By Ron McGatlin
In a world of storms and chaos caused by a world-system based on fear and pride that proceeds from the hearts of men, is it possible to experience the pure and holy glory of God?
Without the Holy Spirit of God permeating our spirits, souls, and bodies, it probably is not possible to experience the glory of God in this life on earth now.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to submerse us and saturate our lives with Christ Jesus is the way through the rent veil that is between the natural realm and the spiritual realm. Through Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit, we can move from awareness primarily in the natural realm through the rent veil into full awareness in the supernatural heavenly spiritual realm of God’s pure and holy GLORY. This is different from crying out to God to come to us in this natural realm and fill us with His Spirit.
As described in a previous article about one person in two places, we are spirit beings living in natural physical bodies.
Our redeemed spirit-man is endowed with the earnest (down payment) of the Holy Spirit. This is Christ Jesus coming into our hearts by the Spirit to begin the process of full redemption and restoration to the originally created reality of Gods design. This is not the end or final fulfillment of the process but the beginning. It is Christ in us as a seed containing His Spirit’s DNA to grow His life in us.
2 Cor 1:22: Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. The Greek word translated “earnest” means, “a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest.”
- Being in Christ is being in the Spirit (heavenly spiritual realm).
- Christ in us is being in this natural realm with His Spirit in us.
- Christ in us is the hope (earnest expectation) of glory.
- In Christ we experience the glory that was hoped for (earnestly expected).
The process to experiencing the glory of God begins with Christ Jesus coming into us by the Spirit. This experience is sometimes referred to as “salvation” or being “born again.” Sadly, many if not most Christians do not move much further than this beginning point.
However, it is from this beginning that growth of Christ in us should begin to take place. Like a growing small child, we are mostly focused upon our own needs and what Jesus is doing for us in our natural lives. As we mature, like an adolescent or teen-age child we become dissatisfied and instinctively we hunger for more meaningful adult (spiritual) life.
Unfortunately religion taught me and many others that we could not hope to experience the full life of heavenly supernatural reality in this life on earth. Our great hope was only to experience the glory of God after we died and went to heaven or by being fortunate enough to be a part of the generation alive on earth when Jesus bodily returned.
Believing these teachings left us no reason to seek more of God by the Holy Spirit. There was no real understanding of our entering now into the heavenly spiritual realm in Christ who is all and in all. We had only a very shallow grasp of the meaning of the reality of being in Christ and of Christ in us.
Even our English Bible translations are slanted in places to reflect the lack of hope for experiencing supernatural heavenly life in Christ now. Just as one example, the Greek word “parousia” has the basic meaning of “a being near.” It is translated both presence and coming. However, when speaking of Christ it is always translated coming, often when “presence” would be more accurate. This is a serious core error that prevents us from the fullness of His will. Most are looking for His coming rather than enjoying the fruitfulness that comes from experiencing that He has come to His own. It is needful to be led of the Spirit and dig into the original language to more clearly see biblically the greater truth of living now in the heavenly spiritual realm of experiencing God’s glory in Christ Jesus.
God is awakening His people to the reality of life in the Spirit now.
We are awakening to the reality of faith, hope, and love experienced in the glorious presence of Christ Jesus in the heavenly spiritual realm, the realm of THE GLORY OF GOD. Only from this realm can we affect the natural realm with the righteousness, peace, and joy of the kingdom from heaven on earth. God’s plan is that His kingdom be established on earth as it is in heaven. Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit is bringing the kingdom of God from the heavenly spiritual realm into the natural realm in and through His redeemed spirit/natural beings. Jesus is bringing many sons to GLORY (Heb 2:10).
If we look only into the natural realm of this world, we do not now see all things under the feet of Jesus. In the heavenly spiritual realm all things are in perfect order. The realm of heaven came to earth in Christ Jesus 2 millennia ago and is now flowing into the earth through Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit in His people.
Eph 1:22-23: And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Eph 2:1-7: And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Note: “in the ages to come” was written 2000 years ago. Is now maybe a season of a portion of the ages that were to come?)
Keep on pursuing love. It never fails
and His kingdom never ends.
Ron McGatlin
archive.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net
2. Real Lives Living in Real Victory
By John Belt
Grace to Overcome
1 John 5:4: For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
We all have tough times, hard things to deal with. Much of this we wish we never had. But these things we must overcome learning to lean on His grace to do so. His grace is amazing. It really is what we need to be victorious in this life. Victory means something. It means success and conquest. It should be a term that we incorporate in our lives regularly because it has all to do with moving into the promise land of God both individually and corporately. We should like to hear the word "victory" because this is the place that God has established for us. He has given us His promises that we may be partakers in His divine nature. Our trust is in Him and our victory is sure. Double the trouble means double the blessing!
James 1:2-4: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Victory is a term or being the winner in a war and a battle. We are in a war and we have many battles. The more battles we win the more victorious we are and the more promotion we receive from the Lord. God will keep giving us the same battles over and over again until we win. Then we can move on to some others. And we are to count it all joy because no matter what kind of battle it is, they all work for our good, growth, understanding and knowing Him above all. Knowing Him because in the midst of these battles, in order to be victorious, we have to lean on Him. He has a vast supply of grace for us. All we need to do is access it. Access, access and keep accessing to keep conquering. In dealing with the devil we go with the authority of Christ as the Lion in command disposing of him, binding his power and breaking his hold in whatever way it applies to grab hold of victory in our relationships, life and taking ground. In dealing with people we are much more like the Lamb of God laying down our lives for one another, embracing the humility that allows us to forgive, receive grace and grow in our relationships.
The Release of Intercession
Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
The Lord, so many years ago, taught me that if we don't release our voice in prayer to Him we will release it in frustration and in the flesh toward others. There is an intercession that is within us because of the nature of how we are made in Christ. It is the intercession of the Holy Spirit that must be released for us to win the battles in our lives. We can talk, talk, talk all day long trying to persuade and do what we feel needs done in our own flesh. The bottom line is our intercession in the Spirit needs released to bring release within us then obtaining the victory for us in whatever battle it applies. A good rule is to always release our spirit in time with God rather than release our opinions outside of this time. Our opinions are not worth a hill of beans. God truth is the plumbline that we measure all things to. Our love factor must be raised so that His glory can be released. Our love is action that is even released in our prayers. Our doing a bunch of things can just merely be our own flesh making us think we are accomplishing something when in reality we are not. A woman by the name of Anna served God day and night with fasting and prayers. This was love in action. Our time with God is the foundation for victory and heaven's activity in our midst.
John Belt
www.liveinhispresence.com
3. Top News Headlines
Quran burning will put believers' lives at risk - 9/9/2010
A 50-member church in Gainesville, Florida has decided to go ahead with their "International Burn-a-Quran Day" on September 11 despite numerous warnings to refrain. Pleas to cease from around the world have been ignored by the non-denominational church's pastor, Dr. Terry Jones. All attempts by Open Doors USA to contact Jones and the church were also unanswered. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=34032&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1
ATTENTION: All Christians, Churches, Youth & College Groups! - Praying Daily for a Great Awakening - 9/9/2010
Help Us Take Prayer into the Streets of America! It’s time to saturate our nation with PRAYER! Join us and help get the Word out by sharing this with everyone you know! Especially with Youth and College and Career Pastors at your Church! Begins Wednesday, September 22nd and continues for 40days+ until we see a true Great Awakening sweep across America. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=34036&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Christian Copts 'Living as Slaves' to Muslims in Egyptian Village - 9/9/2010
Since the Christmas Eve Massacre on January 6, 2010, when six Copts were killed and nine seriously injured by Muslims in a drive-by shooting outside a church in Nag Hammadi, the Coptic Patriarchate in Cairo has become a Mecca for oppressed Copts from all over Egypt. Last week a group of nearly 50 Coptic men came to expose "slavery-related" practices by Muslim families. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=34034&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1Village mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1Village mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1Village
Rifqa Bary Granted Permanent US Residency - 9/8/2010
This means the 18 year-old Sri Lankan native can apply for a driver's license, Medicaid coverage and college scholarships. In five years she can apply for US citizenship. The Christian convert ran away from her Muslim parents in 2009, afraid for her life. But not all the news in Columbus is good. Her parents' attorney has filed a $10 million lawsuit againt her lawyer. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=34017&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Regent University Struggles to Stay Afloat - 9/7/2010
Despite a $95 million booster shot from the Christian Broadcasting Network, Pat Robertson's Regent University is struggling for financial stability. Moody's Investors Service predicts the Virginia Beach school will "continue to experience deficit operating performance." Regent president Carlos Campo is more optimistic but admits "some fiscal challenges remain." Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=34013&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
City's "Blunder" in Firing Christian Psychologists Costs It Five Figures - 9/7/2010
The city “suspended” Dr. Michael Campion shortly after officials learned of his affiliation with Illinois Family Institute, a Christian group that opposes the homosexual agenda. It turns out at least one City Council member is gay. The doctor's replacement was less experienced and more expensive. The city has agreed to a $210 thousand settlement to avoid a trial. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=34011&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Congo's First Lady: 'We Need You, Lord' - 9/7/2010
She's not well known in the West, but she's a rising star in Africa. Marie Olive Kabila is one of the youngest First Ladies on the continent. Her husband, President Jospeh Kabila, runs the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mrs. Kabila is a strong Christian. She's using her belief in God to bring spiritual change to her country. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=34009&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Mosque Building Owners Nixed $18M Offer Before Taking $4.8M One - 9/6/2010
The developer who offered the owners of the Ground Zero mosque site $18 million several years ago is wondering if money changed hands under the table. The owners eventually sold the site to Sharif El-Gamal for only $4.8 million. The Moslem man also offered the owners a property management job for a member of their family. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33991&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Archbishop Appeals to Government to Support EU Clampdown on Sex Trafficking - 9/6/2010
The Archbishop of York announces he is “stunned” by the British government’s decision not to support a European Union directive to combat sex trafficking. Dr John Sentamu says trafficking is an EU wide problem that requires “tough cross-border solutions”. As Archbishop of York, Sentamu is also a member of the House of Lords. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33989&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Pentagon Declined to Investigate Hundreds of Purchases of Child Pornography - 9/6/2010
It comes down to a question of priorities. A new Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request shows the Pentagon has failed to prosecute numerous child porn cases linked to employees and military contractors. Many cases are terminated with the words, "Due to headquarters' direction and other investigative priorities, this investigation is cancelled." Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33987&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Thousands of Christians Pray and Fast at California Capitol Against Covenant of Death - 9/6/2010
In addition to spiritually battling abortion, the intercessors targeted pornography and same sex marriage. Prayer conitnued for 12 straight hours. 'The Call to Conscience' was organized by Kansas City pastor Lou Engle, who alluded to II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people would humble themselves and pray, the church gains authority and begins to win the battle." Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33985&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Judge Cites Homeschoolers for Violating UN Mandate - 9/5/2010
Four families in Botswana, are facing an uncertain future that may be determined by an upcoming court hearing. It's all becaue a judge has cited a UN treaty as an excuse for taking away their homeschool rights. One of the mothers says, "I must obey God. The schools here are corrupt and teach my children things that go against our faith and our values." Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33978&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
'Ripoff' Mosque Man Sued - 9/5/2010
One of the money men behind the developer of the Ground Zero mosque has been sued for allegedly ripping off an insurance company for nearly $1.8 million. That's according to court documents. It's not the first time dealings by Hisham Elzanaty have been questioned. Tax records show he donated to a "Muslim charity" that the feds later shut down, calling it a terrorist group. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33977&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Schools Give Kids Green Light to Surf Sexual Sites - 9/3/2010
Schools in one region of Scotland are lifting the Internet filters so students will be able to access sexually explicit websites if they choose. A National Health Service site includes graphic descriptions of sex acts, offers free condoms, the morning-after pill and information on how to get an abortion. The issue is linked to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Read On: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=33954&a mp;a mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1 mp;a mp;PN=1&TPN=1
Topic: OpenHeaven.com Digest September 09, 2010
