His Lordship over the whole world with particular reference to His royal prerogatives of control and authority. So understood, God's transcendence does not imply that he is hidden from people (although He has described Himself that way in Is. 45:15-25). In His transcendence as sovereign authority and ruler of all surpassing any other rule or authority (which we cannot fully know), it is because He is sovereign ruler that He is the most visible being in the universe, as Paul says in Rom. 1:18. So in this aspect, His transcendence is also imminent as He controls all that occurs in history and nature and the heavens declare His work and power.
God's Lordship is His covenant relation to the world He has made, particularly to the persons in it. It is not just a relationship of power, control and authority, but also of presence with His covenant partners. The heart of the covenant is a relationship of intimacy. The chief promise of the covenant is the Lord's words: I will be with you" ( Gen. 21:22; 26:28; 31:35; 39:3-4; Ex. 3:11-12, 15; 7:14; Mt. 1:23)
The fact that God is both transcendent and immanent at the same time is in itself unfathomable for us. Other things that are unfathomable for us is the inner workings of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the One Being of God. We do not know how God can be One "what" Divine Being and three "Whos" (distinct persons) and be perfectly unified in His nature. We cannot know how God brought about the everlasting covenant between the persons of the Godhead before anything was created. We do not know the conversations they had between themselves unless He reveals it as it in Ps. 110:1 or in the prayers Jesus spoke to the Father heard by the apostles.
The more God's transcendence is emphasized the less His immanence is understood and vise-versa. But the fullness of God's nature includes both of these in order for all of His attributes to be fully, perfectly, and eternally.
God created heaven and earth Ge.1:1) The Spirit of God works Up and Down. It sets the Man component which the Scripture says in this fashion, " He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things."(Ep.4:10)
The Covenant promises blessings on man is in his Son. "(God) who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"(Ep.1:3) This man is created in our image and after our likeness" Accordingly seven days stipulate blessings in sequence. The man has fullness or volume since Christ's Advent and Ascension promises him Up Down and Across.
Jesus Christ commissions man with the promise,"and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."(Matt.28:20) Man is therefore equipped with the Spirit of Christ to understand the blessings to be had by abiding in Jesus Christ who is Alpha and Omega. (He.13:8)
What is faith then? It is for bearing fruits in his Son because His word abides in us and we are blessed as the tree "planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season." Notice the word season is used instead of time. Where does this river leads to? The day of Regeneration for the blessed is above while for those who rejected him is on the earth God in his infinite mercy allows pure water of life and the tree of life,"which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2). This is the tree with the seed in itself and the everlasting covenant promises just that. Faith must be as though planted by God so fruits are proof of Christ in us. Gospel preaching does not require falcon jets or ostentatious ensemble to show off prosperity. God is going to give a mighty shaking so heaven shall rolled away like a scroll. Fall of Babylon is not put off indefinitely .Making Babylon great once again is what imposter churches root for.
I am always thankful for the prayers others on my behalf.
The law of diminishing returns which our natural man itself is subject to means that all pleasures in life at some point apart from the Lord are vanity. God's gifts are from above without variableness or shadow ( James 1:17 loosely translated). The enemy infuses evil spirits to gradually bring men from what appeared at first to be a wonderful experience to one of torment and bondage. No wonder he is described as an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:14).
Clearly then our enemy doesn't appear like a creature with horns and a pitchfork. His true ugliness isn't from the outer appearance but from the corrupted nature that he has instilled in the world system ( James 3:15). We could say the opposite about the Lord; He doesn't have to show off; and there isn't anything appealing to the flesh in Him. Of course we all will be flat on our faces when He comes but His beauty shows forth to us mainly in righteousness and through the remnant Body of believers who are sold out for Him. Only God knows who are His; but the lukewarm show no clear difference from the world at large and are neither transforming society with salt or light or being any real help to the remnant that are fighting through daily spiritual warfare and not being given aid on the battlefield.
God grants legal authority to Satan based on two things; one as with Job to demonstrate testing and trials on a righteous man to exalt him further in the end or two the most common thing someone has sin in their lives allowing the enemy to continue to work on holding someone in bondage so that he is rendered ineffective for the Kingdom of God.
The Lord makes it clear; that He is Lord and Master as well as Savior; that He doesn't tolerate any others in charge over His subjects. The sooner we realize that true freedom comes through serving the Lord and not to being served what the world offers the better off we will be. (see Luke 14:28).
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ( Psalm 103:2).
The scripture states in detail and multiple passages that we are to be crucified in Christ ( Gal. 2:20); the illustration of a seed from a dying plant going into the ground and renewing life ( John 12:24) and other verses on putting to death the old man and putting on the new ( Romans 8:12-13).
Nonetheless unlike the mindset of the world dying to self doesn't detract from our uniqueness or individuality. Our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God ( Romans 8:16).
I am not going to delve into whether the soul dies and the spirit lives upon death; in any case we are dead spiritually until salvation then alive after death ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
As with my last posting; the enemy has a plethora of "experiences" where it appears that some prophetic implications have been verified; other times there are parts of things often proven false and with enough delusion it seems some of the mega churches believe things that prove blatently false they are so deceived. Here are some things we often see.
1. Dreams or visions seem to come to pass. The enemy clearly has some insight on the future and can be involved in the lives of other people as well to bring about what appears to be our "soul mates" as a common tactic. The methodology to even the slightest discerning individual clearly is an attempt to lead one astray (as often is the case when people drift into affairs). Bringing someone what they want in what appears to be the exact thing we desire means we likely are ignoring James 4:3 in particular. The Lord doesn't work like a genie in a bottle to consume ourselves with our own lusts. He gives us what we truly need and teaches us to want things that He provides and reject cheap substitutes that have no lasting value for the Kingdom.
This shows we must heed Matthew 6:33 rather than putting ourselves first.
In MacBeth Shakespeare says in a famous quote "It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." That is the basic view of meaninglessness much as Solomon states in Ecclesiastes of all the pleasures of the world apart from God.
When viewing Christ and His early miracles before He was to be revealed to the world and the ensuing factors that would essentially speed up the events leading to the crucifixion many times people were to tell no one who He was ( Mark 8:30; Matt. 16:20). The Pharisees were asking Him for a sign; which was not granted. The many miracles He performed were not accepted as from God and they were well aware of this; fearing that they would lose their position and nation ( John 11:48). He weeded out would be disciples with hard sayings (see John 6:66). Jesus knew that no man could even know who He was without Divine intervention ( John 6:44).
The enemy uses the opposite approach; Revelation 13 in particular shows how false signs and wonders deceive the masses. The enemy never holds back unless God Himself restricts him. We see many phenomenon which to an undiscerning mind cannot be differentiated from the truth; namely fire that appears to come down from heaven; a miraculous healing of a deadly wound; and a false prophet that no doubt uses whatever religion a person adheres to to convince someone that they are the ultimate fulfillment-hence their messiah.
Only the Lord can create anything from nothing; and that is seen in His miracles when on earth. He will continue as well with the new heaven and earth and our resurrection bodies. One could argue that the elements burning up in Peter merely means a reconfiguration of already existing matter; nonetheless our old world is destroyed and anew one commences. Exactly how our new bodies are made is a mystery but they will be immortal and incorruptible.
Simon was not merely a man of the street but was looked up as somebody in Samaria. "Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. " He was there to make Samaria great again.
When he saw the baptism of Spirit his mercantile spirit had to have it. So his belief was disconnected from reality and he offered them (the apostles) money. Simon Peter "said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money./Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God./ Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee./ For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."(8:20-23)
What did Simon really believe in? Jesus Christ who humbled himself had the power and Authority and his obedience was the cement that made the Gospel take root. Faith it is called where no bond of iniquity can tie believer down. Where God gives him freely joy and peace there can be no room for bitterness. That is what faith with works do. Simon believed only in himself though his Jesus talk impressed the people of Samaria. It is same as many celebrity TV preachers catch head lines after some scandal and fall in disgrace, one gets to see that his belief was only in himself. This is what studying the word of God without faith has produced. Without light in you what witnessing can you possibly do? "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."(Ph.2:15)
"Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."
This chapter sets the Spirit leading Evangelist Philip in spreading the gospel of God. Gospel of God is one. When Jesus came from heaven he was the Lord of heaven and he gave how the Gospel shall spead. " He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."(Matt.10:40) In Lucan gospel the same Principle of Association is set in terms of hearing."He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."( Luke 10:16). Up and Down Gospel came as the Word become flesh. Now how the same Gospel reaches the outer most parts is by the power and authority of the risen Christ. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth./Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." Evangelist Philip was as much effective as the apostles because he was led by the Spirit.
Failure of Simon teaches the vital error of what went wrong with churches of our times. He who hears the word must hear with the ear of faith. Constantine the great heard the Gospel but he only heard it so he may succeed to the mantle of the Imperial Rome. He delayed baptism till the last moment so he would have bth cake and eat it as well. Hie ear of faith was tightly shut to hear the great joy his conversion caused among Devil and in his kingdom of darkness. Now the foolish shepherds have continued from where Caesar Constantine stopped and brought about so many heresies along with it, it is vital to examine what really went wrong.
None shall question Simon who himself believed so his baptism, unlike that of the Roman emperor, in good faith. Faith however did not connect with the authority and power of the risen Christ. He had to make money here and now.
"The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)All the blessings God promised in his Son were wasted on the nation. Having the Law Moses but without faith it was as though they were thrust out into the outer darkness. This is what the Parable teaches? The Age of Apostles began with such signs and wonders have now become rogue what with false shepherds going into politics! We who believer in our Saviour Lord ought to say, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye 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."
Those planted by God shall be gathered for new heavens and the new earth. Those who belong to the outer darkness shall be cast out for the wrath of the Lamb. Of which those who find salvation shall be found on the earth and for them the light of the Lamb shall set their lives. "for the healing of the nations," they shall need the tree of life. Instead everlasting life their lives shall be covered according to months. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./In midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."(Re.22:1-2
River of time brings this who were first to the last. How did it happen? Many are called but few are chosen since they did not gather with Christ. Even what they had they lost/
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath./And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness."
What is darkness? Absence of light, of course. God separated light from darkness. John applies it to the nation of Israel. And the darkness comprehended it not." ( John 1:4) refers to the verse below. "He (Jesus Christ) came unto his own, and his own received him not." (1:10-11)The world and Israel in particular, did not receive for the reason they did not have the light in themselves. It is to which Jesus referred,"But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"(Matt.6:23). In them the word as a seed meant nothing so it was as though God did not plant them at all. For this reason what fruits they could have produced? They were thistles and thorns only fit for fire.
Illustrations we can see how Israel became synonymous with outer darkness.
In Ex.24:3 Israel vows, "All the words which the Lord hath said will we do." They also saw God, " and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."(24:10) "In his clearness" was in effect was blind since they did not comprehend the true Light when he walked among the. In him was the light of men but where did they fail? "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."( 1 John 2:11).
Another time they said,"And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Ex.20:19) Did that help them when a voice from heaven sounded, "The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/ Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" What we read in the Book of Exodus illustrates this. Nevertheless the nation of Israel rehected his Son when he came into his own. Jesus speaks his 'woe to ye'' discourse in Matthew "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out./ And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God."
In the day of Regeneration children of the kingdom shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel which were cast out into the outer darkness by Jesus. What is left on the earth the Gentiles and the Jews alike are part of a mixed race. There is no difference in Jesus Christ. It applies to those who are saved and they walk under the light of the Lamb. Re.21:24. The twelve tribes they shall be in eternity..
" Also they saw God, and did eat and drink."
Ex.24:11 " Also they saw God, and did eat and drink."
The superscription refers to Re.19:17. The Day of Regeneration is called the supper of God to which the blessed of God are called and it is also by invitation, as God invited Moses and a select body to 'come up unto the Lord."
Before this let us discuss this passage from the Gospel of St Luke.
Having said a parable in Ch.13 Jesus tells the Jews thus, "Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets," he goes on to prophesy a great gathering "And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God."( Luke 13:29). Background of this is set forth in the Book of Exodus. He referred to the time the Israelites supped in the presence of God which we shall first consider. This event was by invitation and God commanded Moses,
"Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off." The Spirit is setting two days from the Day decreed for his Son. (Ps.2:6-7) So we are looking the two from the Alpha and Omega aspect of Jesus Christ.
Gospel of Salvation has its judgment upon the disobedient,and the day of Regeneration runs simultaneously. This is what new birth means. They are in the forever mode. God revealed himself first through the Law. And I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them." The law is compared to the face. 'The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters-'Ge.1:2.It has the body of heaven, "And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."(24:10) "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
We have gone through the topic earlier and I have nothing more to add,
I have mentioned what I believe as true. That is all
May God bless you and your precious family while you are going through this ordeal.
I pray for God's grace, mercy and compassion to be upon you, and that God relieves you of your worries and pour His healing power upon you.
In Jesus precious name.
God bless!
Thanks for extending your love and grace to me again and again to pray for answers to my requests.