Signs of the End Time; October 29, 2021

Signs of the End Time                                    October 29, 2021 

Jesus gave us 4, signs to the Saints of the End Times, what will happen to people 

1. Persecuted, put to death, hated by all 

Matthew 24:9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 

2. People turn away from faith, betray, hate each other 

Matthew 24:10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 

3. False prophets, deceive many 

Matthew 24:11 Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people, 

4. Increase wickedness, love grow cold 

Matthew 24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 

Encouraging Words from Jesus 

Matthew 24:13 But the person who endures to the end will be saved. 

Let’s remember, this saying. 

Believe in Jesus and Believe Jesus.  There is a difference. 

We will cover these 4 points our Lord Jesus told about over the next few months.  

Let’s start with number 4, Increase wickedness, love grow cold.  This was a part of His answer to the disciples’ question: “What will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?” 

Matthew 24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,   {more wickedness, less love} 

How can we be sure that the love we have for Lord Jesus will never grow cold? We begin by examining ourselves to be sure we are truly in the faith 

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you, unless, of course, you fail the test?   {what test} 

Compare ourselves to see if we are walking and following the example and Words that Jesus has told us about.  Every Passover we are to examine ourselves.  

If we truly belong to Christ, we can be confident that we possess the love from the Spirit that never grows cold. Cut out Wickedness from our lives.  Then we should make every effort to increase our love, as The Apostle Paul said:  

Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer, that your love will keep on growing more and more with full knowledge and insight,  (10)  so that you may be able to choose what is best and be pure and blameless until the day when the Messiah returns,  (11)  having been filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus the Messiah so that God will be glorified and praised. 

For those without the Holy Spirit, what love they do have will become colder and colder in the last days. 

2 Timothy 3:1 You must realize, however, that in the last days difficult times will come.  

2 Timothy 3:2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  

2 Timothy 3:3 unfeeling, uncooperative, slanderous, degenerate, brutal, hateful of what is good,  

2 Timothy 3:4 traitors, reckless, conceited, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.  

2 Timothy 3:5 They will hold to an outward form of godliness but deny its power. Stay away from such people. 

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit says clearly that in the last times some people will abandon the faith by following deceitful spirits, the teachings of demons, 

Paul is saying, people who say the love God is only in pretense, saying it is true, but not in reality. 

OK, how can this really happen. 

Just wondering, have you heard of the term, The Nones called for young people, under 30. 

When Satan first deceive Adam and Eve, he did so by discrediting God and then they did sin and sent mortal people to eventual physical death. 

Genesis 3:4-5 "You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman.  (5)  "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 

·      We know from this time that people strayed further and further from the Living God. 

·      People knew about the existence of a spiritual realm beyond our physical lives, then they fashioned and worshiped false gods.

·      Satan and his demons are behind every idol crafted by the hands and minds of people. 

Today, there are people who profess to worship Satan, are called Satanists. The people with the Satan behind them, they want to offend Jesus, The Messiah.  Satanists are in Hollywood.  Over 35 Satanic Temples in the United States.  a membership of 100,000 in 2016, because Trump was elected, membership jump up.  Metal and rock music groups 

More and more people, especially former Christian, are now atheists, reject any belief in a god or any god.  Pew Research 2019.

The main difference between Agnostic and Atheist is that an atheist is a person who doesn’t believe in god whereas an agnostic is a person who is not sure whether the god exists or not.

·      4% of American Adults say they are Atheists

·      5 % of Americans call themselves Agnostics  {9% of population}

·      Atheists are mostly men around age 34, white and highly educated.

·      Atheists believe it is not necessary to believe in God to be moral

·      They claim an enlightenment that frees them from belief in any deity.

·      These self-claimed atheists instead worship humanity, calling themselves humanists. 

·      They believe that mankind will elevate its collective consciousness, leading to a utopia without suffering, want, or war. 

Paul also said a great falling away from the church? 

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 

·      The root of this growing coldness of love among the people today and toward each other is a deep hostility, to authority.

·      My understanding of lawlessness: a deep hostility to authority, especially God’s authority.

·      That’s what lawlessness is. “I will not submit to law from outside

myself.

·      I’m not going to yield to authority anymore.”  Remember, this is Satan attitude and His rebellion.    

We wonder why the nations will fight against Jesus when He returns to the earth, is it because they do not want to be under authority. 

2 Peter 3:3-4 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.  (4)  They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 

·      Lawlessness really means we want to be our own law.

·      We don’t want anybody; especially Lord Jesus; telling us what to do.

·      We want to create our own meaning,

·      We want create our own identity,

·      We want create our own rules.

·      And when this happens, we have cut ourselves off from Jesus and from the Holy Spirit; and therefore from love.  More Wickedness 

Now, to use the language of Paul, the church becomes infected with “the mind of the flesh” rather than “the mind of the Spirit” 

Romans 8:7-8 That is why the mind that focuses on human nature is hostile toward God. It refuses to submit to the authority of God's Law because it is powerless to do so.  (8)  Indeed, those who are under the control of human nature cannot please God. 

When people are asked about their religious groups in nationwide polls, more and more young people are declaring themselves to be “nones”, meaning that they refuse to affiliate with any religion, especially Christianity. 

According to the Pew Poll, With few exceptions, though, the unaffiliated say they are not looking for a religion that would be right for them. 

Overwhelmingly, they think that religious organizations are too concerned with money and power, too focused on rules and too involved in politics. 

The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace. One-fifth of the U.S. public – and a third of adults under 30.  

The rush to secularism and socialism is accelerating very fast in Colleges, 

Example: Harvard University elected an avowed atheist to serve as its head chaplain. 

The chaplain teaching students about the progressive movement that centers people’s relationships with one another instead of with God.

Progressive believe people can be good with God and total rejection of God. 

Psalms 14:2-3 The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.  (3)  All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 

These modern-day pagans consider the God of the Bible to be an oppressive, patriarchal, white-privilege relic of the past that must be rejected and opposed.  They unknowing look to Satan’s false promise, you will be like gods. 

Atheism {disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God} in American is growing like a cancer. 

Psalms 14:1 Fools say to themselves, "There is no God." They are corrupt and commit evil deeds; not one of them practices what is good. 

Here is what Paul thinks of this. 

Romans 1:21-22 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.  (22)  Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. 

·      Our elite in the United States culture, rejects the very idea of a Creator God, but believe in evolution, instead.

·      Our culture now embraces self-declared gender identity, not man or woman.

·      Administration Ignores The Science about people, Issues First Passport With ‘X’ Gender identity on 10-28-21

·      Our culture elevates the status of animals and treats human life (born and unborn) as disposable, killing of babies.  Psalms 22

·      Our culture rejects marriage as an unnecessary relic of the past.

·      Our culture increasingly treats work as a four-letter word, free things 

So, what should we do as Saints of our Lord Jesus: stay rooted in Jesus who created us all.  Jesus will punish those who rejected Him. 

Psalms 2:2 The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, 

Psalms 2:3 "Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles." 

Psalms 2:4-6 He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.  (5)  Then He will speak to them in His anger And terrify them in His fury, saying,  (6)  "But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain." 

Paul wrote for us 

Romans 1:24-25 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.  (25)  They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, who is forever praised. Amen. 

Romans 1:28-29 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.  (29)  They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,   {does not have the love of God in them} 

Romans 1:30-31 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;  (31)  they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 

Romans 1:32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. 

Let end with the way Apostle Paul tells us in view of Lord Jesus Second Coming: 

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  (25)  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

A New Beginning: October 16, 2021

 

A New Beginning:                                October 16, 2021 

When do you think happens, in a timeline, White Throne Judgment, New Jerusalem, New Heavens, New Earth, Destruction of the Earth with fire, 

God's Master Plan of salvation for mankind will then be complete in this Age.  Then a new age will start.  Then the Spirit Members of God's Family and physical people can look forward to new heavens and a new earth; and to new and wonderful opportunities in ruling the universe under God our Father and Jesus Christ our elder brother! 

Christ will make salvation available to everyone who ever lived, but never heard or under-stood the truth, in the last great step in God's plan; the 8^th  Great Day, picturing the last judgment period and next age. 

The Last Great Day pictures the completion of God's Master Plan in this Age and the Next Age; the Great White Throne Judgment period after the Millennium. 

During the White Throne judgment, is this when the New Heavens and New Earth happen, while all are being judge before Jesus Throne in heaven on the sea of glass. 

I am going to speculate when does the New Heavens and New Earth and New Jerusalem comes down to earth.  There are some small hints, a few medium hints, and some direct hints if we believe what the Scriptures really say. 

{Judgment on a sea of glass in Heaven where Lord Jesus Throne is, in front of Jesus Throne?} 

Revelation 20:12-13 I saw the dead, both unimportant and important, standing in front of the throne, and books were open. Another book was opened—the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to their actions, as recorded in the books.  (13)  The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and all were judged according to their actions.

The New Heavens and a New Earth, what will God do next. 

Now a new heaven and a new earth will appear. The new earth will become the headquarters for all future creating projects of the God Family. Let's glimpse this new project God has promised to begin and continue. 

Apostle John wrote 

Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. 

The first heaven (sky) and earth (fire), the sea was dried up for people {oceans?} 

Revelation 21:2 I also saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.  

Will the new Jerusalem come down out of heaven to the earth and become the capital of the universe. 

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There won't be death anymore. There won't be any grief, crying, or pain, because the first things have disappeared."  

Revelation 21:5 The one sitting on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new!" He said, "Write this: 'These words are trustworthy and true.'" 

John then describes the New Jerusalem and Jesus plainly told John, "I make All Things New.  Notice, the Father join Jesus Christ on earth with His spirit-composed children? 

We know the Father will not live on the earth before the cleansing of the world in fire. With the final battle of Gog / Magog, the earth probably be in bad shape, so it needs to be fixed.  After the earth is purified, the Father will establish His headquarters and throne on earth, in a new and perfectly built Jerusalem 

{like the battle with Satan first time, repaired the earth in 6 or days} 

Notice the Father will share the new city with His children and future children.  Here are some hints. 

Isaiah 66:22 "For as the new heavens and the new earth that I am about to make will endure before me," says the LORD, "so will your descendants and your name endure. 

Isaiah 66:23 From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me," says the LORD. 

Psalms 102:25-28 Of old, You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.  (26)  They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed.  (27)  But You are the same, And Your years will have no end.  (28)  The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You." 

Who is going to live in this new city 

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 

What will the Holy City of Jerusalem be like. 

Revelation 21:9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came to me and said, "Come! I will show you the bride, the wife of the lamb."  

Revelation 21:10 He carried me away in the Spirit to a large, high mountain and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven.      (We know now that the earth/heaven has been cleansed} 

Describes in detail the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:11-21 (please read) 

Revelation 21:22 I saw no temple in it, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  

Jesus referred to His body as a Temple {John 2:21} 

Revelation 21:23 The city doesn't need any sun or moon to give it light, because the glory of God gave it light, and the lamb was its lamp.  

Revelation 21:24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory {worship} into it.    

Hint - People outside Jerusalem, their leaders will go there 

Revelation 21:25 Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there. 

Everything that could threaten the city has been defeated 

Revelation 21:26 And they {people} shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 

Hint - Glory is praise and worship, nations (people) go into New Jerusalem 

Revelation 21:27 Nothing unclean, or anyone who does anything detestable, and no one who tells lies will ever enter it. Only those whose names are written in the lamb's Book of Life will enter it. 

They will be given the Holy Spirit and will be written into the Book of Life. 

Ezekiel 37:1-14 God will bring all Israel and others back to physical live and receive the Holy Spirit. 

Ezekiel 37:14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.'"  

Joel 2:28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 

{The Holy Spirit will be given to ALL People If they have the Holy Spirit, are they not written in the Book of Life} 

The Father and the Lamb are its Temple in the New Jerusalem and the Bride of Christ will dwell with them.  Meaning we will be there with them. 

Hint - But notice further.  Outside this city, in the magnificent New Earth, will dwell all the Nations that will be saved.  

The Prophecy of Isaiah, time for some educated speculation 

Isaiah the prophet describes the incredible scene of the new heavens and the new earth. 

He prophesied, in chapter 65, of God creating the new heavens and earth, as something to be rejoiced in forever, that is, for all eternity! 

But notice what else he says about this stupendous, fantastic time. 

Isaiah quotes God as saying: 

New Heavens and New Earth 

Isaiah 65:17 "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. 

·      This passage is duel in prophecy, what it will be like during Jesus Kingdom of God during the millennium and in the future, New Jerusalem. 

·      But you notice that it does say new heavens and a new earth, only after White Throne Judgment.

 Isaiah 65:18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating, for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. 

Isaiah 65:19 I'll rejoice over Jerusalem, and take delight in my people; no longer will the sound of weeping be heard in it, nor the cry of distress.

How long will the people period of judgment last, 100 years for all 

Isaiah 65:20 "And there will no longer be in it a young boy who lives only a few days, or an old person who does not live out his days; for one who dies at a hundred years will be thought a mere youth, and one who falls short of a hundred years will be considered accursed. 

This verse in Isaiah apparently refers to this judgment period, suggesting that those resurrected and future generation then will live for 100 years, regardless of how old they were when they died. 

They have the Holy Spirit and then changed to Spirit Being.

More hints. 

Isaiah 65:21 People will build houses and live in them; They'll plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 

Isaiah 65:22 They won't build for others to inhabit; they won't plant for others to eat, for like the lifetime of a tree, so will the lifetime of my people be, and my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. 

Isaiah 65:23 They won't toil in vain nor bear children doomed to misfortune, for they will be offspring blessed by the LORD, they and their descendants with them.   Hint – have children, descendants 

After New Jerusalem comes down to the earth, children will be born.  It looks like the Father wants to continue having new members added to the family through new births of children as we enter this new age and beyond. 

Isaiah 65:24 Before they call, I will answer, while they are still speaking, I'll hear. 

Isaiah 65:25 "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; but as for the serpent--its food will be dust! They won't harm or destroy on my entire holy mountain," says the LORD. 

Animals will be there too. 

Christ will make salvation available to everyone who ever lived, but never heard or under-stood the truth, in the last great step in God's plan; the 8^th  Great Day, picturing the last judgment period. and during the New Jerusalem. 

Animals will be there after the New Jerusalem comes down 

Important Notice!  This passage is clearly dual in application.  

It is about the millennium with Jesus is King and Priest in the Kingdom of God and about the fulfillment of past prophecies. 

Did you notice, this passage is also about the New Heavens and New Earth and what will happen after it starts. 

New Heavens and New Earth will be after the white throne judgment of mankind. 

The 8^th day is really about New Beginning of the new Age of God’s plan. 

Shemini Atzeret very name identifies means a new beginning.  When God creates the new heavens and the new earth during this age, it really is a new beginning. 

Remember when Jesus plainly told John, "I make all things new" (Rev.21:5). 

Apostle Peter wrote about this awesome time or age.  Hints. 

2 Peter 3:10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will disappear with a roaring sound, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be exposed. 

2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, think of the kind of holy and godly people you ought to be 

2 Peter 3:12 as you look forward to and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved and the elements will melt with fire.  

·      Will this happen during the White Throne Judgment?

·       The Major battle with Magog and Gog and the destruction of the earth at the end of millennium.  

·      Satan is removed. Is this when the earth is cleansed of all the battle results.

·      Lord Jesus has all physical people in judgment in front of the throne.

·      Will Jesus re-create the earth again in 7 days after fire destroyed it? 

2 Peter 3:13 But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. 

Revelation 20:11-12 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.  (12)  And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 

Revelation 20:11-12 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.  (12)  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 

Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 

We will have people of different ages and have not built righteous character yet. Happen during the white throne judgement, people will be protected. 

Ever wonder how much authority did God intend to give to people 

Psalms quotes 

Psalms 8:4-6 what is man that you take notice of him, or the son of man that you pay attention to him?  (5)  You made him a little less than divine, but you crowned him with glory and honor.  (6)  You gave him dominion over the work of your hands, you put all things under his feet: 

The Apostle wrote 

Hebrews 2:6-8 Instead, someone has declared somewhere, "What is man that you should remember him, or the son of man that you should care for him?  (7)  You made him a little lower than the angels, yet you crowned him with glory and honor  (8)  and put everything under his feet." Now when God put everything under him, he left nothing outside his control. However, at the present time we do not yet see everything put under him. 

Question, is it possible that God’s plan of expanding His divine family continue during this age after the New Jerusalem comes down from Heaven.  There are some additional hints in the Scriptures that this could be true. 

One hint is from Isaiah: 

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (7)  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 

The increase of His government means it is growing and getting larger in size and numbers.  There is no limit mention, just getting bigger and bigger, even forever. 

Genesis 9:12 And God said: "This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:   hint from Genesis. 

God said perpetual {never ending or changing} generations refers to human generations implies human reproduction will go on forever, and not stopping, producing children forever.    Now, new hints 

Exodus 20:6  but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 

Deuteronomy 7:9 "Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. 

1 Chronicles 16:15 Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, 

Psalms 105:8 He remembers His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, 

1000 generations, really. 4 times mention. The word for generations means ages and generations.  How long is a generation from the Scriptures? 

Numbers 14:34 According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt one year, namely forty years, and you shall know My rejection.  {50 years for the Jubilee} 

It looks like 40 years is a generation and if we look at 1,000 generation, which would be 40 years times 1,000 generations, would equal 40,000 years.  That is a long time promise by God 

We know Adam and Eve was created about 6,000 years ago, or 6,000 years divided by 40 years is around 150 generations.  

Since the time of Adam and Eve, mankind has been on this planet for only about 6,000 years.  The Millennial Sabbath day, which is 1,000 years (Rev.20:4), will be the "final day" of God's "week" of seven days, picturing the 7,000-year plan of God, which encompasses the time from Adam and Eve till the end of the Millennium. 

Just looking at these Scriptures, it seems as if people will be born after the new heavens and new earth is here.  These individuals will be given an opportunity to qualify for salvation and eternal life.  There will be no Satan or demons to influence them in this Way of Life! 

But they will have billions of "sons of God," already in God's Kingdom, ready to help, instruct, guide, and teach them, at a moment's notice!  And when they have qualified, they, too, will become spirit beings, sons of God in the ever-expanding KINGDOM OF GOD! 

You know what is exciting for you and me about this.  We have been called to be part of the Bride of Jesus and we will be at the beginning to see this from the very beginning.  The Bride are like a tennis ball on top of a large pyramid and individuals will come later in the pyramid.  

The rest of the nations, mankind, including our own children and family members who are not called now, in this age, will become members of the God Kingdom at a later age, when their calling time comes. 

Daniel 6:26 “I hereby decree that in every area of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, who endures forever. His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed, and his dominion {or empire} continues forever. 

Therefore, God Kingdom will always be growing larger and larger

 

How does Jesus talk with the Saints? October 9, 2021

How does Jesus talk with the Saints?                October 9, 2021 

How does one really hear from Lord Jesus?  Especially His Bride. 

Some individuals say God doesn’t speak anymore or Even some Christians claim God only speaks through the Scriptures. 

People say things like, “God spoke to me” or “The Lord told me.” What does that mean? Did they hear an audible voice like Samuel?

How can I hear from God?   

We primarily hear from God by regularly spending time, by pray and reading the Bible and obeying what it says. 

The Bible is God’s message to humankind. Everything we need to know to live the Christian life is already in the Bible. As we spend time meditating on his Word, God reveals his truth to us. 

I believe hearing God speak means different things to different people.  We know God treats each of us as a unique child and not with a cookie-cutter Christians and speaks to us the way He knows is the best way of each of us.  

When we look throughout the Scriptures, God gave information in many different ways to individuals, the most weird way, to me, God spoke through a donkey to get His message across. 

Malachi 3:6 "For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore, you are not consumed {or destroyed}, O sons of Jacob. 

So however, God communicated in the Old Testament and the New Testament, can be done in our time today. 

Apostle Paul tells us 

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

So Jesus is still the same today.  Jesus tells us 

Revelation 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." '   {we all have ears to hear} 

What are some of the ways does Jesus speaks to the Saints. 

1. Jesus speaks to us through the Scriptures. 

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 

2 Peter 1:20-21 First of all, you must understand this: No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, (21) because no prophecy ever originated through a human decision. Instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 

2 Peter 3:15-16 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation, as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, (16) as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 

The Scriptures provides Jesus's point of view. (Commands, promises, principles) and It contains real letters to real people.  His Word sometimes gives us a warning, a word of encouragement, or a lesson for life, so we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work 

2. Jesus speaks to us through the Holy Spirit 

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 

John 14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 

John 16:7-11 However, I am telling you the truth. It is for your advantage that I am going away, because if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (8) When he comes, he will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment-- (9) of sin, because they do not believe in me; (10) of righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; (11) and of judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. 

1 Corinthians 2:10-12 But God has revealed those things to us by his Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God. (11) Is there anyone who can understand his own thoughts except his own inner spirit? In the same way, no one can know the thoughts of God except God's Spirit. (12) Now, we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we can understand the things that were freely given to us by God. 

1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 

Holy Spirit provides spiritual insight and understanding while living in us.  The Holy Spirit speaks to us through our conscience, helping to make the right decision. 

3. Jesus speaks through individuals whose source is the Scriptures. 

Lord Jesus speaks through teachers, through our spouse, kids, friends, even enemies and whomever Jesus chooses. God uses human words to speak words of prophecy, tongues and interpretation and words of wisdom and knowledge   

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 

Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts based on the grace that was given to us. So if your gift is prophecy, use your gift in proportion to your faith. (7) If your gift is serving, devote yourself to serving others. If it is teaching, devote yourself to teaching others. (8) If it is encouraging, devote yourself to encouraging others. If it is sharing, share generously. If it is leading, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping, help cheerfully. 

Job 33:14-15 "God speaks time and time again; but nobody notices; (15) in a dream or night vision, when a deep sleep falls on mankind while they sleep on their beds. 

Acts 17:11 These people were more receptive than those in Thessalonica. They were very willing to receive the message, and every day they carefully examined the Scriptures to see if those things were so. 

2 Timothy 3:15-17 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures that are able to give you the wisdom you need for salvation through faith in the Messiah Jesus. (16) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (17) so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good action.  {repeat Scripture earlier} 

4. Jesus speaks to us through trials and difficulties 

Psalms 119:67-68 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. (68) You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes. 

1 Peter 1:6-7 You greatly rejoice in this, even though you have to suffer various kinds of trial for a little while, (7) so that your genuine faith, which is more valuable than gold that perishes when tested by fire, may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus, the Messiah, is revealed. 

Hebrews 5:8 Son though he was, he learned obedience through his sufferings 

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, (3) because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (4) But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. 

James 1:12 How blessed is the man who endures temptation! When he has passed the test, he will receive the victor's crown of life that God has promised to those who keep on loving him. 

1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you by the Messiah Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, establish you, strengthen you, and support you. 

5. Jesus speaks through his creation and nature. 

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 

Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that time {or worlds, universe} was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are invisible. 

Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 

Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." 

How by observing the ant, store up food, growing a garden shows miracles of death and rebirth.  Realizing, Lord Jesus design and spoke all things into existence 

Have you ever was going to do something, and a little voice in my head said, do not do that, or go that way or move you to do something else.

I might be the only one, but I have. 

6. Jesus speaks through Music 

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

I feel God’s presence the most I am praising Him through music.  Very emotional.  The words and notes bring soothing comfort, exciting and passion that opens my ears and heart and lift our spirits right then. 

7.  Jesus speaks through His example 

1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 

1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 

1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 

8.  Jesus speaks through prayer 

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

God often speaks to us through His Spirit, through prayer.  We can pray for God to handle our everyday concerns.

Finally, Regardless of the way God reveals Himself to each of us or how they speaks to us, remember this one thing. 

The Father and the Lord Jesus will never contradict the Scriptures and the message they gives will always bring Glory to both of Them.