THE CONDITIONS ARE RIPE FOR A SPIRITUAL HURRICANE

There were 400 years of near silence from the days of the prophet Malachi until John the Baptist and Jesus came on the scene. No prophet had spoken. We don’t have Biblical record of any prophetic vision or revelation. There was a famine of the true word of the Lord.

The old man Simeon and the old prophetess Anna were two of the faithful remnant who held on to the delayed promise of the coming Messiah and the consolation of Israel (Lk. 2:25-38). The ceremonial priestly sacrifices, the temple offerings, and the Sabbath rituals without the prophets speaking had created a great, lifeless vacuum among the Jewish people.

But in spite of outward circumstances and centuries of a divine pause, God’s plan was still in motion and so much greater than they ever imagined. It not only included redemption for Israel but for the Gentile nations as well. The vacuum of the human heart would be filled to overflowing with new light and new life. The glory of God was on the horizon.

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

PRINCIPLE OF THE VACUUM

Herein we must understand what I call the principle of the vacuum. When a people are denied and deprived of the life-giving word and power of God for so long, it feeds the desire and hunger for it all the more. When the reality of God is taken from a people, the craving and panting in their hearts increases. When a society infiltrates our educational system from kindergarten to our universities with humanistic ideologies, with marxist socialism, with anti-Christ and anti-Semitic literature, with hatred, violence, and sexual perversion, the human heart begins to long for a purity from a more innocent time. The glory of Christ becomes the end of their search.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” (John 1:14).

Though Christ came 2000 years ago, there are still many nations who’ve been deprived of His gospel and His glory. Anti-Christ governments and religious regimes block the flow of God’s blessings to a nation. They shut off the spigot, so that the water of life cannot get to the people.

But how do you shut off the hunger of a human heart? The potential of life flow into that vacuum is enormous. Here is the principle:

“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more…” (Rom. 5:20b).

This principle is evidenced when scientists and meteorologists gauge the force of hurricane winds and water surges by the low-pressure systems that form over the ocean of a developing storm. There’s a vacuum effect created that determines the violence of the winds. Such is the mystery of a human heart and a society that has been denied true spiritual light and life for so long.

GREATEST MOVE OF GOD ON THE HORIZON

Take the example of the church in China. In spite of an evil communist regime suppressing the people under an atheistic form of government, the Chinese church is flourishing. I’ll never forget the image I saw not too long ago of a container of Bibles being opened and the Chinese recipients of those Bibles weeping with joy and scrambling to get their copy. The nation’s outlawing of the Bible created a great vacuum in the heart of the people and produced a ravenous hunger for the written Word of God.

Iran, as a nation, is another recent glaring example. The Islamic regime there has starved their people of the gospel and reality of Jesus Christ for a long time. Yet now within that nation is one of the fastest-growing underground churches in the world. What happened? When you saturate a people with enough hate, strife, violence, and a dead, joyless religion devoid of God’s love that produces no true peace, because it contains no assurance of salvation, then you create a great vacuum and a hunger in the human heart to be filled with the reality of the true and living God.

When secularists attempt to create a post-Christian America, they actually create a hunger in people for sacredness. When atheistic university professors seek to erase our Judeo-Christian heritage, they actually create space for a new script of faith in God to be written in the human heart. What they are ignorantly doing is playing right into the devil’s hand.

Satan has been overplaying his hand since Calvary. What he thought was the ultimate defeat turned into the greatest victory in the history of the human race. He is repeating this strategy in his plans to destroy America. All he is doing is adding to the increase of the groaning of creation to be delivered from the bondage of corruption.

The deeper our society sinks into hopelessness and despair, the greater the cry is for a living hope and eternal joy. The deeper the bondage of sin, and addiction to drugs, and sexual perversion, the greater the cry is for deliverance and freedom. This effect is happening in America right now, and globally as well. The earth is groaning for the manifestation of the sons of God (Rom. 8:22).

I propose to you that we are on the precipice of the greatest move of God and awakening that America and the nations have ever seen. I propose to you that, since the time of Christ and the early Church, we’ve not seen a move of God that comes close to the finale of what has been in God’s heart from the beginning.

Excerpt from my new book, The Tumultuous 2020s And Beyond. 

Our books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and the turning away from the truth we are seeing in our day.

Also, this ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those who believe in the mandate and message of revival and restoration that this ministry carries. Again, if this article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible contribution through our Paypal button to help? 

DONATE 

Thank you, and may God’s richest and best be yours.

A SPIRITUAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS OF WHAT IS PRESENTLY HAPPENING IN AMERICA AND WHAT THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE MUST BE

The following article is an excerpt from what one old Pentecostal minister termed the best, most dynamic, timely and seasonal book he’s read in a long time, PASSING ON THE MOVE OF GOD TO THE NEXT GENERATION.

One day Satan asked himself a question:

“How can I destroy America? No army can defeat them. Their economy is foolproof. They’re geographically isolated and cannot be invaded. I know what I’ll do. I’ll get them through their children. I’ll erase the commandments, the godly traditions, the family, morality, ethics, truth, and decency.”

We are seeing this today in increasing proportions.

Then, while pondering on this evil, hellish strategy, Satan says:

“If I can get the Holy Spirit out of the Church, I can really take over.”

And so there you have it — a spiritual laboratory analysis of what is presently happening in America. I wonder which evil strategy is the worst. Are you more concerned about what is happening in the nation or in the Church?

My concern is not as much for the nation, or the government, or the evils that have befallen our society because I understand that an evil, decadent society is never a match for the glorious, Spirit-filled Church.

Jesus walks among the lampstands (churches — Rev. 2 and 3). His concern is for the state of His Church. Although God is concerned about governments and His Word exhorts us to pray for all those in authority, for kings, presidents, governors, and such (1 Tim 2:1-2), there is hardly a mention found in the New Testament of the evils prevalent in a nation, a society, or the government. No word from the New Testament writers on Nero, Herod, or any ruling Caesar. No complaints about wicked governments, criticisms about wicked kings, how evil society was, or the state of failing economies. No attention was given to any of these issues. The Church and the spiritual health and welfare of the saints have always been the issue. Jesus wants His lampstands to burn bright.

As long as we are in this world, there will always be sin and evil. Nations, societies, and governments are made up largely of unregenerate sinners. Sinners are dead in their trespasses and sins. They are possessed by a sinful nature that makes them slaves to sin. Until they come to Christ and are born again, they are powerless to overcome the ravages of sin.

A strong spiritual Church burning brightly in the midst of a decadent society is our only hope. The true Church is the voice and moral conscience of a nation, and a restrainer of sin and evil.

The mind of the Spirit that the early apostles possessed was for the Church to be salt and light in society and to impact it through its character, power, and authority. A Church full of the Holy Spirit and reflecting the glory of God will affect any society. But to actually change society, you must change the hearts of the individuals within it.

The power and testimony of a transformed life and a heart on fire speak louder than any old tradition, new program, perfected logic, polished sermon, or eloquent speech. Give the local church a few burning testimonies of changed lives, and it can start to impact a city.

“Come see a man who told me all things that I ever did” (John 4:29).

Where is the power of the Spirit-inspired testimony in the Pentecostal/Charismatic and evangelical churches? It is only the effectual working of God’s power in a human heart that will allow a man to go outside of himself and share the gospel boldly and testify of Jesus. “In order to stop me, you’ve got to kill me,” is the battle cry of the radically transformed man.

“For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

When the saints of God are spiritually healthy and vibrant, it brings light into the local church and city. So precious are those who are on fire for Jesus, especially in times of gross darkness and moral decline as we are in now. Heaven takes note of them, and they shall shine as the stars forever.

“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (Dan. 12:3).

In a time of spiritual declension in Great Britain in the 1800s, Catherine Booth, wife of Salvation Army founder William Booth, went about the churches “looking for burning words.” She recognized that doctrine alone is not enough. Logical-sounding phrases and great swelling words are not enough. Oratorical skills are not enough. We must have the Word on fire and the power and move of the Holy Spirit.

Many churches need to get out of the twilight zone of cessation theology and postmodernism, and learn what it means to be filled with the mighty Holy Spirit and press on into all the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19).

While there are pockets of revival throughout certain parts of the nation, there has also been a disturbing trend in many Pentecostal and Charismatic churches of a lack of emphasis on the work, power, and fullness of the Holy Spirit. Listen to the words of the late John G. Lake, that great apostle to South Africa:

“I believe that the first essential in a real Holy Ghost church and a real Holy Ghost work is to begin to surround the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the reverence due an experience so sacred and so terribly costly.”

The gospels and the book of Acts portray the original blueprint for the operation of the real Church. She was born in Spirit and fire (Acts 2:1-4) and can thrive only in the same. Yes, thrive even in the midst of a morally declining and grossly dark, decadent society.

More Spirit and fire churches is the real cure for America’s degradation and society’s ills.

Imagine if all Pentecostal/Charismatic churches caught fire. Imagine if all evangelical churches did, too. The impact on our nation would be unprecedented.

More of the workings and fullness of the Spirit is what we need — and fire, fire, fire on the churches of Jesus Christ!!!

Be a support to us and follow our blog and help spread these messages. Also, consider subscribing to our ministry YouTube channel for weekly 15 minute Face to Face video impartations on the Spirit-filled life from my wife and I.  

Our books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and the turning away from the truth we are seeing in our day. 

Also, this ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those who believe in the mandate and message of revival and restoration that this ministry carries. Again, if this article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible contribution through our Paypal button to help? 

DONATE 

Thank you, and may God’s richest and best be yours.

THE CHURCH IS WASTING GOD’S POWER AND FAILING TO GRASP THE END TIMES

This is a compilation of several major visions and prophecies of last days events leading up to the coming of the Lord. I’ve shared most of them individually before, but now here I highlight excerpts from each one. I encourage you to save these excerpts and meditate on them.

WIGGLESWORTH – 1927

There must be special preparation for the return of Christ and at least half of all believers will be totally unprepared. We have to see that these days have to come before the Lord can come. There has to be a falling away. I want to speak to you very exactly. All the people which are pressing into and getting ready for this glorious attained place where they shall not be found naked, where they shall be blameless, where they shall be immovable, where they shall be purified by the power of the Word of God, have within them a consciousness of the very presence of God within, changing their very nature and preparing them for a greater thing, and causing them to be ready for translation.

This is the day of purifying. This is the day of holiness. This is the day of separation. This is the day of waking. O God, let us wake today! Let the inner spirit wake into consciousness that God is calling us.

HAGIN – 1950

I was struck dumb. He laid his right hand on my head and said, “Read, in the Name of Jesus Christ!”

I began to read what was written on the paper, and as the words instructed me, I looked and saw what I had just read about. First I read about thousands upon thousands of men in uniform. Then I looked and saw these men marching, wave after wave of soldiers marching as to war. I looked in the direction they were going, and as far as I could see there were thousands of men marching.

I turned to read the scroll again, and then looked and saw what I had just read about. I saw many women—old women with snowy white hair, middle-aged women, young women and teenagers. Some of the younger ones held babies in their arms. All of the women were bowed together in sorrow and were weeping profusely. Those who did not carry babies held their hands on their stomachs as they bowed over and wept. Tears flowed from their eyes like water.

I looked at the scroll again, and again I looked to see what I had read about. I saw the skyline of a large city. Looking closer, I saw the skyscrapers were burned-out hulls. Portions of the city lay in ruins. It was not written that just one city would be destroyed, burned and in ruins, but that there would be many such cities.

The scroll was written in the first person, and seemed as if Jesus Himself were speaking. I read: “America is receiving her last call. Some nations already have received their last call and never will receive another.”

”More and more miracles will be performed in the last days which are just ahead, for it is time for the gift of the working of miracles to be more in prominence. We now have entered into the era of the miraculous.

“Many of my own people will not accept the moving of my Spirit, and will turn back and will not be ready to meet Me at my coming. Many will be deceived by false prophets and miracles of satanic origin. But follow the Word of God, the Spirit of God and Me, and you will not be deceived. I am gathering my own together and am preparing them, for the time is short.

…”So today I am speaking and giving America her last warning and call to repentance, and the time that is left is comparable to the last seven days of Noah’s time (Gen. 7:4).

“Judgment is coming. Warn this generation, as did Noah his generation, for judgment is about to fall. And these sayings shall be fulfilled shortly, for I am coming soon.”

Jesus repeated, “This is the last revival. I am preparing my people for my coming. Judgment is coming, but I will call my people away, even unto Myself, before the worst shall come. But be thou faithful; watch and pray, for the time of the end of all things is at hand.”

HAGIN – 1963

For there came a dark hand up out of the ocean from the east, even from the Atlantic Ocean. It came up out of the sea as a hand and as it rose up into the air it became a dark cloud and it filled the whole atmosphere. Yea, and it swept in like a storm at sea. And I said, “Oh Lord! Oh Lord! Oh Lord! What’s the meaning of this?” And He spake unto me and said,

“Son, that is the darkness of atheistic communism that is sweeping across the nation—even in the minds of men in high places and politicians with great power. And this nation shall not grow more strong and you shall not have more liberty than you have now, but liberties that you’ve known and you’ve seen shall be seized and taken from you.”

And I looked again, and I could see upon the mountain a blotch, as though a bottle of ink had been spilled and spread out over several states in the south and east. And then I looked and I could see spots splotched all over the map and I said, “Lord, what meaneth this?”
And He said,

“Communistic inspired hatred among races shall cause greater turmoil than your nation has seen heretofore. Yea, it is not the will of God but men’s hearts are perverse and they walk without the love of God and seek to have their own way. And so it shall be worse than you have seen.”

And I said, “Oh Lord! Oh Lord! Is there a remedy? Is there a remedy? What shall the answer be?”

And He said,

“Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceived and being deceived.”

And then I said, “Oh, Lord! Do we have nothing to look forward to in the future except the darkness, the blackness, war, destruction and evil?”

And so then I looked into the spirit realm and I saw falling upon that mountain a ball of fire from heaven. The closer to the Earth, the bigger it got, and then when it came to the Earth it divided into small balls or sparks of fire, and it fell upon men. And I saw an army of men rise up, and it seemed as though their hands were fire. And there sat upon their heads a tongue of fire. (When I first saw it, it seemed like their whole heads were on fire but it was tongues of fire leaping.) And I said, “What meaneth this?”

And He said,

“Before the worst shall come and the day of darkness encompasses there will be those who shall go and who shall carry the fullness of My truth and the fire, not only to the states of this nation but to many other places. For there is a work that must be done, first spiritually, before the Lord shall come.

“Now prepare ye your hearts, for the time is at hand and the beginning is now; and ye shall see and ye shall know for the hand of the Lord is upon you and many of you shall be used in these last days and the work shall progress.”

FRODSHAM – 1965

“With great judgments will I plead with the population of this country. Great darkness is coming upon the countries that have heard My gospel but no longer walk in it. My wrath shall come upon them. The darkness shall be so great and the anguish so sore that men shall cry out for death and shall not find it. There shall be a lingering death, famine and great catastrophes.

“My wrath shall be manifested against all ungodliness. It shall come with great intensity. You have known my love but have not experienced My wrath or My severity. My judgments are literal and not a thing to be passed over lightly.

“Realize the severity of My judgments and My intense anger against the sin in My household. My judgments shall begin in My house, for I will cleanse My house that it be not a partaker of My wrath against the iniquities of the cities. Before I visit the nations in judgment; I will begin at My house. When I do cause My wrath to come upon the cities of the world, My people shall be separate. I desire a people without spot or wrinkle, and such will be preserved by Me in the time of My wrath, which will be coming upon all iniquity and unrighteousness.

“I am going to prepare you for the coming days by a hard path that will cause many to cry out continually unto Me. For when the going is easy, men do not seek Me but rejoice in a temporary blessing. And when that blessing is removed, they so often turn this way and that way but do not come to Me. I am showing you these things in order that you may seek Me continually and with great diligence. As you seek Me, I will open up truths to you that you have not seen before, and these very truths will be such that will enable you to stand in these last days. As you are persecuted, reviled and rejected by your brethren, then you will turn unto Me with all your heart and seek Me for that spiritual life that you need so that when the tribulation comes, you will have that which will enable you to stand for many will be tossed to and fro. Men’s hearts shall fail them because of trouble on every hand. These days shall be very terrible, the likes of which have never been seen before.”

NAMELESS OLD 90 YEAR OLD NORWEGIAN WOMAN – 1968

“A lukewarmness without parallel will take hold of the Christians, a falling away from true, living Christianity. Christians will not be open for penetrating preaching. They will not, like in earlier times, want to hear of sin and grace, law and gospel, repentance and restoration. There will come a substitute instead: prosperity (happiness) Christianity.

“The important thing will be to have success, to be something; to have material things, things that God never promised us in this way. Churches and prayer houses will be emptier and emptier. Instead of the preaching we have been used to for generations -like, to take your cross up and follow Jesus, – entertainment, art and culture will invade the churches where there should have been gatherings for repentance and revival. This will increase markedly just before the return of Jesus.”

ORAL ROBERTS – 2004

Suddenly, in the clouds in the skies above New York City and the east part of the United States, and which hung there for quite sometime and then spread out across America, without touching the ground, and then God diffused it away from America and sent it out to the nations of the earth. And I saw and I heard. What did I see? I saw something coming down from above: Smoke and vapor and blood, or it looked like that to my eyes, to my spiritual eyes.

There it was hanging so huge until it almost blotted out the sky. And then I heard God’s voice. He said:

“I’m making a sign. This is a sign according to the second chapter of Acts, where the apostle Peter, upon the giving of the Holy Spirit, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, said there’ll be signs in the skies.”

Then He said, “This is one of the signs of the end time because the world is not ready for the second coming of my Son.” He said, “My church is not ready for the second coming of my Son.”

He said, “The Jews, with whom I’ve had the covenant for thousands of years, they’re not ready for the second coming of my Son.” He said, “The nations of the earth are not ready for the second coming of my Son.”

…And He said to me, “You remember that I said in My Bible to my disciples 2,000 years ago, ‘Go into all the world and teach all nations, and when that teaching has reached the nations then shall the end come.’” And then he startled me. He said, “With all of the widespread force of my church in the world, but particularly in the United States, which is the source of most of the gospel that’s being preached in all the world…”

He said, “There is a wasting of My power, there is a failure to grasp the end time. And the church, they are coming to church on Sunday morning mostly for themselves. And the preachers, for the most part, are not really concerned about the nations of the earth.”

“They’re concerned about the little group that is there, and they sing their songs and they get up and preach.” And He said, “When 9/11 struck, there was a fear that came into the hearts, even of My people of the church and of the people outside the church. And millions the following Sunday or two rushed to go to church.”

“But the preachers were not prepared, and most of them didn’t even preach on it and didn’t even talk about it being the sign of something that’s coming hundreds of thousands of times bigger.

“Now, there’s got to be preaching with fire in the belly! There’s got to be an anointing of the Holy Ghost. My church has to wake up because what I’m revealing in this sign that “every” eye is going to see, “every” ear is going to hear. They’ll see this thing. They will not necessarily know what it is, but it’s a wake-up call about the Second Coming of My Son!”

It’s not going to come and touch the earth. It’s going to be seen, it’s going to be heard, and people are going to become aware of the drama of the end time, of the Second Coming of Christ. When He splits the skies and comes back with His bride and takes over the reign of the earth and He destroys the Antichrist, who will arise at that time. He will destroy the followers of Antichrist and He’ll establish His kingdom upon the earth.

And He said, “I cannot let anybody live and die without knowledge that my Son is coming back the second time.”

Be a support to us and follow our blog and help spread these messages. Also, consider subscribing to our ministry YouTube channel for weekly 15 minute Face to Face video impartations on the Spirit-filled life from my wife and I.  

Our books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and the turning away from the truth we are seeing in our day. 

Also, this ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those who believe in the mandate and message of revival and restoration that this ministry carries. Again, if this article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible contribution through our Paypal button to help? 

DONATE 

Thank you, and may God’s richest and best be yours.

THE TUMULTUOUS 2020s: A TIME FOR WIMPY CHRISTIANS TO BECOME COURAGEOUS

No Christian in this country is under the threat of death or imprisonment for preaching the gospel. No one’s life is in danger. No one is being beaten, flogged, or hardly even threatened. Yeah I know, a baker and florist among others had their day in court in a battle over first amendment rights concerning serving gay couples, and I’m still not sure how that was all settled. But no one is suffering for the sake of the name of Jesus in the same way the early disciples did. Why then is there such a passive posture and a cowardice in the church when it comes to standing for truth, righteousness, and morality in our culture? Why are there so few who are rocking the boat of our sinful, wicked, immoral culture?

Jeremiah said it this way:

“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?” (Jer. 12:5).

America is still virtually a land of peace, but Christians are slumbering and weary with the weights and cares of the world and such indifference. What would happen if overnight we were raided by radical terrorists who demanded we deny Jesus and join their religion and cause or be executed? What if there was a foreign invasion or military coup from insiders, and our government was suddenly taken over, and a new antichrist government was established—and all our freedoms were taken away? It’s unlikely at this point, but what if?

C’mon folks, let’s be real. Our brand of Christianity here in the West is soft, weak, anemic and nearly good for nothing.

We resemble the church of Laodicea who boasted in its supposed blessedness and wealth when Jesus called it wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.

“For you say, ‘I am rich, and have stored up goods, and have need of nothing,’ yet do not realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17).

Many Christians are terrified to stand against the sins of our culture and just tell others it is wrong. In fact, some professing Christians will actually celebrate those sins with the world. They will march in gay pride parades because they say God is love. They will rally for women’s rights to abortion because after all, their bodies are their own. They will say that fornication, adultery, and every form of sexual immorality are none of our business, and that we shouldn’t judge and yada, yada, yada … .

Adding to their moral cowardice and complete ignorance of biblical standards, these passive “Christians” will defend their “personal” Jesus and tell others He loves them and understands them. How despicably immoral that is in itself. How grossly deceived they are! How spineless and yellow-bellied these professing Christians have become! They’ve been conformed to the culture and a Jesus they’ve created in their own image (The Real Jesus) instead of being conformed to the biblical Christ. This makes them twice as much a child of hell as the sinners who commit such sins. Oh, I know that’s hard to hear, but it’s the truth. Jesus was most angry and displeased with the religionists of His day who professed religion but denied Him and His works.

I am not saying our primary responsibility as Christians is to attack the sins of our culture, but where in our society are Christians standing against sin and immorality? The world holds up its poster child of sin, and we applaud or remain silent. Antichrist laws are legislated, but where is the outrage and the opposition? Where is the strong resistance and defense of the truth? Where is the resolute stand for righteousness and morality? Where is the voice of the shepherds and the Church across this land?

I am also not saying that our refusal to denounce sin is our greatest problem, but how long will morality and truth continue to give way to an ungodly and evil agenda in our nation? Our faith is either being kicked to the curb, placed in the corners and fringes of society, or just being denied by so many who remain passive and neutral. We’ve allowed our faith to be cut off from normal life and relegated to our church sanctuaries. In a word, we’ve been silenced in the public arena. There are a large consensus of Christians who are actually helping our culture build an atheistic society. And we use the secularism in our culture to be secular ourselves. In many ways they have influenced us far more than we have influenced them.

There is very little evidence of true Christianity in our American culture, and it’s our fault. It is time to heed the Lord’s admonition to Joshua.

“Be strong and courageous” (Josh. 1:6a) …

“Be strong and very courageous” (v. 7a).

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (v. 9)”

Because of our lack of backbone and courage American Christianity is falling off the cliff. We are going the way of the dinosaur if Christians do not become stronger and more courageous in their faith and convictions. We are living in a very pagan culture right now in our nation. Things are so much worse than they seem. The vices, the bondages, and vile filth are expanding at an overwhelming pace. The church is to be the conscience of the nation, but the conscience of so many professing Christians is seared right now.

Our brand of Christianity is lame. It is seen as a nice religion of nice people. A wholesome fanaticism is missing. A life and a vibrancy is lacking. We are too passive and too wimpy. If we want to change our culture, we must come out of our closet of fear and intimidation. Many need to understand that we can be loving and yet fearless and courageous at the same time.

Honestly, we have no need to be fearful and intimidated. As I said, no one is being threatened with their life. No one is being killed for their faith. So what are we afraid of? The rejection of men? Who cares? Is that really going to matter in the end? There are plenty of others who will applaud you and wax courageous because of your example to stand for truth, righteousness and morality, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. And God will give you wisdom and grace to love even your enemies.

Let the change begin with you. A little courage will go a long way. And if enough of us wax strong in the Lord and stand tall and courageous, we will, in time, see the change our hearts are longing for.

Be a support to us and follow our blog and help spread these messages. Also, consider subscribing to our ministry YouTube channel for weekly 15 minute Face to Face video impartations on the Spirit-filled life from my wife and I.  

Our books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and the turning away from the truth we are seeing in our day. 

Also, this ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those who believe in the mandate and message of revival and restoration that this ministry carries. Again, if this article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible contribution through our Paypal button to help? 

DONATE 

Thank you, and may God’s richest and best be yours.

 

WE NEED A COURSE CORRECTION

I wrote much of the following article 20 years ago. How much more true is this today?

I just now understand some things that I couldn’t years ago. Then I remember trying to share my heart for holiness with some Christian friends. I’d preach strong raw messages in churches without ever smiling. It was like trying to drive an armored truck over a stick bridge. People accused me of being too hard and too heavy. Their bewildered look would be best described by the robot that appeared years ago on the show “Lost in Space” who would often say, “This does not compute!” But I voiced the robot’s other notorious cry, “Danger, danger!”

They didn’t really believe the state of affairs in the Church was that bad, or at least not as bad as I was saying. Of course, in my immaturity my approach was not the best. But what I didn’t understand back then was that it was really much worse. With hindsight it is obvious to see now how a careless and casual sowing in years gone by, has in many places, resulted in the reaping of some pretty rotten fruit. I think time and history have borne witness to this fact: In times of prosperity and well being, the general populace including the complacent Christian, will hardly believe warnings of impending danger. Similarly, trouble across the ocean seems so far away. We muse and rationalize saying, “It could never happen here.”

Take the example of the Titanic. Who would’ve believed the unsinkable to sink? The impending danger was infinitely greater than any of the passengers could’ve ever imagined. Even after it smashed into the infamous iceberg, some still disbelieved the mighty Titanic was really sinking. The unwise captain failed to heed sound judgment. Other captains from other passing ships also failed to respond to signal calls for help. The entire tragedy could’ve been avoided. All that was needed was a simple course correction.

In many ways, America, among the nations, has been like the mighty Titanic. For a long time now we’ve needed a serious course correction. Does God hold the Church accountable? When a nation sinks into the deep icy waters of decadent sin and immorality? When its own president and many leaders symbolize such? Are we accurate in our reasoning to say that an earlier course correction in the Church would’ve perhaps and maybe undoubtedly avoided the imminent danger our nation now faces? If captains of gospel ships we call churches and ministries would’ve heeded the warnings of scripture and lessons of history, course corrections could’ve been made.

Ah! But where were the trumpet voices of the prophets? Where were the sounds of alarm and war? Who was calling the Church to arms? Ah! But we were on the mighty Titanic and the Christian life for many was one big happy party! And what of our mighty trusted captains? Many were just happy to have us on board. Perhaps only a small remnant that were at the helm even detected that a real course correction was necessary.

In good times, fat hearts (the conscience) tend to become hardened and develop a false sense of immunity to anything that upsets their earthly security and cozy existence.

This hardness and insensitivity is usually sure proof of their idolatry. Israel was notorious for disbelieving and persecuting the prophets.

“But the Church is in revival now,” some would say. A few may be in revival, but can you count the ones that aren’t? A few are holy and passionately in love with Jesus, but can you count the ones that aren’t? A few are ready for hard times and the judgments of God upon the Church and the nation, but can you count the ones that aren’t?

SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE

At critical points in history great course corrections have been called for. We call them revivals which God has ordained to reverse the process of moral decline and degradation. With great momentum, revivals can turn into mighty awakenings which change the course of history by altering the course of nations. The Church has always been one generation away from extinction. If not for these merciful and mighty moral course corrections, the Church would undoubtedly fade into oblivion. The next few years in America may determine her ultimate destiny. An awakening or anarchy (or both) will be her fate. One thing is for sure; something has to change.

I know that there are some who will staunchly come to America’s defense and question God’s displeasure with her. “After all,” they will say, “there are millions of Christians in this nation.” That is exactly my point. With these supposed millions of Christians, why I ask you have we not made a definite, resounding impact in turning our nation around. A strong Church will have a phenomenal affect on any nation. There are even some among us who still insist on calling America a “Christian nation. They are greatly deceived.

When Howard Stern and Jerry Springer share the most popular radio and TV talk show ratings in this country, no one can claim she is Christian (remember this is 1998). When in the midst of a sex scandal and lies, our President’s approval ratings go up (Bill Clinton at this writing) or stay up, no one can call her (America) Christian. When a righteous prosecutor is despised by his own nation’s people for upholding justice and enforcing the law, she is far from being a Christian nation. The line is blurred; justice is turned back, truth is fallen in the streets (Isa 59: 4, 14-15,) because the Church has not lifted up the standard. And when she has tried to she has failed, because the world does not respect her. A lack of character, wisdom, fire, and power has made us blend and bland. All we do different than the world is talk.

By now you ought to be able to tell that God has inflicted me with a disease. No, it’s not pessimism and skepticism. It’s divine dissatisfaction. In order for the Church to really arise I believe she needs to first be aroused. Before a war becomes physical it is always spiritual. Those who are casual in war time irk and disturb those who are vigilant. Indifference in life and death situations is all the enemy needs to advance. We need to regain the battle mentality and fighting spirit that is so depictive of the Christian life.

But how can we fight if we don’t believe enough in the cause for which we are fighting. Fun, food, and fellowship is the only brand of Christianity some believers have ever known. There is even a subtle cloud of self deception floating around out there that says; “I really want to do something for God, but I don’t know how.” Or how about this one: “You know my family and my work come first. And my children are in football league now.” Or, “There‘s just no time in my schedule.” On and on we make our excuses. But the real problem is our love is not strong enough. A drug addict will find a way to get his drug. Strong love will find a way to reach its needy subjects. Jesus was moved with compassion (Mat 9:36).

SOME CHURCHES NEED TO REINVENT THEMSELVES

Some churches need to reinvent themselves. Never have I seen less evangelism and less effective discipleship than in the churches who pride themselves in being a New Testament church. We have among us many doctors of doctrine but few preachers of power. We have much monotone but little fire. We have many equippers but so few evangelists. We many teachers but few true fathers. We have many meetings where we laugh, but so few where we cry. Whatever happened to having faith for lost souls which works by love? Real faith has humans as the object of its love.

More fun, more food, and more fellowship is not what many of us need right now, unless of course, it is somehow linked to winning the lost. We don’t need fads that come and go. We need fruit that remains. More teaching will only help the doer and not the hearer. More fire, more focus, and more fruit are what we need.

Many churches need a course correction. Please allow the grace of God in me to speak to you right now. Here are a few proposals I would like to make to leaders, ministers, and all saints:

1. Don’t get good at what you’re not supposed to be doing.

Too many of us are a hundred miles wide and one inch deep. We do a lot of things good but not many excellently. It’s time to do some serious evaluation. How many new converts are being added to the kingdom? Who are you currently believing, praying, fasting, travailing for, and lovingly witnessing to? How many people are really being discipled and not just taught? Who are you currently discipling?

Here is the course many must now take if they are to see more fire and more fruit. Convert more church events into opportunities for evangelism. Convert more doctrine into discipleship. Teach them to observe what Jesus taught (Mat 28:19). Go back to the gospels. Constantly evaluate everything you do by the great commission; evangelism and discipleship.

2. Water seeds, not weeds.

Weeds are things that don’t work or don’t matter. We’ve all heard the saying. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Don’t let activity and schedule determine your strategy. Don’t immerse yourself into things that rob you of your time with God and with your disciples. Guard your rest, energy, and creativity. Weeds are things God never told you to do which rob you of rest, erase your energy, and kill your creativity. On the other hand, seeds are things which are stamped with eternity. They focus more on people rather than programs. Get rid of everything that hinders true kingdom increase.

3. Develop a passion for prayer and for souls.

This should’ve been listed first. You won’t do much without passion. If you’re not burning up with a vision for souls you will affect very few people dramatically and permanently. This is the real reason why men falter and fail. Instead of burning up, they’re burning out. Instead of getting fired up, they’re getting tired out. Instead of moving on and moving up, they’re moving down and moving out.

Find things which ignite and feed your passion for prayer and lost souls. Read a good biography of a man of God who helped many find Christ. Read good books on holiness, prayer, and revival. Feed constantly on the gospels and the book of Acts. Read the Bible on your knees, and ask God to break your heart with the things that break the heart of Jesus. Go find somebody in pain and bring healing to them. Find the hurting and encourage them. Seek out the last, the least, and the lost and make their day. It’s in the going as in “go ye” that your passion will always be preserved. The way you keep it is by giving it out.

4. Don’t separate but incorporate soul winning into church events.

Pastors, cater some of your services just for the lost. I think it would help many churches to have an extra special salvation Sunday once a month, or at least once a quarter. Teach your people constantly to love the lost and to reach them. Within the confines of their own personality, encourage every believer, young and old, to befriend sinners and win them to Christ. Instead of posting up a barometer to gauge building fund giving, put one up to gauge the number of souls won to Christ. Encourage and disciple believers by precept and example in the art of intercession and travail, and winning the lost. Make the lost your special guests at church functions such as picnics, holiday events like Easter and Christmas, and men’s and women’s night out. This is the real reason why we have fun, food, and fellowship.

5. Lastly, scout out a good evangelist who can help you.

Find one whom you know and can trust that is not just interested in promoting his ministry or getting an offering, but who really has a passion and a faith for seeing lost souls saved. Personally, I can recommend several good ones. Remember also, that winning the lost is not the only function of the evangelist. Contrary to modern church thought, the primary function of every evangelist is to produce other evangelists and a spirit of evangelism in the church.

We are past the half way point of 2019. The mighty Titanic, symbolic of our nation, is sinking quickly. Let us save as many as we can who are drowning in these turbulent icy waters. Soon the devil may make it a crime to do so.

May God bless you with a broken heart for the lost, and may He give you true kingdom increase.

Be a support to us and follow our blog and help spread these messages. Also, consider subscribing to our ministry YouTube channel for weekly 15 minute Face to Face video impartations on the Spirit-filled life from my wife and I.  

Our books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and the turning away from the truth we are seeing in our day. 

Also, this ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those who believe in the mandate and message of revival and restoration that this ministry carries. Again, if this article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible contribution through our Paypal button to help? 

DONATE 

Thank you, and may God’s richest and best be yours.

PREPARING THE CHURCH FOR THE TUMULTUOUS 2020s (Part 2)

The great American revivalist Charles Finney once said that the character of the age is changing and the Church and its preachers must adapt. Many of our church leaders have recognized this – specifically that 21st century living is complex and more demanding, with most people’s lives being a constant whirlwind of activity, their minds bombarded with technology and information, their spirits numbed by social media and the many distractions. Because many are incapable of properly managing and balancing their lives they grow tired, exhausted, and in many ways feel isolated and craving genuine relationships.

Strong preaching and the demands of the gospel are like fingernails on a chalkboard to some. Has the Church adapted? Yes, but the problem has been that the adaptation that many preachers and churches have made has come with many unhealthy compromises.

So to get converts and church members we’ve toned down on the requirements of discipleship, and sound doctrine, and offered people a greasy grace and sloppy love gospel while almost nullifying the necessity of the demonstration of the Spirit and power of God. Thus, the so called progressive church was birthed. Their hybrid twin, the seeker-friendly church, was also birthed. This church model has done more damage and highjacked more truth in a short amount of time than any other in American history. That’s why I agree with the following quote:

“The American church is guilty of great crimes against the Holy Spirit. We told Him to leave and let us grow Christianity incorporated – the worst thing we could have done. It was a mistake – a terrible, incalculable, ongoing mistake – derailing more truth in less time than any moral plague in history.” – Mario Murillo

Not only have we told the Holy Spirit to leave, but as I said the Word of God has been greatly compromised and even corrupted. It has been my observation in these progressive churches that not only has there been a diminished respect for the Bible, but even foundational Christian doctrine is questioned and challenged. The erosion of the most basic tenets of the faith is appalling in some denominational and mainline churches. For example, some no longer even believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, but that there are many ways and religions that lead to God. No joke. Some no longer believe that the Bible is the fully inspired word of God, but rather a book written or tampered by men (see my book The Real Salvation)(Barna survey).

I know this sounds extreme and hard to believe for us P/C (Pentecostal/Charismatic) people, but we  must understand that the term “Christian” no longer encompasses what is basic foundational Christian doctrine. To be a “Christian” in America has a much broader scope of meaning among the hundreds of thousands of churches that dot our landscape. Even globally that is so. “Disciple” or serious “follower of Jesus” should be the new word to describe a real 21st century Christian.

THE UNHOLY MIXTURE

This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” (Acts 16:17)

In the above verse when Satan used a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination to identify herself and her fortune telling with Paul’s team, it was his master plan to defile the church of God with other mixtures. He has done this successfully throughout the ages. It’s always been his lethal stroke. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em is the devil’s mode of operation. Throughout history and increasingly so today, Christianity is a myriad of traditions, doctrines of demons, witchcraft, and now New Age gobbledygook. Unfortunately, some of this mixture has also infiltrated into the P/C camp.

Listen carefully to some of today’s most popular teachers. They are popular because most of what they teach is pleasant, affirming, and non-confrontive. For the most part, it’s a happiness prosperity gospel. It certainly does not contain any power to get you beaten and thrown in jail. The whole counsel of God is missing from their presentation. In many cases, opinions and feelings are emphasized more than the Scriptures. These teachers and pastors are a part of what I call “progressive” and “seeker-friendly” churches that really are digressive. In many of them sin and redemption have been exchanged for social justice and doing good.

Multitudes of people have hidden themselves behind these fig-leaf churches. They are content in being religious. The fig leafs are their self-righteous works and the natural goodness of a person, but according to Finney, they are useless for revival.

“There is a certain type of Christian that although being constructively involved in the church and pass off as being very good Christians are useless in revival. I do not mean that they are wicked, but they have a form of piety which has no fire and efficiency and actually repels new believers, and wards off the truth.”

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE

The social and economic pressure in our Western culture is greater than its ever been. The decade of the 2020s will be filled with increasingly stressful situations in our nation, more natural disasters, some that may greatly alter the socio-economic structure of the nation, and the pace of life will not get any slower. The seeds of socialism and atheistic communism have been sown in America and word is still out as to what kind of harvest they will produce. The indoctrination of an antichrist agenda has gained momentum in the last generation. But GOD!

All of these characteristics of a humanistic new age will result in more and more people connecting with the emptiness of their own hearts and they will sense their need for the reality of the living God and the peace and joy that comes from Jesus, even in the midst of chaos, hatred, and unrest. There is a harvest of souls coming and we better be ready. What must we do to be ready?

To be continued…

Be a support to us and follow our blog and help spread these messages. Also, consider subscribing to our ministry YouTube channel for weekly 15 minute Face to Face video impartations on the Spirit-filled life from my wife and I.  

Our books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and the turning away from the truth we are seeing in our day. 

Also, this ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those who believe in the mandate and message of revival that this ministry carries. Again, if this article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible contribution through our Paypal button to help? 

DONATE 

Thank you, and may God’s richest and best be yours.

PREPARE AND POSITION YOURSELVES: WE ARE SIX MONTHS AWAY FROM THE TUMULTUOUS 2020s

I am being stirred and led by the Lord to begin a series of blogs on preparing the Church for the tumultuous decade of the 2020s that is just ahead of us. My new book, Cleansing The Temple, was the beginning of a small part of that, but there is so much more to say. I hope you will heed what the Lord is saying and doing in this great hour to both prepare and position His Church for the coming days.

2020 will be a year when the nation will be totally divided. It will be the year that will see the election of your lifetime. — Mario Murillo 

I have said it for years. The Bible confirms it. Bittersweet times are ahead. The darkness will get darker. The light will grow brighter. The distinction between the righteous and unrighteous, the true Church and the carnal, compromising church will be much more visible.

In many ways the decade of the 2020s will be the most tumultuous decade in American history. Take a look at this definition of tumultuous: making a loud, confused noise; uproarious. Now read these next definitions real slow while thinking of the recent 2016 elections, up till now.

Loud, deafening, thunderous, thundering, ear-shattering, ear-splitting, ear-piercing, uproarious, noisy, clamorous, vociferous, excited, confused, or disorderly.

Here are some more synonyms: tempestuous, stormy, turbulent, in turmoil, passionate, intense, explosive, violent, volatile, and full of upheavals.

Are you getting the picture? If what many of us are sensing is true, we are in for a wild roller coaster ride of a lifetime. I sincerely believe this is the finest hour for the rising remnant people of God.

THE CONSPIRACY PRE-ELECTION ESSAY AND THE HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH THE GLOBAL LIBERAL SWAMP

A conspiracy essay was written in 2015 concerning a possible Trump presidency. I wondered why no one took credit for the article. To this day no one really knows who wrote it. Here is what the article said:

“They will kill him before they let him be president. It could be a Republican or a Democrat that instigates the shutting up of Trump. Don’t be surprised if Trump has an accident. Some people are getting very nervous: Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett, Eric Holder, Hillary Clinton and Jon Corzine, to name just a few.

It’s about the unholy dynamics between big government, big business, and big media.They all benefit by the billions of dollars from this partnership, and it’s in all of their interests to protect one another. It’s one for all and all for one.

It’s a heck of a filthy relationship that makes everyone filthy rich, everyone except the American people. We get ripped off. We’re the patsies. But for once, the powerful socialist cabal and the corrupt crony capitalists are scared. The over-the-top reaction to Trump by politicians of both parties, the media, and the biggest corporations of America has been so swift and insanely angry that it suggests they are all threatened and frightened like never before.

Donald Trump can self-fund. No matter how much they say to the contrary, the media, business, and political elite understand that Trump is no joke. He could actually win and upset their nice cozy apple cart.

It’s no coincidence that everyone has gotten together to destroy The Donald. It’s because most of the other politicians are part of the good old boys club. They talk big, but they won’t change a thing. They are all beholden to big-money donors. They are all owned by lobbyists, unions, lawyers, gigantic environmental organizations, and multinational corporations … like Big Pharma or Big Oil.”

How mysteriously accurate this article was when the odds of a Donald Trump presidency were still very remote! Thank God he has not been assassinated. He needs our prayers now more than ever. He just turned 73 years old and the pressure of a second term will be immense and could take a toll on his aging body and mind.

Can you see the miracle his election was? And while Trump is not the savior of our country in the spiritual sense, he is the beginning of a miracle for the church. I see him as a sort of gatekeeper keeping America from a stay of execution. As I heard one national voice say, he is an act of God to buy the church time to repent and return to her rightful role in American life. No, Trump is not a pastor or a moral reformer, but he is clearly an instrument of restraint to a full blown national political, moral, and spiritual disaster.  If the Church doesn’t seize the time and opportunity God has opened, disaster will strike on America like the serpent’s head.

WHAT THE CHURCH MUST DO

God has a divine response to every demonic plan. Since the days of Christ’s crucifixion and glorious resurrection the devil is the ultimate symbol of defeat. He is only a puppet to those who are not ignorant of his devices. It is only through the weapon of deceit that he holds the world in bondage. We who know his true state continually exercise our authority over him. This marks one of the chief differences between the true Church and the carnal, compromising church in this hour. Believers must maintain two positions in this hour: Lay low before the Lord in consecration and prayer, and stand up against the forces of darkness in the authority of Jesus Christ. 

1. The first order for the Church is to be in agreement with God. Sadly, many professing believers are on the devil’s side. You cannot walk in the authority of Christ if you’re living in sin and walking in darkness. Remember that a house or a kingdom divided against itself will not stand (Matt. 12:25-30). The Church cannot tacitly approve abortion, same sex marriage, and remain silent against all the evils that have infiltrated and are now dominating American culture. We cannot ignore and live in the politically correct zone concerning the dangers of radical Islam and the antichrist agenda in America. Silence in such an evil day is grief to the Holy Spirit and a certain impending judgment.
2. The second order for the Church must be to forsake church growth-ism and popularity, and actually restore and nurture kingdom culture. Simply put, attendance on Sunday morning is great, but the kingdom encompasses a lifestyle. The awakened Church is transitioning from an image-based, consumer-driven enterprise to a relationship-based, kingdom-consumed army. What this means is not just receiving people into our church buildings but receiving them into our hearts and homes. This will cost us our lives but joy and peace will fill our hearts as we labor in the harvest fields of humanity.
3. Thirdly, the commitment to love and the increase of the manifestation of the supernatural power of God will catapult the Church into far greater effectiveness and fruitfulness in the coming decade. Believers will learn to live a Spirit-filled life and a holy love and devotion to one another will mark their walk with God. I am seeing this love and honor growing among the remnant wherever I go. Ministers are preferring one another before themselves. Local shepherds are reaching out to other local shepherds and cultivating relationship and prayer with them. This is actually a move of the Spirit that will quietly mushroom and affect entire economies as this unity prevails. The true Church will be a place of refuge for multitudes who will find true peace and fulfillment within its embrace.

God is preparing and positioning us for great battles and great victories in the tumultuous 2020s. We are now in a precursor time of repentance, judgment, and cleansing.

Due to the diverse nature of the Church she will continue to take on many forms and structures, and the Lord will use and bless each as much as He can because He loves people. But the awakened rising remnant and those who truly know their covenant-keeping God will do exploits.

Be a support to us and follow our blog and help spread these messages. Also, consider subscribing to our ministry YouTube channel for weekly 15 minute Face to Face video impartations on the Spirit-filled life from my wife and I.  

Our books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and the turning away from the truth we are seeing in our day. 

Also, this ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those who believe in the mandate and message of revival that this ministry carries. Again, if this article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible contribution through our Paypal button to help? 

DONATE 

Thank you, and may God’s richest and best be yours.

THREE DAYS OF GLORY: SPIRITUAL HUNGER ARISING

I don’t usually blog reports of our meetings and travels, but this one was extra special. When the invitation came months ago to minister in a little obscure place near Toronto, Ontario in Canada, honestly I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. But remembering the word of the Lord and the call to what He referred to as the “underground” Church of the West, we were happy to go. When we began to pray for the conference our hearts were filled with anticipation of what God would do because of the faith and hunger we sensed coming from our hosts and the people.

We are not a big ministry. Our platform is small to the natural eye. The casual observer won’t notice the workings of God. But there’s something about small places. Jesus began His ministry in the villages. His words and wonders had a domino effect and a chain reaction in the region. His fame spread far and wide.

Never despise your labor in obscurity, away from the limelight, your time with the one, or a hungry remnant. God can save by many, but He loves to save by few, so man won’t glory in the flesh. This has been one of the marks of our ministry for years now.

Don’t forget, the nations will be judged based on how they treated the least. “For I was an hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came unto me” (Matt. 25:35-36). Sadly, these works are the least esteemed in modern day ministry.

FROM BIG TO SMALL

Big and small are relative terms.

Just because someone or something is big doesn’t mean it’s godly (and it is also understood that bigness is not tantamount to ungodliness either). In fact, it’s a greater test of our devotion to be big (whatever “big” means to us) and yet remain holy, than it is to be small (whatever “small” means to us) and holy. And let’s not forget that smallness is not equivalent to godliness either. Discerning the difference between the wisdom of man and the wisdom of God is what’s important. But we are so often fooled by the “big” while being unaware and undiscerning of the “small.”

We’ve ministered to multitudes. In our earlier years we taught in Bible schools that had 1000 students both overseas and in America, preached on the streets and evangelistic campaigns in West Africa with 100s and 1000s of unsaved people. Then here in the United States we were even a part of a great outpouring now known as the Brownsville revival. Then, almost mysteriously, the Lord commissioned us to be sort of missionaries/sent ones to the Church in America. It didn’t make sense to the natural mind. We wrestled with it. Then came the call to write. Then more open doors. Then we finally saw what God was after. There was a season of perseverance and pioneering a bonafide travel ministry, so to speak.

In retrospect it’s quite amazing to see what God has done in the last few years. My admonition to you is to never despise your assignment in the Lord, however small it may appear. And I’m not just talking about Ephesians 4:11 ministry gifts. Each believer has an assignment.

Don’t seek greatness. Don’t seek popularity and crowds. Don’t seek recognition or attention. Seek God. Walk with Him. For example, I know hard working younger families that meet in their home for prayer and discipleship with a remnant. They are raising godly children and families, and just being faithful in their local fellowships and communities. They hustle every day of the week to balance life and work. They give of their time, their talents, and their treasury (finances) to building God’s kingdom. They don’t separate life and work from kingdom; it’s all one. I know single individuals, young and old, who are doing the same, all maintaining a posture of just simple obedience as the goal. Just walking with Jesus is their passion and pursuit, and the delight of their lives. They see Him in every little thing or work they do. That is authentic Christianity.

Be encouraged. God is only pleased with obedience. The simplicity and supremacy of Christ in your life is always the goal.  The Lord told a good friend of mine: “Son, the day you seek to be a success in ministry is the day you stop being a success in my eyes.” What a compelling heart-piercing word!

Now for those who are interested, here is a report of the stirrings in Canada:

LEADERS EXPRESSED GRATITUDE:

“Our new American friends! We so love you! We thank Almighty GOD for your consecrated ministry to us! We are humbled and so full of gratitude that you would so give of yourselves here in our nation of Canada, to transmit God’s heart and instruction for us, collectively and individually, so that we can better know how to do our part to achieve a much, much, deeper walk with Him!”

“Bless you, bless you, bless you and your wife for how you both poured out so selflessly for us from your hearts even through  flu-like symptoms trying to come at you guys.”

“The reason we wanted you to speak at our conference is because you foster the work of the Holy Spirit, and that is what the Church needs in this hour.”

HERE’S WHAT THE PEOPLE SAID:

“Before the conference the Lord told me not to have any preconceived ideas about what would happen. I’ve been to conferences where it was all man directed and flashy and super showy. To the point that I would leave because it magnified man. When Bert sang in the Spirit the first night. I could hardly stand. It wasn’t Bert’s voice I heard. It was the Father’s and it was confirmation for me to sing the song that He has been brewing inside my soul. I could have listened to that voice on repeat. I haven’t been born again for as many years as my beautiful friends but I know that I have a greater responsibility to the Lord now. I am a part of that holy generation and I will never look back.”

“So many people’s spirits “leapt” within them, and many, many said there lives will never, ever be the same!”

“For me, family and friends, this weekend with the Farias’ was awakening, refueling our lamps, learning, and experiencing. Canada, including me, needs to be shaken in Spirit and Truth.”

“Thank you so much LORD! Thank you so much Bert & Carolyn for teaching us and showing us how to be much more yielded to our LORD so that He can use us in a much greater way for His Glory!”

“I never in my 20 years of being a Christian have heard a message so radical regarding prayer and fasting and birthing the new born in Christ Jesus. I always pray and fast as I grew up in Panama and speaking in tongues. But there are a lot of things and your experiences (explanations) with Father Nash. I’m almost finished the 2 books I bought, and thanking God for that. I will talk about them with my pastors in Panama seriously as I have this confidence. My husband David was in shock on Saturday night that he was speechless until next day. My son Allan went on Sunday and he started asking me questions and I asked him to read the Prayer book. With no exaggeration this weekend has been awakening for too many people here and around.”

“This was one of the most incredible messages I have heard! The experience, the wisdom, the maturity was foundational, and the necessity of this message for today! I was blown away and, God-willing, this will be one that will burn in my heart until the day I die!”

WHAT THIS DEAR WOMAN TESTIFIED SUMS IT UP:

“The things I have seen and heard in the past 30 hours (two of the three days of meetings) are literally the fulfillment of at least 25 years of prayer and intercession. In the lives of many, not just my own self. In the remnant of Christ, in families, in nations, in regions…probably more.

“I know how often we hear the words “shift” and “transition” and “revival” in the church, and how cliche these words can be to many who feel like they wait and wait, but never see the “thing” they wanted to see. It is easy to give up and hard to be faithful. It is even harder to prepare for something by faith with nothing in sight. But we are commanded to walk by faith and not by sight for a purpose beyond ourselves. And one is, so we never miss when an hour of visitation is upon us. When God speaks a thing, He does it. In His timing, but He does it. And if He shows us to wait patiently for something, it is an invitation to partner with something He will do. But, if we don’t believe in waiting and in doing our part in preparing as we wait, there are times we fall asleep and miss the very moment He meant for us. He gives it to those who are awake and ready and were faithful to prepare.

“We live in a day when many want a drive through Jesus. And when they pull up to the window, they want to get exactly what they ordered. No surprises. But God is not something we “order” and get exactly what we want. Scripture in Isaiah 40:31 says, “They that wait on the Lord He shall…” Waiting is important. Waiting has a very specific purpose. It is working something out in us, so we can see with spiritual eyes when key things are fulfilled before us. If we are stuck in our natural eyes, we can miss the very thing we have waited for, and even neglect preparing so we are not ready to move the moment it’s time!”

What jumped out to us from this lady’s wisdom was that very often we fail to realize that we are the answer to the prayers of others.

LET US WAIT ON THE LORD AND CONTINUE TO PRAY AND SEEK HIM FOR THE GLORY THAT OUR HEARTS LONG FOR.

Please invest in yourself by getting our latest book, Cleansing The Temple, that speaks strongly to these issues. Our books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and the turning away from the truth we are seeing in our day. 

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Thank you, and may God’s richest and best be yours.

THE WORSHIP OF MAMMON AND THE DESIRE FOR RICHES DIMINISHING THE TRUE GLORY

There’s a deity (demon) that operates behind money and riches. Of course we know this to be true in the world, but it is also quite evident in today’s Church. 

Compare these extreme quotes on money from our day’s most popular preachers to those of centuries past.

CARNAL PROSPERITY QUOTES

“The Bible says that He has left us an example that we should follow His steps. That’s the reason I drive a Rolls Royce. I’m following in Jesus’ steps.” — Anonymous

“Give $10 and receive $1000. Give $1000 and receive $100,000. Give one house and receive one hundred houses or a house worth one hundred times as much. Give one airplane and receive one hundred times the value of the airplane . . . in short, Mark 10:30 is a very good deal.” — Anonymous

“It is just as much God’s will for us to be rich (financially and materially) as it is for us to saved.” — Anonymous

“It is disrespectful to the work of redemption not to receive the financial wealth Jesus provided for us at the cross.” — Anonymous

A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE FROM ANOTHER ERA

“When people spend money on things they do not need, they begin to want more of what they do not need. Instead of satisfying their desires, they only increase them.” — John Wesley

“I continually find it necessary to guard against the natural love of wealth and grandeur which prompts us always, when we come to apply our general doctrine to our own case, to claim an exception.” — William Wilberforce

“Shun as you would the plague a cleric who from being poor has become wealthy, or who, from being nobody has become a celebrity.” — St. Jerome

“You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity.” — Thomas Wolfe

“Gold is dust to the dead man” — Anonymous

WHAT JESUS SAID

“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Lk. 16:13).

WHAT PAUL SAID

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Tim. 6:9-11). 

Notice the expression, “but they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” 

Other translations read, “But those who crave to be rich” (AMPC). 

“But people who are trying to get rich” (CEB). 

“But they that are minded to be rich” (ASV). 

“and those wishing to be rich” (YLT).

“But people who long to be rich” (NLT). 

“But those who desire to be rich” (MEV).

A desire for riches is unscriptural. Can it be any clearer than those verses? The modern “prosperity theology,” if not mixed with these warnings that Paul gave Timothy, will lead the heart to desire money and earthly possessions until people begin to seek after them. After all, the flesh will not resist financial prosperity teachings that promise riches. The flesh enjoys feeding on that. This teaching is not cruciform but can feed the lusts of the flesh if not tempered with warnings of the many dangers that the desire for riches can bring. 

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things…” (1 Tim. 6:10-11).

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Lk. 12:15).

A THOUGHT PROVOKING QUOTE

“What amazes me, and has for decades, are those carnal-prosperity preachers and teachers who try to transform Yeshua HaMashiach (The Anointed One Who Saves and Delivers) and His message from that of an itinerant rabbi, who warned His hearers against covetousness and spoke unceasingly of how the rich will have a very hard time making it to heaven — into a prosperous Potentate who wants every believer to get stinking rich.” — Dr. Anthony G. Payne

I dedicated 100 pages of my new book, Cleansing The Temple, to the dangers of the worship of mammon and how it is a great hindrance to restoring the glory of the Lord in this hour. I know many will reject this knowledge for it has become a sacred cow in a large segment of the body of Christ.

The kindle version of our book is underpriced and the paperback version is  available at a significant discount on our website. Kindly post a review if the book is a blessing to you.