*** Preparing for Union with Christ in the Philadelphia Church Age ***
“When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.
… she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.
When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.
She said to the king, ‘The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes.
Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. How happy your people must be!
How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel.
Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.’” (NIV, 1 Kings 10:1 – 9)
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Hello again.
I hope my writings stir your heart for more of the Lord. Now, more than ever, is the time for our hearts to be drawn deeply into the things of God.
Our Solomon, the Lord Jesus, has a banquet for us in the Spirit, an abundance “…more than all we ask or imagine…” (NIV, Ephesians 3:20), far surpassing our wildest speculations.
It is the Father’s delight to share his glory and love with his sons and daughters; to usher them into the care and protection in the shadow of his wings.
His heart is “for you and me, unrelenting, persistent in capturing the gaze of our attention,” not wanting any to wander or drift, but all to come to the knowledge and love of Christ.
There’s a treasure awaiting us, unlike anything the Queen of Sheba experienced.
Let’s search for it together, and discover the kindness and goodness of God.
He’s waiting with open arms for us to respond!
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Just like many of you, I’ve experienced a small measure of the unimaginable in Christ, and just like you, I’m richer for it.
The Lord knows how to change the direction of our compass heading; to draw our hearts to him deeply and intimately.
Much of what Solomon displayed to the Queen of Sheba was temporal; what we have in Christ, the fulfillment of Solomon, is eternal.
For two millenniums the Lord has labored to bring the Church to the place it is today, an expansive, dynamic, and gifted body, having all the resources it needs to become “wise,” and prepare for his “coming,” being made ready.
Fulfilling what Solomon prefigured and foretold, Christ has abundantly provided – in this late hour of the Gospel age – an unprecedented “feast and drink of him.”
He’s opened wide the door to Tabernacles – the key of David – in the age of Philadelphia, the love of the brethren.
It’s opened wide, hoping many will want to come and prepare, having sufficient oil to make the journey when he comes and knocks on the door of their hearts.
Today, many are receiving deep healing and restoration – the revelation of Christ in grace. (1 Peter 1:13)
This is what the saints and prophets of old desired to look into, but could not, Christ living in us. (Romans 8:11)
New wine in new bottles, a changed nature – putting to death the deeds of the flesh to walk in newness of life – the treasure of Christ – bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh, spiritually speaking.
The Lord is inviting a new generation(s) – a new season of believers – into his care and kindness wherever he can find an opening.
The grace of God is being poured out today, for those who will receive the love of God and open their hearts to intimacy with Christ.
Revival is happening in the hearts of men and women all across this globe, those taken aside for a deep work of the Spirit.
They will one day form a great net (as Jesus described in the seventh and final parable of Matthew Chapter 13), rescuing many “fish” out of the “seas” in the final season of the gospel era.
Many unsaved (fish) will come out of the nations (seas) and find salvation in Christ, turning this world upside down one final time for Jesus.
I hope to be a part if I live to see it, what about you?
We are in the beginning stages of end – time events. Let’s go as deep as we can in the time the Lord has allotted, and not be found drunken and asleep when he comes.
“Making ready a bride,” is uniquely individual and without fanfare. It is not glamorous or attention getting. It’s a secret and quiet work of the Spirit, hidden from the eyes of the world.
It will remain largely hidden until the last hours of the Church age when the great net of revival is cast out one last time.
From Noah forward, such has been the way of life and the advancement of the kingdom.
There’s coming a day – a season detailed in Scripture – when the Holy Spirit will connect his sons and daughters from around the world, those who’ve been made ready by the Spirit of God, and usher them into a season of ministry eclipsing anything in recent past.
The Word of God will come to pass just as the Scripture says.
It does not take many to accomplish great things in God!
Today, the Lord is calling all those who have ears to hear and eyes to see, and those who have fallen asleep, to come to him for cleansing and healing while it is still day.
To be made new, advancing his kingdom one by one.
That will one day become a “smooth” rock, in the sling shot of the Lord, cast into this world one last time to rescue many, before he sets in motion irreversible events.
Today is the day of great grace and great change, so let’s take advantage of them!
Oh, now more than ever, is the time to set aside your heart and life for the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you haven’t, it’s time to ask the Lord:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (NIV, Psalm 139:23 – 24)
*** SECTION I ***
No Turning Back
The Queen of Sheba marveled at the blessings of God upon Solomon and his kingdom, but strangely, she left his kingdom and returned to hers.
Granted she had a kingdom to rule, but…
Those who pursue Christ, and permit Christ to pursue them, responding to his pursuit, will be well prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, divinely prepared and positioned to advance the kingdom of God in the lives of others.
There’s a sleepiness, an apostasy slowly creeping into the Church – don’t let it take you off guard!
It’s time to cling to the Lord and stay close to him.
Get in his Word and let it soak you from head to toe.
Don’t worry about things you don’t understand, in due time, the Lord will reveal to you the things you need to understand.
The days of Noah, Moses, Elijah, Joseph ( spiritual famine) are here and growing.
God’s outpouring will be like the days of Elijah; when Elijah prayed for rain, though it looked hopeless, in short order the storm clouds of God poured rain on the dry and thirsty souls of men and women.
As Isaiah says,
“‘Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son.
Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this?
Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment?
Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.
Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?’ says the LORD.
‘Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?’ says your God.” (NIV, Isaiah 66:7 – 9)
Like so many of the promises to Israel of old, God’s promises belong to you and me, especially those on the cusp of transition to the Millennium.
The Lord cannot usher in a global revival of deep healing and restoration – renewal, the birthing of Christ in his creation – without first accomplishing it in the lives of some; those who will be well prepared to offer care, the lifeline of life, when the great wave of revival comes.
Before Christ appeared, God used John the Baptist for a pioneering work – preparing hearts to receive Christ.
Before the flood came, God used Noah to preach to the lost.
Throughout history, God has used people to prepare others for his coming.
Each new work of God, new seasons, requires those on the forefront to be prepared and “discipled” unto the Lord, as vessels, to be used by him as fruitful offerings of life in the apprehension of others.
The Queen of Sheba observed from the senses the treasures and beauty of Christ in her day.
Today, as we eat and drink Christ, the treasures and beauty of Christ become our own.
Her joy was temporal. Our joy is eternal.
Depending where you’re at, looking over the fence, like the Queen of Sheba – admiring the great wealth and treasure of another, or, sitting on the fence – those in Solomon’s kingdom, but, not his intimates, or, walking side by side with Solomon – those in his inner circle, no matter what your relationship is with Jesus, there is still more to apprehend.
“‘…What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ – the things God has prepared for those who love him – ”(NIV, 1 Corinthians 2:9)
Now is not the time to go back to your kingdom like the Queen.
“‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.’” (NIV, Matthew 13:44 – 45)
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A Rushing Mighty Wind, or, Just a Slight Breeze?
Tragically, many of us have been taught to look at Christ from the perspective of relationship, by that I mean:
a gradual, slow process “we” manage and control, through various efforts – as opposed to the teaching of Scripture, i.e., being chosen and led by the Lord to die to sin, baptized into his death, an “intensive” journey of fathering.
Simply, we’ve been taught a system emphasizing our ability to change, based on what we know and see and decide – as opposed to faith and obedience, i.e., what we do not know, or see, and cannot change, dependent on the saving work of Christ – the spontaneous, disruptive (at times), unplanned responses to the moving of the Holy Spirit.
We crave, even after the new birth, control and management of our relationships. Especially our wounds and brokenness.
When intensive fathering comes, control and management gives way to grace – filled care and leading, transitioning us from “works” to “grace through faith.”
The heart of the age of Philadelphia is to be called and chosen by the Lord for a deep work of his Spirit, to be led by him spontaneously and unplanned.
Free from the exhaustion of works, into the realm of peace, confidence, and trust – a journey toward Christ.
Our efforts and programs, though well intentioned, prayerful and heartfelt, lack the deep moving of the Holy Spirit in the secret and hidden places of our lives.
Only the personal intervention of Christ, over a long period of time, can change us from glory to glory.
Only time in the wilderness with Christ will reveal the deep and hidden places in our lives we so desperately need cleansed and healed.
And he is the only one who knows the dynamics and workings of the enemy, and our own contribution to the enemy’s plan with our agreements, etc., and how to untangle, cleanse and heal from the afflictions of our sinful choices, and I might add, our sinful inheritances.
The Queen of Sheba entertained a small measure of Solomon’s majesty, seeing the glories of his kingdom from the seat of a spectator.
Jesus is not after spectators, but, wholehearted oneness with his majesty and beauty.
Like a bride and bridegroom are consumed in love, cannot envision a life without the other, that is the love of Christ and his desire of ours for him.
The foolish virgins and Laodiceans miss the heart and mystery of the Gospel – intimacy with Christ.
They were taught about relationship, but not the deep things of God – to be fathered by him in the adventure only he can provide.
But God is changing that.
He is allowing disruption to come upon this world to create desire and passion for him.
He’s using the darkness of this world, and the darkness in one’s life, to create “rescue” only he can provide.
Like Jesus demonstrated at the wedding of Cana, the best wine is saved for last.
Else, none would be able to stand in the last days, the enemy succeeding in his plan to capture all of humanity, disgracing the gospel of Christ.
But Jesus is not going to let that happen.
The Lord is increasingly exerting himself in the affairs of men and women, preparing humanity for the breath of his Spirit in the closing chapter of the gospel era.
Christ will not be disgraced but exalted.
Jesus does not despise our weaknesses, no, he is fighting for you and me right now.
And so, shall it be in the last days of the gospel era, the best wine, the richest and deepest and most flavorful, will be poured out to rescue and redeem many.
Like the Queen, many in the last days, will be astonished and beyond words at the treasure and richness of Christ bestowed upon them in their time of wounds and brokenness, sorrow and grief.
*** SECTION II ***
“Growing in Relationship,” or, “Ushered into the Wilderness”?
Growing in relationship with Christ, as is taught across the broad spectrum of Christianity today (the extensive teaching promoting growth through “decisions” for Christ, via sermons, teachings, television, and other media, etc.), can only take one so far.
At most, the teaching, “growing in relationship,” may land one on the shores of the wise virgins or beyond the shoreline, but not much farther.
The reason, our choices and decisions only go so deep, the things we know about, the low hanging bad fruit.
Our choices and decisions cannot surface the secret and hidden wounds, sins, agreements, etc., running unchallenged (our fallen nature) on the highways of our heart and mind.
Here are some “thoughts” from the Scripture regarding the secret and hidden things in our lives, cleansed and healed by Christ in our “fathering” adventure and pilgrimage:
Luke 12:2, “‘There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.’” (NIV)
Romans 2:16, “This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets…” (NIV)
Psalm 44:21, “would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:25, “as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare…” (NIV)
Daniel 2:22, “‘He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.’” (NIV)
John 16:13, “‘But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears…’” (NIV)
John 14:18, “‘I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.’” (NIV)
Hebrews 4:12 – 13, “For the word of God is alive and active…. it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him…’” (NIV)
Matthew 15:13, “‘…Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.” (NIV)
With some inner healing and deliverance, one begins to move inland – deeper into “wise virgin” territory – because inner healing and deliverance requires revelation from the Lord for healing and restoration.
The more you move, by the Spirit of God, from works based “decisions,” to grace and faith based “revelation by the Spirit” the deeper you go in the things of God, the secreted and hidden things in your life.
Most inner healing today is in the realm of the wise virgins.
These are areas more common to men and women the Holy Spirit brings to light, through prayer ministers, cleansing and healing the garden of our heart and mind.
And, as progress is made, the wise virgins take possession of the land entrusted to them in proportion to their faith.
This is the realm where the outward manifestation of bad fruit is driving one to receive care and healing from the various resources the Lord has provided in the Church.
This is the domain of the Church, the preparation of the virgins (Matthew Chapter 25).
Like our mom, the Church can only take us so far.
It cannot impart into its sons and daughters – in the same way and depth as our heavenly Father – “identity” and “destiny,” the domain and province of the Lord.
It cannot impart deep love, acceptance, esteem, approval, and the other attributes that anchor us to our identity and Father God.
It cannot impart deep confidence and trust.
Christ was raised into the “likeness” of his Father “by” his heavenly Father.
Only our heavenly Father can impart – by grace through faith in the revelation of Christ – the “likeness” of Christ into our lives.
This is the baptism of putting to death the works of unrighteousness in our life, however deep, however secret, however hidden, and made alive to walk in newness of life – the new creation.
Just as the Father fathered Christ, we need the Father to father us.
This is the heart of my website and the essence of the theme of the New Testament – for men and women to be fathered into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the mystery and message of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our mother, the Church, can only take us so far in this journey.
Christ never intended the Church to take responsibility for completing the task only he can accomplish in one’s life.
High school is not designed to accomplish what a master or doctor program can.
Being called, chosen, and ushered into the wilderness with Christ is the time of deep fathering only the Lord can provide.
The difference, in human terms, between the wise virgins and the brides in the making, is “Jesus.”
Wise virgins can only go so far and eventually, as the Scripture shows, they will fall asleep because human effort can only apprehend so much of the gospel.
Unless Christ chooses his wise virgins, they will remain thus, asleep, and separate from him, and from the fulfillment of the design and purpose for which they were created – intimate union with their Lord and Savior.
Important
Like I’ve written in the past, from a different perspective, by shifting the focus of our Christian pilgrimage from being fathered by God (the intensive journey with Christ), to being fathered by the Church, Christendom has shifted the focus from Christ and his journey with the Father, to Calvary.
And in doing so, Christendom has shifted the focus from the necessity of our journey with Christ, to Calvary as well – missing the heart of the Gospel – first for Christ, then for us.
Bottom line, the Church for the most part, continues to seed generation after generation of orphans.
It is not until recently, because of the lateness of the hour, the Lord has ushered in the Philadelphia church age, opening the door once again to deep fathering.
Only being chosen by Christ, going into the wilderness with him, can change one into the likeness of Christ.
Chosen
Being chosen by the Lord for a deep work of the Spirit – the wise virgins responding to the call of the bridegroom, i.e., “being made ready” – is an intensive work of the Lord, an unprecedented work leading in only one direction – intimacy with Christ.
Once entered, there’s no turning back.
When Noah began his journey there was no going back.
When Israel passed through the Red Sea there was no going back.
When David fled into the wilderness there was no going back.
When Jesus picked Peter for a deep work of the Spirit, there was no going back. (John 21:18, you may want to read my post, A Peculiar People, Part 5, if you think Jesus is talking about Peter’s physical death in this passage.)
When the Lord took Paul into the desert to learn of him there was no going back.
And like days of old, when Jesus opens the door to the feast of Tabernacles and ushers you and me into the Philadelphia church age, there is no going back.
It’s not something someone can enter into halfheartedly.
Those that desire the deep things of God, desiring all of Christ, can trust him the Lord for help in preparing them for the journey.
The Lord groomed Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Elijah, and one of the greatest types of Christ, David, in advance for the journeys they would take in God.
The Lord desires all to be made into brides.
It is his heart, his story, his gospel, that all come into the fullness of Christ and the power of his resurrection – “Sonship,” the bride of Christ – the heart of the Philadelphia church age, fulfilling the feast of Tabernacles in the last days.
But, we know, some, for whatever reason, do not prepare (the foolish virgins), content with the way things are, embracing the culture of the age (Laodicea), ultimately in the end missing intimacy and union with Christ – the heart of the Gospel.
One cannot expect to be chosen for a wilderness journey with Christ, if they have not endeavored to seek and pursue Christ, doing their part of “heart and life” preparation.
If one has not sought some measure of healing as opportunities have presented themselves, submitted to the resources Christ has already provided, undertaken to seek and pursue Christ, respond to his call (sometimes it takes us years to respond, but eventually respond), or, deeply desire to be cleansed and made new, one may have difficulty convincing the Lord they’re ready for the deep wilderness journey with him.
There may be more homework, spiritually speaking, to get ready.
The Lord does not want the journey to further one’s wounds, but to be transformative.
So, he may wait for a more opportune time, and, in the meantime, have one make further preparations, like “buying more oil for their lamp.”
The Lord desires the journey to be “experiential” and “fruitful,” for both him and us, we matter!
What happens on our journey, and how we come out the other side matters deeply to Jesus.
Our well-being and restoration are his vital concern, as if he hasn’t shown that already.
So, he waits with patience for those still preparing for his appearing and rescue.
There is a cost to pay for all of us.
The foolish virgins, for whatever reason, miss their adventure with Christ because they had not borne the burden of the cost, in the time allotted, for their own preparation.
There is cultivation of desire, passion, healing, understanding, etc., by the Lord that is needed to be ready to travel further with him.
An understanding in the Word, Spirit, and things of God, are helpful for a fruitful journey.
The Lord will provide whatever is needed in advance, through the resources of the Church, given the opportunity.
The Lord is not fooled about one’s readiness to journey deeply with him.
He will provide through the body of Christ the teaching and guidance needed to make a fruitful transition from virgin to bride “given” an interest to go deeper.
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Only Christ can reveal the deep measures of his grace he desires to impart in his bride.
The Scriptures give us a glimpse of some of the prominent attributes; king, priest, prophet, and servant, all symbolized by the face of a lion, the face of a man, the face of an eagle, and the face of an ox in Revelation.
Without Christ, the wise virgins remain a virgin and outside the inner circle of the Lord of hosts.
To look at it another way, it is the responsibility of the Church to lead us into the stage of a virgin, preparing you and me to be called and chosen by the Lord for the Fathers embrace.
The Church has a critical part to play in our salvation, helping to cultivate our heart and the provision of resources in preparation for the deep work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Scripture does not teach us to stay a virgin, it’s a stage of growth; it’s not the place of intimacy and maturity the Lord desires.
He wants a bride. He paid a dear price to have men and women made into his likeness!
Christ prepared the path for the bride and he is the only one who knows it from beginning to end.
It is a path marked out beforehand by the Lord, uniquely and individually, for the virgins, those who’ve been “wise” to prepare for his call and choosing.
For that to occur, deeply and intimately, in accord with Scripture, Christ must come uniquely and individually to each son and daughter and choose them to go into the wilderness with him.
And how do we know that – a journey beyond the stage of a “wise” virgin, because the Scripture is replete with the story of being chosen and fathered by God into the likeness of Christ.
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Choosing Some Now, Giving More Time for Others
The loss of the knowledge of Christ’s journey, his journey to perfection, resulted in the loss of “Fathering,” tragically, leaving most in Christendom as orphans.
The Church was never designed to replace the journeying of the son with the Father in the wilderness.
Instead of the Church being the gateway, open door, to Fathering, it became the focus and driving force of Christianity.
Christendom has, knowingly or unknowingly, by and large, supplanted the Father, leaving most in the kingdom as orphans.
That’s why there’s so much warning in Scripture about falling asleep and the parables of the virgins, talents, debts, and others.
Jesus cannot “come” to us as orphans, like he promised, if all he finds is foolish virgins – because we won’t be able to make the journey to him – we won’t have enough oil in our lamps.
So, he waits giving more time until there are sufficient wise, sufficient enough to carry the weight of a new move of God.
Now is the time to take every opportunity God gives you and me.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (NIV, Ephesians 5:15-17, italicized mine)
Ask the Lord to point you in the direction of your next opportunity and he will!
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Here are some Scriptures for your study and consideration:
“But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver…” (NIV, Malachi 3:2 – 3)
(Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament before the appearance of Christ. Does this sound like “growing in relationship,” or, being chosen by Christ for a deep work of the Spirit?)
“‘On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more,’ declares the LORD Almighty…” (NIV Zechariah 13:1 – 2)
Does this sound like growing in the Lord, or, like a deep work of God?
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” (NIV, Psalm 42:7)
And here are just a few Scriptures describing being chosen by the Lord for cleansing and healing, beyond the work and resources of the Church:
“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.
Those who walk up rightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” (NIV, Isaiah 57:1 – 2)
(Note, spiritually speaking, this refers to those God separates, transforms and sanctifies, by the power of his Spirit, death to sin to walk in newness of life.)
“‘Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.’” (NIV, Matthew 24:40)
“‘…the bridegroom arrived…’” (NIV, Matthew 25:10)
“‘…He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.’” (NIV, John 10:3 – 4)
“‘…when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’” (NIV, John: 21:18)
(This verse is not about Peter being physically crucified, but Peter putting to death the works of the flesh, made alive in spirit by grace through faith, fathered by God.
Even a few commentators see this is as the new life of the Spirit Peter is being led into, being chosen by Christ for a deeper work in him to advance the kingdom of God in him and Christendom.
See my post, A Peculiar People, Part 5 for a detailed explanation of this passage.)
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart….” (NIV, 1 Corinthians 4:5)
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (NIV, 2 Corinthians 5:10)
(Note, the judgment seat of Christ is this side of heaven, cleansing and healing of the body, soul, and spirit.
It does us no good to be judged in heaven when our opportunity for repentance and forgiveness has passed.
The Holy Spirit is here to convict us of sin now, to lead us in the ways of Christ and his likeness now, not when we get to heaven.
Also, this is not the Great White Throne judgment.)
“…just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,” (NIV, Ephesians 5:25 – 26)
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (NIV, Colossians 3:4)
“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, I give you this charge:” (NIV, 2 Timothy 4:1)
(Note, this appearing and judging is not referring (appealing) to the Great White Throne judgment – which is a judgment of the unsaved – but the coming of the Lord to heal and restore his sons and daughters, to be made ready, “brides.”
Remember, the presence of God in our lives brings an opportunity for salvation or rejection (judgment), just by having the nature of Christ. See John 9:41.)
“…and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (NIV, Hebrews 9:28)
(Note, again, this is this side of heaven, to be changed from glory to glory, into the likeness of Christ, to be born anew like Christ, to walk in newness of life by Christ, vessels of grace and love.)
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (NIV, 1 Peter 1:13)
(Peter is writing years later on his encounter with Christ, the journey Jesus took him on referred in John 21:18. Peter’s letters are partly his testimony of that journey.
The revealing of Christ this side of heaven requires grace as the Lord works in our life to change our lowly nature into his holy nature.
See my post, A Peculiar People, Part 5.)
“…but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” (NIV, Hebrews 12:10)
“‘I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.’” (NIV, John 14:18)
(This is the coming to the virgins to make them brides – his coming is to make us into his likeness, which requires deep healing and restoration.
He’s not going to leave us wounded and broken, but promises cleansing and healing – so we can know and be known of him – intimate connection and union, resurrected to walk in new life, the promise of the Father.)
“‘…I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem,…and I will also write on them my new name.’” (NIV, Revelation 3:12)
(The writing of God’s names in our lives requires a deep work of the Spirit, time with Jesus, much time, a long journey of transformation, partaking of the divine nature as Peter describes.
You don’t give your name to someone you do not know. You only give your name to someone who you’ve come to know intimately, someone your going to share your deepest secrets and your inheritances.
This is the writing of God on the tables of our hearts and minds described in Hebrews and Romans.
It’s also referred to as the birthing of Christ in Galatians, the day of Christ in Philippians, crucified to Christ, etc.
It’s the baptism into Christ, the feast of Tabernacles.
Notice the corresponding church age of Laodicea is reproved for not allowing the deep work of Christ, and, end up, for those at the end of time, in the wilderness of the Tribulation.)
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Much of Christendom, those moving in one form or another in spirituals, know revival is on the horizon.
But most do not know the difference between being cared and ministered to by the body of Christ, and being ushered into the wilderness like Elijah, Moses, David, Christ, and the apostles.
I’m not talking about dipping your toes in the wilderness by attending retreats and events.
That’s a start, a needed start in the journey of the wise virgin but it’s not the end of the line, on the contrary, it’s the beginning and hope toward Christ.
I’m talking about, where you know Jesus has come to you, spoken to you, and began a deep work in your life unlike anything you’ve heard, experienced, or been taught.
A work ushering you into unplanned and spontaneous moving of the Holy Spirit, disrupting the patterns of wounds and sins, exposing your deep need for healing and grace.
Philadelphia
In the Philadelphia church age the Lord refers to the key of David, an open door before us.
This is an open door to the feast of Tabernacles, like David’s Tabernacle of old, fulfilled in Christ and offered to you and me today.
This is the opening of an unprecedented opportunity, on a global scale, to be chosen by the Lord for a deep work of his Spirit.
Because we’re nearing the end of the gospel era, the Lord knows it will take a deep work of his Spirit to prepare you and me for the deep things of God to come, and the accompanying spiritual warfare.
Jesus has opened the door for us to go pass the grave and the tomb, the spirits that harbor death, into the realm of grace and restoration in the revelation of Christ.
He’s reaching out to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, beckoning those who are blind and deaf, to awaken and see the light of the Lord shining through his opened door.
The Philadelphia church age is the age of culmination, fullness; the age of the deepest work of God in men and women, so much so, they are given new names, not only the name of a bride, but the signature name of God and Christ.
It is the age of initiation by the Lord. It is the work of his choosing, searching for those he can know and be known by him. The making of those who will carry his name.
Philadelphia signifies the completion of the work of the Gospel in men and women in the last days, bringing them into the fullness and likeness of Christ – measured by Christ, not man – an unprecedented opportunity, to be made clean, restored to God’s original design.
As I’ve said before, it is more certain the Word of God will be fulfilled, as written, than it is the sun rising tomorrow morning.
Even the sun bows and humbles itself before the Lord, as we see in Revelation.
Blessings, Drake
(NIV) Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblical, Inc.™
