Passion For Jesus Ministries

We are living in what has been called the “Terminal Generation”. We believe that it is highly possible that we are the generation who will actually see the Second Advent or the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the earth. The very fact that Jesus is about to return is stirring all sorts of things up, in the natural world, throughout society and in the spiritual realm as well.

THE END-TIME CONFLICT: WHO IS JESUS?

A great conflict will occur when Jesus returns. We can see lesser conflicts occurring now as the birth pangs of His return increase. The conflicts, natural and spiritual are escalating in intensity. At the heart of the End-Time conflicts is a battle over the truth concerning who Jesus is.

The Holy Spirit was sent to glorify and exalt Jesus by guiding us into all truth.

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth,…and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:13-14)

7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…9 The coming of the lawless one (the Antichrist) is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception…because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12)

The mystery of lawlessness is already working and increasing its activity across the globe. In preparation for his last attempt at cosmic domination, our enemy the devil, is trying to deceive the masses of our planet concerning the truth about who Jesus is. His activities are increasing, false signs and wonders are increasing, and spiritual deception is increasing. And the purpose of it all is to keep people from the truth.

Our enemy is crafty and he can be subtle. But he isn’t all powerful. So even though he is working to deceive, the determining factor will not be the depth of deception available, it will instead be the desire of people for the truth.

Jesus will honor mankind’s free will allowing them to fully pursue what they long for. You see, Truth is a gift from God. But if we reject the truth God, not the devil, hardens those who reject the truth by turning them over to the sin they have chosen (Rom. 1:24, 26, 28) allowing them to experience the consequence of their loving sin.

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves…26 …God gave them up to dishonorable passions...28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. (Romans 1:24-28)

One of the greatest challenges for the Church in the End-Times is the falling away from the faith. (Mt. 24:9-13; 2 Thes. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:1-7; 4:3-5; 2 Pet. 2:1-3).

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves (giving heed NKJ) to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 …whose consciences are seared, (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

Many falsely claim that the falling away will be non-believers refusing to come to Jesus. But they are already away from Jesus, so how can they fall away? Others say the falling away will entail church members who never really accepted Jesus who will fall away from attending church. Pretty weak.

The Bible teaches that there will be those who truly believed in Jesus, but will depart from the faith because they have listened to, embraced and followed deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons. When the Bible says deceitful spirits and teachings of demons it isn’t just talking about the occult, or new age gurus. It is referring to teachings in the church itself.

A good example is recent teachings being offered by Oprah Winfrey on her program. She is propagating that Jesus is a way, but not the ONLY way. This is a deceitful demonic teaching. Many believers are falling for it, in the name of tolerance and acceptance. After all they will know we are Christians by our love, right?

Another biggie is that more and more Christians, ministers and ministries are gravitating towards what is called universalism. Universalism teaches that all paths lead to God. There is no hell, no eternal separation from God. Everyone will go to heaven because God is good and would never condemn anyone to an eternal hell. God is good. And God does not condemn anyone to hell. People go to hell because they choose not to follow Jesus.

There are at least three massively offensive truths about Jesus: first, His deity, thus His right to establish absolute standards for which the nations are accountable to Him for. Jesus is NOT tolerant and accepting of everyone’s view of righteousness and love. Second, the only way of salvation is through Jesus. Third, that He possesses the wisdom and love to judge sin in time and eternity.

Consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. (Rom. 11:22)

So, the question in this hour is the question about who Jesus really is. Jesus has called His people to intimate partnership with Himself in destroying the works of Satan. The Book of Revelation is a “prayer manual” to equip the Church to partner with Jesus in confronting Satan’s authority.

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you…For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…18 …and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom…and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19)

The Bible is plain that in the Last Days, the miracles of Exodus and Acts will be combined and multiplied on a global level. This “John. 14:12 prayer anointing” will loose revival and the Tribulation and will bind the works of Satan.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12)

The Old Testament picture of Jesus was to comfort those who receive Him and to confront all that hate Him.

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them…the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit… (Isaiah 61:1-3)

On the cross, Jesus provided acceptance (salvation) to any who will repent and freely receive it.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:3-4)

No, I tell you; but unless you repent (change how you think), you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)

2 Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? 3 “I (Jesus) have trodden the winepress…I trod them (the nations) in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. 4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come…6 I trampled down the peoples in my anger; I made them drunk in my wrath…” (Isaiah 63:2-6)

God’s love is expressed and promoted by His redemptive judgments that confront those who aggressively oppose and even hate His love and leadership. The conflict really is all about “loving God” on our terms or on His terms. Our love must be expressed in alliance with the Jesus of the Bible, not the Jesus of humanist sentiment. Love for God is loyalty to His truth as seen through the Person and teachings of Jesus Christ. 

Love for the truth is more than adherence to it but it takes a firm stand regardless of the cost. Loving truth requires that we commit to accept any new idea as long as it is substantiated in the Scripture regardless of how different they are from my religious background.

23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father 25 …‘They hated me without a cause.’ (John 15:23-25)

The Book of Revelation gives us the most complete picture of Jesus in the Scripture emphasizing Him as a Bridegroom, King and Judge who manifests His power to win the harvest and cleanse the earth.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him (Jesus) to show to his servants… (Revelation 1:1)

The Book of Revelation reveals the plans (strategies) of Jesus as the Bridegroom King who judges all that hinders the working of His love in mankind.  Jesus is a passionate Bridegroom who is filled with tender and jealous love. Jesus is a King who will intervene to save the earth by taking over the nations for the glory of God and the good of His people forever. Jesus is a wise and righteous judge, who will redemptively confront deep hatred of God and the truth in order to establish love across the whole earth (Rev. 15:3; 16:5-7; 19:2).

The Great Tribulation isn’t the work of the devil. Read the Book. The Tribulation is released by the praying End-Time prophetic Church under Jesus’ leadership in the way that Moses released the plagues on Egypt and the early apostles established the Church in the Book of Acts. The Book of Revelation is an “eschatological Book of Acts” of the End-Time apostles and prophets. The Tribulation’s redemptive judgments will be released by the prayers of the saints (Rev. 5:8; 6:9-11; 8:3-5; 9:13; 10:6; 14:18; 16:7; 19:2).

The End-Time prayer movement under Jesus’ leadership will both bind and release judgment.

3 …the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God…5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth…(Revelation 8:3-5)

The principle of God’s love in judgment: God uses the least severe means to reach the greatest number of people at the deepest level of love without violating anyone’s free will in training them to be the future rulers of the earth. Jesus’ God’s plan has always been that a Man would rule the universe. His End-Time judgments will remove all that hinders love.

We see Jesus as our Bridegroom King who judges all that opposes love in Rev. 19:11-21. There is no contradiction in the “Jesus of Christmas” who brings peace and goodwill to all men who receive Him and the “Jesus of Armageddon” who openly confronts all resistance to His love.

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war…13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God…15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords…19 And I saw the beast (the Antichrist) and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him…20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet…These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire…21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him…(Revelation 19:11-21)

HOW ARE WE TO VIEW GOD’S JUDGMENTS IN THE TRIBULATION?

All who are in heaven will rejoice as Jesus, through His Church, releases righteous judgments against all that hates God and His truth and the salvation that He has so graciously provided. What do they understand about God’s judgments?

1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah…2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute…3 Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah!...” (Revelation 19:1-3)

20 Rejoice over her…you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” 21 …“So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence… (Revelation 18:20-21)

3 …“Great and amazing are your deeds…Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 4 …for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Revelation 15:3-4)

17 saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty…for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. 18 The nations raged, but your wrath came…” (Revelation 11:17-18)

Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him…and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him…(Revelation 1:7)

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S END-TIME JUDGMENTS

God’s love is promoted and proven by His redemptive judgments that confront all who hate His love. Those in heaven clearly understand this and therefore they rejoice in God’s desire to save all.

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come…and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:9-10)

The combination of the dignity of man’s free will, with the eternal nature of the human spirit and the depths in which some hate God’s love create the context in which judgment is necessary. 
The dignity of man’s free will: our choices really matter and they really affect others, both now and eternally. Our freedom to act in love or hatred has real consequences. It is an issue of life and death.

Reality of eternity: the benefit of man cannot be measured accurately by only seeing what happens to us in this life. God’s judgments wake people up to how temporal this life is. God’s judgments are really rock solid proof of His never ending mercy/ He love us too much to allow us to sin our way through this age only to be eternally condemned in the age-to-come. His mercy and love for us requires that He pou our judgment now, so that many will be saved later.
The depth of man’s sin: the antichrist humanist spirit says man is basically good and is innocent.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…(2 Thessalonians 2:7)

God allows circumstances for man’s sin to come to the surface. Examples of this have been manifested throughout history. Germany as one of the most educated and cultured nations embraced the demonic philosophy of Nazism.

nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:21)

Sin will reach the greatest heights ever in all history in the generation in which the Lord returns.

In the latter time…when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king (Antichrist) shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. (Dan. 8:23)

Sin will escalate to such a degree that it will surpass the violence in the days of Noah.

5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…11 The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence… (Gen. 6:5-11)

The Antichrist will be followed and worshipped in every nation.

3 All the world marveled and followed the beast (Antichrist)… 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life… (Rev. 13:3, 8)

The nations (all ethnic groups) will hate Jesus and rage with anger against His love and truth.

1 Why do the nations rage…? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves…against the Lord …saying, 3 "Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords…" (Ps. 2:1-3)

The nations were angry and Your wrath has come… (Rev. 11:18)

Judgment is necessary because God has created the human spirit with the great dignity of free will. Many use their free will to hate God’s love, truth and people. Our freedom to act in love or hatred has real consequences. Our choices really matter to God and really affect others.

The Great Tribulation stops the escalating sin by stopping those who promote it. The premise is that the momentum of sin will escalate to such a degree that it will surpass the days of Noah.

5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land…for I am sorry that I have made them.”…11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence…13 And God said…the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them…(Genesis 6:5-13)

Beloved, let me encourage you to get to know the Truth. Truth isn’t a doctrine, it is a Person. If we don’t know Him now, we will be offended with Him later. He is altogether beautiful and lovely. He loves you, He died for you. He can be trusted. He is worthy to be worshipped and worthy to be whole heartedly followed. Embrace the Truth. Embrace Jesus.