REVELATION THE GREAT UNVEILING!

Let me start off by defining UNVEILING - Unveiling; disclosure; uncovering; exposure; when something is made known that was previously secret or hidden

This is how dictionaries tend to define the word ‘revelation’. When I think about the word, I see it as describing the essence of communication between God and man. Revelation is the unveiling of God’s truth to us, the point at which the vastness of God’s thoughts touch our limited human consciousness.

When we stop and think about it, it is extraordinary that we might have any kind of access to the mind of Almighty God. As he declares in Isaiah 55:9,

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways,  and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Yet despite the huge gulf between the mind of the Creator and the human mind, the Bible makes it clear that God readily chooses to communicate with people and unveil his thoughts to us. In fact revelation is inherent to the very nature of God. It’s not just through the written words of scripture that this happens. Throughout the biblical narrative God speaks to people: through creation, through angels and other supernatural experiences, but primarily through his voice.

We know that all creation bears testimony to God and speaks of his majesty, but we can also understand revelation as connection points between the physical world and the supernatural kingdom of God: points in space and time where we get glimpses of the realm of glory. So when we receive revelation from God it’s as if the curtains draw back for a few moments and we get to gaze through a window onto the greater and eternal reality.

God is very good, and it is his good intention that his people have access to his heart, mind and will. We also know that this side of glory there are limitations to what we can perceive: it will be ‘in part,’ like ‘a reflection as in a mirror,’ as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:9 and 12. But we need never settle for silence. He will never be completely hidden from us.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES....!

Let me start with this first, if you “truly” know Christ as your personal Savior, you are safe in His hands (John 10:27-33).  All things will truly work out for your good, no matter how difficult life may be.  As we move closer to His return (Romans 8:28-39), look up the passages and be blessed.

SIGNS:

The storm clouds are gathering over nations, especially Israel and America.

A review of Matthew 24 and 25,  presents many clear signs of the times.  Many people {individually} today, both saved and unsaved appear to be interested in world events and the Biblical teaching of Christ’s soon return.  The strange thing is the quietness found in most pulpits today about this enormously, exciting Biblical truth.  Pulpits are not warning the people of II Corinthians 5:10.  Even though the mandate for preachers is to preach the “whole” counsel of God, many pastors are fearful that folks will leave the church if they follow God’s direction for their ministry.(see Ephesians 4:11-12; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Timothy 4:1-5)

So why do folks not realize they are supposed to bring glory and pleasure to God and not themselves. (Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11)

The reality is that the truth has not been explained to them.  Why do they not realize that they must give an account to Christ for their lifestyle.  Simple, they haven’t been told.  Why are Christians not concerned over living a pleasure oriented lifestyle and not concerned about carry out God’s commands. (like John 13:34-35; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Galatians 6:1, etc.)

Again, it’s pretty simple, “They have not been told the Biblical truth”.  Or, if they have been told, they don’t believe it.  Or, they like their sinful lifestyle more than obedience to the One who purchased them from the slave market of sin.

One of the vital signs of the end times is “apostasy“{a withdrawal from Biblical truth}.

Satan has blinded the eyes of many who profess to believe in Christ.  He (Satan) is a liar and a deceiver and many follow the doctrines of demons rather than Biblical truth.(Leviticus 17:7; Psalms 106:37; I Corinthians 10:20-21; I Timothy 4:1; Revelation 13:4)

 Worship of demonic doctrine is forbidden by God. (Leviticus 17:7; Zechariah 13:2; Revelation 9:20)  What is needed today?  Christians need to not blindly follow everything they hear but be like the people at Berea and search the Scriptures daily to “find out whether these were so”. (Acts 17:11)

Christians need to be concerned because our Lord warned in Matthew 24:12, that apostasy would abound in the latter days.

The Apostle Paul warned of apostasy in the latter days. (II Thessalonians 2:3 and again in I Timothy 4:1-3; cf Jude 3-19)

Example, if one is attending a church that agrees with abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, a need not to study the Bible, etc., then there is a responsibility to withdraw and attend where they can be taught truth.  It is vital to be able to appear before Christ and not be ashamed. (II Corinthians 5:10)

Let's take a look at Ruth!

In this Bible story we learn that Naomi and Ruth have both become widows. 

With limited means, and lacking the protection of husbands, the women face a grim future. 

Yet Ruth demonstrates integrity, loyalty, and love when she chooses to forsake her country of Moab after Naomi, her mother-in-law, decides to return home to Judah. Ruth’s decision is incredibly selfless; before her lies an arduous journey and a lifetime of service to Naomi. Naomi encourages Ruth to stay in Moab and find a new husband, but Ruth is not having it.

“Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you,” Ruth doggedly pledges. “Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your GOD, my GOD” (Ruth 1:16).

Don’t miss this: Ruth is ALL IN. In making her decision, Ruth also chooses GOD and His ways without reservation.

GOD blesses Ruth for her humility and servant attitude. He not only gives her a wealthy husband (a relative of Naomi’s, which also restores Naomi’s good fortune and social standing), but also a baby who becomes the grandfather of King David, a direct ancestor of Jesus. 

What I love about this story is GOD’s provision. Neither woman, as they imagined their bleak futures, had any inkling that GOD was directing their steps to bless them and accomplish His plans to bring Jesus to earth. 

BEWARE OF THE SPIRIT OF JEALOUSY!

Jealousy is listed by the Apostle Paul as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:20, and will keep one from entering into heaven (Galatians 5:21). Webster defines jealousy as: "resentfully envious." It is a trait that has its roots in darkness (Romans 13:12-13). 

When one is filled with jealousy, it keeps them from being rationale about other things that are happening around them. A jealous individual is filled with resentment and often times has a negative outlook on life.

What Causes Jealousy?

There are several things that cause one to become jealous. Some of these things include ignorance (Romans 1:28-29), vainglory (Galatians 5:26), and carnality (1 Corinthians 3:3). But I feel that the number one thing that causes most people to be jealous is selfishness. 

Paul wrote: "he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself" (1 Timothy 6:4-5). The self-seeking individual who cares only about himself is usually the one that also becomes engulfed in jealousy.

What Are the Results of Jealousy?

James writes: "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there" (James 3:16). Jealousy keeps one from being rationale and as a result confusion exists. When one becomes confused they are then more likely to succumb to evil deeds. Solomon wrote: "Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4).

A certain destruction will await all those who are filled with the sin of jealousy. Therefore, cast this evil away (2 Peter 2:1), and learn to love your fellow man. Paul wrote: "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Recognize jealousy for what it really is, cast it aside, and live by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Don’t let jealousy get a whole of you.

                                                STAY FAITHFUL TO THE END!

God has promised us that if we are with Him then He will be with us. 

Azariah the prophet of God spoke to King Asa and said, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2). 

You can read about King Asa in chapters 14-16 of 2 Chronicles. 

When Asa sought God then he was blessed in all that he did. He was able to destroy an Egyptian army of a million men because he sought God first. 

As a result of his reliance on God, he and the kingdom of Judah enjoyed 35 years of peace. In chapter 16 we learn that God forsook Asa because he began to leave God out of his decisions. In the 41st year of Asa’s reign, he became diseased in his feet and still did not seek the Lord’s help. Asa died having devoted the first 35 years of his life in faithful service to God but unfortunately he made some very foolish decisions, not relying on God as he did earlier in his life and service as the King of Judah.

The life of King Asa should teach all of us something today. Hanani, the prophet spoke these powerful words: 

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him...” (2 Chronicles 16:9). 

We can know that if we will dedicate our life fully and completely to God, then God will prosper us. But if we choose to put anyone or anything ahead of Him, then we will not prosper. To the loyal Christian, God is our strength, hope, and salvation. Stay the course! Continue to be “.....steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). We must be faithful until the very end of our life here on earth in order to receive the crown of righteousness (Revelation 2:10).

STAY FAITHFUL TO THE END!

                              DOING THE WILL OF GOD!

I’m sure you have probably heard someone say before "it’s my life, I can do what I want to." While it is true that the life we have is ours, we cannot do what we want to with it if we really want to be pleasing to God. 

The Bible says, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). 

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us. God created us and expects us to be obedient to Him in all things. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 

We need to understand that we are here only because God created us and that our obligation in life is to make sure that we please Him in all things. Christians have been baptized into Christ and have made a vow before God to live for Christ each day for the rest of our life. Baptism puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and into His body, and the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23). 

When we die, our soul will return to God who gave it to us in the first place (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Our eternal resting place will be in heaven or hell, depending on who we have really served while on this earth (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 6:24). 

Lastly as Christians, we must ensure that we are living our lives for Christ, not for ourselves or others. Jesus will judge us in the last day, nobody else (John 12:48).  In the end can it be said that we were REALLY doing the will of the Lord?  I say Do the Will of God!

BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD!

Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

This instruction given to the saints at Rome is also needed by all Christians today. We live in a world which subjects us to various pressures, calling upon us to "conform." Because "every one else" dresses immodestly, uses vulgar language, is involved in the mad pursuit of material things, is intent on the things of this life that are pleasurable, etc., etc., Christians are under heavy temptation to do likewise.

When many encourage such activities, excuse sin by saying; "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," remember that Paul wrote to those who were in Rome and told them to not do as the Romans do. He said, "Be not conformed to this world." It doesn't matter how popular and widespread sin and ungodliness may be. It doesn't excuse sinful conduct nor make such practices more acceptable. 

Christians are called upon by Titus 2:12 to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. This we must do, regardless of what those around us do, and regardless of what they say. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 and 16, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

The life of a Christian is to be different - a pure, clean, wholesome kind of difference that others may see. It's sad indeed when our conduct can't be distinguished from that of the worldly people around us. How about you? Are you careful to conduct yourself correctly in all your relationships in life? Do you keep your life clean and your practice pure? Do you know what God has said about living our lives here on earth in preparation for eternity?

BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD!

APOSTOLIC INTERCESSORY WARFARE? 

(Col. 1:9-12, 4:12-13; 1 Tim. 2:1-2) 

Apostolic Intercessory Warfare is a special ability and Anointing that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent answers. It is a lifestyle which is characterized by the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

God has commanded each one of us to take back the land – the land of our minds, souls, spirits, bodies, families, and generations – and bring it unto the FULLNESS in and for His Kingdom. We are in the process of transforming from a man of dust … into a “heavenly” man, who is like His Father.

To take back and possess our land we must OVERCOME the giants and tear down the strongholds!

Focus on the Great Commission to win souls and disciple the nations. FINISH THE WORK!!

The Apostolic anointing means to LABOR. DO NOT QUIT!
The Apostolic ministry has many characteristics and one of them is militancy.

There is a curse on those who do not fight:

Jer. 48:10 “10 Cursed be he who does the work of the Lord negligently [with slackness, deceitfully]; and cursed be he who keeps back his sword from blood [in executing judgment pronounced by the Lord].”

There are four words to describe militancy:
• To contend with carnal inclination.
• To serve in a military campaign.
• To execute the office of the apostle –

1 Tim.  1:18 “This charge and admonition I commit in trust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with prophetic intimations which I formerly received concerning you, so that inspired and aided by them you may wage the good warfare, …”

The Apostolic career:

• military service (hardship and danger).

• warfare.

2 Cor. 10:4 “For the weapons of our warfare are not physical weapons of flesh and blood, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds.”

A prophetic word is like military orders. Now the Apostolic anointing empowers you to execute those orders to fulfill your military career (i.e. to fulfill the Great Commission).

• A body of troops, army.

• A soldier / a man of valor.

• A general, governor, captain or magistrate.

Psalms 37:23-26 ...23 The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. 24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him. 25 I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. 26 All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed.”

Apostolic anointing: Not just talk, but  ACTION.

TYPES OF THE INTERCESSORS:

-Worship/warrior Intercessors– Exercising His/Her Authority in the earth (Matt. 21:12-17) to purge out, cleanse the temple/church.

-Travailing Intercessors– Has Jesus heart of compassion and mercy-have burden for the lost and hurting.

-Visionary Intercessors-Called to the high places-Watchmen on the walls- great discernment for spiritual realm.

-Generalist Intercessors– plows up enemy’s roots  and clears the land to prepare for new seeds for harvest.

                                                                                                                              IN 2021 STAND YOUR GROUND!

The battles you face in the Promised Land are the challenges, threats, and oppositions to your Kingdom advancement. The thing that threatens your life is you bailing on GOD.  Look at 10 of the 12 spies. They bailed on GOD when they saw the giants they were about to face and it cost everybody.  Don’t bail!

It ain’t about survival.  It’s about Kingdom advancement.  Advancement is about upgrade and not being satisfied with camping out around the promise land.  Advancement is about camping out around the presence of GOD.

But know for certain that, in the Promised Land, you fight to get into GOD’s presence because so many things in your life are working to keep you from finding and fulfilling your destiny and calling. 

The enemy doesn’t want you to fulfill your destiny.  He knows it’s bigger than you. He knows you’re dangerous to his scheme to take as many of GOD’s children to hell with him as you and I will let him. He’s going to challenge, threaten and oppose you at every corner.

Remember, in the Promised Land you don’t fight for victory. You fight from victory. You’ve already defeated the devil by showing up. So take your territory, Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and bring JESUS onto your battlefield. The devil don’t stand a chance when you stand your ground.

For this reason take up the full armor of GOD, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Ephesians 6:13.

WALKING BY THE SPIRIT

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)…10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The phrase Walk in the Spirit refers to lifestyle. In Biblical terms, to walk means to conduct oneself in a particular manner; pursue a particular course of life.

The Greek word “walk” is peripateo; it is a compound word that is made up of two words – peri means “about, concerning, around;” and the main verb pateo means “to tread, to walk along” – thus peripateo means “to stroll or walk about.” 

This Greek term is used ninety-five times in the New Testament as a metaphor for “live,” as illustrated by Paul in Ephesians 2:10). As stated earlier, to “walk in the Spirit” is to live in complete submission to the control of God’s indwelling presence – “We are not to let sin reign in our mortal body that we should obey its lusts, and we are not to present our members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin instead, we are to present ourselves to God as being alive from dead works, and our members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom 6:12-13).

The figurative meaning of “walking” refers to conduct –

~As believers we are to conduct our life in the paths indicated by God (2 Kg 20:3).

~As sons/daughters of righteousness walk in the light, rather than walk in darkness (1 Jn 1:7).

~The sinners way of life is to walk according to the flesh (Rom 8:4; Eph 2:2; 1 Cor 3:3).

~But Believers are to…

•walk in Christ (Col 2:6 – that is our “position” in Christ)

•walk according to the Spirit (Rom 8:4 – according to His leading)

•walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16 – that is the realm in which we are to walk)

•walk in love (Rom 14:15; Eph 5:2; 2 Jn 1:6 – that is the essence of a godly walk)

•walk as children of light (Eph 5:8 – that is the sphere in which we are to walk)

•walk in good works (Eph 2:10 – our lives are to produce fruit)

•walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4 – we are to live in this new reality)

•walk in a way that pleases God (1 Th 4:1 – by obeying God we please Him)

•walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7 – we must trust God and walk accordingly)

•walk in the light and walk in the truth (1 Jn 1:7; 2 Jn 1:4; 3 Jn 1:3 – the whole way one lives proves fellowship with God – 1 Jn 1:6ff; 2:6)

•walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Eph 4:1; 1 Th 2:12; Col 1:10 – conduct your life in a way that corresponds with your holy calling)