Witnesses or Not?

Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. (Revelation 11:9)

In the spirit of not pretending that all of this is not lining up:

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:36-44)

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish." (Matthew 25:1-2)

Two were at the mill, two were in the field, ten were virgin. Only five of the virgins were ready, only one was taken from the field, and only one was taken from the mill. The truth is these statements do not describe unqualified assurance of salvation. These statements speak to those who are working the harvest and to those thinking to attend the marriage. He repeatedly describes the time when only half of those who are planning will be "ready." But in all honesty, it really does take so little to be ready.

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Matthew 25:13)

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; (2 Timothy 4:3)

The scarlet beast has a similar form to the beast from the sea. The beasts from the sea have been defined to be kings and kingdoms and they are distinguished from having come from the earth. This scarlet beast is then, likewise, a system, an institution, a system of institutions, and the harlot woman sits upon it. John was taken to the "wilderness" to see the harlot who sat on many "waters." The harlot as described prostituted with the kings of the earth, and the inhabitants were intoxicated by the polluted "wine" that she poured out for them. (Rev 17)

Note: from the wilderness, John could see, or recognize, the harlot on the beast. A wilderness was also referenced earlier in the vision. (Rev 18:4)

Again, all of this should be read in completion.

It may surprise many to learn of these truths because the message is fractured. The message is fractured because people don't want to hear these truths and the audience would shrink if the "entertainment" tried to include them. The church has come from a time when believers had to sneak and risk life to assemble (and this is still the case in some countries) to a time when the number of buildings cannot be numerous enough, the sizes large enough, and the services apparently scripted enough. Many have called themselves "called" because they have a degree in church philosophy. Many have a bible that they do not read. And thus:

“We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel; Only let us be called by your name, To take away our reproach.” (Isiah 4:1)
"I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow." (Rev 18:7)

These verses, though scattered across multiple prophecies certainly ring coherently whereas the the challenge would be to find that one verse that suggests that these institutions will be revived from corruption and abuse as if by the will of God before His Son returns to rescue the faithful prior to their destruction. Such a passage would be in complete disagreement with Daniel and John.

In what way are/could the witnesses be dead?

The church is plagued:
- Weakness
- Controlled by the body through pride and affluence as influence
- Philosophical
- Has philosophized itself into the very philosophies that John guarded against
- Misguided
- In thinking it is prepared, the body does not prepare
- Not instructing the body to prepare
- Gospel music from just a few years ago promoted watching for this moment
- Modern Christian music not so much
- Same for the pulpits
- Fractured
- How many buildings and philosophies are necessary to unite for the gift of one Man?
- Self Righteous
- Has discarded the Spirit of God and fills the space with fantasy (1 Cor 12)
- Self Assured
- In thinking it is prepared, the body does not prepare
- Self Appointed
- All that is required is a degree, an appointment, it's actually difficult to even type this one out...
- Prideful
- A lot of study, don't really know the answers, but will make some up for the books
- MONEY
- Pastors, it isn't your church, they aren't your people. They have entrusted you to respect their relationship with their Savior
- Their giving is not yours for the taking

And the church body assured by this church:
- Ignorant
- How many are looking for what's happening?
- Not seeking to prepare
- Self absorbed
- Check that 1-hour box on Sundays (or Saturday) or watch online
- Demanding/Controlling
- See above
- Sinful
- Going into the churches that do not condemn does not take away the condemnation

Did you repeat after the pastor at that church - that very thought out complete legal agreement of relationship between you and your Savior?
And then did you go home and put that relationship on hold? Did you make it out of the parking lot?
(I do not mean to be so insensitive and judgmental of that very precious moment, but the pastor who scripted you insulted that moment - not I!)

You do not need to be scripted into a relationship! You do not need to be coached! And it certainly isn't confined to the parking lot!
You just need to want to be in that relationship. In this case, He desires it!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
That's it! Do not seek unrighteousness. If it's in your heart, acknowledge it and address it. Seek His help first. Seek counsel from others too.
Define unrighteousness - in this world? Ugh!!! Define righteousness? Yes, it's probably been overly defined in the past. But seek!
Run the race as if you desire to win the prize. (1 Cor 9:24)

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:23) (yes, yes, context, context... surely He doesn't hold all accountable to knowing Him...)

"Ruler of the world" "Outranking all others" is sitting on his throne. Once he pitches the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious Holy mountain, nothing can stop what is coming...

Be not offended, these are just the traits that have plagued the relationship between God and man for all of time.
And this is why he is perfectly fine standing before us and seeking our devotion to protect our/his institutions.
And this is why he seeks to protect us. Because when our trust is in him, to protect us within our trusted institutions, we are not trusting Him. The history tells us that He never desired for His people to be ruled by kings and kingdoms. His people rejected Him <for> a kingdom as was those around them.

~~~

He came to power, allegedly stepped aside, and then returned to power. It was said before he stepped aside that the people would need to be shown in order to convince them. The image that was made would go on to inflict his hurt upon the world.

On Jan 23, 2026, he, 'Ruler of the world,' said, "we did something that ahh, operation warp speed, which some people say was one of the greatest military feats ever..."

The greatest feat ever, whether military, agency, or whatever, was the campaign that convinced the world to fall in line with the script. The church cowered in fear and closed her eyes for the single most recognizable enactment that she was to be on watch for. <And then she raised him to power!> Her eyes were closed largely because she is self-assured and confident that she will see no sorrow.

Now, as of January 23, 2026, he has expanded his control to be over Venezuela, seemingly Greenland, and Gaza reconstruction, and all for peace achieved through strength. A beautiful reconstruction has been proposed. Will he build his tower there? And recently, he issued a letter specifically to Egypt concerning specifically Ethiopia and the distribution of the Nile's water, one of the precious things of Egypt. What is to come of this letter? Shall what little remains of the script that has been written go astray? Is he not following through with all that he says and has said?

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job,...
So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, ... But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” (Job 1:8-11)

It would be a pleasure though not an honor to walk back this entire message! Is it not obvious why that cannot be done? What has been written cannot be unwritten and the things that were written of will not be undone as we wait for what remains to be done!

Note: He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. (Rev 13:13)
While previously I have suggested an alternative view, the truth is I have always personally attributed this fire to be something non-physical, i.e. not a bomb or weapon. I have historically and still do, with continued thought, view this as a reference to a false spirit that he, being depicted as a false lamb, is able to conjure up. This movement that he has spun up around the world is consistent with such a viewpoint.

In the spirit of acknowledging that all of these things are all lining up precisely with what has been written:

When you consider how and whether you will adhere to John's words, "Come out of her my people," consider your witness to your friends, your family, all at home and in the church, and your pastors, priests, leaders, and elders too. Perhaps the journey <to the wilderness> will be shorter than you think and your witness will spread light over the nature of the peace being spread over the world as we live and breathe today.

The fulfilment of the script we have been given should be convincing even for those who are self-assured.

As you ponder and reflect:

The Father is known through His Son.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

Whatever the world makes of the Father, and of the Son:
He loved us enough to send His Son. He loved us enough to go to the Cross. And He loves us enough to return again for us - His own - His sheep who know His voice!

Does not believing in His Son mean believing in His Word? (Also said by John.) All of it? His Word is sweet in the mouth but bitter in the belly, and we must swallow it all?

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

In all earnest, God Bless and many prayers for us all!

~~~

In the process of referring to Mathhew 24:6, I reread

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:4-5)

I suspect that the first inclination of many is as mine has been. But who is the "who" that deceivers will say is Christ? Is Jesus claiming that many will deceive many in self-proclaiming to be Christ? Or more pertinently, is Jesus addressing that many will deceive many in the process of promoting Jesus as Christ?

KJV: And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
NAS: And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people.
NAS-1995: And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.

In the translations that I understand to remain explicitly true to the original text, the statements are all the same. Many will cast out demons and heal in His name... Many will deceive many in His name...

~~~

Daniel 9:3-19

~~~

Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:14)

The situation for 'Ruler of the world' 'Outranking all others' is just about present:
March 3, 2026: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/exorcist-fr-ripperger-the-situation-for-the-antichrist-is-just-about-present/

March 3, 2026: https://www.newsweek.com/us-commander-said-trump-anointed-by-jesus-to-attack-iran-report-11615046

Are any of these your spiritual leaders? I suspect they're required to have a significantly large following if they've been allowed in...
March 6, 2026: https://www.aol.com/articles/donald-trump-brings-pastors-pray-091600737.html
So like him - "This is not the first time Trump has held a prayer session. One also took place during the COVID-19 pandemic."
- He has been mocking us along every step of the way

Was hoping to avoid, but he just (3/9/2026) forced my hand. What prophet of old has described these events to such an end as has been described here?
2007: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFfFtq1fljY
And that 'trumpet', responsible for the formidable 'epic' and very 'Christ-like' 'fury ' of recent days, being responsible for the death of ~170 school girls and much more after, reminds us that he has an old family revival bible...
Early 2020 - Just before having to 'show' the public: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSL7_QV4960
The prophets of old have described these events but not to these ends. John did describe that a flood would be spewed out; to carry away the woman...
Just a few hours after calling our attention to these noteworthy considerations, our renowned 'trumpet' wrote: "... they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER... Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them..."
Horns as a lamb with the words of a dragon?

Perhaps his greatest achievement was not that he convinced us that he isn't real. Rather, his greatest achievement has been getting those who continued to believe to stop looking for his time.
Imagine the second installment of the left behind series without any recognition of the first. The people aren't confused by the missing masses but are rather focused on the corruption of their governments and the darkest forces working in the shadows all of which he brings to the front and center of our attention ensuring that we, those of us who are the aim of this hunt, know we need a savior. Not the Savior of our souls of course; but, we look for he who will return us to "Harmony, Security, and Everlasting Peace!" And then, you get what we now have. The two scenarios are not far from each other once the story telling is extracted from inaccuracies that have been foolishly embraced. Including even, in real-life, the timely sidestepping of assassination for, at minimum, a nod to fascination. And so we refuse to see because we've been convinced not to look.

Not just a large following, but an unwavering commitment to him: (No wonder she was picked)
Oct 24, 2019: https://www.christianpost.com/news/paula-white-christians-will-stand-accountable-before-god-if-they-vote-against-trump.html
Nov 25, 2020: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/11/05/paula-white-trumps-spiritual-adviser-african-south-american-angels/6173576002/
April 2, 2026: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/paula-white-cain-trump-jesus-christ-controversy-b2951338.html

A little less radical in most people's opinion, but all the more dangerous:
March 30, 2026: https://people.com/rev-franklin-graham-tells-trump-his-soul-is-secure-after-he-fundraised-for-help-getting-to-heaven-11937007

To put it mildly, the witnesses are dead...

Since 2016, the signs have been observable, and yet, here we are. Come on in children, take your coats off, lose the shoes, stay awhile and have no worries because it's safe in here:
On April 3, 2026, he posted this article: https://justthenews.com/government/white-house/he-risen-faith-finds-safe-harbor-trump-white-house

~~~

How many local mega or even small church leaders wouldn't jump at the opportunity to visit his office and support his mission with their presence given the opportunity?

We can philosophize and theorize about our eternity all we want. 100% of those saying that sinner's prayer can be believed to be saved when we refuse to put our faith and hope in what has been written. We can say very few will actually be saved in the end because straight and narrow is the way and so few are seemingly on it. To be clear, I am personally not the judge of any person. I am presenting only what I read for myself directly. From Jesus' own words, of those that are working the harvest, only 50% in this time will have hearts that actually know Him and that particular division is represented repeatedly. It is impossible to philosophize and theorize any other distribution.

Of the Spirit, if it is God's Spirit, why do we limit? And since it is written, how do we dismiss? In the search for the Spirit from Whom the Holy gifts are received, pray for the gift of discernment! Given the church has both dismissed and limited, once again, it is, and always has been, an individual's pursuit. And in this time that the leadership refuses to recognize despite the signs, it is, again, an individual's pursuit. Pursue with a whole heart!

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept,
Line upon line, line upon line,
Here a little, there a little.”
For with stammering lips and another tongue
He will speak to this people,
To whom He said, “This is the rest with which
You may cause the weary to rest,”
And, “This is the refreshing”;
Yet they would not hear.
- Isiah 28:10-12

~~~

Given all of the qualitative 'coincidences' directly from Daniel and inferred plus echoed from John, we now have one more to add to the list - a flood that will sweep away many:

May 5, 2026: https://www.christianpost.com/news/perry-stone-claims-us-officials-briefed-pastors-on-ufos.html
May 6, 2026: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/american-pastors-ufo-disclosures-warning-1795331

"Go and tell the church they are not ready for what is coming..." - a 'pastor' claiming to be in the meeting allegedly repeating Representative Eric Burlison

Regardless of what is presented - perhaps the best bet is to completely ignore - out of sight, out of mind - but in entertaining this flood that is coming - "they are prepared to convince us that they are from another dimension and that they are our creators." They are not going to present such information without compelling and persuasive enticement. Read the study, read the observations, and know that the prophets and the Christ they want you to ignore and forget said precisely that all of this would come. We are the generation. Pray and seek God's face!

Will a pastor that himself/herself does not recognize the signs nor the times be able to convince them to continue in the faith? (And what is the faith they are maintaining? - "My sheep know my voice")

~~~

The witnesses are dead because...

'Ruler of the world' 'Outranking all others' took a seat on his throne.
John said that he would cause the people to make an image.
While 'Ruler of the world' was on his throne the first time, it was stated and restated that an image needed to be made.
("Sometimes you can't tell the public the truth, you must show them")
The people created the image. He was "voted" in, one way or another.
John said that the image would cause the people to receive a mark.
The image that the people "voted" in mandated the thing which shall not be named and it was celebrated by many.
(No, it was not allowed to be talked by name with any negativity.)
John said that the image would prohibit; buying and selling would be prohibited without the mark, and yes that happened too.
Now 'Ruler of the world' sits on his throne again.
Given that all of this has occurred,
John said that during this time the witnesses would be dead in the street for all to see. (This conclusion is arrived at in the study. See the graphics. Also see Revelation 10:11.)
Therefore, the witnesses are dead. It's really not even open for debate. It's a matter of understanding that John's vision speaks in parables as Jesus spoke in parables. It's a matter of understanding the signs we have been given.
Daniel said that the saints would in this time be handed over to the pompous king, having eyes to see and a mouth to speak which the other kings would not have, for a time, times, and half a time. Again, these are expressions that require allegorical thought.

'Ruler of the world' is on his throne and has been for presumably more than a time. Is the witness that stands on the pulpit before you giving you warning?

Paul did say to assemble together even more so as the day is seen to be approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) We do see the day approaching!
But John says of this time to come out of her.
So here we are. It is apparent that the house you visit on weekend is likely not going to inform you of the times we are in. Such is why I suggest that, as you do come out of her, you try and bring others with you.

Concerning the mark. Many have taken it, even among those reading this I am certain. The words that pertain to the time we are heading into are quite stark/grim perhaps leaving little room for little hope and probably compelling a disregard for this presentation over this discomfort. Keep in mind that it is said that the wrath that is coming will target those who have received the mark and also those who worship the beast. (Allegorically, the 'mark' has already done more damage than we have been told of.) But John points out a wilderness that is to be prepared for the woman. Daniel points out that blessed are those who make it to the thirteen-hundred-thirty-fifth day. This is roughly a thousand days short of the ultimate conclusion that Daniel presents. Therefore, strive to find your way to the wilderness. Strive to make it to that day. Use what has happened as a recognition for what is. Did you trust in the god of science? Can you dismiss that allegiance? Has MAGA been your religion? Can you renew your faith in the God of Heaven? Similarly, do you oppose 'Ruler of the world' because you oppose the religious right that has brought him upon us? Can you look to the God of Heaven with a humbled heart? Given the events that have already unfolded and their alignment to what was written many years ago, I would suggest great thought be given to these questions. A "time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to <this> time" is coming! Will your name be "written in the book" for deliverance?

It's only a matter of recognizing the signs of the times. It is difficult to read and understand the depictions given by Daniel, John, and Jesus, and not come to realize that the spiritual leadership must be 'dead' in these times that were described. Therefore, in this time, we cannot expect to be led appropriately. It is hard - I grant that!. Even if a pastor were to recognize, could said pastor actually minister it? People would undoubtedly reject the ministry and move elsewhere for more appropriate hearings that can be understood. But, how can a pastor, by chance, who does recognize not try and give warning? Perhaps that is why having this understanding is sort of a wilderness?

No affiliation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKs_gQecaDY&list=RDPKs_gQecaDY&start_radio=1

~~~

It's September 22, 2026, and it's been a while for this page. But today, I have been compelled.

Isaiah said that through stammering lips and another tongue the refreshing and the rest would be identified.

It is said that we should lead them to the cross. His body is not on the cross and the cross no longer stands. Yes, it is a long standing symbol and that is not the issue that I wish to stress. When we lead them beyond the cross, we find the tomb in which he was buried. He is not there either; nor are His bones. It is in truth that we can know this! So where can we lead them if He is in neither of these places? We lead them to that which He left for us. It is in this truth that we can know His tomb was left empty and defeated!

I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ John 1:33 (Note that Matthew and Luke assert fire with the baptism.)

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:15--18
(Other translations use Comforter in place of Helper.)

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-5

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

Many know not of these verses, at least not in completeness, because they have become uncomfortable and simply are not emphasized anymore. Still, many do know of them. Of those that do, how many know of Isaiah's words that go with them? This is so important because Isaiah told us with clarity that this people would be spoken to in a very specific manner and that this people would not hear what was spoken to them.

To do my duty in leading them by the cross and by the empty tomb and on to His Spirit where He is now, I am compelled to share in earnest that His Spirit is more than most recognize or understand. It is such an unfortunate thing to have to say! It's so unfortunate that I would prefer not to have to address it. But now, through the leading of the Spirit, it would be a dereliction of duty to continue to leave this unaddressed.

I have heard it said, "He does not find you because He is not the one who is lost." I understand that intent but contend in response that it is because we cannot find Him on our own that He comes to us and leads us to Him. And that is my story. I did not happen into His hand. He drew me out of an old life and in the doing, He led me to a body that knew the Spirit of God. I do not label this body and I do not attempt to lead others to labeled places in search of this body.

But I will share that when I knelt on my knees that first time, I knew I was in a different presence as I lowered my head and He touched me. Yes, I raised my head and turned to see who it was that had poked my side and nobody was to be seen who could have done it. All that has been presented on this site flows from having been in that presence in those days long ago. And these days, when I pray and when I seek His presence to know Him and to be known by Him, I know that He is with me because when I pray, and when I wait, and when I am in right mind, He makes His presence known.

I do not share these personal moments to claim any exceptionality. In fact, it is the opposite. I share because testimonials such as this should not be exceptional! How else should we know Him other than how He said He would know us.

From the study found here, "In that day:"

The Lord of hosts will be for a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the remnant of His people, a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

The priest and the prophet have erred in vision and stumbled in judgment through intoxicating drink. "All the tables are full of vomit and filth; no place is clean."

"Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts? For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little."

For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, to whom He said, "This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest," and "This is the refreshing."

"Yet they would not hear."
"Yet they would not hear."
"Yet they would not hear."

The "rest" and "refreshing" revealed to this people:

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here."
John 14:15-31

For this people that "would not hear:"

But the word of the LORD was to them, "Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little," that they might go and fall backward, and be broken and snared and caught.

Hear the word of the LORD, you scornful men, who rule over this people who are in Jerusalem, because you have said,

"We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood we have hidden ourselves." Isaiah 28:15

"In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ " Revelation 18:7

Many, if not most, will not understand this discussion of stammering lips and another tongue with which He will speak to this people. To these, I suggest reading the book of Acts as a start. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

This will surely offend many. Let anger face these unchanged words provided precisely as Isaiah scripted them himself. Let anger be toward the contemptuous leaders who spread the lie that the overflowing scourge will not come upon us. Let the anger be toward the contempt insistence that the Spirit is as we make it and not as, by precept, He is!

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock..."

When I confronted the "legal contract" that many have taken comfort in as is often common practice in the common church, in honesty, I did not anticipate the whole of these words nor were they the motivation that directed me. This, here, is the legality, precept upon precept, for those that will not hear. Still, I have added no words of my own to this context. (And also, in all honesty, I do not wish insult or to cast earnest commitment into doubt. To those that I have offended, I can only point to the completeness of this context: Isaiah 28:15 & Revelation 18:4-7.)

When I shared that He makes His presence known when I set my right mind toward Him, in all honesty, it was my experience that motivated my words and not Jesus' promise that He would manifest Himself through the Helper, the Comforter, the Rest, the Refreshing. But, now I am reminded that He promised, specifically, He would make His presence known, to those who keep His commandments, those who love Him.

He stands at the door and knocks. Open the door; and, open the screen door as well. I implore to you that you do not filter His Spirit! Do not let those who do not know Him lead you in His ways that they themselves do not know.

The church is in a sorrowful state. Isaiah says this and John agrees. Can Isaiah's words conjure any rationality in any other context? He is writing to those in that day who were told "this is the rest" but still do not hear His communication. He and John are writing of a people that are self-assured of their safety and relationship. These are their words.

But He does stand at the door and He knocks. See how Isaiah aims to reach those in Jerusalem. Through John, the angel cries, "Come out of her my people!" The angel of the Lord counts you among his people. Isaiah acknowledges that we are in Jerusalem. We are told these things so that we might come out from under the lies and falsehoods that will separate us if we fail to recognize and fail to hear! Again, these are their words. The word of the Lord we are instructed to hear. The word in the bible carried into church by many every week. Your leaders just do not turn you to them.

"The hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place. Your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it." - The agreement that many have made is not with whom they think...

"That He may do His work, His awesome work, and bring to pass His act, His unusual act... A destruction determined even upon the whole earth."

The plowman plows thoroughly, levels the ground and plants his seeds in order as he is instructed in rightness for the benefit of the harvest of each plant planted.
The Lord of hosts is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.

(And looking a few words ahead...)

"Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden."

"In that day," the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The humble also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (For they are not poor!)

"Jacob shall not now be ashamed, nor shall his face now grow pale; but when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they will hallow My name and hallow the Holy One of Jacob, and fear the God of Israel. These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, and those who complained will learn doctrine."

But those who walk righteously and speak uprightly, those who despise the gain taken from oppression, those who refuse bribes, and those who turn their ears from hearing bloodshed and their eyes from seeing evil will dwell on high and will be protected and provided for.
Look upon Zion, Jerusalem, a quiet home which will remain forever with the presence of the majestic LORD. The people who dwell in this city will be forgiven their iniquity.
The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped, the lame shall leap and the mute will sing, and waters will burst forth in wilderness and desert and over dry ground.
The Highway of Holiness will be there and it will guide in truth even the foolish, but nothing dirty will be allowed upon it.
Absent will be any feared predators.
The redeemed will walk there and the ransomed of the LORD will return with singing and everlasting joy without sorrow or sigh.

John was given a message of the things which had been seen, which are, and which were still to come, to write in a book and to send to each of seven specific churches in Asia.

This text suggests that these churches were in the day of John. But this book that John wrote and surely delivered to those churches has persisted to this day. But also, these churches are seven and the language used by Isaiah suggests of that day which is a day that must come that seven women will cling hold of one Man as if they are in a common group and time. Still others have suggested a temporal relationship between these churches.

Obviously, the preferred view from the presentation herein, Isaiah's view is taken very seriously. With that, as has just been suggested, John's message was presented to those churches and that message persists and will continue to persist until the end. And the sequential lineage of these churches is not dismissed.

The first church is/was commended for being patient and turned off by evil. This church was persistent and diligently qualified those who claimed to be Apostles. However, this church is/was cautioned for leaving its "first love." "Love" suggests relationship and closeness. The church grew to favor diligence and assurance over knowing Him.

The second church is/was commended for its works and for enduring tribulation and poverty and knows that some among them who are not who they say they are and are referred to as the synagogue of Satan. This church is/was warned they will suffer more but encouraged not to fear.

The third church is/was also strong and did not waver in faith even as those close to them were taken and tortured. The death of Antipas is said to have been very brutal. But this church is/was cautioned from tolerating those who would tolerate sin, including idolatry and sexual immorality, which will cause separation.

The fourth church performed increasingly great works, eschewed love, and embraced patience and faith. This church is/was cautioned because they embraced the guidance of Jezebel who seduced the people into idolatry and sexual immorality, though some refused this seduction.

The fifth church had works but they are/were not worthy and the church was cautioned to recognize it is/was dead. This church is/was encouraged to hold on to what little remains within it and guided to repent.

The sixth church is commended for its works while having a little strength and remaining faithful. Their oppressors will be put beneath them.

The seventh church is not commended! This lukewarm church will be "vomited" out of His mouth because it has taken pride in its wealth without recognizing it is "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." Take it for what it's worth, but this particular church seems to display the same attributes that Isaiah rebuked in the passages previously discussed. (And, again, for what it is worth, I was not aware when I wrote it into the preceding discussion that it was with this church or any of these churches that I would find the message: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Nor was I aware when I turned to the letters to these churches that I would find it in them. I share this in complete honesty! The same honesty that has been presented throughout all of this work. The phrase presented itself unwaveringly in my mind as I was working through the study in Isaiah and that was copied over to here. Of course I knew of the familiar phrase, but, as in many other cases now, I wasn't aware the discussion would circle back upon itself so meaningfully.)

A natural sequence which is observable, take it or leave it, is:
Patience diligence, mission over relationship - responsible for starting the movement?
Persistence through tribulation and persecution - church is encountering resistance and infiltration is beginning?
Persistence and persecution but infiltration becomes tolerated - the "ruler of this world" is becoming very impatient with this movement?
Faithful and working but also falling away
Fallen away but with still a little to hold onto
The last two in parallel?
A church that will become the pride and joy of Jacob alongside a church that boasts of its own shame.

The differences between these two final churches - the one that will be taken and the one that will be left - bring the discussion back to the two in the field and the two at the mill and the consequences for the five of the ten who were caught unprepared.

At this time, many feel betrayed by the <'Ruler of the world'> which is before us. We voted our values despite his flaws. We blessed him and lifted him up to the God of Heaven. We worried and we prayed that the God in Heaven would keep His hand upon him and empower him to defend our liberties and principles. We must forget that betrayal, if it is indeed felt, and address the reality and even why we were handed over to <'Ruler of the world'> <'God is gracious'> <'Outranking all others'>.

And to rest on these thoughts, I conclude with the guidance given to these two churches:

To the pride and joy of Jacob, He says, "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."

To the church of intolerable shame, he says, "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."

"Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and ... Shaphan read it before the king. Now it happened, when the king <Josiah> heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. Then the king commanded ..., “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.” II Kings 22:8-13

For those who seek understanding, I do not turn these to labeled places for labels do not identify what is being sought. I feel comfortable leading these to quite places with quiet and ready minds.