Program 41: The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer

Learn how to become a prayer warrior! You, too, can pray successfully for others.

Welcome to WLC Radio, a subsidiary of World’s Last Chance Ministries, an online ministry dedicated to learning how to live in constant readiness for the Savior's return.

For two thousand years, believers of every generation have longed to be the last generation. Contrary to popular belief, though, Christ did not give believers “signs of the times” to watch for. Instead, he repeatedly warned that his coming would take even the faithful by surprise. Yahushua urgently warned believers to be ready because, he said, “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [Matthew 24:44]

WLC Radio: Teaching minds and preparing hearts for Christ's sudden return.

Part 1: (Miles & Dave)

Miles Robey: Greetings! And a very warm welcome to World’s Last Chance Radio, bringing you truth-filled messages from the Scriptures. I’m your host, Miles Robey.

Dave Wright: And I’m Dave Wright. We’re glad you’ve made us a part of your day.

Miles: If you’ve joined us before, you know we feel privileged to know and use the original name of the Creator, which is Yahuwah or Yah. The name of the Son isn’t Jesus, but Yahushua.

Dave: El and Eloah are Hebrew titles for divinity.

Miles: I’ve got a question for you, Dave. Have you ever been praying and felt like your prayers were simply … I don’t know. Ricocheting off the ceiling and bouncing back down to you? Or am I the only one?

Dave: No. No, you’re not. I’d say you’re courageous for admitting it on air, but I think we’ve all experienced before that feeling that our prayers aren’t getting through to Heaven, let alone past our ceiling.

Miles: I think it’s especially troubling when you’re doing more than just saying the blessing, or doing a quick evening check-in with Yah. When you’re really troubled about something, it can be incredibly discouraging to feel like your prayers aren’t getting through.

Dave: I agree, and nowhere is that more true than when we’re wanting to pray for others. Especially as parents. One of the most common comments we get sent to us are prayer requests, asking the team to pray for adult children who aren’t living up to all the light they were raised with, or refusing to follow on to know more truths.

Miles: Yep. Yep, it’s true. And that’s what I’d like to talk about today: intercessory prayer. Are there any tips you can give us, any pointers, on how to pray effectively for others?

Dave: I’m glad you asked, Miles, because the answer is yes. I think we’ve all known people who seem to somehow have an “in” with the Father. They pray, and their prayers get results!

Miles: Yeah, it can leave the rest of us feeling like, “What’s the secret to answered prayer??”

Dave: Well, there is definitely a science to prayer, and the principles I’d like to share with you can apply to all prayer, not just intercessory prayers. They’re simple and straightforward.

But first, did you know that Scripture teaches that it is actually a sin to not engage in intercessory prayer?

Miles: Are you serious?! No, I didn’t know that. Where do you get that from?

Dave: It’s in 1 Samuel. You’ll recall the Israelites were demanding a king because they wanted to be like other nations, right?

Miles: Yeah, yeah! Yah told Samuel to go ahead and anoint a king for them because they had rejected Yahuwah, not Samuel.

Dave: Yahuwah also told Samuel to warn the people of the demands a king would make, but the people still wanted a king anyway. Now, what’s fascinating is what Samuel told the people when he conceded to their demands. It’s very interesting.

He said, quote: “Far be it from me that I should sin against Yahuwah in ceasing to pray for you.” [1 Samuel 12:23]

Miles: He really said that?

Dave: He really did: “Far be it from me that I should sin against Yahuwah in ceasing to pray for you.” It’s not that Heaven is slow or reluctant to answer our prayers. The problem is that we so rarely pray! Or, if we do pray, our prayers are vaguely worded and unbelieving.

But what’s so interesting about Samuel’s statement to the Israelites is that it reveals believers have an actual duty to pray for others.

We can cooperate with Heaven by praying for the people in our lives! In a real sense, it frees the Father to work in ways He otherwise could not.

Miles: Why do you say that? I mean, He’s Yah! He’s the Almighty. Why do you say that when we ask, it frees Him to work in ways He otherwise couldn’t?

Dave: Look at it this way: every war has stated “terms of engagement”. The war between Yah and Satan is no different. One of those terms of engagement is that in order to have special intervention, it’s necessary to ask.

It’s like this: in order to protect the human race from being overwhelmed by demonic entities, Yahuwah has established that direct involvement, from either side, may be done only in answer to a specific request.

And what’s truly a disgrace is that Luciferians and devil-worshippers frequently have more “faith” in Satan’s ability and willingness to answer their petitions than Yah’s professed people do in the Almighty!

Miles: Even though He’s done everything He can to demonstrate that He is a loving Father.

Dave: It’s part of Yah’s plan to give us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He wouldn’t otherwise bestow, unless we ask.

Miles: Why is that?

Dave: Well, when you ask for something and your prayer is answered, how do you feel?

Miles: Amazement!

Dave: All right. What else?

Miles: Well … gratitude. You feel thankful and loved.

Dave: And gratitude awakens love which increases faith! That is why Yah wants us to ask for His blessings and gifts. It’s not to see us groveling. It’s to give us the opportunity to strengthen our faith!

Miles: This reminds me of something Yahushua said in His sermon on the mount. In Matthew 7, He said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” [Matthew 7:7-11] Unquote.

Dave: Excellent example!

Miles: So, obviously, Yahushua understood this principle.

Dave: And don’t give up! I’ve read that in the Hebrew, the meaning is closer to “Ask and keep on asking … seek and keep on seeking … knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened.” So we’re not to give up and assume the Father doesn’t want to answer our prayers. He does! But we do need to ask.

And the prayer in which He delights the most to answer? Cries for help and deliverance from the snares of the devil.

Miles: Like the disciples on the Sea of Gallilee, yelling out, “Master, save us! We perish!” That’s a prayer that will always receive an immediate answer.

Dave: Isn’t that a beautiful promise? What assurance! And when you’re filled with love for the Saviour, you’re also going to share His burden for the salvation of others. You’re going to want to see your family, your friends—

Miles: –Our former church members.

Dave: Our former church members, yes, we’re going to want to see all these people important to us be blessed by the truths we love, too.

Miles: I’d say, in my experience, especially when you’ve made the decision to step out and follow advanced truth, you’re going to be led separate from commonly held belief systems.

Dave: Absolutely. You might discover that friendships you’ve had a long time now feel awkward. You might be excommunicated or disfellowshiped from a church you’ve attended for years! Some marriages have even suffered.

Miles: Well, following truth “no matter what the cost” generally does cost “everything.”

Dave: It really does. And these schisms in relationships will only increase the further you follow down the path of obedience. If you keep walking while everyone else remains standing still, it’s not going to take very long before there’s quite a gap between you!

Miles: But we’re not to give up! You know, I’ve actually heard some Christians take the attitude that if another Christian has turned his back on truth, then brush him off. He is “joined to his idols” so have nothing further to do with him. But that’s not Yahuwah’s attitude is it? Just like with Samuel and the rebellious Israelites, we’re to pray harder than ever, not give up and write them off!

Dave: And this is where intercessory prayer comes in. Praying for others is really important! Angels cooperate with Heaven in saving souls, and if we will pray for those in our lives, we will have the privilege of cooperating with Heaven, too, to save souls!

Miles: I think you’re on to something here. We’re not to be selfish in our requests. Yah isn’t some big Santa Claus in the sky: tell Him what you want, and you’ll get what you ask for. We ask so that we can give. To others.

Dave: That’s exactly what Yahushua did. Scripture says He rose up “a great while before dawn” and went and prayed. [Mark 1:35] Now you know He wasn’t asking for a donkey cart to come along and give Him a ride so He didn’t have to walk all the way to Samaria! He was praying for His disciples, for the people who came to listen to Him. He was praying for wisdom that He might teach them clearly. He was praying for you and me.

And we’re to do the same.

Miles: I like what you said earlier: we’re to cooperate with holy angels in the work—and privilege—of saving souls

Dave: Because of the terms of engagement in the great controversy between good and evil, it’s vital that we pray for those with whom we come in contact. Heaven longs to do more and is only waiting to be asked for help!

Miles: This reminds me of Paul’s statement in Ephesians that Yahuwah is, quote: “Able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” [Ephesians 3:20] Unquote. He wants to answer our prayers, folks!

Dave: He really does, but He needs us to ask. In John 16, Yahushua said, quote: “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Unquote. [John 16:24]

Obviously, the act of asking is an important prerequisite, or else Scripture would not have so often encouraged and even urged us to pray for ourselves and for others.

Miles: That’s a good point. So, take an intercessory prayer. A sample prayer. Are there any elements that go into successful intercessory prayer/

Dave: I’m glad you asked that, Miles. Even the disciples asked Yahushua, “Lord, teach us to pray!” [Luke 11:1]

There are five basic elements that effective intercessory prayer contains.

1. Rededicate yourself to Yahuwah.
2. Call upon the name of Yahuwah.
3. Pray in the name of Yahushua.
4. Be specific, and,
5. Persevere.

Let’s take a look at each of these. First, rededicate yourself to Yahuwah. Before you pray for anyone else, confess your own sins. Make sure there’s nothing between your soul and the Saviour that would prevent the blessing you seek.

Miles: Of course, in an emergency, you can always dart a prayer Heavenward.

Dave: Absolutely! But when presenting a specific case before Yahuwah, it’s important to reconsecrate your own self to Yah, first.

Miles: Okay, we’re going to take a quick break and when we come back, let’s go over the other four points.

Don’t go away! We’ll be right back.

* * *

Advertisement

If I were to ask you when a day starts, what would you say? Midnight? That IS when one date changes to another. But if I were to ask you when the Sabbath begins, what would be your answer?

A lot of people assume the Sabbath begins Friday evening at sunset. The shocking truth, however, is that Scripture does reveal when a day begins, but it’s neither midnight nor sunset!

If you would like to know when the Bible teaches a day begins, go to our website at WorldsLastChance.com. Look for the video: “When does a day begin?”

That’s “When does a day begin?” on WorldsLastChance.com or, look for WLC Videos on YouTube!

* * *Part 2: (Miles & Dave)

Miles: We’re talking about intercessory prayer today—the privilege, even the duty, of praying for others. In our last segment, Dave cited five elements that go into successful intercessory prayer. Those are:

• Rededicate yourself to Yahuwah.
• Call upon the name of Yahuwah.
• Pray in the name of Yahushua.
• Be specific, and, finally,
• Persevere.

Dave?

Dave: Thanks, Miles. As we just said, before laying a particular case before the Almighty, it’s important to rededicate yourself to Yah. Make sure there’s nothing standing in the way of the desired blessing.

Secondly, it is our privilege when praying to call upon the name of Yahuwah.

Miles: This sounds very specific.

Dave: It is. It’s a command that is frequently repeated in Scripture. Psalm 105, verse 1, commands, quote: “O give thanks unto Yahuwah; call upon His name.”

This is an important point we shouldn’t gloss over. The act of calling upon the holy name, while also giving thanks, inspires faith in the heart to grasp the divine promise. This is an important part of effective intercessory prayer.

Miles: Yeah, I can see how it would be. As you acknowledge the supremacy, the might and power of Yah, your love, gratitude and trust will increase.

Dave: This, in turn, strengthens your faith in Yahuwah’s power and His willingness to answer your petition. It’s a beautiful cycle of faith and love!

Third, is praying in Yahushua’s name. This is really beautiful. The Saviour has invited us to present our requests to Yah in His name! Would you read John 14, verses 13 and 14 for us?

Miles: “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

That’s great! And you know, anything asked in the Saviour’s name is going to be heard and answered!

Dave: Yes, but praying in His name means more than just closing your prayer with, “In Yahushua’s name, Amen.” It means praying in accordance with the will of the Father.

Miles: Hmm. Like Yahushua in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but Thine be done.” [Luke 22:42]

Dave: And when we do this, we can be confident that Yahuwah will hear and answer. Turn over to John 16 and read verses 23 and 24. This was one of the last things Yahushua said to the disciples before He was betrayed and it was an encouragement to pray!

Miles: “Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Dave: This isn’t a guarantee that the person for whom you are praying will make the right choice or that the outcome will be what you want.

Miles: Yahuwah always respects freedom of choice, doesn’t He?

Dave: If a person chooses to persist in rejection of truth, dangerous behaviors, or any other situation over which you are praying, Yahuwah grants him or her the freedom of choice to do so. However, praying for an individual or situation frees Yahuwah to work in ways He otherwise would not be able to under the terms of engagement in the war with Satan.

Miles: Okay. Number four. Pray specifically.

Dave: Fear of unanswered prayer often leads people to pray very vague prayers. Sure, they’ll make requests, but the requests are so broadly stated, so open-ended that even if Yahuwah answers their prayers, no answers can be seen!

Miles: Oh, yeah. I’ve done that before.

Dave: I think we all have. But asking Yahuwah to “Please bless Sister Johnston” is very different than asking Him: “Please provide Sister Johnston with a job that will allow her to keep the Sabbath.”

See the difference?

Miles: Big difference! It reminds me of something the great 19^th-century Protestant evangelist, Charles Spurgeon, observed once. He said, quote: “There is a general kind of praying which fails for lack of precision. It is as if a regiment of soldiers should all fire off their guns anywhere. Possibly somebody would be killed, but the majority of the enemy would be missed.”

Dave: That’s a good illustration. Like shooting buck shot at a distant target and hoping a few of the little beads actually hit the target.

Again, don’t be afraid to be very specific when you pray.

If you’re praying for a friend to be healed, ask that the Spirit of Life that raised Yahushua from the dead be given to the person to restore her to health.

If you’re eating in a restaurant, ask that if there’s anything in the food that could harm you, that Yahuwah, as the food-provider, would cause those harmful elements to dissolve and pass harmlessly through you.

If your boss is angry and upset, pray that holy angels be sent to press back the legions of darkness and surround him with a Heavenly atmosphere of peace and light.

If your own heart feels hardened, ask the Creator to re-create your heart, bringing your will into alignment with His divine will.

Miles: That’s beautiful. Ask the Creator to be your re-Creator. But isn’t it, well, dangerous to be really specific? What happens if you ask for something that could harm you? I think that’s one reason why people leave their prayers so open-ended.

Dave: There’s no danger in praying very specifically if, in every prayer, you subject your will to the divine will. Just do like Yahushua did: ask that in all things His will be done.

And when you do this, claim the merits of Yahushua’s blood!

Miles: What do you mean? What does that look like in prayer?

Dave: When you pray for a person, or particular situation, claim the merits of the blood of Yahushua to cover both yourself (as the petitioner) and the person for whom you’re praying. You can even open your Bible to Matthew 27 and present Calvary as the reason why Heaven should work mightily on your behalf.

Remember, it’s only by virtue of Yahushua’s blood shed on Calvary that we are continual recipients of divine grace.

Claim the merits of the Saviour’s blood to not only forgive your sins, but the sins of the person or people for whom you’re praying. If a particular situation involves others, such as doctors, lawyers, pastors, employers, etc., pray for them as well!

It is very important to claim the merits of Yahushua’s blood when engaging in intercessory prayer. Sin separates individuals from the source of power and peace. This is why it’s necessary to ask forgiveness for their sins in order to make sure the way is cleared for the desired blessing.

Miles: You think about it, both Yahushua and Stephen prayed that the sins of their murderers would be forgiven.

Dave: That’s true.

Miles: You know, I had an experience recently that seems to confirm what you’re saying about asking forgiveness for the sins of the person you’re praying for. I’d swung by a shoe store to pick up a new pair of running shoes. A few aisles over, there was this woman who was in a really foul mood. I mean, she was just nasty.

She was snapping at her daughter: “You certainly will wear what I buy today! I don’t care what you want. I’m in charge. It’s my money and you will wear them to school!”

To be honest, I was shocked to hear such a verbal tirade in public. I casually walked past the aisle she was in and noticed a young teenager there, obviously embarrassed and miserable to be the target of her mother’s rage in public.

When her mother angrily pointed out several pairs of “acceptable” pairs of shoes, the girl tried to protest, saying: “Those are old lady shoes.”

But her mum wouldn’t let up: “I don’t care! I am the one buying the shoes. It’s my money and I’ll buy what I want you to wear and you will wear it!”

Now, honestly, the girl had my sympathies and the mother disgusted me. But I decided to really quick pray about it and I actually did some of what you’ve shared here.

First, I asked Yahuwah to forgive my sins so my prayer could be heard. Then I asked Him to forgive the woman and the girl of their sins. I asked Him to send holy angels to drive away the demons that were obviously tormenting the mother and give her a calm, peaceful spirit.

Dave: What happened?

Miles: It was the most amazing thing! By the time I finished with, “Please, Father, please help in this situation!” it was quiet!

The very next thing I heard was the mother. In a calm, quiet tone, she said, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I got so mad. It’s not fair for me to make you wear just the shoes I like. Show me what you’d like to wear.”

Dave: Wow! What a change!

Miles: It really was! The most incredible change had taken place and it was almost instantaneous! There is incredible power in prayer.

Dave: Remember, though, that Yahuwah will never force the will. If the mum had insisted on clinging to her anger, Yah wouldn’t have forced her. However, in answer to your prayer, Yahuwah could drive away the demons that were feeding the rage. And, obviously, she responded.

Miles: It was beautiful to see.

Dave: I’m sure it was.

All right. Final point: it’s important to persevere in prayer. Don’t give up! When you pray for someone, you’re engaging in active warfare against all of Satan’s hosts.

Miles: Hm. True. Paul warned, quote: “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]

Dave: It’s important to remember this. Don’t become discouraged if, for a while, things actually become worse. Evil angels aren’t going to leave the field of battle without a severe struggle.

Roger Morneau wrote a number of books on the power of prayer and in one of them, he told the story of a couple whose adult son was severely brain damaged from drug abuse.

Miles: How sad.

Dave: It was really difficult for the aging parents. He couldn’t care for himself, so he lived with his parents and would just sit and chain smoke for hours. He’d have these out-of-control rages and his speech was just gibberish.

The parents were heartbroken.

Miles: I can’t begin to imagine what they must have gone through.

Dave: Well, the mother contacted Roger Morneau who suggested that they start praying that Yahuwah would restore the son’s mental abilities to glorify Yah and strengthen the faith of others.

Miles: That’s good. Asking that Yah use the situation to bless others and strengthen their faith.

Dave: It’s a great prayer, isn’t it? Well, at first there was no immediate improvement. But they kept praying. Finally, after several months’ time, the mother was thrilled to see her son seemed to be improving. His speech was clearer and for the first time in years, he asked his mum to cut his hair!

A few months after that, he told his mum he was going to quit smoking.

Miles: And did he?

Dave: Well, his mum was a bit skeptical. Her son was in his 30s. He’d been smoking for years. She didn’t think he’d actually be able to quit … but he did! He never smoked again.

Miles: That’s amazing!

Dave: The parents obviously credited Yahuwah for all the changes in their son, but after about a year, the mother confessed to Roger Morneau that her faith was beginning to waver that her son would be fully restored. After all, his mental abilities were still severely handicapped from years of drug abuse. When she shared this with Morneau, though, he encouraged her to keep praying and pointed her to James 1, verses 6 and 7.

Miles: Give me a second. I want to read that really quickly …

Aw, yes: “Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from Yahuwah.”

So what happened next?

Dave: Less than two weeks later, the mother called Morneau, crying so hard he could barely understand her. Apparently, the son had exploded into this huge, violent rage, throwing furniture through windows and threatening his parents. The father had actually been forced to call the police and the son had been taken to a mental hospital.

In talking on the phone, the mother sobbed, “I hate to say this, but I have lost all faith in the power of prayer. I am not going to trouble Yahuwah with my needs any longer.”

Miles: That’s terrible. How sad. So then what happened?

Dave: Well, Morneau refused to quit praying. He said, “Don’t stop now! I’m going to pray harder than ever. Satan’s trying to discourage you. He’s trying to get you to stop praying.”

Then he said something we should all remember when things get hard. He said: “Take this as encouragement to pray harder than ever because Satan only attacks like this when the forces of light are winning!”

Miles: What a thought! I’m going to remember that: take Satan’s attack as confirmation that Yah IS answering your prayers! I like that.

Dave: A few days later, the son woke up in hospital feeling perfectly well. Tests showed that he was mentally alert, healthy in mind and body.

Miles: Incredible! It reminds me of a quote I read once that said: “There is no danger that Yah will neglect the prayers of His people. The danger is that they will become discouraged and fail to persevere in prayer.”

Dave: Exactly! How many times has the Father wanted to answer our prayers, in fact, was in the process of answering our prayers, and we gave up and quit praying too soon?

Miles: A question we should all ask ourselves.

Dave: Do you remember the story when the Amalekites attacked Israel? Do you remember what Moses did?

Miles: He went up on a hill nearby, didn’t he? To direct the battle?

Dave: Yes, with his hands raised in prayer. Now what’s really interesting about this story is that it didn’t take Moses long to realize that as long as his hands were raised in prayer, Israel won the battle. But every time he got tired and lowered his arms, the Amalekites won.

Miles: I remember. It’s a great story. Hold on a sec. Why don’t I read it for us.

Dave: All right. Exodus 17, verses 11 to 13.

Miles: “And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Dave: We’ve got to remember this! Don’t neglect to persevere in prayer. You don’t know what accusations Satan is making behind the scenes, as he did with Job. Sometimes prayers are answered only after months or years. Yahuwah needs you to take hold of the promises and not let go.

Miles: Just like Jacob wrestling with the angel, we need to cling and not let go.

Dave: That’s right. Jacob said, “I will not let You go until You bless me!” And he obtained Yah’s blessing! Yahuwah honored Jacob’s persistence.

Centuries later the prophet Hosea referred to Jacob’s victory through persevering prayer. He wrote: “Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; Even Yahuwah, Eloah of hosts; Yah is his memorial. Therefore turn thou to thy Eloah: keep mercy and judgment and wait on thy Eloah continually.” [Hosea 12:4-6]

Miles: We all could certainly learn from his example!

Don’t go away folks. We’ll be right back, answering your questions sent in to our Daily Mailbag. Stay tuned.

* * *

Mid-point call letters

You are listening to World's Last Chance Radio.

WLC Radio: Teaching minds and preparing hearts for Christ's sudden return.

* * *Advertisement

The apostle Paul prayed for the believers in Ephesus that they would not be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.”

The danger is very real. Especially now. There are voices everywhere, each one insisting that their body of beliefs is truth and everyone else? Wrong!

Sometimes, in uncovering more light, it may appear that some truths contradict other truths.

To learn what you can do when that happens to you, go to WorldsLastChance.com. Read the article, “The Weight of Evidence.”

Scripture provides a standard by which anyone can discern truth versus error. Learn how to use the weight of evidence to know the truth at WorldsLastChance.com.

* * *Daily Mailbag (Miles & Dave)

Dave: So, what deep, profound question do you have for us today, Miles?

Miles: It’s a good one! Coming from Mei Bao in Changsha, China, has a question I’ve never even thought of before. She writes: “Dear WLC, My family and I meet with two other families every Sabbath. We enjoy listening to your radio programs on your website. We have a question, though, and that is: Could you explain what Paul meant by the phrases 'Absent from the Lord' and 'Present with the Lord'? On your website, you teach that there is no consciousness after death. So, how can someone be absent or with Yahuwah, either one? Doesn’t this prove that the soul does, in fact, go to Heaven at death?”

Dave: That is a great question.

Miles: See what I mean? Like I said: one I’ve never thought of before! Where does it come from, do you know? I don’t recall hearing it before.

Dave: It’s a bit obscure. It’s not a passage we read a lot, so let’s take a look at it and read them in context. Both phrases are found in 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verses 6 to 8. Would you read that for us, please?

Miles: Certainly … OK: 2 Corinthians 5 … verses 6-8?

Dave: Yes.

Miles: “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord [or Master]: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord [Master].”

Huh! Don’t think I’ve ever read that before.

Dave: I’m glad that Mei Bao asked this question. These verses have led many to wrongly conclude that at death the believer’s soul immediately goes to be, quote: “present with the Master.” They point to verse two, just a few verses earlier, as proof that Paul is talking about the soul going to be with Yahuwah at death.

Miles: Okay, give me a second to look up verse two.

It says: “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven.”

Hm. Interesting. Sooo … was Paul actually teaching that at death the believer’s soul gains immediate access to Yah?

Dave: Well, that’s why I like this question. It certainly sounds like it if all you do is read verse two. However, all things in context, right?

Miles: Absolutely.

Dave: The following verses clarify what is meant, and Paul isn’t talking about the immortality of the soul. Go ahead and read verse two again, but this time continue reading through verse four.

Miles: All right: “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.”

Dave: What Paul is expressing here is his strong desire to live to see Yahushua return. He states clearly in verses 3 and 4 that he doesn’t desire this intermediate state of “nakedness”.

Miles: What does he mean by that?

Dave: He’s equating “nakedness” to death and saying that, if it’s at all possible, he wants to be “clothed” with the “house which is from heaven.” So, Paul’s desire to be “absent from the body” and “present with the Master” doesn’t mean being a disembodied soul, “naked” or “unclothed.” For Paul to have “life” and to be present with the Master required possessing the “house which is from heaven.”

Miles: So, just to make sure I’ve got this right: Paul equates nakedness with death, and being clothed he likens to immortality.

Dave: Yes. Throughout his writings, Paul was emphatic that men are not “clothed” with immortality at death, but that every one will simultaneously possess this “house which is from heaven” at the resurrection of the righteous.

Miles: Could you give us some examples of this?

Dave: Sure! Turn over to 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, and read verses 51 to 55 for us. This is probably the clearest example of dressing or “putting on” immortality.

Miles: Okay, got it: “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Huh! That’s interesting. You’re right—“putting on” is like “getting clothed.”

Dave: There’s more. Read 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, verses 15 to 17.

Miles: All right … um: “For this we say unto you by the word of the Master, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Master shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Master himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Yahuwah: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Master in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Master.”

Dave: This was what Paul was wanting! It’s the longing of every believer since Yahushua ascended to Heaven: the yearning to be alive to greet Him at His return.

Miles: It reminds me of a statement Paul made near the end of his life: 2 Timothy 4, verses 6 to 8. He says:

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Master, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

By then he knew that he would rest in the grave before Yahushua’s return. He says, “The time of my departure is at hand.” But his faith was strong that Yahushua would return and raise him at the last day.

Dave: It’s impossible to conclude from any thing Paul wrote that there’s some intermediate state between death and the resurrection in which the soul of the dead person is released to be “present with the Master.” It’s just not there!

The Bible teaches that death is an unconscious sleep from which all the faithful believers will be awakened at the first resurrection. And it is not until then that both the living and the resurrected will be with the Master. Neither of the two groups will get to be “present with the Master” before the other.

Miles: You know, listening to you just now, reminds me of another Bible passage that clearly indicates that the soul does not immediately go to Yahuwah.

Dave: What’s that?

Miles: Job 19. Here, Job is expressing his strong faith that even after he dies and his body decays into nothingness, he will still see His Maker someday. Listen while I read it and notice that he’s not anticipating seeing Yah as soon as he dies. Job knows it’s far off in the future. He says:

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see Yah: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” [Job 19:25-27]

Dave: That’s an excellent example. Thanks for bringing that out. So, in summary, when you look at the weight of evidence that Scripture contains, you simply can’t take two phrases in 2 Corinthians 5 as proof that your soul immediately goes to Yah when you die.

When a person dies, they simply sleep in the grave.

Miles: Well, that’s what Yahushua said, too, isn’t it? Here, let me just read it. John 11: “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Master, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Yahushua spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Yahushua unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” [John 11:11-14]

Dave: What a beautiful way to think of death! No suffering, no fear. Just sleep. Sleeping in the grave until the Life-Giver returns.

Miles: Oh, yeah. A lot more comforting than thinking of your dearly departed hovering around seeing everything you do!

Dave: I agree!

Miles: Okay! Next question: Dwayne and Geraldine Hochstetler from the United States wrote: “We live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and recently started worshiping on the true Sabbath. Do you know if there are any other people who worship by the Biblical calendar near us and, if so, can you put us in touch with them?”

Dave: This is actually a question we get asked quite frequently. First, if I were to guess, I would say that there is likely quite a number of people who live there who have chosen to worship on the Biblical Sabbath. In the twenty-plus years that Heaven has been restoring this truth, it has spread like wildfire around the earth.

Miles: It really has. It’s amazing how far and how fast it’s gone.

Dave: That said, we have no way of getting you in touch with fellow believers near you. One thing you can do, however, is visit our website and register to become a member on our website. Our articles can be read by anyone, but if you become a registered member, you can leave comments under the articles and even send messages to other members. This can help you find like-minded believers near you.

Miles: Good idea. Thanks, Dave.

Well, that’s all the time we have for today. Drop us a line if you have a comment or question. You can write us by going to WorldsLastChance.com and clicking on Contact Us. We always enjoy hearing from our listeners.

* * *Daily Promise

Hello! This is Elise O’Brien with your Daily Promise from Yah’s Word.

Today, I want to share with you a frequently overlooked little promise, hidden away in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:45 tells us that the Father “Maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

How is that a promise? It’s a promise because it assures us we do not have to perform some work of self-improvement in order to come to Yahuwah for His help and blessing. He lives to bless others and takes joy in helping His children. Trust that about His character. Regardless of how dark the way, or how stony the path, look for the Father’s blessings in your life.

Johnson Oatman, Jr., understood the importance of recognizing daily blessings in one’s life. These are the fingerprints of Yah, and it is encouraging to recognize them as such. Oatman wrote over 5,000 songs before his death in 1922. One of the most famous is all about counting your blessings. A few of the verses say:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Then the chorus urges:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

This is the secret to Paul’s admonishment in 1 Thessalonians 5 to: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.” [Verses 16-18]

As pastor and radio host, Woodrow Kroll says, “Concentrate on counting your blessings and you’ll have little time to count anything else.”

Don’t let a feeling of unworthiness cause you to doubt Yah’s promises. None of us are worthy! Remember: He causes the sun to shine on the just and the unjust! And He waters the fields of both the righteous and the unrighteous. And He is sending you blessings, too.

We’ve been given great and precious promises. Go, and start claiming!

* * *Part 3: (Miles & Dave)

Miles: The apostle Paul understood the danger of giving up too soon when you’re seeking Yah’s blessing. He urged, quote: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of Yahuwah, ye might receive the promise.” [Hebrews 10:35, 36]

Dave: Yahuwah wants us to come to Him for help. Remember, He feels what we feel? You can never ask Him for something beyond His power to grant. And, He delights to answer the prayer of faith.

Scripture is full of promises you can claim on behalf of others.

Miles: And don’t give up when loved ones seem hardened to the truth. Yahushua taught his disciples “that men ought always to pray and not to faint.” [Luke 18:1]

Dave: I want to share a quote with you that I find particularly encouraging. It says, quote:

“Never is one repulsed who comes to [Yah] with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, [Yahuwah] hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart’s desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. They may be inaudible to any human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can they be lost through the activities of business that are going on. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion of the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is [Yahuwah] to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.”

Miles: Amen! With encouragement like that, who can not pray for others?

If you have loved ones you want to see saved, start praying today. Pray specifically, claiming the merits of the Savior’s blood as the reason your prayers for them should be heart don’t give up. Remember: Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence!

Dave: Yahuwah is working hard to gain your confidence. He loves to have His children unburden themselves to Him, asking for strength, wisdom, peace. There’s nothing you can As one author said: “If you will find heart and voice to pray, He will be sure to hear, and an arm will be reached down to save you.”

Miles: We worship a prayer-answering god, my friends. Present your worries, your concerns, your loved ones before the prayer-answering Yahuwah. He hears. He cares. And He will answer.

Join us again tomorrow, and until then, remember: Yahuwah loves you . . . and He is safe to trust!

* * *

You have been listening to WLC Radio.

This program and past episodes of WLC Radio are available for downloading on our website. They're great for sharing with friends and for use in Bible studies! They're also an excellent resource for those worshipping Yahuwah alone at home. To listen to previously aired programs, visit our website at WorldsLastChance.com. Click on the WLC Radio icon displayed on our homepage.

In his teachings and parables, the Savior gave no “signs of the times” to watch for. Instead, the thrust of his message was constant … vigilance. Join us again tomorrow for another truth-filled message as we explore various topics focused on the Savior's return and how to live in constant readiness to welcome him warmly when he comes.

WLC Radio: Teaching minds and preparing hearts for Christ's sudden return.