Bringing to Birth
In my messages I am trying to relate words and phrases that appear in scripture with events and manifestations that will take place at the end of this current age and the beginning of the next...or the Kingdom. Several places in the Bible there are references to travail or labor that will bring forth a special entity. A lot of teachers share these passages as either commenting on the birth of Christ, the Messiah, or with the "born again" experience with out making a deeper connection to the particular time period mentioned in context with end time prophesy. There is a plural or corporate group called the Sons of God or the Manchild that we need to look into so that we can understand more deeply the significance to our own preparation for the Great Tribulation. Some groups have perverted this with an elitist concept while missing the deeper message. We must learn what this birth is and how to experience it in YHWH's timing.
Let's start with Matthew 24 where Jesus was answering questions on the Mount of Olives about the end of the age and the events/signs surrounding this time period. I prefer to use that term rather than end of the world as some interpret it. Christ warns them and future generations of the beginning of sorrows which relates to the various trials in the earth that increase to the max as this period approaches. This leads up to the final testing time that we call the Great Tribulation, the overwhelming period of chaos coming upon the whole earth, just before the end. We need to understand that this time is also given the name Birthpangs or great anquish. Just like the contractions that a pregnant woman goes through, they will get closer together and more intense as the birth draws near. In this message I will show what is coming to birth and how.
When the Great Tribulation is finally upon us, it will arrive with horrific events and catastrophies that have never before been experienced by mankind. We could say that political, economic turbulence and natural disasters have escalated in the past few years in the world and probably even personally. In other chapters I have shared some specific sign posts that would tell us that we are indeed in this time frame. We need to prepare our hearts so that we will not be overcome by fear. The Father of Glory has assured us that He will be with us but that there is a reason that we must endure to the end,(of the age). If we see this in the perspective of preparing the earth and God's people for the coming Kingdom of God, then we can understand more clearly why this period of cleansing/purification is necessary. (Three times the Lord spoke to me "without spot or wrinkle".) Read Malachi chapter 3.
One missing link to our experience as believers is called Sanctification. This is explained as the salvation of our soul. In Romans 12:1-2 we read that we are to become transformed by the renewing of our mind. Our soul is a combination of our mind, will and emotions that contribute to our thoughts, opinions, attitudes actions and feelings. As we see, hear, taste, smell sense and feel things in this material world we are to learn to address them with an open heart/spirit to submit them to God for His clarification and illumination. As we learn to yield to the Spiritual man inside of us we become partakers of the Divine NAture and power. Many other scriptures show us that there is a transformation to take place from the inward to the outward. As the Holy Spirit abides in us we are to make Him Lord of all of our lives. This is what the Bride who becomes purified means. The Bride Groom already is in our heart/spirit but needs to be able to bring forth holiness as the outer shell of our flesh is "broken" or as Paul stated crucified daily.
To understand the way YHWH (Almighty God) operates in the earth, we can observe that He uses spiritual as well as natural laws. When we learn to walk by faith or being able to perceive and operate in the things that are unseen, some of these directives even appear to contradict or be opposite of how we would function in the world. To be perfected in accomplishing His will...in His strength and anointing, we must learn to lean not to our own understanding...i.e. our own opinions. This is why we have been told that certain things must be spiritually discerned. God created the whole universe by His Word and originally it was all good until it became defiled by sin. He has promised that there will be a restoration of all things. We are the instruments of deliverance and mercy to bring the earth and it's people back into the righteous level of holiness and true peace, 1 Cor. 15 that was originally intended. If we read the scriptures in opposite order back to Genesis one we can see a timeline of restoration back to the garden where Adam once dwelled in unhindered relationship with God. We all know that much was lost in the "fall" such as our covering of God's Glory.
The action of walking by/in faith through obedience to His Word takes us into the realm of the possible when everything in the natural seems impossible. I speak of action/works, for many would say that they believe or have faith, yet there is seldom any proof physically of their having the power of salvation. Christ explained to the first disciples and others through the ages that there are signs that follow those who believe. I question then how many of us actually are true believers. Now don't be offended here, but please keep a teachable attitude. As I am a learner too. I intend to help us all to get from knowledge to wisdom so that we will be found faithful as the Kingdom approaches. Many people have knowledge, the what, of spiritual things but going to the how to actually make things work is our trial of faith. There are two words that are used for bringing the invisible into the visible realm. Revelation and manifestation are spoken about in many passages of the Bible but seldom really undertood in their full potential and intent. We see Jesus' testimony of calming the seas, restoring people to health, wholeness and Holiness; even raising the dead which was also done through the 1st century Apostles as recorded in Acts. As things get worse we will see these abilities increase in God's chosen elect to do these and greater works. The most important is to put on the fruits of the Spirit which is the Divine nature of YHWH;2 Peter 1, 1 Cor.13, Gal.5.
, The disasters mentioned as the beginning of the birthpangs include wars, famines,and earthquakes in diverse places but we are to not be troubled. There is much more to come before the final day arrives. It is easy to sit back and say, "I have no control over what any person,country or especially nature is doing that is wiping millions of people out of existance". The Word of God should be operatation in us as His elect overcomers in the midst of our fiery trials. Our suffering will be literal as well but if we can turn things over to the One Who judges righteously, we shall have peace that passes understanding. He has and is the place of refuge prepared for us that we read of in Psalm 91. I believe this is first a state of being more than a geographical place. Hopefully we can have a testimony of calm and kindness as we go through the intense trials that will come upon the whole world in the Day of the Lord. I remind here that there is no testimony without a test.
Yahshua (Jesus) explained that His followers would be persecuted intensely by all nations. Scripture tells us that many households will be divided as the flames of hatred against true believers are turned up. We have a responsibility to bring light into our own neighborhoods and families. We are called upon to take a stand against all darkness and iniquity that is being steadily flaunted over the airwaves and other mass media with the aim to defile the homes and hearts of many. As the time of birth comes closer the faithful ones will be turned over to suffer loss, persecutions and even be slain for their faith. The church as we know it in the US will drastically change and go "underground" which is already a reality in many countries. We then can identify with the sufferings of Christ as we learn to return good for evil as he did upon the cross; giving mercy to even those who crucified him. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us all to become reconciled to God and each other.
To paraphrase Matthew 24 we see that there has been a great falling away which could be the whole religious system that has been perverted and amalgamated with varying pagan practices. This began in the first century AD and is being actively enlarged though the ecumenical movement and other venues today. Many consider the mass exodus from what is today called Christianity as the falling away. We should consider that we are told to come out of her (the false Babylonian religious and political system). There will arise many false prophets leading many astray. Lawlessness and iniquity will be multiplied and we know that grace will be abounding,too. The love of many shall grow cold; towards the Lord as well as the Brethren. The Good News of the Kingdom will be preached to all nations which I believe will be brought forth from the persecuted/purified Church. This is the opposite of the popular prosperity message because it is the message of death to self and the promise of life in the Spirit. "Blessed are the poor who walk ion the Spirit fot theirs is the Kingdom of God".
A final sign is made evident as the Abomination of Desolation occurs. It is a event that many will see in the natural but is spiritually significant as well. The powerful warning to flee the false religions and political systems of man has already gone out to those who have ears to hear. Another part of Romans chapter 8 gives us the confirmation. For if you live according to the flesh you shall die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many are led by the Spirit of God these are Sons of God. I consider that the suffernigs of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly awaits the revealing (manifestation) of the Sons of God, 8:13-14;18-19.
Then the Great Tribulation begins. This is not the wrath of God (which I have explained elsewhere.) Through the ages we have seen the increase in the duration and magnitude of terrible world events. Just as travail becomes more intense and the bearing down takes over to bring the new baby into the world we have seen wars, plagues and earthquakes being exponentially multiplied in our lifetime. Economic chaos has brought down not just industries but whole nations which now can affect the world economy. We are close if not in the time of this last birthing process. We are warned that more devastating events are imminent turning up the fires of affliction that come full force as this time draws near.
Through the ages there have been many individuals and groups that thought that they were in this final period probably because of many precursers of the diverse devastations that they have observed or experienced. Jesus showed us that we would always have some level of tribulation as long as we were living in the world. There are a few reasons that people have a hard time in knowing the timing of prophesy. The first is that YHWH has hidden/sealed knowledge/wisdom until a specific hour or fulfillment before being brought to light. The second is that people don't discern the spiritual movings and revelation of His Word. Another is that there are repeated cycles and shadows that show us why some patterns and events manifest as partial fulfillments of prophesy but are not done in completion. He is waiting on His faithful ones to finish the work of the ministry.
This past century was known for two World Wars among thousands of minor conflicts. We are already on the verge of another if the tide of hatred and greed of many world leaders increases. Many people thought that Hitler's Third Reich was connected with the Triubulation scriptures for he was a type of Anti-Christ. I have heard predictions that he is the one who will be resurrected to claim his lost stature. Others say the JFK is still alive because he would fulfill "the wound to the head" scriptures if he were to suddenly come back on the scene. Many candidates in the past few decades and even presently could also be given this ominous title. The all have surpassed one another in deeds of murder and wickedness while serving their father the devil.
I feel that it is as important to know what Anti-Christ represents than who he is. A Counterfeit Christ is another way of translating this one. He or it will be revealed very soon but at the moment and way that YHWH allows. It is possible that we will see a corporate entity or a spiritual contender. Many have taught that in the middle of the Tribulation the Anti-Christ or Man of Sin will be revealed. The Bible actually states that just after he is shown we will enter the Great Tribualtion. I am beginning to think the the Man of Sin and Anti-Christ could be different. I have heard other teachers say they aren't the same so be aware. The elect are not gathered until just before the Wrath of God is vented. More on that later.
The whole world is on a downward spiral into greater decadence to where iniquity will be made full. In the next few years ahead we will see all the realms of mankind brought into jeopardy. This is guaranteed; natural disasters, horrible plagues and famines, political and economic chaos will all be linked together as the dominoes fall. Apostacy and persecution will be magnified in the assemblies and homes of believers. The more the forces of darkness arise to combat the faithful the more their light will shine brightly.
The wrath of the enemy coming against those who hold onto the testimony of Christ will soon become globally significant. It needs to be repeated here that many carnal Christians are going to become perpetrators of violence and betrayal against their own brethren (family members) who have broken away from the "establishment" to walk in the higher way of Truth. Although we have seen persecution in most of the Third World countries it will increase in the "prosperous' Western nations. Remember that when we are tested through these fiery trials that it's about relationships not stuff.
Even God's people have been lulled to sleep as the dogma of the "propaganda machine" is spewed louder and louder. "Let us lead you into the New Age where the world will become one", is not just a political message but smooth words behind the false prophet's religion. Part of their plan is to merge all "faiths" together through compromise. As the nations of the world come closer to mutual annihilation the false promise of peace will sound more enticing. This peace is promised to individuals as well as nations who will give up their soverignty (only YHWH gives us those inalienable rights). The scheme has been operational for years in conforming the world to the covert plans of evil men in control behind the scenes. These men are in collusion with Satanic forces that are not bringing peace or security but actually keeping the world in bondage through fear and greed. Soon a trap will be set to usher in the New World Order that will control the world's merchandise and the souls of mankind.
Because of the way that historical events have played out some people believe that the things that Christ spoke about in the warnings about the end have already come to pass. This is true to an extent especially the destruction of the Temple of Herod. As I shared earlier many types or patterns can be repeated on many levels. Those underlying principles and patterns show us God's ways as well as His works. As an example, look at the Exodus story and how many past events are written as future in the book of Revelation. We read of the plagues/judgments, the song of Moses and the flight into the Wilderness on eagle's wings.
An important parallel is in the miracles that the magicians performed in Pharoah's court. They could only imitate Moses up to a point. Each new manifestation of judgment upon the Egyptians brought greater negative consequences because of Pharoah's disobedience (hardness of heart). The last one brought death to their first born but all these things did not come upon those who placed the blood of the sacrificial lamb upon their doorposts. The Lord's camp was protected from and through these trials as they prepared to leave Egypt and go toward the Promised Land.
As the children of the Lord were tested in the wilderness to see if they could enter into His rest we will be tried by fire also. It should give us comfort to know that the Kingdom of the Lord and of His Christ will be established after all things have been shaken and proven on this planet and in our hearts. We must not be holding onto temporal things. I want to emphasize that the pressures of these trials are to bring us into a deeper repentance and cleansing until we obtain the humility and purity which will allow us to dwell in the manifest presence of the Almighty.
Christ clearly shows us that many disasters that are predicted will occur in the end of the age during the first stages of the birthing process. We must realize from his example that some of the things that we think are literal may happen in a hidden or spiritual form as well. This is the mystery spoken of by many prophetic passages of Christ in me the hope of glory. Much preparation is needed for us to see this birth take place in us in completion. We need to know what will be brought forth and why.
No matter what problems escalate in our midst Our citizenship is in heaven. We need to return to our first love, the One who is our provider and refuge. Then it will be easier to reevaluate our priorities and simplify our lives. We have to get rid of the observer mindset as far as spiritual things are concerned. We are to be participants body, soul and spirit. Those who cry out to God for the lives and souls of mankind will be heard.
It is much more important to perceive what is happening in the Body of believers who are growing into maturity than to observe and consider only world events. We have a mission to accomplish before the Lord returns. Many have lost sight of our need to finish what Messiah accomplished on the cross. I will explain in simple terms. We are saved in our spirit when we receive regeneration; we are being saved in our soul and our body will be saved when we are completed in Christ. The whole world is awaiting the "finished product"; the birth of the Manchild, who will deliver it from the corruption of the flesh; Rev.12.
Mature Sons are defined in the Greek by the word huois which denotes having the nature and authority of the Father in the household. Adoption, huiosea, comes from that root. This salvation to the uttermost is a greater completion of salvation that only a remnant will receive. Romans chapter 8 describes this process that we must go through and the outcome. 22 For we know that all of creation groans and labors with birthpangs together until now 23 and not only they but we who also have the firstfruits of the Spirit,...groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the Adoption, the redemption of our body.
The international and personal turmoil that man has experienced since the fall of Adam are examples of the human condition. The ever increasing labor pains are bringing us back to the original stature of Adam before he lost his glory covering. Jesus Christ the New Adam regained the territory that is our position with him in heavenly places (the Spirit). Through this obedient Body of believers it will become a reality in the earth and manifested in those who become totally sanctified and transformed into the image of the Son(s) of God. We have the Spiritual power now to overcome in all things.
Satan knows that he has a short time left to war against the Saints; the strong believers rising up against him. He will try to deceive even the elect. They are defeating him first by taking back the dominion of their own soul that the enemy tries to operate in. As they join together as One the whole earth will see their glory, Is. 60. There is a benefit to our warfare because through much tribulation we enter the Kingdom. Yahweh's way of strenghtening us is to chasten/discipline and test us in the fires of affliction so that we can come forth as pure gold.
We can only grow in glorified life as we are purged with the Holy Spirit fire. The more we would walk in greater power and revelation knowledge the more purified we must become to handle this glory...treasure in earthen vessels. Greater authority is given through greater humility. In Isaiah we read that the Father dwells fully in those who are of a contrite heart/spirit. Love perfected is the essence of the Divine Nature that is promised through putting on the "new man" of the Spirit, 2 Peter 1. No wonder the accuser of the brethren is cast down at the same instant as the overcoming Sons of God are caught up to the throne of Almighty YHWH to dwell in His presence. Satan can "find nothing in them", just as Christ testified. They have been transformed by love into the image of the Eternal One.
We are admonished to go past our "born again" or "spirit filled" experiences unto perfection/maturity. When he appears we are to be like Messiah. We will need to learn to walk in the spirit to perceive most of the things that will be revealed in and around us. All who have this hope purify themselves as he is pure, (1 John 3).Look at the parables that Christ taught which show us requirements and conditions that must be fulfilled before receiving the inheritance of the promises of Yahweh in the Kingdom. Who shall abide the day of His coming and who shall stand when He appears for He is like a refiner's fire and a fuller's soap; Mal. 3:2. Many will wash their robes/clothing white with the blood of the Lamb during the Great Tribulation, Rev.7:14 and Daniel 12:10.
Two examples of our becoming cleansed stand out. In 1st John we are told to confess our sins and we will be cleansed from all unrighteousness. The elders can lay hands on us when we have need of healing and minister forgiveness, too. Jesus said, "Which is easier to say; thy sins are forgiven or rise and be healed"? Many need to have their hearts cleansed from an evil conscience which has allowed unbelief and a root of bitterness to grow. We are also washed by the water of the Word. He told the disciples that they were already clean through the Word that they had been given but they needed to wash one another's feet. Perhaps this is telling us that we have both an individual and corporate responsibility to become sanctified and purified.
There is much more to the message of the Tribulation than hard times we must go through. There is an Holy outcome that we have not been taught about called the manifestation of the Sons of God. Some sects have gotten ahold of this part of scripture and perverted the meaning to fit into their pet doctrines but this does not negate the truth. "Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater", because there have been some wrong teachings about this major Biblical lesson. If we were to ingore these words of explaination as irrelevent to the Church we would have to delete many other corresponding scriptures that are pertient for the understanding of end-time prophesy.
These are the teachers of righteousness of Daniel, the elect of Matthew 24, the overcomers of Revelation. They overcome the accuser of the brethren by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony...and love not their lives even unto death. Sin and self have been purged out as vessels of honor in the Father's household come forth as pure gold. They are given crowns of life and other eternal rewards as they enter the Kingdom. They have gained dominion and the glorified body that Adam lost in the Garden; the Paradise of God.
Now read this carefully and prayerfully...this is the whole picture of our Holy destiny. When Adam "fell" he lost his incorruptible/glorified state. He became naked because this was his covering of Holiness/righteousness before the Lord. He could no longer abide in the Third Heaven Paradise because of sin. (anything not of faith is sin). This is why he could not eat of the Tree of Life in the garden. I have already explained in other chapters the difference between the incorruptible and immortal states or levels of attainment spiritually.
Yahshua gained back this place in the heavenlies when he was resurrected. He had already attained to the glorified state shown to us in the witness of the Mount of Transfiguration. Another example is when the crowd was angry and tried to throw him off of a cliff and he walked away. He restored the spiritual state and we as his body must bring it into experience in the earthly realm. We are commissioned to overcome the enemy and death through His eternal life abiding in us.
I believe that this is done through intercession. Paul travailed that Christ be formed in the younger believers. 2 Corinthains 5 states; For we know that if this earthly tent is destroyed we have a building from God not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed having been clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent (tabernacle) groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. What a powerful messsage to those who deisre to become like CHrist in the earth.
This is our heavenly dwelling birthed from God's Spirit who abides in us. We are to regain the glory covering that Adam lost through yielding ourselves to be transformed. Two main ways to become like Him are diligent intercession and worship. YHWH has given us our teacher, anointing and comforter to empower us to pray this thing through unto completion. He groans in us with deep cries that cannot be uttered as we travail by the Spirit. Just as we are to know no man after the flesh we are to not even know Jesus that way but by the Spirit. Not just learning facts about his ministry and trying to imitate them but through conforming to the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ. Yearning instead of learning will complete the "new man" in God's people...He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Loving Him with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength is keeping the first commandment.
In relating to what the Bible is saying about our destiny we need to look very closely to two specific words. One is naked and the other is abiding. When we see that this glory covering was removed/lost because of Adam's sin we realize what the scripture "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" really means. We are to be in the process of obtainig this stature again as we behold/focus upon Him. Recognize this is also seen in the term incorruptible which shows the state of being sinless or we miss the point of the old and new Adam messages.
Another part of this testimony of mature believers is to expect that if that same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells/abides in you He shall quicken (make alive/resurrect) your mortal body. In the Temple of the Old Testament we are given a major clue to how (we as the living temple) are to be filled with the glory of the Lord. When the priests ministered and sang; For the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever, the glory of the Almighty filled the Temple and no one could stand in His manifested presence. We are to continue being filled with grace/mercy by the Spirit (as we empty ourselves). I believe that this is what is meant in the passages that show us an abiding fellowship and manifest presence in YHWH's mature Sons. He gave all who have received Him (became born of Him) the right and power to become sons of God, John 1:12.
Another reference to being naked is in being admonished to not uncover our brother's nakedness. Although this is seen mainly as an Old Testament reference in the story of Noah we have many scriptures that share the same message. Hopefully this will give us motivation to stop criticizing and rejecting each other through offense but learn to pray for and cover each others' sins. The problem is that so many people believe that they are more right than others in thier beliefs and doctrines where they continually eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. How can anyone think they have arrived at a place of irrefutable understanding when they are not even doing the basic works of Christ?
The Sons of God bring restoration/reconcilliation and peace to those in need. Love covers the multitude of sins even as Christ died for all. Hebrews 4:13 states; And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we shall give an account. 14 seeing that we have a great High Priest (who lives to make intercession for us) who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are yet without sin.16 Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need. This grace is given freely to one another. Judgement comes where there is no mercy James says.
Most would recognize a very important mention of nakedness found in the book of Revelation. The church at Laodicea was a lukewarm group of believers which angered the Lord. Here is His response to their arrogant, complacent attitude which came from their idea that they were approved of the Lord because they had wealth and status. Because you say I am rich, have become wealthy and have need of nothing-and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor blind and naked 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and I anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. AS MANY AS I LOVE I REBUKE AND CHASTEN, THEREFORE BE ZEALOUS AND REPENT. 20 Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me. 21 He who overcomes, I will grant to sit with me on My throne.
We talked earlier about the need for a deeper level of intercession. I will continue the message with more about this part of our eartly ministry which brings tangible results. Paul speaks of a second laboring or travail that brings the young believer into a stronger mature relationship in the Lord. Gal 4:19; My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pains until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) in you. He knew that each soul that comes to the Lord must be established in greater relationship and fellowship with YHWH and each other. We all know that the result of intimacy is where a thing(child) is conceived ...Jesus said that to Know God is eternal life. Many Christians don't draw close enough to the Lord in their lives and hearts to become pregnant with spiritual young.
I regret to share that in many places where I have attended those who were given a burden of intercession were rebuked or even called Demon possessed. Seldom was there ever an opportunity for these gifts/callings to be expressed. [Some would debate as to whether it is a special ministry or that everyone is to be able to intercede]. One reason for concern is that it appears to be disruptive with wailing and shaking. Another is that it is misunderstood (these are perhaps the less comely parts of the body). It doesn't look very pleasing as much as laughter or singing. Some would question whether it is appropriate in a meeting to have to wait on these manifestations of travail. I would suggest that an informal meeting or home church group will be more open to ALL of the manifestations of Spiritual gifts.
Three things can be done. These things I have seen in operation and they are effective. The first was that those who needed to could retreat to a prayer room. The second was (in an open meeting) for them to quietly continue to minister even during the music or sermon. They usually will share the need and the victory (what was brought to birth) after they are through. There needs to be a greater authority of the administrative gifts of the overseer. The third is more rare and that is where everyone present was given the burden and all broke into groaning and birthing the answers to prayers. One testimony of such a meeting is that no one could stand up to minister when the power of intercession fell. Many ministries and healings were brought to birth/manifestation of reality.
One of the major passages about a birth is the woman in travail spoken of in Revelation 12:1. It shows us the picture of bringing forth not an infant but a fully mature Manchild. He is to rule the world with a rod of Iron. This Manchild is caught up to the throne of YHWH to dwell in His presence. We also see where the accuser of the brethren is cast down at that time; a very important messasge to ponder. If we don't cut off this chapter from the previous one we would make the connection that there is a mystery revealed at the Last Trumpet. This connects with what many people call the rapture. It actually is the coming of perfection the completion of Christ in me the hope of glory which brings forth the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.
We read of this deep travail of all of creation as the Sons of God are manifested in Romans 8. This confirmation continues on - So too the Holy Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weaknesses; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads on our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. Many wise preachers have shared how the Word becomes conceived in us and that we "become pregnant" with it until the full time when it is made manifest. It takes a faithful, humble heart to carry the seed of the Word to full term.
We have a couple of references to the intercession and travail of Christ. In Isaiah we read of his substitution/identification with all of mankind in the atonement. Verse 11 confirms; He shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied...This righteous servant will justify many and make them righteous, for he shall bear their iniquities and guilt...12 He shall divide the spoil with the mighty because he poured out his life unto death and let himself be numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sins of many and made intercession for the rebellious. Yahshua still ministers as the High Priest making intercession for us all. We read; in the days of his flesh Jesus offered up definate strong petitions and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him who was always able to save him from death,and he was heard because of his reverance towards God, his piety in that he shrank from the horrors of seperation from the bright presence of the Father (Amplified).
The shortest verse in the Bible John 11:35 gives us the final clue to the nature of Christ as one standing in the gap to bring forth resurrection power to others. As he stood before the tomb of Lazarus his reaction was to weep which I believe was a deep intercession not really expressed in the statement in John 11:35;"Jesus wept". I believe that he cried from the depth of his heart in Holy Spirit travail. Other amplified scriptures say Jesus sighed repeatedly being deeply disquieted as he approached the tomb. He thanked the Father that he had been heard (he knew the will of YHWH) and commanded Lazarus to come forth/arise. He proved that he is the resurrection and the life.
The book of Romans continues with more light on this subject. From 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the Saints according to the will of God. 28 and we know that all things work together for good to those who love Yahweh..who are called according to His purpose. 29 ...predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren 30 moreover whom He predestined, He also called; whom He called He also justified; whom He justified He also glorified. We as believers have lost sight of our destiny, to become like Christ in all things, to the measure of the fullness of his very stature even doing greater things.
Briefly I will share an outline of probable events that will take place in a short time. The economic climate will grow worse, (this was originally written in around 2003 so now a lot more has gone down). The present computer based monetary system will have a crisis, soon. They must have an excuse to implement their trap to control all buying and selling. We could see the Amero become the currency for the Americas just like the Euro is for Europe. We may even skip that stage and go to direct transactions using a smart card. The Beast system that is headquartered in Brussels will come to the forefront. Only signals through the wires will be needed in the new cashless society. This will save millions of dollars in costs for record keeping, coins or checks. They could "call in the chips" so to speak as the banks become insolvant or the stock market crashes. This could even take place because of natural disasters more than other threats.
We know the next step is to have an implanted chip that will have all records of our health, debts, political or religious affiliations. Do you really think that the researchewres only want to know what brand of Corn Flakes you prefer for breakfast? Our drivers license is the precursor to the National I.D. but that could get lost or stolen very easily. I expect the socialization of medicine to be coming soon as well as the requirement to take vaccines and prescriptions. No more identity theft or lost children sounds okay but there are other hidden requirements to playing along with their game and of course we know the consequences for those who won't.
Most Christians will become devastated if they lose insurance coverage, can't drive their cars or they lose their homes or jobs because of the many threats to take down or further control the economy. We are called to come out of the whole deal; the social, economic, and religious entity called Babylon the Great. We are not guaranteed any comforts like electricity or gasoline. That will probably mean giving up all conveniences of the modern world. That is hopefully the only price we will have to pay to remain seperate. I say this because the system will be an enemy to the Saints of God and perhaps always has been if you really think how 1st century believers had to live apart from the world empire of Roman influences. .
On the surface many things that the "powers that be" are doing appear very humanitarian. Our ecology and energy issues in the world are serious. We can't continue polluting and wasting our natural resources. We all need to take an inventory of our own part in the destruction of the earth's finite materials and how we are not being good stewards of the land we have been given. Many will welcome the opportunity to return to a more simple lifestyle. Many will flee to a place of safety but the Secret Place of the Most High will need to be real in our hearts. I believe that a covering of protection will be established in the Spirit to keep the Elect through this time of horrible warfare. The beast, driven by the agenda of the real enemy and god of this world will be trying to wear out the Saints
We should actively be getting out of all entanglements of the world system on every level. We are trying to get totally out of debt by the end of the year. Actually, the Church was never supposed to be living the worldly lifestyle that they do. YHWH has warned us many times that to love the world is to be at enmity with Him. It has caused compromise and weakness...having a form of godliness but denying the power. If we truly consider ourselves as part of the Body of Christ we should be setting things in place for the members to share property and help each other get out from under the heavy burden of the socio-economic status quo. Realize that it is not prosperity to be in debt for 30-50 years.
Babylon is falling and soon so we will be needing to exist outside the system however possible. This will mean living like they did in the 1800's if we are able to prepare. If not then perhaps the stone age where we will need to gather food rather than cultivate it. Some who have had visions of the future are warning that many will be hunted down and captured and taken to prison camps or goulog type farms for labor purposes to not just pay off debts but for other so called hate crimes. Actually they won't probably have to have an excuse or any proof. They will do whatever they want to whether we think we have any rights or not.
I believe that when we are on the verge of being overtaken with calamities we will also have great power to to overcome. The reward that comes for iniquity I will only see with my eyes as I dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High; PS 91. It is possible that when we walk in glorified life shelter will be provided in the wilderness and food will be multiplied and the clothes on our backs will not wear out. When there is danger, the angels will provide direction and protection. We will need to understand how to walk in love even towards our enemies..."Father forgive them for they know not what they do". Have we practiced blessing those who persecute us or praying for those who despitefully use us to fulfill the Law of Christ? It will not be as much some tyrant but the choice to be kind to our own family or neighbors who oppose or persecute us.
Most have no clue or even think it necessary to practice the things of the Spirit. How do we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness allowing Him to provide all things. Even those who desire and are totally commited to do the will of the Father are going to find it difficult to abandon their lifestyle of conveniences as the time of crisis is upon them. We must admit that the Trumpet's call has been getting louder yet few know what steps to take to prepare for the enemy's last effort to deceive the world. The Watchmen on the Walls are seeing the approaching destruction and giving warning but few are really listening.
The best thing to do at this point is to quiet yourself and ask the Lord to speak clearly how you are to prepare and what people to gather together with and where. When you receive godly wisdom your opinions and hopefully fears will be cast aside. This is not a time to worry about saving your fleshly comforts for in giving up your life in unselfish service you will gain His covering. It is no longer "what's in it for me", but "the good of all".