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The New Paradigm 2021

The New Paradigm, 2021

By

On February 17, 2021

In Prophecies, Writings

by Bruce Hehl

The New Paradigm, 2021

Back this past November 2020, I had three dreams three nights in a row: a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  I’m not really a dreamer.  When I do have them they are very vivid and no real need for interpretation.

They were about what would take place beginning in 2021. 2021 begins a shift or the beginning of a new paradigm in the Body of Christ. The Lord also reminded me that, from the beginning of the 20th century these paradigms have come about every 20 years or so.  The first one being the Azusa Street and the Welsh revival which begun around 1906 through 1911 or 12 and continued to the early 40’s.

The second paradigm began with the healing campaigns and the return of the Evangelists Movement. This took place in the1940′ and the 1950’s. It was the return of The Evangelists–men such as William Branham and Billy Graham–we could name many others.  Many of these flowed with signs and wonders, while others just proclaimed The Message of Salvation.

The third began throughout the 1960’s and the 1970’s. Releasing the Charismatic movement, along with The Teaching Movement, thus opening faith and insight into the Word of God that we had never experienced before.

During this time, we began to gain an identity in Christ–where the Body of Christ learned they were not just hearing the Word, but realizing they were a conduit of the Word–putting into practice, through the laying on of hands and imparting faith and healing, not just for themselves but for others.

The Apostolic and Prophetic

The fourth paradigm beginning in the 80’s and moving through the 90’s was the release of the Prophetic as well as the Apostolic. This came with gifts of, Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, and Discerning of Spirits.  During this season great revelation and mysteries were released into the Body of Christ, with movements such as The Walk, The Manifestation of The Sons of God, and The Kingdom Movement.

This last paradigm involved laying and building a foundation, teaching us as believers, The Nature and Authority of The Lord’s Church at large.  We became aware that His Kingdom was not a place we were going to, but that His Kingdom was within us, realizing that “In Him we live and have our being.”  Or,  “The Word made flesh (within us) and is a canopy over us.  Or simply stated: “Christ in Us the hope of Glory.”

As my dear friend Bob Lake, and my old traveling companion, Alan Arrowood use to say, “Thy Kingdom come thy will be done in earth (in us) as it is in heaven.”

This letter is not meant to be a lesson in church history, but a brief synopsis (or outline) of where we were and where we are going.  If you remember your Old Testament, during the time of Moses, the people would follow the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.  Thus, the people were constantly on the move,  sojourning in the wilderness traveling from place to place. For forty years they moved about until the Lord removed (or cleansed) the old generation in order to prepare a new generation to enter a Land flowing with Milk and Honey! (By the way, the root Hebrew word for generation is loop or circle.)

Don’t Be Luke-warm

So, as the Body of Christ, if we are not careful, we may find ourselves going in circles, leading us into into a place of spiritual boredom.  Basically I believe this is the current situation. Proverbs says, “Without a vision (A prophetic  Revelation) the people perish (or cast off their restraint).  This is not a happy place. Because of years of constantly wondering around (in our personal wilderness) we have become bored and unproductive. Literally Luke-warm in our relationship with the Father.

I could talk on this all day! The enemy has replaced faith with fear.  The current pandemic we are under in particular has placed us in isolation or quarantine as we now call it.

Actually, if we look at this properly, we could experience this isolation in a fruitful way.  We should be spending time with the Lord, building a strong foundation in our homes, repairing our marriages, fathering and training our children. Should I say more?  If you turn on the daily news all you hear these days are basically three words, “Pandemic, Covid, and Insurrection.”

Fear Tactics

I don’t know about you, but I am growing tired of hearing this. 
The enemy is using the tactic of fear to discourage us from realizing who and what we and are and realizing our true authority in Him, because all of this is about Him. We are to make His Name famous in the earth, but instead as the Children of Israel, we find ourselves murmuring and constantly complaining.

We complain about our government, our President, election fraud, or not being able to receive the vaccine, and so forth. All the while we take our eyes off of Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith.”

Stand Firm

My friends, this is a time to STAND FIRM. In Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians chapter 6, the term stand firm means, to be placed as a chess piece is placed on a chess board. We have been placed in our present situation by the Lord.  The Lord Himself has placed you where you are.  We are not to engage in battle, nor are we to move. So, Stand Firm.  “The Lord in your midst is Mighty!”

Paul tells us we have what we need. This is a finished work, completed by the Lord Jesus before the foundation of the world. We are cloaked in His armor from head to toe. Just stand in place and wait patiently until He moves you forward by His Insight and through His Wisdom.

This is the only means of success for waging war in the present fight we find ourselves in. “For the Kingdom of Heaven is first of all Righteousness, (meaning right relationship with Him) Peace, and Joy, in the Holy Spirit.

The New Paradigm 2021

Now we shall reveal the mystery of paradigm number 5, as the Lord revealed it to me.

Beginning in 2020 the Lord began to show me that things were beginning to change, not just within the Body of Christ, but also in the world at large. Please hear me! We as the Body of Christ need to be aware that things are changing.

Everything about this paradigm is different from anything we have ever experienced before. We as the Body of Christ have never been this way before. Keep in mind, just as the Old Testament was fulfilled in John The Baptist, this new paradigm comes with transition as well as transformation.

Transition from where we were into transformation into where we are going. (Mathew 11, “For all the Law and the Prophets were UNTIL John.” And Jesus said, “If you can believe it.  He is Elijah!”) This paradigm shift according to scripture was a huge change and transition. They went from following the Law to the release of His Love and Grace in Christ Jesus. A stunning factor for the Pharisees because they refused to transition from the law and experience His Love and Grace.

This present paradigm comes with remarkable change, transition, and Transformation. I believe we the Body of Christ are now writing a new Book of Acts. Some of you might say, “Don’t believe this heretic.” But I’m trying to tell you, as Bob Dylan wrote many years ago, “The times they are a changin’.”

You know I don’t really care what others think about me. In my opinion they are a bunch of pussy-ass, coward-ass pussified, pussies!! I have nothing to lose and only Christ to gain. We have already begun this new transition.

New Wine

I will tell you I’m not completely there yet myself.  As Jesus said, “You can’t put new wine into an old wine skin.” Transitioning from transition into transformation requires a change of mindset. We need to let go of our old ways of thinking and ready ourselves.  As I have said before, we have never been this way before.

We’ve had Azusa Street. We’ve had the miracles of the healing movement.  We’ve had the teaching moment.  We’ve had the Aposotlic and Prophetic Movement.  Don’t look back and turn into a pillar of salt, because we are entering into an hour when the Body of Christ will come alive.  These other Movements were to prepare us, “For such a time as this!”  Ezekiel’s vision of The Valley of Dry Bones is here!

If the previous movements had done what they were supposed to do we would be ready for this. Instead they’ve been busy building their own kingdoms–receiving money, selling their teachings, selling their books, making themselves fat from collecting royalties, and living in luxury.

All the while the Body of Christ has been neglected, blindly following men and movements, hoping for a personal prophecy, or having someone lay hands on them for healing. I believe this is what Jesus meant when He said, “In the last days men will say, low here is Christ!” Some of this has been good, of course, but not entirely on target.

The New Paradigm 2021

I myself am guilty of some of this. There was a time when I wanted a reputation among men. I wanted to be successful.  My ego along with my insecurity wanted such a reputation.

I am a talented musician and singer. When I am in the zone I can prophecy with the best of them. I’ve been detailed and accurate in my words as well as proven over time many of the words I have spoken have come to pass.

Am I bragging? Well yes, I suppose so. In the scheme of things is any of this important? Not really! As Paul is fond of saying, “leaving the former things behind me in order to press for the High Calling of God.”

This High Calling is what is important. “That I might Know Christ and Him crucified.” Also, “that I might know Him in the Glory to be revealed!” This new paradigm is not just knowing Him, but becoming His ambassador in the earth and entering into His Likeness which is what we were destined to become before the foundation of the world. I hope you can hear and receive this.  I am prophesying to you right now!  Please hear the Word of the Lord and receive.

As humans we are gifted with five physical senses. If we can leave our past glory of accomplishments behind us, we will set ourselves up for a new wave of His presence. This time entering into a manifestation of His Presence and glory within us as never before.

Shout Yes!

The prophet Isaiah says,”ARISE AND SHINE FOR THE GLORY OF THE LORD IS RISEN UPON YOU!” The prophet Obadiah says, “And Saviors will come upon Mount Zion to judge the mountains. And the Lord shall be king over all the Earth!” I don’t know about you, but I am ready to Shout! Well?! Shout His Name out loud and receive His Promise!

This is  where we are going.  The Lord reminded me we need to be ready for the long haul.  This present move will start slow and then begin to build momentum, just as a snowball rolls down the mountain. It gets bigger and bigger as it gains steam, rolling and rolling, until it becomes an avalanche removing everything in it’s wake.

Are you ready for this? Who can enter into this flow of the spirit?  Only a dead man. Those who are dead to themselves, dead in their accomplishments, and dead to this world. Then they are ready to receive His Grace and become His Love in all things!!

In the natural, man has five physical senses. In this paradigm only those who are dead to themselves will come alive in Christ! (Remember Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones they became an army because The Breath of the Lord entered into them.) We will come alive in Christ gifted with five Spiritual Senses. We as the army (Or Body) of Christ Will begin to feel and know His Presence, begin to See Him with our eyes, to hear His Voice as never before, “To Taste and see that the Lord is good, and to be touched with the Feeling of their infirmities.”

A New Symphony

The Body of Christ, will then work together in concert, becoming a beautiful and majestic group of players and believers. This paradigm will be known Symphony number 1,” The Mystery of His love and Grace.” The conductor of this orchestra (or body) is Jesus Christ The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords!

If you can hear what I am saying then wake up and stand at attention. Take your eyes off Spiritual leaders and government officials. The Kingdom of Heaven is not coming to the governments of men, nor is it coming to spiritual leaders who want to build kingdoms unto themselves. Nor does it come through the use of fear by liberal media, social media, and other platforms. Those who scream pandemic in order to isolate us, by wearing masks and telling us there is not enough vaccine to go around.

Remember anytime a new move of God arrives the enemy goes to work immediately to destroy it. Well, the enemy must really be scared this time.  Because this pandemic is now a worldwide problem. In the past even a World War had boundaries.  This time the entire world is in panic and lock-down from something we can’t even see with our eyes.

Does this mean the virus is not real? Of course not, but I do believe it is being blown completely out of proportion. The real pandemic is a pandemic of fear. Thus taking our eyes away from the Lord and placing our eyes upon the problem. Remember Jesus is the solution!

Jesus walked among the lepers and healed them.  Lepers were the greatest source of the fear during the times in which they lived, but Jesus trained Himself to only listen to His Father’s voice. We need to learn this–learn to Listen to His voice. Only do what you hear the Father say. This is paramount in this present transition.

The New Paradigm 2021

The reason is simple. We are in a shift where we will experience the presence of the Lord as never before. I can’t make this point clearer.

The five fold ministry is an imperfect ministry.  Paul makes this point very clear. “Until we all reach the unity of the faith and the bond of peace. Also, “Prophecy will cease,  tongues will still, and knowledge will pass away.”

And what will remain you might ask? (Some will ask me? Why don’t you give us the scriptures? Well, look it up!  Do a Google search. Or better yet!  READ YOUR BIBLE!)  Faith, Hope, and Love will remain.  Because, LOVE NEVER FAILS!

Please understand this!  There is a paradigm shift in the Kingdom of Heaven!  Realize this is something completely new. We have never been this way before. Some have seen it from afar, or from a distance, but we are here.

The Body is Everywhere

The Presence of the Lord is working in us and through us.  Don’t look for an impartation or an infusion from a man or from a ministry, but link up with the Body of Christ wherever they might be. Even though you may not find them or see them they are there.

They are the hidden ones who have clothed themselves in the Lord.  They live in there prayer closets.  They stand in His Presence both day and night making intercession on everyone’s behalf. Many are present and among us, and those whose lives have gone on before us. Those who are part of a great cloud of witnesses stand before the Lord cheering us on. (“So that together with us all are made perfect.”)

Rise up with them and stand in agreement.  Unite and enter into the victory of their strength. Rise up and acknowledge them. Become a conduit of their prayers of faith and victory.  Tap into their gifting and flow. Become a living witness, being light in the midst of darkness. Declare a testimony of victory and declare the Kingdom of God is at hand!

Living Stones

This is where we are right now.  Living stones being built into a spiritual house, fortified by the power of His Grace and might.  Enabled by His Love to love the unlovable and reach the unreachable.  “ONE HUGE PRIESTLEY PRESENCE DOMINATING THE LANDSCAPE ALWAYS!”

My mother has been through quite a lot over the years. She has been a warrior to many as well as myself.  She has been part (or leader) of an intercessory team for over twenty years. This group has fasted and prayed for people, for nations,for governments, for cancer, for the addicted, the homeless, and for any request that has come before them.

Now she is older–a tired warrior, in need of strength and healing. As her eldest son I have been trying to encourage her with what I am proclaiming to you.

The Parable of the Vineyard

Think of the parable of the vineyard. For those who began in the early morning and toiled until night, and those who began work an hour before closing time all received the same reward for the day. Some would say that they do not deserve the same reward. It’s not fair because they are tired and those who worked only one hour are still fresh and lively.

You need to understand this because they have paved the way for us. Their faith and struggle have enabled us to gain a better understanding, a greater grace, and a greater love, in order to move us forward to reach the prize of a higher calling which we hunger for.

Many will not understand us. Some may even persecute us, but only together with us can they be made perfect. This goes for those who are being birthed into the Kingdom even as we speak.  As we grow near “The Day of The Lord.”  This younger generation will grow quicker into the things of God and at a much faster pace, possibly leaving us behind.

We’re in this Love Together

We may have experienced more suffering, and much more tribulation, but we are all working in the vineyard together.  I am reminded of a song by Al Jarreau entitled, “We’re in this love together.”

We need to forgive them who speak against us.  We need to respect those who have gone before us. Mostly we need to love everyone, if they agree with us or not. We may be on different plains of revelational thinking. Remember they themselves were persecuted for what they believed.

Being willing to change is the key to the mystery of serving Christ. Paradigm shifts or changes either overlap each other or leave others behind.  This does not need to happen. We all receive the same reward. Keep this in mind for the future.

The New Paradigm 2021

In closing, my dream was awesome.  There is no way (in my present state of mind) I can do justice to the meaning of His Word. I do want to say I saw us as believers having authority and power on a plane of existence I can only hope for.  I have said this many times before! You represent the Kingdom of Heaven no matter where you are or where you live.

We carry His Presence with us always.  We are His treasure in earthen vessels. You need to see this. While at home, at work, in a store, or at a restaurant, The Presence of His Holy Spirit moves in you.

You don’t have to speak. You don’t have to lay hands on anyone (unless the Lord tells you to). You only need to know that your life can and will change the atmosphere of where you are, because of His Life within you.  Wherever you are, please know, the birds sing sweeter, and the grass grows greener where you are. Even an airplane or a jet that flies over you come in contact with the Kingdom of Heaven.

You may think this silly.  I don’t care. Just believe and receive this.  I practice this everywhere I go, and I am beginning to see results.  As Jesus said, “My Peace I leave with you. If you enter a peaceful man’s house, leave your peace with them!”  Learn to become Peter’s healing shadow.  Wherever you go!!
Blessings my faithful friends and my dear partners of His Love and Mercy!

War and Glory

War and Glory

By

On October 16, 2020

In Prophecies

by Rick Joyner (from MorningStar Journal Vol.4 No.2 Pages: 56-65)

War and Glory. In August of 1993, I had a vision of the church. It was represented as an island in the middle of a sea. There were many different types of buildings all over this island, each of which I understood to represent a different denomination or movement. These buildings seemed to clash with each other architecturally as there were very old ones next to very modern ones. There was a war going on between many of the buildings, and most of them looked like bombed out shells. People were still living in the buildings, but most were starving and wounded.

The Controlling Spirits

There were two dark spirits over the island directing this war. One was named Jealousy and the other one Fear. They congratulated each other every time one of the buildings suffered damage, or people were wounded.

I then saw two powerful and frightening spirits rising over the sea. These became storms. One was Rage and the other Lawlessness. They were stirring up the sea and causing great waves to crash onto the island. Soon these storms became so large that they seemed even more threatening to the island than the war.

I felt that the people in the city had to be warned about these storms, and several apparent watchmen were trying to do this, but no one would listen to them. The people only debated and argued about whether the watchmen should be trusted. This was remarkable because anyone who just looked up could see the storms for themselves.

These wars had left so many people wounded that the hospitals were fast becoming the largest buildings on the island. The hospitals were movements or denominations that had given themselves to healing the wounded. As these grew, the other warring factions had no respect for them as being a place where even their own wounded were being cared for, but were instead more resolved to destroy them than the other buildings.

As the war continued, even those who were not badly wounded had the appearance of phantoms, or they became grotesquely deformed from the starvation and disease. Anytime a building received a supply of food, which would attract people, it would become a target. I could not comprehend how even a war could be so cruel–and this was the church!

In the midst of the battle, men were still trying to add to their buildings, or start new ones, but it was futile. Whenever one building would start to rise a little higher than the others, or any time a new building was started, it would become the main target of all of the other buildings, and it would quickly be reduced to rubble.

I was then shown many powerful leaders who were conducting this war. All of them had the same word on their forehead: “Treachery.” I was surprised that anyone would follow someone with that written on them, but they did. I was reminded of II Corinthians 11:20, “For you bear with you anyone if he enslaves you, if he devours you, if he takes advantage of you, if he exalts himself, if he hits you in the face.”

A Remnant

However, there were people who appeared as lights in almost every building. These lights refused to take part in the fighting, but spent their time trying to repair the buildings, or nurse the wounded. Even though it was impossible to keep up with the damage or the wounded, they did not stop trying.

It was also apparent that each of these lights had the power to heal wounds, and that power was increasing as they worked. Those who were healed became lights just like those who healed them. It was obvious that these individuals who were committed to healing the wounded were now able to do more than the hospitals because of the ruthlessness of the attacks on the hospitals. Understanding this, the hospitals dispersed their people as “healing teams” which spread out across the island and moved in to many of the other buildings. There were also small camps around the perimeter of the island. Some of these were involved in the war between the buildings, and seemed intent on trying to destroy all of the buildings so that they could bring people in to their camps. The leaders of these camps had the same word “Treachery” written on their foreheads.

There were a few of these camps which were not involved in the war, and they too appeared as lights. These were also growing in authority, but it was a different authority than the healing powers that the others had. They had authority over events. They were praying to stop small battles, and to keep small storms away, and it was happening as they prayed.

The two spirits over the city and the two storms became very intimidated by these small camps. I felt that these intercessory groups were actually close to having the authority to stop the major battles and big storms, which were obviously the source of agitation of these large spirits.

The Tragedy

There were multitudes of boats and ships all around the island that were waiting to enter the city as soon as the fighting stopped. Many of these boats were full of refugees from other wars, and many were wounded. There were also ships bearing kings, presidents and those who appeared wealthy and prosperous. These were all afraid of the storms, but they could not enter the city because of the fighting. Their groans and screams were so loud I was surprised that no one in the city would hear them; no one even seemed aware that they were out there.

In His Wisdom

Then I saw the Lord standing and watching. He was so glorious that I wondered why I had not seen Him before, or why everyone in the city did not stop to worship Him. To my amazement, no one was able to see Him. I then looked in to the eyes of some of the people, and they were all so “blood-shot” that I was surprised that they could see anything.

I then wondered why the Lord did not stop the fighting, and seemed content to just watch. As if He had understood my thoughts, He turned and said to me, “This is My church. These were the houses men tried to build for Me. I knocked on the door of each one, but they would not open to Me. I would have brought peace because I will only dwell in the city of peace.”

Then He turned and indicated the people in the ships, saying: “If I allowed all of the these people to come to the city now they would just be used in the war. When their cries become louder than the war, I will build a place for them.”

Then He looked at me with great earnestness and said, “I allowed this to happen so that it would never happen again!” It is hard to convey the power of this statement, but imparted to me a deep understanding that He allowed this conflict to continue out of profound wisdom. He then said, “Until you understand this you cannot understand what I am about to do.”

When the cries of those in the boats became louder than the conflict in the city, the Lord gave a command and the sea was released. Great tidal waves arose and began to sweep across the island until they covered the buildings. The spirits that were storms joined the spirits over the island, and they all grew to almost double their previous size. Then the island completely disappeared under the darkness of the spirits and the raging sea.

The Lord did not move as this was happening. I knew that my only protection was to stand as close to Him as possible. I could not see anything but Him during this great storm. As I looked at His face I could see both hurt and resolve.

The House Of the Lord is Built

Slowly, the storms died down and the tides receded. The individuals who were the lights in the buildings emerged and remained standing where the buildings had once been. Then the Lord, who had been on the edge of the island, moved to the center and said, “Now I will build My house.”

And all of those were lights started turning toward the Lord. As they turned, they became even brighter, and each group was changed into a living pillar right where they stood. Soon it became obvious that these pillars were the framework of a building which would almost cover the entire island.

The pillars were different colors, shapes, and sizes. It was hard to understand how all of these, being so different, would work as a single frame work, However, the Lord seemed very pleased with each one, and they did eventually all fit together.

The People Come

Then the ships and boats all started landing on the island. There were multitudes of people. Each ship or boat was from a different country or race of people. Soon I began to think that, even as large as it was, there were too many people for the building. Then the Lord looked at me and said very sternly, “We will build as many rooms as we need–no one will be turned away.”

This was said so sternly that I resolved to never again consider turning people away as an option. I also pondered how the biggest problem before was how to get people to come to the buildings. Now the big problem was what to do with all of the people.

The Cemetery

When each ship arrived, the people on it were led straight to the Lord. He looked into the eyes of each one and said, “If you trust Me, you will die for me.” When one said “I will die for You,” He immediately thrust His sword right through his heart. This caused very real pain. To those who tried to avoid the sword, it was obviously even more painful. To those who relaxed, it did not seem to hurt as much.

They were then taken to a cemetery with the words “Obscurity” over the gate. I felt compelled to follow them. Those who had been stabbed were checked to see that they were really dead before they were buried. Some clung to life for a long time, and were laid off to one side. Quickly, those who were buried began to arise as lights just like those who had survived the storm. I noticed that they were not staying in their tombs the same length of time. Some of them arose before those who were clinging to life were even buried.

When I first looked at this cemetery, it looked like a dreadful place, and I did not think that it fit at all on this now glorious island. As I left the cemetery, I turned to look back at it, and it looked beautiful. I could not figure out what was different, when one of the workers said to me knowingly, “The cemetery has not changed–you have.”

I then looked at the building and it was even more glorious than I had remembered. I then looked at the island and felt the same thing–it had become much more beautiful. I remembered the Scripture, “Precious the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” (Psalm 116:15). The worker, who was still looking at me, then said, “You have not died yet, but were changed just by being close to those who have. When you die you will see even more glory.”

Those who were emerging as lights from the cemetery were each being led to their own place in the building, which would have their name on it. Some joined the walls, others joined the pillars, some became windows or doors. They remained people even after they became a part of the building.

The Test

I returned to the Lord’s side. Standing in His presence was so wonderful I could not imagine why anyone would not be willing to die for Him, but many of the people coming from the ships did refuse. These would all back away from Him at the request. Many of these went back to the ships, some of which left and some which remained in the harbor.

A few of the people who refused to die stayed on the island and were allowed to walk about freely, and even enter the House of the Lord. They seemed to love and bask in the glory of it all. Many of these began to shine with a glory too, but they only reflected what was coming from the others.

As I was thinking that it was not right for these to be allowed to stay, the Lord said to me, “My patience will win many of these, but even those that never give me their lives, I love and am pleased to let them enjoy my glory. Never turn away those who love My glory.” These really did enjoy the house, and enjoyed the presence of the Lord that radiated from the house, but they seemed timid, and retreated when the Lord Himself came close to them.

I then watched as those who had refused to die for the Lord began to act as if His house were their own, and had been built for them. I wanted to be angry at their great presumption, but I could not feel anger even though I wanted to. I then understood that it was because I was standing so close to the Lord that I could not be mad. This forced me to make the decision to stay close to Him or move away so that I could be angry.

I was surprised that this was a difficult decision, that I would even consider wanting to move away from the Lord, but it honestly was. Out of fear at what was arising within me, I stepped closer to the Lord. He immediately reached out and grabbed me as if I was about to fall off of a cliff. As I looked behind me I was astonished to find that I had been on the very edge of one, and had I taken that step away from the Lord to feel the anger, I would have stepped off of it.

He then said to me, “In this house I can tolerate presumption more than that anger. That anger would start the war again.” I was then overwhelmed with the knowledge that I had not yet made the decision to die for Him either, and that I too had been presumptuously feeling possessive of both the house and the Lord. When I saw this great evil in my own heart I was appalled and immediately begged the Lord to destroy my evil heart with His word.

Resurrection Life

When the Lord pierced My heart, I was surprised to feel so little pain when it seemed to have been so hard on others. He then said, “Those who request death die easier.” I remembered His statement in Matthew 21:44 “And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whoever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.”

I did not remember being carried to the cemetery, but just as if no time at all had passed, I was emerging from it again. Now the glory of everything I saw was unspeakable. I looked at the rock and loved it. I looked at trees, the sky and clouds, and could not believe how wonderful they were. A sparrow seemed more glorious than any bird I had ever seen. I wondered at the great treasure that this little bird was, and why I had not appreciated him like this before.

I then looked at the presumptuous people. Not only did I feel no temptation to be angry, I loved them so much I would have let one each pierce my heart again if it would help them. I then began to think of how blessed I was to be able to meet them and be with them. Now I actually wanted them to stay and could not even comprehend how I was ever tempted to be angry at them–they were much greater treasures than the sparrow!

Then the Lord stood next to me. Though I did not think it was possible, He was much more glorious than before, and I was able to bear it. He said, “This is why the death of My people is so precious to Me. Those who seek to save their life always lose it, but those who lose their life for My sake find true life. Now you know true life because you know love.”

I then looked at the house and all of those who composed it. Everything and every one that I looked at seemed to stir up this great feeling of love that was more wonderful than anything I had ever felt before. I wanted to go look at or talk to each one, but I did not want to leave the Lord’s side, Whose presence was even more compelling. Knowing my thoughts, he said, “You need never fear leaving My side, because I have made My abode in you and I will be with you everywhere that you go.”

As I watched the presumptuous people, they were enjoying all of the blessings, and even thought of themselves as the reasons for them, but they really were not even a part of what was being built. Having just been one of them I also knew how shallow their enjoyment was, compared to what it could be, and a great compassion came over me for them. As I continued watching these people, they gradually became thinner in substance until they were just like the phantoms I had seen in the city that had been destroyed. Again I thought of the Lord’s words, “Those who seek to save their life will lose it, but those who lose their life for My sake will find it.”

No Limits

Then I looked at how the building kept getting higher, and the higher it went the more glory it exuded and the further it could be seen. This resulted in even more ships and people coming through the storms, which were still raging, but seemed unable to affect the island. As I wondered how high the building could get, the Lord turned to me again and, as if He were answering my thoughts, said, “There is no limit to how high we can build this because I am the foundation and love is the cement.”

This caused me to look at the cement, which was transparent but radiated a great power. I wondered how I had not noticed this before; it was now so obvious and captivating. I then started pondering how I seemed blind to even the greatest wonders of this building until the Lord directed my attention to them. It caused me to turn back to the Lord and watch everything to which He gave His attention.

The Lord then began looking at the people who now composed the building. As I looked at them again I was immediately struck by the fact that they were more than people–I knew that they were the “new creation” that had transcended this creation. They had bridged the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, and were clearly a part of both. They were unquestionably supernatural, which did not mean that they were more than natural, but far more natural than anything “natural” I had ever seen. They were more real than anything I had ever considered “real.” They made everything else seem like a shadow, and this sense increased as they continued to change.

Soon the glory that was coming from them could be both seen and felt. The feeling was not like a touch, but like an emotion, As I walked close enough to this glory, it made me feel so good that the only way that I can describe it is like a wonderful intoxication, not one that clouded the mind, but illuminated it. I felt somehow ennobled, not with pride, but with a powerful sense of destiny. I also felt a profound security, as if I were in complete harmony with the ground, the air and especially the Lord and His house. The feeling was so good I never wanted to move again.

With the addition of each new boatload of people, the transformation of those already a part of the building would continue, and the glory of the whole building would increase and expand. This made everyone in the building greatly rejoice with the coming of each new group of people.

Sharing the Glory

When those who came from the cemetery took their place in the building, those who were already a part tried to give the new ones their own glory. As they did this, the glory radiating from the Lord would increase, and He would give even more to those who had given their own glory away. Those who were the most devoted to this sharing would be the ones used to start the next level of the house, which kept going higher and higher.

I thought of how opposite this was from the jealousy which had prevailed previously in the city. I then tried to ponder the jealousy to understand it more, but it was almost impossible to do. Because I could no longer feel jealousy, I had a difficult time even understanding what it was–it seemed as unreal as if it had only existed in bad dreams. The joy of sharing was so great that not doing it now seemed incomprehensible. The more the glory was shared, the more each one received to share.

The joy of sharing was so great that I knew that all of us would be spending eternity just seeking others with whom to share the glory. I had a strong sense of knowing that the Lord would be creating many new worlds just for us to have new places to share His glory. I then knew that this was why He had created the universe with such diversity, and why He created it to continually expand at a rapid pace. Those who touched His glory were touched by a love that had to share the glory, which caused them to expand. He had given us the universe to share His glory with. He had set in motion a glorious chain reaction that would never stop! There were no limits on time or space, and we would need every bit of it!

The Storms Return

Then suddenly my attention was turned toward the storms that had continued to grow in the sea. To my shock they had grown larger and faster than the house of the Lord, and were now coming toward the island.

Great waves covered the island and the building disappeared from my view, even though I was still very close to it. The fury of this storm was beyond comprehension, but I felt no fear at all. I knew that it was because I had already died to this world and had a life that could never be taken from me. As wonderful as the island had become, I was just happy to die physically so that I would be free to carry the glory of the Lord to the rest of the universe that had so captured my attention. It really would have been hard to choose to stay or go, I just rested and waited.

Gradually the storms abated and the building then re-emerged. Both the buildings and the island were much smaller, but even more glorious. Then I noticed that the storms were just off shore and were returning. This happened several times, and each time the building would emerge it would be smaller, but more glorious. Each time that this happened the storms were also much smaller–they were wearing themselves out on the island. Soon the storms could only generate small waves that posed no threat of any real damage. The glory of the house was now beyond any human description.

Then the clouds dissipated altogether into the most beautiful sky I had ever seen. As I gazed into the sky I began to realize that it was filled with the glory that was being emitted from the house. As I looked at the house I was amazed that there was no damage from the storm, though it was much smaller. Even so, the glory now coming from the house was much greater than before, and was reflected by everything. I felt that it was so great that it must already be extending far beyond the earth.

Then the vision changed and I was alone with the Lord. All of the great feelings were gone–even the love. He looked at me earnestly and said, “The war is almost over. It is time to prepare for the storms. Tell My people that no one with His brother’s blood on His hands will be used to build My house.”

I was trying hard to listen to these words in order to heed them, while still thinking about the great love I had felt. He then said, “This was a dream, but it is real. You have known everything that I have shown you in this dream in your heart. Now believe with your heart and My love will be real to you again. This is your quest–to know my love.”

Comments

The general interpretation of this vision is obvious, but I do think that many of the feelings that I had during this experience are an important part of the message.

In looking at the different buildings which I knew represented denominations or movements, the architectural clash was so striking that it was grotesque. It was as if they were all so intent on being different that the most hideous skyline had been the result. I could not imagine anyone who happened upon such a city having any desire to enter it, even if the conflict was not taking place.

The church is doing much more damage to herself through infighting than the enemies without are able to do. At that time I was consciously surprised that the Lord did not intervene in this destructive fighting. Those who were fighting against the other denominations, or movements, were all disqualified from being a part of the house the Lord built.

This reminded me of King David, who, because he was “a man of war and had shed blood” (1Chronicles 28:3), was not allowed to build the temple of the Lord. This did not disqualify David from salvation, or from being considered one of the great men of God of all time. I felt that many true saints, and even great men of God, were tragically disqualifying themselves from this most wonderful work of all by becoming embroiled in this spiritual civil war. This even caused them to lose the light that hey had; only the peacemakers, and those who to trying to repair and build instead of tearing down, radiated with light in this vision.

I think that it was significant that almost all, if not all, of these buildings contained those who were true lights. These may appear as small lights now, but they will be the foundation upon which the Lord will build His house.

Because the sea sometimes represents “mass humanity” in Scripture (see Revelation 17:15), the multitudes are going to rise up in great waves which will destroy much of the present visible structure of the church. Those who are true lights will not be swept away by the waves. Those who walk in this truth have a foundation which cannot be shaken.

The Lord’s command to release the sea did not cause the sea to rise up, but just removed that which was restraining it. The sea then came with fury against the island, as if it were being controlled by a great hatred. I believe this represented a great hatred against visible, institutional Christianity that will arise, and the Lord will allow it to destroy these institutions.

When these great tidal waves had stopped, there were no Christian institutions as represented by the buildings that men had constructed. However, all of the real Christians remained. I do not think that it is wrong to keep trying to repair these structures, as the Lord honored and preserved those who did, but this vision affirmed deep within me the need to focus on building people, rather than trying to build another institution that will be able to stand in these times–none of them will stand.

Even though these present buildings were destroyed, they each contained those who were to be pillars in His house. The house of the Lord was a brand new building but those who became the main supports in it came from almost every denomination and movement. The Lord is “the wise man who brings forth from His treasures things both new and old.” The Lord does have new wine to serve, but Isaiah 25:6 declares that the Lord will also serve “refined, aged wine.” The Lord will not use either the old or the new, but both the old and new.

The Lord’s house was built in the midst of the increasing storms of rage and lawlessness. It radiated as an even greater light because of the storms. I was encouraged that the Lord will build, on this earth, a church that really will reflect His glory, and that this age will not end until He does.

It could not be any other way. Moses contended when the Lord threatened to destroy Israel, that this would only leave the testimony that He could bring people out of Egypt, but could not lead them into the Promised Land. The Lord will have a testimony, through the church, that will last for eternity. That testimony will be that He not only can forgive the sins of His church, but He also has the power and wisdom to deliver her from her sins, and maker her into a glorious bride without spot or wrinkle:

Mt 16:13-18

  1. When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  2. And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
  3. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
  4. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
  5. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  6. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mourning an imaginary life

Mourning an Imaginary Life

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On September 30, 2020

In Writings

by Katherine Harrington

Mourning an imaginary life, We dream dreams and make plans and chart a course for our future days and then the unexpected happens–the thing that changed it all, totally out of your control, a happenstance.

The repercussions follow us, nothing is as we had hoped or plan for. There is sadness and remorse and grief over dreams lost, shattered by the reality of what is. When we do not let go, when we hold on to what we hoped for, dreamed of, even expected, we find ourselves in a state of continuously mourning an imaginary life. It robs us of living in the today and enjoying nearly everything. Be brave, courageous and let go, there is so much beauty in your today that is waiting for you!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. With great pains I have provided for the house of the LORD 100,000 talents of gold, a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone, too, I have provided. To these you must add. You have an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The LORD be with you!”

1 Chronicles 22:13-16

Mourning an Imaginary Life

Miraculous Healing

Miraculous Healing

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On September 2, 2020

In Teachings

Miraculous Healing

I serve a miracle working God. I have seen many miracles, some from my own hands. Here’s a story about one of the most amazing miracles I’ve experienced in my family.

When my father died horribly of lung cancer, I was frustrated at the Lord for having done such a miracle and then him dying of another horrible disease. I began to inquire of the Lord about what this was all about.

I reflected back on all of the miracles I had ever heard of or had experienced and a pattern began to emerge. Every miracle I had ever seen, heard of, read about, the healed person was either an unbeliever or a baby Christian. (My Dad was a baby Christian at the time.)

Every person I knew of that was a seasoned Christian and contracted some mortal disease and prayed and sought God, then died of that mortal disease. Everyone would then look to God and say, “Why do you do this? Why do you do miracles for some and not for those who serve you?” This is the key.

The Story of Hezekiah

I spoke to a friend of mine about this and she pointed me to the story of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah had contracted a mortal illness and was dying. He cried out to the Lord and sought God’s help and sent for the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah came and basically said, “Put your affairs in order, you’re going to die.”

When he left, Hezekiah cried out to God and said, “I’ve been a good king.” (He was. One of the few.) “Please don’t let me die like this.”

God sent Isaiah back and said, “The Lord has heard your prayer and God is going to heal you.” He told him that the shadow outside his window would move backwards 20 degrees so that he would know that God was indeed going to heal him. It happened and he recovered from his illness.

After he recovered from his illness, he conceived Manasseh, who became the most wicked king Israel ever had. My friend said that this was because at the place in his life, King Hezekiah should have known how to pray to deal with his illness instead of asking God for a miracle.

So, the answer that I’ve come up with at this point of my life is this. God does miracles for unbelievers and baby Christians to show forth his love to them. As we mature in our walk with the Lord, God expects us to be able to hear his voice for our own situations and walk out our healing ourselves.

Miraculous Healing

Desperate Measures Call for Desperate Times

Desperate Measures Call for Desperate Times?

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On August 6, 2020

In Teachings

by Bruce Hehl

Desperate Measures Call for Desperate Times

My brother hates this backwards phrase, but looking around the world today things look and seem completely backwards to us and completely out of sorts.  All of us are trying to find our footing in this brand new world we live in.  Even our faith and most of our theology is being put to test.

This is not a time to be right but to live right. Our revelation can’t save us. Our Theology cannot save us. Only our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can save us. For as it says in The Book of Acts, “In Him we live and move and have our being.”

Everything will be Shaken

We live in a time where everything can and will be shaken. This includes our faith, our theology, our jobs, our homes and families, even our President. If you are focused on flying out of here anytime soon before this gets worse you better rethink your motives. Why should we think America should be any different then the other nations of the world? Many around the world have suffered persecution to the point of death for their faith and belief in The Lord Jesus Christ for centuries.

Just to let you know, my own personal revelation is being tested. The message I preach and believe has been a part of me for almost forty years. Late last fall and early winter my faith and personal relationship with the Lord was put to a test in a way I have never experienced before in my life, to the point of doubting the Lord’s existence. I actually didn’t think this possible, especially after all the miracles I’ve experienced in my life and in the lives of others over almost 50 years of serving the Lord.

I’ve been through a lot in my life. I have been near dead several times. I have had out of the body experiences, I have had dreams, I have had visions, and have even experienced personal encounters with two significant bible characters. All of this means nothing, of course, without a strong personal relationship with Him. Paul tells us, “Tongues will cease, knowledge will vanish, and Prophecy will fail. In the end only Faith, Hope, and Love, will remain.” This is enough to rock any of us who, unbeknownst to us, have put our faith and trust in areas other than Him.

Not about Right and Wrong

I have listened with great interest to many present Bible thinkers, and teachers, who have their own ideas concerning the times we live in–each and every one with a different perspective. So, who is right and who is wrong? I am trying with all my heart to be open and honest in my thinking as never before. When you spend forty years of your life moving in a direction as a horse with blinders on this is not easy.

Religion has always been an enemy of the cross as well as our mind. The enemy’s greatest deception is to lead us away from the truth. After the fall in the garden, the enemy’s deception was to cover the tracks that led back to the Lord by Adam and Eve covering themselves because of being naked. The Lord’s first question to them was, “Adam, where are you?” His second question was, “Who told you you were naked? Notice it was the Lord looking for Adam and not the other way around. Adam was too busy covering over his nakedness. Because of this, the enemy was able to cover up the tracks (through deception) that led back to His Presence!

The Lord will Come after us

The grace and mercy of the Lord towards His People is so above our comprehension and understanding. In this life we will never completely understand! “Because of His great love for us, God who is rich in His mercy made us alive in Christ, though we were dead in our trespasses and sins!” Know this! The Lord is searching for us wherever we may be. No matter what pit or place of darkness we find ourselves. “He is the same today, yesterday, and forever.” His eye is always upon us. So, our job is to find Him and listen to His voice calling us, not through theology, or doctrine. And you can bet the enemy will use every tool in his arsenal to try and cover our tracks that leads us back to finding Him!

Any and all sin can and will blind us from finding the path that leads to His Presence. With all that is going on in this present time of chaos we need to separate ourselves, or sanctify ourselves (The Greek meaning is to set apart or aside from) unto Him. The Body at large needs to come together in unity, (literally glue ourselves together in this hour) separating ourselves from the things of this world and find Him. “Christ in us is the hope of glory!”

Restore our Joy

I receive dozens of posts and messages on messenger telling me who and what the problem is. It doesn’t take rocket science to explain what is going on. This is a time where the enemy is sifting us as wheat. Doctrine, religion, theology, even personal revelation can and will interfere with us finding Him. It doesn’t mean we have to let go of our beliefs. It means it’s time to set them aside and return to our first love! That’s what all faithful Christians have in common. “Lord, restore to us the joy of your salvation!”

At the beginning of 2020 the Lord’s Word to me was, “we are in the midst of a paradigm shift in the Kingdom of Heaven. Also, the days of Eli are over and the Lord is establishing a new order of authority in the Body of Christ!” It’s the time of Samuel who was the last judge of Israel. When Samuel showed up, righteousness and order was restored. All the people acknowledged the fact that he was ordained as a prophet because the Word of the Lord was with him, “and not one of his words fell to the ground.”

Fear of the Lord

Samuel brought back the fear of the Lord unto the people. He ruled as a priest and a judge until the Lord established a king to rule over them. Remember, the first king was man made and what the people wanted. The King the Lord wanted was a man after His own heart. In all reality God Himself wanted to be their King. Israel wanted to be like the other nations so the Lord relented and gave them what they wanted.

Samuel warned and said the first thing that will happen is he will start the war factories, building weapons, and making men into soldiers, as well as taking men into his service to serve him. I guess the pillar of fire and the cloud weren’t enough. We still pray for a king to lead us and protect us. In all these years we haven’t come very far. Have we?

I love our President. I believe with all my heart the Lord has placed him as our leader. But remember, this is still a man made order and not a permanent one. We can pray and ask the Lord to give him wisdom and discernment, and I believe He will.

Saul can’t Hold on Forever

For a time Saul was able to keep the enemies of Israel at bay, but only for a time. Saul in time grew impatient (through the deception of the enemy) and began to count on his own strength and wisdom to lead rather than follow the Lord’s leading. Saul’s final chapter didn’t end very well. The same will happen again.

I believe the Lord showed me from the beginning that our President will serve two terms in office. What happens after his second term is over?

Kids, we need to learn from history. It’s time to take our eyes off of a man, a doctrine, a prophecy, or a religion, and return to our first love which is Jesus Christ. I believe in the prophetic. I’ve spent most of my walk with the Lord there. I believe in visions. I believe in revelation knowledge. But in the end none of this will save us.

Desperate Measures Call for Desperate Times

I believe our President was placed in office to prepare us and give us time to repent and prepare us for the days ahead. Eight years is not a long time for preparation, especially when we spend this time trying to work out our future, our doctrine, our revelation, rather than just to listen and hear His voice calling our name out loud. He is saying, “Where are you? I’ve never left. I am still here! Clear away the deception and just follow by voice! I will lead you back to the garden of My Presence!!” Don’t clothe yourself with the deceptions of the enemy (theories, doctrines, prophecies, dreams, and so forth.) that flood not only your mind but also the minds of weaker members of the Body of Christ at large.

I believe in all these things of course, but first and foremost we must listen to His Voice that reveals the path that leads us back to His Presence that we might serve Him and Him alone. Does this make sense?

The Shepherd has been struck and each and all of us has gone our own way. WE NEED UNITY! FIRST LOVE UNITY! He says, “Return to me and I will return to you. I will restore creation. I will restore you. I will restore your homes, your families, and make your calling and election sure!” In part the final words of Jesus to His Followers were, “I GO TO THE FATHER. THAT WHERE I AM YOU MAY BE WITH ME ALSO!!”

Are we there Yet?

When I was a boy and on a long trip I would say to my parents, “are we there yet?” Their response was, “not yet.” So my brother and I would struggle and wrestle around in the backseat growing tired and hungry and even needing to stop to pee or stretch our legs a bit. All this did was lengthen the journey and frustrate our parents to the point of wanting to throw us out of the car. (or stop at the Shake Shop personal joke)

Remember, the Bridegroom was a long time in coming. So, let us now take this time to find the the sound of His Voice that leads us back to him. Drop everything that now hinders us from hearing clearly the sound of His Voice. (He is calling us aside and apart unto him) And give ourselves to Him and Him alone. I believe when we do we will begin to hear only one voice rising up among us. A sound voice. A clarion voice. A voice that will make complete sense among the entire Body of Christ at large. When this begins to happen, (baby, baby,) the enemy is in BIG trouble.

“THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD ARE BECOME THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD AND OF HIS CHRIST AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND FOREVER!!! The Kingdom is now at hand.

I pray we earnestly and in faith begin to do this in and for His Name alone.

Desperate Measures Call for Desperate Times

Mourning an imaginary life

Answers to Tough Questions

By

On May 28, 2020

In Teachings

Answers to Tough Questions

A Friend posted on Facebook recently about a lead singer of a Christian band who had a crisis of faith and ended up walking away from God altogether. While it doesn’t seem that he ever really had a relationship with the Lord in the first place, he still asked some really good questions that plague a lot of people. I thought I would sit down and write my answers to tough questions to help strengthen all of our faith.

If God is all loving, and all powerful, why is there evil in the world? Can you not do anything about it? Does he choose not to? Is the evil in the world a result of his desire to give us free will?

The simple answer to all of that is yes, it’s a result of his desire to give us free will.

When God created everything, he always said that it was good. All of it. He then took this good creation and handed it over to man and made him the ruler of all creation.

Man then chose to turn his back on God’s way of doing things and decided to do things his way. The world you see around you is the result of that choice and about as far from God’s plan as possible.

What about famine and disease and floods and all the suffering that isn’t caused by humans in our free will?

The simple answer to this is it is still a result of our free will. God himself says three times in Genesis chapter 6 “Because of sin, violence entered into the world.”

God made us rulers of all of creation. Creation follows our example. If we choose to do things our way instead of God’s way, there are consequences to that. It happens in our spiritual life, of course, but also into our natural life, making us sick and even extends to the world around us.

Everything that happens that is violent happens as a result of sin. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes never happened before the fall. We don’t really understand the power we possess to do both good and evil.

If God is loving, why does he send people to hell?

God doesn’t send people to hell. God created a good creation and created us good. When Adam chose to go his own way instead of following the path God laid out for him, he doomed the whole human race to destruction. Then God, who would have been just in wiping us from the planet at that point, ordained instead a plan of redemption to spare some of us from the consequences of that choice.

God doesn’t create people. People create people as an act of their own wills. God ordains marriage according to his plan and out of this children are created. Children not created according to God’s plan run the risk of never being saved.

What then is God to do? Give them, who fulfill their most evil desires, the gift of eternal life? No. Instead he created an incinerator for their destruction so they don’t contaminate eternity with our mistakes. That said, Hell isn’t what we’ve been taught, so take some comfort in that.

Why does God seem so pissed off in most of the old testament, and then all of a sudden he’s a loving father in the New Testament?

Another version of this is, “I like the God of the New Testament better than the God of the Old Testament.” This is a fallacy from the beginning and takes a little explaining.

The root of some of this problem is simply terminology. There is no “Old Testament” or “New Testament.” These were names men created for two sections of the Bible. Instead, there’s a plan and the story of that plan in two parts which should really be called “Part 1” and “Part 2.”

Part 1, like all good stories, introduces the main characters and sets up what’s going to be the conflict for the story. We meet God, and his opponent and man who is the crux of the conflict.

Everything starts out really good, and then man screws up and starts a pattern of destruction that colors the rest of the story. It shows how bad it can get because of man’s screw up.

The good news is that it also introduces the solution to the screw up that’s coming, immediately after the screw up so that there’s hope and a future still, even though things just got really dark.

Part 2

Part 2 tells the story of the promised redemption. It also begins to show us how good things can be now that we can go back to doing things God’s way. How that, with a restored creation, we can walk in healing and freedom and even overcome death.

One of the fallacies people fall into when reading part 1 is to lose track of the fact of the time that it covers. Sometimes centuries pass in just a few chapters. This is one reason why those pesky genealogies are there. The show us the passage of time.

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

Genesis 15:16

This is a scripture that’s not taught on a lot. God’s revealing to Abraham his plan about how Abraham’s children are going to come back to this place and take over about 500 years from now.

He’s saying this because the Amorites are a wicked people. They are practicing child sacrifice just for starters. And God shows how merciful he is because he’s giving them nearly 500 years to change their ways. He knows they wont’ but he’s giving them every chance.

Keep in mind that Americans have only had electricity in there homes around 100 years and look how much has changed. God is giving the Amorites 5 times that long to change their ways. Is this a God that’s pissed off or a merciful God?

Also, in the end, it’s not even really God that has them wiped out. Look what God says to the Israelites when they’re about to take possession of Canaan.

Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these things, for by all these the nations I am driving out before you have become unclean, and the land became unclean, so that I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you shall keep my statutes and my rules and do none of these abominations, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you (for the people of the land, who were before you, did all of these abominations, so that the land became unclean), lest the land vomit you out when you make it unclean, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.

Leviticus 18:24-28

So their destruction was a result of the natural consequences of their sin. God simply used the Israelites to carry it out.

God is deeply merciful. We see it throughout Part 1, but we specifically see it fulfilled in Part 2.

Why does he say not to kill, but then instruct Israel to turn around and kill men women and children to take the promised land?

God does not say “Do not kill.” This is one of the most misquoted of the ten commandments. God says,

You shall not murder.

Exodus 20:13

God sets up killing as punishment for sins, which is not murder. Murder is killing in anger or for selfish gain.

Some might say, “What’s more selfish than taking land.” As we saw above, the Canaanites were slaughtered for their many, many sins after a long period of not changing.

Why does God let Job suffer horrible things just to win a bet with Satan? What does he tell Abraham to kill his son and then basically say ‘just kidding! That was a test.’ If God can do anything, can’t you forgive without someone dying? I mean, my parents taught me to forgive people – nobody dies in that scenario.”

These all come down to one simple concept. We are made to serve at the pleasure of God. We are God’s to do with as he sees fit, not the other way around. It is only our arrogance that would cause us to say, “God shouldn’t do things that way.”

Maybe you think, “That’s not fair!” We as sinners, are doomed to destruction. Fair is for us to go straight to burning Hell forever. Anything that we get that is not that is by God’s grace.

God created this system and this plan to show us, worthless lumps of clay that we are, love. He created a system that Jesus would suffer and die to redeem us all. Why? Sorry, God’s doesn’t answer to us. We exist for his pleasure and he loves us. That’s kind of the end of the argument.

Answers to Tough Questions

I hope these answers to tough questions have been helpful to you. Have a look around at our other teachings.

Answers to Tough Questions

I will show you the Bride

I Will Show you the Bride

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On May 7, 2020

In Teachings

I Will Show you the Bride

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed–on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, clear as glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass. And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day–and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 21: 10-27

Many of our concepts about what heaven is like come from this scripture. If you look in your concordance for streets of gold or pearl gates, this is the only scripture in the Bible that talks about these things. This is where the hymns come from that talk about how great heaven is. All from this scripture in Revelation.

There’s only one little problem with this concept. This passage has absolutely nothing to do with Heaven. Let me say this another way: There are no streets of gold and pearly gates in Heaven.

How do I know this? The Bible tells me so. If you want to see what heaven looks like, read Revelation 4 onward. It talks about the throne and about what surrounds the throne–increasing circles of a sea of people singing praises to God. This is what Heaven is like.

I Will Show you the Bride

So how do I know that this scripture in Revelation 21 has nothing to do with Heaven? Because I read verse 9 that introduces this section.

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

Revelation 21:9

Everything in this scripture is a prophetic vision of the Bride of Christ. It’s all about who we can become if we allow Christ’s nature to be worked in us.

You become the bride by finding and entering into wisdom, which is what pearls always symbolize in scripture.

Do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Matthew 7:6b

As you become the Bride, all of your ways will be purest gold, which, in scripture, is symbolic of the nature of God.

I don’t have revelation on all of this scripture, but it doesn’t take a scholar to read verse 9 and know what this is about.

So how is it possible that all of the denominations have written books about what Heaven is like based on this scripture and they’re wrong? I can’t answer that. I simply read the verse before it that explains it. It’s been right there all along.

Mansions

What about my mansion? In all of scripture, there’s only one reference to mansions, and it’s this one.

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:2, KJV

This is a mistranslation of the Greek word mone, which actually means rooms. What’s more, this mistranslation is probably deliberate, because even in the early 1600s, they knew that this word should be translated rooms.

Remember that, unlike modern versions of the Bible that are translated for profit, the KJV was translated as a political maneuver. The only answer I can come up with is to deceive people into thinking they had mansions in heaven so they’d put up with more here. Here is this same passage from the ESV.

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

John 14:2, ESV

There is no translation of the Bible that I’m aware of that translates this word as anything but rooms. There’s simply no one that thinks that’s what that means. So, sorry, no mansions either.

Visions of Heaven

“But what about Kenneth Hagin’s vision of heaven?” You might ask. He saw his mansion of gold with roses in the walls.

The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.

1 Corinthians 14:32

This scripture talks about a truth about prophecy and visions and dreams. The spirit realm is alien to us who have not yet gotten our glorified bodies. A person sees into the spirit realm, but everything has to be processed through that person’s brain. The purer our mind is, the purer the things that we are going to see, but as long as we live in this body this is always the case.

This is why God and angels ask the prophets in the scriptures “What do you see?” and the prophet explains what he’s seeing before the interpretation is given. You can see this here Revelation, Isaiah, Zechariah, Daniel and others. The question should be read as, “How do you perceive what I’m showing you?”

The reason that Kenneth Hagin saw mansions of gold is because his mind was programmed that he would see mansions of gold there. When God showed him heaven, that’s how his brain interpreted what he was seeing.

This is why prophetic visions cannot be the final authority on doctrine. This is why God gave us the scriptures to be the final authority. Checking the scriptures, there are no mansions referred to in Heaven, so Hagin’s vision must have meant something else.

What’s Cool about Heaven?

So the cool thing about Heaven is not the furniture. The cool thing about Heaven is that we get to spend eternity with our creator. We get to praise and worship Him forever. That’s what we look forward to, our reunion with Him and never leaving Him again.

In the meantime, we get to learn how to be part of the Bride so that we “will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.”

I Will Show you the Bride

Ground Rules for Doctrine

Ground Rules for Doctrine

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On May 6, 2020

In Teachings

Here are the ground rules for doctrine. These are the rules we follow for establishing doctrine and for validating other doctrines.

Ground Rules for Doctrine

  1. The Bible is inerrant
  2. All doctrine must be based exclusively on scripture
  3. Scripture must be first interpreted literally (see the prophetic imagery exception)
  4. Any major doctrine requires two to three scriptures
  5. How God behaves is the ultimate interpretation of scripture

These ground rules are critical for good doctrine. Anyone unwilling to accept these rules will find the doctrines based on them useless.

The Bible is Inerrant

If we are to trust God, we have to trust the scriptures that he has given us. Since God is omnipotent, it is trivial for him to have protected the scriptures and insure they have arrived down through time the way he intended them.

Once you start picking and choosing, then it is impossible to believe any of the scriptures. As such, the Bible must be accepted inerrant as a whole.

All Doctrine Must be Based Exclusively on Scripture

In the same way that the acceptance of the New Testament was contingent on it being based on the Old Testament, so must all doctrine be based entirely on the scriptures. There cannot be things added that cannot be based on scripture.

An example is church membership. There is no scriptural basis for church membership, yet many bodies practice this concept.

This is a problem because church membership contains rules for inclusion, which means they contain rules for exclusion and some people will simply not meet them. Jesus never excluded anyone during his entire public ministry. Some people left as a result of his teachings, but never because Jesus said, “You don’t belong.”

Church membership is an example of the damaging kinds of things that can happen when you do not base all of your doctrine on scripture.

Scripture Must be First Interpreted Literally

Scriptures must first of all be read in context and literally. Scripture is created to become both word and spirit and so there are many interpretations for any part of the Bible. Jesus and the Apostles frequently used scriptures out of context by divine revelation. Nevertheless, the first interpretation must be literal.

Prophetic Imagery Exception

There is some scripture that simply cannot be interpreted literally because it is prophetic imagery designed to speak to the spirit instead of to the mind. As such, it is simply not possible to interpret these scriptures literally.

The prophetic imagery exception applies only to those scriptures that cannot be interpreted literally. Before applying this exception, though, you must still attempt a literal interpretation first.

Any Major Doctrine Requires Two to Three Scriptures

While there are some smaller doctrines that may be acceptable to be based on a single scripture, all major doctrines must follow the scriptural rule “In the mouths of two or three witnesses is a thing established.”

Things like who is Jesus, how are we saved, what is heaven like, what is man’s role in God’s plan are questions the entire Bible was written to answer. Any of them should easily be answered with two to three scriptures or should not be accepted.

For example, if the battle of Armageddon was an event that happened on a day in the future, it would be a major doctrine of the Bible. There is, however, only Revelation 19:11-21 that discusses it.

At this point, you realize that this is prophetic imagery. Once you understand that, you can see that the battle of Armageddon began at the fall of man and that the entire Bible is about this. This is the importance of the two to three witnesses rule.

How God Behaves is the Ultimate Interpretation of Scripture

Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never behave differently than what he says in the scriptures. As such, the most reliable and accurate interpretation of scripture is the way God and Jesus behave.

Any interpretation that varies from God’s behavior is wrong. For example, the doctrine “God is a Holy God and cannot stand sin in his presence” is proved incorrect because of the way God behaves. If this were true, why would God pay the most lavish price ever paid for anything simply to allow sinful people into his presence?

Summary

These are our ground rules for doctrine. Please hold us to them and make sure that the doctrines we teach are reliable and accurate. Hold others to them as well and see how their doctrines stack up.

Great White Throne Judgment and Calvinism

The Great White Throne Judgement and Calvinism

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On May 4, 2020

In Teachings

Speaking of the Great White Throne Judgment and Calvinism recently made me want to mention something else. Let’s have another look at the scripture about the Great White Throne Judgement.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:11-15

Two Sets of Books

The “books” referenced in verse 13 are commonly seen as the individual histories of each of the people standing before God for judgement. My favorite question is, if salvation is a result of something we did, why are there two sets of books?

Why does a shopkeeper keep two sets of books? One that he shows to the government for taxes, and the other for his personal use that tells the real story.

So, if salvation is something that happens inside the realm of time, then why is the individual history not enough? Why consult with the Lamb’s Book of Life, which this scripture shows, is the one that makes the decision about whether a person spends eternity in heaven or hell?

Since it’s the Lamb’s Book of Life that counts, let’s find out how you get your name written in this book.

And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.

Revelation 17:8b

From the Foundation of the World

Revelation 17:8 says that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life from the foundation of the world. How, then, could it be possible that it results from a decision we make within time?

Great White Throne Judgment and Calvinism

Great White Throne Judgment and Calvinism

The Second Death

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On May 3, 2020

In Teachings

The Second Death

One of the hardest things people have with Calvinism is that it means there are some people that go to Hell and suffer forever and that there is simply no hope for them. Let me tell you right now that this is simply not true.

Despite your church experience, the Bible doesn’t tell us a lot about Hell. One of the clearest places is in Revelation.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20: 11-15

The Second Death

Firstly, if you notice, going to Hell is referred to as “the second death.” The first death is the ending of the body. Doesn’t it make sense that the second death is the ending of the soul? So this, to me, indicates that this is a termination and not an ongoing torture.

History of the Bible

Before I take on the second part of this, I need to explain a little history of the Bible.

When it was decided that the King James Version would be translated from the original texts, Ancient Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament) and Koine Greek (the language of the New Testament) had gone through a period where no one, even scholars, spoke them. For this reason, don’t ever let anyone talk down to you for mispronouncing a Greek or Hebrew word from the Bible. The fact is, no one knows how to pronounce these words. There are some learned opinions on this that people argue with each other.

In addition, there were some Greek words that they just didn’t know when they translated the King James Version. They guessed at these words as best they could.

Around the time of the US Civil War, a document dump called “The Papyri” was discovered outside of Alexandria, Egypt. These were business letters, love letters, and other forms of day-to-day communications. Up until then, the only documents in Greek that had survived were highly educated essays.

So the Greek used in the writings of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle were High Greek–think about the language used in doctoral dissertations and other college level reading. They discovered that the dialect of Koine Greek, or street Greek was what the Bible was written in.

Eternal vs. Everlasting

Two of these words were the Greek words aidios and aionios. Aidios should be translated everlasting, meaning time without end, Aionios should be translated “eternal,” meaning outside of time. In fact, all of the translations I’ve seen since then have translated these words in this way.

During the translation of the KJV, they used these words interchangeably, which is why these words in English are used interchangeably in English. Doctrines were created based on this translation are, therefore, flawed.

If you carefully study a modern translation of the Bible, you will see that the word everlasting is always used to refer to the fire itself, to the suffering of the devil and his angels. The word eternal is always used to describe the suffering of human sinners.

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. … And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

Matthew 25:41,46

The conclusion that I draw from this is that the devil will suffer punishment forever in a hell that burns forever. Sinners will be sent to this place in a place outside of time and will be destroyed as a kind of “soul incinerator.”

This is supported by all major modern translations of the Bible, but no one has ever gone back and revisited their doctrines when we found this stuff out.

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