He Who Lives Holds The Keys

 

Revelation 1:18
"I Am He Who lives, and was dead, and behold, I Am Alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, "I Am The Resurrection, and The Life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
John 5:21
"For as The Father raises the dead and gives Life to them, even so The Son gives Life to whom He will." 

John 5:11, 12

And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has The Son has life; he who does not have The Son of God does not have life.

John 5:24

"Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him Who sent Me has Eternal Life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to Life."

    He Who Lives Who holds the keys of death and hell is He Who has overcome, conquered, death and hell. No one else in history has ever done that. While a few have died and come to life again, none have died and come back with eternal life except He Who holds the keys of death and hell. 

    Death without Eternal Life is permanent and hell is where the defendants wait for judgment. Death with Eternal Life is also permanent and heaven is where the victor waits for reward. 

    He Who holds the keys is also He Who died on the cross, was buried, and resurrected from death and the grave. Even the grave is temporary, for our Lord and Savior borrowed His. 

    John 19:41, 42

Now there was a garden in the place where He was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one was had yet been laid. And because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they placed Jesus there. 

The borrowed tomb: John 20:1-9; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12. 

    He Who Lives conquered sin on the cross, overcame death and hell and the grave when He walked out in Victory into the garden where the borrowed tomb was. Speaking Resurrection and Eternal Life. Speaking our names gently. Speaking with Love and Forgiveness and Compassion. He Who Lives, Lives Forevermore. No more death for the one who believes in Him and follows Him. 

    That thief on the cross who claimed Christ as Lord followed Jesus. He followed Him into death and landed in Paradise. The thief on the cross who refused to believe that Jesus is Lord died in his sins and landed in hell. His opportunity to make a decision for Christ fell from his grasp with his last breath. Which thief are you? 

    He Who Lives and holds the keys to death and hell is waiting for your answer. 

HE HOLDS THE KEYS - Steve Green in 1987 

    

    

Be Faithful

 

Revelation 2:10

Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. Be aware that the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested [in your faith], and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful to the point of death [if you must die for your faith], and I will give you the crown [consisting] of life. 

FEAR NOTHING WHICH YOU ARE ABOUT TO SUFFER

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him Who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 

    Having been called to salvation and sanctification, we find ourselves called to suffer, as well. Unseen targets are now on our person and our soul. Not just on our backs, where we cannot see who is aiming for us, but also on our minds {attacking how we think, how we reason and what we think about}. Targets are on our hearts attack our emotions (in the physical realm) and our spiritual fruit (in the spiritual realm).  

    It is why we are warned at every turn of life to be wary, be alert, be aware. However, even knowing who and where our enemies might lie, is not enough to forego being a believer. We find we are able to both stand and fight this spiritual battle that is now raging around us, instead of in us. The darkness tries to take us out, because our lights are turning people to Jesus Christ.

    When we are accosted, we are to speak Jesus. When we are assaulted for His Name's sake, we are to respond in silence or in love, however The Spirit leads us. When we are lied about, we do not retaliate. Nor do we sling mud in their direction. We do not rise up in anger, nor do we engage in physical assaults with those who seek our demise.  God will fight for us in many cases. But sometimes God will allow our deaths to take place, when we die proclaiming our faith in The Name of Jesus Christ. 

    For when God's people die speaking The Name of Jesus, many times the people who are doing the killing of us come to Jesus. Such faith and obvious love of God draws people to this loving God Whom we have put our hope and trust in. Physical death is a minor inconvenience. Spiritual death is permanent.

FEAR GOD ONLY

    Luke 16:19-31 tells us of two men who died. One went to Paradise and one went to hell. And while not much is known of Lazarus' time in Paradise, much is known of the rich man's time in hell. We do know that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. So in reading this passage, we are made aware of Lazarus' comforts and the rich man's lack of comforts.

Verse 23: He was aware in hell. He was in torment. He could see into Paradise, but could not get there. He recognized Lazarus and Abraham, even though the first he never acknowledged and the second he never knew. He could move and see.  

Verse 24: He could speak in hell. He was still selfish. He knew thirst, he knew pain. 

Verse 25: He could hear in hell. 

Verse 26: He was made to understand his position: no one in hell can cross into Paradise and no one in Paradise can cross into hell. Death is final.

Verse 27, 28: He begged for Lazarus to be sent back to his family to warn them of the dangers of not believing. 

Verse 29-31: He was informed by Abraham that that desire, too, was not going to be done. Those who will not listen to Moses and the prophets of God have only themselves to blame for their ignorance and unbelief.

Verse 30: The rich man in hell thought that if someone was risen from the dead, then surely his brothers would believe. He labored under a false hope.

    For we know that Someone has risen from the dead. That Someone is Jesus Christ. However, not everyone believes that Jesus Christ is God's Only Begotten Son. Nor do they believe that He rose from the dead. The lie from then persists even now: his disciples came in the night and stole His body away [Matthew 28:11-15]. Therefore, too many people have died in their sins, including the sin of unbelief, and now await their final judgment in hell. They cannot get out. Don't find yourself in their predicament. Come to Jesus today. 

    

BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH

Revelation 12:11

They have conquered him by The Blood of The Lamb and by The Word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.

    Have you ever read Jesus Freaks? I have. The squeamish may have difficulty reading it. But once you start reading it, it is hard to stop. Foxe's Book of Martyrs lists the names of many who had died for the sake of the cross and the resurrection in his time. When Faith Is Forbidden is on my shelf as we speak. It is underlined, bookmarked and highlighted. At the end of each chapter is a missionary's request for how to pray for them. 

    You are all in my prayers. And I pray for your faith to be strong in these trying times. I pray for your families, your churches, your testimony to be a strong witness of the saving power of God through Jesus Christ. I plead the blood of Jesus over each and every one of you in your walk with Christ.

"Fear not, for I Am with you; Be not dismayed, for I Am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with the right hand of My Righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

The Lord Is Alpha

 

ALPHA

(al'-fah)

Revelation 1:8

I Am Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The Ending, says The Lord, Which is, and Which was, and Which is to come, The Almighty.

    The First, The Beginning, The Before Everything Else Came Into Existence. He Is God Almighty, Who came in the flesh to destroy the works of sin and restore His people to Himself. 

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME  

    Isaiah 44:6

Thus says The LORD, The King and Redeemer of Israel, The LORD of Hosts: "I Am The First and I Am The Last, and there is no God but Me."

    John 1:1-3

In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

    Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

    Colossians 1:16

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

    1 Corinthians 8:6

But to us there is but one God, The Father, of Whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom are all things, and we by Him.

    Psalm 33:6

By The Word of The LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by The Breath of His mouth.

    Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus The Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

    Revelation 21:6

And He said unto me, "It is done. I Am Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The End. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."

    Even in the void, He is. Genesis 1:2. Whether it is the darkness of the night sky or the seemingly darkness of the womb, Jesus is there. [Psalm 8:3; Psalm 139:13]. For He is Creator of all light and life. [Genesis 1:3; Psalm 100:3; John 1:4]. 

    He is The First to Rise from the dead in a resurrected body; He is The Firstfruits. [1 Corinthians 15:20]. He is The Guarantor, guaranteeing for God's sons and daughters that that which has been given to God at the beginning, whether it is first and best of the harvest, or first born and unblemished of the flock, will be received by God and that what is left of the harvest and the flock will be blessed by God, and ultimately also belong to Him. [Ephesians 1:13, 14]. He is The First Offering to God from among the many who will follow in His Name, offering Himself to be God's Instrument of Salvation. [Luke 22:42; Hebrews 10:7].

    And I'm so very thankful Jesus did that. I needed a Savior and He is mine.

I'D NEED A SAVIOR - Among The Thirsty

    

Names of Jesus - Leon Iouda - Lion of Judah

 

LEON IOUDA

(pronounced leh-own ee-oo'-das)

THE LION OF JUDAH

Revelation 5:5

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, The Lion of the tribe of Judah, The Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Micah 5:2

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me, One to be Ruler over Israel--One Whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. (cf) John 1:1-3

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.

    This is no ordinary lion. Nor is He the fearful lion, circling his hunting grounds. This is THE LION of the tribe of Judah, Whose arrival was foretold by the prophet Micah.  This is Shiloh (pronounced SHEE-loh), The Messiah. 

    Both His human nature and His divine nature are emphasized here. As The Lion of the tribe of Judah Christ is The Branch. As The Root of David, He is The One From Whom the lineage of David began. He is both man and God at the same time. And only Christ can open The Book With Seven Seals, for no one else in time had the authority to do so. 

    Christ is Foundation, The Rock, The Chief Cornerstone upon which our faith is built, upon which the church He loves is built: He is The Beginning of all things and He is The End. Not only is He Foundation, He is Covering. He covers the church with His covenant of grace and mercy, which is found in the blood which flowed from His Body on the cross of Calvary. 

    As The Lion of the tribe of Judah, Christ has triumphed over sin once and for all when He died on the cross as the scapegoat for all of humanity's sins. He became The Substitutionary Lamb, with the sins of the whole world placed upon His shoulders. Why did He do that for us? Because of His great love for people everywhere: 

John 3:16, 17

For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

   Jesus Christ is The Messiah Who was prophesied from the beginning in The Written Word of God. Who has been long looked for by all who have sought God and lived. For though the flesh and bones of the seekers are long since turned to dust, because of their faith in God, and The Promise of God, they are with God even now. They didn't just have faith in God, they believed God and obeyed God, even if it cost them their very lives. Hebrews 11

    The Lion of the tribe of Judah has TRIUMPHED over sin (at the cross), over death, hell and the grave (in the garden) and has risen from the dead to bring us into a New Eternal Life in Him. Though He was innocent He was killed nonetheless. Though He never sinned He paid the penalty for sin, which is death and hell. The Lion died, yet lives He even now, for He is seated at the right hand of God His Father, interceding for His people. 

    And when we all get to heaven, we will see Him in all His glory; a glory we cannot even begin to imagine. This Jesus is The Lion of Judah, The Root of David: The One Who Has Triumphed Over Sin and Death and The Grave (Hades/Hell).

1 Corinthians 15:55

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 

    This Lion is calling you and I to His side, to share His gospel message of salvation through Him. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17) "Repent, and be baptized in The Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of The Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). Turn from doing what you want and do what God wants. Even if you and I think we are doing nothing wrong, if we are not obeying God's Word, then we are most definitely doing something wrong. And that disobedience separates us from God. 

    Separation from God is permanent if we refuse to answer His call of repentance. In Luke 16:22-31 we read of two men who died and went to the grave: one into Paradise and one into hell. The one who believed God and obeyed God in his lifetime went to Paradise. The one who did not believe God and disobeyed God in his lifetime went to hell. Neither man could leave the places in which they were sent. Only one Man could do that, when He Triumphed over death and the grave. And that Man is Jesus Christ, The Lion of the tribe of Judah. 

    Where are you headed? What is your destination right now were you to die today? Are you ready to spend an eternity without knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? Or are you ready to spend an eternity knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? 

    The choice is yours. Choose wisely. 

    

    

Devil, Satan, Serpent, Dragon

 

Revelation 20:2

And he laid hold on the dragon, 

that old serpent, which is the Devil,

and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

Devil

The word ‘devil’ appears 145 times in Scripture. Of these, 43 refer to ‘devils’, or ‘demons, demonic unclean spirits’. The other 102 are most definitely referencing Satan, the devil. Revelation 20:2 lists all four of these in one verse, thereby giving us the knowledge that Satan is called devil, serpent, and dragon. 

Revelation 20:10

Manipulator

Matthew 4:1, 5, 8, 11

Roaring lion 

1 Peter 5:8

Murderer, father of lies

John 8:44

Contender: 

Jude 1:9

Held the power of death

Hebrews 2:14

Transgressor

1 John 3:4-8

Fallen in fury

Revelation 12:12

Thief

Matthew 13:19

Luke 8:12

John 10:10 (implied)

Dragon

The word ‘dragon’ in regards to Satan occurs 13 times in The Book of The Revelation to John. 

Revelation 12:3-4, 7-9 (2x in vs7), 13, 16-17

Revelation 13:2, 4, 11

Revelation 16:13

Revelation 20:2

Isaiah 27:1

Satan:

The name Satan appears 82 times in Scripture according to Nave’s Topical Reference Bible and Torrey’s Topical Textbook. I’ll just list a few. 

Revelation 20:7

Fallen from heaven

Luke 10:18

Prince of this world

 John 12:31 

Accuser

Luke 22:31; Revelation 12:10

Deceiver

The god of this age

 2 Corinthians 4:4

2 Corinthians 11:19

Executioner

Luke 13:16; 2 Corinthians 12:7

Evil Cohort of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10

Hinderer

1 Thessalonians 2:18

Tempter

Matthew 4:3, 10

Angel of light

2 Corinthians 11:14; Galatians 1:8

Schemer

Ephesians 6:11

 Serpent

Genesis 3:1, 2, 4, 13-14

Isaiah 27:1

Revelation 12:9, 15

Revelation 20:2

From Genesis to Revelation these names of Satan are made known to us that we might be forewarned against our adversary. To keep us alert, watchful and aware of his tactics that we might avoid his pitfalls, traps and snares. Which truly can only be done when we turn our heads and our hearts to Jesus Christ, He Who is Faithful And True, KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. 

Jesus Christ cannot turn against God for He is God. He never breaks a promise (Faithful). He never lies (True). He is Ruler over all kingdoms (KING OF KINGS). He is Master over every dominion (LORD OF LORDS). 

Jesus loves us. Satan hates us. Jesus died for us. Satan kills us. 

Jesus shepherds us. Satan devours us like wolves. Jesus wants the best for us. Satan wants us to fail and fall short. Jesus is The Light of The World, the glory of God revealed. Satan is the angel of light, disguising his intentions with deceit and confusion. 

Satan is a master manipulator and all who manipulate the Truth of God’s Word for their own selfish desires are of Satan. Those who rebel against God, believing that they are right and He is wrong, are fools and will find, to their dismay, regret and torment, that God is NEVER WRONG and has NEVER LIED about Who He Is. 

There are many liars in the world today. It is our responsibility as Christians to know The Word of God intimately, that our walk with Him would be so strong and faithful, that we would be able to discern who is of God and who is not. Recognizing the liars for who they are and exposing their lies to be false.

Even in churches which profess to be God’s houses, there is an increase in the wolf population. Though their good deeds are public proclamations of charity and kindness, their core is rotten; yet, they gain in popularity, though not in discipleship. Their pews are full, but their hearts are empty of the knowledge and personal relationship values of God and His Christ. 

Any site or author who denies God is God is antiChrist and cannot be trusted. These people are following the angel of light. I will not name names. The anointing of The Holy Spirit not only reveals knowledge, but imparts wisdom into the born again believer: we know when to speak and when not to speak. We open our mouths and He fills us with The Word which needs to be spoken. 

Satan is real. He is not a made-up being, nor does his appearance match any of the images in which he is depicted. What he used to look like in heaven is now tarnished and stained by his sin, his transgression against God Almighty.

 His eternal punishment is yet to come, which is why God created hell: for the devil and his angels. For one-third of heaven’s angels chose to rebel with Satan, who was called Lucifer, and so received God’s condemnation upon themselves, as well. 

[Isaiah 14:12-15] [Ezekiel 29:12-19] Though both of these passages are literal judgments against specific kings, they are also judgments against Lucifer. And his angels are judged. [Job 4:18; Jude 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 12:7-9; Matthew 25:41].

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in The Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of The Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 

Repent: change our thoughts, the way we think and turn away from our sins which we have been committing. Turn to God and ask for His forgiveness, which He willingly offers to any who seek Him out, through the blood of His Christ, His Lamb, Who died on the cross in our place. Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon The Name of The Lord shall be saved.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 

Baptized: submersed beneath the water, as a public confession of faith in The Name of The Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. It is an outward display of the inward change which our God has wrought within us. 

Remission of sins: pardon, forgiveness, deliverance, released from a debt or obligation. It is the removal of guilt from a person’s heart/soul, thereby freeing the person from the bondages of sin. Are you that person? Have you, indeed, been to Jesus for the cleansing power of His forgiveness. Are you redeemed by the blood of Lamb?

 I am redeemed by the blood of God’s Lamb; His Christ lives in me by faith in His Name. His Holy Spirit fills me and empowers me to rise up and speak out The Truth of God’s Word. 

Come to Jesus. Today is your day of salvation. 

2 Corinthians 6:2

For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

 

Name Change - Part 3 - Sealed

2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 

“The Lord knows those who are His,” and, 

“Everyone who calls on The Name of The Lord

 must turn away from iniquity.”

Revelation 22:4

They will see His face, and His Name will be on their foreheads. 

Revelation 3:12

The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write The Name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My New Name.

    In 2 Timothy 2:19 we are sealed with a great seal, a seal bearing two inscriptions: The Lord Knows Who Belongs To Him and Everyone Who Calls On The Name of The Lord Must Turn Away From Iniquity. Two very important statements in being called a Christian. [Matthew 7:22, 23; John 10:14, 27]

    The first part of the great seal states that The Lord Knows Who Belongs To Him. Just because someone says they're a Christian doesn't mean they're a Christian. Their actions belie their words. Even actions done 'in Christ's Name' does not make a person a Christian. It is the second part of the seal that defines Christianity. 

    How does The Lord know who belongs to Him? God knows our hearts and our thoughts. Therefore, He can see our intents and our motives before ever we take action on them. [1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10]. Since we know this to be true, we must guard our hearts and fill our thoughts with those things that honor God. [Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:8]. 

THE LORD KNOWS WHO BELONGS TO HIM

    Many are the passages of Scripture that define workers of iniquity. The Book of Proverbs is filled with the wisdom and knowledge of who these workers are and how to avoid being one of them. Workers of iniquity are unrepentant sinners. They are comfortable in their sin and see no reason for changing their ways. [Psalm 5:5; 1 John 3:4; 1 John 2:4; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Matthew 25]. 

    Too many will have attended one church or another, becoming a member of the church denomination, giving their tithes and offerings, serving on the board or teaching in the classrooms. But never giving their hearts and lives to Christ Jesus. Never surrendering fully to God, nor giving Him the honor and glory due Him because He is God. Church attendance does not make us known to God. 

    The Lord is sifting the church, bringing judgment upon the sleepers, who will be chaff in the wind, kindle in the fire. Their 'faith' will dissolve and they will complain to God that they did this or did that in His Name, but He will inform them that He never knew them. Be wheat, not chaff. Be watchful, not sleeping. Know the times in which we live and be ever ready to give a testimony of the gospel and why you believe on The Name of The Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. [Matthew 3:12; Matthew 25:1-13; Romans 13:11; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15].

TURN AWAY FROM INIQUITY

    We guard our hearts when we disallow vain philosophies to enter in. We have set a watch over our hearts when we listen to God's Holy Spirit, Who leads us away from temptations and brings us closer to God, when we maintain a full study life in Christ. We read our Holy Bibles, praying over The Word that God would reveal to us in the passage(s) we are reading, not only Himself, but what He would have us to know. 

    Think: consider, regard, take into account. Now, if we are taking something or someone into account, we are putting some serious thought into what we will do with that something or someone. It is applying deliberate attention to every detail, even the most minute, or what appears to be an irrelevant or obscure detail, and fully laying it out before we make a decision regarding that something or someone. This is how we think on God's Word. 

    What is iniquity? Iniquity is sin. It is disobedience to God's Word and God's Will for us. It is lawlessness. It is evil and wickedness. Iniquity is immorality. It is wrongdoing, misconduct, dishonesty. Iniquity is trespassing. It is corruption. 

    Iniquity takes up residence in both the heart and the mind from birth, through the nature of sin that we are born with. When we reach the age of accountability--knowing what is right and what is wrong and why these things are right and wrong, recognizing truth as truth and lying as lying--then we become accountable to God for how we think and what we believe. 

    When we turn from iniquity, we must turn our hearts and our minds elsewhere. And just where is this 'elsewhere'? In Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's Love to us. He is Truth. He is Righteousness. He is The Right Hand of God. He is Love. He is Light. He is Savior. He is Redeemer. He is The Glory of God and so much more. He is The Good Shepherd Who Knows His Sheep. 

    That's how we are known. That's how we are recognized. When Jesus Christ is our Savior, He becomes our Shepherd and we become His fellow workers of righteousness and His sheep. We are His own. We belong to Him now, for we have turned our backs on iniquity. No more are we workers of iniquity, no more are we living lives of sin and immoralities: we are His sheep: we are Christians because we are following our Shepherd now in this new Life He has given us in Himself, instead of following the main worker of iniquity, of lawlessness, Satan. 

    We are sealed with this great seal, a dual seal of Being Known By God and Belonging To Jesus Christ. We are Christians, Light-Bearers in an ever darkening world, and we are here to tell you about the saving grace of God through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. "For there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." [Acts 4:12]. 

    Where the blood of God's Lamb Who Takes Away The Sins of The World has been applied, and where the fire of God's Holy Spirit is evident, the seal has been branded on that person. Are you sealed? 

     

    

The Spirit of Jezebel

 What Is The Spirit of Jezebel?

Jezebel's sins:
2 Kings 9:22 (idolatry and witchcraft)
Revelation 2:20 (prideful and arrogant [called herself a prophetess though she wa not one]; false teachings which led God's people away from God)

Revelation 2:21 (sexually immoral; unrepentant)

Revelation 2:22 (those who follow her ways and hear her words will will suffer great tribulation unless they repent}

Revelation 2:23 (the fruits of her adulterous ways will be cut down and destroyed, meaning the people who have believed her lies and refused to turn back to God will be destroyed, killed)

2 Corinthians 11:14, 15 (wears righteousness as a costume: masquerades as a person of righteousness; Satan's servant)

1 Timothy 6:20, 21 (irreverent, empty chatter [BSB]-profane and vain babblings [KJV]

{Read 1 Timothy 1:9; 4:7; 6:20 for more details denoting an ungodly, unholy character}

**Irreverent, profane, words are not only immoral and ungodly, but "denotes whatever lies outside the sphere of what God calls “holy.” It marks conduct, speech, or persons that treat divine realities as common, trivial, or contemptible." (Topical Lexicon)

**Empty chatter "targets words that drain spiritual vitality because they are void of divine truth." {Topical Lexicon} Empty words feed vanity. If the words spoken do not persuade a person of the gospel message of salvation, then they are spoken in vain. If the words spoken do not edify, build up, another person or the church as a whole, then they are spoken in vain, too. If real, factual knowledge is not increased within the body of Christ, then those words, as well, have been spoken in vanity, in vain.

Matthew 7:15; Jude 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:5 - She is a wolf in sheep's clothing, allowed to be in the church for some ungodly reason, and spreads lies about God and God's Word. She lures people in the church away with doubts and questions, just like the serpent did in the garden. And then in Revelation 2:24 Jezebel's teachings are the deep things of Satan Revelation 2:23 In the warning to the church in Thyatira, the Angel of The Lord also tells them that ALL the churches will know that God knows the hearts of all and that He will repay each person for their own deeds.

    The spirit of Jezebel is evil through and through. It is evil-minded, evil-intentioned, evil-destructive. It destroys lives and churches wherever it is welcomed because of the lies which emanate from its mouth. Its beauty is deceptive, but like moths to a flame, many will flock to this evil spirit because they have "itching ears" and refuse to hear the Truth of God's Word because The Holy Spirit convicts their hearts and they do not want to be convinced of the Truth [2 Timothy 4:3, 4].

    This spirit is a thief and a liar and a murderer. It steals from God and lies about God's Word. It twists Truth to its own satisfaction. In 1 Kings 21 Queen Jezebel falsified important documents and paid false witnesses to testify against an innocent man, so that she could give her pouty, self-righteous, idol worshiping husband the land that he wanted but didn't need. This is the spirit of Jezebel, too.

    How do we prepare to fight this spirit? 2 Timothy 4:1, 2 By remembering verse 1 "
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: (and doing verse 2) Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction (longsuffering and doctrine)."

    The spirit of Jezebel cannot, nor should it, be allowed in our churches. We must draw near to God with willing hearts, ready to hear and listen attentively to, what He is saying to us through His messenger: the pastor, the shepherd of His flock. We must repent of the wickedness of our hearts, whatever that may be. We must be prepared to reject and dismiss the people who exhibit this spirit from our churches and our homes before it gets a foothold in and refuses to budge. We cannot allow the spirit of Jezebel to insert itself into our conversations, distorting Truth and spreading lies.

    Jesus says, "I Am The Way, The Truth and The Life, no one comes to The Father except by Me."

    The spirit of Jezebel says there are many ways, many paths to life beyond the grave. It is the spirit of antichrist and it wants your soul. It says truth is not absolute, but variable.

    But The Holy Spirit of God repudiates any argument or vain debate which comes from the mouth of the spirit of Jezebel. Titus 1 describes righteous living in the church elders and warns against false teachers who try to infiltrate the church.

    We need to be alert, be aware: we need to watch and pray. Watch our own hearts and minds. Watch over our churches and the congregations within. Be alert to danger, but still testify of God's amazing grace through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.             Pray for the glory of God to fill our churches leaving no room for anything or anyone who is ungodly and refuses to repent; who rebels against the Authority of God and His Holy Word. Pray that His Holy Spirit would tender men's hearts and make them ready to receive His testimony of saving grace through our loving witness.

    Pray that our pastors and teachers would be filled and strengthened by The Holy Spirit every day and into the night. Pray that our adults, young adults and children would begin to grow in the things of God and be transformed, as Paul wrote, by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:1-2).

    Pray for each other. Encourage each other in The Word; with The Word. Start fighting this spiritual battle now, that our defenses would be built up and it cannot gain entrance.

The Color of Worship - White

Revelation 3:5

Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels. 

Romans 13:14

Instead, clothe yourselves with The Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

CHRIST OUR COVERING

    White is the color of righteousness, for Christ Jesus is our righteousness. We are made right with God through the atoning power of the blood of God's Lamb. And when we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, we are taking upon ourselves Hisself. We are choosing to be His own people. Therefore, His righteousness is the white spiritual covering with which we are covered. 

    Galatians 3:27

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

    Colossians 3:9-11

Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. 

    Ephesians 4:17-32 speaks of how we are to be changed once the covering of Christ is upon us. For the purpose of this study, we go to verse 24 (Amplified Bible) "And put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of The Truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]."

CHANGED FROM GLORY TO GLORY

    2 Corinthians 3:18

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of The Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from The Lord, Who is The Spirit. 

    2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, Who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His Light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

    Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

    1 John 3:2

Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

THE ANOINTING

Matthew 26:7, 8

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. 

From Topical Lexicon:

“The alabastron was a slender, long-necked flask carved from translucent calcite (commonly called alabaster). Originating in Egypt and prized throughout the Greek and Roman worlds, such vessels were designed to store precious ointments that were sealed until use. Breaking the narrow neck released the fragrance in a single, irrevocable act, making each alabastron a symbol of costly, wholehearted commitment.” 

White in our worship represents the costly, wholehearted commitment we have made in believing and following Jesus Christ wherever He leads us. It is our obedience and our faithfulness to The Word of God. 

Translucent means “shining through”. White represents Jesus shining through the believer. As He said earlier, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

    

Prayer Cards - Prayers of The Saints

 

Revelation 5:8

When He had taken the scroll,

 the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders

fell down before The Lamb. 
Each one had a harp, 

and they were holding golden bowls full of incense,

which are the prayers of the saints. 

    So much going on in this verse, but we are centralizing today's study on the last five words: the prayers of the saints. With that thought in mind let us first see what denotes a saint. We cannot use the dictionary for this, as it is opposed to what a saint is according to the Bible/Scriptures. 

    Strong's Exhaustive Concordance describes "saint" as: unlike any other, different (distinguished/distinct), likeness of nature with The Lord because [it means] different from the world, set apart (for God)

    Are saints only in the New Testament? No. Saints are mentioned in the Old Testament, as well. Here in Daniel 7:18 "saints" refers to "the holy ones (of God)", they who are set apart for God's purpose because they have chosen to believe in and obey The God of Israel, Almighty God. Following this definition there were many saints spoken of in the Old Testament. This verse is Psalms tells us best:    

    Psalm 64:10  The righteous shall be glad in The LORD, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory (exult).

    ~The people whom God has chosen for His own are not always saints. Too many times people reject God as their God. They refuse to obey His Will, will not acknowledge His Word and rebel against His Spirit. They set up their own gods (idols) to worship and pray to. They bring their gifts and offerings to empty nothingness and their prayers will not be heard by The True God, The Living God.~

    God chose to send His only Begotten Son into the world to save the world, the whole world not just parts of it. But we need to choose Him back. It is not enough to say, 'I believe in God', we must also choose to be obedient to His Word and listen to His Holy Spirit, Who will lead us on the path of holiness and transform us into levels of holiness until we meet God face to face. It's not an easy life path to walk, but it's definitely worth the effort. 

    John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in The Name of the only begotten Son of God." 

    -The saints of The Most High reject evil, and love The Lord - Psalm 97:10

    -The holy ones sit at His feet and receive His Word - Deuteronomy 33:3

    -The blessed of The Father will inherit a kingdom He has prepared - Matthew 25:34

    -The blameless have an inheritance that will last forever - Psalm 37:18

    -A kingdom and priests who serve God - Revelation 5:10

    -Priests of God and Christ over whom the second death 

    has no power - Revelation 20:6

    -Sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus - Galatians 3:26

    What are prayers? A subject we speak of almost everyday. Forty-seven days and counting so far. We have learned thus far that prayers are our vital source of communication with our God. We commune with Him. 

    Psalm 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. (KJV) 

    Other versions translate this word 'commune' as: search my soul (NLT), mused (BSB), with my heart I conversed (BLB), meditate in my heart (ESV), think very carefully (NET Bible), consider in my heart (New Heart English Bible). 

    When we pray to our God, we don't always use words. In fact, it isn't always just us speaking to God from deep within in our hearts: His Spirit within us reaches out to the heart of God in His own voice. Romans 8:26 'In the same way, The Spirit helps us in our weakness (infirmities). For we do not know how we ought to pray, but The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.' 

    The prayers of the saints are the prayers that have reached God's hearing, gotten His attention and are motivated by the love of God within us. We desire to see His kingdom come. We long to see our families, our friends, and our communities filled with the knowledge of saving grace through faith in The Name of The Lord Jesus Christ. 

    Our prayers move mountains, obstacles we sometimes see as impassable, but know and believe that our Lord will move for us through our faith in Him. That mustard seed faith that makes mountains move from one place to another (Matthew 17:20); that causes mountains to be wet and sunken under water (Mark 11:23). 

    Our prayers are constant (1 Thessalonians 5:17). From our waking to our resting, our hearts and our minds are focused on interceding for everyone. These prayers are not just for people we know, but people we don't know. We pray that the gospel message is delivered everywhere, that all may know The Name by which all men must be saved. 

    I am a saint. And I'm praying for you. 

NOT IN A HURRY - Will Reagan/United Pursuit