"Critical Times"

Below is my response to a letter I received
(with supplemental links added). It covers a variety of topics, according to the concerns of the writer.
- - - - - - - - - -
Hello,

I appreciate that you have written to me. I regret that I do not clearly remember your past contact, but do hope that my response was helpful in some way.

I don't detect any direct questions within your present letter, but such is not necessary for those who write to me. 

Since many who are cast off by the WT Beast, are rare in the perceptive abilities which often caused their being cast off; the sense of isolation which results, is enough of a motive to reach out to me. Those who contact me for this reason, are most welcomed.

I will however, comment on each of the ideas you present to me.

I hope that by means of God's spirit, the things I am about to say in response, and especially the scriptures I cite, will speak clearly to your heart and mind, that the eyes of your spirit will be opened even wider, by means of an increase to the blessing you even now, possess.

Our present realities are daunting, and were referred to by Christ and the Father (Luke 21:26; Isa.5:30; Amos 9:8,9; Matt.24:5,9,21,22,24,25; Dan.12:7; Rev.13:7,10).

Satan has demanded to "sift" the "wheat" to the point of death, just as he thrashed our Lord (Luke 22:31;  Rom.6:5; 1Pet.2:21; Rev.6:9,11). Revelation's repetitive and various illustrations of the same singular scenario, explain that Satan does this sifting, according to the one scenario which the scroll repeatedly depicts and has predicted, within it's various parables. 

A great false prophet arises 

(who is a genuine Called one -Rev.1:20; 8:10,11; 2:5,20; 2Pet.3:17; Isa.14:12) 

("stars" --Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3; Matt.5:14,16; Gen.26:4; Gal.3:29), 

to assume dominion over a "Gentile" (non-anointed "Jews") Organizational Beast 

(Rev.17:1,3; James 4:4; Rev.9:1,2,3; Dan.11:31; 8:24).

("What is a 'Jew', what is a 'Gentile'?")

The false prophet imbues that collective Beast with an image of divinity (Rev.13:15; 19:20), so that all the "earth" should be directed to worship and obey that Image/Idol (Rev.13:15,8,16,17). That operation of error also engulfs the remaining ones of the woman's seed...the last remnant of called ones...as this "Beast" even raises itself above the anointed Body of Christ...God's genuine priesthood and Temple...making itself the "disgusting thing" "causing desolation" to God's Chosen, as it tramples them into captive subjection (Rev.13:7; Dan.8:24,11; 11:36; 2Thess.2:4; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10; 11:2; 1Cor.3:16; Ps.66:10,11,12; Matt.5:13; Isa.51:23; Rev.9:5,10; Eze.2:6; Mal.3:1,2,3; Zech.13:9; Rev.8:7; 1Cor.3:15; Zech.3:2,8,9; Rev.5:6; 3:1; 1:20).

(pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)

This demonic machination is successful against all the remnant, temporarily.

(Eph.5:14; 1Thess.5:7; John9:4; Isa.60:1; Micah 4:13; Luke 22:32; Rev.1:1; Zech.4:9,14; Rev.11:3; 22:6 

---meaning of "two witness" Symbol: John8:17) 

("Earth Swallows Satan's River")

The years you spent in subjection to the Gentile Beast and it's false prophet, is a common experience among we who are now released from that curse. The discipline we received was due for our idolatrous error (Rev.6:8; Eze.14:21; Isa.48:11,10; Zech.13:9; Eze.14:22; 7:16; Matt.24:16,15; Eze.36:8). We drank and staggered from the Harlot's cup of spells... a "wine" expressed by "unlocking" the labyrinth of demonic exhalations, previously chained and sealed deep in the "abyss" (1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13,14,15,16; Jer.25:16; 51:7; Deut.32:32,33; Joel 3:13; Rev.14:8; 18:3,4; Rev.14:18,19; 19:15; Isa.63:3; Eze.22:30; Isa.59:16,17) 
("Who are the Kings of the Earth?") (Rev.17:2; 1Cor.6:15)
("Who is the 'Earth'?")
(To examine the identity of the "world" (as it relates to the Anointed), read Part One of: "Christian Neutrality") (LINK1) (LINK2)

The time comes for a small remnant to awaken and arise to shine their light 

(Matt.25:5,6,7; Eph.5:14; Isa.60:1 ...plus scriptures above.)

All the end-time deception happens, because when "Wormwood" uses the key to open the abyss, the previous restraint on Satan's power to deceive, is removed. The Harlot can now fill her cup with the "venom of serpents".

(Rev.20:1,2,3,7,8; 9:1,2; 16:13,14,15,16; 12:7,10,11; 17:14; 19:11,14,8; 6:9,11).
("Thousand Years")
("The Remaining Ones")
("Satan's Short Period of Time")
("Two Kingdoms")
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-good-news-part-one.html)

Certainly, being separated from this corrupt "city" is better than remaining inside (2Cor.6:17; Ps.26:4,5; Jer.51:6; Rev.18:4). But receiving the crown of life (James 1:12; Rev.3:11,5) is reserved for those who also do God's will (1John 2:17; Matt.7:21; Rom.12:2)...

which is not simply to slink away from the doomed City, 

but rather, to give a witness to the blind in chains, and accept the "death" that results, before it is too late for them, and for us (Luke 4:18; Rev.13:15; 11:7; 6:9,11; 12:11; Mark 8:35; 1Tim.4:1,16; Eze.33:6; 2:6,7).

We must expect that as the lamps of the unfaithful grow dim (Matt.25:8; 6:23; Luke 11:35; Rev.2:24; 3:9; 2:20), doctrines of men will fluctuate and become more and more unreasonable (Jude 1:13,12; Acts 20:30; 2Tim.3:8,9,13). I believe that we should not be so much focused upon the details of this degradation, but we must instead be focused on our own maturation in the truth (1Cor.8:2; Phil.4:8; Col.3:2; James 3:15; 1:21; 1Tim.4:15,16; Eph.4:13).

Regarding our past indoctrination, Jesus said;

“It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it." (Luke 17:30-33)

(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/02/lots-wife-manifestation-of-christs.html)

"But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)

Paul said concerning this...

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" (Phil.3:13)

- - - - - - - - -

I tell you, let go of all the previous Wormwood. 

("The Fallen Star")

Work to remove all such defilement of the mind (2Cor.7:1; 2Cor.10:5)...and make room to be filled with living water 
(John 4:10,14; 7:38; Deut.6:6,8).

Christ tells us, that we are set free (John 8:32,36) from the slave mark of the Beast (Rev.13:16). 
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html)
Why look back at it? (Gal.4:9; Luke 11:24)

Regarding your "own exegesis" (to derive truth from scripture)...

Although the WT has created a blasphemous counterfeit of the True Vine by means of their own *eisegesis 
(*to impose doctrinal meaning to scripture, due to preconceived notions),

do not discard the authentic divine arrangement. The genuine vine is still very much in existence,

and is still God's tangible means of salvation. The Body of Christ, although trampled and it's power brought to nothing during this Great Tribulation;

is now active and reconsecrated as God's holy priesthood. They are back to work (Mal.2:7; 1Cor.4:1; 2Cor.5:20; Dan.8:13,14; 9:24,25; Rev.11:19) in the "wilderness" (Luke 17:34,35,37; Matt.24:28; Rev.11:8; 11:3,4; Zech.4:11,14,10,9). They are God's Temple (1Cor.3:16; Rev.21:3) and these work to provide fruit for life 

(Rev.22:2; Matt.7:17,20; John 15:8,4,5; Luke 6:44,45; John 7:38; 1Tim.4:16). 

(pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com)

("Where is the True Religion?")

Even within the anointed Body of Christ, there are those who teach, those who prophesy, those who heal, etc. ...not all have received the same gifts (1Cor12:8,18,28,29; Eph.2:20,21,22; 4:11,12). 

("Discerning the 'Body'")

If you are not an anointed teacher or prophet, then you may want to consider following the advice of Christ, in testing and searching out such a faithful slave to feed/learn from 

(Matt.24:45; John 21:17; Mark 6:37,38,41,42; Matt.25:29; 5:14,16; Luke 12:35,37). 

This is still God's provision and arrangement, 
despite the counterfeit Satan has created (while in alliance with the wicked steward), whose purpose is to ensnare the remnant (Rev.12:17,15,4; 13:1,7; Dan.8:24; Eph.5:6; Col.2:8; 2Cor.11:3,20,13,4; Rev.2:20; 1Cor.10:12; Rev.12:4; Matt.24:24,25; 1Tim.6:20; 4:1; Rev.16:14) 

and despite the disillusionment we all have endured as a result.

There is no contradiction between true science and the Bible.

I personally feel that the established facts of an expanding universe, regardless of it's age,

is consistent with the Creation of matter from energy. 

To hear current speeches by GB members is astonishing,

regarding "a rule for this and a rule for that" (Isa.28:10,13).

In one such speech which I recently heard by a GB member,

he promised to "back up" all his assertions with publications (Who cares!?), as if they carry supreme weight in the minds of Christians. No mention of the scriptures!!! 

(Matt.15:9) (2Tim.3:16,17; Heb.4:12; Ps.119:9,133,105)

Despite the initial promise, he proceeded to talk about tight clothing and how he expected to be treated by the brethren,

with no reference to scripture or published societal doctrine.

What arrogance!

If it were not so egregious, such a display of leadership over millions, would seem hilarious.

How drunk they all are on the Harlot's wine! (2Thess.2:9,10,11,12; Jer.5:31)

You are correct in saying that these things foretold cannot be changed (Rev.2:21; 22:11; 14:19; 2Pet.3:7,10; 2Thess.1:7,8,9,10; Matt.25:41). They have been foretold by Him who declares the end from the beginning (Hosea 5:9; Isa.46:10; 48:3). What is mutable, is our own choice, while it is still called the day of salvation (2Cor.6:2; Heb.3:13; Isa.55:6; Zeph.2:1,2,3).

Regarding the Biblical stand on the use of blood, you may wish to take comfort in this article:

(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=blood)

If there is any way I can assist you, please write again. You sent me your letter via the contact form at the Blog. I hope you continue to read there, and if any question arises from what you read, again, please feel free to use the form in any time of need.

I pray your continued progress on the path of life, as you seek to fulfill the will of God and please His face.

Love in Christ,

Pearl

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"You will indeed drink my cup." / Great Tribulation

This is an lengthy post, both to read and to write.
I will list here below, the sections of this series. 
When totally completed, I will remove the top list of sections.
When each section is done, I will put a X after it, and post notice above.
Please read the scriptures as you come to them to derive the greatest benefit. Take your time, and please divide the study of each section up into portions that you can manage personally, to include the cited scriptures, as you read.

All the links are at the bottom of this post

Introduction [ X ]       
Section One [ X ] TRIALS
Section Two [ X ] WHY TRIED
Section Three [ X ] HOW TRYING IS THE Great Tribulation.
Section Four [ X ] FINDING VICTORY
Section Five [ X ] SOURCE OF TRIALS TODAY

INTRODUCTION

"Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”  (Matt.20:20-23)



Those of us who are aware that God's spirit has elected us to belong to the Body of Christ,
thereafter manifest how our heart will choose to view and respond to, our calling.
In the case of James and John, they became focused upon their own position. Although it was their mother who made this request of Jesus, the apostles seemed aware that she was prompted by her sons (Matt.20:24). This awareness prompted Mark to record this occurrence, according to that perspective (Mark 10:35).

James, John, and Peter had just witnessed the prophetic vision of the Lord's Day (Matt.16:28; 17:1,2,3,5;  2Pet. 1:18,19).

James and John must have desired to fulfill these prophetic positions, presented as Moses and Elijah (Matt.17:3).

Jesus attempted to adjust the ambition of James and John, by calling their attention to the price of such a position. Jesus was letting them know, that the price for these "two" positions 
(Matt.17:3; Rev.11:3,4; Zech.4:11,14; John 8:17; Rev.1:1; John 15:26,27; Rev.3:22; 22:16,6; 11:3)           
("Two Witnesses / Elijah and Moses")
was much higher than they imagined....
Jesus said; “You don’t know what you are asking for,”.
Then, in order to show them what comes with such a position,
Jesus asked, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
   [Jesus had just described part of that cup, in the three previous verses (Matt.20:17,18,19) (Luke 22:44)].

Like Peter,
James and John replied with overconfidence (Matt.26:35). Jesus was correct in his evaluation....
They were not aware of the full price of their aspiration, either when they requested it's fulfillment, or accepted it's cost.

Once these confident words passed their lips....
they agreed to the price while still ignorant of its' full demand.
  But their ignorance did not matter before Satan who witnessed their vow. Satan searches out any means to accuse and disqualify those devoted to God (Job 1:8,9,12; Zech.3:1,2; Jude 1:9), especially the elected of Christ (1Pet. 5:8; Rev.12:17).



Satan knows, that what the faithful vow, they must pay (Ec.5:4), even if it turns out to be more grueling than they ever expected 
(Ps.15:4; Judges 11:35). Satan is determined to make it so. 
Satan battles for the disqualification of the faithful, as a means to delay the end of his world dominion, 
(Prov.27:12,11; Rev.12:7,8,9,10,11; 6:11), brought about by the accomplishing of divine assignments, by the faithful 
(Luke 10:17,18; Rev.12:11,10;  2Pet. 3:12; Isa.62:10,11,12;  2Cor. 10:5).


This is why Jesus then followed their confident statement, with a reference to the consequence...
“You will indeed drink from my cup.".
Jesus knew that Satan has demanded to fully test any candidate who aspires and strives to prove faithful to God's calling 
(Rev.2:10;  2Tim. 3:12; Luke 22:31;  1Pet. 5:8;  1John 2:13,14; Eph.6:12; Mark 13:20; Rev.12:17; 17:14; 20:9). 
That "cup" includes a death for truth (Mark 8:35; Rev.6:9,11; 2:10; Rom.6:5)....
not just for James and John, but for all members of the "144,000" and great crowd
(Rev.13:15; 11:7; 6:11; 20:4; Ps.110:2; Rev.14:1; Ps.2:9; Rev.2:26,27; Dan.7:18). 
That sacrifice is also fulfilled symbolically, by the final "two" (Rev.11:3,7).

The very day that James and John made this request, Jesus was preparing for his own impending trials and tests (Matt.20:17,18,19). 

He knew far clearer than James and John, what Satan was preparing for "his cup" (Matt.26:39,42; Heb.4:15; 5:8; Isa.53:5; Rom.4:25).
Yet despite what Christ suffered for his loyalty to the God of Truth,
he left any recompense for such righteousness, in God's hands (Luke 23:46; Heb.5:7). 
Although Jesus knew the righteousness of God (Ps.18:25; 62:12; Rom.2:6; Heb.12:2; 6:10;  2Tim. 4:8), 
his faithfulness was not a matter of selfish ambition (John 15:13; 10:11;  1John 3:16; Eph.5:2). We must imitate him (1Pet. 2:21;  1John 2:6).

Jesus tried to correct the egotistical ambition of James and John again...
"...to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."
If it is not for Jesus to grant, then it is certainly not for anyone to covet. In godly fear, we are slaves to the will of God, whatever He determines regarding the work He assigns each of His slaves 
(1Cor. 12:18; 11:29,31; Gal.6:4;  2Cor. 5:10; Isa.64:8) 
as well as it's reward (Mark 10:40; Matt.25:34; Ps.75:7; Dan.7:22;  1Pet. 1:4; Matt.20:13,15,16).
We accept whatever God has reserved for these "two" (Rev.11:3,4,5; Zech.4:11,12,13,14,2,3).

And so, after we have been called to become an heir with Christ (Rom.8:17; Gal.3:29), we properly grow to have the mind of Christ 

(Eph.4:13,14,15;  1Cor. 2:16;  1Cor. 15:58;  1Pet. 5:10; Col.1:28).
Rather than aspire that our valiant suffering will reward us with worldly glory...
we must in all sobriety, focus our exertion upon loyalty to God and our need to remain standing before God's inspection (Phil.2:12), as we endure the greatest of tests (Dan.8:19;  1Thess. 3:3;  2Thess. 1:5; Mark 13:20; Rev.12:12; 20:3; Luke 18:7; Rev.13:10; 14:12; Hab.2:3; Heb.10:37; Zeph.3:8; Rev.17:14; 16:13,14,15,16; 20:7,8,9; Rev.11:5). 
If, like Christ, we are motivated by a love for the God of Truth, and by the needs of the sheep for whom we toil and suffer 
(2Tim. 2:10,24,25;  2Cor. 12:15; Rom.12:1;  2Cor. 4:5; 5:15; 6:4-13 <(click); Rom.14:7; Mark 9:35; Gal.4:19) 
then God will empower such a heart to also have the strength to endure (Phil.4:13; Rev.2:2,3; 3:8; Isa.40:29,31; Rev.12:14).

We must be more concerned with pleasing God, than with an exalted position esteemed by men (Rom.2:29; John 5:44,41; 12:42,43;  1Thess. 2:6;  2Cor. 5:9,10; Gal.1:10).

It is vital also, that we do not become overconfident as James and John may have been; but rather, search out in the Word of God,
His provisions for our vital, rare, and precious endurance 
(Luke 13:23,24; Matt.7:14,21,22,23; 25:12,13; 24:22; Jer.42:2; Isa.1:8,9; 10:20; 65:8; Mal.3:6).

I hope to cover within the remainder of this series, by the links below. The links are underlined:
what trials the genuine brothers of Christ should expect to contend with...
why these trials have come upon them today...
how difficult are the trials of the Great Tribulation...
how the Great Tribulation can be endured successfully...
and where their trials today, originate.


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"It is marvelous in our eyes" / "Clouds" of "Heaven"

QUESTIONS from a comment that was left  (under "Glory"):
Hello Pearl,
We are motivated to keep striving and to keep throwing of every sin that could entangles us, so we might be worthy to be used in any way Jah and Christ see fit. If we look at the GB... how could that glory of the world possibly even come close to Christ Arriving through an Anointed who prove faithful?!
How will 2Thess1:10 happen?
What kind of Glory will we see so that it will be "marveled at"?
---------------------------------------------------------------------

MY REPLY:

Yes, there is so much in that one verse of Heb.12:1.

2Thess.1:7,12 goes well with verse 10 (2Thess.1:10). I will put segments of them together, to see the connection more clearly...

"This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed."

And I would supplement these (and Heb.12:1), with 1Thess.4:17;

"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

This truth about who the "angels"/"clouds" are upon which Jesus arrives in glory, must be clarified; 
because the WT (and other so-called prophets), teach the lie that the angels with which Christ returns in glory, are not human. 
Once we understand that the "new heavens" are sealed Chosen ones (2Pet.3:13; Eph.2:6; Heb.12:22,23),

then many truths are healed within our mislead minds, and our faith can be restored to one based upon Truth.

Regarding "being marveled at" (2Thess.1:10), and how it will happen;

If our eyes are spiritual,

we can perceive that this is already happening, and has been happening since Jesus arrived to the earth.

See Jesus' words at Mark12:10,11...

"Have you not even read this Scripture: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES '?" 

(Ps.118:23)

Now look at verse 10 again...

"on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you."
Yes, this "marveling" included those of faith in the first century.
These believers marvel at the power of the return of Christ (John16:16; Phil.3:10; Rom.6:5),
not the return of the Gentile Beast of persecution (Rev.13:3; 17:8)

It is not to the world that Jesus will be seen as the glorified cornerstone (John14:21,22; Acts 10:41; Rev2:28; 22:16).
(See three provisions for life, under #2 of this LINK to see how Jesus is revealed to the faithful.)

It will not be to the world that his glorious arrival will be seen through his faithful messenger "angels".

It will only be "marveled at" among those of faith.

Those foolish virgins lacking faith in the power of God's spirit, will not know at all the time of his arrival 

(Heb.11:6; Rev.3:3; Isa.47:11; 1Thess.5:3; Luke 17:26,27; 12:39; 21:34; 1Pet.5:8) 

(Luke 21:36; Mark 13:37; Luke 12:37; Matt.25:10; 24:44; Rev.3:20)
(Matt.24:48; Hab.2:3).
Those foolish virgins will be off buying man-made provisions, when the Bridegroom arrives (Matt.25:9,10; Rev.13:17; Luke 13:24), and consequently be shut out of the Lamb's marriage feast 

(Rev.1:1; John 15:15; Rev.19:9; Matt.22:8,9,10; Rev.22:17).

***Why do they not recognize the glorious presence of Christ, through the Holy Spirit and truth, embodied within the members of the Holy City? (John15:15; 5:20; 14:12; 3:35)
(Matt.25:14; 1Thess.2:4; 1Cor.4:1; 2Thess.2:14; 1Thess.1:5; Rom.8:30)

(A glory of "grace and truth" -John1:14) 
[This is the same kind of glory ("grace and truth") which is seen in the faithful (John17:22; Rom.8:18), not the glory of the world (John5:44,41; 1John2:15-17; Matt.4:8-10).

Because they are already extolling the worldly glory of the presence of the Wild Beast (Rev.17:8; 13:3,8) through the demonic spirit of lies, embodied within its false prophet and Gentile Beast members (Rev.16:13,14), the light of genuine spiritual glory, cannot shine through to them (2Thess.2:9-12; 2Cor.4:3-4; 3:16; John8:12; 12:35). 

God's people as a whole do not recognize the Beast's real identity as Satan's tool of paralyzing persecution, returned (Rev.17:8). They rather, accept it's depiction as a divine image, at the word of the "false prophet" (Rev.19:20; 13:15,12,14; 2:20; 2Thess.2:4,9,10; Rev.8:10,11; 9:1,2,3) 

    ("Who is the 'earth' / 'world'?") ("All Slain on 'EARTH' "). 
They put their faith in Satan's misleading lies (Rev.16:13; 12:16) 

    ("'Earth' swallows Satan's 'River'")

by buying spiritual provisions from the Wild Beast (Rev.6:6; 13:17; Matt.25:9,10)

    ("What do 'Buying' and 'Selling' Mean?")

    ("Mark of the Beast")
Their "house" of faith has been built upon the shifting sands of the sea 
(Matt.7:26,27; Rev.13:1,4,8; Eph.4:14; 6:11; 2Cor.11:3; 1Pet.5:8; Rev.13:7) 
(Matt.24:24,25; 7:15; Acts 20:30; Rev.13:11; Ps.140:3; Deut.32:32,33; Rev.14:19; Joel 3:13) 
(2Pet.2:1,2; 2Thess.2:1,2; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13,14,15,16).

How clearly we observe the fulfillment of these prophecies!

How clearly we observe the inability of those who worship the creations of men, to see the glory of truth!

I myself, "marvel" at the glory of the Cornerstone of Truth,

who has let his light shine on those who were prisoners of darkness (Rev.13:10; Isa.42:7; 49:8,9,24,25; Matt.12:29; Rev.20:2; John12:31) and has been doing so from the time he arrived (John8:12; 1:4; 9:5; 12:35,36,46), by granting such power over darkness (Luke 10:19,20; 1Thess.5:4,5,6; 1Pet.2:9; Matt.5:14,16; Luke 12:35; Rev.19:14; 12:17; 2Cor.10:4,5,6; Eph.6:11,12).

He has lifted them up, and brought them to a wide-opened place in heaven, to sing God's praises for the benefit of those granted to have ears to hear it (Ps.18:19; 31:8; 66:12; 118:5; 89:5; 149:1; 138:1; Rev.14:3; 15:3,4).

Most do not recognize the hour of their being visited / inspected, nor the ruin upon the people of God (Luke19:42,43,44; Jer.13:17; Rev.13:10,7; Prov.4:19; Hosea 4:5,6; Rev.11:18; Matt.13:15; Rev.8:13). They are too intoxicated to be roused to their senses (Ps.60:3; Jer.51:7; Nahum 3:4; Rev.18:23; 17:2; Isa.47:9,12; 1Thess.5:6,7,8,9,3).

So do not expect that the Great Tribulation and Armageddon will be recognized by those without spiritual perception (1Cor.2:10,12,13,14,15).
  ("Armageddon - What is it?")
     (Search Results)
        (greatest-tribulation-why)

When this battle, sifting, and harvest are completed and the end of God's Judgment has finally been accomplished (1Cor.15:24; Dan.7:22,18), then we will rejoice!

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"Glory"

To look at Jesus, we would miss his hidden greatness if we looked with physical eyes. This picture agrees with scripture, which says that there was nothing about him that made him desirable to look at (Isa.53:2). Yet what of his spiritual appearance?
I think of John 1:4,10,14,16,18
"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself divine, and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."

Who with spiritual perception, would not fall at the feet of such beauty, divine authority, and loving power?
That picture is a great lesson, to view things and people, as God does (1Sam.16:7; Luke 16:15)
If only so many we leave behind could do that, perhaps they would not be so blinded by Deception's showy display (2Thess. 2:9-12;  1John 2:15-17).

Yes...when we think about the true glory of Christ as being totally spiritual (John 12:23; 13:31-32; Matt.26:64-68)....contained within his Father's blessings of "grace and truth"...
we need to take that personally (Mark 9:35; Matt.23:11-12; 18:4; 20:25-28; Luke 22:25-27). 

I think of Rom.8:17; John 15:16; 17:22;  2Cor. 3:18;  1Pet. 1:4; 4:13.
There we learn that our own glorious reward is not what we may have anticipated. 
When we suffer the humiliation, vilification, and death of Christ, "we share in his glory".
We may have thought that this glorious reward for suffering a martyr's death, would be like the world's glory.  Not so.

When we die for truth as Jesus did, we have the same spiritual glory....  having God's blessings of "grace and truth", as Jesus was blessed.

John14:21; 17:24; 14:3-6; 17:24; 1John3:2; John17:22; 1:14
By means of God's grace and truth, we are enabled to suffer for our Lord, who suffered for us (2Cor. 5:15).
Where would we each be, without God's grace, which rescued us from the dark abyss?
How could we truly imitate our Lord, if it were not for being called from darkness, into the light of Truth? (1Pet. 2:9; Col.1:13)
And for these two gifts, we gladly suffer tribulation and shame for the sake of his name, and what that name really stood for (Heb.13:13; Acts 14:22) (2Thess. 1:5; Acts 5:41). Through such persecution, we establish our love for Truth...proving the glory of our integrity.

As a consequence of the grace and truth we receive from God,... what we teach, is "fruit that will last"
....teachings that will prove true, and so, endure forever, (Rom.3:4; John 15:16;  1Cor. 3:14) as do the teachings of Christ (John 1:9; Matt.24:35).
This is our unfading glory...and if we remain steadfast to the end, we are like stars in the night sky, 
whose light endures forever (Dan.12:3; Phil.2:15).
We share in the glory of the morning star (Rev.22:16; 2:28); , who gives light and life to all the earth (John 1:4; 14:21; 6:57,63). 
The planet earth's closest star, is the sun, upon which all life depends.
All life awaits in hope each day, for that star to rise, every morning....as it faithfully does (Mal.4:2; Luke 1:78;  2Pet. 1:19; Rev.22:16).
Our morning star will come to us from heaven, if we continue on the path he first walked before us (1Pet. 2:21; Matt.16:24;  1John 2:6) 
(Luke 1:78,79; Heb.1:6; Acts 3:20,21; Isa.60:1; Eph.5:14; Rev.2:28; 22:16;  2Cor. 4:6; Matt.17:2).

1Pet. 4:13 tells us;
"But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

Yes, when the true glory of Christ is finally understood, we have reason to rejoice. Why? 
Because it makes so clear to us the path of life, and the way out of our captivity from those whose glory, is that of the World 
(Matt.4:8,9; 16:26;  1John 2:15,16; Rom.12:2; Matt.6:19,20,21). 
It also tells us about the authentic nature of the return of Christ "in power and great glory", remembering that this glory is not visible, but is a greatness of "grace and truth"
manifested within the "clouds of heaven" upon which Christ returns....
(Luke 21:27; Mark 13:26; Rev.1:7; Jude 1:14;  2Thess. 1:7,10)
(Searchbox- "clouds of heaven")

Our treasures must be spiritual..."stored in heaven", if we hope for them to endure. 
Spiritual treasures...."grace and truth". These can never fade.
Those who held us in captivity, take pride in their earthly treasures of wealth and power. 
These treasures are consigned to moth, rust, and thieves, and are soon to "pass away" (1John 2:17)..
We are "overjoyed" to realize, 
that we have chosen the better portion, despite our "momentary and light" tribulations (2Cor. 4:17,18).

THIS SUBJECT CONTINUES, AT:
"It is Marvelous in our Eyes"

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The Way of Life

A letter I received

Good morning Pearl, 
I hope you are in good spirit & your aches & pains are not giving you too much trouble.
I wanted to share with you something that happened last night whilst I was in bed asleep. I woke up a few times last night with the same 2 scriptures clearly in my head, I tried to ignore it but as I said I woke up a few times with them. I hadn't read them during the day or anything so they weren't already in my mind plus I couldn't remember what these scriptures said. Anyway when I got up this morning they were still apparent which I thought was strange so I looked them up first thing, they were John 14:4 & John 4:14. I am trying to understand why they were so prominent & seemed to have stuck with me all through the night & until rising this morning. Is there a reason? I guess time will tell.

Warm & loving regards

MY REPLY:

Good morning,

All truths are a part of the whole picture of truth, and every detail of it is in harmony with all other details. This is of course, true of your two scriptures. I assume you sent them to me for my thoughts.

I see these two combined, as providing reassurance. Why?

John4:14 

"but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John14:4

"You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Where was Jesus going?
John16:2-6

"They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, 5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things."

  From the last scripture, we learn that Jesus was going to the Father, through death.

  He is also telling his disciples, that they are destined to suffer the same path (Matt.20:22,23; Jer.49:12; Mark8:35), 

  that of persecution by the religious leaders (John15:18; 16:2; Matt.24:9; 10:17,22; 23:34) and a sacrificial   

  death for truth (Matt.26:39; Mal.3:3; Rom.12:1; 6:5; Phil.3:10; Rev.6:9,11; 12:11).

  Yet Jesus was not only going to death,

  he was going to the Father in heaven. Once there, he promises he will send the Holy Spirit to his faithful. 

So when Jesus tells us, "You know the way to the place where I am going."; He tells his brothers, that their goal is to reach the Father in heaven, by means of the path he taught them...

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John14:6)

By means of the truth Christ taught, we are washed clean, purified, sanctified, and made holy, without spot (John17:3). What for?
So that we can be brought into the presence of God (Eph.2:6; Col.3:1), who does not look upon any corruption (Hab.1:13; Ps.34:15,16). This occurs while they are still on earth (John6:63; 1John3:6,9; 5:4,18; 2:29; 1Pet.1:23; John1:13; Rom.8:9). Both Christ and the Father make a home inside that one's heart (John14:21,23,2; Rom.8:9; Eph.3:17; 1John2:5,24; Rev.21:3), by having Holy Spirit dwell within each of them (1Cor.6:19; 3:16; 2Cor.6:16). These are then living forever, in spirit (John8:51; 11:26; 5:24).

This brings us to your other scripture.

John4:14

"but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Yes, while the spirit of God lives within a heart, and Jesus shows himself (the way, truth, and life) to them,

that person never thirsts again. They do not live in fear of Satanic deceptions, death, persecution, or pain. They are assured (1John3:19) of God's care. Never again do they hunger or thirst (Rev.7:16; 21:6).

Instead, the living waters within them will ever impart life to them, as well as to their hearers.

(John7:38,39; 6:63; 2Cor.3:6,3; Eph.3:7; 4:11,12; Col.1:25,26,27,28,29; 1Tim.1:11,12; Heb.8:6,10,11).

(John13:20; Luke9:48; Matt.10:40,41,42; Prov.25:25; 3John1:4)

So I would say that the bottom line in all this, when taking only those two scriptures, is this...

We need not fear death, when we possess the power of the way to life, both for ourselves, and for others 

(Heb.2:14,15,16; 2Cor.1:10; 1Tim.4:10).
Although these are some thoughts that come to mind, I am sure they are by no means complete, and will grow throughout time through the blessing of God.

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