February 2006

          HEAVEN
            & The Kingdom of God
                                          By Tennessee Elijah

Ignorance and carnality are two reasons why many nations have an erroneous perspective on Heaven and the Kingdom of God! In these days, we have seen very few people who properly define the complexity of life
on Planet Earth as it relates to material and spiritual things. All realities need to be explained in a way that will make death of flesh and eternal spiritual existence more easily understood – within the context of basic intellectual reasoning. We hope that this writing will inspire public speeches by serious Christian preachers and inspire magazine articles by journalists who have taken time to confirm Truth in the Bible.

We do not need to die a physical death to go to Heaven or to
enter the Kingdom of God! Heaven is right here and right now!

The only death that matters while still in a human body is when we “die to the flesh” in a psychological way at the instant we are born into the Spirit! This is the supernatural event that causes Christians to be more God-conscious than flesh-conscious!

References to Holy Scripture are included in this writing to help substantiate key declarations which have been designed to shatter traditional myth in the minds of many souls who exhibit confusion brought about by centuries of deception. To avoid unnecessary error, intelligent scholars are encouraged
to search diligently through the pages of the Bible to either support or refute what is read here – before sharing your new learning with others.

Hopefully, this preliminary introduction has prepared you to consider the possibility of redeemed souls being able to experience Heaven and the Kingdom of God – right here and right now! Keep reading respectfully
and in a thoughtful attitude of prayer.

Once we have repented of sin and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, our first step into His Spiritual Kingdom has been made!

Souls are made of spirits!

“...There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body...”
From 1 Corinthians 15:44

Please understand that a natural body contains many cells, and a spiritual body contains many spirits. Make a proper distinction between yourself as a “natural body” and as a “spiritual body.”

Learn to identify yourself correctly as a soul with a body –
not as a body that might – or might not – have a soul!

Unless you happen to be an astronaut on a mission in space, you are in your body right here on this planet. Regardless of your physical location, a soul can choose to be anywhere in the Kingdom of God or anywhere in the earthly domain of Satan! Your heartfelt desire to be in a spiritual place will be the cause to take you!

We coexist with both God and Satan
until separated from a body of flesh!

If you are a living follower of Christ, you do not have to wait for “physical death” to enter Heaven or the Kingdom of God while still on Earth! You already exist in the invisible realm of God even though your body remains alive in this domain of Satan – where you are susceptible to temptation, deception and torment.

Logical reasoning should make clear to most scholars that sinners are totally submersed within the satanic domain – both soul and body! And only true believers of the Lord and His Gospel will be found trying to rescue “lost souls” by promulgating Truth.

When you see or hear about evil people who attempt to impede good work being done by servants of God, the idea of “spiritual warfare” should become very clear to any skeptic. Confrontations between spiritual enemies were recently demonstrated by the irrational behavior of hurricane Katrina victims who ignorantly resisted rescue – and even used weapons to discourage the good work of compassionate men and women. You need to ask, what powerful psychological or spiritual force was holding the hearts of those people who declared they would “rather die” than leave? Is it possible that houses made of sticks and stones are more valuable to them than life – or did evil spirits in their flesh have other desires? Were demons seeking to keep control in an attempt to preserve a particular evil principality at any cost? “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”   Ephesians 6:12

Should servants of God support the American government when programs are set in place in an attempt to rebuild cities of sin that are comparable to Sodom and Gomorrha – or should we Christians use resources to give water to the thirsty, feed the hungry, clothe the naked – and preach the need for repentance?

“And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for
that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent.”
Mark 6:10-12

Even though billions of human bodies are existing on this planet, only a few million souls inhabiting those bodies are currently existing in the heavenly Kingdom of God. We need to realize that this planet is a place of spiritual darkness. At the same time, we need to think of the Kingdom as your only source of Spiritual Light, because of Christ. And it’s possible for Christians to manifest His “Light” while inhabiting flesh during opportune moments if we take authority over every circumstance in our lives.

“...Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven...”   From Matthew 6:10

The supernatural power of “God-in-souls” is the only way that Heaven on Earth can be made possible! You need to look at the recorded life of Christ to get a glimpse into how the reality of His heavenly Father was revealed. What earthly possessions did Jesus cherish? What was the substance of His desires through prayer? What were the Spiritual deeds performed while He was alive in flesh? What explanations of the past, present and future did He give? As people strive to answer questions by reading the Bible, and by seeking God’s guidance during prayer, the example set by the life of Jesus must be kept as the highest standard in the minds of everyone who calls Planet Earth home.

All humans are created with potential for vision through both “fleshly eyes” and “Spiritual eyes.” The eyes on our faces can see things of this world –
but only the eyes of a soul can see the things of Heaven. What we are able
to see depends upon whether we are subservient to God or Satan. Visual perceptions of two dimensions of reality have been made possible through human eyes, thoughts, dreams or visions. We are made aware when spiritual forces are encountered in various forms – be they actual or symbolic.

When Satan went to tempt Eve in the Garden of Eden, he enticed her with a promise, saying her “eyes would be opened” to the knowledge of both “good and evil” in Heaven and Earth. In her desire for “wisdom,” she took the fruit in disobedience to God – which resulted in the opening of her fleshly eyes. No longer was her vision limited to what she could see with Spiritual eyes. She then took the fruit for Adam to eat, and when he ate of it, they both were able to recognize their nakedness for the first time.

“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall
be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to
the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”   Genesis 3:5-7

Breaking Spiritual Laws result in separation from God! Adam and Eve were the first humans to experience carnal consciousness – making them aware of their nakedness. At that moment in time, their human flesh was given power over them because of sin. Those two souls lost their Spiritual connection with God – who was simultaneously present in the garden and in Heaven.
(Is there anyone who would argue that God left Heaven in order to enter the Garden of Eden?) He didn’t leave Heaven, and He didn’t leave Adam and Eve; they made the decision to be disobedient when they ate the fruit – and the result was severance of their Spiritual lifeline! Two souls were instantly made captive to the will of flesh in the domain of Satan. Since that tragic event in history, humans have experienced contamination of the bloodline. Choices between good and evil must now be made in the lives of all who occupy a fleshly body in every place outside the sanctity of the Garden!

As fleshly bodies experience life within earthly environments, a soul can experience a more glorious reality when right choices are made. When fleshly eyes are closed and Spiritual eyes are opened, people can learn to interpret what is seen. Evidence gleaned from spiritual experiences will affect the lives of people with either a curse or a blessing once it is shared.
Is the evidence of your life making you a vessel for Light or are you still in darkness? Is your focus on Life or are you infatuated more with death? Do you sense Peace or is your heart filled with torment and fear?

Even though a soul and body are two different entities that have been joined together for a limited time, the “condition” of a soul makes a greater impact on a body than does a body on a soul!

God is greater than Satan!

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Evil spirits use a body to torment a soul!
The Holy Spirit helps us overcome desires of a body!

“...we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord... (or) ...willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Spiritual eyes can see spiritual realities!

“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”   Luke 10:18

“And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.”   Mark 3:11

“And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” Mark 13:26&27

“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.” Revelation 7:1

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”   Psalms 91:11

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
Matthew 16:27

While good angels do good things for God,
evil angels are busy doing evil things for Satan!

Those invisible evil entities that can only be seen with Spiritual eyes are busy stealing, killing and destroying! They are using water, wind, fire, diseases and earthquakes to create havoc. They are creating false gods for confused people to worship, making themselves appear as “ghosts” in spooky places, becoming quiet “voices” during communications with psychics, appearing
as “aliens” during “UFO” sightings around the world, and they are even pretending to be “angels from Heaven” to deceive the very elect while performing dastardly deeds. Since we know Satan is adept at perpetrating deception while overwhelming this planet with one problem after another,
it would be prudent to consider most experiences of a tragic or mysterious nature as something designed to distract people from the good things of God.

The Holy Word of God needs to be understood from a Spiritual perspective. We have been living in two separate dimensions of reality with either God or Satan ever since the sin of Adam and Eve. God’s version of truth, love and beauty is different than Satan’s version; God’s holy version of life, peace, prosperity and contentment in Heaven is different than Satan’s evil “fame and fortune” seductions. Do not allow yourself to be easily enticed or confused by the Crafty One – even if he pretends to be an “angel of light.” Do not let yourself be influenced away from Truth by demons when they masquerade as “ministers of righteousness.”

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their work.” 2 Corinthians 11:14&15

Righteous souls will be found at the right hand of God when nations are gathered together – while rebellious souls will be found at His left hand!

“And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.”
Matthew 25:32&33

“...Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels...” Matthew 25:41

It’s important to understand that what is experienced by a body is either enhanced or diminished by the Spiritual condition of a soul. This means that Christians and non-Christians do not experience life in the flesh in the same way. Those who are carnally-minded tend to be emotional with an emphasis on sensory experiences – while Spiritually-minded souls tend to be serene with an emphasis on things not of this world! The bodily behavior of most redeemed souls seems peculiar to people who are dominated by the desires of flesh. Christians never act or react within the circumstances of life
as expected by those who are carnal in nature. The knowledge and inner-strength given to redeemed souls by the Holy Spirit poses a threat
to those who conform themselves to Satan. For this reason, Christians are persecuted when fear and hatred motivate enemies of God. People of the flesh usually believe a holy person is an obstacle to their pursuit of evil.

Fortunately, within 120 years after birth, a human body ceases to function and a soul is released. Each soul continues to exist either in the Kingdom
or in the domain of Satan.

Good souls do not dread physical death, but look forward to it with great anticipation! It is known that obedient souls will be officially rewarded
by eternal unity with God in Heaven. It is only people who live without knowledge of grace and forgiveness who hate the thought of physical death. They continually do their best to resist the inevitable. Unfortunately, many rebellious souls have not been convinced that separation from God is a punishment to be avoided. They refuse to open themselves up to good
things provided when reconciliation with their Maker takes place.

Death can come at any time after conception – even though 120 years is our life expectancy!

“And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” Genesis 6:3

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:12

Heaven and Hell are real places!

Entry into Heaven begins in “Spiritually inhabited” good souls – and then radiates upward to the very center of God.

Entry into Hell begins in “flesh dominated” bad souls at ground level – and radiates downward to the center of Planet Earth.

To clarify this revelation, people need to think of good souls going “upward” into a higher Spiritual dimension throughout God’s heavenly creation. The alternate fate for a bad body and soul will take them “downward” into the very core of this planet.

“...And God called the firmament Heaven...” Genesis 1:8

“...And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it...” Genesis 28:12

Souls separated from God are dead!

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

Hell is inside Planet Earth!

“For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” Deuteronomy 32:22

The “bottomless pit” is a real place in space!

“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” Revelation 20:2&3

Most scholars have learned how the process of being born of flesh has made human life on Earth possible, but the idea of being born of Spirit to make a better life in Heaven possible has not been clearly shared or understood.

Souls are able to enjoy the wonders of God’s Spiritual Kingdom at the very instant the new birth occurs! “...flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God...”   1 Corinthians 15:50 This Truth applies to every soul that ever occupied flesh – including the biblical Elijah, Enoch, Moses and Jesus Himself!

Lord Jesus Christ is the Light, and He is the only Doorway into the Kingdom of Heaven for submissive souls – right here and right now! Before souls can experience the many things of Heaven, souls must overcome the evil inherent in flesh. We must allow the Holy Spirit to inspire holy thoughts, words and deeds. Christians need to teach lost souls how to detach themselves from fleshly appetites as they are guided into the knowledge
of Truth.

Christ once explained to those standing near Him how His Kingdom would come into existence before their physical death! Later, when they saw Him in a transformed, resurrected body after departing the tomb, they realized
the time had come.

“...There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom...”   Matthew 16:28

“...Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand...”   Matthew 4:17

Heaven on Earth is a reality today – right here
and right now – for those of us born of Spirit!

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42&43

The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross made His Kingdom on Earth possible! That supernatural event happened before His resurrection and ascension into Heaven – where He now intercedes for redeemed souls at
the right hand of the Father.

“...who is even at the right hand of God...” Romans 8:34

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:5&6

Just as a soul within a body is unseen
by fleshly eyes, the Kingdom of God
within a soul is unseen by fleshly eyes!

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20&21

To be One with God in His Kingdom is to be One with transformed souls who occupy Heaven!

The idea of being “born of the Spirit” to qualify souls for entrance into the realm of God has always been difficult for humankind to understand. Most of us tend to be so shallow in our thinking about God that deeper Spiritual meanings are seldom revealed until our measure of faith has been put into action.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure
of faith.” Romans 12:3

Good souls can teach others what it is like to be a worthy servant of the Master through good words and deeds. We Christians must humble ourselves in ways that will make detachment from earthly cares possible. Anything that makes fleshly pleasures or earthly rewards more important to a person than servitude to God should never be considered worthy of pursuit. God doesn’t bless or reward people with an earthly harvest when Spiritual seeds are sown – and He doesn’t bless or reward people with a Spiritual harvest when earthly seeds are sown. Sowing apple seeds do not produce a harvest of Love – and sowing seeds of Love do not produce a harvest of apples. If we desire apples, we must sow apple seeds in the soil under our feet; if we desire Love, we must sow Love seeds in soil that was formed by God to make a human body.

When we witness the humanity of “Living Dirt” emphasizing “earthly success” over “treasures in heaven,” it shouldn’t be taken seriously!

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:20&21

Are Your Treasures on Earth or in Heaven?

“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Luke 4:5-8

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25

“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:23-26

During these final days before Christ comes to “catch away” loyal souls, we have an opportunity to share the gospel of the Kingdom message in every nation. Remember, it’s a soul – not a body – that must remain our top priority. There is a coming day when Armageddon will be over, and evil
will no longer be a problem.

There will be a new Earth and a new Heaven!

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” Revelation 21:1

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” Isaiah 64:4

Scholars need to acknowledge that correctly translated Words found in the Holy Bible – regarding people, events, circumstances, promises, warnings, commandments and descriptions of lifestyles within historic context – must have contemporary interpretations with relevant meanings to be understood! There is no other way for people of all languages, cultures or educational indoctrination to realize their significant dependency upon the Maker. Holy Words were designed to instruct rebellious souls in a way that enables fleshly eyes to see beyond earthly deceptions.

God is the Creator; Satan is the Imitator!
Nothing Satan does is original!

Satan is busy distorting Truth on this planet. His perversion of Spiritual realities is only a temporary phenomenon. Even though evil souls make thing’s worse, righteous souls who currently occupy earthly bodies have God-given power to do miraculous things – right here and right now – to make life on Earth better. Prophetically, we are now in the “seventh day.”

“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”
Genesis 2:2

Now is the time to use faith wisely!

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”   Matthew 17:20

“But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”   Matthew 8:27

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I
do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in
my name, I will do it.”   John 14:12-14

God is in redeemed souls!

NOW is the time to repent of sin if you haven’t already! Please acknowledge Jesus as Lord over your life, purify yourself through fasting, refresh yourself through prayer, assume authority over your circumstances through faith, and use your freedom to enjoy the Kingdom of God on Earth as it is in Heaven!

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 16:19

Let all Christians bind those things that hinder and loose those things that heal. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

I have faith to believe that thoughts are evidence of spirits.
   Christians need to accept good spirits and reject bad spirits!
      I bind the spirit of confusion!

I have faith to believe the Holy Spirit speaks to those who hear.
   Christians need to ignore spirits sent from Satan!
      I loose the Spirit of Truth!

I have faith to believe God can do anything He desires.
   Christians need to be unified in their struggle against evil!
      I bind the spirit of deception!

I have faith to believe God’s power is released when I speak.
   Christians need to disengage from satanic systems!
      I loose the Spirit of Wisdom!

I have faith to believe all earthly problems can be solved.
   Christians need freedom to make good choices!
      I bind the spirit of hopelessness!

I have faith to believe tragedies can be overcome.
   Christians need to show compassion!
      I loose the Spirit of Charity!

I have faith to believe Love is a gift from God.
   Christians need to be compatible!
      I bind the spirit of disharmony!

I have faith to believe hidden enemies can be defeated.
   Christians need to identify evil where they find it!
      I loose the Spirit of Discernment!

I have faith to believe famine will not harm Christians.
   Christians need to refrain from coveting food!
      I bind the spirit of gluttony!

I have faith to believe good souls survive the flesh.
   Christians need to emphasize the plan of salvation!
      I loose the Spirit of Forgiveness!

I have faith to believe humility is greater than pride.
   Christians need to love neighbors more than themselves!
      I bind the spirit of arrogance!

I have faith to believe contentment is possible.
   Christians need to trust God more than money!
      I loose the Spirit of Trust!

I have faith to believe God can heal sick people.
   Christians need to manifest hope and courage!
      I bind the spirit of disease!

I have faith to believe millions of souls will repent of sin.
   Christians need to communicate wisely!
      I loose the Spirit of Prophecy!

I have faith to believe a supernatural revival is coming.
   Christians need to be a circle of unity worldwide!
      I bind the spirit of doubt!

I have faith to believe will be witnessing miracles.
   Christians need faith to speak events into reality!
      I loose the Spirit of Faith!

I have faith to believe Jesus and His angels will appear soon.
   Christians need to reach souls with a sense of urgency!
      I bind the spirit of apostasy!

I pray these things will be done by your Spirit, dear Jesus, according to my measure of faith. Let it be bound and loosed in Heaven as it has been on Earth – and then let it be on Earth as is in Heaven! Let nations understand every word that has been written here, according to inspiration received
by your servant!