Category: Bride of Christ



The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

A VISION OF THE LIVING CROSS OF JESUS

Today I am going to tell you about a vision that I had that I believe to be important. It is the vision of the Cross of Jesus coming to life. In my past several postings I have been communicating about a number of other visions and spiritual experiences that I have had in the past. These experiences started shortly after I had surrendered my life to God and told Him that I would do what ever He wanted me to do. God then led me across the country to a church that He wanted me to attend. He also led me to attend a prayer group meeting where I experienced being a part of the bride of Christ on her wedding day. In this posting I communicated a vision of the bride of Christ that reveals her attributes, nature and mission. After this experience I heard the audible voice of God call my name. I also had a vision of a straight path that led to the glory of God (represented in the picture at the top of this page), and I had an experience of a white dove (the Holy Spirit) fly into me while I was on a highway in LA. So, you could say that God had me on a fast path for sure.


 

The vision of the cross of Jesus came in the night. In the vision I saw a wooden cross standing alone on a desolated hilltop. For some unknown reason I understood it to be the cross on which Jesus was crucified. It was upright but was leaning significantly at approximately a forty-five degree angle. It looked as if it had been abandoned. It looked dead. For some reason I could not take my eyes off of it and so, my gaze continuously upon it. Then I was drawn closer to it so that I could examine it in more detail. The wooden members resembled those of old railroad ties. I just kept starring at it, not wanting to look away. Then, the grain of the wood started to change color. Dimly at first, but eventually the grain glowed a bright red-orange color. The glow was like that given off from the burner of an electric stove.

 

As I stated above the glow started gradually being almost unperceivable at first. However, Its intensity grew continuously brighter until the red-orange color was vivid and glowing. The cross that had once been dead was coming to live. I then began to see that the wood grain as a transparent sets of arteries, much like those of our human bodies. I say that the arteries were transparent because I could see blood cells traversing through them. They were carrying the nutrients and healing power to where ever they were needed. As I continued to look upon the cross in amazement it soon took on a three dimensional appearance. I could now see through all the layers of the grain and as a result, I could see the blood of Jesus flowing through them all. As incredible as this sight was, the show was not over yet. The glowing red cross began to pulsate light. Photons of red light pulsed out of it in all directions at the same time into sky around me. Every three or four seconds another pulse would be shot out into the atmosphere. The light of Jesus was going everywhere!

I am quite sure that I could never adequately communicate to you just how spectacular and awesome a sight this was to see. The cross of Jesus is alive!

 

What does this mean to the bride of Christ? It means that she is to take up the cross that Jesus left, which is hers to carry until His glorious return. It is in carrying this cross that the bride prepares for the second coming of Jesus, her Bridegroom. The cross of Christ must come alive in the hearts and minds of all Christian people when we truly take it up.

 

For added clarification, you may want to check out several of my most recent postings.

A VISION OF A ENLARGING SUN

A VISION OF A WHITE DOVE

Surrender is Followed by a Glorious Vision

 

 


The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

A VISION OF A JESUS-FILLED WORLD COMING TO PASS

How My Visions Began – A Review 

The messages from God began immediately after I surrendered to Jesus, expressing my willingness to follow His guidance. A day later, God showed me a vision of the Earth evolving into a perpetually blossoming flower. After being awestruck by the beauty of this sight, God pulled me inside the Earth through a portal, where I saw a gigantic Jesus that filled the Earth from pole to pole, holding out His arms such that I believed He was giving blessings to the people of the Earth (The Revelation: Earth Blooming into a Jesus-Filled Flower.)

After the weeks and months that followed, God was actively putting things in place to move us to where He wanted us to go. He then moved us halfway across the country, leading us to better employment and a Holy Spirit-filled church. We participated in a prayer group meeting where I had the experience of being a member of the bride of Christ, hearing her thoughts and reflections on her love for Jesus and the victory over Satan. In a recent post, I shared the details of this experience and conveyed insights about THE-BRIDE-OF-CHRIST-AND-HER-VISION, highlighting her attributes, nature, and mission.

So, God had me on the fast track, so to speak. In two of my prior postings, I wrote about hearing the audible voice of God calling my name and then giving me a vision of a straight path leading to the glory of God. An artist’s rendition of the straight path is displayed at the top of this page.

 

 

 

The Vision of a White Dove that Flew Toward Me

One day, an evangelist (Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of The River Church in Tampa Bay) came to minister to our church (Melody-Land.) My wife and were rather impressed with his message that Sunday, and we were very excited to hear that he would extend his stay to preach several more days that week. I wanted to attend each of his services, but since I worked in Burbank and the church was located in Anaheim, I would have to drive 50 miles across the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The commute time alone would be an hour in each direction. Yet, I had some flexibility in my schedule, so I planned to take an early lunch, attend the service for about an hour, and then return to work stay late to make up for the lost time, which I set out to do.

I never thought such an effort to grow closer to Goe would result in marvelous or miraculous consequences. Yet, something glorious was about to happen as I drove down US Interstate 5 that day.

As it happened, my mind wandered as I drove in heavy traffic. I suddenly I noticed a white dove flying against the traffic in the distance over the highway. It seemed very strange that a bird would be flying along the path of such a busy throughfare, so I look for clues that may explain this.  It was flying straight toward me, coming directly down the lane in which I was driving. I noticed that the bird seemed to be flying directly toward me, down the lane where I was driving, and coming very quickly. As far as I could tell, it was pure white. As it neared, I saw its eyes focused on me as its wings flapped rapidly as if it had somewhere crucial to go. 

I then discerned that the dove was flying directly toward my windshield. When a collision seemed imminent, I braced myself and turned my face away to protect myself from breaking glass, but as it turned out, there was no impact and no breakage. Perhaps the dove swooped away at the last second, just inches from the windshield. But, reflecting on this event now, the Holy Spirit let me know He was with me and was pleased by my efforts to find Him and develop a personal relationship with Him. This is the way that the Holy Spirit manifested Himself to me that day.

One thing is sure: the Holy Spirit will be the helper of everyone who earnestly seeks Him. 

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

A VISION OF A JESUS-FILLED WORLD COMING TO PASS


A VISION OF A JESUS-FILLED WORLD COMING TO PASS

In a recent posting, I shared my spiritual experience as one or a component of the bride of Christ (https://possess-the-vision.com/2021/07/15/the-bride-of-christ-and-her-vision/). This experience came to me as I participated in a prayer group meeting as others were praying vocally. I began to hear (not with my ears) the thoughts of the bride of Christ as she prepared herself for her marriage to Jesus. I heard her reminiscing about the old world, her love for Jesus, and her victory over Satan.

I felt like a small component of her spiritual body, perhaps an atom in her brain, hearing her thoughts as she prepared for the most significant event in human history. I then understood that she is the amalgamation of righteous souls, each doing their part. Her mission on Earth is to take up the work Jesus commissioned us to do by entering the spiritual war against evil and subduing it. The following two postings reinforce this mission. (List them here: posts on the Lord’s prayer)

Other Visions For Those Who Seek To Follow Jesus And Become One With His Bride To Be

My experience in the prayer group meeting was not the only experience as God began to communicate in numerous ways. For example, I previously shared my experience of hearing the audible voice of God call my name (link here.)

In today’s posting, however, I present God’s vision of a straight path leading to His glory on the horizon (insert picture). This vision illustrates the straight path leading the bride to become one with Jesus.

In this vision, I find myself in an unfamiliar forest where the branches and leaves of the trees spiral into a shape similar to a tightly coiled watch spring. From my position, I saw a path cut straight through the forest, revealing the hills and dales below the foliage. There were no impediments or debre on the pathway. Further, it had been cut down into the earth, having walls on each side. I took this to mean that the focus had to be on the glory of God rising on the horizon.

Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies (Psalm 27:11).

It appeared that a giant lawn mower had driven through the forest and cut in a way that nothing remained. There were no bends in the pathway; it was perfectly straight.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken (Isaiah 40:3 – 5).

I now realize that this vision is a message for His bride to make a straight path to prepare the way for the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is to play a role similar to that of John the Baptist, making the way of the Lord Jesus’ second coming to Earth.


The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

Read the truly amazing life story about how the forces of good and evil battle over a man and the vision that God gives him. Joseph W. Gordon’s Possess the Vision (Xulon Press, $12.95, 140 pages, ISBN 1-59781-205-6) tells about the mysterious spiritual experiences that occur throughout his lifetime.

GOD KEEPS ON TALKING

In our recent postings we have provided a basic understanding of the bride of Christ. In these postings we have illuminated a vision of who the bride is and in doing so, have adequately revealed her mission as taking up the work that Jesus did on earth. We started all of this because of my experience of being a part of the bride in a prayer group meeting.

The Power of Prayer

If you recall, we were getting involved in personal relationships at a new church God had moved us to from half way across the country. Prior to this I had surrendered to God and promised to do what ever He wanted. The vision of the bride of Christ was but just the first of many communications that were to come from God in short order. All of them are supernatural, and because of this they are for the most part totally unbelievable to most people in the world. In today’s posting we start with a message delivered by the auditable voice of God.

THE VOICE OF GOD

One day, I was out on the deck soaking up some sun and looking at the ocean. After fifteen minutes, I decided that I had enough sun and started back inside through the doorway leading from the loft. As I proceeded through the doorway I heard a powerfully masculine and yet gentle voice say, “Joe Gordon.” It was as if everything else stopped when the voice spoke. While it was speaking, everything started moving in slow motion—time itself was slowing down. While it was speaking, I could hear nothing else. I knew that it was the audible voice of God. I lost control of my muscle function, and my entire body turned as limp as a jellyfish. My legs stopped moving at the precise moment that the voice began, and my knees started to crumble as I fell forward through the doorway. My forward momentum carried me on a collision course with the glass top of the pinball machine that was just inside the loft door.

Amazingly, my muscles regained their strength at the very instant the voice stopped. It stopped just in time to enable me to get my hands and arms in position to brace my fall against the metal edge of the pinball machine. I had adverted injury that could have been substantial had I not regained my strength at the last moment. I got my feet and legs back under me and gradually stood up straight, looking around the room for a visible manifestation of God. I saw nothing but the things in the room. I waited silently for more words from God but none came. I did not know what to do. So, I responded in the same manner as the prophets of God in the Bible. I said, “Here I am Lord,” but there was no answer. My heart was pounding as I stood perfectly still, hoping that the voice would return. I wondered if there would be a message or direction from God. Still, there was only silence. Eventually, I slowly walked off, being very puzzled.

I started thinking about the voice that for a moment had nullified my strength. It was so perfect, and I could not help but wonder about it. How could the voice be so powerful yet so gentle at the same time? This voice displayed perfect pace and enunciation as well. The inflections of the voice seemed to convey a type of call but otherwise did not evoke any other kind of emotion. It was devoid of anger or agitation. It was a voice of peace. I did not know what to make of a voice that simply called my name and uttered nothing more. I would get additional insight into this event the very next day.

In an effort to get closer to God I had made a commitment to read the Bible every day. It became my habit to get up very early each morning and read prior to prayer. I had set a goal of reading the entire Bible from cover to cover. At the time, I had already finished the entire New Testament and was almost half way through the Old Testament. The following scripture was one of the passages I read

the next morning:

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, oh Jacob and He who formed you, oh Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:1–2).

This scripture was the confirmation of what had happened in my life. Chills ran up and down my spine as I realized that God had just called me by my name. I belonged to Him now, and if I did not know it before I now knew that He would be with me through all the difficult times ahead. He was with me at that moment, and would be there throughout my future. He would be there for my walk toward His plan.

Read the truly amazing life story about how the forces of good and evil battle over a man and the vision that God gives him. Joseph W. Gordon’s Possess the Vision (Xulon Press, $12.95, 140 pages, ISBN 1-59781-205-6) tells about the mysterious spiritual experiences that occur throughout his lifetime.



The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

Read my story by ordering my book, “Possess the Vision”

The Vision Statement of the Bride of Christ

Over the past several weeks we have presented a number of postings relating to the bride of Christ. All of this was predicated on a spiritual experience I had in a prayer group meeting, where I became a part of the spiritual bride of Christ. I presented this experience in this posting: The-Spiritual-Realm-of-the-Bride-of-Christ

 Subsequent investigation and research added clarification to my experience at the prayer group meeting. We have identified that the bride of Christ is comprised of the righteous of the Lord, that even though she is comprised of many, yet she is untied as one: Who-is-the-Bride-of-Christ

We learned that the bride brings division to the world by challenging the world with the truth and light of Jesus Christ. The bride brings compassion for the poor and disadvantaged and justice to all. She is found busy doing the work of her Savior. She is the New Jerusalem that comes down from heaven: The-Bride-of-Christ-Brings-Division

 We then found the bride of Christ sets the world on fire with the truth that is ignited with the light of Christ. We sited Martin Luther King as an example of someone who revealed the truth about the status quo of discrimination and segregation policies. In doing so Martin set the world on fire over issues of justice, liberty, freedom and truth of God. The-Bride-of-Christ-Sets-the-World-on-Fire

We also found that the bride of Christ is prepared as her lamps are burning and her vessels are full. She therefore is prepared for the return of the Lord for the wedding feast: The-Bride-of-Christ-is-Prepared

We identified that the bride is to take on the ministry of Jesus and therefore is to become like Him: The-Bride-of-Christ-Becomes-Just-Like-Jesus

Then we presented the truth that the bride of Christ is to do even greater works than Jesus did: The-Bride-of-Christ-does-Greater-Works-than-Jesus

Based on these observations we have constructed a vision statement that we believe is applicable to all Christian ministries. For any of you unfamiliar with vision statements, they are designed to present the big picture view of what the end state will look like when God’s purpose is accomplished. In effect, a vision statement answers the question, what will be achieved. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the vision statement for the bride of Christ:

The bride is prepared for the marriage feast when Jesus victoriously returns. Her ministry is the ministry of Jesus and she does even greater works that He did. Her light and truth bring division on the earth and she sets the earth on fire in her quest for compassion for the poor and disenfranchised. She fights for freedom, liberty, justice, and the knowledge of God. 

Read my story by ordering my book, “Possess the Vision”  

 

 

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

 

The Bride of Christ Does Greater Works than Jesus

In our prior posting we talked about the bride of Christ becoming like Jesus. In it we referenced Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world, and then also sited His words pronouncing His disciples are to be a light to the world. Therefore, we who follow Jesus are to become like Him.  In today’s posting we present the proposition that we are to do even greater works than Jesus did. So, let’s start with a scripture to get things started.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father (John 14:12).

The works of Jesus always demonstrates loving compassion for others. This compassion is manifested in actions that improve people’s lives. Jesus therefore demonstrates that God loves His people and desires the best of everything for them. The following scripture communicates the love and actions of Jesus. 

 

Jesus "The light of the World," Heals a Blind Man

 

When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them,  “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” (Luke 7:20 – 23). 

 

Jesus "The Life," Raises Lazarus from the Grave

 

 

Therefore, our opportunity is greater as well. We simply must give what we have, which is our know-how, to the world!

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:16 – 18). 

This is the vision for all followers of Jesus: The bride is taking action to better the lives of the less fortunate by sharing what she has. In doing so, she makes herself ready for the coming of the Bridegroom.

 

Jesus is the Light of the World

 

 


 
 
 

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

 

The Bride of Christ Becomes Just Like Jesus

 

 

In our previous posting we talked about the bride of Christ being prepared for the bridegroom upon His return. We also presented the scripture of the wise and foolish virgins, in which only half were prepared to keep their lamps burning until their Lords return. It teaches us to continue to be a light to the world through out our lives.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Jesus the Light of the World is Transfigured before His Disciples

Jesus brought light to the world that enables everyone to find the truth leading to everlasting life with God. His light enables us to cast aside our walk in darkness and to live in the provision and bounty of God. He demonstrated this light throughout His ministry in the form of mercy and compassion toward us. He did so when He healed our afflictions and cured our diseases. He did so when He taught us the truth Father, even challenging the so called experts of His day. He did so when He gave Himself for us on the cross by taking our rightful punishment upon Himself, so that we may one day live with God in glory. He did so when He turned over the tables of the merchants at the temple in defense of the purity of worship to the Father. He did so when He taught all people the truth, including the scribes and the Pharisees. The life of Jesus demonstrated what being a light to the world is. It is in this way that Jesus passes the torch on to us to be a light to the world also. We therefore are to become like Him and carry on as He did until His return.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14 – 16). 

This is a direct call to be visibly found doing good works that Jesus did. The bride is wise when she is found doing so before others when the bridegroom returns. Her lamps are burning brightly, her good works are visible to all, and they result in the glorification of God the Father in heaven.  

 

Read my story by ordering my book, “Possess the Vision”

 


The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

Read my story by ordering my book, “Possess the Vision”

The Bride of Christ is Prepared

In our last posting we talked about the Bride of Christ setting the world on fire with her light. In that post we used the example of Marten Luther King as an example of someone setting the world on fire with the light of truth. But to set the world on fire you must adamantly maintain the light of God that dwells in you, less you find yourself unprepared and therefore rejected by the Bridegroom.

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: “Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!” Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise answered saying, “No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.” And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

 

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!” But he answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming (Matthew 25:1 – 13). 

 

In this parable told by Jesus, the lamps that are burning brightly are symbolic of the bride being a light to the world, just as Jesus is a light to the world. Her lamps are always shining.

Read my story by ordering my book, “Possess the Vision”


 The Bride of Christ Sets the World on Fire

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day Jesus the Light of the World is Transfigured before His Disciples

In our prior posting we presented the bride of Christ as being a light to the world. We also quoted Jesus as stating that He would bring fire to the earth and that this fire would come in the form of division. This is difficult for many Christians to accept as they believe that they should never be an offence to anyone. In believing this they fail to acknowledge the concept of tough love. This kind of love is necessary to bring meaningful change in the hearts of men and results in liberty, justice, freedom, and closeness to God.

Jesus the Light of the World is Transfigured before His Disciples

When I think about this kind of love I think of Marten Luther King. Certainly in King’s day there were insurmountable issues of liberty, justice and freedom for the black people of America. King organized his people and led them toward peaceable demonstration. However, it seemed that every action he took brought new obstacles, resistance and terror his way. Effectively, he brought division between blacks and whites. He was hated by whites for the actions he and his people took to change segregation and discrimination against blacks. He was harassed in his home as his family was terrorized. He was threatened with death unless he stopped his course of action and yet he continued on. Many black people we injured or put in jail for their actions. King stirred the pot for liberty, justice and freedom and he got to see the consequences of these actions as they resulted in violence and hatred from so many who were against them. This is what it means to set the world on fire with the light that God provides. These are the actions of those who are the bride of Christ.

Jesus is the Light of the World

 To quote MLK, I can also add this quote:

“Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But, conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one’s conscience tells one that it is right.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Looking back on all of this now we can see that these actions resulted in America becoming a better nation and a better people. We can see that the hearts of men have changed over time and the sin of the discrimination that had been passed on from generation to generation is to a large degree, a thing of the past. What is clear now is that the fire was needed to extinguish generational sin. Interestingly, the fire was kindled with the light which we as Christians call the truth.

 

So take up your torch and be a light to the world. Pray that you set the world on fire for the cause of liberty, justice, freedom and closeness to God.

 

Amen.

 

God bless,  

Papa Joe Gordon

 


The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST BRINGS DIVISION

 

There are many components of the bride. This means that we all have a role to play in doing the will of God, who calls us to be one with Him. We all have a purpose. In support of this statement we offer the following scripture:

And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

 

Blessings come whenever we do what we are called to do.  

Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Jesus is the Light of the World

 

Do not be lured by the glamour of the world into abandoning your calling and ensure that that you continuously demonstrate the love of Jesus to all others.

But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. (Luke 12:42 – 51). 

The bride, the great city, the holy Jerusalem, comprised of God’s anointed people has her lamps burning brightly, which is to say that she is prepared to enlighten the earth. This enlightenment is frequently met with resistance as the darkness can not comprehend and light. In fact, when the darkness is pierced by the light and is about to disappear, with its dying breath, it will proclaim, how can this be. Jesus claimed to be the, “Light of the World.” He also called us to be a light to the world as well. Being a light to the world will cause great division among the peoples of the world, just as it was in the case of Jesus’ ministry.