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Did you know that it's completely up to you what kind of relationship you have with Jesus? You can stay at the bottom of the mountain and keep going round and round in your complacency and sin or you can start climbing to the top. Here are the five plateaus I see heading up the mountain of God. I got the idea from an awesome video I watched yesterday but I changed it a bit and added some stuff. As you read through them, check yourself, and see where you fit in.
Plateau 1. Knowing About God. This is a mere head knowledge that you know God exists. You might attend church now and then or post a Christian meme on your social media, but everything you know about God is from things you've heard or read. You know about God but you don't know Him at all. It's similar to knowing all the facts about your favorite celebrity, musician or athlete but if you ever ran into them, they'd have no clue who you were. And because of that, you still lead a very fleshly and sinful life. Honestly I believe this is where many many people exist. They have a sort of carnal belief that God is up in heaven somewhere.
Plateau 2. Believing in Jesus. At this level you've reached the point where you not only believe God is real, but you believe He is sovereign, all powerful, and holy. You believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again. At this level you may attend church, pay your tithes, volunteer to serve, read your Bible, or even teach Bible Study! However, you do all theses things out of duty or perhaps a fear of ending up in hell, but you still cling to your sin and your selfish desires and way of life, hoping that your "belief" in Jesus will save you. You still walk in the flesh and not the Spirit. There are a multitude of Christians at this level, and unfortunately Jesus spits out these lukewarm believers.
Plateau 3 Encountering God. At this level, you've had an encounter with Jesus. You've felt His presence, got Holy Spirit goosebumps, or fallen down sobbing before His holiness. Perhaps you've witnessed a healing or deliverance. You've felt the Lord in the room, His love blanketing you. This is where a lot of people stop and never move up the mountain. They seek more and more "experiences", attend more conferences, revivals, looking for signs and wonders and that "High" feeling that comes when the Lord shows up. Yet they are not willing to completely surrender to Him, be obedient to Him and go forward into the mission field where life get dirty and mundane.
Plateau 4 Walking with God In the Cool of the Day. At this level, you have an intimate friendship with Jesus. You know Him and want to know Him more. You bring Him in on every decision and every detail of your life. You can't imagine not having His presence throughout the day. You talk to Him constantly, not just in prayer time. You are a friend of God, like Enoch, Noah, Job, and Abraham in the Bible. You obey His voice, even if it hurts, even if you don't feel like it. You start to recognize His voice and can distinguish it from your own thoughts and the enemy's. You hate sin because it hurts Him and you avoid it at all costs. You are growing closer to Him daily. Because of this, you start losing friends and family members. You've become too "religious" for them. You are willing to completely surrender to God. On this level, you start to become like Jesus. He changes your mind, habits, thoughts, and desires to line up with His will. Very few reach this level.
Plateau 5 Loving God and Complete Union with Him. At this level, you are all in for Jesus. You aren't following Him because you want to go to heaven or you want your prayers answered or a blessing on your life. You aren't spending time with Him because you want something from Him. You are with Him because you love Him. You crave His presence. You long to be closer to Him. You no longer have any desire to sin or do anything that would displease Him. Your goal is to glorify Him with everything you do. This is the Complete Surrender level. This level leads to the very top of the mountain where God's desires become yours, where you become so much like Jesus, people and situations are changed around you. You are completely crucified with Christ and it is not you who lives anymore, but Christ within you! This is the level where I believe Enoch lived, and God just decided one day to take him home. This is the level all the Apostles reached. Every one of them, except John, were brutally martyred. At the top of the mountain, you are willing to suffer and die for Jesus.
I'm not listing these to make you feel bad or guilty. I'm listing them to spur you on, to encourage you to keep moving up the mountain. Each level brings a new revelation of Jesus, more of Him in every area of your life and with Him comes peace, joy, power, and love like you've never known. Each level requires you lay down more and more of yourself, but it is more than worth it to receive more of Jesus! And if you don't want more of Jesus, you certainly don't want to be raptured because after that you'll spend eternity with Him!
If you find yourself in either of the first two or maybe three levels, immediately repent and ask the Lord to help you keep moving up! But the choice is yours. It will require sacrifice and time. Jesus will not grab you and drag you above, but He is ready to meet you where you're at and help you to move forward. But you have to make the first move and that may involve giving up some things, spending more time in intimate prayer and reading His Word. If your heart is sincere, Jesus will lead you and give you strength.
Remember James, John and Peter? These three disciples were the ones closest to Jesus. These were the ones He took to the Mount of Transfiguration, the ones He asked to sit and pray with Him the night before He was crucified. John was so close to Jesus that he was leaning on Jesus's chest at the last Passover. I want to be like them. I don't want to settle for a casual relationship with Jesus. I want more of Him and I long to hear His voice more and more.
So, as long as we are here on this Earth, even if we have only a short time left, let Jesus find you pursuing Him with all your heart when He comes to take you home.
Hello Sister in Christ,
ReplyDeleteWonderfully written post! What I am about to write can be a bit emotional since it is a bit of a testimonial account, so please bear with the lengthiness:
For a self-assessment, I feel that I have been more at Plateau 2/3 for most of the journey. These were the earlier years since I believed, and since I did not know about the Rapture and Tribulation nor have read through Revelation, I was not aware of the fact that there is vastly more to this than just simply believing in Jesus. However, because I was immature and foolish in those days, I have acted in ways that seems unorthodox and unconventional, such as when meeting people in school, and they treated me nicely but unknown to me, it was actually resentment and I believe hatred as I know now. I was way too trusting and open and unwilling to believe or admit that people were maintaining a facade which I was too dumb to see through, and now looking back, there are some things and actions that made me realize how seriously dumb I was, and there were times when I resented myself deeply.
I was also looking to seek a relationship with a significant other, and this is where things took an emotional toll on me to an extent. After failing time after time without ever actually formally asking or going out with someone, even though I tried to be as kind as possible (remember I was dumb to the point where I am not aware that my actions or words may offend others, but hey I was inexperienced with the social life and I would like to change that by getting experience and at the same time learn along the way), yet people could not see that and I still went about as if still believing their kindness was sincere.
Long story short, that was when after going through all the failures and misery, I got so down to the point where during a nightly prayer, I tearfully pleaded to the Lord to take me home, meaning I felt hopeless of receiving any blessings in this world, combined with also the disastrous experience with social media back then. However, though I did not perceive it this way then, I am sure God understood my pain but kept me going to the point where I had to endure a number of years of suffering until he finally made me go through a series of events that led to having own family today.
It was not until earlier this year when I came across your blog that I felt a huge transformation in where I no longer care about my past, though I may still tend to reflect on in occasionally and be tempted into sadness and/or bitterness, but I am no longer bothered with being hated or lacking blessings that others have, because I now believe God made me experience all that suffering to teach me a very important lesson: this world is subtly very evil and most of its inhabitants potentially are as well, and He definitely would not want me to get harmed by people that I initially believed could not have such darkness within them. Also by seeing the signs and all the evil in modern times, I thankfully praise the lord during my prayers and confess and ask for repentance whenever I take account of any sins daily.
Now I can say, back to the Plateau assessment, that I am more in between a 4 and a 5. I am not at 5 not just because I would like to be humble, but because I still fall into temptation to sin so I guess I could never officially be at 5, but I love the Lord to the point where there is not a day that has gone by where I do not look up in the sky, say Jesus at least once, recite certain Scriptures a number of times, and routinely prayed for around or at least ten minutes.
Thanks Sister for understanding and I believe God has taken me on a journey that took a long time for me to accept and understand. The best part is that I know I would never have to cry again from loneliness since I will finally find the love and appreciation that is nonexistent in this world. I am hoping you and all other saints will value me as I am when time comes. Peace and Blessings from a Brother in Christ.
Dear Brother, thank you for being willing to share all of your heartache. Believe it or not, I also spent many years without the Lord, trying to get people to like and accept me. I grew up very insecure and often made a fool of myself. So, I can relate in part to your past. Many people have mistreated me and still are, and I haven't always been very nice either. As I read what you wrote, I began to wonder that perhaps God allowed this particular difficult journey for you in order to bring you ultimately to Him? If you had been popular and successful and had many friends, girlfriends, etc.. would you have turned to Him? God's only purpose is to get us to repent and submit to Him so He can spend eternity with us.
DeleteSo forgive yourself and others for everything that happened in the past and thank God that He has redeemed you out of all of that and given you hope for a future that is beyond anything you can imagine!
Continue your walk with the Lord... talk to Him often during the day and ask Him to heal all the wounds of your heart. You are greatly loved, Brother!
Thanks Sister for your response.
DeleteYes I now believe that if I had that enviable life, I probably would not have turned to God. Speaking of this, is it possible for someone to literally have all the pleasures of this world and still truly accept and love Jesus? I am wondering if it is possible, but I do not think God would approve of that? It’s either the gifts from the world or from God that one has to have, and it could not be from both?
If this were to be possible, wouldn’t it stir jealousy in a way? How someone could have all the fortune , fame, and admiration and still be saved to go to Heaven? I am sure there are other true Believers who might be wondering the same thing.
I have learned to forgive others and trust God for redemption, also praying that I am worthy of the Rapture, for I have come to accept His grace and leave this world behind. The Left Behind letters are filed within my Bible, and I pray that my family can find them post-Rapture instead of panicking. The Lord will ensure this happens if I keep praying and having faith?
Thanks again Sister and much Blessings!
Brother, yes, I believe some people who have riches and joy in this life can be saved, but very few. Jesus told His disciples that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven. So praise God for poverty, struggle, and heartache!! I'd rather endure that here and have it lead me to Christ then have a good life in this temporary place.
DeleteGlad to hear you've tucked your left behind letters somewhere where others can find them. Who knows how many souls they will save after you're gone?
Greetings Holy Messenger of God,
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your writing prowess - it is so well-structured and comprehensible with in-depth analysis.
I admit that I also felt a bit down because I never took AP English in school when other people I knew did, and I am in no way a gifted writer, so I sometimes felt like I am far from intelligent and maybe just average. However, a comforting thought I heard before is that God does not make high intelligence a requirement for salvation, but as long as I trust and confide in Him that the knowledge He has given me is sufficient and not over the top. I remember you once said that the “more smarter people are, the harder it may be for them to get saved.” Is this true Sister?
I read the story from the Brother above and I felt sorry for his past experiences. Isn’t it true that just because someone acted weird or different due to inexperience and a little lacking in confidence, does not mean they are deserving of scorn and hate? I can relate to this and this is why I am one of those true Believers who incessantly wonder when the Rapture will be even though we would never know the exact time.
For my own evaluation, I would say I am at Plateau 4 for even though I still commit sin at times, I try hard to resist them and walk in obedience, and even when I do fall into sin, I immediately find an opportunity to repent by confessing them to the Lord and asking for forgiveness. If only more “Believers” would actually be like this, then the world would be a little bit better in terms of love and respect?
Regarding Plateau 5, isn’t it very hard to achieve? One would have to literally give up just about everything in this world to be worthy of this title. This could be that people still value family, particularly the unsaved, but if they believe that constant praying and believing that God will save them eventually, there is nothing to worry about?
I used to say that I see myself as a watchman, but now I do not really think so. Why? Because I do not have the ability or time to extensively conduct research nor write prolifically and I only know about these events through your blog. Therefore, I merely consider myself a messenger instead of a watch person. Would this also be considered an honorable title Before God?
Have a blessed day and keep looking up, for I am still hopeful we will leave before this year ends as the signs keep showing and evil keeps worsening. Even if it into next year, keep trusting that the Lord’s timing is perfect. Come Quickly Lord Jesus!
Intelligence is just a trait or quality God gives as a gift in different measures to His kids. Some have a lot of it, others not so much. It doesn't matter to God how smart we are, but rather what we do with the gifts He has given us. And yes, I can't remember the exact verse.. .but it says in the Bible that not many smart, not many wise, not many successful enter the Kingdom of God.
DeleteI would count myself at plateau 4 as well.. but working toward 5! And you are right, if only more believers walked with Jesus, repented, and loved Him enough to obey Him, then the church would be so powerful here on Earth. I think level 5 is very hard to achieve, yes.
In regards to our loved ones salvation, yes.. keep praying and trust God. Search the Bible for verses about salvation for families and children. And then hold God to His Word.
God is pleased most of all that you love Jesus and are following HIm. We each have gifts so just because you may not be a watchman, doesn't mean you don't have other gifts to use for His glory.
I am still hopeful for this year, yes! God is faithful
Not sure this is the exact script you were looking for, but it will do.
Delete! Corinthians 1:Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[c]
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[d]
Yes, that's the one, Joe! Thanks!
DeleteGreetings Cimber of the Holy Mountain !
ReplyDeleteVery appropriate and cheering on to perseverance Sister.
Agree with #1. I think this fits many, non committals'.
Hmm, #2 These worry me. It makes me think of false teachers. I wonder about these who falsely, do they really believe what they are teaching? do they realize they are preaching a false gospel ? Or have they themselves been deceived ?
They go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived !
Aha #3 This describes those who adhere to Prosperity, WoF, Hyper Charismatic, Big Eva, New Age etc. The xpastor was good at the expeiences. When he posted an invitation to a church event he wrote " Come and Expeience God" !!!
You know me, I asked if we were sponsoring a Carnival at the church ! ;)
Oh #4 a good place to be Sister.
Hmm, #5 thats a tough one. I desire to say I'm an all or nothing kind of guy. I may have lacked much wisdon, or Bible knowledge in the beginning of my walk with Jesus, but I was always sincere. Even at times when I vered off course. But I was never a fony.
Five is a tough one to get to. For me it's all the criticism. People rolling their eye's at ya, you know. Especially in your won house !
Couple interesting things I noted. #1 We dont really know what became of John. I read that the king of that time tried to have John boiled in oil. But John didnt burn :). I get a picture that when the king looked out his window expecting to see John writhing in agony, he found John with a bar of soap and a scub brush enjoying the hot oil !
So the King sent John to the Isle of Pathmos, so the king thought. In reality, God usd the king to send John to a place where he could write His Book of Revelation ! It was said that John was a prisoner there, under hard labor and poor treatment. God's Ideal place for John to deliver this Book of justice and hope !
Even in #5, as you mention Peter James and John were Jesus's closest friends. They were with Him in places of Jesus' s greatest struggles.
James, Jesus's half brother didnt belive in Jesus till He was dead, Peter denied Him 3 times, and John was along with the others who couldnt stay awake in Jesus' darkest hour.
This should encourage us all to keep climbing !
I like to think John was like Enoch. When he had finished God's assignment for him, he just walked into heaven :)
Indeed, as you said Jesus will not force us. He will reach down, but we are the ones who must reach up to lay hold of Hs hand. I heard McGee once say; The Husband is to make the gesture and the Bride is to respond.
Christs peace !
I like the way you think, Joe. The types of believers you listed in the different levels seems quite accurate! I love your response to your pastor. A Carnival. Ha!! And yes on 5... I think people who get there are mostly alone in their walk.. enduring mocking and rejection.
DeleteI think the extra biblical books mention that John died of old age, but not sure. And those are GREAT points about Peter and James. They were flawed people like us. I guess there's hope for us after all!! Blessings!
MaryLu, this post reminds me of the discussion we were having over the weekend, there is a new thread today, about the "partial rapture theory," and the need for the Bride to be ready in the sense of making every effort to be sanctified, holy as He is holy, following hard after the Lord. There is even one who believes the Bride is within the Church, but is not the Church in toto. Therefore the argument is that the Bride goes in the Rapture, but the rest of the Church gets left behind. Complex thoughts and arguments that raise all kinds of questions I won't go into here. In light of that idea, and the state of the Church, at least here in the US at large, a close devoted sister of mine had an interesting dream last night. She was in a church, sitting in a pew next to a couple of older ladies. The worhip band was playing but no one was standing or engaging. MANY of the congregation were litterally falling asleep. The ladies next to her said, "there is no seed, we must leave to go find seed." Wow, how representative of the Church today. I need to start praying for the asleep, un-educated, complacent Christians as I do for the unsaved.
ReplyDeleteOn another note I stumbled across a Messianic Jewish worship group called Elohim Songs that has just stunning video production and songs right out of Scripture. I get so puzzled by the "atmosphere" of so many contemporary Christian worship group videos that show the performance in smokey, dark auditoriums or venues. Shouldn't worship be light and joy?
The Bride | A Song of Longing for Yeshua/ Revelation 19:7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pccyrZ0Wp_4&list=RDFzHiZ3bW65c&index=4
In Your Shadow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzHiZ3bW65c&list=RDFzHiZ3bW65c&start_radio=1
Hi Judi! I have written often here about the partial rapture, although I don't like to call it that. I merely like to say that Jesus is coming first for His Bride, those who truly love Him and have made themselves pure. I, too, believe the Bride is a part of the Church as a whole, but that most of the Church will be left behind. I tend to believe that those left behind will have a chance at being raptured mid-trib when the two witnesses are raptured... if they have repented and truly follow Jesus now. There's a lawyer on YouTube who talks about the Three Harvests... the Three raptures... and he lists several scriptures to prove it. His channel is "The Overcomers" Very interesting stuff. I pray every day for the lukewarm Christians! They are in a worse spot than the atheists! Thanks for the songs!! I'll check them out. I love messianic worship!
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