When Heaven Is Opened

This Episode centers on the concept of "when Heaven is opened," emphasizing the biblical significance of access between heaven and earth. It references Jacob's dream in Genesis 28, where a ladder symbolizes this access, and connects it to Jesus as the ultimate ladder. The presentation explores instances where heaven is opened, such as Jesus' baptism, the transfiguration, and Pentecost, highlighting the Holy Spirit's manifestation. It also reflects on the need for repentance and preparation to align with God's way, using John the Baptist's ministry as a directive. The narrative concludes with Stephen's vision of heaven opened during his martyrdom, underscoring the importance of faith and grace in challenging circumstances.

Transcript

When Heaven Is Opened

Outline

When Heaven Is Opened: Introduction and Context

• This presentation introduces the topic of "when Heaven is opened" and emphasizes the importance of choosing a positive, scriptural route in difficult circumstances.
• The concept of "heaven being opened" is explained as a communication and access between heaven and earth, allowing access to God's word and ways.
• It mentions the need to draw near to this idea by entering into the pages of Scripture, starting with Jacob's dream in Genesis 28.
• Jacob's dream is described, where he sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, symbolizing access between the two realms.

Jacob's Dream and Its Prophetic Significance

• It elaborates on Jacob's dream, explaining that the ladder represents access between earth and heaven, and the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
• The dream is interpreted as a prophetic statement about the Messiah, who would establish this access between earth and heaven.
• Jesus is identified as the ladder, providing communication and fellowship between heaven and earth.
• The Lord's promise to Jacob and his descendants is highlighted, emphasizing that all families of the earth will be blessed through them.

Nathaniel's Encounter with Jesus

• The presentation transitions to the Gospel of John, where Philip introduces Nathaniel to Jesus, who is from Nazareth.
• Nathaniel expresses skepticism about anything good coming from Nazareth, but Philip invites him to see for himself.
• Jesus saw Nathaniel under the fig tree and declares that he is an Israelite in whom there is no guile.
• Jesus tells Nathaniel that he will see greater things than this, including the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

The Concept of Heaven Being Opened

• It explains that Jesus is the ladder, providing access to God and enabling communication between heaven and earth.
• The heavens being opened means that the things of heaven become visible, tangible, and audible on earth.
• The speaker shares his personal belief that heaven is a different dimension closer than we think, and that it can be opened to reveal God's presence and angels.
• The importance of drawing near to these truths biblically and scripturally is emphasized.

Examples of Heaven Being Opened

• The speaker provides examples of heaven being opened, such as the baptism of Jesus, where heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him.
• Another example is Jesus praying in John 12:29, where a voice came out of heaven, glorifying God's name.
• The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain is mentioned, where heaven was opened and Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were seen.
• Pentecost is highlighted as an example of heaven being opened, with a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire distributing the Holy Spirit.

The Ministry of John the Baptist

• The presentation reflects on the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Messiah through a ministry of repentance.
• John's baptism of repentance is described as a call to change one's mind and direction, requiring real-life adjustments.
• The prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah's writings in John's ministry is noted, emphasizing the need to make the paths straight for the Lord.
• Practical examples of how to prepare the way for the Lord are given, such as filling up ravines and bringing down mountains.

The Need for Repentance and Preparation

• It stresses the importance of repentance and preparation in approaching the way of the Lord.
• The need to make the paths straight in one's life, removing obstacles and making adjustments, is emphasized.
• The end result of this preparation is that all flesh will see the salvation of God.
• The speaker encourages the audience to consider their own circumstances and pray for heaven to be opened in those areas.

The Example of Stephen

• The presentation concludes with the example of Stephen, who was filled with the Holy Spirit and gazed intently into heaven during his time of trial.
• Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, declaring that he saw heaven opened.
• This moment of seeing heaven opened provided Stephen with strength and grace in his final moments.
• The importance of walking by grace and faith, and agreeing with heaven, is emphasized.