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Table of Contents

Key Words and Phrases
BaptismQuickening
ChasteningRevivalism
ChurchRevivals
CommunionSalvation
EvangelismSpiritual Gifts
Five-fold MinistryStrange Fire
Prayer & FastingSubstance
PreparationTrials
V.O. Crying

Revival and Evangelism

Part One:  What is Revival?

Revival means to revive, to come back to life from the dead.  Christians lapse into carnal nature when there is failure in teaching and Christian fellowship.  Evangelism and Revival are present together.  Evangelism is propagation of the Good News, that Christ died for us; when we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we receive eternal life.  Our spirits come alive and we become children of God.  When Jesus died on the cross, He became the final sacrifice for mankind.  He took the sin of the world to the cross.  Believing Christ died for us, we confess our sins and become new creatures, sons of the living God.  Evangelism is man working with God.  We must desire and request to go further in God.  This is a sovereign work of God.  He puts hunger in man, but man chooses to respond.  Revival is God working sovereignly on man’s behalf to generate an intensity of spiritual hunger.  This is the working of the Holy Spirit.  Often man’s response for an increased desire is only prompted by despair, moral decline, and darkness.  Church becomes lukewarm and dead, while social programs replace God.  Revivals begin when pray ascends and the Lord hears cries from the heart (Psalm 85:6).  Essentials for revival are quiet time with the Lord and songs of praise, preceded by prayer and fasting.

Four conditions are necessary for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit … revival.

1) Get rid of all past sin.  Confess it to Jesus.  The soul must be cleansed.

2) Any doubtful gray area must be dealt with.  It is better to offend ten thousand than to grieve the Holy Spirit.

3) Do whatever the Holy Spirit prompts no matter the cost.  Don’t think about it.  In obedience, promptly do it.

4) Publicly confess that Christ is your Savior; this is essential.  When the fire burns it purifies.

Duties and responsibilities of the Priesthood are included in these conditions.  Examine the redemptive qualities of priestly preparations, sacrifices, and offerings.  Today, we saints of the living God are responsible for these conditions and preparation of ourselves and helping others to accept truth.  Living a righteous life, places us in direct relationship and communion with the Lord.  Restored to Adam’s original condition, we become new creatures, living a new life.  We find what we were created for, to obtain spiritual substance; we begin to walk, mature, and converse with God.

We must come together in Christ with anticipation and desire for the Lord to move in our lives.  Each church has a small group, a remnant of people desiring to go deeper in the Lord.  Discouragement may hinder a movement of the Lord.  It is better for an anvil to be placed around the necks of those obstructing the Holy Spirit and thrown into a deep sea.  Forbid not the little children to come to the Lord.  Hindrances are antichrist working in our midst.  Rebuke them in Jesus’ name and move on.  Fear is natural, but the rewards go on with us into eternity.

Revival is when we “are alive from the dead” (Romans 6:13).  It begins with obedience to God.  Fasting and prayer intensify our desire.  Revival involves preaching of divine judgment, confession of sin, repentance, acceptance of salvation as a free gift, authority of the Scriptures, and joy and discipline of the Christian life.  While revivals do not last, the effects endure.

Frequently express thanks to the Lord for what He has given us.  When I see the beaten, the down-trodden, the rebellious … I consider, “Except by God’s grace, there go I.”  Take time to be alone and offer prayers and thanks.  I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Jesus; I would not have Christian friends, home, belongings.  Thanking our Creator places us in a humble spirit and a desire to be with Him and other Christians.  The Lord dwells with those with a humble spirit.  Reach out and help a friend; Jesus said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brothern, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40All scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV) unless otherwise noted.).

This helps our understanding and softens our hardened hearts, to be ready and willing to go on with the Lord.  We should daily be thankful for our blessings, ask for our bread, and for a full “life” in Christ, being in hunger for spiritual revival.  This new year will be a rich one for you in fellowship of the body of Christ.

The church’s need isn’t money, programs, social events, high tech AV, modernization, ethics, morality, or theology.  The church must return to her first love which is God; we must humble ourselves and “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30).  God will reveal himself to all that diligently seek Him, and He will visit the body, the believers.  After a time of waiting on the Lord, He will visit you suddenly for “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).  Songs of thanksgiving, praise, and worship soften our spirits.  With a grateful heart, release yourself in worship.  We come into the Spirit of God and are made ready.  Empathy toward others and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit are expected.  The Lord responds by quickenings, revelation, and His manifest presence.  We are blessed by spiritual senses, life and truth endure, and eternal substance is obtained.  True ministry comes out of relationship with God.  We must obey the Holy Spirit during services.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.  During quiet times, press into God.

Part Two:  History of Recent Revivals

An examination of recent revivals reveals an understanding of the preparation for future readiness.  Our churches and denominations have their roots in revival, evangelism and a deeper walk with the Lord.  It is good to visit churches and associate with the many movements of the Spirit of God.  Fellowshipping with brothers and sisters in Christ enriches our faith and appreciation of the body of Christ.  We become more ready and willing to accept and propagate the truth.

The Great Awakening, the First Awakening is credited to 1725, originating in Germany, which spread to England and America.  The recognized men of God were:  Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, David Brainerd, William Tennant founder of “Log College” which later became Princeton University, John Wesley, and Charles Wesley.  Manifestations seen in the congregations were falling, crying out, fainting, shrieking, and convulsions.

The Second ‘Great Awakening’ started in 1792, in Great Britain and extended to the U.S. and Germany.  The men of God were Timothy Dwight, Francis Asbury, James McGready, and Barton Stone.  Many Bible Societies were founded at this time including:  the Religious Track Society, the Baptist Missionary Society, the American Bible Society, and the American Tract Society.  It broached great barriers.   Moral decline following the War of Independence in America and the French Revolution; Europe suffered infidelity and Rationalism.  Meetings saw trembling, tears, shaking, shouting and fainting.

The third revival, which was more evangelical, began in America in 1830-1842 spreading to England, Wales, Scotland, Scandinavia, central Europe, South Africa, the Pacific Islands, India, Malabar, and Ceylon.  It did not suffer the usual decline.  Leaders included Asahel Nettleton, Charles Finney, and J.N. Darby.  The emphasis was restoration of the nine spiritual gifts and the five-fold ministry.  The return of Christ was also reestablished.

The fourth worldwide awakening began in 1857 and was the greatest in its extent, effects, and lasting impact.  It swept the world beginning in Canada, and moved to America, Great Britain, China, Africa, Russia, Australia, the South Seas, South Africa, and India.  Leaders included Dwight L. Moody who established the Moody Bible Institute, Ira Sankey, William and Catherine Booth, and Charles Haddon Spurgeon.  The Salvation Army, the China Inland Mission, and the Open Air Mission were established at this time.

The fifth revival of 1882-1903 began as an evangelistic crusade in America and spread to England, Ireland, Scotland, China, Africa, Labrador, Australia, Japan, China, Madagascar, as well as Central and South America.  Men of God included A.B. Simpson, Billy Sunday, Andrew Murray, and John McNeil.  This marked the beginning of a worldwide interdenominational student missionary movement, W.E.C.Worldwide Evangelization for Christ founded by Charles Studd., the Student Christian Federation, and the Christian Endeavour Movement.

The sixth was the Welsh Revival of 1904 which had its roots in the Holiness Movement.  Here the Welsh Revival began September 22nd, 1904 when a hundred thousand souls came to know Christ.  Men of God were James Caughey, Phoebe Palmer, first to use the phrase “baptism of the Holy Spirit” to describe the experience of entire sanctification.  Asa Mahan taught the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a baptism of holiness.  Gypsy Smith reaped a great harvest in 1904 with the return of captured South African Boer soldiers.  Japan was influenced.  Australia’s Torrey and Alexander were conducting meetings at Cardiff, Wales when Evan Roberts received an anointing of the Holy Spirit with great power.  The Holiness Movement was nurtured and matured by a variety of ministries.  America was full of hundreds of holiness groups.  Twenty-three new denominations arose out of this movement.  A passion for more power, holiness, evangelistic success and a greater outpouring of the Spirit took hold.  This was the background of the Evangelical and Pentecostal revival movements of the early 20th century

Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, the Balkans, Russia, as well as the United States felt the after-shock of the Walsh Revival.  People were prostrated with conviction, others cried for mercy and many were so filled with the Spirit they pleaded with the Lord to stay His hand.  Wherever the news went, it caused passionate prayer and ignited revival fires.  Pentecostalism was born, once called the “the third force in Christendom.”  New power came from heaven, and passion for prayer for the lost.  Hundred of thousands met the Lord.  Prayer and fasting were emphasized and present was a fresh expectation for God to work.  All Christian organizations came from the worldwide awakenings.  Wars had a dampening effect.  Denominations were birthed and regenerated.  Sunday Schools and gatherings were born.

The following countries experienced Charismatic renewal.  In 1921, the United Kingdom produced K. Douglas Brown, Jock Troup, and W.P. (Billy) Nicholson.  In 1925 the Chinese Andrew Gih and Marie Monsen.  Korea had a revival in 1927.  Wales in the 1930’s led by Martyn Lloyd Jones.  The Baltic States, Poland and Czechoslovakia were swept in 1934, led by James A. Steward.  1934, the Hebrides Islands; 1934 East African at Ruanda; South Africa in 1936; Lionel B. Fletcher and Edwin Orr; at the United Kingdom in the 1930’s George Jeffreys; and the Isle of Lewis in 1949 was led by Duncan Campbell.

The sixth revival continued with Charismatic or Pentecostal revival waves in America.

The first wave was the initial outpouring at Azuza Street in Los Angeles, California.  Notable leaders were William Seymour and Charles Parham.  After the initial outpouring, there arose pioneering revivalists, like Aimee Semple McPherson.  John Alexander Dowie began to be used in divine healing before the turn of the century, as did Maria Woodworth Etter, who exercised a powerful Pentecostal mininstry before and after Azuza.  Other countries had their own carriers of the Holy Ghost Fire.

The second wave was called the “Healing Revival,” which occured in the late forties and fifties in America.  William Branham, Oral Roberts and Morris Cerullo brought healing and hope.

The third wave was the “Latter Rain Revival,” originated at Sharon Orphanage and schools in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and throughout Canada.  In 1948, George Hawtin led the movement in a Bible school when students experienced an amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Fasting and prayer had preceded several spiritual gifts including tongues, interpretation, and prophecy.  Healings also followed.  Distinctions of the movement were fasting, laying on of hands, restoration of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, singing in the Spirit, restoration of ministry gifts, including apostles, prophets, and the autonomy of the local church.  The movement laid the foundations of truth and practice, which were to have a striking effect on the embryonic Charismatic Movement.

The fourth wave was the Charismatic renewal movement.  This found expression in two groups:  the mainline denominations and the new apostolic churches.  Dennis Bennett and Michael Harper led the denominational streams and Derek Prince, Bob Mumford, and Charles Simpson were leaders in the new church stream.  The Charismatic movement is noted as the return to the original church design in the New Testament.  Charismatic’s possess a love for God’s word, activity of the Spirit, preaching of the Gospel, and conversions.

The Forest Home Conference Centre, California in 1949 was led by Edwin Orr, and Billy Graham, who opened evangelistic crusades worldwide.  Graham’s visit to London in 1954 birthed a multitude of candidates into ministry.  1949-50 J. Edwin Orr brought awakenings to Christian colleges and Bible schools.

From 1967 to 1975, the Jesus Movement which was youth oriented, became prominent in America and Europe; it was led by Chuck Smith and Larry Norman.  It was a spontaneous, humanly unorganized awakening and reached the non-contemporary church.  The movement was based on the Bible and Spirit baptism; it focused on community and missions.  David Wilkinson brought a Charismatic dimension to the Christian gospel, which was illustrated in his work among drug addicts.  Miraculous conversions were documented in his book, The Cross and the Switchblade.

In 1970, Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky was started by a student movement of prayer, weeping, repentance, testimonies, confessions of sin, a mix of spontaneous singing and committing lives to Christ.  Several hundred teams of students went out to spread the movement.  Sovereign outbreaks of revival were everywhere across the world during this period.  In 1987-1989, Whittier Christian High School located in La Habra, California had classic marks of revival, deep conviction of sin, spontaneous repentance, innumerable conversions and a passion for the lost and needy.  The Spirit would sovereignly fall in student prayer meetings or class time, causing students to tremble or fall to the ground.  Others broke into spontaneous praise in new tongues from God.

The twentieth century was described as the “Pentecostal Century” or the “Century of the Spirit.”  The “Baptism in the Holy Spirit” was the seed from which all else grew.  “Higher Life” teachings have changed the focus from “inner cleansing” and “heart purity,” to an “endowment of spiritual power for service.”  Divine healing was added.  The restoration of spiritual gifts included the gift of tongues, prophecy, and healings.  Holy Spirit empowered Christianity was described as “Pentecostal.”  Spiritually hungry seekers took the Spirit to the nations.  Although world wars, economic depressions, open hostility from existing denominations, and periodic persecutions attacked the movement, the Lord continued to act sovereignly.  Our willingness and preparation are the precursors of an end-time revival which is soon to appear.

Keys to revivals are preparation and readiness to obey the sovereign will of God.  Excerpts from above are taken from https://www.revival-library.org.  Excellent books are available to understand our heritage of seeking the truth in God.

Revival at This Church the Next Three Sundays?

What churches are advertising are re-dedications.  A renewing of the “life” Christ has put in us.  These include repentance, confessions, and a new look at individual lives.  Are you happy with where you are?  Start afresh in God.  Changes in individual lives are necessary so that we are not cold or lukewarm but alive and ready to go on.  Worship and praise services open our hearts to God.  Unfortunately many ministers do not comprehend where their assembly should be going.  They feel they must control and lead with a sermon that is often detrimental to the moving of the Lord.  Ministers make the mistake of trying to control what the Lord is doing.  The Lord will not anoint such a service.  They will find they stand alone.  Ministry must be patient, long suffering, understanding and courteous.  When you need to know who you are, it will ring inside you.  Spiritual life messages renew our spirit.  We are fed.  Short “Life” messages may be offered.

Quiet services clear men’s hearts, calm them, and prepare them to allow God to function.  The body of Christ, being led by the Holy Spirit, will minister to itself.  Let God be God.  Don’t touch the work of the Lord.  Pride must leave and humbleness abide.  Spiritual life will be at work.  The greatest gift a minister can give his congregation is to decrease his influence so believers may increase their depth with God.

Part Three:  Revivals are the keys to our depth in God

Revival are an open door, how far we proceed in depends on our surrender of our ways and desires for God’s.  The revival restores man to the place Adam and Eve were before the fall.  Recall Eve was deceived by Satan but Adam sinned willingly.  The history of Abraham being called out and his walk of faith with God birthed his offspring into a nation of God’s people.  The Lord proclaimed, “I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people” (Leviticus 26:12).  The tabernacle was a movable tent so God could be with His people and dwell in the midst of them, and lead them.  Offerings and sacrifices were administered regularly so that God’s people could be cleansed and redeemed to be continually reunited with God.  Jesus was the last and final acceptable sacrifice.  All men could now be restored to Adam’s original state, having a full and daily communion with the Creator.  Revivals provide us with an invitation to a deeper walk so that we, being redeemed in Christ and with the Holy Spirit maturing us, may know our God.  God is preparing us to be placed with Him through all eternity.

Praising the Lord is the fountain of all true spirituality and joy in any age.  Several books are written by early revivalist but they only give a glimpse of what God has in store for us.  Why should a Christian suffer and go through difficult times?  It is to identify with Christ.  Trials, tribulations, and afflictions develop each of us spiritually and add life and substance to our spirits.  “Life” develops quality; substance is added to character, manifested as trust, faith, mercy, grace, and love.  The nine fruits of the spirit are qualities we should develop in our journey with the Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  The deeper we enter into the grace of God, the more we are humbled and surrender to Him.  The Lord also prunes us and corrects those He loves.  Both are painful to the carnal man but welcome and necessary for our true spiritual development in Christ.

The addition of hearing from God personally, conversing with Him through prayer life, and waiting on Him in the quiet of our inner being, is Life in the Spirit.  If we are in Christ as Jesus was in the Father, we will do the will of the Father.  Too often, the old man, our carnal nature, destroys our relationship with the Lord.  But by His grace, we ask forgiveness; and by His promise, we are refreshed and ready to begin new every morning.

The next revival will be evangelistic as well as enable believers to come into fullness, an overcomer, “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).  People’s lives will be changed as they meet the Lord.  But, what is more important, is that the Lord will be doing a work with the remnant, those whose hearts are open, prepared, and ready to go on with Him.  Christ will return in majesty as a King with power and authority.  Ananias and Sapphira scenarios will occur.  Responsibility and accountability among believers will be prevalent.  Jesus will return as king, ruler, and authority to begin the millennial era.  Each believer is being offered preparation to rule with the Lord.

Do you remember a time when you were so caught up that you lost track of time?  The kingdom of God may be considered in like manner.  The believer will be with the Lord throughout eternity.  The richness of the Lord will be as a thousand years in one day.  His glory and fullness will be so great … time will almost stop.

V.O. Crying graduated from Pinecrest Bible Training Center in upstate New York.  He retired from the State Department working as the maintenance Supervisor at embassies in Guinea, India, and Israel.

Support Israel

Our introduction to Israel begins with Abram hearing from God.  Scripture tells us, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shall be a blessing:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:  and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3All scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV) unless otherwise noted.).  God promised that Abram would be the father of a great nation, inherit the land of Canaan, and that the world would be blessed through his descendants.  The same promise was renewed by the Lord to Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4) and later to Jacob (Genesis 28:13-14).  The prophet Isaiah was told by the Lord that Israel would be the Light of the World (Isaiah 49:3-6).  In a time of polytheism, the belief in many gods, Jehovah proclaimed Himself to be the one true God.  He gave Moses and the “Children of Israel” 10 Commandments and 613 other statutes/laws to follow called the Torah.  These were revolutionary values to live by and to introduce to the world.  God chose Zion in Jerusalem for His habitation (Psalm 132:13-14; Isaiah 2:2-3).

The Diaspora of 70 A.D. scattered Jewish people in small groups throughout the Roman Empire, which comprised Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.  They were usually found grouped in urban areas.  Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sent by God the Father, to be the final sacrifice to put away sin, once and for all.  But the Jewish priesthood refused to accept Christ as the Messiah and continued the system of offering animal sacrifices to God in the Temple.  So the destruction of the Temple was allowed, which forced an end to the system of sacrifices.  There was a transition time from 33 AD to 70 AD, between the Age of Law, the Old Covenant, which included temple sacrifices and the New Covenant initiated by Jesus Christ who was the final acceptable sacrifice.  From this transition on, The Age of Grace had begun.  Jesus Christ was the last and final sacrifice for sin, acceptable to God the Father.  The old system of animal sacrifices was rendered unacceptable to God.  No more blood of bulls and goats when the Man, Christ Jesus, had shed His sinless blood for mankind.  These all foreshadowed His first coming.  With Jesus coming, the shadow had been fulfilled by the great Antitype.  The Dome of the Rock today still prevents Israel from restoring animal sacrifices.  Renewed sacrifices would be blasphemous to God saying His son is not enough.

Judaism was initially based on the Temple.  After the dispersion, the Temple was replaced by a text called the TorahThe Torah includes the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. In Jewish tradition it is called the Written Torah, Pentateuch , the Five Books of Moses..  It may be said that the Torah has kept the Jews since then.  This included teaching of the Law and the feasts (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).  Jewish children were taught reading and writing, an education not propagated by Gentiles.  Education was the secret to the survival of the Jews.  Due to their rearing, Jews had an intellectual ability that surpassed the cultures in which they lived.  The Renaissance (1500 AD+) brought formal education and the Industrial Revolution.  The educated Jews were already in the cities, some as bankers and others in the textile industry.  They formed a nucleus of well prepared leaders that would guide the world in industry and commerce.  The Jewish people have a history of being educated in their heritage, knowing they had been slaves in both Egypt and Babylon and also espoused teaching about assisting strangers (Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:18-19).  Jewish culture was formed with an inherent interest in eliminating suffering wherever they found it, living life to the fullest, and the belief that each life had intrinsic value (Genesis 3).  God’s plan was to form a Jewish nation in such a way that all nations of the world would be blessed through them.  He did this when He sent the Messiah.  But scripture tells us that God is not finished.  In the Millennium and on into the ages of Eternity, the Lord will continue to bless Earth, with the Jewish nation at the head of redeemed humanity.

In the 1800’s, a Zionist movement was initiated to reestablish a Jewish state in Palestine, the land given to the Jews so long ago by Jehovah.  The Romans named the region Palestine in the first century.  In 1860 there were about 24,000 Jews in Palestine.  Mark Twain visited Palestine and wrote about the devastation of the land and that nothing was growing there.  Mark Twain left grieved and with a heavy heart wrote a book called “Innocence Abroad.”  During World War 1, Great Britain freed the Middle East from Turkish rule.  At that time, 1914, there were 90,000 Jews.  The Balfour Declaration of 1917, approved by the League of Nations, pledged British support for the creation of a national homeland for the Jews.  The land in negotiation was to cover Palestine and Jordan.  But Arab outrage forced the British to reduce this land offered to only Palestine, however no action was taken except to allow Jews to settle in designated areas.  The Arabs/Moslems had no interest in Palestine until the Jews expressed an interest.  Because the Jews revived interest in the region, the Arabs began to immigrate in 1921.  Jewish persecution in foreign countries spurred several waves of Jewish emigration from Russia and Europe.  With World War II threatening, Arab pressure prevented Jews from immigrating.  After the war, Great Britain submitted the problem to the United Nations and again, Palestine, through Arab protest, was parceled out.  Jews were offered areas to settle in that were not defensible, flat-bottom land, and for all purposes, useless.  Several delays and compromises, as well as International (Muslim) protest, led to a very chopped up State of Israel in 1948.  The nation of Israel was born in a day as Scripture had foretold (Isaiah 66:8).  Over 600,000 Jews immigrated in 1948.  When the UN peace force left Palestine, the Arab nations attacked Israel.  This was followed by other waves of Arab attacks in 1956, 1967, and 1973.  Jerusalem, the ancient capital, became the capital of Israel once again.  A policy of trading land for peace was initiated.  Land, water, and settlement compromises continued and cause trouble to this day.  The Arabs have never acknowledged Israel as an independent country and they have pledged to destroy it.  Although the United States has supported Israel, international pressure effects our foreign policy.  Anti-Semitism, widespread throughout the world, is once again on the rise.  Arab nations that surrounded Israel keep the region volatile and unstable.  There are six million Jews in the tiny country of Israel; there are two billion Moslems living in many lands throughout the world.

The scriptures tell us about Israel’s restoration, that desolate land shall be tilled, that the land shall provide fruit, and that the waste cities will be filled (Ezekiel 36).   “For, lo, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah … and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it” (Jeremiah 30:3).  “I will gather them out of all the countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, … and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:  And they shall be my people, and I will be their God” (Jeremiah 32:37-38).  “I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first” (Jeremiah 33:7).

The nation of Israel has made many advanced, while freely sharing her technology with the world.  Israel’s strength comes from uniting the scriptures with science and technology.  The desecrated lands and deserts have become fertile and blossomed with food since the return of the Jews.  Israel ships food around the world.  Israel has given the world advances in computer technology, cell phones, medical and pharmaceutical discoveries, disease control, solar energy, and irrigation technology.  Israel’s quality of life and belief in alleviating suffering has elevated the country to the highest living standard in the Middle East and the world.  Israel was the first nation to send aid and rescue teams to Haiti.  They are the only free and democratic state in the Middle East.

Scripture tells us that Israel is not to look to the other nations for their might or support.  Today unlike the United States, Israel owes no nation any financial debt.  Israel is to trust only the Lord.  Nevertheless, the United States, as a Christian nation, must continue to support Israel.  We cannot turn our back on Israel.  If this happens, we do so at our own peril.  England once boasted, “The sun never sets on the British Empire,” an indication of their vast worldwide holdings.  But after reneging on the White Paper agreement with Israel, England began to decline until it is the size and power it is today.  Anti-Semitism and holocausts cannot destroy Israel.  Israel belongs to the Lord and his people, chosen by God over 4,000 years ago.  Jehovah said, “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee”(Genesis 12:3).  Once the Lord makes a pronouncement, He considers it as good as done at that moment because nothing is able to change it.  Jehovah has said, “I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).  His covenant with the Jew will never be nullified because He made it with Himself and He cannot be untrue.  “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:  They shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

Hearing from God

God created man with intelligence so we can comprehend, reason, and make decisions.  We communicate with language.  How much greater is the Creator, who made man in His image?  Does He want to hear from us (Song of Songs 2:14)?  Can we hear from God (Song of Songs 2:8)?  Yes, because He created us for fellowship with Him compared to that of the bridegroom and bride.  There are at least ten ways God communicates with us.

(1) First are revelations or “quickenings,” while reading Scripture, which are words full of life and truth.  A quickening is like a light suddenly going on inside of you.  We receive life born in our spirits which rises up into our minds, where it is discovered unexpectedly.  It is like when a baby jumps inside a mother, giving her awareness of new life.  A portion of Scripture “comes alive,” leaving a deposit in you which you did not place there.

(2) On a few occasions I have received audible words directing me to consider something, to go somewhere or to give me instruction.  These are real awakenings, received with astonishment and appreciation.  We have been settled in our community for years; suddenly, hundreds of miles from home, I became prostrate.  We made it to a cheap motel, where I didn’t move for 24 hours, causing my wife some concern.  Then the strong word came to me to uproot and relocate our family to the mountains, where we spent a year at a Bible school.  Biblical examples are:   Samuel’s call (1 Samuel 3) and Elijah’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).

(3) Third are by strong impressions which cause you to “know that you know” that what you perceive is from the Lord.  Thoughts grow and life is given to them.  These thoughts are discovered to have a divine origin.  They are not mine but His thoughts and then the Holy Spirit witnesses to them.  My wife, who is a quiet person, received one such strong impression.  A student had asked to live with us and I said to her, “Think about it.”  One day she was escaping by reading a secular book; she came to me saying the Lord wanted him to live with us.  While reading, the Lord had brought a storm of crying so she couldn’t see the words with the strong impression that the Holy Spirit wanted the student living with us.  To this day we don’t know why, but living with him was special time in our lives.  Obedience to the Lord builds a riserThe verical section between two stair treads. Figuratively this adds a step to take you higher. It also builds upon previous steps. in a stairs.  Following this there will be revelation, or top of the step.  The Lord gently leads you to know Him this way.  First comes a test; then a reward.  These move us closer and closer to Him.

(4) We can hear from God through dreams and their interpretations as Joseph and Daniel did in the Bible.

(5) Fifth is the witness of the Holy Spirit.  The witness is a comfort:  a warming, filling, and agreeing sense.  It’s like a loving father putting his hand on your shoulder; you feel it.

(6) Sixth is by the Manifest Presence of the Lord.  Jesus appeared to many after his death.  It is knowing someone is there, although you cannot see them.  One good example is genuine revivals.  The Lord is so tangibly present that sinners cry out to be saved and all kinds of people leave normal pursuits to remain in that presence for hours at a time.

(7) God can create circumstances to bring about His will and fulfill the prayers of man.

(8) Eighth is prayer.  Our thoughts may be changed as we ask for things needed or we may be led to pray for things that we didn’t realize were needed.  God answers prayer.  The Lord will also pray through you.  A willing vessel is all He needs; with one he can do miracles.  These privileges are for common people.  Ask the Lord to lead your prayers.

(9) Jesus Christ bestowed on the church nine gifts of the Spirit and the five-fold office ministry for our perfection (1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:11-13).  They belong to the church, which is each living vessel.  They will remain for the perfecting of the saints until His return, when they will no longer be necessary.  “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).  As I typed this verse the Holy Spirit has just witnessed to it.  The gifts and ministries are tools.  The perfection is the Fruit of the Spirit:  the husbandman has long patience for the precious fruit of the earth (James 5:7), an end time verse with reference to the coming rains.  The gift of discernment supernaturally informs us of spiritual substance, good or not.

(10) Christians can hear from God through anointed sermons and teachings.  Lose yourself in worship and praise.  Often the Holy Spirit will cause you to hum a song you don’t realize you are singing.  Then he will drop a word into your spirit during a song.  Or underline a phrase of the song to answer something you are wrestling with currently.  Ask Him for songs and answers.  “Ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2).  We need to learn to live by the supernatural provision.

When we have a personal relationship with the Lord, He may teach us how to minister to others, which gifts may be imparted.  Reading the Bible can make you spiritually sharp to discern His will.  You will be enabled to understand the truth given.  When you read the Bible, you are not reading just words; the Holy Spirit who inspired it will minister supernatural life and grace to you.  When you cannot hear from the Lord in any of these ways, the one coming to Him “must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).  You must simply trust Him for who He is.  Hold to this hope and trust in the Lord.

Salvation, A historic Look

The history of the first converts to Christianity is one of dynamic challenge as well as deep inner fulfillment.  Jesus Christ was the long awaited Messiah.  Becoming a Christian was a life changing event and some insight is necessary to understand what was required in order to become a believer.

What was involved in becoming a Christian in the early church?  The first conversions, recorded in Acts, occur at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit’s descent filled the house; He filled the Church.  Then Peter gave a sermon, causing believers to repent, be baptized by water, and receive the Holy Spirit; 3000 souls were added in just the first day (Acts 2:41).  At the evening temple sacrifice of the lamb, Peter and John healed a lame man in Jesus’ name.  Peter then delivered a second sermon, laid hand on his listeners and 5000 who believed were added to the church (Acts 3:1-4:4)  The Apostles ministered in signs and wonders and “believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” (Acts 5:12-14).  To spare the Apostles, seven men were chosen to serve tables.  This allowed the apostles time for prayer and ministering the word, enabling them to preach and disciple new converts (Acts 6:1-7).  Simon, a sorcerer who believed was water baptized, but did not receive the Holy Spirit because his heart was not right; he though God’s gift could be bought (Acts 8:9-25).  An Ethiopian eunuch believed, after receiving instruction in what he had read, was then was baptized by Philip (Acts 8:26-38).  Cornelius, a Roman centurion, prayed to God and received a vision; he sent his servants to Joppa to petition Peter to visit his home.  When Peter preached to Cornelius’ household, “the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word.”  Then Peter baptized them in water (Acts 10:1-48).  Paul was blinded during a miraculous conversion on the Damascus road, in which Christ spoke directly to him (Acts 9:1-19).  The impact of Paul’s conversion launched the church into unrest, until he was dispatched to Tarsus for a season.  His patience was rewarded and he became the Gentiles’ Apostle (Acts 11:25-28:31).  Paul gave the Philippian jailer the key to salvation saying, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”  They were all saved and baptized (Acts 16:25-34).  Paul preached openly in the synagogues and reasoned with the Jews, as was his custom.  Miracles usually followed his preaching.  After Paul’s dissertation before King Agrippa, the king confessed, “almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

Conversions were met with various reactions among devout Jews and converts.  The disciples had only the Old Testament as reference, so conversion was rather difficult when it came to the written word.  The converted Jews believed that Christ fulfilled the Law, but did not replace it.  Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, the Son of the living God.  The Holy Spirit was the primary personality responsible for early conversions.  A fundamental approach to conversion, one becoming a member of the “people of God,” came much later, as the Church age matured.  Non-converts and defenders of the Jewish faith resorted to the Levitical custom of stoning, as in Stephen’s case, to enforce or protect their beliefs.  The Jews also jailed disciples, such as Peter and John, and punished them with whippings and threatened worse consequences to enforce their silence.  Word of the movement was dispersed to synagogues of the world.

First century “Christian Initiation” contained five defining attributes.  Although the order may be divinely altered, they will be be present.  They are:  1) belief, faith in Jesus Christ, 2) repentance, 3) forgiveness from sin, 4) water baptism, and 5) baptism of the Holy Spirit.  There are four scriptures that describe the process to apprehend the baptism of the Holy Spirit that the early believer was required to have to be a full member in the body of Christ.  The first reference is located in Acts 2:37-42, where the order given is repentance, water baptism, receiving the word (believe), then the Holy Spirit baptism.  The second reference in Acts 8:4-17 delineates the order as believe, water baptism, laying on of hands, and finally the Holy Spirit baptism.  The third reference in Acts 10:44-48, gives that usually listed as first:  the Holy Spirit fell on (baptized) those merely hearing the word (believed), which was followed by water baptism.  The fourth in Acts 19:1-7 relates that Paul addressed the believers, and then baptized them in water.  This was followed by laying on of hands and believers receiving the Holy Spirit baptism.

A Modern Look at Salvation

Today’s fundamentalism contains three attributes of modern salvation that are propagated:  1) belief/acceptance, 2) repentance, and 3) confession.  While water baptism is encouraged, today’s invitations leave out the Holy Spirit baptism.  Several conversion formats follow, which demonstrate simplicity and effectiveness in issuing the invitation.  The lowliest salvation call is like a mustard seed, enabling the heart to receive salvation, which is given to those “that believe on his name” (John 1:12; see also Romans 10:13; Acts 2:21).  The name of Jesus is powerful.

The popular Roman Road, used by Billy GrahamWilliam Franklin Graham Jr. (1918-2018) was an American evangelist. He was an influential Christian leaders in the 20th century., is a series of scriptures, mostly Roman, to lead a sinner to believe.  A Christian Worker guides the sinner through Bible pages to receive understanding of salvation, leading one to a place of confession, where the sinners’ prayer is read (John 3:16For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (NASV), Romans 5:8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us., Romans 3:23For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God., 2 Corinthians 5:21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him., Romans 10:9-10If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved., Romans 10:13Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.).

Campus Life utilizes a small tract entitled “The Four Spiritual Laws” which represents the scriptures, explanations, and place where the sinners’ prayer may be initiated.  These include:

1) God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life (John 3:16For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (NASV), John 10:10The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.),

2) Man is sinful and separated from God (Romans 3:23For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God., Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.),

3) Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin (Romans 5:8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us., 1 Corinthians 15:3-5For I (Paul) delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures., John 14:6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”),

4) We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior (John 1:12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name., Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that nor of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast., Revelation 3:20Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.).

Suggested Sinners’ Prayer by Billy Graham:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness.  I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead.  I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life  I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.

There are dimensions of God to be explored after you are receive Christ.

The Walk

God called Abraham to come out of Mesopotamia and his obedience was counted as righteousness.  Abraham’s seed would become God’s people, and He would be their God.  God gave Moses a means for delivering Abraham’s seed.  Once freed from Egypt, God gave Moses standards (the Ten Commandments) and a place (the Tabernacle) and a procedure for the people to be freed from the penalty of their sins (the Priesthood).  Man was restored to dwell with God and God would lead them.  Scripture reveals God’s promise and faithfulness, man’s rebellion and His provision for restoration.  God’s Priesthood offers blood sacrifices for remission of sin and man’s restoration.  This foreshadowed the final blood sacrifice, God’s own Son, Jesus, who is “the Lamb of God , which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Christians have accepted Jesus as the Son of God who died for the remission of our sins.  Now children of God, we enter into a personal relationship with Him in which we have a new life in Christ.  We desire to spend time with Him through prayer and Bible reading.  We experience trials and are taught that life’s hardships conform us to His image and work out our faith in God.  This maturing process identifies us with Him and enables us to walk in the Spirit.  Our desire becomes to be a people after God’s own heart.

God has given gifts to the church to prepare her to enjoy eternity with Him.  These gifts are not Christian maturity itself, but are given freely for the perfecting of the saints.  The ministry gifts are for the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).  In addition, individual gifts include a word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).  Like ministry gifts, these also are for the perfecting of the Body of Christ.  We are to become Christ-like by manifesting the fruit of the Spirit:  “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23).  Time spent waiting on the Lord, prayer, Bible reading and walking out the Lord’s will are steps we can take toward maturity, however fruit is formed by our obedience to the Holy Spirit, the authority in charge of the Church Age.

The parent encourages the child to stand and take a step.  When a child loses balance, he/she steps out to catch and balance themselves, to avoid falling.  Walking is the result of correcting falls.  Our walk with the Lord can be looked at in a similar way.  We often run ahead of God, only to stop, look around and realize that the Lord has been left behind.  But he is there.  We need to be sensitive to the Lord so we can walk with Him to go where He goes and sit and spend time with Him.  This is communion in the Spirit.  What can we take into eternity?  What can we take with us after death?  The substance deposited in us from time spent with God; it is the fruit of the Spirit, acquired through a personal relationship with Christ, as we walk out in our lives.

Judgments

“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel 15:23).

There is danger connected with man’s rebellion against God.  It is not only the second death which is forever, but an early judgment.  In fallen man, Lucifer is not far off.  He is an agitator continually working against God.  Abominations, idolatry, lusts, independence, self worth, and pride separate us from the will of God and the plan He has for each of us.  We see God’s judgment against the heathen, the Jews, and even those of God’s own house.  Scripture states “that judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17).  Those nearest to the Lord must be transparent and responsible for their actions.  God is light and acts of darkness cannot abide with Him.  The Lord does not function under a democracy; He rules a theocracy.  The scriptures tell us “The fear of he Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

There are instances recorded in the past revealing man’s rebellion and God’s judgment (delayed or immediate) against sinful deeds.  There is danger of adverse circumstances or death.  We find scriptures filled with God’s judgment against man whenever he follows his own way.  Adam and Eve disobeyed God, manifesting the spirit of rebellion.  They disqualified themselves from enjoying the manifest presence of God and were therefore removed from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).  Cain’s jealousy and murder of his brother caused him to be cursed in the earth (Genesis 4).  As mankind became more wicked, God became grieved to the heart and had to correct man by sending the flood which destroyed both man and animals; yet one man, Noah, found grace in the eyes of God and because of that was delivered with seven other souls and also preserved animals in an ark of God’s providing (Genesis 6-10).  As the population grew in numbers they stayed together despite God’s instruction to disperse and cover the earth. “They said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name” (Genesis 11:4).  Because of their pride and independence, the Lord confounded their language so they could not understand each other and “scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of the all earth” (Genesis 11:8).

Joseph’s brothers were jealous and sold him into slavery.  There was a famine in the land which forced his brothers to go to Egypt for food, where we read about their reunion (Genesis 37-45).  The sojourn in Egypt and their increase in population created fear among the Egyptians.  However when they wanted to be released, they were forbidden.  The plagues of Egypt resulted.  When finally released, Moses found himself leading a rebellious and idolatrous people.  To become a new nation, judgment had to come.  When Moses returned from the holy mountain, he found the people of God worshiping idols in the form of a golden calf; this caused 3000 to be slain (Exodus 32).  Aaron and Miriam complained against Moses’ leadership which was instituted by the Lord; Miriam was struck with Leprosy (Number 12).  Aaron’s sons offered strange fire before the Lord and they were consumed with the Lord’s Fire (Leviticus 10).  The only fire in the tabernacle was miraculously sent by the Lord when the building was finished.  It was only this fire that was used to light the rest of the tabernacle, e.g., altar of burnt offering, menorah, altar of incense, etc.  It is a continuing principle that no “strange fire” will be accepted in the church.  Rebellion against Moses and Aaron caused a plague to consume 14,700 (Numbers 16).  When the people spoke against God and Moses, serpents were sent to bite, which killed many (Numbers 21).  Moses’ anger at the rebellious people caused him to strike the rock instead of speaking to the rock as God had instructed him.  The rock represented Christ who was struck once for all of us.  Moses was not allowed to enter the promise land because of his angered reaction.  God’s own servants receive the strictest correction so that they may be pure for His purpose.  Correction is kinder than forfeiting the eternal destiny the Lord has for His chosen ones.

The rebellion of the people because of their refusal to go into the Promised Land led the Lord to punish Israel with forty year of wandering in the wilderness until that whole rebellious generation was dead (disqualified); God denied that generation entrance into the Promise Land (just as He refused entrance to Adam and Eve after they rebelled) except for the two honorable spies who believed the Lord.  Caleb said and Joshua agreed, “Let us go up at once, and posses it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30), agreeing with the Lord against the other 10 spies.  A new generation of the children of Israel, would enter the Promise Land, where they were ordered to destroy great nations.  Canaan was a fruitful land inhabited by 11 nations whose wickedness and idolatry had come to fullness and were ripe for punishment by God:  judgment.  They had chosen and their time was up.  God promised the land to Abraham and his seed and said He would bless the nation of Israel.  The Lord said, “I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people” (Leviticus 26:12).  This people would see God’s judgment and power while clearing evil from the land.  It broke God’s heart when the nation of Israel fell into idolatry and indulged in lustful abominations.  Judgment against Israel came in the form of famine, pestilence, war, and death.  Despite God’s continual pleas for reconciliation, the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities resulted.

The New Testament also gives us glimpses of God’s immediate judgment.  These are after Pentecost, the Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection.  These were during the development of the early church.  Ananias and Sapphira filled their hearts to lie to the Holy Spirit.  They were both stuck dead (Acts 5).  Herod took the glory of God for his own.  Herod was immediately struck by an angel and was eaten by worms (Acts 12:21-23).  The epistles are filled with guidance and correction to the church.  The seven churches of Revelation show the Lord’s displeasure when He says “I know thy works” (Revelation 2:2,9; 3:1,8,15).

Our ways are not His ways and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).  The Lord God does not tolerate man’s defiance.  Yet, in this time of grace, God allows man choice:  to rebel or not.  His desire is to offer repentance and reconciliation.  The Prodigal Son is an illustration of a genuine repentant heart.  When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt, his love and forgiveness was Christ-like and identified him with Jesus.  When Jesus was dying on the cross, although rejected, He still loved them and forgave them (Luke 23:34).  Stephen did the same at his death by stoning (Acts 7:59-60).

Today man has eyes to see and ears to hear yet he is still in rejection and rebellion.  Man still replaces God with idols and abominations.  The Lord’s judgment is being poured out on the earth as we see earthquakes, floods, famines, pestilence, and wars.  God is shaking the world to wake up, repent, and be saved.  He is not silent.  As with Israel before the captivity, the Lord cries out for man to come to the end of himself and return to Him.  He has predestined us to be a new creature through Jesus Christ.  The Lord will soon transition the world from the rule of Satan (Adam lost it at his fall) to kingdom rule under God.  The Bible tells us that He will suddenly come to His temple.  The church is in preparation now and our responsibility is to be ready for no man knows the hour of His coming or the day.  Some things occur in phases.  The coming of Spring, barely perceptible in its small beginnings, one day overwhelms you with the astonishing degree of change.  People say, “When did this all happen?”  You can be part of it or be surprised.  Jesus said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).  Ask for a hearing ear.

Those that go on with the Lord have responsibility to Him.  The Lord said, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48).  We shall inherit eternal spiritual substance (Proverbs 8:21).  In Him we gain love, trust, identity, and spiritual understanding.  The cost is time spent with Him, study, surrender of our lives, desire for Him, a renewed spirit within us, and the relinquishing of desires of our flesh.  A spiritual mystery is when we yield to Him; He does the work of renewal.  The Lord gives us time, a lifetime, to mature.  We are given new hearts, a new spiritual drawing, and the Holy Spirit to teach and encourage.  God created man for fellowship with Him.  God desires us to cultivate an intimate personal relationship with Him, to identify with Him, to allow Him to form Christ in us by going through life’s experiences with Him.  The Lord is with us though He often hides himself and He watches.  His heart is open, calling to all men “Come.” (Matthew 11:28; John 7:37).  Our response is to say yes … no matter the cost.  God gave us a manual, the Bible, the Book of Life.  Isaiah prophecied that the Lord’s Servant to come (Jesus) “shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth” (Isaiah 42:4).  This is what is coming and through God’s grace, those who are being prepared silently now will be part of it, set in perfectly formed and joined together as the Day comes.  Like Spring, a day arrives in degrees, imperceptible at first accept to one who is giving it careful attention.  We are to be “Being Prepared.”  “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:37).

Do Not Stand in the Way

The Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit do not force themselves on the body of Christ, the Church.  They must be invited in by us.  They are available and they are not silent.  If we look we may see evidence of their work.  Today’s ministry must possess wisdom and humility in order to allow the Holy Spirit to function.  John the Baptist said “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).  If a believer wants to experience divine truths, s/he must allow God to be sovereign, Christ to manifest in her/his life, and the Holy Spirit to mold us into the Church.  It is the Holy Spirit that is in charge of the assembly of the saints, the Church.

The foundation of Christianity and the Church must be established by God not man.  This establishment is two-fold; personally and corporately.  Personally, we must come to a place of hearing from God, as in Peter’s revelation that Christ is the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-19; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20).  We must desire a deeper walk, which involves testings, trials, and going through tribulations.  The reason we do not have such a foundation today is that humankind is not seeking the Lord so personal relationships with Him are not developed.  The only way to hear from the Lord personally is by spending quiet time with Him, yielding our way and seeking His.  This comes at a price; it is reading the Scriptures, waiting on the Lord, fasting and prayer.  A sincere heart’s prayer, “Draw Me” will cause the Lord to become active in a life.  Calling out the Church and forming the governing body is work committed to the Holy Spirit.  God set gifts of ministry into the Church, referred as the five-fold ministry:  “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11; also 1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.).  In addition He gave nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-27).  To access these, we must earnestly seek Him for a deeper walk.  One is accepted with God if first, there is a willing mind (2 Corinthians 8:12).  Then God will do the work to make it possible.

Today, the ministry continues to reverse divine order; the lesser member becomes the servant and the higher member becomes the self made leader.  God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are not found in the Church.  In place of them are empty works and social clubs.  Academia has replaced the leading of the Spirit; man has replaced God’s order causing the Church to fail.  Historically, a few individuals such as Calvin, Luther, and Wesley attempted to return spiritual leadership to the Church.  But again, it was replaced by a substitute.  Revivals and movements of God have achieved some Spiritual awakenings.  At these times, as in the early church, the Holy Spirit had charge and man yielded to Him.  Within a few years man took the church from God and began to possess it for himself.  Outpourings and revivals have been noted throughout the Church age.  The six most recent and notable outpourings of the Holy Spirit in the last few hundred years were:  1) 1725:  called The Great AwakeningOf interest to Americans - a series of revivals among Protestants in the colonies, especially in New England. Noteworthy is Jonathan Edwards. centered in Europe; 2) 1792: centered in the UK and Europe, in which world missions were the fruit; 3) 1830:  UK, US, and Europe, which spread throughout the world; 4) 1857:  Canada, US, Europe and the world; 5) 1882:  US, UK, Europe and the world, birthing MoodyDwight L. Moody (1837-1899) was an American evangelist and publisher. He founded the Moody Bible Institute., SpurgeonCharles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was an influential Englishman known as the “Prince of Preachers.”, SankeyIra David Sankey (1840-1908) was an American gospel composer and evangelist. He had a long association with D.L. Moody., and StuddCharles Thomas Studd (1860-1931), also known as C.T. Studd, was a British missionary to China, India, and Africa.; and 6) 1904 The Welsh RevivalWales 1904-1905. Evan Roberts (1878-1951) is credited with starting this revival where 70,000 came to faith in the first two months. and 1906 Azuza StreetThe Azusa Street Revival was led by evangelist William J. Seymour. This spawned the worldwide Pentecostal movement., California.

Man cannot be trusted to properly administer God’s provision.  Pride, greed, and desire for power have short circuited revivals.  Yet, today there can be found a remnant, a few believers in each body who are seeking God’s will.  The future church must be led by the Holy Spirit, which is the divine order.  Believers need to have patience, to wait on the Lord, fast and pray.  All believers have a place within the Church.  The key to a godly ministry is a meekness among any that aspire to be in leadership.  A bed of flowers grows together, reaching to heaven, drawn by the light.  Ministers must tend the flock and be fathers to the children of God, teaching and preparing the Church.  They must feed not only milk but meat to the Body (1 Corinthians 3:1-2).  Today the call is, “Come up hither” (Revelation 4:1).  As John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).  The greatest goal a pastor may achieve is leading members of his congregation into truth and spiritual substance beyond his own.  Believers must press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ, yet humble themselves before the Holy Spirit.

To gain maturity in Christ one must pray, read the Bible, wait on the Lord, and seek spiritual truth.  “Study to shew yourself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15).  Time spent in experientially understanding scripture is the pathway to restoration.  This reestablishes the link to communion with God.  Pray for the Truth, the Spirit of Truth, the love of the Truth, and the grace to accept the Truth.

Affliction, Trials and Testing

God has a purpose for trials and testing that believers go through.  Each test that a Christian encounters performs a dual function.  It reveals more of God and more of man’s heart to himself.  For “many are the afflictions of the righteous:  but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).  What aspects of the Godhead are revealed?  They are the same character traits that he wants developed in us, which are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.  Interestingly enough, these describe the mature spiritual man, evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  As we identify with Christ in life’s challenges, we grow in Him.  We pray for the Lord to form in us love, meekness, or one of the other nine fruits of the Spirit that we realize we lack.  In our prayer, we give permission to the Lord to deal deeply in our lives.  We read of similar tests of God’s people all through the Scriptures.  Some fall, others succeed, but all learn and walk on with the God.

There are two realms of testing.  The day to day situations we find ourselves in through our walk with the Lord.  The second group springs from spiritually initiated attacks, snares and traps.  Betrayal is one of the most destructive and savage encountered.  Trials are allowed by God.  The devil may be the perpetrator but the trial sent is the experience we must walk though to achieve identification and maturity.  They result in divine blessing and impartation of substance.

The issues that complicate our spiritual walk with the Lord are 1) ignorance leading to our being blindsided, 2) unbelief, 3) lack of faith, 4) lack of a foundation in knowing God and the Scriptures, 5) not having leadership (spiritual fathers), and 6) being alone.  These result in vulnerability.  First, be assured that you are saved in knowing Jesus is the son of God, and that the Holy Spirit is in charge of your maturing.  Second, there are brothers and sisters in Christ, called the remnant.  These are small groups of believers located in every assembly of Christians, who desire experiencing Jesus and spiritual truths.

Attempting to accomplish anything without God only results in proving we are of no worth.  This not only includes good works but also includes your growing in grace.  But upon yielding to God, our testimony becomes a living epistle.  The love that God gives us must be poured out on others.  We cannot give compassion unless we ourselves have received it.  Receiving from God, the “Infinite Giver,” enables us to give to others.  Faith is the target of our testing.   “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

Having a broken spirit, a broken heart, is a good thing.  Before corn can be made into bread to feed many, it must be bruised.  The Lord often can deal with someone who is broken more easily than a proud new convert or a successful independent Christian because brokenness creates an opening in man for the Lord to work.  This results in less effort to hear from God and be corrected.  The Lord may not choose to chastise; knowing He is active in our lives through love and mercy may often be enough to alter our nature and enrich our walk in Christ.  We must begin with prayer.  There is no better encouragement to pray than being afflicted in our lives.  Spiritual roots are forced down deep to keep life’s winds from dislodging us.

As a man chastens his son, the Lord God will chasten you (Deuteronomy 8:5; Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:5-6).  Chastening is defined as correcting by punishment or suffering, to discipline.  “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:  nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11).  Similarly, pruning a tree controls symmetry and beauty.  Weak, diseased, and deformed branches are removed.  A well pruned tree will produce a high quality fruit; pruning improves quantity and quality of the fruit.  “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit is taken away:  and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgethκαθαίρω – to cleanse, to prune. it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:2).

A spirit of praise and thankfulness are perfected in life’s trials.  Acceptance and rejection are the fires of trial and testing.  We must ask the Lord for a hunger for spiritual things.  As our faith is tried, truth and love are matured in us.  We are loosed from the desires of the flesh and darkness (Ephesians 5).  We know we will not be tested beyond our capacity (1 Corinthians 10:13).  We are not alone for the Lord is with us (Psalm 23).

Being in Christ through life’s ups and downs, we learn to identify with Him and our spiritual understanding becomes substance, as we learn to walk in Him and He communes with us.  The Lord enlarges our capacity.  The Lord tells us, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16), and that “deep calleth unto deep” (Psalm 42:7).  This enlargement is accompanied by pain and suffering in Christ, producing identification with Him.  We begin to thirst after righteousness, purity, and the Holy Spirit.

By identifying with Christ in the Spirit to maturity, we develop in two ways.  We grow personally, through chastening and conviction in life experience, trials, and tribulations.  The second way we grow is learning through satanic attacks, temptations, condemnations, and betrayals.  We undoubtedly have grown up with some misconceptions and lies about God.  It takes the Holy Spirit to reveal and deal with these.  The Lord must deal with us through trials in our lives to realign us with His destiny for us and to cause us to grow into mature spiritual beings.  This is accomplished through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and by the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is assigned the growth and presentation of the Bride.  We may have to learn how to deal directly with spiritual principalities that do not want to leave.  These require Prayer and Fasting (Matthew 17:21).  If we desire the deeper things in God, there is no doubt that we will experience a life time of trial and testing as we “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).  But God constructs our trials with an eye to our position in eternity.  And He goes through each trial with us.  The reward is living in Him eternally, which is described as “Eye hath not seen, or ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9) and “who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).  As we and our fellow Christians go through trials to prepare us for eternity, it is good to remember the charge of the Apostle John toward the end of his life: “Little children, love one another” (1 John 3:18; 4:7).

The Struggle to Say "Yes Lord"

There is much confusion in the Christian church among members of the body of Christ.  Countless books are written concerning achieving a victorious life.  Disagreements over them have spawned endless numbers of Christian divisions and denominations.  We often run to and fro, without direction seeking the counsel of people lacking direction themselves.  Yet, we do have a handbook; it’s called the Book of Life or the Bible.  Jesus is our Counselor.  We must seek our creator through prayer.  Confirmation should not be sought in social gatherings of men, but from men of God.  Be comforted that the apostle Paul himself, years after his conversion, sought the apostles at Jerusalem “lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain” (Galatians 2:1-2).

We fear the Lord because we don’t know God as we should.  He is an awesome God, full of grace and truth.  There is a time coming when any man taking credit for God’s work will be cut off.  Consider Herod’s death, when He did not give God the glory (Acts 12:20-23).  Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and were struck down, “And great fear came upon all the church” (Acts 5:1-11).  There is danger in touching God’s anointed.  David knew Saul was anointed king by the Lord.  David continually sought God and humbled himself, until Saul was finally killed by Israel’s enemies.  1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles are filled with the Lord blessing believers and punishing evil doers.  Jesus speaks of nurturing believers, like a father nourishing and correcting sons in proper growth.  The Lord purges us (removing non producing areas) to produce more fruit in us (John 15:1-2).  Today, the Lord extends to the church more grace than we deserve.

Say “Yes Lord.”  But do we mean … maybe just for a little while because it will cost us.  We play the game of “May I?” with the Lord.  We say “Lord, let me do this first.”  We fear attacks, afflictions, and life’s dealings.  We get angry with ourselves because we cannot change the things we desire to change.  We often do not give thanks to the Lord, but curl up with blessings for our own use.  Are we ashamed of the gospel of Christ?  We say to the Lord, “Have your will,” and then limit Him by putting Him in a box.  It takes time and there is a cost to arrive at a place where you do the will of God.  Jesus’ disciples were with Him three years before the first one would hear from God for himself.  After Jesus’ death the Comforter came to direct the church and bring man into fellowship with God.  The Lord’s return is welcome but frightening.  Complete submission is a path few have taken,

Four conditions are necessary for revival and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  (1) You must get rid of all sin from the past.  It must be cleansed and put away.  (2) Is there anything in your life that is doubtful, that is a gray area between good and evil?  It is better to offend ten thousand friends than grieve the Holy Spirit (Evan RobertsEvan John Roberts (1878–1951) was an evangelist and leading figure in the Welsh revival.).  Ask forgiveness of others.  It is essential to FORGIVE others.  (3) Do whatever the Holy Spirit prompts no matter the cost.  Don’t think about it, promptly do it.  This is obedience.  (4) Publicly confess that Christ is your personal Savior.  Quench not the Spirit.

Countless books are written for personal improvement.  There is a bountiful amount of methods which have merit but we must not be dragged into mechanics.  We need to keep it simple.  I pray the Lord not to forget me, but forgive me and make the path straight.  We must desire and learn to thirst after righteousness, purity, and the Holy Spirit.  Salvation and evangelism will be the fruit of true revival.  Desire the Lord.  Desire the Holy Spirit.

Revival means to revive, to come back to life from the dead.  Evangelism and Revivalism are different.  Evangelism is the acceptance and propagation of the good news to others.  Christ died for us and we accept the Good News that Jesus is the Son of God.  Our spirits receive life to become the children of God.  When Jesus died, He became the final sacrifice for mankind.  Jesus took the sin of the world to the cross.  By believing Christ died for us, we confess and give Him our sins; we become new, living creatures, sons of the living God.  Evangelism is man working for God.  Man must desire and request to walk on with God.  This is accomplished sovereignly by God, who puts a hunger in man and man’s response to it.  Revivalism is God working in a sovereign way on man’s behalf to generate an intensity of spiritual hunger.  This is the working of the Holy Spirit.  Often man’s thirst for a heightened desire occurs only when despair, moral decline, and darkness beset him.  Church becomes lukewarm, and dying; social programs replace God.  Revivals begin when prayer ascends and the Lord hears earnest cries from the heart of any man (Psalm. 85:6).

Of Earthquakes and Hurricanes

Are the recent earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, threats of disease (pestilence), and wars and rumors of wars from God?  Satan is the God of this world.  The unbelieving man has an alliance with him and loves the things of this world.  “And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).  Man is in rebellion against God.  God does not send devastation without cause.  God is calling us to be His people and His desire is that we call Him our God.  Remember “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).  To the unbeliever it is a shaking, a wakeup call, from our creator.  To the believer it is chastisement, and warning to prepare oneself, to get right with God, to judge our self and receive divine correction.  Four disciples asked Jesus privately about the end time, what is the sign of the end, and Jesus responded, “Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:  see that ye be not troubled:  for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:  and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:6-8; Mark 13:3-8).

The Old and New Testaments have a number of instances of earthquakes.  Mount Sinai quaked under the presence of God (Exodus 19:18; Psalm 68:8; 77:18; 114:4-7).  The earth opened and closed taking Korah and others who rebelled against God in the Sinai wilderness (Numbers 16:31-33).  Another occurred during King Saul’s battle when Jonathan attacked Gibeah (1 Samuel 14:14-16).  When God reveal Himself to Elijah at Mt. Horeb by a still small voice, the event was preceded by strong winds, the earth shaking, and fire (1 Kings 19:9-12).  Jericho, Sodom and Gomorrah were devastated.  There was a great earthquake prior to the first captivity.  That great earthquake occurred in Uzziah’s reign at the time of his being stricken with leprosy for usurping the priest’s function.  There was an earthquake at Christ’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:51-54), at His resurrection (Matthew 28:2), and at Paul’s and Silas’ imprisonment (Acts 16:26).  The return of Christ, the Second Advent, will be preceded by earthquakes (Revelation 16:18; Zechariah 14:4-5).  Earthquakes are judgments of God; they also mark momentous movements in the unseen spiritual world (Isaiah 24:20; 29:6; Jeremiah 4:24; Haggai 2:6,21; Revelation 6:12-13; 8:5; 16:18-19).

Famines were sent to prepare God’s people or chastise wicked acts.  There was a famine during the time of Abraham (Genesis 12:10), and Isaac (Genesis 26:1).  The famine foretold by God established Joseph as a ruler over Egypt and saved his family, settling them in the land of Goshen (Genesis 45:8; 47:1).  Famines also occurred during the time of the Judges (Ruth 1:1), with David (2 Samuel 21:1), Elisha (2 Kings 4:38), and the siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6:25).  The Israelites wanted a king to be like other nations.  This was not the desire of God; the Lord God was their King.  The people repented and Samuel prayed for rain and the Lord sent it (1 Samuel 12:16-19).  King Ahab and wife Jezebel promoted Baal, idol worship, throughout Samaria.  The Lord’s prophets were persecuted and killed.  The Lord told Elijah to prophecy to stop all rain.  After 3½ years of drought, the Mt. Carmel fire from heaven, and the slaying of Baal’s prophet, the Lord told Elijah to pray for rain and it rained (1 Kings 17-18).  King Solomon set the stage for troubles in Canaan when he built temples for the gods of his wives.  The rejection of God and the acceptance of idolatry created famine in the land.  For 350 years, the Lord pleaded with Israel to return to Him.  Their rejection resulted in famine, war, and pestilence.  The final result was Israel’s and Judah’s captivity.

When the congregation rebelled against Moses and Aaron, 14,700 perished by pestilence (Numbers 16:41-50).  Pestilence was combined with war and famine before Israel’s and Judah’s captivity (2 Samuel 24:15).  See the ten plagues of Egypt (Exodus ch. 7-11).

The wickedness of man was the cause of the great flood.  It grieved God to the heart that he made man (Genesis 6:6).  God found righteousness in Noah and spared him.  Noah built an ark to go through the flood (Genesis 6-9).  It is not uncommon to see a rainbow during a rain, the sign of promise God made to Noah.

It is not difficult to examine a nation that is undergoing troubles.  A glimpse of the direction of our own country demonstrates God’s tolerance, grace, and long suffering.  Daily we see, hear, and read about earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, famines, and endless wars.  The world health organizations has warned of possible pandemics (pestilences).  We must not abandon Israel.  Our country is not immune to judgments.

At times, I feel my insides shake.  The Lord is trying to get my attention.  My response is “Yes Lord, shake me, reduce me.  You Lord must increase and I must decrease.”  We are not to be content with our present state; reach and seek the higher calling of God.  The Lord invites us to come into the fullness of Christ Jesus.  Each of us should not allow deliberate sin to occur or continue.  It halts our walk with God.  We are to be holy as our God is holy (Leviticus 11:44); we are called to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:15-16).  The scriptures exhort us to “be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).  This occurs by surrendering of self, repentance, seeking the things of God, developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and inviting God to work in our lives.  For those that love the Lord, there is no reason to fear the world.  Remember the miracles and gifts of the Spirit.  The Lord is here and He is not silent.  Jesus said, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the worldτοῠ αἰῶνος – of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).

The Truth about Islam

A study of Islam is essentially a study of the KoranThe Islamic sacred book, written in the Arabic language, consists of 114 chapters or suras. Each sura is broken down into verses. (Qur'an), the Muslim holy book.  Islamic followers are instructed from childhood to study and memorize it.  Muslim leaders tell us their religion is one of peace.  A look at some references in the Koran will reveal the truth behind Islam.  True Muslims will defend their religion to the death.

The Quran teaches that any other religion besides Islam is unacceptable.  ‘Any religion other than Islam is not acceptable’ (sura 3:85).  All Non-Muslims are called “infidels” or “unbelievers” and are not to be associated with.  ‘The infidels are unclean; do not let them into a mosque’ (sura 9:28).  ‘Muslims must not take the infidels as friends’ (sura 3:28).

Islam is clearly opposed to Christianity.  Central to Christianity is the belief that Jesus is God’s Son.  God spoke from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17).  Peter hearing from God said to Jesus, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).  In numerous places the Koran denies this truth.  ‘Allah, their god, had no son’ (sura 17:111; 23:91; 72:3).  The Bible states that Jesus was crucified and resurrected (Matthew 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; John 19-20).  The Koran denies the death and resurrection of Jesus.  ‘Jesus was not crucified’ (sura 4:157).  The Bible states “if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9) and “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:15).  See also Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8.  Islam puts a curse on all those that confess that Jesus is the Son of God.  ‘Christians call Christ the son of God … Allah’s curse be on them’ (sura 9:30)  Christianity believes in the Trinity.  The Bible says “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one” (1 John 5:7).  ‘There is no Trinity only Allah’ (sura 5:73).

Islam has a well documented history of violence.  Most of these following quotes from the Koran are in the context of fighting a Holy War.  Moderate Moslems would argue that these Jihads are for only defensive wars.  However, history has proved Islam to be a violent and aggressive religion.  Clearly Islamic fundamentalists believe these quotes can be applied to innocent victims of terrorism.  ‘Fight those that believe not’ (sura 9:29).  ‘Muslims must muster all weapons to terrorize the infidels’ (sura 8:60).  ‘The unbelievers are without understanding; urge the Muslims to fight them’ (sura 8:65).  ‘Islam commands violence:  when opportunities arise, fight and kill the infidels, anyone not a Muslim, wherever you find them’ (sura 9:5This verse has been abrogated, which brings into question other verses in this chapter.).  ‘Make war on the infidels living in your neighborhood’ (sura 9:123).  ‘Slay the unbelievers wherever you find them’ (sura 2:191).  ‘The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger … execution, or crucifixion, or cutting off of hands and feet on opposite sides of the body or exile from the land’ (sura 5:33This verse has been abrogated, which brings into question other verses in this chapter.).  ‘Terrorize and behead those who believe in scriptures other than the Koran, cut off their finger tips’ (sura 8:12).  ‘Punish the unbelievers with garments of fire, hooked iron rods, and boiling water scalding their skins and bodies’ (sura 22:19-20).  ‘Do not hanker for peace with the infidels; behead them when you meet them’ (sura 47:4).  The reader is encouraged to read the passages in the Koran.

In 600 AD, Arabia was governed by local rulers who worshiped many gods and prayed to idols and spirits.  Christianity and Judaism were also active in many parts of Arabia.

Muhammad’s Born in Mecca around 570 AD, he was a product of his time. Many of the things he did became the standard for his followers. claim to leadership was derived from questionable visions he experienced while in a cave.  He had doubts but these were redirected by his first wife, a rich and powerful woman, 15 years his senior.  Muhammad had 11 wives and many concubines.  Muhammad’s favorite wife was Aisha", a nine year old child bride whom he married when he was 52.  Today muslims are allowed up to four wives.  Muslims claim the Koran contains the words of God spoken to Mohammad by a supernatural being called AllahAllegedly the words of Allah were given to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel..  The word Allah comes from a word meaning to worship the moon god, in pre-Islamic Arabia.  (God commanded Abraham to come out of his native country which was an ancient center of moon worship.)  Mohammad’s religion in effect attempts to return people to this same moon god, which was worshiped under other name, such as Isis and Ashtoreth.  It is not surprising that the Islamic symbol is the crescent moon.

Muhammad had knowledge of and access to the Bible.  Parts of the Koran contain Judo-Christian stories, which are borrowed from the Bible.  An important perversion in Islam is the substitution of Ishmael in place of Isaac, in the Koran.  Islam states that Abraham was asked to sacrifice Ishmael, the son of the bond woman, Hagar, not Isaac, the son of promise from Sarah, with whom Jehovah made His covenant.  Muslims call Jews, the people of the Book.  But they are also the people of the original blood covenant with Jehovah.  This switch of Ishmael for Isaac perverts the Bible and God’s promise.  The Koran attributes negative characteristics to Christians saying, ‘Why do ye clothe truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth?’ (sura 3:71) and the Jews believing in the Old Testamemt are ‘those who displace words (distort) words from their (right) places’ (sura 4:46).  Among other things, the Koran teaches that the Jews have been cursed by Allah, as well as by David and Jesus (sura 5:78).  The Koran states that Allah was so disgusted with the Jews that he transformed them into apes and pigs (sura 5:60; 2:65; 7:166).  Muslims must still perform sacrifices, usually a goat or a sheep, for repentance to their god.

Muslims believe Muhammad was the last prophet (messenger of god) of equal or superior importance to the prophets Jesus, Moses, and Abraham.  Muhammad enforced the message of submission to one god, Allah, ‘Accept the Muslim god or die.’  Their conquest was called jihad (holy war).  Expansion of their religion was rewarded by political and financial gain.  Land and plunder were taken from those who would not convert (sura 8:41,69).  They were killed or became slaves.  Their justice is based on an eye for an eye.

Although Islam encourages ethics, virtues, and judgments, this applies only to those within their religion.  Shari'ah Law allows marriage to young girls, for example as young as 10 years.  The Koran permits lying and stealing from an infidel (any non-Islam).  Tabi'yeh is the concoction of an Islamic principle that permits Muslims to lie whenever it is in their interest.  “NasikhSome verses in the Quran can be abrogated, rendered null and void by later verses.  Can Allah change his mind?” is the principle of progressive revelation.  If a Muslim is cornered on a Koran reference, they can insist that there is now a new interpretation or revelation for that passage.

The Muslim end time belief is that their leader, the Mahdi, or the 12th Iman, will arise during the worst time in the world, the “Great Tribulation.”  Islamic fundamentalists belief that by creating violence, they can force him to return sooner and reveal himself.  They believe he will convert the whole world to Islam.  If Muslims are taught to believe this, is it not natural for a Muslim to be required to do something about their faith?  There is an urgency regarding the close of the age.

There are more Muslims in the United States today than members of the Assemblies of God Church, the Methodist Church, or the Episcopal Church; estimated over 8,000,000.  Their history gives us pause to worry:  What would happen if they ever gained a majority in our country?  Would they be as tolerant of us as we have been tolerant of them?  Islam does not mean peace; it literally means submission.

Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that it is only through His life, death and resurrection that we have eternal life and salvation.  Jesus teaches us to offer our faith through peace, not violence.  We are to be an example of Jesus, not threaten and kill those who will not accept Him.  Because of their strong delusion, it is confusing to know what to say or how to act in response to the strong perversion that Muslims live under.

The Lord tells us “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:  be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).  “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).  “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).  It has been reported that Muslims have been experiencing dreams and open visions of Jesus Christ and some have come to know the Lord.  Praise God!  We must reject the false teaching of Islam but pray for their eternal souls.  First pray … fast and pray.

Notes: Revival and Evangelism

Gray Area:  If the reader is seeking a deeper walk with God or the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, this author was taught that any occult activity must be confessed.  This will hinder you from going further.  Even something as innocent as using the Ouiji board should be confessed and put under the blood of Christ.  In this regard it is better to be safe than sorry.

Notes: Hearing from God

Dreams:  God can speak to us through dreams, “If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord, shall make Myself known to him in a vision.  I shall speak with him in a dream” (Numbers 12:6 NASV).

On the other hand the dark side can also speak through dreams, so be careful.  Consider what the Lord said in chapter 23 of the book of Jeremiah.

25 I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in

My name, saying, ‘I had a dream, I had a dream!’

26 How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who

prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their

own heart,

27 who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which

they relate to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name

because of Baal?

Praying in the Spirit – Intercessory Prayer:  This is not normal prayer.  The Spirit initiates and brings intensity on your prayer.  You happily go along with this knowing that it has a good purpose, feeling there is something special going on.

The Lord had me intercede for Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Communist, before the Soviet Union peacefully collapsed in 1991.  This was an intermittent prayer but always with the same intensity.  I might stop for some reason only to resume later.  I could be doing some normal household chore and intercede at the same time.

How do I explain this?  It was like the Holy Spirit was superimposed upon my prayer.  It was like my heart and my mind were praying together reinforcing each other.

Notes: Salvation, A historic Look

Jiminy CricketJiminy Cricket appears in the Walt Disney file Pinocchio.  Disney adapted him from the “Talking Cricket” character created by Italian writer Carlo Collodi. said, “Let your conscience be your guide,” but the conscience can become seared and unreliable (1Timothy 4:2).  A more reliable guide is the Law which “became our tutor to lead us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24 NASV). Among Greeks and Romans, this tutor or guardian was a trustworthy slave who supervised the life and morals of a boy whose parents were of a wealthier class.  This slave remained with the boy until he reached manhood.

The Law is not the perfect guide since it comes with a curse.  “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, to perform them’” (Galatians 3:10 NASV).  The Law contains the Ten Commandments which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai and written on stone tablets (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 10:4).

That no one is able to keep the Law is obvious.  Have you ever taken the name of the Lord in vain?  Have you ever murdered someone, even character assassination?  Have you ever committed adultery?  Have you ever stolen something?  Have you ever lied?  Have you ever coveted, lusted after, something or someone?  Have you failed to keep the Sabbath holy?  “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (James 2:10 NASV).  Since we have all stumbled we are sinners worthy of punishment.

The Law points out our failure and the Holy Spirit convicts us (John 16:8).  We must feel the conviction that we cannot save ourselves and that we need a Savior.  Therefore “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for is – for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’” (Galatian 3:13 NASV).  Jesus took our curse.

If you should say the Law does not apply to me, then you as a Gentile are “separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth to Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12-13 NASV), but the blood of Christ makes a way.

This having been said, when we pray through for salvation we are born again (John 3:3-8).  We no longer need the guidance of the Law, but we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who “will guide us into all truth” (John 16:13 NASV).  He becomes our new guide, better than our conscience or the Law.  “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14 NASV).

Notes: How to Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13 NASV)?  Believe that when you ask, you will receive.

Suggested Prayer for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by Kenneth E. HaginKenneth E. Hagin (1917-2003) was a Pentecostal evangelist who founded the Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma.:

Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus saved me.  I ask for the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue.  I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.  May I be empowered for service from this day forward.  Thank you for filling me to overflowing.  Amen.

Notes: Of Earthquakes and Hurricanes

Earthquake:  The Greek word σεισμός means a shaking.  Thirteen times in the New Testament it is translated earthquake(s) and once as a storm in Matthew 8:24.  The English word seismic is derived from this Greek word.

Therefore this Greek word could refer to earthquakes, great storms at sea, and perhaps even volcanic activity and tsunamis.

Notes: The Truth about Islam

History:  When Muhammad died in 632 AD he had daughters but no male heir.  One son was born to him, Ibrahim, whose mother was Mary the Copt, but the child died at sixteen months.  Who was to be the heir?  This debate centered around two men, Abdullah ibn Abi Qhuhafah (commonly called Abu Bakr) and Ali ibn Abi Talib (Ali).

Abu Bakr was the first convert to Islam outside Muhammad’s family, his closest advisor, and the father of Aisha.  He was not considered a kinsman to Muhammad, although he did became the first caliphTemporary successor to Muhammad and spiritual head of Islam..

Ali was Muhammad’s cousin, the first male family member to convert to Islam, married Fatima, the prophet’s daughter, and was a lieutenant leading Muslim troops into battle.  Ali was considered family.  His followers became known as the Shi‘atu ‘AliThe Party of Ali, being shorten to the term Shia.

This debate is the basis of the Sunni and Shia split, which led to open conflict at the Battle of the Camel in 656 AD.  Jesus said, “All those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52 NASV).  Perhaps we should thank the Lord that He didn’t allow them to remain united.

Child Bride:  Aisha, Muhammad’s wife, was in caravan accompanying Muhammad to a battle.  She lost her necklace and went to search for it.  In the meantime her HawdajA closed compartment put on the back of a camel which carries brides and important women. was lifted upon her camel and the caravan left, leaving her alone.  The next morning Safwan bin Al-Muattal As-Sulami Adh-Dhakwani, who was in the rear of the army found Aisha.  Safwan dismounted his camel, placed Aisha upon his camel, and led them forward.  This is Aisha’s own narrative of what happened and is not found in the Koran.

Ugly rumors begin to circulate that Aisha was alone with a man who was not her husband.  Apparently Muhammad began to believe these rumors and was thinking about divorcing her.  Conveniently Muhammad received a revelation that saved Aisha.  ‘Why did not the Believers – men and women – when ye heard of the affair – put the best construction on it in their own minds and say, ‘This (charge) is an obvious lie’?  Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it?’ (sura 24:12-13).

This has some interesting ramifications.  1) Muhammad received convenient revelationsIn sura 33:50 Muhammad received a revelation that he may have as many wives as he wished, whereas other Believers were not given this permission..  2) In a rape case it takes four (male) witnesses to prove rape, making it very difficult to prove rape.  3) The testimony of a woman is worth half that of a man.  4) You may have to look to outside sources to determine what the Koran is actually saying.  5) In Aisha’s narrative Muhammad is ahead leading the battle, and thus can be portrayed as a man of war.

Deception:  Muslims are taught not to lie or be deceitful.  ‘Cover not the Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is)’ (sura 2:42).

There seemed to be exceptions to this rule.  The Jewish poet Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf composed some insulting verses about Muslim women.  Muhammad asked for a volunteer to kill Ka’b and gave the one who volunteered permission to say false things.  The young assassin deceived, killed, and returned with the head of Ka’b.  Learning his enemy was dead Muhammad is reported to have said, “Allahu akbar,” praising Allah for the death of his enemy.

Therefore lying and deception are permissible if it furthers the cause of Islam.  This can be seen today when the leader of a Muslim country says something in English for the benefit of the western press, but may say something different to his countrymen speaking in Arabic (or Farsi).

Pray:  Be kind.  Do not reinforce the negative stereotype they have of you as a Christian or a Jew.

This is also true for the cultist who comes knocking on your door.  Do not rebuke them.  Do not shut the door in their face.  Since you have some common ground you can have some fruitful discussions with someone in a cult, but what common ground do you have with a Muslim?  The best thing you can do is just to pray for them. God is answering prayers.

The Scribe

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