Three Steps to Enter Worship

VIDEO: Three Steps to Enter Worship

“But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24 AKJV)

Jesus told a Samaritan woman that we must worship God in spirit and in truth. As simple as this may sound, many Christians struggle to feel connected to God, even during worship. We should not expect to have the connection confirmed by:

1. seeing a vision
2. feeling a sensation
3. hearing a voice

Worshiping God should not be about what we receive, otherwise, it isn’t true worship. We would be performing a service to obtain an outcome. When we worship God, our focus should be on Him: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If He chooses to manifest Himself in a particular way, then we receive that with joy, however, we worship regardless of any manifestation.

Why am I Under Attack Again?

VIDEO: Why am I Under Attack Again?

Freedom from attacks upon our health, emotions, or finances can come off in layers: it is often like peeling an onion. At other times, the process to receive freedom may seem like we are wading upstream. We try to find out what is coming against us, what is hindering us, or what is the cause of an issue, but over and over again, we are constantly coming under attack. It feels like nothing seems to work; if it does, it doesn’t work for long. Instead of walking to freedom, it feels like an uphill slog through a foot of snow.

Through the core classes (101-401) at the free online school, many of God’s children have come to understand that our actions can open doors to the enemy’s attacks. There are far too many ways that the enemy moves into our lives to list them all. If it isn’t linked to sin, Jesus is our healer, provider, and protector for the glory of God. Suffice it to say, if there is a hindrance in our life preventing us from moving closer to God or doing His work, the enemy may be involved. Scripture shows us how to remove the enemy.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed.( James 5:14-16 AMPC)

Names of God: RUAH JEHOVAH, JEHOVAH MAKADESH, JEHOVAH TSIDKENU

VIDEO: Ruah Jehovah , Jehovah Makadesh, Jehovah Tsidkenu

But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the Earth. (Acts 1:8 AKJV)

Right before our Lord ascended into Heaven, He promised His disciples that they would receive the Holy Spirit to empower them. Later in Acts, Paul demonstrated that the Holy Spirit is available to every believer who will devote their life to Jesus as the Lord, Owner, and Master.

There are several names that refer to God, in the Old Testament, that apply to the role of the Holy Spirit. Seeing where these names appear will help us to understand the Holy Spirit better.

The Names of God: ELOHIM, JEHOVAH (Yahweh), EL SHADDAI, YAHWEH-SABAOTH

VIDEO: Elohim, Jehovah, Yahweh, El Shaddai, Yahweh-Sabaoth

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)

Reading the Bible is the best way to learn about God. The word “testament” means covenant or agreement. The Old Testament is centered around God's original agreement with the Israelites. Under our New Covenant, we no longer have to receive circumcision or hold ceremonies on certain days, but God is always the same: What He expected from His people in the Old Testament is still what He wants His children to do who come to Him through Jesus. For this reason, the Old Testament is a good place to learn about God. 

There are names the Hebrews use in connection with God which describe each of His attributes. When God did something miraculous, His people would associate it with His name. We can apply these names to each of the members of the Trinity. Because God is triune, but all three are one, if we address prayers to any one of the three, God gives us grace and He will receive them. However, it is great to get to know the various aspects of God so we can be more specific. 

God's Name: ADONAI, JEHOVAH ROHI, JEHOVAH JIREH, JEHOVAH RAPHA

VIDEO:  Adonai, Jehovah Rohi, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rophe

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3 AKJV)

Certain names of God apply directly to the Son of God. Jesus is God, and has been with God from the beginning. Several names of God refer to Jesus. 

ADONAI

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I Am your shield, and your exceeding great reward. And Abram said, LORD God, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? (Genesis 15:1-2 AKJV)

What is a Good Prayer?

VIDEO: How to Pray

When I “pray” to God, rarely do I make a formal petition. Most often when I pray, I simply speak to God in a respectful manner by acknowledging who He is. If there isn’t an actual time of thanksgiving and praise an attitude of gratitude is usually present. 

Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 AKJV)

Prayer is pausing throughout the day and turning our minds toward God to say “thank You.” This is how we fulfill the instructions of the Apostle Paul because we have a wonderful relationship with God through Jesus. 

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15 ESV)

A New Day Has Dawned

VIDEO: A New Day Has Dawned

The last month had been a challenging one. During prayer, it seemed I had to fight to focus on the Lord. There was so much going on, so many world-changing events happening so soon, it was hard to still my thoughts. Every small open door seemed to bring attack after attack. I’d close one and have a few days of peace, only to have something else hit me. 

When my husband suggested going hunting at the cabin, I thought I’d have extra prayer time to reconnect with the Lord while he went deer hunting. The remote location didn’t help to still my thoughts; I still struggled to see the Lord clearly.

A gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit led me to pray in the heavenly language in between singing praises and silent meditation. I did this for two days with no appreciable results. Then, on the third day after I prayed in the heavenly language, I found myself dancing with the Lord in the Secret Place. 

Communion: The Heart that Communes with the Lord

VIDEO: The Heart that Communes with the Lord

Psalm 15

Lord, who shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill?  He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart. (Psalm 15:1-2 AMPC)

A tent served as a sanctuary during the Exodus until the Temple was built. The tabernacle was a tent that enclosed the Ark of the Covenant. It was the place where God lived among the people and where people went to meet with the Lord. Later, Zion became known as the holy hill of the Lord. 

God's Way Prophecy

 

VIDEO: God's Way Prophecy (Waves Over Barriers in San Francisco) 

VIDEO: Fall of Church Leaders - Confirming Sign

VIDEO: Confirmation Removal of Leaders

It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way. (1 Chronicles 15:13 AMPC) 

Israel’s desire was to have the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem. However, when they went to retrieve it, they placed it on a cart instead of having the Levites carry it on poles. They didn’t worship Him in the way He had shown them and because of that, one man died as the Lord “broke out” against them.  

The Lord told me two things:  

1. “You need to turn your back on churches under the influence of Jezebel”  
2. “The waves south of San Francisco will break over the barriers.”  

Higher Levels

VIDEO: Higher Levels

The Throne of Grace is a wonderful place to be. The attacks of the enemy are lessoned so that we can grow and learn about God. As you begin to grow in the knowledge of the Courts you may begin to wonder: 

• Are there different levels at the Courts of Heaven? 
• What do we need to do to operate in the Courts with more authority? 

Just like court systems across the world, your actions will carry more weight in the Courts in Heaven as you come into higher positions within the army of God. If you have been called to a specific office in the body of Christ, that will be the first thing that determines how much weight your actions carry. For example:  

• A doctor's testimony about a medical condition carries more weight. 
• A prophet is the mouthpiece of God and their words hold more weight than someone who isn’t.  

There is great power in the words of anointed people. Think about what the Lord said to Jeremiah:

What Must be Freely Given?

VIDEO: What Must be Freely Given?

We know that God has instructed through the Holy Spirit that everything Agape Christian Fellowship provides is to be freely given, because this is His way. One of the hardest teachings we come across as we do the Courts of Heaven (CoH) Academy is the challenge to separate ourselves from a global church system where the ‘normal’ these days is to charge upfront for what belongs to and comes from God.  

This includes:  

• Copyright worship music  
• Teachings and revelation, including seats in a conference, and classes 
• Prayer, counseling, and personal ministry 

The reason why many find it difficult to accept this teaching is that this is opposite to the way most of the body of Christ has been operating. Charging for things in the church has been introduced and has increased greatly over the last 50 years. For most of us, it’s the only way we’ve seen the church operate. People have been so indoctrinated by a church culture, where you pay upfront for the things of God, that many just accept it as God’s way of doing things. 

However, just because the majority do it a certain way doesn’t make it right. The only true measure of what is right is considering how it stands up against the word of God. Truth has never been about following the majority. In fact the Bible says: 

Celebrating Pentecost

VIDEO: How to Celebrate Pentecost 

Christians are those who are committed to Jesus as their Lord. God’s people are the nation of Israel, those who are Jewish by birth or marriage. God created a covenant, or “testament” with Israel which is the Old Testament. Christians have a New Covenant with God through Jesus. It may be labeled as “old”, but it is still relevant to our relationship with our Heavenly Father because God is always the same. Much of what Israel went through will apply to us.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)

We receive correction so that we stay on the right path with God. Looking at those who walked with God before Jesus will help us know what our Father expects of us. Traditions outlined in the Old Testament will still have meaning for Christians:

Conviction, Correction, and Condemnation

VIDEO: Conviction, Correction, and Condemnation

As Christians, we are called to repentance, which means to turn from sin. John the Baptist preached repentance and we are to see sin as something horrible that we need to turn from. 

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness (desert), preaching a baptism [obligating] repentance (a change of one’s mind for the better, heartily amending one’s ways, with abhorrence of his past sins) in order to obtain forgiveness of and release from sins. (Mark 1:4 AMPC)

Bear fruits that are deserving and consistent with [your] repentance [that is, conduct worthy of a heart changed, a heart abhorring sin]... (Luke 3:8 AMPC)

Unanswered Prayers

VIDEO: Unanswered Prayers

At a recent visit with the Lord in the Secret Place, He looked a bit different as I approached Him. His chin rested on His chest and instead of moving in time to the music, He remained as still as a stone. The mental image in my mind was so odd that I immediately tested the vision by asking, “Do you confess that Jesus the Christ has come in the flesh?”  

The reply was the same voice He always uses, “Yes, I do because it is Me. Does something seem wrong to thee?” 

I replied, “Yes, it does! You are still as a stone, My Love.”  

Jesus didn’t reply, but I was unwilling to leave until I knew what was going on. Instead of attempting to dance with Him as usual, I stepped inside of Him. His image overshadowed mine as I worshiped Him for a while.  

“My Love,” I finally said, “I will not leave here until I know what is going on. Why are You so still and stony?” 

The Two Witnesses

VIDEO: The Two Witnesses (New Testament Scriptures with Chapter 11:11)

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. (Malachi 4:5 AMPC)

Before Jesus made His official debut, God sent a “Witness” to prepare the world. The Israelites were expecting Elijah to come from Heaven and prepare the way. The Encyclopedia Britannica speaks about how Israel looks at this event:

The fifth ceremonial cup of wine poured during the family Seder dinner on Passover (Pesaḥ). It is left untouched in honor of Elijah, who, according to tradition, will arrive one day as an unknown guest to herald the advent of the Messiah. During the Seder dinner, biblical verses are read while the door is briefly opened to welcome Elijah, who, it is further said, will resolve all controversial questions connected with the Law.

Passover, Easter and Good Friday

Good Friday is a time when most Christians acknowledge the crucifixion of Jesus and Easter is when we celebrate His resurrection. In truth, these modern holidays have little to do with the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, except for the fact that Jesus rose on the first day of the Jewish week which was on a Sunday, for that particular year. Our Lord was not crucified on Friday, as most people believe.

Jesus was Jewish and many forget that Israel doesn’t look at months or even days as we do. They have their own lunisolar calendar that is driven by the cycle of the moon and balanced by the seasons of the solar year. For this reason, Jewish feasts, such as Passover, can occur on a variety of Gregorian dates. Some years it may begin on the Sabbath; while others will begin on a different day. Passover began on a Wednesday night the year our Lord died. Walking through the accounts of His capture, crucifixion, and resurrection will prove the day Passover began and when Jesus was crucified. 

Establishing the Courts of Heaven

 

Creation reveals who our Creator is (Romans 1:20). Scientists have discovered that matter is organized and beautifully choreographed far past the atomic level. When we pass from this life to the next we won’t be set free to wander about, flying through the clouds doing whatever we please. This would be very disorganized and result in chaos. It is not God’s way. He is orderly. In the second verse of the bible, we begin learning about our Creator’s opinion considering organization.

And the Earth was without form and void… (Genesis 1:2 AKJV)

The Hebrew word translated “without form” is tohuw, which means formless, a place of chaos and confusion. The word “void” in Hebrew is bohuw and means an indistinguishable ruin. Jewish mothers often refer to a messy teenager’s room as a “Tohuw ‘eth bohuw,” meaning a disorderly, chaotic ruin. This state of the Earth referred to in Genesis was not acceptable to God who began establishing order from the chaos.

New Jerusalem

VIDEO: New Jerusalem

And I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth: for the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:1-2 AKJV)

The First Heaven is widely accepted as the spirit realm that surrounds the Earth. This is stating that the Earth and the atmosphere and even where it contacts the spirit realm will be gone. When we “pass away” if we are Christians, we enter the Third Heaven where God lives.

The word “coming down” is translated from the Greek word katabainō which can mean “of celestial beings coming down to Earth.” Even though the language says “coming down” could it be possible that Heaven’s atmosphere is enveloping Earth? From Earth’s perspective, it would seem like it was descending, but it may actually be our planet moving into the realm of the Third Heaven where God dwells. 

Rose Ceremony in the Secret Place

VIDEO: Rose Ceremony in the Secret Place

The Holy Spirit has been encouraging me to worship God in a unique way. Worship music fills the room as I crochet. My hands are busy with the simple task while my heart and mind worship the Lord.  Last week, when I worshiped this way, I had one of the most unique encounters with Jesus when He strengthened my spiritual body. 

However, since that time I had discovered why the enemy was allowed to attack my health lately. I had repented for letting my words come out without love, but the damage had been done to those closest to me. 

Stirring Up Our Desire

 

Stirring Up Our Desire

Basics of Meditation

Meditation means to engage in contemplation or reflection. It is letting go of all the things in this physical world and focusing on something in your mind; your imagination. The Bible tells us that our thoughts are important. Scripture instructs us in what we should be meditating on:

“I will meditate also on all Your work, and talk of Your doings.” (Psalm 77:12 AKJV) 

“Meditate on these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all.” (1 Timothy 4:14 AKJV)

Paul instructs Timothy to meditate and think on the gifts that had been given to him by the Holy Spirit. When we meditate on the things of God, it honors Him. This allows Him to reveal more about those things to us. 

The Bride & the 1,000 Year Reign

VIDEO: The Bride & the 1,000 Year Reign

The Bride

After God’s wrath and the fall of Babylon, we see a wonderful sight in Heaven!

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunder, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (Revelation 19:6-8 AKJV)

It is celebration time in Heaven as the long-awaited ceremony takes place. We must know how God’s people conducted marriages in biblical times to fully understand what is happening at the marriage supper. 

Receiving Strength in the Secret Place

VIDEO: Strength in the Secret Place

Even though the week wasn’t over, it had been a hard one. Two days before teaching about discernment, the Lord was kind enough to bring a correction that will help many of us avoid the traps of the enemy when receiving discernment from the Holy Spirit. I had been under attack from the enemy for a while and couldn’t find the cause.  At one point I literally felt blows to my spirit man. When the situation was resolved, I felt lighter, surrounded by a peace that I didn’t know had diminished until the fullness of it returned. When I look back now, I can see the warning and information given by the Lord when applied to this correction… as they say, “Hindsight is 20/20.”

Why Wrath Comes

VIDEO: Why Wrath Comes

God's Warnings

We began by establishing a timeline using what Jesus said about Daniel’s prophecy that is connected to His second coming. In order to place the seals and trumpets in Revelation within this timeline, it was necessary to begin by looking at these prophecies: 

• The World - Revelation 11 
• Israel - Revelation 12 
• Satan - Revelation 13

Each one of these chapters describes events that will take place in Daniel’s Week. The description is given right before the sixth trumpet which we now know happens after that Week ends, and includes the seventh trumpet which is when the Bride of Christ will be removed from the Earth. It is a “new prophecy” which means God is adding to what He had previously described.

The Fall of Babylon

VIDEO: The Fall of Babylon

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying to me, Come here; I will show to you the judgment of the great whore that sits on many waters: With whom the kings of the Earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the Earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication… (Revelation 17:1-2 AKJV)

This is mentioned right after the wrath is poured out. The angels who had the vials of wrath are mentioned, so we know this event happens after God’s wrath. A whore is someone who is unfaithful to God and His ways. A vivid description is given of the “woman.”

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. (Revelation 17:4 AKJV) 

Vials of Wrath in Revelation

 

VIDEO: Vials of Wrath in Revelation

And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God on the Earth. (Revelation 16:1 AKJV)

The Greek word phialē (fee-al’-ay) describes a broad shallow cup. Bowl of wrath would probably be a more appropriate word. How long will this wrath last? We know that... 

• There are 12 years left after the Tribulation.
• God doesn’t count years when His people are not in their land. 
• Jesus said the time would be cut short, lest all mankind be wiped out.

Godly Woman

by Denise Little

Godly Woman

As a Christian Believer, one must: 

• Resist and overcome the pull of the world that rages against the things of Almighty God by living a life contrary to the world’s ways of doing things  (godless society). 
• View life from a heavenly perspective (the way He sees it). 

Women of God should have a God-centered perspective of the world by viewing everything from this vantage point. Unlearning incorrect information may take some time because of the persistent barrage of misinformation that continues to intertwine itself into the culture of today, but it can be done. 

Final Woes of Revelation the Timing of the Rapture

VIDEO: Final Woes of Revelation & the Timing of the Rapture

6th Trumpet

And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. (Revelation 9:13-15 AKJV)

5th Trumpet - The First Woe of Revelation

VIDEO: 5th Trumpet - First Woe of Revelation

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. (2 Timothy 2:14 AKJV)

In this scripture, Paul is instructing a young leader, Timothy, to keep reminding God’s people not to quibble about doctrine. The items in Revelation that we have no absolute interpretation of, should not cause petty disagreements. We should be able to look at the items we can definitely identify and agree to disagree about the rest. The last three trumpets are events we should be willing to disagree about for they most definitely could be metaphorical. 

Three Woes

And I beheld and heard an angel flying through the middle of Heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the Earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! (Revelation 8:13 AKJV)

Peter's Anointing , God's Mercy, and Healing

VIDEO: Peter's Anointing, God's Mercy, and Healing 

Before I understood the principles of God being just, I really thought that every Christian who really sought God would walk as Peter did once God’s glory was being poured out. Many have desired to walk in the anointing of the disciples like in the Book of Acts, especially Peter who healed all those who came into a shadow’s distance from him. 

We are entering a time where the true disciples of Jesus will once again walk in His power and glory. When I read these words at the Agape Fellowship live meeting, the Holy Spirit said that was what this verse is about:

And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the Earth: and there were voices, and thunder, and lightning, and an earthquake. (Revelation 8:4-5 AKJV)

3rd, 4th and 5th Seals

 

VIDEO: 3rd, 4th and 5th Seals

A Message from the Lord

During the worship preceding this meeting, as we sang songs about being beside still waters and receiving the provision of the Lord, God showed me a vision:

The enemy is building up his forces to usher in the Horsemen of the Apocalypse that will affect many aspects of every government. God will not dispatch Michael to disperse the enemy for this must come to pass so that the prophecies in Revelation can be fulfilled and for God’s will to be done.

We must be attached to the Vine and guided by our Lord to receive the provision He has for us. Jesus longs to lead you beside still waters. Come and learn from Him! 

Who are the 144,000 ?

 

VIDEO: Who are 144,000?

 After this I saw four angels stationed at the four corners of the Earth, firmly holding back the four winds of the Earth so that no wind should blow on the Earth or sea or upon any tree. (Revelation 7:1 AMPC) 

The four winds are usually mentioned as “being released” in connection with a great judgment coming from God. (Ezekiel 37:9; Daniel 7:2; Zechariah 2:6) Now the four winds are being firmly “held back.” There is a space of time when God will halt judgment: this is echoed in the beginning of the next chapter:

When He [the Lamb] broke open the seventh seal, there was silence for about half an hour in Heaven. (Revelation 8:1 AMPC)

6th and 7th Seals

VIDEO: 6th and 7th Seals

Sixth Seal

And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, see, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of Heaven fell to the Earth, even as a fig tree casts her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. (Revelation 6:12-13 AKJV)

What could cause the sun to become black and the moon to be red? Sackcloth of goat’s hair was used in mourning and usually connected to a time when judgment had occurred. Since we can still see a red moon, this cannot be a sun that is entirely blocked. Perhaps it refers to an eclipse of the sun. Before we address the red moon, let’s talk about the stars.

The “stars of Heaven” which fell may cause this. To understand why, we need to look at more scriptures.

Israel and Daniel's Week

VIDEO: Israel and Daniel's Week

When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains… (Matthew 24:15-16 AKJV)

When our Lord was asked when He would come to rule and reign, He warned His followers to watch for the abomination spoken of by Daniel. We have identified this as the AntiChrist appearing in the temple of God halfway through Daniel’s Week. Those in Israel are told to flee to the mountains. This may not literally mean to run into the hills.

Then Micaiah said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd… (2 Chronicles 18:16 AMPC)

In the Lord I take refuge [and put my trust]; how can you say to me, Flee like a bird to Your mountain? (Psalms 11:1 AMPC)

What will Heaven be Like for You?

VIDEO: What will Heaven be Like for You?

While writing this article, the Lord led me to 1 Corinthians 15 where Paul speaks about this life and the next, to demonstrate why He was revealing our abilities in Heaven. 

But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. (1 Corinthians 15:35-38 ESV)

The apostle begins with a metaphor about seeds which must die to receive their full glory. What we sow in this life is only a seed for what will grow to the fullness when we die and receive our eternal body. Paul relates it to our existence in this way:

Removing the Curse of Illegitimacy

 

VIDEO: Curse of Illegitimacy

A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 23:2 AKJV) 

The Hebrew word mamzēr (mam-zare’) is translated “bastard” in the King James Versions of the Bible, but is sometimes translated to mean “illegitimacy.” It not only means those who are born outside of wedlock or in incest, but the root of the word means to contemn (regard with contempt), to despise, or be ashamed of. If a pregnancy happens outside of marriage and the parents speak words of rejection, shame, or are regarded with contempt because of it, the same curse comes to that family line.  

When a child is born outside of wedlock, a curse is passed down to the tenth generation. Ten generations means that it can be passed on from any one of our 1,024 ancestors. Since so many people can be affected by this curse, this curse applies to most people. 

To remove a curse you must be willing to confess for yourself and your ancestors. Confess means to see it the way the other person does, in this case, God. It is easy to confess for our ancestors. We know it is God’s will for sex and the product of sex to happen inside of a marriage, otherwise it is called fornication. We simply state the fact that what our ancestors did was wrong. 

The World During the Tribulation

 

The World During the Tribulation

Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3 AKJV)

We obediently study the Book of Revelation, even if we may not understand all that is written within. We thank you Lord for blessing us as we do this, granting us wisdom about when it is at hand.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9 ESV)

We have established that the words of our Lord confirm that there will be a seven-year period of time of Great Tribulation. Jesus referenced the prophecy of Daniel before this statement, which ties these two events together.

Jesus is Worthy

 

VIDEO: Jesus is Worthy

 The prior chapters of Revelation showed the churches upon the Earth and what they needed to do to be in right alignment with God. In this chapter, we now see what is happening in Heaven. 

...These things said He that is holy, He that is true, He that has the key of David, He that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens (Revelation 3:7 AKJV)

We have previously stated that Jesus has the key of David and is holding open a door which leads to Heaven and the Secret Place. How do we know this is the door the Lord opens? It is best to let the Bible provide the interpretation when possible.

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in Heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter. (Revelation 4:1 AKJV)

1st Seal - The AntiChrist

 

VIDEO: 1st Seal - Emergence of the AntiChrist

When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand:) (Matthew 24:15 AKJV)

We are told by our Lord to look for and recognize this event as being close to the time of persecution and His return to rule and reign. Jesus would not tell His faithful followers that they would “see” this event if Christians wouldn’t be here; we will be around when this event happens. What is the “abomination of desolation?”  

Daniel's Week

Seventy weeks are determined on your people and on your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. (Daniel 9:24 AKJV)

Philadelphia & Laodicea Church

VIDEO: Philadelphia & Laodicea Church

Philadelphia Church

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things said He that is holy, He that is true, He that has the key of David, He that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens… (Revelation 3:7 AKJV)

This church needs to remember that there is a key that belonged to David which can open a door. We must examine David’s life to see what key he possessed. We know that he was a worshiper, more than half the Psalms were written by him. These songs and hymns were used to worship God. 

When researching the Book of Psalms we see that David, his son Solomon, and Moses wrote about the Secret Place. David mentions it in three Psalms: 7, 18, and 31. When you worship the Lord with abandon like David, not caring who sees, and only focusing on God, this will activate the key to the Secret Place. Now Jesus holds that key and He will use the key to open a door that no man can shut! 

The Ephesus Church

 

VIDEO: The Ephesus Church

When I initially began studying the churches in the Book of Revelation, the Lord revealed something to me in a vision with Him that began like many others, with us dancing in the gazebo of the Secret Place. With great excitement, He took me by the hand and said, “I have something I want to show you!”

We ran into the forest surrounding the meadow where the tiny table for tea sits. Deep into the forest, the Lord led me into a cave. It took seconds for my eyes to adjust to the glowing light on the cave walls. Jesus led me deeper and deeper into smaller and smaller jagged-walled caverns until we were stooping over, traveling single file through a narrow passageway. Despite the soft ambient light, the closing in of the walls had me feeling slightly worried as I thought, “What could possibly be exciting in this place?”

About that time, we emerged into an enormous cavern. Crystals on the ceiling and walls glowed with a brighter light so the entire area was revealed. A waterfall at one end created a small lake in the middle of the room. The water was luminescent; glowing with diffused light from the walls. Without hesitation, the Lord dove into the water and I followed.