Tag Archive: Jesus the Holy Place



 

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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Jesus, Moses Discuss the Fulfilment of Tabernacle Prophesy

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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

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
Jesus, Moses and the Tabernacle

Jesus is the Fulfillment of 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
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 Tabernacle Courtyard

the Truth leads us into the Holy Place,

Priest in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle
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
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
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.


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. The following diagram will enable you to see the organizational structure of the Tabernacle.

The Chanbers of the Tabernacle

The Chanbers of the Tabernacle

In addition, the Following picture also communicates how it may have actually looked.

The Tabernacle Courtyard

The Tabernacle Courtyard

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.

The Ascension of Jesus

We are going to look at the Tabernacle scriptures because 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

The Ascension of Jesus

Remembering that Jesus claimed to be “the Way, the Truth and the Life”, we look at the diagram found at (You ARE the Temple of the Holy Spirit) to find that these names (the Way, the Truth and the Life) are used to identify the entryways into the three major compartments of the Tabernacle. The Way leads us into the Courtyard, the Truth leads us into the Holy Place, and the Life leads us into the Most Holy Place. It should also be noted that the Tabernacle is constructed in such a way that these passageways must be entered in order. The Way must be entered prior to entering the Truth, and the Truth must be entered prior to entering the Way. This significance will be discussed latter.

So, what we find here is that the words of Jesus have led us to the Tabernacle. His claim is that He is the passageway into the three compartments of the place that God designed 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 He is leading us toward. What we will find is that Jesus is drawing us into a closer relationship with God. He is drawing us toward Him by showing us that the Tabernacle because tells us about Him. Jesus knows that in doing this we will grow and strengthen our relationship with Him. What we are about to discover is that the Tabernacle structure will communicate that there are three separate and distinct levels of relationship that we can have with God. In addition, these relationships can only be obtained by passing through the doors of the Tabernacle in the prescribed sequence. In fact, we will develop a progressively deeper relationship with God as we enter each successive chamber to 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.

The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle Courtyard

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

The-Tabernacle-Courtyard-And-Jesus

The Tabernacle Holy Place

Priest in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle

Priest in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle

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

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

The Tabernacle Most Holy Place

The Priest in the Holy of Holies

The Priest in the Holy of Holies

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.


Preparing the Bride of Christ for Jesus

We introduced the Bride of Christ in a previous post (The-Bride-of-Christ-Revealed) and now attempt to expand on this subject a bit. Our understanding of the bride is critical because Jesus is coming back for His bride and therefore, we should do all that we can to prepare for this event. To this end an understanding who the bride is and knowledge of how to prepare for the second coming of Jesus is of primary importance to those of us who are truly seeking Jesus.

The New Jerusalem - The Bride of Christ

The New Jerusalem - The Bride of Christ

We as Christians must all seek to be a part of the bride of Christ. Doing so means that we all become a part of something much bigger that ourselves. We become a part of the collective body of all the saints who followed and worshiped Jesus. By becoming a part of this body we become eligible to also become one in marriage to Jesus and to live forever in His care. This is the ultimate goal of regaining the garden and dwelling there with God in the cool of the day.

But are we ready? Are we even members of the bride? If so, are we ready for the marriage feast? Has the pathway for our Lords return been made straight? Is the bride of whom we are a member matured and ready for this most scared union with God?

On an individual basis we must examine our lives to determine if we have done the things that Jesus did when He walked the earth? Did we say the things that He did? Have we emulated His life in everything that we do? Have we achieved the individual purity and holiness required to being a part of the bride?

In doing these things the body of Christ (which is the bride in waiting) grows and matures. Jesus has sent us to prepare a way for His return. He has put us in charge of His ministry and He wants us to finish the work that He started. It is in the completion of this work that the bride is matured. Only when the bride has sufficiently matured will the bridegroom come for His bride.

Now let’s take a look at a scripture that foresees the coming of the bride and the bridegroom:

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:2-5)

The New Jerusalem is the bride of Christ in this passage. Firstly, she is adorned as a bride and is seen coming down from heaven. She therefore is the body of all the saints of Jesus. As Jerusalem is a city comprised of many people, so the New Jerusalem (the bride) is comprised of God’s saints.

The scripture above also communicates that the Bride is adorned for her husband and therefore she has prepared herself for the wedding feast. On an individual basis this adornment is initiated as we are cleansed in the Blood of our Lamb Jesus on the cross (Jesus-is-the-Way).  It is completed by the washing in the water of His word (Jesus-the-Brazen-Laver), which matures us as we seek to become like our Lord (Becoming-like-Jesus-the-Way). Finally, our adornment comes by being victorious in the spiritual warfare of Jesus (Jesus-is-the-Golden-Altar-of-Incense). In achieving this we enter a closer relationship with God where as we are empowered to know our mission and pathway, as we develop a familial relationship with the Father and as we bring down the evil strongholds of the devil with our prayers (The-Victory-of-Jesus-Empowers-Us). Once we have entered into this relationship of empowerment we can stand before the Lord adorned with the good works done in the name of Jesus His Son. It is at this time that we become ready to move on to the next level of relationship with God, a relationship of covenant (Jesus-is-the-Ark-of-the-New-Covenant). It is in the covenant relationship that the bride and the bridegroom can become one.


Possess the Perfect Faith of Jesus

We as Christians certainly know that with God all things are possible. We can win every battle, and defeat every enemy because there is nothing that is impossible with God.

The Walls of Jerico fall Befor the Ark

The Walls of Jerico fall Befor the Ark

In addition, God has placed a dream in everyone’s heart that relates to their mission and or purpose on this earth. Follow this dream by overcoming the reasons that it cannot be achieved. It is not your capability that matters, but God’s. Ensure that your have been prepared just as Jesus prepared the seventy, and then step out in faith, not being concerned about what you do not have or cannot do, but rather rejoicing, knowing full well that through Jesus you are empowered to do the impossible.

All He needs is your perfect faith, prayer, and courage that preclude doubt.

The Power of Prayer

The Power of Prayer

Your faith must be so strong that it has been converted to knowing, and as a result eliminate even the entertainment of fear. Do not doubt or be afraid because these are indications of a lack of faith. To reinforce this statement, remember that Peter was able to walk upon the water until he considered the winds and the waves that rose up around him.

And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28 – 31)

Jesus Pulls Peter From the Water

Jesus Pulls Peter From the Water

Do not pay any heed to the circumstances that blow around you because I say to you that the devil will most certainly build a storm around you just to break your faith. Know that these things are a part of your testing. Therefore, look for the impossible to be accomplished and know that your joy is not far away, for surly He will provide everything that is needed just as the night looks the darkest just before dawn. Believe perfectly and know that you will see the glory of God. Remember the words that Jesus spoke to Martha when Lazarus had been in the grave four days and his body was rapidly decomposing:

Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:39-44)

Jesus Raises Lazarus From The Grave

Jesus Raises Lazarus From The Grave

Jesus said, “Did I not say to you that if you would only believe that you would see the glory of God?” These words are applicable to every one of us today. I say to you, do not doubt, but only believe. Believe what God has put into your heart and step out in your faith knowing that your prayers will be answered!  Here is a promise from Jesus to every Christian:

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:22-26)

Have perfect faith and show mercy to others and what you ask for in prayer will be given. Fear displays a lack of faith in God and is a fundamental tactic of the devil in separating you from your faith. The devil will make the wind and the waves of your life roar to dislodge you from your faith, just as he did to Peter when he walked on the water. Be determined to eliminate fear because it is only disruptive to your faith. So therefore, be bold in your expectations knowing that the impossible will be delivered to you.


Jesus Provides All That We Need

Jesus empowers the Disciples that He sends out into ministry.

Saint Peter Healing the Cripple - Raising Tabitha - Masolino

Saint Peter Healing the Cripple - Raising Tabitha - Masolino

The following scripture presents an example of this:

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither He himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. (Luke 10:1-9)

The interesting part of this scripture is that Jesus sends His disciples out without basic necessities. In essence, He is teaching them to depend on God to empower them for the task at hand. The results of this lesson is evident when we look at the scripture that documents the return of the 70:

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:17-19)

Violence in Heaven

Violence in Heaven

This is what spiritual warfare is all about; knocking down the strongholds of the devil through the ministry of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we knock down the strongholds of the devil we set people free from the bondage of the devil. The consequence of such action is that we build and mature the body of Christ (the Bride of Christ). By the words of Jesus we are empowered and have dominion over everything evil, and our prayers have power over the devil.

The Power of Prayer

The Power of Prayer

In other words, our prayers in the spirit before the Golden Altar of Incense (of which Jesus is the fulfillment of) bring results in spiritual warfare. It is here at the Altar that we are empowered by God so that we become the aggressor seeking the fight and bring down evil. We go to the places of battle based on the leading of the Holy Spirit and we tear down the strong holds of the enemy. We fully understand that our action in ministry will result in our securing a place in heaven:

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20)


The Book Cover

Read my book, “Possess the Vision,” that tells of the amazing spiritual warfare raging over my life. To learn more go to: Possess-the-Vision-at-Amazon

Jesus is the Holy Place of Empowerment and Truth

In this post we plan to summarize the material that we have covered in our section entitled, “Jesus is the Truth.”

Jesus proclaimed Himself to be “the Truth” when He stated: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Therefore, our goal for this series of postings has been to better understand what Jesus meant when He claimed to be the Truth.

One clue to finding understanding of this is to follow a lead that Jesus gives us in scripture:

For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. (John 5: 47)

So we searched the books of Moses but found very little reference to Jesus. Then we concluded that perhaps the Tabernacle was the missing link. Perhaps Jesus was stating that He was the fulfillment of the place on earth that God could dwell with His people. This view is supported by the following words of Jesus:

Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” (Luke 24:44)

Jesus, Moses and the Tabernacle

Jesus, Moses and the Tabernacle

Since the Tabernacle was the home of the Covenant stones that contained the Ten Commandments (housed in the Ark of the Covenant) it was the home for our laws. In addition, there were many laws written by Moses concerning the Tabernacle, its construction and the duties of the priests relevant to the use of its components in ministry.

Moses and the Ten Comandments

Moses and the Ten Comandments

The big “ah- ha” moment came when a deacon friend of mine told me that the entryways to the three compartments of the Tabernacle are also called the Way, the Truth and the Life. The Way is the name of the gate that leads into the Tabernacle Courtyard. The Truth is the name of the curtain that leads into the Holy Place, and the Life is the name of the veil that leads into the Most Holy Place.

Our focus for this section will be on the Holy Place since it can be entered only by passing through the passage way called the Truth. To start with, only priests could enter into the Holy Place. Even then, entering the Holy Place was not taken lightly as one would have to consider their worthiness to enter into God’s house. In addition, entry was a momentous event as it signified entering a closer relationship with all mighty God. The Holy Place was sacred. It was the place of empowerment and bringing down the forces of evil through prayer before God.

So with all of this understood, we can come to understand what Jesus meant when He said “I am the Truth”. He is saying that by coming to Him in prayer that we can be empowered to reach the spiritual maturity necessary to attain our mission on this earth.


The Book Cover

Read my book, “Possess the Vision,” that tells of the amazing spiritual warfare raging over my life. To learn more go to: Possess-the-Vision-at-Amazon

Perfect Faith Brings Down the Giants before Us


In our prior post we discussed the role of faith in the spiritual warfare of Jesus. We presented an example where Moses brought the people to the brink of the Promised Land but they refused to enter it because they saw giants  and they feared for their lives. The result was that God led them back into the wilderness for forty years until all those who refused to enter the land died. God built himself a new nation from the youngsters and taught them to depend on Him totally. They depended on God for their manna to eat every morning, as well as their water that came out of pure rock. They depended on Him for the cloud that covered them from the sun during their day time travels as well as the fire that guided their night time travels. They grew up knowing only a total dependent of God.

The Light at Night from the Holy Place of the Tabernacle

The Light at Night from the Holy Place of the Tabernacle

This led us to consider our faith in Jesus as we contemplate entering into ministry. In our prior post we made the following statement:


Think about this for a moment: Does God give us direction because we have the natural ability to get there without Him? What would such a thing prove except that we are highly capable and do not need God. I don’t think that this is the case. He gives us direction so that we can demonstrate our faith in Him so that He can display His awesome power in our behalf. God gets the glory when others can see His miraculous works. So, step out in faith and know that when the impossible stands before you, that your perfect faith in God will deliver a miraculous work.

While the example of the people fearing the giants in the land showed what can happen when we lack faith, this story shows what can happen when we have faith that even the giants will fall before us when we know that we serve a mighty God:

Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hastened and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. (1 Sam 17:40-51)

David and Goliath

David and Goliath

David had perfect faith in the Lord. He knew that the Lord would support him and that the battle was the Lords, not his. He achieved this by announcing that he came in the name of the Lord, and that the result would prove that God supported the nation of Israel. David also prophesied the result, which meant the he had received his direction from God. His steps were illuminated at the Golden Lampstand.


Walk in faith toward your God given mission. Do not trust in your own abilities but rather have the perfect faith that David displayed by announcing that the mission is being done in the name of the Lord. Tell the world that the work is His and that its accomplishment is proof that God supports the mission. Do not initiate activities without these steps. If you engage the mountain in battle without Him you will exhaust yourself. Only after you have given up and turn things back over to Him will His support be returned.

If you are considering entering into a ministry then it may be a good idea to ask yourself the following questions first: Ask yourself if it is possible for you to accomplish this on your own. If so where does God fit in? Also ask how your initiatives will give glory to God? The world will not change much based on the things that we do on our own, but rather, it will change when it sees what God can do through the people that have perfected faith in Him. So in this regard be like David!


The Book Cover

Read my book, “Possess the Vision,” that tells of the amazing spiritual warfare raging over my life. To learn more go to: Possess-the-Vision-at-Amazon

Have Perfect Faith in Jesus

The world is a stage in which each of us has the opportunity to choose what our life is to be. Every person has the ability to change their world and world to the others around them. No mater how insignificant, uneducated, poor, sick, imprisoned, or ashamed you may be of yourself, I tell you that with pure faith in God you can rock the world. All it takes is for you to step out in faith based on God’s leading’s. Consider that Peter was able to walk on water until his faith was shaken by the circumstances around him. He lost his trust in Jesus when he felt the winds blow and saw the waves roaring around him. When Jesus reached out to save him all He could say was: “Why did you doubt”?

Jesus Pulls Peter From the Water

Jesus Pulls Peter From the Water

Our faith in God must be absolute; it must be without doubt and worry, especially for the consequences of our actions. One thing is sure, when we step out in faith in the direction God leads us, we will be met by sharp opposition from the spiritual realm. The winds of contrary opinion may blow around you and the waves of unforeseen obstacles will roar and crash against you. These are the forces of evil engaging in spiritual warfare. This is precisely why we must enter into the Holy Place that is in Jesus. We must pass through the passage way called the Truth, which is Jesus, into the place of empowerment. As indicated in previous postings, we must have our pathway illuminated by Jesus our Golden Lamp Stand. We must have a close personal relationship with the Father through Jesus our Table of Showbread and our Bread of Life. We must be empowered for spiritual warfare through Jesus our Golden Altar. When Jesus said He was the Truth, this is what He meant.

So you want to step out into ministry? You will have to enter into spiritual warfare to be successful. Consider that even Jesus, after being baptized by the Holy Spirit in preparation for His ministry was led into the desert where He was tested by the devil.

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness by the Devil

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness by the Devil

Yes, even Jesus had to be victorious over the devil prior to entering into ministry. Therefore, each of us that step out in faith can also expect that our faith and readiness will be tested. This is why it is so important to be inside of the Holy Place that is in Jesus. Only those who know that have perfect faith in Jesus and know that He will support their actions will see the immovable objects disappear at their approach. They that enter in will be the ones that see the miracles transform the circumstances around them.

Remember the story of Moses leading the nation of Israel to the Promised Land?

Moses before the Burning Bush

Moses before the Burning Bush

He got them to the doorstep but they would not enter because their scouts had reported giants in the land. They had fear in their hearts which is the opposite of faith in God. They ignored the demonstration of God’s power that had freed them from the bondage of Egypt. They apparently forgot that it was God’s desire that they enter into this land. In other words they trusted more in their own ability than they did in the power of their Lord. Here is the story:

Then they told him, and said: We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan. Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. “There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!  (Numbers 13:27 – 14:1)

Think about this for a moment: Does God give us direction because we have the natural ability to get there without Him? What would such a thing prove except that we are highly capable and do not need God. I don’t think that this is the case. He gives us direction so that we can demonstrate our faith in Him so that He can display His awesome power in our behalf. God gets the glory when others can see His miraculous works. So, step out in faith and know that when the impossible stands before you, that your perfect faith in God will deliver a miraculous work.

In our future postings we plan to present some Bible passages that help to illustrate how our faith can change the course of our lives and the lives of those arround us.

Until then, may God bless you and keep you always.

Joe


The Book Cover

Read my book, “Possess the Vision,” that tells of the amazing spiritual warfare raging over my life. To learn more go to: Possess-the-Vision-at-Amazon

Why We Should Enter Into the Spiritual Warfare of Jesus

In our past several postings we have taken a good look at the spiritual warfare of Jesus. We did this of course in our quest to show how His words and deeds match up to the attributes and functionality of the Golden Altar of Incense. From this analysis we have verified that Jesus is victorious in spiritual warfare as the Golden Altar predicted.

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This analysis was preceded by similar studies that correlated Jesus to the Golden Lamp Stand and then the Table of Showbread. What these subsequent studies reveal is that there is an direct correlation between the words and deeds of Jesus, and attributes and functionality of these two objects. From these studies we have verified that Jesus is the light of the world and the bread of life as He claimed.

Jesus the Light of the World is Transfigured before His Disciples

Jesus the Light of the World is Transfigured before His Disciples

What we have found then, is that Jesus is the fulfillment of the hidden prophesies contained in the design of the Holy Place. Therefore, since the entryway to the Holy Place is called the Truth, and Jesus claimed to be “the Truth”, we now have a better insight into the identity of Jesus.

Jesus is the way of truth through which we must pass to achieve a closer relationship with the Father. He is the doorway of truth through which we must enter to find our purpose and the steps that we must take to please the Father. He is the passageway of truth through which we are led to victories over the forces of evil. Finally, He is the entryway of truth through which we enter into the Fathers’ perfect love, which results in our health, prosperity and joy. So, the benefits of our entry into Jesus, (the Holy Place) are the benefits of entering into spiritual warfare.

Choosing not to enter can be a very dangerous proposition as we are in a war weather we like it or not. Innocent bystanders are frequently injured or killed in war. Often times they can become traumatized when struck unexpectedly by an unknown and unseen enemy. Since they have chose not to enter into God’s provision they are not skilled or equipped for the battle. They may not even understand that they have become a victim of war. The result is that they are often doomed to live under the domination of evil.

I can speak about being an innocent victim of spiritual warfare because I was one. The attack rocked me to the brink of death. I even crossed over to the spiritual side where I found myself on the Judgment Seat before God. There I experienced what the spiritual reality of making poor choices in this life. I got to experience a confrontation with Satan, I walked through Hell and I swam in the Pit of Fire which is the second death. God had mercy on me however, withheld judgment against me and gave me a second chance.

If you are interested learning more about the details of this and other spiritual experiences of my life, you can order my book which is entitled, “Posses the Vision”.

possess-the-vision-front02.jpg

I guarantee that it is not for the faint of heart. But is it the most real experience of my life and when you read it you will know that every word is true. When you read this book you will understand why you must enter into the spiritual warfare of Jesus and fight the forces of evil here on this earth. The book can be purchased at Amazon by clicking on the following link: Amazon.com: Possess the Vision: Books: Joseph, W Gordon. Once there you will also be able to browse through the book as well. As a special bonus, I will send a free electronic copy of the book to anyone who asks for one by way of the comment section below.

That is it for today. Next time we plan to look at some more reasons to enter spiritual warfare.

May God bless and keep you always,

Joe