Posts Tagged ‘Spirit led life’

Time for the Remnant to return America to the Lord!!!

Posted: July 23, 2022 in Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, wilderness
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The Lord told Adam in Genesis 1:28 ” Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

He said unto Abraham “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:” (Genesis 12:1)

And to Joshua He said “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.” (Joshua 1:3)

The Lord kept His covenant with David ” And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue; for thou shalt surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

Jesus said in Luke 10:19 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

Paul through the inspiration of Holy Spirit wrote in Ephesisans 1:21 “Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come”.

As His Children and His Remnant in this generation, we know our Father is with us and on our side, for John wrote in Revelations 21:3″And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”

I believe that is was scriptures such as this which empowered our founding fathers to walk in faith as to the belief that it was Almighty God establishing this nation. You can see it in many of thgeir wriing including the Constitution as well as the then colonies declaration to the King of England (The Declaration of Independance) when they wrote:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”

There is a great evil present in our land, with a demonic influeance over certain people in political offices as well as to all the way to those with our communities who seek to deny God, and more specifically to deny His claim for this nation. They seek to destroy our Church, to re-write our histriy and erase any evidience of God whatsoever.

However they discount the power of our God working through His chosen Remnant, we carry the absolulte authority of He who is “Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come”, for the scripture do declare that we are seated with Him.

Let the Remnant arise today and walk in the very power and authority invested to us by our King Jesus who said “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full”

Father, it gives us Great joy to claim America as belonging to you, we speak to the evil in tis land and we bind its voice, and we in the Name above all names, Jesus, lose Your will from coast to coast, border to border that America is now and shall ever be, under Your Dominion rule. We claim that the upcoming election shall be a day of victory for the Righteous in this nation, we declare that those who operate behind a veil of evil shall be removed from their positions of authority and their voices shall be silenced. We declare that Your Holy Word and a time for prayers unto You shall be returned to the school Houses across this nation. We decree a mighty righteous reformation to the education Institutes which were founded to advance the knowledge of Your Holy Word. Amen & Amen

Russ G Welch

A.K.A

WindWalker

The Remnant Brigade of Revivalist Minute Men

Posted: July 22, 2022 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, wilderness
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“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25)

Could it be that we do not have many in the Church today who are burning ones, due to the fact that many lean not upon the empowering presence of the Fiery One, Holy Spirit?

Instead, we find a majority of Christian Churches leaning upon the recital of a prayer that is not found anywhere in scripture?

Does not the scriptures clearly state that unless one be born from above?

Are not these quotes found in the Word: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Yet seldom do we witness one’s life being radically changed after the prayer is said.

Wait a minute. Has not the Church modeled the world in building Biblical education institutes modeled after the world with the goal of producing individuals, who are proficient in religious intellectualism?

The most exalted intellect, and the most attractive, natural disposition, reach no higher than the earth itself.

The Kingdom of Heaven consists of the family of God, those who have risen to an entirely different sphere, and received a nature as much above the intellectual and the moral as God is above an angel.

It is not a prayer that is needed, it is not religious intellectualism.

No, my friends, it is the power of the Gospel drawing one to their knees where they surrender all and having done so receive the seal of the Kingdom via the baptism in FIRE that is so desperately needed in our day.

Enough of the religious games, enough with the wasting of the children’s bread (Finances) on worldly education models meant for the store-house for God’s family.

We can not lose another generation to a stick, hay, and stubble religious system lacking in Holy Spirit empowering fire.

We need a reformation of spiritual fathers and mothers!!!

It is time for the Bride to wake up, time for the Remnant to stand up, and time for the Church to return to the foundational teachings of Red Letters and put ALL of our trust in the hands of the promised One, Holy Spirit.

Release the hounds of Heaven to rout out the foxes and send them fleeing from the Father’s houses across this nation.

It is time for a major rallying of the revivalist minute men, sending them from town to town ‘Get ready for the day of Salvation has come!!!

WindWalker

Do you know the cost?

Posted: July 15, 2022 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching
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 Anyone who comes to me must be willing to share my cross and experience it as his own, or he cannot be considered to be my disciple. So don’t follow me without considering what it will cost you. For who would construct a house before first sitting down to estimate the cost to complete it. (Luke 14:27-28, TPT)

I was getting a drug test today and ended up waiting for a little over 1 1/2 hrs. During that time I took a stroll through the past 2 years. In March of 2020, I started volunteering at a rescue mission in Jacksonville beach. At the same time, I was looking for employment as my time working for my previous employer had come to an end.

Every time a door would open, Holy Spirit would tell me this is where the Father has assigned you and I  volunteered for a little over 40 hours. I had some support coming in through our ministry and had a contract with a company that was paying me $1200 for consulting and training their technicians which generally took 4 to 5 hours per month.

In August of 2020, my son and I vacationed in Maine, spoke at a few Churches while there, and then went to Cane Ridge in Kentucky where the spark was lit for the second great awakening.

The presence of the Lord was so powerful there. As we were leaving I heard Holy Spirit say “The Father wants you to go back and start discipling others as did His Son”. I answered with I will.

30 minutes into the drive I asked Him “What does that look like” He had a long answer but the short end of it was “Pour into others everything the Father has poured into you via daily interaction”.

Now some contend this never happened, howbeit for 18 months they referred to me as such. The founder of the mission asked me if I would take charge of the mission, to which after seeking the Father I agreed. From August 2020 until February of this year I was considered to be the director of the mission. Even those who today say I was never asked to be that referred me to others as the director.

During that whole time, I spent anywhere from 40 to 60 hrs a week there, including times when I had to go in on my days off or in the evening to deal with situations.

And during this whole time period, I never collected a salary, however, my wife and I via our ministry put a little over $25,000 into the mission via food, clothes, training supplies, and personal items for the disciples there. We had a website built and covered the cost. We had a promotional video made and covered the cost.

The money didn’t matter because we knew I was positioned to impact lives. Towards the end of 2021, I came under severe attacks from two members of the staff there, launching one lie after the other. To me this was life-changing as I feel that through all of that the Lord was able to do some inner surgery, removing areas of pride and religion that had remained hidden in my life.

Now towards the end of January, these attacks got even worse, the enemy had aligned me with an individual who played both sides and spewed out a long list of lies to both sides. So I went to one of my mentors and several other seasoned ministers.

These were men who had prophesied as to what the Lord wanted to do there, and they all came back with “The Father is releasing you from your commitment there”.One said to listen to the Spirit and trust the Father in vindicating my name and in doing so walk away with a heart of forgiveness”. Valuable advice which I have gleaned from.

The first few weeks I decompressed from a lengthy battle. I spent much time in prayer and fasting as well as keeping busy working through my “Honey-due-list” which my wife had built since buying our home back in 2020.

I had to reevaluate my situation as I had planned on being there for at least 5 years. Along with that, the cost of living has skyrocketed and my income hasn’t increased to match it.

In fact, due to the cost of gas and other goods going up I find myself short of about $1200 per month. So I’ve been seeking a part-time job that will leave room for ministry.

I’ve got over 35 years of customer service skills, cooking, management, pest control, driving, WDO inspections, and a few other small trades. 43 yrs total in working and as my Dad used to say “Jack of all trades, Master of none” Searching for work hasn’t been easy for when I put down my experience they come back with my being overqualified, or they are looking for someone who wants to make a career with them.

I sought counsel and those who know me said “I think you’re supposed to preach the gospel” or “You’re to dedicate your life to helping others”. When I ask Holy Spirit, He responds as He has for several years “Trust the Father”.

Three areas that I am highly trained in don’t offer part-time positions and most would shut me out of ministering because I will not sacrifice my marriage for anything.

Am I discouraged?

Not really.
And I will tell you why in a Paul Harvey fashion of “Now for the rest of the story”

As I look back at the hardship of the past 2 years, I have to smile and tell the devil “You lose”.

Although I don’t know what harvest the many seeds I sowed in a number of lives in the past 2 years of those who came through the mission I do know about 3 specifically.

The 3 individuals that I am speaking about the Lord has graciously allowed me to love on, counsel, and speak life into each of theirs, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to encourage and introduce them to the real Jesus. Two were addicts, one being so bad they were sent to the hospital several times for overdosing on pain meds. Yet, Praise God, they both are completely free today.

The 3rd one was just tired of life but now he looks forward to every day as an opportunity to speak life into others’ lives.

These lives are priceless and their happiness is totally worth the cost of a little suffering I’ve endured, especially considering the cost of our Lord to save all of us.

I don’t know what the future hold but one thing I do know is that I am going to continue to take every opportunity to sow into other people’s lives no matter how much it cost me. 

Russ G Welch

A.K.A. Windwalker4Life

Sow into this ministry

Warning of a war within our Gates

Posted: July 9, 2022 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic
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(I received this word from the Lord in 2013 but did not post it at the time – 9 years later I see its truth has unfolded before our very eyes)

In these last days, we must walk in the full knowledge of our Holy Lord Jesus Christ. We must cut short the lives of any false words, so that they may be exposed and emptied of any and all power to deceive a man. We must walk in the true revelation that indeed we are charged and commissioned by our Holy Lord and his Holy apostle Paul to judge the fruit from which a man bares.

Such a lie of hell has been written in the creed of the modern-day Church that one must not judge another. I say do away with such nonsense and live the Red Letters of our most glorious Holy Lord.

The winds of war are streaming down the mountainside upon the Church and they are picking up steam. The limitation of the voice of His people in Europe to be heard is not even close to the limitation that is about to be enacted and enforced against the Church in America.

There are godless people and godless agendas which seek to silence the force of moral truth and that of our Lord’s servants altogether even to the depth of seeing them thrown in prison with the key to be lost.

In these days we must be like the lion who has been cornered, the thunderous roar echoing from the walls from which he has been herded. Yet this lion is the Lion of Judah, and his roar not merely bounces off the walls. no not the roar of this eternal one, His roar causes the walls of lies to come crashing down upon the heads of the very ones who have sought to confine Him.

This is not a season to walk in fear for it is a season ordained from the days of old to walk in the glory of our most Holy Christ. Know this also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, { ll Tim 3:1-3}

Charge on dear saints, charge on. Refuse to bow to the powers of this world, and shake off the desire to submit in any way or form to the voice of this age.

No, my brothers and sisters, we must stand up and proclaim the Gospel of our precious and Holy Christ to the world even if it means all of the world turns against us. Let them mash their teeth upon us if that be what is to come.

For we walk in the eternal glorious truth that nothing in this world or the world to come can separate us from the Love of our Holy Father with whom we shall spend all of eternity. This life is but a vapor and though a time of unease, torment, and pain may come, it is indeed but a flick of the eye compared to the most glorious time we shall have in the Kingdom of His heaven here on earth.

When the world proclaims “speak not this name Jesus anymore” let the children of the Most Holy Father rise upon the housetops, towers, and even the mountains and proclaim the name of Jesus even louder. Our voice can not, and shall not be silenced. Pass what laws they may, the Gospel shall be preached. I will die with the name of the Holy Lord Jesus Christ upon my tongue and lips.

James also warns us of these days as well as letting us know that we must in faith endure. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust”. (James 1:12-14)

Let it be the same for all of His followers in this day, who shall not bend a knee to the temptations of this world nor compromise their faith in any way in Jesus Christ Holy name.

July 10, 2013
Russ Welch

Lost Art of Family

Posted: September 13, 2021 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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In studying the scriptures and getting revelation as to the Garden mandate, one thing is clear.

We were all seeded with an innate desire for fellowship in way of family before the foundation of the world was laid. Yet the truth be told – family is a disappearing aspect of our society in so many ways.

Now, Paul taught much in lue of military terms.

With that we must understand that in war there are valued long term alignments as well as necessary short term alignments. The same can be said of the Kingdom, from the man who supplied the colt for the Lord to make His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

To the man who was carrying the picture of water, tasked with securing the room for the last supper, these were necessary how be it short term alignments.

Whereas Peter, John, James etc, were long term alignments.

We must understand there will be people who grace our lives with their presence who were purposed to be but temporary alignments.

Where as others we will make almost life long alignments.

But lets be nakedly honest. Some people are also rebellious as to the will of God and run from commitment when the fire starts to heat up.

As in all things, we must become extremely skilled in trusting the Lord while guarding our hearts so that we understand that not everyone who is walking with us today, will be walking with us tomorrow.

Not everyone was purposed to take the long path journey with us.

The reality is that it is our assignment and the long path ministry vision for which we ourselves must keep our eyes on. If we can maintain that understanding, that comes the peace that is beyond human understanding with birth in us an inner knowing that the Lord will be there with us every step of the way.

We can read in scripture as to how Jonathan was a dear close friend whom David loved and trusted with his own life. I think if we were dive deep into David’s life (and I have) we will find after Jonathans death there were very few that David felt comfortable putting his life in their hands. Yet, he grew in his trust of the Lord’s ability to watch over and keep him safe.

We are all created with a sense and longing for community. Some more so than others. I personally am content being deep in the woods, alone save my dog and there I am at total peace being surrounded by the Father’s creation of nature. An occasional interaction with people is enough to keep me going for days, even weeks. Even with out the woods, I am becoming more and more accustomed to my quiet time with Holy Spirit.

I’ve had a life time of people being there one moment only to begone the next.

Now, unlike many who mourn when someone is taking out of their life. Or walks out of their day to day functions of life, I sense a loss but only for a short time, as I quickly refocus on the assignment the Lord has for me.

Some may call it shell shocked or battle hardened.

Eitherway, for me, the Lord fills the void that others struggle with filling. (It use to be with addictions – Now its Jesus).

In studying the life of George Muller, I find comfort knowing that our lives are so much alike in many ways. He was a rebellious one before coming to the Lord, as was I. He had many alliances but few close friends, as have I. He grew to take the WORD at face value, spending little time in reading other peoples commentary. Instead, he found himself being far more comfortable listening to Holy Spirit’s interpretation.

And as to where his trust would be for financial matters and other needs? He trusted in the Lord to the point that he never publically asked (begged) people for help.

That is where my life is at this time, anchored in the TRUST of the Lord as well as Holy Spirit high-lighting the scriptures for me (I’ve found that fasting is a amazing study hall).

At the end of his life, we was left alone, save the comfort of the comforter.

To be honest, there are times I find myself there as well. My wife is still here and I find much comfort with and from her. Yet, her full-time work schedule and my ministry schedule at times can drain us as to personal interaction.

My son still lives at home, he is 17 and is in his senior year (need I say more).

All this to say, keep your faith in the Lord, love people but trust the Lord. Now you may be completely unlike me needing more interaction with other people. Just be careful and be on guard that they do not rob you of private time with the Father.

Some people can be so busy, even in “doing” ministry that they neglect to spend time with the most important one in their life, Abba.

However, if you are like me, be on guard that your love of solitude not rob others of the love, compassion and wisdom that the Father has poured into you to bless others.

The whole idea of the garden was that of family and its the one place that the enemy has never let up his attack, family. In many ways the art of being family has been lost. Gone with it, I fear so has the spirit of loyalty and commitment.

With so few true spiritual fathers and mothers, those who love as does our heavenly father. Those who are willing to share both a hug and hand of correction. Sadly the God inspired family system has all but become extinct.

Again, there is a place seeded in each one of before the foundations of this world which long for fellowship in way of family.

I recently ended a two year position as director of a discipleship mission. I labored for 18 months to usher in the sense and atmosphere of “family”. We had finally attained it and then the enemy enter a narcissist into the leadership ranks. His demand for control had a road block in front of it. Namely myself and because of that I endured several months of slander and charactor assacination. Add to that a leader who refuses to contront (Not really a leader) and the battle became entrenching.

I sought Godly counsel from seasoned vets who after much prayer said due to the inability of the head and founder of the ministry to discern and confront, the Father had released me from my commitment.

I can’t say it ended in failure on any level, as shortly after my resigning the position the door opened for my current position as senior pastor of a Church that my wife, son and I have been in relationship with since 2013. I was a monthly guest speaker for the past two years and have patiently laid the foundation of “Kingdom family”

We must remeber that not ever ministry that carries the name “Christian” is ordained of the Father. There are a multitude of Ismael ministries and Churches scattered across the Christioan horizon in America as well as abroad.

However, since the creation of the Garden and man it has always been the intention of the Father for a family. As senior pastor the vision the Lord has given me is the Garden mandate, to return to our original design and purpose, to be a family who thrive in the atmosphere of love for one and other and most importantly, love for the Fatrher, Son and Spirit.

Dr. Russ G. Welch, Th.D.

Senior Pastor, Highway To Heaven Church

The example of Jesus

Posted: June 9, 2021 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, wilderness
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The Example of Jesus Christ…..He existed in the form of God, yet he gave no thought to seizing equality with God as his supreme prize. Instead he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in his death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion! Philippians 2:6-7, The passion translation

Many need to read this, meditating upon it with Holy Spirit opening their eyes to it.

A personal reflection…

One day a Holy conviction shook my heart. Holy Spirit pointed out how I was chasing the recognition, respect and honor of man – basically seeking my own glory.

He showed me how I had spent years studying the fundamentals of the Church i.e. it’s traditions, rituals & culture, not to glorify God the Father rather to draw attention to how knowledgeable I was.

In reality I had become very heart hardened religious fool, an unknowing puppet in the evil ones hands.

I would pray loud long prayers not to bring healing or deliverance to people rather to draw attention to how great I was at praying.

I am so thankful that the Father loves me enough to bring correction and discipline when needed.

My whole desire today is to draw people’s attention to look upon the Lord, for He alone is able to rescue them, to bring healing & deliverance.

He alone is worthy of all the Praise, Honor & Glory!!!

Now, having been captivated by the spirit of religion for so many years, I can recognize it quickly, I can even smell it’s ugly evil presence.

This can be good or be bad, depending on whether one chooses to walk in a high level of mercy.

Or one can incorrectly sit and remain eating from the tree of of the knowledge of good & evil or choose to eat from the tree of life.

Learning from the example Jesus lived as us, I am so thankful & walk daily dependant upon Holy Spirit guidance to remind me it is not the person rather it is the spirit that is holding them in the same prison that it held me in for twelve + years ref 2 Corinthains 10:4, Ephesians 6:12.

Russ Welch

Director of Beaches Rescue & Recovery Mission

www.beachesmission.org

We really do need Holy Spirit influence

Posted: February 8, 2015 in Kingdom Teaching
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spirit-led

I can remember as a young Christian I was compelled to seek the Spirit in all matters. Then as I started earning my degrees and hanging out with “seasoned” ministers I started making decisions based upon what I had learned and or heard from the experiences of others. All the while I thought I was doing great with one exception – I noticed that I was having little effect in reaching others with the Gospel and those whom I counseled who were Christians didn’t seem to get any break-thru’s.

In 2010 when I stepped down from leading a ministry I had started in 2004 in order to begin serving as an co-pastor in a start-up Church, believing this was where the Lord wanted me to serve. During this season of transition the Lord hit me with one verse and for several months everywhere I turned it popped up:

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Cor 2:10)

Then one day during a prayer session I finally got it. I had unknowingly traded the indescribable and inexhaustible wisdom of Holy Spirit for the wisdom of men and myself. It was like a light going off and then Holy Spirit started showing me places in the Word that I had missed as well as taking me back to times that I had thought I was given sound advice only to see how far off the target I was. Even in my personal and business financial decisions I had made countless mistakes all the while believing that I was using sound Biblical principles.

Now today I am continuously asking Holy Spirit to guard my heart and thoughts that I don’t err back to my old patterns. Even when I open the Word I welcome Him to join me in my studies. Especially before going out to witness I have disciplined myself when I out to evangelize the homeless or others whether it be by myself or with a group. In fact I serve as an associate pastor at a Church because Holy Spirit spoke to me with a clear directive – “the Father wills you to serve here” – which was at a time in my life when I had no earthly inclination to serve in a Church that from the outside is heaped in the traditions of doing Church. I am so thankful today for the directive Holy Spirit gave me as this ministry is exactly what the Lord prepared me for.

Looking back I could kick myself and it sometimes saddens me knowing that I had the availability to lean upon His wisdom and didn’t. I know that more than likely the out-come of these times would have been a whole lot different. How many lost souls did I not impact, how many business decisions did I make or not make that could have created more seeds for the Kingdom. Recently while in a teachings session with several of the men that I mentor I told them that if I had different color socks I would more than likely seek Holy Spirit’s directive as to which color to wear. Does this sound a bit over board or extreme? Well what if I had a pair of green socks and sitting on a bench or in a public place these socks opened the door for a conversation to share the gospel.

Let us ponder this thought for a moment – If God is so concerned with us that He even takes time to number the hairs on our head, why would we think anything was too small of a concern for Him. Where would our ministries be today if we were to be totally sold out on not moving to the left or right lest Holy Spirit said which way to go? We read in scripture of how Paul desired to go many places and at times even had his friends attempt to persuade him to either go or not to go yet Paul writes that the Spirit with-held him. He obviously was in communication with Holy Spirit to hear this.

So again, How important is seeking and hearing Holy Spirit in your life – Church – Ministry???

For does not the Bible declare “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom 8:14)

Fellow saints, let us not disregard this awesome gift that the Father has given us: But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)

Is the Church Full of Hypocrites?

Posted: April 9, 2013 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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About thirty years ago, my close friend and colleague, Archie Parrish, who at that time led the Evangelism Explosion (EE) program in Fort Lauderdale, came to me with a request. He indicated that on the thousands of evangelistic visits the EE teams made, they kept a record of responses people made to discussions of the gospel. They collated the most frequent questions and objections people raised about the Christian faith and grouped these inquiries or objections into the ten most frequently encountered. Dr. Parrish asked if I would write a book answering those objections for evangelists to use in their outreach. That effort resulted in my book Objections Answered, now called Reason to Believe. Among the top ten objections raised was the objection that the church is filled with hypocrites. At that point in time, Dr. D. James Kennedy responded to this objection by replying, “Well, there’s always room for one more.” He cautioned people that if they found a perfect church, they ought not to join it, since that would ruin it.

The term hypocrite came from the world of Greek drama. It was used to describe the masks that the players used to dramatize certain roles. Even today, the theatre is symbolized by the twin masks of comedy and tragedy. In antiquity, certain players played more than one role, and they indicated their role by holding a mask in front of their face. That’s the origin of the concept of hypocrisy.

But the charge that the church is full of hypocrites is manifestly false. Though no Christian achieves the full measure of sanctification in this life, that we all struggle with ongoing sin does not justly yield the verdict of hypocrisy. A hypocrite is someone who does things he claims he does not do. Outside observers of the Christian church see people who profess to be Christians and observe that they sin. Since they see sin in the lives of Christians, they rush to the judgment that therefore these people are hypocrites. If a person claims to be without sin and then demonstrates sin, surely that person is a hypocrite. But for a Christian simply to demonstrate that he is a sinner does not convict him of hypocrisy.

The inverted logic goes something like this: All hypocrites are sinners. John is a sinner; therefore, John is a hypocrite. Anyone who knows the laws of logic knows that this syllogism is not valid. If we would simply change the charge from “the church is full of hypocrites” to “the church is full of sinners,” we would be quick to plead guilty. The church is the only institution I know of that requires an admission of being a sinner in order to be a member. The church is filled with sinners because the church is the place where sinners who confess their sins come to find redemption from their sins. So in this sense, simply because the church is filled with sinners does not justify the conclusion that the church is filled with hypocrites. Again, all hypocrisy is sin, but not all sin is the sin of hypocrisy.

When we look at the problem of hypocrisy in the New Testament era, we see it most clearly displayed in the lives of those who claimed to be the most righteous. The Pharisees were a group of people who by definition saw themselves as separated from the normal sinfulness of the masses. They began well, seeking a life of devoted godliness and submission to the law of God. However, when their behavior failed to reach their ideals, they began to engage in pretense. They pretended they were more righteous than they were. They gave an outward facade of righteousness, which merely served to conceal a radical corruption in their lives.

Though the church is not filled with hypocrites, there is no denying that hypocrisy is a sin that is not limited or restricted to New Testament Pharisees. It is a sin with which Christians must grapple. A high standard of spiritual and righteous behavior has been set for the church. We often are embarrassed by our failures to reach these high goals and are inclined to pretend that we have reached a higher plateau of righteousness than we’ve actually attained. When we do that, we put on the mask of the hypocrite and come under the judgment of God for that particular sin. When we find ourselves enmeshed in this type of pretense, an alarm bell should go off in our brains that we need to rush back to the cross and to Christ and to understand where our true righteousness resides. We have to find in Christ, not a mask that conceals our face, but an entire wardrobe of clothing, which is His righteousness. Indeed, it is only under the guise of the righteousness of Christ, received by faith, that any of us can ever have a hope of standing before a holy God. To wear the garments of Christ in faith is not an act of hypocrisy. It is an act of redemption.

by R.C. Sproul

Original Article

The burden of the seed planter

Posted: August 6, 2012 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. (Isaiah 6:8-13)

I have found that operating in the prophetic and having the gift of evangelism can at times be trying. Especially when you here a directive from the Lord, you feel the intensity of the Fathers passion and you share it to those whom the Lord desires to hear it and there is absolutely no response. I can imagine how the Lord felt when but Peter stepped out of the boat and the others remained in it. There are times when I can look out and see a huge web covering people and when I asked the Holy Ghost about it He said it was a “web of complacency” that was being feed by doubt and self absorption.

For the Father has awesome plans and gifts for all of His Children yet the majority as in over 90% of those who have called upon His Name receive them. Not because He has not desired them to have them rather that they are so busy with their own lives and their own agenda’s they have never asked Him what His desire was.

Many disciples today are like soldiers in the battle field with out ammunition for their weapons because they never took the time to enter the storehouse to get armored up. Like a child with a new B.B. gun they are more interested in playing with it rather than taking the time to fill it, read the directions and use it as it was purposed to be used.

Every week I see countless people who claim the name of Christ walking with down cast spirits, always defeated and never experiencing true joy. I have begun to understand how the Lord felt as He stood looking over Jerusalem weeping. And to really to the full revelation of “Many are called, but few are chosen”. Again it is not because the Lord only desires a few to experience His Kingdom in its fullness for He would all of His Children – it is because few take the time to ask, seek and knock.

O, they might say a quick prayer, they might look for a few minutes and they may tap the doors of Heaven once or twice but they lack the patience and the desire to keep asking, til the Father answers, to keep seeking that He may show them and to keep knocking that the awesome things He has for them may be revealed.

No, the majority of Christians today are birthed into a generation who has become accustomed to instant gratification and desire a “Fast-Food” type religion. They can not begin to grip the understanding of “Wait upon the Lord” or to those who endure,m they shall be counted as those who are the over-comers.

The Churches are filled with illusionist, who paint a picture of Christianity that has no call for sacrifice, no room for the word obedience and no place for faithful labor – they paint a false picture of the Kingdom as being filled with all our dreams being meet by a big sugar daddy in the sky.

The sad thing is that in our day everyone wants a place of position being worshiped by others – mere man pleasers, they believe they are owed the reward’s and demand a fire filled revival all to the glory of their name but none are willing to pay the cost. The saddest part of this is that in the end they shall be like the many who did not enter into the promised land, for they desired not to wait upon the Lord.

As it was then, so is today in that the Father is seeking a Joshua mentality, those who will walk in faith regardless of what they see in the natural, for they have surrendered their eyes, ears and dreams unto the Lord and are walking with supernatural vision seeing what shall be, for indeed they know that God the Father has the best in-store for those who desire nothing but His Will.

In the end of my questioning the Lord as to why so few want to take part in the Harvest, He simply said to remain being faithful in planting the seed, Holy Ghost will go forth and water it and in the end each ones is left with their own Will choose. Even if but one seed takes root, is watered and nourished till it grows and produces fruit it have been been worth it.

I thought, Wow if the Father is not worried about numbers why are so many leaders in the Church today concerned with numbers. Holy Ghost responded quickly with “They have their agenda, the Father has His desire”.

None the less I will continue to sow His Word, I will continue to labor in the Harvest and I will continue to weep for those who hear but do not respond. I and many others are not laboring in vain but merely keep on walking in obedience to His call knowing that is but His commissioned call to do so.

The Lord is indeed calling forth a radical generation – men and women who shall deny themselves, the things of this world and follow after Him. even if it leads them to death and all to the Glory of His Name. Their names shall be of no mentioned popularity among the popular crowds, yet their testimonies shall ignite the Fires that shall burn across the Greatest Harvest known to mankind – The Great & final Harvest.

Nature itself is crying out for the Lord’s return – Heaven is thundering in anticipation of the Champion of champions breaking forth from the Throne room to come and claim that which His rightfully His, His Bride!!!!

Are you radical enough to say no to the status quo of Christianity that is being practiced throughout the land today? Purposeless, powerless, passionless, and spiritless religion that has imprisoned the masses but for the glory of men and the prince of darkness?

Jesus never gave the disciples a choice of following Him or someone else in order to be His disciple. He straight forwardly said “Follow Me” and they followed.

Today He is asking the same question, the same way “Follow Me”. Are you willing to forsake everything and follow the Master?

If you said yes get ready to experience the Kingdom like never before – Ask Holy Ghost to take you through the Word of God and Show you the Fathers desire for you, the way to live, think and believe that you to may be numbered amongst the chosen one. Ask Him to birth in you a passion for prayer and a passion for worship that you may be led by the heart beat of the Father.

The reward is eternal – an eternity of being in the presence of the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Master, Jesus Christ.

Yes my friends, today is the day that you can step in the ranks of the Army of God, led by the Champions of champions,, Jesus, the Only begotten Son of the Living God. Take that step brother & sister – that you can mark this day on your calendar as the the day that you become a radical disciple of Jesus Christ – asking, seeking and knocking that you may find your self positioned to be all that the Father intended you to be.

Its time to stop reading about feats of the disciples in the Bible and start living our own – its time to become as radical as the disciples in the Book of Acts – to begin walking in the power & authority that Christ has been giving for us – its time to release the Glory of the Lord til it covers the earth!!!!!

Written by Russ Welch

Daring to be discipled and to disciple others

Posted: June 30, 2012 in disciples life, teaching, wilderness
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And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (Acts 4:32)

I see one the greatest hindrances to discipleship in the modern era is that of poor or selfish time stewardship. Many desire to make the claim of their desire to be discipled but few are willing to pay the cost – as well many claim the desire to disciple yet they too are not willing to pay the cost.

In regard to discipleship the biggest cost is that of time and of sharing ones heart. People on both sides have put up walls because they fear being vulnerable to anyone that their hearts might be hurt. Thus the seeds of fear and an unwillingness to commit grows and in its place, once the door to the works of Hell has entrances comes the spirit of complaining, bitterness, rejection and pride.

The one says “No one sees the wisdom the Lord has put in me” the other says, “this Church thing is a farce for I see no one who want to really be my friendship.” and they both sit in opposition to the Lord chained to a spirit of rebellion.

As a disciple I must be willing to submit to leadership in my life – I must sacrifice the time that those whom the Lord has placed in my life to mature me, being led of the Spirit, that I may receive a well rounded counsel of the Lord. I need those in my life who are trustworthy and walk in the true love of God to bring correction and exhortation.

The same must be the trait if I am to be a Kingdom discipler – I must make the time to speak into others lives, to listen to their concerns, to pray with them, encourage them and bring Goldy correction when necessary. I must be willing to trust the Lord with my heart enough that I am willing to become vulnerable and share my inner most parts of my life that those whom the Lord has called me to walk beside, the Timothy’s that they may can that I am human just as they are, I hurt, I bleed and I totally rely upon the Lord for wisdom and direction.

If we truly trust in the Lord, then we realize that we must disciple as He did – not as a dictator lording oneself over another – but befriending them, getting in to the dirt of life with them, expose my life to them that they may grow and mature in the Kingdom.

And the same with those who desire to grow, they must learn to trust others that the Lord has placed in their lives as well as trust in the voice of Holy Ghost and His ability to led, direct and counsel through His Word and through other Children of God. For we must all submit one unto the other that we may show the world that we can live the Kingdom life together in unity.

In both cases we must realize that it takes commitment and sacrifice and time is one of the aspects we must be willing to tithe back to the Lord – time is something that can be wasted and regretfully time can not be taking back. Once a day has been wasted it has been wasted and now is what was. We can take advantage of tomorrow but we can not get yesterday back. We must be wise stewards of all that the Father has blessed us with. The message of the Lord in regard to wise stewardship of time is not something new yet it is none the less an urgent message.

Dare to trust the Lord today, leaning totally in dependence of Holy Ghost, trusting that He will lead you to those who shall continue the work of discipleship in your life as well as leading others to you that you may be a wise discipler unto them. And in things let it be but to the Praise, Honor and Glory unto our Lord and King Jesus Christ.

For we serve a radical King whose kingdom is established for the people who dare to live a radical Christianity in the face of a darkened world. Are you one who can fully 100% surrender and submit your life of unto this Radical Lord, Jesus Christ and walk as a true radical servant? Because He will only accept those whose lives are totally and radically sold out to serve Him as Lord, Master and King and totally committed to being a citizen of His Kingdom.

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