Faith Unmasked: Revealing Deceptions in Christianity.

Being "born again" is a concept central to Christianity, often associated with the idea of spiritual rebirth and renewal. This concept is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Here are some key scriptures that explain the importance of being born again:

1. **John 3:3-7 (NIV)**:
- Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
- "How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!"
- Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’"

2. **1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)**:
- "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."

3. **2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)**:
- "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

4. **Titus 3:5 (NIV)**:
- "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

5. **1 John 5:1 (NIV)**:
- "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well."

These scriptures highlight the transformation and renewal that come with accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, emphasizing the importance of spiritual rebirth to enter into a relationship with God and inherit eternal life.

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a central tenet in Christian eschatology, and interpretations vary among different denominations and theologians. Here is a general breakdown:

1. **Biblical Basis**:
- The concept is primarily derived from New Testament scriptures, including Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4, and Revelation 19-20.

2. **Signs of the Times**:
- Many Christians believe certain events must occur before the Second Coming, such as the spread of the Gospel to all nations, increasing moral decline, wars, natural disasters, and the rise of false prophets.

3. **The Rapture**:
- Some interpretations, especially within premillennial dispensationalism, include a rapture where believers are taken up to meet Christ in the air before a period of tribulation on Earth.

4. **Tribulation**:
- A period of great suffering and persecution, often interpreted as lasting seven years. This is seen as a time of judgment and purification.

5. **The Antichrist and False Prophet**:
- Figures who deceive many and lead opposition against God. Their defeat is prophesied to be part of the events leading up to the Second Coming.

6. **Armageddon**:
- A final battle between the forces of good and evil, culminating in Christ’s return.

7. **The Return of Christ**:
- Jesus is believed to return in glory, visibly and bodily, to judge the living and the dead. This event is expected to establish His kingdom on Earth.

8. **Millennium**:
- Interpretations vary:
- Premillennialism: Christ will reign on Earth for 1,000 years.
- Amillennialism: The millennium is symbolic of Christ’s current reign in heaven.
- Postmillennialism: The millennium is a future era of peace and righteousness before Christ’s return.

9. **Final Judgment**:
- After the millennium, all people are judged. Believers enter eternal life, while the unrighteous face eternal separation from God.

10. **New Heaven and New Earth**:
- The creation of a renewed world where God dwells with His people, characterized by eternal peace, joy, and the absence of suffering.

These elements are interpreted differently across various Christian traditions, but the core belief is that Jesus Christ will return to fulfill God's plan for humanity and the world.

As a new believer in Christianity, here are some important steps to consider:

1. **Faith in Jesus Christ:** Affirm your belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
2. **Baptism:** Consider getting baptized as a public declaration of your faith.
3. **Prayer:** Develop a regular habit of prayer to communicate with God.
4. **Bible Reading:** Read and study the Bible to understand God's word and His will for your life.
5. **Church Community:** Join a local church to grow in your faith with the support of other believers.
6. **Discipleship:** Seek mentorship from more mature Christians to help guide your spiritual growth.
7. **Service:** Get involved in serving others in your community and church.
8. **Obedience:** Strive to live according to the teachings of Jesus and the commandments in the Bible.
9. **Witnessing:** Share your faith and testimony with others.

corresponding scriptures:

1. **Faith in Jesus Christ:**
- John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- Acts 16:31: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

2. **Baptism:**
- Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
- Acts 2:38: "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

3. **Prayer:**
- Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray continually."

4. **Bible Reading:**
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
- Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

5. **Church Community:**
- Hebrews 10:25: "Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
- Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

6. **Discipleship:**
- Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
- Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

7. **Service:**
- 1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
- Galatians 5:13: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

8. **Obedience:**
- John 14:15: "If you love me, keep my commands."
- James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

9. **Witnessing:**
- Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
- 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

These steps can help you grow and strengthen your faith as a Christian.

The concept of the millennium, a thousand-year reign of Christ, is primarily derived from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. Here's an overview of what the Bible says about it:

**Revelation 20:1-6 (NIV):**
1. And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
2. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4. I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
6. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

# # # Interpretations

**Premillennialism:**
- Believes that Christ will return before the millennium and will physically reign on earth for a thousand years.
- Often associated with a literal interpretation of Revelation 20.

**Amillennialism:**
- Holds that the millennium is symbolic and represents the current church age, where Christ reigns spiritually.
- Views the thousand years as a figurative time period.

**Postmillennialism:**
- Believes that Christ will return after the millennium, which is a period where Christian ethics gradually triumph in the world.
- Sees the millennium as an era of peace and righteousness, but not necessarily a literal thousand years.

‭Deuteronomy 27:15 ESV‬
[15] “‘Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’

THE FALLING AWAY
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Beloved, before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ the Bible says there will two events that must happen; one of it is "the great falling away" or "rebellion", notwithstanding, there will be great apostasy in the church, though this is not often highlighted, the scriptures clearly states it..

We often hear teachings about the endtimes; the Antichrist, tribulation, rapture; second coming of Jesus etc but rarely hear the teachings about the coming great rebellion or apostasy. Yes, it is very important to really understand the signs of the endtimes so we can prepare for the coming of Christ.

Today, I will like us to look at the events preceding the rapture or catching up of saints at the second coming... our key text is taken from 2 Thessalonians 2

We are going to study 2 Thessalonians 2 in context to help us understand the truth about the events preceding the Coming of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:1 says

2 Thessalonians 2:1 NLT (Emphasis)
"Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us CLARIFY some things ABOUT the COMING of our Lord JESUS CHRIST and how we will be GATHERED TO MEET HIM."

Beloved, the context or subject of the chapter was to clarify events prior to the Lord's second coming, Apostle Paul had to clarify this because some had wrong perception or teachings concerning the coming of the Lord and the rapture. Even in those days there were some who believe the day of the Lord had already begun or secret rapture has happened, some say they had visions or dreams to confirm it... This made Apostle Paul to make some clarification; the Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 2:2

2 Thessalonians 2:2
"Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us."

We can see the admonistion to the church to clarify the truth about the coming of Jesus Christ; Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2 needed to clarify what was revealed to him in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, Paul by revelation described how believers will be caught up or raptured at the return of the Lord and hence the need to clarify some things about this event.

For this event about the second coming of Jesus Christ and the rapture, it will not happen until two things takes place... Apostle Paul clarifies it in verse 3 of 2 Thessalonians 2
2 Thessalonians 2:3 NLT (Emphasis)
"Don’t be fooled by what they say. For THAT DAY WILL NOT COME UNTIL there is a GREAT REBELLION against God and the MAN of LAWLESSNESS is revealed—the one who brings destruction."

Brethren, pay close attention here: it says THAT DAY WILL NOT COME,— which day is he referring to? bear in mind the context: that DAY is the coming of Jesus Christ and the rapture (see: 2 Thess 2:1)...it says, THAT DAY WILL NOT COME UNTIL there is a great REBELLION against God and the MAN of LAWLESSNESS is revealed'

Beloved, did you see the truth of what the scriptures says; the second coming of Jesus and rapture of the church will not happen until;

1. The Great rebellion against God/ the falling away

2. The revealing of the Antichrist

Let's get this clearer in the Amplified version:
"Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed]," — 2Thes 2:3 (AMP)

Did you see beloved that there is coming a time of great rebellion or apostasy or the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians? Yes, this will happen before the Antichrist will be revealed, this is one of the reasons why many Christians who will abandone their faith due to sin or compromise will not recognize the Antichrist when he is revealed and hence follow him in ignorance. The Holy Spirit clearly says this will happen in the last days; the scriptures says

1 Timothy 4:1 NLT (Emphasis)
"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times SOME will TURN AWAY from the TRUE FAITH; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons."

Brethren, we are talking about the great rebellion or apostasy of some professed Christians in the last days, the Holy Spirit explicitly and unmistakably says this will happen before the Antichrist shows up, this is not in any way to scare you but to encourage you to be steadfast in the faith and to have a holy desire for the things of God;

~ If you don't have a prayer life... this is a wakeup call for you

~ If you don't have time for a personal Bible study... this is a wakeup call for you

~ If you are living in secret sins.... this is a wakeup call for you

~ If you are a lukewarm Christian.... this is a wakeup call for you
ETC...

There will be great apostasy or rebellion against God because many will follow deceptive teachings that are not according to scriptures....

~This is a wakeup call for all believers to get back to the Word 📖, many will perish because of lack of knowledge (see: Hosea 4:6)

~ It is time for every Christian to develop a personal Bible study and prayer life; have a quiet time to fellowship with the Lord and commune with the Holy Spirit.

Let us be like the people of bearen who were considered as noble Christians because they always search the scriptures... Beloved, do you always search the scriptures? The Bible says

Acts 17:11 NIV
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and EXAMINED the SCRIPTURES EVERY DAY to see if what Paul said WAS TRUE" (Emphasis)

Are you a Truth seeking, Bible believing Christian? Examine the scriptures every day..."Faith comes by hearing the Word of God"(see: Rom 10:17)

In the book of Revelation there's a pure church and there's an apostate church called Babylon, Beloved, examine yourself to see if you are in the faith (see: 2 Corinthians 13:5)

• Are you living a holy life; a life of daily surrender to the Holy Spirit?

• Are you searching daily at His courts; examining the scriptures?
Or
• You are too busy for the things of God

• living an inconsistent Christian life

it's time to come back to Jesus , come back to the Word 📖 and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, it's time to walk as Jesus walked...we are called as a pure church, let us not turn back in rebellion against God. The Holy Spirit says "Today, if you hear His voice don't harden your heart"

Why are there so many professed Christians yet we see less power or fire 🔥

Let us be grounded in the Word 📖 and not fall into deception and apostasy... for the great rebellion or apostasy or abandonment of the faith of professed Christians will happen because of false doctrines.

This is a wakeup call to every believer... examine the scriptures and seek to know God personally in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

WAKE UP CHURCH!!!!

Remain blessed

JESUS is Coming SOON

here are some actions and behaviors that are described as abominations to God in the Bible, along with the supporting scriptures:

1. **Idolatry**:
- **Scripture**: "You shall not make for yourselves an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God." (Exodus 20:4-5)
- **Scripture**: "Cursed is the man who makes an idol or a molten image, an abomination to the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret." (Deuteronomy 27:15)

2. **Sexual Immorality**:
- **Scripture**: "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination." (Leviticus 18:22)
- **Scripture**: "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." (Leviticus 20:13)

3. **Dishonest Practices**:
- **Scripture**: "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight." (Proverbs 11:1)
- **Scripture**: "Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord." (Proverbs 20:10)

4. **Pride and Arrogance**:
- **Scripture**: "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5)
- **Scripture**: "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood." (Proverbs 6:16-17)

5. **Shedding Innocent Blood**:
- **Scripture**: "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil." (Proverbs 6:16-18)
- **Scripture**: "You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13)

The kingdom of God

# # # Biblical Foundation
1. **Old Testament Roots**: The idea of God's kingship is present throughout the Hebrew Bible, where God is often referred to as the sovereign ruler of Israel and the world.
2. **New Testament**: Jesus frequently speaks about the Kingdom of God, using parables and direct teachings to describe its nature.

# # # Characteristics of the Kingdom of God
1. **Spiritual Realm**: It's often seen as a spiritual domain where God reigns supreme. This reign is characterized by justice, peace, and the fulfillment of God's will.
2. **Present and Future Reality**: It is both a present reality ("The Kingdom of God is within you" - Luke 17:21) and a future hope (a coming age where God’s rule is fully established).

# # # Jesus' Teachings
1. **Parables**: Jesus uses parables (e.g., the mustard seed, the leaven, the hidden treasure) to illustrate various aspects of the Kingdom – its growth, value, and inclusiveness.
2. **Beatitudes**: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes the qualities of those who belong to the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3-12).

# # # Ethical Implications
1. **Love and Service**: Followers of Jesus are called to live according to the values of the Kingdom, which include love, mercy, humility, and service to others.
2. **Transformation**: The Kingdom brings a transformative impact on individuals and communities, promoting justice, peace, and reconciliation.

# # # Eschatological Aspect
1. **Final Fulfillment**: Christians believe that the Kingdom of God will be fully realized in the future when Christ returns, leading to the renewal of creation and the final defeat of evil.

# # # Theological Interpretations
1. **Already and Not Yet**: Many theologians describe the Kingdom as "already and not yet" – it has been inaugurated by Jesus' life, death, and resurrection but will be consummated in the future.
2. **Varied Understandings**: Different Christian traditions emphasize different aspects of the Kingdom, ranging from its manifestation in the church to its social and ethical implications in the world.

The Kingdom of God is a multifaceted and dynamic concept that encompasses God's rule, the transformative power of Jesus' teachings, and the hope for a future world aligned with divine justice and peace.

The Church age is between the Cross and the Rapture of the church.

But are you aware this Church age is about to come to an end?

And there's need for us to repent.

Jesus for people ❤️❤️❤️

1. **Love and Compassion**
- **Golden Rule**: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
- Emphasis on loving one's neighbor and showing kindness and compassion to all, including enemies.

2. **Forgiveness and Mercy**
- Encouragement to forgive others, as one seeks forgiveness for oneself.
- Stories like the Prodigal Son illustrate the value of mercy and redemption.

3. **Humility and Service**
- Jesus taught that true greatness comes from serving others, not seeking power or status.
- He washed his disciples' feet, symbolizing humility and service.

4. **Faith and Trust in God**
- Urging people to have faith in God’s plan and to trust in divine provision and care.
- Teachings about not worrying and relying on God's guidance.

5. **Peace and Reconciliation**
- Promoted peace over conflict, teaching to turn the other cheek and seek reconciliation.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

6. **Justice and Righteousness**
- Advocated for justice, standing up for the marginalized and oppressed.
- Criticized hypocrisy and injustice among leaders.

7. **Hope and Salvation**
- Messages of hope for a better world and the promise of eternal life.
- Teachings on the Kingdom of God, both a present reality and a future promise.

8. **Inner Transformation**
- Focus on inner purity and transformation rather than mere external compliance with laws.
- Emphasis on the spirit and intent behind actions, not just the actions themselves.

THE REVIVAL CARRIES ON, YOU'RE ALL INVITED

The most scariest scripture, When the Lamp of God rejected you.

Matthew 7:22-24
[22]Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
[23]And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
[24]Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Repent!!!

VISIONS OF GOD, HEAVENLY BEINGS AND ANGELS
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Beloved, I will like us to look into the subject of heavenly beings and Angels, a study into the scriptures.
Heavenly beings or Angels were created before the foundation of the Earth, the Bible says;

Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

The Heavenly beings were created before the creation of the Earth and everything in it... God said to Job;

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
WHILE the morning stars sang together and ALL the ANGELS shouted for joy?" Job 38:4,7 (Emphasis)

Beloved, pay close attention here: when God laid the foundations of the Earth all the angels were present and they shouted for joy. This tells us that all the Heavenly beings were around before the creation of Earth and Man. Now let's have a climpse of the Heavenly;

CLIMPSE OF THE HEAVENLY
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When we talk about the Heavenly, many people think about God and Angels however they are more to that. They visions by the prophets and Apostles in the Bible reveals a glimpse of the Heavenly which include;

1. God on His Throne

2. The four living creatures (Cherubims)

3. Seraphims

4. Thrones (24 elders)

5. Angels

See: Daniel 7:9-10, Isaiah 6:1-2, Revelation 4:2-6

Beloved, I will like us to have a brief description of the Heavenly court as we proceed on our studies....

GOD ON HIS THRONE
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Beloved, I will like to emphatically state that no one has seen God face to face, for He dwells in an unapproachable light and reveals Himself in the person of His Son (See: 1 Timothy 6:16, 2 Timothy 1:10).. The Bible said;
"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." John 1:18

At this point, many will be wondering about Moses and others who have a record of seeing God face to face (See: Numb 12:8), the Bible says;

"With Him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the SIMILITUDE of the LORD shall he BEHOLD: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" Numb 12:8kjv(Emphasis)

Beloved, pay close attention here: Moses saw the SIMILITUDE of the Lord.. the word "SIMILITUDE" is translated from the Hebrew root word "תְּמוּנָה"(temuwnah) which means;
form, image, likeness, representation, semblance

Moses did not see God's face but rather saw His representation or form... This was why Moses requested God to show him His face (See: Exodus 33:18-23) and God replied;
"But," He said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see Me and live." Vrs 20

This tells us that, Moses did not see God face to face but rather he saw the similitude of the Lord as He is, as He talked to him mouth to mouth, this is why the Bible says "No man hath seen God at any time;" John 1:18a

DESCRIPTIONS OF VISIONS OF GOD ON THE THRONE
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The people of Israel saw UNDER the feet of God and described as;

Exodus 24:10
"There they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself."

• Under His feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself."

Daniel saw the vision of God; the Ancient of days seated on His throne: the Bible says;

"As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of His head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze." Daniel 7:9 NIV

Daniel saw the similitude of the Ancient of days:
• His Clothing as white as Snow
• Hair of His head was white like wool

Apostle John saw the similitude of Jesus in His glory.. the Bible says;

Revelation 1:14-15
"His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire.
His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves."

John Saw the Lord:

• His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow
• His eyes were as a flame of fire;
• And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace

Beloved pay close attention here; John saw the Lord Jesus to have the same similitude with the Ancient of days that Daniel saw. Why is this so?

The Bible says;

Colossians 1:15a NLT
"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God."

This is why Jesus said" I and My Father are one" and " Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" John 10:30, 14:9
and again the Bible says;

Colossians 2:9 NLT
"For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body."

Beloved, this truth reveals who Jesus is? That is why no one can come to the Father or truly know God except through Jesus Christ (See: John 1:18, 14:6). Hallelujah!!

THE THRONE
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Daniel saw;
• a fiery throne: His throne was flaming with fire

John saw;
• A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.
• Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.
• before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal
• In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.

See: Revelation 4

Beloved, now let us proceed to the next scene...

2. THE FOUR LIVING CREATURES
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Beloved, there are four living creatures that surrounds the throne of God what are these living creatures?... The prophet Ezekiel had a description of these living creatures in a vision....

~ In appearance their form was that of a man; the looked like human
~ Each has four faces and four wings and under each of their wings you could see human hands
~ Each had a human face in the front, the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and the face of an eagle at the back.(See: Ezek 1:10, Rev 4:7)
~ They moved straight forward in any direction without turning around: They moved in any of the four directions they faced, without turning as they moved.
~ Their legs were straight, and their feet had hooves like those of a calf and shone like burnished bronze.
~ Each had wheels beside them, the rims of the wheel are covered with eyes all around
See: Ezekiel 1

Beloved, this is a description of the four living creatures that surrounds the throne of God, prophet Ezekiel further describes this living creatures, the Bible says;

"This is the LIVING CREATURE that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that THEY WERE the CHERUBIMS." Ezek 10:20 kjv (Emphasis)

Beloved pay close attention here: the living creatures are called CHERUBIMS. Beloved now let's understand the work of this living creatures called cherubims, going back to the beginning;Genesis, we see the scriptures made mention of cherubims... the Bible says;

Genesis 3:24 NLT
"After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty CHERUBIM to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth TO GUARD the way to the tree of life." (Emphasis mine)

After Adam and Eve sinned against God they were driven out of the garden of Eden and God placed cherubims to guard or protect the tree of Life... Beloved, we can see the work of cherubims, they protect or guard the presence of God they are more or less like guardian angels that protect the atmosphere of God's glory, this is why when God commanded Moses to build the Ark of the covenant He instructed him to design covering Angels which are cherubims representing them covering of the glory of God... the Bible says;

Exodus 25:20NLT
"The cherubim will face each other and look down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they will protect it."

The cherubims cover or protect the glory of God, God is entroned between the cherubims or the living creatures... the Bible says;

"O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim.." See: Isa 37:16, psa 99:1

Cherubims surrounds and guard the glory of God, God is entroned between the cherubims.. the Bible says " dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;" 1 Tim 6:16b, cherubims protect the Glory and the Glory of God rises above the cherubims to go forth to display His radiant glory (See: psa 80:1, Ezek 9:3)

The living creatures are cherubims of divine glory

Now let's proceed on our next focus...

3 SERAPHIMS
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Who are they Heavenly beings called SERAPHIMS?

When Prophet Isaiah had a vision of the Lord sitted on the Throne, he saw Heavenly beings called SERAPHIMS... the Bible says;

Isaiah 6:1-3 NLT
"It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.
Attending him were mighty SERAPHIM, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.
They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the lord of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!” (Emphasis)

Beloved, Seraphs, from the vision of Isaiah are seen to be ministering to the Lord they never cease praising God day and night. They have similar description with cherubim(See: Rev 4: 8) from the vision of Isaiah seraphs have;

• Have six wings,With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.

• From the etymology of the word SERAPHS; They are believed to be in the shape of fiery Serpents

Seraphs minister to the LORD; in praises saying in a loud voice; Holy, Holy, Holy....

Now, how many are these Heavenly beings who attend or minister to the Lord?

In a vision by Prophet Daniel beholding the Heavenly court... the Bible says;

Daniel 7:10
"A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands MINISTERED unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand STOOD BEFORE him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." kjv (Emphasis)

"and a river of fire was pouring out,flowing from His presence.Millions of angels MINISTERED to Him; many millions STOOD to ATTEND Him.Then the court began its session, and the books were opened." NLT (Emphasis)

Beloved, pay close attention here there are two groups of Angels that are seen in this vision of Daniel, the angels that minister to the Lord and those who stood before him to attend to His command. those who minister to the Lord are thousands upon thousands or millions but those who stood and ready to attend to the Lord are 10,000 times 10,000 which is about millions upon millions of angels.

If seraphims Minister to the LORD and Daniel saw millions of angels ministering, we can as well believe Seraphs are numerous in ministration, they are a choir of Angels.

Now, they other group of angels who stood before Him; myriads or millions of millions are Angels who are waiting to receive a command to minister to Man or carry out His plans.. the Bible says;

"Bless the LORD, you His angels,Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word" psalm 103:20 NKJV

Beloved, this angels who stand before God are awaiting to heed His voice and carry out His plans... Jesus said;

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in HEAVEN THEIR ANGELS always SEE THE FACE of My Father who is in heaven." Matt 18:10 Nkjv (Emphasis)

Beloved pay close attention here: their Angels always SEE the face of My Father, God has assigned Angels to minister to our needs accordng to the will of God, these Angels wait to heed His Word before they minister to us... the Bible says;

"Are they not all ministering spirits SENT FORTH to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" Heb 1:14 Nkjv (Emphasis)

So then, the myriads of Angels that stand before the Throne of God are always looking at the face of God awaiting His Word to carry out His plans and minister to us...

Now, let's look into the subject of the 24 elders or thrones...

THRONES OR 24 ELDERS
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In the Heavenly court, there are visions of thrones around the the Throne of God...

Prophet Daniel Saw THRONES,...
• Daniel saw thrones around God's THRONE (See: Dan 7:9)

John the Revelator saw a clear vision of this thrones, in all he saw 24 thrones, seated on them were 24 elders.... the Bible says;

Revelation 4:4
"Twenty-four thrones surrounded Him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads."

Beloved, 24 thrones surrounded the Throne of God, and on them sat 24 elders. At this moment many people will like to know who these 24 elders are?

Who are these 24 elders sitted on 24 thrones?

~It has not been made clear who these 24 elders are, perhaps in the future if the Holy Spirit reveals through the scriptures we will make further studies on it to identify them all, however, 12 of them are seems to be made referenced to by Jesus... the Bible says;

Matthew 19:28 NLT (Emphasis)
"Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon His glorious throne, you who have been MY FOLLOWERS will also SIT on TWELVE THRONES, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Beloved pay close attention here: Jesus said His followers will also sit on 12 thrones... Hallelujah!!, Could it be the twelve Apostles?, The Bible says;
1 Corinthians 6:3a NLT
"Don’t you realize that we will judge angels?"

The Apostle Paul said we will judge angels, yes, only those on a throne can pass judgement and therefore twelve thrones are for the disciples of Jesus Christ.

Now, the vision of the New Jerusalem reveals something;
• The wall of the city had 12 stones of which the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus were written ( Rev 22:14)
• The city had 12 gates of which the names of the 12 tribes of Israel were written (Rev 22:12)

Could these two sets of names represent the 24 elders? Since one set of names Jesus mentions as sitting on 12 thrones (Luke 22:30, Matt 19:28)

We will see into this in a later teaching....

Now we will proceed to look into THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS

To be continued.........

In part 2 of this study we look at:

• Who are Angels?
• The nature of angels
• Classes and dominions
• The work of Angels or How they are employed in heaven
• Evidence of their power
• Should Angels be worshipped?
•. Why are some angels bad or fallen?
• Where are those Angels or sons of God who sinned in Noah's days?
• Victory over fallen angels
• The Role of Angels in the lives of Believers

Please share and invite friends to learn more about the kingdom of God.

Remain blessed
JESUS is Coming SOON