The Mystery of God is Finished—The Book of Revelation Rick Joyner

The Mystery of God is Finished—The Book of Revelation

Rick Joyner

NOTE: In this Word for the Week format, we cannot cover all the details of the Revelation as they deserve without stretching this study out a few more years. Because there are redundancies in the repetition of the sevens in this prophecy, we will address the ones that are crucial for understanding the entirety of the message. 

         This week we cover Revelation 10:1-7:

I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire;

and he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land;

and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices.

When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up the things that the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them."

Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven,

and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, Who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will be delay no longer,

but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.

This is after the sixth angel has sounded, but before the seventh. The key point here is that “the mystery of God is finished.” What mystery?

There is much debate about this among scholars, as there is with everything in Revelation. Several mysteries of God are addressed in the New Testament, but the most important is the mystery of Christ and His bride, the church. Could this indicate that the bride of Christ will have been completed between the sixth and seventh trumpets? If so, what does this mean?

It is apparent in Scripture that not all believers are part of the bride of Christ. That does not mean that those who are not part of the bride are not saved and have eternal life, but we see distinctions between those who are part of the bride and those invited to the wedding feast.

Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets disclosed many other such distinctions in Scripture. Some Bible teachers avoid addressing this because many take this to the extreme, or promote a spiritual elitism, but they are nevertheless clearly biblical. As Peter warned about Paul’s teachings, “the untaught and unstable distort” (see II Peter 3:16). This has happened with many truths, but avoiding them has not proven to be a deterrent. Anyone who actually reads the Bible will discover these truths. If they are not taught about them the right way, they will likely embrace them in a wrong way and take them to extremes. If they are in Scripture, they are there to be understood, and we must address them.

As with the repetitions of the sevens in Revelation, many of Jesus’ teachings and parables were about the same subject, but addressed from different perspectives. Jesus clearly taught the different levels of positions and authority in eternity. To be the bride of Christ and joint heirs with Him is the highest calling in Scripture. Paul wrote about running a race for the prize. One would hardly run a race for an unknown prize, so it is important for us to know it and to teach it. 

The Reward of His Sacrifice—The Book of Revelation Rick Joyner

The Reward of His Sacrifice—The Book of Revelation

Rick Joyner

Last week we began a discussion about the bride of Christ as distinguished from those invited to the wedding feast. Paul also wrote near the end of his life that even after all that he had accomplished, he did not think he had yet attained. Obviously he was not talking about salvation, or eternal life, which he attained the day he believed in the atonement of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. However, Paul saw a calling so high that at that stage of his life he still sought it with such single-mindedness that he said, “one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching for what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (see Philippians 3:13-14).  

This subject deserves a book, but we can only address it in a cursory way in this study. It is apparent that the “end of the times of the Gentiles” marks the end of this calling, when the bride is complete and this high calling is closed. Because it seems that we are in this time between the sounding of the sixth and seventh angels, we have no time to waste in running this race. This is by far the most important event at the end of the age. When this race has been concluded, we can expect the end of the age to be wrapped up quickly.

An important factor in understanding the bride of Christ is that it includes those who have attained from the first disciples on. Every generation had those who perceived this calling and gave their lives to running the race to attain it. Some believe that the bride is the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation. There are other indications in Scripture that indicates a specific number needed to complete the bride, so this is certainly feasible. When we perceive the qualifications for attaining this high calling, even this seems to be a very high number.

Many believe that it is the bride who sits on the throne with the Lord in Revelation 3. This is in contrast to the “great company” that cannot be numbered that stands before the throne in Revelation 7. This is certainly reasonable.  

I was introduced to this truth of the high calling as a young believer, and I have given myself to understanding it. As much as I have learned about the high calling, I am sure there is far more to know about it. It is certainly one of the most compelling subjects to study. Scripture is clear that there is this high calling; however, few specifics are given about. It seems that specifics are not needed for those running the race. What is obvious is that this is the highest calling in creation and maybe for eternity. Those who just get a glimpse of this high calling are likely to give all that they have to attain this prize.

Why wouldn’t the great Apostle Paul think that he had attained? Certainly he is one of the greatest examples of one who gave all for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It may be that Paul attained this, but his not knowing and continuing to press on is an example of what it takes to run the race to win. The great runners in history do not run for the finish line, but to a mark well past it. Likewise, no one running this race is prone to retire or let up at the end of his or her life. We may have to slow down physically, but that only gives us an opportunity to focus even more spiritually.

It seems that knowing whether we have attained to this high calling is not possible in this life or even necessary. Those who have attained such a high calling would not want to slow down just because they have attained, but they would press on for the sake of Christ and others.

Perhaps this is why those who claim to have attained, or are the manifested sons of God or other such things, come across as pitiful and shallow, full of presumption and self-seeking—characteristics contrary to Christ and the life of the cross that His true disciples live. By the time we have the spiritual stature to have attained this high calling, our attention would not be on ourselves enough to be preoccupied with our position or reward. Rather, we would be consumed with seeing our Savior receive the reward of His sacrifice.

That there are positions to be attained, and higher rewards for eternity, is certainly one thing that should compel any who have eternity in their heart. We are also likely to start out selfishly in pursuit of these, and even arrogant about how much more we do than others. Even so, these traits of the immature will not last long with any who are truly on this path. It is the path of the cross, of sacrifice, of not living our lives for ourselves, but for Him.   

Understanding Biblical Symbolism—The Book of Revelation by Rick Joyner

Understanding Biblical Symbolism—The Book of Revelation

Rick Joyner

         As we seek to understand the possible symbolism of the 144,000, we need to first review the principles of biblical symbolism so that we do not drift into “free association”—the claim that something is representative without fully establishing the biblical connections that lead to this belief. Without doing this, almost anyone can claim that just about anything means just about anything. This is a recipe for delusion.

         Let us also consider that biblical symbolism is rarely so ironclad that it leaves us able to be dogmatic about our conclusions. Rather, it opens us to further understanding. By its nature, biblical symbolism helps us understand more than just what God is doing—it helps us understand why. This is important to Him who is seeking His followers to be friends, and even family.

         So we will briefly consider a couple of the basics of biblical symbolism with the intent of seeing how it can help us identify the 144,000.

         In I Corinthians 10, after reciting the events of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness, the Apostle Paul asserts in verse 11: “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” Understanding this is crucial to understanding some of the most important events unfolding in these times.

         The Apostle Paul was asserting that everything Israel went through was a prophetic metaphor, a map for those who live at the end of the age. He was not saying that these events did not literally happen. The two trees in the garden were prophetic metaphors, but that does not mean that the account in Genesis was not literal. They were prophetic events that foreshadowed a coming event or reality. Galatians 4:22-26 gives us great example of this principle:

         For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.

         But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.

         This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.

         Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.

         But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.

         That this account of Sarah and Hagar represent something as major as the two covenants reveals how expansive prophetic metaphors can be. Unfortunately, as Peter wrote, the “unstable and untaught” (see II Peter 3:16) will distort even the Scriptures. Some will always carry such teachings to extremes, using them randomly and with “free association,” or not connecting them properly to the biblical narrative. However, the wrong use of them does not negate their proper use, which is essential to understanding the Books of Daniel, Revelation, and other biblical prophecies.

         The subject of prophetic metaphors is worthy of a book, and some have been written, but we do not have the time to cover this subject as it deserves in this study. Even so, it is necessary to understand that many of the prophecies of Scripture, especially in Revelation, are metaphors. The twelve tribes of Israel are such a prophetic metaphor.

         In the patriarchs birth sequence, the meaning of their names, how they were named, who their mother was, the prophecies spoken over them, and their histories, all make them a remarkable parallel to the unfolding of church history. For this reason, these 144,000 could be from the twelve spiritual tribes of Israel that unfolded through the church age. The more you dig down into the details, the more sense this makes.

         As Paul wrote in Romans 2:28-29, “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.”

         The Apostle Paul boldly wrote that the Lord will not forget or cancel His promises to the Jewish people, which he elaborates on in great depth in chapters 9-11. He also reiterated that the Jew is not just according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, as he explains in Romans 9:6-8:

        But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel;

        nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED.”

        That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.

         In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile (see Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). There are other factors that point to the 144,000 being the “true Jews.” These are those who are Jews according to the Spirit, and this company is composed of both Jews in the natural and Gentiles, who are one in Christ.

True Worship Magnify and Come by Eddie James

True Worship, Magnify & Come (2-CD Set & 2 Music CDs) by Eddie James; Code: 9471

By Eddie James

Eddie James Brings Fresh Fire to Your Worship

How do you teach true worship? You demonstrate it and, as best you can, articulate the experiences that come out of it. Eddie James has done both in his life and in these latest offerings, True Worship, Magnify (2016) and Come (2017).

In True Worship, Eddie shares a new impartation from heaven, reflected in his high-energy music and teaching. Not only are signs and wonders being demonstrated, but addictions are being broken, the dead are raised to life, and physical healings are happening as believers enter an atmosphere of God’s presence and glory.

Eddie’s teaching is for EVERY believer. It is not intended for just those who can sing or are musically gifted. This teaching answers the question “What is true worship?” You will learn what it is to worship in spirit and in truth, and how it can lead to supernatural encounters.

You will get the idea. It’s expressed with passion and energy in his songs on Magnify and Come.

Eddie James is a prolific artist and passionate worship leader. God has placed a burden inside Eddie James to minister to those who are hurting and lost, with an extraordinary emphasis on youth and young adults. Eddie entered into music ministry at the age of nine.

Miracles in the Glory by David Herzog Kathie Walters and Julie Meyer

Miracles in the Glory (6-CD Set) by David Herzog, Kathie Walters, Julie Meyer; Code: 3136

By David Herzog, Kathie Walters, Julie Meyer

Be Transformed by the Glory

The face of Moses glowed for a reason. Encountering the Presence of God will change you! Miracles in the Glory brings three anointed teachers together — David Herzog, Kathie Walters and Julie Meyer — who have ministered in the Glory on six of seven continents. They are known for inviting the Presence of God and ministering when His Glory comes, leaving a lasting impression on thousands of believers.

With that purpose in mind, David Herzog teaches on being “Desperate for the Glory.” Kathie Walters shares “The Glory Realm is Our Inheritance.” Julie Meyer gives her insights on “Activating the Glory.” Now it is your turn. They want your face to glow.

These three 2-CD sets will help you learn:

•  Keys to activate and attract the Glory of God

•  How “desperation for more of God” propels your Glory encounters

•  How miracles and “angelic and heavenly visitations” can become normal in your life and how to invite them

Can you be transformed like Moses? Are you hungry for God? David, Kathie and Julie share powerful impartations for anyone who is hungry for more of God or desperate for a breakthrough. More of the same is not an option in the Glory, and there is no such thing as too much of the Presence of God.

Your Home Is a Place for God’s Glory

Heaven Declares – Prophetic Decrees to Start Your Day and Born to Prophesy by Hakeem Collins

Heaven Declares – Prophetic Decrees to Start Your Day & Born to Prophesy (Book & 3-CD Set) by Hakeem Collins; Code: 9410

By Hakeem Collins

Declaring God’s Heart Has the Power to Change Your World

Heaven Declares – Prophetic Decrees to Start Your Day. (Book) Hakeem Collins says that God longs to speak to you as you begin every day of your life. Why? Because God speaks to you in the night and your spirit is ready to speak a fresh word from Heaven before distractions begin.

You simply make the commitment to quiet your soul, learn to hear God’s voice then speak vision and victory over your life. Hakeem shares the keys that will help you get established.

Born to Prophesy. (3-CD Set). Hakeem Collins declares that if the power of life and death is in the tongue, then prophecy is an open door to Heaven. You must learn to trust the Holy Spirit, submit your voice and invite the Holy Spirit to breathe into your words.

Hakeem encourages you to step out with God and encounter Him in new ways. His CD set is exclusive to the audience of It’s Supernatural!, and it includes:

• The Power of Prophetic Transformation
• Realms of the Prophetic
• The Power of the Spoken Word

David encouraged himself in the Lord, and God used him to change the world. Hakeem says prophecy gives you the power to encourage and speak life into the world around you.

Hakeem Collins ministers in the prophetic and the gift of healing. An author and radio host, he is CEO of Champions International in Wilmington, Delaware.

Unlocking Destinies from the Courts of Heaven by Robert Henderson

Unlocking Destinies from the Courts of Heaven (Book & 4-CD Set) by Robert Henderson; Code: 9469

By Robert Henderson

Get ALL of What God Sees for You

God is passionate about His plans for you! In fact, your destiny is written in the books of Heaven, and frustration is not the bottom line. Robert Henderson wants you to legally unlock your destiny and blessings — for yourself and those around you.

What does the enemy use to delay destinies from being fulfilled? Curses. By using the Courts of Heavenstrategy, you will:

• Recognize the signs of any hindrance operating in your life
• Identify the origins that war against you
• Revoke the rights of any principality at work in your life
• Learn the secrets to cleanse your bloodline

When your prayers are answered, God’s purposes are fulfilled on the Earth.

Along with his book, Robert’s 4-CD series includes eight messages covering:

• What is written in your Book of Destiny
• Retrieving and unlocking your book
• Unlocking your prophetic senses, and more!

This special offer includes a powerful bonus booklet, Accessing the Courts of Heaven, with essential keys from Robert’s groundbreaking book of the same name. When you learn your rights to operate in the Courts of Heaven, you also do it for your children and grandchildren. Family lines are freed to receive the future and hope God has purposed in the books of Heaven!

Robert Henderson is recognized for his passion to bring apostolic alignment to the church and the business world. The author of several books, he has been in ministry for 28 years. He and his wife Mary reside in Midlothian, Texas.

Its Supernatural! Package by Sid Roth and LaDonna Taylor

Sale!

It’s Supernatural! Package (3 Book, Music CD, 3-CD Set) by Sid Roth & LaDonna Taylor; Code: T9507

Equip Yourself to Walk in the Supernatural of God

Sid’s latest book, It’s Supernatural!, is just that. It is jam-packed with the best wisdom for moving in the supernatural of God Sid has gleaned from 40 years of interviewing the Generals of the faith.

When you begin confessing and believing His promises, nothing will be impossible for you.

Get ready to TAKE your healing by meditating on God’s promises with our highly anticipated resource including:

• The Healing Scriptures book
• An interactive audio reading of The Healing Scriptures by Sid against a backdrop of soaking music by violinist LaDonna Taylor (CD)
• A powerful teaching by Sid on healing and miracles that will coach you on how to be “normal” as defined by the Bible (CD)

The Healing Scriptures is more than just a book for you to read. This is a powerful tool to grow your faith and usher you into an experience with God that brings healing to your whole person.

Encountering the Blood & the Glory reveals how you can stand firmly in the power and authority of Jesus’ Blood and make you and your household invincible against the devil. This resource bridges the gap between your biblical revelation of the Blood of Jesus and your personal encounter with the Glory of God. You will:

•  Discover the limitless power you have in the Blood of Jesus — you can’t lose it but you must use it!

•  Learn to change your atmosphere and get direct access to God’s place for miracles!

Sid and LaDonna Taylor have laid the groundwork and opened the door for you to enter the Glory Realm without the long learning curve! You get Sid’s chosen power verses from all of Scripture plus his keys for getting them from your head into your spirit, where they activate God’s power.

Along with Encountering the Blood & the Glory by Sid Roth and LaDonna Taylor, you get Releasing His Glory — Sid reading his personal Power Scriptures to LaDonna’s anointed music — and LaDonna’s own CD Power in the Blood. God loves the violin, and LaDonna’s songs are anointed for healing and breakthrough!

Overcoming Spiritual Attack by Ryan LeStrange

Overcoming Spiritual Attack (Book & 4-CD Set) by Ryan LeStrange; Code: 9438

By Ryan LeStrange

Ryan’s Teachings Are a How-To Field Manual for Overcoming Spiritual Attack

Overcoming Spiritual Attack (Book & 4-CD Set) will help readers to understand their key difficulties when facing spiritual attack and learn practical insights from Scripture to overcome them.

Ryan LeStrange powerfully exposes the causes of problems such as:

• Lack of spiritual passion
• Extreme frustration
• Confusion about purpose
• Lack of peace
• Sluggishness and tiredness
• The urge to quit assignment
• Attraction toward old bondages and habits
• Questioning a direction and call that was once clear

In Ryan’s 4-CD series, he shows the strategies to overcome spiritual attacks by exercising your authority as a believer. You will learn to be unstoppable! His teachings include:

• Breaking Spiritual Attacks
• Eight Symptoms of Spiritual Attacks
• Deliverance
• Understanding the Anointing

Ryan’s teachings will become your field manual for overcoming spiritual attack.

Ryan LeStrange is an author, revivalist and TV host of Power 4 Today. He and his wife, Joy, lead Impact International Ministries. They reside in Abingdon, Virginia.

Dreams and Visions by Jane Hamon

Dreams & Visions (Book & 4-CD Set) by Jane Hamon; Code: 9407

By Jane Hamon

Your Dreams Have Power

Dreams & Visions. (Book & 4-CD Set) In this revised and updated edition of her groundbreaking book, author and pastor Jane Hamon unravels the scriptural meanings of dreams and visions, helping you discern when a dream is prophetic direction for your life — and what to do about it.

Her concise, practical guidebook lays out biblical texts and demystifies the language of dreams and visions. In the 4-CD Series, you will learn:

• How to know if a dream is from God
• What God is saying to you
• What to do if a dream contains a warning
• The role of dreams in spiritual warfare
• Dreams as a conduit for gifts of the Spirit
• Symbolism

If you are looking for God’s direction, it has probably been waiting for you in your dreams. Jane Hamon’s gifted teachings can help.

Jane Hamon is a gifted teacher and storyteller. She has written several books, including The Deborah Company and The Cyrus Decree. Jane and her husband, Tom, are senior leaders of Vision Church at Christian International in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.