Mercy Part Deux

For I will be merciful and gracious toward their sins and I will remember their deeds of unrighteousness no more. Hebrews 8:12

So the question is exactly when will our Father be so merciful and gracious towards our sins?

When God speaks of a new [covenant or agreement], He makes the first one obsolete (out of use). And what is obsolete (out of use and annulled because of age) is ripe for disappearance and to be dispensed with altogether. Hebrews 8:11

We are told that our Father’s mercy and grace is in act right now. We now live under the New Covenant, so our Father is merciful and gracious towards our sins right now, this very moment, today. And not only does our Father show us mercy right now, He doesn’t even remember what we have done wrong.

I have to be taken this scripture out of context, right?

This is the agreement (testament, covenant) that I will set up and conclude with them after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their hearts, and I will inscribe them on their minds (on their inmost thoughts and understanding), He then goes on to say, And their sins and their lawbreaking I will remember no more. Now where there is absolute remission (forgiveness and cancellation of the penalty) of these [sins and lawbreaking], there is no longer any offering made to atone for sin. Hebrews 10:17-18

For God has consigned (penned up) all men to disobedience, only that He may have mercy on them all [alike]. Romans 11:32

But God’s free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass [His grace is out of all proportion to the fall of man]. For if many died through one man’s falling away (his lapse, his offense), much more profusely did God’s grace and the free gift [that comes] through the undeserved favor of the one Man Jesus Christ abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many. Romans 5:15

Well then, as one man’s trespass [one man’s false step and falling away led] to condemnation for all men, so one Man’s act of righteousness [leads] to acquittal and right standing with God and life for all men. Romans 5:18

Far too often we all get caught up on what we can’t do or what we believe we are doing wrong. That is not how we should think, we should think of what Jesus came and did for us. We should concentrate on His success, not our shortcomings. The Truth is our righteousness is even as filthy rags, so why fret about what we are doing? We should rejoice in what Jesus did and the grace and mercy that we now enjoy because of Him.

The Truth is as long as we focus on ourselves, we will do the things that we don’t want to do. But as soon as we are empowered with the Truth, through the Holy Spirit, to realize what Jesus has given us, we will then stop doing the things that we don’t want to do. So don’t fret about you, rejoice in our free and totally undeserved and completely unearned mercy and grace. Our Father, Who happens to be God, doesn’t remember our faults, so why should we?  

Mercy

What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion.” So then God’s choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort [the totality of human striving], but on God who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses—it is His sovereign gift]. Romans 9: 14-16

It is not our choice whether or not our Father will have mercy on us. So many believe that we have to accept our Father’s Grace for Him to be merciful towards us. This just isn’t the case at all. Let’s consider the Truths that we are shown in the Word.

Jesus is our Father and our Father is Jesus.  

I and the Father are One [in essence and nature].  John 10:30

Jesus never changes.

Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

And Jesus was saying, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves. Luke 23:34

The Israelites and the Romans conspired together to crucify Jesus. They did not accept Him. They did not believe Him. They did not want or believe that they needed forgiveness, yet they all received our Father’s mercy.  

Now here is what I believe to be one of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible.

For God has consigned (penned up) all men to disobedience, only that He may have mercy on them all [alike]. Romans 11:32

We can’t help but mess up, and our Father will absolutely have mercy on Who He chooses too and He chooses to have mercy on us all alike! I hope that brings you peace that passes all understanding.

We Sit In Jesus' Seat

Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation). Ephesians 2:5

We are shown here in Ephesians 2 that our Father made a life for Jesus. He quickened a life for Him to be our Lord, our High Priest, our Shepherd, our Vine, our Head, our Intercessor, and our Servant. I want you to think of every Kingly thing that Jesus is and has, and that is the exact life that our Father has given to us.

And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Ephesians 2:6

Think of the Presidents seat, a Prime Minister’s seat, or a Kings seat. Only these people are permitted to sit in those seats. Now look at what our Father tells us in Ephesians 2:6: we sit in Jesus’ seat. The only way this can be is if we have the exact same life that Jesus has and amen, we do.

Because we are members (parts) of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:30-32

We are not just believes, we are one with Jesus.

In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17

So think of what all of this really means: we are empowered and equipped to be used by our Father just as Jesus is used.

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. John 4:12

Our Father is the Greater thing that is in us and He is not limited by our age, our health condition, our gender, our race, or our knowledge. We are now the very resource that God Himself uses to serve the world. Don’t think that people have to be saved either for us to be used to serve them.

And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins Ephesians 2:1

We were served when we were dead and we will be used to serve all, even the dead.

If A homosexual Couple Wants Cake, Bake Them Cup Cakes Too

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your undershirt (tunic), let him have your coat also. Matthew 5:40

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles]. Matthew 5:41

But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Romans 12:20

Right now there are a lot of Christian businesses that are totally taking the wrong approach when it comes to serving homosexual couples. Instead of refusing to serve them, these businesses should serve them by giving them more than what they are asking for. Let’s face it; many of these law suits against Christian businesses are being waged by radical homosexuals with an agenda of attacking Christianity. So what these businesses need to do is follow what Jesus tells us to do and that is over serve those who would seek our destruction. If a homosexual couple wants a wedding cake, bake them cupcakes too.

[No] for God selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame, and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame. 1 Corinthians 1:27

It sounds foolish, but our Lord tells us, and He actually empowers us, to over serve those who would try to harm us. People will say that we are weak, but the foolishness of being empowered by the Holy Spirit to over serve those who would seek our harm is the wisest thing that we can ever do.

Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. Romans 8:36-37

But I say to you, Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too. Matthew 5:39

Faith comes for us by hearing and it is the Truth of our Father, not the wisdom of man, that will set us free.

Columbus Ohio Is Not Religious

A new study from the Public Religion Research Institute breaks down the top three religious traditions in major American cities – Catholic, Protestant and unaffiliated. Based on the data and findings from the American Values Atlas, the Huffington Post put together a ranking of the least religious U.S. cities, according to the percentages of religiously unaffiliated residents. Posted: 08/08/2015 07:38 PM EDT | Edited: 08/09/2015 06:37 PM EDT

The number 7 least religious city in America according to this report is Columbus, Ohio. The reason that I find this so cool is that in the late 80’s I attended a rather large church here in town. The preacher of this church is a pretty famous televangelist. He said on one of his New Years Eve services that he had seen a vision from our Father of a huge sword being swung 3 times, striking down the Leveque Tower, a landmark here in Columbus, Ohio. He said that our Father told him that it meant that this church, along with its prep-school, and a new Bible College that they were starting,  represented the 3 swings of the sword. He said that our Father told him that these three entities  would make Columbus, Ohio one of the most Christian cities in the world. I am paraphrasing his prophesy from memory, but this pretty much sums up what he was preaching that night.

Why I am writing about this is to let you know, if a Prophet’s words do not come true, he is not a Prophet. This sermon was over 25 years ago and Columbus has become far less religious then it ever has been before, this church and all of its arms have failed to do what the so called prophet proclaimed they would.

But as for the prophet who [on the contrary] prophesies of peace, when that prophet’s word comes to pass, [only] then will it be known that the Lord has truly sent him. Jeremiah 28:9

Actually this news report excites me to no end. I think what is happening is that our Father is making people sick and tired of false religion and all of the false prophets out there, as I honestly believe this preacher to be. I believe that any pastor who preachers what we have to do and not what our Father needs to do through us is a false prophet.

Right now people are running away from worldly religion. Our Father is allowing people to see through the lies and deception of these false churches and prophets. Right now they are running primarily towards the world, but there is no real and lasting satisfaction to be found there for them. So they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to turn to our Father when they become dissatisfied with the world. These people are going to be led to the Truth and they will learn the Truth that will set them free. They will flee from the lies and arrogance of worldly religion and they will be used by our Father to preach His truth to every tribe, tongue, and nation. They will not need a worldly diploma to do it either, because they will have the power of our Father, which is His Holy Spirit, flowing through them as Rivers of Living Water.

Intercede for the false prophets, ask our Father to forgive them, for they know not what they do.

False Prophets And The Tithe

Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

If you were raised in a Full Gospel, if you can claim it, you can have it church like I was, than this scripture has been beaten into your brain. Every Sunday Malachi 3:10 is quoted as people cheer and praise our Father because they are all going to become mega rich. The preachers dangle this verse out there in front of us like a carrot that has been tied to a pole that is attached to our heads. That carrot always seems to remain just out of our reach. Whether we run or walk, it is still just out of our reach. Don’t stop tithing today they preach, your breakthrough just might be with this tithe. Yet no one has so much that they cannot contain it, not even the preachers. How can this be, it’s a scripture that they are quoting, so why aren’t there mega billionaires all throughout the church? I mean there has to be some people giving 10% faithfully.

When God speaks of a new [covenant or agreement], He makes the first one obsolete (out of use). And what is obsolete (out of use and annulled because of age) is ripe for disappearance and to be dispensed with altogether. Hebrews 8:13 Amplified

Look at the scripture used by so many to talk about the tithe; it’s in Malachi, which is in the Old Testament. The tithe is an Old Covenant command and the Holy Spirit tells us that the Old Covenant has been dispensed with all together. So the tithe has been dispensed with all together. The New Covenant tells us that our treasure is laid up in Heaven, not on this earth.

But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; Matthew 6:20

The New Covenant tells us that we are not to seek out earthly wealth.

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. Matthew 6:31-33

The New Covenant tells us that we will be empowered to give half away, not just a measly tenth.

And he replied to them, He who has two tunics (undergarments), let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do it the same way. Luke 3:11

The glory of the New Covenant is that there is absolutely no separation at all between us and our Father. Everything that He has is now ours and everything that we have is His. He doesn’t give us 90% and keep 10%. He gives us 100% and He empowers us to give His Kingdom 100%. Tithing represents separation, as if we have something and our Father has something. The New Covenant is so much greater than that. Giving to others is what we now live for, but our treasure is not an earthly one, it is a spiritual one. So beware of a preacher or a church that focuses heavily on Malachi and tithing. The Truth is far greater than what they are preaching. The Truth is our wealth is eternal, it is laid up in Heavens banks and it will bare great returns for the rest of eternity. The Truth is our Father will cause each and every one of us to give as He desires for us to give. It is all by grace, not law.  

False Prophets

Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. Matthew :15

And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. Matthew 24:11

Beloved, do not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world. 1 John 4:1

Just for fun the other day I looked at a couple of popular Televangelists web sites to see what prophecies they were giving. This year it seems that the Evangelists that I looked at were all prophesying about this being the year that the door is open for us. As with most of their prophecies it was left up to us to walk through that door and they really didn’t say what would happen if we did walk through it. The prophecies were vague and as usual with modern day Televangelists placed all of the burden on us to do what our Father is supposedly saying to us.

Here is my issue with such prophecies.

Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), Hebrews 13:20

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. John 15:5

Beware of prophecies that place all of the burden on us. Jesus repeatedly tells us that He will Shepherd us, that He is our strength, and that He will lead us into the paths of righteousness. Our Father will lead us through whatever doors that He has, we are never left alone. Our Father never sits back and allows us to do it on our own. What type of Shepherd would Jesus be if He left it up to the sheep to decide whether or not they were going to follow Him?

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. John 16:13

So when you hear a prophecy, and the Bible clearly tells us that we should eagerly desire prophecies, make sure that they line up with the Truth that sets us free. Prophecies should be clear, specific, and always place the glory on our Lord and His success at insuring we are victorious through His strength. If they are vague and place the burden on us, beware of them!

Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). 1 Corinthians 14:1

Dispense With The Old Covenant All Together

When God speaks of a new [covenant or agreement], He makes the first one obsolete (out of use). And what is obsolete (out of use and annulled because of age) is ripe for disappearance and to be dispensed with altogether. Hebrews 8:13 Amplified

We are plainly told here in Hebrews that the first Covenant, the Old Covenant is obsolete and should be dispensed with all together. That is a powerful scripture. Think of what our Father is saying to us here, the Old Covenant is to be dispensed with all together. That means the 10 Commandments, which were part of the Old Covenant, are too dispensed with all together. How can that be?

For I will be merciful and gracious toward their sins and I will remember their deeds of unrighteousness no more. Hebrews 8:12

Under the New Covenant we no longer have laws, we have grace. Jesus was so successful on the Cross that we no longer need to keep a bunch of rituals and laws to have an eternal relationship with our Father. The only way that we will ever live and love the way that we should is by realizing that we can’t do it and no law will change the Truth that we cannot live righteously.

For God has consigned (penned up) all men to disobedience, only that He may have mercy on them all [alike]. Romans 11:32

But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God’s unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded, Romans 5:20

For the Law results in [divine] wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression [of it either]. Romans 4:15

[To be sure] sin was in the world before ever the Law was given, but sin is not charged to men’s account where there is no law [to transgress]. Romans 5:13

For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God’s favor and mercy]. Romans 6:14

We no longer live under a covenant that requires us to keep a bunch of rules and regulations. We now live under grace and grace means that it is now our Father’s responsibility to make sure that we are doing what is required to best serve those around us, which is serving our Kingdom.

 It is a reason for pride and exultation to which our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world [generally] and especially toward you, with devout and pure motives and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God (the unmerited favor and merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, and keeps, strengthens, and increases them in Christian virtues). 2 Corinthians 1:12

 

The Anti-Christ Is Not Human

But when they have finished their testimony and their evidence is all in, the beast (monster) that comes up out of the Abyss (bottomless pit) will wage war on them, and conquer them and kill them. Revelation 11:7

The beast that you saw [once] was, but [now] is no more, and he is going to come up out of the Abyss (the bottomless pit) and proceed to go to perdition. And the inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been recorded in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will be astonished when they look at the beast, because he [once] was, but [now] is no more, and he is [yet] to come. Revelation 17:8

The first thing that we are shown about the anti-christ is that he comes from the Abyss. He is not human, he is something other than human. He may possess a humans body, but the anti-christ is not human. We are also shown this Truth by the fact that this being is thrown directly into the Lake of Fire and does not come up for judgment on Judgment Day as is required for all humans.

And the beast was seized and overpowered, and with him the false prophet who in his presence had worked wonders and performed miracles by which he led astray those who had accepted or permitted to be placed upon them the stamp (mark) of the beast and those who paid homage and gave divine honors to his statue. Both of them were hurled alive into the fiery lake that burns and blazes with brimstone. Revelation 19:20

 

Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages). Revelation 20:10

And one of his heads seemed to have a deadly wound. But his death stroke was healed; and the whole earth went after the beast in amazement and admiration. They fell down and paid homage to the dragon, because he had bestowed on the beast all his dominion and authority; they also praised and worshiped the beast, exclaiming, Who is a match for the beast, and, Who can make war against him? Revelation 3:4

Here is what I believe that we are shown about the anti-christ: he will be allowed out of the Abyss by our Father to possess a human worldly leader that will be killed. The world will marvel at this because the leader will seem to survive what no one else could. After this the leader will become very powerful because of the power of satan that our Father allows to work through the being possessing the dead leaders body.  

Did Jesus Speak of Homosexuality?

For like the lightning, that flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His [own] day. Luke 17:24

So also [it was the same] as it was in the days of Lot. [People] ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; But on the [very] day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed [them] all. Luke 17:28-29

 

Lately I have seen and heard a lot of people saying that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality. This is a lie, He did speak of it. In the days of Lot homosexuality was a very prevalent lifestyle and Jesus spoke of Lot’s day. 

 

But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” Genesis 19:3-5 NIV

 

Our Father destroyed Sodom for their sinful ways. Now before anyone gets all religious in their condemnation of homosexuals, remember that we all fall short.

 

For God has consigned (penned up) all men to disobedience, only that He may have mercy on them all [alike]. Romans 11:32

 

As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. Romans 3:10

 

The Truth is that even our righteousness is as filthy rags, Isaiah 64:6. So even if a person is a homosexual our Father still loves them and will have mercy on them, just as He will have mercy on us for our many shortcomings. This post is not to get into a debate about homosexuality or homosexual marriage, it is only to inform the people about the lie that so many use in trying to justify homosexuality to Christians. Jesus spoke of it and so did the Holy Spirit, through Paul, in the Book of Romans.

 

Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it). For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one, And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another—men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution. Romans 1:25-27

 

What our Father had Paul write about is what is happening today: people are worshipping man and man made creations like governments, businesses, worldly religions, and money. Things are very good physically right now when compared to other times in the worlds history and people are worshipping it and subsequently homosexuality is on the rise. Jesus spoke of it as did the Holy Spirit through Paul. It is not just written in Leviticus as so many want us to believe, it is written about in the New Testament as well. 

 

We all fall short, but thank God we all have Jesus Who paid the price so that we don’t have to. One may be a homosexual, another may be a thief, another an adulterer, and another a non-believer, but we are all under Grace whether we know it or not. 

 

But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God’s unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded, Romans 5:20.

 

Well then, as one man’s trespass [one man’s false step and falling away led] to condemnation for all men, so one Man’s act of righteousness [leads] to acquittal and right standing with God and life for all men. Romans 5:18

 

Religion needs to stop looking at our specific faults and focusing on them. Get over it, we all have them. We need to preach the Truth that Jesus isn’t limited or hindered by our shortcomings. We need to preach that whether we know it or not, whether we believe it or not, and whether we want it or not, Jesus’ Grace is being applied to all of our lives, just as it was for the people when they were crucifying Him. And the world needs to stop misquoting the Bible to try and justify their actions.   

What Happens To Our Souls When We Die?

I was asked this week by a friend what happens to our souls when we die. The lady had listened to  a preacher on TV who said that our souls go to sleep until Jesus returns. She asked me was this correct? These are the scriptures that the Holy Spirit lead me to share with her. 

 

In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17

 

And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Ephesians 2:6

 

When the Lamb broke open the fifth seal, I saw at the foot of the altar the souls of those whose lives had been sacrificed for [adhering to] the Word of God and for the testimony they had borne. They cried in a loud voice, O [Sovereign] Lord, holy and true, how long now before You will sit in judgment and avenge our blood upon those who dwell on the earth? Revelation 6:9-10

 

In which He went and preached to the spirits in prison, [The souls of those] who long before in the days of Noah had been disobedient, when God’s patience waited during the building of the ark in which a few [people], actually eight in number, were saved through water. 1 Peter 3:19-20

 

And it occurred that the man [reduced to] begging died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And in Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. Luke 16:22-23

 

And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, who kept talking with Him. Matthew 17:3

 

I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead but of the living! Matthew 22:32

 

The Truth that sets us free is that we are right now, this very minute, like Jesus. We are like Jesus even though we are still in this world. So ask yourself: is Jesus’ soul asleep? Did His soul ever sleep? Did it sleep when He was dead? We are already raised up with Jesus, our bodies aren’t raised up, it is our souls that have been raised up and made to be one with Him. We are shown in Revelation that our souls actually intercede for others when our bodies have died, just as our souls do now. Our souls never stop being used by our Father to help people. 

 

We are also shown that Jesus' Soul went and preached to the souls in Hades when He was crucified, He didn't sleep, He served. Jesus even gives a parable of two souls, one tormented and one refreshed after death, neither one were asleep. We are told that Moses came and talked with Jesus after he had died. Our Father is the God of the living and active, because He is always living and active within us. So the Truth is even when we die our souls are still active and alive in serving others and serving others is what will always allow us to have life and have it abundantly. 

Chosen

You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I Am], He may give it to you. John 15:16

 

If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. John 15:19

 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

 

And will not [our just] God defend and protect and avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He defer them and delay help on their behalf? Luke 18:7

 

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] Romans 8:33

 

But when He, Who had chosen and set me apart [even] before I was born and had called me by His grace (His undeserved favor and blessing), saw fit and was pleased Galatians 1:15

 

In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will, Ephesians 1:11

 

 

What Will The End Times Look Like? Part 3

When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3

To the degree that she glorified herself and reveled in her wantonness [living deliciously and luxuriously], to that measure impose on her torment and anguish and tears and mourning. Since in her heart she boasts, I am not a widow; as a queen [on a throne] I sit, and I shall never see suffering or experience sorrow— Revelation 18:7

 

Think about our Father’s Spirit being poured out over the whole world as it never has been before, just as we studied that it will be in Part 1 & 2. Think about the peace and power that will come along for everyone, believers and non-believers, with such an outpouring of Truth. Then think how the world, the lost, the governments, the banks, businesses, and false Christians will react. Instead of giving honor and glory to God, they will glory in what they believe will be their own efforts. The Truth is that the end times will be very prosperous. The world will be saying peace and safety and the world will be glorifying itself. How will Jesus come as a thief if things are bad and everyone is looking for Him?

 

It is during times of great prosperity that people turn from our Father and turn to themselves and worldliness. People flood to the Truth when there are major wars or major economic troubles, but during times of prosperity, people turn away from our Father. It is during times of prosperity when people aren’t afraid and believe that they do not need God. 

 

For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good. [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4

Once again the Truth is that the end times will be very prosperous. The world will be enjoying the peace that our Father is delivering through us. Think of what is happening now in many parts of the world. As a whole, we have far more peace then we have ever had. Sure there are areas of conflict, but the world as a whole is not at war. This peace will only grow and be magnified during the end times. 

In America we have enjoyed decades with no major wars. We have not had a military draft in 40 years and while there has been some economic troubles, we have not had anything like the Great Depression. So for the most part, even with our poor, we have ample food supplies, clothes, cable television, medical care, transportation, safety, and just about everyone has a cell phone. Our elderly and sick have access to very good facilities and our national life expectancy is increasing. So while things are by no means perfect, they are by histories standards, very good. 

With all of this, what is happening in society? Divorce is a very normal thing. Abortion is legal. Sexuality and morality are both rapidly moving away from Christian values. Television and movies are increasingly risqué. Political correctness attacks Christian values instead of heralding them. People are posting pictures of themselves multiple times a day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Most of us know more about the Middle East then we do about our neighbors. So as things have become more prosperous and safe, people have moved farther and farther away from the Truth that will set them free.

If the above verses are to be true, then the world will have to be extremely prosperous during the end times. Our Father’s power flowing through us will allow Babylon, which is the worlds system, to flourish. The end times will be so prosperous that the world will actually begin to say that it will never again experience suffering or sorrow, just as Revelation 18:7 tells us that it will. 

What Do The End Times Look Like? Part 2

Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, robed in a cloud, with a [halo like a] rainbow over his head; his face was like the sun, and his feet (legs) were like columns of fire. Revelation 10:1

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, with an eternal Gospel (good news) to tell to the inhabitants of the earth, to every race and tribe and language and people. Revelation 14:6

 

Then another angel, a second, followed, declaring, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She who made all nations drink of the [maddening] wine of her passionate unchastity [idolatry]. Revelation 14:8

 

Then another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a mighty voice, Whoever pays homage to the beast and his statue and permits the [beast’s] stamp (mark, inscription) to be put on his forehead or on his hand, Revelation 14:9

 

Then I saw another angel descending from heaven, possessing great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his radiance and splendor. Revelation 18:1

 

And he shouted with a loud voice like the roaring of a lion; and when he had shouted, the seven thunders gave voice and uttered their message in distinct words. Revelation 10:3

 

Angels in prophecy often times refer to mighty messages of Truth from our Father, so as Revelation repeatedly tells us, there will be mighty messages during the end times. This makes perfect sense because as we studied in Part 1, our Father will pour His Spirit out on all mankind and our sons and our daughters will prophesy. 

 

And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels] and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream [divinely suggested] dreams. Acts 2:17

 

The end times will be filled with mighty messages, powerful messages, messages that change people. Our Father will empower His Truth to be preached all over the world, everyplace, even places like Iran, North Korea, and China. Right now this seems to be a far fetched fantasy, with politicians, television personalities, radio talk shows, and movie stars all coming against the Truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom. But all of that is going to change as quickly as things changed when Jesus came on the scene. 

 

So the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and cast it upon the earth. Then there followed peals of thunder and loud rumblings and blasts and noises, and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. Revelation 8:5

 

Our Father is going to pour His Spirit, which is Fire, upon the earth and things are going to change quickly and when He does, the messages that He has us share will shake things up, just as an earthquake shakes things up. So don’t look for wars, diseases, or financial ruin as signs of the end times, look for powerful messages of Truth that begin to change peoples life’s. Look for miracles to abound, just as they did with Jesus, during the end times. 

What Will The End Times Actually Look Like?

And this good news of the kingdom (the Gospel) will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then will come the end. Matthew 24:14

And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels] and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream [divinely suggested] dreams. Acts 2:17

 

The first thing that most people think about when it comes to the end times is war, sickness, diseases, death, and destruction. But our Father has told us something different, He has told us that the Gospel of our Kingdom will be preached everywhere and that He will pour His Spirit out on mankind as He never has before.

 

And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not get alarmed (troubled and frightened); it is necessary [that these things] take place, but the end is not yet. Mark 13:7

 

There is only one sign that it is the end and that sign is the Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached as it never has before. So that begs the question: what exactly is the Gospel of the Kingdom?

 

And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people. Matthew 4:23

 

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness and infirmity. Matthew 9:35

 

And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], 1 Corinthians 2:4

 

Many of us believe that the Gospel of the Kingdom is going and telling people about Jesus, but the Gospel of the Kingdom is not that. We absolutely will tell people about Jesus, but the Gospel of the Kingdom is the Holy Spirit using us to serve the world. We will be used just as Jesus was used to serve people. Now think about the people Jesus served by healing them, raising them from the dead, feeding them, and miraculously creating wine so that their party could continue. They did not believe in Who He was and that did not stop Him from serving them, this is the Gospel of the Kingdom.

 

So the end times will be filled with miraculous works and demonstration of our Father’s Spirit. His power will be flowing through the whole world and through all people, even people who do not deserve it, will be benefiting from it.

 

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. John 14:12

Revelation 22:18-21

18 I [personally solemnly] warn everyone who listens to the statements of the prophecy [the predictions and the consolations and admonitions pertaining to them] in this book: If anyone shall add anything to them, God will add and lay upon him the plagues (the afflictions and the calamities) that are recorded and described in this book.

19 And if anyone cancels or takes away from the statements of the book of this prophecy [these predictions relating to Christ’s kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions or warnings pertaining to them], God will cancel and take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the city of holiness (purity and hallowedness), which are described and promised in this book.

• These scriptures have been used by a lot of people to talk about us loosing our salvation. But the Truth is no one who has truly been grafted into the Vine would ever take away or add to this prophecy. If they could, then our Father would have made a mistake by grafting them into the Vine in the first place. Our Father knows the beginning and the end, but yet so many want us to believe that He grafted someone in whose heart wasn’t right? That would mean our Father was fooled by these people, and God is never fooled. These verses are only a statement saying don’t mess with what Jesus had written, it's Truth and it will set you free.
• People killed, tortured, and lied about Jesus, Who is the Word of God, and He forgave them. People will in ignorance mess up Revelation and they too will be forgiven, our Father never changes. 
• A lot of people will also shy away from Revelation, don’t it is a great Book of Truth and there is such a blessing when our Father uses us to share it and study it with others. 
• Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who reads aloud [in the assemblies] the word of this prophecy; and blessed (happy, to be envied) are those who hear [it read] and who keep themselves true to the things which are written in it [heeding them and laying them to heart], for the time [for them to be fulfilled] is near. Revelation 1:3
• The sower sows the Word. Mark 4:14
• Revelation is the Word and our Father empowers us to sow His Word and His Word sets us all free. 

20 He Who gives this warning and affirms and testifies to these things says, Yes (it is true). [Surely] I am coming quickly (swiftly, speedily). Amen (so let it be)! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace (blessing and favor) of the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with all the saints (God’s holy people, those set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively His). Amen (so let it be)!

• I truly hope that our Father uses these studies of Revelation to bless all who read them as much as He has blessed me with sharing them.