Love One Another

 

Love One Another

1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

As Christians, we are called to be a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are indwelt with God’s Holy Spirit, then we should have God’s divine nature and attributes present within our lives. As the moon reflects light from the sun, we should reflect the light of the Son. God’s Word tells us that the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled, if we love God, as well as love our neighbor as our self. Christ is our example of selfless love. Although Christ was God, he left his throne in glory, became a man, and humbled himself to the death upon the cross. Upon the cross he said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Christ taught us to love our enemies, and to do good to those who wrong us. We should imitate Christ and have this same selfless love for our neighbors.

It is sometimes hard to have love for our fellow coworkers, students, or even family members, but with Christ, all things are possible. If you are feeling anger or bitterness toward someone, I encourage you to pray for them, as well as pray that God will help you see them through His eyes. I always ask the Lord to help me to look beyond someone’s faults and see the need. We live in a fallen world and we all have faults, which is why it is important not to be critical of others. However, we must be born again to be truly saved. We must put to death our old nature and become a new sanctified creation in Christ. If we continue in sinful bondages then we deny both the Father, as well as the Son.

1 John 3:3-10 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.  5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.  6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.  8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.  9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

1 Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter. The first three verses of this chapter show the importance of love. It states that you may have the gifts of tongues, prophecy, and faith, feed the poor, and be willing to have your body burned, but without love, it profits you nothing. Galatians 5 lists the fruits of the Spirit and love is stated to be the most important fruit. Many people are into good works, but if their works are not from a sincere heart, filled with love, then they are in vain. Chapter 13 also states that love is patient, kind and keeps no record of wrongs (KJV). Sometimes it is hard to be patient with children, as well as many adults, but true love is longsuffering. Love does not envy, nor is it arrogant, love puts the needs of others before it’s own. Verse seven states that love, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Without Christ, it is impossible to have this kind of love, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit, this is possible.      

 The entire world is a mission field and the Lord does not require us to be eloquent speakers to share our faith. True love will compel us to share our faith. We can plant seeds of faith with those around us. It's not up to us for them to believe, it is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin and lead them to the truth, but we should utilize every opportunity to plant seeds of truth. One person may plant a seed, then another will come and water that new tender shoot, then another will harvest the crop and bring it into the storehouse (Luke 8:5-18).

The golden law is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” God’s Word teaches us, that if we forgive others their trespasses against us, the Lord will also forgive us our trespasses (Matt 6:14). In addition, if we show mercy to others, then the Lord will show mercy to us. God’s Word is clear, that the Lord will judge each of us, based on how we treat our fellow man.

 Matt 5:22-24, says that if we are angry with our brother without a cause we shall be in danger of the judgment, if we call him Raca (dumb head, or idiot), we shall be in danger of the council, and if we call him a fool, we shall be in danger of hell fire. God expects his children to pursue peace with all men, and name-calling, which results from anger, is forbidden with God. God’s Word also says that it is possible to be angry and not sin, but we are not to let the sun go down upon our wrath. In other words, we are to make peace, as soon as possible with the trespasser. If they refuse to make peace, we are to still forgive them in our heart before the day is ended. Bitterness dries up the bones according to God’s Word. It is also a medical fact, that people who are angry and bitter a lot, are candidates for cancer, heart attacks, strokes, as well as other diseases. The root of bitterness will lead to hate, which is the same as the sin of murder according to Christ. In verses 23 and 24, Christ said, that when you bring your gift to the alter, and then remember that your brother has something against you, go and be reconciled with your brother then come and offer your gift. This passage shows that grudges against others, will hurt your relationship with the Lord, as well as cut you off from his blessings. Quiet often, not forgiving others will also block a person from healings, as well as hinder their prayers from being answered. Matt 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. In this passage, Christ was telling Peter that we are to forgive our brothers sins against us, countless times. We are to have the mind of Christ, and follow his example. Since Christ gives us grace, we should also extend grace to our fellow man, who is also created in God’s image.

Matt 18:23-35, Is the parable of the unforgiving servant. Christ said, that the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who had a servant who owed him ten thousand talents. The servant pleaded with the king to have mercy on him, and not to sell him and his family. The king chose to have mercy upon this servant, and to release him, as well as forgive his debt. This servant then went to one of his fellow servants who owed him money, and grabbed him by the throat, and demanded to be paid in full. This servant fell at his feet and begged him to have patience, but he refused to have mercy upon this servant. Instead, he had his fellow servant thrown in jail, until he was paid in full. Then the king had this wicked servant delivered to the tortures because he refused to have compassion upon his fellow servant. Verse 35 states, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

In response to the question, “who is my neighbor?” Christ taught the parable of the Good Samaritan. Christ said that there was a man who went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and left him half-dead.  A priest and a Levite, passed by him on the other side of the road and would not help him. But, a certain Samaritan saw him and had compassion for him. The Samaritan bandaged his wounds, poured oil, and wine on them, and brought him to an inn. He paid the innkeeper to care for the man until he returned. Christ said that the true neighbor was the Samaritan, because he showed mercy to the man who fell among thieves. Christ also said to go and do likewise.

 Many people nowadays are very self-centered and the needs of others are of no importance. In a city that I once lived near, I was told of a man who died from a heart attack, while parked on the side of a road. The man was slumped over the steering wheel in broad daylight, on a very busy, well-traveled road, and no one stopped to check on him. The physician who examined the body said that the man would have probably lived if someone had helped him. This is an example of the selfishness that exists in our modern world. We need good Samaritans that are willing to take the time to help those in need. I have also heard many stories of good neighbors, who risked their lives to pull people out of burning cars or homes. I know of a non- believer who was willing to open up their home to a homeless family, when their Christian family members refused to. This non-believer displayed mercy for this family and proved to be a good Samaritan, while the Christian family members were willing to let their family go to a homeless shelter. God will bless those who show mercy to others. In our modern culture, we are taught that our money belongs to us and we have no responsibility to help the less fortunate. The truth is quite the opposite; God’s Word teaches that if we neglect the needy, we will not enter God’s kingdom. James taught that faith without works is dead. James states, that if you see your brother or sister naked, or hungry, and say to them, “be warm and filled,” but do not give him what he needs, then your faith is dead.

 James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

I admire the good work of ministries like the Salvation Army, homeless shelters, and food banks. They show the love of Christ to the hungry and homeless, by living what they preach. My wife and I used to do volunteer work for a Salvation Army homeless shelter and it was very fruitful. A person is more likely to listen to your testimony, if you are showing loving kindness toward them, rather than begging for their money. If the church would learn to be givers, rather than takers, then we would see a large harvest of souls overnight. The wheat and the tares grow together in Christianity, but the day is coming when the tares will be removed, and cast into the fire. Consider Christ’s teaching on the separation of the sheep and the goats on judgment day. The sheep, who enter God’s kingdom, are those who have fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, gave shelter to the stranger, clothed the naked, visited the sick and prisoner. The goats that go into punishment are those who have NOT done these things for their fellow man. If we claim to know Christ, we should have love, accompanied by action, for our fellow man. I encourage you to be a good Samaritan and reach out with the love of Christ to a hurting world!

Luke 10:29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.  33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.  34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" 37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

 

 Matt 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.  33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'  37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' 41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire  prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' 44 Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."  

 

 

 

          

The Wrestling Match

 

The Wrestling Match

Gal 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

We are all participants in a wrestling match. For our fleshly nature is contrary to God’s Spirit, and the two natures are in opposition to one another. Our flesh wars against God’s Spirit, and must be brought into subjection to God’s will. Many people say that we are only human and God understands, as well as, tolerates our carnal nature. This false belief is a lie and is contrary to God’s Word. God’s Holy Spirit is more powerful than sin and He has equipped us with the power to live a holy life, separated from the world. The battleground is our mind and our will is all that stands in the way from totally surrendering to Christ. If we purpose in our heart to love God more than the world, and are willing to yield our minds to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, then God will transform us into a new creation. All things are possible with God, if you will surrender  your will to his.

 

 Christ said, that if you love him you will keep his commandments. Paul said, that if you continue in sin you do not know the Father or the Son. No one is perfect by any means, for we have all sinned and fallen short of his glory. Paul is speaking of habitual sins, also known as bondages. A sinful lifestyle will lead you down the broad road to Hell. Christ made atonement upon the cross for sins committed in ignorance, as well as, for sins that are repented of. Grace is not automatic, grace follows repentance only. Repentance means that we are sorry for our sins and are turning away from them. If we stumble and fall, we should not get discouraged. We should get back up, dust ourselves off, and press forward in Christ. There is grace to help us overcome our fleshly nature. God does not expect a new believer to grow up overnight. God gives us time to grow in him. We enter the Kingdom of Heaven as babes on milk, but we are expected to grow up to strong meat in time. God is calling His children to bear much good fruit for His Kingdom. Galatians 5, lists the works of the flesh, as well as, the fruit of the Spirit. The works of the sinful nature will bar a person from entrance to God’s Kingdom. Gal 5:19-21 states that those who practice these sins, will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Christ said, that any tree that does not bear good fruit, will be cut down and thrown into the fire. God’s Word, states that some will produce thirty, sixty, and one hundred fold fruit. As we grow in Christ, we will produce different levels of fruit, but we must produce good fruit if we are truly born again. To be born again, is to become a new creation in Christ, through submission to the working of God’s Spirit.

 

Many years ago, I worked as a security guard in a large office building. I had a conflict with the cleaning crew over security issues. This conflict caused me to have a great amount of bitterness toward these people. The Lord gave me a dream about the bitterness that I was contending with. I dreamed that I was walking through a building and the lights went out. Later the lights came back on. The angel of the Lord walked up to me and said, “You could have been injured, or killed, when the lights were out.” I was told to remain plugged in to the power source, which is the Holy Spirit. I was then seated at a large banquet table, with candles and good food. The lady, who was the supervisor of the cleaning crew approached me and looked very irritated. I was eating a red pepper, which is symbolic of anger. I spoke to her with kindness and forgave her. I understood that when we have bitterness, or hatred, toward others, we are walking in darkness rather than light. Bitterness, or hatred, will cut you off from God, as well as, his protection. God cannot look upon sin, it will cut you off from His provision, until you repent. Ephesians 5, tells us to be imitators of God, and to walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. Ephesians 5, also tells us that no unclean person has any inheritance in the Kingdom of God. That is why it is crucial, that we allow God’s Spirit to purify us, and separate us, from the sinful world. Without holiness, no man shall see the Father. We are told to walk in the light, bearing the fruit of God’s Spirit, as well as, to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

 

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."

Recent Dreams of the Coming Judgments

 

Recent Dreams of the Coming Judgments

Hebrews 12:26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven."  27 Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

 

Recently, the Lord has given me more dreams about the coming judgments. Quite often, the Lord will show me tornadoes and earthquakes as symbolic of coming judgments. The tornadoes and earthquakes are literal, but they are also symbolic of the much greater judgments to come. I see the coming great tribulation as a very dark, immense storm on the horizon. In a dream, I saw many large black tornadoes drop from the sky. The tornadoes seemed to be targeting upscale neighborhoods. The upper halves of the tornadoes were angels of the Lord. The Lord spoke to me that the angels were directing the paths of the tornadoes. My wife drew the picture of the angel/tornadoes that I used as cover art for this teaching. These judgments are not random events; they come by the hand of the Lord. The Lord’s righteous judgments are meant to bring a wake-up call to repentance, to those who will respond. I had another dream, where I heard civil defense sirens wailing and I saw flashes of lightening, accompanied by rolling thunder. I heard a voice shout, “Tornadoes! Take cover!” I understood that God is warning His children to prepare a place of safety to ride out the storm of the coming tribulation. Those who wait until the last moment to prepare may find themselves stranded in the wrong location. The Lord did not rapture Noah out of the earth, rather He instructed him to build an ark of safety. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. We should follow Noah’s example and seek the Lord with prayer and fasting as to where the safe havens are located. The major cities of America will burn from nuclear fire. Go remote!

 

In another dream, I was standing in front of a federal courthouse in a large city. There was a large, round, seal of the USA, on front of the building. The seal was the eagle with the olive branch and arrows in its talons, which was also the seal of the Roman Caesars. A strong wind began to blow trash from the street into the air. I could hear a loud, cyclonic sound approaching the courthouse. The sound was the hum and roar of an immense tornado. I began to call on Jesus for protection. This dream was very clear high definition quality, and I could hear the sound of the cyclone for a few seconds after waking. The tornado was approaching a federal courthouse. I believe that this indicates God’s judgment is upon this land, and that God’s laws trump man’s form of justice. Gay marriage and transgender bathroom laws are an example of man-made laws that will bring judgment upon this land. The wind was blowing trash into the air; I believe that this is symbolic of the sins of this nation. This nation has much blood on its hands. Illegal war campaigns, abortion of the innocents, sexual perversion pushed in the classrooms, the removal of God’s laws from sight and sound, are but a few. Many people are lovers of pleasure more than of God. The Lord hates materialism and he will destroy Babylon (USA) in a single hour. The merchants of the earth will weep over her, as her smoke ascends upward.

 

 In another dream, the Lord showed me tornado judgments coming upon the United Kingdom. The Lord showed me that their materialism would also result in judgments. I saw buildings of commerce, as well as places of entertainment. The Lord said that they are almost Americans. In other words, they have forgotten God as well. The tornadoes are symbolic of many forms of judgments. In another dream, I saw people hiding in a bomb shelter in Paris, France. They were hoping to survive the Great War to come. I saw a large nuclear explosion go off near the Eifel Tower. I was told that Paris is ground zero, and that no one would survive. The Day of Judgment is coming upon the entire world and our only hope for survival is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many of God’s children will be martyred during the Tribulation, but others will survive to see the Lord’s return. Those who will survive are those who know God’s voice and are willing to relocate to wilderness or remote areas of God’s choosing. I believe that God is rising up prophets to be guides for his children into the wilderness (Rev 12).

 

I believe that Babylon, described in Rev 18 is a dual prophecy. It is a reference to Rome of old, as well as the modern Rome of the end time (USA). It is also a reference to spiritual Babylon, (Roman Catholic Church and her offspring, apostate Christianity).

 

Rev 18: 1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.'  Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. 8 And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. 9 "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' 11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'

19 They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.' 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!" 21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. 22 The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. 23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth."                      

Awake, you sleeping giants! (written by my wife)

I originally posted this on January26, 2016, but I felt led to post it again, with a new introduction.

A dream my husband had in 2014 inspired the new artwork for this blog.  The dream was as follows: As far as Mel could see, giants slept in ditches spanning the vast landscape (the giants represent today’s churches).  A large lion soon appeared and began approaching each of the giants.  He threw his head back and roared an ear-shattering rumble.  Yet, no matter how loud The Lion of Judah (Jesus Christ) roared, the giants would not wake.  A few sleepily opened their eyes, but none of them arose from their ditches.  A group of people dressed as construction workers were next to appear.  They were impatient for the giants to awaken because they had a lot of work to do.  The angels in Mel’s dream did not have wings as I drew the one on the right side, but the angels in his dreams are often dressed as builders, police, firefighters, etc., so it was easy to interpret that these construction workers ready to build for the Kingdom of God, were angels.  The angels long for genuine followers of God’s Truths to join them and work side by side.

Although Mel did not see a pile of secular items surrounding the giants in his dream, I added those to my drawing because the churches no longer teach such things as immoral.  Watching and reading items infused with witchcraft will separate you from the Lord, as well as addictions to pornography, alcohol, and cigarettes.  In other words, if you refuse to give up such vises, you are sleeping to the will of God.      

In our dreams God often shows both Mel and me family members and friends sleeping, and one or both of us is trying to wake them.  They are asleep to the Truths God so desperately wishes to share with all His children.  They are shown to us as sleeping with their backs to us and refusing to wake up, just as the giants refused to wake. 

Most people are so steeped in their religious boxes and misinformed theories that it is a struggle to attempt to wake them.  I used to have a deaf roommate whose alarm clock would go off for an hour or longer before she would hear it and get ready for work.  Because she had a little bit of hearing left, she would eventually hear the alarm, rise, and go to work.  We must be like an alarm clock for those who are spiritually deaf.  Somewhere deep down they can still hear what we say and want to know the Truth.  It will eventually sink in, and they will be ready to rise and go to work for the Lord.  We must not cease praying for God to open their eyes and soften their hearts so they are receptive to hearing the Truth. 

It is very difficult for anyone to swallow their pride and admit they have been wrong for many years, especially if this person sees himself as a leader or expert.  We must pray for patience and understanding for these people.  As a former preacher’s kid, I was once one of those too stubborn to listen to alternate theories.  I thought I knew it all.  Ultimately, my daily bible study opened my eyes to the many contradictions taught in most churches.  I was at a point in my life where I was spiritually sensitive enough to hear God’s voice and accept correction.  My bible studies continue to keep my eyes wide open to the Truths in the bible.  A typical prayer for me is that God will reveal any errors in my theologies so I may adjust them.  I pray you will also have an open heart to hear all that God wishes to teach you.

Here is the original blog (edited):

Awake, you sleeping giants!

In today's modern church, pastors have quit preaching lessons of repentance and holiness.  I am not saying every single pastor out there is preaching a lukewarm message, but sadly, the majority are. 

They are preaching feel-good sermons that are putting the church to sleep.  I am going to briefly touch on some of the dangerous, but common messages taught.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light… finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”  Ephesians 5:8-14

 

The first topic I would like to touch on is the issue of the rapture.  My husband, Mel, has pretty much said what I would have said in his blog, "The Truth About the Rapture." http://swordofthespirit77.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-truth-about-rapture.html  Here is an excerpt from that blog, but I encourage you to read the entire blog:

"There is much controversy as to the timing of the rapture, but God’s Word is very clear on this subject and we will explore what it really teaches. This is not a subject that should divide us, but it is critical that we be informed of the truth. The pre-tribulation rapture viewpoint is very dangerous because it teaches people that there is no need to prepare for the tribulation, or hard times ahead, because God is going to rapture you up to Heaven for seven years, then return again to establish His kingdom. This man-made doctrine is contrary to God’s Word, and was created by taking scripture out of context, as well as making scriptures jump through many hoops in order to bring about a man- pleasing belief.

"The Lord Jesus Christ himself told us exactly when he will return, as well as when he will send forth his angels to gather the elect. Christ said that immediately after the tribulation of those days he would return and gather his elect unto himself.

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  Matt 24:29    

"Christ said what he meant and was not speaking metaphorically. The pre-trib doctrine teaches that this passage is in reference to the second coming of Christ, seven years after the ingathering of the saints, but Christ said that at this time, he would send out his angels to harvest the elect. This passage alone is enough to establish that the rapture and the second coming of Christ are the same event and that this will occur immediately after the tribulation...

"God did not rapture Noah out of the earth, nor did he build the ark for him, rather he instructed him how to build the ark.  Noah was obedient to God and although it took him 120 years to build the ark, he did not give up. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. Like Noah, we need to be making preparations for the soon coming tribulation. I believe that the Lord is instructing people to prepare communities in remote wilderness areas for the time of trouble ahead. We all need to be seeking the Lord with much fasting and prayer concerning where to relocate. The cities, as well as populated areas are destined for judgment. This is not a time for fear but action. If we trust God as Noah did, then we will be obedient to him and follow his voice."

I would like to add that the church also uses Luke 17 to explain that these verses refer to a rapture.  But if you read the entire section, you will see this does not mean people are being raptured, but the opposite, they are being killed.  It was reading the book of Luke during a personal bible study in 2012 (2 years before I met Mel) when I came to the conclusion that I had been mis-taught all my life.  No one came to me to explain it, but simple daily bible study opened my eyes.  That is why it is so important to read your bible every day. 

I am not going to include all the verses, but please read all of Luke 17.

I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.
“Where, Lord?” they asked.
He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”  Luke 17:34-37 

The bible warns against not preaching about holiness. Spiritual leaders have a responsibility to make sure their followers are striving to live holy lives. Paul even predicted that there would be a time when people would refuse to listen to the Truth.  Pastors, wanting to be popular, have begun to tell the people what they want to hear so they do not lose their offerings.  It is not about souls being saved, it is all about the amount of money that goes in the plate.

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  II Timothy 4:1-5

Another popular message of the church is that there is grace for everything, without first repenting of your sins.  Yes, God is full of mercy, love, and grace, but we must ask for forgiveness, repent of our sins, give up habitual sins, and make the daily decision to continue to walk down paths of righteousness.  We are not automatically “saved” when we say a simple sinner’s prayer.  It is the beginning of a wonderful walk with the Lord, but, as with any relationship, we must nurture it and work at producing good fruit.  We are continually being saved until we cross the finish line at the end of this life.

Some people may never set foot in a church, but they will listen to Christian music or at least attend a concert.  Therefore, Christian artists (as well as authors who market themselves as “Christian”) have the same responsibility as pastors to preach sound doctrine in their songs. There are many Christian artists I enjoy; they are talented singers and songwriters with what appears to be a genuine desire to serve the Lord.  However, very few songs are about holiness.  The word “grace” is more likely to appear in their songs than the word, “repentance.”  They also care more about being popular and making money than convicting people of their sins.  

I know I just posted this about 3 weeks ago, but I am going to quote from my blog "Come as you are, but don't stay that way!"

"...once you have surrendered your heart, mind, and soul to Christ, you are not instantly saved forever.  The theory of eternal security is a lie of the devil in order to put Christians to sleep.  When we think there is grace for everything, and that our actions suffer no consequences because our salvation is guaranteed with one simple prayer, we can easily slip into a life of sin and comfortably stay there...

"It is very true that Christ accepts us as we are and He gave His life on the cross for our sins so we can have eternal life.  Yet it is also very true that, though we may come just as we are with all our faults, God expects us to change.  Jesus is a loving Father who readily forgives our sins as long as our repentance is sincere and we do not continue to live in sin...He is holy and it is His desire that we live holy lives if we are to follow Him.  That does not mean we have to be perfect, but we must seek out to destroy our sinful nature."

You can read the entire blog at the above link.

Let's be honest, the devil loves it that the church has been spiritually put to sleep.  He loves that they are teaching that there is no devil and/or Hell.  Therefore, and this goes along great with the grace message, there are no consequences for your actions.

While I do not believe Hell is literally forever, based on Revelation 20:14-15, I do believe it exists.  

Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20:14-15

There are too many references in the bible on Hell to list them all, but reading all of Revelation 20 reveals a lot.  Please read the entire chapter.

There are several more topics that come to mind as far as what the church is teaching to put people asleep.  However, as I am writing this, I feel God is telling me, that instead of listing all the areas I see error, I am to write about these issues individually.  Therefore, I will do my best to continue to write God's Truths as they are laid upon my heart.  I have had several ideas forming in just a few minutes. 

So how do we arise from our sleep?  As I mentioned above, studying God's Word daily is a wonderful start.  Really devouring what you read and making sure you understand it will help you avoid falling for false teachings.  When you know what the Bible says on a certain subject, then you are less apt to fall for man's doctrines. 

Be diligent [work hard] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.   II Timothy 2:15

I never want you to take my word for anything.  Study on your own.  I am overly logical and highly skeptical on most subjects; I always want second and third opinions on everything.  There are a lot of very cunning and manipulative people that will try to force you to believe their way is the only way.  I am not one of those people.  God's way is the only way, so read His words and really let them sink in. Pray before and/or after you read the bible that God will reveal His Truths to you.  Also, if you attend church, do the same.  God has revealed to both my husband and me when there are false doctrines being taught by spiritual leaders as well as individual people in our lives.  Although Mel is more gifted in prophecy that I am, God speaks to both of us through dreams and visions.  If your heart is pure (you don’t have to be perfect) and you are humble and willing, God may speak to you as well, so be willing to listen.  

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.  I John 4:1-3

The Finish Line

 

The Finish Line

 

Most churches today are not teaching their people the truth concerning salvation. They are taught that by simply reciting the sinner’s prayer, they are saved, and the angels are singing in Heaven. The sinner’s prayer is a great prayer when done in sincerity, but this alone does not save a person’s soul, it is just the beginning. Most churches today are not teaching their people to repent of their sins and to be born again. To be born again, a person must become a new creation in Christ, and this means to be set apart from the world and unto God. The Apostle Paul addressed his letters to the saints in Christ. The word saint means, set apart one.  In Romans chapter six Paul teaches that we are not to continue in sin but we must live for Christ. If Jesus Christ is truly the Lord of your life, then his attributes will be apparent in your life. Christ said that any tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Also note, that in the following verse Paul said that we are being saved, therefore we must never become complacent in our spiritual walk .  2 Cor 2:15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

 

In Hebrews 3:7-15,  We are admonished not to harden our hearts, as the Israelites did during the rebellion in the wilderness. In verse 12, we are told to beware, lest any of us have an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. We are also told, to exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest anyone be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Verse 14 states, For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. Salvation requires much more than just faith in Christ. It requires allowing God’s Holy Spirit to purify us, so that we can bear good fruit unto the Lord. We are truly saved, if we hold our confidence in Christ, steadfast to the end. There are several hundred scriptures in God’s Word concerning the necessity of holiness within the life of the believer. However, a handful of Paul’s writings that many take out of context, confuses people. Paul said that we are justified by faith, not by works, lest anyone should boast. Paul was saying that we are not justified by keeping the Law of Moses, lest we boast in the Law. Paul explains this better in Galatians. However, we are told in James, that faith without works is dead.

 

Hebrews 3: 7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, 'They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.' 11 So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest.' " 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."

 

 The Book of Revelation, was given to the Apostle John by the angel of Jesus Christ. Within Revelation, Christ gave warnings to the various churches that they must keep the commandments of God or they would be cast away. In Rev 2:4 Christ told them that they had left their first love, he told them to repent, and do their first works over or he would remove their lampstand from it’s place. He also told the church of Sardis to repent, because their works, were not found to be perfect before God. Christ told the church of Laodicea that because they are lukewarm that he would vomit them out of his mouth. As you can see, the Word of God teaches us that it is very possible to fall from grace, due to sin, or lack of faith. It is time for the lukewarm churches to wake up and stop leading people astray.

 

 

Paul compares this life of probation to running a race. We run this race of life hoping to obtain the prize, which is eternal life with God, but if we do not complete the race and cross the finish line, then all is lost. Even Paul said that if he didn’t discipline his body to bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Paul was saying that like a runner in a race keeps his body in good physical condition, we must also keep our spiritual body in good condition so that we might be able to cross the finish line and win our crown.  1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Christ said that those who endure unto the end shall be saved, if we fail to cross the finish line in victory, then all is lost. Matt 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. Matt 24: 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

 

 The lukewarm church of the end time is preaching a greasy grace message that makes people feel good, instead of teaching them the truth. When there is no distinction between the sinful world and the saints, the salt has lost it’s savor, and the truth has been turned into a lie. If we live, dress, talk, as well as act, like sinners, then we are lost as well. Christ made atonement upon the cross for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for sins that are repented of. If we do not repent of willful sins, then there is no forgiveness. Atonement is not automatic, it follows repentance. No one is perfect of course, but we are called to righteousness, and that means to live right.

 

Many people profess to know God but deny him by their actions. If we know Christ then we should have the mind of Christ, as well as bear good fruit. Christ said that if you love him then you will obey his commandments.   Titus 1: 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.  15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.  16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

 

  Also, consider the parable of the sower of seed.   Matt 13: 18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:  19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.  20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;  21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.  22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.  23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” In this parable, Christ illustrates how many people fall away from the faith because they have no strong root. The seed is the Word of God, and many people don’t understand what they read and the wicked one (Satan) will deceive them and steal what was sown in their heart, these have fallen by the wayside. Others, who have no root, endure for awhile, then fall away from Christ because of hard times, or persecution, or tribulation. These people may hold prominent positions within the church, or may have been professing Christians for years, but they usually blame God for some tragedy or circumstance in their life, and fall away. I have known many people who have fallen away from Christ due to hardship. Others, the deceitfulness of riches or the cares of the world, choke the word and they become unfruitful. God’s Word teaches that the love of money is the root of all evil, but many of the television evangelists, as well as mega church leaders are into money worship and are leading the masses astray. The prosperity gospel is the polar opposite of the teachings of Christ. Christ said, that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of an needle, than for a rich man to enter Heaven. However, he who’s  seed fell on good ground, produced fruit, thirty, sixty or one hundred fold. Not every Christian will produce the same degree of good fruit, some may produce only 30 fold fruit, but they are still doing their best to pursue Christ. If we produce zero fruit then we are in serious trouble. The parable of the sower of seed, very clearly shows us that it is possible to fall away from Christ.

 

Rev 2: 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

 

Rev 3:1  “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.  3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

 

Rev 3: 14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:  15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—  18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

        

Dream of the Return of Christ and Preparation for his Coming

Dream of the Return of Christ and Preparation for his Coming

Shortly after the death of my nephew in 2013, the Lord blessed me with a dream of his return. I was also grieving over the death of my only brother and this dream brought me great comfort.

 

Throughout the entire dream I heard a song by Sandi Patti entitled, "We shall behold him." I also woke up singing this song. In my dream, I saw a great city descending from God, out of Heaven, it looked like many castles, shining brighter than the sun. This may have been the New Jerusalem, or symbolic of the Kingdom of God coming to the earth. Then I heard a loud voice shout, "Every eye shall behold him!" Then I saw the face of Jesus Christ fill the entire sky! His face was turned away from the earth because of wickedness, but as he was returning, he turned his face toward the earth. His face was transparent like that of a spirit, but you could clearly see his features. He was wearing a very large crown filled with many jewels. When the elect saw him, they fell to their knees, and lifted up their faces and hands toward him. Then their faces began to glow brightly, and soon their entire bodies were transformed into their immortal form. I know that the return of Christ will occur soon, because the Lord has spoken to me three times that I will never see death, yet will be transformed when he returns.

      

Rev 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

 

1 Thess 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words

 

The Lord is returning for a bride without spot or wrinkle. The Lord has spoken to me through many words and visions, that most Christians, are covered in the filth of sin from compromise. The church today, is a product of our wicked culture. The apostasy (great falling away) is a result of the distorted grace for everything message that is being preached by dead churches. When the preaching of holiness, was replaced, by the we are all sinners lie, God began to remove His Spirit from the churches. If you do not believe this, then ask yourself, why has demonic manifestations replaced the Holy Spirit in most revivals? Common demonic manifestations are, making animal sounds, crawling around on all fours barking, spiritual drunkenness, uncontrollable laughter, sticking to the floor, heads rotating, and spasms. I am in the deliverance ministry and I have witnessed these type of manifestations, from demons that were being cast out of the possessed. There is an invasion of demons within the church today because of sinful compromise. If the churches will start preaching holiness again, then God’s Spirit may return. However, there is grace for sins that are repented of. Repentance means to confess your sins to God and one another, as well as turn away from them. There are hundreds of verses in God’s Word about ceasing from sin and pursuing righteousness, but they are ignored by most churches today.

 

 The apostate church of the end times, is referred to as spiritual Babylon, which is translated wickedness. God’s Word tells us that the harlot church will be the dwelling place of demons, and the prison of every foul spirit, and unclean bird. God’s true children, are told to come out of her. The Roman Catholic Church is the mother of all harlots and the dead protestant churches are her offspring. Rev 18:2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

 

 I believe that the Great Tribulation will be a time of purification for the true church. When people are forced to take a stand for Christ, as well as, clean their lives up, then they will be ready for the Lord’s return. When electricity is no longer available to power televisions or the internet, then Christians will be forced to get this form of compromise out of their lives. The internet is good for Christian ministry, but if a person is viewing pornography, then it is spiritual death to them. Statistics show that as many as 50% of pastors are addicted to porn, as well as the majority of men within churches today. Unless, a person is delivered from this sinful bondage, they will go to Hell. The Lord has given me numerous visions and dreams that television is also spiritual death to believers, as well as Satan’s throne in most homes. It will take the purging of the Tribulation, to produce a bride wearing garments of holiness. Those who wish to live to be transformed, when the Lord returns, must be sanctified (purified, set apart). Ephesians 5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.                

 

There is much controversy as to the timing of the rapture, but God’s Word is very clear on this subject and we will explore what it really teaches. This is not a subject that should divide us, but it is critical that we be informed of the truth. The pre-tribulation rapture viewpoint is very dangerous because it teaches people that there is no need to prepare for the tribulation, or hard times ahead, because God is going to rapture you up to Heaven for seven years, then return again to establish his kingdom. This man made doctrine is contrary to God’s Word, and was created by taking scripture out of context, as well as making scriptures jump through many hoops in order to bring about a man pleasing belief.

 

 

The Lord Jesus Christ himself told us exactly when he will return, as well as when he will send forth his angels to gather the elect. Christ said that immediately after the tribulation of those days he would return and gather his elect unto himself. NKJV Matt 24:29  “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  Christ said what he meant and was not speaking metaphorically. The pre-trib doctrine teaches that this passage is in reference to the second coming of Christ, seven years after the ingathering of the saints, but Christ said that at this time, he would send out his angels to harvest the elect. This passage alone is enough to establish that the rapture and the second coming of Christ are the same event and that this will occur immediately after the tribulation.

 

 

 The Apostle Paul taught that we will not be caught up to meet the Lord in the air until the the dead are raised first, then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them. Paul did not say that we will be caught up to Heaven, but that we will meet the Lord in the air as he returns, this is our transformation into immortality. 1 Thess 4:13  But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.  16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

 

 

1 Cor 15:51  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—  52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.   If we establish when the dead are raised, then we will know when the remnant who are alive, will be caught up and transformed. Christ said that he will raise the dead on the last day. John 6:39  This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.  40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  Paul said that the dead are raised, and that we are caught up with them at the last trump. The last trump is a reference to the sounding of the seventh angel in the book of Revelation.  Rev 10:7  but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. Rev 11:15  Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” When the trump is sounded then it is said, “ The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ”. As you can see, God’s Word clearly teaches that the dead are raised on the last day, at the last trump.

 

 

Another interesting fact is that all those martyred within the Great Tribulation will have part in the first resurrection (resurrection of the righteous). If the rapture/resurrection occurred before the tribulation then they would have no resurrection. Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

 

 

God’s Word teaches us that he will protect many of his children in the wilderness during this time of tribulation, these will be the remnant that overcome and that will never see death.  Rev 12:13  Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.  15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.  16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.  17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 

 

  God did not rapture Noah out of the earth, nor did he build the ark for him, rather he instructed him how to build the ark.  Noah was obedient to God and although it took him 120 years to build the ark, he did not give up. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. Like Noah, we need to be making preparations for the soon coming tribulation. I believe that the Lord is instructing people to prepare communities in remote wilderness areas for the time of trouble ahead. We all need to be  seeking the Lord with much fasting and prayer concerning where to relocate. The cities, as well as populated areas are destined for judgment. This is not a time for fear but action. If we trust God as Noah did, then we will be obedient to him and follow his voice. God Bless!