# 33 What do the Scriptures Say About. John 8:32 The Truth Will Set You Free.

Whereas I usually use scriptural references to prove a statement a teaching or a point.

This time I refrained. I have laid out basic information so as to make it as palatable as possible.

May it be of use to you and others. may it have God's approval.

God? God is a spirit. What does that mean? He is a person, with a personality, he has likes and dislikes. Being a spirit, he doesn’t have a body like us, he doesn’t have a body you can touch.

It’s more like he is made of energy, I think.

He is described as being, Dynamic in energy and Mighty in Power.

What does he look like?

In visions or dreams that some have had, describe him with hair like white wool, sitting on a throne. All these and other descriptions are to give us an image of what his position represents. Hair white represents wisdom gained from age and experience, a symbol of respect. His sitting on his throne, obviously is recognising his position as God and ruler of all things.

Where does he live? Heaven is his home. Where is that? It appears to be in a place close by, also anywhere. The scriptures say, “In the Heavens is his throne, the earth is his foot stool”. Of course, the vast universe cannot and does not contain him, but saying the earth is his footstool means we are where his attention is. We are important to him, each one of us.

Why can’t we see him if he is nearby?

The Scriptures explain that he is “In the inapproachable light”. And he is the “Father of celestial lights”. Also, he is light and there is no darkness with him. Even a city in heaven is lit up by his presence, night and day.

What does he look like?

The vision given to the apostle John showed him to look like Glass made from gold, surrounded by Stones of colours, Jasper stone and red like stones, of glass. And surrounding him in a circle, a green rainbow.

This reminds me of an experiment in science class, where a light was shone through a glass prism, with a rainbow of colours streaming from the other side.

Considering these descriptions, it seems he is not visible unless shown. Our eyes simply are not adjusted to see the light spectrum he dwells in. Like ultraviolet or infrared light, our eyes can’t see it, but science proves it’s there.

Has anyone seen this realm?

Yes, Jacob who later was called Israel saw a ladder or steps and Angels going up and down to heaven. This was probably symbolic but, still he got to see it. I recall the scriptures also saying that once Jesus had presented himself to do God’s will, “the heavens were opened up to him”. Maybe one day you will see it? Wouldn’t that be grand?

Has any person seen God? Only one, Jesus, and only once he had taken on spirit form again.

Others have seen visions of him but that’s it. Why?

He is a consuming fire; no person could get near him and live, he is simply too powerful to approach. But of course, we can still see him in the beautiful things he created, in life, in love and with eyes of faith. We can feel him support your heat by means of his Holy Spirit. It feels like he is holding your heart in his palms, calm, safe. And He can calm your mind, well, that’s grand too, I’ve felt it.

Just maybe, someday, you will be given an audience with him in vision like others have, Wow!

What is God like? Well, the one who has met him can and did tell us.

He explained that “he alone is good”.

There is nothing bad about our God, he never brings bad on anyone. He loves and cares for whoever needs him. He even loves people who have done some silly or wicked things in their life, he is always there to help us do our best. If we are looking for Him.

Jesus said he “loved us first” even before we knew him or were born. Even “the hairs of your head are numbered”, “he cares for you”!

He, “Is Love” according to one description. He never does anything to hurt anyone, but he patently, like a caring parent guides us with gentle reminders and lessons from his dealings with others, he gives us words of advice and examples to learn from so we can, "get up" when we stumble in life, he truly does care.

He is like a shepherd who carries a little new-born lamb, that is too week to keep up or could be in danger of predators. He carries us, and when we are ready, he gladly watches us take our first steps towards adulthood. He is always available to talk to and never “Abandons his loyal one”.

Have you heard a person described as being "clucky"! Meaning they get all emotionally wound up, wanting more children of their own. I imagine his emotions are similar to these, Thrilled to see you grow and draw close to him.

He does expect from all, qualities like his and Jesus'. To Love, to do what is right, love Justice, be forgiving and help others when we are able.,

What are some of his titles? Of course,’ he is God, that means he is the rightful sovereign ruler of all life and everything that exists. He is also called All mighty God, no-one in existence is as wise, powerful or deserving of the love and devotion he is. He is also called Heavenly Father and The Creator. He is the Giver of Life, without him there is no life. We simply would not exist if it were not for him. Being these things, He alone deserves our worship.

Do you remember when your mother was a young girl? Or your grandfather as a child? Of course not. Not surprising then it would be difficult to grasp this description, he is also called “Eternal”, he has “No beginning or end”. He has always existed; in fact, he is not hindered by time like us.

We never know what tomorrow will bring, do we? But he can look far into the future and give advice before calamity hits. He has done this many times in the past, some listened, and they were happy, many didn’t. That’s why his prophecies in God's Word are so accurate, they are not predictions.

He is telling what WILL happen. Lovingly he prepares us for events, well in advance.

What a loving God we have. No wonder he is Almighty and wise and deserving of our thanks and love.

What is his Name? Many translations of scripture, ignored his name or removed it.

Would you like it if they did that to you or someone you love? God’s name was used by men like Moses and Samuel, but the sad truth is that due to fear, men stopped pronouncing his name. How sad! Probably Satan had a hand in that.

Some have pronounced it as Yahweh, many will recognise the name as Jehovah.

I however asked the question many years ago, “If the vowels were not written in the original writings of old, how do you know that there were not others, before or after, that were supposed to be there?” Of course, they did not know.

Once I had a dream, two were talking with me close by, they said God’s name, but it was not correct.

I politely said, “you know that’s not how you pronounce it?” Not realising they probably knew better that me, they didn’t answer or respond.

They pronounced it Eajohwah, pronounced AY-YOH-WAH. Of course, that still may not be correct but that’s what I heard. I hope to find out for sure one day, why?

Everyone has a name, it would be nice to get it right.

What does his name mean?

He causes to become, or I will be the solution to whatever is required to set things straight or help you. The request from the Lords prayer, His will, "will be done", tells us that, His name is a personal guarantee that He will make straight paths for your feet, if you are willing to walk in them.

He can help level any ground hard for you, "if" we listen.

How does he get things done?

Holy Spirit. Yes, his Power in action. This dynamic force can do a myriad of things from creating life to healing and even in you right now, sustaining life. The Angels all applauded when God created the vast universe. He offers everlasting life by means of Holy Spirit for any who are determined take hold of it. Yet, it takes effort on our part, even though it is a free gift.

“Exert yourselves vigorously”, Jesus said. Never should we take our life or Our Fathers free gift for granted. That means treating not only others with respect. But starting with ourselves we need to learn our value in His and our own eyes. With humility of course.

Holy spirit is also like his love in action, tenderly guiding us. That’s how His Word came to be.

Angels? Angels, like our Father are Spirit beings. But from time to time, some have had the privilege of taking on human form to assist when needed.

Yes, many faithful and powerful Angels are working hard to secure your future, glad to do any assignment, to assist their God and father in fulfilling his purpose, for the benefit of all life, these are happy to do their part.

We should never forget the love they too have shown us, though we often do not know it. In Heaven, those who proved under test that they value their relationship with their Creator are one happy family.

Angels are in positions of rank in heaven. Seraphs and Cherubs, maybe more, I don’t know.

Some are positioned around God's throne to keep Jehovah clean from anything unclean.

No-one unclean can approach, Satan and his demons for sure. Maybe this will change in the future once the Wicked one is removed, permanently.

The Arch Angel? Who is he? He is called by the name, Michael. His name means, "Who is like God".

He was used as God’s right-hand man, Chief spokesman and aided other angels when in strife.

On one occasion, an angel was delayed from delivering a message by a fallen angel and Michael helped him get through. This Arch Angel however was more than just an Angel, who is he?

None other than the prehumen Jesus Christ. The scriptures explain that before any other being existed, Jehovah created his first born, Michael (Jesus).

Who knows how long they spent together. He loved his father and God so much, like many who spend time with another they can really learn good from, it affected him positively, he came to be just like God in personality. So much so, that he said; “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father also”. Yes, he was just like his father, so the way he treated and loved others, (even “Sinners” as his enemies constantly pointed out), was as though Jehovah himself was tenderly caring for them, personally. In fact, the name Michael means, “Who is like God”. We know Jesus is the Arch Angel because one of his friends said, “He will call with an Arch Angels voice”.

Where is he now? Jesus/Michael is in heaven, but apparently, he now has a new name and sits on his own throne next to God. He has been placed above all others, only his Father is greater than him.

God even granted immortality for being so faithful, the only other than his Father in existence, imagine that. I wonder if a person born of man will reach that blessing? Jesus or Michael or whatever he is now called is also the enthroned king of God’s heavenly Government. The kingdom many have prayed for in the Lord’s prayer.

Soon, as king he is to come to mankind’s and life’s aid to save us from this “Great Tribulation”, we find ourselves in. “Michael will stand up” say’s the scriptures. “And the true knowledge will become abundant” say’s the scriptures. How grand if we get to see it personally, many will. Jesus, like God is known by many other titles also.

Satan? Satan himself was a high-ranking angel till he fell from God’s favour, telling lies and working against Jehovah, he also got others to follow him in rebellion. How sad, around one third of God’s Angels were led away and joined him. That is why they are called Demons. These too are spirit creatures though unclean. Fighting against love, peace and security found only with the Father. Satan and Devil translate to resister and slanderer, no wonder Jesus called him the father of the lie. How sad it must have been to have the peaceful heavenly existence enjoyed by all, thrown away because one angel thought too much of himself, very sad indeed. He and the Demons are “In the vicinity of the Earth”, Cast out of heaven. Heaven is now freed from them, but we are not. That is partly why there is so much suffering and life is so hard for many today.

His existence will only be a lesson to be taught once the 1000years are concluded. He will be gone forever.

Who go to heaven? For many they have hoped they would join their families in heaven once the pass away. Will they?

For most, No! Why? Although many religions have taught this as their destination the scriptures and Jesus himself explains that only a limited number will go to Heaven after death. Who then?

A select few in comparison to the number who have lived. Those who qualify had to fall asleep in death after Jesus returned to Heaven. So even the faithful like Noah’s family, King David, Naomi, Sampson's mum and all the prophets prior to Jesus’ day etc, won’t be in heaven.

And to qualify afterwards he went to Heaven, ones had to prove by faith they were fit to do so and separate themselves, while alive, from worldly and religious entrapments. And even then, it was limited to the number 144,000.

Question, Lazarus died prior to Jesus assentation to heaven. So would logically miss out on going to heaven. But he was resurrected back to life before Jesus paid the Ransom and ascended to heaven.

I wonder' if by raising him from sleep, did Jesus make it possible for Lazarus to have a place in the Heavenly kingdom with him in the process??

What do those who go to heaven do there?

Those selected were not going to heaven to be with family or lost friends, no!

They were, according to the scriptures, to be in a covenant or contract relationship to assist Jesus in running God’s Kingdom when it begins operating over Earth and man’s affairs. They are there to work and help us get back the relationship Adam lost with the Living God Jehovah.

God's kingdom government will replace all mans Rule, which has failed miserably in every way.

So, God’s Kingdom will be run by 144,001.

They will then be kings also and also priests according to the scriptures. We will have to see what they will do for us in the future. These ones were given Spirit bodies, the instant they die.

No longer men and women, all take on spirit bodies and are equal. Maybe some may get to visit us from time to time. They have suffered like us and can equally be compassionate like Jesus was to those "Fairing badly".

I believe their first assignment is to remove all human governments and Abyss Satan.

So then, where do all the dead go once they are resurrected back to life? Right here on earth! The word "Resurrect" means "to stand up". Those who died even thousands of years ago will "stand up" or breath air again, same person, same memories.

The Earth is to be transformed into a paradise for all, people animals and every creeping thing to flourish in peace and security.

The deserts are to be transformed, our health is to improve and our relationship with God will grow ever closer. All under the loving care of our King and big brother, Christ Jesus.

Once all things are corrected, even the dead, those in the memorial tombs, that is, God’s memory, will “Hear his voice (Jesus’) and come out”. Wow, imagine welcoming back long-lost friends and family. Or even witnessing others being reunited. What a day that will be.

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The Soul? We do not have a soul; we are a soul. The word Nephesh - Soul, means breather. All creatures that breath, "Are" souls, they do not have a soul.

What about Hell, Hades, and Gehenna?

Hades and Sheol are translated the same, Pit or Grave and about 50% of the time in the king James Bible as Hell. Hell is the common grave of mankind. It refers the condition of being "Dead". Jesus explained that to God we are simply asleep and safe in his memory.

Gehenna has likewise been used by some to scare people with twisted false stories. Gehenna was just a rubbish dump outside Jerusalem's wall used to dispose of animal carcases etc. It use by the Lord Jesus was to illustrate that if any are not "Safe in God's memory", they are gone forever. Not tormented not suffering not in pain, simply gone with no hope of a resurrection.

How can we find out the truth about other things in God's Word? If any statement or teaching contradicts or is not in line with God’s personality, it is false. “God is love” and “Does not desire any to be destroyed”. But the sad reality is that some will not be resurrected. Remember Jehovah knows the future, if someone is too dangerous to bring back, he won’t. He loves you too much to risk it. He does say however “there will be a resurrection of the righteous (people already trained to do right) and the unrighteous (those who will need to learn righteousness).” Of course, we would not label or guess who is what? God loves all and they would not be there if he thought it unwise.

How do we get to God kingdom/paradise on earth? Take in accurate knowledge. Learn from his dealings and those of Jesus about his personality. You can trust him; you can put faith in his promises.

Prayer? Jehovah alone is “The hearer of prayer”. Our prayers first have to make it past Jesus. That’s why we are told to pray in Jesus’ name. Then he sees to it that it goes to God. Jehovah does not even hear the prayers of wicked ones.

But, if someone wicked or prone to do bad, turns to doing good with his whole heart, what happens? He helps them, he listens, he comes to love them.

No wonder he "is Love" and Jesus called him alone "Good".

If someone hurt you repeatedly, could you forgive them and come to love them? Not so easy is it. But Wow, he is good. That does not mean we can do what ever we want, even what we know we shouldn't and pray to him, expecting him to forgive us.

And not only is he forgiving and generous, remember he can see the future, he knows the results from our actions. Just how much good and love can come down the line from just one sinner who repents, turns around and is forgiven. That’s my God, My Father. I love him so much.

It is important to remember if The living God has forgiven a person, we must as well, not always easy. Doing so I’m sure will bring blessings in our futures. Put any hurt aside, don't keep opening old wounds by bringing up the failings of others.

It is wise also to remember, “if someone righteous deliberately turns to doing bad”. His right ways will soon be forgotten by God and he will not listen to that ones prayers, unless he takes steps top immediately correct any wrong.

How soon till God steps in? Jesus warned he will come “Exactly as a thief in the night”. So the next part of human history could come suddenly.

That is not a thing to be scared of. Remember, Jesus has his fathers personality, he loves us. In fact we belong to him, we were a gift to him from God. We are important enough for them both to fight for us, be courageous and raise your heads up. “He cares for you”.

How long till we make it to “The promised land” “Paradise” the new “Eden”? I do not know. Maybe it will be like the nation of Israel when trekking through the wilderness, they had to wait till those not going in, including Moses, passed away, maybe quicker? We will see.

Whatever the case, "Those hoping in Him, will not be disappointed".

Life in Paradise? One thing that is certain, like the Angels, we will have assignments and plenty to do. Be happy in your work, no matter the task. We are working for Jehovah who loves us and appreciates us. The Kingdom government under Jesus and the 144,000 will help us. They like us know life’s struggles. They can sympathise, what is more, they proved to be faithful, so can we. The borders and laws of this old world will fade away, replaced by God's righteous standards, meaning all will be valued and partiality or a select few having the lions share will be a thing of the past. all will be blessed. All will have success for their efforts.

God promises there will be food, housing, peace, Paradise. “With sustenance and covering we will be satisfied”. No greed welcome.

Children can be raised to be whole, complete, happy adults, ready for "every good work"..

Sin?

Sin is falling short of perfection. Falling short or missing the mark of what is good, Holy or expected, in line with God's justice and will.

We are all sinners, our bodies are in a dying condition, not living to the full as was intended when we were created. Yes, we all do the wrong thing at times, even break the law, of God and Men and disappoint others. But these are covered over, washed clean, blotted out and forgiven, on the basis of Jesus Sin atoning sacrifice. That's one reason why Jesus came to Earth, Along with teaching the truth about God and his Kingdom and to begin a new path for all human king to be blessed, and many more reasons. All accomplished due to faith in God's love.

Gay and Lesbian?

You may be surprised to know that more than a few of Jesus close friends and disciple's were not only "Tax collectors and sinners", prostitutes and defrauders. Some were Gay. yes!

But the church doesn't highlight that, do they? But Jesus said about all kinds of people, "but you have been washed clean", Yes, that would mean their sins were forgiven.

Maybe Jesus was able to give them enough reason to change their actions or behaviour for those able to, a solid future, a blessed one. For those trapped by their upbringing or their personal inclinations though, maybe it is that they, some how, allowed Jesus to correct any imbalance within the person, as Paul put it, "The force actuating your mind". It can be changed.

Jesus said "all things are possible to God" imagine that, those who are trapped in the wrong body could potentially be reborn or something like that. Maybe that man was meant to be female or reverse. Imagine if you were trapped like that and by means of God's compassion you were given the body to suit your inner person? How wonderful that would be! All things are possible to "those having faith", Jesus said.

Whatever your situation your mental torment or your dilemma, Jehovah can and will help at the appropriate time. Never fear, you are known to him if you are willing to love.

What do we personally need to do? Personally, he has put the blessings of life and good or the malediction of bad and death before us.

Its our choice how we live, who we love, what we make of our lives.

He gives to all free will; it is your life. It is His will that you make wise choices and make the truth your own.

Every decision has consequences, but as usual He will give us every opportunity to make life excellent, a blessing, filled with joy, peace and love, along with the satisfaction of hard work. “Listen to him” say’s the scriptures, “for he is your life and the length of your days”.

Don’t let the bad days rule your outlook, your life. Do not let others determine your future as many have in times gone by, make it yours, yours alone.

Be fully grown as to maturity, live every day remembering the one who makes it all possible.

He cares for you, listen to him. But in addition, be like Clover, each one an individual leaf head, but just the same, a part of something bigger than yourself. There really "is more happiness in receiving".

There are many other things like the ones discussed here. Find the answers for yourself, keep searching and refine your understanding. The answers are there.

Thanks again and may the Living God, My God Keep You Close to His Heart.

Man in Expectation :)

The mash-up! "You must love Jehovah your God, with your whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength and keep His Commandments. If you do, you will be wise enough to bypass any trial with ease, and have an indefinitely lasting name with The Living One. Those who fail to take these things to heart, will suffer shame and fall short in a large way, all that is his, will be destroyed and cease to exist.

You who love Him, however, will flourish with joy, under the tent cloths of Jehovah, always." Ecc 12:13, Mark 12:30 and Ps 37:18-20.