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While Christmas has long passed, one story I always remember is that of the Three Wise Men. They are such a great representation of following God’s signs even without having solid faith. And through following God’s call and seeking Him out, they found what they had been looking for.
Those who seek God’s kingdom and righteousness…
In the Gospel of Luke (and also Matthew), the visit of the magi (wise men) is recorded.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Luke 2:1-6
This story is amazing to read when you really look at it and understand its significance. It’s interesting to know that the magi weren’t Jews. They were gentiles, and yet they still looked for and came to the Christ. They knew the prophecies about the coming of the Christ, but God’s own people – the Israelites – didn’t.
We always think there were three of them because three gifts were mentioned, but were there really three wise men?
Hello everyone. I hope you had a good restful and safe Christmas and New Year’s holiday celebrations. Christmas has passed but that doesn’t mean we should forget what it’s all about. While many people celebrate Christmas in various ways, for Christians, it’s the time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus (who wasn’t really born on Dec. 25). But we should know that Jesus’s birth was only one part of God’s plan for salvation. Jesus’s birth was important, yes, but as believers living today, we should look forward to the time of the second coming. Before Jesus could come again, he had to complete a few things first. Let’s learn more about them.
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:6-7
I don’t know if you’ve heard the news – whether through a newspaper or on the Internet – but on November 20, 2022, Shincheonji Church of Jesus (New Heaven New Earth Church) held a large graduation ceremony for those who had completed their Bible study program at their study centers. These were graduates from all around the world. The event was held in Daegu at the Daegu Stadium. This was the second graduation ceremony they had with over 100,000 graduates – 106,186 to be exact. The first one was three years ago – which was the first of any kind in the world. And I was at both of them.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
Psalms 119:15
Meditating For Beginners
Have you ever meditated before? It’s become more popular in recent decades as people are wanting to better their physical, emotional, and for some, spiritual health. I’ve also done it in the past but haven’t been consistent in practicing meditation now. Meditation is beneficial for clearing your thoughts, relaxing, and focusing one’s mind. If you haven’t tried it before, you can start now. Just follow these four easy steps:
Find a quiet space.
Sit still and close your eyes.
Focus on breathing in and out deeply and slowly.
Do this for short amounts of time (5-10 minutes each) and then gradually build up to longer periods (20+ minutes).
Meditation can really help you when you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or angry. But when you’re meditating, what are you thinking about? It’s good to clear your mind and think about nothing at first. But after that, what’s your next step? If you’re a believer in God and Jesus, then we should think about God’s Word and what it means for us today.
Recently a major traumatic event occurred in Seoul, South Korea. It’s sad and horrific to read the news and see the footage that has been released. It’s not just the recent event that happened a few weekends ago, but a tragedy that has affected people these past three years. Often in difficult times, many people usually become angry, hopeless, or wonder why these sorts of things happen. There’s so much pain and hurt in the world and it can be easy to forget what God has promised for believers. In these times, however, it’s important to remember that God isworking to bring life to His creation once again. God’s promises in Revelation have to be completely fulfilled first. So, until that time happens, we must remain strong in our faith in God and His Word. In difficult times, I try to remember this passage from 1 Peter:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Some people, whether they’re religious or not, might not know who to turn to when tragedy strikes. Even as Christians, the devil works hard to make us doubt God and the Bible when we are experiencing difficulties, but we know God is greater than our fears and doubts. When times are hard, we can be strengthened by God’s Word. This video also is encouraging and reminds us that whenever we feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders, we can give it up to God. Whenever we are feeling down, we can pray.
I pray that the video reminds you that God wants to know our hearts. He wants to hear our fears and doubts so that He can wash them away with His Word. Many people do find comfort in reading the Bible, especially Psalms when they are hurting. Psalms 23 is often quoted, but here’s another passage that can be comforting.
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalms 55:22
Let Us Pray
Also, as we read and study the Scriptures, we should always do so while praying. Prayer is how we communicate our feelings, desires, thoughts, etc. to God. We are encouraged to pray often in the Bible. Jesus often prayed to God, and he taught believers how to pray (Matthew 6). According to Psalms 141:2, it says that our prayers rise to God like incense – something that’s done with great reverence. So, we know just how important prayer is. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we should be constant in prayer.
pray without ceasing,
1 Thessalonians 5:17
So, with that said, let’s pray for healing and comfort for those who are hurting whether in spirit or physically. And most of all, let us pray for others to come to know God’s Word and believe in it.
Dear Heavenly Father, Creator of all things,
I come before you with a humble and heavy heart.
Right now, there are many people who are hurting and grieving.
Please send your ministering angels to comfort and heal them.
Please help them know that You and Your Word are unchanging, and that You will fulfill all Your promises.
Lord, if they haven’t had the opportunity to hear your Word, please turn their hearts and minds to hear and believe. Grant them faith in your promises and even more faith when those promises are fulfilled.
I pray for that day when You and Your kingdom come and there is no more death, crying, mourning, and pain.
I pray that you do all this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Let Us Love One Another
Lastly, let us love one another. God showed us the greatest love by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and bring salvation. Christ also commanded his disciples, and believers today, to love others as he loved us. In Romans 13, we read that love is the fulfillment of the Law – in other words, when we love people, we don’t harm them spiritually or physically. Let us show God’s love to those who are hurting and comfort them in their time of need.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7-8
The greatest love we can show is not just physically caring for others, but also leading them to salvation – and that salvation isn’t some vague concept or good feeling, but the promise and fulfillment of eternal life in Revelation 21. At that time, there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. Can you imagine it? As we comfort those who are hurting, let us remind them that God will carry out all He has promised, and it will be done as He has said.
The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand,”
Isaiah 14:24
So, as we endure loss, trials, and tribulations because of the devil and sin (Hebrews 2:14-15), we can have hope and full assurance of faith in God’s words of promise. Just as Abraham had faith in God’s promise to him and kept it until it was fulfilled, we too should have faith in God’s promises for us today – the promises contained in Revelation – and endure these hard times knowing God and the kingdom of Heaven will come when all is said and done. Let us lead others to the Word and pray that they too have hope and true comfort knowing God will fulfill His Word.
Are you interested in learning more about the Bible? Maybe you have lots of questions you want to ask, but don’t know where to go to ask them! If so, we’d love to help!
Consider signing up for our Bible Study where you’ll be connected with a teacher who will guide you through the basics and foundations of the Bible. They will also answer any questions you might have along the way!
You also can learn more about the study by clicking the link below!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram for daily verses, prayers, and encouragement!
Do you spend most of your time on YouTube? Or maybe you like to listen to Podcasts in your free time? We’re there too! Check out our YouTube and Podcast channels also!
AudioBlog #27 People are Leaving the Church – But Why? –
RE:CONNECT
With more people than ever before seeking answers, meaning, and faith in the face of increasingly uncertain times, churches around the world are faced with dwindling numbers in their congregations. More and more, people are leaving the church. This does not, however, mean that they are turning their backs on God or giving up on finding meaning in faith
Join Nikki and our team over at https://as-it-is-in-heaven.com to explore some of the reasons why this is happening, and why, if we understand the Bible, we might not be surprised! If you enjoy our content, please consider leaving a review on the podcast platform of your choice. It helps others who might also enjoy it to find it. As always, thank you so much for listening. We appreciate each one of you!
RE:CONNECT WITH US
Podbean: reconnect.podbean.com
Spotify: spoti.fi/3GRHv9C
Blog: as-it-is-in-heaven.com
Instagram: @asitisinheaven_blog
As Halloween grows ever closer, decorations are going up, costumes are being made (or bought), and candy is being prepared. As a child, trick-or-treating was the best activity. My friends or family and I would go around from house to house, asking the residents for candy. And as always, once everyone got back home, we’d dump our candy buckets and show off our winnings. Some candies would be traded or given away, and others would be kept and saved like it was gold.
Did you have any favorite Halloween candy? Maybe you like the jelly (gummy) worms, eyeballs, and other fun critters. Maybe you liked candy bars and caramels. Or maybe you were one of those weirdos who liked candy corn (just kidding about the weirdo part, you do you).
As Halloween approaches, I’m sure you’re busy deciding on what costume you’ll wear (like me), or perhaps you already know what you’ll be. Do these give you any ideas?
It’s fun to dress up as your favorite character from a movie, TV series, or book. Some people put a lot of work and effort into a good costume. And others go for a more cost-effective route. Halloween allows us to be someone else for a night – to put on a “new self” as it were. Do you know what else tells us to put on a new self? It’s the Bible.
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Matthew 5:21-22
With it being October, I also want to continue with the Halloween-themed topics: spirits, the dead rising again, and murderers, and how they relate to us spiritually according to the Bible.
It’s October, and do you know what holiday is coming up? Halloween! It’s quite a fun holiday as kids and adults can dress up, eat candy, have parties, and watch scary movies and such. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, goblins, zombies, and plenty of other horrific creatures and scenes decorate houses, schools, and community centers. A popular theme around this time is the dead coming back to life, like this:
Return of the Living Dead Part 2
It’s pretty gruesome right? While this movie is old and the effects look so dated that it takes away the horror aspect of it, the idea of dead bodies rising from the grave is still pretty terrifying. Did you know that in the Bible, Jesus talks about the dead coming back to life?
Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
John 5:25
He’s Alive!!
While Jesus talks about the dead coming back to life, do you think he is speaking about a physical resurrection? We do see an example of a physically dead person rising up and coming out of his grave. It’s the story of Lazarus. In John 11 we read that one of Jesus’s friends, named Lazarus, died. You can read the full story in John 11:1-44. Life and death are quite serious according to God and the Bible. Let us understand it much more deeply and clearly from this video.
Healings Leaves
Here is an example of physical resurrection from the dead. Also, we know that Jesus died and rose again as recorded in the Scriptures. Both Jesus and Lazarus give us examples of physical resurrection. The difference between the two is that Lazarus died again, and Jesus did not. Why? Well, we will get to that later. In the meantime, let us understand what Jesus said in John 5:24-28.
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.
John 5:24-28
The Resurrection of the Spirit
The Bible is a spiritual book because its author, God, is also a spirit. That means the things recorded in the Bible have a spiritual meaning that’s deeper than what we may see at face value. Do you remember that I said Lazarus died again after coming back to life, but Jesus did not? Are you still curious to know why? It’s because God’s spirit is with Jesus. John 1:1-4 says that the Word is God and gives life. So, Jesus who had that Word, also had God’s spirit in him giving him life.
For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.
John 5:26
What’s the meaning behind this? When we have God’s Word in us, we also have God’s spirit in us, and we live because of that. Maybe you’re thinking of it like this in your head:
Frankenstein
Thankfully, it’s not like that. We won’t have any zombies coming our way. We come to life again in spirit through the words of Jesus.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life. Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
John 5:24-25
When we listen to,believe, and obey Jesus’s words, then our spirits will live again. Death came into God’s creation through Adam, but life comes back through Christ Jesus. Even the apostle Paul writes about the resurrection of the dead in 1 Corinthians. He says the second Adam (man) became one who gave life.
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus, it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:44-45
That second “Adam” is Jesus, and his words give us life.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
John 6:63
When Jesus died on the cross, there was an earthquake, the temple curtain separating the Holy Place and Most Holy Place was torn in two, and many graves were opened. The dead were raised and went into the city (see Matthew 27:51-53). If we took Jesus’s words about the dead literally, would it make sense? Can the dead hear? No, they can’t. Now, if we understand Jesus’s words spiritually, however, it should make more sense. Jesus often said, “He who has an ear let him hear,” and we know he doesn’t mean physical ears. He was talking about those who can hear and understand the words Jesus spoke. Those who understood who Jesus was, the promised savior prophesied in the Old Testament, believed in him, and then spread that gospel they heard – that was coming back to life spiritually.
What Does That Mean for Us Today?
If we truly call ourselves Christians, as in followers of Christ, we must understand what Jesus taught in the New Testament and what it means for us today. We must also obey it. Paul often talked about dying with Christ, being raised with Christ, and putting on the new self.
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:3-4
The dead coming back to life, in the true spiritual sense according to the Bible, is not just physical resurrection, but our spirits that are dead because of sin come back to life through God’s Word and Jesus’s spirit.
But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:10-11
In the Old Testament, God shows us this concept through the prophet, Ezekiel. Let’s learn from it now.
God, Ezekiel, and Skeletons
In Ezekiel 37, God shows the prophet Ezekiel the valley of dry bones. In that vision, God tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and God says those bones will come back to life.
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”
Ezekiel 37:1-6
Maybe you’ve read this story before, but we should know what it means for today. In this story, Ezekiel is seeing all this happen in a vision (it’s a prophecy after all), but we should understand where we are in the Bible. Are we like Ezekiel, or like those dry bones coming back to life? Ezekiel does what God commands, and those bones come back to life.
So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them.
Ezekiel 37:7-8
Ezekiel sees these bones come back to life, but once they’re fully formed again, they’re just empty shells in a sense. As that last sentence says, there was no breath in them. What does that mean? What is that “breath”? In Genesis 2:7, when God formed Adam, it says God put the “breath of life” in him, and Adam became a living being (or spirit). Was God doing CPR and giving physical breath? No. In John 1:4 God’s word tells us that there is life in the Word. So, when God gives His word to His people, their spirits live again. Let’s continue to see this in Ezekiel’s story.
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.
Ezekiel 37:9-10
When Ezekiel did what God commanded, the breath came into those bodies and they received life again. It also says they became a great army. Why is that? God has been fighting with the Devil for the past 6,000 years. As God and His angels fight in the spiritual world, His people need to fight in the physical world. We don’t fight actual wars with real weapons, but a spiritual war and our weapon is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). But if we don’t have that Word, that breath of life, then we cannot fight. We are just the walking dead.
Thankfully, when we understand God’s words and obey them, we receive that breath of life and live again spiritually. The Words of God aren’t just the Ten Commandments or Jesus’s teachings in Matthew 5-7, but also the prophecies about the second coming, and the testimony of those prophecies when they are fulfilled.
Jesus told us what would happen beforehand, so when it does happen we will believe (John 14:29). Just as Jesus’s disciples believed when Jesus testified the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and lived, when the New Testament prophecies are fulfilled and testified, we should believe. That Word is what gives us life. We are spirit and flesh, but what good is our flesh if our spirits aren’t alive?
Let Us Live Again
So, let us become those who live again – not as zombies – but as true living spirits through God’s Word. We must hear the word of fulfillment when that time comes, and believe it, just as the disciples and others did at the time of Jesus’s first coming. But to recognize the fulfillment, we have to know the prophecies Jesus spoke. We do that by studying God’s Word. If you want to live as God intended for His people truly, then come and study with us. I pray you can come to life again in God’s eyes according to His Word.
Are you interested in learning more about the Bible? Maybe you have lots of questions you want to ask, but don’t know where to go to ask them! If so, we’d love to help!
Consider signing up for our Bible Study where you’ll be connected with a teacher who will guide you through the basics and foundations of the Bible. They will also answer any questions you might have along the way!
You also can learn more about the study by clicking the link below!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram for daily verses, prayers, and encouragement!
Do you spend most of your time on YouTube? Or maybe you like to listen to Podcasts in your free time? We’re there too! Check out our YouTube and Podcast channels also!
AudioBlog #27 People are Leaving the Church – But Why? –
RE:CONNECT
With more people than ever before seeking answers, meaning, and faith in the face of increasingly uncertain times, churches around the world are faced with dwindling numbers in their congregations. More and more, people are leaving the church. This does not, however, mean that they are turning their backs on God or giving up on finding meaning in faith
Join Nikki and our team over at https://as-it-is-in-heaven.com to explore some of the reasons why this is happening, and why, if we understand the Bible, we might not be surprised! If you enjoy our content, please consider leaving a review on the podcast platform of your choice. It helps others who might also enjoy it to find it. As always, thank you so much for listening. We appreciate each one of you!
RE:CONNECT WITH US
Podbean: reconnect.podbean.com
Spotify: spoti.fi/3GRHv9C
Blog: as-it-is-in-heaven.com
Instagram: @asitisinheaven_blog
