Tag Archive: Christianity



The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

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

The Importance of Christian Networking

In our past several postings we have been recommending the creation of computerized system to facilitate Christian ministries across all denominations and geographic locations. In effect, the recommended technology will provide the tools necessary for Christians to more easily work together and to do so more effectively. The recommended system would enable every Christian to be able to register themselves and/or their ministries in the systems database. In doing so they are making information about their ministry available to the Christian community. So in a way, this is like advertising. Other Christians can find your information by entering in basic search criteria. So, for example, someone may be able to find your ministry by searching based on zip code and denominational preference. You may be able to find them in a similar way as well. Of course, these inquiries and information sharing can lead to additional actions which can positively affect both ministries. One major decision would certainly be to follow up with personal contacts and make a decision to work together or partner in some activity that leads to the building of the body of Christ.

Jesus Speaks to the Multitude


Such networking can bring substantial dividends to the workers of Christ. The point is that once a ministry is registered, the following capabilities become available to the Christian community:

Join forces with other ministries with similar missions (like food collection and or distribution.)

● Produce and distribute educational materials for the benefit of the poor and disenfranchised (covered in prior postings)

Unite for the positive influence of governments policies and actions

● Reach ministries in all parts of the world without the need to be physically present

We will present each of these capabilities in greater detail in our following postings.

Read my amazing true life story about how the forces of good and evil battle for my life and the vision that God has given me. My book, “Possess the Vision,” communicates my supernatural experiences and as a result, provides insight into the realm of the spiritual warfare that is raging for our souls and our purpose. This is a must read for all Christians. Learn more by following this link: Possess-the-Vision-at-Amazon


 


The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

A Plan to Launch Online Christian Education Services

In our past two postings we have looked at the core beliefs and core values of a Christian ministry. We have done this after recommending that Christians of all denominations work together toward developing educational and vocational course-ware to assist the poor and disenfranchised of the world to better care for their families and therein improve their lives and living standards. All of this of course, would be used to also deliver the message of Christianity while delivering practical living messages.

Jesus Speaks to the Multitude

We as Christians, therefore, should unite on these core values and beliefs by sharing what we have with the world. More specifically, we must share our knowledge, skills, and know how. To use an old analogy, we must teach them to fish rather than simply giving them fish. This being the case, we must proceed hand in hand toward the development and use of technologies that enable us to work together more effectively (presented previously.) In walking together in this way, we will demonstrate the love we have for our brothers and sisters in the world, and we will be doing what Jesus would have us do—have compassion on the poor and hungry.

Jesus Heals the Leper

One major goal of this ministry is the installation of a global network of Christian training centers that will change the lives of the people of the world. The people of the world will be touched by the words of truth about Jesus. The poor and impoverished of the world will be empowered to permanently improve the quality of their life and of future generations as well. The establishment of these facilities is designed to demonstrate the love of Jesus by preaching the gospel, healing the sick, caring for the hungry, visiting the imprisoned, clothing the naked, and caring and nurturing them in love. The ultimate hope is to enable the disenfranchised and poor to lead their countries to a higher standard of living by training them in religious, cultural, language, technical, and practical skills.

This all starts with the launching of the technology and capabilities identified in our prior postings. Missions will develop the training school component for the missionaries of the Christian nation. Cross denominational missions will develop a network of followers from all denominations, who will, in turn enter the mission field. They will provide hands-on experience in spiritual and life skills. They will focus on leadership principles with the goal of building nations of Christian leaders. It will be a model for others that will be built around the world.

Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

The overall objective is to systematically build and partner with existing Christian ministries to:

Achieve the vision through leverage of all the skills and expertise of the Christian body.

Establish alliances with key individuals and corporations for materials and supplies.

Negotiate agreements with other nations for facilities.

Grow the body of Christ.

Communicate the vision.

Align the world of Christianity through common ministries.

Do everything possible, and then step back and watch God take over and do the impossible.


 


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 CORE BELIEFS OF A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

In addition to the core values of a Christian Ministry (as presented in our last posting,) core beliefs are an integral component of our values. These fundamental beliefs are the basis of our ability to work together in ministry. They are the core commonality of our faith and of ability to work with Christians in multi-denominational ministries (like we discussed a few postings ago.) Like core values, core beliefs also serve to constrain our partners in ministry to people who are aligned on the fundamental principles of Christianity.

The following list reflects our core beliefs:

Jesus is the Son of God, and that He came to earth to tell us about the Father and to demonstrate His love for us.

Jesus heals the man at the pools.

His love was manifest in the sacrifice of His life on the cross, which was offered up for the forgiveness of our sin.

Jesus Sheds His Blood on the Cross

He defeated evil in His resurrection from the dead.

Jesus at the Tomb

He ascended into heaven where He is our advocate with the Father.

The Ascension of Jesus

He has sent us His Holy Spirit to enlighten our path and empowers us for spiritual warfare.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

The enlightened path of the Holy Spirit will lead us to the Father who will be faithful in His covenant promises to those who are steadfast to the end.

Of course, it would seem to me that the Nicene Creed serves this purpose very well as well. I know that it is used by many of our denominations as well and so I will provide a copy here for your reference.

We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

We as Christians, therefore, should unite on these core values and beliefs by sharing what we have with the world. More specifically, we must share our knowledge, skills, and know how. To use an old analogy, we must teach them to fish rather than simply giving them fish. This being the case, we must proceed hand in hand toward the development and use of technologies that enable us to work together more effectively (presented previously.) In walking together in this way, we will demonstrate the love we have for our brothers and sisters in the world, and we will be doing what Jesus would have us do—have compassion on the poor and hungry.

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 amazing true life story about how the forces of good and evil battle for my life and the vision that God has given me. My book, “Possess the Vision,” communicates my supernatural experiences and as a result, provides insight into the realm of the spiritual warfare that is raging for our souls and our purpose. This is a must read for all Christians. Learn more by following this link: Possess-the-Vision-at-Amazon

THE CORE VALUES OF A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

A listing of core values is presented here to aid in the comprehension of the acceptable behaviors of all participants in Christian ministry. More specifically, these values must be clear in every multi-denominational ministry, such as those that have been discussed in our past several postings.  The intended result then, is to clearly define acceptable and desirable actions of all participants of ministry. The result of these values being defined will be to constrain activities that are not Christian in their nature.

St. Paul on the Road to Damascus

The core values statement answers the questions of: what we value and what principles will guide my actions? Core values serve to help new members understand the types of activities that the mission will undertake. It will help people understand the types of activities that are acceptable and unacceptable. So for example, one of the core values is that we love our neighbor as ourselves. Therefore, actions that do not reflect love are unacceptable. People who work together in the service of Jesus Christ are here to demonstrate love. People who can not live up to this core value of ministry must be dealt with by the leadership of that ministry.

Since we value achieving the things commanded by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, our fundamental values are that:

We love God with our whole heart and with our whole soul, with our whole mind and with all of our strength.

We love our neighbor as ourselves.

We love one another, just as He loved us.

In addition, the following list provides examples of core values found in scripture:

Communicating to others about Jesus

Praying

Jesus in Gethsemane

Seeking God

Feeding the hungry

Jesus Prays For The Multitude

Providing water to the thirsty

Visiting people in prison

Clothing the naked

Providing shelter to the homeless

Providing a community for others

Praying and caring for the sick

Breaking the bondage of the devil

Jesus is Tempted on the Mountain

Preaching the Word of God

Teaching

Imparting leadership

Defending righteousness and justice

Caring for the hurting and disenfranchised

Caring for widows and orphans

Building decent living environments for others

Improving the quality of life of others

Building a foundation for future generations of Christians

Jesus at the Tomb

Establishing environments of safety and community

If there are some that I have not listed here, please provide a comment. I would love to upgrade the list to include your views.

May God’s blessings be upon you and your family.

Papa Joe Gordon

Read my amazing true life story about how the forces of good and evil battle for my life and the vision that God has given me. My book, “Possess the Vision,” communicates my supernatural experiences and as a result, provides insight into the realm of the spiritual warfare that is raging for our souls and our purpose. This is a must read for all Christians. Learn more by following this link: Possess-the-Vision-at-Amazon



 

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.

PROPOSING A COMMON TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

We are proposing that a universal technology be developed that is designed to unite and empower Christians around the world. This technology will be built and established by Christians for Christians. It is designed to help usher in the kingdom of God by supporting the growth and development of all Christian churches, missions, and peoples. It is to be a tool to enable Christians to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ more effectively and, in so doing, become more fruitful. Fundamentally, this technology is to be a tool to help unite Christians to work together in the ministry of improving the world around them by helping the poor and disenfranchised peoples of the world better take care of their families.

This technology is founded on the solid rock of Jesus, the works of the Holy Spirit, and the promises of our Father, God, in heaven.

 

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

However, to be united in such an effort, Christians must work under a set of Core Values that unite us. In our next posting we will take a look at the core values and beliefs that will be necessary to unite Christians toward working together in the common ministry of Jesus.

What do you think about this idea of a common technology to support Christian ministry? Give me your feedback.


This technology is founded on the solid rock of Jesus, the works of the Holy Spirit, and the promises of our Father, God, in heaven. However, to be united in such an effort, Christians must understand that we are all united by a set of Core Values. In our next posting we will take a look at the core values and beliefs that will be necessary to unite Christians toward working together in the common ministry of Jesus.

What do you think about this idea of a common technology to support Christian ministry? Give me your feedback.

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

CHRISTIAN TECHNOLOGY EXTENDS EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

In our past several postings we have introduced the concept of using technology in support of Christian ministry. We have also introduced a mission statement to improve the living standards of the worlds poor through education and training. Such a technology certainly must be state-of-the-art and must deploy computer-based training that delivers courseware in an audio visual format, including full interaction with live advisors. The idea here is to leverage world class expertise in courseware that can then be delivered anywhere in the world. This courseware can be supported from anywhere. Such a capability can extend the reach and capability significantly. This world class courseware must be able to address any life skill. So courseware must be available to improve any job skill or prepare a person to improve their standard of living. For example, this courseware can address subjects like auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, sales, marketing, art, pottery, finance, farming, computer programming, management, home construction, business ownership, and all the rest. However, since the initial targets should primarily be the third world countries, preliminary establishment will focus on the skills needed most by these peoples. These countries have the poorest living standards and are the ones most in need of help.

An extension of this objective is to equip the poor children of the world to be the future leaders of their cities, regions, and countries. In achieving this objective, the Christian nation will build a foundation where future generations can work and live in dignity, respect, and peace. They will build an environment of peace based on knowledge and self-determination.

Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In (Isaiah 58:12).

Most of all, this technology and its capabilities are intended to be a blessing of love from the bride of Christ to the poor and hurting peoples of the world. It will show them that the bride comes with a compassion for them, just as Jesus did. Therefore, the people of the world will see the love that Christians have for them.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

The result will be a better world for everyone. When the people of the world come to know Jesus and can adequately take care of their families, they will reach out to others in love also. Putting this vision of a better world into place will replace love for hate, truth for lies, light for darkness, and the way of God for the way of the world. So, I compel you to posses the vision!

 


 


The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

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

A CASE FOR TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

This posting will present the rationale for establishing a technology base upon which the vision and mission statements can be accelerated. In addition, it will explore the capabilities necessary to empower Christian ministries around the world. The following capabilities are deemed advantageous for success.

TECHNOLOGY CONNECTS PEOPLE TO MINISTRIES

First of all, let’s address technology because it is a vital component in helping to unite the bride of Christ in ministry. The technology we are talking about should be able to reach every person in the world regardless of location. It should enable every individual minister to communicate with the people in their ministry from wherever they happen to be at the time. In a similar way it can provide every person seeking help with a way to get access to a ministry that can help them. Therefore, the technology established here should be designed to become the hub that connects people to ministries and ministries to people in a very flexible and dynamic way. Establishing a technology of this type produces a number of benefits. First of all, it brings all the people of the world closer together. In other words, ministers will be able to serve others all across the world in new ways without having to travel and without serious impact on their everyday schedules. This is because they will be able to minister to others from their home, church, library, or anywhere there is a computer connected to the Internet.

Secondly, this technology opens ministry opportunities to everyone. Therefore it is not to a tool that is just for pastors, priests and other clergy, but rather a tool for the people in the congregation as well. This should include people with mobility restrictions, physically limited, elderly, in a nursing home, a hospital, or prison. They all must be able to leverage this technology to minister to others. In a corresponding way, people in existing ministries must be effective in reaching them as well. Therefore, this technology broadens the opportunities for ministry by opening channels of communication in both directions. In addition, this technology will help to address the issues of unity that we discussed in a prior posting (http://posseUnity-and-Love-are-Required-in-the-Ministry-of-Jesus-Christ) as it will be able to bring people together from across any of the many of the currently segregated Christian religions.

Our future postings will drill down on the intended uses of this technology in Christian Ministries. The first are we will cover is that of education. This is a critical component of Christian ministry and in many ways is the primary mission of the bride of Christ. Certainly we are to educate others about Jesus Christ and the kingdom and nature of God.

In our prior postings on the prophetic nature of the Tabernacle of Moses (The-Tabernacle-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus), we identified that each component found in the Tabernacle is prophetic of Jesus and His ministry. In our postings about the Brazen Laver (The-Tabernacle-Courtyard-is-Prophetic-of-Jesus-a-Review) we uncovered that prophesy of the Laver pertains to the true nature of Christian baptism.

Jesus, Moses Discuss the Fulfilment of Tabernacle Prophesy


The following high level discussion presents how this can be. The high priest back in the days of the Tabernacle was required by law to wash at the Brazen Laver prior to entering into the Holy Place of God for service to God. As the priest leaned over the reflective surface of the polished brass he saw his reflection through the water. Legend has it that the priests believed that they saw themselves as God saw them as they washed at the Laver. Since they were preparing to enter into the house of God, this vision through the water gave the pause to contemplate their worthiness to enter.

For Christians Jesus is our Brazen Laver. By looking into Him we can see ourselves as God sees us. We do this through the washing that comes through reading the word of God. More specifically, by reading the Gospels that communicate what Jesus did and said when he walked on the earth. When we read these accounts of Jesus’ actions, we who seek to walk as He did – must contemplate our worthiness to enter into His ministry. We must ask ourselves if we would do what Jesus did in similar circumstances. If it is not then changes are warranted by asking the Holy Spirit for help. In this way our hearts are conformed to His heart.

John Baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River

The bottom line is that this prophetic description of true baptism is in fact the core mission of Jesus, which is to baptize the nations:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matt 28: 19.)

Therefore, education is a critical component of Jesus’ Grand Commission. Our next posting will explore the functional capabilities that should be present in the technology deployed to make education ministry an easier, faster, more effective and far less labor intensive. There a most likely many questions about this. Tune in next week to get the details, or drop me a line by entering a comment to this posting.

May Gods blessings be upon you are your family,

Papa Joe

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



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.



 

The Morning Star Rising on the First Day

 


/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

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

UNITY AND LOVE ARE REQUIRED IN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST

One objective of this posting is to communicate the mission of Possess the Vision ministries. In presenting this mission however, we take a good look at the subjects of unity and love which must be at the heart of any ministry attributed to Jesus Christ.

A mission statement addresses the primary objective of the ministry by identifying the direction in which the people are to direct their activities. A good mission statement should also answer the question, what are we to do? The Possess the Vision Mission Statement is presented below:

Christians from all denominations and sects will work together (unite) to collectively deploy the tools, technology, resources, and support necessary to enable all peoples of the world to improve their lives and living standards through the knowledge and blessings of Jesus Christ.

As we mentioned earlier there are two major components of the mission statement. One component is unity and the other is love.

A major component of the mission is to create unity in the bride of Christ as Jesus commanded. It is clear by looking at the following scripture that Jesus expects us to as one in Him and the Father:

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me (John 17: 20 – 23).

The Power of Prayer

This means that we must work with all other Christians toward continuing the mission that Jesus left us, which is that we love one another. The vision and mission statements presented here lead us to do this in a organized way. This mission is like that of Jesus in that it is designed to spread His love across the planet. Therefore, we must act as one body in love just as Jesus prayed.

This means that we will have to work around many of the issues that are dividing Christians currently. Therefore, our focus must be on Jesus our savior exclusively, striving to do the things that He did while He was on the earth. Further, we must look past our differences by understanding that they stem from the inability of men to always understand the ways and words of God.

Conflicting interpretations of the Bible for example, only reveals that one of the parties are wrong. Such differences can only be attributed to the fallibility of man since there is only unity and peace in the body of Christ. Therefore we must realize that our differences regarding church doctrine, philosophy and dogma are nothing more than different styles. Often these things make no difference in getting into heaven. What I do know is that we must work together because Jesus taught us that a house divided against itself cannot stand.

But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25).

In addition, the mission started by Jesus is a mission of love.

Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, “Where I am going, you cannot come,” so now I say to you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:33 – 35).

The second component of the mission is love. If we love one another we must find a way to work together so that we will not be a house divided and secondly, so that the world will know that we are the true disciples of Jesus. If we love one another we will carry on the mission that Jesus left us. We will seek with all of our heart to have the same impact on the world as Jesus. The people who followed Jesus were fed. The sick that came to Jesus were healed. The people who heard the words of Jesus received the truth about God the Father and His love for them. The mission of Jesus was a mission of love, and the people touched were much better off for the experience. It is in this way that our mission is also a mission of love. It is to this goal that we aspire: that the impact of our ministry will leave the lives of others in a much better state, both physically and spiritually. A mission based on love is supported by the first two commandments.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:5).

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:18).

Moses and the Ten Comandments

In addition, much is expected of him to whom much has been given. This places a great deal of burden on us in the developed countries of the world, who do have the goods of the world at a time when there is much poverty and depression in undeveloped areas.

Jesus is also clear about loving unconditionally.

But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you (Luke 6:27 – 38).

Therefore, our goal is to love even those who hate us and abuse us. In addition, the love that we give is what we have and what we are. It is a love that will improve the lives to whom it is given. This love includes providing food, medicine, and clothing when needed. In addition, it includes telling the truth about Jesus, which should be evident, based on the demonstration of our actions. In today’s world, our love should show others how to better care for families. We must share our knowledge and technology and, therein, provide the capabilities necessary to achieve this objective. In this we will take them from the darkness and into the light.


/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

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


UNITY AND LOVE ARE REQUIRED IN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST

 

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