For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now (Romans 8:22).

Our inward groaning occurs because we identify with Christ and the futility of creation because sin has subjected the earth to death and destruction.  We also groan with birth pains because this earth is passing away and a “New Heaven and Earth” is about to be born.

For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life (2 Corinthians 5:4).

We share in the suffering with Christ when we sense the futility of sin upon the world and groan to be free from sin and have a new body, which Christ will give us at the Rapture!  When we stop struggling to overcome sin by our works and stop believing that man can fix the world by working together then we share in the burden of Christ which is to tell people about salvation in Christ alone … for the redemption of sin and a new life in Him!  

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

Equally true, as we share in the burden of Christ in this world, shining His light into the world, we are storing up treasures in Heaven, which is our portion of inheritance in Christ that we will enjoy eternally.  Equally true, we who believe in Christ are part of the Christ’s inheritance … we are joy that was set before Christ … we are the main reason that Jesus endured the cross.

“My beloved is mine, and I am his; He pastures his flock among the lilies” (Song of Solomon 2:16).

As strange as it may sound, I am part of the joy set before Jesus, His Bride, the Church.  Jesus Only Y’all … JOY! 

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

All of creation was made for the eternal joy and pleasure of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and for those who will believe in Jesus.  Even creation itself, intimate objects and animals groan for the redemption that will one day bring a New Heaven and a New Earth.  And right now Jesus is preparing a place for His believers … it’s called the New Jerusalem city (John 14:1-3) and one day this city will come down from Heaven and rest on the New Earth (Revelation 21:1-2). 

for he (Abraham) was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:10)

The New Jerusalem was the city that Abraham, longed to see and one day he will see this city in all it’s glory.  Actually, I think all believers will have a room to live in the New Jerusalem city … I don’t know this for sure but here is an article I wrote about the New Jerusalem (http://die2live.worthyofpraise.org/the-new-jerusalem/).   The main point is that we are to be like Abraham, walking in the wilderness of this world by faith, marching to Zion, the beautiful city of God!

Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)

Be sober minded about what is going on in the world according the scriptures and the revelation of Jesus Christ … don’t be deceived by the devil.  The scriptures tell us that our groaning and weakness is a sign of Spiritual maturity … this is not a lack of faith but proof of it! 

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the Day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, (the Rapture of the Church) and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction – 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

 

*Note, I have added the information in the (italics)   

Do not be deceived and caught up in a false spirit of patriotism today that is masquerading around as a spirit of revival, claiming that God has a covenant with America similar to the covenant He does with Israel and that God is going to “raise up” America to greatness.   God does NOT have a covenant with America.  God does have a promise for America and for every nation “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people. – Proverbs 14:23“.  If the people of the nation are righteous and the leaders are righteous, the God will bless the nation and He will get the glory for it!

Jesus has a covenant with a believing sinners to save them and give them eternal life … believers in America and other nations share in this covenant.  Once again, Righteousness exalts a nation, so to the degree that Americans honor the righteousness of Christ, America will be exalted.  This is a matter of repentance and individual act of righteous faith, especially in places of leadership.  With the many “lies” that are being perpetrated upon America we should pray that these acts of unrighteousness are exposed and judged so righteousness can be exalted.

There is not Global End Time revival prior to the Tribulation but as Paul told us in (2 Thessalonians 2:3) there will be a great rebellion, a departure from the truth of the gospel, an apostasy, a falling away from the faith which will occur as the Day of the Lord approaches … then the Restrainer of the Antichrist will be removed from the earth (which is a reference to the Rapture of the Church) … then the Antichrist will be revealed to begin the 7 year Tribulation.  This great apostasy could be the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) teaching that believers are suppose to take dominion over the earth and prepare it for Christ’s return.  This false teaching is very appealing to many Christians who see the darkness of the end times approaching and want to fight back against it in their own strength, as though to save America, instead of preaching the gospel to save the lost.

and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands.”  – 1 Samuel 17:47

Jesus has a plan to win the battle of the Tribulation period but it first involves judging the world for 3 1/2 years, first under the deceptive rule of the Antichrist and then 3 1/2 years of God’s wrath.  does not won by patriots who think Trump is some kind of Savior but it’s won b of the world., 

Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah celebrated the rebuilding of the temple and the city and the establishment of the sacrifices in the seventh month, from the Feast of Trumpets until the Feast of Tabernacles.  We as Christians should plan and build good things in this world, living a simple life of faith and trust in Christ.  But more importantly, we celebrate the building of the temple of God in the body of believers, building of the New Jerusalem city in Heaven and the Blessed Hope of being called up to Heaven at the “Last Trump” whenever that trump is blown!  However, our joy is not just anticipating the Rapture from this earth and escaping the judgement of the 7 year Tribulation but most importantly our JOY is enjoying Jesus now and forever!   Jesus Only Y’all – JOY!

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