JESUS CHRIST, A SUPERSTAR SACRIFICED

These are the two most resounding lines from the chorus of the popular song taken from the movie Jesus Christ Superstar, “Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ. Who are you, what have you sacrificed?” As the finale song of the movie/rock opera is sung; the viewers are left with this very intriguing question as to the importance of the Man and His Mission.

To my mind, the clear answer to this perplexing issue raised by the chorus is obvious, that Jesus had sacrificed His Humanity to the point of death to proclaim His Divinity (His Resurrection). This is the central theme of the movie/rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, where men are unable to accept His Human/Divine status, when Jesus declares that He truly is the Son of God.

The movie had its initial screening in 1973 as Jesus Christ Superstar the movie. Celebrating 40 years since it first opened in Broadway and at London's West End, this entirely new and re-conceptualized musical production was recorded in video as Jesus Christ Superstar 2012; a rock opera concert tour performed live at the London Arena in 2012 where it was, well received and acclaimed by appreciative audiences.

Timothy Rice was the brilliant lyricist who wrote the Scripture based lyrics focusing on the final years of Jesus’ Mission before His Passion and Death, while the entire musical arrangements were magnificently composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber who had originally intended it to be a rock musical play.

In the movie adaptation, the location setting being typically conservative was filmed in expansive deserts and mountainous terrains to project a realistic feel indicative of the times of the Passion. The costumes and hairstyles of the cast were also reminiscent of 1973 when the hippie culture was the popular trend of that generation.

In the rock opera live version, an updated 2012 look was presented with the glamorous cast dressed in elegant costumes such as designer jackets, suits, overcoats, heavily accessorized with trendy communication gadgets. Also the presence of a massive video screen as background wall was efficiently utilized to project visual settings appropriate to relevant events; being alternately useful to highlight the more important scenes from the performers.

In the movie screenplay, Ted Neely was cast to portray as Jesus Christ, Carl Andersen as Judas Iscariot and Yvonne Elliman, who was personally chosen by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the role of Mary Magdalene. The 2012 rock opera version presented for its performing ensemble; Ben Forster as Jesus Christ, Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot and Melanie Chisholm as Mary Magdalene. 

Interestingly, Ben Forster was a show finalist, appropriately chosen by the viewing British public from the ITV primetime program Superstar; a reality based talent-search competition TV show launched by Andrew Lloyd Webber on May 16, 2012 in his quest to find the best artist to play the lead role in his forthcoming Superstar Live Arena Tour.

Since its initial live presentation as a London stage play in 1972, Jesus Christ Superstar celebrates 40 years of successful theater performances. The movie adaptation as directed by Norman Jewison was subsequently released in cinemas worldwide for viewing appreciation of international audiences. Fortunately, 40 years thereafter, both opera/movie masterpieces are available in standard and high-definition Blu-ray digital video format for video enthusiasts. 

The final years of Jesus Christ as its central theme is magnificently portrayed by the powerhouse cast with stunning performances; further enhanced with definitive melodious pop-rock musical arrangements. Inspirational lyrics are brilliantly interspersed with powerful melodies, such that the harmonious messages are effectively reinforced upon the viewers with repetitive choruses.
 
Undeniably, the opera version is quite difficult to execute as there are no re-takes and the musical accompaniment is performed live with precision by a full ensemble orchestra. New technological advancements have also greatly contributed to the enhancement of the soundtrack's superb multi-channel digital audio. With the utilization of digital video equipment, the visual presentation is finely detailed in high definition clarity, a welcome eyesight candy.

Jesus Christ Superstar is the story of the humanity of Jesus Christ. It portrays the human side of Jesus as he experiences the different facets of human emotions of love, fear, anger, hurts, doubts, frustrations, and abandonment. This human aspect of Jesus is portrayed in the play from the point of view of the closest people around him.

Judas Iscariot in his self-proclaimed status as the right-hand man of Jesus offers him unsolicited advice on how He should go about with His Mission. The ever supportive Mary Magdalene explores her undeclared love for Jesus singing, “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” in which she professes her human inability to comprehend and express the proper and reverent way to love the Divine Jesus.

And the reluctant Pontius Pilate who demonstrates his apprehension to sentence the innocent Jesus to death by crucifixion; exploring other possible ways to reduce His sentence by having him flogged 39 times. Ultimately not receiving a defining response from Jesus finally forces Pilate to give in to the clamor and approves the death sentence with his regretful chorus, “Die if you want to, you innocent puppet.”  

Jesus Christ Superstar is about the humanity of the Son of God who typifies any other human mortal experiencing doubts and uncertainties in the trials of life. The lyrics of Tim Rice and the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber rightfully portrays the human side of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane scene where Jesus dares to ask God for enlightenment and questions why He should die and if it is possible for Him not to drink the cup of poison.  

The Gethsemane portion was the most intense and passionate part of the musical. It expresses the magnanimity of the Divine Love of God for all of mankind; who despite the petition of Jesus to withdraw the cup of suffering; didn’t withheld His very own Son from mortal death for our sake.

In the 1973 movie, this particular line where Jesus expresses, “God, Thy Will is hard, But you hold every card.” was craftily substituted in the live opera version with “God, Thy Will be done, Take Your only Son”. And as Jesus sings His troubled Heart out to the Father, he concludes it with a willful resignation of an obedient Son by declaring, “Take me now, before I change my mind.”

Simon in his overwhelming devotion to Jesus the Superstar, as their newly proclaimed political Messiah declares, “You’ll get the power and the glory, forever and ever.” Surprisingly, Jesus downplays His Superstar status in response to Simon and the crowds with this perplexing chorus, “While you live, your troubles are many, poor Jerusalem. To conquer death, you only have to die, you only have to die.” Jesus emphasizes that human death is inevitably a necessary phase for His transition from humanity to full Divinity.

Another interesting portion of the musical was the intimate appeal of His followers for Jesus to reconsider His decision from proceeding with His Passion as Mary Magdalene and Peter the Apostle leading the chorus, “I think you’ve made your point now. You’ve even gone a bit too far, to get the message home. Before it gets too frightening, we ought to call a halt. So could we start again please?”

In retrospect, this song “Could we start again please?” is also an intimate invitation for the viewers to reconsider reconciliation and avail of the Sacrament of Confession, where we are reconciled with Jesus and are given a new start for a new life with Him. The ultimate reward of His Sacrifice is our Redemption, and the very reason why Jesus lovingly offered Himself to God the Father, in atonement for our sins.

So there it is, the very act of His Supreme Sacrifice is what makes Jesus Christ a true Superstar, the Name that is above all name.  Jesus willingly sacrifices Himself, His Life, His Humanity to proclaim His Divinity triumphantly. By His death, he has conquered death with His Resurrection and His Divinity is gloriously proclaimed and reaffirmed by God who decrees that from henceforth all authority in heaven and on earth is given to His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

“Jesus Christ, Superstar, Son of God, you truly are. You have the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen.”

EDWIN L. YAP

Makati City, Philippines

WARNING OF HELL AND THE PROMISE OF PARADISE

"WHEN YOU CHOSE THIS FALSE PATH, YOU WILL SUFFER 
DAMNATION AND BURN IN HELL FOREVER. IT IS VERY REAL."

My beloved daughter you have come through a terrible persecution which I permitted to free your soul from the torments of Hell. You are now free and your spirit will enable you to spread My Word so that mankind can be released from the suffering that awaits them should they be so foolish as to succumb to the Evil One.

You, My daughter were sent right from the start. I am making you stronger all the time in but a few days. What do you think you will be like in a week, a year or two? A fighter, brave to the last. You will work with Me to clear the souls of My dearly beloved children for whom I hold a deep and utterly loving compassion. The love courses through My veins like a river. My compassion never dwindles despite the fact that they turn the other way.

I will save them from the torments of Hell

Tell them, My daughter, that I will save them from the torments of Hell. I need them to turn to Me in their joyless confused state. There is only one way to love and peace. That will be in My new Paradise when Heaven and Earth will become one. Don’t they know this? Have they never heard of My promise of old? The promise of eternal life, where they – all mankind – who turn to Me will be lifted body, soul and mind into the New Earth and Heaven when they combine once again as the Paradise for so long promised to My Father’s children.

Believe, I beseech you. Think. If you have never been exposed to holy scripture then ask yourself this simple question. If you feel love in your hearts where do  you think this comes from? Is it love that makes you feel gentle, humble, yearning and free of all ego? If so then this is the love that I promise all My children who turn back to Me.

How worldly ambitions leave you empty

It is hard, I know, dear children to believe in a different world to the one in which you live. Remember that this world was created by God, the Eternal Father. Then it was soiled by the works of The Deceiver. He, Satan, is extremely cunning. You, My children must surely know that the worldly ambitions which you find insatiable do not fulfill you? You feel an emptiness which you cannot explain or understand isn’t this so? And then you strive for more and more. But, yet, you are still not satisfied when you feel you should be. Why is that? Have you looked into your hearts and asked why? Why? The answer is very simple.

God created mankind. Mankind was tempted by Satan. Satan exists in this beautiful world that My Eternal Father created out of pure love. Sadly he, Satan, will exist until My Second Coming. He will then be exposed for the sheer lies and deception that he has manifested in My children.  By then it will be too late for many of My children including those who are unsure or hesitant in believing in the Divine Superior Creation of My Father’s Kingdom.

Do not reject Me

Listen! I, Jesus Christ, the Savior sent to give you all a second chance to enter My Father’s Kingdom hear now My promise. Listen to My voice, sent by divine grace through My visionaries and prophets in today’s world and understand that all My children are equal in My Father’s eyes.

Those who follow Him are blessed but suffer torture for the souls who do not believe and who refuse to listen. God made the world. It did not appear from nowhere. Man did not, nor could not, invent such a miracle which science will never be able to explain. The divine supernatural can never be truly understood until all children of God surrender in mind, body and soul to the pure love that I offer.

Please, I beseech all of you do not reject your Creator. Please do not listen to the deceit of the lies you have been told by The Deceiver, through divisions of the Free Masons, the Illuminati, the false prophets and the bizarre and totally evil cults that have evolved through the naivety of Man.

Satan is real
 
Mankind is weak. Even the most holy of followers fall prey to the constant temptations of The Evil One. The problem is that they, those who seek pleasure, do not believe he is real. Others do know he is real and that he does exist. They are the ones who cause Me the most heartbreak.

Wounds opening once again and festering
 
I am suffering to such an extent that the wounds inflicted upon Me at My terrible crucifixion, to which I succumb are opening once again and festering leaving Me in the utmost painful agony of body, soul and divinity. Yet I will never give up loving all of you.

I call on you from the Heavens and on behalf of My Eternal Father who created each and every one of you out of pure love to stand firm. Reject Satan. Believe that he exists. Accept that he does. Open your eyes. Can’t you see the havoc he causes in your lives? Are you blind?

A message to the rich
 
To the rich I say stop. Think and ask God for just one moment. Is your role in living God’s commandments pleasing to you? Does it feel right? Have you denied Me at the expense of worldly excesses? These same excesses and pleasures will leave you empty of heart.  You will know, in your own heart, that it does not feel right. Yet you will still thirst for more of the empty, and yet exciting promises that you are given by the Deceiver in return for your soul.

A message to those who follow the Illuminati
 
I implore all of you, especially My children who have been sucked into the Illuminati and other such evil entities. Once there you are doomed to eternal damnation. Don’t you understand that what you have been promised in return for your soul is a lie? A deceitful and frightening lie. You will never receive the gifts promised by this sinister messenger from the depths of Hell. As your Savior on the cross, when I gave up My life to save you please do not let Me lose you now. I love you My children. I weep as I implore you one last time not to reject Me in favor of The Deceiver.

I will forgive all who confess
 
I cannot interfere with  your free will because that is one of the gifts given to you when you were born in the light of God.  I will be coming, as scriptures foretold very shortly – sooner than anyone can comprehend. The world will plunge into darkness and despair. Yet I will forgive all and every single one of my children who, when their sins are revealed to them, no matter how offensive they are – instantly at the moment of confession.  They will enter body and soul into Paradise when Heaven and Earth will become one, where all of you will live for eternity with your Family for ever and ever.

Promises that Paradise has to offer
 
No illness, bodily corruption, no sin – just love. That is the promise of My Paradise.  No one will want for anything. Every one will live in harmony, joy and love.

The reality of Hell
 
Do not reject this life for the life you have been promised by Satan!  You are being lied to. If you follow this path where God, or Me Jesus Christ Your Savior is not a part then you are on the path to eternal damnation. You will scream with terror when you realize the error. By then you will plea for mercy. You will tear at your face. Pull out your hair. But, because you have free will, a gift from My Father, it cannot be taken away from you. When you chose this false path you will suffer damnation and burn in Hell forever. It is very real. The biggest damnation is finally realizing that there is a God. That I, your Savior Jesus Christ actually exists. And there will be no way, at that stage, to save yourselves.

The greatest damnation when you know you will never see the face of God
 
Your family may look at you from the other side. When that happens and you realize the awful truth it will be too late. Remember these words. The greatest damnation is when you know that you will never see the face of God. That will be the greatest torment and one that will stay with you forever in the fires of Hell where pain is constant and unrelenting. You will, instead of enjoying the Paradise promised to you, through the lies of The Deceiver, end up in the terrifying corridors of Hell. It is very real and represents suffering for eternity.

Please, all of you who do not believe I am communicating with mankind I ask that you pray to My Sacred Heart. Pray My Divine Mercy at 3 O’Clock each day. I will respond to your request with love which you will feel instantly. Hold My hand children. Don’t let go. I love you all so much that I gave up My life for each and every one of you so that you could be saved.

This time I come to judge. Much as I love you I cannot interfere with the gift of free will which was bestowed on you by My beloved Father. I hope, that through My modern day visionaries and prophets that you will finally listen. Remember, the truth is the way to Eternal Salvation and a new beginning when Paradise returns to Earth.

The lies of Satan
 
The lies, no matter how seductive, are just that. Lies – designed to steal the beloved souls that cannot be released by My Father, the Creator and Maker of Earth.


Your Divine Savior Jesus Christ


As posted on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 03:00 AM at this Source Site:


http://www.thewarningsecondcoming.com/the-warning-of-hell-and-the-promise-of-paradise/

ETERNAL ASSURANCE FROM JESUS: PROMISES OF HIS MOST SACRED HEART

THE 12 PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART: 
ETERNAL ASSURANCE FROM JESUS

As human mortals, it is prudent practice to concern ourselves with the continuity of life’s activities such that we consider the securing of life insurance a priority investment. The purpose of this assurance plan is to ensure that our chosen (bereaved) beneficiaries will be well provided for in terms of monetary benefits should we abruptly terminate our earthly existence.

In case you are unaware, there is another secure form of Eternal Insurance that you can avail of for yourself and your love ones. This is by availing of the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the form of First Friday Devotions to His Most Sacred Heart.

This is probably the most powerful Eternal Insurance you can ever subscribed to in one’s lifetime, since the Faithful Assurer is no less than Jesus Christ Himself. The eternal benefits of guaranteed salvation are comfortingly re-assuring and the period of effectivity is limitless.

For so much eternal benefits from the Divine Faithful Assurer, you would probably think that the subscription premium required is quite expensive. On the contrary, it costs absolutely nothing. The only thing that is required of you is a firm determination to start the First Friday Devotion and the persistent discipline to complete it.

In successive revelations, Jesus Christ Himself made the following promises to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, in favor of those who fervently practice and promote this devotion.

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

4. I will be their security and refuge during life, and above all, in death.

5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.

6. Sinners will find in My Heart the Source, and Infinite Ocean of Mercy.

7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

9. I will bless every place in which an Image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.

10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart.

12. I promise you in the excessive Mercy of My Heart, that My all powerful Love will grant to all who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months, the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in My disgrace, nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their assured refuge in this last moment.

As a Sacred Heart devotee, I began my First Friday Devotions with the primary objective of trying to complete the nine First Friday Masses. It may be difficult at the start, but don’t worry, continue to persist and in time, the Devotion will grow on you eventually to become a normal practice to observe monthly First Friday Masses even beyond the prescribed nine months minimum.

The Promises of the Sacred Heart are all inter-related with each other such that when you are committed into the Devotion, the promised benefits are all acquired continuously as part of the Eternal Assurance arrangement. Thus, numerous essential Graces are immediately bestowed and felt during the practice of the Devotion.

If you find during the duration of the Devotion, you are unlikely to finish what was started, just continue to pray and persevere. In time, you will realize that your lukewarm faith will become fervent and transformed as was stated in His Seventh Promise.

The Devotion to the Sacred Heart is actually an Eternal Guarantee from Jesus Christ Himself that He will be there with you always to guide and provide for you during your lifetime and more importantly assure you that as a Sacred Heart Devotee your salvation is granted so you may continue your eternal love and devotion in the afterlife.

So what are you waiting for? Start availing of your Eternal Assurance immediately by making a monthly resolution to attend the First Friday Devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated at Sacred Heart Street, corner Kamagong in Makati City, where First Friday Devotions are celebrated at all Masses every First Fridays.  First Friday Novena Prayers recited at all Friday Masses are available here.

EDWIN L. YAP
Makati City, Philippines