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THE TRENCH TO THE GLORY OF GOD

Filed under: Bride of Christ, Ministry, New Jerusalem, Possess the Vision, Spirituality, spirtual warfare, the morning star — Leave a comment

July 2, 2011

: 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.

THE TRENCH TO THE GLORY OF GOD

It was at the time that we moved to Colorado that I started to have a number of visions, the first of which was the trench to the glory of God. In it I saw the outline of a darkened earth backlit by a wonderfully illuminated sky. The illumination came from the glory of God that was shining just below the horizon. It made the sky look like an enhanced version of the Northern Lights. They were enhanced because the colors were much brighter and more vivid than in our world. They were effervescent like the light from a neon bulb. In addition, the lights were presented in a panorama of intermixed colors. While they lacked a specific design, they were very pleasing and beautiful. They were also dynamic—constantly changing patterns of color. Slowly and gradually they changed from one indescribable, yet fantastically beautiful arrangement to another. I was very content to simply watch them change. In any event, this was the background upon which the earth was placed in my vision.

The darkened earth was illuminated only by the light on the horizon, and there was just enough of it to enable me to see the three-dimensional curvature of the earth. This sight was something like the dawning of the first day of the new earth when God returns to be its only light.

The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light (Revelation 21:23).

I could also see a perfectly straight trench40 that had been dug across the entire face of the planet.

Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face (Psalm 5:8).

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)

It was about eight feet deep by four feet wide and tens of thousands of miles long. I marveled at the perfection of its straightness, thinking surely it must have been dug by a very special machine. It extended all the way to the horizon, where a notch appeared in the otherwise-perfect curvature of the earth. This notch on the earth’s horizon aligned perfectly with the source of God’s glory. It was at this position that the sky was its brightest. I could see the reflection of the brightly colored lights on the inside walls of the trench at this point on the horizon. I knew that the trench led to the glory of God! I also knew that I would enter into this trench, and once inside I would be led straight to God by following the light to the other end. The light would guide me in my journey. My walk would lead straight toward the magnificence of God! The trenched walls would keep me from the distractions on the earth.

This vision obviously is a projection of the new earth41 that occurs with the second coming of Jesus.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea (Revelation 21:1).

It projects the dawning of the first day when Jesus, our Morning Star, becomes our light in the New Jerusalem. It is a call for preparation of the bride. An artists interpretation of this vision can be found on the image of my book cover below.

For more information about the bride of Christ please use the hyperlinks below:

Publicly-Coming-to-Christ

The-Spiritual-Realm-of-the-Bride-of-Christ

Who-is-the-bride-of-Christ

The-bride-of-Christ-brings-Division

The-bride-of-Christ-sets-the-World-on-Fire

The-bride-of-Christ-is-Prepared

The-bride-of-Christ-becomes-like-Jesus

The-bride-of-Christ-does-greater-Works-than-Jesus

The-Vision-Statement-of-the-bride-of-Christ

Tags: Bride of Christ, christ, Christianity, church, God, Jesus, Ministry, Religious, spiritual warfare, Spirituality, the new Jerusalem

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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.

Tags: Christianity, church, God, Jesus, Jesus the Tabernacle, Ministry, religion, spiritual warfare, Tabernacle, The Holy Of Holies, the third heaven

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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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THE JUDGMENT OF WORKS AND THE OPENED BOOKS

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October 29, 2010

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

THE JUDGMENT OF WORKS AND THE OPENED BOOKS

In prior postings I have communicated how a life threatening illness took me to the emergency room of a hospital where the doctors did not expect me to live through the night. At some point during that night I left my body behind and entered into the spiritual realm. In the spirit I was taken to the Lake of Fire which is the second death. From there I was taken to Hell, where I faced Satan and felt his incredible hatred of me. All of this culminated on the Judgment Seat of Christ where I was asked, “Why should you live?”

This episode was the catalyst that changed my life remarkably as I eventually surrender my life to Jesus Christ later in life. At this point in my story however, the battle had only just begun. It lived through a great deal more pain and suffering before I sought the protection that only God can provide. As you will find out, the path that God has led me down is quite remarkable and you will hear the rest of this story in time as I deliver my future postings.

If you would like to go back and review the postings that tell the above story please use these hyperlinks:

The-Initial-Attack

The-Intensive-Care-Unit-and-the-Initial-Prognosis

Entering-the-Spiritual-Realm-of-Death

A-Journey-to-Golgotha

Inside-the-Lake-of-Fire-the-Second-death

Confronting-Satan-in-Hell

Judgment-Day

Reliving-my-sins-before-the-Judgment-Seat-of-Christ

Gods-Question-on-Judgment-Day

Opening-the-Books-on-Judgment-Day

Repentance-Brings-Salvation-Even-on-Judgment-Day

I believe that it is important to examine the events I have already reported to you in the context of the Bible. By looking at these experiences from a Biblical perspective we will find that what may be perceived as a very bad dream was in fact, a spiritual reality. I say this because it is substantiated in the Bible and proclaimed by God’s prophets. As we proceed, I will reflect on my experience and contrast it to scripture. In doing this I believe that the scriptures will bring to light fundamental messages that God has communicated to His people over the course of thousands of years.

My Judgment Day experience is to be looked at today (see the last four hyperlinks above). If you recall, I stood in a gray cloud while I was being judged by God.

I could hear voices inside the cloud that were searching to find good works on my behalf. I also relived the experiences of the poor choices that I had made in this life. More that this, I experienced the pain that these poor choices had inflicted on others.

Is there a reference to being judged in the Bible and if so, are records kept to assist in the judgment process? The answer to both of these questions is yes. Everyone will be judged in accordance with their works:

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things, which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works (Revelation 20:11 – 13).

The Last Judgment by Michelangelo

This bible passage clearly states that there is a judgment and that we will be judged by our works and the book of life.

In addition, there are also several references to God existing in a cloud, which would be exactly like the gray place that I was in.

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9)

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matt 17:5)

In our next posting we will look into the validation of the Second Death.

Until then, may God’s blessings be upon you.

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May 21, 2010

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DAD COMES HOME

Filed under: Possess the Vision, Spirituality, Uncategorized — 4 Comments

May 1, 2010

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

I previously communicated that I would present the spiritual experiences that are foundational to my belief system, and that is instrumental in the creation of the Possess the Vision initiative.

This first story is not very mystical, but, it provides a powerful message. Look at this story as a parable, a story told in earthly terms to communicate a heavenly message. The translation is this; we have a heavenly Father in heaven that will love and care for and protect us throughout our life journey. It doesn’t matter how many mistakes we make along the way.

With that said, here is my story of the day that my dad came home from World War II:

DAD COMES HOME

I’m not sure how old I was when my dad came home from World War II. I know that my sister was born in March of 1947, so my dad likely returned in the summer of 1946, making me less than two years old.

But the experience of his return was so magical that I can still view it in my mind’s eye, even today. My mother and I were waiting expectantly, standing behind the screen door of my grandfather’s house. Mom had been telling me for quite some time that my dad was coming home, and I was expectantly looking out the screen door for his arrival.

I remember the peacefulness and pleasantness of that summer day, as I peered over a wood board that I used for stability. Mom was holding onto the door handle, ensuring that I would not jar it open.

Then I heard my mom’s voice, “There’s your daddy; there’s your daddy.” I looked down the sidewalk, and sure enough, I saw this tall thin man walking toward us, wearing a Marine dress blue uniform. I saw stripes on his sleeves, and combat ribbons on his chest, and he had tilted his white hat off to one side, conveying to me, “I’m special.”

His face was tan, and it accentuated his white smile. His steps had a spring in them as he moved confidently toward us. He started running as he turned up our walkway and then sprang up the steps onto the porch. Mom opened the door, and the two wrapped their arms around one another in a long embrace, kissed, and swayed back and forth.

I remember standing between them, looking straight up at them, for what seemed like a very long time. I started contemplating tugging on my dad’s trousers when suddenly, he looked down at me, bent over, and picked me up. I then became a part of the hugging party. My dad was home!

So that is the story. Those who earnestly look for the Father will find Him. For those who wait for Him will find that He comes to them. For those who wait for the promise of His existence will find the one true love that you have yearned to know.

Tags: Christian Love, church, God, possess the vision, Spirituality

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Home Page

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April 24, 2010

Read about my my book, “Possess the Vision,” by following this link: Possess-the-Vision-at-Amazon

Click on any of the hyperlinks below to view the postings of your choice:

The-Tabernacle-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus

Jesus, Moses Discuss the Fulfilment of Tabernacle Prophesy

The-Tabernacle-Courtyard-and-Jesus

The-Tabernacle-Holy-Place-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus

The-Tabernacle-Most-Holy-Place-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus

Striving-to-Become-like-Jesus

Jesus-is-the-Way-the-Truth-and-the-Life

The-Tabernacle-and-Jesus

The-Tabernacle-Courtyard-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus-a-Review

The-Tabernacle-Fence-and-Gate

The Tabernacle Courtyard

Jesus-is-the-Way

The-Altar-of-Burnt-Offerings

The-Activities-at-the-Altar-of-Burnt-Offerings

Jesus-is-the-Altar-of-Burnt-Offerings

Jesus-is-the-Lamb-of-God

Jesus-is-the-Good-Shepherd

The-Brazen-Laver

The Holy Spirit at the Baptism of Jesus

The-Baptism-of-Jesus-and-the-Brazen-Laver

Being-Born-of-the-Spirit-and-the-Brazen-Laver

Jesus-gives-the-Living-Water-of-the-Laver

True-Baptism-Reveled-in-the-Reflections-of-the-Laver

Lessons-from-Jesus-our-Brazen-Laver

Jesus-the-Laver-Washes-His-Disciples-Feet

Jesus-Gave-us-all-he-had

Jesus-the-Brazen-Laver-Reveals-our-Destiny

Reflections-of-Jesus-Regarding-Service

Jesus-the-Laver-Teaches-do-what-ever-it-takes

Jesus-the-Laver-Teaches-Disregard-Status

Jesus-the-Laver-Teaches-Lead-by-Example

Jesus-the-Laver-Teaches-Personally-Touch-People

Jesus-our-Laver-Teaches-that-we-will-be-Tested

The-Tabernacle-Courtyard-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus-a-Review

The-Holy-Place-of-the-Tabernacle

The-Table-of-Showbread

Jesus-is-the-Bread-of-Life

Jesus-is-the-Bread-that-came-down-from-Heaven

Applying-the-Attributes-of-Jesus-our-Table-of-Showbread

Applying-the-Principles-of-Jesus-the-Bread-of-Life

Jesus-is-the-Light-of-the-World

Applying-Jesus-the-Golden-Lampstand-to-our-Lives

Jesus-and-the-Golden-Altar-of-Incense

Jesus-is-the-Golden-Altar-if-Incense

Jesus-Resists-the-Devils-Temptation

Jesus-Heals-the-Sick-and-the-Lame

Jesus-Casts-Out-Demons

Jesus-is-Victorious-over-an-Evil-Establishment

Jesus-is-Victorious-on-the-Cross

The-Victory-of-Jesus-Empowers-us

Victory-in-Spiritual-Warfare-Through-Jesus-our-Golden-Altar

Spiritual-Warfare-Requires-Prayer-and-Fasting

Jesus-Prays-before-Battle

Your-Prayers-at-the-Golden-Altar-have-Great-Power

Put-on-the-full-Armor-of-Jesus

Jesus-Leads-us-to-the-Spiritual-Promised-Land

Jesus-our-Tabernacle-Leads-us-to-the-Promised-Land

Jesus-Leads-us-to-the-Promised-Land

The-Purpose-of-Spiritual-Warfare

The-Spiritual-Warfare-of-Jesus-Requires-Unity

Why-we-Should-enter-into-the-Spiritual-Warfare-of-Jesus

Have-Perfect-Faith-in-Jesus

Perfect-Faith-brings-down-the-Giants-before-us

Jesus-is-the-Holy-Place-of-Empowerment-and-Truth

Jesus-is-the-Life

The Priest in the Holy of Holies

The-Ark-of-the-Covenant-Overview

Finding-Jesus-in-the-Holy-of-Holies

Above-the-Ark-of-the-Covenant

Inside-the-Ark-of-the-Covenant

More-on-the-Ark-of-the-Covenant

Jesus-is-the-Ark-of-the-New-Covenant

Jesus-is-the-Fulfillment-of-the-Law

The-Cross-of-Jesus-is-the-Rod-of-Aaron

Jesus-our-Priest-Forever-According-to-the-Order-of-Melchizedek

The-Road-to-the-Promised-Land-Requires-Jesus-our-Covenant-Provision

Jesus-and-the-Covenant

Jesus-is-the-Way-to-the-Promised-Land

Jesus-is-the-Spiritual-Journey-of-the-New-Covenant

Jesus-Prepares-us-to-Enter-into-His-Spirit

The-Spiritual-Duty-of-the-Warrior-Nation

Jesus-is-the-Reward-of-the-Spirit-Filled-Warrior-Nation

Jesus-and-the-bride-of-Christ

Jesus is the Light of the World

Jesus-and-the-Cherubim

Jesus-is-the-Mercy-Seat-where-God-Dwells

Jesus-is-the-Son-of-God

Jesus-is-the-Lamb-of God

Jesus-is-the-Resurrection-and-the-Life

Jesus-Rises-from-the-Dead

Jesus-Appears-to-His-Disciples-after-His-Resurrection

Jesus-Ascends-into-Heaven

Jesus-Reigns-in-Power-Forever

Jesus-is-the-Door

Jesus-is-the-True-Vine

Jesus-is-the-Alpha-and-the-Omega

Jesus-the-Great-I-Am

Jesus-is-the-Miracle-Worker-in-us

Jesus-Gives-His-Life-for-Others

In-Jesus-We-are-Prepared-for-Battle

Jesus-Demonstrates-Spiritual-Warfare

Jesus-Enters-Spiritual-Warfare

Jesus-and-the-Ultimate-Temptation

Jesus-is-our-Model-for-Victory-in-Spiritual-Warfare

The-Second-Temptation-of-Jesus

The-Last-Temptation-of-Jesus

Jesus-Teaches-by-Way-of-Parables

Jesus-Provides-all-that-we-Need

Possess-the-Perfect-Faith-of-Jesus

Jesus-Follows-you-into-Ministry

Inside-the-bride-of-Christ

Death-is-only-a-part-of-Life

Preparing-the-bride-of-Christ-for-Jesus

The-bride-of-Christ-Revealed

The-Unification-of-the-bride

The-Tabernacle-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus

Why-Jesus-Came

Our-Call-is-to-be-like-Jesus

A-Path-Toward-Knowing-Jesus

The-Prophesy-of-Christ-is-Found-in-the-Tabernacle

The-Spiritual-Nature-of-Jesus-Words

Jesus-is-the-Way-the-Truth-and-the-Life

Becoming-like-Jesus-the-Way

The-Unity-of-the-bride-of-Christ

Christianity-and-the-Politics-of-Abortion

Christianity-and-the-Politics-of-Education

The-Divided-Christian-Heart

Pray-that-you-are-Sent-into-the-Harvest

Jesus-Sent-His-Disciples-Out-Empty-Handed

Expect-Miracles-in-the-Name-of-Jesus

Do-What-Jesus-Did

What-is-Christian-Love

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Christian-Love-Suffers-Long

Christian-Love-is-Kind

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Envy

Christian-Love-does-not-Parade-Itself

Christian-Love-is-not-Puffed-Up

Christian-Love-does-not-Behave-Rudely

Christian-Love-does-not-Seek-its-Own

Christian-Love-is-not-Provoked

Christian-Love-Thinks-no-Evil

Christian-Love-Bears-All-Things

Christian-Love-Believes-All-Things

Christian-Love-Hopes-All-Things

Christian-Love-Never-Fails

Love-the-World-with-Christian-Love

The-Meaning-of-Life

Jesus Ascends into Heaven

Christian-Love-Requires-Freedom

The-Loss-of-Eden

The-Love-of-Jesus-Saves-Us

The-Meaning-of-Life-is-Manifest-in-our-Choices

Why-our-Choices-are-Important

How-Can-God-Forgive-What-I-Have-Done

Do-We-Demonstrate-Love-Like-Jesus

The-Meaning-of-Life-is-Found-in-Love

The-Calling-of-Jesus-is-our-Calling

Do-we-Have-the-Love-of-Jesus-in-our-Heart

Jesus-is-the-Choice-of-Love

The Tabernacle Is Prophetic Of Jesus

The Tabernacle was built to be the earthly abode of God: the place where God would dwell among His people. By looking at the following diagram you will be able to see how the Tabernacle was organized.

tabernacle-diagram2

There will also be pictures associated with the folowing text that may help in visualizing what the tabernacle may have looked like.

: The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle

Moses built the Tabernacle in strict conformance to the specifications given by God. For example, in the following scripture God gives Moses a detailed list of items that are required to build the Tabernacle:

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering. And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.” (Exodus 25:1-9)

Statements like this one are frequently found in the scriptures written by Moses. Many of these references emphasize building of the Tabernacle precisely to God’s instructions. This fact suggests that the form and content of the Tabernacle is extremely important to God; that perhaps it is designed on a heavenly model, one that will enable Him to dwell among His people. If this is the case, then the Tabernacle must be prophetic of the Christ who would also come to dwell with God’s people. Over the centuries the intention of God to dwell with His people did not change as even today, He continues to strive to restore the relationship man lost with Him at the fall. Therefore, the scriptures that define the specifications, processes and objects found in the Tabernacle reflect the will of God to abide with us, and as a result, must also be applicable to the attributes, words and life of Christ who was sent to accomplish God’s intention.

: Jesus, Moses and the Tabernacle

We are going to look at the Tabernacle scriptures as they are prophetic of Christ. If Jesus is the Christ then the attributes and characteristics of the Tabernacle must be clearly demonstrated in His words and deeds. What we are about to reveal is that there is a precise correlation between the Tabernacle and Jesus. It is for this reason that we will use the scriptural specifications for each component of the Tabernacle to prove that Jesus is the Christ. In the process we will also uncover many hidden attributes of Jesus that will serve to help us better understand His nature.

: The Ascension of Jesus

Remember that Jesus claimed to be “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” By referencing the diagram above we can see that these names (the Way, the Truth and the Life) are also used to identify the entryways into the major compartments of the Tabernacle. The Way leads us into the Courtyard,

: The Tabernacle Courtyard

the Truth leads us into the Holy Place,

: Priest in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle

and the Life leads us into the Most Holy Place.

priest-and-holy-of-holies

It should also be noted that the Tabernacle is constructed in such a way that these passageways must be entered in this prescribed sequence. Therefore, the Way must be entered prior to entering the Truth, and in turn, the Truth must be entered prior to entering the Life.

What we have discovered here is that the words of Jesus that proclaim His identity lead us directly to the Tabernacle. Therefore His claim is that He is the portal into the places that God designed as the place to dwell with His people here on earth. Therefore, our plan is to investigate each of these three chambers in an effort to identify what it is that Jesus is leading us toward. What we will find is that Jesus is drawing us into a closer relationship with God the Father. Jesus uses the Tabernacle as a road map for us to understand what it is that we will find when we enter into a personal relationship with Him. We can proceed into Jesus with confidence because the actions and words of His life demonstrate that He is a far superior substitution for each and every component of the Tabernacle. This proof is a major focus of this blog and the teachings that accompany it will lead us into a much better understanding of who Jesus is. This in turn will lead us to grow and strengthen our relationship with Him.

From a bigger picture point of view, we are about to discover that the structure of the Tabernacle will communicate that there are three separate and distinct levels of relationship that a person can have with God. That these relationships can only be obtained in a prescribed sequence that corresponds to chambers of the Tabernacle. In fact, we will develop a progressively deeper relationship with God as we enter each successive chamber and find the gifts that God has waiting for those who seek Him with all their heart.

While all of this is quite mysterious at a high level, we plan to present the details in subsequent postings. For now we will present a high level overview of our journey through the Tabernacle and its correlation with the life of Jesus. With that said let us start with the Tabernacle Courtyard. Readers of this site can use the following sections as a index to the content of this blog.

The Tabernacle Courtyard

: The Tabernacle Courtyard

Our presentation of the Tabernacle Courtyard is found in the following posts:

The-Tabernacle-Courtyard-And-Jesus

The-Tabernacle-Courtyard-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus-a-Review

The-Brazen-Laver

The-Baptism-of-Jesus-and-the-Brazen-Laver

Being-Born-of-the-Spirit-and-the-Brazen-Laver

Jesus-gives-the-Living-Water-of-the-Laver

True-Baptism-Reveled-in-the-Reflections-of-the-Laver

Lessons-from-Jesus-our-Brazen-Laver

Jesus-the-Laver-Washes-His-Disciples-Feet

Jesus-Gave-us-all-he-had

Jesus-the-Brazen-Laver-Reveals-our-Destiny

Reflections-of-Jesus-Regarding-Service

Jesus-the-Laver-Teaches-do-what-ever-it-takes

Jesus-the-Laver-Teaches-Disregard-Status

Jesus-the-Laver-Teaches-Lead-by-Example

Jesus-the-Laver-Teaches-Personally-Touch-People

Jesus-our-Laver-Teaches-that-we-will-be-Tested

The Tabernacle Holy Place

: The Golden Altar is directly in front of the Most Holy Place

Our presentation of the Tabernacle Holy Place is found in the following post:

The-Tabernacle-Holy-Place-Is-Prophetic-Of-Jesus

Jesus-is-the-Life

The-Ark-of-the-Covenant-Overview

Finding-Jesus-in-the-Holy-of-Holies

Above-the-Ark-of-the-Covenant

Inside-the-Ark-of-the-Covenant

More-on-the-Ark-of-the-Covenant

Jesus-is-the-Ark-of-the-New-Covenant

The-Cross-of-Jesus-is-the-Rod-of-Aaron

Jesus-our-Priest-Forever-According-to-the-Order-of-Melchizedek

The-Road-to-the-Promised-Land-Requires-Jesus-our-Covenant-Provision

Jesus-and-the-Covenant

The Priest in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle

most-holy-place

Our presentation of the Tabernacles Most Holy Place is found in the following post:

The-Tabernacle-Most-Holy-Place-Is-Prophetic-Of-Jesus

All of these links will also lead the reader toward a better understanding of the objects found inside each of the major chambers of the Tabernacle. They will also lead toward a better understanding how each object is prophetic of the coming of Jesus.

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Christian Love Believes All Things

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January 29, 2010

Christian Love Believes All Things

Today we present another of the selfless examples of Christian love demonstrated by Jesus. We briefly introduced the subject “Love Believes All Things” in our post entitled (What-is-Love). In this prior posting we addressed Paul’s dissertation on the subject of love, originated in the First Letter to the Corinthians.

To date, we have established that love is about blessing others. In this context then, Christian love believes that all good things are possible for those who believe God and put their trust in Him.

Thomas Inspects the Wounds of Jesus and Believes

The following passages help to establish this point:

Then one of the crowd answered and said, Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not. He answered him and said, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me. Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

So, the message is that all things are possible to those who believe. If things are not working out for you try prayer and fasting but by all means, never doubt. Your belief must be as steadfast as knowing something that already happened.

All of this of course, leads us to examine our own belief system. Do we believe that God can heal our loved ones? Do we believe that those that we pray for in the name of Jesus will be healed by His loving touch? Do we believe that the things that God has shown us will come true regardless of how impossible they may seem right now? Our belief in Him is critical to all we do.

Remember that Peter walked on the water until his belief was diminished by the winds and the waves.

Jesus Pulls Peter From the Water

Abraham fathered a child at the age of 100 years because he believed the promise of God. Is this the kind of belief that we demonstrate as we step forth in the ministry that God has given us?

The purpose of these publications on the topic of love is to assist anyone who is seeking to become more like their savior Jesus Christ. Our approach is to communicate that the life and words of Jesus are the perfect model of what we hope to become. Our expectation is that the reader will contrast the words and actions of Jesus to their own to discover where they fall short of the perfect love. Once any shortcomings are identified then the reader can seek the assistance of the Holy Spirit to help them in moving closer to the perfection of the examples that Jesus left us.

We recommended that every person in ministry reflect upon their worthiness to serve by first studying these examples of Christian love.

We have presented a number of posting that address the principles of Christian Love. Each of them is reinforced by examples taken from the life and words of Jesus. The following list of hyperlinks is provided to help those interested in reading these other postings. Clicking on any of the links below will transfer you to the posting of your choice:

What-is-Christian-Love

Christian-Love-Suffers-Long

Christian-Love-is-Kind

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Envy

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Parade-Itself

Christian-Love-is-Not-Puffed-Up

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Behave-Rudely

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Seek-Its-Own

Christian-Love-is-Not-Provoked

Christian-Love-Thinks-No-Evil

Christian-Love-Bears-All-Things

Christian-Love-Believes-All-Things

Christian-Love-Hopes-All-Things

Christian-Love-Never-Fails

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Christian Love Is Kind

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December 24, 2009

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

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

Christian Love Is Kind

Today we present the kindness of God’s love as another of the many examples of Christian love. We briefly introduced the subject, “Love is Kind,” in a prior post (What-is-Love) that addressed Paul’s dissertation on the subject of love taken from the First Letter to the Corinthians.

The purpose of these publications about love is to assist anyone who is seeking to become more like their savior Jesus Christ.

Remember: Peter Walked on Water until he Doubted

Our approach is to communicate that the life and words of Jesus are the perfect model of what we hope to become. Our expectation is that the reader will contrast their own words and actions to those of Jesus and make an effort to discover where they fall short of the mark. Once shortcomings are identified then the reader can seek the assistance of the Holy Spirit to help them in moving closer to the perfection of the examples that Jesus left us.

The Holy Spirit

We recommended that every person in ministry reflect upon their worthiness to serve by first studying these examples of Christian love. With this said, let’s proceed with, “Love is Kind.”

As we indicated previously in our post on Love Suffers Long (Love-Suffers-Long), kindness is also a reflection of God’s love for us. God’s desire for us is that we have the things that we need. His kindness is demonstrated in His provision of them. In the example of the prodigal son (Love-Suffers-Long), the love of the Father is manifest in compassion, hugs and kisses. In addition, the son’s confession brought no anger or punishment but rather a robe, sandals, a ring and a great celebration for all.

Jesus demonstrated kindness throughout His ministry. One example is provided below. This scripture reflects the love and compassion of Jesus for the multitude that had followed Him into the wilderness:

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii’s worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many? Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. (John 6:5 – 13)

Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes

When reading this passage we must ask ourselves, is this how I act? Am I ready and willing to give to those who are less fortunate that I. Do I have compassion on those who are hurting? Am I generous to the people who follow me in ministry or do I take them for granted? Am I ready and willing to pray that the hand of God be applied to their situation? Am I ready to demonstrate my faith in God before the people as Jesus did? The bottom line here is that love is manifest in the kindness that provides good things to the people that we come in contact with every day.

What-is-Christian-Love

Christian-Love-Suffers-Long

Christian-Love-is-Kind

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Envy

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Parade-Itself

Christian-Love-is-Not-Puffed-Up

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Behave-Rudely

Christian-Love-Does-Not-Seek-Its-Own

Christian-Love-is-Not-Provoked

Christian-Love-Thinks-No-Evil

Christian-Love-Bears-All-Things

Christian-Love-Believes-All-Things

Christian-Love-Hopes-All-Things

Christian-Love-Never-Fails

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INSIDE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

Filed under: Bride of Christ, Jesus, Ministry, New Jerusalem, Spirituality, the morning star — 1 Comment

September 16, 2009

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

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

INSIDE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

One day, church friends of ours introduced us to a prayer group that they knew about. It was being hosted by another couple who attended our church. During this meeting, I had the experience of hearing a series of phrases over and over again in my mind. I wanted to memorize these words and the repetition helped me do this. In also experienced thoughts and memories that were not mine. Somehow I knew that these thoughts were from the mind of the bride of Christ. It was as if I lived inside her mind. The following passages describe this experience to the best of my ability. I have also inserted relevant scripture to help in understanding this passage:

The New Jerusalem - The Bride of Christ

We were alone in a beautiful room. It was a quiet time; a time of preparedness, for there was to be a great event of which none can compare. There was joy and happiness. There was anticipation, for we are the source of celebration. We are the focus of attention. There is no sound in the room, just the song of rustling linen.

And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints (Revelation 19:8).

The quiet is good for reflection upon the images of the old world. There were trials, tribulations, and threats of war. In looking back, there were wars, earthquakes, storms, floods, disease, famine, pestilence, and sin. The earth was fouled. There was war with Satan, and then the victory of souls. Eventually, confrontation came with the beast and the final victory—the deliverance and unity of the saved.

Violence in Heaven

We are a new creation! We are the culmination of saved Souls.

but, speaking the truth in love, may 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).

We are one being comprised of many in the perfect image and likeness of God, assembled like the atoms of the bodies we once knew.

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).

There is great unity and power in the new creation.

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. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal (Revelation 21:9-11).

There is ecstasy in the bride. Every soul that exists in the bride shouts with joy, for we all know that we confessed Him. We all know that we changed our sinful ways for Him. We all obeyed His commandments, and we all loved Him. We are so united when we think of Him.

How many times did He forgive us? How many times did He heal us? How many times did He save us from evil or keep us from harm? How endless is His love? Truly, this is our hour. The preparation is complete.

Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready (Revelation 19:7).

Someone knocks at the door. It is the Father, and He is beaming. He holds out His arm, we take it and walk arm in arm. We enter the great hall where the floor is as a single dark green emerald.

And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardis stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald (Revelation 4:3).

In this room, the pews are crystal,

Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal (Revelation 4:6),

the walls are gold, and there is no ceiling, just the sky. The seats are filled with the winged angels, dressed in white. They are all gazing at us while singing the wedding song in seven-part harmony. We look for Him, but the aisle is too long to see the end. We walk, and we walk.

We see Him! JOY! JOY! He is very handsome as He smiles a big smile, and we see heaven in His eyes. We keep walking, and then we are there. The Father presents the bride. Jesus holds out His hand. Our heart sings as we take His hand. The angel, Gabrielle, conducts the ceremony, but we can think of nothing but Him. We say, “I do.” We hear, “You may kiss the bride.” Anticipation! He comes closer, facing us. He lifts the veil, draws closer and embraces us.

Cheers and celebrations! We turn to face the assembly. We walk down the aisle. The angels are delirious. They sing, they fly, and they cause great explosions in the sky. A new, larger sun rises over the altar behind us.

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:16 -17)

Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega

A new world awaits us.

During the prayer circle, I prayed these words out loud. These are the thoughts and words that I received from God and spoke in prayer at the meeting that day. Despite having spoken these words, I had no previous knowledge of their foundation. I did not know anything about the bride of Christ. I had no idea what I was doing or experiencing.

When it came my time to pray, I had simply repeated the words that God had given me just moments before. I also thought that they were special enough that I wrote them down when I got home. Not immediately, but over the course of several years I began to see how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

To learn more about what happened after this check out my book entitled “Possess the Vision.” It can be found at Amazon.com by simply entering the book title.

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.

Tags: Bible, Bride of Christ, christ, Christianity, church, Covenant, God, Jesus, religion, Religious, spiritual warfare, Spirituality, theology

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