Posts Tagged ‘christianity’


Peeling Back Tradition to Reveal Our True Calling

For centuries, the Church has served as a gathering place, a source of comfort, a beacon of hope. Yet, beneath layers of tradition and centuries of cultural adaptation, a profound and urgent identity waits to be rediscovered—the Ecclesia, Heaven’s original blueprint for God’s people on Earth. In this exploration, we journey back to the roots of the Church, seeking to understand its true nature as a governing body, intentionally designed to do far more than assemble: it exists to shift atmospheres, impact nations, and bring the reality of Heaven to earth.

Peeling Back Tradition: What is Ecclesia?

Ecclesia is a word that, for many, conjures images of solemn liturgies, stained glass windows, and pews lined with worshipers. But when Jesus spoke of the Ecclesia, He called forth something far greater—a dynamic assembly with authority, purpose, and a mandate to transform the world. The term “ecclesia” itself was borrowed from the political realm of ancient Greece and Rome, referring to a governmental assembly of citizens called out to legislate, deliberate, and make decisions that shaped their society.

The first-century followers of Jesus understood that He was not simply founding a new religion, but was restoring Heaven’s design for an empowered, Spirit-filled body that would steward authority on Earth. The Ecclesia was never meant to be passive; it is, by nature, outward-facing, called to influence culture, confront injustice, and steward the Kingdom of God.

God’s Blueprint: The Church as a Governing Body

Imagine the Church, not as a static sanctuary but as a vibrant council—an assembly of those called to rule and reign with Christ. This is God’s original design, one that is both daring and deeply rooted in His heart for humanity. The Ecclesia was intended to be Heaven’s governmental agency on earth, entrusted with the authority to bind and loose, to open and shut, and to wield the keys of the Kingdom.

When Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18–19, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it,” He immediately followed with a promise of authority: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” These words were not symbolic; they were literal assignments to exercise spiritual authority, to enact change, and to carry the will of Heaven into every sphere of life. The Ecclesia was never meant to be silent; it was meant to govern, to declare, and to shift the spiritual terrain.

Centuries of Tradition: How Identity Became Obscured

As the centuries passed, the Church absorbed the customs and structures of surrounding cultures. What began as a revolutionary, world-shifting movement gradually became institutionalized. Clergy and laity divisions, hierarchical models, and elaborate rituals took precedence, often at the expense of the Ecclesia’s identity as Heaven’s governing body.

The result was a church that gathered faithfully but often relinquished its authority to influence society. The radical spirit that marked the earliest believers—the willingness to confront injustice, to heal the sick, to speak truth to power—was submerged beneath layers of tradition. The Church became known for what it did within its walls, rather than for its impact beyond them.

Yet, echoes of the original Ecclesia remain. Whenever believers gather to pray for governments, advocate for the vulnerable, or speak prophetically over nations, the ancient calling surfaces. There is a growing hunger to reclaim the Church’s true identity, to peel back the traditions that veil the Ecclesia’s authority, and to step into the fullness of our mandate.

Rediscovering: Why the Ecclesia Is Urgently Needed Today

The urgency to rediscover the Ecclesia is palpable in our current age. The world groans under the weight of division, injustice, and spiritual confusion, longing for communities that can discern Heaven’s will and release it on Earth. The time has come for the Church to move beyond comfort and into commission—to embrace the original blueprint and operate as a governing body, called and equipped to shift atmospheres and transform societies.

This is not a call to abandon gathering, worship, or fellowship, but to recognize that these are means to a much greater end. The Ecclesia brings Heaven’s solutions to earthly problems, standing in the gap for those who cannot speak for themselves, confronting darkness with light, and shaping culture through prayer, proclamation, and service.

Stepping Into Fullness: Remembering Who We Are

Before the Church can step into the fullness of its calling, it must remember who it truly is. This remembrance is not an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual awakening—a call to stand, to speak, and to govern with the authority entrusted to us. The Ecclesia is not defined by buildings, programs, or traditions, but by hearts yielded to Christ and hands ready to enact His will.

To rediscover the Ecclesia is to return to the radical roots of faith, to recapture the courage of the early believers, and to embody the Kingdom of God in tangible ways. It is to realize that every believer carries authority—not just to gather, but to govern. It is to embrace the reality that the Church is Heaven’s legislative assembly, called out to shift nations, heal lands, and bring the reality of Heaven to earth.

Practical Steps to Reclaiming the Ecclesia’s Identity

  • Study the Word: Dive into the Scriptures with fresh eyes, seeking out God’s original design for His people. Focus on passages that highlight authority, governance, and calling.
  • Pray with Authority: Move beyond requests to declarations, releasing Heaven’s will into your city, nation, and spheres of influence. Intercession shifts atmospheres.
  • Engage Culture: Step outside the four walls of the church and seek opportunities to bring Kingdom solutions to societal issues—poverty, injustice, division. The Ecclesia is called to shape culture.
  • Gather to Govern: When believers come together, let it be more than fellowship—let it be strategic, intentional, and focused on hearing God’s voice for the world.
  • Embrace Your Calling: Recognize and step into the authority you carry as part of the Ecclesia, knowing that Heaven backs your words, prayers, and actions.

Conclusion: The Church for Today—and Tomorrow

Rediscovering the Ecclesia isn’t just a nostalgic return to ancient history; it is a prophetic invitation for the Church today. In a world desperate for hope, truth, and transformation, Heaven’s design for the Church is more relevant than ever. The Ecclesia is called to rise—not merely as a gathering of the faithful, but as a governing body, empowered to shift atmospheres, change nations, and bring the reality of Heaven to earth.

As we peel back tradition and step into our true identity, we answer the call of Heaven: not just to gather, but to govern. Let us remember who we are—and let the Ecclesia, in all its fullness, shape the destiny of generations to come.

Part-Two coming next week: The Mantle of Apostolic Leadership – Authority, Function, and the Difference from Modern Leadership Models

~Dr. Russ Welch
Remnant Warrior Ministries
www.Radical-Disciples.org

If you are interested in more about this topic, check out my book:

The Father’s House: Returning to the Ancient Path as the Lord’s Ecclesia


There is a tremor in the spiritual realm—a holy unrest stirring across the landscape of the American Church. The divide between generations, especially between the yInstitutional Church and the ecclesia, is not a mere sociological trend. It is the result of decades of spiritual compromise, institutional misalignment, and a tragic departure from the guidance of Holy Spirit.

What we are witnessing today is not just a generational gap—it is a prophetic indictment against a system that has traded intimacy for influence, and traded the presence of God for the applause of men.

In recent conversations with Holy Spirit, I was taken back through the decades, invited to trace the spiritual fault lines that have led us here. In the 1960s and 70s, youth ministry began to shift. What was once rooted in deep Bible study and discipleship began to morph into entertainment-driven gatherings.

The Church, observing how the world seemed to captivate the attention of young people, attempted to mimic its methods—without discerning the spiritual consequences. In trying to “reach” the youth, the Church inadvertently built walls between them and the adults, creating separate spaces, separate cultures, and separate expectations.

Ministry was increasingly reserved for those deemed “mature,” while the youth were relegated to games, concerts, and shallow messages. The spiritual inheritance meant to be passed down was interrupted, and the generational synergy that should have marked the Body of Christ was fractured.

By the time the 1980s arrived, the Church had become increasingly dependent on marketing firms to design programs that could compete with secular culture. These companies, often devoid of spiritual discernment, began shaping the Church’s outreach strategies, branding, and even its identity. In the 1990s, the dependency deepened.

Churches began consulting these firms not only for programming, but for decisions about where to plant new congregations—choosing locations based on financial viability and demographic appeal rather than prophetic assignment or apostolic mandate. The wisdom of man had replaced the voice of the Spirit, and the Church began to resemble a corporation more than a consecrated community.

The early 2000s ushered in the era of multi-campus ministries, often built around the charisma of celebrity pastors. The Church became a franchise, and the pulpit became a platform for performance. Today, church marketing is a billion-dollar industry.

The metrics of success are no longer measured by transformation, repentance, or revival—but by attendance, revenue, and online engagement. The spiritual atmosphere has been traded for stage lighting. The altar has been replaced by analytics. And the presence of God has been substituted with production value.

In the midst of this shift, parents were led to believe that dropping their children off at church was sufficient to please the Father. They assumed that institutional involvement equated to spiritual formation. But the youth saw through the façade.

They discerned the superficiality. They recognized the disconnect between what was preached and what was lived. What they longed for was not a well-branded youth group, but a Holy Spirit-filled family. They craved authenticity, encounter, and legacy. And the Church, instead of repenting, doubled down—offering more entertainment, more programming, and more performance.

This pattern mirrors the ancient error in Eden. Adam and Eve chose the tree of knowledge over the tree of life. They opted to define good and evil by their own wisdom, rather than receiving divine instruction from the Throne. Likewise, the Church has chosen the wisdom of man over the guidance of Holy Spirit. It has built systems, strategies, and structures that are impressive to the world but invisible to Heaven.

Today, we are witnessing the rise of institutional churches that swallow up smaller houses—not to build the Kingdom, but to build empires. These mega-ministries claim Heaven’s endorsement based on growth, visibility, and financial success.

But Heaven does not measure by numbers—it measures by obedience, purity, and presence. The Father is not impressed by how much money a church can raise, but by how fully it depends on Him. And yet, millions of dollars are poured into maintaining the entertainment, keeping the performance fresh, and ensuring relevance to a culture that is spiritually bankrupt.

But Heaven has spoken.

In 2023, the Courts of Heaven issued a decree: Enough. The Father has had enough of the religious machine. He is exposing the spirit of religion that has hijacked His Church. He is shaking the systems, dismantling the idols, and recalibrating His house to walk in total dependence on His presence.

This is not a gentle nudge—it is a divine upheaval. The Spirit is confronting the counterfeit, calling out the compromise, and inviting the Remnant to rise.

This is the hour of divine reset. The Remnant must emerge—not with marketing strategies, but with prophetic fire. Not with celebrity pulpits, but with consecrated altars. Not with entertainment, but with encounter.

The youth are not waiting for a better show—they are crying out for a real God. And the Father is answering. He is raising up a generation that will not be impressed by lights and logos, but will be marked by glory and truth.

The Church must return to the tree of life. It must forsake the wisdom of man and embrace the guidance of Holy Spirit. It must become a house that draws Heaven’s attention—not because of its size, but because of its surrender. The shaking will continue. The recalibration has begun. And the Remnant will arise—not to entertain, but to legislate. Not to perform, but to prophesy. Not to build empires, but to establish the Kingdom.

Let every religious structure be exposed. Let every counterfeit be dismantled. Let every altar of performance be torn down. The Father is reclaiming His house. And the youth—those who were once sidelined—will be among the first to carry the fire.

This is the hour. This is the reckoning. This is the recalibration.

~Dr. Russ Welch

Elder/ Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.

www.remnantwarrior.org


Examining the Roots and Rationale of the Modern House Church Movement

The landscape of Christian worship has seen a marked shift in recent years, with a growing number of believers drawn to the simplicity, intimacy, and shared responsibility found in house church models. Notably, leaders like Francis Chan—through the “We Are Church” movement—have catalyzed much of this momentum, calling for a return to practices reminiscent of the earliest Christian communities. But how closely does this model align with the ecclesia of the first century? Is the yearning for deeper fellowship, mutual edification, and mission-focused stewardship truly a recapturing of the spirit and practice of the New Testament church?

The Early Church: An Overview

In the earliest decades following Christ’s resurrection, Christians did not gather in grand sanctuaries or dedicated religious spaces. Instead, the ecclesia—literally the “called out ones”—met in the homes of believers, sharing meals, prayers, teaching, and the breaking of bread. These gatherings were intimate, familial, and participatory. The Apostle Paul greets several house churches in his letters (see Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 1:2), and the Book of Acts describes believers meeting “from house to house” (Acts 2:46; 20:20).

The Scale and Spread of House Churches

Scholars estimate that by the early fourth century, just before the conversion of Constantine and the legalization of Christianity, roughly 400,000 house churches may have existed throughout the Roman Empire. Early Christian gatherings were often limited by social and legal constraints—persecution made public worship risky, and believers relied on the hospitality of others to sustain their communal life. The structure of the house church provided protection, fostered strong relational bonds, and encouraged the active participation of all members.

Francis Chan and the “We Are Church” Movement

Francis Chan’s vision for the church echoes this ancient paradigm: small, reproducible communities where every believer is discipled and equipped to disciple others, where giving supports the needs of the poor and the progress of the gospel, rather than maintaining facilities or programs. This model intentionally removes the distance between leadership and laity, emphasizing shared spiritual responsibility and communal discernment. House churches, in Chan’s approach, are designed to multiply rather than accumulate members, keeping gatherings small enough for authentic fellowship and accountability.

Theological and Practical Resonances

The allure of the house church model lies in its resemblance to the early ecclesia in several key ways:

  • Mutual Edification: In smaller gatherings, believers can truly “walk together” in the faith, bearing one another’s burdens and spurring one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
  • Shared Leadership: Rather than relying on a single pastor or professional staff, leadership is distributed, echoing the plurality of elders and the priesthood of all believers seen in the New Testament.
  • Simplicity and Stewardship: Without the financial and logistical demands of maintaining a large building, house churches can direct more resources toward mission, mercy, and tangible needs.
  • Intimacy and Accountability: Smaller communities naturally foster deeper relationships and create space for honest confession, mutual encouragement, and genuine discipleship.
  • Missional Flexibility: Like the early church, house fellowships can adapt rapidly, meet in a variety of settings, and more easily multiply as new believers are added.

Challenges and Considerations

Of course, the house church model is not without its challenges. New Testament house churches functioned in a unique historical context—one shaped by persecution and social marginalization. Today, house churches must navigate questions of doctrinal oversight, sustainability, and unity within the broader body of Christ. And while intimacy can flourish, so too can insularity or division if not intentionally guarded against.

Modern Institutional Churches: Strengths and Struggles

Many believers, as mentioned, find connection difficult in larger, “corporate” congregations. While megachurches offer resources, programs, and opportunities for impact, some lament the loss of familial closeness and meaningful participation that marked the earliest gatherings. The yearning for something deeper—a place where everyone is known, needed, and able to contribute—is a legitimate call back to the roots of Christian community.

Chan’s description beautifully echoes the “Starfish” model advocated by Wolfgang Simson, a concept drawn from his influential writings on organic, decentralized church life. In this model, leadership is not centralized or hierarchical but is instead multiplied, much like the regenerative abilities of a starfish—if you cut off one of its arms, it grows another. The focus shifts from building institutions to cultivating people, and from collecting followers to equipping leaders who can, in turn, nurture new communities.

In practice, as this describes, a group of believers gathers in a home and intentionally mentors emerging leaders from within. Once the group reaches a size (for example, 15–20 members) that naturally limits intimacy and active participation, another gathering is launched—often in a nearby neighborhood or adjoining town—under the guidance of one of these mentored leaders. The process repeats, encouraging organic multiplication rather than dependence on a single “mother church.”

Periodically, these house fellowships unite in larger general assemblies—monthly or quarterly times of worship, testimony, celebration, and communal discernment. These gatherings strengthen the shared identity and broader unity of the movement without diminishing the intimacy of each local assembly. New baptisms, shared stories, and collective prayer for healing and mission become the heartbeat of this extended family, echoing the rhythms seen in Acts 2:42–47 and Acts 4:32–35.

Such a model is indeed closely aligned with the patterns described in the Book of Acts, where believers met from house to house, shared resources, and appointed elders in every place. The absence of heavy financial commitments to building maintenance frees up funds for tangible mission—caring for the poor, supporting local and overseas outreach, or responding generously to crises within the network. When a member faces hardship, the entire fellowship can rally support, embodying the mutual care that marked the earliest Christian communities.

In essence, the Starfish model resists institutional inertia by prioritizing mission, discipleship, and adaptability. It embodies the principle that every believer is a priest, that every home can become a hub of the Spirit’s work, and that leadership is a gift to be multiplied, not hoarded. While no model is without challenges—questions of doctrinal soundness, healthy accountability, and sustainable multiplication must all be addressed—this approach offers a compelling, deeply biblical vision for church as a living movement rather than a static organization.

On that note, back in 2004 I had a conversation with my spiritual father about this and he mentioned in India, where house churches have experience expodential growth, the set up the model as follows, when a member has been discipled amd they leave the group the become and elder, and these house are broken down into territories where each house group leader as an elder, walks in unity thte other elders, They wilo generally form thses into groups of twelve house Church. Then one elder is chosen by Holy Spirit, from which each elder gets a witness to, and that elder represent the twelve house Churches in a regional conferanmce of elders.

Ultimately, whether in rented halls, humble homes, or public spaces, what matters most is the living witness of Christ’s body—flexible, generous, Spirit-led, and fiercely devoted to one another and to the world God loves.

Conclusion: Returning to the Roots?

In sum, the contemporary house church movement, and models like Francis Chan’s “We Are Church,” are in many ways an intentional return to the rhythms and relationships of the first-century ecclesia. While not a perfect replication—history cannot be rewound—there is a powerful resonance between the early gatherings of believers and today’s house church fellowships: a longing to know Christ together, to serve one another, and to bear witness to the world in the context of simple, Spirit-empowered community. Whether in homes, sanctuaries, or under open skies, the heart of the church remains unchanged—the people of God, called together, living out the gospel in word and deed.

~Dr. Russell Welch

Elder/ Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.

www.remnantwarrior.org


How Obedience, Prophetic Promptings, and Holy Inspiration Opened the Path to Revisit Kingdom Truths

In the tapestry of my life, there have been seasons marked by fervent creativity, times when words flowed like a river, weaving together insights, testimonies, and teachings into books that I believed were meant to encourage and equip the Remnant of the Lord. For years, it was my practice to have two or three manuscripts underway, each at various stages, each a vessel for what I sensed Holy Spirit was breathing into the earth. Yet, not long ago—about two months past—the Lord spoke with unmistakable clarity: it was time to take a break from writing books.

At first, this directive puzzled me. The momentum of years spent in obedience to the call to write, to steward revelation through the written word, was suddenly stilled. I had almost completed the final three volumes of what would become final editions to the “Lord’s Remnant Warrior Series,” a work birthed from countless hours of prayer, study, and divine encounter. It seemed almost counterintuitive that the One who had ignited this fire in me would now ask me to let it rest.

But in this pause, I found a profound invitation—not to inactivity, but to deeper listening.

It was in the quiet, with the echo of inscribed thoughts and untold stories around me, that Holy Spirit began to stir my heart in a new way. Three weeks ago, His prompting was clear: return to the prophetic words I had received between 2016 and 2020. Some of these words were like seeds sown in faith, yet to bear fruit in the visible realm. Others were encouragements already blooming in my life, but all were treasures from the Father’s heart.

So I went back and relistened. I prayed over those words, declaring that every promise, every vision, every directive yet unseen would be activated in its appointed time. As I did, I became aware that this season of rest from outward writing was, in fact, a deepening—a tilling of spiritual soil in preparation for a new harvest.

One prophetic word from 2018 stood out to me: “The Father will use you like a pen in His hand.” At the time, I did not fully grasp the weight or the reach of this commission. Looking back, I see how its fulfillment began to unfold almost immediately. The desire to blog returned with vigor; the urge to write books was renewed. Yet, the practicalities of publishing—especially the daunting cost, ranging from $7,000 to $10,000 per book with reputable publishers—seemed insurmountable.

Still, the Lord was faithful. He did not call me to write only to abandon me at the gates of impossibility. Instead, He led me step by step, teaching me self-publishing, providing connections, and granting favor. Each barrier became an altar where I learned to trust more deeply in His provision.

Last week, a new manifestation of His guidance began. Night after night, I found myself jolted awake between three and four in the morning—wide-eyed, alert, and brimming with revelation. These early hours, once a time for sleep, became sacred moments where Holy Spirit whispered insights too precious to let slip away into the haze of daylight. I would rise, pen in hand so to say, and write down the words, visions, and instructions He imparted.

This pattern is not unfamiliar to me. Since rededicating my life to the Lord in 2002, I have carried a longing for deep studies in three areas: The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, The Remnant, and the Lord’s Ecclesia. These themes have threaded themselves through years of teaching, personal study, and the mentorship I received from Dr. Don Lynch. Our private conversations, his public messages, and the way he patiently guided me all revolved around these revelations.

Through the years, I have filled journals and digital archives with notes, prayers, and meditations on these subjects. Yet, it seemed that the fullness of what I was to release had not yet come to maturity. Now, as I look back over the past twenty-three years, I see the grace with which Holy Spirit has built layer upon layer of revelation within me—some of it fresh and new, much of it rooted in the ancient truths Jesus imparted to His disciples.

This morning, as I walked and prayed, accompanied by Holy Spirit and the SkyBear (My GSD)—a silent witness to my journey—the next step became clear. Holy Spirit dropped into my heart the titles for the first two series the Father desires me to write. With this came a fresh sense of urgency and excitement; the pause was ending, and the time for new writing was at hand.

But this is not just a return to previous rhythms; it is the beginning of a new era. The revelations now taking shape in my spirit are, in a sense, both old and new. They are ancient truths, spoken by Jesus Himself, yet alive and fresh for this hour. The Lord is calling me to write, not simply to teach, but to release Kingdom Truths into the cosmos—to send forth words that will find their place in hearts ready to receive and act upon them.

What does it mean to be a pen in the hand of God? I am learning that it is less about striving and more about yielding. It is about allowing Him to guide the ink of my life across the pages of history, trusting that He knows every curve and flourish, every pause and exclamation. It is about writing in partnership with Holy Spirit, with sensitivity to His timing and His emphasis.

Even the waiting has become meaningful. In the periods when words seemed to dry up, I learned to listen. In the silence, I learned to discern the subtle movements of His Spirit. In the waking hours before dawn, I learned that revelation is not given for its own sake, but to be stewarded, prayed over, and ultimately released for the building of His Kingdom.

The desire for deep study in The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, The Remnant, and the Lord’s Ecclesia is no longer just an academic pursuit, in fact, it hasn’t been for the past nine years. It has become a wellspring of prophetic insight—one that I am called to pour out, not with hesitation, but with the boldness born of obedience. Dr. Don’s mentorship continues to echo in my life, challenging me to press in, to seek not only knowledge but wisdom, not only revelation but understanding.

As I stand on the threshold of this new writing season, I am reminded that the truths entrusted to me are not mine alone. They are gifts given for the edification of the Body, for the equipping of the Remnant, for the activation of Kingdom realities in the earth. The books that will emerge in the coming months and years will be both testimony and invitation—records of what the Lord has done, and blueprints for what He is about to do.

In closing, I offer this encouragement to fellow writers, intercessors, and seekers: If you find yourself in a season of waiting, do not despise the pause. Listen closely, for in the silence, God is often speaking in ways you would not otherwise hear. Steward every prophetic word, even those that seem dormant; pray them into being, for their appointed time will surely come. And when the hour arrives, let Holy Spirit awaken you with fresh revelation—then write, speak, create, and release what you have received.

The pen is ready, the ink is flowing, and the Author of all is guiding the story. May every word be for His glory, and every revelation a seed sown into the fertile ground of the Kingdom. Let us write with courage, with faith, and with the unwavering conviction that what the Father initiates, He will surely bring to completion.

~Dr. Russell Welch

Elder/ Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare. www.RemnantWarrior.org

You can read more of Dr. Welch’s writings at: www.RussellWelchBooks.com


A Contemplation on Scripture, Church Culture, and the Call to Consecration

Romans 12:1-2, as rendered in the Amplified Bible, offers a powerful summons to believers: to dedicate ourselves wholly to God, presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, and refusing conformity to the patterns of this world. Rather, we are urged to pursue continual transformation through the renewal of our minds, testing and approving God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will.

Setting the Scriptural Foundation

At its heart, these verses call for a life of consecration—a holiness not merely of outward form but of inward devotion. The apostle Paul’s words reach across centuries, challenging each generation to discern the difference between what is genuinely God-honoring and what is merely the prevailing current of culture.

Cultural Expressions and the Pursuit of Holiness

Throughout history, the Church has found itself navigating tension between cultural adaptation and sacred distinction. In every era, believers have grappled with questions about clothing, music, adornment, and customs—seeking to understand where adaptation ends and compromise begins.

The example of tattoos among pastors in the modern American Church surfaces as one such point of conversation. For some, tattoos may represent a freedom in Christ, a canvas for testimony and artistic expression; for others, they may symbolize conformity to secular trends or a departure from traditional notions of reverence.

Yet, the deeper question extends beyond tattoos or any particular external marker. It invites each of us to ask: Are we, in our hearts and actions, offering ourselves fully to God? Are we seeking to align every aspect of our being—body, mind, and spirit—with Christ’s likeness? Or are we subtly reshaping the boundaries of holiness for the sake of convenience, acceptance, or personal preference?

The Challenge of Modernization and Scriptural Integrity

As the world shifts, there can be a temptation to reinterpret, dilute, or ignore certain scriptures to better fit the spirit of the age. Paul’s exhortation stands as a gentle but firm warning against this: “Do not be conformed to this world… but be transformed.” The transformation he describes is thorough, inward, and ongoing—a renewal that resists superficiality for the sake of true spiritual depth.

Scripture warns against selective obedience and self-serving reinterpretation. The story of humanity’s first fall, as recounted in Genesis, reminds us of the peril in choosing personal judgment over divine instruction. God’s call to holiness has always been an invitation to trust, surrender, and obedience, even when it stands in contrast to popular opinion.

Clean Hands, Pure Hearts, and Approaching the Holy

To “climb the mountain of the Lord”—to enter His presence—is not a matter of outward ritual alone, but of inward purity and integrity. Psalm 24 declares, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Those with clean hands and a pure heart.” It is possible, as you note, to misinterpret God’s grace as license for continued rebellion, rather than as the power to walk in newness of life.

Holiness, then, is not about legalism nor about careless liberty; it is about being clothed in the righteousness of Christ, standing in humble awe before God’s consuming fire.

Inviting Self-Examination and Humble Seeking

Rather than passing judgment on others—whether pastors with tattoos or congregants without—it falls to each believer, each community, to prayerfully examine their motives and practices in the light of God’s Word. The altar is a place for honest questions, surrendered hearts, and listening for Heaven’s answer.

Conclusion

The words of Romans 12:1-2 challenge every generation to forsake superficial conformity, to resist the easy path of cultural accommodation, and to instead pursue a life marked by sacrificial worship, radical renewal, and unwavering devotion to God’s perfect will. May we, as the Remnant, respond not with self-righteousness but with humility, seeking clean hands, pure hearts, and the clothing of Christ’s righteousness as we navigate an ever-changing world.

We would love to hear your comments on this topic.

~Dr. Russell Welch

Elder/ Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.

www.remnantwarrior.org


It’s not the woke ideologies, shifting cultural norms, or political chaos that pose the greatest threat to the Church—it is the ancient, insidious spirit of religion. Its tactics are subtle, its costume convincing, and its history long. From the blood-soaked soil beneath Abel’s sacrifice to the polished pulpits of today, this spirit has played the part of gatekeeper to God—yet all it does is keep the people from His presence.

Let’s be clear: this spirit doesn’t fear revival, it mimics it. It doesn’t stop worship, it redirects it toward traditions void of power. It doesn’t quench the prophetic, it sterilizes it—pressuring the prophets to conform, dilute, and apologize.

🚨 This spirit has infiltrated the modern Church, binding the saints with doctrines that sound holy but are hollow. Chief among them? The doctrine of escapism—the belief that the Church must survive until evacuation, rather than rise until enthronement. But that doctrine is a lie. Heaven has never commissioned a passive Bride. Scripture declares a Victorious Church: one that conquers, overcomes, and reigns. One that doesn’t wait for retreat but prepares for occupation—until the return of Christ, when He sets up His eternal throne among the redeemed on Earth.

⚔️ This War Is Ancient—but So Is Our Weaponry

The spirit of religion is not young. It has studied humanity for thousands of years—learning to twist truth, manipulate emotion, and institutionalize dead devotion. It stirs jealousy, crushes creativity, and prefers order over Spirit. It is the same spirit that rejected Christ, stoned the prophets, and persecuted the early Church. It whispers “God won’t move like that” while God breaks open the heavens with wonders.

But there is good news. The Remnant has not been left without power. Before this spirit ever slithered into the story, Holy Spirit hovered over the waters. He is older than deception, deeper than doctrine, and more powerful than any tradition. Within Him is eternal wisdom, supernatural strategies, and the kind of insight that exposes darkness before it even speaks.

🔑 Holy Spirit is our advantage. He reveals what religious spirits hide. He empowers what religious systems suppress. And through Him, the Remnant carries tools that dismantle strongholds: prophetic decrees, spiritual discernment, fervent intercession, and supernatural fire that religion cannot fake.

🚪 Let the Remnant Arise

This is the hour for liberation, not accommodation. The Remnant must rise—not in rebellion against church structures—but in full surrender to the King who refuses to be tamed by tradition. It’s time to confront deception, tear down strongholds, and liberate the saints from spiritual imprisonment.

Let every pulpit echo Heaven’s cry.

Let every believer be reawakened by truth.

Let every ministry be unshackled from religion and freshly baptized in Holy Spirit fire.

🕊️ To the Ecclesia: You Are Not Meekly Waiting—You Are Boldly Occupying

You were never called to survive until rescued. You were commissioned to govern until revealed. Christ is not returning for a Church stuck in fear—He’s coming for a Bride clothed in righteousness, roaring in authority, and triumphant in warfare.

This is your call, Remnant. Arise. Occupy. Confront. Liberate.

Expose religion. Embody freedom. Execute the will of Heaven.

The gates of hell will not prevail—not against the true Ecclesia, not against the prophetic Bride, and certainly not against those armed by the Spirit of God.

🌍 To the Stirred and Awakened: Find Your Tribe

If this message awakens something deep within you, it’s not just conviction—it’s commissioning. You’re not alone. The Remnant is rising all across the earth—bold believers marked by fire, holiness, and Heaven’s DNA. Apostolic voices, prophetic reformers, intercessory warriors—diverse in expression, united in mission.

Now is the time to seek them out. Find your Remnant Tribe. Link arms with those who refuse to bow to religion or retreat into silence. Strengthen one another. Build together. War together. Advance together.

Because revival is not a solo journey—it’s a Remnant revolution.

~Dr. Russell Welch

Elder / Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.

www.RemnantWarrior.org

Check out the library of books written by Dr. Russell Welch here:

www.RussellWelchBooks.com


We have entered a divine moment in history—an hour where Heaven is strategically establishing Kingdom Hubs across the earth. These spiritual epicenters are not built upon ambition or image; they are formed by apostolic commissioning, infused with prophetic clarity, and rooted in the unshakable character of Yahushua. They don’t strive for popularity, nor do they bend to cultural trends. Instead, they burn with glory, cultivate giants of faith, and mobilize warriors to shake mountains and reclaim territory.

But whenever Heaven builds, hell counters.

A counterfeit movement is rising—imposter hubs masquerading as Kingdom, yet fueled by human charisma, wounded ambition, and orphan spirits. These hubs are birthed not from glory, but from disappointment, rejection, and rebellion, often disguised behind flashy branding and ministry names. Their leaders are spiritually entangled, bound not by covenant but by a shared root of offense. You’ll find them united more by rejection than by righteousness, speaking from wounds instead of revelation.

🧱 A grave misstep is unfolding: Many are building on another man’s vision—a mandate given specifically by the Lord. Compelled by comparison and infected by the orphan spirit, they believe they can build what Heaven commissioned to another. But Heaven does not play like that.

📜 Can someone carry the vision forward? Yes—when Holy Spirit confirms and commissions. But a true warrior does not pillage another’s ministry to build their own. Honor is the currency of legacy. And the remnant must reject platforms built through spiritual plagiarism and unauthorized possession.

🎯 The authentic is marked by:

  • Glory before growth
  • Identity before influence
  • Assignment before applause

💣 The counterfeit is exposed by:

  • Performance driven by pain
  • Charisma without character
  • Offense masked as passion

🕵️‍♂️ Here’s is another spiritual tactic allowing you know the difference:

  • 🔥 The authentic carries weight without needing applause—the Glory of Yahweh draws the remnant like a magnet.
  • 🎭 The counterfeit demands marketing, performs for attention, and builds around personalities rather than Presence.
  • 🧎 The authentic produces surrendered warriors, devoted reformers, and Spirit-led sons who legislate Heaven’s will.
  • 🧪 The counterfeit produces religious addicts—people dependent on leaders rather than intimacy with God.

This is not a style war. It is a war of substance vs. surface. A battle of apostolic order vs. religious entertainment.

Remnant Warriors—test every hub, every voice, every movement. Is it flowing from Heaven’s altar, or recycled from man’s ambition? Are its leaders rooted in communion or rejection? Has it been commissioned—or copied?

You were never called to imitate. You were called to legislate.

The resistance demands clarity. Purity. And prophetic boldness. Let us build only what Heaven has spoken. Let us carry only what the Spirit confirms. And let us walk humbly, fiercely, and unwaveringly in truth.

👁️ Remnant Warriors: We are in a season were we MUST walk with charged-up, Spirit-sensitive discernment. Every gathering, every broadcast, every prophetic word must be tested—not by appearance, but by spirit and fruit. What is the root? What is the atmosphere? What is it producing? Does it tether people to Yahushua—or to a man?

Remember: rejection and offense are not the ingredients of revival—they are traps that birth counterfeit movements. Imposter hubs often attract through shared pain, rather than shared pursuit of holiness. Their leaders may sound powerful, but they speak from wounds, not wells.

⚡ Yahweh is calling us to reestablish purity in the prophetic, alignment in the apostolic, and fire in our foundations. That means exposing imposters—not with condemnation, but with clarity.

So stand up, Remnant.
Clean your lens.
Test the spirits.
And may your sword of discernment never grow dull.

📡 Watch for the Glory—not the glitter. Follow the Presence—not the personality.
For Heaven is erecting divine strongholds of reform, and hell is erecting charismatic counterfeits.

You were born to know the difference

~Dr. Russell Welch

Elder/ Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.

www.remnantwarrior.org


—A Prophetic Call to the Remnant Warriors—

Heaven’s arsenal is not mere symbolic poetry. It is the reality of Kingdom weaponry forged in the realms of eternal fire, entrusted to those who’ve been crushed, refined, and raised in resurrection power. Praise, Prophetic Utterance, Decrees, and Holy Declaration—they are lethal against darkness, but only when wielded by hearts purified and surrendered.

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
—2 Corinthians 10:4

The carnal believer may claim access. They may shout, sing, and prophesy—but if their heart has not passed through the Refiner’s Fire, if self still sits on the throne, then their utterances carry no weight in the courts of Heaven.

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…”
—Psalm 24:3–4

⚔️ Spiritual weaponry cannot be mass-produced—it is forged in consecration.
Holiness is the battlefield where true authority is earned. As sons and daughters press into sanctification, laying aside every weight, they enter the armory of Heaven with hands cleansed and hearts purified. It’s not comfort that unlocks the arsenal—it’s surrender.

The Spirit says: “I’m raising up those who walk not in shallow waters but in the depths of My fire. They do not mimic warfare—they carry the frequency of the Lamb and the roar of the Lion.”

“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
—Psalm 18:34

These are not casual Sunday soldiers. These are burning ones—sanctified by fire, clothed in righteousness, dangerous to the kingdom of darkness. Every cry of praise from their lips strikes like thunder. Every prophetic word becomes a sword forged in the unseen realm.

🔥 Praise is not a song—it’s a war cry.
Declaration is not a chant—it’s a legislative act.
Prophecy is not imagination—it’s the echo of Heaven.

And in every strike, the glory goes not to the vessel, but to the Lord of Hosts.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
—Psalm 150:6
“You are a chosen generation… a royal priesthood… that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
—1 Peter 2:9

The refining process is uncomfortable. It confronts, convicts, and crushes the flesh. But the spirit within rejoices, for the fire liberates it to operate in the original design, purpose, and destiny ordained by the Father before time began.

We are not called to resemble culture.
We are called to reflect Christ.

And now, I see them…
A mighty army of remnant warriors rising—not in numbers, but in weight. Not loud in volume, but loud in holiness. They walk in the very likeness of the Son of God.

💥 This is the Army that carries Heaven’s sound.
This is the Army that releases Heaven’s decrees.
This is the Army that causes darkness to tremble.

🙌 Let Yahweh’s glory be revealed through purified vessels who fight not for victory—but from it.

~Dr. Russell Welch

Elder/ Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.

If you would like a deeper study as to living in Resurrection Power check out my book “The Resurrected Life: Living Victoriously in the Supernatural Transforming Power of the Resurrection” Sold exclusively on Amazon


“For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen to the instruction of the Lord; Who say to the seers, ‘You must not see visions’; And to the prophets, ‘You must not prophesy the truth to us. Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions.’”
— Isaiah 30:9–10

We live in a time when the prophetic voice is being muted by a culture more concerned with comfort than consecration. A generation is rising that calls evil good and good evil, demanding illusions over truth, entertainment over holiness, and compromise over conviction. The sobering cry of Isaiah echoes now louder than ever.

But God is not silent. He is issuing a challenge—a holy summons to His people:

Will you stand in truth when it costs you favor?
Will you speak what I say even when they threaten to walk away?
Will your faith hold in the fire, or will you bend beneath the pressure of popular religion?

This is the challenge of the Lord. It’s not just a call—it’s a separation. A threshing. A dividing of wheat from chaff. And only those forged in radical faith will emerge as vessels fit for revival.

Faith Formed in the Valley of Testing

Radical faith is not born in atmospheres of ease—it is forged in fire, silence, and sorrow. It’s born when Heaven seems quiet, and Hell seems loud. When prayers hang suspended in the void and the only answer is “trust Me.”

To walk by faith is to believe in the midst of contradiction—to embrace the promise before the evidence appears.

Radical faith refuses to be defined by delay. It isn’t derailed by the absence of manifestation. It walks forward when the path disappears, because it knows the God who parted seas still walks with those who dare to believe.

Warriors Wanted: The Fight for Pure Faith

Paul’s call to “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) is not poetic—it’s a battle command. Because radical faith is warfare. It wars against delay, discouragement, and deception. It slays the idols of predictability and tears down the altars of passivity. And it anchors itself to the Word of the Lord, even when the outcome looks dead.

We are not called to blend into culture—we are called to challenge it. To be voices that will not echo the popular tone but thunder with the cadence of Heaven.

The remnant is rising—not to be liked, but to be loyal.
Not to be safe, but to be surrendered.
Not to comfort the rebellious, but to confront them with love and truth.

The Lord’s Challenge: Will You Risk It All?

Here’s the charge of the hour:

  • Do not dilute the Word.
  • Do not prophesy to please.
  • Do not trade your oil for influence.
  • Do not forsake obedience for applause.

The Lord is looking for those who will speak what He says, even when it costs them position, invitation, and approval. Prophets who won’t prophesy illusions. Seers who won’t turn their gaze away. Watchmen who refuse to sleep.

And warriors whose faith is louder than fear.

Radical Faith is Fragrant to Heaven

Your surrender isn’t invisible. Your pain is not pointless. Your faith is rising like incense before the throne. The Lord sees the valley. And it has not disqualified you—it’s preparing you.

Think of:

  • Abraham, who walked with no map, only a promise.
  • David, who chose worship while being hunted.
  • Hannah, who poured her soul out and still believed.

They didn’t just believe for breakthrough—they became vessels of it.

So will you.

A Prophetic Declaration for the Remnant

Speak this boldly:

I will not trade truth for comfort.
I will not prophesy illusions.
I will speak what the Lord says, even when it’s unpopular.
My radical faith will birth revival.
My valley will be my proving ground.
I will rise—not for recognition, but for righteousness.
The Word of the Lord in my mouth will not return void.

~Dr. Russell Welch
Elder / Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.


There is a groan rising from the heart of the Father—a cry echoing through the corridors of time, calling His Church back to the way of the Master. It is not a call to innovation, but to restoration. Not to strategy, but to surrender. Not to programs, but to people.

Jesus didn’t disciple from a pulpit. He discipled from a place of proximity. He didn’t build a brand—He built a brotherhood. He didn’t create consumers—He raised up carriers of the Kingdom. And He did it face to face.

From the twelve He called, He drew four into deeper intimacy—Peter, James, John, and Andrew. With them, He walked, wept, corrected, and commissioned. He poured into them everything the Father had poured into Him. And in turn, they poured into the others. This was not a hierarchy of control—it was a holy rhythm of impartation. It was the divine pattern: from the Father to the Son, from the Son to the disciple, and from the disciple to the world.

This model—relational, intentional, and incarnational—was the foundation of the early Church. For nearly four centuries after Pentecost, this was how the Gospel advanced. Not through cathedrals, but through kitchens. Not through institutions, but through intimacy. Disciples made disciples, and the world was turned upside down.

But then came Rome—and the fire became a form.
Then came Greece—and the mystery became a philosophy.
Then came America—and the mission became a marketplace.

What was once a movement became a monument.
What was once a family became a franchise.
What was once a fire became a formula.

Today, many churches have traded the model of Christ for the methods of culture. Discipleship has been outsourced to programs, seminars, and branded curriculums. Pastors are treated like CEOs. Congregants are treated like customers. And the goal is no longer transformation—it’s retention.

We have built systems that are efficient but not eternal. We have created structures that are scalable but not spiritual. We have trained people to follow a church, a doctrine, a personality—but not a Person. We have made disciples of denominations, not disciples of Jesus.

And the fruit is evident.

We have churches full of attenders but empty of disciples.
We have leaders who are celebrated but not consecrated.
We have believers who know the language of faith but not the life of it.

But Heaven is not silent. The Spirit is not still.
The winds of reformation are blowing again.

The Holy Spirit is re-forming the Church—not around platforms, but around people. Not around programs, but around presence. He is calling us back to the table. Back to the fire. Back to the face-to-face.

This is not a nostalgic longing for the past. It is a prophetic summons for the future. The Church of tomorrow must be built on the foundation of Christ’s model—not man’s machinery. We must return to the way of the Master.

Jesus didn’t say, “Go and build churches.”
He said, “Go and make disciples.”
And He showed us how.

He walked with them.
He lived among them.
He taught them in the streets, in the fields, in the storms.
He corrected them in love.
He empowered them with truth.
And then He sent them with fire.

This is the model we must reclaim.
This is the fire we must rekindle.
This is the blueprint we must rebuild.

Religion builds hierarchy. It demands allegiance to a system. It creates disciples of doctrine, not disciples of Jesus. It elevates the pulpit and forgets the person. It teaches people to worship pastors and defend denominations, rather than to walk with the Lord of all creation.

But the Kingdom is different.
The Kingdom is relational.
The Kingdom is incarnational.
The Kingdom is built on love, not leverage.

So I plead with you, Church—return.
Return to the face-to-face.
Return to the fire.
Return to the way of the Master.

Let us raise up a generation who walk as Jesus walked.
Who disciple as Jesus discipled.
Who love as Jesus loved.

Let us build not with bricks, but with lives.
Not with programs, but with presence.
Not with systems, but with sons and daughters.

📖 “He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out…” — Mark 3:14
📖 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

Let the Remnant decree:

We, the sons and daughters of the Most High God, stand in the authority of the blood of Jesus,
clothed in righteousness, armed with truth, and awakened by the Spirit of the Living God.

We decree this day:

That the Church shall return to the model of the Master—to the face-to-face, life-on-life, Spirit-led discipleship that Jesus Himself walked in and imparted.

We renounce the counterfeit systems of religion—discipleship built on programs, platforms, and personalities. We break agreement with the spirit of hierarchy, control, and celebrity. We cast down every model that exalts itself above the knowledge of Christ.

We declare:
The days of shallow Christianity are over.
The days of spectatorship are over.
The days of man-made disciples are over.

We call forth a reformation of discipleship—rooted in relationship, fueled by the fire of the Holy Spirit, and patterned after the life of Jesus.

We decree that the Remnant shall rise—
not as passive believers, but as burning ones.
Not as churchgoers, but as Kingdom carriers.
Not as consumers, but as commissioned sons and daughters.

We declare that the war is raging—and the time for preparation is now. We will not send untrained soldiers into battle. We will not raise orphans when Heaven has called us to raise heirs.

We prophesy:
That the wilderness shall become a training ground.
That the secret place shall become the strategy room.
That the table of fellowship shall become the altar of transformation.

We call the Church back to the fire.
Back to the feet of Jesus.
Back to the way of the cross.
Back to the face-to-face.

We decree that every disciple raised in this hour shall walk in the authority of Christ, carry the compassion of Christ, and manifest the character of Christ.

We declare that creation is groaning—not for more sermons, but for sons. Not for more buildings, but for builders. Not for more religion, but for revelation.

And we say:
Let the sons and daughters of Yahweh arise!
Let them be trained, tried, and transformed!
Let them be sent into the harvest fields with fire in their bones
and the Word of the Lord in their mouths!

We decree:
That the Church shall no longer make disciples of denominations, but disciples of the King. That we shall no longer raise up followers of men, but followers of the Lamb.

This is the hour.
This is the call.
This is the decree.

🔥 Return to Christ-like discipleship.
🔥 Prepare the Remnant for war.
🔥 Let the sons and daughters arise.

In the name of Yeshua, the Captain of the Lord’s Host, we seal this decree.

Amen and amen.

The time is now.
The call is clear.
The model is Christ.

Let us return.

~Dr. Russell Welch

Elder / Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare