The 'Take America Back' Movement

The 2nd ‘Revolutionary’ WAR
Posted on November 11, 2008 by pjmiller


Quote…

PATRIOTIC AMERICAN movement: Patriotic dominionists, most of whom are not Reconstructionists, teach that political action will advance the kingdom of God in America. Using the vehicle of Christian media, they have taught evangelicals for the past three decades that America is a Christian nation and needs to return to its roots. Almost every evangelical in the pew has been influenced in one way or another by this sect.

Patriotic dominionist leaders and their organizations have been closely interlocked financially and politically with the conservatives from the political Right. The secular conservatives purport to uphold morality, which appeals to evangelicals. The combined force of conservatives and evangelicals flexes its political muscles in Washington. One of its most powerful leaders is James Dobson of Focus on the Family.

Patriotic dominionism was widely disseminated through the activities of Jay Grimstead, founder of Coalition on Revival (COR). From its earliest inception COR managed to successfully bring together key leaders from all three dominionist sects, including the Reconstructionists, to promote the most ruthless doctrines of dominionism.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
http://pjmiller.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/the-2nd-revolutionary-war/#comments

Armed guards keep watch over church services

Armed guards keep watch over church services

By Emanuella Grinberg

(CNN) -- Lori Davis remembers a time when the doors were always open at her church -- and not guarded.

"No one thought twice about their safety. I guess we took it for granted," said Davis.
But things have changed. In an era when terrorism threats and deadly shootings at schools and churches have made headlines, religious leaders are rethinking their security strategies. Last Saturday, a minister was fatally shot and another man wounded outside of a church in Kentucky where the men went to attend a funeral.

Read here:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/11/06/church.security/index.html

IT'S PRESIDENT OBAMA

http://edition.cnn.com/video/live/live_asx.html?stream=stream2

God In Exile

God In Exile
Posted on October 29, 2008 by pjmiller

EXCERPT

This spoke to my heart tonight. As I was reading it the scriptures in the 137th Psalm, which pertain to the Babylonian captivity, came to me. I don’t really know why…

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?

Read here:

http://pjmiller.wordpress.com/2008/10/29/god-in-exile/

I Am Ashamed

I Am Ashamed
Posted on October 25, 2008 by pjmiller

What must the body of Christ in other parts of the world be thinking, while watching and reading about the actions taking place here in America right now by the Church…a better question is what does our Lord think?

Yes I’m ashamed…

Read here:
http://pjmiller.wordpress.com/2008/10/25/i-am-ashamed/


__________________
Possibly Related

The Associated Press: Christian right intensifies attacks on Obama
24 Oct 2008 ... Christian right intensifies attacks on Obama. By ERIC GORSKI and RACHEL ZOLL – Terrorist strikes on four American cities. ...

Obama Attracting More Evangelical Voters
By Audrey Barrick
Christian Post Reporter
Fri, Oct. 24 2008 05:13 PM EDT

http://christianpost.com/article/20081024/obama-attracting-more-evangelical-voters.htm

Isaiah 3

Isaiah 3 (King James Version)


Isaiah 3
1For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water.

2The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,

3The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

4And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.

5And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.

6When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:

7In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.

8For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

9The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

10Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

11Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

12As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

13The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

14The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.

15What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

16Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

17Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.

18In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,

19The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,

20The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,

21The rings, and nose jewels,

22The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,

23The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.

24And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.

25Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.

26And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.

__________________________________________

Matthew Henry Commentary
http://eword.gospelcom.net/comments/isaiah/mh/isaiah3.htm

TEN SHEKELS and A SHIRT - An Extract--by Paris Reidhead.

NOTE: An extract from one of the most famous and hard-hitting
sermons of all time...

TEN SHEKELS and A SHIRT - An Extract
-by Paris Reidhead.

If you'll ask me why I went to Africa, I'll tell you I went primarily to improve on the justice of God.
I didn't think it was right for anybody to go to Hell without a chance to be saved. So I went to give poor sinners a chance to go to heaven. Now I haven't put it in so many words, but if you'll analyze what I just told you do you know what it is? Humanism.
That I was simply using the provisions of Jesus Christ as a means to improve upon human conditions of suffering and misery. And when I went to Africa, I discovered that they weren't poor, ignorant, little heathen running around in the woods looking for someone to tell them how to go to heaven. That they were MONSTERS of INIQUITY !!!

THEY WERE LIVING in UTTER AND TOTAL DEFIANCE of FAR MORE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD than I EVER DREAMED THEY HAD !

They deserved Hell! Because they utterly refused to walk in the light of their conscience, and the light of the law written upon their heart, and the testimony of nature, and the truth they knew! And when I found that out I assure you I was so angry with God that on one occasion in prayer I told Him it was a mighty fine little thing He'd done, sending me out there to reach these people that were waiting to be told how to go to heaven.

When I got there I found out they knew about heaven,and didn't want to go there, and that they loved their sin and wanted to stay in it.

I went out there motivated by humanism. I'd seen pictures of lepers, I'd seen pictures of ulcers, I'd seen pictures of native funerals, and I didn't want my fellow human beings to suffer in Hell eternally after such a miserable existence on earth. But it was there in Africa that God began to tear through THE OVERLAY OF THIS HUMANISM! And it was that day in my bedroom with the door locked that I Wrestled with God. For here was I, coming to grips with the fact that the people I thought were ignorant and wanted to know how to go to heaven and were saying "Someone come and teach us", actually didn't want to take time to talk with me or anybody else. They had no interest in the Bible and no interest in Christ, and they loved their sin and wanted to continue in it. And I was to that place at that time where I felt the whole thing was a sham and a mockery, and I had been sold a bill of goods! And I wanted to come home.

There alone in my bedroom AS I FACED GOD HONESTLY WITH WHAT MY HEART FELT, it seemed to me I heard Him say, "Yes, will not the Judge of all the earth do right? The heathen are lost.

And they're going to go to Hell, not because they haven't heard the gospel. They're going to go to Hell because they are sinners, WHO LOVE THEIR SIN! And because they deserve Hell. BUT, I didn't send you out there for them.

I didn't send you out there for their sakes." And I heard as clearly as I've ever heard, though it wasn't with a physical voice, but it was the echo of truth of the ages finding its' way into an open heart. I heard God say to my heart that day something like this, "I didn't send you to Africa for the sake of the heathen, I sent you to Africa for My sake.

They deserved Hell! But I LOVE THEM !!!

AND I ENDURED THE AGONIES of HELL FOR THEM !!!

I DIDN'T SEND you OUT THERE FOR THEM !!!

I SENT you OUT THERE FOR ME !

DO I NOT DESERVE the REWARD OF MY SUFFERING?

DON'T I DESERVE THOSE for WHOM I DIED?"

And it REVERSED IT ALL! AND CHANGED IT ALL! AND RIGHTED IT ALL! And I wasn't any
longer working for Micah and tens shekels and a shirt. BUT I WAS SERVING A LIVING GOD! I was there not for the sake of the heathen. I was there for the Savior that endured the agonies of Hell for me, who didn't deserve it. But He deserved them. Because He died for them.

Do you see?

Let me epitomize, let me summarize. Christianity says,

"The end of all being is the glory of God."

Humanism says,

"The end of all being is the happiness of man."

And one was born in Hell, the deification of man.
AND THE OTHER WAS BORN IN HEAVEN,
THE GLORIFICATION OF GOD! And one is Levite
serving Micah, and the other is a heart that's unworthy serving
the living God, because it's the highest honor in the universe.

--
YES! - You have permission to post these emails
to friends or other groups, blogs, boards, etc. Go for it!


See our website and discussion board-
http://www.revivalschool.com/

Don’t be Deceived by Political Christianity
Posted on October 13, 2008 by pjmiller

I’m Running For President

Please do click on the 'television news coverage' on the post, and watch to the very end for a very important message.

I’m Running For President

http://pastorelrod.wordpress.com/2008/10/11/im-running-for-president/

___________________

UPDATED

I have recieved a few emails about this, and it appears some did'nt get it.Please watch the film till the end and read the message. It's just a joke .........anyone can run for president! You just send them yours or your friend's name and the same film runs with your names as the candidate that's running for president.(read the instructions given at the end of the film)

Vision: Just One Roar Of The Lion

The Man Who Seemed to Have It All, Now Has Nothing

(Thanks Bryan for sending this link)

The Man Who Seemed to Have It All, Now Has Nothing
Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Two months ago, he seemed to have it all: the proverbial trophy wife, the fancy Manhattan digs, the even fancier Hamptons get-away.
Then it all went away. My buddy went bust.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,434142,00.html

Did God Want You to Get That Mortgage?-TIME

(Thanks Bryan for sending this link)

TIME

Did God Want You to Get That Mortgage?
By David Van Biema Friday, Oct. 03, 2008

EXCERPT

Has the so-called Prosperity Gospel turned its followers into some of the most willing participants — and hence, victims — of the current financial crisis? That's what a scholar of the fast-growing brand of pentecostal Christianity believes. While researching a book on black televangelism, says Jonathan Walton, a religion professor at the University of California Riverside, he realized that Prosperity's central promise — that God would "make a way" for poor people to enjoy the better things in life — had developed an additional, toxic expression during sub-prime boom. Walton says that this encouraged congregants who got dicey mortgages to believe "God caused the bank to ignore my credit score and blessed me with my first house." The results, he says, "were disastrous, because they pretty much turned parishioners into prey for greedy brokers."

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1847053,00.html?cnn=yes

Two 1990's Visions of the Crash-Revival List

The Two Natures-by Arthur W. Pink

The Two Natures
by Arthur W. Pink

EXCERPT

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6); “The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other” (Gal. 5:17). These and similar passages clearly connote that there are two distinct and diverse springs of action in the Christian, from which proceed evil and good works. The older expositors were accustomed to speak of these springs of action as “principles”—the principles of evil and holiness. Modern writers more frequently refer to them as “the two natures in the believer.” We have no objection against this form of expression, provided it be used to represent Scriptural realities and not human fancies. But it appears to us that there are not a few today who speak of the “two natures” and yet have no clear conception of what the term signifies, often conveying a faulty idea to the minds of their hearers.

http://www.eternallifeministries.org/awp_2natures.htm

The Comforter-By C. H. Spurgeon

The Comforter
A Sermon(No. 5)
Delivered on Sabbath Evening, January 21, 1855, by theREV. C. H. Spurgeon
At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark.

Excerpt

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned." Weary sinner, hellish sinner, thou who art the devil's castaway, reprobate, profligate, harlot, robber, thief, adulterer, fornicator, drunkard, swearer, Sabbath-breaker—list! I speak to thee as well as to the rest. I exempt no man. God hath said there is no exemption here. "Whosoever believeth on the name of Jesus Christ shall be saved." Sin is no barrier; thy guilt is no obstacle.

Read here:
http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0005.htm

A Peal of Bells

A Peal of Bells:

"A Peal of Bells
July 7th, 1861
by C. H. SPURGEON
(1834-1892)

'In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'—Zechariah 14:20."

EXCERPT

Whatever your business is, though you are a scavenger, though you sweep a crossing, though you black shoes—whatever you have to do, let everything be done to the glory of God. And, if any say it cannot be done, do you show them the way, for the best practical proof is the proof of fact.
http://www.biblebb.com/files/spurgeon/0399.htm

IKE- A HOUSTON RESIDENT: "I just had power and internet restored a few hours ago, and these were among the first pictures I have seen of my own area"

Hi Swarna,

I just had power and internet restored a few hours ago, and these were among the first pictures I have seen of my own area. I find them absolutely amazing. We have not had much idea of what has been going on in our area, or in the rest of the world. A very strange sensation! I thought you might like to see these.
Blessings,
Mary
(Houston, TX)

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/the_short_but_eventful_life_of.html

_____________
related
IKE'S AFTERMATH-GALVESTON-HOUSTON DAMAGE-PHOTOS-UPDATE 3

NEW RELIGION IN AUSTRALIA

(Thanks Bryan for sending the link)

Melbourne minister Cleric Francis Macnab launches new faith for the 21st century because the old one is 'unbelievable'

IKE'S AFTERMATH-GALVESTON-HOUSTON DAMAGE-PHOTOS-UPDATE 3

October 2008 update-Ike-the aftermath and the environment
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081005/ap_on_go_ot/hurricane_environment

IKE
The aftermath of the storm
http://www.chron.com/

Sept. 14: Houston damage
Ike's aftermath in Galveston
Just rescues: Holdouts in high water
Photos submitted by readers

Live blog: latest updates

Capital One reopen 9 additional branches today
Mayor continues 'boil water' notice after 1 bad test
Field hospital may open at Rice U. today to ease load
1,500 Galveston historical buildings seriously damaged by Ike
Texas leaders say feds needs to cover more debris removal costs
Additional Red Cross shelters announced across region
Bolivar Peninsula residents mourn loss of beloved spots
Pearland: Drinking water is safe; curfew remains in effect

MORE

Searchers fear more grim discoveries in Galveston
Deals make a trip away from Ike damage a good idea
Hurricane tally rises to 11 dead, with more possible
Looters think twice as police up patrol, arrest 100
Rebuilding lives brings out stress, crabby attitudes
Workers tackle largest power disruption in Texas history
Galveston evacuees eager to return told to stay put
For some on coastline, rebuilding may not be an option
Gasoline stations face tight supply through September

No deaths or injuries were reported among Houston Jews two days after Hurricane Ike.

HURRICANE IKE-RAW VIDEO-AERIAL VIEW-TEXAS-LOUISIANA-HOMES DAMAGED

http://usnews.feedroom.com/?fr_story=d3ac5e78b843b01ffb2c74dec2315c9f4e964f4c&rf=rssAND OTHER VIDEOS:

CNN-ARTICLE-PHOTOS

Ike wears itself out beating up on Texas

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/13/hurricane.ike.texas/?cnn=yes#cnnSTCPhoto

HURRICANE IKE-GALVESTON-TEXAS-Louisiana-Aftermath-Photos-Videos-Counting the cost-Updates 2

Ike-News-Views-Photos-Videos-Galveston Bay: Blogs

IKE- A HOUSTON RESIDENT: "I just had power and internet restored a few hours ago, and these were among the first pictures I have seen of my own area"

For prosecution of Bush war crimes, planning begins

HURRICANE IKE-GALVESTON-TEXAS-PHOTOS EMAILED TO ME

From: jmiller

Got to see these! Photos from Hurricane Ike ..........................
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/storm/slideshows/2008_storms/ike/


(Thanks Priscilla)

Man searches through debris left along Seawall Blvd. By Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas.


Floodwater covers a neighborhood on Galveston Island after the passing of Hurricane Ike, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Smiley N. Pool, POOL)

Galveston, Texas

An aerial view of petrochemical facilities in Texas City, Texas September 13, 2008 after Hurricane Ike hit. REUTERS/David J.Phillip/Pool

Hurricane Ike-AFTERMATH-First Pictures-Video-Updates-More Links

MORE PHOTOS-NEWS

IKE'S AFTERMATH-GALVESTON-HOUSTON DAMAGE-PHOTOS-UPDATE 3

HURRICANE IKE-TEXAS-LOUISIANA-PHOTOS EMAILED TO ME

(Thanks Priscilla)
LOUISIANA from IKE

Delcambre, Louisiana...

Damage after the passing of Hurricane Ike is seen Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, in Crystal Beach, Texas. The storm roared ashore hours before daybreak with 110 mph winds and towering waves, smashing houses, flooding thousands of homes, blowing out windows in Houston's skyscrapers, and cutting off power to more than 3 million people, perhaps for weeks. (AP Photo/Smiley N. Pool, Pool)

GALVESTON

Galveston Bay...

A home sits in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ike hit in Galveston, Texas, September 13, 2008. Hurricane Ike slammed the Texas and Louisiana coast on Saturday with ferocious winds and a wall of water that flooded hundreds of miles, cut power to millions and caused billions of dollars in damage.

Boats are scattered around a burned building after Hurricane Ike hit

TEXAS HOMES BURNING

Hurricane Ike-AFTERMATH-First Pictures-Video-Updates-More Links

MORE PHOTOS-NEWS

IKE'S AFTERMATH-GALVESTON-HOUSTON DAMAGE-PHOTOS-UPDATE 3

Hurricane Ike-AFTERMATH-First Pictures-Video-Updates-More Links

IKE'S AFTERMATH-GALVESTON-HOUSTON DAMAGE-PHOTOS-UPDATE 3

HURRICANE IKE-GALVESTON-TEXAS-Louisiana-Aftermath-Photos-Videos-Counting the cost-Updates 2

UPDATE
Nearly 2,000 brought to safety in Texas after Ike
By CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer
Sunday, September 14, 2008
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/09/11/national/a103306D77.DTL

Report: 15 trapped on church roof on Bolivar Peninsula
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/09/report-15-trapp.html

Galveston Jail Scandal: 1300 Inmates Locked Up in Hurricane Death ...
by cosgoingwrong GALVESTON’>http://galvestondailynews.com/…891294c3fe8773db”]GALVESTON — Officials with the Galveston County Sheriffs Office fielded calls Friday from relatives of prisoners, who weren’t evacuated from Galveston ahead of Hurricane Ike’s ...
correctional articles and stories - http://atriclesofinterest.wordpress.com

HURRICANE IKE-GALVESTON-TEXAS-PHOTOS EMAILED TO ME

HURRICANE IKE-TEXAS-LOUISIANA-PHOTOS EMAILED TO ME

Earlier:Lakewood Church-Hurricane Ike-News-Update-Links

5 a.m. CDT: Significant damage has been noted at the Lakewood Church, according to local media. Residents had a chance to check damage while Ike`s eye was overhead.
http://weatherbug.excite.com/StormCentral/Excite/StormCentral.aspx?no_cookie_zip=77003&no_cookie_stat=HSTNU&no_cookie_world_stat=&zcode=z4639&story_id=8492&lid=SCT2


Hurricane Ike Watch!!! (ALL Ike posts in here please!) - Houston ...
(ALL Ike posts in here please!) Hurricane Ike Watch! .... I also tried several times to access the Lakewood Church website and it is down. ...www.city-data.com/forum/houston/425743-hurricane-ike-watch-all-ike-posts-51.html - 98k - 15 hours ago -

Greater Houston-area school closings and cancellations LOCAL ...
13 Sep 2008 ... 12 due to anticipation of Hurricane Ike and the expected tropical force ..... Lakewood Church -- Saturday and Sunday services are canceled. ...www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou080910_tnt_school_closings_ike.60c88e9a.html - 141k -

LATEST:
Two Terrebonne deaths blamed on Ike
Body found today in Barrow Street parking lot
Ike sends two drilling rigs adrift in Gulf
‘All hell broke loose’ as floodwaters waged assault
The latest from the parish on Ike
Flooding reported in east Houma
Ike wreaks havoc on bayou communities
Schools scheduled to reopen Tuesday

http://www.sailr.com/news122284.html
3 minutes ago First pictures are in showing just some of the devastation that Hurricane Ike has brought with it. Direct Link.
Sailr - Sailing News for Sailors - http://www.sailr.com/

Hurricane Ike #3: Aftermath

22 minutes ago by Kraft Ike is long past hurricane status. The good news is everyone I'm close to in that area is okay, having either left early or have made contact during the day today. Frankly, I'm quite worried for Hung's apartment in Galveston. ...
The Journeyman - http://www.brandonkraft.com/

VIDEO: Wayne Dolcefino tells Hurricane Ike coverage stories
46 minutes ago by KTRK Eyewitness News reporter Wayne Dolcefino has returned from Galveston and tells his Hurricane Ike coverage stories.

WATCH THE VIDEO.
abc13.com Blog - http://ktrk.typepad.com/abc13/

Hurricane Ike’s massive sprawl one of meteorology’s tough nuts to ...

55 minutes ago Scientists have come up with explanations for the massive spread out of hurricane Ike in the US, which has been a big meteorological mystery till now. Hurricane Ike is a super-sized storm with winds howling over vast fetches of water, ...
Newspost Online - http://www.newspostonline.com

Rescuers search for victims of hurricane
28 minutes ago ... helicopters and high-water trucks fanned out along the flood-stricken Texas coast Saturday in a monumental effort to reach tens of thousands of people who stubbornly ignored warnings and tried to ride out Hurricane Ike.

News/local from www.chieftain.com - http://www.chieftain.com/

Another Rita: Ike floods thousands of homes in Terrebonne
22 minutes ago HOUMA - Hurricane Ike so far has flooded more than 13000 buildings and 200 miles of road in southern Terrebonne, affecting roughly 20000 residents, parish officials said today.

news HC http://www.houmatoday.com - http://www.houmatoday.com

Ike swings past region
58 minutes ago Hurricane Ike spared northeastern Louisiana major damage Saturday as the storm made its way inland.
thenewsstar.com - Local News - http://thenewsstar.com/

AMOS 5:13-KJV

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time: for it is an evil time.

Vision: Gathering Balls Of Darkness

VISION: WISE LEADERS SIT OUT THE DANCE

Vision: The Giant Hideous Bird In America

VISION: SCHOOLING IN AMERICA

Vision: The Girl With The Apple Pie

VISION: WATCHMAN WATCHMAN ON THE WALL WHAT SAY YE?

Righteous Hatred

Righteous Hatred
August 8, 1858
by
C. H. SPURGEON(1834-1892)


Righteous Hatred:

EXCERPT

"Again, there are many sins by which you will be enticed unless you always take care to strip sin of its disguises. Sin will sometimes come to you, wrapped up in a Babylonish garment, like Achan's wedge: pull off the covering and you will discover its iniquity. It will sometimes come to you like the iniquity of king Saul, under the form of a sacrifice; strip it and discover that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Alas! sin is like Jezebel; it attires its head and paints its face and appears lovely to us; unmask it, see its vileness, discover its filthiness, disdain the profit with which it gilds itself, take away the applause with which it endeavors to plume itself, and let it stand in all its naked deformity, and then thou wilt not be so likely to run into it."

A Little Leaven: Time for a Pop-Quiz

MUST READ
A Little Leaven: Time for a Pop-Quiz:

"Time for a Pop-Quiz

We thought we'd put together a pop-quiz. Hopefully it won't be too hard because each question is multiple choice. To make the quiz a little easier we've also provided links for all of the answers so that you can get more information before you make your decision. Are you ready? Here we go."

Dow plunges after warning of 'financial tsunami' - Times Online

Dow plunges after warning of 'financial tsunami' - Times Online:


"Weary investors in the United States received a further pummelling yesterday as data showed new unemployment claims at a near-five-year high last week, a leading fund manager gave warning that America faced a “financial tsunami” and key retailers released disappointing sales figures."

Patriotism in the pulpit: Where do American preachers draw the line?

Patriotism in the pulpit: Where do American preachers draw the line?:

Radio and Podcasts- By Bryan Hupperts

Please do listen to:

THE ALTERNATIVE VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

If Andy Rooney, the social commentator/curmudgeon, were a spiritual man, he would probably sound like SheepTrax radio.

Bryan can tell a short story in 60 seconds using vivid visual word pictures that can leave you laughing, pondering, and occasionally even a little upset. Birthed from years of professional radio experience, Bryan offers this radio & podcasting gem.

Programs are not time or date sensitive and are more interesting than ho-hum Ad Council promos on pet safety. Radio stations, web and broadcast, are encouraged to run these commercial-free 60-second programs.

60 seconds messages

Those Silly Pagans

The Science Fiction Gospel

The Coming Masquerade Ball

Year of Jubilee

The Shoe Bummer

The Pizza Jihad

Click here: http://www.sheeptrax.com/podcast.html

He Puts iron in our souls-By Bryan Hupperts

He Puts iron in our souls-By Bryan Hupperts

"An APOSTLE I KNEW"-by Grover.

(Revival List)

NOTE: This is a touching story - that makes a very important point.


"An APOSTLE I KNEW"
-by Grover.

Much ado is being made about modern day apostles and prophets. We hear of new "apostolic" networks and ministries, with their "impartation meetings" and "apostolic anointings." Everybody who is somebody in the body of Christ is now an apostle. Even the prophets are becoming apostles. Maybe the pastors are becoming prophets to fill the vacuum? Apostles are people who are sent by God to a specific people or for a specific mission. We've often used the word "missionary" in place of "apostle" because of the connotation. By definition, an apostle is a "sent one."

Anyway, the Lord reminded me of a very special apostle that I spent time with early in my Christian walk. His name was Tacho. He was probably in his mid 50's when Edith and I met him. He had been a laborer for most of his life, barely spoke English and was illiterate. He and his wife (Elfida) had been Catholic most of their lives, until meeting Jesus and being baptized in the Holy Spirit by a supernatural encounter. When Tacho was baptized in the Holy Spirit, he suddenly was able to read the Bible, both in English and in Spanish. We spent a lot of time with Tacho and Elfida, mostly in the ghettos of Mexico. I remember many times when Tacho stood up in the streets to preach the gospel, Elfida would fall to her knees and cry out to God, battling in the heavenlies, and the glory of God would fall on those filty streets. Demons screamed and left, people were healed and delivered, witches converted to Jesus, it was a glorious time. Edith and I learned through their example the role of husband and wife in a spiritual war that battled
for the souls and hearts of men.

I never heard Tacho speak of anything except Jesus, even in conversations with others on the team. Jesus was his passion, his only vision, his entire life. Elfida was always right beside him,
supporting, battling, praying for needs. What a powerful team that God had put together as a witness to His life and glory. These simple people had the most profound effect on our lives. They never elevated themselves in any manner, were always totally humble and poured themselves out to the poor people that they were sent to. When they weren't on the streets, they pastored some of the little churches that met in shacks and byways. They were always feeding the poor, taking clothing and necessities, even giving food and Christmas presents to sometimes thousands of children.

Edith and I didn't speak much Spanish, but we always knew what was being preached (in Spanish) by the Spirit. Once Tacho told me that the Spirit had told him to blow on someone and they fell down in the Spirit. He was humbled and amazed that God would use him like that. He truly did what the Spirit told him.

Nobody ever told Tacho that he was an apostle. He only thought of himself as a humble servant of the wonderful God who had saved him and filled him with His Spirit. I believe he served
faithfully until he died as an unknown soldier of the Lord. Tacho was the greatest example of an apostle that I have ever personally known, though we grew up with several others who had similar callings. Tacho was the one who was of the least value to the world, but of immense value to the kingdom of God

I have no idea how many souls were touched by the Lord through this precious saint. If I had asked him, I'm sure he would have had no idea that he had touched them. . . he only knew that the Lord had touched them. I suspect that hundreds, perhaps thousands of folks had a personal encounter with Jesus as Tacho crossed their path. Jesus working in a simple, devoted, humble vessel that hardly was aware of anything other than his Lord. If I could send a message to Tacho in heaven, I would say, "Tacho, I want to be like you when I grow up!"

God bless you all, and God bless you, Tacho....

~Found on the Forum at- http://www.revivalschool.com/


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Most Americans Unhappy with Church, Politics Combo| Christianpost.com

read here
Most Americans Unhappy with Church, Politics Combo Christianpost.com:

"For the first time in more than a decade, a majority of Americans believe churches and houses of worship should keep out of political matters."

Titus 2: 11-14

Titus 2:11-14 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain



11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Romans 7: 7-24 and 8: 1-14

Romans 7:7-24 (King James Version)

7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 8: 1-14
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Restitution-Charles Spurgeon

“If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.” - Exo_22:6

But what restitution can he make who casts abroad the fire-brands of error, or the coals of lasciviousness, and sets men’s souls on a blaze with the fire of hell? The guilt is beyond estimate, and the result is irretrievable.

If such an offender be forgiven, what grief it will cause him in the retrospect, since he cannot undo the mischief which he has done! An ill example may kindle a flame which years of amended character cannot quench. To burn the food of man is bad enough, but how much worse to destroy the soul! It may be useful to us to reflect how far we may have been guilty in the past, and to enquire whether, even in the present, there may not be evil in us which has a tendency to bring damage to the souls of our relatives, friends, or neighbours. The fire of strife is a terrible evil when it breaks out in a Christian church.

Where converts were multiplied, and God was glorified, jealousy and envy do the devil’s work most effectually. Where the golden grain was being housed, to reward the toil of the great Boaz, the fire of enmity comes in and leaves little else but smoke and a heap of blackness. Woe unto those by whom offences come. May they never come through us, for although we cannot make restitution, we shall certainly be the chief sufferers if we are the chief offenders. Those who feed the fire deserve just censure, but he who first kindles it is most to blame.

Discord usually takes first hold upon the thorns; it is nurtured among the hypocrites and base professors in the church, and away it goes among the righteous, blown by the winds of hell, and no one knows where it may end. O thou Lord and giver of peace, make us peacemakers, and never let us aid and abet the men of strife, or even unintentionally cause the least division among thy people.

Charles Spurgeon

Vision: The Three Caves

1 Peter 4 (King James Version)

14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.


15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.


16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.


17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?


18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?


19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Word for the Church

CHURCHWARNINGS 10, Ungodly wars and unholy alliances

MALACHI 2:17

Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

Malachi 2: 17 KJV

VISION: DANGEROUS AND RADICALOUS

Vision: On Mounts Of Error

VISION: MOUNTAINS OF LIES AND BLOODSUCKERS

VISION: STEEL TOE BOOTS

They said Barabbas

Matthew 27:20-22 (King James Version)

20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

CHURCHWARNINGS 01

Command Performance-By Bryan Hupperts

Command Performance-By Bryan Hupperts
bryanhupperts@hotmail.com

The invitations, laid in gold leaf, were sent out announcing a command performance in the great theater. God himself would be attending. The people were excited as they returned their RSVPs. All came at the appointed time to witness this great performance.

The program bill proclaimed that two choral symphonies would be performed. Chilled in the air conditioning, all sat in anticipation of seeing God as they waited for the performance to begin. A special seating box, high above the audience, was marked Reserved and many whispered that must be where God would be seated.

The house lights dimmed to black and a spotlight beamed down center stage at a lone mic stand. An unknown man stepped out of the shadows and announced, “There will be a delay.” And he turned his back to the audience and walked back behind the curtain. The house lights went abruptly up leaving the throngs of people staring at each other.

At first, most sat in reverent silence waiting patiently for the arrival of God and for the two choral symphonies but, as the evening wore on, the air conditioning quit and the room was getting hot and stuffy. As the temperature climbed, tempers began to flare.

“Com’on. There is no sign of God or his choir. Where is the promise of his appearing?” some asked. Others, seeing people in the audience with whom they had long running, unresolved disputes, began to stir the waters of resentment telling their tales of woe until they were exaggerated beyond recognition with accusations running like wildfire, the destructive flames fanned along by willing, wagging tongues.

Others sat sweltering in resentment dressed in their finest, seething that they had dressed for the event and now had to wait. And for what? Couldn’t God have fixed the air conditioning? Didn’t he see this coming? And where was the so-called choir? Did God even have a clue how badly they were being inconvenienced?

Amid the clanging cacophony, amid the darkness and din, and the Babel of crescendoing voices, a different sound was heard. There were a few who feared the Lord who began to say to one another, “We don’t understand the delay either but, while we’re here, let’s worship God anyway.” Despite their discomforts, they praised Him.

As for the rest, the greater number in the vast audience began to divide along racial, political, and economic lines. Someone had to do something! Manipulators, adept at creating an “Us vs. Them” mentality, arose to draw men after themselves, exploiting the general discontent. Open warfare soon began. Kidnappings were common as seating groups would conspire together to “save” souls from other seating sections from their obvious deceptions, to get them into the “true work” of God.

The theater management issued a call for help. The audience was immense and, because of the delay, would anyone volunteer to help pass out food and water? Many of the quiet worshippers left their seats, and, in spite of the heat, donned the black jackets of servants and began to wait on others, passing out food and drink. While some received it with genuine gratitude, most murmured and complained. It was either too this or not that enough; whatever the complaint, it was not up to their standards.

The theater seemed ready to tear itself apart. Angry voices were rising; tempers flaring, while the few faithful worshippers still tried to encourage any who would listen that God was yet in control even if they had to take that statement on raw faith. They defended the name of Him who was Faithful and True while others openly scoffed.

Suddenly, a cool breeze blew through the packed house. The house lights dimmed as a sigh of relief went through the crowd. In the blackness a lone spotlight again shone about the mic stand. The unknown man again stepped up to the microphone and announced, “The performance is now ended. Good night.”

He again turned his back to the audience, walking towards the curtain as stunned audience members jumped to their feet in fury, demanding an explanation. Where was God in this so-called command performance? What about the two promised choral symphonies?

The man turned to face the crowd, and, after pausing for a long moment as if listening to an unseen Friend, motioned for silence.

He said, “You do not understand. Two choral symphonies were played out here tonight but you were the performers, not the audience. God himself was the audience and out of the abundance of your mouths, whether it was sweet worship or bitter complaint, you each sang to Almighty God what was truly in your heart. And those appointed to write in God’s Book of Remembrance recorded every word.”

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With which of the two choral symphonies playing in the world do you willingly blend your voice?

Bryan Hupperts

© 2008

www.SheepTrax.com




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Unauthorized Church Bake Sale-By Bryan Hupperts

Unauthorized Church Bake Sale-By Bryan Hupperts

bryanhupperts@hotmail.com


Unauthorized Church Bake Sale

She was driving past a church when she saw a sign advertising an Unauthorized Church Bake Sale. Why would a church bake sale be unauthorized? Curiosity got the better of her so she parked and waked on to the lot following the luscious scent of conflicting aromas.

There was bread everywhere; rolls, cakes, loaves. The scent of baked goods was delicious, tantalizing, calling all to feast. She noticed several officiating Judges moving from table to table and realized there was a contest being held. The grand prize to be awarded was the coveted blue ribbon that proclaimed: Bread of Life.

She had one of those Holy Spirit warning moments; a verse about those whose “God is their belly,” rang her alarm bell deep within. Though sorely tempted, she decided she would not risk defiling herself with any of the bread until she knew for certain which really was the Bread of Life.

The bake sale offered something for every appetite, a special bread just for you. The ritualistically pious were drawn to bread that had mysterious images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary that had suddenly appeared in the crust. The non-ritualistically pious were drawn to the hot cross buns. They seemed to have a side contest going to see whose hot cross image was bigger.

And the snack cakes! As a former unbeliever, she knew well the taste of Snickerdoodles. She was amazed at the numbers of snickering, scoffing unbelievers in the church yard that readily scarfed them down. Scoffers dine willingly on unbelief, their ravenous appetites never satiated. Why would anyone believe this stuff, sweet as it was, was the Bread of Life? She walked on.

There was a shouting war flaring up between a table of white breads and another table of brown breads, each claiming superiority over the other arguing authoratively that the Bread of Life was either White or Brown depending on which table you stood behind. No one on the outside of this ghastly display of enslavement would touch their moldy breads though those eating at the respective tables didn’t seem to notice the worms and dry crusts, probably from over familiarity. Again, she walked on.

There were fruit loaves that demanded special treatment and acceptance. While contest rules specifically forbade fruit in the mixture, the fruit loaf lovers demanded that the rules be set aside for them. After all, they found themselves described in the Bible as Romans-One-Meal bread.

There were delightful twisted loaves that smelled almost heavenly but there was something not quite right, something… well, twisted to them. How could anything truly heavenly be twisted? Still, it smelled wonderful, lilting in the breeze and she almost convinced herself this must be the genuine Bread of Life. Still, remembering her vow, she refrained with a sigh and moved on.

There were cream puffs aplenty but they quickly melted in the sun. Then there was a newcomer: Prosperity bread. You eat it and it fills you again and again till you die from malnutrition. They can’t seriously believe this fraud is the Bread of Life, yet obviously many did.
Uneasiness began to crawl up her tingling spine. Suspicious, she squinted and noticed the small print on each display card bearing the names the various breads. Adjusting her glasses a bit to read the fine print, she was horrified to read: Made proudly with the Leven of the Pharisees.

While leaven will make something quickly rise, she knew this was against Luke 12:1 where Jesus said, “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”

Alarmed, she stood up and shouted to the Judges, “These breads are tainted. They are rife with pride, made with the leaven of the Pharisees. Instead of the taste test alone, why not look at the ingredients? Will not the true Bread of Life will be pure, holy and undefiled?”

A momentarily hush swept over the feasting crowd only to be dispelled by the angry retorts that came hurling in like rocks. “Oh, come on. You don’t think this dough will rise by itself, do you? We bake according to our tastes. We’re serving God, helping him with our added ingredients. We know what the people want.”

She reached in her Bible and pulled out a Leven-O-Meter and began to test the breads for their leaven contest. Ironically, many of the contest Judges started screaming, “Judge Not! Judge Not! How DARE you judge this bread?” as the Meter clicked madly on like a Geiger counter at ground zero.

Fearing a riot, one of the Judges grabbed her arm, pulling her aside to a popular, though out of the way, table under the sign, “Day Old Bread.” The Judge quietly explained that, while the other breads technically were disqualified because they took a short cut and used the leaven, the fast rising yeast of the Pharisees, they did help “spread the Word,” and besides, up till now, few had complained.

Gathered at the Day Old Bread rack were true, though forlorn looking, believers chewing away on dry, brittle crusts. She squinted to read the ingredients list and, sure enough, this was indeed genuine Bread of Life. But why would Bread of Life be so tasteless and lifeless? It didn’t look particularly appetizing but it was the genuine article. That’s when she noticed the Clearance sign.
"Not very fresh, is it?” she asked. The Judge, trying to placate her, said, “No, it not exactly fresh. That’s why it’s for sale, dirt cheap. Still, this is genuine Bread of Life. A Stranger comes and gives us the extra loaves he cannot give away. Try your Leven-O-Meter and see. It’s just a few extra days old and a bit past its freshness, that’s all. We sell a lot of this.”

While her Leven-O-Meter confirmed this was indeed Bread of Life, she suddenly remembered the Bible story about the manna, the bread of heaven, coming down and needing to be collected daily or it would turn wormy and moldy. Like God’s mercies, it had to be sought for anew every day.

“Do you have any fresh Bread of Life? Not the cheap day old stuff, but the today’s Bread?” she asked, her voice carrying further than she intended. The place went silent as the Judges and contestants drew their collective breath. And the barrage of insults began. In what sounded like an angry run-on sentence, she was told:

… Bread of Life is made by grinding pure grain against a stone in a mortar and pedestal… too work-intensive… old fashioned way that takes too long and cannot not be mass produced or mass marketed. .. the world is hungry for bread so we manufacture ours with a little extra additive for the masses cheaply and quickly….maybe not the healthiest stuff around but add a little high fructose corn syrup and it turns sweet… it’s almost as good as...

And she found herself thrown out laying face down on the street, her Leaven-O-Meter smashed to bits. She had been banned from the contest for having a “critical spirit.” The contest went on without her. Shaken and upset, she picked herself up and headed towards her car when a Stranger appeared from the crowd and approached her. “I came today hoping to find someone who truly hungers for the Bread of Life,” he said, motioning towards the crowd. “For even the few who find it, most willingly settle for the leftovers.”

“Yeah,” she said, “I saw that. And I was nearly killed for my efforts.” Smiling, he produced from beneath his coat an ordinary unbroken loaf of bread. “This is the Bread of Life you seek. Break it and eat.”

She looked at this ordinary looking loaf of Bread suspiciously, asking, “Why didn’t I see this at the bake sale contest? Have you eaten from it? If so, why is it not broken?” And the Stranger smiled again explaining that each of us individually have to take hold of the Bread of Life and break it ourselves because it was once broken for each of us.

She was beset by a hunger, driven by an appetite she could not explain. The Stranger with the Bread had her full attention. “How much?” she asked, hoping for a bargain.

The staggering cost was laid before her. In an unflinching voice, he said, “Your dreams, your hopes, your sins and failures, all that you hope to be and all that you fear you’ll become. You past, present and future, all claims to your own self life; in short, to eat this Bread will cost you everything.”

She could hear the din of the Unauthorized Bake Sale contest happening in the church parking lot – they had chosen this years’ winner - and she grieved for them. They truly did not understand what they were doing.

She took the precious loaf and felt a sting in her soul as she raised it up unto God and broke it in half and began to eat. Satisfaction filed her soul and, as she passed from death to life, she now understood that it was now her calling to seek out those who truly hungered for the Bread of Life, those who would accept no substitution. And the loaf broken by her hands was whole again.

The Stranger smiled and said, “Come Sister, let’s be about our Father’s business. The night is quickly coming when no man can work.” With the precious Bread of Life in hand, they turned their backs on the Unauthorized Bake Sale and headed for the highways and byways.

Bryan Hupperts © 2008

http://www.sheeptrax.com/




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Jeremiah 7:23

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
Jeremiah 7:23 KJV

Sent From God-By Art Katz

A few have asked the question what did Art speak about at IHOP? I was just at Ben Israel site and found this that Art spoke at Kansas City, IHOP in 2006.

Judge for yourself,
Blessings,
Susan
http://www.revivalschool.com/


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Sent From God

By Art Katz

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An edited transcript of message # K-IHOP-06.

(Kansas City, Jan. 2006)

This morning I feel impressed to share with you a new word that has come out of the recent ministry days in Mexico, and which I believe is going to be a significant arrow in the Lord’s quiver. I am not even sure of its full meaning, but can only say that it resonates and hints at significant things in our understanding of God. As with every word from heaven, you can get from it what you will, or you can just as equally get nothing at all. Or later on, all of a sudden, the word will spring to life in the sovereign purposes of God.

The text is from Isaiah 6.

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and His train filled the temple.

Above Him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, “Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of Him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

Then said I, “Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of hosts.”

Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he touched my mouth with it, and said, “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin forgiven.”

And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”

Then I said, “Here am I; send me.”

And He said, “Go, and tell this people, ‘Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.’ Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they sea with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed.”

Then said I, “Lord, how long?” And He answered, “Until cities be waste without inhabitant, and houses without man, and the land become utterly waste, and Jehovah has removed men far away, and the forsaken places be many in the midst of the land. And if there be yet a tenth in it, it also shall in turn be eaten up: as a terebinth, and as an oak, whose stock remaineth, when they are felled; so the holy seed is the stock thereof” (Isaiah 6:1-13)

I was quite surprised when the Lord quickened this and underlined ways of perceiving the text not previously considered. But I think it is going to be one of those seminal messages that come forth every now and then, the rhema word of God that may not immediately be understandable to all to whom it comes. If it doesn’t fit right now, do not set it aside, but I do believe that what was suddenly and dramatically exposed in this sixth chapter was pivotal for all of Isaiah’s future prophetic use as well as the issue of Israel’s destiny.

Are you guilty with me of having too airily dismissed this account as some kind of mystic vision of the Lord? Somewhere high and lifted up with His train filling the temple in some kind of hyper-state of glory? Why would it affect the prophet so as to cause him to pronounce his being undone? My own suggestion is that the prophet saw the King in the greatest moment of His majesty. In other words, God in His deepest essence was brought to a point of such expression that anyone who contemplates that moment rightly has got to be altogether devastated and undone. With that in mind, I am led to believe Isaiah saw the crucifixion of the King, because nothing reveals the majesty of God more than in the depth of His suffering, experienced and borne for us as atonement!

You may ask how Isaiah could have seen the crucifixion of Jesus six or seven centuries before the actual event. Let us not forget that the Lord was ‘slain from before the foundations of the earth were laid.’ If we only see the crucifixion of Jesus as a historical event in a point of time, we will be marred and limited in our Christian walk. Our walk will of necessity be with a minimal comprehension of the crucifixion as a body of doctrine to which we must agree, but we have not seen the glory. And unless we see the glory, there never will be any sending.

This is not just a chance episode in the life of the prophet; it is the unfolding of a remarkable pattern; a sequence of events by which the prophet, who already had a ministry and was already cautioning and warning the nation of its sin from the very first chapter of his book, now enters a new dimension. His subsequent ministry as one sent was no longer merely to warn or to caution, but to judge. His word would now constitute judgment. They will not hear, they will not see, their hearts will be dulled because the prophet has spoken to them in a new depth of urgency and weight and authority as one sent.

How many of us have sufficiently dwelt on the word sent as we ought? Do we understand the significance of the difference between one who went and the one who is sent? However well-meaning it might be, is not most of our Christian activity self-initiated or committee determined? Do we know, and I mean really know, what it is to be sent from the One who is enthroned?

My own observation is that the overwhelming majority of Christians have a self-motivated itch to go and to do, to be seen and to cut a swathe for themselves and their ministry, but we are not seeing sendings of the kind that initiated the early history of the Church. Those that were sent turned the world upside-down. Do we sufficiently honor and esteem the phenomenon of sending? Do we understand the difference between the consequences of the work that results from one sent in comparison to the work of one who is self-initiated in his going? Are we even assured that the world needs to be turned upside-down? Or do we see the world as needing merely to be modified and have some of its excesses reduced? Do we see the world as being evil? Are we chafed by its immorality, even its a-morality? Do we have the basis for comparison that would be ours once having seen the Lord high and lifted up?

Everything hinges upon seeing the Lord as the Lord, because after forty-one years in the faith and in world-wide ministry, touching and examining the Church in its best forms, I would have to say that my greatest grief over the condition of the Church, its leadership and its prominent ministers is that they do not know God as God. They do not know Him as He in fact is. Without this knowledge of God, we are condemned to a hollow counterfeit much more in harmony with our own approving ambition and intentions. Consequently, there is no fear of God, and we will find ourselves taking liberties and initiating conduct that was not sent from Heaven. Everything rests on seeing the Lord high and lifted up and enthroned in His majestic glory and brought to perfection in the moment of His most excruciating suffering at Calvary. That is what this prophet saw, and he cried out “I am undone! I am a man of unclean lips!”

The problem is not the unclean lips; but ‘I am a man.’ We do not know how deeply humanistic man is as man. We do not see how deeply the intrinsic nature of man is opposed to God. We do not see how our ambitions and self-initiated activity could possibly be an act of direct rebellion against God. We do not see our unwillingness to wait to be sent as being any particular offense. Isaiah saw himself. “Woe is me, I am undone, I am a man.” And if I am a man, of necessity my lips are going to be defiled, even though a prophet.

Until we agree and come to this low estimation of ourselves, we will always suffer the loss of the high exaltation of God. The two things are inextricably joined. Who of us thinks they can perceive the truth of themselves as man? Is not our estimation of ourselves far out of proportion to the way in which we really need to see ourselves? Is not the reason we are able to indulge such exaltation because we have no basis for comparison? Do we not see ourselves only in comparison to others? By so doing, are we not rather imagining our own superiority? When you see yourself in comparison to God, however, you become as a dead man.

This is the way of sanity; this is truth; this is reality; it is the foundation of any true sending. Why would God send half-baked believers anywhere into the world? What are they going to communicate? They cannot communicate anything that exceeds where they themselves are in their own estimation. Yes, they might bring some measure of good, but they are not going to turn anybody’s world upside-down. Only one who is sent from the Throne bears the authority and anointing of that One who sends.

“Who will go for us?” The word ‘who’ haunts me; it suggests very few candidates. How often do you find a believer who has risen above the prevailing culture and the correctness of his doctrine, and who really knows God as God, who sees God as terrifying, stupefying and vast? When was the last time you met someone who has seen God in His greatest act, namely, the revelation of the nature of God in His suffering and death, which had ever and always been His nature? The only thing that the Cross did was reveal what God always was and is. God is a servant. He is a sent one Himself from the Father.

What did it mean for this sent Son, who had lived eternally in the presence of the Father, to forsake that exalted and unimaginable condition of relationship, and to come down to this crusty globe and take upon himself the form of a man? He began life as a helpless infant laid in a manger and suffered everything that was required of an earthly, human existence as a Jew and as a son of David, a son of Abraham and as a son of Adam, so to speak. We do not know the humility of God until we have rightly pondered what it meant for the Son to come down into this Earth. It was the crucifixion before the crucifixion. Every instance of it, every act of it is the issue of self-denial; it is the issue of compassion and concern for other at the expense of oneself. We need to probe and examine this more than any other consideration, more than our yearnings to become sophisticated in understanding the Last Days movement of the Jews and the Church’s mandate during that time.

“Who shall go for us?” We are back to that piercing question. The only one who can go is the one who has seen, and having seen, comes to such a place of repulsion over himself that he is undone. This was Isaiah, the prince of the prophets speaking. If he could say, “I am undone” at the seeing of God as He really is in His glory, what shall we say? And until we say it with the same heart-piercing cry, we will never be a candidate for being sent. But, what does this whole cosmic drama wait on? The text itself tells us: “In the year that king Uzziah died.” What would the Lord be trying to say here? Did the Holy Spirit give that just as an historic index so we could date this event because we know the life-span of this king? Or does the death of the king have something to do with the revelation given to the prophet? What would you suspect?

My own intuition is that the death of the king is the decisive factor that set in motion the entire episode. But, why is this so important? Why does a death have to necessarily precede a revelation of this magnitude? This is a revelation that issues in a call, and the call issues in a judgment upon Israel by a prophet going forth as a sent one. And not only that, but it is a judgment upon Israel that is still valid to this day. Israel is still bound; its eyes are closed nationally-speaking; its heart is numb; it cannot see, cannot hear and cannot understand. Jews are civil and gracious on any other subject, but on this they become impenetrable because the judgment has been decreed.

Apart from a few ‘remnant’ Jews like myself, the nation itself presently stands under this judgment. You wonder why so many Christians eagerly believe God has called them to be prophets. That eagerness betrays their own over-estimation of themselves. What if your speaking would mean a necessary judgment for the hearers? Some measure of judgment goes forth in the prophetic proclamation that is designed to bring to death areas of the flesh that are impudent, untrained and undisciplined and need this judgment. It is not a pleasant task. Only those who are dead and see themselves as undone are the ones who are capable of going and pronouncing that kind of judgment. It is all the same to them whether the hearers are blessed or judged. The issue is obedience to a ‘Go, and say to them…’

We are moving towards a concluding episode in the salvational history of mankind with regards to the people Israel. Israel is under judgment through a prophetic word, but the judgment needs to be reversed and the people be released by another sending. If it took a sending to bring the judgment, in my opinion, it will take a sending to end the judgment. There needs to be a ‘prophetic’ company of believers as the Church of the Last Days, who have seen the Lord and know Him in His majesty, high and lifted up, and who are stricken to death at their own vain presumptions about themselves. They are those who see themselves ‘as good as dead,’ and unless a coal comes off the altar of God, they will not presume that they can speak for God.

From the text we know that God does not in any way placate the prophet; He is silent, but sends an angel with a coal from the altar, clearly implying that He is in complete agreement with the prophet’s own estimation of himself. The important point to note is the reaction of the prophet to the revelation of God in His resplendent majesty as crucified evoking such a sense of his own shame. Karl Barth, my favorite theologian, the great German-Swiss thinker clearly understood this reality when he wrote: “The reality of sin cannot be known or described except in relation to the one who has vanquished it.”

How many of us can say that we know the reality of sin? And I am absolutely assured that if we do not know the reality of sin as God sees it and as Isaiah saw it, we have no reality. The reality of sin is the necessary foundation of all human reality, and if we do not have it, all of our grandiose categories about redemption and the Cross are only just a vapor; they are ‘sound and fury signifying nothing.’ More than we know, we have unsuspectingly reduced our beliefs to a body of doctrine. Our agreement with certain evident truths will never effect anything in us or in the world. And why would God send anyone in that condition? Has He nothing better to do, no better candidate to send than someone with a shallow notion of sin? Why would He send anyone who has fallen short of the acknowledgement of His glory, and who has little knowledge of what atonement means or what He has paid to obtain it? Paul could say, “Paul knew the terror of the Lord with regard to sin, and therefore could persuade men.” This kind of knowing needs to be an object of our highest priority. How do we come to know the reality or the terror of sin, realizing that that is the underlay of everything? What did Jesus do and perform that was so consequential, worthy of our admiration, let alone our adoration if we do not understand what He met in His death?

Have we noticed how the world is dying, without foundations and oblivious to eternity? Has the world been told what sin is or what judgment and hell are? Has it not rather dispensed with Jesus as a peripheral nothing, celebrated at Christmas time to give the department stores the occasion for our orgies of buying? Even Japan has a Christmas. The world has turned the Advent of the birth of the Son, who met the sin problem in His death, into a culture for commerce. How is it that we are not chafed over that? How is it that we can so easily join the world right into those stores and indulge ourselves as much as any rather than boycott the event itself? Have we been able to persuade Jewish life of the terror of sin? Or do they look upon our celebration of Christmas as just a harmless, Gentile equivalent of their Chanukah? Is not their Chanukah as much a false piece of baloney as our Christmas? And the world continues to spiral down into death while these things are celebrated as being somehow real.

There needs to be a great cry going out from Christendom that we have not seen or perceived rightly the great, central event of history, the Advent of the Son from Heaven who took upon Himself the form of a man, Jewish man, and suffered the consequence for the sin of mankind in order to appease the honor of His Father, who had been disgraced by a sinful, covenant-breaking humanity. Until that revelation has broken upon our hearts and until we have seen sin in the context of the suffering, the humility and the anguish of His soul, we have not the knowledge of sin and therefore everything will suffer in proportion.

Do we really know how vile evil is? How intrinsic it is to man and to his nature? I don’t mean man’s most malicious things, but when he is acting at his best. To have an inadequate sense of sin is to have an inadequate sense of God. If we have a low estimation of sin how than can we exalt God? Is this not the thing that keeps us from adoration of God in its truest and deepest sense? When we do come to true adoration, we will have come to the ultimate place of relationship with God that is transcendent and breaks through in realms of worship and praise that cannot be imitated or effected in lesser places. I believe this is the place of reality that releases the authority and power of God on the basis that we can now be trusted by the Living God.

We need to have an esteem for the word ‘sent’ which comes through in the Greek word apostolos, meaning a ‘sent one.’ Will we be willing to wait, knowing that we are presently unqualified and that we have nothing really to communicate that would turn the world upside-down? Will we be willing to wait for God to impart to us an authority to face nations or peoples who are intrinsically hostile or indifferent to our message? The only way that anyone will begin to rightly hear us is dependent upon their recognition that indeed we are sent ones in the authority of God, bearing a sent word.

From the text we have seen that Israel’s present condition as a nation has been condemned to judgment, because a prophet came who was sent and spoke and performed it. Nothing has changed from that day to the present one. The ‘until’ has not yet come, and when it comes it will come in apocalyptic devastation and ruin in present-day Israel. My intuition is that the judgment that came by prophetic speaking needs to be relieved by prophetic speaking. Where are the Isaiahs of our generation? Where can we conceive of a corporate sending, a ‘corporate Isaiah’ who could be sent, whose speaking now will open eyes rather than close them, open hearts rather than close them, save rather than condemn?

I believe it is waiting for those who are sent, waiting for those who have seen the truth of their condition and have cried out over it, because they have seen the Lord as He is, high and lifted up. But what precipitates everything? The year that Uzziah dies! When we can say ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts’ and that ‘the whole earth is full of His glory,’ not just in triumphal moments, but in the moments of death and disappointment and what seem to be the severest contradictions of God, then we have arrived! We have come to the true knowledge; we have seen the Lord and we have seen ourselves as He sees us. Only then will He purge and send us.

Prayer:

I want to pray now, that if you do not know who your Uzziah is for you, that the Lord will show it. There are various forms of Uzziah: it could be a person, a ministry, some personal ambition. “My God, we have quoted that text; we have used it as sermons. We thought we knew it and understood it, but we ourselves were not affected and did not understand the supremacy of one sent from the throne of Heaven. We are so alive to our own itch ourselves that we have not wanted to wait for that. We have taken every door of opportunity to minister in response to the needs everywhere in the Earth that would welcome high-spirited and bright young believers to bring blessing. But the Earth yet remains in its curse and still needs to be turned on its head.

Lord, search us out and reveal to us who that Uzziah is. Is he likely not someone who is presumptuous in the realm of ministry and tries to usurp the function of priests because he is a king or leader, and we admired that one and wanted to be identified with that one? We therefore share something of his presumption, which is why he has to die for us and we have to die for him if we are to see the Lord as he in fact is, namely, high and lifted up.

Come and bring us into that agreement with the seraphim that qualifies us to be sent ones; those who do not bring a merely cultural, time-dated perspective but a timeless view of the angels of God who forever perceive the glory of God. Bring us to this apostolic and prophetic place, for Israel’s sake, needing to be freed from the judgment that has been imposed upon it by the speaking of a prophet, by a fresh and new speaking of a prophetic company who can be sent, whose speaking will open the blind eyes, open the deaf ears, open the closed hearts that they might be saved! What a destiny of the Church at the conclusion of the age! Thank you for the preciousness of the call, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Scripture verses from the Authorized Standard Version of the Bible

Transcription by Lars Wideberg
Editing for printing by Simon Hensman

( Art Katz articles/audios/videos can be found at: www.sermonindex.net)