I think what is sorely missing in far too many churches is the what the rebirth of Israel in 1948 means from a biblical viewpoint. I am amazed at the unwillingness among so many to see God's Word and His Love preparing to give them a redemption as a nation. God will demonstrate that He has not forgotten His people, the Jews, who he foreknew would fail him on Calvary Hill. Is the book of Revelation set before us, the Gentiles, as a sign that God also foreknows the great error among so many unsaved gentiles in that Day?
The key biblical principle is the righteousness of God……First the Jew now it is the Gentiles. Christians ought to see this principal at work but self righteousness prevents this and our own traditions cloud the landscape of the coming storm. Even many churches have their self righteousness and rituals to the same degree the Pharisees did. Refusing to see the physical Christ God placed before them. Now we have a physical Israel before us in our generation and false doctrine and unwarranted fears blind many also. If you want a prophet then God surely will give us one to speak, the problem is how many will really hear! The die has been cast and the season is ripe. This is not about a denomination for God is above our founding fathers on America's land. It is about walking with the Word in the promise God is ready to deliver not to just Israel but to all of us who believe in that same deliverance because of righteousness. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness as it is written. Be ready Church of America….be ready indeed!
The Holy Spirit has made me to see it this way…for indeed it is per the Word. See Romans Ch 11…See the warning Christ gives to the Seven Churches in Revelations…..See the calling of 144,000 men from the 12 Tribes of Israel that only God knows for sure!….Realize the test the Jews had on Calvary Hill but we the Gentiles never did have the same test to try our allegiance to Truth! Is it fair for us to NOT be tried also?
From the Arab nations which surround Israel with the cries of annihilation to the foothills of America's churches determined to live under the Replacement Theology and consider not God's sovereignty to redeem Israel as the words declares " All Israel will be saved in that day…for this is my covenant I make with them" written even in the New Testament. In fairness God will show His might and deliver the rod of iron to Lion of Judah as his feet are predicted to land on Mount Olive in that day and no other place on earth.
To those left behind there will indeed be a cry of Martyrs and they are known as the Tribualtion Saints as they finally see what they refused to believe after the raptured saints and the collapse of a world system as we know it. It will fall into chaos and desperation and then so shall the Antichrist rise above the turmoil and deception and hatred will reach it's peak. And most notably against Israel the nation! But what a mighty God we serve and so shall He demonstrate it……at last! Blessings in the name of Christ!
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
The Promised Land Debacle and the Cost of Democracy
While there are many lessons that can be learned from this tragic ending to a glorious opportunity for God's people before the land of Canaan, I have yet another to share. The Hebrews were delivered from Egyptian slavery and saw with their own eyes the many miracles of God's handiwork throughout their deliverance. In the wilderness journey they experienced the provisions of God right on up to the promise of the land with milk and honey. But something went wrong and the Spirit speaks to my heart about the conflicting nature of this key event in the ancient Hebrew people.
Moses had all the creditability and faith he needed to lay hold of the promise that God laid before them from the beginning to enter into the land of milk and honey in Deut 1:20-21. However, the people interjected and thought it best to send spies to search out the land and determine which way to go. Moses took this appeal to God and God agreed and even gave guidance to Moses. At this point, it is particularly challenging for any of us as leaders to demand an approach based on faith only ( God said it ....let's take it) versus the people demand for more facts (let's see what the reality or numbers add up to ...logically speaking). Moses yielded to the peoples approach. What if he hadn't? Would he be seen as an over ruling dictator who declares my way or the highway!!
The 12 spies go in and search the land ultimately challenging the substance of God's promise to deliver. In Numbers 13:1-2 the Lord gives instruction to Moses how best to address the request of the people to search the Land. God does not force anything and even if we the people do something different than God has directed, God's grace will still offer sound advice for aiding you in your decision making process. Clearly Moses perhaps did not take the stand to support the faith principle instead giving in to the people but still he's only human. God isn't angry....yet!!
Now here is where the plot thickens, to make the long story short we know that the spies report was 10 voted against going in because there were giants in the land and 2 spies voted (Joshua & Caleb) that we will take the land by faith....saying the Lord has delivered us this far surely we will be protected and blessed! What did the people do? They choose information based on facts (current conditions) and rejected the faith principle declared by Joshua & Caleb. They went with majority rule and such is the first truly published act of democracy at work in it's ancient history. And it demonstrates it's potential to be in opposition to what God wanted to do for his people. In this case, God is ready to deliver on His Promise at last.
The Hebrews may have still been murmuring, and tired and many may have been yet doubtful of the God that brought them out of Egypt and done so much in the wilderness to bring them to the entry gate of his promise. Despite their behavior God was ready to bless them. Their discontent did not keep them out of the Promised Land. What kept them out was their unbelief in God's promise to deliver His Promise! The Spirit tells me that is an affront to very God we are called to serve and this is where an angry God steps in and declare they shall not enter into it. Scripture reveals they tried to enter the land after God's decree was issued and they failed miserably!! It is written "As ye have spoken in my ear (the Lord) so shall it be unto you." See Numbers CH 14. Basically they got what they choose to believe.
To magnify this spiritual wisdom and insight and apply it to our journey to the Kingdom to Come we can learn from this debacle. I believe, because of our democratic society, it has much to offer for securing our faithfulness in these turbulent times and for believers at large. Democracy, as good as it is when compared to other forms of governance still has it's limits for application in the House of the Lord. We cannot control what the majority rule may be in church or outside of it. But we better be steadfast and unmovable in having faith in God's promise for a kingdom to come.
There are many challenging "issues" affecting the church community in our generation and it is particularly impacting our way of living! But let us remember God promise to the Church for a Kingdom to Come and Christ is it's King and Judge. Let's not confuse ourselves. It is not the American dream of home ownership worthy though the goal may be for human comfort and financial stability. The greater foundation and the greater house built is built on Christ words and hope.
With biblical signs seemingly everywhere indicating end times, God's promise of a New Jerusalem is about to be delivered at last and Christ is looking for his Joshua & Caleb's. God's promises to us as a body of believers is just as real for us as it was to them and so are it's "giants". The Hebrews made the mistake of looking back at the blessings they had received and not the mighty hand of God that made it all possible. Are those, who are Christians, doing the same and looking back at what was lost? Unfortunately a majority of them do seem to be doing just that. They want the good ole days when God may be ready to deliver so much more!
It seems paradoxical that our intellect and our democracy, good as it has been to us, could get in the way of the power of faith and cost us to lose sight of the high calling and it's reward for our hope in Christ and in looking for his appearing. To the Joshua's and Caleb's who hold up the faith principle God will yet reward you as he did so for them. For they went in the Promised Land at last and received the promised. If they so receive so can you. But you must keep the faith and remember the Promise of God. And it is written in Hebrew 4:9-11 "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that entered into his rest, he also will ceased from his own works as God did from his. Let us therefore labor to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."
The deeper issue is having the faith to still believe in the promise when so many don't. Only to have to wait another generation before you get the promise fulfilled in victory. How many of us would have waited like Joshua & Caleb that long and under the stress of being in the wilderness with those who did not have the faith? Let's be honest, it is easy to see the faith of these men but can you live the faith like they had to in the midst of unbelief and suffering in the same "wilderness" through no fault of their own.
When revisiting this event, most of us are responding to a conclusion but not really understanding the endurance test of their faith. There is so much more to be brought out in this event than a victory lap because most of us today would fail to believe just like the Hebrews did back then given the same obstacles. How do you convince your followers against the fear of being a grasshopper in the midst of giants? We are not doing a very good job in our generation of change! Where is your love for those who live in fear and doubt in the same camp? Joshua and Caleb greatest faith is found in staying with the people and securing them in their predicament due to their lack of faith. God needed them to bring up the next generation of believers in faith in order to take the promise. But Joshua and Caleb had to give up going into the land of Canaan until then and still love them despite the delay in receiving the Promise of God.
The two men choose not to abandon ship due to their awesome faith but used it to build up the faith of next generation. That is what the apostle Paul calls enduring faith and that is the foreknowledge and power of God at work among men needed to protect us and promote His purposes before the earth!!
In the today's perilous times in which we live there appears to be many christians ready to go with majority rule, when in fact, God may not be blessing us in that direction? Clearly, with the Jews return as a nation in May 1948, God may indeed preparing the New Jerusalem which is spoken of in the Book of Revelations. But first there is the rebirthing of the old Jerusalem physically and literally before us which scripture prophesies. The city is full of strife and under constant attack from many sides especially politically and militarily. Despite this, Christians should be seeing those "giants" about to be put down because of the promise of a new hope and victory which is to be led by Jesus Christ.
Let the Church not make the same mistake Israel made and fail to believe in the return of Christ for our deliverance and Israel's. Despite the changing world system and the majority rule and a christianity that as Apostle Paul says in 2 Thess 2:3 "Let know man decieve you for the day of Christ shall not come except there come a falling away first and then the man of sin shall be revealed...etc". Certainly in our generation we are seeing unprecedented doubt and disregard for sound biblical beliefs in our own wilderness. But remember God's promise is to he that overcomes! It's very personal, God will not be saving a denomination but individuals who have a love for Him and look for his appearing. The debacle in the promised land ought to be an example to us that majority rule does not rule God and to be encouraged by our faith and know the promise that God gives is the promise we ought not doubt. We are nearing the end of the journey and I say stay the course of sound biblical principals and keep hope alive….still!
Moses had all the creditability and faith he needed to lay hold of the promise that God laid before them from the beginning to enter into the land of milk and honey in Deut 1:20-21. However, the people interjected and thought it best to send spies to search out the land and determine which way to go. Moses took this appeal to God and God agreed and even gave guidance to Moses. At this point, it is particularly challenging for any of us as leaders to demand an approach based on faith only ( God said it ....let's take it) versus the people demand for more facts (let's see what the reality or numbers add up to ...logically speaking). Moses yielded to the peoples approach. What if he hadn't? Would he be seen as an over ruling dictator who declares my way or the highway!!
The 12 spies go in and search the land ultimately challenging the substance of God's promise to deliver. In Numbers 13:1-2 the Lord gives instruction to Moses how best to address the request of the people to search the Land. God does not force anything and even if we the people do something different than God has directed, God's grace will still offer sound advice for aiding you in your decision making process. Clearly Moses perhaps did not take the stand to support the faith principle instead giving in to the people but still he's only human. God isn't angry....yet!!
Now here is where the plot thickens, to make the long story short we know that the spies report was 10 voted against going in because there were giants in the land and 2 spies voted (Joshua & Caleb) that we will take the land by faith....saying the Lord has delivered us this far surely we will be protected and blessed! What did the people do? They choose information based on facts (current conditions) and rejected the faith principle declared by Joshua & Caleb. They went with majority rule and such is the first truly published act of democracy at work in it's ancient history. And it demonstrates it's potential to be in opposition to what God wanted to do for his people. In this case, God is ready to deliver on His Promise at last.
The Hebrews may have still been murmuring, and tired and many may have been yet doubtful of the God that brought them out of Egypt and done so much in the wilderness to bring them to the entry gate of his promise. Despite their behavior God was ready to bless them. Their discontent did not keep them out of the Promised Land. What kept them out was their unbelief in God's promise to deliver His Promise! The Spirit tells me that is an affront to very God we are called to serve and this is where an angry God steps in and declare they shall not enter into it. Scripture reveals they tried to enter the land after God's decree was issued and they failed miserably!! It is written "As ye have spoken in my ear (the Lord) so shall it be unto you." See Numbers CH 14. Basically they got what they choose to believe.
To magnify this spiritual wisdom and insight and apply it to our journey to the Kingdom to Come we can learn from this debacle. I believe, because of our democratic society, it has much to offer for securing our faithfulness in these turbulent times and for believers at large. Democracy, as good as it is when compared to other forms of governance still has it's limits for application in the House of the Lord. We cannot control what the majority rule may be in church or outside of it. But we better be steadfast and unmovable in having faith in God's promise for a kingdom to come.
There are many challenging "issues" affecting the church community in our generation and it is particularly impacting our way of living! But let us remember God promise to the Church for a Kingdom to Come and Christ is it's King and Judge. Let's not confuse ourselves. It is not the American dream of home ownership worthy though the goal may be for human comfort and financial stability. The greater foundation and the greater house built is built on Christ words and hope.
With biblical signs seemingly everywhere indicating end times, God's promise of a New Jerusalem is about to be delivered at last and Christ is looking for his Joshua & Caleb's. God's promises to us as a body of believers is just as real for us as it was to them and so are it's "giants". The Hebrews made the mistake of looking back at the blessings they had received and not the mighty hand of God that made it all possible. Are those, who are Christians, doing the same and looking back at what was lost? Unfortunately a majority of them do seem to be doing just that. They want the good ole days when God may be ready to deliver so much more!
It seems paradoxical that our intellect and our democracy, good as it has been to us, could get in the way of the power of faith and cost us to lose sight of the high calling and it's reward for our hope in Christ and in looking for his appearing. To the Joshua's and Caleb's who hold up the faith principle God will yet reward you as he did so for them. For they went in the Promised Land at last and received the promised. If they so receive so can you. But you must keep the faith and remember the Promise of God. And it is written in Hebrew 4:9-11 "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that entered into his rest, he also will ceased from his own works as God did from his. Let us therefore labor to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."
The deeper issue is having the faith to still believe in the promise when so many don't. Only to have to wait another generation before you get the promise fulfilled in victory. How many of us would have waited like Joshua & Caleb that long and under the stress of being in the wilderness with those who did not have the faith? Let's be honest, it is easy to see the faith of these men but can you live the faith like they had to in the midst of unbelief and suffering in the same "wilderness" through no fault of their own.
When revisiting this event, most of us are responding to a conclusion but not really understanding the endurance test of their faith. There is so much more to be brought out in this event than a victory lap because most of us today would fail to believe just like the Hebrews did back then given the same obstacles. How do you convince your followers against the fear of being a grasshopper in the midst of giants? We are not doing a very good job in our generation of change! Where is your love for those who live in fear and doubt in the same camp? Joshua and Caleb greatest faith is found in staying with the people and securing them in their predicament due to their lack of faith. God needed them to bring up the next generation of believers in faith in order to take the promise. But Joshua and Caleb had to give up going into the land of Canaan until then and still love them despite the delay in receiving the Promise of God.
The two men choose not to abandon ship due to their awesome faith but used it to build up the faith of next generation. That is what the apostle Paul calls enduring faith and that is the foreknowledge and power of God at work among men needed to protect us and promote His purposes before the earth!!
In the today's perilous times in which we live there appears to be many christians ready to go with majority rule, when in fact, God may not be blessing us in that direction? Clearly, with the Jews return as a nation in May 1948, God may indeed preparing the New Jerusalem which is spoken of in the Book of Revelations. But first there is the rebirthing of the old Jerusalem physically and literally before us which scripture prophesies. The city is full of strife and under constant attack from many sides especially politically and militarily. Despite this, Christians should be seeing those "giants" about to be put down because of the promise of a new hope and victory which is to be led by Jesus Christ.
Let the Church not make the same mistake Israel made and fail to believe in the return of Christ for our deliverance and Israel's. Despite the changing world system and the majority rule and a christianity that as Apostle Paul says in 2 Thess 2:3 "Let know man decieve you for the day of Christ shall not come except there come a falling away first and then the man of sin shall be revealed...etc". Certainly in our generation we are seeing unprecedented doubt and disregard for sound biblical beliefs in our own wilderness. But remember God's promise is to he that overcomes! It's very personal, God will not be saving a denomination but individuals who have a love for Him and look for his appearing. The debacle in the promised land ought to be an example to us that majority rule does not rule God and to be encouraged by our faith and know the promise that God gives is the promise we ought not doubt. We are nearing the end of the journey and I say stay the course of sound biblical principals and keep hope alive….still!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Predestination & Foreknowledge of God at Work
God has his way of revealing his power to predestinate key events among mankind. We also, in some instance can call it dispensation of a new era. In addition, the indication of Church Age preparing to come to a close aka "until the fullness of the gentiles come in" as we know it. Doesn't mean it comes to an end but perhaps take on a new look thanks be to God. Because as we see now it is a fractured mess of over a thousands sects with wide varying beliefs and full of apathetic members who are asleep to the reality of any real visitation of Christ return.
Maybe I am too hopeful but I ask the question then why do we continue to follow Paul, Peter and John for they were full of hope in every way and there words are 2000 years old? Consider this, the last question asked by the disciples to Jesus was just before his Ascension. In Acts 1: 6-7 "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him saying "Lord will thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in his own power" . Jesus never said it would never happen as some theologians may have thought so. Shall I follow the word of men or the grace of God and the Word his Holy Spirit gives to us?
The rebirth or replanting of the nation of Israel back into the ground of the earth is indicative of the greater reality of Christ return. This rebirth is brought to our attention into key areas of scripture. We have The Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel Ch 37. Also in Romans CH 11 commonly known as The Olive Tree Parable though it is far more than a parable because it is a covenant per verse 26-27. This has to be a dramatic event in biblical history, future tense. For what many thought to be symbolic or allegorical events about Israel. Now have the added possibility of it being far more literal than many theologians ever wanted to believe. Can we as gentiles be just as blinded and stubborn as the Jews were in their moment of testing? For the Lord did say he comes to test them. What is your answer churches? What on earth makes us, the Gentiles any better that we should NOT be tested? I believe we are beginning to see the full predestined plan of God before mankind and how marvelous is that!
Salvation came to the gentiles by God's grace with no effort on our part because of Israel's unbelief. God's word in Romans Ch 11 declares he will also take away Israel's sin by pouring his grace on them because of our unbelief. What a scripture of deep and sincere wisdom the apostle Paul tells us. Where are the prophets of righteousness in the churches who should help us to see to avoid error in our thinking? It is written in First Thess 5:19-20 "Quench not the Spirit…Despise not prophesyings" I assure you many do both!! We are even told in 1 Corinth 14:39 "Wherefor brethren, covet to prophesy and forbid not to speak in tongues". Covet is usually a negative word when used in scripture but not in this case. By denying the prophetic word of God within a church or theology or ministry you have a reward of blindness and clearly we have that with our pick and choose what we want to believe of the living word of God. Israel is suppose to be our example of how real our God is per the scriptures.
I ascribe this thinking to the Holy Spirit and I appeal to your ears to hear. Let us beware of God's agenda even more than our own to secure your faith and pray for what is fair. As righteousness of God is about to be performed and remember this. We serve the God of Israel and what a mighty God he is for He is preparing a demonstration to prove His foreknowledge of us once again and to His glory. God's glory only and let me say he deserves every bit of it even to my lost!! The book of Revelations is the final destiny of this world system and we already got the nuclear weapons to make every bit of it true without any help of an angry God. Predestination and Foreknowledge of God at work together but who shall we hear? May the Church say Amen.
Maybe I am too hopeful but I ask the question then why do we continue to follow Paul, Peter and John for they were full of hope in every way and there words are 2000 years old? Consider this, the last question asked by the disciples to Jesus was just before his Ascension. In Acts 1: 6-7 "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him saying "Lord will thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in his own power" . Jesus never said it would never happen as some theologians may have thought so. Shall I follow the word of men or the grace of God and the Word his Holy Spirit gives to us?
The rebirth or replanting of the nation of Israel back into the ground of the earth is indicative of the greater reality of Christ return. This rebirth is brought to our attention into key areas of scripture. We have The Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel Ch 37. Also in Romans CH 11 commonly known as The Olive Tree Parable though it is far more than a parable because it is a covenant per verse 26-27. This has to be a dramatic event in biblical history, future tense. For what many thought to be symbolic or allegorical events about Israel. Now have the added possibility of it being far more literal than many theologians ever wanted to believe. Can we as gentiles be just as blinded and stubborn as the Jews were in their moment of testing? For the Lord did say he comes to test them. What is your answer churches? What on earth makes us, the Gentiles any better that we should NOT be tested? I believe we are beginning to see the full predestined plan of God before mankind and how marvelous is that!
Salvation came to the gentiles by God's grace with no effort on our part because of Israel's unbelief. God's word in Romans Ch 11 declares he will also take away Israel's sin by pouring his grace on them because of our unbelief. What a scripture of deep and sincere wisdom the apostle Paul tells us. Where are the prophets of righteousness in the churches who should help us to see to avoid error in our thinking? It is written in First Thess 5:19-20 "Quench not the Spirit…Despise not prophesyings" I assure you many do both!! We are even told in 1 Corinth 14:39 "Wherefor brethren, covet to prophesy and forbid not to speak in tongues". Covet is usually a negative word when used in scripture but not in this case. By denying the prophetic word of God within a church or theology or ministry you have a reward of blindness and clearly we have that with our pick and choose what we want to believe of the living word of God. Israel is suppose to be our example of how real our God is per the scriptures.
I ascribe this thinking to the Holy Spirit and I appeal to your ears to hear. Let us beware of God's agenda even more than our own to secure your faith and pray for what is fair. As righteousness of God is about to be performed and remember this. We serve the God of Israel and what a mighty God he is for He is preparing a demonstration to prove His foreknowledge of us once again and to His glory. God's glory only and let me say he deserves every bit of it even to my lost!! The book of Revelations is the final destiny of this world system and we already got the nuclear weapons to make every bit of it true without any help of an angry God. Predestination and Foreknowledge of God at work together but who shall we hear? May the Church say Amen.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
A WORD OF POETIC JUSTICE FOR OUR LORD JESUS IN HIS GLORY
This insightful poem continues to nourish me with the hope of Christ and the person that he truly is. I am blessed to have been able to write it down with such clarity. For I believe it also ministers to the heart of the reader and prepares us for the great soon coming day of our Lord's return in poetic form. While it also delivers a stark warning of the fullness of what the Cross means in all it's pain and glory! Your comments are welcome.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS
There’s something amiss when the creation resist
all that the Creator stands for.
As I gaze at the cross...it reflects a world lost
With Christ knocking on every Door.
Man thinking himself good...Did that which he thought he should.
With charges of blasphemy and plenty of religiosity
Refused to believe the Word...being filled with animosity.
Delivering the Lord to the Court of courts.
And so the trial did promptly begin.
He was alone, having not a character witness nor even a friend.
And when the judge could find no law against him.
Washing his hands, I’m sure he did what he can...
All...except free this sinless man.
Guilty...Guilty was the outcry from the crowd!
And the Law that was ...became no law at all and yet....God smiled!
So there our Savior laid with out stretched arms.
Demonstrating His love despite the harm.
And while every man is born in sin...
The injustice we profess don't compare to the injustice he was placed in.
There’s something amiss when the creation resist..
All that the Creator stands for even now....like then.
But an empty Tomb was God’s reward for a work well done.
Not to be hid the Lord shoned forth His only Son.
For Jesus showed His love toward all mankind.
And now there is life after death in only His Name you will find!
But......Let the other side of the cross speak also.
That what and who we are has surely been exposed.
For in God’s love so openly displayed....
We did show our wretchedness that day.
And God’s Law of Love resoundly defeated...
Our law of justice which we misdeeded.
Our anger truly showed only to see the peace of God flow.
And our fearfulness for no reason illuminated God’s love for all seasons.
The Cross is the meeting place for all of this....
And believe it or not, the Creator let the creation insist!
So let us remember the wisdom the Cross is meant to bring.
God has a day for justice that righteousness being fairness ought ring.
For the other side of the cross speaks well of his return.
Sitting on the right hand side of the Father...this he earned!
But there are yet those who chose not to believe...
Like doubting Thomas...They say “not by faith but by sight must I see!”
But blessed are those who believe and have not seen!
For no more is God a mystery and neither is he a dream.
For you see.....Grace and Mercy has been born out of Injustice.
And it is the other side of the cross which gives us this message.
That our way of justice means nothing when Truth demands His Return.
For this is why the Word declares the Earth shall burn
And we who are caught up in His Rapture shall bear witness..
Revealing the Other Side of the Cross was a lesson that went Unlearned!
Copyright @Gregory Booker
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Bride & The New Jerusalem.
The Church is often described as the bride of Christ and rightfully so because Jesus loves his church as a groom loves his bride. But in addition to that is some scripture in the book of Revelations which provides some greater insight as to the designation of bride. This is a case where the term "bride" has both a symbolic and literal description and both are quite valid. I do not hear much about the new Jerusalem in my circle of christians but I reviewed it considering the Spirit's advise to read this wonderful book of the future.
To be technical....the Bride is actually a city and it's called the New Jerusalem. For it is written in Revelations 21: 2-3 "And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them and be their God"...... And it continues Rev 21: 9-10 " And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues and talked with me, saying, Come hither for I will show the the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven."
It appears that Christians are as a bride to Christ symbolically but are shared citizens that dwell within the New Jerusalem whose names being written in the Lamb's book of Life. It's members fall into several major categories: 1)The New Testament believers in Christ (Resurrected and Raptured saints) have entry. 2) Old Testament Jews and Gentiles who believed in the God of Israel and looked forward to a messiah to come and please include Abel who died righteous in the atonement of his sin which God gave favor. I wonder if Adam will be there for he communed with God like no other and may have been quite repentant. It's an interesting thought. 3) So also do those Tribulation saints whose lives were lost by the shedding of their blood in Christ name in the final call of God's grace.
The Bride is actually a city of which has a various groups of citizens who all gave proper atonement of their sins in looking forward to a savior to come as God revealed it in past ages. The names that border the walls of the New Jerusalem are the Jewish patriarchs which God used to reach all the Gentiles of the world in breathing His Spirit upon them to write the Holy Scriptures. Suffice it to say, it is incorrect to consider the NT Church to be the exclusive bride of Christ. God does not forget the deeds of others he has touched!
I think sometimes, we need to loose things on earth to prepare the things that are coming from heaven. For the Bible states whatever is loosed or bound on earth shall be likewise in heaven. We need to cast darkness aside in preparation of awakening the sleepy and slumbering ones to be caught up by the hope of the rapture. Clearly we need to be found walking in the power of God's vision just as it is given by his Word. There is a tearing down in order to build up! The Old Jerusalem is preparing to be a faded memory which men die over in it's final and greatest of conflict because the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven and is not made with the hands of men. In it shall be our mansion of many rooms! I feel a sense of utterance and shall go forward with it.
The current Jerusalem is a "cup of trembling" in the world today as prophesied by Ezekiel that it would be when Israel would come back as a nation. It is the center of the conflict among the Arabs and the Jews and it must play itself out among those who seek physical dominion. It has it's history and it has it's purpose for prophetic realities but peace is far from it and tensions will mount. It will be the "table of negotiations" that sets the terms and conditions that define where men stand before God. And it will set the stage that in a day God will stand before them in their unbelief! Such is the valley of decision and it will have served it's purpose.
And then comes the New Jerusalem for His Nation and for His Church and all to His Glory and given over to His Son as the Lion of Judah who rules the earth with His rod of love. And the waters shall be pure and the tress shall drink of it and their leaves shall bring a healing to the nations that remain and the people that remain after the valley of decision shall come and see the New Jerusalem. And we as ambassadors shall go forth and declare the good news of a Savior to the Gentiles and a Messiah to the Jews our Lord Jesus who has his seat in the Temple of God in Jerusalem. And then there shall be peace...lasting peace at last. Let our voices ring before the sound of the Trump as a show of faith working mightily within us! Blessing..my fellow servants.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Blessing and Curse of Democracy: A Christian Perspective
The most basic tenet of democracy is the freedom of choice or the right to choose. If it is limited to Christianity only, then in democracy's truest form, it becomes no more democracy. And therein lies the problem with it's basic form of governance. It is a system that allows itself to be govern by majority rule. In reality, it does not matter what the original founders principles in regards to the constitution were. Though they were good and sound christian ideals, they were endorsing principles of democracy with no exception even for religious practice. That was then and democracy continues but with a new impetus of immigrants as it citizens and therefore being under democratic rule have every right to reflect their ideals. These ideals are becoming the greater majority with even the beliefs (or lack of beliefs) of traditional citizens who are not following christian bible based standards per se.
In other words, democracy is doing just fine. Now the battle is on "Mar's Hill" as apostle Paul fought for the souls of them in Ephesus ( I believe). Our battle surely dwells on Capitol Hill as well as every other state hill in our country. Change is everywhere! Prayer in school was never a mandate but was simply a by product of faith within the hearts of it's citizens. Being demonstrated and quite effective as a majority among it's people in advancing the Kingdom of God. Now prayer is a mandate being allowed under the legal act of the law. A form of legalism that will not nearly be as effective as by the heart. Now it appears, democracy is legalizing christianity as well as other religions due to the multiple representations that exist. It seems only fair because when you realize it is really democracy at work. From a christian viewpoint ( born again mainstream faith), the crack in it's armor is beginning to show as all forms of governance by man do have.
To be candid, as a christian our destiny isn't about saving our country, it's about advancing the Kingdom of God for that great day! It is God who builds a nation and it is God who will bring it down! In the midst of all of that transistioning it is my duty to know His will and to defend the faith which doesn't always guarantee the saving of a piece of dirt. For Abraham had to leave his Ur of Chaldees....and Hebrews had to leave their Egypt...and many of us came to America leaving something behind with few regrets! Perhaps our time to leave is approaching and the only place to go is to be caught up!
I believe democracy will work like never before to the disappointment of Christians who firmly lean on the Bible. I consider it a time of purging and a sign of the times which God Himself may be giving up to this world system a reprobate mind and USA is no exception as we examine end time doctrine. What led me to write this article was a question was asked should we as christians pray along side Satanists? Personally, I don't see any difference between satanists and "other faiths" except for extremist with bolder defiance in the face of God. They all operate with unbelief of Christ divinity. But for the record as a born again believer in Christ, I choose not to pray alongside the camp because my choice of words will surely ruffle their feathers. However, I will come to defend my faith and declare my hope in Christ which will give them opportunity for salvation as apostle Paul did on Mar's Hill. Concerning the democratic process, I agree with the adversary that on this soil satanist also have their rights and while I vote to disagree on their agenda I also seek to live in peace with my fellow man as scripture advises.
In other words, democracy is doing just fine. Now the battle is on "Mar's Hill" as apostle Paul fought for the souls of them in Ephesus ( I believe). Our battle surely dwells on Capitol Hill as well as every other state hill in our country. Change is everywhere! Prayer in school was never a mandate but was simply a by product of faith within the hearts of it's citizens. Being demonstrated and quite effective as a majority among it's people in advancing the Kingdom of God. Now prayer is a mandate being allowed under the legal act of the law. A form of legalism that will not nearly be as effective as by the heart. Now it appears, democracy is legalizing christianity as well as other religions due to the multiple representations that exist. It seems only fair because when you realize it is really democracy at work. From a christian viewpoint ( born again mainstream faith), the crack in it's armor is beginning to show as all forms of governance by man do have.
To be candid, as a christian our destiny isn't about saving our country, it's about advancing the Kingdom of God for that great day! It is God who builds a nation and it is God who will bring it down! In the midst of all of that transistioning it is my duty to know His will and to defend the faith which doesn't always guarantee the saving of a piece of dirt. For Abraham had to leave his Ur of Chaldees....and Hebrews had to leave their Egypt...and many of us came to America leaving something behind with few regrets! Perhaps our time to leave is approaching and the only place to go is to be caught up!
I believe democracy will work like never before to the disappointment of Christians who firmly lean on the Bible. I consider it a time of purging and a sign of the times which God Himself may be giving up to this world system a reprobate mind and USA is no exception as we examine end time doctrine. What led me to write this article was a question was asked should we as christians pray along side Satanists? Personally, I don't see any difference between satanists and "other faiths" except for extremist with bolder defiance in the face of God. They all operate with unbelief of Christ divinity. But for the record as a born again believer in Christ, I choose not to pray alongside the camp because my choice of words will surely ruffle their feathers. However, I will come to defend my faith and declare my hope in Christ which will give them opportunity for salvation as apostle Paul did on Mar's Hill. Concerning the democratic process, I agree with the adversary that on this soil satanist also have their rights and while I vote to disagree on their agenda I also seek to live in peace with my fellow man as scripture advises.
Friday, December 7, 2012
First the Jew.....Now the Gentile Such is God's Fairness Principle
Romans CH 11 says more than most of us realize. The chapter is often called the Olive Tree parable but in verse 27 God calls it a covenant "For this is my covenant with them (Israel), when I (the Lord) take away their sins". Before this in verse 26 God declares "And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written" Zion the Deliverer will come and turn away ungodliness". And there are more verses in Old and New Testament that refer to a great act of deliverance for Israel.
For clarity sake, salvation and redemption are two different modes of operation and yet can be quite similar in performance. We know our salvation comes in Jesus Christ and I agree scripture states there is no distinction between Jew or Gentile or any other category in this regard. Despite this, God's word continues to proclaim a unique event for this nation. The problem that I see however, is that many christians are failing to realize that God still has an act of redemption for Israel as Romans Ch 11 clearly states. So when it comes to redemption which is the process of rescue or recovering from what was lost. It also refers to seek back from ransom that which was taken. We must be prepared for a fuller understanding of God's word as the Holy Spirit speaks through the apostle Paul.
Romans CH 11 isn't just about salvation but a process of national redemption because "all Israel will be saved". During this process, as the chapter closes, God turns away ungodliness from the gates of the nation of Israel. What does this mean for christians? Without going into detail, the classification of Gentile is simply everybody else who is not Jewish. We must remember there are plenty of gentiles in the world who choose not to accept Christ and downright refuse. Unfortunately even in Christianity there are doctrine that have issues as well that are in opposition to what Romans Ch 11 proclamation declares. But we serve the God of Israel and just maybe when of born again believers in Christ are raptured, national Israel will remain on Earth. Alone and desperate for solutions to survive against an onslaught of discontent and even hatred as we see in the Middle East. Indeed the city of Jerusalem is a cup of trembling!
The problem with gentile christians is the inability of many to acknowledge our side of being the problem!! You and I might see that which is spiritual but when I look at USA and World news, clearly blindness and a stiffnecked mentality is in part on the gentile side also and the churches are no exception considering the great divide we see with theologies that differ from the Word of the Living God.
The doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ is about a hope that lies deep in our hearts and it should be a constant desire to look for his appearing. To some degree has been that way through out Christianity. But now, I see so much biblical potential (facts) for fulfillment before my eyes and and yet churches are caught up in day to day drama with so many of it's members not hoping for Christ at all. There is always the remnant but when looking at it institutionally I see little faith and little expectation just a lot of legal dogma and self righteous mindset. I believe Romans Ch 11 is detailing for us who do see by faith the heart of the problem on the gentile side of the fence in the prophetic realm.
There is Daniel CH 9....Matthew Ch 24 and Romans Ch 11 which Time itself cannot seem to eradicate. Romans Ch 11 reveals to us the heart of the problem to us as Gentiles because the Holy Spirit is giving wisdom about the world of unbelievers and there are plenty who refute Israel's restoration as a biblical fulfillment. There is a cutting away of the gentiles and a regrafting back in Israel and it is happening in our generation. And so it is done as we see the apostasy forewarned by apostle Paul of a falling away within the churches. Even the endorsement of major denominations of gay clergy in the house of the Lord.
We must remember, Gentiles were never put to the test like Israel was concerning who Jesus was? It seems unfair that they had that burden but not your people or mine or anybody else's. Perhaps the shoe is now being placed on the other foot and we aren't wearing it very well either. Proving by the Word of God that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile concerning error in judgement as well. Perhaps that's why Israel must be saved in that day...at last. Are we reading the Bible to see by faith this biblical reality as Israel was required to see and accept Christ when he first came? Scripture is declaring in Romans CH 11 that Christ, who is Zion the Deliverer, will yet be their Messiah and the glory will belong to God and God only as He turns away ungodliness from Jacob.
I see this based on faith and by the confirmation of the Holy Spirit it seems so fair and righteous. The Church ought to be seeing by faith and not just by sight or human knowledge? The church silence on this redemptive process among their own congregations is pervasive because of it's own jealousies and biases which is the very thing God has warned us about. We have become like old wineskin with an unwillingness to eat the meat of the gospel which in our generation has the new wine of Israel before us after 1900 years of non existence. Knowledge has been refused and wisdom we do cast out! I close with this final thought: Since Christ was Israel's test for hearing the word of God, the question I ask is could God be using Israel to test the world and their ability to hear as well and the churches are no exception?
To me it makes perfect sense despite my human need for self- preservation, it is God who truly preserves us with eternal provisions! I conclude that Romans CH 11 is far more than a parable. It must be recognize for what God calls it and that is a covenant. A covenant is a formal and binding agreement and in this case unconditional. It also can be declared as a promise and pledge to do something at a point and time. This pledge of deliverance is to Israel and it's speak of a future event yet to come. It may have been "hid" by blooming of the Church and distorted by doctrines of doubt due to the distance of time but it is still a covenant in waiting. And so after all the years, perhaps the time has come.
In closing, I advise all to find a quiet place and read this chapter for your own spiritual growth and see the cutting away and now the regrafting back in of Israel in our generation. Israel is the
root of the tree which represent the christian faith. Hold the Bible and you will see the Root! It's their blood, sweat and tears right on up to Calvary Hills's recorded by men under the power of God for the Churches benefit in knowing the true God. There is a final blessing yet for Israel despite their blindness to date for certainly their is blindness on t he Gentile nations as well and we as Christians better be prepared to walk with the Lord in performing His redemption of them in that day. May these words bless you and yours to know the season and may they also be a profit to your ministry.
For clarity sake, salvation and redemption are two different modes of operation and yet can be quite similar in performance. We know our salvation comes in Jesus Christ and I agree scripture states there is no distinction between Jew or Gentile or any other category in this regard. Despite this, God's word continues to proclaim a unique event for this nation. The problem that I see however, is that many christians are failing to realize that God still has an act of redemption for Israel as Romans Ch 11 clearly states. So when it comes to redemption which is the process of rescue or recovering from what was lost. It also refers to seek back from ransom that which was taken. We must be prepared for a fuller understanding of God's word as the Holy Spirit speaks through the apostle Paul.
Romans CH 11 isn't just about salvation but a process of national redemption because "all Israel will be saved". During this process, as the chapter closes, God turns away ungodliness from the gates of the nation of Israel. What does this mean for christians? Without going into detail, the classification of Gentile is simply everybody else who is not Jewish. We must remember there are plenty of gentiles in the world who choose not to accept Christ and downright refuse. Unfortunately even in Christianity there are doctrine that have issues as well that are in opposition to what Romans Ch 11 proclamation declares. But we serve the God of Israel and just maybe when of born again believers in Christ are raptured, national Israel will remain on Earth. Alone and desperate for solutions to survive against an onslaught of discontent and even hatred as we see in the Middle East. Indeed the city of Jerusalem is a cup of trembling!
The problem with gentile christians is the inability of many to acknowledge our side of being the problem!! You and I might see that which is spiritual but when I look at USA and World news, clearly blindness and a stiffnecked mentality is in part on the gentile side also and the churches are no exception considering the great divide we see with theologies that differ from the Word of the Living God.
The doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ is about a hope that lies deep in our hearts and it should be a constant desire to look for his appearing. To some degree has been that way through out Christianity. But now, I see so much biblical potential (facts) for fulfillment before my eyes and and yet churches are caught up in day to day drama with so many of it's members not hoping for Christ at all. There is always the remnant but when looking at it institutionally I see little faith and little expectation just a lot of legal dogma and self righteous mindset. I believe Romans Ch 11 is detailing for us who do see by faith the heart of the problem on the gentile side of the fence in the prophetic realm.
There is Daniel CH 9....Matthew Ch 24 and Romans Ch 11 which Time itself cannot seem to eradicate. Romans Ch 11 reveals to us the heart of the problem to us as Gentiles because the Holy Spirit is giving wisdom about the world of unbelievers and there are plenty who refute Israel's restoration as a biblical fulfillment. There is a cutting away of the gentiles and a regrafting back in Israel and it is happening in our generation. And so it is done as we see the apostasy forewarned by apostle Paul of a falling away within the churches. Even the endorsement of major denominations of gay clergy in the house of the Lord.
We must remember, Gentiles were never put to the test like Israel was concerning who Jesus was? It seems unfair that they had that burden but not your people or mine or anybody else's. Perhaps the shoe is now being placed on the other foot and we aren't wearing it very well either. Proving by the Word of God that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile concerning error in judgement as well. Perhaps that's why Israel must be saved in that day...at last. Are we reading the Bible to see by faith this biblical reality as Israel was required to see and accept Christ when he first came? Scripture is declaring in Romans CH 11 that Christ, who is Zion the Deliverer, will yet be their Messiah and the glory will belong to God and God only as He turns away ungodliness from Jacob.
I see this based on faith and by the confirmation of the Holy Spirit it seems so fair and righteous. The Church ought to be seeing by faith and not just by sight or human knowledge? The church silence on this redemptive process among their own congregations is pervasive because of it's own jealousies and biases which is the very thing God has warned us about. We have become like old wineskin with an unwillingness to eat the meat of the gospel which in our generation has the new wine of Israel before us after 1900 years of non existence. Knowledge has been refused and wisdom we do cast out! I close with this final thought: Since Christ was Israel's test for hearing the word of God, the question I ask is could God be using Israel to test the world and their ability to hear as well and the churches are no exception?
To me it makes perfect sense despite my human need for self- preservation, it is God who truly preserves us with eternal provisions! I conclude that Romans CH 11 is far more than a parable. It must be recognize for what God calls it and that is a covenant. A covenant is a formal and binding agreement and in this case unconditional. It also can be declared as a promise and pledge to do something at a point and time. This pledge of deliverance is to Israel and it's speak of a future event yet to come. It may have been "hid" by blooming of the Church and distorted by doctrines of doubt due to the distance of time but it is still a covenant in waiting. And so after all the years, perhaps the time has come.
In closing, I advise all to find a quiet place and read this chapter for your own spiritual growth and see the cutting away and now the regrafting back in of Israel in our generation. Israel is the
root of the tree which represent the christian faith. Hold the Bible and you will see the Root! It's their blood, sweat and tears right on up to Calvary Hills's recorded by men under the power of God for the Churches benefit in knowing the true God. There is a final blessing yet for Israel despite their blindness to date for certainly their is blindness on t he Gentile nations as well and we as Christians better be prepared to walk with the Lord in performing His redemption of them in that day. May these words bless you and yours to know the season and may they also be a profit to your ministry.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
God’s Giving Without Measure End’s The Birdfight Among Men
Amazing how God can reveals things to you when you least expect it. I had decided to go out for lunch and went to one of my favorite places Pei Wei. I ordered my meal and decided to eat outside in the patio area. While waiting for the waiter to bring my order, I saw a woman walk across the parking lot and she saw me with a glance as she walk into the restaurant. A few minutes later, she appeared on the patio and with all the empty tables around sat at the table directly in my line of sight and she sat in the chair which faced me. This was a direct line of sight, eye to eye, which I thought was unusual for a seating selection with plenty of more private seating available by the curbside tables.
After sitting, within a minute she spoke small talk about feeding the birds that were nearing the tables. Small wrens were looking for food and perhaps were expecting me to give them some food since my order had just arrived. During the small talk I mentioned that if I toss the food we could be flooded with birds. Finally, her order came and she prayed over her food and begin to eat. Mainly, due to her comments I decided to toss a few grains of rice to the birds. And I do mean a few grains because technically you could count how many I tossed on the ground. The birds came within seconds and suddenly birdfights were in the making among the birds over what little there was.
I noticed the lady had the very same meal I had, it was identical in everyway which is not easy to do at Pei Wei’s because of the different sides you can choose. After speaking with the waiter, a few minutes later the waiter brought to her table an extra side order of rice which was quite a large portion. As I watched her, the lady took one scoop of rice for herself and then threw what was left over the railing on the sidewalk. It was a huge portion of rice for the birds forcing anyone walking on the sidewalk to step around it. Without a further word she finished her lunch and promptly left.
As I watched the birds go at the rice, there was no birdfight. What appeared to be a big mess on the sidewalk was instead a provision set aside for one of God’s creatures. It also seem to be relaying a truth to me about the gift of giving. I had tossed a few grains of rice when I had so many to give even if it was just a tablespoon worth. On the other hand, she gave without measure to the birds and the fighting was over.
It was peculiar how all this happened and it required of me to perhaps examine myself and my giving to others not just birds. Surprisingly though, that was not the case. Later in the week a thought came upon me concerning this event that brought closure concerning the provisions of God. It was more about the prophetic significance of two world systems one of promise and one in the present. God was speaking that while the multitude of men are preparing for war in the Valley of Jehoshaphat for so few miles of land known as Israel, God is preparing to give to all who believe in Him in the person of Christ a New Jerusalem. For believers there is to come mansions of many rooms including provisions that has no end. The inner voice summed it up as God’s promises to the Church is for the purpose of ending the “birdfight” for the things of this world for those who choose to wait on the Lord.
As I observe the battle to yet come over so little for the things of this world, scritpure’s says vengenace will be the Lord’s in the valley of decision. But to His Church we will be set on a hill due to our faith and hope in Jesus whose giving without measure has been deomstrated on the Calvary Hill. For it is written in in Revelations 21:2-7 “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Then he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.” I am at rest in Him and lay down my arms for in me the birdfight is over, therefore be content and at rest in the Hope of a Kingdom to Come.
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