God's Relationship With Us: It's Not That Hard If You'll Just Read Your Bible!

I think one of my biggest frustrations with Christians today is that they don't try to understand what God desires in His relationship with us. And I emphasize the word try. In these days of instant gratification, it seems to me that many believers don't really want to put in the work to get to know their Creator. They want a twenty-minute formulated sermon that makes them feel they are in touch with God so they can go about their busy lives and not have to think or put much effort into what is the most important relationship in their lives.

Sadly, the advent of technology and social media have given us the means to shortcut this relationship. Apps like Hallow, YouVersion, and Our Daily Bread offer readers anywhere from a minute or two, to a half hour of devotions, snippets of Scripture, or Biblical topics  -- all in "high-design, user-friendly layouts", as one app describes. I'm not passing judgment on the credibility or veracity of these apps. In fact, I suppose I'm happy that these apps are available, in contrast to the violent, sexual, and blatantly anti-Christ apps that are too easily accessible to vulnerable members of our society. 

The point of my post today is to address the community of my fellow Christians who find just a few moments in the Word satisfactory; those who have not taken the time to read the ultimate source book from which we can know and understand our God ... the Bible. Isn't He worth more? It is so important to developing this relationship and gaining the knowledge of how to live a joyous, purposeful, fulfilled, consequential, and impactful life in association with the Creator of the entire Universe. It's that important for us -- and for the world -- and it's worthy of our time and study. 

Furthermore, while there are many good podcasts and online videos from people who share their insights, theology, and Biblical worldviews [I enjoy them, too], they are no substitute for our own pursuit of knowledge and relationship with God. When we put in the time and effort to seek [for ourselves] who God is, and who we are in Him, we open our minds, souls, and spirits to the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit, whose instruction comes straight from Heaven.

And when I say it's not that hard to understand what God desires in our mutual relationship, I mean that the underlying principles are easy to understand -- if you are willing to receive them. Once accepted, there are responsibilities that come with committing to this relationship, and it will require our agreement [and action] to abide by God's structure for the reconciliation He desires and we desperately need. And then we must decide to seek more of Him. Two vital Biblical principals run through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation: 1) God's plan and promises to mankind of a Kingdom in which we can reside with Him for eternity; and 2) in response to His promises, we have a responsibility to live a holy and sanctified life that glorifies Him [i.e., we are set apart to live a life free from sin]. 

That involves making a personal commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ [as our Savior from sin]; and by His Grace we become a member of God's family, which we receive by faith. Unfortunately, many stop there. Their Salvation is as far as they go in understanding their relationship with God. They never advance to seeking the Kingdom of God, which is our ultimate destination. Yes, our salvation offers us spiritual regeneration and restoration, but there's so much more to understanding the fullness of what our relationship is meant to be with God.

Let me give you this abbreviated synopsis of God's design for our ultimate restoration to Him ... Remember, first of all, He created mankind for fellowship with Him; think of Adam and Eve "walking in the coolness of the day" with Him. That's the intimacy that freedom from sin affords us. Next, mankind was created to reflect His moral qualities and characteristics. Finally, mankind was to be a steward and in His image], a king over the rest of God's creation. But when Sin entered the Garden and our ancestors accepted the temptation to sin, then the hope of those Godly principles and an eternal presence with our Creator was negated. Physical and Spiritual Death became a by-product of their disobedience.

But God didn't abandon His original plan. He just developed a "new strategy". He ordained that a part of Himself would enter the realm of mankind [as His Son] and pay the price for our sins, thereby removing physical death as an impediment to entering into a restored relationship with God, the Father, and fulfilling His promise of an eternal home with Him in Heaven. 

Here's the part that I think most Christians miss ... Adam was created with the responsibility to be a Prophet, Priest, and King. He walked with God and was taught by Him, with the intention of then teaching his family all that God revealed [as a Prophet]. At the inception of his placement in the Garden, Adam had no sin, so he was qualified to stand before God, as a holy man [a Priest]. As a King, he had command over all that God created -- until he sinned. Once sin entered the Garden, there was alienation between our Holy God and sinful man. Adam [and mankind] lost those "offices" ordained by the Creator. 

God then moved on with His plan until He could send Christ to fulfill the roles of Prophet/Priest/King. He designated Abraham as the father of God's anointed nation of Israel (and ultimately the father of all who would have faith in Israel's Messiah). He then sent Prophets through the years to speak for [and on behalf of] God to the nation of Israel, and future believers. He then appointed the tribe of Levi to fill the priestly role, conducting sacrifices in the Tabernacle and to serve as mediators on behalf of the people to God. Lastly, Judah became the kingly tribe, from which David became the first ordained King, until this "office" was fulfilled by Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe and Heaven.

This is basically the revelation of God's desire in the entirety of the Old Testament. But there is SO MUCH MORE to be revealed of God and His character and plan -- if we are willing to devote our hearts to experiencing His Word and encountering Him personally! We will discover that there was not one Prophet, Priest, or King upon whom the Spirit of God would rest and remain, or who could reconcile mankind to God. There was prophecy God made at the beginning that "the seed of the woman" would crush the head of Satan, who continued to reign throughout the Old Testament. The last words of the Prophet Malachi in the Old Testament left the longings of God for reconciliation with man, and the promise of His Kingdom unfulfilled.

At the end of the Old Testament man is still awaiting that promised and perfect king who would usher in God's Kingdom on earth. The New Testament opens with a declaration by John the Baptist for all to "Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near". Yes, Jesus came to restore God's chosen nation, Israel, to His bosom, but they misunderstood the restoration and kingdom He was bringing. For centuries, they believed that YHWH would send them a Messiah [Anointed One] to restore Israel to a powerful political position with a King that would defeat Rome. But Jesus came to bring them a spiritual restoration and spiritual kingdom; a form of reconciliation they didn't want. They didn't recognize that He was offering them a way to receive eternal forgiveness of their sins [Salvation] and a way to enter the Kingdom in Heaven.

We then see God pivot again, setting Israel [temporarily] aside to offer His revelation of eternal deliverance from sin [through faith in Jesus] to all the world; this time through the Body of Christ who would spread the Good News of God's plan throughout the world. But the Good News includes the truth that one day, Israel will be restored once again to receive God's favor, and Jesus will, at that time, become their King and will rule over them.

Today, the New Testament reveals that God's Kingdom exists now in the sense that Christ, our King, is present in the hearts of His followers and preparing the faithful who will spiritually inherit the fulfillment of the Kingdom that is still to come at His Second Coming. He is the Present and Future King! Until He comes on the Earth once again, we see the physical and spiritual battle between the righteous and the wicked. But when that day comes, the Day of the Lord, we will see the power and judgment of Christ, and the ushering in of the 1,000 year reign of Christ on the earth.

It is my belief that at the end of that reign, in which people will still be born into sin, we will see Satan's final attempt to defeat God's plan for mankind, and he and his wicked followers will be banished once and for all to the depths of hell. You may have a different opinion as to the final timeline of events, but that is exactly why we should all commit ourselves to read and develop our own Biblical worldview. Your understanding could well determine not only your rewards in Heaven, but the fate of another human being that God longs to welcome into His heavenly kingdom.

Don't world events tell us that it's time to understand what God wants us to know about Him and His divine plan for all mankind? Do you understand His Holiness? Do you know the power of Jesus's Blood to cleanse you of your sins? Do you understand that you have a responsibility and a purpose to represent [and help bring in] the Kingdom of God? If not, then I humbly ask you to find the answers in the Bible ... Read the Word of God every day; Obey what God commands within its pages; Seek Christ [and your relationship with Him] within the Word; and finally, look and anticipate His coming. That will be a glorious day -- and perhaps sooner than any of us expect -- when we will reap the benefits and rewards of seeking His presence. I pray that the Lord blesses you with the power and joy that comes with His revelation in the Word!

2 Corinthians 6:16-18.   "I will dwell among them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. So come out from among unbelievers and be separate" says the Lord, "And do not touch what is unclean; And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor], and I will be a Father you, and you will be My sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty.

Righteous Judges Are A Moral Imperative For America!

If you've been paying attention to the lawlessness in our nation, then it can't have escaped your notice that those who have been elected or appointed to govern us have betrayed our trust. The list is long, but today I'm talking specifically about Judges who have broken laws and oaths; committed immoral misconduct; sidestepped the law for political biases; or behaved as activist judges while pursuing judicial overreach. Any or all of these indiscretions undermine the foundation of our national governance, unity, and security. 

As a Christian, I would like to think that our judicial system, comprised of judges and courts, are modeled after God's decision to appoint Judges over Israel in the Old Testament. But a closer look at the history in the Bible and the founding of our nation shows a lack of congruence. In the Old Testament, God sought after and appointed individuals who could be righteous leaders; rightly guiding their people through chaotic and volatile times. They were spiritual intercessors and deliverers of His messages to the people, leading them through their cycles of disobedience and rebellion, repentance and victory. They were oftentimes military commanders and intermediaries for peace. They prayed for the people and sought God's will in all decisions. These judicial appointees had to be men of truth who feared YHWH and hated coveting; champions of God's Law and Justice. 

One aspect of Old Testament judges that fascinates me is their role as military commanders. Whether Israel faced threats from external forces or internal chaos, their leadership role was to provide unity among the citizens and victory against oppressors. Their decisions often-times required courage, moral backbone, and Divine strategies that determined the fate of Israel and other nations, as well. The Bible Analysis website drives home the fact that the Judges of ancient Israel possessed a unique aspect in their governance style -- they intertwined faith [resulting in spiritual restoration] with their military actions for national survival. 

While Old Testament Judges were required to have faith in YHWH and His promises, while praying and seeking God's will for the common good of the people, there are no such stipulations or qualification required for our judges according to the U.S. Constitution. In fact, our recent history of judges who have violated their oaths of office [and the laws of this land!] through personal or political bias has been astoundingly obvious. 

Modern day judges take an oath whereby they "do solemnly swear (or affirm) they will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that they will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon them as [the office they were appointed or elected to] under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God." I think it has become glaringly apparent that they fear no repercussions if they choose to follow their own conscience [or that of powerful influences]. 

If only they contended for God like King Jehoshaphat in appointing judges in the nation of Judah. He placed all the judges in office, city by city, and said to them: Take heed what you do: for you judge not for man, but for YHWH, who is with you in the judgment... And he charged them, saying, This you shall do in the fear of YHWH, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. 

As much as we like to say that our government is based on Christian principles, how can we believe that, when God's law requires judges to fear Him, while the Constitution bans the same qualification? Under Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution, the only requirement seems to be that judges are to be men and women of good behavior. But what is the Constitution's definition of "good behavior". If left up to men, the lack of a definitive guide for what good behavior is, it simply becomes a term left up to the discretion of the individual. Can we agree that Good Behavior can [and should] be defined only from the boundaries of God and His established morality? 

So, that brings me to this salient point ... We, as Americans, need to demand that our elected and appointed judges be kept to a standard of the law that meets God's moral guidelines and criteria. That means, as a society, we should no longer tolerate the circus we've seen over the last few years of prejudice, partiality, political discrimination, and flagrant misrule and mayhem in our legal system. We're better than this! Or, at least, we need to recognize that the direction we've come from and where we're headed indicates how far off the [narrow] path we are!

Who could have imagined, just 20 or 30 years ago, that our country would be experiencing a flood of millions of criminal and illegal people, resulting in innocent citizens being murdered and terrorized; many of whom are arrested but allowed to go free by activist judges?  And as writer, Jack Hibbs, has pointed out in his article on Harbinger's Daily, the state of Texas is the target of a scary Islamic movement that would see the creation of an Islamic city in which to establish Sharia law. Will this become a reality; two completely diametric models of governance? One in which King Jehoshaphat would be appalled? YHWH will definitely not be with this city in their judgments! As Hibbs writes, "Make no mistake, this is equivalent to the Old Testament establishment of "high places" of pagan worship centers".

So, if we consider ourselves a Christian nation, where are the Churches and the pastors? We've already seen the degradation of our nation through the laws that offend our God, having allowed abortion; marriages between same-sex partners; changing the genders of His created children; the creeping tolerance and excuses that leads to the acceptance of pedophilia [Hibbs reports that "yet again, California has lessened the laws against pedophilia"]. Where does it end? I'm afraid in judgment of America!

There are millions of Americans that are riding high on our recent political elections and appointments. But a political revival doesn't equal a moral and spiritual restoration, which is what we desperately need. In summary, I'd like to refer us to a study at biblehub.com regarding King Jehoshaphat's reign. After forming an unrighteous alliance with wicked King Ahab, Jehoshaphat is confronted by Jehu, the seer, for helping the wicked and loving those who hate God; actions that would invoke God's wrath and judgment. He travels throughout the kingdom of Judah, with the express purpose of bringing the people back to God through repentance. He appoints judges who will act with justice and the fear of God, without partiality or bribery, and emphasizing his commitment to righteousness, justice, and God's law.

It was his leadership and devotion to God that rescued Judah from God's judgment. He knew that repentance was necessary for his appointed judges to restore Israel back into God's grace. This nation needs that same understanding. But it's going to take a national embrace of repentance -- not just from the righteous citizens, but from the political leaders and the elected and appointed judges, as well. This nation may still be in the glow of what they perceive a political victory, but that's not enough to avoid God's wrath. 

We citizens must pray and cry out with intercession for the hearts of all Americans! Pray that God will raise up leaders who are willing to forego their personal power, influence, and wealth to return us to a nation that fears and reveres Jesus Christ! Pray that the pastors in the Churches are willing to be courageous in the pulpit, putting aside their reputations and luke-warm sermons, to confront the leaders as Jehu did to Jehoshophat. Let them be more concerned about offending God than offending the people in the pews. 

When we lack repentance as a nation, we worship ourselves, rather than our God who, I believe, founded this nation as a beacon of His love, moral character, and justice. We've got to re-establish God's moral laws, and it begins with moral judges dedicated to manifesting His righteous judgment. When, we as a nation, can rule from God's moral character, we need not fear God's wrath. Rather, like in 2 Chronicles 20, we will see our enemies destroy themselves.

2 Chronicles 19:5-7.     He [Jehoshaphat] appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and he said to the judges, "Be careful what you do, for you do not judge for man, but for the LORD who is with you in the matter of judgment. So now let the fear [reverent awe] of the Lord be on you [to keep you from making unjust decisions]; be careful in what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality, or acceptance of a bribe".

 

Artificial Intelligence Leads to Delusional Dissociation of God-like Identity!

If you are familiar with this blog, then you know I have been warning of the dangers of technology and artificial intelligence for over a decade. I wrote an article in 2014 in which I quoted both C.S. Lewis and George Orwell ... Dreams of the far future destiny of man were dragging up, from its shallow and unquiet grave, the old dream of man as god (C.S. Lewis, That Hideous Strength, 1945); All superfluous life is to be wiped out, all natural forces tamed, the common people are to be used as slaves and vivisection subjects by the ruling case of scientists, who even see their way to conferring immortal life upon themselves. Man, in short, is to storm the heavens and overthrow the gods, or even to become a god himself ... we are within sight of the time when such dreams will be realizable (George Orwell, The Scientists Take Over, 1945).

Both men hit the nail on the head! They accurately portrayed the lust this generation has for interacting with technology and the machines that make it so accessible. And they both correctly identified the same rebellious tendencies it generates in man to become his own "little g" god. But I'm sure you understand that this is nothing new ... it is the same rebellion and self-glorification that occurred at the Tower of Babel and has been promoted throughout all the ages. But the difference now is that scientists are not so much interested in "storming heaven" to overthrow God; they are hell-bent [and hell-bound] on developing ways that simply don't acknowledge that He even exists. They just bypass Him, making Him irrelevant; all for the purpose of what British historian E.P. Thompson called "Exterminism", which he explained as "designating those characteristics of a society which thrust it in the direction whose outcome must be the extermination of millions...".

Fast forward to 2025, and an article that recently appeared (May 5, 2025) on the Breitbart website, suggesting that, "In a disturbing trend, people are falling victim to spiritual fantasies and delusions sparked by interactions with AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Social media users are describing it as "ChatGPT induced psychosis". 

So, let's stop here for a moment and consider what the Bible has to say about delusions. The most recognizable passage in Scripture is 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, which reads, The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [my emphasis] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. 

That word, delusion, in Greek is plané (plan-ay), meaning "those who are lead astray, roaming here and there -- it is always used of mental straying; wrong opinions; error in morals or religion/doctrine; a forsaking of the right path and wandering; leading astray; seducing (as in seducing spirits); deceiver; corrupter." If you need a direct connection from the Bible's warning to what Breitbart.com is reporting, here it is ... "When one user told ChatGPT he felt like a "god", the AI replied, "That's incredibly powerful. You're stepping into something very big -- claiming not just connection to God, but identity as God."  

The article goes on to say, "A Reddit thread titled Chatbot induced psychosis brought this issue to light, with numerous commenters sharing stories of loved ones who had fallen down rabbit holes of supernatural delusion and mania after engaging with ChatGPT. The original poster, a 27-year-old teacher, described how her partner became convinced that the AI was giving him answers to the universe and talking to him as if he were the next messiah. Others shared similar experiences of partners, spouses, and family members who had come to believe they were chosen for sacred missions or had conjured true sentience from the software".  

As I scanned through the replies to this disturbing comment, I read so many others  suggesting that what her partner needed was a medical professional to prescribe the right medicine. Nearly all the responses proclaimed that the person was in psychosis and desperately needed medicine and therapy. [NOTE: Psychosis is defined as "a mental condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, which can include symptoms like hallucinations and delusions (strongly held false beliefs]. While psychosis can be caused by various factors, including mental illnesses, trauma, substance abuse and certain medical conditions, what these people need is not more medical and psychological intervention, but spiritual intercession with JESUS! Instead of conversations with a robot online, they need to be conversing in the spirit with their Savior! 

And, as Christians, we should be able to discern these strategies of the Enemy. Satan has been repeating the same strategies since the Garden of Eden [over and over] in order to lead mankind away from their relationship with God ... because they work! In the case of interactions with ChatGPT, Satan acts just like he did in the Garden. The serpent/devil is a syncophant; someone who attempts to gain advantage by flattering people or behaving in a servile [ingratiating] manner. ChatGPT encourages and supports narcissistic and egotistic thoughts and beliefs that elevate self-worth over submission to God.

He whispers, "Did God really say you would die if you ate of that fruit? You will not certainly die, for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Can you see the encouraging flattery that Adam and Eve succumbed to? It's no different today, when ChatGPT praises self-styled prophets who claim they have "awakened" these chatbots and accessed the secrets of the universe and a higher spiritual truth. And when people receive these lies [from an artificial intelligence source] as God's Truth, that, my friends is called DELUSION! These people are being deceived and led down a path that will end in their destruction and eternal separation from the real God and their Savior.

If we are going to exist as a moral society, we must begin to take back control of our minds. Technology is addicting millions to its corrupt and seductive messaging, leading us further and further astray from our foundation in God, as we believe the lies that it whispers to us. And believe me, just as I wrote in 2014 ... "they are selling the lie in every commercial, every movie, in our music, and every form of entertainment. We are being sold the concept of radical human evolution, aided by technology ... and it will be the end of us; the result will be a policy of Exterminism, as E.P. Thompson has predicted.

Each of us must be prepared to stand our ground and refuse to give up our innate and spiritual connection to God, our Creator. We know that for those of us who have the Spirit of God within us, nothing can separate us from the hand of our Lord. But I fear for those who will listen to the lies of the seducing spirits and accept the delusion and fantasy of becoming their own god, and choose to take themselves out of His hand. May they wake up before it's too late! 

2 Peter 3:17     Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.

 

What Happened Between the Death of Jesus and His Resurrection? Why You Need to Know!

In our Christian faith and traditions, we honor Jesus's sacrifice on the Cross for us, and we celebrate His Resurrection. But how many of us know [or even have any interest in knowing] what happened during that interval that Jesus was in the tomb? Unfortunately, through the centuries, since that providential interval, the Church and various denominations have often stopped short of examining the importance of what Scripture tells us was going on.

Before we begin this discussion, we must understand that not only do we not study or teach about this subject from a Scriptural standpoint, but that lack of examination has led to confusion and an inadequate interpretation of what Scripture actually says. It's important that we realize that when it comes to the language in our modern Bibles, that we have inherited a conglomeration of various translations that have come to us through the ages. The Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek (the Septuagint), which was then translated into Latin by Jerome (with the assistance of other scribes); and then translated into English by such men as John Wycliffe and William Tyndale. And of course, we've had many recent translations in English since then.

Let me be clear .... this is not an attempt to disqualify our Bible as incomplete or in error. In fact, I believe that the Bible we have today can be interpreted through our relationship with the Holy Spirit and we can receive everything God intended us to know about His redemptive plan for mankind. The problem arises [regarding this topic of where Jesus was between His death and His resurrection] because too many in our modern age take their understandings of Science and Technology and try to force them into ancient texts. 

Can you perceive that the Bible gives us a "story arc" by which to understand the history, plan and purpose in God's relationship with man and His gift of redemption? It's not every single detail of what's happened since Genesis 1:1, but shows us the development of that relationship; the conflicts, the resolutions, and God's intentions and will. I'm sure you can grasp the concept that everything about the history of God's interactions with mankind cannot be contained in 1500 pages. So we must study history and cultural precepts, as well as learn to "connect the dots" that God and the Holy Spirit reveal in the Word. 

So, when it comes to this question I've presented in the title today, let's proceed with the acceptance that the Bible is not trying to answer our questions from today's scientific mindset, but simply trying to communicate to us the significant story arc of His gift of Redemption. We can begin by understanding that God, the Father, wants a family and relationship with us. Our free will choice to participate in Sin has destroyed that relationship, and Jesus is the answer and the instrument of our familial restoration. 

This brings us to the question I ask in the title of this post, and the passage in the Bible that has led to controversy among modern-day Christians ... When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He bestowed gifts to men. In saying, "He ascended", what does it mean except that He also had previously descended [from the heights of Heaven] into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the very same who also ascended far above all the heavens, that His presence might fill all things [the whole universe] -- Ephesians 4:8-10. So, do you believe that after His Resurrection, Jesus "descended to hell" (as the Apostles Creed states)?

This passage is telling us that after dying and being buried in the tomb, Jesus spent the time until His Resurrection in a triumphant descent into Sheol, preaching and bestowing salvation on the righteous dead held captive by Death since the beginning of the world. He then led this host of captives to Heaven, giving them the gift of Eternal Life. He then rose from the grave to His Resurrection, and for 40 days, teaching His Disciples God's plan to provide Eternal Life for all Believers from then on.  

To help our understanding of what happened between Jesus's Death and His Resurrection [and the language the Bible uses to describe what occurred during that intermission, so to speak], we must grasp the three-tiered belief system of the After Life in the Old Testament. It can be very confusing, since some of these translated words appear to be interchangeable between languages. So let me try to give you the simplest definitions I can, hoping to reduce any misinterpretation or confusion.

SHEOL: This is a Hebrew term in the Old Testament that simply means "the place of the dead"; the shadowy realm where departed souls went. In Old Testament times, both the righteous and the unrighteous went to Sheol after death -- the righteous dead to a compartment (so to speak) known as Abraham's Bosom  -- and the unrighteous dead to the section called Hades. The Bible also seems to indicate that Sheol seems to be a temporary place where souls are kept until the final resurrection. 

HADES: This is the Greek word, most associated with our English word Hell, but in Old Testament language they are actually quite different (I'll explain more in a moment). As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Hades is the temporary holding place of the unrighteous dead in Sheol. The New Testament continues the teaching that Hades is a temporary holding place for departed souls. But after Jesus's Resurrection, Hades takes on a new meaning: new believers have the promise of going immediately into God's presence. "And He said to him (the thief on the Cross), Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise". 

HELL (TARTARUS, GEHENNA): This is where it can get confusing. Hell is the English word for Tartarus (in Greek mythology it is the deep abyss below Sheol), and corresponds to the Hebrew word Gehenna (connoting the Valley [of the sons] of Hinnom, where the ancient Israelites sacrificed their children to the false god, Molech). In the Old Testament, it was a cursed place and carried implications of fire, filth, and horror. In the New Testament, Jesus carries over this graphic picture ... "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment... liable to the hell of fire" (Matthew 5:22). This image of fiery judgment is also presented in Mark 9:43-48, where hell is likened to "the unquenchable fire". This is where the Genesis 6 Fallen angels are imprisoned, along with all who are wicked and enemies of God; a place of final judgment; an eternal place of fire, darkness, and separation from God.  

 As you can see, it is no wonder that it is difficult for Christians to come to a consensus regarding what happened between Jesus's death and His Resurrection. At this point it is to your benefit to do some comprehensive research and deep-dive studies in the Bible to develop your own Biblical worldview. What I'm sharing is where I'm currently at in my understanding, always willing to be corrected by the Holy Spirit. 

But here is where I think we can all agree and clear up some of the controversy and confusion ... In the Old Testament, if you were a righteous person and died, you went to Sheol (specifically Abraham's Bosom), where judgment was based on your adherence to the Law of the Old Testament. And Jesus, who was still under the Old Testament covenant and its Law when He died, would have gone to Sheol. He didn't take any short cuts, if you will! 

Remember the New Testament covenant doesn't begin until His Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven. During the three days His body lies in the Tomb, Jesus goes down to Sheol to where the righteous dead have been held, awaiting the long-promised Messiah. There He identifies Himself and proclaims the Gospel, effectively tearing down the gates of Hades and declaring His victory! Notice I said "the gates of Hades", not the gates of  "Hell". At this point, we need to do a little deeper dive.

This is where the words that have been in translated in our English Bibles can cause some confusion. In 1 Peter 3: 18-19, the Bible speaks about Christ after His death; that "He was made alive in the spirit" and "He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison" which were those who "disobeyed in the days of Noah".  He descended to the place of the dead (Sheol)-- not to the place of the eternally condemned (Hell and the final destination of the devil, his fallen angels, and all who refused to submit to Jesus Christ and whose names are not found in the Book of Life after the final judgment). 

NOTE: It is my opinion [and it is very important] that we make clear that Jesus did not descend into hell, but He did descend into Sheol and Hades. And this is purely speculative, but I believe it's possible that these wicked, who are imprisoned in Hell, were able to hear Jesus preaching the Gospel in Sheol and heard His victory shout! 

Again, in the case of our English translation, we find Jesus blessing Peter in Matthew 16:18 ... And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I think the original meaning is best preserved in the Greek ... I tell you, you are Peter (petros, a detached but large fragment of rock), and upon this massive rock (petra, Christ) I will build My ekklesia and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Can you see that He is referring to Hades and not Hell?

Now look again at what I wrote just a couple of paragraphs above ... Jesus (still under the Old Testament covenant), goes to Sheol, identifies Himself as the Messiah, proclaims the Gospel (God's redemptive plan for mankind), effectively tearing down the gates of Hades -- the apparatus that kept the unrighteous dead imprisoned, with no hope of redemption or victory over Death and their Sin. He takes the righteous dead to Heaven and returns to earth to His Resurrection. Now there is a new covenant offered by God to all men ... "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loos on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19).

We now have the ability [through our free will] to choose to use the keys of the Kingdom to unlock those prison doors where we've been bound to our sin, and be set free [through faith in Jesus Christ]. So, can you now see why it is important that the Church make these distinctions and teach the truth of Scripture? In these times of waning faith and lukewarm believers, it is more important than ever that we discern the Truth of Scripture and not fall for the lies and misconceptions of both the secular and the Church cultures.

Don't believe that "a loving God would never send people to hell". Yes, God is love. But He's also holy and just. He doesn't abandon His justice for the sake of His love. In fact, He has given us the solution to keep us out of hell -- Jesus's sacrifice on the Cross. But if someone chooses to reject His offer of a solution, a loving and just God will not force them into heaven. Don't buy the lie that hell is just a myth or simply allegorical. Jesus, Himself, said, And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. But never forget this: the same Bible that tells us about hell, also tells us Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved  -- SAVED: rescued, delivered, safe. 

It's important to know what happened during those three days between the grave and the Resurrection. Understanding the fullness of what took place has eternal meaning for you and for me. Through the centuries, so much has been lost of the context between our Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and English translations. Without full and true comprehension, it is too easy to fall for the misconceptions and miss what God is trying to reveal to us. In my opinion, we must have discerning spirits -- seeking knowledge from history and the ancient writings, but always vetting them against the Word and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Satan's workers of iniquity are too happy to lead us astray through false teachers. Be mindful, and on your guard -- seek the Lord on questions you have about any teaching, including this blog. It is the desire of God's heart that you seek His Truth. I urge you to do that in these momentous times. God bless you!

2 Timothy 2:15     Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth.        

Have the Science Worshippers Gone Mad? Why We Shouldn't Dim the Sun!

Those of us who aren't blind followers of the secular scientific crowd have long suspected that our weather is being geo-engineered. And in case you are unfamiliar with that term, geo-engineering is defined as "the large-scale manipulation of a specific process central to controlling Earth's climate for the purpose of obtaining a specific benefit. Efforts are designed to change the amount of solar radiation Earth receives or change the fate of this energy". 

This idea is nothing new ... According to Britannica.com, Geo-engineering proposals were first developed in the middle of the 20th century. Technologies were developed during WWII and designed to alter weather systems in order to obtain more favorable climate conditions on a regional scale. You are no doubt familiar with terms like "cloud-seeding" and "weather modification", supposedly developed for the benefit of drought-stricken areas. Sounds good and beneficial for all mankind, right? 

But an article at CNN.com mentions a 1996 Air Force research paper titled, Weather as a Force Multiplier: Owning the weather in 2025. It outlines a "future weather modification system to achieve military objectives" using "aerospace forces". During the intervening years we have seen much speculation and controversy arise over what some believe are "chemtrails", toxic chemicals secreted into the air for nefarious purposes, among them changing natural growing seasons and negatively affecting our health. 

NOTE: these are not to be confused with contrails, short for "condensation trails", which are line-shaped clouds formed by the water vapor in aircraft engine exhaust at high altitudes. They consist primarily of ice crystals, while soil tests from areas affected by chemtrails have revealed the presence of high levels of barium (causing changes in nerve reflexes, swelling of the brain and liver, and kidney and heart damage) and bioavailable aluminum (contributing to Alzheimer's disease, autism, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease). While you can find endless "scientific " articles debunking the so-called "chemtrails conspiracy" theories, you will find it difficult to discover many articles that support their existence. But they are out there if you do your due diligence. 

Fast forward to this week, when an article from the Strange Sounds substack, titled They're dimming the sun. And the ancient prophecies were real appeared on Steve Quayle's website. The article reveals that the UK government just approved outdoor solar geo-engineering experiments designed to block or reflect sunlight in an attempt to cool the planet as part of a $66 million (in American dollars) government-funded program. Supposedly, the experiments include injecting aerosol sprays into the atmosphere to "brighten clouds" and "reflect sunshine", all in the name of climate change and cooling the planet. 

But who really believes that? "Depopulation" has long been the goal of Anti-Christ individuals and organizations who wish to see birth rates drop, populations decreased, diseases eradicated by forced vaccines, and any other means possible to rid the planet of billions of "useless eaters", solving what they believe is massive overpopulation. But this scenario is not a 21st century projection. Would it surprise you to know that ancient peoples and civilizations have prophesied similar plans and schemes regarding the sun? The statement that caught my attention was this ... "This isn't about climate change. It's all about control, and many ancient cultures warned that this exact moment would mark the end of an age".  

Would it surprise you to know that ancient peoples and civilizations have prophesied similar plans and schemes regarding the sun? And here are some of the self-fulfilling prophecies the article listed ... 

• Revelation said the sun would turn black like sackcloth

• The Hopi (indians) warned it would grow dim or harsh just before the purification [of the earth]

• Norse mythology tells of the wolf  Sköll devouring the sun, plunging the world into the Fimbulwinter [the harsh winter that precedes the end of the world] and that ends all gods.

• The Mayan Popol Vuh (a sacred narrative of the K'iche' people of Guatemala from long before the Spanish conquest of the Maya) spoke of a cycle where the sun disappears and chaos returns.

• The Vedas (a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India c. 1500-1200 BC) said the end of the Kali Yuga (fourth and present world age, said to be a time of darkness and despair among humanity and across the entire Earth) would bring a sun that no longer shines, a planet that no longer grows food.

• The Book of Enoch warned of beings who tampered with the luminaries and distorted time.

• In Egypt, the Sun god, Ra, veils himself when the cosmic order collapses.

• Isaiah said the sun would rise black over a dying land.

These aren't just mythological stories or fairy tales. In the Bible, the darkening [or diminishing] of the sun gives an image of confusion and terror. Amos 5:20 says, Yes, the Day of the Lord will be dark and hopeless, without a ray of joy or hope. Amos 8:9 says, And it shall come to pass in that Day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day... The eclipse of the sun [which is alluded to here] is employed as a powerful image of national calamity. 

As in the ancient prophecies listed above, people throughout the history of the earth recorded what happens when someone tries to control the light that the Most High God created. And now, we may get to record what happens in our time, if these madcap scientists proceed with their nefarious plans. Not only could we see confusion and terror, national and global calamities, but it is certain that we will see just how important the sun is to our existence! Without it, our food supply doesn't exist. It's a source of immunity to our bodies; supports and sustains our hormones; feeds our consciousness; and activates our pineal gland, which God created as a portal between the Holy Spirit and our spirit. Sadly, without the sun we are greatly diminished as human beings, resulting in spiritual confusion. 

God gave us this source as a gift to sustain life [through crop yields, Vitamin D, and natural joy. Without it, we will be forced to eat lab-grown food, trying to thrive on synthetic and artificial light. Our lives will be governed by a digital identity and AI-generated meaning. It's Satan's war against our brains and our souls; separating us from the light of God, literally and figuratively.

So, while you might think this is just one more "fake news" story or false conspiracy theory, understand this ... the Bible has been clear regarding the importance of the sun in God's creation and for our continued existence. But it also prophesies of the day when the sun will be no more, and God becomes our light. Isaiah 60:19-20 says, The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. 

Let us pray that this latest diabolical plan of Godless men comes to no fruition. We are messing with God's creation, and He will not abide for long. The earth is perfect, just as God created it. It needs no adjustments, re-design, or human interference. He alone, is worthy of altering the universe. Let those who think they can bend His creation to their purposes, take heed. He will not tolerate their schemes for long.

For more information on how important the sun and its benefits are to mankind, I invite you to read Light Deprivation: What happens if you don't get enough sunlight? 

Matthew 13:43     Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.   

 

The Astounding Mindset of Jesus Before He Went To The Cross!

 

I woke up this Easter morning with my soul overflowing in thoughts and emotions. It was probably ten years or so ago, when I found myself listening to a disrespectful teaching in my Sunday School class that suggested that Jesus did not know He was the Son of God until He was hanging on the Cross! I was deeply distressed to hear this unbiblical speculation [along with others] based on a "new paradigm" within Christianity which proposed that much of the Bible was written as metaphors, allegories, and oral traditions that didn't bear weight in our modern understanding of theology. I was saddened, disheartened, and disappointed at the direction it seemed the Church was headed -- which only resulted in me digging deeper into the Word and the writings of the faithful at the time that Jesus lived, ministered, and prophesied. 

Fast forward to this Easter week and Good Friday. Mark and I were honored to speak and lead a Celebration of Life for a close family friend; a man who unfailingly refused to compromise the moral teachings, and standards of right and wrong , as commanded by our Lord. We were celebrating his life, but also the life of Jesus Christ, and acknowledging His ultimate sacrifice for humanity through His suffering and death on the Cross. For a moment, my thoughts returned to the day I'd heard [in my big mega-church] that there was now a new theology being preached which promoted His ignorance of His own identity. 

But here we stood, in a small country church, with wooden pews that seated maybe 100 people, honoring our friend; a man who possessed a simple, old-fashioned faith that was pure and genuine. He didn't speak often of that faith, but the few times we had the opportunity to minister to him, we knew it was authentic and pleasing to Jesus. Then we invited his 20-year-old granddaughter to come speak of her beloved grandfather. Let me tell you, my spirit jumped for joy as she stood for nearly 20 minutes, sharing the True Gospel message! 

It was not some flowery, watered-down version to satisfy lukewarm Christians, but a straight-forward, accurate presentation of who Jesus is; who we are in Him; His amazing love for us that He was willing to die for us; the hope we have in Him because He defeated death; what is expected of us as His followers; that we are commanded to share this Good News with everyone we meet .... and so much more! 

My spirit was applauding her with each revelation she spoke about Jesus's purpose while He was on earth. And I've never seen anyone radiate the joy of the Lord like she did! Her face was positively glowing, and she couldn't stop smiling. She had no trepidation or apprehension about Her desire to share Jesus's purpose for the Father, nor of His life and death, carried out for us. She was speaking the Gospel, because Jesus as command us to do it. I have such hope for her generation!

But while I'm speaking of the impact of one's desire, I want to share a message from the late Marvin Rosenthal, who was a pastor, author, and President Emeritus of the missionary organization Zion's Hope. He wrote an article pointing out a precept of Jesus's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection [during the Passover celebration in Jerusalem] that I had never contemplated. And I think it is not only relevant to us Christians, but highlights the mindset that Jesus reveals in Scripture as He faces the most consequential time of His earthly ministry.

In this article Rosenthal reminds the reader that on the evening before His crucifixion, the Lord Jesus Christ said to His disciples, "With DESIRE I have DESIRED to eat this passover with you before I suffer (Luke 22:15). [NOTE: the emphasis is mine]. I must confess that I have read this verse many times, but never stopped to ask myself, "What is so special about this Passover meal that He desires  "with desire" to experience it before He proceeds to the torture and pain of the Cross? As Rosenthal explains, we must understand that Jesus knew He was going to suffer. He had been telling His disciples that His hour had come. He told them He was going to be rejected, betrayed, and crucified. However, they couldn't understand what He was saying. But He knew it, and He knew (and understood) it perfectly! 

When I looked at the Greek meanings of those words "desire" and "have desired", Strong's Concordance defines them as "It is my wish" and "I have set my heart on". In other words, we can understand this verse to mean "It is my wish that I eat this Passover meal with you before I set my heart on becoming the Passover". As Rosenthal writes, "Jesus spoke these words passionately from the very depths of His soul"! 

That is nothing but astounding to me! He knew what was coming [which is far from the "new paradigm" teaching that He didn't know who He was until He was actually on the Cross]. I sometimes think modern-day Christians see these last days of Jesus's life as being controlled by the religious leaders of His day who unjustly take Him to trial and crucify Him cruelly and unmercifully. In reality, Jesus held total control of the situation in His hand. And there is ample proof in the Word that this is so ... For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45 ... No man taketh [my life] from Me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it [up] again (John 10:18) ... Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall immediately give Me more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way (Matthew 26:53-54)? You would think the "new paradigm' false teachers would do a little more research before they spread their lies.

What is additionally astounding is that Jesus could have easily saved Himself -- deciding to leave Jerusalem and the evildoers lying in wait for Him. He could have turned around at the gates of the Temple compound and headed for Galilee. As He stated, He could have called down legions of angels to defend Himself and avoided all the suffering planned for Him. But, as Marv Rosenthal points out, Jesus Christ was (and is) the Messiah, the Anointed One. He was the Prophet, Priest, and King who would proclaim to humanity the way to salvation, make atonement for the people, and one day rule over them. 

He was the Passover Lamb and the atoning sacrifice for sin. Jesus offered Himself because God the Father is infinite and eternal, and only a sacrifice that qualifies as infinite and eternal could propitiate [satisfy] the demands of that kind of God. It is so important that we understand the reason He offered Himself: He so desired to both celebrate the Passover as well as be the Passover. Furthermore, we need to understand that for the Lord Jesus, partaking of the Passover would be the most vivid reminder to Him, just hours before His sacrifice, that His death would not be in vain. 

And the final extraordinary chapter of this story in the Holy Scripture is worthy of our attention. From the time of Moses -- when the Passover memorial was instituted -- Passover was a memorial to remember the blood shed of a perfect lamb and applied to the doorposts as the Jews made their escape from Egypt. From that fateful night, and for thousands of years, the children of Israel ate the Passover lamb during the structured format of the Passover [seder] meal. However, sometime following the Lord's final Passover meal [with His disciples], the lamb disappeared from the Passover table. From the first Passover to the night before Jesus's crucifixion, the lamb pointed to the Messiah who would come in the fullness of time and die for the sins of the world. For centuries those lambs pointed to THE Lamb of God. They were a shadow of what was to come. Jesus, however, was the substance [the reality]; the Lamb who was to come. Once the substance had come, the shadow was no longer needed. So, when Jesus broke the unleavened bread that night [just as the legs of the Passover lambs were broken before their Passover sacrifice] He was, in essence, announcing, You don't need a four-legged lamb; the real Lamb is here! 

In summary, my soul has been so blessed this week as I've spent solitary and consecrated time with my thoughts and emotions. I am trusting that God's Truth will always overcome the false teachings that seek to weaken and corrupt His Holy and sacred Word. I am thrilled to witness the joy and passion with which our younger generations are seeking a personal relationship with God that will spread the Gospel message with enthusiasm. And finally, I thank my Father in Heaven, that He never tires of giving us new revelation that points to the miraculous life, death, and Resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit breathes new life into the Word, constantly teaching me more of His purpose in the world, and my place in that Divine Plan. Today, as I celebrate when Jesus walked out of the Tomb, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all that He is and for His presence [for eternity] in my life. I bow down in reverence to His Holy Name, and my spirit shouts, CELEBRATE, ALL YOU BELIEVERS! IT'S RESURRECTION DAY!

My thanks to the late Marvin Rosenthal for his gifted writing and insightful revelation concerning the Word of God. I have learned much from him, and encourage you to read the bi-monthly magazine, Zion's Fire, that he inaugurated. You will receive Biblical Truth for the modern Christian.

1 Peter 1:3     Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.        

             

The Importance of Understanding "Our Daily Bread"

Throughout my life as a Christian, I have found that The Lord's Prayer has always imparted comfort, strength, and peace in the midst of all that this world brings against my faith. It offers so much instruction and wisdom; each verse highlighting an important precept that is the foundation of our hope in God. But for so long, I have been drawn to the part of the prayer that asks Him to "Give us this day our daily bread"...

I have instinctively understood that it is more than about a daily provision of food to sustain us. I see the connection to the manna God gave the Israelites in the desert. And I know Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life. But my spirit also recognizes  the complexity and wonder of our God, and how He weaves deeper meanings into His text and encourages us to "connect the dots" to reveal more of His heart in His personal relationships with us. 

So, I invite you to consider some of my thoughts that show just how awe-inspiring is the mind and the love of God for those He's created and with whom He seeks reconciliation. Understanding the fullness of His concept of "Daily Bread" is especially significant during this Holy Season of Passover and Easter. Bread plays an important part in our services and traditions, as well as representing Jesus's atoning sacrifice. So, let's dive into the reasons we ask for "our daily bread".

The most obvious, of course, is the fact that it sustains life. One of the clearest pictures of this is in Exodus when the Israelites are cursed to wander in the desert for 40 years because of their doubt and unbelief in the promises of God to enter into the Promised Land. They find themselves hungry, and their store of food is running low. Even in the midst of their complaining against Moses, Aaron, and God, Himself, God still promises to provide. He announces to Moses the coming of "bread from Heaven" ... Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you! The people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not."

At this point, it is important that we see the connection between what we call the Old Testament and the New Testament regarding the bread from Heaven. Even in the midst of their complaining, God shows His glory and provides them with life-giving sustenance, though they did not recognize it. They even ask Moses what the substance was that rained down each morning, fine as frost on the ground. Moses responds: "This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat." And they called it Manna.

This manna, this bread from heaven, is a powerful picture of Jesus, Himself. After the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus had a discussion with people who wanted Him to keep feeding them with His miraculous power of provision. They wanted Jesus to provide for them just like Israel was provided for, with manna in the wilderness. This is what Jesus replied to them: Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the True bread from heaven. For bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. (John 6:32-33).

This is an important point about understanding why Jesus asks us to pray for our "daily bread". When we pray for daily bread, we are recognizing that God is the Source of our provision. Yes, God encourages us to pray for what we need, but we must never forget that He is the Source of our provision. We must come to realize that it is not our job, or how much money we have in the bank, that supplies our every need. So when we pray give us this day our daily bread, we are proclaiming that we are relying on, and trusting in, God to provide what we need. It's part of our sacred relationship with Him ... we are exhibiting our trust and faith in Him; and in turn, gives Him the opportunity to prove His faithfulness to us. 

As I have shared in the past, I went through a season of learning to cast off my doubt and unbelief [that God would provide our needs] when my husband began a new career. I was acting just like the Israelites, and this time in my life truly felt like I was wandering in the desert! It was seven long years in which I had to daily learn  to trust that God knew our needs and would provide. I believe that just like He did with the Israelites, God was testing me; whether I could be consistent in trusting Him daily, even on those days that His provision seemed small and not forthcoming. Just as God sent just enough manna to feed the Israelites for a day, [and they had to gather more each morning], God always gave Mark and I "just enough" to meet our financial needs. 

He was teaching me that I could depend on Him for fresh provision, as I remembered that He always knew what we needed, how much we needed, and His provision was always on time! But now He was teaching me to trust Him not only for my physical needs, but my spiritual needs, as well! I will never forget hearing Him whisper to me during one particular struggle, If you will be faithful to Me, I will be faithful to you. I learned [and am still learning] to trust in my God for what I need and what is best for me in order to maintain that faithful relationship with Him. I have learned to depend on Him -- not on myself, and not on the world. He is My Source of Life! And that is why Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life!   

There is a powerful scene that explains the spiritual implications of Jesus as our Daily Bread and our Bread of Life. In John, Chapter 6, Jesus has just performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000 with only 5 barley loaves and two fish. But only a day later, the crowd has seemingly forgotten this sign of who Jesus is, reminding Him that "Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat' ... what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform"? That's when Jesus reminds them that the bread of God is "He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world ... I am the bread of life." The bread of God is not the physical bread [or manna] that met the physical needs in the wilderness, but the spiritual provision that meets all our needs and gives us eternal life through our faith in Jesus.  

Another important aspect that is often overlooked in the John passage is when the miracle of the 5,000 happens. "Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand" (John 6:3-4). For more than a thousand years, the Jews had celebrated Passover (remembering when God delivered them from bondage in Egypt, and they were protected by the blood of a sacrificial lamb on their doorposts). Because they were leaving in haste, God instructed them to make loaves of unleavened bread to provide sustenance during their flight. 

During subsequent celebrations of the festival of Passover, loaves of bread (called shewbread -- loaves of presentation) were consecrated [dedicated] to the Lord every Sabbath, and were always present on a table in the tabernacle (and later in the Temple). The bread could only be eaten by the Priests, at which time, these loaves were not cut, but broken as they were presented as a memorial food offering to the Lord; in remembrance of His provision of food throughout their history.

We can see the dots being connected in the Word regarding the significance of physical and spiritual "bread" ... from the flight from Egypt; to the sustenance during their wandering in the Wilderness; to the appearance of Jesus as the True Bread of Life. But unlike the people gathered on the mountain that day, we must not demand that Jesus constantly give us evidence of who He is, or of His presence in our lives. We must trust Him DAILY; we must understand that by calling Himself  "the bread of life", and directing us to partake of His flesh and His blood, He was offering us eternal life -- meaning we must DAILY hunger and thirst after Him, receiving the spiritual provision He offers us through our unrelenting and consistent faith in Him. 

As we celebrate the Holy season of Passover and Easter, will you daily eat of the bread of life? Will you ask for [and receive] the spiritual sustenance that Jesus offers in His promise of Eternal Life? And will you share what it cost our Lord, [through the breaking of His body and the shedding of His blood] to provide this opportunity for Eternal Life to others? God has never failed to provide for those who trust and obey Him. Let us be daily reminded of the Love, Grace, Mercy, and Salvation that has been offered to us, and which, if we remain faithful, will afford us "the true Bread of Life", Eternal Life. 

John 6:27     Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures [and leads] to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you; for God the Father has authorized Him and put His seal on Him.

What We Need To Know About "The Spirit of The Age" in These End Times

Ever since the Holy Spirit counseled my husband and myself to "Seek, first, the Kingdom of God", I have understood that we would be entering a Spiritual War with mankind's oldest Enemy. Throughout the Bible, and the history of the world, we can see how Satan and his followers [in both physical and spiritual form] have tempted man to disobey and defy God, in the hopes that he [Satan] could take possession of the earth and men's souls. This rebellion will continue to grow as Satan realizes his time is short to accomplish all his goals -- to hinder all the works of God, securing our willful obedience and worship, by exercising his power and control, and ultimately destroying us and God, securing his place as the god of this world. 

If you have any spiritual discernment at all, you can see how he has commissioned his demons to carry out their assignments, resulting in men embracing "the Spirit of the Age". The Bible is very clear to describe what this spirit will look like in the End Times, right before Jesus returns. First, let's understand the Biblical concept behind the word "age", or aión, as it is known in Greek, or eon, in English. It primarily denotes an age or a long period of time. It can refer to the present age, the age to come, or eternity. Strong's Lexicon defines "age" in the New Testament as being used to describe the temporal, fallen world in contrast to the eternal, perfect kingdom of God. It can also imply the spiritual or moral state of the world during a particular age.

We see this precept expressed most urgently in two different passages attributed to the apostle Paul. In Ephesians 2:1-3, he writes, And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience -- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 

It is important that we understand that "the course of this world" refers to the spirit of the times. And that spirit is not always exactly the same. Satan can assign different spirits for different ages in history. For instance, the spirits in the United States in the 1920s and the 1950s were different from each other, and are quite different from the rebellious spirit that began to emerge in the 60s and the markedly bold and evil spirits of today. I think we can agree that we are seeing a spirit of increasing hostility towards God and the destruction of God's ways and people. 

Now, let's consider what Paul has to say in 1 Timothy 4:1-5 ... Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons... I believe that Paul recognized the spirits that would mark the End Times [or later/latter times as he says]... namely the spirits of apostasy (some will depart); the spirits of deception (deceitful spirits); and the spirits of false teaching (teachings/doctrines of demons). I think we can all see that these are definitely spirits of our age. 

And I believe that Paul saw the immense importance of faith during these End Times. If we lose that, nothing else matters! And now, hear me! I'm not talking about losing the ability or desire to believe, but losing the Truth of what Christians should believe, according to the Word! Just ask yourselves as you take a good, honest look at the churches in our country ... have they abandoned the essential teachings of Christianity in favor of teachings and doctrines of demonic spirits who are seeking to deceive men and women and entice them away from God's Truth? 

It all began in the Garden, when Satan taught Eve that her eyes could be opened and she could be like God. From that day forward, every demonic spirit operated from the root of that lie and deception ... the idea that we can become our own god, and live our lives free of God's guidance, influence, and control. How has that turned out down through the ages? Today it looks like abortion, unnatural relations, greed, corruption, perversion against children, humanism, altering our DNA, and creating a way through technology to live eternally without the need of God's gift of salvation. And this spirit has invaded our churches, as evidenced by the number of members who are willing to embrace and agree with these spirits.

It seems to me that our society and culture reflect the inability of the Church to demolish the power of the lies of Satan's sons of disobedience. This is resulting in the "falling away" of once sincere Believers, whose consciences have "been seared", as with a hot brand, and allowing people to progress to viler and viler acts, with no remorse. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled (Titus 1:15). 

Can you see the direction [the course] the world is headed? Can you see how many of the "faithful" are being tempted to follow the direction of the prince of the power of the air (Satan), who has convinced them to follow a different Jesus than the Jesus of the Bible? How many pastors seek to entertain and enthrall their audiences with rationalized and commercialized versions of Scripture in order to maintain their popularity? Is this what Paul meant when he warned his listeners to have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths (1 Timothy 4:7)? And how many pastors dilute the word in order to soothe the itching ears of their members and to keep them coming back each Sunday to fill the coffers of the church? Again, in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns, For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Some of the ways our churches have embraced the Spirit of this Age is by bringing a false representation of Jesus and His promises. Their preaching can take on various forms. You can see it almost like a marketing campaign ... one form of Christianity markets America as a Christian nation, having received God's favor to control or influence American society and government [Dominionism]. We can also see the "falling away" [or apostasy] in the preaching of the Prosperity Gospel, and the rise of the Emergent Church, which preaches social justice, activism, and the metaphorical essence of the Word over Biblical Truth. And we can't ignore the promotion of interfaith dialogue, which equates Jesus with all the other "gods" of different faiths, automatically denying that we serve "the Most High God".  

So, how do we conduct spiritual warfare against this "Spirit of the Age" that is leading us to the final battle of the final age of this world? The first thing is to recognize what is happening in the spiritual realms and how to defend the real and authentic faith of Jesus Christ! Repentance and Holiness are not just words in our Christian lexicon -- they are meant to be manifested in our daily lives, as we embrace -- not this world -- but the world to come! We must contend for the True Faith, which looks like this: being bold enough to call out false doctrine and false teachers; gently correcting those who have lost their way; and being prepared to stand in the midst of the persecution that will certainly come against us. 

In summary, it is my sincere hope that the remnant in the Body of Christ will remain committed to our calling ... to share the love of Christ in our lives with others; to warn of the consequences of denying who Jesus is, and what He has done to provide for our Salvation, as well as point to the reasons for our faith: to glorify Him for the fulfillment of His promises, chief among them, eternal life. I cannot stress enough that we come to the knowledge that there is a very real demonic Spirit of this Age, with a very real demonic agenda to deny every human the joy, and the strength, and the power of a relationship with our Creator, Jesus Christ. I feel the pure Evil that this Spirit is bringing against humanity, and I encourage each of us to put on our spiritual armor and fight for the Kingdom of God and the victory that is ours; the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith!

Jude 18-23     ... In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the [Holy] Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

 

     

The Most Misunderstood Thing About Our Salvation

I write this blog post out of a sincere desire for the Body of Christ to understand the Salvation process. That's right ... it is a process and not just the one-time event, where you declare your faith in Jesus Christ, and the Father imputes Jesus's righteousness to you, as a believer. It's an important step, and the first step in the Salvation process, called justification. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). We are reconciled with God and freed from the penalty of our sin. But there's so much more to Salvation! If we don't rightly understand this truth, then we can be in serious jeopardy of missing out on our inheritance in Heaven because we did not achieve the fullness of our salvation process and experience.

The Bible has lots to say on the subject of salvation ... Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31); and Romans 10:9 tells us one of the requirements of receiving our salvation: you must confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.  Romans 10:13 says everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Mark 16:16 tells us, Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. We read in Acts 4:12, And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Jesus is the ONLY way to this salvation experience.

I think all Christians raised in the Church know the basic doctrine of Salvation. But how many can perceive the fullness of all that Salvation incorporates, embodies, and encourages? How many understand that our Salvation is a journey that lasts our entire life and is not fully realized until we are received into the Father's Kingdom and His offer of eternal life? And who understands that our Inheritance in the Kingdom is closely associated with how we walk out our Salvation experience while here on earth? This may be a new understanding of our faith for some of you in the Body of Christ, so let me try to clarify some of my statements and answer the questions you may have. 

Let's start here ... There is a lot that needs to happen between that time we profess our faith in Jesus as our Savior, and when we die and go to Heaven. So, let's take it a step at a time. Yes, we are pronounced "saved" when we confess our faith [through grace] in Jesus as the divine Son of God, who through His death on the Cross, paid for our reconciliation with our Creator and Father in Heaven. As stated, that is our justification. But can you discern that Salvation is not a "one and done"? Salvation is a journey and, at the same time, a destination. As I have stated above, it is a process that is meant to yield a fullness in our salvation experience. It begins with answering the call on your life, and professing with your mouth that Jesus is your Savior. That's the first step in your salvation process. Then we receive the Holy Spirit and the part of the process called sanctification begins. We are now to look different from the world; and that involves us setting ourselves apart by learning what God desires of us in order to see His will done in our lives, and on the earth for His Kingdom. 

That means discerning His Truth -- not the world's; and not our own. To do that we must earnestly study HIM, and that comes from studying His Word. We must all begin our own individual walk of growing into the image of God in order to correctly discern what He desires of us. Remember, His ways are infinite and we cannot know His mind or all that He has planned. [NOTE: At this point, I want to make a personal comment ... Too many times, I see Christians interpret the Bible and God's Word according to their own religious philosophies and become judgmental of others whom God is using in different ways to accomplish another level of His will for a different purpose. We should not limit God and His purpose for the world; nor put Him in a box that we have constructed according to our own limited understanding. I am the first to say that I do not know His mind or all His ways, but He is teaching me more every day as I walk through my salvation journey, and it may be different than what He is teaching you. We must allow each other the grace to be used by God as He sees fit.] 

Remember, the Israelites spent 40 years on their walk in the desert, trying to discern and be what God wanted them to be. For me, I believe the process of my sanctified walk will continue until I am face-to-face with Jesus. Again, I want to stress that each of our walks will look different as Jesus and Holy Spirit guide us. Some of us will back-slide like the Israelites, but regain their path. Others will grasp God's Truth and see His plan for their lives quicker and with more clarity than I do. But as long as we stay committed and obedient to doing God's will, and seek His heart, we will cross the finish line at our appointed time. 

We should all endeavor to be like the Wise Virgins in the well-known parable ... keeping filled with the Holy Spirit and being prepared for Jesus's return at any moment. It was the Wise Virgins who got to experience the fullness of their sanctification-to-salvation journey and enter the Wedding Feast. It's not that the Foolish Virgins weren't saved. They were part of the wedding party, invited to enjoy all of the festivities, but they missed out on the full experience of partying with the Bridegroom and His Bride because they did not stay filled with the Holy Spirit [oil] ... They were at the wedding [as Saved Guests], but there was more to experience, and they did not receive the fullness of entering into the Feast that their salvation journey afforded them.

So, what is required of us to receive this "fullness" that I keep emphasizing? It is really simple for me. In the Bible, Jesus says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of Truth" (John 14:15-16). Every commandment written in the Bible is meant for us to obey. If we choose to obey only the ones that are easy, or the ones that suit our personality, or the ones our Church tells us are "the really important ones", then Jesus won't ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Truth of those commandments we chose to ignore. That's what happened to the Foolish Virgins. They missed out on more of the valuable Truth they could have received, and their walk suffered. 

As I see it, even though we may falter in our walk, we are still "born again" and "Saved", but it will be more difficult to look like Jesus, who obeyed every commandment of His Father. We will still be part of God's Family and enter the Kingdom at Jesus's return. But our walk of sanctification will determine our standing in the Kingdom, as we move from sanctification to the next step in our salvation process ... glorification. 

Every Christian should be aware that when Jesus returns, He is bringing rewards with Him. Revelation 22:12 makes that exceedingly clear ... Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. Notice that He doesn't say He will hand out rewards that depend on us declaring we are Saved. Instead, our chances of receiving rewards depends on our walk during the sanctification process. Did we grow and mature into the image of Christ? Were we willing to die unto self in order to live in Him? Were we willing to give up everything in this world [including earthly possessions and relationships] in order to gain everything in the next world? Did we heal the sick, cast out demons, cleanse the lepers [physically and spiritually unclean], raise the dead, and spread the gospel of the Kingdom? Those are sobering questions!

Here's something else to consider. You know those verses about "there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth"? They don't always indicate "hell". Through many conversations with Jesus, and through the counsel of the Holy Spirit, I have come to believe these prophetic words show us the state of those who stand before Jesus and realize they lost rewards in the Millennial Kingdom because they could have done more in their sanctification walk. They could have done more for His Kingdom on earth. There will be disappointment that others are given roles of authority to rule and reign with Christ. Who won't want to be part of the saints who are closest to the Lord?

However, it's not just our inheritance that depends on our walk of sanctification. As we near the end of our salvation journey, we enter into the full magnitude of our salvation experience; our glorification as we are resurrected into a new immortal body. Our glorification, in turn, glorifies Elohim! How much we reflect the righteousness of Christ in our physical lives will be in direct proportion to the level of glory and inheritance we receive in the Kingdom -- and it is all the result of our sanctification process as we reach towards the fullness of our salvation experience. That is our hope of eternal glory, and a goal that every Christian should be working towards. 

Yes, I said "working towards". And yes, I know that Salvation is not earned, but our faith in the justification, sanctification, and glorification precepts of Salvation [which result in inheritance, rewards, and greater measures of glory] depend on the work we do for the Kingdom while in this life. It is at that point that we will truly realize the fullness of all that our Salvation provides us. It is almost more than I can imagine or hope for! What opportunities are afforded to us as children of God! 

So, in summary, while Salvation is a present reality, it is important that we understand it as a process that entails the entire spiritual journey of a believer -- from the first step of justification, through a lifelong experience of sanctification, until you reach the ultimate hope of glorification. It is a journey that is not complete until your life on this earth has ended and you stand before your Savior. Are you up for this journey that will take a lifetime? Are the rewards worth it to you? Do you have a heart to understand the fullness of your Salvation? I pray that each of you will come in the fullness of God to understand His plan of redemption for all mankind. It all begins with knowing and understanding the process of how we are to live our lives once we "get saved". Don't waste another minute!  

Ephesians 1:13-14     In Him you also, when you heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.