Category: Jesus


Entering the Third Heaven

Filed under: Jesus is the Most Holy Place, Possess the Vision, Prayer, Spirituality, spirtual warfare, Uncategorized — 2 Comments
April 2, 2011

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

In our “A-Visit-to-Heaven,” postings last week we presented a video where a minister claimed that he had gone to heaven on several occasions.  In it he talks about being in the third heaven and references Paul’s claim to have been in the third heaven as well. In this video he makes several comments about what it is like in all three heavens.

We of course have been using the Tabernacle of Moses as a prophetic model of Jesus Christ for quite some time. We have also been stating that the three chambers of the Tabernacle are prophetic of the three relationships we can have with God. These types of relationships come with there own set of support capabilities here on earth and there own privileges in heaven or in the spiritual realm. These postings can all be referenced by going to the home page of this web site and clicking on the hyperlink that leads you to these postings. Alternatively, a good posting to start with is: The-Tabernacle-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus.

The fact that a third heaven exists is communicated in the following scripture:

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.  Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me (2 Cor 12:1-6.)

Like Paul I believe that is not profitable for me to boast, so just let me say that I also know of a man caught up in the third heaven, which is also called the heavenly Holy of Holies by some people. The following passages describe what happened.

Searching For the Holy of Holies

Years ago this man attended a bible study on the Tabernacle of Moses. The bible study group met once a week and the study went on for months.  The classes were very informative, and all gained significant insight into the tabernacle of God through this teaching of the scriptures. For example, we learned about the blood sacrifices and how, where and why they were conducted. We learned about the golden lamp stand, golden altar of incense, the table of showbread and the brazen laver. We learned about the arc of the covenant, what it contained, and what it represented. In addition, we learned about the golden cherubim between the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence was to be found.

The Tabernacle Courtyard

Each week we were presented a teaching for about an hour on a new aspect of the Tabernacle. This was followed by a prayer service, and we would pray that the people in the class would enter into the Holy of Holies. There were many breakthroughs reported by various people who attended, and some were even healed of significant illnesses.

During the classes this man developed a desire to enter into the Holy of Holies. He started praying every night as he lay in bed that God would grant him the privilege of entering into His secret place. He often prayed for hours, or until he fell asleep.

One night after one of these services he went home to bed and prayed with an increased determination to enter the Holy of Holies. He must have dozed off because when he awoke his clock read 2 a.m. He dozed off again and had a very unusual experience. He found himself traversing his way through the stars of the universe. He scanned the stars around him and noticed that there was one star that was slightly brighter than all the others. Somehow he knew that if he focused on it directly that he would enter into the passageway to the Holy of Holies. He knew that this was his chance so he turned and focused directly on the star with determination. He then was instantaneously transported to the location of that star. It was as if everything around him simply sucked him up and catapulted him across space and time and in the blink of an eye, bam, he was there.

As he looked up in this new place he could see the cloud of God’s power that stretched across the horizon in all directions as far as the eye could see. From this observation he thought that God’s power was infinite. He could also hear the sound of God’s power which sounded very much like the hum of an electrical power station, only much louder and somehow, mellower. By some unknown means, he also knew that God’s power was resting at the time. However, even at rest this power was strong enough to shake the ground [ii] so violently that he could not longer stand on his feet. He was in awe of God’s power and thought to himself, “if this is the awesome power of God at rest, then woe to those who arouse Him to anger.”

 

The Power of Prayer

Then, he found himself in a place where there were many others, but he could not see them clearly, for they were shrouded by a light, misty cloud of some kind. It was as if each entity was a point of light, and awesomely there were billions of them arranged in circles around God. God appeared as a giant ball of light in the center of everything. He could hear them as they were praising and worshiping God in song all around Him. The was a profound unity there as the billions were all giving fourth something like a song without words, like a series of musical notes.There was emotion in this music, it was a sound of awe and total surrender at the greatness of God. It was a song of blissful love. On and on this blissful music went in perfect harmony, in a way that can not be described in our current human form. 

It looked like the universe of stars in orbit around a central sun except that the stars were arranged something like loosely configured rings of Saturn. He could hear voices and conversations praising God, and he also wanted to join in very much. At first he found it strangely difficult to open his mouth. After working on this task for a while he was successful in opening his mouth but when he attempting to speak, the words did not come out. Instead of words vomit came spewing out his mouth. This discharge apparently triggered something that he did not understand because everything closed up around him as quickly as he had arrived. He was once again sucked up by the environment around him and transported across space and time back to where he started. He awoke in bed and looked at the clock again, it read 4 a.m and he marveled that the whole journey had seemed like just a few seconds. He knew then that he was not ready to enter into the Holy of Holies but because of his steadfast prayer and desire, God had granted him a look at the promise to come.

[ii] Psalms 29:8  The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.


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A Visit to Heaven

Filed under: Bride of Christ, heaven, Jesus, Jesus is the Most Holy Place, Jesus is the Most Holy Place, Jesus the Holy Place, Jesus the Tabernacle, Jesus the Tabernacle Courtyard, Spirituality, spirtual warfare, Tabernacle, Tabernacle Courtyard, The Holy Of Holies, The Holy Place, The Most Holy Place — Leave a comment
March 23, 2011

 

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

 

A Visit to Heaven

In several of my prior postings I have talked about I have used the Tabernacle to help us understand that there are three levels of relationship we can have with God. Recently I saw a video of a man who claims that he has made several trips up to heaven and returned. I believe that he describes these types of relationships rather well. Prior to showing the video I thought it may be good to review one of our messages that delivers a high level review of these types of relationships. Here it is:

So, if we have lost our direction Jesus is the Way. If our life is a lie, Jesus is the Truth. If we are acting in a way that leads to death, Jesus is the Life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, just as He claimed. He is the passage way to the Father and is the way through which every form of relationship with the Father can be achieved.

This foundation of Jesus being our spiritual Tabernacle paves the way for us to enter into the Courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.

This being the case, Jesus is also the veil (or passageway) through which we enter into all three types of relationships that we can have with the Father. It is through the Way (entryway into the Tabernacle Courtyard) that we enter into a relationship of grace with the Father. It is through the Way that we enter the Courtyard where Jesus is the sacrifice for our sin and where we are purified by reflecting on His life and seeking to become like Him.

It is through the Truth (or entryway into the Holy Place of the Tabernacle) that we enter into a relationship of enlightenment with the Father. The Truth leads us into the Holy Place where our pathways are illuminated with God’s direction. This illumination also leads toward communion with God and enables us to become victorious in spiritual warfare.

It is through the Life (or entryway into the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle) that we enter into a relationship of covenant with the Father. The Life leads us into the Most Holy place where we find peace from our enemies, talk with God directly, receive the protection of His angels, have His law in our hearts, become a royal priesthood and depend on God’s provision exclusively. It is hear that we can once again know only good, and in this regard we are restored to the garden once again.

So now that we have presented what we have said in the past, lets look at the video where the three types of relationship we can have with God in the spiritual realm are described:

So this is very consistent with our prior messages. Entering through the Way of the Tabernacle results in the development of a relationship of grace. In this relationship our sins are forgiven through our repentance and the work of Jesus on the cross. In this relationship we come to see who Jesus is and seek to become like Him in preparation for ministry. In the video we find that the reward for our choices in this regard is to enter a place of peace through Jesus. In this place everyone feel like they are next to Him.

Entering through the Truth of the Tabernacle results in the development of a relationship of empowerment. In this relationship our pathways are illuminated, we develop a closer relationship with the Father, and we become effective in spiritual warfare, or bringing down the bonds of evil here on this earth just like Jesus did. In the video the pastor described this area as belonging to those who worked for God.

Entering through the Life of the Tabernacle results in the development of a relationship of covenant. In this relationship we have a special pact with God that is based upon His promise to us and in turn, our promise to Him. In it we can talk to God directly, receive the support of his angels and become a part of the royal priesthood. In the video this place is reserved for those who walk with God and was wonderful, although indescribable.

So, that is it for today. I am thinking on expanding this topic as there are quite a few scripture that have relevance but have not been discussed to this point.

Until then, may Gods blessings be upon you.

Papa Joe Gordon


 

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A VISION OF A ENLARGING SUN

Filed under: Jesus, Possess the Vision, Spirituality, spirtual warfare — 2 Comments
February 28, 2011

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

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

A VISION OF A ENLARGING SUN

Our church had an annual conference that had become a tradition over its twenty-five-year history. Men of God came from all over the world to teach and preach. The conference was intended for more than just the congregation as the church invited members from the general Christian community as well. The conference would draw people from all over the country.

One Sunday after the service, the pastor engaged my wife and I in a discussion about the conference. He indicated that they needed a picture for the conference pamphlets that needed to be mailed soon. It just so happened that God had given me a vision just a few days prior to this, and so I communicated it to the pastor. He liked it and had an artist draw it up for the pamphlets. Here is a description of what I saw.

I saw a star that generated multiple sets of uniquely colored light beams that radiated from its center in all possible directions. All of the color spectrum’s were visible for extended distances. Some reached the earth extremely far away and were sharp and penetrating.

Jesus the Light of the World is Transfigured before His Disciples

Then, the star expanded several fold in its size and brightness. This verse from Isaiah confirms the idea:

Moreover the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD binds up the bruise of His people and heals the stroke of their wound (Isaiah 30:26.)

Because of this massive growth the sun scorched the earth with its light. Afterward, the light of the star dissipated into a soft cloud-like light that encircled the earth and covered it in a canopy.

I believe that this is prophetic of the things that must happen prior to the achievement of God’s plan. Here is the interpretation:

In the beginning, God is touching His people from far away. The Word of God, although distant, is pointed and focused on God’s intention. However, a time will come when we will realize that God is much closer than ever before. His words will be much more evident and will ignite more involvement and support from His people. The Word of God will become obvious to everyone on earth. The people whose roots are growing deep in the earth and can reach the living water of life will flourish, but the others will be scorched and die. The following quote from John helps reinforce this concept:

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13 – 14.)

Once this scorching is completed, only God’s people will remain. Then, God’s love will encircle and protect the earth, and His people will flourish under His soft and gentle love.

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


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A VISION OF THE LIVING CROSS OF JESUS

Filed under: Bride of Christ, Jesus, Ministry, Possess the Vision, Spirituality, spirtual warfare — 16 Comments
February 26, 2011

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

 

 

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The Vision Statement of the Bride of Christ

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January 31, 2011

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”  

 
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The Bride of Christ Does Greater Works than Jesus

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January 28, 2011

 

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

 

 

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The Bride of Christ Becomes Just Like Jesus

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January 25, 2011

 
 
 

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”

 

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The Bride of Christ is Prepared

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January 24, 2011

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”

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THE BRIDE OF CHRIST BRINGS DIVISION

Filed under: Bride of Christ, Jesus the Golden Lampstand, Possess the Vision, Spirituality, spirtual warfare, The Golden Lamp Stand — 1 Comment
January 18, 2011

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.

 

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WHO IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST?

Filed under: Bride of Christ, Jesus, New Jerusalem, Possess the Vision, Prayer, Spirituality, spirtual warfare — 7 Comments
January 13, 2011

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

WHO IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST?

In our prior posting I communicated that I attended a prayer meeting in which I spiritually became one with the bride of Christ. Later, as things were to unfold this experience proved to be critical in the development of what God wants us all to be a part of during our remaining time hear on earth. In essence, this prayer group experience becomes a corner stone to the vision communicated in the book, “Possess the Vision.” Because of all of these facts, and since we plan to present this vision to you in later postings, it would seem appropriate at this point to delve into the scriptures and glean additional insight into who the bride of Christ is.

The bride is the cumulative body of Christ, formed of the redeemed of the Lord: 

But, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:15 – 16). 

This statement ties in with my prayer meeting experience when I perceived the bride to be the accumulation of all the righteous of the Lord into one body, wherein each person is like a single atom of that body. Each individual has its own function and purpose but is at the same time is linked together will all others, such that they function as one body toward the accomplishment of the Lord’s mission.

The bride is pure and holy. She is a gift to God, perfect in every way:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25 – 27). 

This statement also ties in with my prayer meeting experience as I experienced the bride preparing herself for the union with Jesus. She did this by making her garments perfect and pure and by meditating on all the reasons that she is in love with Jesus.

Jesus spoke to His disciples about the bride in the following passage:

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know. Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:2 – 6).

In this passage Jesus states that He will come again and take His disciples into Himself. Therefore, the two become one and this is symbolic of marriage where the two are proclaimed to be one. Since Jesus also describes the building of many mansions in the statement above, there must be enough people to occupy these many mansions to comprise the entire city of the holy Jerusalem, which is clarified in the scripture below:

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, ”Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God (Revelation 21:9 – 10).

 

So the bride of Christ is the holy Jerusalem that descends out of heaven from God. This passage confirms that the Lamb (Jesus,) has a wife and therefore is married. In our next posting we will drill down a bit into the bride’s preparation.

 

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