Message Received Loud and Clear!

I have come to rely on what might seem as "random" coincidences by others, but which my spirit knows are deliberate and intentional promptings from the Holy Spirit. I rely on them because I know they come from God's throne room. My attention is drawn to them because they contain information that I believe Jesus and the Father want me to share. And as I have often stated, I can identify with Jeremiah who tried hard to convince God that he was not a good mouthpiece for the Creator of the Universe. But Jeremiah could not get away from God, and neither can I. Mind you, I know I'm not the perfect mouthpiece, but when I've come to a personal conviction regarding a matter, and then months later I see it reiterated by someone else -- in the exact way it was revealed to my spirit -- then I know I have confirmation to share. Today is such a time.

I am a huge fan of history. I love studying all different time periods, and learning what led to the rise and fall of different kingdoms, empires, dynasties, cultures, and philosophies of the human race. So much has been romanticized or corrupted that it can be hard to know fact from fiction. But when it comes to studying what the world has experienced since I, my parents, and my grandparents were born, it is possible to learn much from eye witnesses and what bona fide historical documents can provide. I have spent years reading and accumulating research on what the world has experienced in the last century, so when three sources come before me in less than 12 hours, and all bear witness to issues that concern me, then I know it's time to address them.

The first issue God wants us to consider arises from the warning that a Holocaust victim gave this week. Vera Sharav shared her personal perspective regarding the similarities she sees between Hitler's agenda and the global pandemic. “My perspective is informed by my experience, by the historical record, and by the empirical evidence,” Sharav said. “We were required, as Germans know, to wear a yellow Star of David to identify us, to segregate Jews. Exclusionary laws barred the family from normal life, from attending ordinary activities. Our property was impounded. We were forbidden to participate in all educational, religious, and cultural gatherings. Travel was forbidden for Jews so there was no escape ... I know the consequences of being stigmatized and demonized as being a ‘spreader’ of disease.”

Vera went on to expound on the complicity between the "academic, professional medical establishment" and the government of Germany. She warned one of the most important lessons humanity can learn from the Holocaust is that when doctors and the government join forces medicine can then be perverted from a healing, humanitarian profession to an institution that can be used to control populations. At the time, it was used for purposes in Germany alone. Today, we have become a global community, and decisions affect the entire world. 

An interesting historical fact regarding this issue was brought to light; one that I was not aware of, but is worth mentioning ... Dr Benjamin Rush, a signer of our Declaration of Independence, forewarned over 200 years ago: "Unless we put medical freedom into the Constitution, the time will come when medicine will organize into an undercover dictatorship to restrict the art of healing to one class of Men and deny equal privileges to others. The Constitution of the Republic should make a special privilege for medical freedoms as well as religious freedom." Sadly, both freedoms may be in jeopardy today.

The second issue that Holy Spirit pointed out was actually tied to the first, and described by noted theologian Charles Spurgeon: "Avowed atheists are not a tenth as dangerous as those preachers who scatter doubt and stab at the faith ... Germany was made unbelieving by her preachers, and England is following in her tracks". That's a reference to the Church hierarchy in Germany caving in to Hitler's demands to exclude German Jews from worshiping in their churches. You've read my posts on the heroic efforts of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor in the midst of Nazi Germany's persecution of German Jews. In the words of Eric Metaxas, author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Bonhoeffer desired "to impart renewed relevance to the Church with a Biblical understanding of social justice... he fought the acquiescence of the evangelical state church to Hitler's demands." We should take special note of that word acquiescence ... it means "compliance, consent, agreement, acceptance, cooperation, and submission". We have seen far too much of that in the modern Church.

Now, we have so far been able to stave off a "state church". And it is expressly written in our Constitution that there is not to be one. But, as we all know, our Constitution is under grave attack, so it is imperative that whether "state" or not, our churches remain independent of political interference. I think we can all agree that our churches are only as strong as our national culture. And Satan is throwing everything he can at the culture to dismantle, corrupt, and destroy it. Many of our churches have compromised with the culture; human ideology is combined with unbiblical theology to convince denominational leaders they are still following God's commandments. And if that's not enough to water down the power of the church, then Satan institutes mockery against those who take a stand for God. Mockery quickly accelerates to judgment and then to punishment. We must pray for our pastors and church leaders! They are under tremendous pressure and need the wisdom and counsel of the Holy Spirit to lead their flocks through the waters of persecution that are rising higher.

Lastly, the third issue that Holy Spirit is bringing front and center has a lot in common with the other two. We are all aware of the headlines and viral videos of parents who are daring to speak up against the divisive curriculum in our educational system. But all this is just the consequence of taking Jesus and prayer out of public schools in 1962. It is Satan's goal, through Godless regimes, to defeat freedom-loving peoples whose faith in God sustains the prosperity of the nation. That's the history of Marxist and Communist nations who have done it during the last century. And they did it in these 11 easy steps: 1) Separate people from Jesus Christ. Eliminate Him from the schools, the government and the public square. 2) Make sexual indulgence and lust permissible and acceptable. The porn industry and sex trafficking are proof that it works. 3) Shift economies from self-producing to service industries and AI/Tech. These create entitlement mindsets. 4) With Jesus out of the way, it's easier to centralize political and financial power in the few. Jesus promotes freedom, and the Godless regimes can't have that. 5) Isolate the people by creating work camps and instituting fear. The population is easier to control. 6) Limit food supply. When the food is controlled, the people can be easily controlled. 7) Convince the people to believe in "the experts". After all, this is a "professional" giving you wise counsel that you can see and hear. Your "God" is invisible. Why believe Him? 8) Destroy the family structure through divorce; indoctrination of other lifestyles in the schools; convince women they don't need men; teach children to reject traditional values.  9) oppose and cancel differing viewpoints and attack the character of opponents. 10) Don't ever validate the truth -- especially about Jesus Christ. Demonize His truth; mock it; distort it; corrupt it. If the truth is allowed to exist, it encourages hope.  And finally, 11) Totally REJECT Jesus Christ. He is the ONLY way to the One True God, and He must be completely eliminated from any society or culture in order for Satan's agents to succeed.

All three of these issues are being brought forward in an atmosphere that encourages enslavement and discourages the message of hope in Christ. Satan's kingdom of darkness desperately wants to expand over the entire globe and he has willing accomplices. We should take heed of Holocaust survivor Vera Sharav's words ... "I never thought that I would be alive to be again afraid of the same elements [in the world]". Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer faced them, and his martyrdom at the hands of the Nazis stands as a testament to the will of one man to represent God in the face of evil. As Christianity Today described him, "Bonhoeffer was strong, if sometimes alone .... He was a clear-headed, deeply convicted Christian who submitted to no one and nothing except God and His Word." And as to why author Eric Metaxas found Pastor Bonhoeffer worthy of mention, it is for this reason, "Bonhoeffer gives witness to one man's extraordinary faith; a man determined to do the will of God radically, courageously, and joyfully -- even to the point of death. It is a story of a life framed by a passion for truth and a commitment to justice on behalf of those who face implacable evil".

Oh, how I pray the world is not on the precipice of even greater evil than it has ever seen. But, we know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ lives, and He will soon bring His justice with Him. I pray that we can all stand with the commitment and courage of those who have gone before us and that we, too, are willing to stand alone, if necessary, to represent our God. Because we know that this world belongs to Him, and it is His Kingdom, His power, and His glory that will reign forevermore! Help me to stand, Lord!

Romans 11:36    For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.

 

How Will You Answer These Questions?

I doubt that there is a discerning Christian on the face of the earth that doesn't recognize that the world is in spiritual upheaval. We are facing economic collapse; the war drums are sounding; and the demonic influences of the kingdom of darkness are reveling in their victories. It's pretty apparent that End Times events are accelerating.

We know we are born for a time such as this, and our spirits know what a privilege it is that God has chosen us to represent Him and battle for dominion over the Enemy's powers, world forces of darkness, and agents of spiritual wickedness. If you have a warrior spirit, then this is an exciting time; but for most of us it is also a time of deep contemplation and apprehension.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that trust is a big issue ... with our media, those we have set over us to govern this country, with employers, the medical institutions, and sadly, even each other. The bottom line is that Jesus is the only really reliable being in our lives. Deception is becoming the norm, and our Christian values [not to mention our faith!] are being disparaged. We know what the Word of God says ... they will hate us because they hate Jesus. They will hate us because we will boldly declare and act like we are not of this world, and we know we have been chosen out of the world. That truth must be clearly understood by every man, woman, and child who calls themselves a Christian if we are to endure what is coming.

So, I have three important questions to put forth to you today. I do not take credit for these questions. They were asked of me after a Sunday School class was shut down in 2013 by a church that Mark and I attended. At the time, we were becoming ever more dissatisfied with the "cheap grace" of the modern Church, and we had been searching for a way to worship in Truth and biblical obedience.  As God so often does, He took us on a little journey that landed us in a small study within a mega-church. Since we are on the fringe in most areas of our life, you can imagine that we would be attracted to a class titled, "Spiritual Readiness for the End Times".  Right up our alley!  This group of 30 or so individuals had somehow found each other from within the ranks for a 7500+ member church, and proceeded to examine today's headlines and compare them to Bible prophecy, as well as to dig deeper into the Word and prep for the Day of the Lord.  By "prepping", I mean spiritually, intellectually, physically.  No topic was off the table, as long as it remained true to the Word and God's revelation to His Church. But, Satan could not let that stand, so someone complained that we were, basically, coloring outside the lines of strict Christian doctrine, so the class was shut down.

Eight years later, we have kept to that unorthodox model in our Home Church. And, if I'm being honest, I think "the Church" needs this kind of radical approach to worship and teaching; to talk honestly and openly about our faith and what the Bible is telling us about the times we are living in. Christians all over the world, and especially here in the U.S., need to know what time it is in Biblical prophecy and discern what God would have us know and do.Yes, we can pray and hope for a worldwide revival, but we also should be prepared to battle in the spirit if that revival doesn't materialize. 

I cannot help but discern that Paul's encouragement in 2 Timothy 4 is most appropriate for this hour ... I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.  For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].  But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.  

So, I want to ask you the three questions that our Sunday School teacher asked us in 2013. We were dissolved as a group, and would now be on our own to represent Christ; a situation in which all Christians may soon find ourselves. How will you answer these questions, and will you undertake to see them carried out, even in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances? 

1)  Do you feel the urgency of telling others about where we are in God's timeline?  Although none of us can predict the day, time, or hour of this world's deliverance, we are called upon to know the season.  And we have been commissioned to spread the Gospel messages of Salvation and Kingdom. Are we doing that?  We all know someone, friend or family, who has not accepted that knock at the door, and time is running out. If we are not actively reaching out to non-believers, then we are failing in our commission from the Lord.

2)  Do you have more Faith or Fear?  At the end of that class in 2013, we needed to ask ourselves if our study together had resulted in more knowledge that increased our faith, or had we just given into the fear propagated by the Enemy?  We were challenged as we went forward, to continue to pursue more understanding so that we could share what is being revealed to us. And we needed to be cognizant ... would our message instill faith, or fear? I will tell you  that, in the time between 2013 and now, Mark and I were appointed a ministry by Jesus that has brought far greater understanding of His Kingdom than we had ever possessed. And we know He has much more for us to know as the days get darker. Make no mistake, we see His Light in the midst of the darkness and we are committed to let it shine through us. We have great hope, even if it means we perish in our assignment. We take great encouragement from what the Bible and God tell us about these times. Perseverance and endurance will rule the day, and only Faith will allow us to accomplish both.

3)  Finally, if called upon, will you continue to be a Watchman?  If you are one of those to whom God has given discernment about His plans, then you are already aware that this role comes with great responsibility. You are assigned a very important part in God's End Times scenario. Failure to warn others about the knowledge you have received will weigh heavily upon you. But you must also be aware of the arrows and slights that will be heaped upon you. And you must keep a balance in your life. Yes, you are a Watchman, but you are also probably a husband or wife; a parent or child. You have been given many areas in which you are to perform righteously.  Yes, I will tell you that we may all feel burdened in the coming days, but we must not shirk our other responsibilities. To whom much is given, much is expected.

So, if you happen to identify with Mark and myself, and feel that you are blessed to be living in these momentous times, then I urge you to consider the questions I have extended. They are important questions that have eternal consequences; not just for yourself, but for all those whom you happen to cross paths with.  Don't put off their contemplation; you could be the most important influence in someone's life. We know the Father grieves over every person who does not choose His Son. Let us fulfill our purpose in these tumultuous times. Let it be said of us that we offered hope in Christ, to the praise of His glory!

I am so thankful to Paul Felts of Austin, Texas for his leadership in that long-ago Bible class. We all experienced the freedom of learning the greater things of God, and that attitude is what Mark and I have carried forward in our own teaching. Don't be afraid to let your faith and doctrine be challenged in order to grow in God's TRUTH!  

2 Corinthians 2:17    "For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ."

 

Will You Drink From The Cup The Father Has Given You?

I sense in my own spirit, and in the spirits of those who have great discernment, that our time of trial will soon be upon us. Maybe its because I'm re-reading John 17 and 18, and contemplating Jesus's High Priestly Prayer and the charges brought against Him by the Jewish Council and the Roman government. I sense the passion with which He prayed for those His Father had given Him, and I know that He continues those prayers for us in this time. He asks God to keep us in our Father's Name, just as He, Jesus, kept the Disciples who walked with Him.

Jesus knows that we will experience everything the Disciples endured in that day, and worse. The world will hate us, just as they hated Him and His Disciples 2000 years ago, because we are not of this world, just as He was not. He specifically says to His Father, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one ... Sanctify them in Your word, which is Truth." And then He goes on to request that the Disciples, and all who would come to believe in Him, "would be one, even as we are one". The Father sent Him on assignment, and here we are, in our lifetimes, at this time in history, and He is sending us out on our assignment!

As I listened in my spirit for the intentions of Jesus's heart in this prayer, I was overcome with a couple of immediate thoughts. Jesus emphasizes just how important it is to Him that we Believers "be one as He and the Father are one". This is not the only time He has expressed this desire. It is at the foundation of His ministry. We must understand that He and God, the Father, share the purpose for why He was sent to the world that they created. He is on assignment from Heaven, to re-establish the spiritual connection between the Creator and the created, and to offer Eternal Life to all who would receive it. And just as the Father sent His Son on assignment, the Son is sending each of us on our assignment. 

 

I couldn't help but think how difficult it has been for us to "be one". There are over 200 different denominations of Christianity in the U.S. alone, and over 45,000 globally, according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity. That many denominations has led to different traditions, rituals, and doctrines. That also includes differences in how we view what Christians will experience in these End Times. While most Christians understand that we have been given different responsibilities in the Kingdom, our souls often get cross-ways with each other over our perceptions of what we will experience. We are all familiar with the different eschatology positions -- premillennialism, for example, [in which Jesus returns prior to the 1,000 year reign of peace on the earth]; or the different dispensations of Biblical history, such as the Mosaic Age, versus the Church Age, versus the Millennial Kingdom. I guess it is our spirit of pride that compels man to determine the mind of God, which leads to squabbles over the question of whether Christians will be spared God's judgment of the world at the end of this Age. Are we to experience the Great Tribulation [as witnesses of God's love to an unsaved world] or be raptured out of here [and escape the Mark of the Beast and all that Satan brings against those that belong to Jesus]. Because of all these debated issues among the faithful, Satan has done a good job of keeping us at odds with one another.

But it is the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Judas brings the band of Roman soldiers, along with the religious officers of the Jews, that pierced my heart the most. Out of his love for Jesus, Peter is ready to defend Christ, and drawing his sword, cuts off the ear of the High Priest's guard. Jesus's response is both remarkable and inspiring ... Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me? Jesus is telling us that God has commissioned Him to go to the Cross to atone for the sins of all mankind. It is His assignment and "the cup" is the situation, condition, and circumstances He finds Himself in, and He will be obedient in carrying out His divine assignment.

Like Jesus, we are all here on this planet Earth because, as spirits created since the foundation of the world, we have been sent by Jesus to live in this human body [just as He was sent to live in a human body by God, the Father]. We, too, are here to fulfill our assignment. There are so many questions associated with that statement. Do we fully understand our assignment? Do we comprehend that it is the same assignment as Jesus's? If you don't know what that is, let me refer you to John 18:37. When questioned by Pilate whether He was a King or not, Jesus replied, For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world -- to bear witness to the truth. Here is what I believe is at the heart of Jesus's ministry, and our purpose here on earth ... Jesus came to be a witness about His Father [our God] and to glorify Him by accomplishing His assignment. By witnessing that God had sent Him, and going to the Cross in obedience, He is witnessing to the world that God so loved the world, He sent His Son [to die for us] so that all who believe in the Son will not perish forever, but have everlasting [eternal] life. He is inspiring and encouraging us to do the same -- declare this Truth, pick up our Cross and be willing to die as a martyr to this Truth. 

In short, Jesus came to be a witness of this Eternal Truth, and to send others out to be witnesses and martyrs to this same Truth - through the power of the Holy Spirit in us, who will guide us to all truth, as we need it, to fulfill our assignment. That glorifies His Kingdom and the power of the witnesses of that Kingdom; a Kingdom which is not of this world. The Kingdom to which we belong is not a world system, but a realm of power. We don't just write about it or speak about it. We experience it and live it. This is "the cup" we have been given to drink. It is a serious mission we have been sent to accomplish. At the end of it is victory and celebration because we have glorified our Father in Heaven, by glorifying His Son during our time on this earth. 

But between now and then, we must remain committed to witnessing to the world about the Truth that everyone who lives and believes in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, will never die. The cup we have been given will be bitter to some and difficult to swallow. Pray that we can abide in the power and authority transferred to us by our Savior, and grow into His very image, joyfully drinking from the cups of Sanctification, Redemption, Grace, Power, and Victory in the Lord. Let us be a light in this dark world, pointing everyone we encounter to the way to Eternal Life. And let us willingly drink of the cup handed to us, saying, "Yahweh, You alone are my inheritance. You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion. You hold my destiny and its timing in Your hands. Thank you for trusting me to drink of the cup You have given me. Holy Spirit, guide me and empower me to finish my assignment, glorifying my Lord, who has sent me. And Lord, Jesus, I praise Your Mighty Name! You are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. You will be my Shield in times of trouble, and You are the Power behind my Salvation. You will be my Stronghold. And I will praise Your Name because You are worthy to be praised, and I will be saved from my Enemies". Glorifying You IS my cup!

Psalm 23:5    You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of Your Holy Spirit; You give me all I can drink of You until my cup overflows. (The Passion Translation)

Chimera Concern Revisited

If your spirit is on alert, you are probably seeing the word "chimera" tossed around in the media reporting on the latest scientific marvels.  What exactly is a chimera? It is an organism, organ, or part consisting of two or more tissues of different genetic composition, produced as a result of organ transplant, grafting, or genetic engineering. Do I have your attention now? And you may have read a recent headline in the New York Post that said, "Scientists create first human-monkey embryo in controversial experiment". Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California have conducted a controversial experiment that entails growing human stem cells within a macaque monkey embryo, in effect, trying to create a human-monkey hybrid. In the lab, these embryos are called monkey-human chimeras, and created in a petri dish — in other words, in vitro fertilization (IVF). The embryos were monitored during a 20-day period and have since been destroyed. But exactly why are these experiments being conducted?

Well, the scientific and medical community will tell you, "Ultimately, we conduct these studies to understand and improve human health." In fact, according to the article in the NY Post, lead researcher, Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, went on to say, "These chimeric approaches could be really very useful for advancing biomedical research not just at the very earliest stage of life, but also the latest stage of life." Hmmm, let's see, why would scientists want to engineer research on the very young and the very old? Population control perhaps? 

And that takes me to a blog post that I wrote in 2014 at the height of the Ebola scare. The title of that blog post was The New Chimera: Ebola & Genetically Engineered Vaccines. Is what I'm considering coming into sharper focus yet? Let me recreate some of what I wrote seven years ago and see if you recognize anything familiar .... I wrote the following:  As I sat yesterday afternoon, watching Congress's House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations grill the top federal health professionals on our Ebola crisis, my Biblical worldview helped me to quickly see through the subterfuge.  Doctors and officials from the foremost government agencies all appeared -- the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Homeland Security; Texas Health Resources; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and the National Institute of Health (NIH) -- supposedly to answer the cares and concerns of our elected representatives.  Naturally, we would hope that these politicians truly represented the interests of the American people.

If you just listened to the hearing through the lens of "how to better protect Americans", you might think that these bureaucratic organizations are centered on limiting the spread of Ebola.  You would have heard lots of talk about travel restrictions, travel bans, and quarantines.  But if you listened closer, as one who "has ears to hear", you would have picked up on the testimony of Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is the head of the National Institute of Health.  

He referred to the NIH's Phase I early-stage human clinical trials of an Ebola vaccine on healthy volunteers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.  (Does it bother you that the military is always the guinea pig?  But, I digress).  The NIHs own press release revealed that "the investigational vaccine is based on a recombinant type of chimpanzee “cold” virus, called chimp adenovirus type 3 (ChAd3)."  Exactly what does this mean, and how does it relate to "The Days of Noah"? 

First of all, if you have been a reader of my blog, then you know that I have a different slant on Chapter 6, verse 4, of Genesis.  For your enlightenment, here is a quick synopsis: I believe this controversial passage of Scripture happened just as the Bible records, and tells us of Satan's attempt to pollute the human genome into something that no longer resembled "the image of God".  The Scripture reads, "In those days, giants lived on the earth and also afterward, when divine beings and human daughters had sexual relations and gave birth to children (the Nephilim). These were the ancient heroes, men of reknown."  From this verse, it is my discernment that the ancient heroes were what we consider the mythological demigods, such as the Titans and the Olympians; and included such superstars as Zeus, Apollo, Cronus, Atlas and Prometheus.  They were genetically part Fallen Angel, and part human.

 At the same time, all the mythological creatures that we think of as folk tales or legend -- hybrid creatures, known as Chimeras, appeared as mintaurs, satyrs or centaurs, among others -- and are the result of the same kind of genetic manipulation.  We think of them as myths, but every culture contains ancient stories of them, and their images have been seen on countless archeological findings.  This kind of Fallen Angel-technology has been known since the "days of Noah", and the knowledge is once again  being revived. [Think how much further they've come in the last seven years!]

So, how did I make the connection between a disputed Bible verse and that crisis with Ebola? To see the relationship, one must consider Jesus's warning to us before His death and resurrection.  When asked by His disciples when He would return, He answered, "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah...".  In the days of Noah, God saw how wicked man had become and how the inclination of the thoughts of the human heart had become evil. Obviously, Jesus knew this kind of evil behavior would occur again.

At the time [in 2014], I contended that the Ebola event, just as "in the days of Noah", could be an example for such wickedness.  Consider this: As stated, the NIH's investigational vaccine was based on a recombinant chimpanzee virus.  It is my understanding that recombinant DNA is "DNA molecules that are extracted from different sources and chemically joined together; for example DNA comprising an animal gene may be recombined with DNA from a bacterium", producing a new genetic combination -- in this case, Ebola. Fortunately, the world did not see the feared epidemic of Ebola that some scientists prophesied. But now, in 2021 we once again see experimental vaccines at the center of what has turned out to be a pandemic of Covid-19. And we have seen extraordinary numbers of those at "the latest stage of life" die; the very ones that scientist Belmonte claims could benefit from such "advancing biomedical research".

During those Congressional hearings in 2014, it was hard not to perceive the excitement with which Dr. Fauci talked about the Phase I experiment.  "If we don't contain [Ebola}, we may well need a vaccine." Looks like he got his wish in 2020 and 2021. Back in 2014, he was quick to sing the praises of the possible vaccine for Ebola.  "Contracts need to move forward as quickly as possible... We need to expand production and get rapid approval from the FDA ... The ultimate goal is to expand into Africa; if successful after Phase I, we will expand into larger trials in West Africa."

 Of course, then it all sounded like good humanitarian policy, [and probably still does in 2021] until you consider that there are other Biblical prophecies that come into play ... the death of 1/4 of the world's population ... pestilence and plague ... and who is to say that Satan can't work on multiple levels?  And one cannot ignore the Apostle Paul's warning against the evil deeds of men and their use of "sorcery".  It is important to understand that, in the Greek, this word is rendered pharmakeia, (where our word, pharmaceuticals comes from) and Strong's Concordance has established that it means, "the use of drugs, whether simple or potent, generally accompanied by incantations and appeals to occult powers."  The word's primary reference was to drugs, and to those who employed them for whatever reason (in this case: for godless purposes). 

At the time, I just couldn't reconcile the contradictory statements by influential health officials.  On one hand, Dr. Frieden, of the CDC, proclaimed that there was no need to worry; that Ebola had very little likelihood of spreading to the general population; and that they were quite capable of controlling it.  On the other hand, Dr. Fauci called for government funding to rapidly advance the production of a vaccine, in preparation for the possibility of "a raging epidemic."  Keep us docile and discourage vigilance ... while planning for mass vaccinations ... and with a drug that introduced non-human genes into our bodies.  As a Christian, that just didn't work for me.... and it still doesn't!

So, in summarizing, I know that there will be those who do not see either of these situations as I do.  I respect our differences of opinion, because I know that vaccines have become a lightning rod issue. I want to state I am not against vaccines. It is a personal decision of each person whether to receive any type of vaccine or not. But I honestly have to ask, Is there a possibility that we actually possess a "God gene", as molecular geneticist Dean Hamer claims?  Indeed, Paul tells the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:39) that "Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another...".  So when he says just a few verses later, "flesh and blood cannot [become partakers of eternal salvation and] inherit or share in the kingdom of God;", he is telling us that at some point, if we combine our DNA with a different kind of flesh, God will no longer recognize us as worthy of salvation.  And didn't Satan show us "in the days of Noah", that it is his game plan to pollute or corrupt that perfect DNA to claim us as his own? 

Keep that in mind as I share the remarks of professor Julian Savulescu, director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, who disagrees with the Salk Institute’s approach, and recently told the BBC that this monkey-human embryo experiment “opens Pandora’s box to human-nonhuman chimeras.” He went on to say, "These embryos were destroyed at 20 days of development, but it is only a matter of time before human-nonhuman chimeras are successfully developed, perhaps as a source of organs for humans.” If that occurs, we will no longer be able to say that humans are made in the divine image of God. Dr. Anna Smajdor, ethics specialist at the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, has this opinion to offer: the scientists behind this research state that these chimeric embryos offer new opportunities,” because such experiments cannot be performed on humans, Smajdor told the BBC. “But whether these embryos are human or not is open to question.” Lord, deliver us from this evil!

 1 Thessalonians 3:23    Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Why Millennials Identifying as "Exvangelicals" Is A Sign of The Times

I was not particularly shocked to read that the Millennial generation was increasingly leaving the Church and its teachings to pursue the temptations of the world and its permissive, tolerant philosophies. I just didn't know how vehement they were about their objections to Christianity. In some ways, they are no different than those of all generations who have been wounded by the Church and its leaders for their hypocrisy and "un-Christ-like" actions. Just as in Jesus's day, the overtly religious refuse to minister to those who need it the most ... the marginalized of society who do not fit the established "norm" of what is acceptable. Ironically, those are the very people that Jesus went out of His way to set free of their wounds and sins. 

Therefore, we see a growing segment of 20-30 somethings proud to call themselves "exvangelicals". What exactly does this term mean? It means more than just a renunciation of modern Christian evangelicalism, which constitutes a promotion of the doctrines, practices, and history of Biblical Christianity. An "exvangelical" can signify as many definitions as the liberal [and by that, I mean broad-minded] communities with whom they associate determine it means. Here's just a sample of the definitions they use to define themselves: "the universe is our host, and nothing really mattering is the best [philosophy]"; "I believe in the Universal Christ, but I'm deconstructing from my faith and leaving the church"; "I'm reconstructing my faith as I progress in my own understanding [of God]". As you can see, there's expansive opportunity to define your faith in anyway you want. I would say that if you had to come up with a common denominator for this progressive mindset, it is that they are people who have rejected the traditional tenets of Christianity and define themselves by what they are not, and what they no longer believe.

Here are a few of the beliefs that identify exvangelicals : 1) they don't believe in a literal hell;  2) they reject Biblical teachings on sexuality; 3) they reject Biblical conservatism which they identify as politically motivated, aka "Republican"; 4) they recognize personal sovereignty and self-determination over the laws of the Bible; 5) they promote finding a belief system that suits the individual's needs; 6) they are deeply opinionated on racism, sexism, and political issues which all seem to take precedent over God's will for mankind; 7) upholding the rights of LGBTQ individuals runs throughout all their narratives, even when they don't agree on other issues; 8) they self-determine what it means to be a Christian; 9) It's okay to explore other religions; 10) their mantra is to retain the intellectual, and drop the supernatural; 11) they don't like what they perceive to be the legalism in evangelicalism; and finally, 12) it's important to live your own truth.

In several articles I read, there were so many stories of wounds generated by the Church. In fact, that seems to be a common bond among those who identify as "exvangelicals"... they are like a support group for each other; those who have chosen to escape from the traumas caused by so-called "Christians". Some of the stories of their traumas include hearing their parents berated for getting a divorce; not feeling that they could discuss their questions about abortion, or sex, or racism; seeing men in the Church as superior over women; being judged for being raped, and the inability of the Church to know how to handle the situation with compassion; feeling accused for asking questions or seeking a higher knowledge of God; not feeling comfortable coming forth with issues they are confused about, including their sexuality. 

By now you can see what a field day the devil is having with all this. And it is not just those who have  chosen to follow their own rules. It also those who personify hypocritical religion, just as they did when Jesus was ministering and confronting them. But why should we be surprised? It's not only that the Bible specifically warns us that this will come in the latter days. We have no excuse for not recognizing what Scripture has foretold: At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another (Matthew 24:10). But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12).

Men have always thought they could be their own god -- ever since Adam and Eve believed the lie in the Garden. It is the spirit of Pride, when combined with the spirits of Doubt and Unbelief, that lead men and women to stray from the foundations of their faith. And when confronted by legalism, hypocrisy, and the lack of compassion, the young will naturally rebel. Interestingly, there is an ironic twist to this conflict between the "exvangelicals" and the "hyper-religious". Both castigate the other for not meeting their ideas of what Jesus represents. But, as we see in Matthew Chapter 23, and the "woes" the Lord hurls at the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus is thundering against these leaders for pretending to live holy lives, while in reality, they were practicing human religion, rather than serving God with pure hearts. The same could be said of both sides in this debate.

The "exvangelicals" rail against the "narrow-minded" Christians, proclaiming that the Universe doesn't care if Christian rules are followed -- "Nothing really matters, and this is what gives us the freedom to feel our own meaning, and feel it with ease instead of a sense of fear or guilt".  That last statement was made by Abraham Piper, son of well-known evangelical preacher John Piper. The host of an exvangelical podcast had this to say, "What's good for one person may not be healthy for another. For instance, if someone's tradition rejected them for their sexual orientation, it is understandable if they don't want to associate with Christianity anymore. It may not be the most healthy thing for them. Acknowledging personal autonomy [self-determination] and respecting it is a central tenet of the exvangelical community.  It makes things messier, but I believe it's the best thing". 

So, it's all coming true, according to Scripture. The pendulum is swinging from legalism to progressivism. Whatever feels good to you is okay with the universal god. Narrow-mindedness is condemned, while "anything goes" is embraced.  In this messy scenario we see the fruit of a fallen world. Whenever man turns from the pure and simple teachings of God in His Word, he ultimately ends in a state of rebellion and lawlessness. Yes, we must endeavor to follow God's every commandment, but we must not only appear righteous, we must live it in truth. And, yes, God loves it when we ask questions and seek Him, but we must seek His truth, not our own or the world's. So, at this time, I pray that all -- both evangelicals and exvangelicals -- will return to their first love, with pure hearts and a desire to walk in the ways of Jesus Christ. We are quickly nearing the time of Jesus's appearance, and He will be seeking those who have remained true to His commandments. The Father wishes to lose no one, so let us all examine our hearts and strengthen our faith. We're going to need it!

2 Corinthians 11:4     For you seem to gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you preaching a pseudo-Jesus, not the Jesus we have preached. You have accepted a spirit and gospel that is false, rather than the Spirit and gospel you once embraced. How tolerant you have become of these imposters!

Persecution and The Tribulation: How Close Are We?

"The world is deathly ill. It is dying. The Great Physician has already signed the death certificate. Yet there is still a great work for Christians to do. They are to be streams of living water, channels of mercy to those who are still in the world. It is possible for them to do this because they are Overcomers."

Those words were written in a letter in 1974, by Corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of the Nazi Death Camps. Unfortunately, I don't think Christians in the West listened to her ... especially here, in the United States. We have lived too comfortably, and we have identified for so long as a prosperous nation, that it is difficult to admit that this world is actually dying. That outlook might be about to change, so maybe we should examine her letter a little more closely. There is hope as she points out that we Christians are ambassadors for Christ to this dying world. And there is no compromise in her theology; she takes the Bible at face value, so she is cognizant of what the Lord said the world would look like before He returns.

She is really quite honest when she admits, "Sometimes I get frightened as I read the Bible, and as I look in this world and see all of the tribulation and persecution promised by the Bible coming true. Now I can tell you, though, if you, too, are afraid, that I have just read the last pages. I can now come to you, shouting “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” for I have found where it is written that Jesus said, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things: and I will be His God, and he shall be My son.” This is the future and hope of this world. Not that the world will survive – but that we shall be Overcomers in the midst of a dying world".

I will tell you that this is a message that the Western Church is reluctant to hear, let alone accept. But it is a message that I share -- both the good, bad, and ugly about what the Bible prophecies for this time. And I will also tell you that far too many of my contemporary Christian brothers and sisters do not want to receive that message. But as a Watchman on the wall, it is my obligation to speak the truth -- all of it -- both the coming persecution and final victory in overcoming.  

Corrie shares some of the persecution she and her sister Betsy suffered in the midst of the evil in that concentration camp, and that she even struggled to understand God's purpose in all the death she witnessed, including the death of her beloved sister. But, as the Word says, "What the devil meant for evil, God will use for [His] good". And I would like to say that He uses it for His Glory, as well. Corrie saw that herself. She stated that because of Betsey's death, she has been given the assignment [and gift] of  traveling all over the world and telling people about Jesus.

In regards to the persecution she personally endured, in 1974, Corrie declared, "There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days." I am now declaring, that in 2021, there are some among us teaching we will be able to escape the persecution in our time, and receive a reprieve from the tribulation! They tell us that we are on the brink of a "worldwide revival". But Scripture not only tells us we are not going to escape persecution, but I am unable to find anywhere that Jesus foretells such a revival. And I do not believe that we are to cherry-pick the Psalms that speak of our victory in Christ, yet overlook those verses that cry out for deliverance from the persecution of the Enemy.

I absolutely believe that the Bible speaks of personal revival in the End Times, as each human being must make a decision for Christ in the face of persecution and tyranny by the Enemy. Jesus warns of false prophets who are like wolves in sheep's clothing; of diseased trees bearing bad fruit; of wars, nation against nation, famines, and earthquakes -- all of which are the beginning of birth pangs, indicating the end of the Age. Furthermore, He says we will be delivered up to tribulation and put to death. Many will fall away from the faith and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved! Nowhere do I see Jesus saying that there will be a worldwide revival ushering in the fulfillment [completion] of the Kingdom on earth.

The Kingdom is here NOW! And Jesus tells us that the Good News about this fulfillment of the Kingdom [in His Second Coming] will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then "the end will come". I believe the end He is talking about is the end of the reign of the kingdom of darkness on the earth. Yes, the whole world will hear of what Jesus has done for us, but I do not think "proclaiming" the Gospel is the same as a worldwide revival of people coming to Christ. There is definitely a hope fo that result, and if by "revival", they mean the Body of Christ rises up to do what it is supposed to have been doing all along ... healing the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel, then I can hope for that, too.

But we cannot ignore the warnings about persecution, because it is here! The Christian Post website reported that China's persecution of Christians intensified in 2020, and the Communist Government is working to more fully control "religion". The website revealed "that schools in China have been teaching children that Christianity is an “evil cult,” while children are being taught to oppose religion, encouraged to question the beliefs of family members and report those closest to them to authorities." As our culture becomes increasingly "woke", and as we see "critical race theory" further dividing the American people, how long before religious and political persecution takes root in America? We are already seeing a "One World/Universal" religion spreading its false teachings throughout the world and within our denominations. Those who choose to proclaim Jehovah Adonai as the One True God will undoubtedly come under fire.

As Believers in this 21st Century, we must set our minds on the truth of Scripture and be prepared to endure during persecution. Will we see a remnant thrive and revive during these anti-Christ times? Of course! The Father's purpose for End-Times believers will never be thwarted! But if we truly believe that every word of Scripture is true, we know that we will be rewarded with Eternal Life with our Savior. What a victory! But before that victory, there is a reality that we cannot ignore. The Book of Revelation holds nothing back. The sixth chapter reveals the storm that is coming before Christ returns: Satan will empower a conqueror to wage war and take peace from the earth "so that men would slaughter one another; and a great sword [of war and violent death] was given to him". The 13th chapter says, "It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and  authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him". The 17th chapter tells us, "And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus". 

I believe these are the souls under the altar in Heaven crying out for Justice; those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained [out of loyalty to Christ]. There will be martyrs for Christ, just as there were in the first century after Christ's crucifixion. In 1974, Corrie Ten Boom wrote, "In America, the churches sing, “Let the congregation escape tribulation,” but in China and Africa the tribulation has already arrived.  This last year alone more than two hundred thousand Christians were martyred in Africa.  Now things like that never get into the newspapers because they cause bad political relations.  But I know. I have been there.  We need to think about that when we sit down in our nice houses with our nice clothes to eat our steak dinners.  Many, many members of the Body of Christ are being tortured to death at this very moment, yet we continue right on as though we are all going to escape the tribulation". Can you honestly say that Satan has backed off his plans to defeat Christianity in the last 47 years? 

I know that many don't want to contemplate persecution or tribulation; it is much more pleasant to think on the mercy, grace, and victory of Christ. And I recognize that Satan uses fear to keep us from thinking we are strong enough to be a martyr for Christ. But we need to understand that if that time comes, we will receive the strength we need to glorify the Lord in that moment of our refusal to deny Him. We will be able, like Stephen, to testify of His presence in our lives and of His power in the world. We will confidently cry out, “Lord Jesus, receive and accept and welcome my spirit!” 

So, how close are we to this controversial Biblical prophecy? No one knows for sure. But the signs are all there. The birth pangs are getting sharper and lasting longer. The Enemy is longer working in secret, but operating right out in the open for discerning minds and hearts to see. He thinks he has control of the whole earth, and is putting his plan into effect. A global pandemic, famine, earthquakes, and rumors of war are all in view. And I wholeheartedly desire revival in the lives of every Christian on earth, with millions more joining our family of God. But I believe it is a personal revival; perhaps one person at a time. And I welcome that! So let us encourage each other and help each other get ready. We have a purpose to fulfill! And let us approach each day knowing that no matter what happens to us, we will not endure this day alone. Our Lord will always be with us, in and out of persecution; in and out of tribulation; until one day we stand before Him and receive the Crown of Life. Praise Him, for He is worthy to be praised!

2 Timothy 3:12   Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].

Memorial Day 2021: Honoring The Sacrifice

Today begins "Memorial Day weekend", although the official holiday is Monday, May 31st.  It is the day that our country remembers and honors those men and women who have died in the service of our country.  It is also a day that we honor all veterans who have selflessly contributed to the safety and protection of our nation.

The Bible is full of stories of such warriors ... Samson, David and Joshua are memorialized as valiant protectors of their people.  And from Isaac Davis, the first officer to be killed in the American Revolutionary War, to Nathan Chapman, the first American soldier to be killed in combat in the war in Afghanistan, this nation has seen no shortage of men and women who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the ideals this country stands for.

Sure, we all like to hang flags [and wave them] on this day, but let's not let the celebration with BBQ and beer exceed the spirit of this solemn holiday.  Don't just hang a flag outside your door.  Tell your children and grandchildren why you are making that statement.  And then make sure they know the cost of their freedoms.  The numbers don't lie.  Historians think that nearly 25,000 Americans died establishing our freedom from Great Britain.  Over 600,000 soldiers died in the Civil War; over 500,000 in WWI and WWII, with 140,000 buried throughout military cemeteries in Europe.  We lost nearly 68,000 brave Americans in the rice fields and jungles of VietNam, and, as of February of this year, 7036 have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Have these all been "righteous" wars? ... I think, you know the answer to that. But that is squarely laid at the feet of politicians and the New World Order. Today, my goal is to recognize and commemorate the memories of those who fought for the right reasons.  This is about one person laying down his life for another.  This holiday is about what America stands for, and those who fought to preserve that ideal.  Let's recapture what America symbolizes.

This weekend, through Monday, let's be reminded of what William Gladstone, the leading British statesman of the Victorian era, who served as Britain's Prime Minister [four times] said, "Show me the manner in which a nation or a community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals." For me, those high ideals are the moral principles established by our God in His Word. These are all principles we are in danger of losing [as evidenced over the last couple of years]. And I would like to offer them to all of you .... those who served and are remembering their fallen comrades; and to those of us who have not served on the battlefield, but will pray with you [and for you] as you salute and mourn those that have died. Think upon these Scriptures and these sentiments as you celebrate Memorial Day this year ...

• No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. (John 14:13)

• "The brave never die, though they sleep in dust: Their courage serves a thousand living men." –Minot J. Savage (Pastor and Author, 1918)

• Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15)

• "Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." –Unknown

•  Blessed be the Lord, my Rock and my great strength, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle; My [steadfast] lovingkindness and My fortress, My high tower and my rescuer, My shield and He in whom I take refuge.... (Psalm 144:1-2)

• "This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is home of the brave." –Elmer Davis, Director of the United States Office of War Information during World War II 

Finally, reflect upon those words and the principles that motivated our citizens to pick up a gun and fight for freedom, both here and abroad. Memorial Day represents those who died protecting these important principles.  The memories of our Fallen Heroes deserve to be recognized.  Monday is not about hotdogs, hamburgers and family gatherings.  It's about restoring respect for the sacrifice made for you and me.  Let each of us do our part in restoring the true meaning of Memorial Day.  Dedicate one moment out of the day to give thanks to a veteran who did his part for this great country of ours.  We owe them that .... and so much more.  

I am dedicating this post and blog to the memory of Captain John Hardy, USAF, a pilot who was shot down over North Vietnam.  At the age of 16, I wore an MIA bracelet bearing his name, and I wore it for years. It wasn't until around the year 2000, that I discovered that there was a website where you could find out the status of MIA/POW soldiers in the VietNam War, that I learned of his fate.  Throughout the years, I had always prayed for him, and hoped he had made it home.  I was devastated to find out that he died in the jungles of that far-off country.  I never knew him, but he was more than a name on a silver bracelet.  In the year 2004, I had the opportunity to visit the VietNam War Memorial in Washington D.C., and the impact of that long black marble wall with all those names on it was overwhelming.  I have a pencil rub of his name, and I keep it in the Bible my grandmother gave me, and I will honor his memory for the rest of my life.  Here is his official status as listed on THE WALL, a website devoted to those who gave their lives in that war:   

Captain John Charles Hardy, USAF

Length of service 8 years

His tour began on Jan 15, 1968

Casualty was on Apr 3, 1968

In , NORTH VIETNAM

Hostile, died while missing, FIXED WING - CREW

AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND

Body was recovered

 

Psalm 116:15     Precious [and of great consequence] in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones [so He watches over them].

 

 

 

Why We Need To Understand The Difference Between Our Giftings and Callings!

 

I am increasingly encouraged to see the Body of Christ interested in discovering the purpose of their lives. Instead of being content to simply walk in their identity as "Christians", many believers [who make up the Body] are seeking to fulfill God's will in their lives. If discovered properly, we are able to discern our calling in life, and by utilizing our gifts from the Holy Spirit, we are able to accomplish that which God has ordained in our lives. Should be easy to understand, right? But I am discerning that many Christians don't have the correct perspective when trying to walk this out.

You see, our human nature [or the Church] often decides for us what our "calling" is to be. It might be the exciting and fruitful ministry of another that we would love to emulate; or a particular area of ministry that has always fascinated us, so we announce that God has shown us our calling. But that's not how it works. If we are truly redeemed [we know that we are bought and paid for by the blood of Christ, and we have surrendered and submitted our lives to His authority] then it is not our mind that determines our calling, but the mind of God which is received by the Holy Spirit in us. You see, Scripture tells us that we are God's workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. That is Ephesians 2:10 in the Amplified version.

Do you see how important it is that we understand the "spiritual mechanics" of how we come to receive our calling? It is God's mind -- not ours -- that has determined our "good works"; they were not only created for us by God, but they have been prepared for us before we were ever born. They are waiting for us to step into them, and we have been called to them --we have not called them to us! 

In today's world of internet technology, it is easy for our minds to think we identify with the image we see on a computer or phone screen, and for our soul [which is our mind, our free will to make decisions on our own, and our emotions] to determine that we have been shown what our calling is supposed to be. But that's not how it works! We know that, when we receive Christ's salvation, God's purpose is to conform us and grow us into the image of His Son. The Holy Spirit, as our guide and counselor, knows the purpose of the Father for our lives, and begins to work in us to help us come to the conscious awareness of what the Father has prepared for us as our calling. 

But just as we must decide to use our free will to accept Christ as our Savior, we must decide to answer "yes" to our calling. We must mature in our faith to be able to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit from our own voice. Our soul must yield to our spirit's connection to the Holy Spirit, and then we can truly realize what God has planned for us from the beginning of time. That is our part in the process, and when we are convicted in our spirit that we are correctly hearing the mind of God in our calling and purpose, then it brings so much glory to our Father! Remember, we are created to glorify Him to all His creation. It is 2 Peter 1:10 that tells us, Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. [I will come back to the qualities one must have to support our calling in a moment].

It is important, at this point, to understand that our calling is for the purpose of our work in the Kingdom of God. Salvation is a given at this point. John 3:1-5 makes it clear that we cannot enter the Kingdom [and therefore do work for the Kingdom] until you are "born again", which is Salvation. So, our calling is the beginning of our journey and purpose in the Kingdom of God here on earth. Once we've discerned [with our spirit] what God has called us to, the Holy Spirit will grow us in our calling and we will move from glory to glory as we serve God in His Kingdom. But, there is another important factor that we must consider: the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us carry out our calling. 

Scripture makes it clear that God decided before we were born what He was going to call us to do in His Kingdom. We don't get to decide what our calling is; we only get to decide if we are going to say, "Yes, God". And God wants us to succeed at our calling and accomplish the works for the Kingdom because our obedience and our diligence in that calling glorifies Him. That's where the "qualities" mentioned in 2 Peter 1:10 come into play. The qualities that we must have to fulfill our calling are virtue [or moral righteousness], combined with Godly knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love. That's a pretty tall order for us as humans! If I had to rely on myself to have these qualities to fulfill my calling, it would be impossible. But we can't do it on our own, and God has given us His Holy Spirit to help us accomplish the work for God's Kingdom that has been ordained for us.

In fact, the Holy Spirit brings a variety of gifts to empower us to do what God has called us into. These gifts of the Holy Spirit are distributed by Him as we develop and grow into our calling, and as they are needed (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). The gifts are: 1) the power to speak a message of wisdom; 2) the power to express a word of knowledge and understanding; 3) the power of faith; 4) the power to heal; 5) the power to work miracles; 6) the power to prophecy; 7) the power to discern [or distinguish] different spirits; 8) the power to speak in different tongues [unknown languages]; and 9) the power to interpret those tongues. And I would like to emphasize, that according to the Bible, All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses. The power belongs to the Holy Spirit, not us.

Here is what the Body of Christ needs to understand ... Our calling is our ministry. But our ministry is not determined by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The gifts support our calling and the Holy Spirit will apportion them as we need them so that we are capable [and competent] to remain steadfast in our calling. And here is where I see the failing of the modern Church. We, as Christians, don't really understand what "calling" means, nor do we understand what the gifts are or how they are to assist in our calling. Our churches often determine what an individual's calling is by having members take a "test", and the results will show leadership that your "calling" might be youth minister, Sunday School teacher, music, baptism team, pastoral ministry, or any number of "functions" that serve the church. But God has planned for greater works that benefit His Kingdom! Our calling should relate to His purpose for His Kingdom, not fit into an organized structure developed by man. 

The same kind of confusion accompanies our understanding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We don't get to choose which gift we have. The Holy Spirit will provide the gift that is appropriate to advance our work for the Kingdom. We cannot and should not deny receiving any of the gifts at any time that the Holy Spirit determines we need them. And the gift is not our ministry. For instance, the gift to empower healing will be given at the moment you need it to further the purpose of God in a person's life. We should not then declare that we have a "healing ministry". We have the ability to utilize all the gifts in our calling, as determined by the Holy Spirit. We don't want to limit ourselves in our work for the Kingdom.

I have often spoken that the Lord brought a ministry of Inner Healing to my husband and myself, but I should more correctly say that our calling is to introduce the Kingdom of God in a person's life by bringing freedom in Christ and working with our Lord to deliver them out of their bondage so they can  find their own purpose and calling for the Kingdom. And we do explain that larger meaning when we explain our calling. And in the process of our calling, we have at various times, been empowered to express wisdom and knowledge and understanding; we have encouraged faith; we have laid hands, which imparted physical healing; we have seen miracles through our obedience; we have prophesied over a person's life; we have been able to discern different spirits of anger, lust, unworthiness, etc; we have spoken in tongues when prompted by the Holy Spirit. As of yet, we haven't been given the ability to interpret another tongue. But my point is that our calling is to bring people into the Kingdom of God, and we rely on the Holy Spirit to give us whatever gift we need [in the moment] to accomplish God's purpose for an individual's life.

As I mature in my calling, my hope is that I bring the Light of the Kingdom, which is Jesus, into people's lives so that they will say, "Yes, Lord" to the calling God has purposed for them. In our journey with the Lord, we are to grow more each day into His image. I want to encourage people to discover their calling, and manifest the gifts of the Spirit, as needed, so that the work of the Kingdom is done here on earth. Let us understand the will of God in each of our lives, and glorify His Name in all we do!

2 Peter 1:3     His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence ...

 

Here Is Satan's Game Plan ... Get Prepared. Then Rest In Jesus's Victory!

When looking at the actions of the Anti-Christ in the world today, it's hard to find any good news. I don't see the men who have been put in charge of supporting and protecting mankind being effective against our Enemy's agenda. Now, those of us who put our faith in Jesus and the power of the Cross know that we have been given His power and authority to stand against this spirit of lawlessness. But that doesn't mean we are going to escape some hard times. Jesus never promises that. He promises He will be with us through it, and that we will triumph in ultimate victory.

Keeping that in mind, in 2015, I wrote a blog post that, in part, stated this: the Bible tells us there will be a time for revealing wickedness in preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus as He ushers in His Millennium reign.  This 1,000 year reign will find Christ restoring the earth.  All wars and sorrows will cease, and it will be a time of rest for the earth as it returns to the state that God originally created in the Garden of Eden. Hallelujah!

But first, the inhabitants of the earth must endure the schemes of Satan to keep that restoration and reign from happening.  Jesus told His apostles (and us) that there would be significant signs that those birth pangs, or sorrows, were beginning.  We are to watch for them, so that we will know His return is imminent and we can earnestly be about our business to help the Holy Spirit save as many souls as possible.

The first thing Jesus tells them (us) is, "Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error]."  I don't know about you, but I feel as though we are seeing Deception on Steroids! There is cultural deception in sexual identity issues; economic deception in the manipulation of markets, etc.; political deception on all levels by both parties; and spiritual deception in the growth of cult religions and demonic possessions --- not to mention the scientific and technological advances that make a clone of Jesus possible, so that even the elect, if it were possible, will be deceived! [See my previous post on the very real possibility of this deception]. 

I also want to point you to "The Six Points of Satanic Synchronization", or the ways in which Satan is setting the stage for the appearance of the Anti-Christ. This is a theory put forth by Russ Dizdar, a licensed and ordained minister, who has a unique perspective on this subject because he came out of a satanic cult, and now wages spiritual war on behalf of Christ. He makes the case that the following "Points" are Satan's plan to take over the world...

Point One - Destablization of the World.  Chaos seems to happen no matter how hard we humans try to stop it; it just keeps coming.  Race relations in this country keep being pushed and prodded. Situations keep arising, as if bidden from some controlling dark force, and our society continues to fall apart, no matter how much we throw at it.  We see it happening in the situation on our Southern border; the gas pipeline being shut off in the Northeast; Russia and China chomping at the bit to bring us down; the Hamas/Israeli conflict; and of course, the Covid virus literally destabilized the entire world.

Point Two - Instigation.  This is an extension of Point One.  The purpose is to create chaos, disharmony, friction, division, and war.  We've seen that in the BLM/Antifa movements; Asian Americans being attacked; the disharmony over vaccinations and associated deaths. If it is not happening in the natural world, then spiritual forces will initiate and launch an attack on behalf of the Enemy.

Point Three - Dismantle.  The goal is to dismantle current systems -- militarily, politically and economically, and religiously; to tear them apart; to tear them down; and to replace them with satanically-influenced substitutes. We're seeing that in our military, our monetary system, our healthcare system, our education system, our churches, and the food supply chain. They are all being stripped down and demolished. 

Point Four - Crisis upon Crisis.  This tactic is like chopping down a tree... continually striking until the world system comes down; defeating it blow by blow until Point Five occurs. We see that in continually attacking our Constitution, our law enforcement, and our churches and religious institutions. 

Point Five - Weaken.  After the world suffers continual destabilization, instigation, dismantling, crisis upon crisis, it will become weakened.  All institutions will become corrupted and powerless. The will and resolve of the peoples of the world will be devastated and they will turn to drugs, alcohol, and any other method to numb the pain.  Hopelessness is the ultimate goal. We are definitely seeing the hopelessness and despair in our schools, as our kids are being dumbed down and seeing their futures disappearing. The morale among our law enforcement officers, including the Border Patrol, is the lowest it's been in decades. The dollar is weakened and on the verge of collapse. The Covid-19 pandemic saw thousands of animals slaughtered, and food destroyed because processing facilities were closed and distribution lines were down. Every facet of our everyday life has been weakened.

Point Six - The Final Result is Diminished Capacity.  With the destabilization, instigation, dismantling, crisis upon crisis, and weakening of the foundations of society, mankind will be unable to resist the onslaught of the Anti-Christ and his forces. We must come to the conclusion that we cannot, [under our own power], think or build our way out of this mess. The Savior and The Cross are the only way out. 

At this stage in world history, we are primed for the deception of the Anti-Christ. It is true, that we have witnessed human beings coming into agreement with the devil to accomplish his goals of division, chaos, and destruction on the earth. We have seen the Enemy build spiritual structures that entrap wealthy and powerful people in his false systems of ideas, philosophies, and movements in order to gain more of his promised power, money, fame, and change. He does this by sending his spirits to infiltrate educational institutions, governments, social movements, churches, and the media. These structures become strongholds that the devil owns and through which he can manipulate the masses for the purposes of his kingdom of darkness.  Unfortunately, among the culture of the United States and Western mindset, Satan has been able to build a stronghold that convinces people (whether Believers or not) that the supernatural does not exist in this Age. 

But we who are endued with the Holy Spirit know all too well that our God operates in the supernatural, and HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS ... These power structures collapse when we live our lives connected to God; when we obey Him and walk in our spiritual power and authority! We are here on this earth [at this exact time] to get in the fight and invade and conquer Satan's territory to take it back in the individual's life, in the life of communities, and in the life of our nation -- and we are to occupy that territory until He returns! 

We constantly hear talk of "a global reset". I believe God is doing His own "reset" by identifying those who have spiritual eyes to see the battle strategy of the Enemy; placing His obedient remnant in positions of spiritual power; and strengthening the prayer muscles of His intercessors. He is delegating His authority in this critical time in our history. Jesus showed us that we can speak for God and we have His permission to take the spiritually legal steps to make Earth look like Heaven. Even if the wicked of the world are able to pull off the cloning of Jesus from the divine blood of the Shroud of Turin, [as I wrote about earlier], the remnant will have such powerful discernment to see through the deception and will warn the world! 

We must walk in this Truth: We are here at this moment in history because we have been sent by God and commissioned to represent Him! We are to be the carnal representation of the One who sent us! Jesus has commissioned us, authorized us to act on His behalf, and empowered us with His Holy Spirit to accomplish our assignment. Yes, Jesus has already won the battle, but He has commissioned us to enforce the victory! Until we realize that we have an active role to play in establishing the Kingdom of God here on earth, then we will continue to lose territory to Satan in our souls, our cities, our states, our nation, and ultimately, the world. The battle is raging now -- we see it all around us. Are you ready to walk in Heavenly realms and transfer the power of Heaven to Earth? We have unlimited potential to tear down Satan's strongholds, and we must not falter! We will not be deceived and we will not be fearful! Let us join together to take Jesus's victory to the Enemy!

 2 Corinthians 2:14-15    God always makes His grace visible in Christ, who includes us as partners of His endless triumph. Through our yielded lives He spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere we go. We have become the unmistakable aroma of the victory of the Anointed One to God—a perfume of life to those being saved and the odor of death to those who are perishing.