John the Apostle

as a guide

Love gains the victory

Part 3

Book 30

Max Seltmann

Recommended chronological reading list:

(with regard to Jesus’ life in flesh and Spirit, up to the time of the book of Revelation.  All books are written by Max Seltmann, unless otherwise indicated. The book marked with bold, is the book currently opened.)

1. Childhood years of Jesus (Jakob Lorber)

2. Book 1 – John the Baptist

3. Book 2 – John the Apostle in his youth with Jesus (Love overcomes Part 1)

4. Book 3 – Jesus’ Life

5. Book 4 – Jesus’ Life

6. Book 5 – Jesus’ Life

7. Book 6 – Jesus’ Life

8. Book 7 – Jesus’ Life

9. Book 8 – Jesus’ Life

10. Book 9 – Jesus prepares for His ministry Part 1

11. Book 10 – Jesus prepares for His ministry Part 2

12. Great Gospel of John, Volumes 1 – 10 (Jakob Lorber)

13. Great Gospel of John, Volume 11 (Leopoldt Engel)

14. Book 11 - Good Friday

15. Book 12 - Judas Iscariot in the beyond

16. Book 13 - On the road to Emmaus

17. Book 14 - The Risen One!

18. Book 15 - The New Life in man

19. Book 16 – At Bethany – story of Theophilus

20. Book 17 - Ascension

21. Book 18 - Pentecost!

22. Book 19 - Among the first Christians

23. Book 20 - Divine guidance of the first Christians

24. Book 21 - The chamberlain from the Orient

25. Book 22 - The God-spark and Saul's conversion

26. Book 23 - Awakening the Divine life

27. Book 24 - Experiences with Jacob, Part 1

28. Book 25 - Experiences with Jacob, Part 2

29. Book 26 - Experiences with Jacob, Part 3

30. Book 27 - Experiences with Jacob, Part 4

31. Book 28 - Naeme

32. Book 29 - John the Apostle as a guide (Love overcomes Part 2)

33. Book 30 - John the Apostle as a guide (Love overcomes Part 3)

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Table of Contents

1.  Conversion of the elder of the community of Smyrna 4

2.  Healing of the sick and renewal of the congregation 6

3.  The Word made flesh 7

4.  Son of man and Son of God – John relates a youth experience with Jesus 9

5.  John in Pergamos 15

6.  Conversion of a heathen priest 23

7.  John in Thyatira 26

8.  John in Sardis 37

9.  John in Philadelphia 39

10.  John in Laodicea – healing of the leper 40

11.  John on Pathmos 43

12.  Going home 44

Conversion of the elder of the community of Smyrna

Smyrna was in sight, and real joy reigned among the seamen as they could go ashore again to their wives and children.  Nausicles invited John to join him.  John, however, declined; he was drawn to brothers and sisters; therefore he said: "Brother, if you can, come to our meetings; soon you will hear through others what I have to work."

The Smyrnaites were delighted to finally have the apostle of love in their midst, of whom they had heard so much, and John received great expressions of love.  Unfortunately, not everyone rejoiced, for the enemy had also wreaked havoc in Smyrna.  Bad brothers had come from Pergamus and Thyatira and had destroyed many a good seed.  Worst of all was a brother who claimed that the Spirit of Christ was in him in all fullness, and who demanded blind faith.  The power of his speech was so great that all hearts trembled, and if he had allowed the Spirit of Christ to rule in all his actions, all the Smyrnaites would have fallen for him.

A large meeting was scheduled, only a few knew that John had come.  John, however, was in the picture and asked the brethren to be silent.  The elder there had no influence over the congregation and let them have their way.  John stirred him up in all love and said: "Brother, why do you resist the Spirit within you?  Did not the Lord and Master promise you that He would strengthen and sustain you in all your actions?  Oh you do not yet know our Lord and Master, and His love has not yet become your life.  Not all who proclaim His holy Word are servants of His love and His life, but only those who live in His love and through His love.  But now come in the name of the Lord and in His Spirit!"

In a large grove, the faithful had gathered, among them many aged brothers and sisters, and already the servant of the Word began his speech.  With a torrent of words, he preached about a God who demands unconditional faith, but nothing about grace, nothing about the mercy that seeks the fallen, and nothing about the sacrifice that God has made to all people in His Son Jesus.

John managed to reach the speaker with all patience and looked at him firmly.  All of a sudden, the speaker was silent.  Then John said to him: "In the name of Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One, I ask you: Have you no other testimony, that you cause all hearts to fear and be afraid, and who called you to be a witness?"

Then the speaker replied: "Who are you and who gave you the right to disturb me; truly God will chastise you with fiery rods because you dare to stand in the way of God."

But John, all calm and love, said: "Brothers and sisters, Love had called you; you have come, but there is a desire in your hearts for something different than the food given to you in this hour.  I will not answer your brother, but to you I will be a true brother and servant of the Savior, who loved us all so dearly and for the sake of our salvation did not spare Himself to buy us with His blood on the cross.  I want to bring you a message about this Jesus and testify to His life.  Tell me this: Do you not have sick people, why do you not bring them in the evening, that should be entirely in His love?"

"We dared not do it anymore, dear friend and brother, because our brother says that sickness is the result of unbelief."

John: "Little children, go and get your sick; the Master did not do it any other way, first the hearts had to become free and joyful and free of all worries, then He gave us His Word, and it was the right food for our souls.  So go, I am waiting for you."

About half of them went happily to fetch their sick; in the meanwhile, John held to the brother and said: "I will gladly make good what you have neglected, but remember: with these your hateful thoughts, you cannot disturb the work of Jesus' love through me.  I say to you, humble yourself and remove from yourself what is hindering the life of God."

Then a torrent of words came out of his mouth; he forbade John to say anything further, saying: "I have not called you, and I want to see who will resist me.  In me is Christ, and what this Christ speaks in me, is to be believed."

"Be silent, you erring spirit" - said John - "and confound no more the seeking and longing hearts.  Remove yourself quietly, lest the plagues come upon you, which you have promised to all them that believe not in you."

The man became more and more agitated, and screaming, he wanted to assert his right, John said: "But now it is finished, and I command you to depart in the name of the Lord Jesus, who is God and the Creator of heaven and earth, and so that you can do no more harm, I hand you over to the angel who accompanies me."

Talking wildly, the man threw himself to the ground, a frightful picture.  John said: " Brothers, do not let your hearts be frightened, but we must also fulfill our mission completely in the will of the Lord.  In all love, let your hearts speak for the erring brother and show the spiritual being the right way!"

Turning to the laying one, he then said: "Why do you hesitate, if salvation is shown to you through me?  Once again I ask you: Leave this man and go with the angel whom Jesus' love placed before you."

"Never and never," he roared; then John saw how the accompanying angel touched the brother and a dark being came out of his chest.  The angel looked at the being seriously and handed it over to another ministering spirit.  John said: "Arise, brother; for that which ruled you is no more in you: but if you will, walk wholly in the ways of the Lord, become humble and lowly, and put on the true Christ, and live according to His will of love!"

Slowly the brother rose from the ground, looked around, and said: "Yes, where am I; what has happened to me?  I see the many people, and yet I am alone."

John laid his hands on him and said: "Jesus the Lord bless you and strengthen you; Jesus the Lord enlighten you and make you see!  Amen."

Then his face became more friendly and he looked for a place.  But the others were amazed at what was happening.  Now many who went for their sick, were also returning; more and more were coming, and John said: "Let us wait until all have rejoined; the ground has been cleansed.  Now it is up to all of us to prepare the way for the Lord to reveal Himself in all His glory."

Healing of the sick and renewal of the congregation

Now everyone had returned, the sick were seated together, and John laid his hands on each one individually and said in prayer: "Dear, faithful Savior Jesus, I come to You, who are in our midst, to ask You for the sick who so ardently desire their health.  You alone are the Helper, You alone have given us, Your children, the promise that You will grant us the request for which we ask You.  Firmly believing in Your love and power, in Your wisdom and strength, we ask You to reveal Yourself to everyone here and restore their health.  Receive our heartfelt thanks, and highly be praised Your holy name now and always!  Amen."

The sick people who had been brought, were healthy; they stood up and said: "Praise be to You, Lord Jesus Christ, and heartfelt thanks for Your help to us poor sick people.  Oh please, continue to be merciful to us and let us know You rightly from now on, for You are more than a Savior, You are God Yourself.  Amen."

The Word made flesh

John now blessed all those present and said: "Brothers and sisters, once again you were able to experience the grace of our God and Lord in the healing of your brother, who, without checking, had fallen into the snares of the enemy of life and had become a traitor to Eternal Love.  Through the Lord's glorious love and His gracious guidance, the author of misfortune has been brought on the right path.  You all became victims and believed what you were told - because in you, the life had not yet reached the maturity to recognize the Lord's adversary.  Know that the holy God as the true Life could only reveal Himself through the Word.  But the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we were allowed to experience His glory, a glory like the one you all experienced.  The Word made flesh, became a Savior for all and a Redeemer for those who believe in Him, and a Father for those who, as His children, move in His Spirit, want to be active in His love and become a Redeemer of their poor and erring brothers and sisters.

But you, you who have been healed, have now experienced His love for the Savior, because you have placed your hope in the Savior.  This grace has become yours, and you have expressed the wish to be allowed to come closer to this Savior; He should be your God from now on.  You did right, and I as His witness say to you: Love one another in the love that healed you!  This love is His life and is the Son of God.  In this Son, God met you, not as God, but as Savior and brother, and revealed to us a heaven that has been opened to all who, like Him, also want to be a Son of God and a brother and sister to all people.  Beloved ones, this hour is holy, because the Lord, our God and Father, has again shown Himself to be Who He really is.  But this revelation, which you have all experienced, also obliges you all to be guardians of this love and this life, so that the enemy of all existence and life can no longer break into your community.  You have received the teachings from Paul, your brother, and have remained in these teachings for a long time.  But doctrine should never remain the ground on which you move, but doctrine should lead you into the life that will let love break through.

In this life, life out of Him reveals itself more and more and makes you children, sons and brothers. Oh love each other in this love!  I call out to you again and again; for in this love you are in God, and God is in you, and you experience not only glories out of God, but also bliss out of your love, and strengthen your faith and make yourselves new people and are filled with the Spirit of all life out of and through God.  Also in this hour, His glorious Spirit of love reveals itself and calls out to all: Abide in Me, so that I may abide in you.  Become not only believing but also active children, and I as your God and Father can then also be much more active with and among you, and My love and My life will complete the work which your love has set you as a goal.  Thus I bless you out of My love and give you the peace that the world is not able to give you.  Amen."

A brother went to John and said: "Brother, your love has brought us back to the time when we were in the beginning of our faith.  If you had not come, oh how sad it would have become among us; love would have grown completely cold, and we would have clung to a Christ who is without life and without love.  You, as one of His witnesses, lived with the Lord and Savior Jesus while He was still a man, and according to your words, you experienced glories.  Would you not tell us who would like to know, something of His life - more details about it?"

"Gladly, my brothers, but where shall I begin and where shall I end?  Jesus as the Son of Man was the greatest mystery to all, and as the Son of God, the greatest miracle."

"What do you mean, Son of Man and Son of God?  Explain this to us in more detail!"

Son of man and Son of God – John relates a youth experience with Jesus

"Brothers, as the Son of Man He was in the process of becoming the Son of God, because Jesus as a man had to reach the maturity necessary to fulfill His mission as the Son of God.  Do not think that Jesus as a human being would have been able to act and create like this, if He would not have made His way to the Son of God.  I myself was misled about Him in my youth, because I could not understand Him and His struggle.  Later, of course, everything became clear to me, and I have often asked myself afterwards why I took so long to understand Jesus.  So I want to tell you about a little incident that I experienced with Him in my youth.

After a long break, I had met Him again, and my heart was sad because, as always, I could not understand Him; for He could never be persuaded to spend a Sabbath with His loved ones.  His mother Mary said to me at that time: "John, you are my son's friend; see if you can persuade Him to go to the synagogue with us tomorrow.  An old acquaintance from Jerusalem is here now, and he should take a good impression of us to Jerusalem.  I promised to do what I could, but Jesus would not let me speak.  He said: "John, do not think that I am hard or self-willed, but I do not care that this priest gets a good impression of us - he has long been informed about Me - but I want this friend of My Mother to come to us tomorrow.  I will therefore stay at home for his sake, and you can go with to the synagogue".  I replied: "Jesus, I will stay with you and spend the Sabbath with you as always!" - but Jesus replied: "John, this time you must go to the synagogue for the sake of My mother.  Do not ask why: for you would again not understand Me."  I did His will - Jesus remained unseen, and no-one asked about Him.  Mother Mary had been informed by me.

Mary had just prepared the evening meal, when the old priest came into the house.  Joseph and Mary were delighted with his visit.  At that moment, Jesus came and greeted everyone with kind looks and words.

Then the old priest took Jesus by the hand, looked at Him for a long time, and said: "My son, it is for your sake that I had to make this long journey here.  I do not reproach you, for I do not see any wrong in your eyes; but how I would rejoice if I could see into your heart - for there is much talk about you.  Your father is my friend, your mother is like a daughter to me, and I also know all your brothers."

Jesus replied: "Elijah, because you have come to our house as an honest and faithful friend, I will also be open to you.  Remain our guest for today and give honor to My parents and brothers, and you shall experience what you have never experienced until now."

Then everyone looked to Jesus, for it was a rarity when He spoke so much at once.  We sat down to supper and took it in silence until the guest had given thanks.

Since there were still some girls living in Joseph's house, Jesus was always reticent, but that evening He said: "Father Joseph, for the sake of your friend, would you stay tomorrow with the brothers in Nazareth?  I want to talk to him about various things and give him what he hungers for.  This is not all possible for Me tonight."

Joseph said: "Jesus, you are asking for something extraordinary, but for Elijah's sake, we can stay at home.  We have enough work to do, but tell me, must we also be present at these talks?"

Said Jesus: "Father Joseph, it would do no harm if all of you were present.  You would all come to understand Me better."

Elijah said: "Friends and brothers, and you my son Jesus, don't overturn the whole house order for my sake, it's enough for me if we stay together tonight.

Said Joseph: "My good old Elijah, for a long time I have not seen you, and I ask you: stay with us until tomorrow evening!"

Then Jesus' eyes lit up, and He squeezed His father Joseph's hand; then He said: "Elijah, you are moved by many things about Me, prompted by your brothers who have turned their backs on the temple, suspecting in Me the coming Messiah."

Elijah: "You are right, Jesus, but how can you know this?  I do not know that I have spoken of it to anyone, and the others will be careful not to speak of it.  No-one will know where Barnabas has turned with his brothers."

Said Jesus: "Elijah, I know more: the brothers are safe, and soon they will be forgotten by the temple.  You stayed because of your age, but you also do not want to put anything in the way of the coming Messiah; that is why you are here."

Said Elijah: "Jesus, you have said right, and now I ask you: Are You the 'coming Messiah,' or shall we wait for another?  Your abilities prove that You could be, but all the talk around You says otherwise.  What am I to believe now?"

"Neither" - Jesus replied - "but see for yourself, and in this I will help you.  It is true that in Nazareth, even in our house, there is great discontent about Me, but why?  Because the Nazarenes do not even take the trouble to really get to know Me and because My parents and brothers do not understand Me.  It is also true that peace is often lacking among us, but why, Elijah?  Because God the Eternal remains mute to their pleas and must remain mute."

Said Elijah: "Oh Jesus, what language do you speak; now I understand you, and yet again not.  Jehovah should and must remain mute?  Oh Jesus, that is hard words from you."

Said Jesus: "Father Elijah, if you already have a prejudice against me, then we will be able to negotiate little with each other, and God will then certainly also have to remain silent towards you.  I beg you: remain objective and on the ground of freedom!  Behold, I know My mission and do not take false consideration for My fellow men, also not for parents and brothers and sisters, because I must obey God more, whom I feel and experience in Me.  Would you depart from the goals set for you when you have realized that they are to lead to the salvation of all?"

Said Elijah: "My Jesus, on the contrary, with all means I would seek to reach the goal."

"Well, my Elijah," replied Jesus: "now you will understand Me better.  See, not only recognized, but burned into Me is the goal, and no power in the world could ever snatch it from Me again.  With every day I become more aware of My task and clearer about the necessity not to deviate with a single breath from the goals set for Me.  You ask yourself: 'How can I believe this?'

It could also be only an imagination, into which I got lost; therefore I tell you: Talk with Me and do not conceal anything that speaks against Me; and what speaks for Me, I will already tell you."

Here Mary interjected: "Father Elijah, this is going to be a long story; don't you think we'd better take our rest and continue talking tomorrow?"

"As you wish, Mary" - Elijah replied - "but everything has become so important to me that I don't think of sleeping at all."

"Then we will go to rest.  You can stay awake with Jesus" - Mary said, taking leave of the guest.  Joseph and the brothers also said goodbye; only I and some sisters who lived in Joseph's house, stayed.

Now we were alone with Jesus.  He was saddened because the others preferred silence to enlightenment, but He said: "Elijah, the others here do not know Me any more than you do, and therefore I will not draw a line between Me and you. You know of My birth, you know of My abilities, and that is all; for you cannot rely on what you have heard if you want to know the truth.  You want to see clearly and have proofs whether the God who drives and urges Me, is also truly God and I am not just chasing after schemes.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to give you the proofs if you do not want to believe Me.  Proofs about My abilities are no proofs here, since it is about God, and how should God prove it to you?  You tell yourself what you want God to do to you!"

"Jesus" - said Elijah - "I can only agree with you, but how can I ask anything from God - that would be trying God?"

"Not at all, Elijah" - replied Jesus - "it is your right to get to the bottom of the truth, but why are the prophets not enough for you?  After all, God speaks today exactly as He once did, and will continue to do so in the future!"

"Jesus, Jesus, You corner me, since You have the advantage" - Elijah replied, but Jesus said: "No, Father Elijah, understand Me correctly: you seek the truth, and I am the Truth.  Because I have become Truth, I fear no criticism and no adversity, since I know none, only ignorant ones.  You are still ignorant; therefore it is My task to make you knowledgeable, and so listen: The Spirit of God living in Me has already become overpowering in Me, and I wrestle unceasingly to become completely one with the eternal Spirit of God.  Only the few who are around Me know about My struggle.  I receive no support, since I am not understood, and God must separate Me, because the work - which I want to and must complete - may not be promoted out of the omnipotence of God.  Everything must be My own work, and I must take all the strength from My love for God and man.  But you can imagine that the enemy of life also does what is necessary for this.  With these few words, I have actually told you everything, because you know God's Word and today you can take much from God's Word.  What use is proof to people?  They do not believe, but think that I work in league with the evil one.  Now tell me, have you understood Me?"

Said Elijah: "Jesus, how can I understand all this; it is all so overwhelming?  When I look into Your eyes, I have to tell You: Jesus, You are the coming Messiah for whom we are waiting; but if I am to believe Your words, there is something else that works even more powerfully, namely that You want to become one with God.  How am I to understand that you want to wrestle until you are one with God, you in God and God in you, is that what you are saying?"

"'Yes, that is what I want to say" - was the answer - "and do you think this will be possible?"

Elijah said: "Jesus, I cannot say no, because You know God decidedly better than I do, and therefore I can understand You now, that You can have no regard for anyone until You reach Your goal."

"Elijah, I thank you, and now you have given Me the opportunity to serve you and yours; but you must promise to be silent before everyone until the hour has come when I no longer need to take anyone into consideration."  Jesus then stroked all of us on the head and said: "Now I will let you have a look into My world; you are completely pure and can ask Me if you are not clear about something."

Then the walls disappeared and we found ourselves on a high mountain.  At our feet was a very large city.  A river ran through the middle of it, dividing the city.  One half lay in the valley, the other rose to a plateau and had an unimaginable size.  In the lowlands, countless people moved about, the streets were full of dwellings, and the rooftops presented the same picture: people swarmed everywhere.  On closer inspection, the people had a miserable appearance, emaciated, degenerate and dirty; they wore almost no clothes, and from the apartments ran all kinds of disgusting animals such as rats, mice, dogs and cats, as well as snakes in large numbers.  The people did not seem to see the vermin at all; for it did not seem as if they feared to come in contact with them.  What work had been done, could not yet be seen, since the day was just dawning, and a sunrise could not yet be seen.

On the other side of the stream, roads were laid out that led to the heights, but unfortunately not wide, so a wagon would only pass through with difficulty.  These streets were also built on, and the construction was such that one could think that it was only one large building.  On the roofs moved many people, all well dressed and also very good looking.  In contrast to the depths, the mountain was bright and illuminated by a sun, but one could not see it yet.  The people moved with a liveliness that was striking in contrast to those in the depths.  Up higher it became more and more beautiful, and all kinds of trees and plants embellished the overall picture.  At the heights, an overpowering splendor of buildings appeared.  In the middle, a temple or castle towered over all the buildings.  This building carried as roof many domes, which must have been covered with gold according to the shine.  The river flowed calmly, no life was to be seen on it at all; both parts of the city were completely separated.  In it's middle stood seven pillars, which had once supported a bridge, but which was now destroyed.

Jesus said: ‘Come with Me, I will guide you; for a better understanding, you shall see everything for yourselves.’

[John] I felt so free, so detached from everything earthly, and yet we moved from the mountain to the depths with a pleasant certainty and speed, and we moved through the dirty city, Jesus leading the way.  The people seemed to take no notice of us at all, but we looked at what lay along the way.  In the meantime it had become day, and we saw how the people were busy with trade and business.  Here and there houses were being built, since many were dilapidated; in short, the conditions we saw, were deplorable.  People were shouting at each other, and now you could see their faces disfigured by worry, by strife and discontent, and by vice - truly a picture of misery and sin.

We then came to the river; it's waves moved quite smoothly, and there, where the piers stood, a boat was waiting with a ferryman to invite us in.  We quickly boarded, and the first to get off on the other bank was Jesus, Who extended His hand to everyone as we got off; then we went along the streets that led upward.  What a contrast: clean streets and clean people who saw us and greeted us kindly.

The road went higher and higher, and it became lighter and lighter around us, as well as within us.  We felt our freedom as a bliss, and Jesus seemed to be rejuvenated, for His face shone with joy and happiness.  We continued on and on, and were so elated that every step became renewed bliss.  With joy and amazement we saw the magnificent buildings, and then we came to the castle with the shining domes.  We could look around everywhere, but we did not go in, because there were guards with serious faces at the doors.  For a long time we stayed at the castle and in the gardens and avenues surrounding it, which stood there in a splendor for which I have no words.  Now we continued and looked at the works of the people, which was also done in a quiet way.  The stores were simple, but the sellers were clean and neatly dressed, a picture that breathed peace.  We walked on until our eyes grew tired of all the bliss; then we went downhill again and back across the stream in the same boat.  We climbed the mountain again, but by a different road, and when we reached the top, we heard Jesus say: "Now let it be enough" - and we found ourselves back in the parlor of Joseph's house.

Jesus said: "Elijah, now I have given you a glimpse into My heart, and I ask you, can you imagine what I am trying to say to you and to [all of] you?"

Elijah replied: "Jesus, it was a beautiful dream - and yet not a dream; but I cannot explain this to myself."

Said Jesus: "Elijah, you are honest, but my John may explain to you what you have seen, since he has often experienced such images with Me."  He nodded to me and I said: "Jesus, today it was glorious except for the images in the plain.  With Your help, I will explain what I find in me.  The city represents humanity.  Those in the depths, are the people of today and those on the heights, are the redeemed people.  A bridge connected the city, just as people are still connected to the heavens today.  Who destroyed the bridge is beyond our knowledge, and you as the becoming son of God - when You have achieved Your unity with God again, want to restore this bridge.

The seven pillars represent the seven qualities of God, and your becoming one with the Spirit of God is based on these qualities, which will then be in You in all fullness.  Then this bridge will again be the bond that will connect heaven and earth, or in other words: people can then again move upwards on the paths that you will make passable for them again.  The people in the depths reveal their condition in their appearance and in their activity and thus the low degree of their humanity.  The people in the height reveal a contentment and a high degree of love for people; for I also experienced bliss and happiness among them.  Here You wanted to show us where You want to lead the people again, and therefore You do not let anyone, whoever it may be, influence You in Your intention."

Said Jesus to my words: 'John, you have succeeded well' - and - 'Elijah, can you understand Me now?'

Said Elijah: "Jesus, to understand You completely, is not yet possible for me; but now I understand Barnabas that he wants to have nothing more to do with the temple, and now I will also detach myself from the temple.  In You will arise to mankind the Messiah and Redeemer, but people will still make it difficult for You."

Jesus smiled and said: 'Oh, difficult or not, that is not important; for the difficult thing is first of all the unification with God, and as long as this has not succeeded, as long as there is struggle, struggle and again struggle; for what you experienced in this holy hour were processes in My world, and in this you still experienced the better part.  May it now be enough for today, and now we want to go to rest, at least according to the body; for the soul there is no rest, there first the Spirit must be so alive that He has the supremacy over it'.

Early in the morning, everyone in Joseph's house was awake, only old Elijah was still in his room; but I could not stay any longer, since my father had ordered me to go home.  I took my leave with joy.

Now I have described to you an incident of our eternal Father and Savior from the time when He was still a struggling son of man.

The others said: "Brother John, of course, whoever was able to experience Jesus like you, has a great advantage over us.  Now we also see how necessary it is that we have the right understanding and knowledge about Jesus, the Savior and Son of God.  Now we understand you much better than Paul, who again and again demanded unconditional faith - while in you, everything is pressing for love!"

John: "Brethren, love alone makes our faith true faith, for love creates powers and a spirit of sacrifice and overcoming that is full devotion.  Whoever lives in this love, is imbued with the Spirit of salvation and becomes the Son of God, just as Jesus became the Son of God.  Therefore, little children, love one another - love - love one another; then the Father is among you and in you, and no-one will miss our Savior and Master Jesus.  Now go home in peace, and His love will soon reunite us.  Be blessed as His children and let your love become a blessing to others!  Amen."

John stayed in Smyrna for several days, but before he left, he visited Nausicles once more and was able to win him completely as a brother.

John in Pergamos

Full of joy, he said goodbye to all the loved ones and traveled with some brothers to Pergamus, where he was not exactly received kindly, because the seeds of the enemy had also risen strongly here.  At the home of a widow named Helena, who had a large house, he was warmly received, as were the accompanying brothers, who already knew her.  John immediately felt how the congregation had much more faith in the new heresies than in him, so he asked about sick people in the congregation.  He was told that there were many, but that the power of Jesus had diminished and that there were no healers left.  The priest there, a good but too soft man, could not reject all the errors in the power of the Lord as it would have been necessary, and therefore he asked John to support him strongly.  John said: "Brother, this is why I came to you: with baptism and faith in baptism alone you do not create life out of God, but only when the Spirit of the Lord drives and urges you and you act accordingly.  But since the congregation is still quite reticent, have all the sick brought here, and our sister Helena will always be ready to serve us and the sick."

The priest did with joy what John had earnestly advised, and like wildfire the news rushed through Pergamos that an apostle had come and would heal the sick.  Not only the sick came, but also the curious and those who interpreted the teachings of Jesus as they saw fit.

The very next day, hundreds gathered and Mark the priest was at a loss.  He went to John and said: "John, I never thought there would be so much suffering and sorrow in Pergamos, will you be able to heal all the sick?"

"It is not I who will heal them, but you, brother Mark.  How then shall the power of Jesus be manifested, but best in the minister of His love and His Word, and that is you here in this place.  I have not come to oust you, but to strengthen you and to set the congregations in order again, which you could not maintain by your softness.  Come and have hands laid on you; our Master Jesus and eternal Lord and God bless and fill you with His power and strength!  Amen.  But now believe rock-solidly and never let the power be taken away from you!  Our Jesus is still the same glorious and gracious Savior and will remain so forever, and now let your love work and proceed to the blessed work!  Amen."

The brothers who had accompanied John made sure that all the sick had enough room in the courtyard, and they hoped that John would heal them.  But how surprised they were that the old Mark, who was always so weak, laid his hands on all of them with such strength and confidence, gave them all kind words of comfort and strengthening, and asked them all to believe in Jesus, the wonderful Savior.

The many curious people were disappointed because John remained silent; they all expected a miracle or a sign, but remained silent.

It was long past noon, and the influx of sick people was still continuing, when John said: "Brothers, you see how Mark laid his hands on all of you and how all of you were healed; now let all of you who have just come, sit down in the courtyard in peace and order.  But we will go into the house for a little hour and take some refreshment.  All those who have been healed, should also come into the house, so that they too may receive the consecration anew.  There is still a lot of error in their hearts and minds; it would not be good if we were to dismiss them like this."

The brothers did according to John's will, and all gladly complied with his request.

With some fruits and good bread, Helena made the healed happy; but for the brothers she had prepared a delicious meal.  Then real joy really broke out among the healed, and now John said: "My dear friends, sisters and brothers, through the glorious guidance of our Lord and Master Jesus, our holy Father and God, I was allowed to come to you.  Unfortunately, through wrong perceptions and concepts, the gifts of grace out of the power of Jesus have greatly decreased in value, and Eternal Love had to watch the glorious gift of His love and grace become more and more degraded.  The power out of Him has diminished, and you have fallen into sorrow, worry and suffering, and your prayers have become too weak, because your faith in the true Savior and God was no longer that which is the prerequisite to be able to experience grace alive.  You are now healed again, because in brother Mark the new, glorious life out of God is again free from all inhibitions, and now I ask you: become also free from all errors that the false ego-spirit has planted in you.

Our glorious Jesus, Savior and God, has remained the same as He was revealed by your brother Paul and the power from Him has remained exactly the same, only you as vessels of His love, power and life have not remained the same.  Today, our glorious Jesus in Me reaches out to you to tell you that He never stopped loving you and always considered you as His little children and today He has given you a proof of His love and faithfulness.  Be grateful and become His children again!  Let only love for one another be the bond among you: then you will give the Lord the right honor and the best thanks.  He will gladly do without the thanks from your mouth, but longs for the thanks from your heart, because this is born out of love and you then reveal a Spirit of God given to you as an eternal gift.

Our eternal God has only one longing: to see you be truly happy as His children, but He cannot and must not do it out of His omnipotent Spirit, but only out of His love, and He proved this as Jesus as Son of Man and Son of God on Golgotha.  Do not allow yourselves to be misled ever again and led by the delusion that faith alone makes you happy and blessed.  Faith only becomes true faith when it is permeated by the Spirit of love and trust; then faith becomes the revealed power in you.  Therefore receive His blessing and go your way as blessed ones, so that the world may know that you are His children.  Remain united, united, united in love: then you will experience even greater proofs of grace through love.  Only according to the degree of your love can the Lord bestow upon you gifts and make you blessed for time and eternity.  Amen."

Then Helena said: "John, oh what a grace I was allowed to experience again; for I was allowed to see Jesus our Savior during your speech.  Oh Father and beloved Jesus, how shall I thank You that You have again made me worthy to see You.  Oh, now all distress and longing is gone; for now I can calmly return home to Your kingdom; for my eyes have seen You again, and my heart has experienced You anew and much more gloriously than before."

Helena sank down on the floor and wept with joy.  All were moved, and all also sank to their knees.  Then they all looked at the blessing Savior, and John said: "Behold what love our Savior shows you! Let this hour become a living memory to you, and you will experience His love and grace again and again."

Slowly the image disappeared before their eyes; John pulled Helena up and said: "Helena, remain in this love, and the Savior will always be as close to you as you are to Him.  Your greatest happiness should not be to see, but to be united with Him, and as He may occupy the best place in you, He will also give the best place to you in His heart."

In the meantime, things were lively in the courtyard.  Not peace and patience had come there, as John had wanted, but the opposite.  One brother, who in his delusion thought that the apostle who had come wanted to pass judgment on the congregation, was upset that they wanted to leave their old God - Paul would not like that, and - what did he actually want here?

"We want to get well" - some said - "and there are many in the house who have already been healed through Mark."

Then the brother laughed scornfully and said: "This will be good health, for why couldn't Mark have finished this sooner?  He that is sick according to the will of the Lord must bear it accordingly; how can Mark be contrary to the Lord?"

Then they fell silent, and anxiously they looked toward the house where the healed were still staying.  John said: "Brothers, it is time for us to go into the courtyard.  The wolf is at work.  Now it is your turn, Mark; but fear no more, for now you too have seen the Savior and experienced His love and power anew.  In the meantime, we will stay."

Mark went to the sick people in the courtyard.  They looked anxiously toward him.  Mark said to them: "My beloved, why has your confidence turned into fearfulness; after all, you experienced the glory of God a little hour ago?"

Said one: "Mark, we have been told that your healing is not right; for one must not go against the will of God."

Then Mark looked at the brother Isidorus and said: "Isidorus, why do you destroy the peace and confidence of the poor and afflicted; have they not had enough of the sufferings, and why do you not come to me if you find anything not right?  Did not Paul say: "Unite yourselves in the love of Jesus, which is to show us the way to the Lord?"

Isidore said: "Mark, how can you be so willing to a stranger who claims to be an apostle!  Is our congregations not good enough for you?  Have we ever put anything in your way, that you favor strangers and all at once undo our work?  This must not be."

Mark, full of living love, replied: "Isidore, envy and fear speak from you, but not love for me and the Lord.  It is true, you have left me alone and have not hindered my activity.  But it would have been better if all of you had not been satisfied with me; for lukewarmness and sloth have torn down everything that connected us with the Lord.  What do you think has remained of the Lord?  Only His Word, and this has lost power; therefore no-one could be healed anymore, and a fatalism has arisen in you, which has killed all faith.  But now it shall be different again!"

"No, it will remain so; for it is not you who can determine, but we, and the question whether you may remain our servant, will yet be settled."

Mark then said with a strong voice: "Isidore, you rebellious spirit, do not resist the urging Spirit within me, and find yourself quite soon in Jesus, our Lord and Savior!  Your words and poisonous arrows are powerless as a result of your self-love, and your strength has come to naught.  But you who trust in the Savior Jesus and believe Him that He will give you back the longed-for health, I say: Rise in health and embrace with heartfelt love the Savior, who reaches out to you through me!  But you, wonderful Savior, glorify yourself on those who suffer, according to their faith!  Amen."

Then the sick were healed except for a few; they praised and glorified God for the grace, but the others complained.  Then Mark asked them: "Why did you not put your trust in the Savior; otherwise you too would have been made well."

Said one: "I remembered the words of Isidore"; the others also confessed the same.  Then Mark said: "Now let Isidore heal you, if his word is more important to you than the Word of the Lord from my mouth."

Now those who were sick, besieged Isidore and requested to be healed.  A scornful smile was his answer.

But Mark said: "Isidore, smiling is no answer for the pining hearts; I demand a clear answer from you, and know: in the spirit you reveal, is no love.  I have tried to spare you so as not to lose you, but now love for all dictates that no more consideration be given to you.  Either you heal those who believe in you, or you will make up for what you have lacked in your brothers and sisters!  There is still time; therefore, once again, find yourself in Jesus, and all will be well."

With a burst of anger, Isidore lashed out at Mark and the apostle, not noticing how in the meanwhile, John was coming in with the brothers.  The healed had left the house; only Helena had stayed behind to set the table for the later meal.  Now, however, she heard within herself an admonition that had doubtlessly been foreign to her until now; but in her overflowing joy, she responded to the urging of her inner being and heard: "Go into the courtyard and glorify My love!"  Quickly resolving, she went into the courtyard and witnessed Isidore passing judgment on Mark and exposing all the shadows that had lain on him; John did likewise not fare well.

Then Helena went up to Isidore and said: "Stop your accusations at last; for you do not know all that has happened!  Remember, I have seen Jesus and also talked with Him, and He has admonished me to glorify Him in the courtyard.  Have you not enjoyed love and trust enough among us, and now that at last the true and glorious Jesus wants to revive us again with His love and grace, do you want to refuse?  Be silent or help the poor in spirit to their rights!"

Then Isidore became calm; for from Helena he had always enjoyed the greatest love.  Then the others came and asked Helena to motivate Mark that he should pray to the Lord to heal them.  But Helena said: "No, I will not; but why do you not go to the Lord yourselves, has He not revealed Himself sufficiently among us?  Henceforth there must be no more secrecy, because the love of the Lord and Savior Jesus does not surround Himself with secrecy either, but He freely and openly reveals His redeeming love to us."

"Helena" - said one - "how can we allow ourselves to turn to the Lord, having only recently failed to have full faith in Him!  When I look at the others, I also see my guilt.  Help me, Sister Helena, so that I can make up for my mistake and the others'!  You have seen Jesus and spoken Him, go to Him, and I want to and will confess Him from now on, even if I don't get well."

"Are you serious, brother?"

"Yes, Helena, always you have been our angel; towards you it is not possible for me to speak otherwise than I think."

Helena said: "Brother, I believe you, and now you begin to glorify the Savior Jesus even with a sick body; but the rest of you, arise in health in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and never again depart from the paths that lead to Him and to the other hearts!  But you, brother, will still experience many things that will make you infinitely happy.  Therefore exercise patience, for what the Lord does, is well done."

The others got well except for one, then Mark said: "John, now my wisdom is at an end; what then does all this mean?  What then does the Lord intend for us, that He should reveal Himself in a way incomprehensible to us?  Please, speak to us so that I may surface again, for now the floods of His grace and wisdom have swallowed me up."

John: "Mark, everything in it's time; you are not yet finished with Isidore, but turn to him with holy love!"

Mark understood John, reached out his hand to Isidore and said: "Isidore, we are not yet finished with each other; I ask you in the name of the Lord: what do you intend to do?  In your heart I see serpents and vipers spreading and hatching new mischief.  I warn you!

You still have a witness, brother Gamaliel, who, because of your teaching, could not rise to the same confidence as the others.  You have experienced how the Lord worked through Helena and prepared an accuser for you in Gamaliel.  Gamaliel has become a witness of the Lord who will always denounce your false teaching.  But Jesus has not ceased to love you and is waiting for you.  So say, what will you do?"

Isidore said: "Why do you ask me?  I laugh at you all and leave your Savior where He is.  The God who gives me strength to witness, will certainly continue to support my testimony."

Gamaliel approached Isidore and said: "Isidore, do not forget that I am still here!  Either you heal me, or I will cling to you as you cling to your false god, and I will reveal to all what God in Jesus has done to us all.  Yes, I feel in me the power of God, I feel in me the holy blowing of His Savior's love; therefore, I cling to you until you can no longer do harm to anyone's body and soul.

You are all my witnesses, and you, Mark, no longer need to fear that your love and humility will be made out to be weakness.  I have you to thank for my faith; only Isidore taught me other concepts through his wisdom and oratory.  But now the love of Jesus shines like a bright star, and gladly will I bear my suffering, that I may always be reminded of my error.  Isidore, rejoice in my faithfulness; it is not hate, only love - because one day I will succeed in convincing you.  You cannot be convinced with love; let us try it with seriousness!  But if you want to finish me off by your hatred, then remember: then you will become more miserable than we were."

Now John approached Gamaliel and said: "Brother Gamaliel, you have undertaken much, the Lord does not require it; but since you want to convince your erring brother by all means out of free love, do not forget that without the Lord, you cannot succeed.  But the Lord sees your love and your good intention and wants to meet you and equip you with power from on high and with wisdom out of love.  Come here, that I may lay hands on you in the name of the Lord and bless you!"

Gamaliel knelt down, John laid his hands on him and prayed: "You faithful Savior, God and Lord and Father of all Your human children, this brother here confesses You and wants to make up for his lack of trust in You through double love activity.  Strengthen him, fill him so that he always bears You before his eyes and in his heart; fill him with Your Spirit, that he may become the salvation of all his brothers!  Amen."

John drew him up to himself and said: "Gamaliel, the Lord has accepted you and is restoring to you the health you have longed for; abide in love and be guided only by love, that you may crown the work of His love!"

Gamaliel was completely confused; he suddenly felt so well, he no longer felt any pain, therefore he said: "Love, you supreme Love, it is like a dream to me that I am again without pain, but, Isidorus, rejoice because of it all the same; I will therefore guard you with double zeal and not rest until you have become again our old, good brother Isidorus."

In the meantime, new sick people were arriving, and Mark was having a hard time with them, for the others had made it known that they should all be healed.  He turned to John and said: "Brother, shall the Gentiles also experience the blessings of the Lord?  Here I do not quite know how to act."

John said: "Brother, what is your heart's desire, and what is your love's attitude?"

Mark: "Brother, if you ask me about it, I would like to see everyone happy and healthy, but they do not yet believe in the Lord, and we still demand faith!"

John: "Mark, then you must have double faith and proceed with double love to the blessed work.  When I say 'double love', I mean your love and the Lord's love in you, and you will succeed in everything.  But do not experiment, but believe that He in you and you in Him can continue His holy work until the Lord reveals something new to you."

Mark looked at John for a long time, then he stepped among the newcomers and said: "Friends, what do you ask God, the Eternal and Holy One, to do for you?"

One answered: "Friend, we heard that a priest had come to heal all who are sick, and so we hastened here in our need, asking you, if you are the priest, to heal us."

Mark: "You have heard right, dear friends; but first I must tell you that a priest of the true God has indeed come, but you know from your gods that faith is also necessary.  Why don't you go to your priests or to your gods; won't the priests with their gods be angry with you?"

Said one: "Listen, with our gods it is a peculiar thing: When we offer sacrifices to them, they are merciful and good, but when we ask a sacrifice from them, it is all over."

Mark: "Friends, if you are willing to receive the blessings of the true and living God, you must also believe in the true and eternal God.  It is not I or the eternal God who want to separate you from your gods, but you yourselves must do it.  I am ready to serve you in the name and in the Spirit of the Lord and eternal God, who has become a Savior for us in His Son Jesus: not only a Savior from all your and our sufferings, but a Savior from all death and judgment.  Whoever believes in Him and does according to His teachings, will come into eternal life and experience in himself the Love that makes us human beings His children.  If you want this, prepare yourselves that I may serve you, and the eternal God will bless your will!"

They looked questioningly at Mark, who was glowing like a saint.  They bowed their heads, then Mark laid his hands on them.  Praying and with firm trust, he completed the work, and behold, all were healed.  But those who were healed, remained in reverent silence.  Then John came to stand before them and said: "Free yourselves from fear, for God, the True and Eternal, has revealed all His glory to you in His love and grace.  He does not reproach you, nor does He give you a commandment, but says to you: 'In My love and grace I have looked upon your distress and have taken it away from you; but now I have a request to you, and it is this: Love one another, as I also love you, then you will also experience what bliss lies in love.  There is only one true love, and this comes from Me.  This love is the eternal gift to all of you, and whoever wants to make use of this love of Mine, can and may do so as much as he wants.  Therefore learn to recognize Me as the true and Eternal Love, and all your gods will cease with and in you.  Everything else, My servants will tell you.'”

In that moment of silence and stillness, Helena said: "Oh Savior Jesus, how gloriously You have again revealed Your love for us humans; we can no longer be silent, but we must confess what God has done for us.  Oh John, you faithful witness and servant of His Divinity, tell us: have you experienced anything more glorious in His presence?  I have often envied all those who have lived with Him as a man, and today I am more blessed than you.  He will often have told you that He cannot always be and remain among you as a man; but I have the certainty that He will never leave me, although I am a poor servant and still full of sins.  But what are all my sins compared to His love and mercy?  Oh Brothers and sisters, let us make no more fuss about our human nature, because everything human will pass away like snow at His sun of love and create a completely new and supreme life in us.  I feel it in me, how another life pulsates in me; I am so overflowing with it that I could sacrifice my life with joy out of this love."

Mark and all the others were astonished to hear this testimony, but then he said: "What my mouth has not yet dared to confess, our sister Helena has accomplished; therefore we also want to express our gratitude to her by always lovingly going to her aid.  According to the urging of the Spirit within me, I must tell you: Whoever is in distress of heart, let him always come to me, no matter at what time and hour; but whoever in the distress of his body does not know where to go, let him go to Sister Helena!  She has been entrusted with the ministry of serving in love, because she has the greater love.  But you, Helena, be mother and sister to all of us, and share with us what you have inherited from Eternal Love!"

Helena smiled graciously and said: "Oh you still weak little children, there is room for all at the Father's heart, and I will gladly serve you with what I have received from the holy Father.  But now come into the house that has become a house of God through the love in you.  Whoever continues to long for food for the soul, enter quietly and tell this to all who want to hear it: My house is henceforth the home of love and the resting place for longing hearts."

Many went away to bring the message of their healing to their loved ones at home, others asked if they could come back, since the house was getting crowded, and Helena gladly answered in the affirmative.  The rest all went into the house.  Only Isidorus stayed behind with Gamaliel.  Then Isidorus became incensed and said: "Why don't you go with those who are so fond of love?"

Gamaliel said: "Brother, to curb your raving for the devil.  Like a shadow I will follow you, so fret not for me, since I care doubly for you."

Inside the house, Helena had quickly made room for the many, and as she looked at all her guests, they were almost all strange faces.  There was great joy in her heart; she had quickly fetched a washing basin and asked that they all help themselves.

Everyone was eager to hear what the servant of love had to reveal to them, and John felt the longing within himself that would make everyone happy, and that is why he said: "Sisters and brothers, I call you this because the love within me knows it no other way.  We are seeing each other today for the first time, and yet it is as if we had always lived together, together in a Spirit that is still foreign to all of you, but familiar to me, since it is the Spirit of our God and Father.  This God has seen it fit to reveal Himself at all times through the mouth of His prophets and finally through His Son Christ Jesus.  This Jesus, however, became our brother and showed us the way to God, His eternal Father, and through His sacrifice on Golgotha, made Himself a Mediator through whom we too can reach God.  We, as His disciples, have seen His glory, a glory to which our mouths cannot bear enough witness.  This Jesus became the Savior of all who believe in Him and the Redeemer of all who, like Him, want to redeem others.  If I wanted to reveal all the glories, I would not leave you at all; therefore, be satisfied with what I will announce to you today and in the days to come.

But it is too much for you who are hearing a witness of the living God for the first time and have already experienced His love for you.  But one thing is necessary: If you are serious about accepting Jesus, the Savior and true God and Lord, you must remove your idols and also purify your inner being from many addictions that come between you and Him.  As you long for love, peace and joy, so the eternal God also longs for you.  But first take the blessing of God home with you and come again when you are serious about your temporal and eternal life.  Go in peace, and may the love of God be yours!"  So they went home blessed.  But again and again people came asking for the priest who could heal, and so Mark had a lot of work to do.

The house had now become almost empty, and John and the brothers now had peace and time to talk about many things.  Of all, Helena was the most attentive.  So the evening approached.  John said: "Helena, today your place was not enough; you will have much to do to satisfy everyone."

"John" - said Helena - "I feel as if everything is working out so wonderfully, that I do not need to worry in the least.  After all, the courtyard is large enough to accommodate everyone, and I still have some torches in the house."

Towards evening it became quieter, and Mark felt weak.  Never in his life had he had to talk so much as on that day, and never was he so pressed from within as he made the need of others his need and visibly experienced the Lord's help.  John said to him: "Mark, today was a holy day for all of us and a day of joy for you.  The fruits of your love will still bring you much joy, but for tonight you may rest all the more sweetly.  But remain among us, for your service of love is still needed!"

Conversion of a heathen priest

As agreed, all the brothers and sisters and all those who had been healed, came in the evening.  Helena had told everyone to find a place in the courtyard, since there was not enough room in the house, and everyone quietly did as they were supposed to.  But there were more and more of them, and Mark was worried that there would not be enough room.  Then John smiled and said: "Mark, the more who come and the more God is glorified this evening, the easier your service will be in the future.  But be prepared for all kinds of surprises, for your work today has laid a good foundation.  Isidorus and Gamaliel will also be there; Isidorus out of fear for Gamaliel and Gamaliel out of zeal for Isidorus."

Now the time had come.  The courtyard was so full of people that they could hardly move.  Many were standing, and in the middle, they had laid down on the ground.  At the door of the house, a place had been left for the servants of the Word and of Love.  When Mark and John appeared in the door, as did Helena, silence fell; all became quiet and looked toward the three.  Helena had sought a place with the crowd and also lay down on the floor with them.  The brothers remained in the house and paused in the hallway.  John blessed all those present with the following words: "Beloved friends, brothers and sisters, in the name of the eternal and holy God, I offer you the greeting of love, peace and joy, and wish you true understanding and full comprehension of what you will all hear.  I know that not all of you are believers in our doctrine of salvation and redemption, but that does not matter for now.  But if I could ask something, it would be this: Test everything, but keep the good!  If one or the other should not be quite satisfied, in whatever matter it should be, then you can all freely declare it here.  Mark is and remains your servant, but I move on according to the will of the Lord."

When John was silent, a man approached him and said: "I do not know you, nor do I know whether you healed my wife of her hemorrhage this afternoon.  But since my wife said that she owed her healing to the living God and now has to take care of the purification of the house and her heart from foreign gods, I feel compelled to investigate this miracle and her discourse.  I myself am a priest in the suburbs, and if anyone has ever tried to heal my wife, it has been me.  I have also been with your priest Isidorus, and there I was told that illness is the result of unbelief and must be borne with patience, otherwise the evil will become worse.  What should I believe now, which God is the right one?  The God who punishes all lukewarmness with sickness, or the God who demands love and purification of the heart and the house?  According to my consideration, I ask: Which is the right God, and from what must I purify myself and my house?"

John said: "Friends and brothers, I am glad about the openness of your brother.  You shall also learn from me the answer openly, which is not only for the questioner, but for all.  I am John, one of the disciples of the Lord and Master Jesus, whom your brother Paul already proclaimed to you.  That there are still pagan temples in and near this city is not to be denied, nor is it your fault.  But the fact that false teachers could appear in your circles should certainly not have happened, because the moment discord and strife come into your midst, your power is no longer the same.  Proof of this is that you have lost the most glorious thing: the constant presence of the Lord.  I have followed the urging of Eternal Love to restore you to the old condition in which you first stood, and we have experienced proofs of the Lord's love and grace.  Wisely, it was not I, but your brother Mark who provided the service by the grace of the Lord.  For you who know the Lord and Savior, they are miracles of His love, but for those who are still without knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus, they are miracles of His power and might.

This Jesus, as a man, was a friend and brother to all of us, serving in His love all people without exception.  He knew no enemies and yet was the enemy for many, especially for the Templars in Jerusalem, who did not want His teaching of love of God and neighbor to arise and attributed the power of His Divinity to evil.

Dear friends, what glories we have experienced, cannot be described in words - but the glory that He still allows us to experience today, unites us even more intimately with Him.  If now the friend asks which God we should serve, each one must give himself the answer; for who among us would be the fool who considers glory to be nothing and exchanges bread for stones, or even for a god who, although he does not exist, demands that all kinds of sacrifices be made to him all the time.  We always believed in the God of the Jews, but how far we were from the real God!  Only when Jesus opened our eyes and showed us a God of love and gave us a glimpse into the heavens of His love, then, dear friends, the real God came alive in us and we learned to recognize Him as Eternal Love.  Love was His life, and this life in turn awakened life in us, and from this life, I now also witness and testify to His life.  I could transfer you to a heaven out of His power, but it would be premature.  I could let you see in what error you have been until now; but that would take away all your courage, and you would consider yourselves lost.  You shall find everything in yourselves!  Therefore I give you the advice: Cleanse your house and heart from strange gods - i.e. search within yourselves which love still animates you and which inclinations you still serve!  For Jesus the Savior wants to serve you as a Helper, so that He becomes your Redeemer in you as the Son of the Most High and reveals the true God and Father to you.

Jesus, crucified and risen from the dead, is the Life, and all who believe in Him, will live with Him, but just before His death on the cross, He said to His disciples: 'A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you, so that the world may know that you are My disciples.'  In this commandment is also contained everything that makes us His disciples and also children.  Love one another, and again I say, love one another, and in this love, His love for you is revealed, and in this love, every answer is given to you.  So I also conclude my words to you with the request: Little children, love one another, because the Father's most blessed desire is to reveal Himself to you as Father and to bask in your love.  So may my longing be fulfilled in you, and peace and joy fill your being, and love make possible for you the fulfillment of all longing."

For a long time they were all silent; then the priest stood up again and said: "Stranger, from afar you come and reveal things that are so near; how shall I thank you!  This very day I will tear down the altars of my gods and serve the true God and give Him glory.  You spoke of no sacrifice, but only of serving in love.  Truly, your God makes it easy for us humans, and therefore I am yours from now on.  Decide about me.  You healed my wife without asking who she was, and so I also, without asking, will be yours and serve the God who revealed Himself so lovingly in me.  Certainly, I have heard many things from your brothers that made me think, but when I realized the discord that burned like a bright flame in your community, I preferred my gods, whose priests did not tolerate such things.  But here I now experience a freedom that directly overwhelms me.  God, the Eternal and Holy One, gives us His gifts out of love and longs for love, peace and joy.  This is new to me and so great that I shudder under this greatness.  God places Himself on the ground of His children, yes, this has been heard before, and God wants all to be saved from death and judgment, that is why He took on flesh and blood in a human being.  Oh human beings, this is too much of grace, and that you witnesses of His incarnation have yourselves seen the glory of God, is full truth - since I have also experienced His glory through you.  I and my house will serve your God, and everything we have heard today, will become not only a guideline, but also a light for us on our way of life.  My wife is healthy and thus is everything erased that we have ever sinned in our bodies, and like new people we stand before you, and so I and my house thank you, glorious God, and as you have declared that we still belong to you, so I also want to declare that we belong to God.  For this we ask for strength and strengthening of our will."

John approached the priest and said: "Brother, the grace and the love and the peace of God be with you now for all eternity!  You yourself have the will to put your life completely at the service of the true and eternal God and to remove your gods.  There is great joy about this not only with God, but in the whole congregation.  Only one thing I ask of you: Do not break anything over your knee and let love, love and love again prevail; for only in love for your brothers, can you bring justice to them all.  It is certainly extraordinary that your wife, who until now, despite many sacrifices and prayers, has not received the help you had hoped for, has found the help she longed for here, without having to ask much.  But why did I order that all the sick should come here?  Because I put into practice the burning desire in me that all misery should come to an end, so that the love of the Lord would be revealed more and more.

The power to heal the sick is the power of Jesus' love, which is given to all those who have the right faith and right will, but this power should be the property of everyone and is weakened by the love of the world and of self.  What is the reason that love and power become more and more powerful in me?  Because Jesus, the Savior and Lord, God and eternal Father, can glorify Himself more and more in me: that is the secret and will always remain a mystery to many.  The other John, who announced His coming and prepared the way for Him, said: 'I must decrease and He must increase', and so it is and remains for all people: we must decrease so that He can increase in us, and He in His glory gives this increase to each child according to the grace of His love.  He as man revealed a glory and a glorious God; let us do the same, and we will live in God and God in us."

The congregation was overwhelmed by the experience of John's love.  Now they recognized their guilt, how they had made an idol out of Jesus Christ, and how they had set up their lives in their errors on the basis of His love and grace, and now the way was paved to the sanctuary of love and to the true life out of and in love.

John could not stay long, because other congregations also needed purification.  He gained a helper in these days in the newly won Gentile priest.  He accompanied him everywhere, and in humility he confessed the true God, who, like a dear friend and father, now showed him ways that only bring peace and joy.

John in Thyatira

Without taking leave of the congregations, John's destination was now Thyatira, for the angel accompanying him revealed to him that much error had taken root there as well.

In all the places where John stopped, the traces of Paul's love were to be found, but the life of faith began to flatten out.  The power of God waned, zeal was lacking, and overzealous people completely tore down the faith that still existed.  A new paganism threatened to emerge.

John acted according to the move of his love within himself: he relieved the suffering and sick, and thus he had soon won the hearts.  No opponents stood up, and the seed of love found receptive hearts.  But it became different in Thyatira: there was a large, solid congregation with it's priest and a priestess, both of whom were overwhelming in their speech and testimony.  Unfortunately, the coming of John had been announced in advance, and the congregation was already prejudiced against John.

Alone, without any escort, John arrived in Thyatira on a pre-Sabbath.  Following the angel's instruction, he did not go to the priest or his helpmate, but to a householder who, far outside the city, with his wife and his many children, was feeding righteously on what his garden and the adjoining field gave him.

He walked the whole day and was really tired.  The love that was shown to him when he stopped to rest, did him good.  After a thorough cleansing and strengthening of his body, he felt good again, and soon the cottagers were taken by the speech and the peace that emanated from their guest.  With tears in their eyes they described the joy they experienced in the Savior whom the brothers had brought to them, and gladly they had done what they were advised.  But how disappointed they were when new brothers appeared and began to speak in a different spirit.  Every word was like a truth, but there was no longer any love or understanding for the neighbor.  Everything became colder and more loveless, but the word or the teaching became more powerful, and the brothers shared the word among themselves.

The fragmented congregations had now almost all adopted the habits that the preachers of the Word demanded, and in the process, the most beautiful thing - harmony among themselves - had been lost.  What had not all been demanded: everything that looked like the world had to be renounced, and the Savior had almost not been mentioned with a word, and so it is still today.  The speeches were good, but there was no life in them as there once was.  "Therefore, dear brother" - concluded the cottager - "I thank the Lord who has brought you to my humble home."

John was moved by the poor people's longing for the true gospel, and so they were granted a glorious reward and abundant grace.  That night, the cottagers experienced a happiness such as they had not even suspected before, and now the way was paved for the Savior Jesus.  On the Sabbath, the whole house went with John to the consecration hour.  In it, the priest did not change his manner either; he indeed warned the congregation of the messenger to be expected, who was a disciple and apostle of the Lord.  John listened to everything calmly; the hour of consecration even ended without a blessing.

John took pity on the poor in spirit; he came to the altar, bowed before the large congregation and said: "Sisters and brothers, this is the first time I have been in your midst, but I can no longer remain silent because the distress of your soul and heart burns on my soul.  You call yourselves believers, you want to be believers, and yet a spirit prevails among you that is worse than the darkest paganism.  Where have you left your Savior Jesus?  Have you forgotten that only Jesus and again only Jesus has become all your salvation and life, that no-one can come to the Holy Father as a child but only through Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer?  How can you attain to a childship of God, if He -who brought you the way and the means to it - is cast away from you?  Oh you poor, poor hearts, do you not know what misery you must come into, when you pass by the most glorious, and reject Him in a manner that rejects the light, and exalts darkness unto light?"

Then the priest, named Coeranus, came up and ordered John to be silent, and only when complaints were heard, could he speak.  John stepped aside and made room for the old cottager.  The latter said with calm words: "Brothers and sisters, you know me well enough, and you know that I am not a gusher or an echoer; you know that I have often expressed my longing for the time when we received and then experienced the gospel of Jesus' love.  What beautiful times those were, and love for one another was the bond that united us.  This night, I was able to experience this love again through this foreign brother of ours.  I do not know where he comes from or where he will go, since I did not ask, but with his coming, I experienced a bliss that I cannot describe to you, and so I received so much glorious reward in bliss because I offered him my house as his.

Brothers, do not quarrel over this and do not let our serving brother be repaid for being hard on the stranger, but come and examine for yourselves and bring your sick with you!  For my house and garden shall be at the disposal of all, and I stand by my words when I say to you: it is to me as if the Lord himself had come to me."

Then the priestess came and looked at John and said: "Who and what are you, why do you not come to us, for we are the chosen servants of God!"

But John said to her: "Servants of God you are; I have heard that, but not of my God, in Whose service I am.  You have warned against the disciple and apostle who was to come, and have set up a barrier between me and you.  So you also have to remove the barrier again if I am to come to you.  I come as a friend and brother and not as an enemy, I do not demand love, but bring love, but not mine, but that of my God, out of Whom I work and serve.  It is now up to all of you whether you want to reject God's love anew and persist in your old self-love.  But since you dear hearts have not received a blessing from your brother, I will bless you!

The Lord and eternal God, who in Jesus Christ has revealed His glory, be with you, and His holy peace be yours!"

John was surrounded by those in whose hearts his words had resonated, and to all he called out: "Come to your brother who has invited you into his house and garden; there I am at home, here is as yet no place for the gratifying love of the Savior."

A confusion had now arisen; some cried out: "Yes, yes we are coming" - others again wanted to wait to see what would come of it, and still others did not want to spoil it with their priest and especially with the priestess.  John, however, did not turn back, but went with his host back to his home.

That very day, the house of Jasis was filled.  They came with depressed and weighed-down hearts, for they did not feel free of guilt and also confessed that they were much to blame for not having had the courage to confront Idaea.

John, however, did not even think of reproaching them, but showed them the image of love in Jesus, who had come to bring salvation and life to all.  "Why did you not bring your sick with you?" - asked John.  He was told that today was the Sabbath, and it was not proper to do so because it was forbidden.

John asked if it was also forbidden to do good on a Sabbath, for whoever would heal a sick person or contribute to a healing, would surely be doing a good work, and he continued: "Therefore I ask you: turn your hearts to true love, and God is on the way to you."

Without saying a word, an aged woman left; after about half an hour, she brought her daughter, who appeared outwardly healthy but was troubled from time to time by evil spirits.  "Brother, here I bring you my daughter; until now, all help has been in vain, and all my sacrifices have been unsuccessful."

John: "Sister, I know; for your daughter is a dwelling place of dark spirits.  To heal her, more than prayer and sacrifice is needed, because for these dark spirits, there must be a place where they are healed of their false delusion and given the opportunity to accept the light from God."

All looked at John uncomprehendingly, for they had not yet heard such a thing, then John said: "But in order to introduce you to this truth, you shall experience how these dark spirits want to let off steam.  But do not be afraid, for our protection is Jesus the Savior."

For a few minutes, John laid his hands on the girl's head and prayed for the work to succeed, then a voice, very low, sounded from the girl: "Who dares to disturb our rest, or do you feel like arguing with us?"

John said: "Neither do we wish to disturb your rest, nor do we wish to quarrel with you, but to cause you at last to leave this poor human child, and to bethink yourselves of pursuing better ways."

"What" - said the voice - "we shall never ever leave this hut, which affords us such splendid shelter!"

"Then we will force you" - John replied - "for to leave you in this human hut, would be the downfall of this human flower, and you would not be served by it; so I advise you, leave this human child, or we will force you."

Then not only one voice laughed, but several from the girl, and now those present were afraid of what was coming, for they had not yet experienced such a thing.

John again laid his hands on the girl.  A hissing and a raving began.  John did not let himself be distracted by this.  Again and again he held his hands over the girl's head, pleading, imploring and blessing her.  Then the girl fell down and did not move anymore.  John, however, continued to hold his hands over the girl, the others had joined in praying, and so they did not notice how the priestess Idaea had entered the house.  She did not get to say a word, for at that moment the dark forces left the girl and clung to Idaea, who also did not resist and now became the vessel of these spirits.

Only John had seen it, no-one else.  Then the girl moved, remained lying on the ground for a while, then John lifted her up and said: "My daughter, you are now freed from your plaguing spirits, but only if you give yourself firmly into the protection of Eternal Love, you will remain freed, and your health will soon get better.  You are no longer ill, but only affected.  Spend much time in the sun and accept the gospel of the Savior Jesus!"

Then those present were moved, as the girl now asked about the Savior Jesus, and if He had delivered her from the sickness, and what she should do.

John said, "Daughter, do nothing but rejoice because you have experienced the grace of being healed.  The joy in you will urge you to give joy to others also, and that is the service the Savior Jesus asks you to do."

"Ask" - said the girl - "surely this cannot be?  Surely such a great Savior must demand; for otherwise very soon those who are healed, will forget his request."

"It is true, dear daughter" - John replied - "the Savior Jesus is not a demanding Lord and Master, but He remains a supplicant, because the love from God, His Father, does not contain a demand, but only a request.  This love, which we have all experienced now, is the holy love from God, which has revealed itself so wonderfully and gloriously to us humans in the Son of Man, Jesus.  This Jesus is the light that will illuminate all darkness, and enlighten with His clarity all who walk in the paths He has prepared for us, and give them a life that no more death or judgment can constrict.  You have all heard enough from your brother that Christ Jesus came to save all who believe in Him.  This faith in Him, however, has greatly diminished among you, whereby the enemy of life succeeded in sowing discord and lukewarmness among you, and even in undermining faith in Him.  The consequence was the intrusion of the dark forces that made you most uneasy.  You, my daughter, are now free - but your priestess Idaea has become the victim of their greed and lust for power.  Without the right faith in the Savior, there is no thought of healing her for the time being."

Said Jasis: "Brother, what are you telling us; Idaea has become the victim, yes how come?  Here is Idaea; say, Idaea, how do you feel, what do you look like?"

Then Idaea stretched herself, and as if awakening from a dream, she cried out: "Once we succeeded in supplanting ourselves, but now we hold fast what we have, and will go to work differently than before."

Idaea was driven to leave the house.  Following a dark urge, she hurried toward the city.  John said: "Do not be afraid; Idaea will come again, but not alone, many, many lower powers will approach her and still cause us some sound weather; but there is no danger for us, since Jesus is among us with His angels."

It was good that Idaea had gone, for all at once, many came with their sick; John laid his hands on them all, and all were made well.

In the meantime it had become evening, and no-one wanted to go home.  But the healed ones asked to speak with John, for it was like a miracle to all, because it had been a very long time since anyone had been healed.

John, completely permeated with fervent thanks and love, said: "Dear, dear hearts, I can understand your longing for a word of grace and love, which you have just received.  It shall also come to you, but you must first become calm inwardly, and therefore I would like to ask you: Go quietly into your home today and let yourselves be satisfied with what you have already heard.  Jesus, our Savior, is and will always be among us, if we become completely alive in His Spirit, and this cannot happen only with words, but must happen through all our actions.  Therefore, put on the garment of humility and love, and many things will come to life in you that are still dormant.  Since many sick people will still come tomorrow, I ask you not to come until the evening, when you are urged, and so go your way in peace and be blessed in and through the love of Jesus!"

Many went, but not all - they wanted clarity about Idaea and her priest Coeranus.

John told them: " Brothers, everything will be dissolved in joy and good pleasure, but still the ground is full of weeds and filth.  Consider that through your own lukewarmness, error upon error has been able to take hold in Thyatira.  Nothing is more difficult to remove than ingrained error.  But the adversary has used your own carelessness to cause even more serious damage, namely through Idaea, who has now become the victim.  Do not think that what she says today and in the next days are her own words.  oh no, but words of those who have fully taken her - and to heal her, the help of the whole community is needed.  But what is bad for you, is that your neighboring communities are in complete agreement with Coeranus and Idaea.  Therefore, persevere in intercession and remember the erring ones in love and not in aversion, and the success will be glorious."

The following days, John had his work from early morning until late at night with the sick who came and were brought, and by evening, the house of Jasis had become a proper inn.  Joseba, his wife, and also the children had their hands full to give everyone some food and drink.  They did it without being asked to, despite their great poverty, and above that, they would have given even more if only they had had the opportunity.  In her activity, Joseba was so busy that she did not even notice that a Roman had come with some people, nor did she hear him address her.  Therefore, she was startled when the Roman called her loudly to ask if the healer was still in the house.

Only now did she look up at him and say: "Lord, forgive me; in the rush of my activity, I have overlooked everything; what do you wish of me?"

The Roman smiled and said: "Is the healer still in the house, or must I go on?"

"No, Lord, go no further; John is still there, but he still has work to do with the sick.  Come and be led to him."

The Roman commanded his men to wait outside the house, and went with Joseba to the room where John was ministering in his love.  Joseba: "Jasis, here is a lord who came to see John, do take care of him, I am busy."

Jasis bowed to the Roman, but the latter had already seen John and went towards him.  John saw him and pressed him to his heart.  "My brother, that I may but see you again" - he said, pressing him once more to his breast.  "John, my brother" - said the Roman - "I heard of one who heals the sick in the name of Jesus, and then I was mightily drawn to you; I thought you were still in Jerusalem."

"Jerusalem is no more, my Julius; the Lord made it known to me days ago, the Master's words have come true literally.  But I ask you, stay here a few days."

Said the Roman: "John, if you ask me, I will stay; for behind your request, the Master waits with a special grace, but now let me first care for my people."

He went out again with Jasis and ordered his men to put everything in the inn and then come back.  Julius discussed various things with Jasis, because he noticed the great poverty in the house, and then said to one of his men: "Get enough food for us and see to it that all the visitors in this house also get food and drink as long as Brother John stays here!"

John now had peace to speak with Julius, but the others were quite unfree because they took offense at the Roman's person.  Then Julius asked them: "Why are you unfree and consider me a stranger?  Am I not your brother through Jesus' love?"

Said John: "Brother, something else is the reason that they are unfree: a false spirit has gained room in their heart.  Since yesterday, I am now allowed to manage the disaster, and only when all distress and worry is banished, the glory of our Master and Father will gradually emerge in the right appearance.  But tell how you have fared; I am yours until evening."

The evening brought a full house; everyone came full of joy, and so many had to go into the courtyard, but even there they could hear John.  Among those who arrived was Coeranus; he was depressed because he did not know what to do with Idaea, but did not dare to say anything, since others told him everything that had happened to Idaea.  He felt guilty.

John looked over all the visitors, then he took the floor and said: "Brothers, sisters and little children, your coming is a real joy to my heart, for in you I see the longing to come again into true union with the Beloved.  You are right to do so, for your desire is also the Lord's desire, and He wants everyone to understand Him so that He can make everyone happy with His love.  Yesterday and today He did what was necessary for His heart out of your need, but in His love, He wants to serve you in a completely different way and wants to make you happy out of the Spirit of His redeeming Savior-love.

Brothers, understand my words as I say them to you, and do not think that I want to win you again in the same spirit that brother Paul brought you.  There is something else in my words, because Jesus, my Savior, has also become my Father forever, and so I tell you like a brother that it is about more than faith with you.  It is about the Savior Jesus, who wants to work in you, permanently, forever among you.  You should no longer be orphaned, but like a Son of God and brother, He wants to reveal light, love and life to you forever.  Just as we, as His witnesses and brothers, have experienced His exceeding glory, you should also experience His glory and learn how God loves and makes happy His own.  Faith is necessary, but what good is faith without trust and love?  As these two were the cornerstones with the Lord, so they should be with His children; in addition, there is humility, from which all powers grow, and all powers should be applied in the right spirit.

It hurt the Lord how you are losing yourselves more and more.  You have experienced in your sick how much you lacked the Savior, and today He extends His love to you again through me.  But I tell you further that the Lord is not only interested in you looking up to Him again as believers.  I also tell you that the Lord is not only interested in you looking up to Him again as believers and converts, but that you arise anew in His Spirit and truly become His children.  As His and your dear Father's children, consider what bliss will result for you and also for Him.  Our eternal God now wants to be completely Father and reveal everything to His children until a heaven has become in you that is not inferior to all created heavens.

My brothers and sisters, you are still unaware of what a great gift Eternal Love in Jesus has given to all people.  It is already written: God created man in His image, in the image of God He created him; but when you look at what man has made of himself, are you not overcome with melancholy?  And what a joy it is now: Jesus, the Son of God, became man and brings back to us what was lost, and even greater things!  He brings us childship and makes us heirs of His kingdom and His glory, a glory for which His created angels have no words, let alone we humans.

The Father can now reveal all this to His children, but not outwardly in the world, but inwardly in the world that a child of God can build up for himself according to the concepts of love and knowledge out of God, our eternal Father.  But now I must be silent, for as yet you cannot bear the overabundance; but when His Spirit of love and life shall overtake you, then - then the hour shall be when heaven and earth shall become one in you, and everything in and around you shall breathe love, and life shall have the victory over all that is called death and judgment."

Silent and inwardly shuddering with happiness, they all looked to John, who gave them such glorious promises.  But Coeranus said aloud: "There is no place for such ravings in our congregation, and all your words, I regard as unspoken.  What is the meaning of all this, do you want to disturb our peace?  Idaea is no longer the same, you alone have confused her mind."

Then Julius stood up and said: "My brother John, allow me to give the right answer to the disturber!"

John only nodded, and Julius turned to the troublemaker: "I may be a stranger to you by name, but I feel at one with you, except for you, who allow yourself to revile our brother, our beloved servant of love.  You say that there is no place for such ravings in your congregation, but I say to you: there is no place for you in this congregation anymore.  Did you not hear how the brother said: In Jesus, the love of the Father is offered to you again, and as children of God and you should consider yourselves heirs of His kingdom, say: What can you bring better than life out of love and love out of life?  You accuse our brother of having put Idaea - who is Idaea? - out of order.  Remember, you dead and dark person: whoever is in right order, can no longer be brought into disorder, and for Idaea you now bear the responsibility, because you made her what she is now."

Coeranus was about to start and shouted at Julius to be silent, but Julius continued: "Man, remember, I am still your friend and I want you to convert; but if you show me your enmity, then I have means enough to tame you.  I have authority to hinder all those who interfere with the work of the Son of God, and that I will do, I hereby confess before the congregation.  What do you, dark one, know about the love of the Savior?

Today, when the love of the Savior has been revealed, you want to make it all out to be untrue and a fantasy!  Go, I tell you, and try to protect your Idaea, for in my spirit I see dark clouds gathering over her being!  But consider also yourself, that it is only possible for Jesus to save her and you!"  Then the congregation listened, and John said: "Brothers, it is as our brother Julius said; go all into true intercession for them, and you, Coeranus, go and try to save Idaea, or by this time tomorrow, she will no longer be among the living."

All were terrified at these words, but John said: "Fear not; will you not see the glory of God because this has been revealed to us?  Idaea will become a sacrifice to the enemy of life unless room is given for the Savior to show Himself to be the Savior and Redeemer."

"You have all become fools" - cried Coeranus, then he quickly hurried out of the house.

Julius excused himself before the congregation, saying: "My friends and brethren, calamity is taking it's course; but you shall acquit yourselves of all that is to come.  Everything can still be stopped, but woe to them both if they do not want to be helped!  I think if you, in love for your brother, give both of them strength, then you have given room to love.  But we do not want to be disturbed, our time has passed, and we still want to stay together in the Spirit of Jesus.  That is why I have taken care that we have a small supper, which I have arranged through my people.  Isn't it right, dear father and mother of the house, for Jesus' sake?"

How happy the poor people were to have a meal in the Spirit of Jesus, which love bestowed, and Julius called his people, who brought bread, fruit and a good wine, and quickly the meal was prepared with the available dishes.   John blessed both the meal and the people, and then they all began to eat.  John told some stories of the Master's life on earth, and so one hour after another passed, and it was as if a breath from heaven passed through all the hearts.

Julius, however, could not remain silent; he, too, told of his experiences, how the Savior had always come to meet him.  Then a bright radiance came over them, and at the door, all saw the Savior.  Blessing them, He held His hands over them and went through the crowd to John.  John was transfigured, then he said: "The Master says: 'Little children, at last the hour has come when I can reveal My love to you.  At last the barrier has fallen that still separated Me from you.  Never again let the bond that unites us all, be broken among you.  I come to you not as the Almighty, but as your father, brother and friend, and bless you out of My love and desire to give you My life according to the measure of your love and longing.

You, My Julius, have revealed great love to Me out of My love, and now I will add My own.  Eat once more of the leftover bread and drink of the wine; My great love shall reveal everything to you, and as often as you come together, remember this hour!  Be blessed out of My love and My mercy, so that this blessing may be manifested to you and among you!  Amen."

The Lord now disappeared from their sight, but John continued: "The Lord is still among us and will continue to reveal Himself through our hearts, but now continue to enjoy what the Lord has especially blessed us with!"

Then they marveled at the good taste of the bread and especially of the wine, and neither could be consumed.  Then said Joseba: "Brother John, what is left over, I will give to the sick and Idaea, is it all right with you?"

Said John: "Sister, you have thus expressed the Lord's will - yes it shall be and remain so.  What the Lord blesses, shall be for all, and in this grace, we will become worthy servants of the Lord's love and blessing."

Only a few stayed for the night in the house of Jasis - Julius also went to the inn that his people had arranged.

Very early in the morning, everyone was still resting, except for Joseba, who was preparing an early meal, when some women came with sick children.  One woman had a bad leprosy, which spread bad smell.  She did not want to go into the house because of the bad smell and therefore stayed in the courtyard.  In the courtyard, however, Julius' people had already come and now asked the woman why she had not gone into the house, because they could not heal her.

The woman pointed to her evil leprosy, so the men backed away, for they had never seen anything like it.  The woman wrapped her arm again and sat down on the ground.  Julius appeared and went to his men; they pointed to the woman and asked if the disciple could also cure this leprosy.  "Certainly" - said Julius - "he can cure even worse things, since the power of the true God pervades everything and sustains everything."

"Can the disciple then also heal animals?" - asked a man - "My horse is severely lame and had to be led here."

"I think so, my friend" - replied Julius - "only bring it here, and we shall see."

Then the man went and fetched his horse, but the others were talking and said: "But a horse has no faith, because Julius always said: 'first believe, then you will experience the glorious'; our Julius is - indeed a just leader, but when it comes to his Jesus, he forgets some things."

Julius, however, was informed by John what conversation was going on in the court about him, and therefore said to him: "You know, Julius, now you must show your men that Jesus is really everything to you; you will feel in yourself the power and heal the horse by the grace of Jesus."

"But John, that's not possible; now when a man is sick, I must also be able to heal him."

John: "Surely you can also; what you say to your men, I now say to you: first believe and then experience."

The man brought the horse, it was really very lame; then Julius said to the man: "You should have reported to me earlier, the horse would have been healthy long ago."

Then the man opened his mouth as if he had to think about something, then he said: "The disciple was not with us, how could it have been healed, and besides, a horse can't believe!"

Julius smiled, went to the horse, lifted it's hoof and stroked the lame thigh to the hoof in prayer, and the horse was all right.  Julius noticed the strength coming from him and said: "Your horse is all right again, but take proper care lest you have more misfortune, for even an animal is exposed to danger."

Then the others' eyes and mouths opened wide, and one of them said: "Julius, if you could heal the horse, you must also be able to heal the woman, for it is a pity to look at the arm."

Julius: "The woman did not come to me, but to the disciple John.  To heal a horse is easier, because there the healer must have double faith, but a sick person must believe himself and will then experience the glory of God."

The woman overheard the conversation - quickly she came to Julius and said: "Lord, I have seen how you brought help to the horse through double faith; please, try the power on me too, I believe it will be possible for you.  He who can bring healing to an animal, is also able to heal a human."

Julius hesitated, his men looked at him; then he said to the woman: "Show me your arm, and if you believe that not I, but the Savior Jesus can heal you, you will be happy."

Then the woman took off the cloth; Julius had to close his eyes for a moment, then he laid both his hands on the sick arm and stroked the gangrenous wounds for a long time in silent prayer.  Now he noticed how a strength emanated from him, so he said: "Have heartfelt thanks, You best and dearest Savior, for this Your grace and Your help.  But you, woman, be healthy from now on and seek to come into intimate contact with the Savior Jesus, for He is the salvation and redemption of our body and soul."

Then the woman cried out of joy and gratitude and said: "Friend, how can I as a sinner come into intimate contact with the Savior Jesus, since I cannot stand before the punishing God?"

"Oh poor woman, who has blinded you so; come into the house, there you will also be healed in your soul."

Julius took the weeping woman by the healed hand and drew her into the house to John, saying: "Brother, here is a sick soul, smooth it's way to the Savior; I feel that much has been sinned here against people and against Jesus our Father."

John embraced Julius and said: "Brother, this is the right understanding; you are right, much has been sinned against people and against the Lord.  Therefore, let His love, which bears and forgives all things, be gloriously manifested.  I thank you, brother, for your love and understanding, and now be blessed that His Spirit and power may remain with you!"

Julius knelt down and received the brother's blessing by God's power and grace, then he said: "Brother, I feel so good; I could embrace the whole world, but now I must see how I can help you, so that you too may have relief.  I will get you a wagon so that you don't have to walk so much anymore, because these errors at all ends and corners must be cleared up as soon as possible.  Already too much of the exceeding calamity has fallen upon the communities."

The other women had already experienced the grace of seeing their children healed, so John said: "Julius, today and tomorrow it will go on all day, you take care of your ministry, for we will have little opportunity to talk, but the day after tomorrow, I will call upon your love; my destination is Sardis."

That day there was a coming and going in the house of Jasis, and everyone was helped who came as a supplicant, and Jasis could experience many things.  But he also did not leave John's side, for this love laid a foundation in him that made him a rock, and many a one who came to his house, he prepared, so that John might have an easier work.  Many pagans also came and experienced miracle after miracle.  Coeranus, however, had not returned.

The following day settled down; only messengers from other congregations arrived and asked John to come, which was promised when the time came.  Under proper instructions to the questioners, everything seemed to continue in peace and order.

Then a brother came in great haste and excitement and told that Idaea had become the victim of a misfortune:  "In the house of Coeranus, where Idaea was also staying, things were very lively.  Idaea could not be calmed, some thought that only John the disciple had the power to set her right, but Coeranus was against it and downright prevented it.

That had been yesterday; today Idaea's condition seemed to worsen, and again some said: Take her to John, there will be healing for her; many found healing there yesterday.  Coeranus resisted with all his strength and means, and there was a separation.  Those who wanted Idaea to be brought to John, accused Coeranus of showing that he did not believe in the Savior Jesus and that his doctrine of God had become invalid.

There were great arguments, and in fact half of them left the house of Coeranus.  The latter, however, resented, made the confusion even greater, and cried out that the others should go too.  Then Idaea became wild, and before anyone could prevent it, she had hurried out of the house and was running along the military road in great haste.  Some hurried after her, but could not catch up with her.  Then a heavy Roman team came rushing along, and before it could be prevented, Idaea ran into the horses and the wagon passed over her.  'We saw' - the messenger reported - 'how the horses reared up in fright, and the driver had trouble bringing them to a stop until we came and helped him hold the horses.

Idaea was bleeding from the head, shoulders and arms, but we were not able to bring her some help.  The Roman loaded her up with our and other people's help.  We wanted to bring her to you, but then the Roman said: 'It is all over, this woman has suffered'.  Then we took her to Coeranus, and he tore off his clothes and the hair from his head, and it seemed as if he was going into a fit of raving madness.  Then the Roman Julius entered the house, laid his hands on his head, and it immediately got better.

Julius now had the matter reported to him calmly, for what he learned were only fragments; he interrogated us calmly and then said to Coeranus: "Now what you were told, has come to pass; see how you come to terms with yourself and with Jesus Christ.  This misfortune is your fault.  I, as the representative of the temporal law, absolve you, but according to Divine laws, you are guilty."

Julius asked us to greet you, John: he will be at your service tomorrow."

All were shocked when they heard the tale, but John did not reproach, but said: "Brothers, your task is not to abandon Coeranus, but to carry him with all love.  In a few weeks I will come to you again; until then, Jasis and Joseba will serve you.  Idaea, however, has become the victim of dark beings; therefore bless and love wherever you can, but out of the Spirit of our Savior Jesus!  If you want to save yourselves from heartache, then only in and through the love of Jesus!  But if you want to be completely free from all your error, then this will only be possible if you live in Jesus and He in you.  With miraculous works from His power and glory you are not yet His children and heirs of His heavens, but only when you live completely in His Spirit and act in the Spirit of His redeeming love, as He has acted.  Idaea will wander for a long time, for the spirits who were her servants, now demand that she serve them, and it is difficult to break away in the spirit-realm from the bonds that one tied around oneself in earthly life.  For without the Savior's assistance, it is quite impossible to rise again to a higher stage of life, since the means are lacking everywhere.  Pray for your sister that she may be given the strength to do so, and bless her because she also served you."

Then the eyes of the others were opened, and they resented Coeranus.  But John rebuked them and advised them not to leave him, but to open his eyes, but in and with love.

Early in the morning, two wagons stopped before the house of Jasis, and once more John blessed them all, then he mounted Julius' wagon, who had not dismounted.  He did not want to be brought out of his rest and peace of heart and to spend days of rest and joy with John.  Idaea's death still lay like a cloud on his soul.

In these days, Julius also received the right consecration, and the angel accompanying John had done his part, so that Julius was now also completely free from the pressure of his soul.

John in Sardis

In Sardis, none of the believers had any idea of the coming of the disciple.  He was welcomed with joy, but John soon noticed the lukewarmness that had spread in the community and in the hearts.  There were still some healers, but it always took a long time before a sick person was healed.

Julius took lodging with a friend of his, a Roman merchant, and John also had to stay with the Roman.  Julius said: "At last I too can keep my word and bring you, dear friend and brother Constantius, a witness of my Savior Jesus.  It is John, my Savior's most intimate friend and brother."

Constantius: "Julius, I am truly happy about your love, but I will not be able to reward you, because Lydia has been suffering for a long time, and the attempt to heal her by a local priest of the Christians, has not yet led to any success."

Said Julius to John: "Brother, what do you say to this failure?  I should be glad that my friend had entered this path, and now it was useless."

"Not useless, dear Julius, it is the result of the fact that so many have completely slackened in their zeal for the Lord and Savior" - John replied - "for see, how can the Master be a Helper if His servants give themselves over to sloth?  Everything that is done in the right love and in full faith, leads to success."

Constantius: "Julius, I do not understand your friend and brother, for this priest has taken the greatest pains; there can therefore have been no lack of the necessary zeal."

Said John: "Dear friend, I am glad that you do not cast a shadow on the servant of the Lord, but now I ask you seriously: Can you believe that Jesus the Savior, though He died on Calvary and has now become fully alive in the kingdom of God, can still help today?"

"I must well believe it, for I can not accuse Julius of a lie" - says Constantius - "therefore I will send for the priest, or may I turn to your love?"

John: "You may, dear friend, and therefore, because you believe it, I tell you, your wife is well; in a few minutes, she will describe to you the great miracle."

Constantius looked at John and at Julius, then he said: "Now no-one shall be able to say that Constantius is still attached to his old dead gods, and no-one in my house shall ever smile at the Jew's God anymore."

After a few minutes, Lydia entered the room where the three men were; she was about to say something to her husband, when she caught sight of John and said, "Am I dreaming or is a vision deceiving me?  Did you not stand at my bedside a few minutes ago and say to me: "Child, arise, for your Savior wants you to be well and to become a true daughter to Him?"

Constantius said: "Lydia, you are healthy, because a few minutes ago, this friend said: your wife is healthy; in a few minutes she will describe the great miracle to you.  This friend, however, has not left this room for a moment since he came to our house."

Lydia reached out her hand to John and said: "And yet it would be you who restored me to health; it is the same faithful eyes that looked at me, and the same lips that spoke the soothing words, and so I beg you: speak a word, that I may also hear the sound of your voice!"

Then John said: "My daughter, it was not I, but the Savior Jesus.  He made use of my love, and so you experienced the miracle of His love."

Lydia said, still holding John by the hands, "Yes, it is also the same voice, and I believe your words just as I believed your words when you stood by my bed.  Would you just want to explain this miracle to me; for a miracle it is and remains.  Be welcome with us, and you too, dear Julius.  How shall I ever repay the debt I owe to you?"

"Oh Lydia, only as a debtor do you want to consider yourself?  What Jesus, the living Savior, gives us in His love, we must not regard as something that makes us a debtor, or do you also regard the love of your children as something that calls for debt repayment?  Nevermore, because love out of the love of Jesus produces love in turn, and what we experienced was, is and remains love."

Lydia: "Julius, I have always secretly considered you somewhat of a love-fanatic, but today the proof has become mine through you, dear messenger of God, for you are no different."

Thus a whole new life awoke in the house of the rich Roman.  First the priest was led to the living fountain, and now it was easy for John to make all the congregations in and around Sardis more and more alive through the living grace of the Lord, which was revealed more and more.

Julius had moved on, but he still took care of John.  The latter now had a wagon and a servant who had only to care for the team.  The old servant revered his new master like a messenger from the heavens.

John in Philadelphia

Thus the congregations were brought back into the old order, and John went to Philadelphia.  Already on the way there he was able to do much, for his reputation preceded him.  In the inns and in the small congregations everywhere, the gospel of the Savior Jesus became alive again in it's old power, and the Romans all seemed to know John.  This was the work of Julius and Constantius.  In Philadelphia he was received like a bishop, and the schools as well as the synagogues were  overflowing.  The Gentile Christians far outnumbered the Jewish Christians, but everywhere there was the same longing for true dedication and new promises.

John in Laodicea – healing of the leper

John remained in Philadelphia for many months; then he made another trip to Laodicea and, with his all-animating love, stimulated the congregations there to new activity.  Here, too, a lukewarmness had set in, and therefore almost no-one was healed by the brothers.  John, who was seriously willing to denounce all lukewarmness, had initially created many enemies among the Jewish Christians.  The Gentile Christians, however, showed great zeal, and this was gloriously rewarded.

Several lepers lived there in a small corner of the earth, and the converted Gentiles had made it their duty to spare the poor from begging.  One respectable old man in particular distinguished himself with a touching love and was shunned for it for fear that he might infect someone.  He himself seemed insusceptible to the terrible disease; for when he brought bread and fruit to the lepers, he always stayed with them for a few hours, gladly testifying of the Savior and Redeemer who had washed away and blotted out all sins with His blood, and praying very much with them.  His prayers were touching, and yet none were answered.

Now John also heard about this old brother.  He quickly resorted to seek him out. It was not right for many people that he should pay a visit to this odd man, as he was called; but John did not turn back, there was a holy urge in him.  He talked with the old man for a long time and asked him why he did not dare to lay hands on his patients.

"Can I do that?" - he asked - "Is it not enough of a gift for me to know that the Savior is also my Redeemer?  May I have any more?  For what I hope, for may be asked for."

John embraced this old brother and said to him: "You are right, my brother, but praying and begging are not one.  There is a vast difference between making yourself a beggar and to be a servant.  Do you still need to approach God for greater love?  Doesn't God's love become more and more evident to you every day, and you keep silent about all inner admonitions and suggestions?  Oh My brother, your love is great, but God's love is a thousand times greater.  It is so great that it can only be imagined by a loving child.  You believe in the redeeming love that God has revealed through Jesus Christ, but you have not yet become aware that with this faith, you have not only become a servant, but have been accepted into the fellowship of the holy ones.  Can God give you a greater proof than the one you experience every day?  No harm comes to you in the midst of the poorest sick.  Yet all the brethren shun you like an incurably sick person, and you have become strong through it.  Is not your love the most glorious prayer, and do you not know the word from the Savior's mouth, which He says: 'All that you have done to the poor, you have done to Me'?  Therefore, my brother, do not fear that you will ever grieve God, for He needs you as one of His witnesses!"

"My brother" - said the old brother, tears streaming down his beard - "may I do what I wanted to do long ago?  What is in me!  Gladly I would be sick for the others, if only the others could be healthy, because then also their faith would grow."

John: "Brother, your love is a gift to the holy God and Father, and therefore I will bless you."

John laid his hands on the old man's head; on his knees he received the blessing, and John said: "Brother, receive the blessing which God's and the Father's love has made alive in me for you, and arise fully in the Spirit of purest love for the Savior.  All on whom you will lay your hands shall be blessed, and all sickness shall depart from the power that flows from your heart through your hands.  But everything you do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, and let thanksgiving and supplication come alive in you every day, that you may increase still more in love, peace and power!  Do not be misled any more by your own thoughts or by your weak brothers!  Let your Savior experience joy in your love, and let your thanksgiving in turn be joy!  Amen."

The old man was completely transfigured and cried: "Let yourself be embraced, brother, what I feel in me is unspeakable.  Now I also know that God has become my eternal and holy Father and all people are now my brothers.  Oh how comfortable and easy it suddenly is for me.  Rejoice, my poor brothers and sisters, my God and Father shall also be yours, and all shall experience the love and grace as I now experience it!"

John was delighted by this love, he knew he had blessed no unworthy person for the great work of love.

Already the next day there was a great commotion, because the old man, who was regarded as an eccentric, brought all the sick to the priest as healed people, so that they would be absolved and could be among the people again.

The first walk was now to John, and a large crowd of curious people joined them.  John anticipated their coming and awaited them with a joyful heart.

"Brother" - said the old man - "here I bring you the first fruit of the love and grace received yesterday; I pray you bless them all, and from now on, be called father!"

John blessed them all and said: "Little children, receive my blessing, which the love of the Father has matured in me for you; arise completely in the spirit of a child who knows only one desire: to love the Father above all and all people as himself.  Let love dwell among you, and awaken life out of love for love's sake.  Remain faithful to this love; then the holy Father will also reward you for your faithfulness and make you stronger and stronger for the service of love.  Amen."

This caused a commotion among the Jewish Christians.  One priest accused John of bias, resenting that it was just the old oddball, the gusher, who had been awakened to this power.  But John said: "Brother, no-one has ever shown this love like this old brother; but what has become of him, can become of anyone.  Why do you not strive to embrace love as well?  You are afraid to sin, but your hearts have hardened, and such inertia has grown in and among you, that Eternal Love feels only sorrow for you.  What have you made of Jesus?  Only a servant of your sins and a vessel of your lowly mind.  But this Jesus, through His love and through His suffering and death, has brought us only the way and the means to become a child of the great love of God.  The means and the way are called humility and loving devotion.  I do not reproach you nor condemn you, but I tell you one thing: Whoever envies such a blessed child the successes of his faith and love, will have to search for a long time before he finds a savior again who will pave the way for him into the eternal Father's house.  There is still time, and therefore I also address to you the call and the request: love one another, so that a heaven may spread over you, in which all who dwell therein, will feel themselves blessed and as children!"

John now witnessed the growing life in all the congregations he visited; but the opposition against him was also growing.

Again it was the Romans who feared for him and advised him to be more careful.  John smiled at all this.  His reputation was growing, but so were the dangers that threatened him.

John on Pathmos

Then Julius went to Rome on a special assignment.  Many months passed before he came back, and without much preparation, John was taken by the Romans to an island which he was not allowed to leave.

On Patmos he now lived his life entirely in the service of the Lord and for the people.  Visibly, the angel of the Lord ministered to him and revealed to him the blisses of the blessed and the torments of the wretched.  Likewise, the angel revealed to him the history of mankind, of spirits, and of all the heavens, and none of it was unknown to him anymore; heaven and earth had become one to him, and only one blessedness animated him, the love of his Jesus, his friend, brother, and eternal Father.

When he was allowed to leave the island after years, he had to be compelled to do so; for his life had experienced full fulfillment.  In the years to come, he let himself be driven or carried whenever there was a need to serve.  He had become a father to all and called all his human brothers and sisters children.  His sermons were short, and always concluded with the words: "Little children, love one another, love one another, because you are all children of one Father in heaven, and only through love can the glory of the eternal Father truly be revealed."

Going home

He lived to be about a hundred years old, and his death was a resurrection for the heavens he had so often seen.  It did not occur to anyone that the death of their beloved father John had brought them pain, for John lived on in all his contemporaries as their father, friend and brother.

The Romans continued to protect the inheritance of the faithful witness, and from his revelations, people are still learning until the present time, because they could never enter into the life of love as the disciple who was closest to the Lord, and who therefore understood the Lord and Master best.

Thus he lived a life as a disciple of the Lord, as a servant of Eternal Love and as a priest of the great Master of love, who wants to transplant His love into all hearts as eternal life, so that all the lives of His children become one and eternal.

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Table of Contents

1.  Conversion of the elder of the community of Smyrna 4

2.  Healing of the sick and renewal of the congregation 6

3.  The Word made flesh 7

4.  Son of man and Son of God – John relates a youth experience with Jesus 9

5.  John in Pergamos 15

6.  Conversion of a heathen priest 23

7.  John in Thyatira 26

8.  John in Sardis 37

9.  John in Philadelphia 39

10.  John in Laodicea – healing of the leper 40

11.  John on Pathmos 43

12.  Going home 44