Saturday, March 9, 2013

Battle above the Clouds - Part 9

Battle above the Clouds – Part 9

Deception amongst Believers

The two verses below have been coming to my attention several times over the past two months.  It cannot be ignored.  With everyone looking for 'new revelations', the Lord is advising us to stay on the old path, the good way (aka HIS way/will)...
 

Thus says the LORD, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls.  But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken (listen) to the sound of the trumpet.  But they said, We will not hearken.  [Jer 6:16, 17]

According to various online dictionaries, deception is “to cause (someone) to believe what is not true; to mislead (lead astray) by false statements or appearance; to beguile or ensnare, to cause to accept as true or valid what is actually false or invalid.”  

The word of God warns us about great deception (which began in the Garden of Eden), that would enter in even stronger as soon as He departed.  
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  [Mat 7:15]

Paul was in anguish and tears when he stated

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  [Acts 20:29, 30]

(Of "your own selves" - means within our group, denomination - basically, within Christianity, within the ecclesia. Selah)

Perverse (1611 KJV dictionary): to turn from truth or propriety; to thwart Scripture, willfully misinterpret or misapply it; to divert from the true intent or object (false doctrine – teaching)(to corrupt)

So again, we do well to remember that both Jesus (Y’shua) and His apostles (Peter [2Pet 2:1-3], John [1Jn 2:18], Mark [Mk 13:22] and  Paul) alerted disciples to the fact that the deceivers that saints (disciples of Jesus (Y'shua)) should be most aware of would be amongst them (in their groups) and would be those who call themselves ‘Christians’, or followers of Christ. Sobering!

In the book of Matthew 24, verse 3, Jesus’ apostles asked Him when all these things (occurrences in the last days) would be, and what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the world. The very first thing Jesus (Y’shua) stated was a warning about deception.  Not only is prophecy unfolding more quickly now right before us, but the Lord’s words should make us stay very alert as we see deception taking unparalleled leaps and bounds, both in the secular and amongst believers.

Take heed that no man deceive you.  [Mat 24:4]

Most followers of Christ Jesus (Y’shua) consider themselves the ‘elect’ (saved) and are confident that they could not or would not be deceived, but if that were so, why would Jesus consider it necessary to warn His own apostles not to let any man deceive them?  I always understood the "elect" were the Hebrews, the Jews, the chosen people, the original tree in which the Gentiles are "grafted in" or the family we are "adopted" into. 

The apostles walked with Jesus, talked with Him personally, heard Him speak publicly, yet He deemed it necessary to forewarn about deception. The word says that ‘if’ it were possible, even the elect would be deceived, but so many followers of Christ do not think it is possible at all.  Yes, it is; otherwise Jesus would not have warned His disciples about many being deceived.

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive manyAnd because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [Mat 24:11-13]

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;  [2Thess 2:3]

The Holy Spirit showed me some years ago (and I have repeated it to any who would listen) that when Jesus (Y’shua) spoke, saying, ‘there comes a falling away’, that He was speaking of someone who once believed in Him and walked as a Christian for a time will fall away. I ever say that a person cannot fall away from a place where they did not once stand!  May the Lord help us all and may we take His words soberly to heart. Stay guarded!

Witchcraft and Paganism
Gnosticism was already around in Jesus’ day, as well as false prophets and idolaters.  Yet as far back as the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord God not only warned of false prophets, but the dangers of people listening to them, believing what they say to be true and from God when it did not come from God.  Signs and wonders followed them, yet that does not mean they are anointed of God. [Deut 18:21-22]

The sorcerers in Egypt were able to imitate (counterfeit) God’s miracles, such as the rods (staffs) turning into snakes (first four miracles), but when it came to plagues, ending with the destroyer that killed the firstborn males, both man and beast, of the Egyptians (and any who did not place the blood of a lamb over their doorway or on the doorposts), they could not duplicate the power of God revealed in those events.

In fact, the magicians (court sorcerers) were only able to replicate three out of the ten plagues that the Lord sent. When Aaron threw down Moses' staff and it became a serpent, the magicians were able to replicate that through "enchantments", but Moses' serpent ate up their serpents.

When the rod (staff) was stretched out over the Egyptian waters, it turned to blood. With 'enchantments', the Egyptians were able to copy that. They were also able to produce frogs. When God brought the plague of lice (third plague), the sorcerers could not copy it or any other plague (miracle) after that. (The staff turning into a serpent was not a plague.) 

God’s Word takes precedence over anything and everything a word of prophecy (spoken outside of His Word) may say; that means every dream, every vision, every prophetic word, is not as important as the word of God and His Son Jesus, who IS the Word that came in the flesh, and comes in the flesh (of born-again believers).  

I will praise You with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto YouI will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and for your truth: for You have magnified Your word above all Your name 
[Ps 138:1, 2]

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. [Jn 1:4]

Witchcraft is still amongst us today and even more so, escalating and accepted gladly by the masses, as many seek a ‘spiritual experience’.  Rebellion is as witchcraft (meaning it is just as serious in God's eyes as witchcraft - Lucifer's fall was due to rebellion and pride) and it (witchcraft) has entered into many of the mainstream churches where popular and predominant leaders are respected, followed and worst of all, believed. The occult has moved like wildfire, exalting itself in movies, books, music, videos, games, sports events - the world!

It is crucially important that people seek God first, abide in Jesus the true Vine, feed on the word of God and not seek a ‘word’ from someone with a prophetic gifting first. Seek Jesus first! It is true that the Lord said that in the last days, He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh and sons and daughters would prophesy, old men would dream dreams and young men would have visions. But that does not mean to run to those prophesying first. The first commandment is to love the Lord your God (first) and in the Bible, Jesus (Y'shua) is called our FIRST love. [Rev 2:4]

Therefore, there will indeed be numerous people who will be vessels to speak forth that which the Lord is revealing in these last days, but never, ever are these vessels to be a substitute for time spent with the Lord, reading His word or obeying what HE says.  We have been taught not to follow after man (a person), but to follow after the Lord only.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. [Mat 24:11-13]

God’s (YHWH’s) Love
God is love, full of mercy and grace; this is a fact.  Yet many will gloss over sin, using Ghandi’s statement, which was to ‘love the sinner and hate the sin.’ It is believed that Ghandi paraphrased Augustine’s words: 

For this reason, the man who lives by God's standards and not by man's, must needs be a lover of the good, and it follows that he must hate what is evil. Further, since no one is evil by nature, but anyone who is evil is evil because of a perversion of nature, the man who lives by God's standards has a duty of "perfect hatred" towards those who are evil; that is to say, he should not hate the person because of the fault, nor should he love the fault because of the person. He should hate the fault, but love the man. And when the fault has been cured there will remain only what he ought to love, nothing that he should hate.” (Emphasis mine)

There is nowhere in scripture where we see these words.  We are to repent (change our minds and turn away from sin) and not make excuses for it. We are not to be enablers.  The Lord will help us and deliver us, but we have to first be willing (humble, repentant) and second, obedient to His leading.  The Lord will help us overcome our weaknesses and deliver us from any bondage.  (Yep, He's purging me more too, no doubt.)

Hell and the Lake of Fire

Most leaders do not want to warn about the consequences of sin or even warn of hell.  Since the book of Revelation speaks of hell and death being thrown into the lake of fire, many say that hell is not forever. That is not what the word of God states. The lake of fire IS eternal. 

Folks get mixed up. I know I did. but Gehanna, sheol, lake of fire, hades, are all different things. But that is not a can of food that I am going to open right now. Again, further false teachings will be discussed later in this series; however, it is crucial that people understand that the lake of fire is a reality.

In Revelation, it speaks about hell and death being thrown (cast) into the lake of fire.  Yet, we also know that ALL will be resurrected on the last day and that there is a Great Throne Judgment (Judgment Day).  The lake of fire is not a fallacy and all those whose names are not found in the book of life shall be cast into the lake of fire.  

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.  [Jn 5:28, 29]

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. [Rev 20:11-15]

At the following link, the writer speaks of hell, but also gives testimony of Dr. Maurice Rawling, who was not a believer at all, until he resuscitated a man who convinced him there is a hell.  
Also, about half way down the page, it speaks of the communist, Dr. Azzacove, who was drilling in Siberia with other men.  See the picture below for his candid statement.

There is an audio link, which had originally been sent to Art Bell (Coast to Coast radio), by a man who lived in Chicago.  He had been a skeptic too, until his uncle sent him a recording of what was heard when the men in Siberia drilled deeply into the earth’s crust.  
Look for the above picture on the page (link below) to hear the 'sounds of hell', as the audio came to be known as. Whether it was sounds from hell or not, no one can accurately say.  However, no one was ever able to explain what it was that was recorded.  It changed the lives of the men at the site forever, including the communist/unbeliever.  The article (excerpts below) was published in “Ammenusastia”, a newspaper circulated in Finland.  Source:  http://www.av1611.org/hell.html

(IMPORTANT UPDATE 
NOTE* -  In a sincere desire to present truth in these articles I write, to the best of my ability, I continue searching and keeping an open ear to what the precious Spirit of God may say, or alert to how He leads.

That being said, the 'voices from hell' turned out to be a recording of a gathering at a pub or somewhere nearby. It was NOT literal voices from hell, but voices of regular people that were somehow amplified and heard a far away. BP2013)

So many teach about the love of God and grace ('love covers a multitude of sins'; 'for by grace are you saved' ... and these ARE truths), but the same preachers do not teach about the severity of God (judgment and justice), as well as His holiness and righteousness. I do believe, however, that the Lord is giving us all a serious warning…every single one of us.  Many have wearied of the warnings, yet they are just like birth pains, they will (and are) increase in frequency and intensity.  We must pay attention, or blame no one but ourselves when it all begins (great global tribulation - judgment).

We Must Think for Ourselves 
None of us are above or beyond deception.  I was deceived by family, deceived by the medical establishment, deceived by lawyers and others in my life, but then the Lord saved and delivered me. He began to teach me by the power of His Holy Spirit (and continues to teach me), the importance of forgiveness, the necessity of abiding in Christ and filtering everything through His Word and His blood.  I still must tread carefully, clinging to the Lord, so that I will not be deceived.  No one’s wisdom matches that of the Creator; He is our Counselor.

Everyone who is alive has been deceived - deceived by historical events (inaccurate recording), by misleading news reports, by fables (Satan Claus, Easter bunny, fairies, goblins et al). Yes we grow up and learn the truth but for a season, we were deceived as children. We laugh this kind of "deception" off as "harmless".
Some people lie, betray and deceive each other. The Bible says the whole world is deceived by Satan (and his demons).

We cannot just accept everything a leader may say, no matter how well-liked, how articulate, how charming, how anointed or how accurate they seem to be.  We are to think for ourselves, search the word of God and do our own research.  If we are still unsure, prayer is the key, for the Lord promised to send the Comforter (Holy Spirit), who would lead us into all truth.  We must be born again, baptized, Spirit-filled believers. He also instructed us to pray for 'wisdom' and He would give 'liberally'.

The Lord told us to try every spirit to see if it is of Him (God) and He surely will honor His word and let us know, when we ask of Him.  Did He not say, we have not because we ask not?  He delights in our seeking Him; we need Him!

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See you do it not: I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.  [Rev 19:10]

There is an important key to remember - the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy! In other words, the FOCUS is our King!

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit (empty deception), after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  [Col 2:8]

Any one of us could be deceived and should be careful not to boast otherwise. Jesus told us how to know truth, and how to escape deception. He is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father (our Creator) but through Jesus (Y'shua). He made a clear statement as to how not to be deceived.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  
 [Jn 8:31, 32]

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. [1Jn5:8]

This article is not primarily about false prophets (teachers), but since the Lord began revealing more to me about deception (particularly in the secular realm), it seemed appropriate to include the deception amongst believers, especially since Jesus Himself found it necessary to warn His own apostles.  Later on in this series, I will share more about deception in the church.

As I write, sharing these things with readers, I realize that many are already very well aware of the deception all around, as well as everything else I have written about, but ironically, you would be surprised at the number of Christians that are simply NOT aware. And if told, they go into denial (It is well with my soul - kind of thing. [rolls eyes, bangs head on wall]) However, it is also a reminder to myself. I can let my guard down at the wrong time. We all need reminders; I know I do and the Lord is faithful in doing so. My prayer is that the true Body of Christ (remnant) will be guarded and protected against deception, that none of us are deceived.  

Yet, we can be confident that as we abide in Christ and obey His leading/direction (just as He instructed), and hold all things up to the light of His word, the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth.  We can believe Him and find rest and peace in Him.

Russian Prophecy


A friend directed me to this Russian prophecy that was translated into English (see below).  It was posted on the BIN site, but apparently originates from Steve Quayle’s website. Personally, I do not go to that site normally, due to the mixture allowed on it (same mixture as heard on Coast to Coast - where everything and anyone can be heard, with no filtering or discernment; it can be dangerous for many). that being said, the prophecy seemed fitting for this post.  I have broken it up into paragraphs, for easier reading; however, the link is provided at the end.
------------
A talk is going around about a war, but not many understand. I am God and I will let the war happen to humble my people. Wickedness is great and they are not ashamed to do shameful deeds. But I will not tolerate it and soon will expose their adultery and they will be crying with bitterness if they don’t repent. 


The repentance needs to be genuine, not false like so many are doing—it is not pleasing Me. But repent genuinely and fulfill My Word. The people who truly repent, I will guard and save. Soon there are going to be riots between peoples and there will be a war. 


Difficult times are coming, but all this is to humble my people, which once accepted but did not value how precious the Sacrifice was that I suffered in order to redeem. My redeemed, washed in my blood, will rejoice because they are going to be saved. But the ones that don’t esteem My sacrifice, they don’t realize that they will perish. Soon the earth will open its mouth because of My anger, to swallow the sinners.


But I don’t want this. Repent and you shall be saved. Hell is a place of torment and I don’t want to send souls there, but many are plunging down. Renew your heart so you don’t fall into that place. Give mercy to people, love one another and you will be given mercy and be saved. 


I will send sickness to humble the flesh, because wickedness is great and my soul hates it. Be afraid of those things, so you don’t perish, because many have perished already and they don’t acknowledge it. I am knocking on their hearts, but they don’t hear. They are quenching my call. 


They will be knocking on the gate but I will reject them like they were rejecting Me. May your deeds be good not evil. The pure in heart shall see Me. Cleanse your hearts constantly because I am coming and I will not delay. The earth will flee from My appearance. The ones that don’t accept my name will be in fear and shame. 


They will want to be saved, but they will be too late, because the time was given. So don’t be a careless soul, because faithful and pure hearts I will let into my city. They will glow like heavenly lights in My glory. Woe to the ones who rejected Me.


Their cry will be bitter and I will not listen to them because they didn’t listen to Me when I wanted their repentance from their wicked deeds. There is desolation in My temple, and hearts are not pure. But I will cleanse if you will call. My soul hates their praises. 


I don’t want that kind of praise which they bring up to me in their lawlessness, but I want repentance. The wicked world is waiting for My judgment for its deeds and I will judge. Don’t think that you can escape without repentance. 


So repent today in the acceptable time while My blood can still cleanse your sins because the pure in heart shall see God. The ones that don’t want to think about cleansing are condemned now because they disregarded My sacrifice for sin. I want to give mercy, want to save, want to bless, but not many want it. 


Most people choke the good in their hearts with their deeds. That’s why in these last days I will pour out My Spirit onto the chosen with pure hearts, tongues and thoughts, but those who lust and don’t meditate on Me, I will punish. So meditate on me day and night in every place and you will be blessed. Your prayers will be heard and you will not be judged with the unrighteous. Thus saith the Holy Spirit, Amen.


http://www.stevequayle.com/index.php?s=33&d=314


In the comments section on BIN, someone protested about the prophecy stating that God does not ‘hate the praises’ of people, insisting that God (Yhwh) always hears the prayers and praises of people (He is love) and does not ‘hate’ them or ignore them.


I am not endeavoring to influence the reader one way or another about the prophecy; we must try every spirit to see if it is of God (test it against the word of God (scripture) and pray also).  However, there are scriptures that would negate the comment posted under the prophecy. There are times He will not hear or accept, and times what 'appears' to be good displeases Him.


Therefore pray not you for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble. [Jer 11:14]


Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it. Although you say you shall not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust you in him. 
[Job 35:13, 14]

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: [Is 29:13 – see also Mat 15:8]

Now we know that God hears not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and does his will, him he hears  [Jn 9:31]

Another thought...we really must be careful and try the spirit. How? For one, against the word of God. In the prophecy above, it ends with:

That’s why in these last days I will pour out My Spirit onto the chosen with pure hearts, tongues and thoughts, but those who lust and don’t meditate on Me, I will punish. 

Well, that is NOT what is written. It is written in Joel 2:28-29:
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see vision.

And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit. 

(and repeated by Peter on the day of Pentecost, where he repeated the words of the prophet Joel; and the words are recorded in Acts 2:16-18]

One last thing, the Holy Spirit ALWAYS lifts up and glorifies Jesus, not Himself, so although the Lord speaks through us by His precious and Holy Spirit, I've never once had the Holy Spirit say it was HIS words, but it was understood that it was either the Father or Son speaking.

Something to consider and pray about...

Fear God 
God is love; however (I repeat) He is also holy and just. He has always warned people about His judgment and for us all to turn from our wicked ways, for all of us have fallen short of the glory of God. It is not too late, but it does not take a rocket scientist to see that we are almost out of time. He is good and His mercy endures forever; but remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  

He created us for His good pleasure, to fellowship with us.  Many of us are (and have been) going through a trying of our faith as never before (as stated in previous posts), so let us hold fast to our King and not let go, keeping a repentant heart as He reveals all that is in us that is not of Him. 
I believe these tests or trials will increase, as we GROW, just like soldiers who continue to be trained; what they learned newly is tried anew. More thought...because who are the ones that eventually "fall away" and why?

Let Him purge and purify us, so that we will be without spot or blemish.  He is love and it is His desire for all to be saved, but we know that not all will be, for it is written about right up to and including the book of Revelation.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 
[2Pet 3:9]

Reality of Hell

I end this with a video about a young woman named Angelica Mora, who has an interesting testimony.  She saw heaven and hell and met Jesus, when she was 18 years old.  She speaks of a pope in hell, celebrities and much more. At the end, she speaks of the rapture, but nowhere does she say a 'pre-trib' rapture.  Instead, she speaks of scripture that talks about the resurrection on the last day.  I would say that it is as the book of Revelation states, that at the last trump, there will be the resurrection of the dead and a ‘catching up’, after tribulation (my opinion, but I am still not sure. I do know and believe we (His children) will NOT be subjected to His wrath. Is the tribulation judgment or Father's wrath?)  If it's judgment, we will be here; but if it's Day of the Lord; His wrath, I do not believe we suffer that as faithful disciples.

All that I have shared here in this writing, whether in word, audio or video, I encourage you to take everything to the Lord. We are capable of thinking for ourselves, but we should get into the habit of taking everything to Him because all of us are capable of making mistakes, including me. (I still make mistakes though I try not too, like everyone else.Jesus is faithful and will confirm or negate; we can trust Him.

In my next writing, I will touch upon deception regarding the Dark Knight Rises movie and Sandy Hook.  I realize that these topics have gone viral and have been spoken about by many, but there are a couple of observations I made that I have not seen discussed yet. Perhaps someone has noticed what I did, but I have not come across these observations being discussed yet.  It will show you how easy it is for 'masses' to be deceived, as well as how important it really is to 'take ALL things to the Lord'.  Coming up also will be an article on Pet Goat II, a video that is incredibly symbolic.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (Y'shua)[Eph 6:10; 2Tim 2:1] 

The young woman is named Angelica Mora.  Her home is in Ecuador, where the majority of believers are Roman Catholic. The title on Angelica's testimony on YouTube is: 

Pope Benedict XVI Resigned - Because of This Message from Jesus Christ  (1 hr. 34 min)

Many have an experience and others lead them to 'become famous'. Then they latch onto their coattails to gloat in the light also. 

Please pray about all I post because as previously stated, I too can make mistakes the same as the next person. I continue to grow and learn myself. Be blessed in Messiah/Christ.

for His glory

Bonita                   dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com




3 comments:

  1. Dearest Bonita, after reading your latest blog post, I wanted to send some info that has changed my understanding of Hell, the eternal grave for the wicked and those that reject the free gift, Christ Jesus unto repentance, which leads to life everlasting after much refinement.

    I used to believe that hell was a place of eternal damnation, tormenting the soul, because of separation from God and all light... I have learned in the past year that I was wrong in this belief that the leaders in mans church (built by mans hand) has been teaching mankind for hundreds of years...

    I have learned that hell is death eternal, dust, ashes and nothing more...
    I also learned how our Father feels about how we portray Him to others in the false teaching of hells eternal torment, and how this false teaching has turned so many away from Him because they see Father as a evil, sadistic God.

    I love you my sister and I hope you come to know the truth of eternal death and no longer teach false hell torture for eternity, this displeases our Father greatly and knowing how much you desire to please Him, i hope you find the truth of it... I'm including some letters from God and His Christ that have helped me. And I look forward to continue this discussion if you will...

    May our heavenly Father continue to use you for His purpose my sister, I love and miss you and send a warm hug to comfort you,
    deb

    http://trumpetcallofgodonline.com/index.php5?title=Proclaim_NOT_the_Hell_of_the_Churches_of_Men..._In_Their_Words_is_No_Mercy_Found%2C_Only_the_Makings_of_Satan

    http://trumpetcallofgodonline.com/index.php5?title=Churches_of_Men%2C_Hear_the_Word_of_the_Lord

    ReplyDelete
  2. dear Deb,

    Thank you for your comment. First of all, I do not recall the girl in the video saying that hell was forever, but that the souls who were in hell 'at this time' are being tormented. I did not hear the words 'eternal punishment'.

    I would surmise that death and hell are cast into the lake of fire AFTER the resurrection of all who are dead, and who will stand before the Almighty God on judgment day. Death is death and the wages of sin is death.

    People know from childhood that everything dies. That is the first death, but the Bible speaks of a 'second death'.

    In the book of Revelation, it says that hell and death are cast into the lake of fire, so if they are cast into the lake of fire (death being the death of the physical body, and hell being the place of 'torment' until judgment day), then they are not forever.

    This could be an entire article in itself and at the moment, I do not have the time to delve deeply into it. I did not want to ignore you though, but neither did I desire others to be mislead.

    Deb, you are welcome to go through the archives, but you will not see where I have once said that unsaved souls will burn forever in the fires of hell and be tormented forever...not once.

    Again, I do not have time to go into here..this is a comment section, but sheol, ghenna, hell...all those words need to be looked up to get proper meanings in the Greek and Hebrew, and what each means in the context that it was used.

    Sheol and hades are not hell, as translated. Sheol means 'grave' or 'pit' (world of dead) and Hades is 'the grave' (place of departed souls). This is part of the misunderstanding which resulted in a spirit of error and false teaching of eternal torment. I could go deeper into it, but will not here.

    Gehenna was an actual place, a city dump where in the valley of Hinnom (outside Jerusalem). Dead bodies of criminals, animals and trash were burned in the fires that burned continually, at that time.
    Jesus used it as an example of God's judgment of the wicked in the lake of fire.

    The lake of fire was not intended for mankind. It was prepared for Satan and his demons according to the Bible [Mat 25:41]. So then we have two extremes...those who teach eternal torment and those who teach salvation for all.

    I do not believe torment for unsaved souls is ETERNAL torment because scripture speaks of the day of judgment before the throne of God. Those whose name is not found in the book of life were cast into the lake of fire. the word of God says that THIS is the second death.

    What about Lazarus (not the one raised from the dead by Jesus, but the beggar Lazarus, who sat outside the gate of the city begging for bread and who was treated poorly by the rich man? When he died, it says he was with Abraham (Abraham's bosom).

    The rich man died also, but an abyss separated Lazarus and Abraham from the rich man.

    In Luke 16:24, 25, we see part of the conversation:
    24: (rich man) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and 'cool my tongue'; for I am 'tormented' in this flame.

    25: But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are 'tormented'.

    So we see that the rich man was tormented in flame, and that he desired just a drop of water on his tongue.

    Do I believe the rich man will be tormented by flame forever? No, the Bible speaks of two resurrections, but not everyone shares the same destiny. There were a few lessons in that parable...



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  3. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. [see Daniel 12:2-4] Daniel was told in verse 4 to seal up the book until the time of the end, when many run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

    The second resurrection is connected I believe, with the second death and Jn 5:29 when Jesus teaches about the resurrection of damnation.

    People teach about eternal or everlasting torment which is not scriptural. Hell is being spoken of less and less these days, but the second death, eternal damnation, is not being taught either.

    We can accept that God is Sovereign; that God is love; that God brought a destroying flood where only 8 souls were saved alive and all else destroyed and we accept the accounts in the Bible about God sending armies to destroy wicked people, men, women and child, but yet we hear today...God is love, everyone will be saved in the end.

    Jesus warned that we should not be afraid of man who can kill or destroy the body, but to fear the one who can destroy both body and soul.

    Josephus wrote that the belief of eternal torment and the immortality of souls came from Greek fables, which the Essenes adopted as truth - but not ALL of the Essenes (as seen in the Damascus Document of the Dead Sea scrolls).

    I do not believe in the eternal torment of souls, nor the salvation of 'all', but I believe the Bible that teaches that the lake of fire is indeed the second death.

    So, I've already written more than I intended, and if anything, it would go along in this series of Battle above the Clouds, since this series is dealing with deception.

    One last thing, Deb...
    the links you gave me for the person called Timothy (Speed), for trumpet call of God online...did you ever research about the man?

    Many people have left the ministry, calling it a cult, having given up all to join him. People are told online that he accepts no donations...until you go live near him (which he encourages), where you are eventually expected to give all your tithes to him only.

    He owns 2-3 homes, and earns up to $93,000 plus per year. You will have to copy and paste the links I am going to give you, but I do not follow his teachings or listen to his prophecies.

    Again Deb, thank you for your concern and for writing. Lord bless you.

    Testimonies of those who left his ministry:

    http://ttruthalwaysprevails.blogspot.com/2011_12_04_archive.html?m=0

    An article on some of his contradictions:

    http://ttruthalwaysprevails.blogspot.com/2011/07/trumpet-call-of-god-letters-of-god-and.html

    Also Deb, he believes that his prophecies are the 'continued WORD of God' to be adhered to more than scripture.

    One woman's answer to a question directed at her about Timothy Rathbun. She studied his teachings and responded with an answer.

    http://en.allexperts.com/q/Christianity-Christian-Living-1401/2010/1/trumpetcallofgodonline-com-prophet.htm

    I will let you continue with your own research Deb. Blessings
    Bonita

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