Greetings in the Name of God Almighty. How is everyone doing? I pray that you are all doing well....body, soul and spirit. OK, I must confess right up front, the picture of the horse has nothing to do with this message. Oh yeah, one more thing, the title really has little to do with this discourse either. Well, except for the word: thousand. You will understand all of this as we progress under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Speaking of which, let us pray. Glorious Father, thank you that we can enter beyond the veil and communicate with You one on One. We are so thankful for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, on our behalf. But please help us to understand better, one of the most important issues behind Calvary. The wonderful way in which Your heart's desire was fulfilled. And that was this: You are now able to love us and have us respond in like manner. A love affair greater than any ever before or any that shall be. God of the universe now able to hold the desires of His heart. That desire being us. We love you Daddy; we worship You Most High God; we embrace You Jesus, Lamb of God; we desire and need You Holy Spirit. Have mercy on us all and please help us cling to You as never before, because Your Glorious Appearing is at hand. In Jesus Name we pray...AMEN.
Please read "The Fear of the Lord," by John Bevere. It will change your life if you let it. In times past I have referred certain books to read and pastors to listen to, for your spiritual growth. Why? Because I love you and yearn to help others grow closer to the Lord Jesus. In return, I have satisfaction that I have done God's will and that many are led to pray for me also. If you have some real good meat for me, please feel free to refer that Living Word to me my brothers and sisters.
May I emphasize, once again, a few pastors I would love for you to meet and listen to? I have read many books and have listened to countless sermons over the past decades. I am quite certain that there exist many churches in the earth which represent the end-time church. By that I mean those who gather together in unity and singleness of heart. A heart which yearns for God above all things. Sure, the works of the end-time church may be many, but do the people desire the God of the works above the works of God? These wonderful groups are over seen by shepherds who are led by the Holy Spirit in all matters. The services are under the authority of the Holy Spirit. By that, I mean time and agenda are under His control. If they don't get to their message because God shows up....then Hallelujah!! If the service goes past noon, or even for days at a time....then Hallelujah!! These are the bodies where the Glory of God will arise and shine first above all others.
Personally, I know of two such churches. Like I said, there are many, many more, but these are the two I know of. If you know of others, please communicate that with me because I am a sucker when it comes to listening to great men and women of God who walk with God, and it shows in the anointed Words they speak. You know the kinds of Words I am talking about. The kind that make you weep. The kind which expose your own righteousness as filthy rags before the Holy One of Israel. The kind of Words that make you kneel, that make you dance a little jig. The Words which encourages you to draw closer to the Lord. They are Words that set free, that destroy yolks and open blinded eyes. Healing Words. Life Abundant Words. They are the Words of Jesus. Love letters from the Throne.
Wow, got a little carried away there for a moment. The two pastors I would like to share with you are: Randy Stephen who shepherds New Covenant church in Valdosta, Ga. (www.nccvaldosta.org) and Carter Conlon who shepherds (along side of David Wilkerson) Times Square Church in New York (www.worldchallenge.org). One more thing I would like to share with you my dearly beloved. Has God blessed you with seed to sow? Are you a giver? I know it is hard sometimes to find a ministry that is wholly trustworthy. I have found a few if you are interested. They are Samaritans Purse, The Joshua Fund and The Voice of the Martyrs. You can look them up on the ole computer, if you need more information and can't find the sites then get back to me. Always pray before you give to anyone. I think that is the wise thing to do, especially in today's society. The Joshua Fund is real cool because not only does it bless Israel (God's chosen people) but also her enemies. Did not Jesus tell us to bless both Israel and our enemies? That ministry is run by Joel Rosenberg. You might have heard of him.
Now for our washing of the Word for today. The message is, "A Picture Worth a Thousand Words." The Words found here today are also found in previous messages on this site. They also come together to emphasize the very subject of this web site. We will talk about the coming Glory and the signs preceding it. We will also (God willing) speak about preparing for this awesome event, and the judgement which will accompany it. This judgement will be for believers. The Word says that judgement will begin in the House of the Lord. The Glory will be for the unbeliever, but it will work through the believer. We are about to behold the greatest revival known to man. God has saved the best for last.
It is widely understood by followers of Jesus,that God worked and created for six days, then He rested on the seventh. About six thousand years have passed since the creation of Adam and Eve. We are on the doorstep of the seventh thousand year. This is important because it represents the time called the Millenial Reign. A time where Jesus will set up His Kingdom here on earth for one thousand years. Then comes the judgement of all men. Then eternity. Eternity with Him or eternity with satan, estranged from any goodness whatsoever. Estranged from the light of God Almighty. II Peter 3:8 says that a day to the Lord is like a thousand years. But, right before Jesus comes back to earth with His Bride(believers who either were raised from the dead or raptured), and His angels there will be a period of seven years called the Tribulation. This will be the time where there will be a different kingdom set up. It will be the kingdom of the anti-christ(one world leader). This will be a time where there will be one world government, money system and religion. The second half, of this seven year period, will be the time where God pours out His wrath.
Let's reiterate and go over the end-time series of events one more time. If this is all new to you then please contact me and I will be more than willing to provide you scriptures to back up all that we are talking about. We are at the end of time as we know it. A time when evil is increasing, but also a time when Jesus is cleaning up His Bride. Leading her to Godly sorrow and true repentance. Preparing Her (His temple) for the in filling of His mighty Glory. This will be the last and greatest revival ever. A time where unbelievers will come to His Glory in us because of the evil that has come upon the earth.
Then there will be an event called the Rapture. That is when the followers of Jesus(His bride or Church) will be caught up to meet Him in the air and will be taken to be with Him forever. Then begins the seven year tribulation period here on earth. Multitudes will be saved during this time, but at the expense of not bowing down to the anti-christ and being beheaded. Some will be alive and born again at His Coming. At the end of this seven year period, Jesus will come down with His mighty army and do battle with satan and his army. Of course Jesus wins and satan is cast into the lake of fire, along with his followers. Jesus will set up His Kingdom here on earth for one thousand years, with His seat in Jerusalem. At the end of the thousand years, satan will be loosed for a short season to see if anyone else can be persuaded to follow him versus the King of Glory.
The great books will be opened and judgement will begin. If anyone does not have their names in the Book of Life then they are cast into the lake of fire for all eternity. The believers are judged according to their works and rewards are given. Then the earth is recreated and the New Jerusalem(I call it planet heaven) will come down to rest here forever and ever. Then we will be in the presence of God Almighty and His Son Jesus forever. No more sickness, tears or suffering. Instead, we will be rulers with Jesus over all that God has created. That includes planets, solar systems and galaxies that extend further than our little brains can even comprehend. Oh the joy of it all !!
PREPARATION FOR GLORY
Now, about the Glory. Throughout scripture we see a pattern associated with the disclosure of God's Glory. Order, judgement then Glory. Numbers 14:21 says, "But truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the Glory of the Lord." Are you ready for His Glory? Let's study some more before you answer. God's Word says that the latter temple will be greater than the former. We know how the tabernacle of David was a revelation of what true worship, between man and God, is all about. The priests couldn't even perform their duties because of the heaviness of Jehovah coming to rest on His Mercy Seat in the Most Holy Place. By the way, we are that most Holy Place now. We are the temple which houses the Mercy Seat and Kingdom of God, in Christ Jesus. Remember once again, that with God there is always divine order. The order is this: unity/order(fear of the Lord and obedience); Glory and then judgement. Are you still willing and ready for His Glory?
The more Glory....the swifter the judgement. Let's briefly talk about God's order of doing business. We will go from an example in the Old Covenant to one in the New. Remembering along the way that the process is: divine order; Glory then judgement. May this Living Bread also remind you that we are still moving in the direction of the final outpouring of God's Glory (Kabod) which is to be revealed in these latter days. It will require temples (you and I...who God is perfecting rapidly) which have a divine order within them. In our hearts there will be singleness of purpose. To be sold out to God once and for all. Hearts which are obedient. (Fear of the Lord) Temples which walk in agape, the God kind of love. Order. Then these temples will be filled with the Glory of God for all the world to see. But, judgement will be swift and great. The Word says that judgement begins in the House of the Lord. Are you still sure that you want to see His Glory?
From the Old Covenant.3 All the men of Israel assembled before the king on the feast day of the seventh month, the Feast of Booths. 4 When all the leaders of Israel were ready, the Levites took up the Chest. 5 They carried the Chest, the Tent of Meeting, and all the sacred things in the Tent used in worship. The priests, all Levites, carried them. 6 King Solomon and the entire congregation of Israel were there before the Chest, worshiping and sacrificing huge numbers of sheep and cattle—so many that no one could keep track. 7 The priests brought the Chest of the Covenant of God to its place in the Inner Sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, under the wings of the cherubim. 8 The outspread wings of the cherubim formed a canopy over the Chest and its poles. 9 The ends of the poles were so long that they stuck out from the entrance of the Inner Sanctuary, but were not noticeable further out—they're still there today. 10 There was nothing in the Chest itself but the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb where God made a covenant with Israel after bringing them up from Egypt. 11 The priests then left the Holy Place. All the priests there were consecrated, regardless of rank or assignment; 12 and all the Levites who were musicians were there—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their families, dressed in their worship robes; the choir and orchestra assembled on the east side of the Altar and were joined by 120 priests blowing trumpets. 13 The choir and trumpets made one voice of praise and thanks to God—orchestra and choir in perfect harmony singing and playing praise to God: Yes! God is good! His loyal love goes on forever!2 Chron 5:2-13 (MSG)This is an example of DIVINE ORDER. Everything was done according to the instruction of Jehovah. All assembled were in unity of mind and purpose. All were sanctified and made clean by the many sacrifices made. Of course, we are made clean today by the Blood of Jesus.
Now, let's move on to the second part of God's sequence of fulfilling His way of doing things. The way He imparts His Glory to mankind. Are you ready? Let's see HIS GLORY. Then a billowing cloud filled The Temple of God. 14 The priests couldn't even carry out their duties because of the cloud—the glory of God!—that filled The Temple of God.
2 Chron 5:13-14 (MSG) Super COOL !!Oh boy, here comes the ruff part. When the Glory of God is uncovered, there is JUDGEMENT. 11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he started out as king. He was king in Jerusalem for eleven years. 12 As far as God was concerned, he was just one more evil king; there wasn't a trace of contrition in him when the prophet Jeremiah preached God's word to him. 13 Then he compounded his troubles by rebelling against King Nebuchadnezzar, who earlier had made him swear in God's name that he would be loyal. He became set in his own stubborn ways—he never gave God a thought; repentance never entered his mind. 14 The evil mindset spread to the leaders and priests and filtered down to the people—it kicked off an epidemic of evil, repeating the abominations of the pagans and polluting The Temple of God so recently consecrated in Jerusalem. 15 God, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent warning messages to them. Out of compassion for both his people and his Temple he wanted to give them every chance possible. 16 But they wouldn't listen; they poked fun at God's messengers, despised the message itself, and in general treated the prophets like idiots. God became more and more angry until there was no turning back— 17 God called in Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who came and killed indiscriminately—and right in The Temple itself; it was a ruthless massacre: young men and virgins, the elderly and weak—they were all the same to him. 18 And then he plundered The Temple of everything valuable, cleaned it out completely; he emptied the treasuries of The Temple of God, the treasuries of the king and his officials, and hauled it all, people and possessions, off to Babylon. 19 He burned The Temple of God to the ground, knocked down the wall of Jerusalem, and set fire to all the buildings—everything valuable was burned up. 20 Any survivor was taken prisoner into exile in Babylon and made a slave to Nebuchadnezzar and his family. The exile and slavery lasted until the kingdom of Persia took over.
2 Chron 36:11-20 (MSG) OUCH !! Are you sure you want to see His Glory?From the New Covenant.
I know that I don't have to relay the entire fourth chapter of Acts to bring understanding to the message at hand, but it is so beautiful. So, here goes.....
1 While Peter and John were addressing the people, the priests, the chief of the Temple police, and some Sadducees came up, 2 indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus. 3 They arrested them and threw them in jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening. 4 But many of those who listened had already believed the Message—in round numbers about five thousand! 5 The next day a meeting was called in Jerusalem. The rulers, religious leaders, religion scholars, 6 Annas the Chief Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander—everybody who was anybody was there. 7 They stood Peter and John in the middle of the room and grilled them: "Who put you in charge here? What business do you have doing this?" 8 With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, 9 if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, 10 I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. 11 Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one." 13 They couldn't take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, 14 but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed!—what could they say against that? 15 They sent them out of the room so they could work out a plan. They talked it over: 16 "What can we do with these men? By now it's known all over town that a miracle has occurred, and that they are behind it. There is no way we can refute that. 17 But so that it doesn't go any further, let's silence them with threats so they won't dare to use Jesus' name ever again with anyone." 18 They called them back and warned them that they were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John spoke right back, "Whether it's right in God's eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. 20 As for us, there's no question—we can't keep quiet about what we've seen and heard." 21 The religious leaders renewed their threats, but then released them. They couldn't come up with a charge that would stick, that would keep them in jail. The people wouldn't have stood for it—they were all praising God over what had happened. 22 The man who had been miraculously healed was over forty years old.One Heart, One Mind
23 As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and told them what the high priests and religious leaders had said. 24 Hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer: "Strong God, you made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 25 By the Holy Spirit you spoke through the mouth of your servant and our father, David:
Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? 26 Earth's leaders push for position, Potentates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers!
27 "For in fact they did meet—Herod and Pontius Pilate with nations and peoples, even Israel itself!—met in this very city to plot against your holy Son Jesus, the One you made Messiah, 28 to carry out the plans you long ago set in motion. 29 "And now they're at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, 30 as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus." These brethren were certainly in one mind and one accord. UNITY,DIVINE ORDER AND OBEDIENCE.31 While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's Word with fearless confidence. HIS GLORY. What follows is an example of how true believers act and respond while operating in the love and glory of Christ. 32 The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. 33 The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them. 34 And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale 35 to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need. 36 Joseph, called by the apostles "Barnabas" (which means "Son of Comfort"), a Levite born in Cyprus, 37 sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.
Acts 4:1-37 (MSG)Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? 26 Earth's leaders push for position, Potentates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers!
27 "For in fact they did meet—Herod and Pontius Pilate with nations and peoples, even Israel itself!—met in this very city to plot against your holy Son Jesus, the One you made Messiah, 28 to carry out the plans you long ago set in motion. 29 "And now they're at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, 30 as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus." These brethren were certainly in one mind and one accord. UNITY,DIVINE ORDER AND OBEDIENCE.31 While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's Word with fearless confidence. HIS GLORY. What follows is an example of how true believers act and respond while operating in the love and glory of Christ. 32 The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. 33 The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them. 34 And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale 35 to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need. 36 Joseph, called by the apostles "Barnabas" (which means "Son of Comfort"), a Levite born in Cyprus, 37 sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.
Ananias and Sapphira
1 But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, 2 secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it. 3 Peter said, "Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? 4 Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God." 5 Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. JUDGEMENT. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. 6 The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him. 7 Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. 8 Peter said, "Tell me, were you given this price for your field?" "Yes," she said, "that price." 9 Peter responded, "What's going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you're next." 10 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband. JUDGEMENT. Wow! This happened in this New Covenant we call grace. Do you not know that we are about to see such things happening again? Are you really certain that you want to see His Glory? It will cost you everything. 11 By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.
They All Met Regularly
12 Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. 13 But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. 14 On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. 15 They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter's shadow when he walked by. 16 They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed. HIS GLORY...AND IT IS COMING.
Acts 5:1-16 (MSG)I know that this has become quite lengthy. The Holy Spirit is still in control and I pray that we continue to have ears to hear what He is saying. We have been talking thus far about the preparing of God's temples(that is you and I); God's Glory; judgement that occurs when sin is brought to the Light of His Glory and the way we conduct ourselves and proclaim His Kingdom with power and miracles following. This is a two fold message. Now for part two. We will now allow the Living Word to speak for Himself about the Glory which is about to fill the earth. Through us, His latter House. Come and share this excitement with me. Why am I beside myself? Because when the temples are clean and the Glory of God comes in, we well see the end-time revival. A revival which will bring many,many souls into the Kingdom of God's dear Son. Surely you can see how the Father longs for all souls to be saved. He is giving mankind one more final push before the end of time as we know it. I can see you or I going into a hospital and all there being healed because of the Glory of God in us and on us. Can you?
But, let us not worry or allow the judgement of God to spurn us upward and onward. Instead, may we be the people who are like Moses and NOT like the children of Israel. May we desire and crave the heart of God instead of His hand. Psalms 25:14 tells us that the key to such an intimacy with God Almighty is a reverential fear of Him. The Israelites were afraid to approach the awesome and thunderous Glory of God on Mt. Sinai. But Moses was not? Why? Because the Israelites knew that if they came close to God they would be required to give up their selfish desires and fleshly wants. The flaws of their character would be revealed. That is what happens when the Master touches us. Moses was willing to crucify his flesh in order to hold His God. To hold His Love. We too are commanded to come to such a place and to be such a people as Moses. Jesus said unless we are willing to deny ourselves and follow Him we are not considered His disciples. Please allow the Holy Spirit to help you come to a place of brokenness. A place of total surrender to the Lord Jesus. We must come to the place of oneness with Him through obedience. To God, that is a place of love with Him. In that love affair you will discover that He has fashioned you into a vessel of honor. A vessel worthy to carry His very Glory for all the world to see. WHAT AN AWESOME HONOR !GLORY !
3 Thunder in the desert! "Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God. 4 Fill in the valleys, level off the hills, Smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks. 5 Then God's bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes. Just as God has said."Isaiah 40:3-5 (MSG)
This is talking about God preparing the way for His Kabod (Glory) which will fill the whole earth. Remember, we are learning that this Glory will fill us (His Temples). This will be the greatest and last revival before the Bride (Church) is taken away. This passage is speaking of an environment of holiness and oneness with Him. This...HE WILL WORK OUT IN US IF WE ARE WILLING. DO YOU STILL WANT TO SEE HIS GLORY? IT WILL COST YOU. THE COST WILL BE PUTTING JESUS ON THE THRONE OF YOUR HEART INSTEAD OF YOURSELF.
We have discovered that we have hope of something really cool happening here in the last days. Did you know that the Bible also tells us when this will occur? Before we dig into that nugget, let's have a brief teaching about the ways in which God's Word tells us of things to come. The Old Covenant is almost completely written as a type and shadow of things yet to come. Most of the shadows and prophecies came to pass with the fulfillment of Christ and the New Covenant. But there are still many shadows and prophecies which yet remain to be fulfilled. The New Covenant writing also spoke in types and shadows. These were mostly comprised of the parables of Jesus. The New Testament also spoke many times in the prophetic. Both Testaments also used numbers as a means to describe future events and God's time table of things yet to come. We will discuss a few of these different methods which center around the coming Glory and God's end-time Church. Remember this, God never throws numbers around lightly. They always mean something.Once again. "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." II Peter 3:8. God created the earth in six days then he rested on the seventh. There has been six thousand years since the creation of Adam. The seventh thousand years represent the Millenial Reign of Jesus after the tribulation. So, according to our calender here in the U.S., we are at 2010. Two thousand and ten years since Christ. There was four thousand years between Adam and Christ. We are at 6010 years. The Jewish calendar is slightly slower than ours. But, nevertheless, you can see that we are at the threshold upon when Jesus is about to come for His Bride. PREPARE, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD (HIS POWER, GLORY AND MAJESTY) IS AT HAND.
1 Let's return to the Lord. Even though he has torn us to pieces, he will heal us. Even though he has wounded us, he will bandage our wounds. 2 After two days he will revive us. On the third day he will raise us so that we may live in his presence. 3 Let's learn about the Lord. Let's get to know the Lord. He will come to us as sure as the morning comes. He will come to us like the autumn rains and the spring rains that water the ground.Hosea 6:1-3 (GW)We can't get much more straight forward than this. We have had two days (two thousand years since Jesus) to repent and come to a place of being sold out to the Lord. He will help us. After that (between the second and third day, or between the two thousand years since Jesus and His Millenial Reign; right before the tribulation...RIGHT NOW) He will come back for us. Israel had two major rains during their farming season. The autumn rain (former) came right after the seed was sowed. The spring rains (later) came just prior to harvest. You probably noticed the two rains mentioned in the passage from Hosea. This is one of the biggest indicators of the coming Glory and of our temple being greater than the former in the last days. You have really hung in there for some time now, grit your teeth, the Holy Spirit has just a little more to go. We must speak more on the former and latter rain...it's just way too strong on a prophetic indicator to dismiss.
Let's list three major scriptures on this subject, then we will tie it together with a fourth. Whenever the Bible talks about rain, it is primarily talking about the Holy Spirit. In these cases, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earthHosea 6:3(NKJV)23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month
Joel 2:23 (KJV)
The prophecy of the former rain was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. This is the day when God's promise and gift of the Holy Spirit was given to mankind. Peter declared this when he stood up to preach on that most glorious day. By the way, read some of the most miraculous things that took place in the book of Acts, because of the Holy Ghost outpouring. We touched on a few at the very beginning of this message.17 "In the Last Days," God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men dream dreams. 18 When the time comes, I'll pour out my Spirit On those who serve me, men and women both, and they'll prophesyActs 2:17-18 (MSG)This was the first outpouring of the Holy Ghost. This was the former rain that Hosea and Joel talked about. Remember, the Autumn rain (former) was given right after the seed was sown. This first Holy Ghost outpouring was given right after Jesus came with the Righteous Seed. It was Himself. That seed has been multiplying and growing for two thousand years !! We are waiting for the latter rain. The spring rain which comes right before harvest. This is the very Glory that we have been speaking of. James tied it together real well.
7 Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. See how farmers wait for their precious crops to grow. They wait patiently for fall and spring rains. 8 You, too, must be patient. Don't give up hope. The Lord will soon be here. 9 Brothers and sisters, stop complaining about each other, or you will be condemned. Realize that the judge is standing at the doorJames 5:7-9 (GW)
Ok back to Moses again. I just can't get enough of the guy. Here we will see another Old Testament prophetic scripture which uses the number thing again. Remember, two days (two thousand years since Jesus), then where we are now(sandwiched between the second and third day....then the third day (the thousand year reign of Jesus. Let's see if you recognize the pattern here.So the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people, and tell them they have two days to get ready. They must set themselves apart as holy. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the day after tomorrow. On that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch.
Ex 19:10-11 (GW) WOW...WOW....WOW !!I am sure that this message has already been received loud and clear. The Holy Spirit has just a bit more. I can't wait..so let's go my dearly beloved. Check this out...
11 On that day (the day we are living in now) I will set up David's fallen tent. I will repair the holes in it. I will restore its ruined places. I will rebuild them as they were a long time ago.Amos 9:11 (GW)16 ‘Afterwards,(the day we are living in now) I will return. I will set up David's fallen tent again. I will restore its ruined places again. I will set it up again 17 so that the survivors and all the people who aren't Jewish over whom my name is spoken, may search for the Lord, declares the Lord.Acts 15:16-17 (GW)
6 "For thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the Lord of hosts. 8 'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts. 9 The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says the Lord of hosts. 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the Lord of hosts." Hag 2:6-9 (NKJV)
The tabernacle of David was very awesome indeed. The priests worshipped around the altar 24/7. The Glory of the Lord would descend and the priests were unable to fulfill their duties because of His Kabod. The latter house (we His temples) is going to be greater than the first (David's tabernacle) THE GLORY IS COMING. I hear the latter rain of harvest even now. Can you hear it? Oh how sweet !
1 “I'm going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way ahead of me. Then the Lord you are looking for will suddenly come to his temple.(HIS GLORY) The messenger of the promise will come. He is the one you want,” says the Lord of Armies.(the Holy Spirit) 2 But who will be able to endure the day he comes? Who will be able to survive on the day he appears? He is like a purifying fire and like a cleansing soap. 3 He will act like a refiner and a purifier of silver. He will purify Levi's sons and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will bring acceptable offerings to the Lord.(SANCTIFICATION AND DIVINE ORDER) 4 The offerings from Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the past, as in years long ago. 5 “I will come to judge you. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers, lying witnesses, and those who cheat workers out of their wages and oppress widows and orphans. I will also testify against those who deprive foreigners of their rights. None of them fear me,” says the Lord of Armies.(JUDGEMENT...ouch) Mal 3:1-5 (GW)Then you will again see the difference between righteous people and wicked people, between the one who serves God and the one who doesn't serve him.
Mal 3:18 (GW) That sure is a refreshing thought since we now live in a world where right is wrong and wrong is right...with the heathen anyway.
40 Just as weeds are gathered and burned, so it will be at the end of time. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels. They will gather everything in his kingdom that causes people to sin and everyone who does evil. 42 The angels will throw them into a blazing furnace. People will cry and be in extreme pain there. 43 Then the people who have God's approval will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom. Let the person who has ears listen! Matt 13:40-43 (GW)18 But the path of righteous people is like the light of dawn that becomes brighter and brighter until it reaches middayProv 4:18 (GW)
19 So we regard the words of the prophets as confirmed beyond all doubt. You're doing well by paying attention to their words. Continue to pay attention as you would to a light that shines in a dark place as you wait for day to come and the morning star to rise in your hearts.(His Glory) 20 First, you must understand this: No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation. 21 No prophecy ever originated from humans. Instead, it was given by the Holy Spirit as humans spoke under God's direction. 2 Peter 1:19-21 (GW)
My dear sisters and brothers, I pray you took something away from this long discourse. It is always a pleasure working along side you my fellow soldiers. My fellow soldiers of light and GLORY.
Check this out:1 Then the Angel showed me Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, 2 right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. 3 Never again will anything be cursed. The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, 4 they'll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. 5 Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age. Rev 22:1-5 (MSG)NOW, THAT'S A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS !!
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