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Title: A Loyal Husband Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 FCF: We often struggle trusting the promises given to us through Christ. Prop: Because Jesus is faithful to His bride, we must pray in His will and look to Him to help us live for Him. Scripture Intro: ESV [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. In a moment we'll read from the English Standard Version starting in verse 1 and going through verse 5. Last time in 2 Thessalonians we saw Paul close out his teaching section with a benediction. A good word expressed toward God on behalf of the Thessalonian church. In this letter, Paul is addressing concerns of the Thessalonians primarily surrounding them being persecuted for their faith in Christ and the believing a false teaching that the Day of the Lord has already come. Paul has taken great pains to assure them that from his perspective they are truly genuine believers. He has also reminded them of things he taught them concerning the Day of the Lord and how the falling away of many professed believers and the coming of the lawless man must precede Christ's return. But again Paul expresses his confidence that they are elect of God from the beginning and chosen to obtain the glory of Christ. Therefore, they must keep holding to the Christian tradition and believe and live as they were taught. And in his closing benediction in chapter 2 he prays for that end. Today Paul will turn toward the last things he wants to say before the letter comes to a close. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: God of love, we come to you today as the dear bride of Your beloved Son in whom You are well pleased. Because we are betrothed to Him, You are also pleased to love us as you love Him. You gave Him to save us and He has sent The Spirit to guide and keep us. You are still seeking all those for whom Christ died and You will reach them and none of them will be lost. For this, and for so much more we are ever thankful for Your love for us. May we see this in Your Word today. We pray this in our Glorious Groom's name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “We are never nearer Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at His unspeakable love.” John Owen “Christ's love for His people is not a lip-love, from the teeth outwardly, but a real love, from the heart inwardly.” William Dyer [Slide 3] “Every day we may see some new thing in Christ. His love has neither brim nor bottom.” Samuel Rutherford “The distinguishing mark of a Christian is his confidence in the love of Christ and the yielding of his affections to Christ in return.” C.H. Spurgeon Let these words prepare our minds for the exposition of the text of scripture this morning. I.) Jesus is faithful to His bride, so we must pray for the advancement of the gospel against all opposition. (1-3a) a. [Slide 4] 1 - Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, i. Paul begins chapter three with the word, Finally. ii. If we were to translate this literally, it would be “the rest” or “what remains.” iii. Paul used this same word in the fourth chapter of 1st Thessalonians. When we looked at that together we saw how Paul uses this word to shift to more applicational matters. iv. Up to this point, Paul's main objective has been comfort and dealing with issues the Thessalonian church is concerned about. Like how they are being persecuted and how they have come to believe that they had missed the second coming of Christ. v. Now Paul will turn to matters for which he wants to see some movement on their end. vi. Paul calling them brothers is significant because of the context. 1. Paul has straddled that line of both expressing his confidence that they have been called by God, counted worthy of His calling, elected from the beginning, and will obtain the glory of Christ – while at the same time encouraging them to stand firm and hold to their confession and the Christian tradition that was taught to them. 2. This again points to the paradoxical viewpoint of the New Testament that while a believer's SECURITY is eternally determined by God's unassailable will, a believer's ASSURANCE of that divine call and election is gained by ongoing repentance, faith, and obedience by those who are genuinely elect of God. vii. So, what is Paul's first application for the Thessalonian church? viii. Pray for us. ix. Paul desires that they be in prayer for the evangelists ministering in Corinth. Himself, Silas and Timothy. x. What specifically for their ministry there? xi. That the Word of the Lord may speed ahead or progress rapidly and be honored or glorified. xii. What does this mean? xiii. Paul is praying that more would come to Christ and that those who have come to Christ might grow in their love and obedience to Him. xiv. And Paul adds a compliment in here too. xv. That the word would spread and be honored like it was in Thessalonica. xvi. Paul really does see their church as a shining example of what should happen when the Holy Spirit comes in power to save God's elect. xvii. So much so, that he desires that it would be duplicated in Corinth. xviii. But this is not all Paul desires pray for. As the other side of the coin to this prayer request, Paul asks … b. [Slide 5] 2 - and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. i. When we studied in Acts 18 we saw two specific times when Paul was opposed by evil and wicked men in Corinth. ii. First, early on in the ministry there, Paul was opposed and reviled by the Jews whom he was attempting to convince that Jesus was the Messiah. iii. After this, God came to Paul in a vision and told him to continue to preach the gospel for there were many in the city that were His people and that He would protect Paul from any attack. iv. But much later Paul faced another bout of Jewish opposition when they brought him before Gallio and the tribunal of the city. v. And so, in both cases, it was the Jews who opposed and reviled Paul and his message. vi. Timing wise then, since the event with Gallio happens much later and springs up quickly, it makes most sense that Paul writes this after the initial opposition and reviling of the Jews. vii. Therefore, God promising to protect Paul for a time, is an answer to the Thessalonian's prayer that the word would go forth and that the evangelists would be delivered from wicked and evil men. viii. But Paul makes one final point about these men that I find fascinating. c. [Slide 6] For not all have faith. i. Paul draws a solid black line connecting evil and wicked men to those who do not have faith. ii. In some sense, men and women of the world are capable of doing kind and good things. Your unbelieving neighbor can mow your lawn for you as an act of kindness. iii. Your unbelieving co-worker can go get you a coffee from the break room because they thought you needed it. iv. Your right wing, republican, conservative, ultra moral Mormon friend can agree with you on literally every single issue. v. [Slide 7] But Hebrews 11:6 states that “without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who draws near to Him must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him.” vi. What is meant by this verse? vii. The only way to please God is to draw near to Him by faith. What does it mean to draw near to Him by faith? 1. First, one must believe that God is. a. But many people believe that God exists. b. Does the writer of Hebrews aim so low as to simply be a Theist. c. As long as I am not an Atheist or Agnostic then I am on the right path? d. No. i. The writer of Hebrews is talking to Jewish Christians who are tempted to go back to Judaism because they are being persecuted by Jews. ii. If they convert back to Judaism then they will stop being persecuted. iii. Both Jews and Christians believe in God. And in some sense, they believe in the same God. iv. But the writer of Hebrews insists that this shared belief in God's existence is not enough. e. Instead, we should see the statement before it as a guide. For those who wish to draw near to God. f. In Judaism, this is something that they could not really do. There was distance maintained because of sin. g. But drawing near to God is possible if you do so by faith. Faith in what? h. First that God… as revealed by Jesus Christ… exists. It is a confidence, in the character and nature of the One true God as you come to experiential knowledge through faith in Jesus Christ. i. To believe God exists and to draw near to Him is to have a devotion and love for His presence and participation with Him in every area of life through faith in Jesus Christ. j. Jesus Himself said that He and the Father are one. If we have seen Him we have seen the Father. Indeed, the only way to the Father is through Him. So to draw near to God, must be through faith in Jesus Christ. k. The God that we must believe exists, is the God whom Christ revealed. Nothing less will lead to us drawing near to God or to pleasing Him. 2. Second, faith means to believe that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him. a. To trust God is to trust Him as good, loving, generous, merciful, gracious and kind. b. God is pleased by actions done in faith because believers draw near to Him in confidence that He is good and will not cast them aside. Even if their lives crumble, they trust in God's character and goodness to them. viii. [Slide 8] So, after this little lesson about how it is impossible to please God without faith – why is what Paul says here significant? ix. Because the majority of the people whom he is calling evil and wicked… are Jews who have rejected Jesus as their Messiah. x. Friends… mankind has a sickness and it is sin. xi. And yeah, your neighbor might plow your driveway or give you coffee… xii. They may be very religious and morally upright… xiii. But if they don't have faith in Jesus Christ alone … They are wicked and they are evil. xiv. If they don't believe in the God whom Christ has revealed and believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him… then they are wicked and evil. xv. Ghandi did a lot of wonderful great things in this world… but he was still wicked and evil and he will still be judged for not pleasing God. xvi. And to this Thessalonian church which might be tempted to abandon its faith because of persecution – Paul's words no doubt have a quiet exhortation here. xvii. The only thing keeping them from being wicked and evil… is Christ… on whom they are believing. xviii. Paul's final thought here serves as a connecting thought for both this point and the next. d. [Slide 9] 3 - But the Lord is faithful. i. Paul is asking the Thessalonians to pray for him and the other evangelists as they minister in Corinth. ii. That the gospel would go forth and be honored as it was there in their city. iii. But also, that evil and wicked men would be held at bay as they minister there. iv. In this, Paul may paint a bleak picture to what is going on in the city of Corinth. v. But he doesn't want them to think that he is without hope. vi. In fact, in contrast to the faithless men who are evil and wicked and trying to impede the gospel – Jesus is faith… full. He is full of faith. vii. Meaning He is trustworthy. He is willing that the gospel would go forward. He is able to make it so. viii. And as we've already pointed out – God will or has already revealed to Paul that he will not be harmed in Corinth because God has many of His children there who have yet to receive the gospel. ix. Jesus is faithful indeed. e. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: The truth upon which Paul hangs the first two applications for the Thessalonians, is that Jesus… is faithful. Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus… is loyal. But loyal to whom? Jesus is loyal to His bride. Those whom God has elected from the beginning. Those whom He has called with an eternal calling. Those whom He has appointed to obtain the glory of Christ. Jesus is faithful to Paul and His companions who are preaching the gospel in Corinth. Jesus is faithful as a shepherd to those lost sheep who are His who have not yet been found Corinth. And Jesus is faithful to us. Because Jesus is faithful to His people… we must pray for the advancement of the gospel and the restraining of those who would oppose it. That God would actively prevent faithless people from undermining the work while at the same time, causing the word to run freely and be honored. We must be praying for the Kingdom to continue to spread. Transition: [Slide 11 (blank)] But what other applications can be drawn from this theological bulwark, that Jesus is faithful? II.) Jesus is faithful to His bride, so we must look to Him for help to continue to be what He wants us to be. (3-5) a. [Slide 12] 3 - But the Lord is faithful. i. I begin here again to emphasize the transitional nature of this statement. ii. Jesus is not only faithful to meet the needs of the evangelists in Corinth… but as Paul will express to them now, He is also faithful to meet the needs of their church in Thessalonica. b. [Slide 13] He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. i. Paul says with confidence that the Lord Jesus will not abandon His people. ii. He is here with us in His Spirit. He is with us to the end of the age. iii. While physically He is present in Heaven as our advocate, He is spiritually present with His church through the Holy Spirit. iv. Therefore, Paul is confident that He will establish or make firm or strengthen them. v. We must see this as spiritual strength and not physical. vi. While God is good and clothes and feeds us – many Christians have been poor, hungry, lacking shelter or clothing. The food and clothing that God promises, like the strength He promises, is primarily and mostly spiritual. vii. This life is a vapor and a shadow. If God permits us to be hungry and weak in this life – we can still trust that we will be fed and strong spiritually in this life. And we can also trust that we will be spiritually full and spiritually strong in His Kingdom. viii. But spiritual strength is not enough to face every obstacle in this life. ix. That is why Paul is also confident that Jesus will guard us against the Evil One. x. While the Greek does not have the word “one” it does have the article “the evil” xi. Often times this is used this way to indicate not an abstract idea of evil but an embodiment of evil. xii. Satan or the Devil is in view here. The evil one is our enemy. And Paul is confident that Jesus will protect us from him. xiii. Jesus told His disciples that Satan wished to sift them like wheat but that He prayed for them. xiv. Jesus is now glorified and given a position of authority in the Kingdom of God. The One who once prayed for His disciples now sits on heaven's throne. xv. He will continue to protect His people. xvi. But that isn't all Paul is confident about. c. [Slide 14] 4 - And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. i. What is the reason that we excommunicate people from the church when they stop obeying God's clear commands in the scriptures? ii. Why are we supposed to treat them like a tax collector and gentile – meaning we treat them like they do not have faith and do not know God? iii. The underpinnings of church discipline are founded in the confidence Paul has in what truly saved people WILL BE. iv. That confidence is not rooted in their abilities or specialness – it is rooted in Christ's love and faithfulness to HIS BRIDE. v. Paul is confident that the Thessalonians are believers. That they are elect of God from the beginning. That they were elect because he witnessed the Spirit's power in bringing the gospel to them. He has said all of this in these last two letters. vi. Therefore, He is confident in the Lord Jesus that they are and will continue to live out the Christian traditions which Paul and his companions taught them. And that they will obey what else Paul will command in the rest of the letter. vii. Just because Paul commanded them to stand firm and hold fast doesn't mean he fears that they won't. He is, in fact, confident, because of Jesus' power in them… that they WILL. viii. The reason we treat professed believers like unbelievers when they stop obeying God – is because we have confidence that by Jesus' power in us – we can, by faith, please God. We can, by faith, continue to obey Him. ix. So, when a professed believer stops obeying… Jesus didn't fail. It can only be the person that has failed. In other words – we have no confidence that they have Jesus. Because with Jesus – we have confidence in obedience. d. [Slide 15] 5 - May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. i. Paul uses a benediction like construction here to close out this first note of application. ii. It is interesting that even though he has sought for the Thessalonians to pray for him and his companions, Paul can't help being an encouragement to and praying for them before he closes out his request for prayer for himself. iii. We see the pastoral and humble nature of Paul to put them… even above himself. iv. He asks Jesus to reveal The Love of God and the Steadfastness of Christ. v. It is difficult to know whether Paul means God's love for them or their love for God. Both are possible interpretations of the Greek. The same is true for the steadfastness of Christ. But there is a third option which has Paul playing off the ambiguity in Greek to mean both. vi. Paul asks that Jesus turn their hearts to behold God's love for them so that they can go and love like Him. vii. Paul asks that Jesus turn their hearts to behold His own faithfulness and steadfastness for them so that they can go and be steadfast and faithful to and for Him. e. [Slide 16] Summary of the Point: And so Paul's truth point endures. Jesus is faithful. Jesus is loyal to His bride. He loves them. He endured great humiliation and agony for them. He will establish us. He will guard us against our enemies. When we get a real glimpse at the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ, we can understand that Jesus is, indeed, faithful, loyal to His people. So, what must we do? We must love Him and others like He loves us. And we must endure in steadfastness for Him. We must continue to live for Him. Looking to His faithfulness and His provision enables us to continue to be what He wants us to be. Conclusion: So what have we learned today CBC, that refines our beliefs and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 17] Jesus is faithful. Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus is loyal to His people. That… is… huge. When compared to other faiths, many gods and messiahs would have their followers die for them. But our Savior is different. Our Savior is faithful and loyal to His people. God has chosen us in Christ before the world began and He will keep us and uphold us until the world ends. That is our God. Jesus' faithfulness pushes us to do two things. First, we must pray for the advancement of the gospel which also includes the restraint of the forces that oppose it. Second, we must look to His loyal love, and steadfastness toward us so that we can continue to be what He wants us to be. He will help us, so we must keep going. But what does this mean for us in our daily walk? How do these thoughts impact us? 1.) [Slide 18] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Jesus is faithful to His bride. a. Not only is this truth we must confess, but it is also a glorious and abundantly comforting promise. b. Like a good husband, King Jesus is faithful and loyal to His bride. c. From heaven He sought her. He bought her with His blood. He rose again to bring her life. He sits in heaven to advocate for her. And one day He will return to get her and take her to a place He has prepared for her. d. Jesus is faithful to His bride. He is a loyal and loving husband. e. And that, my friends, is a great comfort indeed. f. Because our Savior is faithful… we must also affirm… 2.) [Slide 19] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that Jesus will establish us and guard us from the Evil One. a. Faithful Jesus has sent His Spirit to bring comfort, give guidance, and prepare us for that future Kingdom. b. As a bride purchased from the slums of death, enslaved to sin, and children of wrath – we must be taught to reign with Him in a new Kingdom. c. So, we must be refined. But He is faithful to us. He will make sure that His bride is ready for the wedding feast. d. If we are in Christ, we are a new creation. Old has gone and new has come. e. He will continue to establish us and guard us from the forces of darkness. f. This world is full of devils. Wicked men and ancient evils that oppose Him and His coming kingdom. But He has already dealt them a death blow. His Kingdom is coming and now is. And He has firmly placed us in this world once dominated by sin and death and now we bear His light to the nations. g. As His bride He did not leave us to fend for ourselves. He will protect and He will make sure we are firmly rooted in the truth. 3.) [Slide 20] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that Jesus will enable us to continue to obey the commands of God. a. He will give us grace to help us live each day for His glory. b. Just as He will not leave us unstable and unprotected, so also He will not leave us in our weakness. c. Indeed, in our weakness He is strong. d. We live on the constant supply from His gracious hands. e. He is the vine and we are the branches – our very life is drawn from Him. f. He is the bread and we must eat Him to live. g. He is the Shepherd and we the sheep depend on Him for everything. h. He is the way and we are the pilgrims who follow His path. i. He is the truth and we are the seekers who trust His words. j. He is the life and we are the living – drawing breath from Him. k. Without Him we are nothing. And without Him we cannot hope to be what He commands us to be. l. But remember… my friends… Jesus is faithful. He is loyal. m. He will enable us to keep obeying. To keep repenting. To keep following. To keep trusting. 4.) [Slide 21] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must look to God's love and Christ's steadfastness so we may love like God and be steadfast like Christ. a. Paul's prayer ends by asking faithful Jesus to turn our hearts toward God's love and His own steadfastness. b. Not so that we may experience comfort alone. But so we might also imitate our Lord and God. c. That we might love like He loves us. i. To love God and to love others is the heart of all the law and the prophets. ii. To love other members of the body of Christ as He loved us is to obey the law of Christ, a new command which He demonstrated. iii. But the scriptures teach us that we love because He first loved us. iv. Not only is this a chronological truth – but it is also a didactic truth. We cannot love first, not only because we are unwilling but also because we are unable. We are ignorant of the love God desires we have. v. It is only when we observe Christ's love for us that we can love one another the way the Lord Jesus desires us to love each other. vi. We can only love God in the way in which He has demonstrated and prescribed to us. d. That we might also be steadfast like Christ. i. We don't have a high priest who was ignorant to our sufferings. ii. He endured temptations and trials in every way that we have. iii. He has experienced everything we have and yet He did not sin. iv. He was a pure sacrifice, a priest who did not need to offer sacrifices for Himself. v. He can sympathize with our weaknesses. vi. He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of God. vii. He walked the pilgrim path already. viii. He has made straight the path for us. ix. He has taken the weight of the yoke so that we might enter it with Him – and bear it up without fear of failing. x. My friends… Jesus is faithful! He is steadfast! xi. And that demonstrates for us how we must also be steadfast. We must endure. We must stand firm in what we have been taught as the gospel of Jesus and we must hold to the Christian tradition of faith and practice. xii. We seek no new revelation, no new interpretation, no new system, no new philosophy. xiii. Instead, we strive to go back… to go back to what the apostles taught. What did they receive from Christ. What is revealed in His word by explicit statement or by good and necessary inference? To this we hold tightly as we endure to the end. xiv. And Christ, our King, is our example. 5.) [Slide 22] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must pray for the advancement of the gospel and the hindering of all who would oppose it. a. Because Jesus is faithful… b. He will not let even one of the sheep which the Father has given to Him to be lost. c. He will seek and save them all. d. He won't let the enemies of the gospel keep any of His elect from coming home. e. So to pray for this… is to pray in the will of God. God will do this – so we should pray for it. f. As we've seen several times in the study of these two letters – knowing God desires to or will do something, doesn't mean that to pray for it we are doubting Him. He tells us to pray in His will. So of all things we should pray for… it is the things that He has revealed will be. g. His word will not return to Him without accomplishing the purpose for which it was sent. h. The Kingdom of this world will not prevail against the Kingdom of Christ. i. We know this. j. So we must pray for it. k. We pray in faith – not in doubt. We pray knowing and trusting that it will be. l. We can pray that locally for Columbus Township. m. More broadly for our state or for our country. n. And even for the whole world. o. We trust that Christ will save His sheep which are lost. Because He has said that He won't lose even one of them. p. And then we go out and we share the gospel with those who are lost and perishing. Why? Because God might use us… to give the gospel as He wakes them up to receive it. 6.) [Slide 23] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” God will send His Word and restrain its opponents. a. The Kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdom of Christ. Not in a political sense. Not in a Christian nationalism sense. Not in a one world government sense. b. But in a spiritual sense. c. The gospel is global. It is a Kingdom without borders, without language, without ethnic commonality, without a country affiliation. d. It is a Kingdom that awaits the King to return and consummate its reign. e. That Kingdom is here… and that King is coming. f. Where will you be when He returns? g. What will you do with Jesus Christ? h. You have seen today how He is a faithful husband to His bride. i. Are you still living in the slums of death? j. Are you still enslaved to your sins? Do you even see the prison bars? Or do you still love your sin? k. Have you grown tired of your murderous father Satan, who leads you to the same wrath he has earned? l. Will you not turn from your sin and trust Jesus as your Savior and as your King? m. Will you not follow in His steps? n. If you wish to follow Him… love Him… serve Him… talk to someone you know is a Christian after the service. They will tell you the next steps. [Slide 24 (end)] Let me close in a prayer by the early church father Venantius, an Italian bishop and hymn writer who lived from AD 530 to AD 609. Christ Jesus, you are the Savior of the world, our merciful creator and redeemer, the only offspring from the Godhead of the Father. Self-existing Word, you are flowing from the heart of God, and powerful from the mouth of your Father, equal to him, of one mind with him, his fellow, of the same age with the Father, from whom at first the world came to be. You suspend the skies and heap together the soil. You pour forth the seas, which frame all the lands as they flourish. When you saw our trouble, you became one of us, to rescue us. You were willing not only to be born with a body, but you became flesh, enduring to be born and to die. You endure funeral rites—you, the author of life and framer of the world! You enter the path of death, in giving the aid of salvation. The gloomy chains of the hellish law yielded, and chaos feared to be pressed by the presence of the light. Darkness perishes, put to flight by your brightness. The thick blanket of eternal night falls away. Restore the promised pledge, O power of good! The third day has returned; arise, Buried One. It is not proper that your body should lie in the lowly grave. Worthless stone should not hold in the ransom of the world, or cover him in whose fist all things are enclosed. Take away the linen clothes, leave them in the tomb. You are enough for us, and without you there is nothing. Escape the chains of the evil prison and return to the upper regions. Let us see your face again, that the world may see the light. Give back the day, which flees from us at your death. You return, holy conqueror! The ruler of the lower regions, who insatiably opens his hollow jaws, becomes your prey. The Lamb pulls his sheep from the jaws of the wolf. You rescue uncounted people from the prison of death, and they follow their leader to freedom. As a warrior you earn back trophies for heaven. You have restored us from chaos and punishment, given new life to those whom death might seek. You fill your barns with an abundant harvest. Look at your shining triumph, sacred King! We step forth from the bright waves, cleansed and wearing white. May this people, free from stain, be strengthened in your arms, for it is in Jesus' name we pray this, Amen! Benediction: May the Lord show kindness to you; May the Lord grant each of you rest; May those who dwell in your house be blessed; May they ever be praising the Lord. Until we meet again, Grace and Peace to you.
Revelation Ep 4: Seven Seals - Wars and Much More In this episode we continue our journey through the Seven Seals of Revelation, taking a closer look at the first four horsemen and considering how they relate to the unfolding events of history. We explore the White Horse as a picture of Christ preparing His Bride, the Red Horse and the growing loss of peace among the nations, and the contrast between the sword of human conflict and the sword of God's truth that brings light, discernment and transformation. The episode also revisits Ezekiel 38, discussing Gog and Magog and why this remarkable prophecy may still point to a future fulfilment, while reflecting on how it fits within the wider biblical story. Finally, we consider the Black Horse and the Pale Horse in the context of economic uncertainty, war, disease and global instability, before finishing with the encouragement of Psalm 91. Throughout the discussion, the emphasis remains on hope rather than fear, inviting us to cultivate discernment, confidence in God's faithfulness, and a deeper awareness of His presence as we anticipate Christ's return together as a church family.
Jesus' Works Through Us (Audio) David Eells 12/15/24 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me (Gal.2:20). It is not I, living the Christian life and doing the works of Christ, but it is I accepting my death so that Christ may live and do His works through me. Jesus gave up a natural body in order to take up a corporate body, so that He could continue on a much larger scale His deliverance of this fallen creation. Paul tells us, Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof (1Co.12:27). We are not the body of “another Jesus,” a weak and worthless Jesus. We are the body of the same Jesus, Who walked in that first body, exercising God's power to set the captives free. We know that Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today, [yea] and forever (Heb.13:8). It is sad that most do not agree that Christ's plan is to continue exercising the sovereignty that He had in His first body in His second. We read in (Amos 3:3) Shall two walk together, except they have agreed? We need to be in total agreement with the Word so that Christ may walk in us and exercise His sovereignty through us. A king's sons are princes who grow up to inherit his authority and exercise his sovereignty. (Psa.45:16) Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, Whom thou shalt make princes in all the earth. So shall it be with the sons God is manifesting through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The mind of the flesh is the enemy of God and cannot be subject to Him (Rom.8:7). In Adam we all died and were made useless to God. By abiding in Christ, Who is the Word, we become vessels of His reigning authority. (1Co.15:22) As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (Rom.5:17) For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, [even] Jesus Christ. We were meant to accept God's grace and “reign in life.” As the Adamic man dies in us, the spiritual man comes to life. (2Co.4:16) Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man (the Adamic, nature of self) is decaying, yet our inward man (Christ in you) is renewed day by day. As we read the Word, and repent of our carnal thinking and life to accept Christ's thinking and life, He is able to reign through us. (2Co.4:11) For we who live are always delivered unto death (I.e. to self) for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So, God expects the life of Christ in this earthly body by grace through faith. Through death to self, we can expect the life of Jesus to be manifested in our human bodies. The life of Christ here is not only His fruit but also His ministry, which He will continue through His disciples. Those who teach that we cannot expect the life of Christ in this life are deceivers. Those who preach that as long as we are in this body we will always be in bondage to sin are deceivers. (2Jn.1:7) For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, [even] they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh… When Jesus physically comes again, He will have a glorified body but He is coming now in the flesh of His body of believers. Those who preach that our ultimate hope here is only to be forgiven and not transformed are deceivers. Paul explained that he was revealing a mystery with the words Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col.1:27). He said that the wisdom in this mystery was to present every man perfect (complete or mature) in Christ (28). Christ in you has power over sin and the curse around us. As we come to realize the purpose of Christ is to live in us, our faith in what He can do in us and through us grows exponentially. (Phm.1:6) That the fellowship (Greek: “sharing in common”) of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ. As we accept the mind of Christ, which is the Word of God, it transforms us. We read this in (Rom.12:2) And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. If we do not repent (Greek: “change our mind”) when we read the Word, we do not accept the transformation to the life and work of Christ. The first thing we must believe is the Gospel. (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me… This means the old me died at the cross and now Jesus lives in me. Faith in this justifies us and entitles us to the power to bring it to pass. Because many do not understand this, they believe we have no hope but to continue in sin and count on God's grace for forgiveness. (Rom.6:1)… Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (2) God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein? Notice that because of grace we do not have to live in sin. (3) Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (4) We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death (to self): that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. When we were baptized, the old sinner died and was buried so now we can walk in new life. (5) For if we have become united with [him] in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of his resurrection. By faith at baptism we both die and resurrect. Neither a dead man nor a resurrected man can sin. (6) Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin. Through faith we died, and now Jesus lives in us. We were delivered… out of the power of darkness (Col.1:13). This is the real good news! We are only free from the power of sin if we believe it. We can now use these promises as a two-edged sword to destroy corruption in our lives. (2Co.7:1) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. We are responsible for cleansing ourselves by faith in the promises. Those who believe the promises will bear fruit. As a type, Mary believed the promise that she was to bear the fruit of Jesus in her mortal body (Luk.1:31-35). Jesus said, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and do it (Luk.8:21). In a type, we who bring forth the fruit of Jesus are His mother. In the second parable of the sower in Mat 13:24,27,32, Jesus sowed the seed (Greek: sperma, “sperm”) to bear His fruit. Since the Word is the spiritual sperm of Jesus, it can only bring forth His fruit. No word from man or religion can do this. Only one of the four types that received the Word bore fruit 30, 60, or 100-fold. Mary was told, Blessed [is] she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord (Luk.1:45). Because she believed the Word, she bore the fruit of Jesus. The Word must be believed for it to be fulfilled in us. Paul writes in (Heb.4:2) For indeed we have had good tidings (Gospel) preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. We can hear the Gospel but make it ineffective by our own unbelief, as Israel did. By bearing the fruit of the same Jesus, we are proving who the true believers are. Jesus said, by their fruits ye shall know them, not by who they say they are. Paul showed us how to exercise this faith with our renewed imagination in (2Co.3:18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. If our face is truly unveiled, then we see by faith the finished work of God in the mirror, which is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Only seeing the real Jesus of the Word in the mirror will transform us into the image of God. The Jesus we see must be the One Who has power over sin and the curse around us. Most Christians would think us proud to look in the mirror by faith and see Jesus, but in truth, these are the only ones who are humble to the Word. The one who sees his natural face in the mirror will have no power to obey. (Jas.1:23) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror. These are the ones who do not unite faith with the Gospel so that it can be fulfilled in them. Paul tells us in (Rom.6:11) Even so reckon (consider it done) ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. (12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof. Notice that the way to not let sin reign in your flesh is to reckon yourself to be immune to it because you are dead by faith. It is to believe that Jesus took away your sin and that you are free to obey God. God gives power to save from sin to those who believe the true Gospel. (Rom.1:16) For I am not ashamed of the Gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth… Those who do not accept their power over sin, by faith, will prove themselves tares, and not wheat, when they do not bear fruit. (Rom.6:17) But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; (18) and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness. The true teaching, believed and acted on by the heart, sets us free from sin. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (Joh 8:32) If our truth is not setting us free, either it is not THE TRUTH or we do not really believe it. If you have not had victory, study the truth, not religion. I once received a “woe is me” email from a friend who was grieved over his inability to overcome a certain sin. I highlighted in his letter phrases like the following: “I couldn't resist; I'm hooked; my flesh is weak; they really got me; I have no hope; no willpower; I'm defeated,” and “I'm licked,” and sent it back to him with the following note: “Just because you fail, that does not mean you give up faith. You were delivered of this sin 2,000 years ago. Compare what you have believed in these phrases with what you should believe. (I sent him the Gospel message of our deliverance from sin.) You have a lot of faith to stay in bondage. Even in your failure, you must walk by faith in order to get out of bondage.” My friend's will was against the sin so it was not a willful disobedience. His failure was in his faith. He believed everything he should not have and that robbed him of power. Faith that fizzles out at the finish had a flaw in it from the first. If we sin, there are some steps we should take to lay a foundation for our faith. If we say we have no sin, in other words, justify self, we are deceived (1Jn.1:8). If we confess our sins, we will be forgiven and cleansed from all sin (1Jn.1:9). We should first confess our sins. Then, as the Israelites who had been bitten by the serpents turned and set their eyes on the sacrificial serpent on the pole, seeing their sin and curse on Him, we should turn and confess the sacrifice of Jesus (Num.21:8). From then on, we should believe that our sin has been put on Him and we are delivered. As John the Baptist said, “Behold, the lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!” God's complaint about the Old Testament Law was that it could not make perfect them that draw nigh (Heb.10:1)… (4) For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins… (14) For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. The Old Testament had blood covering and forgiveness but could not deliver man from the sin nature. Many today are preaching only what that covenant offered leaving those who believe them in bondage to sin. Many of you, upon coming to the Lord, experienced total deliverance from certain sins. What the real Gospel teaches is that God wants to continue that process to completion. I hear it commonly preached that we are just sinners saved by grace. It may surprise you to know that there is no such saying in the Bible. A sinner saved by grace is an oxymoron. A man is either a sinner or he is saved from sin by grace. Jesus always made a distinction between His followers and sinners. For instance in (Mat.26:45)…The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (Luk.6:33) And if ye do good to them that do good to you, what thank have ye? for even sinners do the same. (34) And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? even sinners lend to sinners, to receive again as much. Notice that He didn't consider the disciples sinners. It has been said that Paul as a disciple claimed to be the chief of sinners. This is false! He said that he was the chief of those that Jesus came to save from sin. Let's read it (1Ti.1:15) Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: (God was showcasing Paul as an example of His power to save anyone.) (16) howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life. Paul had just said that his sins were in his past by God's enabling power and that he was now counted among the faithful. Verse (12) I thank him that enabled me, [even] Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to [his] service; (13) though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. Paul included himself when he said that we were sinners but we were made righteous. (Rom.5:8) But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom.5:19) For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one shall the many be made righteous. And in (Gal.2:17) But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid. (1Co.6:9) Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, (10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (11) And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. The Lord through Paul said that Jesus is separated from sinners in (Heb.7:26) For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Those who justify themselves in their sin, by saying that we are all just sinners saved by grace, will not obtain mercy through our High Priest. It says in (Pro.28:13) He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy. David said that sinners would be separated from among the righteous and would be judged in (Psa.1:1) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers. (5) Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. If we believe the deceiver's gospel that we are always going to be sinners instead of “made free from sin,” then that is what we will have. Jesus said, “As thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee” and “According to your faith be it done unto you.” It is important that we believe exactly what the Word says. It is important that we see the Biblical Jesus in the mirror and not “another Jesus” of man's making (2Co.11:4). If in the mirror, we are looking at the humanistic Jesus preached most often today, then that is the only image we can come into. This is a Jesus who has no power. Does the Jesus in your mirror have power over sin and the curse? Does He have power to minister healing, deliverance, and provision? If so, then that is what He will be able to do through you. Now let's go to (Col.1:21) And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, (22) yet now hath he reconciled (Greek: “exchanged”) in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: (23) if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which ye heard… (I.e. the original Gospel). We are now reconciled because of the cross if we continue in the faith, unwavering from the true Gospel. The Greek word translated “reconciled” here means “exchanged.” On the cross, Jesus exchanged His life, blessings, and power for our old life, curse, and weakness. Our old life and its penalty, the curse, are on the cross, and now Christ lives in us. God exchanges us to present us holy and without blemish, to deliver us from our past evil works. The Christ, Who is blessed with righteousness and power, will exercise sovereignty through us because He lives in us. We are now ministers of this reconciliation (2Co.5:18-21). In other words, it is our job to administer the exchange to those who believe so that other people are saved from sin, healed, delivered, and provided for. This is the great commission. The curse is enumerated in Deuteronomy 28, and it covers everything bad that happens to man as a result of breaking God's laws. Jesus bore this curse so that we would have authority over it, both in our own lives and in the lives of others who believe. (Gal.3:13) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us… (14) that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus… Jesus became the curse, and now we who believe have the “blessing of Abraham.” He was blessed in all things (Gen.24:1). The exchange was accomplished at the cross but will be manifested as we apply the Gospel by faith to the curse. Before the fall, Adam lived in the Garden of Eden with no sickness, corruption, or lack of any kind. Look around you. The curse is manifested in all of the creation because of the fall. In His life and in His death, Jesus destroyed the curse. He passed on this ministry to His disciples, and they were commanded to pass it on to their disciples, and on down to us (Mat.28:19-20). Eventually this Gospel was totally corrupted by religion so that what was passed on was a form of godliness that denies the power thereof (2Ti.3:5). The Holy Spirit empowers those who have received Him to come into all that Christ is. Paul prays in Ephesians, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend (not comprehend as some translations say.) with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God (Eph.3:16-19). The full scope of Christ, His breadth, length, height, depth, and love, was provided to us through faith. Christ is to be “apprehended” by faith as we are empowered by God's Spirit, “that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God.” Does it seem too good to be true? “Gospel” means “good news.” I did not write the Word, I just believe it. Do not let religion stop you, brothers and sisters. Believe it and accept what God says is yours in Christ! Notice the phrase “the fulness of God.” If, as Genesis 1 says, each seed brings forth after its own kind, then what seed has been sown in us? First, by our parents, we were all born of the seed of fallen humanity. Then, according to the second parable of the sower in Mat.13:24,27,32, the seed sown of Jesus in Greek is sperma, “sperm”. That seed of the Word is not the seed of man, but Jesus who is God. In (Joh.1:1)…The Word was God. (Joh.3:6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born anew (Greek: “from above”). When Jesus told the Jews that He was the Son of God, they tried to stone Him, saying, Thou, being a man, makest thyself God (Joh.10:33). They knew that if God had a son, He would be God, also. (Joh.10:34) Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? (35) If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken) (36) say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am [the] Son of God? In the original language, there were no capital or lower case letters for words such as “gods” or “spirit.” Jesus was saying that the Jews, who had received the Old Testament Word of the letter, were by position gods. How much more then are we who have received the New Testament Word of the Spirit? We are gods, not in the flesh for that is the seed of man, but in the spirit for that is the seed of God. Jesus said, “The words that I have spoken unto you are spirit.” Since each seed brings forth after its own kind, the son of a dog is dog, the son of a man is man, and the son of God is god. The more of God's seed that we give good earth to, the more God manifests Himself in us. We read in (Rom.1:3) concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, (Jesus was Son of man in the flesh.) (4) who was declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness (Son of God in the spirit), by the resurrection from the dead; [even] Jesus Christ our Lord. We, as Jesus, are son of man in the flesh but son of God in the spiritual man. (Heb.2:17) Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren… Jesus was made like us in everything. (18) For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor (Greek: “come to the aid of “) them that are tempted. As Son of man, Jesus knew temptation and is therefore able to help us. Our Jesus is the “only begotten (or born) Son of God,” and we are reborn sons of God through Him. Now let's go to (Eph.4:11-13) And he gave some [to be] apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers (The Nicolaitan error [Rev.2:6,15] teaches that some of these ministries are done away with, but the Word says no such thing. The five-fold ministry is:); for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Wow, we are to grow into the fullness of Christ. All of His righteousness and ministry, are provided for us. The apostate church tells us that this stature is unattainable because they count on man's ability, not God's. They are saying that God is unable or unwilling to completely save us from the power of sin and corruption. (Heb.7:25) Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost (Greek: “completely”) them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. I can hear some say, “David, I do not see any of these people around. How can this be?” First of all, without a mind completely renewed by the Word, we could not discern them. Jesus was discerned by very few as being in the fullness of God. The leaders of Israel did not recognize Him. Even His disciples questioned Him: Peter rebuked Him, and Thomas doubted Him. Secondly, He has saved the best wine for last. (2Th.1:10) When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day. Paul believed there was a day coming when the saints would have grace to believe His teaching and manifest Jesus. This declares that the Lord would come when this happens. His crop has come to maturity, ready for the harvest. (11) To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and [every] work of faith, with power; (12) that the name (Greek: “character and authority”) of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. God's grace, through the faith of the saints, will manifest the character and authority of Jesus in preparation for His work and His coming. The prophet Joel declares full restoration of all that the curse and religion have taken from God's people. (Joel 2:23) Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God; for he giveth you the former (or early) rain in just measure, and he causeth to come down for you the rain, the former rain and the latter rain, in the first [month]. (24) And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil (bearing much anointed fruit). (25) And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker-worm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer-worm, my great army which I sent among you. These insects represent the curse on God's crop or His people, which was to motivate them towards His salvation. God said the early and latter rain would restore His people from the years of tribulation. This rain was identified in Joel 2:28-29 as the outpouring of the Spirit on God's people. Peter quotes Joel 2:28-29, declaring that the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost was a fulfillment of this prophecy. (Act.2:16) But this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel: (17) And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams. The “former rain” of the Spirit came “in the last days” of the Old Testament people of God, and the “latter rain” will come “in the last days” of the New Testament people of God. This former rain came to the Jews that believed, to restore them after a great falling away, and then it was passed on to the Gentiles. Those disciples, who received that power of the Spirit, walked as Jesus walked and did His works. The pagans called them “Christians,” meaning “Christ-like.” There is little evidence to convict many of that today, but the story is not over. For almost 2,000 years, only a few have been partakers of the former rain. The latter rain will come to believers, to restore the fallen Church to Christlikeness, and then it passes on to the Jews. When will the latter rain come? Both the Jews and the Church have fallen away from what was given in the Gospels and Acts for 2,000 years. The Spirit of God says in (Hos.5:15) I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me earnestly. This is clear that the Lord left Israel and the Church to their own self-will and false leadership. In the midst of affliction, which has already begun, there will be repentance. His people will say, (Hos.6:1) Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. (2) After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him. (3) And let us know, let us follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. The Lord will come as the latter rain. The Holy Spirit will manifest in those who receive Jesus Christ. We see, on the morning of the third day, the latter rain outpouring will come to empower and restore after a two-day (2,000 year) falling away period. What are these two days, and when is the morning of the third day? Peter writes in (2Pe.3:8) But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Having read the writings of the early Church fathers, I can tell you that they commonly believed in the 1,000-year prophetic day and that after six of these days, from the beginning, the end time would come. The Hindus, Muslims, and the Jews also believed this. Gibbon in The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire said that the early Christians believed this. I have found in the Scripture over a dozen astounding revelations, using the 1,000-year days, pointing to this time in which we live. The Bible is laid out in seven prophetic 1,000-year days. These days are always numbered from the creation of the first Adam, or the birth of the “last Adam”, Jesus Christ (1Co.15:45). There were 4,000 years, or four days, between the Adams. Since the days of Jesus, the calendar has been tampered with extensively, but most believe we have come to the morning of the third day or the beginning of the third 1,000 years from the last Adam's birth. It is also the morning of the seventh day, or the beginning of the seventh 1,000 years from the first Adam. This is when the end time begins, and God finishes His work. (Gen.2:2) And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. According to this type, God is about to finish His new creation work on this morning of the seventh day, also called the third day in some types, and rest. This soon coming latter rain outpouring will restore the true believers to the holiness, power, and ministry of Jesus. As Solomon said, That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done (Ecc.1:9). What happened with the former rain in Acts will also happen in the latter rain acts of our day. The apostate people of God will fight against this move of the Spirit and be rejected. The persecuted, Spirit-filled remnant will, by signs and wonders bring revival to lovers of truth worldwide. The former rain was first offered to Israel, but as many blasphemed, it was given to the Gentiles. The latter rain will first be given to the Church, but when many blaspheme, it will be given to a remnant of Israel. I thank my God that by His grace I was not stubborn but received His early rain. By it, I have been given a miraculous life of God's provision, but the latter rain will be far greater. Praise God! Do all believers have the former or early rain of the Holy Spirit? Jesus said to His disciples, Ye who have followed me, in the regeneration (Mat.19:28). Regeneration comes from the Greek word meaning “new birth.” The disciples were born again but did not have the Holy Spirit because Jesus told them, He abideth with you, and shall be in you (Joh.14:17). He later told them, But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses… unto the uttermost part of the earth (Act.1:8). When the Spirit comes, we receive the power needed to be witnesses of Jesus. The disciples were called Christians by the lost because they did the works of Jesus. The apostate church of our day has separated many from this infilling power by saying that all who are born again automatically have the Holy Spirit. Obviously, Jesus did not teach this, nor did the disciples teach it later. Paul did not believe it. (Act.19:1)… Paul… found certain disciples: (2) and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they [said] unto him, Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was [given]. These disciples had not experienced the infilling of the Spirit. (6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Why would believers need prayer to receive the Spirit if it was automatic? As with every New Testament case, they knew when they received the Spirit from the signs and gifts. We have another example in (Act.8:14) Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: (15) who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: (16) for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. (17) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Baptized believers did not receive the Holy Spirit until the Apostles came and prayed for them. Our spirit must be born again before the Holy Spirit will come to dwell in it. The lost cannot receive the Spirit for Jesus said, The Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive (Joh.14:17). The promise of the covenant is clear that those who have “a new spirit” can have “My Spirit.” It says in (Eze.36:26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them. When God's Spirit comes to dwell in our born-again spirit, He will empower you to obey the Word. Jesus had two spirits, a born-again, human spirit and the Holy Spirit, or Spirit of God. When we are saved, we receive a born-again spirit in His image called the “Spirit of Christ.” Only then are we capable of receiving the “Spirit of God” into the holy, born-again temple for power. Notice the clear difference between these two states. (Rom.8:9) But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. (The Spirit of God empowers us to be spiritual.) But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. If we do not have the Spirit of Christ we are not born-again. (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness. The Spirit of Christ does not empower our fallen body but gives us His Spirit of life. (11) But if the Spirit of him (God) that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you. When we receive the Spirit of God, He empowers and gives life to our bodies as He did with Jesus. We see an example of this with the woman who had an issue of blood in (Mar.5:30) And straightway Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power [proceeding] from him had gone forth, turned him about in the crowd, and said, Who touched my garments? This is the power of the Spirit of God coming out of Jesus' body to heal. We read in (Act.5:32) And we are witnesses of these things; and [so is] the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Obey, dear friend, and receive. If you are born-again, ask God for His Spirit. (Luk.11:13) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? God only gives the Holy Spirit to those who belong to Him. (Act.2:18) Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days Will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. With this power of the latter rain anointing, God is going to completely destroy the curse of sin and death in the most faithful of His people. (1Co.15:51) Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Notice that we shall all be changed at the last trump, which is at the end of the Tribulation when God takes over the world. (Rev.11:15) And the seventh angel sounded (last trumpet); and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become [the kingdom] of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever. Who are these people who will not die but be changed at the last trumpet? The Bible says ‘all that sin will die.' (Eze.18:4,20)… The soul that sinneth, it shall die… Jesus told His disciples that they would have to lose their life to find life. (Mat.16:25) For whosoever would save his life (or soul) shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life (or soul) for my sake shall find it. The Greek word for “life” in this verse is psuche or “soul.” Our soul is our mind, will, and emotions. Jesus was saying we must lose our fleshly mind, will, and emotions to gain our spiritual mind, will, and emotions. Even though all of God's elect will lose their lives, all will not physically die. Some will be changed without dying because they have already put their old life to death. (Rom.8:6) For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. Those with the mind of the flesh must die so that the mind of the Spirit can live. Everyone who has not overcome sin in the mind, will, and emotions must die. (Rom.6:23) For the wages of sin is death… Sin must be overcome before physical death can be overcome. Jesus died to empower us to lose our old life, to gain His life, and to have a blood covering so we would be accepted during the process. This process can be finished in a fruit-bearing disciple, at physical death, should he not completely crucify the old life while still alive. This process can also be finished in this life as we die to self through faith in what Jesus did at the cross. There is no curse of death in the Bible on those who do not sin. Enoch and Elijah symbolize these people who will not die because they walk by faith in God. Jesus overcame in His first body so that He could do it in His second body, which is made up of those believers who take up their crosses. He abolished all of the old life, even the last enemy, death. (2Ti.1:10)… Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. After God abolishes the rule of the beast, harlot, and the old life over His people, death will be abolished. (1Co.15:24) Then [cometh] the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. (25) For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. (26) The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. One enemy in power that rules over God's people is the old life of flesh. (Rom.8:7) Because the mind of the flesh is enmity (enemy) against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be. Jesus conquered these enemies for us at the cross, but we must walk by faith to see it manifested. The resurrection and rapture, both of which abolishes death, are at the end, when He will have abolished all other rule over His people, not seven years before the end while these still reign. Jesus said, I will raise him up in the last day (Joh.6:44), or at the last day (39). There is one more resurrection of the righteous dead at the end so all are included (Rev.20:4; 1Co.15:22-24). The rapture happens at that same time (1Th.4:15-17). Now let's go to (Joh.11:25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live (resurrection); (26) and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die… If the first part of this sentence is speaking of physical death, certainly the last part is. In order to prove the power of God's salvation, He will restore in these last days the faith to believe that Jesus abolished sin and death. Then some will escape death. (Heb.11:5) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God. The faith to be an overcomer will be restored by the latter rain. (2Th.1:10) When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day. When will these things happen? Jesus gave us a clear clue in a type and shadow in (Mat.16:28)… there are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. Notice He said that some who stand “here” will not die till they see the coming of the Lord. Where is “here”? In type, they stood before the end of six days, or 6,000 years, which is proven by the next verse. (Mat.17:1) And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: (2) and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. Some alive today will see the coming of the Lord because we just passed the end of six days, or 6,000 years. We are now “after six days,” on the morning of the seventh day, when Peter, James, and John saw the coming of the Lord in His glorified body. In type, three disciples saw the coming of the Lord without dying. Peter, James, and John, who were the closest disciples to the Lord, and also prefigured we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord (1Th.4:15). The two witnesses represent the martyrs who are resurrected at the last trump (Rev.11:12,15). These two groups account for the resurrection and rapture at the coming of the Lord, fulfilling the Word. Now I'd like to share some revelations with you. Just a Closer Walk with Thee Anonymous (David's notes in red) In my dream, my husband and I were given some sort of tour. (Our walk through this world.) When we were in a particular room I became interested in the floor tile. I seemed to forget about everyone else. I seemed fixated with the tile. (God has drawn you to be interested in how and where you walk.) It was dull looking and had a film build-up. But I kept trying to see past the film. (Wanting to see the true walk without all the buildup and corruption of the past.) I looked and there was a white dab of what looked like polish and then I looked again and saw a long piece of material that looked like the wrap-around tie of a terry robe. (This symbolizes girding yourself with the majesty and strength of the Lord. Psa.93:1 Jehovah reigneth; he is clothed with majesty; Jehovah is clothed with strength; he hath girded himself therewith... With this terry cloth girdle you can wash the disciples feet or cleanse their walk. Joh.13:4 He riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself. Many towels are made of terry cloth. 5 Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. ...14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you.) I took the material and began to rub the polish into the tile. It became very shiny and I was pleased to see that it indeed was beautiful. (A glimpse of the true walk with Jesus.) Then I found myself seated in an auditorium of some sort. I was smiling, looking around, and observing everyone. There was a young girl seated beside me on my right (This is your spiritual, born-again man who Jesus places as a sheep on the right) and a woman about my age on my left. (This is your natural man who is like a goat to the left.) I saw that the young girl had a portable radio with her and I believe I remember she was listening to the radio through earphones. (This was hearing the voice of the spirit which cannot be heard by the natural man.) As I looked around I realized that other people were also carrying a portable radio. There was what looked like a helicopter or some sort of vessel that was parked up above and across from me on the opposite side of the auditorium. (Flying vessels represent those who overcome the world.) I could see the occupants inside the vessel clearly. There was a young girl seated with an older woman inside. I smiled at both of them. The young girl was wearing an army helmet. (The helmet of salvation. Your spiritual man is ready to go to war with the enemy after overcoming the world.) She was obviously filled with excitement. She kept a broad smile on her face and could not sit still. (Overcoming the world by conquering the enemy is exciting and joyous.) This young girl looked at me and mouthed the words, “Thank you”. I wondered why she was thanking me, when I realized that she was wearing my helmet. I wondered how she had come to have it. (It is you who gives authority to your spiritual man to conquer and overcome the mind of flesh.) I asked the young girl seated on my right if she had given my helmet to the girl in the vessel and she told me she had. (The spiritual man had put on the armor of Christ.) Seeing how full of excitement the young girl in the vessel was, I remembered to myself how excited I had been when I had gotten my helmet. (A helmet is to protect the mind from the thought attacks of the enemy.) I looked and noticed that the girl seated on my right was dozing. (The spiritual man rests in the power and works of the Lord.) I observed her and continued to take in the place, when the older woman seated with the young girl in the vessel got my attention and nodded towards the young girl on my right and said, “She is asleep.” I looked at the girl again and answered the woman, with, “Yes, she is asleep, but, only lightly sleeping; she is still listening”. (Spiritual rest can only be accomplished by hearing the voice of the Word of the Lord.) The woman seemed displeased and shook her head. (…The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; they are foolishness unto him…. 1Co.2:14.) I ignored it and continued to look around. I seemed to know that she was okay and there was no need for concern. Then a man appeared in the center of the auditorium. He was holding an open bible in his hand. He said he was about to teach us the real truth. (The truth is the only thing that will guard your mind, conquer your enemy, and set you free from this world.) At that point, I lowered my head and blocked everything and everyone out except the voice of the speaker. I said to myself something like, “I hope he is teaching the truth.” or “I had to ensure that he would be teaching the truth.” (Yes, we must be careful that he is speaking the truth or we will be deceived and polluted with the earthbound ideologies of men.) Feed on the Word, Christ in You William Steenland - May or June 2013 I dreamed I was at a huge white table, a huge feast, a celebration. I looked to my left and right there were people fellowshipping and laughing together and rejoicing. (The Marriage Feast of the bread and wine or the body and blood or Word and nature of Jesus.) It was a great and happy event. I was eating out of a huge white bowl; there was meat and potatoes and rice all in a bowl. I ate it very fast and when I was done, I took my white handkerchief and placed it over the top of the empty bowl. I was still hungry and wanted more food. I looked down at the end of the table. I was at the opposite end looking down at the head of the table. It was Jesus or at least I thought it was Jesus. The man at the end of the table kept changing. I looked with a puzzled look on my face, as Jesus changed from Jesus to my friend Ernie Miller and then back to Jesus, then to Albert Golt, and then back to Jesus. (If you feed on the Word, you turn into Jesus. :o) I said to Jesus, “Can I have some more food?'' He just looked at me with loving, kind look, the way you would look at a naive child who needs a lot of help, wisdom and understanding. He had a pleased look on his face. It was a look of love, peace and joy. He had a lot of knowledge in His eyes and He knew more about me than I knew and about my future, too. He nodded His head up and down to my question as if to say ‘yes.' I suddenly looked down at the bowl with the white handkerchief and took the handkerchief away and the bowl was full again! I began to eat and eat. I was interrupted by a group of black beings at another table (demons). They said, “Hey, we're going to come over there!” I said, “That's not up to me. You have to ask the man who paid for the feast”. (Jesus gave it all.) They then said, “Hey, come over here! We want you to come over here”. I said, “No”. I didn't want to go over there. They said, “Hey, let's switch”. (The demons want you to feed on their word so you won't turn into Jesus and won't be a threat to them.) I said, “That's not my decision to make. I didn't pay for the banquet or meal”. They were persistent with the questions and the one who stood up was angry with me that I was at this table, but I didn't leave. I knew enough not to go over there with them. 1Co.10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ? 17 seeing that we, who are many, are one bread, one body: for we are all partake of the one bread. 18 Behold Israel after the flesh: have not they that eat the sacrifices communion with the altar? 19 What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? Is anything more important to us than doing the will of God? 20 But [I say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? More Light For More Christ Anonymous - 08/19/2007 (David's notes in red) I had this dream and I saw myself in a white room; the ceiling was very high. (The house is the house of the Lord.) There were white stairs with gold banisters on them. (The staircase represents Jacob's ladder [Hebrew: staircase] to heaven and represents following in the steps of Jesus as “the way” [Gen.28:12; Jn.1:51].) I saw a fair lady and she looked to me to be pregnant. (The pregnant woman represents the woman church of Rev. 12 who is pregnant with the fruit of Christ.) She had the keys to unlock the door above the ceiling. As she was climbing to unlock that door, she told me that I could only enter that door above my head until I changed the bulb (a very huge round fluorescent bulb with white light), otherwise, I would not be permitted to enter through that door in the ceiling. (The key is the key of knowledge and the light is the light of understanding that we need to go through the door to the next level which is Christ fully birthed in us. The first-fruits of these will be the man-child.) She came down. (The pregnant woman represents those believers whose sphere of authority stayed below the door.) She seemed to be the keeper of that door and keeping records. I started to climb those white stairs which were very steep and very high. The floor of that room was quite small when I was up there. Of course, no room in reality is made at this height. When you looked down, it looked quite frightening so you can imagine the height. I am not a height person myself and surely it was only by the grace of God I was able to climb up those steep white stairs holding those golden banisters by faith. (Our hands represent our works, which must be holding on to those things that represent the highest heavenly value of gold and must be increasingly more heavenly as in climbing the staircase.) When I reached the ceiling, I had to leave those banisters and reach for the light to change that bulb. It was not easy because that light was situated at the center of the room. It was only by His grace that I managed to balance myself without the banister and change that light quickly. (By grace we will be balanced enough to go to the next understanding level and manifest Christ.) The light was a blinding white light. Then I entered into open heaven through that door. Ancient Man-child and Bride Seen Again K. H. - 07/06/2008 (David's notes in red) My mom and I were house-sitting for my grandparents, but it was at a different house than they live in right now. The setup was very similar to what they have now but the arrangement of the rooms was different and all of the rooms were a little larger. They also had this enormous and luscious garden in the backyard; it was absolutely breathtaking. I was given a list of things that needed to be done while they were gone and I was given another list to do to prepare for their return. I knew that I had a week, seven days, to do all the things on the list so I wasn't worried about it. I knew that it would get done but to my surprise, my grandparents came home a week early. When my grandpa saw that the house and the garden weren't ready for their return, he became upset. I just kept telling him that I was so sorry; I thought that I had another week and told him that I would get everything done. Then, I saw myself going down the list, one by one, and getting everything done with the help of other brethren. My mom and I talked about how once again the Lord reminded us that we need to be diligent in preparing for the coming times. Also, my grandpa coming home early and finding his house wasn't prepared for his return, I believe, is a warning for the body of Christ to be prepared for His return. This speaks of the return of the ancient Bride and Groom as they were almost 2000 years ago. Their house, the Man-child and Bride of our day, need to be ready for their return, not at the end of the 70th week but at its beginning. Many post-trib saints are not expecting this pre-trib appearance of Jesus in an Epiphaneia, or His shining forth from His saints. Jesus will be manifested in His Man-child company through His Word and Anointing that will live in them. His Bride will be manifested in a modern-day body, as she was then, full of power and holiness. Won't it be awesome? Joh 14:12-14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do. Eph 3:19-21 and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen.
Read OnlineThe Eternal Marriage to ComeThe disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:14–15In Isaiah 54:5 and Hosea 2:16–20, God is portrayed as the divine Bridegroom who espouses Israel. By invoking this imagery, Jesus reveals His divine identity as the Bridegroom who establishes a new relationship between God and His people—a relationship initially characterized by joy, intimacy, and celebration rather than sorrow.However, Jesus quickly adds a sobering note: “The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” This verse points directly to His coming Passion and death, and to our interior participation in His Passion. It is for those moments that fasting produces a necessary preparation for the sense of loss and sacrifice we are called to make throughout life.Everyone loves a wedding, especially when celebrated by faith-filled people who anticipate a fruitful life together. As the bride walks down the aisle, her face radiates joy, and the groom waits eagerly at the altar. A holy marriage reflects the ultimate destiny of Christ and His Bride, the Church. Fidelity, unity, fruitfulness, consolation, and permanence are all aspects of the communion we are invited to share with our loving God.These beautiful aspects of marriage prophetically anticipate what is to come, especially when the Bridegroom returns in glory to usher in the New Heavens and the New Earth. They also represent what we are invited to experience, by grace, during our earthly pilgrimage toward the final union in Heaven—a relationship with God that is grounded in joy, intimacy, and celebration.During this pilgrimage, the Bridegroom is at times “taken away.” Spiritually speaking, this means that Christ occasionally permits His consoling presence to be withdrawn from the soul. He does this not because He abandons us, but because, in His wisdom, He desires our growth in virtue, faith, and spiritual maturity through trials. Such purification is our participation in Christ's Passion, which both cleanses and restores the soul, transforming us into the new creation we are called to be by fully dying with and in Christ, so as to share in His new life.When the sensible consolations of grace diminish, the soul experiences spiritual fasting. Although initially painful, this fasting instills a greater urgency to seek Christ through deeper prayer. If we continually felt God's consoling presence, our love might become self-centered—loving God only because He comforts us.In the Old Testament, fasting primarily expressed external repentance. Jesus transforms fasting into a spiritual exercise that strengthens the soul during trials, dryness, and loss. Habitual fasting, such as weekly abstinence, disciplines our interior life, enabling us to love God even when consolation is absent.When the Bridegroom is “taken away,” our spiritual senses sharpen, and our longing for Christ grows more fervent. Thus, Christ's apparent absence becomes an opportunity for greater intimacy, guiding us toward a more profound, selfless love—seeking Christ Himself purely for His sake. Reflect today on how you respond when God seems distant. Do you turn toward Him with increased trust and prayer, or do you withdraw? When God seems distant or when your prayer feels dry, do you recognize the value in those moments? Resolve to engage in forms of physical fasting and other penitential acts as a way of training yourself to enter spiritual fasting with hope and strength. Let spiritual fasting become an act of pure love, preparing your heart for the eternal marriage feast to come.My Lord and Bridegroom of the Church, You call each of us, Your sons and daughters, into an eternal marriage of pure union and fidelity with You. Form and purify me by allowing me to share in Your Passion, so that my love may become holy, and I may love You with the same love with which You love me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: word on the mountain, by vukkosticSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
Delight Your Marriage | Relationship Advice, Christianity, & Sexual Intimacy
Surrender Your Masculinity to Jesus: Interview with Aaron Smith Consider this question: If your marriage never changed... Would Jesus still be enough? That question is at the heart of this week's conversation with Aaron Smith. For four long years, he and his wife struggled with painful intimacy issues that nearly ended their marriage. Like many couples, they kept praying for God to change their circumstances. Instead, God began changing their hearts. One of the most powerful moments in our conversation comes when Aaron realizes that Jesus didn't wait for His Bride to become perfect before giving Himself for her. He loved first. Sacrificially. Completely. That's the invitation for every one of us. Not because it's easy. But because it's the way of Christ. To love first. Let this conversation encourage you to remember: God cares about your marriage. He is worthy of your surrender. And He is still working. With love, The Delight Your Marriage Team (Shownotes written with AI assistance) PS - Are you ready to take the leap and become the person God created you to be in your marriage? Schedule a free Clarity Call and see if our programs are the right next step for you. PPS - Here is what (another) recent Coaching Graduate had to say: For years, I felt so dissatisfied, frustrated, and angry toward my wife. I was living in a repeating cycle of expecting sex, not being fulfilled by it because of her lack of desire for me, being angry at her for not trying to connect with me in the relationship, holding it in for as long as possible, then trying to "fix it" by talking to her about it or lashing out at her, then back to the expectations. My wife, kids, and myself, all felt unsafe and dissatisfied with life and who I was... This program has helped me so much to learn how to handle not only my emotions, but hers as well. She is truly seeing me as a safe place and I want to protect that at all costs...I have also learned how to speak to my wife's heart and to truly listen to her...I am now living in God's purpose and design and the pieces around me are falling into place. ......................................................... Delight Your Marriage is dedicated to helping married couples discover true intimacy and helping heal emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy--biblically. For more than 10 years, through our practical tools, group coaching, and podcast, we have seen hundreds of marriages transformed- from couples who were on their way to signing divorce papers to couples who had pretty good marriages but just wanted to connect more. We are honored to get to walk alongside men & women as they become who God created them to be and see their marriages transformed in the process. If you'd like to learn more about us and our programs, please visit https://delightyourmarriage.com/ Want more on-the-go content? Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for insightful clips and marriage coaching insights. Catch up on the podcast on our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast streaming platform. Ready to take the leap and do the work to heal your marriage? We'd love to chat with you. Schedule a free Clarity Call here. Thank you for listening and God bless!
June 27, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 4 - Psalm 27:3-4a, 5; antiphon: Psalm 27:1-2Daily Lectionary: Joshua 2:1-24; Acts 8:26-40“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” Out of the nothingness and darkness, God spoke, and light was created. And God said it was good. John's gospel opens with “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God…the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1, 5) The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? All this talk of light. Why? Because there is darkness in this life. There is suffering and hardship. And there are things we fear. On our own, we are left hurting and broken with no hope and no lasting help.Sin breaks stuff. The world is broken, and so are we. The suffering we endure in this life, often as a consequence of our own sin, is persistent and heavy, and overpowering. The devil seeks to devour us. The world seeks to destroy us. Our sinful nature hates God and would call evil everything He has called good. The sinful flesh has reason to fear the darkness and shadow. But God is not afraid of the dark. God's solution to this darkness and evil, and brokenness is not to turn His back on us. He does not leave us in the dark. He sends light and life. He sends Jesus. Jesus, the light no darkness can overcome. Jesus, who died that sinners might live eternally. Jesus, Who rose that we might also rise in Him to newness of life. There is much to fear, but you, dear child of God, need not fear. The Lord of life and death calls you His own. You have been given life and light, forgiveness and salvation, freely. You have been given the Gift of dwelling in the house of your God all the days of your life, now and in eternity. Though an army encamps against her, Jesus will not forsake His Bride, the Church, and that includes you. When you find yourself in the valley of the shadow of death, remember these words: Jesus is my light and salvation, Jesus is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus comes in joy and sorrow, shares alike out hopes and fears; Jesus comes whate'er befalls us, cheers our hearts and dries our tears; Alleluia! Alleluia! Comforts us in failing years. (LSB 353:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.
EXODUS LESSON 73 PART 2 I strongly urge you to listen to Lesson 73 part 1 before listening to part 2. You'll see how important it is to make sure you do this to get a better understanding of the questions and issues in these verses. Here's the link for part 1 - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/exodus-73-part-1-exod-3210-18-god-cant-change-his-mind/ One major problem we'll deal with is the way the translators of the New American Standard Bible 1995 translated the Hebrew in Exod. 32:14 to come up with the phrase, “God changed His mind.” In part 1 it is so clear that God does not change and never changes His mind. This is a major issue and one wonders how this could've happened since again and again the very words of God show the truth that God does not change and never changes His mind. Below check out the chart. You'll see that the NASB is the only Bible version that uses the phrase “God changed His mind.” The King James (KJV) and the Amplified Bible (AMP) and the Jewish Publication Society (JPS) translations are probably the most accurate. The Lord repented or turned away from one thing to turn to another. Repent in Hebrew comes from the Hebrew verb LaShuv לָשׁוּב meaning to turn around or to go back. The Strong's number H7725. It is the verb that forms the Hebrew word for repentance of Teshuvah תְּשׁוּבָה. It is not just connected to doing repentance from sin. It could be one wants to give up smoking. So one would turn from smoking and to turn to something else. In other words one is doing Teshuvah תְּשׁוּבָה from smoking. That is how the Bible uses the word and not just related to sin. Thus, God is turning from one thing to do another. I wrote an article on trying to get at this in a more understandable way. Here's the article below. Does God change His mind? How can this be? We have two verses that contradict each other. Consider ... Exodus 32:14 So the LORD changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people. (Exo 32:14) Malachi 3:6 "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." (Mal 3:6) Which is it? If God does not change then how did Moses have God change His mind and yet God says He will not. This is not like God. This is nuts. I thought the Bible was in full agreement!! Can this be explained?? Also, one reads in the very words of God that certain people will be restricted from the Assembly of God. Deu 23:1-8 "No one who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD. (2) "No one of illegitimate birth shall enter the assembly of the LORD; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, shall enter the assembly of the LORD. (3) "No Ammonite or Moabite shall enter the assembly of the LORD; none of their descendants, even to the tenth generation, shall ever enter the assembly of the LORD, (4) because they did not meet you with food and water on the way when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you. (5) "Nevertheless, the LORD your God was not willing to listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you. (6) "You shall never seek their peace or their prosperity all your days. (7) "You shall not detest an Edomite, for he is your brother; you shall not detest an Egyptian, because you were an alien in his land. (8) "The sons of the third generation who are born to them may enter the assembly of the LORD. It says that all Moabites are so restricted and yet Ruth gets in. Why? How? (Listen to part 1 carefully regarding the Moabites. No Moabite will be allowed in to the Assembly of Israel up to an including the 10th generation by God's own words. Wait till you see how Ruth is probably of the 11th generation when one studies the Bible in its historical context. So, she can get in and she did!) It says that a MUMZER will not enter and Timothy is a mumzer - his mom was Jewish and his dad a pagan (Hebrew for one of illegitimate birth)!! Timothy!! He became a leader of the assembly of Messiah in Ephesus. We say as Gentiles we are grafted in but the Torah says NO!! God says it loud and clear. What is going on? How can both be true? Oh sure. One is the church and one is the synagogue. Right?? It can't be. This is a conundrum!! Let's check the Hebrew of Exod. 32:14 and Mal. 3:6. Exo 32:14 וינחם H5162 יהוה H3068 על H5921 הרעה H7451 אשׁר H834 דבר H1696 לעשׂות H6213 לעמו׃ H5971 Mal 3:6 כי H3588 אני H589 יהוה H3068 לא H3808 שׁניתי H8138 ואתם H859 בני H1121 יעקב H3290 לא H3808 כליתם׃ H3615 In English we are reading the word “change” (as to change one's mind in Ex 32:14 - word # 5162) and change (as to someone not changing as in Mal 3:6 - word #8138). In Exod 32:14 God "racham's" - it does NOT say He changes His mind!! The word racham is the word that is translated as "He changed His mind." That phrase is not even there. A better way to say this is that God repents; God turns from one thing to another. He REPENTS. Moses did NOT change HIS mind. What happened is God has set in place either punishment or a curse on those who are unrighteous. That is His intention. However, equally part of HIS intention is God's other option to forgive and erase the punishment if there is true repentance. Both options exist for God. It is one or the other - this is His simultaneous intention and purpose. Moses intervened for Israel and God did not change His mind. He can't. What God did was to turn, to repent, and allowed the other option. Both options are in play, both are His intentions. God has laid out those two options as part of His intentions. Thus, He did not change at all. In Mal 3:6 the word is "shanaw." This has the picture of "folding" one side on another. It has the implication of duplicating. God stays constant. He is ONE and will remain ONE. He is the Lord and HE does not go from one intention to another. Like with Moses God had either punishment or forgiveness. Both exist at once as God's intentions. In the case of sin this is God - both exist. He will turn from one to the other, from punishment to forgiveness if there is true teshuvah, repentance from the sin, and will not do option 1 but option 2. God is like that. He is always like that. God has it all covered and these options are already in place with HIM as His intentions. He will not do anything that is not already a part of HIMSELF. Thus, we study Torah to know HIM deeply and intimately and to begin to understand His ways. Finally, Moses was the greatest prophet of the Hebrew Scriptures (Deut. 34:10). God tells Moses the following … “I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.” (Deu 18:18) This is the Lord's prediction of the future coming of His Son, Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah. So, Jesus is a prophet like Moses; for us as disciples of Jesus we'd say Jesus is the Greatest Prophet ever. But, we are to be disciples of Jesus or talmidim תַּלְמִידִים. A talmid is one who is a student of a rabbi and who lives to be like his rabbi. Check out the article entitled "Rabbi and Talmidim" at this link ... https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim Jesus says this quite clearly … “A pupil (from the Greek to the Hebrew is TALMID) is not above his teacher (from the Greek to the Hebrew is RAV or master. We say RABBI); but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.” (Luk 6:40) Thus, if we are real talmidim we are to be like Jesus. He was given the words of His Father to proclaim and thus Jesus is a prophet. But we are given the words of Jesus to go and proclaim. So, we are prophets as well in that Jesus sends us to bring the word to the Ends of the Earth. And as Moses offers prayers of intercession for Israel so Jesus offers prayers of intercession for His talmidim and the church, His Bride. Thus, if we are truly living to be a true disciple then we to must be ones who offer prayers of intercession for the ones we meet as well. We are to be like Him and follow Paul's teaching when he taught that we are to be like Paul since he is like his master, his RAV, Jesus (1Cor. 11:1). Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? (Ferret - somewhere in the desert north of Eilat Israel) What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Join us as we discuss the Marriage of Christ to His Bride (the Church), the 2nd Coming of Christ, the Battle of Armageddon, and the opening of Hell. Where will you be in the story?
Many of us have attended wedding ceremonies as guests. We're used to what goes on there. Something extremely important has happened. Jesus is calling us, the Church, to be His Bride! God paid what He thought you were worth to make this happen and He is still sending us love letters, which show His affection and commitment to us. Let's linger at the Lord's table. We won't grow old there! We do need to be prepared though and make ourselves ready. Let Jesus wrap you in His robe of righteousness. The script for the whole Service can be read here.
Calvary Chapel Anne Arundel County Maryland - Sunday Services
Summary: In our study we will see how Jesus views you (His Bride) from His eyes; and how He (the Husband) you can trust to follow Him by faith. A beautiful passage to simply rest in and enjoy. Join Us!
My Story — When God Moves, The Enemy Schemes | Acts 5:1–11Description: The church in Acts 4–5 is in the middle of a powerful move of God—thousands saved, radical generosity, unity, joy, miracles, bold preaching. Then suddenly, Ananias and Sapphira drop dead. It's shocking—and it confronts our “safe” view of God. In this message, we see a Jesus who is fiercely committed to a pure church and an enemy who loves to work through deception.Key themes:The Holy Spirit is present and personal: “You have not lied to man but to God.” (Acts 5:3–4)When God is moving, the enemy is scheming—often from the inside through compromise and hypocrisy.Admiring sacrifice vs. embracing surrender: the root of hypocrisy is wanting the credit of sacrifice without paying the cost of surrender.Doors that deception opens: love of praise, love of money, and loss of the fear of the Lord.Why Ananias and Sapphira died: Jesus is protecting the purity of His Bride; sin at the foundation is deadly.The fear of the Lord doesn't push us away from God—it pushes us away from sin.A pure church is a powerful church: after holy fear comes fresh power, signs and wonders, and more believers added (Acts 5:11–42).Scripture references:Acts 4:36–37 (Barnabas' Spirit-led generosity)Acts 5:1–11 (Ananias and Sapphira)Ephesians 4:27 (Give no opportunity to the devil)1 Corinthians 5:6 (A little leaven leavens the whole lump)Psalm 139:23–24 (Search me, O God)1 John 1:9 (Confess and be cleansed)Takeaways:Jesus won't build His church on deception.Satan can't force your sin, but he'll fuel your self-deception.Purity doesn't shut down revival; it protects it.Response:Examine: “Search me, O God…” (Psalm 139:23–24)Expose: Confess to God (1 John 1:9)Embrace: Not shame, but grace—and fresh powerChapters: 0:00 Intro: Power and purity in Acts 2:45 Barnabas vs. Ananias and Sapphira 9:30 Deception's root: praise, money, loss of holy fear 16:20 Why judgment fell and what Jesus is teaching 23:15 Fear of the Lord and revival power 29:00 Response: Examine, expose, embraceIf this message challenged you, share it with someone who's hungry for a pure move of God. Subscribe for more Bible teaching and revival-focused messages.
When Beth entered hospice, someone told her something that changed everything: "You are not preparing to die. You are preparing for your wedding." That single reframe shifted fear into anticipation and loss into longing. Because the Bible begins with a wedding in the garden…and ends with a wedding feast in eternity. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells one unified story — a love story — where Christ is the Bridegroom and the Church is His Bride. In this episode, we explore what it means to live now as women preparing for that wedding. Drawing from: Genesis 2 (marriage in the garden) Isaiah 1:18 (white as snow) Ephesians 5 (Christ presenting a radiant bride) 2 Corinthians 5:21 (clothed in righteousness) Revelation 19 & 21 (the wedding supper of the Lamb) 1 John 4:18 (perfect love drives out fear) Isaiah 62 (watchmen on the wall) Matthew 22 & 25 (parables of the wedding feast and the bridegroom) We unpack the profound truth that: You are not tolerated — you are pursued. You are not managing your way to heaven — you are clothed in grace. Love was made visible on the cross. Perfect love drives out fear and shame. When we truly understand that Christ sees us as a groom sees his bride — spotless because of His covering — something shifts. Fear loosens. Striving slows. Shame dissolves. And our lives begin to reflect that reality. This understanding changes how we live: We contend for the faith in daily prayer. We remind God of His promises — not because He forgets, but because we align our hearts with His Word. We devote ourselves to mission — inviting as many people as possible to the coming feast. We stop building our own empires and start building His kingdom. We rest in love instead of striving for approval. This episode is an invitation to step into the bigger story. You are not preparing for an ending. You are preparing for a meeting. And that changes everything. Reflection Questions Where am I still striving to earn love that has already been given? What would it look like to live today as someone preparing for a wedding? Where can I contend in prayer instead of controlling in fear? Who in my life needs an invitation to the feast? As we near the end of Season 3, this episode lifts our eyes beyond the sand, the fire, and the hidden seasons — and reminds us: Love wins. And the story ends in joy. Next week, we close the season with a deeply honest conversation: When You're Tired of Being Strong. Until then — You are seen. You are known. You are deeply loved. Companion Resources: Listening Guide Full Episode Study Guide 7 Day Companion Scripture Guide Small Group Discussion Guide
Prepare for the Man-Child Birth (1) (audio) David Eells, 5/17/26 Let me begin with this Word to be ready for this manifestation of the Man-Child birth and the work to follow. A Quick Change Anonymous 6/21/23 (David's notes in red) “There will be a quick change coming soon and more of My Son will be manifesting through you and those who choose ALL of Me. I am increasing and quickly, be ready each moment. LET GO OF EVERYTHING that is NOT Me. Let go of ALL doubt and unbelief. Let go of all carnal and worldly thinking. Everything you think you know and what you know is changing into Me. You will begin to not recognize yourself, but you will see Me in you (and our other Brethren). Completely in unity in Me you will soon be, closer and closer each moment, becoming one together fully in Christ. Time is now. Stop thinking and looking to the future (planning the future) or past but focus on each moment you are in now. I Am now. Time is now. My Son focused on this moment. His Mind was and is on all of you. Let go of all the distractions that stop you from bathing in My presence. Let go of all those little sins you think are hidden; I see all, and I want all evil out of you. No evil is in My Son, as there will be no evil in His Bride, now and for eternity. Time is ticking and passing more quickly than you think; things will start proceeding more rapidly. In an instance, I will be; don't look back. Let go of all your carnal desires, senses, and interests in this world. Face Me only. Look to Me. Think of Me. Communion with Me every moment. I Am in you and for you and everything is from Me. Look to Me and you will keep my peace, my joy and my pleasure that is beyond anything in the natural. I am coming sooner, get ready now. Don't miss out on the things I have for you. Each minute and second, I have a gift for you, and when you aren't in Me, you miss out on what I wanted to give you. Don't look away or to the enemy. Only Me. I Am coming and am already here; look and see”. (I sense that this is going to be coming and happening quicker than we expect.) Enter Ye in By the Narrow Gate B. A. - 07/25/2011 (David's notes in red) I had just finished my morning prayers and was getting out of bed when I received a word from the Holy Spirit: “If you think the body scanners and pat-downs at the airports are bad, wait until you see the searches I will be doing with My body!” I sat back down on the bed as this took me by surprise. After a few minutes, I got up, dressed, and went down by the lake to meditate on this word. As I was sitting there, I got a vision: I was inside a huge megachurch filled with people. It looked like a football stadium. (In a larger sense, the stadium is the body of Christ. In a smaller sense, it is UBM.) I saw a man dressed as a shepherd who was speaking from a podium to the people. (This is a type of the “one shepherd,” Jesus, ministering in the man-child to the “one flock.”) I couldn't figure out why I was there. I felt like an ant inside this place, as it was so big. I was pondering why I was there when suddenly I saw a bright light coming down from the high ceiling. I watched as the light came down and went through the crowd. (The light is the Word that “came down out of heaven” to give us rebirth in the image of Jesus.) Suddenly, it stopped and hovered over someone down toward the front. At this time, two ushers came and escorted that individual from the building. This happened several more times. I was surprised that no one else seemed to notice what was going on. (Many don't understand the opportunity we have to humble ourselves to the Word and be like Him and love Him.) This bright beam of light seemed to be working its way from the front of the building toward the back, to where I was seated. (The geometric progression of the Word being passed on from person to person.) Then, just like the others, this beam of light came down and hovered over me and the two ushers came and escorted me out of the building. (This represents being born of the mother, as the bride was in Song of Solomon.) As I got outside, I saw the others who had gone out before me. They were all standing together in a group and were hugging each other. As I drew near to them, they came up and started hugging me and shouting, “We've been chosen! We've been chosen!” That was the end of the vision. (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. (The Bride is being chosen before the tribulation because that is the seven-day Marriage Feast when the groom feasts with the bride over the bread/word and wine/nature of Jesus Christ.) Just as I was getting up to go back into the house, I received another word from the Holy Spirit: “Strive to enter in by the narrow gate.” (Luk.13:24) Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (Mat.7:13) Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. (14) For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. I believe the Lord was giving me a warning. I believe the Lord is taking what is going on in the natural to prepare His body for the spiritual. Those body scanners and pat-downs at the airport are very revealing and humbling. I believe the Lord is warning us that that's nothing compared to the BODY (God's people) search He is going to do to His people. (Anything illegal, according to the Word, will not pass. Unforgiveness, lust, pride, rebellion, etc. won't fly.) I believe this message is for the first-fruits (Man-child and Bride). The Lord gave me more word this morning. The Lord told me He was searching HIS people and that He has been giving them a series of pop quizzes leading up to the final test for the first-fruits. If we can't pass the series of quizzes, we have no chance of passing the BIG TEST! These quizzes are to test the body to see where they stand spiritually. How will we as the body be able to function when situations get much tougher, as world events become more extreme? We are being sifted! (If one cannot prove to live in the love and nature of Jesus in the small tests, they could never conquer the big tests that are coming.) Also, I believe the Lord is telling the body to “GET REAL” with their hearts. Anyone holding on to any unforgiveness or unconfessed or hidden sin will not make the cut. Love each other from the heart, brothers and sisters. It is a HUGE blessing to be in the first-fruits. We are not to be concerned about our specific place within the body; it's the Lord's decision and His alone to place each and every one of us in the position He has chosen for us. We do not appoint ourselves to positions as many do. Birthing the Man-child and Under Attack Warren Edwards - 09/21/2009 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was with a woman who was about to give birth. We were alone in a birthing room. There was great commotion outside. When the woman was just about ready to give birth, two people who were outside the room burst in and said we were about to be overcome and that we would have to leave. (The beast threat against the church will be great at the time God births His Man-child in them and to lead them.) We were in another room just like the first room; the only difference was that now the woman who was to give birth looked more pregnant than before, and I was aware that the two men who were outside were there to protect us from the people trying to attack us. Just as the woman was ready again, they burst into the room and said again that we were about to be overcome and had to move, so we moved again. (The church will be running from the devil, instead of after the devil, before this leadership arrives.) We were in the same type of room again, with the same commotion outside. The woman was larger with child than ever and looked as though she would burst because she was so big. I became aware that I was not protecting the woman but was to protect the child she carried. The men burst into the room again and said again that we were about to be overcome and we had to move. They had weapons in their hands; one carried a fence post (which is for separating us from beasts-- symbolizing sanctification from the flesh) and the other a piece of steel tube (which is a vessel for the water of the Word to flow through). Sanctification is necessary for us to be a channel for the spoken Word, which is our sword of the Spirit. Some only know the word through the colored glasses their preachers give them. Know and experience the word through the Holy Spirit.) I noticed the weapons bore no marks of use, and I became angry. I asked the men why they had not used their weapons against the enemy. They argued the enemy was too strong and insisted that we leave before we were overcome. (Unsanctification, doubt and the lack of the knowledge of authority makes God's people cower before the enemy.) Very angry, I lifted my hands and spoke; the enemy was immediately quieted and fell. The men who were protecting the woman fell silent and had an expression of fear on their faces. They just moved out of the way; they were not hurt. The woman gave birth. The child and I were taken away in the spirit. End of dream. This is the story of the dragon beast in Rev,12, awaiting the birth of the Man-child, in order to devour it before it is caught up to the throne of authority. Care has been given to some to birth this Man-child, who are also to be members of it. (Rev.12:1) And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered. 3 And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads seven diadems. 4 And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven (This falling away of the stars God said were Abraham's seed is the danger.), and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child (And this is the other threat spoken of.). 5 And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. I, David, had a dream or vision, many years ago, about birthing the Man-child from a dying religious system. My notes are in red: I was standing on top of a mountain (representing the kingdom of God) and looking down the mountainside. I saw a construction crew coming up the mountainside, putting up the big metal power poles for high voltage power lines. (Bringing the latter rain power of God to come as Christ in us.) Then I looked down beside me on the ground and noticed a very old, emaciated cow lying there. It looked as though it was about to die. Next to it was a very large baby boy that I knew had been born from that cow. Next, I saw a front-end loader come and scoop up the cow and carry it away. (Moving the old, dead system out of the way of the power coming through the Man-child as it was in Jesus' day.) I picked up the baby and walked over and got on an escalator. (Resting and being caught up to the throne of God's authority to use power.) As we were going up, I noticed a woman next to me with a normal-sized baby. Looking at my baby, she said, “That looks like a real baby boy”. Watching the front-end loader carry away the cow, I said, “Yeah, I wonder how that's possible”. Then the scene changed and I was walking into a ministers' conference. All the famous religious leaders were there. A famous minister whom we all know walked over and handed me some papers. (The Lord showed me that he represented a generation of Saul ministers who were ceding their authority to the Man-child.) Then the Lord said to me, “This is his propaganda about what he has accomplished”. Judy Miller also had a dream on 12/10/08, which we called Christian Snipers, where I was under attack while trying to deliver the Man-child. Here is the shortened version: I have never, to the best of my recollection, dreamed about someone I never met. But I can't seem to get it off my mind. Since this dream was about David, I thought it might be something he would understand. He and I and a woman who could have been his wife, but I never saw her, were in a big, empty room like a cafeteria. (The cafeteria is where food is served, so I believe this has something to do with our teachings that we feed the saints.) There was only one table, which was standing on its end in this empty room. It was one of those really heavy tables that takes two people to move. David and the woman were on the underside of this table and he was delivering a baby from her. (Delivering the baby “under the table” symbolizes being out of public view. Some people pay no attention to the fact that some Davids work very hard at delivering the individual and corporate fruit of Christ from the woman church behind the scenes.) I was on the topside digging a bullet out of David's back. (The top side of the table represents being in public. David was shot from the direction of the public and Judy removed the slug in public. Sniping at Davids in public is the work of those who have critical, factious spirits and do not care what they do day and night to serve the saints. Those who have wisdom of the Word should publicly but gracefully correct slander, backbiting, gossip and criticism, as Judy was symbolically doing here. (Psa.11:2) For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.) How I was doing this through the table, I don't know. But the strange thing was this: He never seemed to notice he had a bullet in his back; he didn't acknowledge any pain while I was digging it out. He actually never said anything during this whole thing, but seemed to be concentrating on delivering this baby. (The most important thing is delivering the baby. I get bullets in the back without me knowing it all the time because some don't speak to your face “alone”, as Jesus demands in Mat.18:15, but go to the public, which is reserved for the third step in verse 17 and only when there is sin. Some who are overcome by critical, factious spirits and selfish ambition receive accusations against elders [1Ti.5:19] in their minds or from others for the purpose of separating brethren unto themselves.) I finally managed to get the bullet out of his back, and I held it up to the light and it glittered on the brass when the light hit it, and I just smiled; that was the end of the dream. (The glitter on the slug speaks of putting on a public display to impress men, since that is the way glitter is used. Public persecution has come against our ministry and, sadly, sometimes it is from within, as it was with Jesus. Some like to magnify themselves at others' expense.) Jesus Is Again Coming in Humility June Johnson - 07/29/2008 (David's notes in red) In a very vivid dream, I saw a donkey in the middle of a road with a baby on its back. It is Jesus birthed in the end-time corporate Man-child, whose beastly flesh is in servitude and humility by God's grace. (Mat.21:5) Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, Meek, and riding upon an ass, And upon a colt the foal of an ass. Jesus is coming as the latter rain on this morning of the third thousand-year day. (Hos.6:2) After two days (2000 years) will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him. (3) And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning (of the third thousand year day,); and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. He will anoint the first-fruits man-child with the latter rain first, as it was with Jesus in the former rain. The Jews expected Him to come as a reigning king over their enemies, as the Christians do today. But the enemy wasn't the Romans but the devil, sin, and the flesh. “The things that have been are the things that will be”. Instead, He will come once again in the form of humble servants before coming personally. I then heard a car coming and thought to myself that I had to get the baby out of the road before the car came closer. The dragon will seek to destroy the corporate Man-child, as with Jesus, Moses, Joseph, David, etc, but he will be anointed with authority to rule from the throne, as they were. (Rev.12:4) And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. (5) And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. (6) And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. The donkey then knelt down and I grabbed the baby and ran. End of dream. Jesus will come wherever the beastly flesh is in submission. Others will partake of the Spirit of Christ in them. The fruit of Christ will be served to God's people through a humble, fleshly body. Jesus Is Coming in His People Jan from Alaska - 02/04/2009 (David's notes in red) I got several confirmations during the day that this was from the Lord, and I don't want to miss any message in it. I'm standing just outside an open doorway that leads into a bedroom in the heart of the house. I'm told or asked by someone high above me (literally high over my head in the Spirit) to go to this woman to midwife her having a baby and the baby is Jesus. I walk into the room, and it's flooded with bright light, with a great light on her. She is ruddy in complexion, and I can see only her body from the base of her neck down. She's young --15-18, small, naked, alone in the room, and up on her elbows pushing in agony with the birth. She's in the end stage of delivery as the baby has already dropped into the birth canal, and she barely looks pregnant. I go over and put my hand on her stomach to comfort her and not so much to guide the baby, as to feel the baby. I have great compassion for her pain. Then I walk to the end of the bed, and I see the baby's head has already burst through the canal and the top of His head, which is snow white, is exposed (the revelation of Christ as head.) (Song of Solomon 5:8-10 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love. What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand). I'm excited with happiness, but I stay focused, talk comfort to her, and watch as the baby is born into my arms (and He is very ruddy). (The man-child David was said to be ruddy.) I hold the baby to my chest and run down a narrow hallway toward the front (future? outer court?) of the house, where I know a lot of people are waiting to hear He's been born. I'm crying and laughing because I'm so happy I got to witness this, that Jesus has come! (With the latter rain anointing for the whole man-child reformer body.) Baby Jesus, who is very red and physically very strong (Rev.12:10) Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ), leans over and takes my left index finger into His mouth and bites down and I realize He has a full set of very white adult teeth (Gen.49:9) Judah is a lion's cub; (12) His (Judah's) eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.). “Left hand” means “hiding place”; “place of covering”. “Index finger”, or “forefinger,” means “the finger of God”; i.e., “power of God”. I awoke crying and praising God, overcome with joy of it all. This dream may be a confirmation or continuation of a dream I had two weeks ago in which I was looking at the Word and in red letters I read: Tell of your Master and of His coming... (Gen.49:1) And Jacob called unto his sons, and said: gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the latter days. ... (8) Judah, thee shall thy brethren praise: Thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; Thy father's sons shall bow down before thee. (9) Judah is a lion's whelp; From the prey, my son, thou art gone up: He stooped down, he couched as a lion, And as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? (10)(This verse was given by faith at random to us when we asked what spiritual tribe are we from?) The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come: (Hebrew: peace giver. From Assyrian: prince, ruler) And unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be. (11) Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass's colt unto the choice vine; He hath washed his garments in wine, And his vesture in the blood of grapes: (12) His eyes shall be red with wine, And his teeth white with milk. A word I received at this same time: (Isa.33:10) Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; now will I lift up myself; now will I be exalted. Jesus came as a baby with the former rain ministry and passed this on to the Woman Church, who were called “Christians” because Jesus lived in them. Now history must repeat, as Ecc.1:9 says: “That which hath been is that which shall be”. Jesus said He would return again as a Man-child born to the woman Church. (Joh.16:19) Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me? (20) Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. (21) A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. (22) And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. (He will come manifested in His corporate end-time Man-child reformer body.) (Rev.12:5) And she was delivered of a son, a man-child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. (6) And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (He will come through the Latter Rain anointing after two thousand-year days on the morning of the third thousand.) (Hos.6:2) After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him. (3) And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. Then this anointing will be spread throughout the elect Church, as history repeats. And then He will come in the clouds of His heavenly people. The David Ministry Is Born Eve Brast - 11/11/2013 (David's notes in red) I dreamed that my husband and I had a fourth son. (In real life, we have three sons: Noah, 16; Elijah, 11; Josiah, 8.) I had just given birth to this fourth son. I was wondering where my husband was in the dream because he was not present for the birth. My older two sons were nearby, but it was my son Josiah who was present for the birth. He was standing at my right hand and admiring the new baby boy with me. (I have learned that the birth of the Man-child is different from the birth of the Man-child ministry. In Jesus' life, there were 30 years between these two. It was that way with Joseph, David and Moses, as types of the Man-child. They all had a pre-anointing life and service to God. But when the anointing came, the real ministry began.) I had wrapped him in a white blanket and was holding his head with his right cheek against my heart. I was talking to Josiah and exclaiming, “He looks just like Elijah when Elijah was born, only he has richer, thicker hair!” (My son Elijah was born in November, the 11th month of the year (And he is at the time of this dream 11 years old), and Father gave me this dream on 11/11/13.) (11 has been a number of manifest judgment on the wicked but also deliverance and blessing for the righteous. This is what comes with the Man-child ministry of the white horse rider.) I started quoting Bible scriptures to this new baby, as he rested on my heart. I didn't know where these verses were located in the Word, but every verse I quoted to him, he would quote them right back to me in a soft, quiet, gentleman's voice! And then he would add where that verse was located in the Word. I discovered that most of the verses I was quoting to him were in the book of James! (What we see here is the Man-child ministry being birthed into the world. Though they are small in size and number, they will manifest the supernatural knowledge and nature of the Word made flesh.) Josiah and I were looking and smiling at the new baby, and I was saying, “Isn't he so precious? He is so sweet! We are going to name him David. I've always loved that name”. Then I woke up. (The anointed David ministers are now coming onto the scene.) I asked Father for scriptures for this dream and received: (Ecc.7:1) A good name is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one's birth. (This ministry will have gone through birth, death and resurrection to the latter rain anointing to manifest the name of Jesus.) (Luk.24:50) And he led them out until they were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. (He led them to the House of Bread and blessed them.) (Mat.11:27) All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him. My finger landed on the words “to reveal him”. (The manifest sons will be revealed by the Lord, and they will reveal the Lord.) Then I asked for a word concerning me in this dream, and my finger landed on (Mat.1:21) And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. My finger was on the words, “And she shall bring forth a son”. Amazing! (Word received by random by faith in God.) “The Armies of God March Soon” Eve Brast - 10/08/2011 (David's notes in red) The Father gave me a dream on 9/22/11, two days after the vision He gave me of the birth of Isaac in Abraham's tent dream. (This was the birth of the Man-child, who, as David, will lead the Lord's earthly army into battle against the spiritual Philistines and their demon gods. I share this dream below.) Eve said, I'm sending it now because last night I was lamenting to the Father how pronounced the separation is becoming between myself and friends and loved ones who love the world more than the truth of the Word and discipleship. It seems to have become extremely pronounced recently. I was asking the Father to speak to me concerning this, and when I opened my Bible my finger was on: (Psa.18:29) For by thee I run upon a troop: And by my God do I leap over a wall. (The Lord's power and anointing will enable us to leap over walls of separation and battle for souls in bondage, but we must have our armor and be led by our General.) I went on to read the entire text of Psalm 18, which answered my questions perfectly and gave me comfort. I knew instantly after reading this that it was time to send this dream. Dream - 09/22/2011 I saw myself standing in the driveway in front of my grandmother's old house (Eve, as a type of the bride of the last Adam, is a part of the house of the ancient Church and Word before the falling away. Contending for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.) that house I grew up in on Lago Vista Street (meaning “Lake View”). I was facing west, looking across the pond. The sun was disappearing over the horizon. There was just enough light left to make out the scene. (A time of darkness coming on the world, but the waters of the Word are always before the Bride's face.) I was dressed in silver-polished armor with gold trim (armor that reflects the Sun or Son and blinds the enemy). My hair had turned blonde. (Hair represents submission to our husband. Blond hair represents submission to the Sun [Son] -- 1 Corinthians 11) The wind started to gust (false winds of doctrines) out of the north (the beast), blowing the dead leaves that had fallen from the trees and what seemed like dead grass clippings over me. (Coming in contact with those who are falling away to their flesh, for Peter said, “All flesh is as grass”.) I heard a voice from the south (God's army) say, “The armies of God march soon! “ I became concerned and started to panic because my armor had some missing pieces, like pieces of a puzzle. There was no time left to go back into my grandmother's house (representing the ancient original church), where the rest of the pieces were located, and find them. (The armor can only be found in the original Church of the Word.) At that moment, I cried out to the Father, “Help me, Father! I don't know what to do! “ I knew that if I went back inside, I would miss the deployment of troops, and that if I went into battle like I was (missing some armor) I could be wounded. (Effectual fervent prayer to the Father can finish up the armor. Many are taken out even now because they had no armor.) Suddenly, the missing pieces started appearing from above me and attaching themselves in their proper places on my armor suit, completing it for the march and the battle. (All need to pray to complete the armor so they are not taken out in the coming darkness and association with the dead around us. (Eph.6:12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. (13) Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (15) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.) When I asked the Father for scripture for this dream back on September 22nd, I opened my Bible and my finger was on: (2Ch.33:14) Now after this he built an outer wall to the City of David, on the West side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance of the Fish gate; and he compassed Ophel with it, and raised it up to a very great height: and he put captains in all the fortified cities. This was after King Manasseh in verse 13 had repented to God, and God brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. (And he was preparing for war, coming against the city of David by putting on its armor.) I asked for another scripture to expand the meaning of this dream to me and when I opened my eyes, my finger was on: (Joh.8:56) Your Father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. (Abraham fought for the people taken captive by the kings of Canaan's land, the beast.) This amazed me because it connected the previous vision the Father gave me two nights before with this current dream! God is so awesome and faithful to show us what He is doing! Dream - 10/08/11 I was flying through space inside our inner solar system toward the sun, and as I was coming up, I saw Mercury, Venus, and Earth. Mercury and Earth were in alignment and Venus was extremely close to coming into perfect alignment with them. (Eve didn't know this, but these planets were in perfect alignment, or very close to perfect alignment, from October 31 until November 15.) I was brought in closer, and all my attention was placed on Venus. As I was waking up, I heard a voice say, “And He shall be given a rod and a staff with which to rule over the sons of men”. (Could this be hinting at the anointing? We'll see. The rod represents chastening and the staff restraint and guidance. The alignments of Earth, Mercury and Venus can actually be seen as a type of a rod. The rod and the staff are the instruments of the Shepherd Who is coming in His Man-child to be the General for His troops. (Rev.22:16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright, the morning star [Venus]. Jesus is the root that brought forth the branch of David and He is in the Branch -- Jeremiah 23 & 33.) The scriptures that were given to me for this dream were (Eze.40:6) Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the East, and went up the steps thereof: and he measured the threshold of the gate, one reed broad: and the other threshold one reed broad. (Jesus is coming through the Eastern Gate into the temple of His people. He is measuring the Way through which He comes and many will not measure up. (Joh.14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.) (Jer.30:17) For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds saith Jehovah, because they have called thee an outcast, saying, It is Zion whom no man seeketh after. (Then Zion, the bride, will be sought out and restored.) With love for all my brethren. Be encouraged and strengthened in the Lord. Promised Seed Brings in Multitudes Eve Brast - 09/20/2011 (David's notes in red) On 9/20/11, before going to bed, I was out on my porch facing the east toward a fantastic lightning show that was occurring in the storm clouds. It was completely silent with no thunder at all, which is unusual. In my imagination, I saw the angel, Michael, and his angels fighting against Satan and his forces of darkness in the heavens, and Satan being cast down to the Earth. I felt in my spirit to pray against the forces of darkness that are coming against the saints of God. (Rev.12:10) And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. This casting down of Satan will be for the purpose of persecuting the woman church and driving her into the safety of the wilderness for 3 1/2 years, as in Revelation 12:13-14, to be trained by the Man-child in verses 5-6. After this, I went to lie down, but before I could fall asleep, the Father gave me a vision. I (Eve, the bride of Adam/Jesus) was standing on the corner of an angled portion of the roof of Herod's temple, which was over some pillars and steps. In the vision, this is where Satan had taken Jesus during His time of testing. (The Bride is being tested by Satan to see who will overcome by faith in the blood, the words of their testimony and sacrificing their life.) I was looking down and observing a scene. At my left, crouching down and observing the scene was Satan. He was dressed in a solid black hooded robe, and all I could see were his gray and bony hands with sharp, pointed nails. My attention returned to the scene below. (Satan hides in the darkness of wicked men, the seven-headed, 10-horned dragon body of lost humanity, so that men do not perceive this to be a trial from him. Men are tempted to wrestle with flesh and blood in this way.) Abraham had pitched his tent on the cobblestones in front of the steps of the temple and was pacing outside the tent like an expectant father. (Abraham means “father of a multitude”. He is the father of the faithful and represents our Father in Heaven.) I was able to see right through the top of the tent, and I could see Sarah, who was old and gray-headed, giving birth to Isaac with the assistance of three handmaids. She gave birth to him with great ease. (Our Father sowed the seed of the Word in Sarah, meaning “princess”, who represents the Bride who has not brought forth the seed of man. As with Sarah, the Bride is in the midst of the Church, who is now in old age. She is bringing forth the promised Man-child seed of Father Abraham, through whom he will be the “father of a multitude” from all nations.) Then I saw Abraham hurry into the tent as soon as Isaac was delivered, and he held the baby up to the heavens toward the Father in praise and dedication. (The gift from God through whom He will begin the latter rain revival to bring in the multitudes.) As soon as Isaac was born, Satan, still crouched on my left, started to pound his right fist down upon his left palm and scream twice, “We've lost them! We've lost them!” (As sure as this child will be born, Satan will lose the multitudes who were captive to him. YOU LOST THEM 2000 YEARS AGO, SATAN!!! LOL!!!) This is when the vision ended, and I became aware that I was in my bed trying to go to sleep. I looked this up in (Heb.11:11) By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted Him faithful who had promised ... (18) even he to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. (In Isaac was and is in type the seed of all future generations. He begat the one whose seed was the 12 patriarchs, just as Jesus did and just as the Man-child will spiritually.) When I asked the Father for some verses, my finger was on (Pro.18:20) A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. (The spoken word will bring forth the multitudes, like the commands through Moses to Pharaoh) Also (Isa.66:19) And I will set a sign among them and I will send such as escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow to Tubal and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame neither have seen my glory: and they shall declare my glory among the nations. (The “sign” here is the Man-child Emanuel, meaning “God with us” prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 2:10-12,34. He will send those who escape the beast to the nations to declare the fame of the Lord.) Praise the Lord that Satan has already been defeated! Be encouraged, brethren. Birthing of the Man-child and Bride's Fruit and the Beginning of Great Judgment Eve Brast - 11/18/21 (David's notes in red) I dreamed that I was in an old military-style fort with UBM. The entire perimeter or outer wall doubled as living quarters and storage rooms. The interior courtyard area was open. We were gathering supplies in preparation for an imminent, massive judgment from God in the form of a thick blanket of darkness that was heading towards the fort.) (At this time we know of one possibility of an imminent judgment, in that the DS has prepared more deadly plagues to unleash upon the global population. This judgment could also represent the beginning of the 7-year tribulation when the Man-child is born.) The judgment was fast approaching, coming from my right in the form of an oppressive darkness that was blanketing the earth. I knew that many people would die from this judgment in the dream. (The vaccine deaths multiplied quickly. We know the DS has another ‘Plandemic' worse than COVID's vax. As this was coming upon the world, I was simultaneously standing on a large wooden deck where I was in active labor to give birth to twins, a boy and a girl, even though I did not outwardly look pregnant. I had a vision of them coming through the birth canal side by side, the boy on the right and the girl at his left. They were being born in an upright position, or what they call breech, which is “feet first.” (This represents the fruit of Christ in the Man-child and the Bride coming to maturity and being born ready to walk in the steps of Jesus through the 7-year Tribulation period that is quickly approaching.) While I was laboring to bring them forth, I would squat down and try with all my might to push them out, but because they were being born at the same time, I could not birth them in my own strength, and I was becoming tired. Then the knowledge of the Holy Spirit came to me to “just stand and relax.” When I did this, they were born smoothly and with ease on their own. Then I woke up. (Through faith and rest of God, the Bride will bear her own fruit and that of the Man-child.) Missy got this text by faith at random for the morning prayer meeting on 11/18/21 and she thought it went with this dream, 2Ch.6:4-11, And he said, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hands fulfilled it, saying, 5 Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be prince over my people Israel: 6 but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel. 7 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel. 8 But Jehovah said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thy heart to build a house for my name, thou didst well that it was in thy heart: 9 nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name. 10 And Jehovah hath performed his word that he spake; for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as Jehovah promised, and have built the house for the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel. 11 And there have I set the ark, wherein is the covenant of Jehovah, which he made with the children of Israel. (This parable represents the two stages of the Man-child ministry: David, a warrior, and Solomon, meaning peaceful. The son of David, Solomon, [peaceful], which the Man-child Jesus, the prince of peace, was also called. This fruit of David, representing Christ in him, will build the house and not his old man. David was a man of war, but his fruit, Solomon, was the prince of peace to build the temple. David provided the materials for the Temple and his son, or fruit built it.) She was Delivered of a Son; a Man-child Alenna Timoshchuk - 12/2/21 (David's notes in red) I dreamed I was at my sister Lidiya's house and I took a shower in her bathroom. After I finished showering, I lay down on her bed to take a nap. (I've recently repented of some idols the Lord showed me were still in my life, and I believe the shower represents the washing away of my sins and this repentance and cleansing that I had just gone through in the Lord, and now that I am made pure by Him, I have entered into His rest.) In the dream, as I closed my eyes, I immediately started seeing a vision in animated form. I saw a large old-fashioned church building made of gray stone. (The old-fashioned church represents the original church, and the stone represents Jesus, Who is the Rock and foundation of the Church.) Then it was as if I was standing in the back of the church and could see everything happening inside. I saw rows of pews with people in them; they were all facing the front, where you'd normally see the preacher behind a pulpit. (I believe these people are the ones eagerly waiting for the Man-child, and they have their eyes forward, focused on Jesus Christ.) (The Nicolaitans put one man over the sheep of the congregation who lords his position over them, but Jesus did not intend it to be so for His disciples. The Man-child will restore the original 5-fold ministries of leadership and accountability in the Church government. Mat.20:25-28 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; 27 and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: 28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.) Instead of a preacher, a woman was standing there. She was dressed in beautiful garments in various hues of blue. The way she was dressed reminded me of the pictures I'd see of Mary with the baby Jesus. (This represents the woman of Revelation 12 who gives birth to the corporate body of the Man-child just as Mary gave birth to Jesus in His individual body 2,000 years ago. Mary was the bride of the Lord to bring forth the Man-child, Jesus, by the seed of the Holy Spirit.) She lay down on a table that was behind her, and I saw that she was pregnant, and I could see the shadow of a baby inside her belly. She started pushing and gave birth to a baby boy. When the baby came out, everyone in the church jumped up and started rejoicing and hugging each other. The Man-child will be born out of the Bride body.) The woman was looking at everyone with a huge smile on her face. That was when I noticed a gold crown on her head and a long blue veil covering her blonde hair. (I believe the woman looked like pictures I saw of Mary because she is the parallel of the one who births Jesus Christ in our day and the woman from whom the Man-child will come. She was clothed in beautiful hues of blue, representing heavenly colors, and her veil is her submission to Christ. The crown is the glory she will have in heaven because she represents the Bride.) (Joh.16:19-22) Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me? 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. (Represented by the “huge smile” she had on her face.) 22 And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. The corporate Man-child reformer David ministry in whom Jesus lives by Word and Spirit is about to be born. In the night that Cyrus, as Trump, conquered Babylon, Daniel, as a type of the Man-child, was promoted as a ruler of the Kingdom. We are close to the Man-child's anointing to rule.) After their moment of rejoicing, everyone went to the front of the church and exited out a side door. (I believe there will be great rejoicing for those waiting for the Man-child, and they all walked out of the church when he was born because they are going to spread the true gospel.) (These are the modern-day disciples of Christ who are going forth as the first disciples did.) The church was now empty, and I saw a man appear in front of the church, where he sat down on the steps of the stage. He wore clothes that resembled royalty; the colors of red and white, with a gold crown on his head. He had light brown hair, and his expression looked sorrowful. (I believe the man represented Jesus in the Man-child. The red and white symbolize the blood sacrifice and purity of Jesus, and the gold crown is also the glory he has been given by the Father in heaven for his obedience and sacrifice. I believe his expression was sorrowful because he feels his Father's sorrow over the people that have fallen away.) Then I heard a voice fill the whole room, and I knew it was the Father speaking to him. I can't remember the exact words our Father was saying, but I remember the idea of it, so I will just put it in my own words. He told the man that His people have been on the fence for too long, worshipping Him and mammon. The time has come for them to make a choice, for very soon they will be judged and many, many deaths are going to start occurring. (In the natural many will die because of the graphene oxide and spike protein, which is sprayed and/or in vaccinated people. Spiritually, there will also be a falling away. See our book Escape the Falling Away. These are the rebellious and lukewarm that the Lord will spew out of His mouth. Rev.3:16 So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.) He told him to go out and warn his people because the time has drawn very near. (I believe Father is showing me here that the Man-child is coming very, very soon, but for those who are not living in the Spirit, but after the flesh, a very difficult time is also very near. We need to intercede for them in prayer and warn them to repent and draw nigh unto the Lord. We also must give up our idols and worship our one true God.) The man jumped up with a determined expression on his face and went out the side door to do as the Father had told him. Then the vision ended in the dream, and I opened my eyes. (When the Man-child is anointed and sent forth by the Father, He will have power to complete all that He is sent to do.) ...I stepped outside onto the back porch to clear my mind so that I could write down the vision. My brother Leo came out and started the grill because he was going to grill some meat… (Leo represents the Lion of Judah, Jesus, who is solely focused on crucifying our flesh in the fiery trial.) Then something started happening in the sky. I saw clouds forming in lines very quickly, and it looked like the lines were being sprayed into the sky. The way they formed was very interesting. It started as a line that would turn into a 45-degree angle, ultimately forming a triangle. (This likely represents the 'all-seeing eye' within the triangular-shaped pyramid representing the Illuminati at the head of the DS. They are Luciferians and eugenicists, and they are de-populating the global population through their chemtrail spraying programs and vaccines.) As soon as the triangle was formed, the cloud would turn black and another would form connecting to the point of the other triangle and it was making lines across the sky that just looked like a bunch of black triangles. (It could be that these large black triangular crafts are TR3B antigravity, noiseless, extremely fast, U.S. aircraft black ops spraying plagues, vax, mapping, spying, etc.) It was very fast. I stepped off the porch and lay down in the grass to try to see what was happening more clearly. (Lying on top of the grass represents conquering the flesh of our old nature. The Bible says, “All flesh is as grass…” This allows us to have spiritual discernment and to see things more clearly.) I asked my brother, “Could these possibly be natural?” (The triangle with the all-seeing eye represents the leadership of the DS and is forming lines across the sky, which we call chemtrails that can spray plagues, vax, etc.) I never heard his reply because as soon as I asked that question, a robot jumped onto my face and started attacking me. I was wrestling with him and managed to push him off, and I jumped up. (Representing their chemtrail spraying, the nano-bot technology that has been discovered in the vaccines attacking the people by deoxygenating their blood, thereby making it feel like it's hard to breathe.) At first, I thought it was some kind of futuristic delivery robot. It had black, white and blue colors. The robot started coming at me again when I saw many more robots falling out of the sky into the backyard, and they were all chasing me. (This nanotechnology is capable of being aerosolized and sprayed upon large groups of people at one time.)(We are not under this curse, which Jesus bore, Gal.3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. We are under Psalm 91 where we are taught how to escape this. Psa.91:2-3 I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust. 3 For he will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence… 9 For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent.) I looked back at my brother, wanting to ask for his help, but he was just focused on grilling the meat. (In the midst of tribulations, we must focus on the sacrifice of our flesh in the fiery trial.) I started running around the backyard trying to climb on trees and fences, but they would follow me wherever I went. (Because they are in the air.) It seemed as if they were angry at me for being on the grass. (With the flesh under our feet, the demons are threatened and will attack us by every means and distraction they can muster.) Finally, I ran back onto the porch (where Leo was sacrificing the flesh.) and all of the robots disappeared. (We must stay on the porch with Leo, the Lion of Judah. There is safety from our enemies when we abide in Christ and the crucified life.) Then the scene changed again, and I saw a couple sitting in a pool filled with water. The woman was very heavily pregnant, and I could tell that she was due to give birth soon. There was a midwife on the side of the pool, instructing her so that she could give birth without tearing. Then I woke up. (Staying in the water of the Word makes giving birth to the fruit of Christ possible and easier.) UBM Born Again M. L. - 07/01/2013 (David's notes in red) I dreamt of a bombed building. I do not know what building or where it was. And I only saw a few yards ahead of me. (UBM was attacked by spiritual terrorists to separate the unclean from us, as has been prophesied for years. But also, this process has been going on around the world, as has been reported to us.) The enemy had moved on, and there was a total absence of fear. UBM had come together to rebuild. Our focus was that we had a job to do: cleaning away debris and rebuilding this place. (Cleaning away the old unregenerate of UBM and bringing forth the new, like the lunar eclipse of Michael Campbell's dream, where there was an eclipse and the first sliver of the new moon was much brighter than the whole moon had been before the eclipse.) Sometimes I only saw feet and legs and sometimes up to the shoulders, or saw people from the back. The most amazing thing was that I noticed people we knew from our former church who were working with us. They had come out to help, and it seemed so good to see them being freed. I saw some of the faces of our former leadership and others. This is a text we received before for this: (Zec.1:17) Cry yet again, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: My cities shall yet overflow with prosperity; and Jehovah shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. (18) And I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, four horns. (19) And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. (20) And Jehovah showed me four smiths. (21) Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head; but these are come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations, which lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.) My husband and I were observing this, and I had the knowing that members of our local UBM were there. I felt that close-knit communion that we have -- a unity I've never felt before. (This unity and love is increasingly happening.) I saw a person carry a five-gallon white bucket in each hand and go toward a corner of the room. The wall did not exist; only the two two-foot sections that formed the corners remained. Each of the walls was like this around the building. (Walls between groups are passing away; only the cornerstone of Christ will remain. UBM will be without walls, with room for many more people; a great revival. This is the text the Lord spoke to me that we have received before about UBM: (Zec.2:3) And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, (4) and said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, by reason of the multitude of men and cattle therein. (5) For I, saith Jehovah, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her. (6) Ho, ho, flee from the land of the north, saith Jehovah; for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heavens, saith Jehovah. We must flee now from the Babylonish beast nature and captivity if we are to be safe. (7) Ho Zion, escape, thou that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. (8) For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: After glory hath he sent me unto the nations which plundered you [these who brought down the walls]; for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. (9) For, behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall be a spoil to those that served them [they will be returned]; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me. (10) Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith Jehovah. As the old die, the new come in with the Lord. (11) And many nations shall join themselves to Jehovah in that day [the nations or Gentiles join Zion's daughter, the Bride, in these days as a great revival], and shall be my people; and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that Jehovah of hosts has sent me unto thee. (12) And Jehovah shall inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. (13) Be silent, all flesh, before Jehovah; for he is waked up out of his holy habitation [to fight for Zion].) The man with the buckets bent to his knees and started scooping up pieces of debris with his hands, then dropping the cement chunks and wood into the bucket. (Cleaning out the old to make room for the new.) A few moments later, I saw another pair of hands helping him. This was happening all through this room (UBM), and I knew that it was happening in the rest of the building (or house of God) also. Then I saw a very kind older man with a beard and collar-length gray hair sitting down at a makeshift table, and I thought I had seen him before. (Likely the Man-child.) It was made from broken pieces of brick (cement block) and a flat old board about 12-14 inches wide. The length was long enough to go across the bricks that support it. (A wilderness setting.) On the board, he had a piece of paper and some kind of list. It may have been job assignments, I'm not sure. Two people had left after talking to him and seemed excited. (UBMers coming into their individual ministries to compliment others' gifts.) There was a lightness in the air and even though there was a lot to do, everyone was pulling together and with much joy. (Like the new birth, there will be much joy and excitement in UBM and other faithful ministries which God will join together. We will be one flock with one Shepherd, as Jesus said.) I received this concerning the rebuilding of UBM: (Hag.2:1) In the seventh [month], in the one and twentieth [day] of the month, came the word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet, saying, (2) Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying, (3) Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing? (4) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest (two Man-child types); and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts, (5) [according to] the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit abode among you: fear ye not. (6) For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; (7) and I will shake all nations; and the precious things (Heb. “desire”, i.e. The Lord) of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts. (8) The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts. (9) The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts.
Calvary Chapel Anne Arundel County Maryland - Sunday Services
Summary: Marriage is the picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; therefore Christian marriages are under attack because they are God's picture and parable of His relationship with His Bride (the Church) that He was willing to die for to have. The Devil wants to destroy the Gospel, so he therefore tries to destroy this picture and parable. In our passage today we will be reminded and refreshed in God's beautify design and gift of marriage, and His calling on how we are to walk worthy in our marriage walk. Join Us!
From God's grand finale of creation, to the body of Christ referred to as His Bride, women are highly valued and equal heirs of the great salvation Jesus provides. In this Mother's Day message, Matt shares not only about honoring the mothers among us, but to honor women in general as equal partners with incredible calling, purpose and value.
The love song of Psalm 45 points us toward the love that exists between the King, Jesus Christ, and His Bride, the Church. As true God and true man, Jesus is the beautiful and victorious King over His enemies. He rules with true righteousness, and His people join Him in the splendor of His heavenly palace. Both Jews and Gentiles through faith rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns forever and ever. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 45. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
In the third week of the Church Unbranded series, Lead Pastor Jason Britt explores one of the most intimate and enduring metaphors for the church found in Scripture: The Bride of Christ. In a culture defined by noise, division, and "hollow philosophies," the church is called to be a people who are deeply united. This message pushes us past our Western consumer mindset—where we "go to" or "attend" church like a gym or a grocery store—and invites us into a love story where we are the beloved people Jesus gave His life for.
Is the first picture of the Gospel found before the Fall?In this second episode of Shadows to Substance, George Sayour explores the stunning biblical theme of Christ as Bridegroom and the Church as His Bride—tracing it all the way back to Genesis 2.While Genesis 3:15 gives the first announcement of the Gospel, this episode argues that Genesis 2 gives us its first picture:Eve formed from Adam’s side. Through Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5, this “mystery” is revealed to point beyond marriage itself—to Christ and His Church.From Adam’s deep sleep to Christ’s death, from the opened side to the flow of blood and water, Scripture presents a unified story: the Bride is formed from the Bridegroom through sacrifice.This episode connects Genesis, the Gospels, and Revelation into one profound reality—God has always been forming a people for His Son.
Is the first picture of the Gospel found before the Fall?In this second episode of Shadows to Substance, George Sayour explores the stunning biblical theme of Christ as Bridegroom and the Church as His Bride—tracing it all the way back to Genesis 2.While Genesis 3:15 gives the first announcement of the Gospel, this episode argues that Genesis 2 gives us its first picture:Eve formed from Adam's side. Through Paul's teaching in Ephesians 5, this “mystery” is revealed to point beyond marriage itself—to Christ and His Church.From Adam's deep sleep to Christ's death, from the opened side to the flow of blood and water, Scripture presents a unified story: the Bride is formed from the Bridegroom through sacrifice.This episode connects Genesis, the Gospels, and Revelation into one profound reality—God has always been forming a people for His Son.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere
Is the first picture of the Gospel found before the Fall?In this second episode of Shadows to Substance, George Sayour explores the stunning biblical theme of Christ as Bridegroom and the Church as His Bride—tracing it all the way back to Genesis 2.While Genesis 3:15 gives the first announcement of the Gospel, this episode argues that Genesis 2 gives us its first picture:Eve formed from Adam’s side. Through Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5, this “mystery” is revealed to point beyond marriage itself—to Christ and His Church.From Adam’s deep sleep to Christ’s death, from the opened side to the flow of blood and water, Scripture presents a unified story: the Bride is formed from the Bridegroom through sacrifice.This episode connects Genesis, the Gospels, and Revelation into one profound reality—God has always been forming a people for His Son.
The first forty days after Jesus' resurrection were critical, because Jesus didn't leave anything to chance! He took His valuable time to oversee the fledgling infant that would become The Church. In this message, Pastor Scott Johnson takes us through this journey with Jesus during these first forty days. He reveals Jesus' heart to leave no one behind, and His intentionality to create disciples, personally handing out invitational tickets to the upper room experience. So what extremes will Jesus go to prepare His Bride for the rapture event? Get understanding as we unlock this Kingdom pattern.
We are on the cusp of Christ's return for His Bride, the Church. He is coming back for a Bride that is without spot or blemish, excitedly awaiting for His return. Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. God, the Father of the Groom, also wants this from the Bride He has chosen for His Son. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Look for HOPE is Here: - at www.HOPEisHere.Today - on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HOPEisHereToday - on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeisherelex/ - on X (Twitter) - https://www.x.com/hopeisherelex - on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeisherelex - on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJ47I4w6atOHr7agGpOuvA Help us bring HOPE and encouragement to others: - by texting the word GIVE to 833-713-1591 - by visiting https://www.hopeisheretoday.org/donate #Lexington #Kentucky #christianradio #JesusRadio #Jesus #WJMM #GregHorn #GregJHorn #suicideprevention #KentuckyRadio #HOPEisHere #Hope #HopeinJesus #FoodForThoughtFriday #MondayMotivation #FridayFeeling #Motivation #Inspiration #cupofHope #FYP #ForYouPage #SuicideAwareness
Don't convolute or change God's Word on marriage and divorce to fit what you desire...likely leading to a life lived in sin. Take Him at His Word and build a strong marriage that reflects Christ and His Bride, The Church. Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Mt 19:3-9; Mk 10:11-12; Lk 16:18)!
In this episode Greg unpacks one of the most emotionally charged questions on the road to Rome: why does the Catholic Church ordain only men to the priesthood? Drawing from his own painful experience in the Christian Reformed Church's ordination battles of the 1990s, he shows how the debate shifts dramatically once you realize priestly authority is not about qualifications but about Christ acting in persona Christi as Bridegroom to His Bride. With clear teaching from Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, the Catechism, Pope Francis, and Pope Leo XIV's recent catechesis on Lumen Gentium, plus a deep dive into John Paul II's Theology of the Body, Greg explains the beauty of complementarity and how this teaching actually honors and elevates women. Listeners from Protestant backgrounds will find honest answers to common objections (Galatians 3:28, Phoebe, Junia) while everyone discovers the peace that comes from receiving Christ's design instead of redesigning it. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.
The fourteenth station: The Wedding Feast of the Lamb. This is where everything leads. From the beginning… to the Cross… to the Eucharist… All of it points to this: Union with Christ. At every Mass, Jesus — the Bridegroom — gives Himself to His Bride, the Church. And when we receive Him in the Eucharist, we are brought into that union. This is not just a symbol. This is not just a ritual. This is a foretaste of heaven. You are not alone. You are loved. You are invited.
Time is Now to Overcome (1) (audio) David Eells, 4/5/26 Saints, I want to share some revelations with you to both exhort and encourage you today to overcome and endure in your faith for all the promises the Lord has given us. Keeping Satan Under Your Feet L. D. – 4/1/14 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was in a big cavern with a wide river where people were waterskiing. But they were skiing on crocodiles' backs, sometimes on purpose, like for sport. There was some class going on in the water explaining how crocodiles slip into the water to attack. But dolphins were used as an example to show us how the crocodiles slipped into the water. (Satan wants us to think his demonic crocodiles are our friends when they actually want to devour us for him.) But then, what I thought were dolphins were actually the body of an underwater serpent dragon. (The demon crocodiles are a part of Satan's body and seek to devour and bring us into his body.) It was moving in a wave in and out of the water. I realized that I was on top of its head! (Notice the serpent dragon, who is Satan, was in the water, representing the peoples, but it was under her feet, who was in the heaven above the earth. Those in the heavens who exercise dominion over Satan are safe, but those who dwell in the earth or waters among the crocodile, serpent, and Dragon are not. Eph.1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ: Isa.27:1 In that day Jehovah with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan the swift serpent, and leviathan the crooked serpent; and he will slay the monster that is in the sea. Rev.12:9 And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. 10 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time.) The nations are the body of Satan in the earth; they are the body of water in which Satan the Dragon and his many crocodile demons live, but we are to live in dominion over them. Rev.17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Isa.17:12 Ah, the uproar of many peoples, that roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations, that rush like the rushing of mighty waters! 13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but he shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like the whirling dust before the storm. 14 At eventide, behold, terror; [and] before the morning they are not. This is the portion of them that despoil us, and the lot of them that rob us. The Sennacherib army is spoken of here, and they are inhabited by Satan and his demons who seek to cause the Bride to stumble, as Peter, who got his eyes on the water and off of Christ, sank to what would have been his death. L.D. had the serpent's head under her feet. An exhortation to all of us that we fall not from heavenly places, dabbling in sin. Gen.3:14 And Jehovah God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this (deceived the woman), cursed art thou above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life (the flesh of man was made from the dust of the earth, which the serpent eats): 15 and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Those who are born of the woman Church, who was deceived, should bruise the serpent's head.) The scene changed just a little. I was alone now with the crocodiles and this big sea serpent in this tall, enclosed cavern. I was very afraid and worried about the many crocodiles in the water, but I knew I was safe on top of this serpent's head. (We are not to be afraid. As long as we take dominion over the head and mind of Satan. In this way we control his body, and we have nothing to worry about. We grow up in Christ higher and higher as we keep the serpent in our flesh under submission. Luk.10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.) The serpent just kept taking me higher and higher. I knew it was only nine feet high (the number 9 symbolizes divine completeness or maturity), but it felt much higher, like 100 feet (completion represents 100%. Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple to test him.). The cavern wall to my right had a door with a cross on it (Through Jesus, the door, one can escape the temptation in the cave through faith and bearing our cross.) and I saw the serpent being cut open by a flashing sword (of the Word - Hebrews 4:12), but then it closed again. I wanted and tried to get through the door, but could not. (Through His Word, God offers many ways of escape from the trials, but some are too slow to take them. I know of brethren who were on prescription pain drugs that were killing their spiritual life and opening them up to Satan. Some were offered the Gospel of healing instead, but became addicted to the drugs and didn't want to hear of the perfect cure that Jesus paid for. This can end with God withdrawing His offer. 1Co.10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it. When the Word offers deliverance from the curse, take it by faith while the conviction is upon you.) Then the serpent spoke to me in my mind and said, “The guy before you got through this way: grace and mercy”. So I said, “Grace and mercy”, and it began to open, and a white light beamed out. (Don't count on your own wisdom or accomplishments. Cry out to God for grace and mercy, saints. It brings the light of truth and purity, for we deserve nothing. Pride, criticism, and unforgiveness can slam the door.) Then the scene changed; it was now unfolding like a camera was moving to the right slowly as it zoomed out. I was a snow leopard. (They are uniquely suited to life in winter snow, which means tribulation or trials.) I was running down a path toward a gazebo, in the top left part of the scene. There was a feast prepared outside in what seemed like a beautiful garden and a white room with beautifully designed golden chairs. (The Marriage Feast is also the time that the Lord's garden, which is His Bride, has borne fruit. Son.4:12 A garden shut up is my sister, [my] bride; A spring shut up, a fountain sealed. 16 Awake, O north wind; And come, thou south; Blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden And eat his precious fruits. Son.5:1 I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] bride: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends; Drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.) There was also a covered porch with more seating. But in the garden part underneath a giant gazebo was a giant snow leopard with a blue pendant, maybe as tall as a one-story house. (This could be Jesus, whom the tested Bride is to come into the image of, since they both are snow leopards. He has a heavenly blue pendant.) It was looking at a small dog on the porch in a playful manner. There were no humans, just animals for now. Then Jesus appeared. He said, “Do you think I will let those who will destroy My dinner/feast come in? (Those who do not have on the wedding garment of the Bride, which represents the righteous acts of the saints, will not be among them, and those invited to the Feast must also have on a clean wedding garment or, as Jesus showed, they will be thrown out into torment.) (I believe he looked at the door at this point.) He said, “Look.” A mirror appeared that looked like the oval blue-and-white one that was given to me, and Jesus was behind me to my right, and I was there. (We must look in the heavenly mirror and see Jesus to have power from God to overcome and be in the Bride garden. 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.) He said something and then said, “Look.” I looked again and saw a small portion of the top of a head that looked like it had been burned by fire behind my left shoulder. I became fearful and worried that that could be me if I went to Hell. (A clear warning. We must not see the old man on the left with all his past guilt in the mirror, for it is not faith that we were crucified with Christ, and we don't live anymore, but He lives in us.) But then Jesus said, “Now do you see the fine one?” I saw the fine one behind my right shoulder, healthy-looking, maybe it could be what I should look like in Heaven, but I was still afraid about the bad one. (We have to forget about the bad “us” in our past, meaning behind us in the mirror and walk away. The fine one is who we are now by faith. We cannot wait for Heaven, for it is here that we bear fruit through faith. We have to look forward to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ. Php.3:7 Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ (Are you ready to give up every nature that is not Christ to gain Him? Your actions will prove it.), 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, [even] that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith (Jesus took our sin and gave us His life through the reconciliation or exchange): 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death (Will you suffer with Christ so that you may live with Him?); 11 if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing [I do], forgetting the things which are behind (the old man and his sins), and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: 16 only, whereunto we have attained, by that same [rule] let us walk.17 Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. (Now we begin to see those who are devoured by the crocodiles.) 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and [whose] glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, [that it may be] conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself. We exchanged a few words. He was talking about many things, but I don't remember all of them. I wanted to talk with him and ask him so many things, but I just kept remembering, let my words be few. Jesus was correcting me for some sins I had committed. He said, “May all the video games and all that would cause you to lose focus on Me be gone. Just focus on Me!” He cried, almost like a plea, “Be like the fine one!” And He wrapped Himself over me like a ‘duck-and-cover' move and was like a shield over me. I woke up. (Jesus is our covering for the sins of the past and our failures, but not our willful disobediences - Hebrews 10:26. We must now call the things that be not as though they were done at the cross, for this is faith, which is the very substance of the thing hoped for. Rom.3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment ... 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth [to be] a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; 26 for the showing, [I say], of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith. 28 We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God [the God] of Jews only? is he not [the God] of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also: 30 if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law. Rom. 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. 3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. 6 Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works, 7 [saying], Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom, the Lord will not reckon sin.) Next, let me share with you a word from the Lord that Debbie Fenske received about a year ago, but the Lord just recently brought to her attention because it's for now. A Vision of Jesus Debbie Fenske 4/15/25 (David's notes in red) This word was given on April 15, 2025. I read it to us over the last live stream, March 27, 2026. I've realized how wordy what I said before the actual word was. So, I cut out unnecessary things but left in everything that was needed in explaining what took place leading up to the Lord giving the actual word. After the Zoom meeting this morning, I got in front of my computer to finish up a timestamp assignment that I had been working on. I laid my head back as I was listening to the audio. After just a few minutes, suddenly I had a vision. I saw Jesus. I only saw the right side of Him, at first. What I was looking at was not lit up, like with a bright white light. It was just kind of shadowy-looking. I watched Jesus' feet walking very slowly toward me, then He turned slightly and stood in front of me. I knew that He wanted me to come before Him. So, I got down before the Lord to enter into a real time of worship of Him. I remember how awesome it was, how Jesus gave me each song He wanted me to worship Him with, that morning, He first gave me, Holy Holy Holy Are You Lord. Then, I Live To Know You More. And then, His Love Endures Forever. I was amazed that He specifically wanted me to worship Him with those songs. Each one gave me such a greater desire for Him and to be worshiping Him. And I realized that I had not been giving Him the time before Him in worship and prayer, and being in the Word that I thought I had. Just being alone with Him, I realized His great desire for me to worship Him, to have that time alone with Him. I kept worshiping in awe of Him, telling Him, “Lord, Your Name is being worshipped in heaven forever, on, and on, and on, and on! Your holiness, and Your holy Name, Jesus, is being heard throughout all of heaven, being worshipped, and proclaimed forever, and ever, by all Your holy angels, and all Your saints before Your throne! Suddenly, the vision of Jesus continued. I was not seeing His face. I was now seeing the left side of His body. Then, He turned more toward me, and I could see from the bottom part of His neck and His shoulder, down His left side to about the middle of His robe. Then Jesus held out one hand to me. And then He stretched out both His hands to me like He was giving me something. Then there appeared a scroll in His hands. And suddenly the scroll turned into a Bible. It was closed. Then the Bible just fell open, and there was a bright light shining off and up from the pages. Then, suddenly, the bright light turned into a large flame of fire. That was the last of the vision. I was now in tears, really overcome by all of this. And being in such awe of Him, this is what I said back to Him: “Oh Jesus, You are the Word! Your Word was the scrolls that have become the Bible that we use today. Lord, Your “Word,” that we say too casually every day, should not be just something to do in order to take up some of our time, or something that we read simply to be right with You. It is Your very Life. It is Light. And it is the Fire that you want us to allow to consume us. And so, I just had to repent and acknowledge before Him that I'm not in His Word as much as I want to think I am. I told Him, “Lord, I want all of Your Life and Light. I want the Fire of Your Word to consume My little life so that I can be big in You.” And then He was saying to us: “Again, I say to you, stay in My Life, and Light, and Fire, My Word to you. Dwell there. For there I Am Your Jesus. You must be overcoming the distractions in your life that you feel you have a right to. For no, you do not. You do not have a right to put your distractions and your fleshy enjoyment before Me. I Am your Enjoyment. It has always been My plan. I give you Myself. I give you My Life. I give you My Word to distract you away from the distractions of your fleshy pleasures and enjoyments. Yes, I have given you much to enjoy. I Am your God of love. I love to see My children enjoying wholesome things. But have you noticed that I have taken a lot of that enjoyment away from you? It is because, My Children, the time now is crucial. This is the crucial time. You will not know how to handle it. And you will not know how to help others handle it, if you are not enjoying all of My presence, finding what is My pleasure, and being consumed by My Life. There was not time for leaders of the flesh, who had forgotten their goal, and are no more. Do not forget your goal. The goal of the High calling of your God in Me, in heavenly places. You don't want to be a distraction to others. I gave up all earthly and fleshly pleasure for the Life of the Father, so that you could know My Life in the Father. I gave up My Life to offer you that prize. I am handing the prize over to you. Go for it! Take it! Run after it, and do not stop until you receive the crown! This is My calling for you, My children, My Sons and Daughters of the Kingdom. Do not stop hearing and responding to My call. Very soon is coming the chosen. My children, I desire it to be you. This is why I continue to speak to you, to correct and admonish you. It is for My glory who I choose to be the glory of My Name on the earth.” I know that Jesus led me to this word. You could say accidentally, but it was not accidental. He intentionally led me to this word as I was going to clean out my Proton email box. And as I did some scrolling through, I stopped at this word from Him. In my spirit, this word really seems now like it has such a final and serious tone. A final warning. He has spoken to us about this much. And so, we have to overcome every distraction and realize He wants to be our distraction from those the things that satisfy only our flesh. But only Jesus satisfies us wholly. Everything else is nothing. Jesus is now saying, “I will not warn you anymore about this. This is it, it's either Me living in you continually, as My chosen Bride, using you for the purposes of My kingdom, or it's not. It's up to you.” I found out that this word from April 15, 2025, was not blogged. I looked and looked, but I could not find it in the blog in the area where the date it should have been posted. I discovered this word in an email from Michael that he had sent out then. Somehow, he had it, but it did not get blogged. And after I found it, before I opened it up, I touched something and caused it to be moved somewhere. Well, I couldn't find it anywhere. So I called Julie and tried to explain everything to her. She also couldn't find it on the blog, either. But thank the Lord, with Julie's help and the Lord's, I found it this morning (3/31/26). I feel in my spirit that the way this came about, coming upon this word, that it is God's final warning, being understood by the fact that the Lord hasn't given another word of this matter after the previous one. But He chose to use this one that He had already given before. I just now heard in my spirit, “Let us press on to know the Lord.” I looked that up in a search, and Hosea 6.3, KJV, came up: “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD. His going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” I decided to look it up in the ASV version: Hos 6:3 And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. Let us follow on. Keeping Your Focus On The Light Anonymous 10/20/22 (David's notes in red) I was in the shower speaking with the Lord, and then the devil came along and gave me a thought comparing myself to another person. I have been casting down, criticizing, judgmental, and comparing thoughts a lot in the past week. I cast it down and then I heard the Lord say, “Look not to the left or to the right”. (I.e. Stay on and keep your eyes on the straight and narrow path of the Word. Jos.1:7-8 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.) Then I saw Jesus standing up ahead. He was wearing a glowing white light garment and had His arms open. It felt as if He was waiting for me to continue walking (in this way) to get closer and closer to Him. He was constantly watching me, not taking His eyes off of me. His presence was so patient, gentle, kind, understanding, loving, so peaceful, and there really aren't enough words to describe His presence. (Psa.32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee. Psa 33:18 Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, Upon them that hope in his lovingkindness;) Behind Him was this giant bright light shining, and the closer I got to Him, the brighter and bigger the light was. (Coming into the Sun/Son glory of God.) Behind me was complete darkness, and it kept lessening. It looked kind of like a tunnel of light with darkness all around and an opening of light up ahead with Jesus standing in front of it. The closer I got to Jesus, the more light and peace there was. (And this is the way it is.) I felt this meant about keeping our eyes completely focused on Jesus and our own walk or race to Him and not looking at other brethren to compare our walk with them. Not looking back to the darkness or looking around, but only looking to Him. (2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. Pro.4:25-27 Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil. 2Co.10:12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. Isa.26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Seeking In Secret Anonymous 12/17/22 (David's notes in red) I heard in prayer, and the Lord spoke: He said, “Shut out everything.” (Close off all distractions, the enemy always uses everything he can to distract us from seeking God's presence and to distract us from staying in God's rest.) (Seeking His will through the trials is a test of Faith and devotion to the Word. Just as Job gave acknowledgement and glory to God during his trials. Job.1:8 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil.) He said, “Prayer closet.” (Dedicate more of your time to God and His Spirit, not the flesh.) (“You have not because you ask not.” Being intimate with God in prayer has eternal rewards. Distractions will try to steal this time with God.) He said, “Have patience.” (Knowing that your prayers will be answered in His perfect time.) Jas.1:3-4 knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. 4 And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. Rom.5:3-5 And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; 4 and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: 5 and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us. (“He that endureth to the end shall be saved.”) He said, “Speak out when you can see the enemy attack and call out to Me.” (Alert the Saints and respond to duty. God sends these tests to cause us to get in line with His Word so the enemy has no advantage.) (There is safety in numbers because some brethren may have overcome some specifics that we have not encountered. It is not only Christ in you, but in your brothers and sisters too.) He said, “Turn up the heat, get into deep, fervent and desperate prayer!” (“The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much.” “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”) He said, “Laugh the enemy to scorn for he does this all the time.” (Call out the enemy's bluff and staying in the resolve of Jesus and the truth of the Word.) (The majority of trials are enemy lies, or a twisted truth to deceive. Symptoms, curses, and afflictions – never last. Only Jesus is the everlasting!) He said, “That test is to turn it all back for what it is.” (Refute and retake the stolen things back from the enemy.) (Act.3:20-21 and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus: 21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old. Jesus will come and restore all for He bore our curse so we could have Abrahams blessings in all things.) He said, “In humility give all gratefulness that nothing is done for you or to you, unless I allow it.” (Praise God in all things, praise Him for He is in control, and we can trust Him only.) (Psa.149:6-9 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah.) He said, “Seek Me in fear and gladness for everything.” He said, “Bring the life of Christ into the open.” (Reveal the greatest of things for all to experience.) (Joh.10:10 The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.) He said, “Love all and be showing the example of Him.” (God through us to others.) (Rom.13:8 ASV Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.) He said, “See that nothing is allowed into Me unless it passes the test of being in the image of My Son.” (Nothing of self or evil can ever imitate.) (A final result of our trials is more of Christ revealed. “Christ in you the hope of glory.”) He said, “As you look to Me by the Word and heart, you can see I look through all things.” (There is nothing that can be hidden from God.) (Only the wicked do not believe He sees all and will do anything about it.) He said, “When you see that you need Me in everything and when you are that desperate, you can see Me in others too.” (Everyone is in dire need for more of the Lord Jesus and His salvation.) He said, “Pray in tongues and write down the interpretation you get.” (Exercising the gifts to be trained and gain experience.) He said, “Seeking the Lord in servitude and want.” (Nothing for selfish gain) (But to serve the Kingdom.) He said, “Draw close to Him” (Honestly and sincerely prefer the Lord as priority always.) (Talk to Him for He desires our fellowship.) He said, “Fan the flames that burn the traps and attacks.” (Nothing can withhold you when the fire of the Lord burns everything evil. Praise and worship engulf the evil.) He said, “Add to the fire the fuel of the Word and continue to add each verse in thought as it burns.” (Keep the fire burning with explosive power.) He said, “The light shines as the flames burn brighter in the zeal and desire of the Father.” (Love burns so hot, it eliminates all darkness.) (Return us, Lord, into Your wonderful garden and keep us hedged around and protected from all evil, under Your wings, in Your promises.) Amen! Partaking of the Bread and Sufferings Marie Kelton 9/15/23 (David's notes in red) During the meeting, I had an open vision of being in heaven. My hair was its natural color (God's creation should show submission to Him). I was wearing a long lace head covering, and I was kneeling. (Marie represents the Bride of Christ, who is veiled and in the position of humble submission to His will.) I saw the Lord walk up to me, His eyes were a flame of fire (Rev.19:12 And his eyes are a flame of fire,...), and He had a flame of fire in His right hand. (This represents the Word of righteousness. Jer.23:29 Is not my word like fire? saith Jehovah… 1Co.3:12-14 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. Rev.2:17 … To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna… The flame of fire then turned to what I knew was Manna. I knew He wanted me to eat it. (The Manna is the Word of God, Who is Jesus, the Living Bread from heaven. We need to eat it so we can have His Eternal Life in us. Joh.6:48-51 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which cometh down out of heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world. He is the Word made flesh.) Then, a Goblet appeared in His hand. He handed the Goblet to me. And I drank from it. (What came to me was the cup of suffering, to partake in His sufferings.) (Mat.26:39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. Mar.10:38-39 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink? or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 And they said unto him, We are able. And Jesus said unto them, The cup that I drink ye shall drink; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized) (We eat the Body of Christ, which is the Word of God, for He is the Word made flesh. We drink the blood because the life of the flesh is in the blood – Lev 17:11. Partaking of His life and nature is suffering the loss of our old life and nature. Baptism represents the death and burial of the old man, and coming up represents the resurrection life of the new man in Christ. The baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers us to be able to drink the cup of suffering, which is the death of the old man. This enables us to partake of His holiness.) (1Pe.4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: 13 but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. Php.3:10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death.) (When we choose to overcome in the midst of these trials and tribulations and sufferings like Jesus did, we are taking up our cross to follow Him and be His disciple.) Endure In Your Faith To The End David Eells Have you ever received promises from God that you really desired but lost faith in because much time passed and there was much failure on your part to live up to your expectations, and you think that is the reason that the promises won't be fulfilled? We have received many times by faith at random – Psa.102:13 Thou wilt arise, and have mercy upon Zion; For it is time to have pity upon her, Yea, the set time is come. (We are on the verge of many promises being fulfilled at this time and also to people who have failed to live up to what they thought they should have been. In all of your failure continue to be ‘Justified by Faith' and also forgive your fellow man their failures and believe now so the promises can come to pass.) We are entering a season of fulfillment! We also have received these verses by faith at random, about NOW is the time. Isa.33:10 Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; now will I lift up myself; now will I be exalted. Psa.12:5 Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; I will set him in the safety he panteth for. It is now that we have no time for double-mindedness because of past failures or sin. Forget the failures and inability of the past with its condemnation, be justified by faith, repent and believe now. Here is a perfect example of a man receiving an important promise but then went through much unbelief and failure and self-works in his uncircumcised heart but when the time came God reminded him of the promise and brought it to pass through his renewed faith. Rom.4:1-10 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. (Like many of us, Abraham's faith and works failed him for many years but when the set time was come it was impossible for him to bring it to pass by works of man. He and Sarah were too old and double-minded. Jas.1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. It was then that God reminded him of the promise and renewed his faith.) 3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. And then the promise was fulfilled. 4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. (The answer can only come by Grace, which is unmerited and unearned by man's works. Pray for mercy and grace by which faith will come.) 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. (Up to this point, Abraham was ungodly in his works to bring to pass the promises. Only the works of faith are considered righteous.) 6 Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works (of man), 7 saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin. (This grace through faith was given to a man who did not deserve it by his works.) 9 Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness. 10 How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. (The promise was given when Abraham was sowing a seed of uncircumcised flesh. What can that get you? Ishmael. Abraham wanted God to accept him as the promised seed, but God refused because his work was of the flesh of man.) …17-25 (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not as though they were. (Abraham and Sarah were dead to any ability to bring forth the promised seed. We are also dead to any ability to bring forth the promised seed of “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. Here is where we can receive the unmerited, unearned favor of God. We cannot pick ourselves up by our bootstraps.) 18 Who in hope believed against hope (of man), to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be. (Within the year of the fulfillment of the promise, Abraham began to believe God by His grace, while ignoring his inability.) 19 And without being weakened in faith he considered his own body now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb; 20 yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 Wherefore also it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. (Since it was impossible for them to do this, there was only one other choice: believe God and be counted as righteous so he could have the promise. Rom.3:3-4 For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God? 4 God forbid: (It was in this state of unfaithfulness to God's promise that Abraham and Sarah were to confess the promise and be justified in their words.) yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified (Accounted as righteous) in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment. We prevail or overcome in Judgment when we confess the Lord's promises with our Words. When we are accounted righteous, we are entitled to Faith, which is the victory that overcomes the world. Back to Rom.4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him; 24 but for our sake also, unto whom it shall be reckoned, who believe on him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification. When Jesus died, we died; when he was resurrected, we received resurrection life. Have you failed? Ask for faith through grace and confess the promises! “Confess” in Greek is Homo-Logeo, meaning to “speak the same as”. I.e. Say what God says about you and others. Heb.3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, even Jesus; 4:14 Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Jesus, as our High Priest, must have a sacrifice from us to give to the Father. Mat.10:32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. Luk.12:8 And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: When we confess in agreement with God's promises, the angels are given authority of Father and Son to fulfill our confession. Psa.103:20 Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word. Heb.10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: 13:15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. Speak life into every situation. Pro.18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Mar.11:23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. “Whosoever” shows that He wasn't only talking to His disciples and apostles at that time, but that He was talking to all disciples because disciples are the only ones who will take Him seriously and recognize this authority as a gift of faith. Again, Jesus was not only speaking to the apostles and disciples back in His time, but to anyone, from them to us, who believes he can have this authority. Is this just a silly statement that no one will ever really take Him up on? No! There have been many people who have commanded their personal mountains and giants out of the way. Multitudes of people have exercised this authority over Satan, over the flesh, over their circumstances, and over the curse. God is faithful to stand by His Word, not because we deserve it, but due to His mercy and grace. He has said, According to your faith be it done unto you (Mat.9:29) and Go thy way; as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee (Mat.8:13). “Whosoever” includes you and me and any other believer, so this authority has been put in our hands as sons of the last Adam, and not only given to those disciples in Jesus' day, as some say. Mar.16:14 And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. Jesus is referring to the disciples of the disciples. “Disciples” (Greek: mathetes, meaning “learner and follower”) are learners and followers of the Lord. He is our Master, our Lord, our Example, and He is the One Who does the works through us. Mar.16:17 And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Now we see that these signs will accompany those who simply believe, not only great apostles. That is authority! Jesus is giving authority to the people who believe these first disciples, or forefathers of Christianity, who wrote these pages to us. He has given us this authority to do good in the name of the Lord. All principalities and powers have been put under Jesus (Matthew 28:18), even “his feet” and we are “his body” (Ephesians 1:20-23). We have this authority, but it can be negative or positive. For example, when the Lord brought His people out of Egypt and into the wilderness, they continued to speak negatively and exercise their faith in a negative way. Faith is just what you believe. You can believe what God has spoken to you, or you can believe the things which you see in the world, but Jesus said, According to your faith be it done unto you (Mat.9:29). Faith is both negative and positive. Even fear is faith; however, it's faith in the curse, or faith in reverse – I.e. having faith in adverse circumstances and in the devil. The absolute proof in the world is what people believe happens to them comes to pass. Doctors say that approximately 90% and higher of sicknesses are psychosomatic (Greek: psuche, meaning “soul” and soma, meaning “body”). This implies “soul over body” and your soul is your mind, will, and emotions. Therefore, your mind, will, and emotions are making your body sick. The doctors are wrong in stating that 90% and higher of sicknesses are psychosomatic. That number is 100%. What makes people sick is what they believe. In fact, what you believe can kill you. As we saw in Matthew 18:18, you are the one who binds and who looses, and you are the one who creates your own future. You are the one who gives authority to the devil or gives authority unto God. Jesus needed authority, but when He went to His hometown, he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief (Mat.13:58). They had the authority to say no to God, and they did; they did not believe in Jesus and His Gospel. They believed in the sickness and the curse and they spoke it. We can believe in the blessings of God and speak the blessings, or we can believe in the curse and speak the curse. We will have what we believe because that's the Word of God. Num.14:28 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: 29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, that have murmured against me. They complained to the Lord that they were brought out into the wilderness to die, and the Lord heard this too many times. The Lord basically gave them what they said. The Lord still does this today, and the Bible declares that He does. One of the fruits of a believer is that they believe in their heart and confess with their mouth (Romans 10:10). Many people profess to be believers, yet don't confess their benefits in Christ, so God says what you say is what you will receive. Num.21:5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. What is “against God”? It's when God has spoken these awesome promises, and we think we know better and continue to agree with the curse. For example, the 10 spies who spoke and agreed with the curse and brought the bad report led to the threats made by God to those who believed those spies. Joshua and Caleb were the only two who brought the good report, in agreement with God's promises. So, speaking against God can be more subtle than what people might think. When God says you're healed, and you say you're not, then you will remain sick. When God says He's taken away your sins, but you confess what you see and feel in the world, you are speaking against God. Num.21:6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Once again, what they spoke is what they got. I believe the fiery serpents represent the curse. The cure for this was that God commanded Moses to make a “fiery serpent” out of brass and put it on a pole, and as people got their eyes on the serpent on the pole, they were healed (verse 8). As we know, the cure was Jesus Christ, since He was the One who was made sin and was crucified on a cross. So, we have a cure from the curse, but we must confess God to receive this cure. Those who profess Christianity but do not confess the benefits of the Kingdom, so that the curse, which was put upon Jesus, doesn't come on them. We cannot gain the promises in Scripture without faith in those promises. Or, in other words, what we profess must be mixed with faith. Num.21:7 And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. When people pray, God is merciful, especially if they believe their prayers. But do you have to continue to live under the curse? Is it necessary, when you can agree with God, to have the “fiery serpents” bite you? These serpents are the curse manifested in so many ways. The serpent is, obviously, also the devil, who is a vessel of dishonor that administers the curse on God's people, especially when they don't believe the benefits of God. Jesus told us, According to your faith be it done unto you (Mat.9:29) and Go thy way; as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee (Mat.8:13). You can speak things into coming to pass. If you speak life, you receive life; if you speak death, you receive death. It depends on what you have your faith in. If your faith is in agreement with God's benefits, then you are justified by faith and receive those benefits. If you agree with what is in the world, then you don't receive God's benefits and have loosed the devil; you have loosed emissaries to continue to administer the curse on you. Many people are learning this and experiencing what I'm saying. This is nothing new, but is the same Gospel which is from the beginning. We have to have a renewed mind so that we understand what to believe and what we should speak. Faith can be both positive and negative. Pro.18:20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. Would you like your needs to be met because of what you say? We would like our lips to come into agreement with the Word of God and learn more and more to walk in His benefits by confessing Him before men. Pro.18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. I remember back in Louisiana, where I came from, there was a church that had a visiting minister who was preaching about death and how it was not to be feared. I know the church and its circumstances and have been there. The minister was actually going to show them how simple it was to die. He pulled up a chair, sat down, and said it was as simple as going to sleep. Then he nodded his head for an example. He stayed like that for a while, until the pastor, whom I know, got nervous and went up and touched him on his shoulder, and then shook him. He was gone. He talked himself right off of this earth. What was God showing with this example? Some people talk themselves right into the grave. Many people die before their time because their faith is to die; their faith is to be cursed and to receive the things that are around them. Their faith is not in what the Lord Jesus has given to them freely. Truly, “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This is God's Word, and nothing is being taken away or being added to it. We need to agree with God's benefits to have them, and God will supply your every need to do His will if you learn to agree with Him. The tongue doesn't speak on its own. It gets its direction from your thoughts and the words that are in your mind. We need to watch our tongue so we can correct our mind. That's one reason the Lord is telling us to be careful with what we say, because when we are careful, we are correcting our thoughts. He tells us to be quick to hear and slow to speak. That's why we have one tongue and two ears. Mat.12:34 Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. If we want to speak good things, we need to put good things in our hearts and reject the other things that are there. I am sure that your mouth has spoken things that have slipped out that you wish you hadn't said. It's an automatic thing with some people, but we need to slow down and give the Lord time to correct our thinking. Good people speak good things, and bad people speak bad things. In some ways, we are both since we are both ‘son of man' and ‘son of God', but we also have authority over that part of us which is still man. The Son of God in us has authority over that man. As the outer man decays, the inner man is renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). That spiritual man is taking over as we walk by faith and believe more and more of the Word of God, and as we do, more and more of Jesus Himself is being manifested in us, and He is taking more and more ground from the enemy. Mat.12:35 The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Those who get this revelation about the tongue spend much time talking about the tongue, but we must really begin with the heart. We have to repent – change our mind – and believe what the Bible says. Changing your mind and repenting is renewing your mind with what the Word says and agreeing with what it says, but we must do it enough so that it overcomes our natural thinking. Our natural thinking is what kills us and all those whose tongues are connected to their natural man. Mat.12:36 And I say unto you, that every idle (Greek: argos, meaning “unfruitful, barren”) word that men shall speak, they shall give account of in the day of judgment. The Lord obviously wants His Word to bear fruit in us, but there are many words that are unfruitful and don't bear the fruit of Christ in us. Every idle word will bring judgment upon you. The day of judgment is not just that day down the road, the corporate judgment, but it is the day of judgment that you come into. Your idle words, unfruitful or vain, will bring you into judgment. Many people have spoken the curse upon themselves, like the Israelites did. They confessed continuously that they would die in the wilderness and it happened. Mat.12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. The words that justify us are those words spoken in agreement with God. They are words confessing Jesus before God and men, saying what He said and agreeing with what He has taught us in the Word, and also by what He put in the disciples to teach us in the Word. We are accounted righteous, or justified, if we agree with God. But if we don't agree, we fall under judgment, for “by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” If you disagree with God's Word, it's like calling Him a liar. God told the Israelites that He was going to bring them to the Promised Land, and they basically claimed that God was a liar and that He brought them to the wilderness to die. They spoke it from their mouth, and He finally said, “as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you.” There are a lot of people who don't make it through the wilderness – what we call the “world” today. Hos.4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…. They agree with the curse and they receive the curse. It's what they believe; it is their faith. See Jesus in the mirror, all that He is, is yours. 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. And 1Jn 4:17 Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world.
Between the first Palm Sunday and the eternal celebration in Revelation, we live in the "not yet." Larry Perry breaks down how God's plan for your redemption was never accidental—it was a series of divine exclamation points written in blood and grace. -- The Epidemic of Loneliness: How Western individualism is tearing us apart and why the "front porch" fellowship of the church is the vital remedy. -- The Power of Invitation: Why 17 million people are waiting for just one person to invite them back to the house of God. -- The Second Adam: Just as God opened the side of the first Adam to create Eve, the side of the Second Adam (Jesus) was pierced to bring forth His Bride, the Church. -- Prophecy Fulfilled: Exploring Zechariah's vision of a humble King on a donkey and the "fountain" opened for the cleansing of sin. -- The Three Questions: Understanding the ancient priestly tradition of asking, "Do you love your lamb?" and what that means for your relationship with Jesus today. -- The Final Palm Sunday: A look at Revelation 7, where every tribe and tongue gathers with palm branches for a victory that never ends. Scriptures for Further Study -- Zechariah 9:9 -- Zechariah 13:1 -- Psalm 118:25-26 -- John 21:1-17 -- Revelation 7:9-10 -- Galatians 6:2 +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/
Fruit by Faith for the Kingdom (1) (audio) David Eells – 3/22/26 Keys to the Kingdom Ron Coulson - 03/22/2010 (David's notes in red) As I was walking down a road, there was a long, tall fence on my left and large yards and houses on my right (the multitudes in the sectarian church). I continued walking, and directly in front of me was a large building. (The true Church, which has the Kingdom of God within.) I entered through the front door into a rotunda (a circular ground plan with a dome). There were nine doors (to enter the Kingdom). Each door had curved glass with a gold frame around it. I looked at my left hand and in it was a large gold ring with nine gold keys. (These represent the nine fruits of the Spirit, through which we enter the Kingdom of God. (Gal.5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (21) envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (But those who have the fruit do enter the Kingdom.) (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. (24) And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. (25) If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk. Those who do not have the fruits of the Spirit may receive them by faith, for they were given at the cross. (Mar.11:24) Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received [Greek] them, and ye shall have them. (Rom.6:11) Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. (12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof ... (21) What fruit then had ye at that time in the things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. (22) But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. (23) For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.) As I turned to leave, I heard a woman screaming. I turned back around and saw an open door in front of me. The inside of the room was huge with a gold artifact (a valuable ancient tool or weapon - the sword of the Word) and a bright light. (The truth of the Word is the light. With these we enter the Kingdom. Jesus also gave us authority in His Kingdom to bind and loose. (Mat 16:19) I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.) I saw a door directly on the other side of the room that was partially open and the same woman was screaming from inside it. I started to run toward the door, but was instantly in there. The woman was sitting to the right of the door, on the floor, with her head in her hands, sobbing. All of a sudden, another man appeared with a dagger in his hand, and he was going to kill the woman. (Satan will attempt to spiritually and sometimes physically, kill the Bride before the tribulation but she will be used to raise up the Church.) Then there appeared a taller man (Jesus) with his back toward me, holding a sword with a gold handle and silver blade. Instantly, their position changed. The other man's back was toward me, and the taller one was facing me. The taller man said to the adversary, “Be gone, Satan!” Jesus turned to me and smiled, and then invited us into the wedding feast! (The seven-day tribulation is the wedding feast before going to the Groom's home.) The woman (His Bride) stood up with a smile on her face. We both walked into the adjoining room, where we were celebrating the Feast of the Lord! (The Lord will defend His Bride, before and in the tribulation, who abides in the fruits of the Spirit and wields the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.) Glorified in His Saints Aaron Lim - 10/02/2006 (David's notes in red) I received this vision as I was listening to an audio by David Eells. (Listening to the spiritual Davids will prepare us to face the darkness to come.) In the vision, the whole land was dark, and nothing could be seen in the background. I saw the Lord Jesus Christ with a light around Him on the cross on top of a hill in the middle of the land. All around at the bottom of the hill, I saw people who looked exactly like Jesus, like they were clones of Him. They were all wearing the exact same garments as each other and had the same light around them as Christ did, and they were all looking up towards Him on the cross. Praise His name! (And here is the gospel in a nutshell that brings us into His image as we see Him lifted up.) (2Co.3:18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. (2Co.4:11) For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. (2Th.1:10) when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day. (11) To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and [every] work of faith, with power; (12) that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. After the vision, I knelt down to pray and closed my eyes, and I pictured Jesus Christ on top of the hill, as if through the eyes of one of the saints, and I said to Him a prayer from King David: “With all my heart have I sought you, don't let me wander from your commandments.” He looked at me and said, “Ask the Father, because anything you ask of Him will be done by the Father”. So I looked up to the sky and asked our Father, and tears started flowing from my eyes. To Him be the kingdom and the glory forever and ever. My brothers and sisters, seek diligently and keep your eyes on the Son because everything else is darkness, and in Him there's hope. Ask the Father to lead you by the hand to our Lord because we can't find Him on our own. I have faith in His power to perfect all of us in Jesus Christ. The Door is Closing Anonymous (David's notes in red) I saw myself in a grape vineyard in a valley. There were several mini-hills within this vineyard. There was a round table in each mini-hill. I saw Christians seated with both hands in front of them, placed on this round table, above all these mini-hills. I was in one of these mini-hills too, seated around a round table with my hands placed on top of the table in front of me. I saw a narrow and winding path to a door that opened to a mountain. This door was about to be closed. I saw reapers busily counting purple grapes. They wore a fierce and serious countenance. The grapes were all of the same size and very beautiful in appearance. The grapes were not in clusters but all the twigs (if that is what you call it) and leaves were thrown away. (Only the fruit of Christ is acceptable, the plant of the old life must die.) I saw all these individual grapes put into wooden bowls. There were many such wooden bowls belonging to all of us Christians who were waiting to see if there were enough grapes in our wooden bowls to give us a license to enter through that door before it closed completely. I was extremely worried. I was praying hard, hoping that I had enough grapes to make it! The reapers would go to each table and point and say, “You ... you ... you, take the narrow path and enter the door”. Not everyone was chosen; only a few were picked. I really praise and thank the GOOD LORD, one reaper came to our table and picked me, and told me to go! We were the last few to be picked. We were all running in a single file on that narrow winding path and entered that wooden door. But sad to say, many never made it. (The door is Jesus; we enter through Him.) I praise and thank the Lord for whatever He saw in me, from the foundation of the world, it is only by God's grace I got picked - 1Co.1:26. Many are called, but few are chosen - Mat.22:14. I believe the door of grace is about to be closed. (Each Christian has an amount of time to bear fruit.) Safe in an Ark Anonymous (David's notes in red) I saw myself in what looked like a long wooden house, which just made me think I was in an ark. There were many windows. I saw the waters coming, so I started warning everyone to go to a higher floor. This house had three floors. I saw a terrible deluge sweep the whole streets and place, but we were left untouched. I came down to the ground floor and saw that the clear waters seemed to have subsided. So I thought I just wanted to open the door to peek outside. But the Holy Spirit cautioned me not to do so. But from my view, I thought it was OK and told that to the Lord, and I just went to open the old wooden door. (The clear waters of the true word will destroy the wicked.) Suddenly, I saw what looked like a rush of muddy waters sweeping past. I cried to God, and by the grace of God, was able to close this old wooden door in time before that water got inside the ark. (No dirty waters are allowed in the ark, who is Jesus.) I repented and thanked God for His goodness in helping me shut the door in time. The door was so old that one would wonder how it could keep from collapsing. It was only the very grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that we were not consumed by the waters. Then I stood in front of a window to observe. Suddenly, I saw a bat try to squeeze itself through the window grills to enter the ark. But I caught that bat and broke its left, then right wing, and killed it. There was a lot of blood coming out of that dead bat. (No beast of darkness is allowed in the ark of Jesus. All who repent may enter.) Then I saw a beautiful butterfly inside the ark. (The colors represent the attributes of Jesus; the wings its ability to overcome the world in the ark.) However, I did not touch it. I was praising God for His wonderful grace and protection of His children. The dream ended here. The clean waters are judgments of the Word through the ministries that God is raising up. The muddy waters are doctrines of demons and delusions that will wash over the world and separate many from God. A bat is an unclean, blind, night creature that lives in darkness. None of these will be in the ark. Door to Revelations About to Open Amos Scaggs - 01/15/2006 (David's notes in red) I felt this was urgent and pending now. In a vision, I was working on a big garage door in a building like nothing I had ever seen. I had installed the side rails, and all that had to be done was to install the front SPRING rails, which were lying there. In the vision, I saw the door to Revelation 6 is about to SPRING Open. As a play on words, this also could mean in the SPRINGtime of the year, the door would open. Everything is in place on the world scene for this to happen. This spring, a war could come that would be the door that would cause the world to make the covenant that opens the first seal in Revelation 6 of the tribulation. Rev 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, Come. 2 And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer. This is Jesus in the man-child body. ) I could hear the conversations of people in the spirit for miles away, saying, “I would like to take part in the Revelator”, which was a live drama play theater. But they were too busy at their jobs to take part. (Jesus gave parables of people who were too busy to listen to Him as the Man-child of that day.) I knew that these people supported and participated in the churches but would not make it to Heaven. Jesus in the Man-child reformers will be the Revelator. Only those who come out of the worldly Church and abide in Him will enter the kingdom. In the next scene, I saw that the doors to an old house on a hill were left open, unattended, and nothing was stolen or touched. (This is the original Church and teachings, which most have forsaken.) Strangers were gathering around the house. There was fresh fruit of all kinds stored up in the house. It was sparkling clean and fresh. I had never seen anything that fresh before. (Isa 30:20…but thine eyes shall see thy teachers; 21 and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee (The original truth the Church forsook.), saying, This is the way , walk ye in it; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. ) All you had to do was reach down, pick it up, and eat. (Straight out of the Bible) Some fruit didn't taste very good in the flesh, but it was good for you in the Spirit. (God will provide the Fruit of the Spirit for the people who eat at “His House.”) The old house is the original house that apostate Christianity departed from. (Jud.1:3) Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints. ...(5) Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. [the original Word] Only those who partake of the pure, fresh fruit of the original house will enter the kingdom. (1Jn.2:6) he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked. ...(24) As for you, let that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. (25) And this is the promise which he promised us, [even] the life eternal.) A Bird of Prey Teddy Lishan Desta (David's notes in red) What I have purposed from eternity, that I will perform in its appointed time. My eternal counsel shall stand, and what I have purposed will be done. I am not a man to lie, not a son of man to change My mind. I will do what I counsel to do; I cannot deny Myself. Many have written about My plan for the last days. But did they truly learn from Me; or did they hear from My eternal counsels? Did they partake of the secrets of their God; did they visit the inner recesses of My word? Had the mysteries of the Holy One of Israel been disclosed to them? Had they known My counsel, they would have declared My mind. Had they truly heard from Me, there would have been no error among My people. But what they spoke was of man; what they wrote was out of the learning of man. Neither the wise of this world could know about My doing, as it is discerned by My Spirit. None of their learned men could predict about My plan, as this was My much-kept secret. (Jer.23:16) Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they teach you vanity; they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Jehovah. (17) They say continually unto them that despise me, Jehovah hath said, Ye shall have peace; and unto every one that walketh in the stubbornness of his own heart they say, No evil shall come upon you. (18) For who hath stood in the council of Jehovah, that he should perceive and hear his word? Who hath marked my word, and heard it? (19) Behold, the tempest of Jehovah, [even his] wrath, is gone forth, yea, a whirling tempest: it shall burst upon the head of the wicked. (20) The anger of Jehovah shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall understand it perfectly. (21) I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I spake not unto them, yet they prophesied. (22) But if they had stood in my council, then had they caused my people to hear my words, and had turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. My people, listen to Me as I speak My heart to you, and carefully weigh My words which are from My heart. My secrets I disclose to you, and that which has not been known to past generations I reveal to you. You have not heard it before; only now I lift the shroud and reveal which has been hid from the ages. You are My chosen generation, so I reveal My truths to you. This I do so that you shall build My Kingdom on earth and bring Me the glory (Isa 48; Eph. 1: 17-20; Rom 16:26-27). This is My will; My eternal counsel. Your God will stir a bird of prey; His instrument of judgment from its abode. God has readied His bird for these days. God shall use it to bring His eternal plan to pass on earth, and God's hand shall guide it into action. God will call it from the valleys of the Jordan, and make it to emerge from the lowest parts of the earth. As the phoenix rises from its ashes, so shall My bird rise from the furnaces. (The one who was considered dead and gone shall resurrect in the Man-child.) It will come forth from the smoldering fires (the burnt offering of Jesus), so it will gleam like burnished steel. It will ascend to the heights and strike across the skies like lightning. The world will be taken by surprise; its appearing shall strike fear among many. I have fully equipped the bird to fulfill all that I have called it to do. (This phoenix is the first fruits sons of God, in whom Jesus is resurrected from the death of the Jordan to do His works of old when He was the first fruits. They will bring truths hidden from the foundation of the world and authority to bring judgment on the beast and harlot.) Its eyes are like those of the eagle, penetrating and discerning from afar. Its wings are large and strong; it will not weary or tire. Its talons and beak are sharp and strong; none of its prey can escape its grip. My bird shall strike fear in the hearts of the kings of the earth, and the girdles of their loins will untie. Those who eat My people as one who eats bread, they shall be judged by My hand. Those who said they reside in their strong towers; them it shall attack and humble for their pride. Many will cry out to God for His mercy and forgiveness; many may find the door of repentance closed. But to you, My sons and daughters of the Faith, the bird shall come to you as a comforter, carrying healing in its wings. To you, it shall bring good tidings, the news of eternal joy and rest. You shall get protection under its wings and deliverance from your mortal enemies. With your eyes, you shall see the destruction of the wicked, and none of the pestilences coming to your gates. (Mal.4:2) But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall. (3) And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make, saith Jehovah of hosts. You shall see My salvation coming to the earth; you shall see as the captives go free. You shall see your corporate prayers answered and your righteous petitions granted. I will wipe away your tears from your faces, and your mouth shall be filled with mirth. You will see the righteousness of God filling the world, as the Word of God is honored by all. (Hos.6:2) After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him. (3) And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. (Mal.5:2) But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. (3) Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she who travaileth hath brought forth: then the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. (4) And he shall stand, and shall feed [his flock] in the strength of Jehovah, in the majesty of the name of Jehovah his God: and they shall abide; for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. Therefore, My people, wait upon your God expectantly as I AM to begin to fulfill My eternal plans. But many others will attempt to fight My will, but they shall fail. Many will try to shoot down My bird of prey, but no weapon fashioned against it can prosper. I AM your God Who does His eternal counsels faithfully in its appointed time. I do that which is truth, and I owe no one an apology, says the Lord. Word (Isa.46:11) From the east, I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. (Isa.46:11) I am calling a man to come from the east; he will swoop down like a hawk and accomplish what I have planned. I have spoken, and it will be done. (Mat.24:27, NIV) For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Man-child Assembled and Sent? Amos Scaggs - 06/19/2007 I believe this is the Man-child Ministry Lines that have been formed. There was a hotel-type building atop a high mountain. (Many houses made into one on Mt. Zion.) There were a few people climbing frantically anyway they could to get to the top floor of the building. They were not taking the stairs because there was not enough time for that. They were climbing stair rails, banisters, walls, and anyway they could to get to the top because time was so short. Some carried small pieces of baggage at the beginning, but the climb was so rigorous that by the time they reached the top, all was left behind. When they reached the top, lines were already formed by the ones who had made the climb earlier, but in a different fashion. It seems there were two distinct groups, but there could have been more. One group was better equipped than the other. After reaching the top, some went in different directions as they were dispersed. Some travels were difficult and treacherous because there was more involved in the process than anticipated. Some traveled with ease but had to be careful with each step taken. The climb is hard, the time is short and the baggage of flesh will be left behind when we reach our position in Christ in the wilderness. Lay Aside Every Weight Jon Knowles - 06/22/2007 (David's notes in red) We must “lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb.12:1-2). Last night, before I went to bed, I was flipping channels and there was a show about professional boxing/fighting that caught my attention. It was a behind-the-scenes kind of story about a fighter who was to weigh in the next day. His trainer came in with a set of scales and the fighter stripped down and stood on the scales. He was 8 pounds overweight, and his trainer accused him of cheating on his diet. (To much flesh) The fighter denied this but the trainer demanded that he “cut weight,” which included wearing plastic clothing, eating and drinking NOTHING and working out strenuously for hours on end. This fighter was miserable and somewhat rebellious, but he obeyed his trainer and did what he was told. The Lord spoke clearly in my spirit, telling me that His body is like this young fighter - overweight, somewhat rebellious, and unprepared to enter the ring, and we must “cut weight”. He, as our trainer, is calling us to fast, to be of sober mind, studying the Word, cutting out sinful habits, in order to be ready for the coming fight that's ahead of us. I asked for a confirmation about the fasting we need, and He pointed me to a page in Sovereign God (131): Joshua and Caleb believed that the Promised Land was theirs and that they could take it from the Canaanite. (Num.14:9) Only rebel not against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. The old man is bread for the new man. The spiritual man grows as he devours the old man. Since they occupy the same territory, the old man has got to die so that the spiritual man can live and grow. I've been undergoing testing, correction, discipline -- the time is short! We are being prepared for battle and many of us are not ready. The First-Fruits and Evangelism R. S. (David's notes in red) In a dream, I walked into a large room that resembled a large football stadium. It had a lot of bleachers, and there were thousands of people in the bleachers. As I walked in, I realized that I could not leave the way I came in. As I looked around, I noticed that in the center field of the stadium, there were about 15-20 people who had white shiny glowing robes on. Everyone in the bleachers was focused on them. They were talking, but I could not hear what they were saying. They had a look of perfect peace and understanding. One of the people was my little sister-in-law (she is sixteen now and seemed to be about the same age). She had a harp or some sort of musical instrument, and she was playing it. The next thing I noticed was my other in-laws in the bleachers looking at her, all excited and saying, “Look, there is Maria, she is glowing!” Maria is Mary in English. Mary was promised to bear the fruit of Jesus. (Luk.1:31) And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (Because she believed the Word, it came to pass.) (45) And blessed [is] she that believed; for there shall be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord. (Mary represents these people who have come to manifest the fruit of Jesus. The first fruits, 144,000, Man-child are the only ones who could learn the song with the harps (Rev.14:2,4). Only those who bear fruit are spiritually the mother of Jesus.) (Luk.8:21) But he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and do it.) At this point, I looked to my left and realized that everyone was funneling to the only exit of the stadium. I was curious as to where they were going. I walked around to the bleachers so that I could see the exit. Standing in front of the exit, there was an Angel, and behind him were two paths. On the left side, (where Jesus sent the goats), there was an escalator going down. I looked and saw that the escalator disappeared into a lake of fire. I also saw thousands of people's heads sticking out of the lake of fire. They were all screaming in agony and were being burned alive. Then I looked to the right and I saw a door. The door was white and as it opened, I saw there was a bright whiteness behind the door. I then focused on the long line of people standing in front of the Angel; they would only pause momentarily before being directed to the right or the left. Very few people were directed to the right. I was shocked at how many people were being told to go to the left. (Leftists) They had no choice, and they could not fight it or protest; they just would get on the escalator and disappear into the fire, and then their screams would be heard. I then realized this was the end; the judgment. I began to reflect on my life and wonder which way I would be told to go. I was watching this process for quite some time. As I was watching, I saw my older brother was next in line. I was intently focused on what was happening at this point because it was my brother. As he stood in front of the Angel, he was directed to the left. I yelled out his name to see if it was really him. He turned around, his face and clothes were all dirty. The expression on his face was that of a very sad, lost soul who just realized it was the end. In a flash, I appeared next in line. Everything around me paused, and my life flashed before my eyes. It only took a moment. As I saw my life, I saw all the things that I had done in my life, good or bad; if it was for myself, it meant nothing, and I was ashamed of it. I also saw all the things I had done for the Lord in my life, and it seemed like so little compared to the rest. A vision simultaneously appeared in my mind of the story of Esau and the morsel of meat. I clearly understood that all the things the world offered and the things I had done for myself were just like the bowl of soup that Esau sold his birthright for. I was totally completely ashamed, and even though I had grown up as a missionary's child and had known the Lord my whole life, I felt unworthy and expected to be directed to the left. The Angel then showed me that what seemed were the last moments of my life, my heart had loved the Lord, and that this was grace. I was able to go to the right. As he said these words, I was relieved, but then I remembered my brother who was on the escalator. He was staring right at me, the Angel said something to me, but I couldn't hear him because of the screaming coming from the fire. I turned my attention to the Angel, and I asked him what he said. He told me that I could choose someone to go with me. I immediately said, “My Brother!” But the Angel said I could not choose him because he had already been judged, and I had a chance to talk to him on earth. I was shown (Eze.33:8) When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die, and thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way; that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thy hand. My brother is not a bad person, and I was shocked that he was on the left side. I felt horrible. I wanted another chance to witness to my brother and tell him to put the Lord first. I also began to realize all the other people I loved that I had not seen yet. Then the angel told me I could pick another person who had not been judged yet. I saw my twin brother Reuben. He died five years ago, and then he went through the door with me. As I walked through the door, a brightness surrounded me in a large white greeting room, with white seats. Everything was pure bright white. It seemed like I was there for hours. Very few people were in the room. I was waiting and thinking about all that I could have done for the Lord that I did not do. Waiting was difficult. Finally, three people came through the door. I rushed over to them. I knew them, I anxiously wanted to ask if they had seen anyone else and if the judgment was over, but before I got to them, I woke up. As I woke up, I felt the Lord was giving me a second chance to encourage people to seek Him first in their lives. I also clearly remember the shame of not telling them the truth. I began to pray desperately and was asking the Lord what he wanted me to do, and if I was supposed to tell everyone, I wanted confirmation. Immediately, I fell back asleep into a second dream. I was surrounded by brightness and what looked like snow, but it was not cold. I saw in the distance a heavenly city, with beautiful golden gates and large white pillars. I began to quicken my pace to get to the gates. As I approached the gates, the Devil jumped out from behind one of the pillars. I was wrestling with him for a long time to conquer him to try to get to the gates. The harder I tried, the harder it was. I was getting tired. The verses came to my mind, ...the Devil walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour... I was praying. I began to seek the Lord, and I realized that I could not conquer him and get to the gates on my own. I cried out to Jesus, I said, “I need you, I cannot do this on my own”. Then I saw who I thought was Jesus. It was like He was watching me the whole time. He came out of the gates. He destroyed the Devil, and He said to me, “See, you cannot do it, only through me. You must seek me and be yielded to me. I am the only way.” I woke up. These dreams put the fear of God into my life. I know that I must really seek him to enter in, and nothing is more important. I hope that this can be an encouragement to you. I have read several testimonies of people who have had similar dreams and life after death experiences, which have also been a confirmation to me. (If this man dies in faction he will go to the left.) The Anointing of the First-Fruits G. C. - 07/24/2008 (David's notes in red) I would like to share a dream I was given within days/weeks of finding UBM in the fall of 2006. I was standing in a plain (wilderness) all by myself. I looked off into the distance, and I could see someone or something coming toward me. As it got closer, I could make it out as a cloud. Within seconds, it was right beside me, and on this cloud sat a messenger from God. He had an invitation for me; it was in the form of a large golden telegram that was reminiscent of the golden tickets in the Willy Wonka movie. (A ticket to visit a wondrous land.) He said this was an invitation to attend a revival that was taking place in the mountains of the Yukon. (Meaning great river, i.e., of the waters of life.) As soon as I took the golden invitation, I found myself high above the Earth, flying over North America to the far-left corner of the continent. This only took a matter of seconds as I flew thousands of miles across the nation and found myself at the foot of a snowy white mountain. I began to walk up this mountain and as I walked, I looked down and saw that I had no shoes on! (We are to climb the kingdom of God, which in Daniel 2:44 is a mountain. God demands we take off our shoes when we are on holy ground so that we are not separated from holiness.) I could not believe it! I had no shoes, walking in the snow, but my feet were not cold at all, so I kept walking up the mountain. After a long trek up, I made it to a stream and began to walk through the stream that flowed from the top of the mountain. (Walking in the rivers of the waters of life, the Word of God, that cleanses our walk.) There were large square stones that were placed in the middle of the stream for me to walk on. These stones were crafted and had a decorative border on them. (The foundations laid by the Apostles and Prophets.) They were massive in size -- must have weighed tons for just one of them. I continued to walk on these stones until I made it to the beginning of the stream in a small clearing at the top of the mountain. (The source of the “river of the water of life” is “the throne of God and the Lamb”, as Rev.22:1 says.) On top of the mountain, I saw a group of people who were standing on the bank of the stream. They were all lined up in a straight line, and something very, very supernatural was happening to them. (These are the first-fruits to be anointed with the latter rain at the beginning of the tribulation. (Rev.14:1) And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. (4) These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These [are] they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, [to be] the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.) Something was being poured on them from the heavens. (The coming of the Lord in His people through the Latter Rain. (Hos.6:3) ... He will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.) It was like water that glittered and shone brightly. It was so glorious. It seemed that the water was actually liquid glory. (2Co.3:18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.) As I watched, each one of these people receiving this water was transformed into a more powerful being, receiving his own special gift. I even saw one grow what seemed like angel-type wings. (Ability to move supernaturally; translation. They will be able to pass these gifts on to disciples, as Jesus did. Phillip translated.) I know this sounds crazy, but they resembled superheroes. (More like “Christ in you the hope of glory”.) Then I fell on my face and started praising God. Next, I heard one call out to the rest, “The world hates us now! They hate us!” (Joh.15:18) If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before [it hated] you. He seemed very troubled by this. I got this feeling that this hatred came on so quickly that he could not understand why it was happening. That is when I was given the understanding that these people were to be sent back out into the world with their power and gifts to overcome the world. (Just as their Master, who was a type of them, did.) That is when I became bold and full of faith and said back to him in complete confidence, “Why do you question this? Did not the Master tell us this was supposed to happen? The world is supposed to hate us”. (This is the beginning of the great revival at the beginning of the tribulation.) End of dream. (Sadly, even after having great revelations if one falls into faction he will not be saved even with a second chance.) Man-child Raised By Angels Sandy Shaw - 06/25/2016 (David's notes in red) In this first dream, I was in my house, lying in a hospital bed in the yellow room with a horse border around the wall. My husband was sleeping in our bedroom, but it's slightly different. It had a door going to the outside with a doorbell. The doorbell rang, and my husband got up and answered the door. And there was no one there but a baby in a big brown basket. The baby was lying on a woven blanket of many colors. (The attributes of the light, Jesus Christ.) He had on a white cloth diaper. And in the basket was a note which read, “Take care of until further instructions from God”. (i.e., take care of the spiritual man/Man-child until further instructions come.) The baby looked to be four or five months old. My husband picked him up and said, “Baby!” I said loudly, “What?” And he started playing with the baby until he got fussy. So I said, “What do you have in there?” He said, “I have a baby!” I said, “Oh! Bring it to me!” But he said, “You have a broken leg”. I said, “No, I don't. How many times do I have to tell you that?” So he brought the baby to me, and I laid him down next to me in the bed. I started to rub his temple area on his head. I said, “You don't have to worry. God's protection is over you”. I started to feed the baby with an old-fashioned glass baby bottle with a large nipple. It had milk in it. Then I told the baby, “In a little while, angels are coming to minister and to teach you. Then I fell asleep and the room was full of angels -- about 200. They were of various sizes with a radiance about them. The radiance was of the color white or of gold or of silver. Also, these angels were in constant motion. Those who were ministering to the baby had less motion, while the others had more motion. (Heb.1:14) Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?) At first, they were playing with the baby. And the baby was reaching out his hand and playing with them and giggling. The baby was continually growing. (As it was with Jesus, so it will be with Jesus in the Man-child. (Luk.2:52) And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.) Teaching angels were now teaching him. He was now two to three years old. Now he had purple clothing. (Representing royalty, son of God.) Then different angels came up close to him. He was now four or five. Still, more angels came, and he was six or seven years old. (Notice, the more angels, the more maturity.) And then I woke up. (Angels bring different giftings to God's people. (1Co.14:12) So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts; in the Greek, this is one word meaning “spirits”, speaking of angels], seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.) In this second dream, I'm in an outdoor market. I see fruit stands with all kinds of fruit and vegetable stands with all kinds of vegetables. Then I looked off in the distance and saw a canopy with pillows hanging from it. Blankets were also sold there, and one that caught my eye was a burgundy one with gold metallic ribbon close to the edge. I had the same young boy from the previous dream. He was six or seven years old and still wearing purple clothing. I was holding his hand, and I told him to stay close. (Remember when Jesus was with Mary, as a type of the Bride, she was astonished at His spirituality and thought on the things He spoke of.) Then he said, “Remember, you were instructed to get the (wedding) band”. Then, all of a sudden, there was a man standing in front of me. He had a large ring that carried many rings of all sizes. “So you're looking for a ring. I have rings; what size do you need?” (A ring represents eternity because there is no end to it. The devil offers many eternities through religious impostors that fit any man's desires; a god and religion of their choosing.) So I'm looking at the rings. And he says, “I know that I have the ring. I know I have the right size”. And I gave him back the large ring. “No, you don't have the right size”. And he says, “I have every size you need”. I said, “No, you don't. It's one size fits all, and God is doing the sizing”. (Satan offers many ways to eternity. God's salvation is the Word and there is only one Word for eternity, but you wouldn't know that by looking at Christians who worship men and religion. (1Pe.4:11) if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Because they have departed from the oracles of God, they are not bearing fruit. (Heb.5:12) For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. (2Co.11:13) For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ. (14) And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light. (15) It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works. (Rev.17:6) And I saw the woman [the harlot] drunken with the blood of the saints ... (18:24) And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all that have been slain upon the earth.) Then the little boy said, “Remember, many more are coming”. (Many more personal man-childs of “Christ in you” are coming. Also many man-child reformers are being raised up.) End of dream. I asked the Lord by faith at random, “What are You telling us in this dream?” (Jer.32:26) Then came the word of Jehovah unto Jeremiah, saying, (27) Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? (Some foolishly say that God cannot save from sin by manifesting His son in our body.) (Mar.10:1) And he arose from thence and cometh into the borders of Judaea and beyond the Jordan: and multitudes come together unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. (Yes, Jesus is coming “again” to minister to the multitudes all over the earth, manifested by Spirit and Word in a corporate first-fruits man-child body.) (Joh.15:11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (Those who love Him and love His appearing in them will show the power of His salvation in all areas. What joy!) (Joh.14:21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. (He is coming in those who, like the Bride, love Him and keep His commandments. Because of this, they will be loved by the Father and Son.) Is it Gifts or Fruit that Qualifies Us for the Kingdom? Questions sent - 1/9/20 (David's notes in red) Questions sent to me: I will be brief. I have, for a number of years, been doing my own bible study in the New Testament on different topics. My Present topic is “Do Not Be Deceived” (Considering your other question below, it is good to notice that this saying was always spoken by God to His people and warns them to depart from personal sin, or they will miss the Kingdom. (1Co.6:9) Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, (10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1Co.15:33) Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals. (Gal.6:7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (I.e. we create our own future by sowing good or bad) (Jas.1:14-16) but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death. (16) Be not deceived, my beloved brethren. This points out that no respect of man, gifts of the Spirit, nor any good works will make us acceptable in the Kingdom if, in our personal life, we are immoral.) According to this teaching by Jesus on the Mount to the multitudes, it is possible for a person to do the works of Jesus and still be rejected from entering the kingdom of heaven. (Mat.7:20-23) Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?(23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (They were entering into the ministry of gifts and signs and wonders, but neglected the crucified life that they may bear fruit, which is entering the Kingdom. Gifts do not get us into the Kingdom; fruit does. We are warned to warn these people that if they continue in their sins, none of their gifts of prophecy, casting out demons, or mighty works will be remembered. Gifts do not get us into the Kingdom, but fruit does. (Eze.3:20) Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thy hand.) The text in Matthew chapter seven is difficult to put into some kind of context to clearly see what He meant. He would not have said it if it could not be clearly understood. So, what is He saying? (This is clear, it is not works done by Jesus through us, but fruit that gets us into the Kingdom. James warned “brethren” to not just be hearers of the Word but doers, or they will deceive themselves. The Word must be obeyed to manifest the salvation of our souls. (Jas.1:19-24) Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (20) for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (21) Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. (23) For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: (24) for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. Judas was among the disciples doing miracles just like the rest of them, or they would have recognized him long before the Last Supper. But he was not bearing fruit of the Word through Jesus because he was a thief, easily offended, and a traitor, as are many today. I have seen many fall away into reprobation after working signs. (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. Chosen is translated from the Greek: eklectos or elect. Paul said in (2Ti.1:9) who saved us, and called us … Notice: First we get saved and then called, meaning invited to partake of the benefits of the kingdom, but then only those who bear fruit are chosen or elect. The Lord is coming to choose the fruit and pick it. The rest of the “called” who do not bear fruit get plowed under. The tares grow up with the wheat “in the Kingdom,” but they don't bear fruit, and in the end time they are bundled together to be burned, as is happening now. Then the wheat shines in the Kingdom. (Jud.1:5) Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. (Notice in this text that they got saved and then went through testing in the wilderness to see if they would continue in that faith, and if not, they were destroyed. AFTER salvation of one's spirit, everyone will be tested or tempted to see if they will obey the Word to manifest salvation of the soul, which is your mind, will, and emotions. Here is the test: (Jas.1:2-4) Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; (3) knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. (4) And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. … 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him. (1Ti.6:11-12) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (12) Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. (When a person of God is saved by faith, it is “accounted as righteousness” until righteousness is manifested. (Gal.3:6) Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. As long as one abides in repentance and faith that Jesus took away their sins and gave us His life, they are safe. Faith is the substance of the thing hoped for. The manifestation of their salvation comes as they are fighting the good fight of faith, which is actually “laying hold on life eternal” in the salvation of the soul. Those saved in soul manifest, 30, 60, 100-fold fruit of the word. This is proven by their obedience to the Word as they are accounted to be righteous by faith. Their faith brings the power of God to manifest Him in them. These that endure in their faith to bear fruit are the truly saved according to Jesus. The other three out of the four groups in the parable of the sower who received the Word did not bear fruit and were not ultimately saved. Our souls are manifestly saved through our obedience to the Word, which power to do comes from their faith in what Jesus did at the cross. (1Pe.1:5-9) who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, (The testing of the faith) (7) that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: (8) whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. The end of our faith is the salvation of the soul, not the beginning of our faith, which is the salvation of our spirit. All Christians have a born-again spirit, but not all have borne that fruit in their soul that it becomes born again. Observe here the rebirth of the soul. (1Pe.1:21-2:2) who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. (22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: (23) having been begotten (or born) again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. (24) For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth: (25) But the word of the Lord abideth for ever. (The Word manifested in us is eternal life) And this is the word of good tidings which was preached unto you. (1Pe.2:1) Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, (2) as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation. Notice that we as Christians grow “unto the manifestation of salvation” by the incorruptible Word manifested in our soul; that's our mind, will and emotions. Meanwhile, our faith is accounted as righteousness. I do have some thoughts, but several events in the New Testament I have trouble with. The meaning of fruit, the seven sons of Sceva, etc. Simply using the name of Jesus, regardless of your status, can this, at God's discretion, bring results? Yes. (Act.19:13-16) But certain also of the strolling Jews, exorcists, took upon them to name over them that had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. (14) And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, who did this. (The exorcists obviously had some success before this instance. Notice that it doesn't say “in Jesus” but “by Jesus”. This is just like the people in your original text in Matthew 17:22 who said, “by thy name”. But we are commanded to cast demons out “in the name of Jesus”. These were not in Jesus; they were just using Jesus, and evidently, this scared some demons out. God permitted it up to a point.) (15) And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? (16) And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and mastered both of them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Yes, the gifts work by faith even when one is not growing in fruit or is sometimes not even saved. They work because others need their benefits, and God loves His people and wants to meet their needs even if a qualified person is not available. If someone in need comes in faith to a corrupt person, God can meet their needs of healing and deliverance for their sake and for the sake of those looking on that they would know the power of the name. But also, Christians may be gifted and have power, but in their personal life, they are not putting to death their flesh, so they are rejected by God, even with all their gifts and good works. The greatest Apostle said in (1Co.9:24-27) Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? (“One” here means those who abide in Christ and are one in Him. Those hating their brother don't have a chance, for as Jesus taught, if they don't forgive, they are not forgiven.) Even so run; that ye may attain. (25) And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: (27) but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. (Notice the race is to die to self and bear the fruit of the Word before our time is up. If the greatest apostle can be lost after all his good works because he didn't live the crucified life and bear the fruit of Christ, so can we.) (2Pe.1:1-11) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ: (2) Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; (3) seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; (4) whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. (5) Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; (6) and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; (7) and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love. (8) For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. (10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure (We may know we are called but we don't know we are elect if we have not borne the fruit of Christ through the Word): for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: (11) for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Join Pastor Derek Walker from Oxford Bible Church as he delves deep into the intriguing concept of the imminent Rapture of the Church. Through biblical passages from John, Matthew, and Thessalonians, he discusses the importance of living in expectancy for the return of Jesus Christ. Explore the theological foundation behind this belief, its implications on daily living, and the hope it provides for believers in anticipating the return of Christ. This enlightening session is a spiritual guide to understanding the rapture's imminence and its significance in Christian doctrine. The time of the Rapture of the Church is God's secret, so He could come for us at any time. Thus, as His Bride we should live in constant expectancy of His imminent Coming for us to take us to Heaven.
Join Pastor Derek Walker from Oxford Bible Church as he delves deep into the intriguing concept of the imminent Rapture of the Church. Through biblical passages from John, Matthew, and Thessalonians, he discusses the importance of living in expectancy for the return of Jesus Christ. Explore the theological foundation behind this belief, its implications on daily living, and the hope it provides for believers in anticipating the return of Christ. This enlightening session is a spiritual guide to understanding the rapture's imminence and its significance in Christian doctrine. The time of the Rapture of the Church is God's secret, so He could come for us at any time. Thus, as His Bride we should live in constant expectancy of His imminent Coming for us to take us to Heaven.
March 11, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 10:1-12Daily Lectionary: Genesis 37:1-36; Mark 10:1-12“‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:7-9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What is your favorite thing to see at a wedding? Is it seeing the Bride in her dress? Seeing friends and family coming together to support a bride and groom? Is it the dancing or the meal after the ceremony? Is it looking at the decorations or everyone all dressed up nice?Those are all nice, but they aren't my favorite. What I like to see at the wedding is the groom's face when the bride first comes into view. Gone from the face are the forced smiles of greeting, the nervous stress, and everything else. Instead? It's simple, pure joy. Everyone else thinks the bride is beautiful, but the groom sees her differently than everyone else. Yes, he thinks she is beautiful, but his gaze is not just one of admiration; it's one of pure love and happiness. He sees no imperfection. He sees his bride. He sees the one that God is uniting him with “in heart, mind, and body.”Why is that my favorite? Because it reminds me of the way that Jesus views us; it's the way He sees His Bride, the Church. He sees us as perfect, beautiful, and holy. There is a difference between a regular groom and Jesus, though. In a regular wedding, it is the Bride who prepares herself for the big day. She gets her hair done, does her makeup, and gets dressed to walk down the aisle as perfectly as possible. But in our marriage to Jesus? He's the one who makes us perfect.Yes, we are full of imperfections. We have sins, and shame, and grief that weigh us down. But Jesus sees us with the eyes of a Bridegroom. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27)The next time you are at a wedding, while you watch the bride walk down the aisle, make sure to steal a glance at the groom and see his joy. Let it remind you of the way Jesus sees you with perfect love and joy in His face. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Father, You created Adam, Crafted Eve, and made them one; Jesus, from their sin You saved us, As God's true incarnate Son; Holy Spirit, You forgive us; From our sins we are released. Bring us, Lord, at last to heaven, To the endless wedding feast. (LSB 860:5)Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.
Cities are known for their slogans. New York is called The City That Never Sleeps. Paris is The City of Light. Philadelphia is The City of Brotherly Love. Chicago is The Windy City. Every city has a name it embracessomething that captures its identity and the image it wants the world to believe about it. But in Revelation 2, Jesus gives Pergamum a name no city would ever choose for itself. He calls it where Satans throne is (Rev. 2:13). Imagine that as your citys reputation. Not The Pride of Asia. Not The Seat of Learning. Not The Crown of Culture. But The Place Where Satan Dwells. Pergamum was the capital of Roman Asia, a center of political authority, pagan worship, and emperor devotion. Towering above the city stood a massive altar to Zeus, a visible reminder of pagan power. The Roman governor there possessed the ius gladiithe right of the sword authority to execute. Power, religion, and politics converged in Pergamum in a way that made allegiance to Jesus costly. So when Christ introduces Himself as the One who has the sharp two-edged sword, He makes a bold claim: ultimate authority does not belong to Rome. The sword does not finally rest in Caesars hand. It rests in His. Pergamum teaches us that the churchs greatest danger is not merely persecution from outside, but compromise from withinand that even where Satans throne seems near, Christ still reigns. Dangers from the Outside (v. 13) The Christians in Pergamum faced very real dangers. To the church in Smyrna, severe persecution was coming; to the church in Pergamum, it had already arrived in the martyrdom of Antipas. Unlike many cities in the empire, Pergamum offered few places to hide from Rome, as it was the headquarters of Roman government in Asia. Michael Wilcock observed, If Ephesus was the New York of Asia, Pergamum was its Washington, for there the Roman imperial power had its seat of government. Devotion to emperor worship was not optional civic ritual it was public loyalty to Rome and for Christians, refusal came at a cost. But Pergamums pressure did not come from Rome alone. The city was saturated with devotion to Zeus, Athena, Dionysos, and Asklepios all of whom had prominent temples. The massive altar to Zeus, hailed as the god of gods, rose like a throne above the acropolis, proclaiming that ultimate power and salvation belonged to him. Asklepios, the famed healing god, was symbolized by a serpent-entwined staff still used in medical imagery today; his worshipers sought restoration and life from him. Athena embodied wisdom and civic strength, reinforcing Pergamums intellectual pride. Dionysos promised joy through wine, feasting, and sensual excess, blurring the line between celebration and corruption. And over all of it stood the emperor, honored as lord and savior, demanding allegiance that directly rivaled the confession that Jesus alone is Lord. Robert Mounce, in his commentary on Revelation, wrote: ...as the traveler approached Pergamum by the ancient road from the south, the actual shape of the city hill would appear as a giant throne towering above the plain. This is probably why Jesus refers to the city as the place, where Satans throne is. But against Pergamums skyline of rival saviors stands the living Christ. Zeus claimed ultimate power, but Jesus is the One to whom all authority in heaven and on earth belongs. Asklepios promised healing through a serpents symbol, but Jesus crushed the serpents head and, as the risen Lord, conquered death, giving eternal life to all who believe. Athena embodied worldly wisdom and pride, but Christ is the wisdom of God made flesh, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Dionysos offered joy through indulgence, but Jesus gives the true bread from heaven that satisfies forever. Caesar demanded worship as lord and savior, but only Jesus shed His blood to redeem sinners and now reigns as the King of kings. Pergamum was filled with promises of power, healing, wisdom, pleasure, and security but only the gospel delivers what these gods could only counterfeit. Jesus commends these believers despite the immense pressure around them: Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith They lived in a city crowded with rival saviors, yet they clung to Christ. Though we are not told the exact circumstances of Antipas death, it is not hard to imagine how it unfolded. He likely died by the blade of a Roman sword for refusing to bend his knee to the gods of Rome or to confess Caesar as lord. He would bow to only one name the name above every name Jesus Christ. And it is this man, Antipas executed by Rome, forgotten by the empire whom Jesus calls my faithful witness. We know from Roman records that this was the very test Christians faced. About twenty years after Revelation was written, the governor Pliny the Younger explained that accused Christians could avoid execution by invoking the Roman gods, offering incense to Caesar, and cursing the name of Christ. Those who refused were executed. He even admitted that genuine Christians could not be compelled to curse Christ. When Jesus praises these Christians Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith His words are not cheap; they are costly. To hold fast His name meant refusing to renounce it when your life was on the line. Rome took Antipas life, but Jesus rendered the greater verdict the very title He bears Himself: my faithful witness (see Rev. 1:5). The kind of faithfulness Antipas demonstrated in the face of death is the same faithfulness we are all called to whether suffering comes in the form of persecution or in circumstances beyond our control, such as illness, discouragement, or a life that did not unfold as we had hoped. Faithfulness is not measured by the kind of suffering we face, but by the Christ to whom we cling. And we cling to Him by looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2). Dangers from the Inside (vv. 14-15) While the dangers from the outside were real, the greater threat was emerging from within. The Christians in Pergamum had stood firm against persecution, but they were less vigilant in confronting compromise within the church. Some adhered to the teaching of Balaam, and others to the teachings of the Nicolaitans. Though these errors shared similarities, they must be considered individually. To grasp the true danger here, we need to recall Balaams actions. In Numbers 2225, Balak, king of Moab, enlisted Balaam to curse Israel, but God turned every attempted curse into a blessing. When outright opposition failed, Balaam changed tactics. As Numbers 31:16 reveals, he counseled Moab to entice the Israelites drawing them into idolatry and sexual immorality through seductive feasts and relationships with pagan women. What Balaam could not accomplish through direct attack, he achieved through compromise. Israel was not destroyed by an enemy from without but by corruption from within. Here is what Balaam was guilty of: He lingered where God had already told him not to go. He pursued recognition and reward at the expense of Gods honor and the holiness of His people. He walked as close to temptation as he could without openly defying God. 4. His obedience was reluctant because his heart was drawn to what God forbade. Balaams problem was not ignorance but desire. He lingered where God had already told him not to go. He pursued recognition and reward at the expense of Gods glory and the holiness of His people. He walked as close to temptation as he could without openly defying God. And though he spoke Gods words, his obedience was reluctant because his heart was drawn to what God had forbidden. This is why Jesus references Balaam. The problem in Pergamum wasnt an outright rejection of Christ but a willingness to tolerate compromise. Some believed they could remain committed to Jesus while engaging in behaviors God had already forbidden. Compromise rarely starts with denialit begins when we linger where God has said no, chase comfort or recognition over holiness, and edge as close as possible to temptation without openly defying Him. We shouldnt think were exempt; this same risk exists in every congregationeven Meadowbrooke. Whenever we treat Gods commands as optional or hover near what He prohibits, were at risk of the compromise Jesus warns us against. The second thing Jesus has against the church in Pergamum is that some adhered to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. As we learned from the letter to the church in Ephesus, Jesus says He hated their works (2:6). What about their teaching provoked such strong language? They promoted a compromise similar to Balaams the idea that one could claim to belong to Gods people while participating in the very sins God had clearly forbidden. The Nicolaitans appear to have encouraged Christians to join in idolatrous feasts and sexual immorality, likely arguing that Gods grace covered such behavior. In their view, holiness became flexible and obedience negotiable. Listen, the spirit of the Nicolaitans is alive wherever Christians rationalize that blending in with culture poses no danger, that hidden sin is under control, or that Gods grace permits what He has clearly condemned. If we downplay sin, treat Gods commands as negotiable, or blur the boundaries between wholehearted faithfulness and self-indulgence, we risk falling into the same compromise Jesus warns against. Why does Jesus name both Balaam and the Nicolaitans in His rebuke? Because Balaam enticed Gods people into sin, and the Nicolaitans justified their continued presence in it. Those who held to these teachings were not outside the church but within it, and the ideas they embraced posed an immediate and dangerous threat to its spiritual health. The Danger of a Greater Sword (vv. 12, 16-17) Jesus takes the purity of His Bride seriously. The dangers from the outside were real, but all Rome was able to do with its sword was to kill and no more. The dangers within were more significant because they threatened the witness, testimony, and mission of the church. Listen, with the martyrdom of Antipas, his witness and testimony continued. His willingness to die for his faith and to stand in the security of Christ, even in the face of death, continued to speak even beyond Antipas death. What the early Christian apologist Tertullian wrote in 197 AD is true: The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Persecution may wound the body, but it often strengthens the church. Compromise, however, weakens and destroys the church from within. If Satan can infiltrate the church through subtle, subversive teaching persuading believers to tolerate what God forbids and to justify what Christ condemns then the churchs witness is not martyred; it is muted. Its testimony is not silenced by force; it is weakened by concession. What Rome could not accomplish with a sword from without, false teaching seeks to achieve from within. Jesus is madly in love with His Bride and will protect Her when She is threatened. He is also a jealous Groom and will not tolerate any force or teaching that seeks to win Her affections. This is why Jesus hates the works of the Nicolaitans (2:5)! The Nicolaitans offered a perverted version of the Grace that Jesus secured at the cross, teaching that the freedom they had in Christ freed them from obedience to Jesus regarding personal holiness and sexual sin. Jesus calls the Christians in this church to repent by both calling out the false teaching and standing against it. Jesus warns this church that if they do not repent, He will come to war against them with the sword of His mouth. That is sobering language, but it is not unloving. It is not loving to overlook sin in your own life, nor is it loving to tolerate sin in the life of Christs church. This is why the Bible states in James 5:1920, My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Indifference to sin is not grace it is neglect. A Savior who refuses to confront what destroys His Bride would not be loving. The sword of Christ is not the weapon of a tyrant but the discipline of a faithful Bridegroom committed to the purity of His people. Take a close look at Jesus words in verse 16: Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. That is not a casual warning; it is a decisive command. If they refused to turn from their sin and false teaching, it would not merely expose weakness it would reveal they never truly belonged to Him or experienced the saving grace that brings new life. Saving grace does not leave a person at peace with sin; it creates an urgency to cling to Christ. Where Christ truly reigns, repentance follows. Now notice verse 17. The sword is not the only thing Jesus offers. He promises that the one who has truly received Him as Savior evidenced by firmly holding fast to His name will be sustained and kept by Him. The true Christian is promised three things: hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name. The manna is for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). In a city filled with public feasts honoring false gods, Jesus promises hidden nourishment provision the world cannot see and idols cannot give. The white stone likely referred in the Roman world to a token of admission, acquittal, or honor. But the stone Jesus gives is not temporary; it signifies divine acceptance and permanent residence in His kingdom, where there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). And on that stone is a new name a name given by Christ Himself belonging to the one who receives it. That new name speaks to your identity in Christ, an identity no sword, no demon, not even Satan himself can take from you. On that stone is the evidence of your redemption. Its meaning echoes the words of our Redeemer: You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you (Hos. 3:3). Persecution may wound the church, but compromise will hollow it out. Romes sword can threaten the body, but Christs Word searches the heart. So hold fast to His name. Repent without delay. Refuse to justify what He condemns and to flirt with what He died to free you from. Live as those who belong to Him alone nourished by hidden manna, accepted by His verdict, and secure in the name He has written over your life.
Send a textAfter the Second coming of Christ, Jesus will set up His one thousand year reign over planet earth. Think of it. He will be in bodily form ruling he world and we, as His Bride will be right beside Him.The time of this reign is like a return to the Garden of Eden. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will be reigning right along with Him and licing in the Holy City the New Jerusalem.Pay lowe attention to this message and see what is on the horizon.
Laura and Jenny continue their discussion of the Bridegroom's invitation to His Bride in verses 2:10-2:14 of the Song of Songs. In this episode, they focus on the Bridegroom's words, "Let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet." Finding our authentic voice is a challenge for those who have been silenced or whose voices have been ridiculed. Jenny and Laura share their stories of how Jesus gently healed their hearts and provided safety in prayer for them to discover and learn to speak with their "sweet" voices. Learn more about Jesus the Bridegroom and the Song of Songs at Hopesgarden.comLearn more about Jenny's work with survivors of domestic violence at https://www.jennydubay.com/healing-guidance
https://www.uncommen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Church-Hurt.mp3 Quick Answers Is church hurt real? Yes. It isn't just "feelings"; it is often the result of broken trust, bad teaching, or leadership failure. Should I stay home? While isolation feels safe, the "PJs and YouTube" model cannot replace the community and accountability of the local church. How do I start healing from church hurt? Healing begins by separating the character of God from the failures of men and re-engaging with Scripture for yourself. What if it wasn't "hurt"? Sometimes what we call "hurt" is actually the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin through a difficult message. Is there a "Plan B"? The local church remains God's "Plan A" for the world, despite the fact that it is filled with broken people. The Invisible Scar Man, you've been there. You walk into a lobby, the smell of cheap coffee hits you, and suddenly your chest tightens. You remember the meeting behind closed doors, the legalistic comment made about your family, or the pastor who turned out to be someone completely different behind the scenes. You aren't "weak" for feeling this. You are reacting to a breach of a sacred trust. When we talk about healing from church hurt, we have to start by acknowledging that the pain is legitimate. For many men, the church was supposed to be the one place where they didn't have to keep their guard up. When that environment becomes the source of the wound, the natural instinct is to retreat, bunker down, and vow never to get burned again. But here is the hard truth: staying in the bunker won't heal the wound; it only lets it fester into cynicism. Defining the Damage: Hurt vs. Conviction One of the most important steps in healing from church hurt is identifying exactly what happened. In our current culture, "hurt" has become a catch-all term, but there is a massive difference between being wounded by a person and being convicted by the Truth. The podcast hosts made a vital distinction: if you left a church because the pastor talked about lust, greed, or pride, and it made you "feel some kind of way," that isn't church hurt. That is the Holy Spirit doing His job. Real healing from church hurt involves a gut-check. Are you mad at the messenger because the message was true? Or were you truly mistreated by a "broken, sinful person" in a position of authority? If a leader used their platform to shame you, manipulate you, or offer bad theology in the face of tragedy—like the story of the pastor telling a grieving family their daughter's accident was due to their sin—that is a legitimate wound that requires a process of restoration. The "PJs and YouTube" Trap Since the COVID-19 era, many men have traded the sanctuary for the sofa. It feels safer. You can't get burned by a screen. You can change the channel the moment the teaching gets too close to home. But this "pseudo-soul feeding" is a dangerous substitute for the real thing. Healing from church hurt cannot happen in total isolation. You were designed for the "gathering of the saints". When you stay home, you lose the iron-sharpening-iron accountability that keeps a man sharp. You lose the opportunity to serve and be served. You might feel "fed" by a podcast, but you aren't known by a community. Broken People in a Holy Place We often forget that the church is not a showroom for saints, but a hospital for sinners. Every person in that building, from the guy in the front row to the man behind the pulpit, is a "broken, sinful person" just like you. When we expect perfection from the local church, we set ourselves up for resentment. Healing from church hurt requires us to adjust our expectations. We don't go to church because the people are perfect; we go because the God they serve is. As the podcast mentioned, "Hurt people, hurt people". Recognizing the humanity of those who hurt you doesn't excuse their behavior, but it can be the first step toward the forgiveness that sets you free. The Role of Scripture in Your Recovery If you want to move toward healing from church hurt, you have to stop being "spoon-fed". A major cause of spiritual wounding is a lack of personal biblical literacy. If you don't know the Word for yourself, you are vulnerable to "false teachers" or "misinformed" leaders who spout nonsense as if it were Gospel. You need to "crave the Bible" and study it enough so that if someone quotes it incorrectly, you catch it immediately. When your foundation is built on the actual text of Scripture rather than a personality behind a pulpit, your faith becomes much harder to shake. Healing from church hurt often starts with a man opening his own Bible and saying, "Lord, show me who You really are, regardless of what that last guy said." Five Practical Steps for Healing from Church Hurt 1. Separate God from His "Salesmen" The biggest casualty of church hurt is often our view of God. We assume that because a leader was cruel, God is cruel. Because a church was disorganized, God is chaotic. Healing from church hurt requires you to consciously decouple the Creator from the flawed people who claim to represent Him. 2. Practice "70 x 7" Forgiveness The podcast reminded us that we are called to forgive "seventy times seven". This isn't a suggestion; it's a command for our own survival. Holding onto bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Healing from church hurt isn't about saying what happened was "okay"; it's about handing the debt over to God so you don't have to carry the ledger anymore. 3. Seek a "New Model" If the "model" of church you were in featured sarcasm, control, or heresy, it's time to find a healthy community. Not every church is like the one that burned you. Look for a "Church Home" where the leaders invite you to "do your own research" and read along in the Word. 4. Engage in "Breath Prayers" When the anxiety of re-entering a church space hits, use small physical and spiritual shifts. A simple prayer like "Lord, give me peace" can reset your nervous system. These small acts of trust are vital components of healing from church hurt. 5. Stop the "Silent Retreat" Tell a trusted friend what happened. Silence is where shame and bitterness grow. By bringing the hurt into the light, you rob it of its power. A key to healing from church hurt is realizing you aren't the only one who has walked this path. When It's Time to Move On There is a time for reconciliation, and there is a time for relocation. If the teaching in your current environment is "straight up the opposite of what the Lord said," you have an obligation to lead yourself and your family elsewhere. Healing from church hurt sometimes looks like a clean break from a toxic environment so you can find a place where the Gospel is actually preached. However, make sure you are leaving because of "legitimate church hurt" and not just because the truth got uncomfortable. If you find yourself "changing the channel" every time a pastor mentions a sin you're struggling with, the problem isn't the church—it's the heart. The Goal: A Restored Spirit The ultimate goal of healing from church hurt isn't just to get you back into a seat on Sunday. It's to ensure that you don't "turn your back on your faith" because of a human being's failure. Your relationship with Jesus is too valuable to be held "hostage" by the actions of a broken leader. God wants you to have a "settled kind of calm" that isn't based on a perfect church experience, but on His presence. As you navigate the road of healing from church hurt, remember that Jesus Himself was "hurt" by the religious establishment of His day. He knows the sting of betrayal, and He is the only one who can truly bind up those wounds. FAQs on Healing from Church Hurt How do I know if I'm ready to try a new church? If you can talk about your past experience without a flare-up of intense anger, you are making progress. Healing from church hurt is a journey; you don't have to be 100% "fine" to walk through the doors of a healthy church. What if my wife wants to go, but I'm still too hurt? Be honest with her. Don't just "stay home in your PJs" and let her go alone. Take small steps together. Perhaps start with a small group or a mid-week service where the pressure feels lower. Does "healing from church hurt" mean I have to trust the old leaders again? Forgiveness is mandatory; trust is earned. You can forgive someone for hurting you without putting yourself back under their authority. Is online church enough? Online resources are great supplements, but they aren't a replacement for "the gathering of the saints". You need to be in a room where people know your name and your story. A Challenge for the Wounded Man Don't let a bad experience with a "model" of a man or a church define your eternity. The world will try to convince you that the church is obsolete or toxic, but God calls it His Bride. The challenge today is to take one small step toward healing from church hurt. Pick up your Bible. Reach out to a brother. Decide that your faith is worth more than your past pain. If you are going to be something, be uncommon. Check out our other resources in our library. Follow Our Podcast on Apple | Spotify
Each year, Joy Pharo seeks the Holy Spirit for insight into what lies ahead and what is on the Father's heart for His Bride. This year, He is calling us to work while it is still daylight, extending a miraculous window of opportunity, much like in the days of Joshua. We are being called into holy warfare as a Bride with army boots on, walking in full authority, discerning the times and seasons, and contending for the greatest miracle of all: SALVATION. Blessings!Sanctioned Love
How do you picture the Lord Jesus Christ? This video is a study of the only correct and true portrait of the Lord in the Bible. Following a brief study of John the Apostle as portrayed in verse 9 and 10 this video offers an in-depth look of the Lord Jesus Christ as portrayed in verses 11-20. He is pictured as the overseer of all true churches. Uniquely, verses 14-16, is the only physical description of the Lord in His glorified body, as He is today and forever. This is the same infinite God-Man Who will return to the earth to rule and reign with His Bride, the church, for 1000 years and on into eternity.
What if Christ's return isn't a distant doctrine, but the climax of history's greatest love story?In this episode, John explains how the prophetic vision of Christ's return is meant to transform our daily lives and purify our hearts. He uses the analogy of a puzzle to show why many find prophecy confusing—they haven't taken the time to see the complete picture.Tune in now to unravel the mysteries surrounding end-time prophecy and discover how the return of Christ is more than an event; it's the reunion of a Bridegroom with His Bride.______________________________________FREE Show Notes Here: https://page.church.tech/e1eef10f______________________________________Click here to start your free extended trial with LOGOS today: Logos.com/Bevere______________________________________Support this podcast by becoming a partner here (tax-deductible):https://3szn.short.gy/JBgive______________________________________Get John's new book, The King is Coming, here: https://www.amazon.com/King-Coming-Prepare-Return-Christ/dp/1400349672/ref=______________________________________To help you grow as a follower of Christ, we invite you to download our everyday discipleship app, MessengerX. You can get it here: https://messengerx.com/______________________________________To explore the other podcast shows that are part of the Messenger Network, click here: https://messengerinternational.org/podcasts
What if the way we approach relationships today is radically different from the way God designed them from the beginning? In this episode, we trace the surprising history of modern dating—from its accidental origin in 1896, through the cultural revolutions of the 1920s, 1950s, and 1970s—and examine how those shifts have reshaped intimacy, commitment, and marriage. Along the way, we look at modern statistics on divorce, cohabitation, and faith to honestly assess the fruit of contemporary relationship models. Turning to Scripture, we rediscover the ancient path of betrothal—a covenantal, family-centered process God Himself uses as a picture of faithfulness, holiness, and commitment. From the laws of Moses to the story of Mary and Joseph, Isaac and Rebekah, and ultimately Christ and His Bride, the Church, we see that betrothal was not casual romance but a binding promise rooted in intention, consent, sacrifice, and covenant love. This episode invites listeners to reconsider modern dating through a biblical lens and to ask whether returning to God's design may lead to greater wholeness, stability, and joy—for marriages, families, and our walk with Him. Want to learn more about our ministry? Visit www.LoveAndPurity.com Intro and outro song: Faith for Salvation (1 Peter 1:3-5) by Brayden & Tali Waller All music rights belong to Love & Purity Ministry
What happens when Christianity loses authority? Chaos follows. Families fracture. Men drift. Truth becomes negotiable.In Part Two of this conversation with Father Peter Damian, the discussion moves from personal history into the heart of the crisis facing the modern Church and the modern man. Father Peter continues unpacking his journey from Orthodoxy into the Catholic Church, but the focus sharpens on ecclesial authority, obedience, and why Christ intentionally established a visible Church with a living teaching office. This is not about preference. It is about survival.Drawing from Sacred Scripture, Church history, and lived pastoral experience, Fr. Peter explains why Christianity without a final authority inevitably fractures. He dismantles the illusion of unity without submission, exposes the danger of theological individualism, and shows why men who refuse authority always end up submitting to something else, whether the state, culture, or their own disordered passions.The conversation turns practical and confrontational. Fr. Peter speaks directly to Catholic men about obedience, not as weakness, but as strength. Pride masquerades as independence, but humility is the foundation of authentic masculinity. A man who cannot submit to God-given authority cannot lead his family, protect his home, or remain steady under pressure.James presses the issue further and issues a direct challenge to men who live in half-commitments. You cannot defend the Church while standing outside her walls. You cannot claim Christ while rejecting His Bride. You cannot rebuild a Catholic culture while refusing Catholic discipline.This episode rejects the comfortable lie that faith can be customized. It cannot. The Gospel demands total allegiance. Christ demands obedience. The Church demands fidelity.This is a call to decision.Powerful Quotes from the Episode“Unity without authority is an illusion. It cannot last.”“A man who rejects obedience will always end up enslaved to something else.”“Christ did not leave us a feeling. He left us a Church.”Key Takeaway for MenStop negotiating with the faith. Choose obedience. Submit your intellect and your will fully to Christ and His Church. Cut off the habits, media, and influences that train you to resist authority. A disciplined soul is a free soul.Support & Stay ConnectedPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee pagehttps://buymeacoffee.com/tmcto help grow the show and reach as many men as possible. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content:https://x.com/Manly_CatholicAs always, please pray for us. We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints, and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost.Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxrRLZNk4WqPdgcac5vuWEQCheck out our website:www.themanlycatholic.comContact us at:themanlycatholic@gmail.com
Gary shows the amazing parallels between ancient Jewish wedding customs and God's prophetic plan for His Bride, the Church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1094/29?v=20251111
Gary shows the amazing parallels between ancient Jewish wedding customs and God's prophetic plan for His Bride, the Church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1094/29?v=20251111
Gary shows the amazing parallels between ancient Jewish wedding customs and God's prophetic plan for His Bride, the Church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1094/29?v=20251111
“If I don't encounter God beyond what science can explain, He'll just become theory.” – William HinnIn this electrifying episode of Live Your Best Life, Liz Wright is joined by revivalist and pastor William Hinn for a conversation that stirs hunger, burns away performance, and centers everything on the presence of Jesus. With raw honesty and spiritual fire, William unpacks what it means to live in full surrender, beyond striving, beyond spectacle, and into intimacy that transforms.Together, Liz and William expose how easy it is to substitute ministry for true encounter and how Jesus is inviting His Bride into a depth of communion that can't be staged or explained. From unforgettable visions to deeply vulnerable moments of letting go, this episode is a prophetic call to lose your life to find it.Whether you've felt burned out, disillusioned, or desperate for more, this conversation will rekindle your faith. You'll discover that breakthrough isn't found in effort but in proximity to the One who sees, knows, and loves you completely.This episode will leave you ruined for anything less than the face of Jesus. Key Words: encounter, intimacy, surrender, revival, presence Related MaterialsJoin the International Mentoring Community IMC, to facilitate a safe environment where like-minded people at any stage of their walk can enter into a deeper experience of Jesus.Liz Wright will mentor you each week through revelatory teaching, powerful testimonies and the grace to step into life-changing encounters with Jesus.
Gary shows the amazing parallels between ancient Jewish wedding customs and God's prophetic plan for His Bride, the Church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1094/29?v=20251111
Gary shows the amazing parallels between ancient Jewish wedding customs and God's prophetic plan for His Bride, the Church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1094/29?v=20251111
Gary shows the amazing parallels between ancient Jewish wedding customs and God's prophetic plan for His Bride, the Church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1094/29?v=20251111
Today, elder Paul Edgar will lead us in Ephesians 4:7-13 showing us how God gives His Bride gifts, by giving the church officers and gifts to the body, so that the Bride will inherit all things.
Luke checks off all of the boxes. The WHO of Christmas. The HOW of Christmas. The WHERE of Christmas. The WHY of Christmas. The WHAT of Christmas. The Clues of the Christ. Jesus has the right parents, the right line, the right birth, the right Name, the right life, the right ministry, the right Elijah to come, the right mission, the right death, the right resurrection, the right mission, the right Return, the right forever home. I. The Birth of John the Baptizer - The Witness of the Word-prophetic The Witness of Luke - 1:1-4 The Witness of the Angel - 1:5-25 The Witness of Mary - 1:26-56 The Witness of Zechariah - 1:57-80 John is the Elijah to come; The one chosen to roll out the red carpet for the Messiah; The best man for the wedding for the Groom of His Bride (aka “The wedding coordinator” - Weddings in first-century Israel were a major undertaking and oftentimes lasted for a week-long celebration. John was born to get the people and the place ready. John 3:22-30 Matthew 11:11-19: Two games children played in the days of Jesus were called “Wedding” and “Funeral”. They would be dancing for the Wedding game and a dirge for the Funeral game. Jesus is indicting the JRE for their reasons for rejecting Him and John. John had a dirge and you want a dance. I have a dance and you want a dirge. You are proud. You are jealous. You are hypocrites. BUT WISDOM IS VINDICATED BY HER CHILDREN! II. The Birth of Jesus (the) Christ - The Manger of Jesus - 2:1-7 The Message of Jesus - 2:8-14 The Mission of Jesus - 2:15-21 The Messengers of Jesus - 2:22-40
Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal today! What happens when you feel like a "hot mess" right in the middle of the holiday rush? How do you silence the lies of the enemy when your to-do list is overflowing and your heart feels overwhelmed by imperfection? In this devotional on Psalm 45, we explore the surprising connection between "The King’s Marriage" and our own inadequacies. While this beautiful wedding song celebrates the union of the King and His Bride, it also invites us to lay down the pressure of perfectionism. We learn that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness and that He can redeem even our most chaotic moments for His glory. Join host Jaime Hampton for this encouraging scripture meditation on the Praying Christian Women podcast. Whether you are battling holiday stress or spiritual attacks, discover how to turn away from old mindsets and the lies of the enemy to fully embrace your identity. Come ready to "give attention and incline your ear" to the One whose grace is sufficient for you. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.