News and Updates
March 1, 2025
David Copeland · March 1, 2025
Newsletter · Volume: 25 Issue: 3
Mark 1:9-11 “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11. And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
It seems to me that God has blessed us since the beginning of the year with a fresh, open heaven. I want to examine a few characteristics of a closed heaven versus an open heaven:
1. Characteristics of a Closed Heaven
People are very apathetic
Sin runs rampant in the open.
Rebellion appears to be the natural order of the day.
There is minimal conviction of sin. Sin doesn’t impact people as it once did.
Churches feel lifeless and stagnant. People argue, complain, and debate over the most trivial or immature issues. Church attendance is infrequent and irregular, if they show up at all.
Hardness of heart is a significant trait of a closed heaven.
A closed heaven affects cities & towns: businesses close, the economy is in disarray, joblessness increases, crime and murder increase, and corruption is rampant.
But the most striking characteristic of a closed heaven to me is this: there seems to be no great conviction of sin when there is a closed heaven.
2. Characteristics of an open heaven
It’s easier for people to live rightly and treat others well when there is an open heaven. Prayer takes priority. Churches are vibrant places, not merely community organizations or country clubs.
An open heaven blesses cities and towns: businesses flourish, and families receive blessings. An open heaven signifies an extraordinary freedom and favor to witness God’s Kingdom and the purposes He has for the local church to advance.
I am convinced that we have entered an open heaven in 2025. The Hebrew year is 5785.
5 = the number of grace
7 = the number of completion
8 = the number of a new beginning
5 = again is the number of grace
The number 25 in scripture is also called grace upon grace, or, as I call it, multiplied grace! At Christmas, one of my granddaughters asked me what the Lord was speaking to me, and I told her this would be a “year of extra grace for new beginnings.”
I’m not attempting to be superstitious about numbers. But every Hebrew letter, word, and name carries a numerical value that, when added together, can give us an outlook on what God wants to do.
However, having an open heaven is not a time to become complacent or lazy. It’s easier to pray under an open heaven. It’s simpler to preach and witness results when there is an open heaven. Faith flows and thrives with an open heaven. Unity flourishes when there is an open heaven.
In fact, when people are born again during times of revival or an open heaven, it is easier for them to become established in the faith. I have noticed it is easier for new believers (and older believers as well) to live right when there is an open heaven!
Again, an open heaven is an unusual ability, freedom, liberty, and anointing to preach, pray, prophesy, live right, do right, and see Jesus and His Kingdom exalted on the earth! I know that’s a mouthful, but these are living characteristics of an open heaven.
Most of all, as a minister of the Gospel, an open heaven brings an unusual freedom to flow with the Holy Ghost!
An open heaven will introduce you to your future. There will be fresh open doors of opportunity for you to help advance the Kingdom. An open heaven will impart God’s Presence into your life in a fresh and new way.
An open heaven will give you confidence from God. Even if you are in the wilderness, you are on the right track!
Jesus left the Jordan River with an open heaven and went directly into the wilderness. When you have an open heaven in your life, even if you walk into a season of difficulty, you will emerge victorious on the other side!
But the most striking aspect of this event is that Jesus could not fully embrace His calling until He experienced heaven opening over His life. You and I will never fully realize what God has in store for us until we walk under an open heaven.
Oh God, help us understand and seize this moment, and allow You to fill us with Your fullness in this open heaven.