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. 

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.

Trumpet of Departure

 God always call his people to come out of something in order to get into what he has to offer. Such was Noah...Abraham....Moses....Israel....Christ calling his disciples to follow Him....His disciples led by the HolySpirit calling out to mankind to come to Christ. Christ will yet call out to His Church to be caught up from the wilderness of this world which now has no fertile land uncharted. The natural man such as the judge don't see these things and many people are likewise for it is as the board leader stated...it is logical. therefore it makes what we as christians believe seem illogical. But so be it....such is the faith in a true God worshipped in spirit and in truth. God works a pattern of departure among his people always in hope of a better place. And it has been a better place with each destination and now the final leg of the journey of deliverance is at our door. Keep the faith and be sober not slumbering in doubt for truly the trumpet is set to blow!!

Maranatha.....

God's Prophetic Word Searches Our Heart

The rapture will be a gift of Deliverance to men and women who look for the coming and appearing of the Lord Jesus as their treasure and it will also be an Awakening to the doubting and unbelieving men and women who treasure those things on earth. They will know their error and become the "tribulation saints" as well as many others as declared in the Book of Revelations. The Grace of God will still be in operation but under a different administration. The opportunity for heaven will still be available but instead of thru the Church by faith, it will be available thru the preaching of 144,000 Jewish men called divinely by God. Faith will then have all the facts needed to expose with each passing day as describe in the book of Revelations...God's reality. What truth is and where it sits....in Jerusalem in the person of Christ!! Still many will defy and such is the Battle of Armageddon!!

Most of the world will come under the rule of the Antichrist advancing his agenda with an ultimatum using fear. Personally, I believe, the Antichrist will scare more people into heaven than under any other scenario and God knows it....that's the higher purpose of his wisdom because of the human heart being so preoccupied with the things of this world. There is far more scripture to support a pretrib hope in Christ than any other stated. One of the key purposes for the rapture is to comfort the people with it which apostle Paul advises us to use this doctrine for. "Therefore comfort one another with these words" he declares. There is no comfort in becoming a tribulation saint though I am willing to die for my faith in Christ. And there is no one to rapture but perhaps the fewest of numbers if it is to occur at mid or certainly post tribe season. It would certainly be a contradiction and a sad joke for such a hope to not be realized when it counts the most.

There is a difference between suffering for our faith in the normal process of human failure versus being under the wrath of God as divinely written in the Book of Revelations prepared for judgement of the highest order and intensity. Our leading world governments and nations could collapse and we all could be a part of that disciplining for a season which has happened many times past. Jesus issues a stern warning to church members left behind saying "I never knew you" ...in other words they used his name but it was for their purposes not for His glorification. Jesus spoke but they had other plans with the gospel. There is a falling away within the community of churches that is surely before us and a catching up of the remnant who will remember their first love and hope on Him still.......

The Word of God cuts both ways, dividing even between bone and marrow, soul and spirit with a twin edge sword. Cutting in to cut out the selfish mindset of so many in churches. I know plenty of "details" about God's prophetic word and none of it brings one to salvation. It is the heart that needs to be touched by the prophetic word thru the reality of what God is doing and why. Israel is God's tool for preaching righteousness once again because so many in the church are self righteous or shall we say like a "Pharisee". Protecting themselves despite what God is doing to promote Himself!! It is the way that Jesus is returning that rubs so many the wrong way much to their own loss.  Wasn't that the problem when He first came? Maranatha......In Christ love.

8 minutes ago

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.

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. 

Comforted by Hope in Christ..Such is the Rapture

As one who believes in a Pre Tribulation rapture, I lean heavily on 1Thess 4:13-18 which continues into ch 5: 1- 3 which reads "But of the times and seasons you have no need that I should write to you. For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say "Peace and safety" then sudden destruction comes upon them etc....". I feel this is the season when the Rapture shall occur. It appears to be at a time of great exaltation of peace at last among the nations and certainly between Israel and the Arab nations. This would indicate that the Church is here to see this climatic event or at least the potential for it's fulfillment. For the Church it ought to seal the deal that the "season and times" of the nearness of Christ return is upon us. He will be at the door ready to take up those who have believed by faith in Him.

I do believe that before the treaty is signed that a collapsed world economy, including North America, could erupt. And that could test our faith without us having to actually be in the tribulation period. It is a collapsed situation that could bring about desperate solutions, by any means necessary, with new leaders and their ideas brought on board from around the world and certainly in the Middle East. It is God's call when He will turn things over to the Antichrist due to a world of unbelief.

The problem I see with the Church in the tribulation period, such as mid and post tribulation, is I just don't see many survivors to be raptured. When I think of the "elect", they appear to be to those who are specifically anointed by God for a specific purpose. The Seven year judgement of God in the Book of Revelation still demonstrate his wonderful grace in operation but with a different administration at work. Instead of Gentiles preaching the gospel, God is using men of Jewish descent. One group that is elected so to speak is the 144,000 sealed Jewish ministers. Another group elected are the 2 witnesses in Jerusalem. This is God's grace at work after the Church is raptured and the gospel continues. The 'tribulations saints" will become believers during this time but will not be empowered to lead the cause but die to it! I don't see scripture considering them elect but that they are to be blessed for their courageous conversion under extreme duress.

God gives us enough facts to have faith but never enough facts to live without faith. Prophecy is a work of art the way our Lord has written it down for us and the church is commanded to covet prophecy. The word covet in scripture is almost universally thought of as a prerequisite to idolatry. Coveting is an act of worshiping something other than God but it is written in  1Corinthians 14:39 "Wherefore  my brethren covet to prophesy and forbid not the speaking of tongues".  For us to see so much of God's written word moving before us after so long of a time is a testament to the God we serve. None of us will get the total picture because we see things vaguely like through a dark glass. 

Now it is 2,000 years later since apostle Paul wrote those words. The question I ask is can we see better through the dark glass now? If it's any consolation, I am beginning to see what lies on the other side of the glass bottle. Hindsight is helping to give me 20/20 vision and the Holy Spirit by the words of scripture is confirming so and yet it is still by faith and not by knowledge. God revelations concerning endtimes advises us to covet prophecy to avoid potential for error in judgement. God's doctrine of being caught up gives up hope if we want to believe it. But blessed are those who believe and have not seen the Christ but do hear his Voice by studying the scriptures and looking for Christ appearing. After all the years, we are indeed comforted by the hope of the Rapture as apostle Paul said it was written to do in 1Thess 4:18 "comfort one another with these words"......words of hope and deliverance!!