Archive for the ‘Prophetic’ Category

Reality Replacing Religion

Posted: December 4, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, wilderness
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2012 will be a year of the release of heavenly authority to many who have turned from religion to the reality of life in God. The mighty works of Father God in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit are now becoming reality in this season. The Pentecostal power that had morphed into a religious form is becoming living reality in God�s people. This year of 2012 will see the waning of religious form and the beginning of true kingdom reality for maturing sons and daughters of God.

What we have preached and hoped for but did not truly experience is becoming the reality of our lives in this season. Seemingly without effort the supernatural miraculous works of Jesus will come forth in God�s humble people without even a hint of pride or merchandising. What we have said that we believed and tried to make happen will be done by the power of God abiding in His holy humble people. Truly the priesthood and the kingship of Christ are becoming manifest in His body of believers on earth.

Do not look for this as a big show. It will be seen in multitudes of humble gatherings, small and large that will be veiled to those who are not willing to receive the fresh reality of kingdom life.

Religious striving is passing away among God�s kingdom people.

Religion has ruled the world under the prince of this world � the prince of the power of the air. All religion is powerless without believers/followers. Religion appears to be man-made. However, it always originates from the dark spiritual world of the enemy. The only authority the enemy has is the authority we allow him to have. Deception is his primary weapon.

The enemy was in the garden with Adam and Eve but was completely powerless until he deceived Eve and then Adam. The devil must deceive human beings to usurp the authority given to mankind to rule in the world. To usurp our authority, he must separate us from the reality of life with God and entice us to follow him. The more he can make his false religion look like the reality of life in God, the more easily he can deceive people into following him and releasing their God-given authority to rule in this world. Religion is designed to placate the innate desire in the hearts of men for life in God.

Eph 2:1-3: And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

The Precious among the Vile

2012 and beyond will be a season of separation for sanctification and connection for preparation. God will lead His people into an intense time of preparing for the coming season of devastating circumstances in the world and glorious spiritual life in Him. The kingdom of God that has been formed within us will manifest under cover from the world in the most precious spiritual gatherings we have ever known. In these God connected groups and gatherings, the manifest presence of God will lovingly bond together and prepare His people to endure the hard times immediately ahead and to eventually plant the kingdom of God solidly into the entire world.

Beyond the season of devastation, in another season to come, the fullness that is developing under cover will be released into the world. The clearing and the deep plowing of the land of this world will leave little to none of the previous world order and fully prepare the soil of this world to receive the seed of the kingdom planted by the prepared people of God. The Bride City of God will become a reality on earth.

Draw near to God

By far the first and primary area of preparation for every child of God is intensely relating to God in the Spirit. Of course, this should have always been our priority. However, it truly must be our number one focus in this season. All other preparations will be of little or no value if we are not truly seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness FIRST in our lives. Intimately relating to God in the Spirit and becoming one with Him will release the authority of heaven within us to supernaturally accomplish the will and plan of God. Clear direction from God through praying in the Spirit and hearing in our spirit will enable us to walk through turbulent times without fear.

As we walk in oneness with God, we must hear and obey what He speaks for us personally to be and to do. He can prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. God may use some of us to be a part of growing and preparing the food for that table. Others may be used in preparing for other needs, for other provisions and services. Extremely basic life will develop with the necessities of life locally grown, made or built from whatever is available and with whatever tools are available. If we are truly one with God and are obediently doing what He says when He says, the Spirit will coordinate the works of all to fit together in the tribal lifestyle of the future.

Through the life of God in us, we shall overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony and not loving our lives to the death. Whether we live a long life or a short time in this body, we are the Lord�s and will never be apart from Him. Our great desire is to fully serve Him and to accomplish all He has given us to be and to do in this life.

We are very important to one another and closely knit together in Him as each joint supplies its part. This will be more acutely seen and experienced in the seasons of devastation ahead for this world and the glorious season of experiencing the deepest river of His love filling us with His life and flowing the glory of the kingdom to one another. The glorious kingdom lifestyle is at the door. The kingdom is truly at hand in this day of the Lord.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones. ~ Proverbs 3:5-8

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ~ Jesus

The Sword of the Lord comes.

Ron McGatlin

http://www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

Moving in the Spirit of God

Posted: November 25, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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As servant sons of God,, we not only have the privilege to walk in the reality of Spirit-empowered supernatural life, we have the responsibility to do so. We must be about our Father’s business. All of the resources of heaven are potentially available to us for accomplishing the will of our Father. Every day everywhere we go the limitless potential of Spirit God surrounds us. Countless powerful holy angels (ministering spirits) are available to assist us in the works of the business of our Heavenly Father.

A spiritual army is arising from the valley of the shadow of death. The lifeless shadow has lain upon the hearts and lives of God’s people, who were created to be kings and priests to rule and reign in this world with Christ. The enemy has, through false religious and secular doctrines and understandings shadowed our hearts from God’s supernatural spiritual reality. The arising spiritual army does not move by natural human strength or guidance and does not employ weapons built by man. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. ~ Paul

Divine supernatural love, power, and wisdom of Christ abiding in mature servant sons working with powerful angels will overcome all that lifts itself against God. Major strongholds of the enemy that are well fortified in the social order and governments of the world will be overcome by God’s army moving in the Spirit of God.

Ascending Above the Shadow

The shadow of death robs God’s people from life in the brilliant light of spiritual reality. It limits our ability to walk in the love, power, and wisdom that is far above natural fallen human life and the works of the enemy. Under the shadow of death the fullness of the reality of heavenly life in the Spirit is greatly limited. Intimate trust in God and faith to powerfully serve Him is hindered by the shadow of death. We are to serve Him by bringing forth His life into this world to transform the world into the glorious kingdom of God.

God told Adam and Eve that they could eat from all the trees of the garden except for one tree. They were told that if they ate of that one tree in that day, they would surely die. That day they were separated from intimate walk with God. They spiritually died that day, and life in the world abruptly changed. They were excluded from the intimate life with Father God and were cut off from the fullness of His provision in the garden. God provided a temporary sacrificial covering for them but their intimate walk with God was broken by their disobedience. Death (separation from God) passed upon all descendents of Adam.

For all who will receive it, Christ Jesus has provided the restoration of all that was lost in Adam.

The shadow of death on God’s people is not total spiritual death. Total spiritual death is total separation from God.

From Adam to Christ, God’s people lived in the valley of the shadow of death. God’s provision sustained them through their faith expressed by keeping the law of blood sacrifices and offerings that looked forward to the coming of Christ Jesus to fully redeem all that was lost in Adam, including walking with God in the Spirit. David wrote in Psalm 23 about God preparing a table before him in the valley of the shadow of death, in the presence of his enemies. This is a picture of God’s provision while moving through the valley of the shadow of death.

Spiritual life was poured out at Pentecost. The Spirit of Christ in the Holy Spirit returned to abide in His people to bring forth the finished work of restoration of heavenly Spirit-to-spirit life on earth. The shadow of spiritual death was removed from those who received the Holy Spirit. The brilliant life of supernatural spiritual life was poured out upon and into those who received it.

Sadly, through the generations, many people returned to partaking of the fruit of the forbidden tree of human intellectual knowledge as supreme over spiritual reality of God’s strength and guidance in life. The shadow of death returned upon the hearts of people and the brilliant supernatural spiritual reality of God became foreign to them. The enemy, working through religious and secular education, devised doctrines of demons that became traditions of men that opposed the truth of supernatural spiritual reality and restored the valley of the shadow of death.

The army of God arising in this day is ascending above the valley of the shadow of death into the fullness of the brilliant glory of spiritual life that is far above natural life (supernatural life in Christ by the Holy Spirit).

The proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven is releasing the power of God from heaven to overcome the death of separation from God. Eventually the whole earth shall be free from the shadow of death and filled with the brilliance of the glory of God.

Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! ~ Jesus

The Sword of the Lord comes,

Ron McGatlin

Moving in the Spirit of God

Posted: November 21, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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As servant sons of God,, we not only have the privilege to walk in the reality of Spirit-empowered supernatural life, we have the responsibility to do so. We must be about our Father’s business. All of the resources of heaven are potentially available to us for accomplishing the will of our Father. Every day everywhere we go the limitless potential of Spirit God surrounds us. Countless powerful holy angels (ministering spirits) are available to assist us in the works of the business of our Heavenly Father.

A spiritual army is arising from the valley of the shadow of death. The lifeless shadow has lain upon the hearts and lives of God’s people, who were created to be kings and priests to rule and reign in this world with Christ. The enemy has, through false religious and secular doctrines and understandings shadowed our hearts from God’s supernatural spiritual reality. The arising spiritual army does not move by natural human strength or guidance and does not employ weapons built by man. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. ~ Paul

Divine supernatural love, power, and wisdom of Christ abiding in mature servant sons working with powerful angels will overcome all that lifts itself against God. Major strongholds of the enemy that are well fortified in the social order and governments of the world will be overcome by God’s army moving in the Spirit of God.

Ascending Above the Shadow

The shadow of death robs God’s people from life in the brilliant light of spiritual reality. It limits our ability to walk in the love, power, and wisdom that is far above natural fallen human life and the works of the enemy. Under the shadow of death the fullness of the reality of heavenly life in the Spirit is greatly limited. Intimate trust in God and faith to powerfully serve Him is hindered by the shadow of death. We are to serve Him by bringing forth His life into this world to transform the world into the glorious kingdom of God.

God told Adam and Eve that they could eat from all the trees of the garden except for one tree. They were told that if they ate of that one tree in that day, they would surely die. That day they were separated from intimate walk with God. They spiritually died that day, and life in the world abruptly changed. They were excluded from the intimate life with Father God and were cut off from the fullness of His provision in the garden. God provided a temporary sacrificial covering for them but their intimate walk with God was broken by their disobedience. Death (separation from God) passed upon all descendents of Adam.

For all who will receive it, Christ Jesus has provided the restoration of all that was lost in Adam.

The shadow of death on God’s people is not total spiritual death. Total spiritual death is total separation from God.

From Adam to Christ, God’s people lived in the valley of the shadow of death. God’s provision sustained them through their faith expressed by keeping the law of blood sacrifices and offerings that looked forward to the coming of Christ Jesus to fully redeem all that was lost in Adam, including walking with God in the Spirit. David wrote in Psalm 23 about God preparing a table before him in the valley of the shadow of death, in the presence of his enemies. This is a picture of God’s provision while moving through the valley of the shadow of death.

Spiritual life was poured out at Pentecost. The Spirit of Christ in the Holy Spirit returned to abide in His people to bring forth the finished work of restoration of heavenly Spirit-to-spirit life on earth. The shadow of spiritual death was removed from those who received the Holy Spirit. The brilliant life of supernatural spiritual life was poured out upon and into those who received it.

Sadly, through the generations, many people returned to partaking of the fruit of the forbidden tree of human intellectual knowledge as supreme over spiritual reality of God’s strength and guidance in life. The shadow of death returned upon the hearts of people and the brilliant supernatural spiritual reality of God became foreign to them. The enemy, working through religious and secular education, devised doctrines of demons that became traditions of men that opposed the truth of supernatural spiritual reality and restored the valley of the shadow of death.

The army of God arising in this day is ascending above the valley of the shadow of death into the fullness of the brilliant glory of spiritual life that is far above natural life (supernatural life in Christ by the Holy Spirit).

The proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven is releasing the power of God from heaven to overcome the death of separation from God. Eventually the whole earth shall be free from the shadow of death and filled with the brilliance of the glory of God.

Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! ~ Jesus

The Sword of the Lord comes,

Ron McGatlin
basileia@earthlink.net

THE FIRE OF GOD COMES

Posted: November 17, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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Throughout recent centuries God has been restoring piece by piece that which was lost when Adam and subsequently all mankind fell. The process of restoration involves first the revelation of what is to be restored. It is revealed as being reality for the time in which it is to be restored.

Over 500 years ago salvation by grace through faith was restored. In the early 20th century, the revelation of the baptism with the Holy Spirit was restored. The gifts of healings and miracles were restored. Later in the mid 20th century, prophets were restored, and then in the latter part of the century and into the first part of the 21st century, the apostles are being restored. These are just a few of the most recent major restorations to the Body of Christ.

Now that the prophetic is restored, God reveals what He is doing to His prophets. As the prophets proclaim the revelation of what God is doing, it begins to come to pass. A true prophetic proclamation resonates in the hearts of mature believers and prepares God’s people to receive the next piece of restoration from God.

Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets, Amos 3:7.

The Restoration of the Baptism with Fire

This may not be fresh to some of you. However, the greater revelation of the fire portion of being baptized by Christ Jesus with the Holy Spirit and FIRE is being freshly revealed and made real in me.

Mat 3:11: I (John) indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

New or fresh revelation is God uncovering for us what has always been. It is as if God lifts up the cover or lid, and our eyes are opened to fresh revelation. We may then marvel that we have not seen before this obvious reality that is now so clearly exposed.

I believe that in this season, the lid is NOT being gently lifted off the revelation of THE FIRE of GOD. The lid is being blown off with an explosion of power.

This will be more than the revival fire that has been poured out historically time and time again. In revival we cried out for God to SEND THE FIRE. His fire has now come and we are beginning to grasp what it means to be baptized by Christ Jesus with the Holy Spirit and FIRE.

This does not involve the hype and showmanship of highly promoted performance-based conferences. This is not a stage or platform production. The fire of God is not geared to man-made staged performance. You can lay aside the rock bands and high powered so called “praise music” with its costumed and choreographed dance. The fire of heaven is coming down in the person of Christ Jesus in the Holy Spirit. The Body of Christ will come forth filled with the Spirit of Christ from within and saturated with the fire of Christ upon us.

Living Water and Fire

Probably most if not all of us have been experiencing to some degree the inner working of the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit – the gifts, peace, inner power, joy, and more. However, most of us have probably not truly experienced the baptism with Fire coming UPON us in this present season. The fire of God is the glory of Christ falling upon us from above. It is the Christ in us coming together with the Spirit of Christ from above. The restoration of the baptism of fire is coming upon us exploding the powerful works of Christ Jesus into a desperate and failing world.

The fire of His glory is suddenly coming upon purified holy sons and daughters of God. The glory will not rest upon mixture or flesh, as the revival fire of the past has done. The Holy Spirit was poured out on flesh in revivals and outpourings in the 90s, and a measure of fire came for a short season. This that is now coming forth is much more and will be Spirit to spirit. Mixture will be quickly burned away, and only pure holiness will remain in the fire.

This past Sunday afternoon, I was meeting with a few close friends. We were seated in a relatively close circle each sharing from our hearts and from the scriptures. Something was said about being thirsty for the coming of more fullness of God or something like that. I heard in my spirit that it was in us and needed to flow out of us as living water. I read a couple of scriptures from John.

John 4:13-14: Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

John 7:38: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

As I read these verses I began to feel a strong stirring of unrest and dissatisfaction within. I began to proclaim that it is in us. We have it and are not letting it flow out to each other. We thirst and do not have, because we are not pouring out the rivers of living water to each other. I don’t have it because you are not letting it flow out to me. I was saying something like that when suddenly the fire of God fell upon me. The Spirit of God came UPON me and fire (glory) came upon my being like I have not experienced in a long time, if ever before.

At my age, I usually get up from a seated position slowly with help by pushing myself up with my arms. When the fire came upon me, I suddenly leapt straight up from my chair with shouts and did some sort of a rapidly stepping scooting sort of a dance or something in a tight circle as tongues and words flowed profusely from me. I could not see anything but the glory. I fell back into my chair and prophesied and praised as the river poured from me. As far as I could tell, glory filled the room and impacted us all. I do not sing at all, but at some point in all this, I actually flowed into spontaneously leading worship choruses. Prophecy, prayer, and praise flowed like a river.

It was like the flow of living water (Spirit) from within flowed out and met the fire of God. Perhaps this is a key to the fire (glory) falling upon us. First the dissatisfaction with our not flowing the living waters of the Spirit of Christ out of us. At the instant we begin to flow the living water, the fire comes.

It is as if the inner flow of the living water of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of God’s people can meet up with Holy Fire and create explosive power. The heavy lid of religion with its erroneous theology of doubt and unbelief and our personal gods of prideful self-consciousness have held back the release of the power of the Spirit, creating an extreme back pressure in the bosom of God’s Spirit-filled people.

In the natural realm water contained in an enclosed vessel that is heated with fire becomes steam pressure. As the fire increases the pressure builds, and when the lid comes off, it explodes. At best we have been experiencing small leaks of power flowing out to the atmosphere of the world from the sons of God.

The pressure for the release of God from within us is now ready to explode into the world as God helps us to blow our lid off to full-out release the explosive power of spiritual reality of Christ Jesus.

First the Cross, Next the Spirit, Now the Fire

After the cross, the resurrected Christ Jesus gathered with His disciples before ascending to the Father and gave them instruction. They were sent by Jesus to do the same work God sent Jesus to do by the same power. Then He breathed the Holy Spirit into them (John 20:21-22).

Prior to this moment the disciples had not received the Holy Spirit. Even though they had followed Jesus and believed He was the Son of God, until Jesus died on the cross they remained of the first Adam. Because of the sinful state of mankind, they could not fully receive the Holy Spirit. However, it was at this moment after the cross, the sin curse had been broken and those who followed Jesus were able to receive the Holy Spirit from the breath of the resurrected Christ. Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into them much as God had originally breathed His Spirit into Adam (Gen 2:7).

At this point redemption became a reality for the disciples who now had the Spirit of God in their lives. For the first time since Adam, the Holy Spirit was again within men other than Jesus. However, they did not yet have the full empowerment of the life of Christ Jesus within and upon them. He was still standing before them awaiting His ascension to the Father.

Christ Jesus had to return to the Father and become a “life-giving Spirit” (1 Cor 15:45). Only then could the Holy Spirit impart the fire of Christ Jesus to dwell with and empower the disciples who would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The disciples were instructed to not depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the empowering baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8).

All of this took place in a relatively brief period of time. The cross and resurrection had broken the curse of sin and changed the sinful state of the disciples, opening the way for Jesus to breath the Holy Spirit into them before ascending to the Father. Then the promise of the Father could come at Pentecost in the full baptism of the Holy Spirit and FIRE. These works of God were being planted into the world to be multiplied in the fullness of time when all things were made ready.

From the revelation of the work of the Cross by grace through faith being restored around 500 years ago, to the baptism of the Holy Spirit about 100 years ago, to the revelation of the kingdom of God life on earth in the past few decades, to the recent restoration of true holiness by the Spirit within, to the today restoration of the FIRE of Christ Jesus coming UPON pure-hearted Holy Spirit-filled people of God, the restoration continues.

The Fire of God is the Glory of Christ Jesus

Forerunners of FIRE are emerging now. The real and fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit with fire will soon spread to the corners of the earth bringing the manifest presence and power of God into view of all. It will bring great empowerment to the humble and sudden destruction to the pride and loftiness of man. The progressive transformation to the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven is now being clearly seen by God’s people. The gospel of the kingdom is restored and being widely proclaimed. The FIRE of the Spirit of Christ is coming upon Holy Spirit-indwelled people bringing God-empowered LIFE.

The Sword of the Lord Comes with Fire.

Ron McGatlin

http://www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

How can those who claim to be the “Church” neglect the poor?

Posted: November 9, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching
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Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

As I read many such verses in the Word of God I am astonished at how those in the Church can neglect the very principals of God and His Word. I have heard some say – the poor are not our assignment. To which I say if you think your assignment is greater than the Lords, whose assignment are you playing out.

I am not saying that we all become a homeless ministry, open a food pantry ( actually the House of God should have a store house from which Gods people are feed in times of need) yet they must hear and obey the Lords command in regard to the poor.

I could care less if you are in the top 1% of the most requested Pastoral speakers, if you are neglecting the ministry to the poor, you are out of alignment with Gods Kingdom message.

You can go to churches across the land or turn on the TV to a Christian show and listen to all kinds of messages about God blessing His people, God is raising up Millionaires in our body, give here because God wants to increase your wealth. Yet when it comes to the poor, we are only hearing ” Well Jesus said the poor will always be with us”. Yes He did say that, but to twist it into such a perverse statement meaning we are not to minister to the poor, to give to the poor is way outside of what the Lord has truly taught us. Look at what God really says in this regard:

“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land”. (Deuteronomy 15:11)

Many “churches” to day are more concerned about the building project than the poor in the community or for that matter the poor within their own congregation. They resemble what was spoken of in Ezek :

Ezekiel 16:49
” ‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.

Instead of listening to the counsel of the Lord in His Word :

He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the LORD.(Jeremiah 22:16)

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.(Deuteronomy 15:7)

Then we have such ministries who refuse to give to the poor – or they will give a round the Holidays to make it look good. Then they wonder why their ministry is always in financial turmoil, or the members of their church or ministry are always under attack and struggling. Number one the people are failing to study the Word themselves and are living on the watered down opinionated version of Gods truth – a lacking of spiritual vitamins. Their leaders will tell the people, lets press through, this is only the enemy coming against us because we are invading his land, Half truths!

Never once taking in to consideration what the Father has decreed over those who take from the people, putting it into His Storehouse, yet spending it on their dreams and aspirations instead of feeding Gods people and those in our gates. Gods storehouse is for the needs of the people, for those going forth carrying the Kingdom Message not for building projects to leave monuments unto men.. In the days of old when the temple was a building made with hands, there was a portion set aside for the up keep, yet there was also a portion for those in need. In our day often times upto 90% of that which comes in goes to the building expense, not to the missionaries, not to the needy and surely not into the storehouse for Gods people.

Today anyone in need has to come begging for help and often times will be told, we have not set anything aside for such things. And again you wonder why you struggle, why the people are sick, depressed and oppressed. Look again what the Word has pronounced over you and this is not an Old Testament thing that passed away and is now covered by grace:

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.( Proverbs 28:27)

The poor are mentioned all through the Bible and not in a manner that calls us to turn our back on them:

Arise, LORD ! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. — Psalm 10:12

You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall.(Isaiah 25:4)

The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. (Acts 10:5)

“After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. (Acts 24:17)

For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. (Romans 15:26)

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:9)

The storehouse of God is being robbed in our day and it is not only in reference to those who are not giving into it – it is also because the keepers are plundering the Storehouses and building empires, getting fat themselves with big houses and such and then hide behind such things as does not the Lord want His people to prosper? Yes He does, yet that which the Lord refers to in reference to prosperity and that which the world views as prosperity are two different views.

It is a plague upon the House of God in this and other Nations that is not un-noticed in Heaven – The Lord is in the process of a mighty house cleaning, He is emptying those things which have attracted dust and dirt, those things which have left a stain upon His Sons name. He is removing and replacing many the Gate -keepers and the guards watching the doors of His storehouse because they have sold-out to the world.

This is a place that the House of God in this Nation needs to repent for, because it has plundered the Store House of Billions of dollars in the recent decades and build up worldly processions while the whole time neglecting the treasures of Heaven. They have played the part of the harlot and God is removing the adulterous spirit from His house in our day.

In the Masters Service,

Russ W

The Deeper Life

Posted: November 3, 2011 in disciples life, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

In every generation there are a few rare individuals who break free from mediocrity and apathy. These trailblazers are hungry for God and yield their lives to follow hard after Him. They yearn for something deeper and more meaningful than just a surface relationship with the Savior.

We know from Scripture that “wide is the road that leads to destruction and narrow is the way that leads to life.” Hell’s highway is wide and broad with people standing shoulder to shoulder, unknowingly edging toward the very edge of the abyss. But there is also a narrow road that leads to life, and if you were to sit under a tree beside the road and watch you would notice that only every so often does anyone pass that way.

There is also within the body of Christ a broader path called “status quo.” Many believers are on this road, saved, with heaven as their final destination, but they fail to seek God’s highest or best for their lives. Along this path there is also a narrow gate that leads a few of us down a path far less traveled. On this path are many twists and turns with bumps and awkward places that require a leap of faith to continue. This is the road called “sacrifice.” It is a long walk down this unpopular and lonely road and few want to go there.

Satisfaction in His Presence

On the road called “status quo,” travelers are content with what they’ve always had. They are enamored by the “blessings” of God. They seek Him for what He can do for them and become spiritually satisfied with the gifts of His hands. They desire a life of ease, comfort, and simplicity. They avoid those who preach about “carrying a cross” or “denying self.” It is far easier to seek a popular, “feel good” message.

A rare few travel the path called “sacrifice” and are not content merely to follow the multitudes down a crowded highway. For these saints the only place of deep satisfaction is in His manifest presence, where they can actually touch His face and feel His heartbeat. They’re absolutely convinced that He is the only One worth pursuing! They have a kingdom mindset and see things in light of eternity rather than being consumed only by what they see and hear. They cry out with passion, “Jesus I want the deeper life found only in you.”

So what does it mean to live the deeper life? It means walking a road far less-traveled where consecration, holiness, humility, intimacy, devotion, and sacrifice are treasured–where its travelers would rather invest themselves in pleasing God than in pleasing man. It is a place where the Lord rules and reigns in their hearts and they realize that crowns aren’t simply given as souvenirs, but are earned. Where taking up the cross and following hard after God, though difficult, still brings deep contentment to the soul-and is its own reward. To them pleasing God means everything.

A life of sacrifice and devotion is a virtue, a sweet fragrance that actually scents the throne room and blesses the heart of God. To be perfectly frank, anything less leaves us all feeling empty and dissatisfied. It is not good enough to think ourselves devout because of the number of prayers we pray. If we go home from church and are arrogant and angry toward those we say we love we are only deceiving ourselves. Spiritual maturity must be more than just a desire or an intention–it must be walked out.

We often fill our lives with empty things and shallow pursuits gradually growing weaker and colder in our souls until we have finally had enough. At that point a hunger from deep within is born and we rise up and say, “I’m desperate for more of God!”

Seeking a Fresh Encounter

Why does it take so long to realize our desperate state and seek the cure? Because it’s tough to face the truth we often conceal, even from ourselves-that the old way just doesn’t cut it anymore. When the Holy Spirit shows us how weak and wayward we are, we are then humbled and can only cry out with deep hunger for a fresh encounter with the living God, and nothing else will do. In fact, we feel like we’ll die without it. It’s only at the place where we will settle for nothing less that we are truly ready to go deep with God.

But be warned. Going hard after God will offend others. It is inevitable–the moment you press into God, Christian friends will show up with “words of encouragement” that are actually ordained by the enemy, designed to quench your fire and stifle the deep hunger inside you. And make no mistake about it, if you act on their words they will lead you back through that narrow gate and onto same old wide way. Better to lose a friend than the miss out on the incredible treasures of the Spirit of God.

And while you may offend those close to you by going hard after God He is pleased and excited by the deep hunger in your heart. That’s why you must silence the conflicting voices around you, of both humans and spirits–that urge you to settle for less than God’s best. In order to go deep you must determine in your heart to march to the beat of a different drummer leaving others behind who are not willing to walk the road of sacrifice.

Are you determined enough to arrest God’s attention-to say you won’t let go until you’ve pressed in? Are you tired of standing on the sidelines, a mere spectator while the passionate pass you by? Get desperate enough today to press in. Cry out with all your heart, refusing to settle for anything less than God’s best. Get hungry for the deeper things of God, moving beyond the status quo to touch His very heart.

Surrendering to God

Going hard after God will mean loving God not just in word but also in deed. Sweet surrender is the first step to empowerment and the anointing that comes only when we refuse to settle for anything less than serving God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength. It is hard to convince our finite minds that carrying a cross can bring peace and contentment, but because it is by His strength that we accomplish anything, He gets the glory and we are filled up in the process.

He is the sweet master, and in order to please Him we need only adore Him on this narrow path, even without fully understanding it all. By walking the path of sacrifice we finally realize that we can never become mature without first dying to the old selfish lifestyles that demand more and are never satisfied. In dying to our old man we become that fully developed “new man” that God intended-something that could never happen otherwise. As we walk down the narrow path of sacrifice He accomplishes His grand design for our lives. We become reliant on Him and He frees us from self by revealing our weaknesses by the power of the Holy Spirit. An intense desperation is created by the emptiness we find in all earthly things, which hold little appeal at that point. We discover the doorway to the deeper life by first being discontent with a shallow, egocentric existence.

The natural man would love to go deep in Christ and his pure love at no cost, but it is only his excessive self-love and pride that acts so childish and demanding in the first place. And while God’s fatherly heart takes no joy in seeing us struggle He knows the road of sacrifice brings about steadfastness and meekness, purifying our motives and intentions to the point where we are worthy to feel His deepest heart cries and carry His message of love to a lost and dying world.

Take heart, precious friend, when bearing the cross down the narrow and winding road of sacrifice, as you anticipate the joy that comes with pressing in. As you go hard after God, let me encourage you. You have set out on a journey of divine proportions, determined to settle for nothing less than touching the very heart of God, and I guarantee that in that place is fullness of joy, where you will find that He is altogether lovely and everything you ever wanted.

Steve Porter

Investing Christ into This World

Posted: November 2, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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As natural fallen human beings, we have a very tiny window of perhaps 86 years through which to view only a microscopic speck of the vast existence of creation from its origin to its end of time. Only a micro portion of created history is visible from our tiny natural window. The wisdom of the ages past and future is not in view through our tiny window.

The knowledge of natural man is less than trivial in the scope of all that is and was and shall be. Even with serious study of stored historical data and our best future casting that is based upon our limited understanding of the past, we remain clueless of the reality of the spiritual kingdom of God.

Spirit to Spirit Enlightenment

In great contrast to our fallen natural state is the redeemed state of becoming one with God in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit of God. The wisdom of the ages past and future is opened and available to redeemed man. As a son of God, our available light from our spiritual window comes from the fullness of God from eternity past to eternity future. There is no end to the potential of available light of heavenly wisdom, love, and power flowing from the open-heaven connection in the Spirit of Christ Jesus.

Connecting, becoming one with the life and light of heaven is for those who truly and completely love God � those who have become living sacrifices unto God. The beauty of holiness is measured out in our love from God and for God. The more love, the more holiness � the more holiness, the more access to the potential of heaven now on earth. Holiness does not produce love; love produces holiness.

To live and walk in the Spirit is to live and walk in love with God. The walk of faith begins and ends with walking in God�s love. All wisdom and power are available to those who believe (walk in faith) � those who live and walk in the Spirit � those who walk in love with God.

With God all things are possible. If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. ~ Jesus

The living Spirit of Christ in us is the only source of heavenly love, holiness, faith, wisdom, and power. This powerful heavenly Christ-Life in us always leads to true humility of soul. There is a complete absence of pride and fear. Perfect love removes all fear and pride and replaces it with humble rest in righteousness, peace, and joy. To live and walk in the Spirit is to live and walk in love with God.

Localized Tribal Villages of Love

The Spirit of Christ in us will draw us together with others who also live and walk in the Spirit. As we connect and gather with others walking in the Spirit, the presence of the glory of God increases. A spiritual radiant glow of the light of the life and love of God emanates from the villages and shines among men (Mat 5:14-16).

Sadly, many people in the world today have witnessed a lot of religious mixtures and counterfeits. Many will be greatly encouraged by experiencing the true manifestation of Christ appearing in His people on earth. Evangelism will be easy as people are drawn to the light and will seek out those who are walking in the Spirit to help them find the way to the fullness of Christ and become living sacrifices to God.

God�s investment will produce the fruit of the kingdom of God on earth.

God has invested the life of Christ Jesus into His many sons. Our lives are to be invested into serving one another in kingdom villages that are, in turn, invested into the world to establish the love economy of the kingdom of God on earth. God has also invested special spiritual gifts and holy angels (ministering spirits) to help us to disciple people into the reality of the kingdom of God under the headship of Christ.

God�s investments will pay off. All will not be lost. His word will not return to Him void. His purpose will be accomplished. However, we have a vital part in whether or not we will be part of what God is doing. It is possible for us to waste the investment God has put in our hands. The greatest investment is the cross and the potential of the resurrected Christ in us by the Holy Spirit.

In my opinion, one of the most grievous sins is to rob God of the offering of our lives as a living sacrifice to Him � to steal from God by wasting or misusing our lives and the gifts that He has given. Using our lives and gifts for the god of self or any other god is to waste God�s provision and sacrifice our God-given kingdom potential to another god. To turn our backs to the potential of Christ in us by the Holy Spirit and turn to fulfilling the lust of our flesh with the things of this world or to a man-centered religion that denies the Spirit of Christ in us by the Holy Spirit is grievous spiritual harlotry.

Many Christian people today are beginning to see that they are not walking in the reality of the kingdom in the Holy Spirit. They are beginning to sense that there are some among them who are filled with the Spirit of Christ and living a humble life of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit that they do not have. They are recognizing that their lives currently consist in the self-fulfillment of satisfying natural desires for self aggrandizement and pleasure. Ultimately, though, they do religious things; their life is wasted in a form of godliness without the reality of the life of Christ manifest in them by the Holy Spirit.

In the increasingly difficult times of judgments in the very near future, there will become a greater contrast and separation between those who both live in and walk in the Spirit and those who do not. The kingdom of God is in the Holy Spirit. There is no kingdom of God outside the Holy Spirit. There is a major difference from having only the earnest or gurantee of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of the Holy Spirit by being submersed, saturated, and filled with the Spirit of God. The difference is like the difference in having a seed or experiencing the full fruit of that which was in the seed.

Gal 5:24-25: And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Rom 8:9: � Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Rom 14:17: for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1:8: “I (John the Baptist) indeed baptized you with water, but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

We do not worship the gifts or the process. We worship the Giver and use the gifts wisely according to the leadership of Christ in us by the Holy Spirit.

Those who receive and are baptized in the Holy Spirit are filled with the fullness of the Spirit of Christ and have the potential to live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, to establish the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

The Sword of the Lord comes,

Ron McGatlin

http://www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

Faith, Rest and Peace in Frontier Kingdom Tribal Villages

Posted: October 27, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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The frontier of kingdom of heaven life on earth is like small villages linked together in a wilderness of hostile environment. Inside the tribal villages of kingdom people, there is unity, agreement, and a sense of loving connection and godly protection. The flow of the glory of God fills the villages.

The tribal villages become as shining lights in the midst of the darkness of godless existence that is filled with evil of every sort. Pain and suffering fill the darkness of despair. False glory of fallen human prideful intelligence builds kingdoms of self-worship and the human folly of lustful pleasure-seeking that leads to deep depravity. Wars, strife, and killing of the innocent become normalized among the depraved people.

Some of the people who are seated in the darkness look up and see the light of the glory of God upon the villages of the kingdom people and begin to walk toward the light (Isa 60). They are cleansed of their ways of darkness as they move through the light toward the brightness of the glory of God. The love of God flowing through the tribal people receives them and guides them into the kingdom of heaven way of life.

However, multitudes in the darkness hate the light and will not come toward it (John 3:20-21). They also do all they can to stop others from entering the light of the kingdom of God (Luke 11:52). Their desire is to destroy the villages of light, but God is the protector of the kingdom villages (Psa 230). Driven by spirits of darkness the people of darkness wait outside the light to viciously attack anyone entering or leaving the villages of light. Those who are leaving the darkness to enter the kingdom light must press through the demonized forces seeking to prevent them from entering the real kingdom of God on earth from heaven (Mat 11:12).

Inside the kingdom tribal villages, cooperation leads to peace and prosperity. God working with them and their cooperation with one another, rather than competing with each other, leads to high levels of production of all that is needed in the village. There is no competition in the kingdom of God. The pure love of God motivates every person to serve and provide for one another. Giving is the way of the kingdom. Taking is the way of the fallen world.

Inside the kingdom tribal villages, there is rest to the soul as the Spirit of God working in the human spirit receives the responsibility for the well being of the soul and body. Our souls are at rest as our entire lives are in the hands of the Spirit of God. The powerful grace of God in Christ Jesus within us empowers us to live godly lives in peace and joy.

In the tribal village lifestyle, faith (believing and trusting) becomes normal to our lives of resting in the Spirit of God within and around us. Faith becomes reality of experience, and there is no longer doubt or fear. There is no need of striving to do or to be. God plants His desires in us and then guides us into full wisdom and empowerment to fulfill His desire. Holy angels are sent to work with us to affect all creation with the life and works of Christ Jesus.

Frontier kingdom tribal villages are temporary. They are kingdom seed organisms planted on earth from heaven. As the extreme judgments of God cleanse the earth of all that lifts itself against God, the kingdom of God will spread across the entire world. The frontier villagers will spread to replenish the earth with God’s kingdom people. The glory of God shall fill the earth.

In this current season, frontier kingdom tribal villages are set apart and self contained living organisms of relational life. They are forerunner colonies of the kingdom of heaven on earth. The economy within the villages is love-based, and the medium of exchange is loving service. Everyone seeks to provide equally for themselves and the other people of the village. All of the people work together, each providing their talent or gift to care for one another.

There will not be need to seek provision from the outside Babylonian world. God will help the kingdom tribal people to transfer the wealth of the wicked into the kingdom villages. As judgments fall the resulting harvest will cause many in the darkness to come to the light and bring the wealth of the world into the kingdom (Prov 13:22) (Isa 60:5) (Isa 60:11). Sons will come from afar returning to the spiritual mountain of God. The provisions of the harvest will be transported into the kingdom tribal villages (Isa 60:4).

One Head of the Tribal Villages

Christ Jesus flowing through the Holy Spirit is the only head of the kingdom tribal villages. Every mature soul looks to Christ Jesus for headship. Village elders are simply those who have walked longer with Christ Jesus by the Spirit and lead others to grow fully and intimately into the headship of Christ Jesus by the Spirit. Village elders lead the younger into following the headship of Christ.

Tribal elders are simply village elders led by the Spirit to move between the villages and carry the substance of God from village to village. Each of the village and tribal elders (mature sons) may function in the gifting of apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, or teacher or whatever gifting God desires for them.

We must look forward and not look back.

Faith, rest, and peace will fill our souls if we look upward and ahead to the reality of the kingdom of God. If we look to the dark circumstances of this world and the vast areas of darkness of the past, we will die where we stand. Lift up your eyes and look to the higher places of God and see the glory of God pouring out through the Spirit to grace us for this season of becoming the kingdom of heaven on earth (Psa 121-1). If we look back to the passing city of religious systems of false traditions of man and doctrines of demons, we will not enter into the forerunner villages of the kingdom of heaven that are forming by the Spirit on earth now (Phil 3:13).

If we will set our faces toward New Jerusalem, supernatural Spirit-of-God empowerment beyond where we have been and what we have seen is before us (Jer 51:50). We must set our mind’s affection on things above and not on the things of the earth (Col 3:2). There is a beautiful garden before us and ashes of a scorched earth behind us. Looking back will dissolve our strength, and we will crumble as a pillar of salt. Rock salt looks strong but will crumble under stress and collapse (Gen 19:26).

God is strengthening His kingdom people to enter into the promises of kingdom reality. For a number of years the trumpets have been blowing out the message to come out of Babylon. We should be prepared by now to cash in all of our investments in Babylon and prepare to invest in the journey into the promised kingdom of God. Prepare provision for the establishment of tribal kingdom villages with those of the love connections that God has been and is putting together.

Josh 1:9-11: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.'”

The Sword of the Lord comes,

Ron McGatlin

http://www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

Will the true Prophets & Preist please stand up……………….

Posted: October 25, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, wilderness
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The passage from Jeremiah 23:9-16 serves as a profound warning not only to the people of ancient Israel but also to the contemporary Church. Jeremiah’s lamentation reflects a heart burdened by the weight of unfaithfulness and the corruption of those in positions of spiritual authority.

His vivid imagery of a soul shaken to its core, akin to a drunken man, captures the deep emotional anguish experienced when God’s truth is compromised by falsehoods and deceit.

As we delve into this scripture, it becomes evident that the message is not merely historical; it resonates powerfully with the spiritual landscape of today, urging us to heed the call for genuine faithfulness in our relationship with God. Jeremiah’s observations of the land—characterized by adultery and wickedness—highlight a spiritual malaise that transcends time.

The term “adulterers” is particularly striking, as it denotes a forsaking of God, the true Husband of Israel. This imagery illustrates a profound betrayal, one that echoes in the modern Church when its leaders and members turn away from the divine covenant. The consequences of such unfaithfulness are severe: a land that mourns, desolate pastures, and a populace consumed by wickedness.

We are reminded that, just as in Jeremiah’s time, the neglect of spiritual truths leads to societal decay and moral ambiguity. The condemnation of both false prophets and priests is clear—these leaders have allowed corruption to infiltrate even the sacred spaces of worship. Their ungodliness not only taints their ministry but also leads the people astray.

The Lord’s indictment against them emphasizes that true prophecy must arise from a sincere communion with God, rather than personal ambition or societal trends. Thus, the passage serves as a stark reminder that spiritual authority entails a weighty responsibility; leaders must act as genuine conduits of God’s truth, rather than perpetuators of lies.

Moreover, the warning against listening to false prophets resonates deeply today, where the proliferation of misleading teachings and empty promises can often obscure the authentic voice of God.

These voices fill the hearts of believers with vain hopes, offering peace to those who disregard God’s commandments. Jeremiah’s rhetorical questions challenge us to reflect on who among us truly stands in the council of the Lord, grasping the weight of His words and intentions.

This reflection beckons the Church to cultivate discernment and seek a deeper understanding of God’s will, rather than succumbing to the allure of comforting falsehoods. As we navigate the complexities of modern faith, the call for true watchmen emerges as a clarion call for our time. God seeks those who will stand in the gap, proclaiming His truth with authority and conviction.

The imagery of thunderous voices reminds us that the proclamation of God’s word is not a passive endeavor; it requires courage and resolute faith. This task is not solely for the clergy but is a collective responsibility of the entire Body of Christ to embrace their identity in Him and wield the authority granted to them.

In conclusion, Jeremiah 23:9-16 serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in prophetic ministry and spiritual leadership. As the Bride of Christ, we are called to remain faithful, to listen deeply to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, and to align ourselves with God’s will.

The earnest pursuit of holiness and truth is essential, especially as we find ourselves in what many believe to be the last hours.

May we, therefore, arise as vigilant watchmen, unyielding in our commitment to uphold the integrity of God’s word, and steadfast in our mission to embody His truth in a world that desperately needs it.

Indeed, we serve an Awesome and Fearful God who will not rest until His perfect will is fulfilled on earth as it is in heaven.

~Pastor Russ Welch,

Mighty Arm Ministries 

The Mission of Watchmen

Posted: October 24, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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The Mission of Watchmen and Signs of the Present Time

A watchman is a person who keeps watch over something or someone. The mission of a watchman is to keep awake even while people are sleeping and to keep a close eye on things so that he can help people prepare themselves by telling them if there is any sign of an attack from the enemy or of a disaster.

God has entrusted the mission of a spiritual watchman to the children of Zion. The mission of a spiritual watchman is to awaken the world with the word of God, whether they listen or not, to help them escape disasters and to lead them to salvation (Eze 3:11, 17-18).

Various disasters that are occurring these days are the message of God’s warning to human beings. Considering this, we, the spiritual watchmen, must not remain mere spectators. We need to carefully study what the Bible prophesies about the current situation and how human beings can escape so many disasters they are facing today. By taking a close look at the teachings of God and the signs of the present time, we should make it known to all people.

This is an age when disasters are prevalent

Recently, unheard-of disasters have been rampant. Climate change caused by global warming and unpredictable disasters that occur consequently are being reported through various mass media outlets every day. Furthermore, earthquakes are occurring more frequently and causing greater damages than ever before.

According to a detailed report by the mass media, in Africa where the average annual low temperature used to be over 10°C [50°F], some people froze to death because the temperature dropped to below zero celsius [32°F]. On the contrary, Siberia, the frozen land, suffered from a record-breaking heat wave which caused multiple deaths. When people on one side of the earth were suffering from an unprecedented drought, those on the other side of the earth suffered from heavy rainfalls; torrential rains poured down even in dry desert areas, and many people died from floods. Antarctic glaciers and Mt. Kilimanjaro’s ice cap and the Himalayan glaciers are melting at a rapid and alarming rate, and island countries in the South Pacific are being submerged due to rising sea levels and most of the residents have moved to nearby countries. The world is now being driven into such abnormal situations.

Korea is not an exception. Its climate is gradually becoming subtropical. Cultivation of tropical fruits is increasing, whereas that of alpine plants is decreasing. As the temperature of the sea goes up, a catch of cold water fish species in the East Sea is drastically decreasing.

Since the situation is so serious, all the countries of the world are making efforts in various fields, convening international meetings to discuss countermeasures and concluding relevant treaties. However, there are not many countries that join the treaties because they promote their own national interest and the treaties are not so effective and restrictive.

God has already prophesied and warned of disasters occurring in this age, through the Bible. Let’s take a look at the related Bible prophecies, which give us insight into how to discern the present time, one after another.

An unheard-of disaster is coming

Isa 24:1-6 『See, the LORD is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it; he will ruin its face and scatter its inhabitants—it will be the same for priest as for people, for master as for servant . . . The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. The LORD has spoken this word. The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the exalted of the earth languish. The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt. Therefore earth’s inhabitants are burned up, and very few are left.』

God says that the earth will be laid waste and devastated because its inhabitants have disobeyed His laws and broken His covenant. This generation is rushing into the situation prophesied. Considering the ongoing problems such as the extinction of many species of life caused by climate change and natural disasters and the rapid desertification because of drought and famine, we cannot help but pay closer attention to the prophecies of the Bible.

Eze 7:3-10 『”. . . This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Disaster! An unheard-of disaster is coming. The end has come! The end has come! It has roused itself against you. It has come! Doom has come upon you—you who dwell in the land. The time has come, the day is near; there is panic, not joy, upon the mountains. I am about to pour out my wrath on you and spend my anger against you; I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices. I will not look on you with pity or spare you; I will repay you in accordance with your conduct and the detestable practices among you. Then you will know that it is I the LORD who strikes the blow. The day is here! It has come! Doom has burst forth, the rod has budded, arrogance has blossomed!”』

Jer 25:31-33 『” ‘The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth, for the LORD will bring charges against the nations; he will bring judgment on all mankind and put the wicked to the sword,'” declares the LORD. This is what the LORD Almighty says:”Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.” At that time those slain by the LORD will be everywhere—from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned or gathered up or buried, but will be like refuse lying on the ground.』

According to God’s prophetic warnings, unheard-of and unprecedented disasters are now rampant all around us. As mentioned earlier, some villages are completely submerged in floods caused by runoff from melting glaciers, a heat wave is striking the frozen land, a cold wave is hitting Africa which has a tropical climate, and floods are occurring in deserts. All these are new disasters that human beings have never experienced or imagined before.

Moreover, as God said,”Disaster is spreading from nation to nation,” the disasters that are occurring today are rapidly spreading and affecting the whole world beyond national borders because of the air traffic development. SARS that started in China once scared the whole world, and now there are many infectious diseases caused by new viruses—AIDS which is called the plague of the 20th century, AI [Avian Influenza], BSE [Bovine Spongiform Encepalopathy], FMD [Foot and Mouth Disease] and H1N1. All these have already become global disasters, not just the problems of a certain region.

Christ’s prophecies concerning disasters

As there is a sign for everything, all things that are happening these days are the signs which awaken this generation and predict what is going to happen in the future (Lk 12:54-56). 2,000 years ago, Jesus told His disciples about the signs of disasters which would take place at the end of the age.

Mt 24:3-8 『As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately.”Tell us,” they said,”when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered:”. . . You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”』

Lk 21:10-26 『Then he said to them:”Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. . . . There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”』

As Jesus warned in the Bible, unheard-of disasters are now prevalent everywhere in the world and we are hearing of wars and rumors of wars through mass media. Australia’s worst drought in a thousand years, the reality that the Amazon, which has a tropical rainforest climate, is drying up because of drought, strong earthquakes that are occurring around the world, and a lot of new infectious diseases which are raging globally—all these are the fulfillment of the prophecies.

As if to prove the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy that”there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars,” scientists worry that an asteroid or comet might collide with the earth and that the human body will be directly exposed to the dangerous ultraviolet radiation from depletion of the ozone layer. And as Jesus said,”Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea,” people are trembling in fear because of devastating tsunamis.

All these disasters are powerful enough to lay waste the earth and devastate it; they are not regional disasters but global ones that are spreading from nation to nation and coming upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.

Looking at the seriousness of disasters happening in this age, we cannot help but think again how important our mission as watchmen is. Through the Bible, we have already realized the warnings God has given to human beings. So we should faithfully carry out our mission as watchmen to awaken the world.

Passover, the covenant through which we can escape disasters

God tells us that the time is near when He will judge all people as prophesied in the Bible. In this urgent situation, we, the spiritual watchmen, must tell people about the impending disaster and wake up the world like an alarm clock or a fire alarm. We must let people know how to escape disasters by telling them about the refuge of salvation God has prepared to save human beings. By doing so, we should quickly evacuate many people who are exposed to disasters in a defenseless state.

As God provided the ark for the people who would be saved when the world was destroyed by flood in the days of Noah, so He has prepared the refuge of salvation in case of an emergency which human beings are being faced with today. What is the way of salvation and the place of refuge God has promised? Let’s find out the answer in the Bible.

Ps 91:1-11 『He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD,”He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. . . . If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;』

The Bible prophesies that he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will be saved from disasters. The refuge of salvation which God the Most High has established is”Zion” (Ps 87:5). Now, let’s see how God protects us in Zion which He Himself has established and how He lets no disaster come near us even though a thousand and ten thousand may fall.

Ex 12:11-13 『”This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover. On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.”』

Isa 33:20-22 『Look upon Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved; its stakes will never be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken. There the LORD will be our Mighty One, . . . For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.』

Zion is the church that keeps the feasts of God. God has given the promise of salvation to the people of Zion and let disasters pass over them through the Passover, which is one of His feasts.

Not only in the time of the Exodus but throughout all ages, people were saved from disasters when they kept the Passover, the covenant of God. Jesus has also established the law of the new covenant to give us the flesh and blood of God through the bread and wine of the Passover, and has put the seal of salvation on His children who keep the new covenant (Mt 26:17-28; Lk 22:7-20). Even though a disaster attacks, which spreads from nation to nation and lays waste the earth and devastates it, it will not befall those who celebrate the Passover in Zion, the city of God’s appointed feasts, just as God has promised.

Let us preach the good news of salvation by faithfully carrying out the mission of a watchman

It is the Passover of the new covenant that we must quickly preach to those who are trembling with fear and perplexity because of rampant disasters. We should blow loud the trumpet of salvation and lead all people in the world to Zion, the safe refuge, as soon as possible.

Jer 4:5-9 『”Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say: ‘Sound the trumpet throughout the land!’ Cry aloud and say: ‘Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities!’ Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction.” . . . Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant. So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the LORD has not turned away from us.”In that day,” declares the LORD,”the king and the officials will lose heart, the priests will be horrified, and the prophets will be appalled.”』

God warns us of an impending disaster. In this situation, let us all try our hardest to lead many people to Zion, the refuge of salvation, by blowing the trumpet of warning.

Now is the time to extend the hand of salvation to those who are trembling in fear for disasters, forsaking the selfish thought, ‘ I’ve already been saved and that’s enough.’ Also, now is high time to wake up the people who have fallen into a deep sleep spiritually without discerning this present time.

God said,”Flee to Zion without delay.” So we must not delay our mission to let people flee to Zion. As the watchmen of the truth, let us follow God’s command to save the world by leading all people to Zion where Elohim our Father and Mother dwell, who protect us from disasters through the Passover of the new covenant and give us the blessings of eternal life, so that we can repay Elohim for Their grace.

From: http://english.watv.org/

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