God wants to visit His people (Exodus 24:16-17) And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
When we pursue the Kingdom of GOD we will see things that we have not yet seen. God will give us Heavenly Signs and Wonders to Amaze us. He wants us to look into the Heavenly Realm where He sits in all His Glory. There He can tell us the secrets of His Heart.
Jesus' ministry is surrounded with Supernatural Experiences because He did only what the Father in Heaven told Him. The work He did here on earth is for today, not only when Jesus was on earth. God is seeking for those who truly seek after Him to shower them with His Glory. Religion is trying to stop the Church from seeing that Glory and having Supernatural Experiences. Religion says if you have a Supernatural Vision it is a demon. Because religion can not control it, they can't tie it down, they can't tell it what to do.
In the Word you find things happening in the Spirit Realm to many of Authors. Ezekiel was carried into a vision of God. He was lifted into the Heavens seeing the Kingdom. He saw wheels within wheels as Heavenly Beings. (Ezekiel 1:1-28) John the Revelator, was lifted Higher to see the Kingdom. A voice lifted him a little Higher and he began to look into Heaven. He began to see GOD. There is a lot of stuff going on in Heaven.
In His Word are so many personal experiences with GOD by the prophets and seers. You just have to open the Word and pray for the revelation of GOD as you read them. The Holy Spirit will be glad to share the revelation the LORD has sent Him to give to you.
GOD is wanting us to have encounters with Him. Everybody wants these encounters but they want them to be normal. GOD is wanting Heaven to become more Real to us. For it to become a reality to us, all we need to do is take a step of faith into His Realm and come out believing what He shared with us was our glimpse of Heaven. Having a glimpse in Heaven is a promise He gives to each of His children.
-Debi Webster Perry-
Let your love, God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised; Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word. Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever—your commandments are what I depend on. Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—relishing every fragment of your counsel. Remember what you said to me, your servant—I hang on to these words for dear life! These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me. (PSALM 119:41-50-MSG)
"THE EPISTLE OF JAMES"
Heavenly Wisdom Vs. Earthly Wisdom (3:13-18)
INTRODUCTION
1. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom - Pr 3:13-18; 4:7-9
2. Likewise, in the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom - Ep 5:15-17
3. But in Jm 3:13-18, we learn that there is more than just one kind of wisdom (READ)
4. In this lesson, we will take a look at what James describes as two different kinds of wisdom: "Heavenly Wisdom Vs. Earthly Wisdom"
[In discussing these two, James does so by making several contrasts; the first being...]
I. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "ORIGIN"
A. EARTHLY WISDOM IS NOT FROM ABOVE (15)
1. It is EARTHLY
a. I.e., worldly
b. Wisdom that is according to the world's standards
c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God - cf. 1Co 1:20
2. It is SENSUAL
a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions
b. Wisdom according to what FEELS right (but that doesn't make it right)
3. It is DEMONIC
a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels
b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan!
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM IS FROM ABOVE (17)
1. It comes from GOD - cf. Jm 1:17
2. It comes via PRAYER - cf. Jm 1:5-8
[Knowing the origin or source of each kind of wisdom ought to encourage us to select the right one. But if that is not enough, then consider how James describes...]
II. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "NATURE"
A. EARTHLY WISDOM (14,16)
1. Full of BITTER ENVY
2. Possessing SELF-SEEKING IN THE HEART
3. This wisdom extols as virtues such qualities as:
a. Power
b. Position
c. Privilege
d. Prestige
4. It was this kind of wisdom...
a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God
b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM (17)
1. It is first PURE
a. Above all else, it is true to God's Will
b. Not one to compromise truth for the sake of peace
2. Then it is PEACEABLE
a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace - cf. Ro 12:18
b. For example, speaking the truth in an attitude of love - cf. Ep 4:15
3. GENTLE
a. That is, kind in one's dealings with others
b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ - cf. 2Ti 2:24-25
4. WILLING TO YIELD
a. Not in matters of truth
b. But in matters of opinion - Ro 14:1
c. In matters of liberty - Ro 14:19-21
5. FULL OF MERCY
a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others
b. Wisely understanding one's own need of mercy - cf. Jm 2:13
6. Producing GOOD FRUITS
a. Notice verse 13, where it says we are to show by our conduct our true wisdom and understanding
b. This wisdom takes one beyond being a HEARER to being a DOER - Jm 1:22
c. Understanding that "faith without works is dead" - Jm 2:26
7. WITHOUT PARTIALITY
a. Showing no respect of persons - cf. Jm 2:1-13
b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis
8. WITHOUT HYPOCRISY
a. Indicating that all of the above is not an "act", a "show"
b. But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man
[Certainly the superiority of "Heavenly Wisdom" over "Earthly Wisdom" is apparent in this passage. But as additional proof, notice also...]
III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "FRUITS"
A. EARTHLY WISDOM (16)
1. Causes CONFUSION
2. And EVERY EVIL THING
3. Makes you wonder what kind of wisdom...
a. Is behind denominational-ism
b. Is often manifested in some congregational meetings
B. HEAVENLY WISDOM (18)
1. Produces PEACE, instead of confusion
2. Bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing
CONCLUSION
1. Certainly when we compare their ORIGIN, NATURE and FRUITS, the wisdom to be preferred is "HEAVENLY WISDOM"
2. What kind of wisdom do we have?
a. Those who have "EARTHLY WISDOM" boast of theirs (14)
b. While those who have "HEAVENLY WISDOM" show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness (13)
3. What kind of wisdom do we want?
a. If EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary
1) Just do what the world tells you
2) Just do what feels right
b. But if HEAVENLY, then we must be diligent
1) To seek such wisdom from God
2) To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct
4. What kind of wisdom do you have in regards to the gospel of Christ?
a. EARTHLY WISDOM makes no response to the gospel, or if any, only that which is convenient
b. HEAVENLY WISDOM receives the commands of the gospel joyfully and obediently - cf. Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38
Have you demonstrated "HEAVENLY WISDOM"?
He Handed It All Out In Gifts to the People
Ephesians 4:7-13 (MSG) But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift. The text for this is, He climbed the high mountain, He captured the enemy and seized the booty, He handed it all out in gifts to the people.
Is it not true that the One who climbed up also climbed down, down to the valley of earth? And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.
καταρτισμός
katartismos
kat-ar-tis-mos'
Complete furnishing (objectively): - perfecting.
A making fit, preparing, training, perfecting, making fully qualified for service. In classical language the word is used for setting a bone for surgery. The Great Physician is now making all the necessary adjustments so the church will not be “Out of Joint.”
The Greek word for equipping implies:
1. A recovered wholeness as when a broken limb is set and mends.
2. A discovered function, as when a physical member is properly operating.
The work of the ministry is the enterprise of each member of the Body of Christ and not the exclusive charge of the select leaders.
Taken together, Eph 4:11,12 reveal that the task of the gifted leader is to cultivate the individual and corporate ministries of those he or she leads.
The Gift of Speaking in Tongues - God’s Purpose
Referring to Isaiah’s words, Paul wrote, “In the law it is written, ‘With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people, and yet for all that they will not hear Me, saith the Lord.’ Wherefore”, Paul concludes, “tongues are for a sign . . . to them that believe not” (1Cor. 14:21-22). Notice Paul’s words, “tongues are for a sign”, and then ask yourself, “A sign of what?” Clearly, tongues are God’s designated sign of the way of eternal life. A singular beauty of the New Testament is that God Himself, through the Spirit, speaks when He enters our hearts. In this covenant, we are not dependent upon men to tell us when we are born again.
Speaking in tongues is a misunderstood blessing, but it is part of the reason Jesus suffered and died. How can it not be of God? Is it not clear that only those who have repented and have received the Holy Spirit baptism with the evidence of speaking in tongues have found this REST which God promised to His people?
Speaking in tongues enables God’s children to pray more effectively. Paul wrote, “Likewise the Spirit helps our infirmities. For we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26).
-Debi Webster-
The Trinity Signature
The four eternal symbols concealed in Genesis and Revelation are related in a peculiar manner. The pattern, which is also found spectacularly in the 66 books of the Bible, appears to be a key signature of the Triune God.
Observe how the two sets of Trinity symbols relate. Given a set of three elements, there are exactly three distinct ways of pairing them: AB, BC & AC. That is precisely the Trinity signature! It exudes perfect harmony and unity and adds intriguing insights to the 4 ages pointed to by the 4 symbols.
- The Passover Age was fulfilled by Jesus, the LIGHT of the World (John 1:4-5, 8:12).
- LIGHT is the symbol of the Son.
- He was sent by the Father. (John 3:16, 17:25)
- The Father provided the Son as the Passover Lamb -- the burnt offering sacrifice (Gen 22:8, 10).
- The Father prepared a BODY for the Son (Heb 10:5).
- The BODY or TEMPLE is the symbol of the Father.
The above describes the first pair of symbols: LIGHT-TEMPLE. The first symbol is LIGHT and the last symbol is TEMPLE. The Son manifested in the symbol of the Father, TEMPLE.
- The Pentecost Age was fulfilled by the Spirit, who was poured out as Living WATER (John 7:38-39).
- WATER is the symbol of the Spirit.
- He was sent by the Son (John 15:26, 16:7).
- The Son provided the Spirit as the Comforter, the Spirit of truth (John 15:26).
- The words of Jesus (John 16:13-14) are ILLUMINED by the Spirit. The Spirit is the Seven Lamps of Fire burning before the throne of God (Rev 4:5).
- LIGHT is the symbol of the Son.
The above describes the second pair of symbols: WATER-LIGHT. The first symbol is WATER and the last symbol is LIGHT. The Spirit manifested in the symbol of the Son, LIGHT.
- The Tabernacles Age will be fulfilled by the Father as He will TABERNACLE with His people during the Millennial Kingdom (Eze 37:26-27).
- The TABERNACLE or TEMPLE is the symbol of the Father.
- The Holy Spirit comes in the form of the Shekinah cloud, manifesting the presence of the Father.
- The Spirit pours out the blessings of the Father by sending abundant RAIN (Zec 14:17-18) and inundating the world with the knowledge of God "for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the WATERS cover the sea." (Isa 11:9)
- WATER is the symbol of the Spirit.
The above describes the third pair of symbols: TEMPLE-WATER. The first symbol is TEMPLE and the last symbol is WATER. The Father manifested in the symbol of the Spirit, WATER.
- The Son whose symbol is LIGHT, ministers with the Father's symbol, TEMPLE.
- The Spirit whose symbol is WATER, ministers with the Son's symbol, LIGHT.
- The Father whose symbol is TEMPLE, ministers with the Spirit's symbol, WATER.
By joining the two sets of Trinity symbols shown below, an interesting pattern is formed. The number 888 (Greek gematria of JESUS) is hidden in the pattern!
Intrinsic in the name of Jesus (888) is the Trinity signature illustrated above. The Triune God is indeed the Alpha and the Omega -- the first(1st) is the last(8th) and the last(8th) is the first(1st).
-Bits and Pieces of the Trinity Signature-
In summary, here is the structure of the physical world as it now exists from the face of the Earth upwards:
- The lower sea of physical waters (our seas and oceans)
- The first heaven (the atmosphere)
- The second heaven (outer space)
- The sea above outer space and below the third heaven (a sea of separation)
- And above it all, there is the Third Heaven.
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."(Ephesians 3:17-19 KJV)
The structure of the heavens is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It is reinforced (in typology) throughout the Bible. For example, it is likened to the floors of a building, which we call "stories," and sure enough, the same word is even used in the KJV Bible.
1. To describe the design of the heavens:"[It is] he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD [is] his name."(Amos 9:6 KJV)
2. This pattern of three (3) levels is also found is some other important things in the Bible, an example being the description of the design of Noah's Ark:"A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; [with] lower, second, and third [stories] shalt thou make it."(Genesis 6:16 KJV)
3. To describe the construction of the Temple:"The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows [were] covered;" (Ezekiel 41:16 KJV)
Pray for help and open eyes to see it. God wants to open our eyes to see His help for us (Genesis 21:19) And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
As I read the articles to the links above, about the Trinity and the Third Heaven, I noticed they correlated with a lot of my dreams and visions. Each of us are promised in the Word that we will receive all gifts from the Father above, when we seek His face. The way the Holy Spirit speaks to each of us is personable and unique to what our own needs are. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us with the Father fulfilling our Divine Purpose for living. Whether it be an intercessor, a pastor, a singer, a musician, etc., the Holy Spirit will equip us with what we need.
The dictionary description of spiritual gifts (or charismata) are endowments given by the Holy Spirit.[1] These are the supernatural graces which individual Christians need to fulfill the mission of the church.[2][3] They are described in the New Testament, primarily in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. 1 Peter 4 also touches on the spiritual gifts.[1] The gifts are related to both seemingly "natural" abilities and seemingly more "miraculous" abilities, but all spiritual gifts are empowered by the Holy Spirit.[3] Spiritual gifts are distinguished from other graces of the Holy Spirit, such as the fruit of the Spirit and the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, in that the charismata are to be used for the benefit of others while the fruit of the Spirit and the Isaiahan gifts result in personal sanctification.[4] The two major opposing theological positions on the nature of the charismata are cessationism and continuationism (see also Cessationism versus Continuationism).
Father, we thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your Son as the final sacrifice which put in motion Your merciful plan that connects us back to You. We thank You for Your mighty Holy Spirit, the sweet Holy Spirit that fills our cups to over flowing. Holy Spirit we need more of you. We need all supernatural understanding of the Word, supernatural Strength and supernatural Wisdom, to accomplish what you have put us here on Earth to accomplish. Consume us from the inside out, that people we encounter only see the Father's love in us and that all we say and all we do, Lord, is for Your Glory! Help us to take your Word literally and put it into action as Jesus did throughout His ministry here on Earth. Help us to help others, whether it be an encouraging word, physically, or giving to a financial need. Thank You, Lord for Your unfailing and merciful love. Amen.
