So You Think You've Been to Heaven? Part 2

In the Biblical command to "Test the Spirit to see if they are of God," I find that most of the claims of going to the "Third Heaven" can be tested with a little Scriptural detective work on our part.  After all, we are called to be Bereans from time to time. A little scrutiny didn't offend the Apostle Paul, so it shouldn't bother those who make heavenly claims either.

The phrase "Third Heaven" is considered by ancient scholars to be an idiom for another dimension.  The Hebrew Old Testament speaks of Shamayim, and Jewish scholars put forth there are seven heavens.  But again, these are idioms that the finite mind of man must use to explain an infinite concept.  It's important to remember that each iteration of the "writings" from the original scrolls, to the Greek Septuigent, to the Latin Vulgate (the first to be compiled into an actual book); to the various and ever-changing English translations over the centuries have altered these idioms to relate to contemporary cultures.  Beware of the bias of the translators!

The usual justification for personal visits to the "third heaven" comes from 2nd Corinthians chapter 12.  Apostle Paul refers to a man whom he knew was got caught up to the "third heaven."  Although the passage never says that Paul is this man, the prevailing belief  is that it is indeed Paul. Beware of the bias of the Seminarians!  But the passage has been altered from its original form in that the suggestion of an out-of-body experience (usually enclosed in brackets) was added in later translations. And thus the reader is then "influenced" to believe that astral travel is God-ordained and only adds fuel to the idea that we can all go to the "third heaven." 

But the real test lies in how Paul handles this whole event.  He says the one caught up to this "third heaven" heard "unspeakable words, which are not permissible for man to utter."  He goes on to emphasize that he would be a fool to glory in the matter and relate what was seen.  If all of these reports of going to the "glory realm" and visiting the "third heaven" or the "throne room" were viable, then all of these are bringing glory to themselves by uttering that which was not to be uttered.  If true, these experiences are not to be broadcast, reprinted, televised and sold to the highest bidder at the bookstores.

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies ...  and in their greed, they will exploit you with false words ..."   ~ 2nd Peter 2



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So You Think You've Been To Heaven? (Part I)

Have you considered the ever-increasing claims of personal visits to Heaven that abound in the marketplace?  From near-death experiences, to children seeing visions from operating rooms, to the most recent excitement surrounding a book called "Heaven Awaits the Bride."  This is actually a reprint of two earlier works by author, Anna Rountree.  And it would appear that in spite of the repeated admonitions from Scripture to "Test the Spirit, because not every spirit is from God," avid devotees either ignore the warnings or are unlearned in what the Scriptures actually say.  In either case, this is a "Prescription for Deception."

  

Excerpts from Heaven Awaits the Bride, et al:

"While staying at a cabin in the mountains, Anna Rountree was caught up in a tremendous vision of heaven. While there, she was met and taught by the angels around her ..."  "I've come to take Ann to a training session," Clara (Angel) continued. "What kind of training?" I asked. "Of the healing angels," she smiled. ... "Azar the Angel said, "I'm the one who answers when you call for help."                                                

TESTING THE SPRITS: "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, HE will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come" ~ John 16:13
"You need not that anyone teach you: but that same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him." ~ 1st John 2:27  "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." ~ 2nd Cor. 11:14    "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." ~ Galatians 1:18     "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;  you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." ~ Isaiah 58:9

These are just a few testing Scriptures... Test yourself to see if you can find more!

(Stay Tuned for Part 2)

THE BETROTHAL - FEAST OF SHAVUOT

     While the Bride of Messiah keeps her lamp trimmed and fills her jar with oil, TODAY we celebrate the Season of our Betrothal to the Bridegroom.  It is the Festival of the Ingathering--Shavuot, which is Hebrew for "Weeks."  Israel was to count the omer of wheat for 49 days following the Feast of Firstfruits (Resurrection) and on the 50th Day (Pentecost), the celebration would begin.

(Acts 2:1-4)

     This is the day Yashua, the Risen Messiah betrothed Himself to His New Covenant Bride. It is the fulfillment of the betrothal of the Jew (Boaz) and the Gentile (Ruth) as the One New Man.  We celebrate with two leavened Challah Loaves of Bread according to Torah ~ Leviticus 23:17

"You shall bring from your dwelling places two loaves of bread to be waved, made of two tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour, and they shall be baked with leaven, as firstfruits to the Lord."

~ Leviticus 23:17

EKSTASIS WORSHIP

There appears to be "Strange Fire" blowing through the sanctuaries of many celebrated ministries. Recently, I witnessed a phenomenon called Ekstasis worship and dance. Ekstasis is a Greek word meaning a displacement of the mind; a trance. The word appears in the New Testament 7 times, but seems to have taken on a new definition in the modern day church service.

Ekstasis dance is practiced in Shamanistic and Voodoo rituals with the intention of stirring up the Kundalini spirit within.   Its origins are quite ancient and Yashua (Jesus) our Bridegroom warned of great deceptions like this would come at the End of the Age to deceive even the Believers.   And now, we see its emergence in the Holy Sanctuary:

THE CHURCH IN AMERICA IGNORES THE HARBINGER OF 9-11

I am taking a Sidebar this week from my usual health and wellness focus to address what I perceive is a Harbinger of things to come unless repentance is quickly embraced.  Deceptive spiritual winds are blowing throughout the Church in America.  Today the Church mirrors the Culture, rather than the Culture reflecting the Church.  The lines are no longer blurred--they have merged to become one sound. JCTV is the new MTV; Piped-in Smoke and Rock Music pass for Sanctuary Worship; Fire-Eating rituals performed on the platform.  Many voices are calling for flexibility and compromise in this New Era and to become agents of change for this Laodicean gospel.  Their "Prophets" speak of power, revival, miracles and prosperity while the "Harbingers of God" sound the warning of impending judgment upon America because there is no repentance.

Shofars (Trumpets) are sounding loud and long calling for a turn from the Church's love affair with the world and a return to a holy, righteous God.  This season of "turning" in the Hebrew Scriptures is called  "Teshuvah"  and it immediately precedes the time of judgment throughout Biblical History.

Yashua (Jesus) warned that in the Last Days to "Be Not Deceived; signs and wonders will be so great, even Church members will be deceived."  The Warnings to the Churches in the Book of Revelation carry one message:  REPENT!  The Harbingers have been sounding for the last 27 Years and still there is no repentance:

THE HARBINGERS

1985 - David Wilkerson's Vision of Judgment Coming to America

1984-85 - Romanian Prisoner Dumitru Duduman Sees Same Vision

September 11, 2001 - Ground Zero - History Repeats (Click to see Video)

Why Weight?

Obesity is not discussed in the Bible--Why not?  Because it was not an issue until 20th Century America made it one.  We as a nation are saturated in toxic chemicals, processed food, GMO (genetically-modified organisms), sugar, overindulgence, and pathetically sedentary lifestyles.  Even childhood obesity has become epidemic because of disinterested or uninformed parents and the power of media. It's time to choose a different path.  Why weight?  You've heard it said that "tomorrow never comes."  Well, it's true!  Change is difficult but morbid obesity is deadly.  Remember, we will all be held accountable for the choices we make in caring for our bodies, our temples:

America has been "weighed on the scales and found wanting."

~ Daniel 5:27

There is a powerful, delicious, nutrient dense program designed for healthy, manageable weight loss and to stem food cravings and sugar spikes.  Slique Essence is crafted from God's Garden and Kosher-certified essential oils.  Check us out at:  www.womanscents.com

ACTRESS MEGAN FOX WARNS AGAINST TATTOOS

Research continues to show the toxic dangers of tattoos, piercings, manicures and other unnatural beauty enhancements.  According to Dr. Joseph Mercola's research, 4.4 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis from manicures and tattoos--and most of them have no idea they have it.  Actress Megan Fox recently appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show and shared the misery of trying to get one removed.  She counseled the young people in the audience to never get a tattoo.

"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh...nor print any

tattoo marks upon you: I AM the Lord." ~ Leviticus 19:28

Virtuous Women mentor younger women about the dangers of defiling their bodies to preclude unnecessary diseases that continue to infect humanity.

"The wiser women shall mentor the younger women."

 ~ Titus 2