God has in His infinite wisdom used a donkey (won't use the KJV word as to avoid being flagged); and even said the rocks would cry out ( Luke 19:40) if those offering praise were silenced.
When we consider that God sees HIMSELF in all those who come to saving faith we understand that truly we are not our own.
Without Him intervening and living in us as John 16:8 states we are all literally toast.
What this does NOT mean is that we attempt to figure out who is called and chosen and who is not; and that we love our enemies as Jesus did with Judas Iscariot or there wouldn't have been the prophecy of a beloved friend betraying Him ( Psalm 41:9). If things are Predestined why does God bother to rain on the just and the unjust? Things like this are beyond our understanding.
So in one hand we can confidently say that God loves us even in our sin but comes to reveal to us the truth and that is by exposing our dreadful plight. We should consider our own situation when coming to faith and warn others as well. Let them call us what they may; we dare not water down the Gospel to make anyone feel good. This doesn't contradict the dignity of man but it is the love of God which grabs the heart and changes a man and that kind of love only comes from repentance granted by the Lord that causes a person to fall to their knees and confess with their mouths and believe in their hearts as Romans states.
We could say that is is necessary due to God's character to offer salvation; as we are His creation. Rather than saying "limited atonement" we should say that such a lifeline is clearly only taken by some; so it isn't affectatious for those who reject such truth; and that explains their condemnation. We can say that we were needed to complete His plan according to His purposes and He always loves us. He isn't dependent ultimately on success or failure; as Revelation 3:11 warns us we can forfeit our reward to another.
The question may be does the Spirit remain in the building if many in the congregation are either backslidden or mere professors of the faith? If we take a good look at Revelation 2 and 3; we see a few left who are worthy (actually Revelation 3:4 with Sardis).
There are places such as Laodicea where the potential existed for repentance; but even warnings for the Philadelphia church who was the only one as a whole worthy to escape all that would come to pass ( Rev. 3:10); but the next verse warns that we don't lose our reward to another.
Clearly; Jesus Himself spells out the conditions when He says in Matthew 18:20 about being present when two or more gather in His Name; and individually of course according to John 16:8 He is present living in a believer.
This logic makes us face the hard decision as I did recently not to attend services when those in known sinful lifestyles hang out.
This is a different situation from someone that slips into sin; but nonetheless at Communion we need to search our hearts for God can as Paul explains in Corinthians judge His own if they are doing this unworthily.
A place therefore can simultaneously be a place where demons hang out as well as where the Spirit is; as wheat often unknowingly is with tares. We can't control when visitors come in; or even those with a demonic agenda which i have seen several times in a couple different places (the most recent a couple years back where this guy said he was Christ and the Rapture was likely the next day. The Satanic caricatures on his cell phone were poorly disguised; I'll just say that).
Pride is a dangerous sin; and that often holds many in bondage today. It has become unpopular to sharpen as iron sharpens iron; and labeled judgmental when we expose evil; nonetheless it is a scriptural mandate following certain protocol if someone is teaching heresy.
I'll say what i've told others don't ask God to reveal things unless you're ready to accept it and count the cost.
A root of rebellion today; no doubt stems from salt and light lacking with conviction and adherence to the truth commanded in the Scriptures which should accompany a verbal proclamation of the Great Commission. Whether it is the sanctity of marriages or the way many churches today are run like corporations with excess and greed and lack of accountability no doubt many true allegations of hypocrisy abound. Ultimately it is up to the individual; if they are truly seeking Him to be as the Bereans searching the scriptures daily. ( Acts 17:11). It is true that one could accuse Protestants of committing many of the same errors that their Catholic counterparts do in that regard; either creating an audience that just wants to be spoon-fed every weekend with no further growth or who are encouraged NOT to do self examination; if anything to go under the radar in regard to excesses and indiscretions rampant among leadership. Thus; we are taught not to ruffle any feathers; only to encourage one another. This ignores this verse in particular Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
In the above verse exhortation could be considered encouragement with a little more "umph"; the other part of this verse about rebuking and reproving seems to occur rarely; and sadly when it is it is due to legalistic control techniques to keep congregants "in their place" so to speak.
There are crowns given for faithfulness in our role if we persevere until the end; with warnings such as Revelation 3:11 that we can forfeit them as well. If we patiently await His coming there is a crown there as well as for martyrs who are dying at an accelerating pace and whose deaths are getting harder to conceal from the world. Judgment day is coming and begins with the house of God. Thankfully there is always a remnant present; let us remain as it were in that little flock.
God provided His Son for our salvation; thus determining the one parameter necessary for saving His elect and man is commanded to repent and believe ( Mark 1:15); as well as verbally confess AND believe in their heart ( Romans 10:9 with emphasis on the second issue the heart). Finally baptism I would argue is necessitated as part of this public confession being demonstrated by our association and experiential death; burial and resurrection with Christ (see Romans 6:4 and subsequent scriptures on the subject).
I am not here to argue on whether someone is saved if they die between that verbal confession and heart change and the time set for Baptism; I will say that one should expedite it ASAP in obedience; as good fruit in general needs to be a hallmark of faith.
More broadly; of course we all need to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith; so that actions such as Baptism or confession may not truly have been the result of saving faith. ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Good fruit as seen by the Parable of the sower and the seed is crucial and necessary as God Himself has prepared these good works for us from before our creation ( Eph. 2:10).
This is a key concept; that what we do should be empowered by the Spirit of God and not self righteousness. Outer actions therefore are important but the state of the inner man determines spiritual rewards. Therefore our works don't save us but are needed to bare witness to a new nature motivating and guiding us to a lost and dying world.
God's covenant through the church ensures every true believer is truly saved but there are varying degrees of rewards based on obedience and these result in "crowns" for those in leadership for obedience; martyrs; those patiently waiting for His return; etc.
As Revelation 3:11 shows the Philadelphia faithful church rewards can be taken by another. Some things are a good thing to covet but no one gains the prize by character assassination of another.
We read in Jesus's longest prayer in John 17. For the reason Jesus was sent, He says, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
There is one people of God, as stated in Ephesians 2:15-16.
Scripture does not teach that Israel and the Church are two peoples of God with two destinies. Our final destiny is Revelation 21:1-7. There is not one verse in the Bible that outright says we go or are taken to heaven. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, the entire Bible is about the Plan of God and the grace of God. From the beginning of creation. Revelation 3:14 to the end, Revelation 22:12-13.
Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The mystery is that the blessings of Abraham might come on all believers, Jew or Gentile, through Jesus Christ, Galatians 3:14. Jesus had to fulfill the covenant of the law to bring in the new covenant that was prophesied in Daniel 9:27.
The Bible has one theme, one covenant of grace, with one Church united in Christ, with Gentile salvation in view from the beginning. Jews were being saved back then, and today, in God's plan for ethnic Jews, not by giving them a separate destiny as a separate people of God, but by bringing them back to Jesus Christ through faith.
Some more sobering meditation on the state of the persecuted church today
My last post focused on America; often compared in this day to the Laodicean church mentioned in Revelation 3:14 to the end of that chapter. In terms of what we can do; as I stated we need to get beyond having an improper contentment with material things just for the sake of having or hoarding it for ourselves; thus prioritizing our finances toward the ministry which to a large extent would extend to missionaries abroad who are usually struggling to make ends meet as well as trying to help with medical and other infrastructure concerns in their country of focus.
In the past I knew someone who was one of a small group of about 16 people that went into a nation of high persecution through borders of other countries; and 4 or so of them were martyred. I applaud the courage of those who are called to such a mission for the sake of the Gospel; I'll just add that we should sense the Spirit's leading in such endeavors lest we attempt it in our own strength or for some reason it isn't His will at the time. Our status diplomatically has allowed some restraint on such actions to American citizens in the past; but persecution certainly isn't far from our doorstep. When we do a cursory exam of Nigeria as an example; it is interesting that the nation itself did a fair amount of effort to enforce gun control; and the overall economy has been doing fairly decently in recent years. That; of course doesn't do much for a majority of citizens in dire poverty; but the REASONS for much of this are militia groups (with guns) that stop people from leaving their area to go to town or their own lands to harvest. The soldiers from the military are the only barrier to stop these marauding tribesman (I won't try to pronounce the main one of several factions). We should therefore pray God will lead some more of them to the truth so they have the conviction to protect their own citizens.
14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
I have done commentaries on this before; much is self explanatory reading these scriptures which have exemplified it sees-much of the condition of the church especially in America today.
Godliness with contentment is great gain ( 1 Tim. 6:6); but we have more than is needed when we are not comfortable at a certain level and fighting to maintain what we have beyond our needs. We certainly should prioritize the needs of others; particularly in the body of Christ and a generous spirit ideally in theory should be rejoicing in the ability to further assist others.
It is easy to forget the suffering of the church in third world counties unless we realize all good gifts are from above ( James 1:17) and we heed to the warnings of what will soon come to the rich ( James 5:3).
I have stated in posts previously that living a Godly life or not affects acts of commission and omission and the repercussions are much as a ripple effect; or exponentially accentuated beyond how it affects us as individuals. Few probably consider when; for instance they are getting caught up in worldly affections or vices how those around them are not being ministered as they were previously by the spiritual giftings that are without repentance (see Romans 11:29).
I want to "camp out" on that concept for a time because it is such a grave matter. The basic idea here is that the soul becomes sick when it is not being an avenue for healing; or a balm for others in need. It is a grim reality that those in the Body are suffering from all sorts of need; whether it is believers being persecuted who are hungry; tired; thirsty and bewildered or those in our own midst who are crying out for compassion. Yes our own cold hearts are causing deprivation; God ultimately can use another but as Revelation 3:11 warns us our reward is in jeopardy. We should think long and hard about this; as our motivation should be to honor God with our spiritual gifts as Hebrews suggests we must believe He is a rewarder ( Heb. 11:6) of those doing His will. Honor will be given to us or another; no doubt we will praise God seeing another blessed but be heartbroken at our failures at the Bema Seat. Food for thought....
Lest we be as Shake sphere and being full of sound and fury signifying nothing; our "repentance" has to be backed up in actions; not just pious words. And this is the danger with over politicizing anything. Is Jesus really the Lord of our lives?
We need to consider how often the truth puts us in the minority; as well as the one world religion to come that no doubt will engulf all those who call themselves Christians but are trying to build a kingdom on earth through their own agenda.
Thank you. I agree, it is interesting, and some topics may never reveal the full truth. As Paul said, with milk and meat, we may not be ready to understand everything, 1 Corinthians 3:2. We share our understanding out of respect for each other, hoping to inspire prayer and study for the truth.
Can we understand Enoch being translated so he wouldn't see death? How does this fit with Romans 5:12, which says death passed upon all men because all have sinned; Romans 5:14, which states death reigned from Adam to Moses; and Hebrews 9:27, which says it is appointed unto men once to die?
Then there's Jesus saying in John 3:13, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven." I have my thoughts, but I keep them in my head. There are things God has not revealed, and we must accept this, as in Deuteronomy 29:29.
2 Corinthians 5:9, like Enoch, teaches us that it is by faith we must live, regardless of what we see. Paul confidently states that he would rather be absent from the body and present with the Lord. When are we absent from this body? Many believe it's when this body dies, but I feel this idea is influenced by Greek philosophy about the immortal soul.
To me, Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, says we are raised, not descending; it says we are changed, not rejoined. It says we are mortal and will put on immortality, that's something we did not have before. When we are resurrected, we put on immortality. This is our victory over death and the grave, given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I agree, we are to be overcomers. Revelation 3:5, Jesus said, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
Hello Doodie65. The references you gave refer to the Church located in Smyrna and Philadelphia respectively. These, as all the other Church gatherings mentioned in these two chapters, refer to those believers living in Asia Minor, now modern Turkey. These two Fellowships in Smyrna and Philadelphia were praised for their faithfulness to the Lord in spite of their sufferings and temptations. But in both locations, the "synagogue of Satan" is mentioned, which may be what you are enquiring about.
Even though these Fellowships were established by the apostles & those who traveled with them, after the ransacking of Jerusalem in AD70 by Gen Titus of Rome, many more Christians and Jews dispersed all over the Roman world. So when we get to these two chapters of the Book of the Revelation, we read of these Churches and their trials and spiritual condition in not only a pagan society, but also being affected by the Jews who also established themselves there and set up synagogues. You can read an instance where the Apostle Paul ministered to the Jews in one of their synagogues in Ephesus ( Acts 18:18,19).
So, when Jesus speaks to the Apostle John from Heaven in Revelation 2 & 3, we can understand that at least those two Church groups (Smyrna & Philadelphia) were being harrassed by the Jews living there. We are not told what they actually did to the Church, but it seems the Jews there were particularly antagonistic towards the Gospel & the believers, blaspheming the God Whom they were supposed to be worshiping by rejecting His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus calls them "the synagogue of Satan", for the true God is not, and cannot be, worshiped if He is being blasphemed. As Satan filled the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:1-11) and they suffered for it, so too, Satan had filled the hearts of these erring Jews who did Satan's bidding & no doubt they too would not be spared, unless they repent; and some would ( Revelation 3:9). Blessings.
It is late but out of a sense of duty let me briefly sum up some other concepts here from scripture. I did earlier posts which probably are gone on this subject; not sure if a name search can look things up although things ARE archived permanently it seems under certain scripture references of the day.
As stated in the last post there are what I would call "hidden" nuggets referring to the Rapture. Psalm 40 in the beginning is one I have mentioned; another is Zephaniah 2:3. Then there are the precedents of Enoch being translated because He had a close walk with God and Elijah. Jesus of course was the "first of the firstfruits" and the many who came out of their graves after His resurrection was an early gleaning type firstfruits as well ( Matt. 27:52-53).
We are; symbolically the "kings and priests" shown in Revelation 5 and other scriptures. Again it seems at times confusing but verses there discuss being redeemed to allow us to differentiate between angelic beings and people.
One strong point which we probably all agree upon is to focus on the Word; especially in light of heaven. This is how we gain spiritual insight; and it keeps us from myths such as the 3 days of darkness which come from some sort of pagan mysticism that is supposed to occur before the Rapture. Indeed there IS darkness coming during various judgments.
The other point is that the time of Jacob's trouble ( Jeremiah 30:7) needs to help provoke God's people ( Zech 13:8) who endure until the end through saving faith of that time of trial which the whole WORLD goes through which Revelation 3:10 promises we can as the overcomers in the Godly remnant type church can experience.
Again I have cited verses in Daniel which discuss saints being overcome ( Daniel 7:25 also seen in Revelation 13:7); yet now in the "church age" or dispensation the gates of hell will not prevail against the church ( Matt. 16:18). This means absolute apostasy in Mystery Babylon can't come until we are gone.
Jesus said "knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
And then we come to verse 20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
He's standing outside knocking, not to come in!
He's calling out individuals! " if any man hear my voice,"
You also quoted, "Mathew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The gates of hell shall not prevail against it!
What a saying that is!
Gates are put up for defense!
He's saying these defensive gates will not prevail against the Church!
This is one of many reason why I believe the Antichrist can't come until the Church is removed.
It puts 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 in perspective and also the saints mentioned in Daniel 7:25 couldn't be talking about the Church.
A state of readiness: In light of the Rapture and His soon return
We are while on this earth subject to trials. I have gone into detail as to God chastising His own; and of course part of the testing of our faith is how we react with persecution and suffering. Remember the verse Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. IF we are walking in the Spirit He gives us strength and our souls are given peace as well. Our souls are subject to spiritual attacks so we need to be on guard. Our confidence is in Him; and His promises to save us from this world with eventual physical removal. This is also something the whole body of Christ can look forward to. We are therefore to encourage one another with these words ( 1 THessalonians 4:18) at the end of a chapter discussing the Rapture. How often we see this is unknown; I surely haven't heard much about it short of being pesky and constantly prompting a response.
When our lives are relatively comfortable we don't sense that we want to get out of here; but surely others in the fires of open persecution feel differently.
With all this obsession on the Rapture I don't honestly know how to feel. If I were a betting man I would say that most likely this month of September will come and go and the datesetters will for the most part chill out until next year and come up with some other prediction. No wonder the Philadelphia church is said to continue faithfully with little strength ( Revelation 3:8). These are the ones going through the open door at the Rapture and it seems the only church promised in general to make it.
It is better to focus on our strength in the Body of Christ as we are already seated in heavenly places; so if we are martyred or die before He comes to be absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
It seems He is coming soon but it is His decision.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Daniel:29-45. Daniel 12:1-3. Matthew 24:9-44. Revelation 7:9-17. Revelation 15:1-8.
Revelation 11:19
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Zephaniah 2:2-3.
Revelation 16
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Calvinism relies on telling a few clever lies to convince their followers of their distorted teaching. The Bible itself refutes their ideology in the following examples:
Did Jesus die for all, yes or no?
1 John 2:2 says YES
John 3:16 says YES
1 Timothy 2:4-6 says YES
2 Corinthians 5:14 says YES
Romans 10:13 says YES
1 John 4:14 says YES
But Calvinists say NO
Scripture saying Jesus did NOT die for all:
[none]
The Word of God says Jesus died for "all" and the "whole world" and "everyone" in those verses above. All means all, and the whole world means the whole world, and everyone means everyone. But cult teachings will try to twist this and say all does NOT mean all, and the whole world does NOT mean the whole world, and everyone does NOT mean everyone. It's like the serpent in the Garden of Eden who said you shall NOT surely die. It's obvious who is on what side by how they either affirm or denounce the scripture.
Those who disobey and intentionally deceive others from the truth put themselves in grave danger of God's wrath.
The 2nd big lie told by some is that people don't have freewill to do anything whatsoever. Some contradict themselves by saying they still sin but isn't their fault, while others say they don't sin at all and are perfect like Jesus, an obvious lie that 1 John 1:8 makes clear. Verses like Joshua 24:15 that say for you to choose (Calvinists deny this means you're not choosing) or for you to open the door (Calvinists deny this means you're opening the door) Revelation 3:20 , John 7:17.
The biggest lie I hear many say about others- they claim others are trying to EARN their own salvation. That lie is straight from Satan. They know its a lie but will spread it anyway. They know that 99% of Christians believe in grace and believe it is a gift, not earned. But just because they believe God gave them a gift of choice like Joshua 24:15 says, they suddenly claim their motives are to "earn" heaven. So dishonest. Beware of wolves!
Well I'm not sure here who cast their vote on the likelihood of a sequel but here I am once again.
I don't want to draw attention to myself but I am kind of excited about this topic and hopefully others can share this joy. We are according to Revelation kings and priests according to Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. That; my friends is the Word of God along with Hebrews 11:6 as an encouragement and exhortation: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
I'm not sure if any of us can begin to fathom what it will be like to rule and reign with Christ. It is unnatural for us; as imperfect humans to even spend whatever limited time we have in fellowship; although I will admit since I spend much time alone I need to ensure that I fulfill my responsibilities in heeding the call for Christian service above and beyond my own interests. As much as some have Christian family around them; of course I consider you guys part of this "forever family" concept-ok I'll stop before I get too mushy.
The formula for Sunday worship should follow some order based on the authority God has given elders and deacons; etc. This is to serve and honor God properly; but if the ritual or routine becomes stale it will fail (and in fact it will if the fervor of love for the Lord is left out of the equation as happened with the Ephesian church starting in Revelation 3:1.
When we look around; some may realize that church isn't a social club (at least for those left out of much conversation). The demographics of my church are of people my age (OLD) and not particularly physically attractive. As a guy frankly I'm glad not to have that distraction but I bring this up so we can all be aware of factors that inhibit close fellowshp as we are called to do.
a) Revelation 3:10 (to the Philadelphian Church). This refers to the final seven year tribulation period in which the antichrist will be allowed to deceive the world ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Believers can have hope that should this final period come to pass in their lifetimes, they will be kept from having to face God's wrath during the tribulation period; and this Great Tribulation as Jesus spoke about (in Matthew 24:21-31) is the Day of God's Wrath, from which the Church is to be kept from. Even in Zephaniah 2:3, a little glimpse is given of those who will be "hid in the day of the LORD's ANGER".
b) 1 Thessalonians 5:9 and 1 Thessalonians 1:10: believers are not appointed to bear God's Wrath but to receive His salvation from it. While it is true that God's wrath is most fully poured out in the sentencing of unbelievers to hell, Revelation 6:15-17 makes it clear that God's wrath is also being poured out upon the earth during the tribulation period (for that is what it means) and believers will not be a part of that. However, those who come to faith during the tribulation will have to suffer the effects of God's wrath, not having received the promise of being kept from the hour of trial. But those days will be cut short for His Elect's sake ( Matthew 24:22).
c) Revelation 19:7-9. The Church is already in Heaven with the Lord, clothed & prepared for the marriage of the Lamb. It is following this that Jesus is seen with the armies of heaven coming to earth to lie waste the armies of the earth and to cast the beast and false prophet into the Lake of Fire ( Revelation 19:11-21). Thus, the church must have already been raptured and taken to heaven before Jesus comes the second time. To Page 3.
1. Revelation 3:10 : "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." Here, "those who dwell on the earth" are contrasted with the faithful believers who are promised protection from the coming trials.
2. Revelation 6:10 : "And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell on the earth?'" This verse highlights the cry of the martyrs for justice against those who have persecuted them, indicating that "those who dwell on the earth" are often seen as persecutors of the faithful.
3. Revelation 8:13 : "Then I looked and heard an eagle flying in midair, calling out in a loud voice: 'Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!'" The woes pronounced upon "those who dwell on the earth" suggest impending judgment and calamity.
4. Revelation 11:10 : "And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate and send each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them." This passage describes the reaction of "those who dwell on the earth" to the death of God's prophets, indicating their opposition to God's messengers.
5. Revelation 13:8 : "And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was slain." This verse underscores the allegiance of "those who dwell on the earth" to the beast, contrasting them with those whose names are in the book of life.
Thanks to Bible hub I found all 5 of these references to those who dwell on the earth; again a strong indication of the Rapture but also indicative of the difference between those written in the Book of Life and those who are not. I'll delve into this more in the nest post.
Brother Jesse, thank you. Wow, your reply is already off the discussion page. When I responded and said no, I will not walk away, I should have included that if I continue to abide in Christ as in John 15:6-7, then I am secure. You say a true believer will not fall away, and I agree, but to me, one who continues to abide in Christ is a true believer, and the Holy Spirit will strengthen them to endure until the end if we walk in the Spirit.
Should we ask what salvation truly is? Is it a one-time event, as it is often strongly preached today, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, or is it a lifelong journey? I see salvation as encompassing the past, present, and future. When we accept Jesus through faith, our past sins are forgiven, we are justified by faith, declared innocent of sin, and covered with a white garment, clean and pure.
We then begin a lifetime of sanctification, becoming more like Christ, and we must continually repent of our sins, walking in the Spirit to keep our garments spotless, as 1 John 1:9 states. I believe this is why there are so many warnings that we must endure, to overcome, and keep our garments spotless. We must maintain our garments, which signify a lifelong relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit on the way to our glorification when we are resurrected.
Our robes are made white not by us but, Revelation 7:14, unrepentant sin defiles, Revelation 3:4-5, staying steadfast in our faith, Revelation 16:15. This is lifelong; we are to be faithful until our death, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 12:11. There is a reason for these many warnings; we should at least ask why.
I respect and love you, but I must reply. Many Scriptures tell us we must endure to the end, to me, that's until we die; it is a lifetime journey, not a one-time event. Some Scriptures say some will walk away/fall away, but I will not list them.
There's a verse that says Jesus will not return until there's a falling away, 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This falling away involves saved people facing the beast that is to come. They are willing to give up the gift of eternity rather than face the death of this body. You cannot fall away from something you've never been part of. Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints states that true believers will stay faithful until the end. Still, the warnings, which I won't list, about falling away serve as a sober reminder of the importance of vigilance and depending on God's grace to stay steady, stay in the race.
As I said in another post, I feel the saying once saved, always saved may be false hope for someone weak.
In tandem with my earlier post I thought it would be good to consider what it means to walk in the Spirit. I am underscoring this message with what should be an obvious general attitude and spiritual mindset of loving and obeying the Lord; having personal time with the Lord; having a forgiving and open heart; and service whenever able to help to be a support in the Christian community.
I feel unqualified based on my own history to comment on this subject based on personal experience; but I will say that a godly husband and wife can do much with maintaining a testimony in their personal conduct as well as whenever possible opening up their home for prayer meetings; or Bible study. Interaction among families is stronger depending on the demographics of a fellowship and maturity of one's walk in the Lord.
We are ever mindful of Revelation 3:11 and I thought I should also quote the previous verse:
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
I will say once again as I have before that may His work be done; let someone else take my reward for the sake of reaching lost souls; for His purposes to be accomplished and so that I can join in acclamation of their reward justly deserved. I'll deal with my own loss privately there is no reason in heaven; of course for unwarranted jealousy.
The Spirit works in a believer; and no doubt is involved as the restrainer ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3). God will use a donkey if necessary; and also in the end of the Tribulation will use mighty angels for a final warning for those living under the Antichrist's rule to worship God and not take the mark.
I'll have to continue these thoughts in the next post.
Looking at the parallel between the aformentioned passage regarding Laodicea and Matthew 25:9 is striking. We read
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Many seem to think this is a sarcastic statement or symbolic rather than looking at both of these passages in context and realizing buying something that can be refined like gold in the fire. Let us consider Revelation 3:18 again:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
This would clearly indicate to me that we are to acquire the strength of God from His heavenly storehouse to bring spiritual reward and treasure and that would therefore cause someone to have white garments to be ready for His presence. That will no doubt motivate a few to get their acts together now; but the bigger picture is that many from the church age will be left behind who are alive at the time of the Rapture as I see it.
If this is too controversial; I suggest just tabling the idea so we can move on. I will introduce the second issue here; that the Spirit of God is indeed here and in spades in the Tribulation just not working as it does now in the Body of Christ and the gifting as well as preservation as it does now. The gates of hell indeed will overtake saints as Daniel states; but now until He comes the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. That is the difference mainly; certainly signs and wonders will be off the charts.
To die as a martyr under what I consider the false church even before the Antichrist kills all from true AND false religion at the midpoint of the Trib will require the Spirit of God to overcome. The rest not written in the Book of Life worship the Beast and are damned.
"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." ( Luke 21:36)
We can also compare Revelation 3:10 here; where this is the only church promised to escape the trial to test the whole world and to stand before God. No doubt there are a few worthy to stand such as we read here
4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. ( Revelation 3:4-5 about Sardis)
Revelation 3:14-22
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Spirit has led me to discuss this; once again with some previous themes I have undertaken no doubt several times on this site. I would appreciate prayer as I have some time away to collect my thoughts should there be more to say here on this subject.
I believe that as with no other topic of late the sea of internet forums on this topic focused particularly on dreams and visions has oftentimes done more harm than good. I seek to speak what I sense the Lord has shown me; realizing that already puts a target on my back so to speak. I pray that those who have followed me here will at least test the spirits; as it were as to anything I am saying and will realize that I am not the type to sensationalize or make up anything that I haven't sensed many times from the Lord in the past. My goal is to sound the alarm to anyone listening; whether a believer or nonbeliever stumbles upon this information.
I am going to state a couple things that no doubt will raise controversy; the idea that not everyone confessing Christ will be raptured; and that the Spirit of God still exists after the event. There are some who are called and chosen but are not appointed to rise up according to His plan and Providence until after the Rapture; likely the countless multitude of Revelation 9.
There are also many today who have backslidden and are; from what I can tell in scripture not prepared for the Rapture and likely left behind. There are also those who will as in all ages that will have little to show for themselves in regard to spiritual rewards; this would encompass the resurrected saints of old perhaps primarily. My main idea is that the Laodicean church of today is characterized by pride and self worth determined by possessions; and they literally will find themselves poor; blind and naked as Revelation 3:17. Many will be refined as martyrs; some could hide out and be as those warned about in Revelation 16:15.
I feel this is such an important concept that it deserves more discussion; namely our reward going to another. This isn't like in a normal event where as Paul would state only one gets the prize ( 1 Cor. 9:24). Again for some context I am certainly not saying what Paul obviously indicates; that those who carefully buffet themselves win the prize and that it is only one (or in the implication a few) who are able to attain this; which is of course symbolic of eternal rewards fit for service in various types of ministry; sacrifice and perseverance.
Ah; just got back from cutting the lawn. This task helps me to ponder the matter; as to how often we are as Jonah the reluctant prophet. We notice in Hebrews 11 that he is NOT mentioned. I will assume he truly was saved for the example here; as many seem fixated on the concept of a person not producing fruit as being not saved and don't consider those who are not receiving reward but who are one of God's children who never get out of the diaper stage. Hearing His voice; of course is described in the Gospel of John as criteria for His children. This is evidenced by those who have occasional fits and starts of great potential as in reality all true saved individuals have. As with Jonah they need a jump start and redirection to move in God's path but they never have their whole heart in the task. This differentiates those who are always DOING something from those not obsessed with endless obligations but do a few things and do it well. God calls us to different levels of commitment with time and ministry as the need deems nececessary. But a heart fit for service "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2) is a necessary admonition. If we don't look at the Spirit inside as the hope within us then we only care about our own souls and this is a fatal flaw to spiritual rewards. We should look to the well being; especially the spiritual maturity of others to recieve their rewards.
Since this for me is such a difficult thing to do any suggestions are welcome.
When there is so much going on in the world it is hard enough to focus on what to start with; and when we don't know who is culpable for the wars and persecution (although that second factor is usually clearer) it is hard to know what to ask for. Such prayers that David prayed that are considered "impreccatory" are in regard to destruction overall of wicked people; and Revelation seems to have the same idea with the incense of the prayers of saints during the seal and following trumpet judgments that are poured on the earth after that collective prayer; so to speak is gathered together by the angels of God.
It is hard also to avoid sticking our heads in the sand to get some escape and relief from the implications of all that's happening and accelerating towards Armageddon. We also are conditioned through the media to see ongoing and soon to come events of killing and forget that God still delivers some today from such events; and that He continues to bring His saints THROUGH them.
It is almost more unsettling where we still have relative peace and safety in some parts of America today waiting for the boon to drop; as we could be attacked from any ICBM in less than 30 minutes with no warning and no real means to defend ourselves.
On top of this; of course we have the unsettling behaviors and crimes that seem to be spiraling more and more out of control.
Ignoring all this; we see a general apathy among self professed believers who should be a shelter in the storm if they would use some of their God given intercessory prayer rather than just keeping to themselves the candle under the bushel; as it were.
If we don't use it we lose it; case example as was listed yesterday as to the Ephesian church and others whose candlestick was going out. Revelation 3:11 makes it abundantly clear; our reward goes to another if we aren't fit for service. Best to accept at face value.
Spiritual gifts: Continuing thoughts on avoiding "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1)
Continuing with the concept of teaching as a spiritual gift; we see in light of the manifold witness of Peter and Paul the dangers prophesied to come even imminently after their departure of wolves among the flock and within. There is more to the Word than just instruction based on human understanding; or else it would be impossible for error to creep in. Dirst there is twisting of scripture to align with an errant concept and that opens the door for alternative writings such as gnostic teachings or that of other religions. The exclusivity of the Word is something only the Spirit can truly illuminate our minds on. We can in our own strength have tenacity in such a matter "sola scriptura" but even the Ephesians church doing everything right on the outside lost their first love ( Revelation 2:4 left their first love). Once left; it becomes lost it would seem; perhaps among the remnant who are faithful it may be temporarily out of mind but as for the corporate body the Spirit may not by and large be residing there and there is danger it could become dead as Ephesians 5:14 warns about and Revelation 3:2 with the church of Sardis shows can happen at some point. Sobering words.
Legalism is the other side of the coin as to misuse of scripture that also can cause great damage. That is the result of not treating others as part of a spiritual body where all members are needed and "lording it over" them. We see this attitude in certain independent churches (I will leave out denominations here). This type of fellowship not only alienates those of a local fellowship but can prevent healthy interactions with believers elsewhere that can have a positive impact. Again balance is required; while we don't want to have a mutual exclusivity or proclaimed monopoly of the truth as the only ones preaching the true Gospel; caution is needed when working with other churches as error is rife.
If you look at Matthew 24:22 it says "And except those days should be shortened, there should be no flesh saved: but for the elect's sake those days days shall be shortened. This verse shows that the days of tribulation were shortened for gods elect. You will find in revelation chapter 9:5 that the time was reduced to a five month period. As far as generations that are mentioned in the bible in Genesis 6:3 God gives man 120 years that is a generation. Also in psalm 90:10 it discusses a lifespan of (70 years ) with "by reason of strength " potentially reaching fourscore years" (80 years). There is also the 40 year generation mentioned in the bible as a symbolic period of testing, trial, or probation, or as a generation. My personal opinion is that psalm 90:10 gives the correct generation for the parable of the fig tree which was set out in 1948. Psalm 90 was attributed to have been written by Moses making it one of the oldest psalms. In psalm 90 it talks about a life span reaching 80 years but if you think about it Moses lived to be 120 years old. We do not know the exact day or hour of Christ' return but by the signs true believers should be able to determine the season. What season are we in? The harvest season May thru September 5 months. Some of the signs that are mentioned in the bible are 1. (Increased knowledge and travel Daniel 12:4) 2. False prophets and teachings Matthew 24:5) 3. (Global unrest Matthew 24 6-8) 4.(Apostasy Revelation 3:16) 5.(Fig tree Parable Matthew 24:32) these are some of the signs that lets us know what season we are in. Matthew 24:32 states ( Now learn a parable of the fig tree.) Christ made it very clear that we are to learn this parable. When his branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves ye know that summer is nigh. this verse teaches us just as the budding of a fig tree signals the approach of summer the signs mentioned in Matthew 24 indicates Christ second coming is near even at the door. Mark 4:13 unlocks the fig tree parable.
What we can say with some assurance is that certain verses of scripture are being fulfilled; the biggest general one being an increase in knowledge and travel ( Daniel 12:4). In fact; the idea of the Gospel being preached to the whole world along with some other statements in Revelation seem to show an worldwide network of video which we have today.
To warn of anything clearly prophetic in scripture for now and the future is being obedient to sounding the trumpet as Ezekiel warns we must do (See Ezekiel 33). God does nothing without warning the prophets ( Amos 3:7). This is certainly true during the time of Jacob's trouble with the 2 witnesses and 144,000 Jews proclaiming the Kingdom to come but certainly there is a need to preach repentance today as many of the promises and warnings to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 have direct application today; especially the Revelation 3:10 praise to the Philadelphia church; and likely Revelation 2:22-25 to Thyratira where it appears many could be left behind who are caught up with seducing spirits or literal immorality with seductive women.
Revelation 18:5 talks about Mystery Babylon and her sins piling up into heaven and whether our nation is Babylon or it is centered in Israel itself or the new city planned for Abu Dhabi we can certainly say with the statement in Daniel that in general leaders have become completely wicked ( Daniel 8:23) is the season for Antichrist to appear. No doubt also our sins in America align with many statements about a mingled people that used to know God and have prostituted themselves; in our case with sex traffic and pornography that we have either directly supported or turned a blind eye to; to the countless millions of lives terminated in the womb; to the shocking number of crimes in this country; etc.
I will say this as a positive note for those who are out there giving the alarm that it is a necessary practice; the church is mostly asleep.
How to pray in 2025: Part 6: Touching on "imprecatory" prayers.
I am on a roll here; but like a brick wall there is the very difficult discussion I am about to address on prayer in regard to the destruction of the wicked. Whether it is necessary to actually do this or not; we should know that David prayed many of these prayers and having the broken and contrite spirit that Psalm 51 mentions is imperative to avoid our own hypocrisy in some "holier than thou" prideful attitude.
I am convinced that this is a priority issue that also encompasses prayer that must be discussed. As my earlier posts suggest there is a sort of merging of the concept of people dying in the seal judgments with the plagues and hell in the 5th seal. Isaiah himself states that hell enlarges herself ( Isaiah 5:14).
When we are saved; TRULY Born Again we understand we truly were enemies of God; helpless in our sin and we indeed were on the broad road to destruction before He called and chose us. At least it USED to be taught that way. Today's "seeker friendly" attitude is something that I have no doubt stating that will be part of the concept of "spewing out of His mouth" in regard to a lukewarm church mentioned in Revelation 3:16 which I would suspect means someone is left behind in the Tribulation. Whether their faith is true or not no doubt a remnant there was saved or Jesus sould not have addressed it. Now of course that actual church along with all the other ones in Asia Minor in the region of Turkey are long gone but the concept stands today.
Whether we feel like it or not God wants us to love the things He loves and hate what He hates. There are many corresponding verses which I will leave the reader to study. Let's veer to the other side on that concept; the idea of loving our enemies. God is backwards to our flesh; but we only begin to realize that after we are saved. We are a peculiar people ( 1 Peter 2:9). We are aliens to this world ( 1 Chron. 29:15).
God has in His infinite wisdom used a donkey (won't use the KJV word as to avoid being flagged); and even said the rocks would cry out ( Luke 19:40) if those offering praise were silenced.
When we consider that God sees HIMSELF in all those who come to saving faith we understand that truly we are not our own.
Without Him intervening and living in us as John 16:8 states we are all literally toast.
What this does NOT mean is that we attempt to figure out who is called and chosen and who is not; and that we love our enemies as Jesus did with Judas Iscariot or there wouldn't have been the prophecy of a beloved friend betraying Him ( Psalm 41:9). If things are Predestined why does God bother to rain on the just and the unjust? Things like this are beyond our understanding.
So in one hand we can confidently say that God loves us even in our sin but comes to reveal to us the truth and that is by exposing our dreadful plight. We should consider our own situation when coming to faith and warn others as well. Let them call us what they may; we dare not water down the Gospel to make anyone feel good. This doesn't contradict the dignity of man but it is the love of God which grabs the heart and changes a man and that kind of love only comes from repentance granted by the Lord that causes a person to fall to their knees and confess with their mouths and believe in their hearts as Romans states.
We could say that is is necessary due to God's character to offer salvation; as we are His creation. Rather than saying "limited atonement" we should say that such a lifeline is clearly only taken by some; so it isn't affectatious for those who reject such truth; and that explains their condemnation. We can say that we were needed to complete His plan according to His purposes and He always loves us. He isn't dependent ultimately on success or failure; as Revelation 3:11 warns us we can forfeit our reward to another.
There are places such as Laodicea where the potential existed for repentance; but even warnings for the Philadelphia church who was the only one as a whole worthy to escape all that would come to pass ( Rev. 3:10); but the next verse warns that we don't lose our reward to another.
Clearly; Jesus Himself spells out the conditions when He says in Matthew 18:20 about being present when two or more gather in His Name; and individually of course according to John 16:8 He is present living in a believer.
This logic makes us face the hard decision as I did recently not to attend services when those in known sinful lifestyles hang out.
This is a different situation from someone that slips into sin; but nonetheless at Communion we need to search our hearts for God can as Paul explains in Corinthians judge His own if they are doing this unworthily.
A place therefore can simultaneously be a place where demons hang out as well as where the Spirit is; as wheat often unknowingly is with tares. We can't control when visitors come in; or even those with a demonic agenda which i have seen several times in a couple different places (the most recent a couple years back where this guy said he was Christ and the Rapture was likely the next day. The Satanic caricatures on his cell phone were poorly disguised; I'll just say that).
Pride is a dangerous sin; and that often holds many in bondage today. It has become unpopular to sharpen as iron sharpens iron; and labeled judgmental when we expose evil; nonetheless it is a scriptural mandate following certain protocol if someone is teaching heresy.
I'll say what i've told others don't ask God to reveal things unless you're ready to accept it and count the cost.
RP
A root of rebellion today; no doubt stems from salt and light lacking with conviction and adherence to the truth commanded in the Scriptures which should accompany a verbal proclamation of the Great Commission. Whether it is the sanctity of marriages or the way many churches today are run like corporations with excess and greed and lack of accountability no doubt many true allegations of hypocrisy abound. Ultimately it is up to the individual; if they are truly seeking Him to be as the Bereans searching the scriptures daily. ( Acts 17:11). It is true that one could accuse Protestants of committing many of the same errors that their Catholic counterparts do in that regard; either creating an audience that just wants to be spoon-fed every weekend with no further growth or who are encouraged NOT to do self examination; if anything to go under the radar in regard to excesses and indiscretions rampant among leadership. Thus; we are taught not to ruffle any feathers; only to encourage one another. This ignores this verse in particular Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
In the above verse exhortation could be considered encouragement with a little more "umph"; the other part of this verse about rebuking and reproving seems to occur rarely; and sadly when it is it is due to legalistic control techniques to keep congregants "in their place" so to speak.
There are crowns given for faithfulness in our role if we persevere until the end; with warnings such as Revelation 3:11 that we can forfeit them as well. If we patiently await His coming there is a crown there as well as for martyrs who are dying at an accelerating pace and whose deaths are getting harder to conceal from the world. Judgment day is coming and begins with the house of God. Thankfully there is always a remnant present; let us remain as it were in that little flock.
God provided His Son for our salvation; thus determining the one parameter necessary for saving His elect and man is commanded to repent and believe ( Mark 1:15); as well as verbally confess AND believe in their heart ( Romans 10:9 with emphasis on the second issue the heart). Finally baptism I would argue is necessitated as part of this public confession being demonstrated by our association and experiential death; burial and resurrection with Christ (see Romans 6:4 and subsequent scriptures on the subject).
I am not here to argue on whether someone is saved if they die between that verbal confession and heart change and the time set for Baptism; I will say that one should expedite it ASAP in obedience; as good fruit in general needs to be a hallmark of faith.
More broadly; of course we all need to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith; so that actions such as Baptism or confession may not truly have been the result of saving faith. ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Good fruit as seen by the Parable of the sower and the seed is crucial and necessary as God Himself has prepared these good works for us from before our creation ( Eph. 2:10).
This is a key concept; that what we do should be empowered by the Spirit of God and not self righteousness. Outer actions therefore are important but the state of the inner man determines spiritual rewards. Therefore our works don't save us but are needed to bare witness to a new nature motivating and guiding us to a lost and dying world.
God's covenant through the church ensures every true believer is truly saved but there are varying degrees of rewards based on obedience and these result in "crowns" for those in leadership for obedience; martyrs; those patiently waiting for His return; etc.
As Revelation 3:11 shows the Philadelphia faithful church rewards can be taken by another. Some things are a good thing to covet but no one gains the prize by character assassination of another.
We read in Jesus's longest prayer in John 17. For the reason Jesus was sent, He says, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
There is one people of God, as stated in Ephesians 2:15-16.
Scripture does not teach that Israel and the Church are two peoples of God with two destinies. Our final destiny is Revelation 21:1-7. There is not one verse in the Bible that outright says we go or are taken to heaven. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, the entire Bible is about the Plan of God and the grace of God. From the beginning of creation. Revelation 3:14 to the end, Revelation 22:12-13.
Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The mystery is that the blessings of Abraham might come on all believers, Jew or Gentile, through Jesus Christ, Galatians 3:14. Jesus had to fulfill the covenant of the law to bring in the new covenant that was prophesied in Daniel 9:27.
The Bible has one theme, one covenant of grace, with one Church united in Christ, with Gentile salvation in view from the beginning. Jews were being saved back then, and today, in God's plan for ethnic Jews, not by giving them a separate destiny as a separate people of God, but by bringing them back to Jesus Christ through faith.
See part 2.
My last post focused on America; often compared in this day to the Laodicean church mentioned in Revelation 3:14 to the end of that chapter. In terms of what we can do; as I stated we need to get beyond having an improper contentment with material things just for the sake of having or hoarding it for ourselves; thus prioritizing our finances toward the ministry which to a large extent would extend to missionaries abroad who are usually struggling to make ends meet as well as trying to help with medical and other infrastructure concerns in their country of focus.
In the past I knew someone who was one of a small group of about 16 people that went into a nation of high persecution through borders of other countries; and 4 or so of them were martyred. I applaud the courage of those who are called to such a mission for the sake of the Gospel; I'll just add that we should sense the Spirit's leading in such endeavors lest we attempt it in our own strength or for some reason it isn't His will at the time. Our status diplomatically has allowed some restraint on such actions to American citizens in the past; but persecution certainly isn't far from our doorstep. When we do a cursory exam of Nigeria as an example; it is interesting that the nation itself did a fair amount of effort to enforce gun control; and the overall economy has been doing fairly decently in recent years. That; of course doesn't do much for a majority of citizens in dire poverty; but the REASONS for much of this are militia groups (with guns) that stop people from leaving their area to go to town or their own lands to harvest. The soldiers from the military are the only barrier to stop these marauding tribesman (I won't try to pronounce the main one of several factions). We should therefore pray God will lead some more of them to the truth so they have the conviction to protect their own citizens.
14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
I have done commentaries on this before; much is self explanatory reading these scriptures which have exemplified it sees-much of the condition of the church especially in America today.
Godliness with contentment is great gain ( 1 Tim. 6:6); but we have more than is needed when we are not comfortable at a certain level and fighting to maintain what we have beyond our needs. We certainly should prioritize the needs of others; particularly in the body of Christ and a generous spirit ideally in theory should be rejoicing in the ability to further assist others.
It is easy to forget the suffering of the church in third world counties unless we realize all good gifts are from above ( James 1:17) and we heed to the warnings of what will soon come to the rich ( James 5:3).
I have stated in posts previously that living a Godly life or not affects acts of commission and omission and the repercussions are much as a ripple effect; or exponentially accentuated beyond how it affects us as individuals. Few probably consider when; for instance they are getting caught up in worldly affections or vices how those around them are not being ministered as they were previously by the spiritual giftings that are without repentance (see Romans 11:29).
I want to "camp out" on that concept for a time because it is such a grave matter. The basic idea here is that the soul becomes sick when it is not being an avenue for healing; or a balm for others in need. It is a grim reality that those in the Body are suffering from all sorts of need; whether it is believers being persecuted who are hungry; tired; thirsty and bewildered or those in our own midst who are crying out for compassion. Yes our own cold hearts are causing deprivation; God ultimately can use another but as Revelation 3:11 warns us our reward is in jeopardy. We should think long and hard about this; as our motivation should be to honor God with our spiritual gifts as Hebrews suggests we must believe He is a rewarder ( Heb. 11:6) of those doing His will. Honor will be given to us or another; no doubt we will praise God seeing another blessed but be heartbroken at our failures at the Bema Seat. Food for thought....
Lest we be as Shake sphere and being full of sound and fury signifying nothing; our "repentance" has to be backed up in actions; not just pious words. And this is the danger with over politicizing anything. Is Jesus really the Lord of our lives?
We need to consider how often the truth puts us in the minority; as well as the one world religion to come that no doubt will engulf all those who call themselves Christians but are trying to build a kingdom on earth through their own agenda.
Christ comes after Antichrist controls to world.
Thank you. I agree, it is interesting, and some topics may never reveal the full truth. As Paul said, with milk and meat, we may not be ready to understand everything, 1 Corinthians 3:2. We share our understanding out of respect for each other, hoping to inspire prayer and study for the truth.
Can we understand Enoch being translated so he wouldn't see death? How does this fit with Romans 5:12, which says death passed upon all men because all have sinned; Romans 5:14, which states death reigned from Adam to Moses; and Hebrews 9:27, which says it is appointed unto men once to die?
Then there's Jesus saying in John 3:13, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven." I have my thoughts, but I keep them in my head. There are things God has not revealed, and we must accept this, as in Deuteronomy 29:29.
2 Corinthians 5:9, like Enoch, teaches us that it is by faith we must live, regardless of what we see. Paul confidently states that he would rather be absent from the body and present with the Lord. When are we absent from this body? Many believe it's when this body dies, but I feel this idea is influenced by Greek philosophy about the immortal soul.
To me, Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, says we are raised, not descending; it says we are changed, not rejoined. It says we are mortal and will put on immortality, that's something we did not have before. When we are resurrected, we put on immortality. This is our victory over death and the grave, given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I agree, we are to be overcomers. Revelation 3:5, Jesus said, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
God bless,
RLW
Even though these Fellowships were established by the apostles & those who traveled with them, after the ransacking of Jerusalem in AD70 by Gen Titus of Rome, many more Christians and Jews dispersed all over the Roman world. So when we get to these two chapters of the Book of the Revelation, we read of these Churches and their trials and spiritual condition in not only a pagan society, but also being affected by the Jews who also established themselves there and set up synagogues. You can read an instance where the Apostle Paul ministered to the Jews in one of their synagogues in Ephesus ( Acts 18:18,19).
So, when Jesus speaks to the Apostle John from Heaven in Revelation 2 & 3, we can understand that at least those two Church groups (Smyrna & Philadelphia) were being harrassed by the Jews living there. We are not told what they actually did to the Church, but it seems the Jews there were particularly antagonistic towards the Gospel & the believers, blaspheming the God Whom they were supposed to be worshiping by rejecting His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus calls them "the synagogue of Satan", for the true God is not, and cannot be, worshiped if He is being blasphemed. As Satan filled the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:1-11) and they suffered for it, so too, Satan had filled the hearts of these erring Jews who did Satan's bidding & no doubt they too would not be spared, unless they repent; and some would ( Revelation 3:9). Blessings.
As stated in the last post there are what I would call "hidden" nuggets referring to the Rapture. Psalm 40 in the beginning is one I have mentioned; another is Zephaniah 2:3. Then there are the precedents of Enoch being translated because He had a close walk with God and Elijah. Jesus of course was the "first of the firstfruits" and the many who came out of their graves after His resurrection was an early gleaning type firstfruits as well ( Matt. 27:52-53).
We are; symbolically the "kings and priests" shown in Revelation 5 and other scriptures. Again it seems at times confusing but verses there discuss being redeemed to allow us to differentiate between angelic beings and people.
One strong point which we probably all agree upon is to focus on the Word; especially in light of heaven. This is how we gain spiritual insight; and it keeps us from myths such as the 3 days of darkness which come from some sort of pagan mysticism that is supposed to occur before the Rapture. Indeed there IS darkness coming during various judgments.
The other point is that the time of Jacob's trouble ( Jeremiah 30:7) needs to help provoke God's people ( Zech 13:8) who endure until the end through saving faith of that time of trial which the whole WORLD goes through which Revelation 3:10 promises we can as the overcomers in the Godly remnant type church can experience.
Again I have cited verses in Daniel which discuss saints being overcome ( Daniel 7:25 also seen in Revelation 13:7); yet now in the "church age" or dispensation the gates of hell will not prevail against the church ( Matt. 16:18). This means absolute apostasy in Mystery Babylon can't come until we are gone.
Thanks for responding!
Revelation 3:20 is something to think about!
The church of the Laodiceans!
This is a proud group and lukewarm!
In their mind they were in need of nothing!
Jesus said "knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
And then we come to verse 20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
He's standing outside knocking, not to come in!
He's calling out individuals! " if any man hear my voice,"
You also quoted, "Mathew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The gates of hell shall not prevail against it!
What a saying that is!
Gates are put up for defense!
He's saying these defensive gates will not prevail against the Church!
This is one of many reason why I believe the Antichrist can't come until the Church is removed.
It puts 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 in perspective and also the saints mentioned in Daniel 7:25 couldn't be talking about the Church.
Blessings.
We are while on this earth subject to trials. I have gone into detail as to God chastising His own; and of course part of the testing of our faith is how we react with persecution and suffering. Remember the verse Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. IF we are walking in the Spirit He gives us strength and our souls are given peace as well. Our souls are subject to spiritual attacks so we need to be on guard. Our confidence is in Him; and His promises to save us from this world with eventual physical removal. This is also something the whole body of Christ can look forward to. We are therefore to encourage one another with these words ( 1 THessalonians 4:18) at the end of a chapter discussing the Rapture. How often we see this is unknown; I surely haven't heard much about it short of being pesky and constantly prompting a response.
When our lives are relatively comfortable we don't sense that we want to get out of here; but surely others in the fires of open persecution feel differently.
With all this obsession on the Rapture I don't honestly know how to feel. If I were a betting man I would say that most likely this month of September will come and go and the datesetters will for the most part chill out until next year and come up with some other prediction. No wonder the Philadelphia church is said to continue faithfully with little strength ( Revelation 3:8). These are the ones going through the open door at the Rapture and it seems the only church promised in general to make it.
It is better to focus on our strength in the Body of Christ as we are already seated in heavenly places; so if we are martyred or die before He comes to be absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
It seems He is coming soon but it is His decision.
Agape.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Daniel:29-45. Daniel 12:1-3. Matthew 24:9-44. Revelation 7:9-17. Revelation 15:1-8.
Revelation 11:19
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Zephaniah 2:2-3.
Revelation 16
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Did Jesus die for all, yes or no?
1 John 2:2 says YES
John 3:16 says YES
1 Timothy 2:4-6 says YES
2 Corinthians 5:14 says YES
Romans 10:13 says YES
1 John 4:14 says YES
But Calvinists say NO
Scripture saying Jesus did NOT die for all:
[none]
The Word of God says Jesus died for "all" and the "whole world" and "everyone" in those verses above. All means all, and the whole world means the whole world, and everyone means everyone. But cult teachings will try to twist this and say all does NOT mean all, and the whole world does NOT mean the whole world, and everyone does NOT mean everyone. It's like the serpent in the Garden of Eden who said you shall NOT surely die. It's obvious who is on what side by how they either affirm or denounce the scripture.
Those who disobey and intentionally deceive others from the truth put themselves in grave danger of God's wrath.
The 2nd big lie told by some is that people don't have freewill to do anything whatsoever. Some contradict themselves by saying they still sin but isn't their fault, while others say they don't sin at all and are perfect like Jesus, an obvious lie that 1 John 1:8 makes clear. Verses like Joshua 24:15 that say for you to choose (Calvinists deny this means you're not choosing) or for you to open the door (Calvinists deny this means you're opening the door) Revelation 3:20 , John 7:17.
The biggest lie I hear many say about others- they claim others are trying to EARN their own salvation. That lie is straight from Satan. They know its a lie but will spread it anyway. They know that 99% of Christians believe in grace and believe it is a gift, not earned. But just because they believe God gave them a gift of choice like Joshua 24:15 says, they suddenly claim their motives are to "earn" heaven. So dishonest. Beware of wolves!
I don't want to draw attention to myself but I am kind of excited about this topic and hopefully others can share this joy. We are according to Revelation kings and priests according to Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. That; my friends is the Word of God along with Hebrews 11:6 as an encouragement and exhortation: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
I'm not sure if any of us can begin to fathom what it will be like to rule and reign with Christ. It is unnatural for us; as imperfect humans to even spend whatever limited time we have in fellowship; although I will admit since I spend much time alone I need to ensure that I fulfill my responsibilities in heeding the call for Christian service above and beyond my own interests. As much as some have Christian family around them; of course I consider you guys part of this "forever family" concept-ok I'll stop before I get too mushy.
The formula for Sunday worship should follow some order based on the authority God has given elders and deacons; etc. This is to serve and honor God properly; but if the ritual or routine becomes stale it will fail (and in fact it will if the fervor of love for the Lord is left out of the equation as happened with the Ephesian church starting in Revelation 3:1.
When we look around; some may realize that church isn't a social club (at least for those left out of much conversation). The demographics of my church are of people my age (OLD) and not particularly physically attractive. As a guy frankly I'm glad not to have that distraction but I bring this up so we can all be aware of factors that inhibit close fellowshp as we are called to do.
MOre in next post
So to some pertinent portions from the Word:
a) Revelation 3:10 (to the Philadelphian Church). This refers to the final seven year tribulation period in which the antichrist will be allowed to deceive the world ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Believers can have hope that should this final period come to pass in their lifetimes, they will be kept from having to face God's wrath during the tribulation period; and this Great Tribulation as Jesus spoke about (in Matthew 24:21-31) is the Day of God's Wrath, from which the Church is to be kept from. Even in Zephaniah 2:3, a little glimpse is given of those who will be "hid in the day of the LORD's ANGER".
b) 1 Thessalonians 5:9 and 1 Thessalonians 1:10: believers are not appointed to bear God's Wrath but to receive His salvation from it. While it is true that God's wrath is most fully poured out in the sentencing of unbelievers to hell, Revelation 6:15-17 makes it clear that God's wrath is also being poured out upon the earth during the tribulation period (for that is what it means) and believers will not be a part of that. However, those who come to faith during the tribulation will have to suffer the effects of God's wrath, not having received the promise of being kept from the hour of trial. But those days will be cut short for His Elect's sake ( Matthew 24:22).
c) Revelation 19:7-9. The Church is already in Heaven with the Lord, clothed & prepared for the marriage of the Lamb. It is following this that Jesus is seen with the armies of heaven coming to earth to lie waste the armies of the earth and to cast the beast and false prophet into the Lake of Fire ( Revelation 19:11-21). Thus, the church must have already been raptured and taken to heaven before Jesus comes the second time. To Page 3.
2. Revelation 6:10 : "And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell on the earth?'" This verse highlights the cry of the martyrs for justice against those who have persecuted them, indicating that "those who dwell on the earth" are often seen as persecutors of the faithful.
3. Revelation 8:13 : "Then I looked and heard an eagle flying in midair, calling out in a loud voice: 'Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!'" The woes pronounced upon "those who dwell on the earth" suggest impending judgment and calamity.
4. Revelation 11:10 : "And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate and send each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them." This passage describes the reaction of "those who dwell on the earth" to the death of God's prophets, indicating their opposition to God's messengers.
5. Revelation 13:8 : "And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was slain." This verse underscores the allegiance of "those who dwell on the earth" to the beast, contrasting them with those whose names are in the book of life.
Thanks to Bible hub I found all 5 of these references to those who dwell on the earth; again a strong indication of the Rapture but also indicative of the difference between those written in the Book of Life and those who are not. I'll delve into this more in the nest post.
Should we ask what salvation truly is? Is it a one-time event, as it is often strongly preached today, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, or is it a lifelong journey? I see salvation as encompassing the past, present, and future. When we accept Jesus through faith, our past sins are forgiven, we are justified by faith, declared innocent of sin, and covered with a white garment, clean and pure.
We then begin a lifetime of sanctification, becoming more like Christ, and we must continually repent of our sins, walking in the Spirit to keep our garments spotless, as 1 John 1:9 states. I believe this is why there are so many warnings that we must endure, to overcome, and keep our garments spotless. We must maintain our garments, which signify a lifelong relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit on the way to our glorification when we are resurrected.
Our robes are made white not by us but, Revelation 7:14, unrepentant sin defiles, Revelation 3:4-5, staying steadfast in our faith, Revelation 16:15. This is lifelong; we are to be faithful until our death, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 12:11. There is a reason for these many warnings; we should at least ask why.
Thank you, brother.
God bless,
RLW
I respect and love you, but I must reply. Many Scriptures tell us we must endure to the end, to me, that's until we die; it is a lifetime journey, not a one-time event. Some Scriptures say some will walk away/fall away, but I will not list them.
There's a verse that says Jesus will not return until there's a falling away, 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This falling away involves saved people facing the beast that is to come. They are willing to give up the gift of eternity rather than face the death of this body. You cannot fall away from something you've never been part of. Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints states that true believers will stay faithful until the end. Still, the warnings, which I won't list, about falling away serve as a sober reminder of the importance of vigilance and depending on God's grace to stay steady, stay in the race.
As I said in another post, I feel the saying once saved, always saved may be false hope for someone weak.
God bless,
RLW
In tandem with my earlier post I thought it would be good to consider what it means to walk in the Spirit. I am underscoring this message with what should be an obvious general attitude and spiritual mindset of loving and obeying the Lord; having personal time with the Lord; having a forgiving and open heart; and service whenever able to help to be a support in the Christian community.
I feel unqualified based on my own history to comment on this subject based on personal experience; but I will say that a godly husband and wife can do much with maintaining a testimony in their personal conduct as well as whenever possible opening up their home for prayer meetings; or Bible study. Interaction among families is stronger depending on the demographics of a fellowship and maturity of one's walk in the Lord.
We are ever mindful of Revelation 3:11 and I thought I should also quote the previous verse:
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
I will say once again as I have before that may His work be done; let someone else take my reward for the sake of reaching lost souls; for His purposes to be accomplished and so that I can join in acclamation of their reward justly deserved. I'll deal with my own loss privately there is no reason in heaven; of course for unwarranted jealousy.
The Spirit works in a believer; and no doubt is involved as the restrainer ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3). God will use a donkey if necessary; and also in the end of the Tribulation will use mighty angels for a final warning for those living under the Antichrist's rule to worship God and not take the mark.
I'll have to continue these thoughts in the next post.
Agape.
Looking at the parallel between the aformentioned passage regarding Laodicea and Matthew 25:9 is striking. We read
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Many seem to think this is a sarcastic statement or symbolic rather than looking at both of these passages in context and realizing buying something that can be refined like gold in the fire. Let us consider Revelation 3:18 again:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
This would clearly indicate to me that we are to acquire the strength of God from His heavenly storehouse to bring spiritual reward and treasure and that would therefore cause someone to have white garments to be ready for His presence. That will no doubt motivate a few to get their acts together now; but the bigger picture is that many from the church age will be left behind who are alive at the time of the Rapture as I see it.
If this is too controversial; I suggest just tabling the idea so we can move on. I will introduce the second issue here; that the Spirit of God is indeed here and in spades in the Tribulation just not working as it does now in the Body of Christ and the gifting as well as preservation as it does now. The gates of hell indeed will overtake saints as Daniel states; but now until He comes the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. That is the difference mainly; certainly signs and wonders will be off the charts.
To die as a martyr under what I consider the false church even before the Antichrist kills all from true AND false religion at the midpoint of the Trib will require the Spirit of God to overcome. The rest not written in the Book of Life worship the Beast and are damned.
We can also compare Revelation 3:10 here; where this is the only church promised to escape the trial to test the whole world and to stand before God. No doubt there are a few worthy to stand such as we read here
4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. ( Revelation 3:4-5 about Sardis)
Revelation 3:14-22
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Spirit has led me to discuss this; once again with some previous themes I have undertaken no doubt several times on this site. I would appreciate prayer as I have some time away to collect my thoughts should there be more to say here on this subject.
I believe that as with no other topic of late the sea of internet forums on this topic focused particularly on dreams and visions has oftentimes done more harm than good. I seek to speak what I sense the Lord has shown me; realizing that already puts a target on my back so to speak. I pray that those who have followed me here will at least test the spirits; as it were as to anything I am saying and will realize that I am not the type to sensationalize or make up anything that I haven't sensed many times from the Lord in the past. My goal is to sound the alarm to anyone listening; whether a believer or nonbeliever stumbles upon this information.
I am going to state a couple things that no doubt will raise controversy; the idea that not everyone confessing Christ will be raptured; and that the Spirit of God still exists after the event. There are some who are called and chosen but are not appointed to rise up according to His plan and Providence until after the Rapture; likely the countless multitude of Revelation 9.
There are also many today who have backslidden and are; from what I can tell in scripture not prepared for the Rapture and likely left behind. There are also those who will as in all ages that will have little to show for themselves in regard to spiritual rewards; this would encompass the resurrected saints of old perhaps primarily. My main idea is that the Laodicean church of today is characterized by pride and self worth determined by possessions; and they literally will find themselves poor; blind and naked as Revelation 3:17. Many will be refined as martyrs; some could hide out and be as those warned about in Revelation 16:15.
I feel this is such an important concept that it deserves more discussion; namely our reward going to another. This isn't like in a normal event where as Paul would state only one gets the prize ( 1 Cor. 9:24). Again for some context I am certainly not saying what Paul obviously indicates; that those who carefully buffet themselves win the prize and that it is only one (or in the implication a few) who are able to attain this; which is of course symbolic of eternal rewards fit for service in various types of ministry; sacrifice and perseverance.
Ah; just got back from cutting the lawn. This task helps me to ponder the matter; as to how often we are as Jonah the reluctant prophet. We notice in Hebrews 11 that he is NOT mentioned. I will assume he truly was saved for the example here; as many seem fixated on the concept of a person not producing fruit as being not saved and don't consider those who are not receiving reward but who are one of God's children who never get out of the diaper stage. Hearing His voice; of course is described in the Gospel of John as criteria for His children. This is evidenced by those who have occasional fits and starts of great potential as in reality all true saved individuals have. As with Jonah they need a jump start and redirection to move in God's path but they never have their whole heart in the task. This differentiates those who are always DOING something from those not obsessed with endless obligations but do a few things and do it well. God calls us to different levels of commitment with time and ministry as the need deems nececessary. But a heart fit for service "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2) is a necessary admonition. If we don't look at the Spirit inside as the hope within us then we only care about our own souls and this is a fatal flaw to spiritual rewards. We should look to the well being; especially the spiritual maturity of others to recieve their rewards.
Since this for me is such a difficult thing to do any suggestions are welcome.
When there is so much going on in the world it is hard enough to focus on what to start with; and when we don't know who is culpable for the wars and persecution (although that second factor is usually clearer) it is hard to know what to ask for. Such prayers that David prayed that are considered "impreccatory" are in regard to destruction overall of wicked people; and Revelation seems to have the same idea with the incense of the prayers of saints during the seal and following trumpet judgments that are poured on the earth after that collective prayer; so to speak is gathered together by the angels of God.
It is hard also to avoid sticking our heads in the sand to get some escape and relief from the implications of all that's happening and accelerating towards Armageddon. We also are conditioned through the media to see ongoing and soon to come events of killing and forget that God still delivers some today from such events; and that He continues to bring His saints THROUGH them.
It is almost more unsettling where we still have relative peace and safety in some parts of America today waiting for the boon to drop; as we could be attacked from any ICBM in less than 30 minutes with no warning and no real means to defend ourselves.
On top of this; of course we have the unsettling behaviors and crimes that seem to be spiraling more and more out of control.
Ignoring all this; we see a general apathy among self professed believers who should be a shelter in the storm if they would use some of their God given intercessory prayer rather than just keeping to themselves the candle under the bushel; as it were.
If we don't use it we lose it; case example as was listed yesterday as to the Ephesian church and others whose candlestick was going out. Revelation 3:11 makes it abundantly clear; our reward goes to another if we aren't fit for service. Best to accept at face value.
Continuing with the concept of teaching as a spiritual gift; we see in light of the manifold witness of Peter and Paul the dangers prophesied to come even imminently after their departure of wolves among the flock and within. There is more to the Word than just instruction based on human understanding; or else it would be impossible for error to creep in. Dirst there is twisting of scripture to align with an errant concept and that opens the door for alternative writings such as gnostic teachings or that of other religions. The exclusivity of the Word is something only the Spirit can truly illuminate our minds on. We can in our own strength have tenacity in such a matter "sola scriptura" but even the Ephesians church doing everything right on the outside lost their first love ( Revelation 2:4 left their first love). Once left; it becomes lost it would seem; perhaps among the remnant who are faithful it may be temporarily out of mind but as for the corporate body the Spirit may not by and large be residing there and there is danger it could become dead as Ephesians 5:14 warns about and Revelation 3:2 with the church of Sardis shows can happen at some point. Sobering words.
Legalism is the other side of the coin as to misuse of scripture that also can cause great damage. That is the result of not treating others as part of a spiritual body where all members are needed and "lording it over" them. We see this attitude in certain independent churches (I will leave out denominations here). This type of fellowship not only alienates those of a local fellowship but can prevent healthy interactions with believers elsewhere that can have a positive impact. Again balance is required; while we don't want to have a mutual exclusivity or proclaimed monopoly of the truth as the only ones preaching the true Gospel; caution is needed when working with other churches as error is rife.
What we can say with some assurance is that certain verses of scripture are being fulfilled; the biggest general one being an increase in knowledge and travel ( Daniel 12:4). In fact; the idea of the Gospel being preached to the whole world along with some other statements in Revelation seem to show an worldwide network of video which we have today.
To warn of anything clearly prophetic in scripture for now and the future is being obedient to sounding the trumpet as Ezekiel warns we must do (See Ezekiel 33). God does nothing without warning the prophets ( Amos 3:7). This is certainly true during the time of Jacob's trouble with the 2 witnesses and 144,000 Jews proclaiming the Kingdom to come but certainly there is a need to preach repentance today as many of the promises and warnings to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 have direct application today; especially the Revelation 3:10 praise to the Philadelphia church; and likely Revelation 2:22-25 to Thyratira where it appears many could be left behind who are caught up with seducing spirits or literal immorality with seductive women.
Revelation 18:5 talks about Mystery Babylon and her sins piling up into heaven and whether our nation is Babylon or it is centered in Israel itself or the new city planned for Abu Dhabi we can certainly say with the statement in Daniel that in general leaders have become completely wicked ( Daniel 8:23) is the season for Antichrist to appear. No doubt also our sins in America align with many statements about a mingled people that used to know God and have prostituted themselves; in our case with sex traffic and pornography that we have either directly supported or turned a blind eye to; to the countless millions of lives terminated in the womb; to the shocking number of crimes in this country; etc.
I will say this as a positive note for those who are out there giving the alarm that it is a necessary practice; the church is mostly asleep.
I am on a roll here; but like a brick wall there is the very difficult discussion I am about to address on prayer in regard to the destruction of the wicked. Whether it is necessary to actually do this or not; we should know that David prayed many of these prayers and having the broken and contrite spirit that Psalm 51 mentions is imperative to avoid our own hypocrisy in some "holier than thou" prideful attitude.
I am convinced that this is a priority issue that also encompasses prayer that must be discussed. As my earlier posts suggest there is a sort of merging of the concept of people dying in the seal judgments with the plagues and hell in the 5th seal. Isaiah himself states that hell enlarges herself ( Isaiah 5:14).
When we are saved; TRULY Born Again we understand we truly were enemies of God; helpless in our sin and we indeed were on the broad road to destruction before He called and chose us. At least it USED to be taught that way. Today's "seeker friendly" attitude is something that I have no doubt stating that will be part of the concept of "spewing out of His mouth" in regard to a lukewarm church mentioned in Revelation 3:16 which I would suspect means someone is left behind in the Tribulation. Whether their faith is true or not no doubt a remnant there was saved or Jesus sould not have addressed it. Now of course that actual church along with all the other ones in Asia Minor in the region of Turkey are long gone but the concept stands today.
Whether we feel like it or not God wants us to love the things He loves and hate what He hates. There are many corresponding verses which I will leave the reader to study. Let's veer to the other side on that concept; the idea of loving our enemies. God is backwards to our flesh; but we only begin to realize that after we are saved. We are a peculiar people ( 1 Peter 2:9). We are aliens to this world ( 1 Chron. 29:15).