Luke 17:32
Remember Lot's wife.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
VISION of THE ACID CLOUD - 1994-by Richard Smith
From: REVIVAL List
Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 12:01:19 +1200
VISION of THE ACID CLOUD - 1994
-by Richard Smith.
The following very significant vision was given to a man in England
way back in September 1994.
THE ACID CLOUD - A VISION - Richard Smith.
This vision emerged with an unusually vivid degree of clarity on
Thursday morning the 29th September, 1994, just before I was
about to go out and do some studying.
Following a period of pouring out my distressed feelings about the
condition of the Church to Jesus, who is our heavenly Advocate, I
saw ahead of me a large billowing black cloud which carried lots of
soot and other pollutants. Its sulphurous stench revealed that here
was no natural cloud, but rather it was the type of acid cloud which
arises from the explosion of some chemical plant or oil installation.
Blown by its own momentum, the acid cloud was rapidly heading
towards a low waterless desert plain which lay beneath some rocky
mountains. Filling the plain were all types of people whom I under-
stood represented the Christian population of England. Most were
indigenous white Anglo-Saxons, but there were members of various
ethnic minorities as well. These stood for the immigrant population
in England.
FOUR GROUPS. On closer inspection, I could see that this vast
assembly was divided into four main groups. The first of these was
the one that was nearest to the cloud and was obviously coming under
its influence. This particular group can be known as the intoxicated.
Behind them, closely intermingled together, were the second and
third groups - these can be known as the fearful and the angry.
Still further behind at a little distance was a smaller group who
will be known as the prepared. However, one fact was obvious - the
acid cloud was going to cover all four groups regardless of whether
they wanted it to or not.
It was at this point that I perceived that the cloud was blowing in
from the Westerly direction.
In response to this cloud, the first group were laughing, dancing
and singing. A few of their members were lying prostrate and making
all kinds of animal noises. Some were so deliriously happy that they
actually formed a dance line, which - while they were dancing the
conga - snaked its way into the cloud. With a start, I realised
their mistake. Already intoxicated by invisible fumes emanating from
the front of the cloud, this group were wrongly assuming that the
polluted cloud was a refreshing rain cloud that represented God's
presence. They failed to see what its true nature was.
The second group of Christians saw what the cloud consisted of, but
then panicked. Some ran away and tripped over, knocking themselves
out, while others stood there, frozen to the ground, looking in two
directions at once. Like the first group, they too were swallowed
up by the cloud. Their fundamental mistake was to panic in the face
of evil.
Whilst this was happening, the third group of Christians (who also
saw that the cloud was a menace) stood before it shaking their fists
and making all kinds of angry noises. Some were kicking at it with
their feet. Like the previous two groups, they were clad in light,
flimsy summer clothing. Their mistake was to try to fight the cloud
in their own strength. Consequently, they too were swallowed up.
Moreover, as the cloud ate up each of the three previous groups,
there was silence, followed by earpiercing howls of pain, succeeded
by more silence - which was broken only by the odd intermittent moan
or throaty gurgle which very much reminded me of a First World War
gas attack.
THE PREPARED. However, the fourth group of Christians were getting
ready to deal with the threat posed by this cloud. With urgent haste,
they were donning anti-chemical suits of clothing, clamping on gas
masks and putting on strong safety helmets which had a bright light,
like a miner's lamp, attached to it. Above the lamp (which represent-
ed the light of the Holy Spirit) near the top of the helmet was a
bright red spot. At once I discerned that this symbolised the Blood
of Jesus Christ. It was His mark on this group.
Strapped to their sides were white first-aid cases with red crosses
on them. These carried a wide assortment of medical aids to help
those Christians who had been burned by the cloud. In their right
hands they carried strong transparent riot shields, while in their
left hands they carried various types of weoponry. These were ob-
viously designed to fight the various kinds of principalities which
inhabit the cloud.
Suddenly, at God's own timing, they formed a line, linked shields
and marched at an orderly pace into the cloud. They were obviously
directed by the Lord to do this. It was also clear that they were
called to work very closely together. (Note; later, Richard was
shown that the strategy of this group would be to advance at the
Lord's command, fight strenuously, rescue and minister to some of
the wounded; then stand their ground awaiting the next call for
advance).
BELIEVE NOT EVERY SPIRIT. Somewhat taken aback by the
implications of this vision, I then used my mind to apply 1 Jn 4:1-3.
In blunt Yorkshire tones, I said "Do you, the spirit who has brought
this picture so vividly to mind, boldly confess that Jesus Christ is
come in the flesh"? "Yes, I boldly confess that Jesus Christ is
come in the flesh". "Fine, what do you say about the Blood He
shed on the Cross?" "Through the Blood there is forgiveness of
sin. It protected the Israelites from My judgement on the Egyptian
firstborn". "Good. Now let's take counsel together and have some
intelligent discussion. Without repeating all the details that were
revealed earlier, would you please, Abba Father, send your Holy
Spirit to complete the interpretation of this vision?"
THE INTERPRETATION. Still utterly in control of what was happening,
I then slowly took stock of what the Holy Spirit was saying. While
creating a piercing clarity of mind that served to heighten my
intellectual faculties, the Holy Spirit gave me the following inter-
pretation:
1) The acid cloud not only represented what is currently known as
the Toronto Phenomenon, it also represents all that will come out of
that occurrence. The Toronto Phenomenon is so to speak only the
front edge of the cloud. It is paving a way for even more extreme
manifestations of the evil one. In short, "Toronto" can be seen as
a beginning rather than an end.
2) Being blown by its own momentum indicates that within the cloud
there is only what can be described as a hostile alien spirit. It is
the head spirit of many other spirits which inhabit the cloud. More-
over, this alien spirit has been given permission by God to try the
loyalties of Christians in this country. Through a process of sharp
division, which will cause many wounds, it will become really clear
who in the Church is standing by Jesus and who is not. However, some
of those who belong to the first three groups will be given a few
further chances to repent. For a little while, the opportunity to
get back into a right relationship with God will exist.
3) The flat waterless desert plain represents English Society which
is bereft of the Holy Spirit. It may also have some bearing on other
places within the British Isles - even though it is England which is
primarily represented.
Another point to mention is that if the Lord's people had been on
top of the rocky mountains, (which represents nearness to God's
presence) then they would have escaped the influence of the acid
cloud. Their position on the desert plain has left them desperately
vulnerable to the corrosive effects. In other words, being in the
place where Jesus Christ doesn't want them to be has stripped the
Church of many spiritual defences. Far from putting on the armour of
God, it is wearing loose, light summer clothes. Furthermore, being
in the desert place has caused many Christians to seek to assuage
their thirst from the wrong spiritual sources. That is one reason
why the first group greeted the cloud with such enthusiasm. It
seemed to offer an easy way to meet their needs.
4) As was stated earlier, the people in the plain were Christians -
mainly charismatic/evangelical Christians, but there were also a
fair number of representatives from the established denominations as
well. They were conspicuous for their clerical collars, long robes
and self-important expressions on their faces. It was clear that
this cloud is going to have a very widespread effect.
5) As was clearly seen in the vision itself, the four groups rep-
resented four possible reactions to the acid cloud. Only the last
was appropriate to the situation in hand.
In particular, those who stood frozen to the ground looking in two
directions, stood for Christian leaders who were trying to find
expedient diplomatic solutions to what was an impossible situation.
Not surprisingly, most of their supporters were quickly deserting
them - leaving them alone to be swallowed up by the cloud. At this
juncture, I believe the Holy Spirit is clearly saying "beware of
man-made expedients in dealing with the Toronto Phenomenon". What
the Church faces here is primarily a spiritual, not cultural or
psychological problem. Spiritual weapons will be needed to deal
with it.
6) The role of the fourth group, which was the only one really
doing God's will, was two-fold. Firstly it has to use the spiritual
weapons given it to attack the principalities which were in the
cloud. Secondly, it had to help restore Christians from the previous
three groups who had been injured by it. Regrettably, some Christ-
ians they will have to bypass, because they will either refuse treat-
ment or be in such a wild state that it will be impossible to deal
with them.
By no means will all Christians survive the passing of the cloud.
Some will forsake their faith, while others will suffer from perm-
anent physical and mental breakdowns. A few will even lose their very
lives there.
I began to see that the acid cloud was also the cloud of God's
judgement, that will have to pass over the Church until evil is
forcibly removed from it. Only after the acid cloud has done its work
will the Church be pure enough to receive the cloud of God's presence.
This cloud will in turn bring further cleansing and much-needed
revival. However, the time for this second cloud to pass over is not
yet. Any hopes of immediate revival are therefore premature.
This means that taken as a whole, the Toronto Phenomenon does not
represent a time of refreshing, rather it represents what is perhaps
the first instalment of a VERY severe judgement on the churches in
this country.
In a very real sense, the mass of God's people are being handed over
to satan for the destruction of the flesh. Only those who are faithful
to the Lord in all things will be exempt from this judgement - even
though they may be distressed by its consequences. For members of the
fourth group, there is the challenge to stand together and not act as
a group of disparate individuals.
In closing, I believe the Holy Spirit is challenging you who read
this document to decide which groups you belong to - is it to be the
intoxicated, the fearful, the angry or the prepared? Great evil is
coming upon many churches in this country - there exists only a
little time to make this decision.
~SOURCE: Integrity Teaching Services, 10 Hyde Park Close,
Headingly, Leeds LS6 1SF, United Kingdom.
--
See our website and discussion board-
http://www.revivalschool.com
Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 12:01:19 +1200
VISION of THE ACID CLOUD - 1994
-by Richard Smith.
The following very significant vision was given to a man in England
way back in September 1994.
THE ACID CLOUD - A VISION - Richard Smith.
This vision emerged with an unusually vivid degree of clarity on
Thursday morning the 29th September, 1994, just before I was
about to go out and do some studying.
Following a period of pouring out my distressed feelings about the
condition of the Church to Jesus, who is our heavenly Advocate, I
saw ahead of me a large billowing black cloud which carried lots of
soot and other pollutants. Its sulphurous stench revealed that here
was no natural cloud, but rather it was the type of acid cloud which
arises from the explosion of some chemical plant or oil installation.
Blown by its own momentum, the acid cloud was rapidly heading
towards a low waterless desert plain which lay beneath some rocky
mountains. Filling the plain were all types of people whom I under-
stood represented the Christian population of England. Most were
indigenous white Anglo-Saxons, but there were members of various
ethnic minorities as well. These stood for the immigrant population
in England.
FOUR GROUPS. On closer inspection, I could see that this vast
assembly was divided into four main groups. The first of these was
the one that was nearest to the cloud and was obviously coming under
its influence. This particular group can be known as the intoxicated.
Behind them, closely intermingled together, were the second and
third groups - these can be known as the fearful and the angry.
Still further behind at a little distance was a smaller group who
will be known as the prepared. However, one fact was obvious - the
acid cloud was going to cover all four groups regardless of whether
they wanted it to or not.
It was at this point that I perceived that the cloud was blowing in
from the Westerly direction.
In response to this cloud, the first group were laughing, dancing
and singing. A few of their members were lying prostrate and making
all kinds of animal noises. Some were so deliriously happy that they
actually formed a dance line, which - while they were dancing the
conga - snaked its way into the cloud. With a start, I realised
their mistake. Already intoxicated by invisible fumes emanating from
the front of the cloud, this group were wrongly assuming that the
polluted cloud was a refreshing rain cloud that represented God's
presence. They failed to see what its true nature was.
The second group of Christians saw what the cloud consisted of, but
then panicked. Some ran away and tripped over, knocking themselves
out, while others stood there, frozen to the ground, looking in two
directions at once. Like the first group, they too were swallowed
up by the cloud. Their fundamental mistake was to panic in the face
of evil.
Whilst this was happening, the third group of Christians (who also
saw that the cloud was a menace) stood before it shaking their fists
and making all kinds of angry noises. Some were kicking at it with
their feet. Like the previous two groups, they were clad in light,
flimsy summer clothing. Their mistake was to try to fight the cloud
in their own strength. Consequently, they too were swallowed up.
Moreover, as the cloud ate up each of the three previous groups,
there was silence, followed by earpiercing howls of pain, succeeded
by more silence - which was broken only by the odd intermittent moan
or throaty gurgle which very much reminded me of a First World War
gas attack.
THE PREPARED. However, the fourth group of Christians were getting
ready to deal with the threat posed by this cloud. With urgent haste,
they were donning anti-chemical suits of clothing, clamping on gas
masks and putting on strong safety helmets which had a bright light,
like a miner's lamp, attached to it. Above the lamp (which represent-
ed the light of the Holy Spirit) near the top of the helmet was a
bright red spot. At once I discerned that this symbolised the Blood
of Jesus Christ. It was His mark on this group.
Strapped to their sides were white first-aid cases with red crosses
on them. These carried a wide assortment of medical aids to help
those Christians who had been burned by the cloud. In their right
hands they carried strong transparent riot shields, while in their
left hands they carried various types of weoponry. These were ob-
viously designed to fight the various kinds of principalities which
inhabit the cloud.
Suddenly, at God's own timing, they formed a line, linked shields
and marched at an orderly pace into the cloud. They were obviously
directed by the Lord to do this. It was also clear that they were
called to work very closely together. (Note; later, Richard was
shown that the strategy of this group would be to advance at the
Lord's command, fight strenuously, rescue and minister to some of
the wounded; then stand their ground awaiting the next call for
advance).
BELIEVE NOT EVERY SPIRIT. Somewhat taken aback by the
implications of this vision, I then used my mind to apply 1 Jn 4:1-3.
In blunt Yorkshire tones, I said "Do you, the spirit who has brought
this picture so vividly to mind, boldly confess that Jesus Christ is
come in the flesh"? "Yes, I boldly confess that Jesus Christ is
come in the flesh". "Fine, what do you say about the Blood He
shed on the Cross?" "Through the Blood there is forgiveness of
sin. It protected the Israelites from My judgement on the Egyptian
firstborn". "Good. Now let's take counsel together and have some
intelligent discussion. Without repeating all the details that were
revealed earlier, would you please, Abba Father, send your Holy
Spirit to complete the interpretation of this vision?"
THE INTERPRETATION. Still utterly in control of what was happening,
I then slowly took stock of what the Holy Spirit was saying. While
creating a piercing clarity of mind that served to heighten my
intellectual faculties, the Holy Spirit gave me the following inter-
pretation:
1) The acid cloud not only represented what is currently known as
the Toronto Phenomenon, it also represents all that will come out of
that occurrence. The Toronto Phenomenon is so to speak only the
front edge of the cloud. It is paving a way for even more extreme
manifestations of the evil one. In short, "Toronto" can be seen as
a beginning rather than an end.
2) Being blown by its own momentum indicates that within the cloud
there is only what can be described as a hostile alien spirit. It is
the head spirit of many other spirits which inhabit the cloud. More-
over, this alien spirit has been given permission by God to try the
loyalties of Christians in this country. Through a process of sharp
division, which will cause many wounds, it will become really clear
who in the Church is standing by Jesus and who is not. However, some
of those who belong to the first three groups will be given a few
further chances to repent. For a little while, the opportunity to
get back into a right relationship with God will exist.
3) The flat waterless desert plain represents English Society which
is bereft of the Holy Spirit. It may also have some bearing on other
places within the British Isles - even though it is England which is
primarily represented.
Another point to mention is that if the Lord's people had been on
top of the rocky mountains, (which represents nearness to God's
presence) then they would have escaped the influence of the acid
cloud. Their position on the desert plain has left them desperately
vulnerable to the corrosive effects. In other words, being in the
place where Jesus Christ doesn't want them to be has stripped the
Church of many spiritual defences. Far from putting on the armour of
God, it is wearing loose, light summer clothes. Furthermore, being
in the desert place has caused many Christians to seek to assuage
their thirst from the wrong spiritual sources. That is one reason
why the first group greeted the cloud with such enthusiasm. It
seemed to offer an easy way to meet their needs.
4) As was stated earlier, the people in the plain were Christians -
mainly charismatic/evangelical Christians, but there were also a
fair number of representatives from the established denominations as
well. They were conspicuous for their clerical collars, long robes
and self-important expressions on their faces. It was clear that
this cloud is going to have a very widespread effect.
5) As was clearly seen in the vision itself, the four groups rep-
resented four possible reactions to the acid cloud. Only the last
was appropriate to the situation in hand.
In particular, those who stood frozen to the ground looking in two
directions, stood for Christian leaders who were trying to find
expedient diplomatic solutions to what was an impossible situation.
Not surprisingly, most of their supporters were quickly deserting
them - leaving them alone to be swallowed up by the cloud. At this
juncture, I believe the Holy Spirit is clearly saying "beware of
man-made expedients in dealing with the Toronto Phenomenon". What
the Church faces here is primarily a spiritual, not cultural or
psychological problem. Spiritual weapons will be needed to deal
with it.
6) The role of the fourth group, which was the only one really
doing God's will, was two-fold. Firstly it has to use the spiritual
weapons given it to attack the principalities which were in the
cloud. Secondly, it had to help restore Christians from the previous
three groups who had been injured by it. Regrettably, some Christ-
ians they will have to bypass, because they will either refuse treat-
ment or be in such a wild state that it will be impossible to deal
with them.
By no means will all Christians survive the passing of the cloud.
Some will forsake their faith, while others will suffer from perm-
anent physical and mental breakdowns. A few will even lose their very
lives there.
I began to see that the acid cloud was also the cloud of God's
judgement, that will have to pass over the Church until evil is
forcibly removed from it. Only after the acid cloud has done its work
will the Church be pure enough to receive the cloud of God's presence.
This cloud will in turn bring further cleansing and much-needed
revival. However, the time for this second cloud to pass over is not
yet. Any hopes of immediate revival are therefore premature.
This means that taken as a whole, the Toronto Phenomenon does not
represent a time of refreshing, rather it represents what is perhaps
the first instalment of a VERY severe judgement on the churches in
this country.
In a very real sense, the mass of God's people are being handed over
to satan for the destruction of the flesh. Only those who are faithful
to the Lord in all things will be exempt from this judgement - even
though they may be distressed by its consequences. For members of the
fourth group, there is the challenge to stand together and not act as
a group of disparate individuals.
In closing, I believe the Holy Spirit is challenging you who read
this document to decide which groups you belong to - is it to be the
intoxicated, the fearful, the angry or the prepared? Great evil is
coming upon many churches in this country - there exists only a
little time to make this decision.
~SOURCE: Integrity Teaching Services, 10 Hyde Park Close,
Headingly, Leeds LS6 1SF, United Kingdom.
--
See our website and discussion board-
http://www.revivalschool.com
Ezekiel 9:4-6 (King James Version)
4And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
5And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:
6Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Truth, Reality and the Anointing-By Art Katz
Truth, Reality and the Anointing-By Art Katz
QUOTE:
There's something about the nature of that which is holy, that if it's not jealously guarded, and watched over, becomes the cruelest of deceptions and cliches.
It becomes the introversion, the negation of what is holy - it becomes, in a word: "religion". Jesus came to bring us life, and that more abundantly. Because we, the church, have not jealously guarded the Life, have not lived in the Life, have not been jealous for the Spirit of the Life which can only go forth in truth, the life and the faith has degenerated into mere religion, empty cliches. And we're looking for revival to bring some kind of jumpstart to a very grave condition that needs a much deeper remedy than some kind of back thumping, back slapping preacher who can string together a number of cliched phrases with a hype-up ability and call that revival!
Read full article here:
Truth, Reality and the Anointing-By Art Katz
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Ten Shekels and a Shirt by Paris Reidhead
Ten Shekels and a Shirt by Paris Reidhead
Scripture(s): Judges 17
Description:
Paris Reidhead preaches what could be called one of the most influential sermons of the 20th century.
The real point of this sermon is an indictment of individuals and organizations practising humanism behind a mask of Christianity! "
This sermon should be preached on a regular basis in every church in America!"
Ten Shekels and a Shirt Text Transcript /
How Ten Shekels and a Shirt Came To Be?
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=282&commentView=itemComments
Scripture(s): Judges 17
Description:
Paris Reidhead preaches what could be called one of the most influential sermons of the 20th century.
The real point of this sermon is an indictment of individuals and organizations practising humanism behind a mask of Christianity! "
This sermon should be preached on a regular basis in every church in America!"
Ten Shekels and a Shirt Text Transcript /
How Ten Shekels and a Shirt Came To Be?
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=282&commentView=itemComments
Watchmen Hold Steady
Watchmen Hold Steady
By Hindsfeet
Posted: ( on http://www.revivalschool.com/)
Monday 12, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject: Watchmen Hold Steady
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A dream from the Lord...
I was in a large house standing on a landing on an upper level. Before me was a very large picture window that reached from the floor to the ceiling. I stood there inside looking out.
As I watched a huge bull appeared. It was pure black and had eyes red with fury. It's body rippled all over with massive muscles. It raged back and forth in front of the house, snorting and pawing the ground, and I knew it wanted desperately to get inside.
Then the bull focused its wild eyes directly on me and I knew that IT knew that as long as I stood at the window WATCHING it could never gain entrance into the house.
The depth of its fury terrified me and I wanted to run away. But I knew that I couldn't. I knew that in the split second I moved away from WATCHING it would charge into the house and destroy everything and everyone inside. AND SO I STOOD.
I would like to encourage every saint here to KEEP STANDING WATCH. DO NOT BE MOVED. Sounding the alarm according to what you see in the Holy Spirit means the difference between keeping the spirit of antiChrist OUTSIDE the true Church or allowing it entrance.
I would also like to request strong prayer covering for those brothers and sisters that have spoken boldly as our Watchmen/women. These kinds of spiritual confrontations are draining and exhausting and grievous.
I just want you to know that I know what it costs to STAND and I am very very thankful for your obedience to Jesus and our Holy Holy Holy and precious Faith.
With much love,
Hindsfeet
Click here to read:
Watchmen Hold Steady
By Hindsfeet
Posted: ( on http://www.revivalschool.com/)
Monday 12, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject: Watchmen Hold Steady
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A dream from the Lord...
I was in a large house standing on a landing on an upper level. Before me was a very large picture window that reached from the floor to the ceiling. I stood there inside looking out.
As I watched a huge bull appeared. It was pure black and had eyes red with fury. It's body rippled all over with massive muscles. It raged back and forth in front of the house, snorting and pawing the ground, and I knew it wanted desperately to get inside.
Then the bull focused its wild eyes directly on me and I knew that IT knew that as long as I stood at the window WATCHING it could never gain entrance into the house.
The depth of its fury terrified me and I wanted to run away. But I knew that I couldn't. I knew that in the split second I moved away from WATCHING it would charge into the house and destroy everything and everyone inside. AND SO I STOOD.
I would like to encourage every saint here to KEEP STANDING WATCH. DO NOT BE MOVED. Sounding the alarm according to what you see in the Holy Spirit means the difference between keeping the spirit of antiChrist OUTSIDE the true Church or allowing it entrance.
I would also like to request strong prayer covering for those brothers and sisters that have spoken boldly as our Watchmen/women. These kinds of spiritual confrontations are draining and exhausting and grievous.
I just want you to know that I know what it costs to STAND and I am very very thankful for your obedience to Jesus and our Holy Holy Holy and precious Faith.
With much love,
Hindsfeet
Click here to read:
Watchmen Hold Steady
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Kind of Revival We Need-by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
The Kind of Revival We Need
by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeon.org/revival.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT IS GOOD for us to draw nigh unto God in prayer. Our minds are grieved to see so little attention given to united prayer by many churches.
How can we expect a blessing if we are too idle to ask for it? How can we look for a Pentecost if we never meet with one another, in one place, to wait upon the Lord? Brethren, we shall never see much change for the better in our churches till the prayer meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians.
But now that we have come together, how shall we pray? Let us not degenerate into formality, or we shall be dead while we think we live. Let us not waiver through unbelief, or we shall pray in vain. Oh, for great faith with which to offer great prayers!
We have been mingling praise and prayer together as a delicious compound of spices, fit to be presented upon the altar of incense through Christ our Lord; may we not at this time offer some special far-reaching petition? It is suggested to me that we pray for a true and genuine revival of religion throughout the world.
A Real and Lasting Revival
Read full article here:
http://www.spurgeon.org/revival.htm
by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeon.org/revival.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT IS GOOD for us to draw nigh unto God in prayer. Our minds are grieved to see so little attention given to united prayer by many churches.
How can we expect a blessing if we are too idle to ask for it? How can we look for a Pentecost if we never meet with one another, in one place, to wait upon the Lord? Brethren, we shall never see much change for the better in our churches till the prayer meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians.
But now that we have come together, how shall we pray? Let us not degenerate into formality, or we shall be dead while we think we live. Let us not waiver through unbelief, or we shall pray in vain. Oh, for great faith with which to offer great prayers!
We have been mingling praise and prayer together as a delicious compound of spices, fit to be presented upon the altar of incense through Christ our Lord; may we not at this time offer some special far-reaching petition? It is suggested to me that we pray for a true and genuine revival of religion throughout the world.
A Real and Lasting Revival
Read full article here:
http://www.spurgeon.org/revival.htm
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” -By-C. Spurgeon
“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”
- Joh_5:8
Like many others, the impotent man had been waiting for a wonder to be wrought, and a sign to be given. Wearily did he watch the pool, but no angel came, or came not for him; yet, thinking it to be his only chance, he waited still, and knew not that there was One near him whose word could heal him in a moment. Many are in the same plight: they are waiting for some singular emotion, remarkable impression, or celestial vision; they wait in vain and watch for nought. Even supposing that, in a few cases, remarkable signs are seen, yet these are rare, and no man has a right to look for them in his own case; no man especially who feels his impotency to avail himself of the moving of the water even if it came. It is a very sad reflection that tens of thousands are now waiting in the use of means, and ordinances, and vows, and resolutions, and have so waited time out of mind, in vain, utterly in vain.
Meanwhile these poor souls forget the present Saviour, who bids them look unto him and be saved. He could heal them at once, but they prefer to wait for an angel and a wonder. To trust him is the sure way to every blessing, and he is worthy of the most implicit confidence; but unbelief makes them prefer the cold porches of Bethesda to the warm bosom of his love. O that the Lord may turn his eye upon the multitudes who are in this case to-night; may he forgive the slights which they put upon his divine power, and call them by that sweet constraining voice, to rise from the bed of despair, and in the energy of faith take up their bed and walk. O Lord, hear our prayer for all such at this calm hour of sunset, and ere the day breaketh may they look and live.
Courteous reader, is there anything in this portion for you?
C. Spurgeon
Friday, May 2, 2008
Mayor Holds Sackloth and Ashes Rally in Repentance
Mayor Holds Sackloth and Ashes Rally in Repentance
By
The Associated Press
Thu, May. 01 2008 04:05 PM ET
RSS More on Topic
'christianpost';
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Struggling to confront a worsening homicide rate, the mayor invited pastors and citizens to don burlap sacks and ashes in a sign of biblical repentance.
Mayor Larry Langford said his "sackcloth and ashes" rally April 25 was inspired by the Book of Jonah, where residents of the ancient city of Nineveh wore rough fabric and ashes as a sign of turning away from sin. More than 1,000 people attended at a local auditorium.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080501/32210_Mayor_Holds_Sackloth_and_Ashes_Rally_in_Repentance.htm
By
The Associated Press
Thu, May. 01 2008 04:05 PM ET
RSS More on Topic
'christianpost';
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Struggling to confront a worsening homicide rate, the mayor invited pastors and citizens to don burlap sacks and ashes in a sign of biblical repentance.
Mayor Larry Langford said his "sackcloth and ashes" rally April 25 was inspired by the Book of Jonah, where residents of the ancient city of Nineveh wore rough fabric and ashes as a sign of turning away from sin. More than 1,000 people attended at a local auditorium.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080501/32210_Mayor_Holds_Sackloth_and_Ashes_Rally_in_Repentance.htm
Unspeakable words which it is not lawful for a man to utter
2 Corinthians 12:4 (King James Version)
4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
BibleClassics.com
Matthew Henry Concise Edition
http://eword.gospelcom.net/comments/2corinthians/mhc/2corinthians12.htm
2 Corinthians 12
Concise Complete
Verses 1-6 There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God.
4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
BibleClassics.com
Matthew Henry Concise Edition
http://eword.gospelcom.net/comments/2corinthians/mhc/2corinthians12.htm
2 Corinthians 12
Concise Complete
Verses 1-6 There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God.
WORSHIPPING OF ANGELS
Colossians 2:18 (King James Version)
18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Mathew Henry Commentary
Colossians 2
Complete Concise
http://eword.gospelcom.net/comments/colossians/mh/colossians2.htm
II. He cautions them to take heed of those who would introduce the worship of angels as mediators between God and them, as the Gentile philosophers did: Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, v. 18. It looked like a piece of modesty to make use of the mediation of angels, as conscious to ourselves of our unworthiness to speak immediately to God; but, though it has a show of humility, it is a voluntary, not a commanded humility; and therefore it is not acceptable, yea, it is not warrantable: it is taking that honour which is due to Christ only and giving it to a creature. Besides, the notions upon which this practice was grounded were merely the inventions of men and not by divine revelation,—the proud conceits of human reason, which make a man presume to dive into things, and determine them, without sufficient knowledge and warrant: Intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind—pretending to describe the order of angels, and their respective ministries, which God has hidden from us; and therefore, though there was a show of humility in the practice, there was a real pride in the principle. They advanced those notions to gratify their own carnal fancy, and were fond of being thought wiser than other people.
Pride is at the bottom of a great many errors and corruptions, and even of many evil practices, which have great show and appearance of humility. Those who do so do not hold the head, v. 19. They do in effect disclaim Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man. It is the highest disparagement to Christ, who is the head of the church, for any of the members of it to make use of any intercessors with God but him. When men let go their hold of Christ, they catch at that which is next them and will stand them in no stead.—From which all the body, by joints and bands, having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Observe, 1. Jesus Christ is not only a head of government over the church, but a head of vital influence to it. They are knit to him by joints and bands, as the several members of the body are united to the head, and receive life and nourishment from him. 2. The body of Christ is a growing body: it increaseth with the increase of God. The new man is increasing, and the nature of grace is to grow, where there is not an accidental hindrance.—With the increase of God, with an increase of grace which is from God as its author; or, in a usual Hebraism, with a large and abundant increase.—That you may be filled with all the fulness of God, Eph. 3:19. See a parallel expression, Which is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, fitly joined together, maketh increase of the body, Eph. 4:15, 16.
18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Mathew Henry Commentary
Colossians 2
Complete Concise
http://eword.gospelcom.net/comments/colossians/mh/colossians2.htm
II. He cautions them to take heed of those who would introduce the worship of angels as mediators between God and them, as the Gentile philosophers did: Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, v. 18. It looked like a piece of modesty to make use of the mediation of angels, as conscious to ourselves of our unworthiness to speak immediately to God; but, though it has a show of humility, it is a voluntary, not a commanded humility; and therefore it is not acceptable, yea, it is not warrantable: it is taking that honour which is due to Christ only and giving it to a creature. Besides, the notions upon which this practice was grounded were merely the inventions of men and not by divine revelation,—the proud conceits of human reason, which make a man presume to dive into things, and determine them, without sufficient knowledge and warrant: Intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind—pretending to describe the order of angels, and their respective ministries, which God has hidden from us; and therefore, though there was a show of humility in the practice, there was a real pride in the principle. They advanced those notions to gratify their own carnal fancy, and were fond of being thought wiser than other people.
Pride is at the bottom of a great many errors and corruptions, and even of many evil practices, which have great show and appearance of humility. Those who do so do not hold the head, v. 19. They do in effect disclaim Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man. It is the highest disparagement to Christ, who is the head of the church, for any of the members of it to make use of any intercessors with God but him. When men let go their hold of Christ, they catch at that which is next them and will stand them in no stead.—From which all the body, by joints and bands, having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Observe, 1. Jesus Christ is not only a head of government over the church, but a head of vital influence to it. They are knit to him by joints and bands, as the several members of the body are united to the head, and receive life and nourishment from him. 2. The body of Christ is a growing body: it increaseth with the increase of God. The new man is increasing, and the nature of grace is to grow, where there is not an accidental hindrance.—With the increase of God, with an increase of grace which is from God as its author; or, in a usual Hebraism, with a large and abundant increase.—That you may be filled with all the fulness of God, Eph. 3:19. See a parallel expression, Which is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, fitly joined together, maketh increase of the body, Eph. 4:15, 16.
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