Category:

Faith Mountain

“As goes Israel, So goes America” warning dream! -Chris Reed -MSJN Special Alert: Israel At War.

by Greg Lancaster

Roughly Ordered Transcript with Headers

Chris Reed said,

The Dream

‘On October the 8th 2023 that Saturday night I had a dream and in this dream I saw a map of the United States and I saw that through the American southern border amidst the 6 million plus illegal immigrants who have come across the southern border since President Biden took office amidst those people not all of them are bad but infiltrating um coming through those millions of people that have crossed illegally there I saw thousands of trained terrorists from the Middle East countries that have crossed illegally into the US in the dream it was the most strange and unique scenario.

So Goes Israel So Goes America

I was given a cell phone and was somehow able to read encrypted Communications explaining the coordinated plan of terrorists for America to hijack the government and to ultimately bring destruction here at home I remember somehow being able to read the words quote “so goes Israel so goes America” unquote the attack as you know in Israel uh came through the southern border at a breach of security and intelligence and in this dream the same thing happened at the US Southern border many of those who have come across our us Southern border as I said are not evil people.

[Chris Reed is saying, he was shown in a dream by the Lord, that the same southern border breech that took place in Israel and caught them by surprise, the same thing happened in at the American southern border.]

Trained Terrorist

Many people from Middle Eastern Nations have come across the southern border the last almost three years and are trained terrorists I know for a fact in one month this year they caught now these are the ones they caught more terrorists in that were on the terrorist watch list in one month and they caught the entire time of the four years of the Trump Administration.

Middle Eastern Terrorist Have Taken Advantage of America’s Open Border

Now these terrorists from Middle Eastern countries have taken advantage of the open us Southern border especially since the disastrous Afghanistan pull out uh which basically not only allowed Afghanistan to be taken over by uh terrorists, but we left weapons and highly valuable expensive armor artillery of the US military there. It looks like from pictures on the news that they are using, the terrorists are using, the weaponry that was left by the US from the disastrous Afghanistan pull out in August of 2021.

Afghanistan became since then a breeding ground for terrorists in the dream. I saw Jihad resurge as a result of the vacuum left in Afghanistan from the US pullout.

I read on this cell phone in the dream which nations the terrorist was coming from and I remembered seeing the “Stan” Nations the Nations that uh the name ended with Stan such as Afghanistan or Pakistan or Uzbekistan.

Cartel Coordinating with Terrorist at U. S. Southern Border

Now in this dream they were working in coordination with the cartels at the southern border to get these individuals into the United States. Once they got across the southern border into the US, they would relocate themselves in the United States accordingly as they were told from command. They were somehow receiving Communications through this technological device I was given a cell phone.

12 Dormant Terrorist Cells in United States

I saw at least 12 dormant terrorist cells in the US map. These terrorists that infiltrated at the southern border were mostly taking shelter initially in sanctuary cities.

Cell Phone – Technology Communication from Leader to Terrorist Cells in United States

Once they got there through this communication device, they were given contacts of likeminded terrorists in those local areas they were relocating to connect with upon their arrival they could work in those communities where they could now establish themselves establish a life.

Terrorist in United States Promised Families will be Rewarded Financially and They Themselves would be Rewarded in the Afterlife.

They were promised from command the one that was giving them instructions through technology that if they would comply their families would be rewarded financially and that they were promised rewards in the afterlife if they complied.

12 Places in United States that had Dormant Terrorist (Sleeper) Cells

There were 12 places I saw in the US there were sleeper cells, dormant terrorist cells, and I saw a few places on the map where they were:

I remember seeing: Michigan, Minnesota, Arizona, Texas, Carolinas, and the Northeast the New England, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.

The plan was to control the actions of the US government and to dictate our foreign policy and our response to events in the world and they would control how we would function with our defense, our response to world events by blackmailing the US government.

It was this quote “if you do this in any particular situation, we will coordinate a response” ultimately the final one being a detonation of explosives if the government didn’t comply with their wishes.

Terrorist Clear Demands of United States Government

The demands were clear number one in the dream I was shown the demands upon the US government were:

Don’t use the US military to attack or fight against Islamic terrorists number.
Continue to send funds to Iran and other terrorist states to support them in the name of foreign aid.
They had pictures explicit in nature of us politicians in every branch of our government that they threaten to use if the US crossed their Red Line.
Explosions were the last step but before that they could attack the infrastructure with technological disruptions blackouts and other technological disruptions as a means of controlling the US government and our response and our ability to defend and go on the offense they could also coordinate through this technology of communication they could coordinate with mass shootings or mass knife attacks or they could take hostages in various places in the United States for ransom money I then finally saw a detonation happened across the US with smoke clouds all over the map Rubble destruction and disaster.

Rough YouTube Transcript

hello this is Chris Reed and this is a Morning Star Journal News special alert

on October the 7th 2023 Palestinian terrorist groups led by

Hamas launched a larg scale Invasion and defensive against Israel from the Gaza

Strip the attack has been called Israel’s 9911 because the attack led to

a catastrophic civilian death toll as of now over 1,200 Israelis and 22 American

citizens were murdered in Cold Blood including infants children and the

elderly as terrorists went house to house through is Israeli Villages after

border walls were breached in fact I was in few of those Villages last year

myself an Israeli Music Festival also saw hundreds of young Israelis murdered

in Cold Blood by Hamas terce who breached the wall using

paragliders now this was a planned terrorist attack staged with the support

of jihadist Nations most notably

Iran it was a surprise attack because Israeli intelligence failed to

anticipate the breach of their defenses that happened including the bombardment

of the Iron Dome missile defense system and the disablement of Hightech walls

that were designed to detect tampering they basically overwhelmed the Iron

Dome the attack included countless atrocities and war crimes borrowed from the Isis

playbook in fact on the news now they’re even saying this is Isis activity they

found Isis Badges and flags on the bodies of the terrorists who were

killed women and children were raped in

front of parents and spouses the elderly were executed Point

Blank this was disgusting hundreds of hostages were

taken and are now being used by Hamas to demand that Israel halt its

Counterattack it’s not known exactly how many of these hostages are Americans but

we know they are there now Hamas has threatened to execute one hostage for

every hour that Israel responds to the attack with a Justified use of force

Israel has now become United in its response to decisively deal with the

terrorist threat of Hamas under the leadership of prime minister Benjamin

Netanyahu the surprise attack is the worst anti-semitic attack since the

Holocaust since the days of Adolf Hitler and this has galvanized and United the

Jewish people around the world now I want to share with you a very

significant dream that this is the first time I’ve shared this this publicly I’ve

also shared this with Sid Roth in an interview that I have conducted with him

uh today I had this dream on Saturday night October the 8th

2023 and this dream I called the US terrorist cells from the southern border

now I hesitated to share this for several days and I didn’t get permission from the Lord to share it

because I wanted to prayerfully contemplate it but after much

contemplation I decided to share it and I’m glad that I’m sharing it now so that you can be aware not in fear but in high

alert with situational awareness with an increasing of prophetic discernment to

know the times and seasons on October the 8th 2023 that

Saturday night I had a dream and in this dream I saw a map of the

United States and I saw that through the American southern border amidst the 6

million plus illegal immigrants who have come across the southern border since

President Biden took office amidst those people not all of them are bad but

infiltrating um coming through those millions of people that have crossed

illegally there I saw thousands of trained terrorists from the

Middle East countries that have crossed illegally into the US in the

dream it was the most strange and unique scenario I was given a cell

phone and was somehow able to read encrypted

Communications explaining the coordinated plan of

terrorists for America to hijack the government and to ultimately bring

destruction here at home I remember somehow being able to read the words

quote so goes Israel so goes America

unquote the attack as you know in Israel uh came through the southern border at a

breach of security and intelligence and in this dream the same thing

happened at the US Southern border many of those who have come across our us

Southern border as I said are not evil people but many people from Middle

Eastern Nations have come across the southern border the last almost three years and

are trained terrorists I know for a fact in one month this year

they caught now these are the ones they caught more terrorists in that were on

the terrorist watch list in one month and they caught the entire time of the

four years of the Trump Administration now these terrorists from

Middle Eastern countries have taken advantage of the open us Southern border especially since

the disastrous Afghanistan pull out uh

which basically not only allowed Afghanistan to be taken over by uh

terrorists but we left weapons and highly valuable expensive

armor artillery of the US military there and

it looks like from pictures on the news that they are using

the terrorists are using the Weaponry that were that was left by

the us from the disastrous Afghanistan pull out in August of

2021 so Afghanistan became since then a breeding ground for terrorists in the

dream I saw Jihad resurge as a result of the vacuum left in Afghanistan from the

US pullout I read on this cell phone in the dream which nations the

Terrace were coming from and I remembered seeing the Stan Nations the

Nations that uh the name ended with Stan such as Afghanistan or

Pakistan or usbekistan now in this dream they were working in

coordination with the cartels at the southern border to get these individuals

into into the United States and once they got across the southern border into

the US they would relocate themselves in the United States accordingly as they

were told from command that they were somehow receiving

Communications through this technological device I was I was given a

cell phone I then saw at least 12 dormant ter terorist cells on the US

map and these terrorists that infiltrated at the southern border were

mostly taking shelter initially in sanctuary cities and once they got there through

this communication uh device they were given

contacts of likeminded terrorists in those local areas they

were relocating to to connect with upon their arrival they could work in those

communities where they could now establish themselves establish a life

and they were promised from command the one that was giving them

instructions through technology that if they would comply their families would be rewarded

financially and that they were promised rewards in the afterlife if they

complied there were 12 places I saw in the US that were sleeper cells dormant

Terrace cells and I saw a few places on the map where they were I saw I remember seeing

Michigan Minnesota Arizona

Texas the Carolinas and the Northeast the New

England area new New York Boston Philadelphia in that area the plan was

this it was to control the actions of the US government and to dictate our

foreign policy and our response to events in the world and they

would control how we would function with our defense our response to world events by

blackmailing the US government it was this quote if you do

this in any particular uh situation we will coordinate a

response ultimately the final one being a detonation of

explosives if the government didn’t comply with their Wishes the demands were clear number one in the dream I was

shown the demands upon the US government word don’t use the US military to attack

or fight against Islamic terrorists number two continue to send funds to

Iran and other terrorist states to support them in the name of foreign aid

number three they had pictures explicit in nature of us politicians in every

branch of our government that they threaten to use if the US crossed their

Red Line number four explosions were the last step but before

that they could attack the infrastructure with technological

disruptions blackouts and other technological disruptions as a means of

controlling the US government and our response and our ability to defend and go on the offense they could also

coordinate through this technology of communication they could coordinate with

mass shootings or mass knife attacks or they could take hostages in

various places in the United States for ransom money I then finally saw a d a

detonation happened across the US with smoke clouds all over the map

Rubble destruction and disaster I woke up and it has troubled

me for days I I couldn’t even talk about it to anybody for two days but I woke up

and I knew that if action was taken now this was a warning and just like when God told Jonah to go to Nineveh because

he was going to bring judgment on Nineveh if they would repent or take action that judgment they could be

spared and ultimately Nineveh was spared for a season the the Judgment

that was predicted or prophesied didn’t come immediately just like Hezekiah was

told get your house in order you’re going to die that was a prophetic word

but by his repentance and his response and turning his face to the wall the

Lord added 15 years of his life and I knew just like this attack that came

from the southern Border in the US this attack that they are also planning in

the US has come through people coming through our Southern border we need to pray and watch and

listen and be alert and be like the sons of issachar who know the times and Seasons we need to be able to have a

serious level of spiritual awareness and situational awareness we

need to be trained on Disaster Response disaster prevention and when we need to

know the warning signs around us wherever you live of the warning signs

and evidences of this dream that I saw these 12 Terrace cells that are

currently sleeping or dorment that can activate upon

command this is a serious prophetic dream I haven’t had a dream like this

since the $50 bill dream okay and I know that prayer and human

will can affect the outcome and this is given as a warning and I think that we can change

the result of this but if we don’t what I saw would happen now getting back to Israel

there’s great prophetic significance to this war the attack was launched only one day

from the exact 50-year anniversary of the young kapor

War the attack that happened this year just recently was on the last day of the

Feast of Tabernacles or sukot which was the last and greatest day of the feast

and that’s mentioned in John 7:37 Israel is Central to many of the

Lord’s promises for the end times I’ve often said if you want to know what time it is look at your watch if you want to

know what the prophetic time is or ES eschatological time clock look at

Israel and I’m certainly not the only one who’s ever said that because Israel is Central to many

of the end time promises what is happening there often serves as a marker

of what time it is on God’s time clock as Believers we are grafted into Israel

we didn’t replace Israel we were grafted into Israel and have a Biblical mandate to

provoke the Jews to jealousy as Gentile

Believers and to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem so even if you don’t agree

with that eschatological view or think that natural Israel has any future

promises you can still pray for the Peace of Jerusalem which is a Biblical command in Psalm 1

22: 6 and God has promised that he will quote bless those Nations who bless

Israel and curse those Nations who curse Israel Genesis 12

and3 so how we respond to what’s happening in Israel individually and how we respond as a

nation with our support or with our condemnation will affect our individual

and our national trajectory for many years to come

now this also is in coordination with a dream that Rick

Joiner had about Israel it’s also available on Morningstar

tv.com and you can look um for the title graphic for the Vision conference

prepare for war in 2024 and we chose the name for that

Vision conference our end of the year conference before that war started in

Israel so I encourage you to check out Rick’s dream okay and I also you to uh

encourage you to check out um the advertisement for our Vision conference

and you can register to come for that conference at the end of December here

at Morning Star here in Fort Mill South Carolina we’re just 15 minutes south of Charlotte and that’s where I also

release the prophecies as I’ve done the last five years or so what I see coming

the next year and Beyond but the title for the Vision conference is prepare for war in in

2024 now Hamas is uh issues a call to all Muslims now I had this dream and

shared it earlier this week Tuesday for the first time with the staff and since

then even though this is the first time I’m sharing it publicly and with

sidroth Hamas has issued a call to Muslims

everywhere to make Friday October the 13th a quote day of jihad

unquote referring to it as Al AA flood

Friday it’s a call for Muslims and Arabs to mobilize and participate actively and

presumably initiate acts of Terror which Hamas has already done in Israel that

killed innocent civilians Hamas particularly called on

Palestinians and Arabs in East Jerusalem and all of Israel to rise up against

Israeli soldiers and revolt against the state

some of our listeners have shared warnings they receive from the Lord about Friday October 13th through our

Watchmen archives in particular New York City has been highlighted as a potential

Target and Friends it is a target it is

please take this prophetic warning seriously and I encourage you if you’re

watching this share it in every every way that you can digitally on Facebook

social media however you get this send it out to as many people as you can as many groups as you can on social media

this is important this particular broadcast that you’re listening to right now this morning star Journal News Alert

this msj andert now it is

scary the current president that we have even though he has come out and I do

appreciate that he has and so has secretary of state blinkin made a pretty

strong statement I just hope it’s more than words in support of

Israel it’s likely no accident that the Biden Administration

recently unfroze $6 billion in Iranian assets while Biden

claims this money was spent only or is to only be spent on humanitarian

supplies like food and Medicine money okay is fungible in other words

that means that even if the money that was spent on food or other supplies this would only serve to free

up other money or additional $6 billion in their budget to spend on their

anti-israel and anti-American terrorist agenda Iran is often in their chamber of

government been known for sh for chanting death to America and death to

Israel they refer to the two Nations as the little Satan and the great

Satan so support for Iran from both the Obama and uh Biden uh administrations is

a major component in what made this attack possible coupling that with the

Afghan pullout it is destabilized the region it’s emboldened desperat and

dictators to take actions they wouldn’t have under the previous administration

when there is weakness in Washington DC you see things like Wars in Eastern

Europe and now war in the Middle East break out now while Biden freed up these

assets Obama failed in the Iranian nuclear deal if

you remember president Trump cancelled it then Biden came back in office and tried to reinstitute it and this allows

Iran to resume many aspects of its nuclear development

program a nation that is already incredibly rich in crude oil does not

need to produce energy with nuclear power hello

unfortunately anti-Semitism has been on the rise in in

America because leftism is on the rise and some of the just a handful of

American congressmen and women have put the Palestinian

flag outside or inside their offices and have not been willing to verbally

condemn the beheading of infants and I think we and I’m doing it

now we should call for the resignation of these politicians who

refuse to condemn any form of terrorism now unfortunately as I said

this anti-Semitism has been on the rise here in America and abroad cities Across

America have saw these R these rallies unfortunately many of these cities saw

an even bigger show of support for the terrorist group Hamas more than they did for Israel now that’s not

everywhere but it is happening in some places it is critical for American

Christians to stand with Israel not just because they’re our biggest Ally in the

Middle East and they’re a democracy although that’s a major reason but also

as a Biblical mandate and and because our fellow Citizens need to hear the truth that

flows from a solid Biblical world view now with Christians making their

voices heard we can turn the tide in 2024 and see a change in our foreign

policy in the future but we are in a very dangerous place right now as a

nation with weakness in DC weakness in the administration you know president Reagan

said peace through strength when America is strong okay

evil desperate dictators and Rogue Nations don’t act

like they are acting right now this is why Morning Star Ministries we are based

in the United States and this is why even though we are a worldwide Ministry our the majority of our audience is the

United States because as go the United States so goes the world and if we lose

this bright and shiny city on a hill then the world is affected and right now

we’re seeing the world affected in Eastern Europe in the Middle East because of what happened in in 2020 and

who is leading this nation now we are in a dangerous place and many

things are hanging in the balance in this next election and how it’s decided

and let me just tell you do not fall for the agenda of the

anti-trumpers or the left or even Rhino Republicans who will try to get you to

vote against a personality instead of voting for

policy because if we don’t get this next election right in 2020

4 an America will never recover to the nation that we’ve always known and

loved now in other headlines the UAW uh

strikes are still uh in the news on September 15 2023 nearly 13,000 UAW

workers uh union members began a strike against the big three us automakers Ford

GM in stellantis and the strike has been ongoing and extended to about 25,000

union workers at 43 facilities Across the Nation as a result of the strikes all

three automakers have laid off almost 5,000 employees which is prompted layoff

at suppliers and related industries that supply parts for those workers to do

their job so if one major layoff happens multiple other

companies also who are producing other parts have to lay off

people because of this unresolved situation just this week the UAW shut

down Ford’s Kennedy uh Kentucky plant excuse me which is the biggest plant

globally that generates about a sixth of Ford’s Global Automotive

Revenue this strike includes 8,700 union members who were prompted by

Ford’s refusal to move further in contract bargaining recent data showed

that this strike has already cost the US economy more than any other Auto strike

this Century that’s major news now it’s unclear if the strike will be expanded

again but an update is expected by October 13th and there’s something significant

about that date Friday October 13th

2023 now in other headlines us strategic oil reserves are

low the US strategic petroleum reserve the spr is at its lowest level since

1983 the reserve has only about 17 days worth of oil if the US was suddenly cut

off from imports from other nations and no new

domestic oil s sources were tapped this is half of the historical

average of 33 days that’s been maintained since the 1990s the Biden

Administration has drawn the spr down in an effort to try and lower

gas prices they always do these things by the way at election times you’re going to see

over the next year them do things that they wouldn’t have done the other three years of the administration they’re

going to step up and act like they’re strong in their defense or they’re going to clamp down on illegal immigration to

some degree because at election time they want you to think they’re reasonable don’t take the

bait by the way have I mentioned please share this broadcast And subscribe and

click like and follow Morning Star Journal News in our various outlets on YouTube Facebook and also on Morningstar

tv.com and the Morningstar Journal uh.com Biden has promised the spr would

be refilled as oil prices dropped but oil prices have remained High the spr is

dangerously low especially now that there is a war in the Middle East

guys we’ve got to have an American awakening there’s already a spiritual awakening going on I know that’s

happening but we’ve also got to have a social cultural conscious

Awakening because this puts America and Europe at risk of an energy crisis as

Europe has been buying American Oil rather uh or after the ban was placed on

buying Russian oil in response to Russia’s war with Ukraine this is a

serious crisis and if we don’t get the right leaders in DC next after next year

in the 2024 election it’s only going to continue to go bad and you think the

economy is bad now if we stay home and don’t vote don’t fall for that thinking

that says well my vote counts I’m not going to do it anyway don’t fall for that your vote will

matter and remember this is a prophetic word if we don’t get the 2024 election

right America will forever change and never go back to what we have been the

leader of the Free World now here’s some good news for a

change even in the midst of the Peril in Israel the war and increasing

instability in the US that there are signs that God is still moving at

Israel’s benan International Airport many of the people trying to leave

Israel were stranded due to many flight cancellations but instead of fretting

they joined together in prayer for Israel they didn’t cave to fear and

neither should you but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get prepared prepar edness and prayer are

the two most important P’s that should be in your vocabulary also a church in Texas has

shared that 755 people have come to Faith In Jesus and have been baptized in

the last year while there is a narrative in the media that faith in God is diminishing

the Revival that began at Asbury College early this year continues to spread to

other college campuses and to churches other churches in America and I believe

this is proof that people are turning to Jesus in the midst of the shaking that’s going on in the world and I can testify

and tell you as well we are having an incredible move of God here at Morning Star

Ministries our Affiliates our churches our fellowship of Ministries but here in Fort Mill South Carolina just 15 minutes

south of Charlotte the Morning Star Fellowship Church here we are seeing

expanded growth we’re seeing a great move of the Holy Spirit and Supernatural

signs and wonders I don’t know of a church if there’s a church in America that has more excitement in it right now

than Morning Star Fellowship Church here in Fort Mill South Carolina and I don’t say that with

exaggeration thank you so much for joining me today for this

msjnet share this because of the dream this dream is important it may save our

nation it may save lives we need to tell people share this as much as you can and

check out Morningstar journal.com thank you for joining us today for this msj and special alert I’m

Chris Reed from Morning Star Ministries God bless [Music]

you hey this is Chris Reed and I want to tell you about probably my most favorite

Conference of the year the advanced prophetic conference here at Morning Star October the 19th through the 21st

and I’ll be speaking Rick Joiner will be speaking and Chuck Pierce will be here

with us as our special guest speaker and we’re going to have worship with colani web Don Potter and Misty Edwards from

IHOP this conference is going to be about purifying the prophetic getting

back to the original Spirit of Prophecy the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of

Prophecy and you know there’s been so much controversial about the prophetic in the last few years I believe we’re

going to have a Clarion call to realign with the testimony of Jesus and we’re

going to see what’s coming how to strategize for the days ahead how to plan how to be prepared for the best

days of human history I’ll see you there has never been a more important

time to know the times to be prepared for them spiritually and physically and

to hear the call of God to know where and how to Rally in 2024 the world is

facing unprecedented challenges spiritually and economically it’s truly

a time of uncertainty a time to prepare but don’t wait till it’s too late be

ready for what’s coming tune your spiritual radio to the frequency of Heaven make needed and necessary Divine

connections and gain clarity about the will of God corporately and individually

have confidence in the victory peace and joy of the Lor

Church Community Faith Mountain Government and constitutional issues Government Mountain Historical parallels and contemporary events Holocaust and genocide Hope Inspirational Lessons from ancient history Lessons from history for the present Nuremberg Code Original Intent of America Original Intent of the Church Original Intent of The U.S. Constitution Religious beliefs Religious freedom Warning signs and the urgency to act Wisdom and Guidance World War II and its impact

President Dwight D. Eisenhower Farewell Speech

by Greg Lancaster

President Dwight D. Eisenhower Farewell Speech

In this article, we delve into President Eisenhower’s Farewell Speech, intertwined with his poignant quotes reflecting his deep faith in God, “Faith Quotes.” He believed such faith to be foundational for America’s very existence. Enjoy your read.

To My Fellow Americans

Gratitude for Opportunities:

Good evening, my fellow Americans. First, I should like to express my gratitude to the radio and television networks for the opportunities they have given me, over the years, to bring reports and messages to our nation. My special thanks go to them for the opportunity of addressing you this evening.

Faith Quote: “In other words, our form of government has no sense unless it is founded in a deeply felt religious faith, and I don’t care what it is.”
Address at the Freedoms Foundation, Waldorf-Astoria, New York City, New York, 12/22/52

Transition of Office:

Three days from now, after half a century in the service of our country, I shall lay down the responsibilities of office as, in traditional and solemn ceremony, the authority of the Presidency is vested in my successor.

Faith Quote: “Today I think that prayer is just simply a necessity, because by prayer I believe we mean an effort to get in touch with the Infinite. We know that even our prayers are imperfect. Even our supplications are imperfect. Of course they are. We are imperfect human beings. But if we can back off from those problems and make the effort, then there is something that ties us all together. We have begun in our grasp of that basis of understanding, which is that all free government is firmly founded in a deeply-felt religious faith.”
Remarks at the Dedicatory Prayer Breakfast of the International Christian Leadership, 2/5/53

Reflecting on the Partnership:

This evening I come to you with a message of leave-taking and farewell, and to share a few final thoughts with you, my countrymen. Like every other citizen, I wish the new President, and all who will labor with him, Godspeed. I pray that the coming years will be blessed with peace and prosperity for all.

Faith Quote: “The churches of America are citadels of our faith in individual freedom and human dignity. This faith is the living source of all our spiritual strength. And this strength is our matchless armor in our world-wide struggle against the forces of godless tyranny and oppression.”
Message to the National Co-Chairmen, Commission of Religious Organizations, National Conference on Christians and Jews, 7/9/53

On Collaboration and Mutual Progress:

Our people expect their President and the Congress to find essential agreement on issues of great moment, the wise resolution of which will better shape the future of the Nation. My own relations with the Congress, which began on a remote and tenuous basis when, long ago, a member of the Senate appointed me to West Point, have since ranged to the intimate during the war and immediate post-war period, and, finally, to the mutually interdependent during these past eight years. In this final relationship, the Congress and the Administration have, on most vital issues, cooperated well, to serve the Nation good rather than mere partisanship, and so have assured that the business of the Nation should go forward. So, my official relationship with the Congress ends in a feeling, on my part, of gratitude that we have been able to do so much together.

Related:

War, Progress, and America’s Standing:

We now stand ten years past the midpoint of a century that has witnessed four major wars among great nations. Three of these involved our own country. Despite these holocausts America is today the strongest, the most influential and most productive nation in the world. Understandably proud of this pre-eminence, we yet realize that America’s leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment.

Faith Quote: “From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty. To anyone who truly loves America, nothing could be more inspiring than to contemplate this rededication of our youth, on each school morning, to our country’s true meaning.

Especially is this meaningful as we regard today’s world. Over the globe, mankind has been cruelly torn by violence and brutality and, by the millions, deadened in mind and soul by a materialistic philosophy of life. Man everywhere is appalled by the prospect of atomic war. In this somber setting, this law and its effects today have profound meaning. In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource, in peace or in war.”
Statement by the President Upon Signing Bill to Include the Words “Under God” in the Pledge to the Flag, 6/14/54

Our National Purpose and Challenges Ahead:

Throughout America’s adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among peoples and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance, or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt both at home and abroad.

Faith Quote: “Faith is the mightiest force that man has at his command. It impels human beings to greatness in thought and word and deed.”
Address at the Second Assembly of the World Council of Churches, Evanston, Illinois, 8/19/54 [AUDIO]

Confronting Global Conflict:

Progress toward these noble goals is persistently threatened by the conflict now engulfing the world. It commands our whole attention, absorbs our very beings. We face a hostile ideology—global in scope, atheistic in character, ruthless in purpose, and insidious in method. Unhappily the danger it poses promises to be of indefinite duration. To meet it successfully, there is called for, not so much the emotional and transitory sacrifices of crisis, but rather those which enable us to carry forward steadily, surely, and without complaint the burdens of a prolonged and complex struggle—with liberty the stake. Only thus shall we remain, despite every provocation, on our charted course toward permanent peace and human betterment.

Faith Quote: “We are essentially a religious people. We are not merely religious, we are inclined, more today than ever, to see the value of religion as a practical force in our affairs.”
Address at the Second Assembly of the World Council of Churches, Evanston, Illinois, 8/19/54 [AUDIO]

Meeting Crises and Seeking Balance:

Crises there will continue to be. In meeting them, whether foreign or domestic, great or small, there is a recurring temptation to feel that some spectacular and costly action could become the miraculous solution to all current difficulties. A huge increase in newer elements of our defenses; development of unrealistic programs to cure every ill in agriculture; a dramatic expansion in basic and applied research—these and many other possibilities, each possibly promising in itself, may be suggested as the only way to the road we wish to travel. But each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: The need to maintain balance in and among national programs—balance between the private and the public economy, balance between the cost and hoped for advantages—balance between the clearly necessary and the comfortably desirable; balance between our essential requirements as a nation and the duties imposed by the nation upon the individual; balance between actions of the moment and the national welfare of the future. Good judgment seeks balance and progress; lack of it eventually finds imbalance and frustration.

Faith Quote: “Without God, there could be no American form of Government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first — the most basic — expression of Americanism. Thus the Founding Fathers saw it, and thus, with God’s help, it will continue to be.”
Remarks Recorded for the “Back-to-God” Program of the American Legion, 2/20/55

Maintaining Balance Amidst Threats:

The record of many decades stands as proof that our people and their government have, in the main, understood these truths and have responded to them well, in the face of threat and stress. But threats, new in kind or degree, constantly arise. Of these, I mention two only.

Faith Quote: “Since the day of creation, the fondest hopes of men and women have been to pass on to their children something better than they themselves enjoyed. That hope represents a spark of the Divine which is implanted in every human breast.”
Address at the Signing of the Declaration of Principles at the Meeting of the Presidents in Panama City, 7/22/56

The Military Establishment & Its Implications:

A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction. Our military organization today bears little relation to that known of any of my predecessors in peacetime, or indeed by the fighting men of World War II or Korea. Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security alone more than the net income of all United States corporations.

Faith Quote: “The purpose is Divine; the implementation is human. Our country and its government have made mistakes — human mistakes. They have been of the head — not of the heart. And it is still true that the great concept of the dignity of all men, alike created in the image of the Almighty, has been the compass by which we have tried and are trying to steer our course.”
Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union, 1/10/57

Guarding Against Misplaced Influence:

Now, this conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence—economic, political, even spiritual—is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources, and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Faith Quote: “Basic to our democratic civilization are the principles and convictions that have bound us together as a nation. Among these are personal liberty, human rights, and the dignity of man. All these have their roots in a deeply held religious faith — in a belief in God.”
Address at U.S. Naval Academy Commencement, 6/4/58

The Technological Revolution & Its Impact:

Akin to, and largely responsible for the sweeping changes in our industrial-military posture, has been the technological revolution during recent decades. In this revolution, research has become central; it also becomes more formalized, complex, and costly. A steadily increasing share is conducted for, by, or at the direction of, the Federal government. Today, the solitary inventor, tinkering in his shop, has been overshadowed by task forces of scientists in laboratories and testing fields. In the same fashion, the free university, historically the fountainhead of free ideas and scientific discovery, has experienced a revolution in the conduct of research. Partly because of the huge costs involved, a government contract becomes virtually a substitute for intellectual curiosity. For every old blackboard, there are now hundreds of new electronic computers. The prospect of domination of the nation’s scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present—and is gravely to be regarded. Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.

Faith Quote: “The freedom of a citizen and the freedom of a religious believer are more than intimately related; they are mutually dependent. These two liberties give life to the heart of our Nation.”
Remarks at the Cornerstone-Laying Ceremony for the Interchurch Center, New York City, New York, 10/12/58 [AUDIO]

The Task of Statesmanship:

It is the task of statesmanship to mold, to balance, and to integrate these and other forces, new and old, within the principles of our democratic system—ever aiming toward the supreme goals of our free society. Another factor in maintaining balance involves the element time. As we peer into society’s future, we—you and I, and our government—must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow.

Hopes for Global Unity & Peace:

Down the long lane of the history yet to be written, America knows that this world of ours, ever growing smaller, must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect. Such a confederation must be one of equals. The weakest must come to the conference table with the same confidence as do we, protected as we are by our moral, economic, and military strength. That table, though scarred by many past frustrations, cannot be abandoned for the certain agony of the battlefield. Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose.

The Pursuit of Disarmament and Peace:

Because this need is so sharp and apparent, I confess that I lay down my official responsibilities in this field with a definite sense of disappointment. As one who has witnessed the horror and the lingering sadness of war—as one who knows that another war could utterly destroy this civilization which has been so slowly and painfully built over thousands of years—I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight. Happily, I can say that war has been avoided. Steady progress toward our ultimate goal has been made. But, so much remains to be done. As a private citizen, I shall never cease to do what little I can to help the world advance along that road.

Gratitude and Looking to the Future:

So—in this my last good night to you as your President—I thank you for the many opportunities you have given me for public service in war and peace. I trust that in that service you find some things worthy; as for the rest of it, I know you will find ways to improve performance in the future.

Closing Words of Inspiration:

You and I—my fellow citizens—need to be strong in our faith that all nations, under God, will reach the goal of peace with justice. May we be ever unswerving in devotion to principle, confident but humble with power, diligent in pursuit of the Nation’s great goals.

A Global Aspiration:

To all the peoples of the world, I once more give expression to America’s prayerful and continuing aspiration: We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings; those who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibility; that all who are insensitive to the needs of others will learn charity; that the scourges of poverty, disease, and ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth, and that, in the goodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love.

Transition to Private Citizenship:

Now, on Friday noon I am to become a private citizen. I am proud to do so. I look forward to it. Thank you, and good night.

Church Church and government Church Community Church History Church Mountain Evangelism Faith and Spiritual Guidance Faith and Trust in God Faith-Based Practices Globe Missionary Sharing the Gospel Vine Seminars

The Lausanne Covenant

by Greg Lancaster

The Lausanne Covenant

Introduction
We, members of the Church of Jesus Christ, from more than 150 nations, participants in the International Congress on World Evangelization at Lausanne, praise God for his great salvation and rejoice in the fellowship he has given us with himself and with each other. We are deeply stirred by what God is doing in our day, moved to penitence by our failures and challenged by the unfinished task of evangelization. We believe the gospel is God’s good news for the whole world, and we are determined by his grace to obey Christ’s commission to proclaim it to all humankind and to make disciples of every nation. We desire, therefore, to affirm our faith and our resolve, and to make public our covenant.

1. The Purpose of God
We affirm our belief in the one eternal God, Creator and Lord of the world, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who governs all things according to the purpose of his will. He has been calling out from the world a people for himself, and sending his people back into the world to be his servants and his witnesses, for the extension of his kingdom, the building up of Christ’s body, and the glory of his name. We confess with shame that we have often denied our calling and failed in our mission, by becoming conformed to the world or by withdrawing from it. Yet we rejoice that even when borne by earthen vessels the gospel is still a precious treasure. To the task of making that treasure known in the power of the Holy Spirit we desire to dedicate ourselves anew. (Isa. 40:28; Matt. 28:19; Eph. 1:11; Acts 15:14; John 17:6,18; Eph. 4:12; 1 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:7)

2. The Authority and Power of the Bible
We affirm the divine inspiration, truthfulness and authority of both the Old and New Testament Scriptures in their entirety as the only written word of God, without error in all that it affirms, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We also affirm the power of God’s word to accomplish his purpose of salvation. The message of the Bible is addressed to all humankind. For God’s revelation in Christ and in Scripture is unchangeable. Through it the Holy Spirit still speaks today. He illumines the minds of God’s people in every culture to perceive its truth freshly through their own eyes and thus discloses to the whole church ever more of the many-colored wisdom of God. (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21; John 10:35; Isa. 55:11; 1 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 1:16; Matt. 5:17,18; Jude 3; Eph. 1:17, 18; 3:10, 18)

3. The Uniqueness and Universality of Christ
We affirm that there is only one Savior and only one gospel, although there is a wide diversity of evangelistic approaches. We recognize that all people have some knowledge of God through his general revelation in nature. But we deny that this can save, for people suppress the truth through their unrighteousness. We also reject as derogatory to Christ and the gospel every kind of syncretism and dialogue which implies that Christ speaks equally through all religions and ideologies. Jesus Christ, being himself the only God-man, who gave himself as the only ransom for sinners, is the only mediator between God and humanity. There is no other name by which we must be saved. All people are perishing because of sin, but God loves all people, not wishing that any should perish but that all should repent. Yet those who reject Christ repudiate the joy of salvation and condemn themselves to eternal separation from God. To proclaim Jesus as “the Savior of the world” is not to affirm that all people are either automatically or ultimately saved, still less to affirm that all religions offer salvation in Christ. Rather it is to proclaim God’s love for a world of sinners and to invite all people to respond to him as Savior and Lord in the wholehearted personal commitment of repentance and faith. Jesus Christ has been exalted above every other name; we long for the day when every knee shall bow to him and every tongue shall confess him Lord. (Gal. 1:6-9; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Tim. 2:5,6; Acts 4:12; John 3:16-19; 2 Pet. 3:9; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; John 4:42; Matt. 11:28; Eph 1:20,21; Phil. 2:9-11)

4. The Nature of Evangelism
To evangelize is to spread the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that as the reigning Lord he now offers the forgiveness of sins and the liberating gift of the Spirit to all who repent and believe. Our Christian presence in the world is indispensable to evangelism, and so is that kind of dialogue whose purpose is to listen sensitively in order to understand. But evangelism itself is the proclamation of the historical, biblical Christ as Savior and Lord, with a view to persuading people to come to him personally and so be reconciled to God. In issuing the gospel invitation we have no liberty to conceal the cost of discipleship. Jesus still calls all who would follow him to deny themselves, take up their cross, and identify themselves with his new community. The results of evangelism include obedience to Christ, incorporation into his church and responsible service in the world. (1 Cor. 15:3,4; Acts 2:32-39; John 20:21; 1 Cor. 1:23; 2 Cor. 4:5; 5:11,20; Luke 14:25-33; Mark 8:34; Acts 2:40,47; Mark 10:43-45)

5. Christian Social Responsibility
We affirm that God is both the Creator and the Judge of all people. We therefore should share his concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of people from every kind of oppression. Because humankind is made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, color, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which each person should be respected and served, not exploited. Here too we express penitence both for our neglect and for having sometimes regarded evangelism and social concern as mutually exclusive. Although reconciliation with humanity is not reconciliation with God, nor is social action evangelism, nor is political liberation salvation, nevertheless we affirm that evangelism and socio-political involvement are both part of our Christian duty. For both are necessary expressions of our doctrines of God and humanity, our love for our neighbor and our obedience to Jesus Christ. The message of salvation implies also a message of judgment upon every form of alienation, oppression and discrimination, and we should not be afraid to denounce evil and injustice wherever they exist. When people receive Christ they are born again into his kingdom and must seek not only to exhibit but also to spread its righteousness in the midst of an unrighteous world. The salvation we claim should be transforming us in the totality of our personal and social responsibilities. Faith without works is dead. (Acts 17:26,31; Gen. 18:25; Isa. 1:17; Psa. 45:7; Gen. 1:26,27; Jas. 3:9; Lev. 19:18; Luke 6:27,35; Jas. 2:14-26; John 3:3,5; Matt. 5:20; 6:33; 2 Cor. 3:18; Jas. 2:20)

6. The Church and Evangelism
We affirm that Christ sends his redeemed people into the world as the Father sent him, and that this calls for a similar deep and costly penetration of the world. We need to break out of our ecclesiastical ghettos and permeate non-Christian society. In the church’s mission of sacrificial service evangelism is primary. World evangelization requires the whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world. The church is at the very center of God’s cosmic purpose and is his appointed means of spreading the gospel. But a church which preaches the cross must itself be marked by the cross. It becomes a stumbling block to evangelism when it betrays the gospel or lacks a living faith in God, a genuine love for people, or scrupulous honesty in all things including promotion and finance. The church is the community of God’s people rather than an institution, and must not be identified with any particular culture, social or political system, or human ideology. (John 17:18; 20:21; Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 20:27; Eph. 1:9,10; 3:9-11; Gal. 6:14,17; 2 Cor. 6:3,4; 2 Tim. 2:19-21; Phil. 1:27)

7. Cooperation in Evangelism
We affirm that the church’s visible unity in truth is God’s purpose. Evangelism also summons us to unity, because our oneness strengthens our witness, just as our disunity undermines our gospel of reconciliation. We recognize, however, that organizational unity may take many forms and does not necessarily forward evangelism. Yet we who share the same biblical faith should be closely united in fellowship, work and witness. We confess that our testimony has sometimes been marred by sinful individualism and needless duplication. We pledge ourselves to seek a deeper unity in truth, worship, holiness and mission. We urge the development of regional and functional cooperation for the furtherance of the church’s mission, for strategic planning, for mutual encouragement, and for the sharing of resources and experience. (John 17:21,23; Eph. 4:3,4; John 13:35; Phil. 1:27; John 17:11-23)

8. Churches in Evangelistic Partnership
We rejoice that a new missionary era has dawned. The dominant role of western missions is fast disappearing. God is raising up from the younger churches a great new resource for world evangelization, and is thus demonstrating that the responsibility to evangelize belongs to the whole body of Christ. All churches should therefore be asking God and themselves what they should be doing both to reach their own area and to send missionaries to other parts of the world. A re-evaluation of our missionary responsibility and role should be continuous. Thus a growing partnership of churches will develop and the universal character of Christ’s church will be more clearly exhibited. We also thank God for agencies which labor in Bible translation, theological education, the mass media, Christian literature, evangelism, missions, church renewal and other specialist fields. They too should engage in constant self-examination to evaluate their effectiveness as part of the church’s mission. (Rom. 1:8; Phil. 1:5; 4:15; Acts 13:1-3; 1 Thess. 1:6-8)

9. The Urgency of the Evangelistic Task
More than 2,700 million people, which is more than two-thirds of humanity, have yet to be evangelized. We are ashamed that so many have been neglected; it is a standing rebuke to us and to the whole church. There is now, however, in many parts of the world an unprecedented receptivity to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are convinced that this is the time for churches and para-church agencies to pray earnestly for the salvation of the unreached and to launch new efforts to achieve world evangelization. A reduction of foreign missionaries and money in an evangelized country may sometimes be necessary to facilitate the national church’s growth in self-reliance and to release resources for unevangelized areas. Missionaries should flow ever more freely from and to all six continents in a spirit of humble service. The goal should be, by all available means and at the earliest possible time, that every person will have the opportunity to hear, understand, and receive the good news. We cannot hope to attain this goal without sacrifice. All of us are shocked by the poverty of millions and disturbed by the injustices which cause it. Those of us who live in affluent circumstances accept our duty to develop a simple life-style in order to contribute more generously to both relief and evangelism. (John 9:4; Matt. 9:35-38; Rom. 9:1-3; 1 Cor. 9:19-23; Mark 16:15; Isa. 58:6,7; Jas. 1:27; 2:1-9; Matt. 25:31-46; Acts 2:44,45; 4:34,35)

10. Evangelism and Culture
The development of strategies for world evangelization calls for imaginative pioneering methods. Under God, the result will be the rise of churches deeply rooted in Christ and closely related to their culture. Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture. Because humanity is God’s creature, some of our culture is rich in beauty and goodness. Because we are fallen, all human culture is tainted with sin and some of it is demonic. The gospel does not presuppose the superiority of any culture to another, but evaluates all cultures according to its own criteria of truth and righteousness, and insists on moral absolutes in every culture. Missions have all too frequently exported with the gospel an alien culture, and churches have sometimes been in bondage to culture rather than to the Scripture. Christ’s evangelists must humbly seek to empty themselves of all but their personal authenticity in order to become the servants of others, and churches must seek to transform and enrich culture, all for the glory of God. (Mark 7:8,9,13; Gen. 4:21,22; 1 Cor. 9:19-23; Phil. 2:5-7; 2 Cor. 4:5)

11. Education and Leadership
We confess that we have sometimes pursued church growth at the expense of church depth, and divorced evangelism from Christian nurture. We also acknowledge that some of our missions have been too slow to equip and encourage national leaders to assume their rightful responsibilities. Yet we are committed to indigenous principles, and long that every church will have national leaders who manifest a Christian style of leadership in terms not of domination but of service. We recognize that there is a great need to improve theological education, especially for church leaders. In every nation and culture there should be an effective training program for pastors and laypeople in doctrine, discipleship, evangelism, nurture and service. Such training programs should not rely on any stereotyped methodology but should be developed by creative local initiatives according to biblical standards. (Col. 1:27,28; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5,9; Mark 10:42-45; Eph. 4:11,12)

12. Spiritual Conflict
We believe that we are engaged in constant spiritual warfare with the principalities and powers of evil, who are seeking to overthrow the church and frustrate its task of world evangelization. We know our need to equip ourselves with God’s armor and to fight this battle with the spiritual weapons of truth and prayer. For we detect the activity of our enemy, not only in false ideologies outside the church, but also inside it in false gospels which twist Scripture and put humanity in the place of God. We need both watchfulness and discernment to safeguard the biblical gospel. We acknowledge that we ourselves are not immune to worldliness of thought and action, that is, to a surrender to secularism. For example, although careful studies of church growth, both numerical and spiritual, are right and valuable, we have sometimes neglected them. At other times, desirous to ensure a response to the gospel, we have compromised our message, manipulated our hearers through pressure techniques, and become unduly preoccupied with statistics or even dishonest in our use of them. All this is worldly. The church must be in the world; the world must not be in the church. (Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 4:3,4; Eph. 6:11,13-18; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; 1 John 2:18-26; 4:1-3; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2; John 17:15)

13. Freedom and Persecution
It is the God-appointed duty of every government to secure conditions of peace, justice and liberty in which the church may obey God, serve the Lord Christ, and preach the gospel without interference. We therefore pray for the leaders of the nations and call upon them to guarantee freedom of thought and conscience, and freedom to practice and propagate religion in accordance with the will of God and as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also express our deep concern for all who have been unjustly imprisoned, and especially for our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their testimony to the Lord Jesus. We promise to pray and work for their freedom. At the same time we refuse to be intimidated by their fate. God helping us, we too will seek to stand against injustice and to remain faithful to the gospel, whatever the cost. We do not forget the warnings of Jesus that persecution is inevitable. (1 Tim. 1:1-4; Acts 4:19; 5:29; Col. 3:24; Heb. 13:1-3; Luke 4:18; Gal. 5:11; 6:12; Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-21)

14. The Power of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Father sent his Spirit to bear witness to his Son; without his witness ours is futile. Conviction of sin, faith in Christ, new birth and Christian growth are all his work. Further, the Holy Spirit is a missionary spirit; thus evangelism should arise spontaneously from a Spirit-filled church. A church that is not a missionary church is contradicting itself and quenching the Spirit. Worldwide evangelization will become a realistic possibility only when the Spirit renews the church in truth and wisdom, faith, holiness, love and power. We therefore call upon all Christians to pray for such a visitation of the sovereign Spirit of God that all his fruit may appear in all his people and that all his gifts may enrich the body of Christ. Only then will the whole church become a fit instrument in his hands, that the whole earth may hear his voice. (1 Cor. 2:4; John 15:26,27; 16:8-11; 1 Cor. 12:3; John 3:6-8; 2 Cor. 3:18; John 7:37-39; 1 Thess. 5:19; Acts 1:8; Psa. 85:4-7; 67:1-3; Gal. 5:22,23; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; Rom 12:3-8)

15. The Return of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly, in power and glory, to consummate his salvation and his judgment. This promise of his coming is a further spur to our evangelism, for we remember his words that the gospel must first be preached to all nations. We believe that the interim period between Christ’s ascension and return is to be filled with the mission of the people of God, who have no liberty to stop before the End. We also remember his warning that false Christs and false prophets will arise as precursors of the final Antichrist. We therefore reject as a proud, self-confident dream the notion that humanity can ever build a utopia on earth. Our Christian conscience is that God will perfect his kingdom, and we look forward with eager anticipation to that day, and to the new heaven and earth in which righteousness will dwell and God will reign for ever. Meanwhile, we rededicate ourselves to the service of Christ and of humanity in joyful submission to his authority over the whole of our lives. (Mark 14:62; Heb. 9:28; Mark 13:10; Acts 1:8-11; Matt. 28:20; Mark 13:21-23; John 2:18; 4:1-3; Luke 12:32; Rev. 21:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:13; Matt. 28:18)

Conclusion
Therefore, in the light of this our faith and our resolve, we enter into a solemn covenant with God and with each other, to pray, to plan and to work together for the evangelization of the whole world. We call upon others to join us. May God help us by his grace and for his glory to be faithful to this our covenant! Amen, Alleluia!

Church Community Faith Mountain Leadership and Guidance Leadership and integrity Leadership Transitions The Future: Signs of the End Times Third Great Awakening Vine Seminars

Billy Graham, “God is tired of people like me getting credit for His work.”

by Greg Lancaster

Billy Graham was once asked a question about the next generation of great leaders. The question was, “Where are the people that are going to step up? Where’s the next George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, where’s the next Billy Graham?” In response, Billy Graham smiled and said, “God is tired of people like me getting credit for His work.” He went on to explain that this time, the way God would work would be different. He said that ordinary people would feel compelled to do small, perhaps even insignificant acts that they might not fully understand. These people might argue in their own minds, questioning the rationale behind their actions and doubting their impact. However, Graham emphasized that if everyone simply did what they felt they were supposed to do—nothing more, nothing less—and remained faithful to that calling, then a greater picture would emerge. He described it as a mosaic of God’s work, so astounding that everyone on Earth would recognize it as something only the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob could have accomplished.

Image: Library of Congress

The Nature of True Apostleship

by Greg Lancaster

The Nature of True Apostleship

A Burden to Bear, not a Position to be Sought

It is Jesus Christ Himself, who calls certain people to be apostles. It’s His calling for His purposes. Ephesians 4:11-13 It is apostles who carry a weighty sense of purpose and responsibility. A comprehensive understanding of what it means to be an apostle can be drawn from 1 Corinthians 4, where the Apostle Paul outlines the core attributes and responsibilities of an apostle. This text serves as a foundational guide to understanding the nature of true apostleship.

Servants of Christ and Trustees of Mysteries

According to Paul, the first thing to understand about apostles is that they should be regarded as servants of Christ. They are not leaders in the conventional sense, where power and status are the primary indicators of leadership. Instead, their authority comes from their servitude to Jesus Christ. Moreover, they are entrusted with the revealed “mysteries of God.” This indicates that they are also keepers of sacred knowledge and wisdom, disseminating it responsibly.

Accountability and Judgment

An essential aspect of apostleship is accountability. As people entrusted with sacred mysteries, apostles must prove themselves faithful. However, this accountability is not as much to the human populace as it is to God. Paul states that he cares little for human judgment, adding that he doesn’t even judge himself. The implication here is that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord. Therefore, Paul suggests that one should refrain from judgment until the Lord comes and exposes the motives of the heart. This again underscores the heavenly orientation of an apostle’s duties and accountability.

Spiritual Fatherhood in Apostleship

^“Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:15-17

One of the most poignant elements of apostleship, as highlighted by Paul, is the role of the apostle as a spiritual father. In 1 Corinthians 4:15, Paul says, “Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” This speaks volumes about the depth of relationship and responsibility that an apostle carries. Unlike a guardian, who may provide temporary guidance or protection, a spiritual father imparts enduring wisdom, moral guidance, and emotional support. This is evident in Paul’s relationship with Timothy and others to whom he provided spiritual guidance. He didn’t just disseminate knowledge or offer surface-level guidance; he nurtured, mentored, and invested in their spiritual growth. This dimension of spiritual fatherhood elevates the apostolic role to one of profound relational depth, underscoring the long-lasting impact that true apostles have on those they guide and mentor.

God’s Household: Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ Himself as the Chief Cornerstone

Builders: Apostles Build

Apostleship has additional depth of responsibility as stated in Ephesians 2:19-21, which articulates that the faithful are “no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” This beautifully illustrates how apostles serve as foundational elements in the spiritual architecture of God’s household. They are not merely servants and spiritual fathers, but also builders in collaboration with prophets, solidifying the structural integrity of the church.

The Danger of Factionalism

Paul warns against the divisive behavior that arises when people start to favor one apostle over another, saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” He cautions against being “puffed up” with pride for being a follower of a particular apostle. He argues that no one is fundamentally different from another in this context and that whatever gifts or wisdom one has are received from God. In doing so, he underlines the collective and united nature of the Christian community.

Apostles’ Authority: Your Own Field, Not Another’s Field

The role of an apostle is profound and encompassing in the body of Christ. The scriptures provide clarity on the scope of an apostle’s influence and jurisdiction. In Romans 15:20, Paul writes, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” This speaks to an apostle’s innate desire to evangelize and establish churches, ministries, and operate as an apostle but notably in areas where the foundation of Christ is yet to be laid.

The passage from 2 Corinthians 10:13-16 further underlines the apostle’s jurisdiction. Paul notes, “But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us.” It’s evident that an apostle’s authority is designated by God to specific areas or groups. These groups can be thought of as their spiritual “tribe” or family – those born again through their ministry, discipled in their spiritual lineage, and those the Lord has led to relate to them apostolically, i.e., as a spiritual father in Christ Jesus.

An apostle’s tribe, then, serves as both their responsibility and testimony. As Paul puts it, “for you are my letter to others.” It is through the fruit of their ministry – the transformed lives and the growing faith of those related to them – that their apostolic authority is validated. But it is essential to note, echoing Paul’s sentiment, that this authority is not a blanket coverage over all believers. Apostles are stewards of specific fields. They are not called to exert authority or correction over another apostle’s designated territory unless explicitly invited, and even then, their role remains defined by the parameters of that invitation.

In their service, apostles might face rejection, even from those within their own sphere. Yet, this is not a testament against their calling. After all, even Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, faced rejection, and apostles, in their service, walk in His footsteps. As servants of God, their primary duty is to remain submitted to Him, to nurture and guide their assigned tribe, and to avoid overstepping into another’s domain. For in the divine design, every apostle has a field, a tribe, which they are called to shepherd. Their responsibilities, some of which are outlined in this article, are firmly anchored within the boundaries of that field.

Fatherly Warnings: Apostle and Prophets

Ephesians 4:11-16 further refines our understanding of the apostle’s role in Christ’s architectural design of His Church of which He is the head. Christ gave us apostles to equip the saints for works of service and to build up the body of Christ. The objective is to grow believers from spiritual infancy to unified, mature adults who are impervious to deceit and division.

Blow in, Blow up, Blow out: Blown Here and There by Every Wind

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:14

Jesus clearly said, we’ll know a person by their fruit, especially focusing on those who “claim” to be His followers and doing “His will,” whose fruit doesn’t align with their profession of their claim.

Apostles act as spiritual architects who ward off the destructive impact of transient, divisive forces that can “blow in” and “blow up” communities with schisms and falsehoods. They help to identify those fly-by-night, shooting-star “ministers” who “blow in” to town with a big bang, “blow up” the family of God, bring division, and then “blow out” of town, leaving the household of God fragmented, divided, un-unified, split, with broken unity within the community, people filled with jealousy and envy among God’s household, who stoked His people to favor one minister over another leaving a trail of scattered sheep (people who Jesus died for) as their fruit. Apostles help the church to understand these “ministers” are held captive by satan to do his will of devouring, destroying, and dividing Jesus’ church, as Paul wrote to Timothy about in 2 Timothy 2:26 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

They help remind God’s household of how things were before those who caused division came among them. They recall how the Lord had blessed the community, and how members loved their brothers and sisters in Christ. They were united, thinking well of each other, rather than being led astray by divisive influences. They remind the church not to favor or be mesmerized by anyone’s gifts, especially if those gifts are being used to draw people away from God and from the teachings clearly stated in scripture. They encourage the church to pursue Jesus, assuring them that spiritual gifts and signs will follow all who believe, rather than having the believers chase after signs. This is in line with Mark 16:16-18 and Matthew 7:21-23, which emphasize the importance of genuine faith and obedience to God’s will.

“Remember where you were before you fell, turn from this sin, and do what you used to do before.” Revelation 2:5 (CJB)

They help to rebuild the broken parts of God’s household and restore relationships in the aftermath of the actions of such “ministers.” They remind the household of God that we all belong to the Lord and are called to walk in Christ-centered unity. This unity discourages favoring one member over another; instead, we collectively favor Christ and unify in our love for God and each other. By doing so, we affirm that our love and unity serves as our greatest witness to the world, demonstrating that God loves them as much as He loves His Son, Jesus. This aligns with John 17:23, which emphasizes the importance of divine love and unity as a testament to God’s love for humanity.

This doesn’t only apply to those who call themselves “ministers” of God, when in fact, they are “ministers of satan” disguised as “angels of light” and this is known to be true by the fruit they bear. “For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 It also applies to those who rise up among us who do the very same thing as these “ministers of darkness.”

Wolves Warnings

“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” Acts 20:29-31

Misleading God’s Household: Identifying False Teachers

Apostles help to identify false teachers who are drawing God’s household to themselves, and away from God. “I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols… I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” Revelation 2:20, 22-23

Fruitless Wonders: True and False Prophets

Jesus tells us to “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

True and False Disciples

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:15-23

Identifying and Warning: Deceitful Schemes

The apostle nurtures and strengthens the community to reach “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God,” so that they are not left as fragmented, vulnerable targets for the “deceitful schemes” mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:26. In this holistic view, the apostle’s role is not merely foundational but also continually active in the growth and unity of the Church, helping to safeguard it as a “holy temple in the Lord.”

The Reality of Apostolic Suffering

There’s no glamour in being an apostle. Paul describes apostles as those who have been made “a spectacle to the whole universe.” They are “fools for Christ,” often dishonored, hungry, thirsty, and brutally treated. This humbling description serves as a reality check against any illusions of grandeur that might be associated with apostleship. Paul insists that the nature of true apostleship involves hardship, self-sacrifice, and a daily cross to bear. This understanding is vital for the household of God; they need to be open to an apostle’s leadership in their lives and within their church. They should not “misjudge” the apostle, thinking they can’t be from God because of all they suffer. The truth is, apostles have a target on their backs. Satan comes against them in every way he can, “hard-pressing, perplexing, persecuting, and abandoning” them in attempts to disrupt the foundation of the church and wreak havoc. [2 Corinthians 4:7-9] The church—the household of God—must be able to see the anointing on an apostle’s life and accept them as such to receive the apostolic reward, which is the specific purpose for which God appointed them as apostles. Their very struggles and the public attacks they often endure could, paradoxically, serve as identifiers that they are who they claim to be. Sad to say, those who are held captive by satan to do his will of leading God’s people astray often use the attacks on the apostle as their wedge narrative to pry God’s people out of His household. This makes sense when you understand it is satan who is causing such suffering and they are satan’s captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26

A Fatherly Appeal and Warning

Finally, Paul speaks from a place of paternal concern, urging his followers to imitate him. He doesn’t do this to shame them, but to guide them as his spiritual children. He warns them against arrogance and reminds them that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. He even poses a stark question about how he should come to them—either with a rod of discipline or in love and with a gentle spirit.

Conclusion

The Apostle Paul’s discourse in 1 Corinthians 4 provides a compelling framework for understanding true apostleship. It’s a role steeped in divine responsibility, heavenly accountability, and earthly hardships. It calls for humility, wisdom, and a spirit of unity within the Christian community. At its core, apostleship is not a call to elevated status but to servant leadership, continual faithfulness, and enduring hardship for the sake of Christ.

090823

Bible Bible Studies Biblical Events Church Church Splits Faith Mountain Government Mountain Prophecy Prophecy Prophecy for the World Prophetic Words from Oct 2016 and Older

America: How We Got Here & How We Stay Here!- (Part 2 Of 2)

by Greg Lancaster

The Power of the Written Word It can be said that the thirst for religious freedom and the power of the written word drove the formation and development of America. Having the Bible accessible to every individual led to personal convictions, unique interpretations, and a pursuit of freedom from religious oppression. When men and women began reading the Scriptures for themselves, it fueled a desire for personal, spiritual, and national liberation.

Greg Lancaster, VFNtv · America How We Got Here & How We Stay Here

Religion as a Catalyst Religious persecution and the struggle for religious freedom are not novel concepts in history. However, in America’s context, it played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny. The Puritans, oppressed for their beliefs, sought refuge in a new land, paving the way for others who faced similar adversities. Their determination to seek freedom and establish a place where they could worship freely was paramount in America’s early history.

America: How We Got Here and How Do We Stay Here! (Part 1 of 2)

The Birth of a Nation The Founding Fathers were well aware of the implications of intertwining religion with governance. They witnessed firsthand the dangers and oppressive nature of such a union. As such, they were determined to set a precedent where the state wouldn’t dictate religious beliefs or practices. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were not merely political documents; they were statements of intent to create a nation built on the principles of freedom, including religious freedom.

The Ongoing Struggle Though the nation’s foundations were laid with noble intentions, America has continuously grappled with the challenges of maintaining this delicate balance. The mask of Guy Fawkes serves as a symbol of an ongoing rebellion against perceived authority. It reminds us that the quest for freedom, both religious and otherwise, is ongoing and that vigilance is required to safeguard these liberties.

The Legacy of The Word The availability of the Bible to the masses led to a seismic shift in religious and political thought. As individuals began to understand and interpret the Scriptures personally, it led to a desire for spiritual freedom, which in turn sparked the drive for political freedom. The Scriptures provided guidance and direction and were instrumental in shaping the moral and ethical fabric of the nascent nation.

Conclusion: The Path Forward While the journey of America began with the quest for religious freedom, the nation now stands as a beacon of hope for various liberties. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of those early pioneers who sought freedom from religious persecution and the vision of the Founding Fathers who recognized the importance of separating religion from the state. America’s story, shaped by the hand of God and driven by the pursuit of freedom, serves as a reminder that freedom, once attained, must be protected and cherished. The responsibility now lies with the current generation to uphold these values and ensure that the sacrifices of those before them were not in vain.

Ten Things We Learn:

Religious Roots: The foundation of America was heavily influenced by the desire for religious freedom.
Personal Interpretation: Accessibility of the Bible allowed individuals to have unique interpretations, fueling a personal connection to their beliefs.
Religion as a Motivator: The journey of the Puritans, who fled persecution, demonstrates how religion catalyzed America’s early developments.
Founding Fathers’ Intent: The nation’s creators intentionally separated church and state to prevent the dangers they had witnessed of combining them.
Significance of Foundational Documents: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were not just about governance but were also deeply rooted in ensuring religious freedom.
Symbols of Rebellion: The Guy Fawkes mask symbolizes a continuous rebellion against perceived authority, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the fight for freedom.
Scriptural Influence: The Bible’s availability led to a significant shift in both religious and political perspectives in the nation’s formative years.
Moral and Ethical Framework: Scriptures played a crucial role in molding the ethical and moral fabric of America.
The Continuous Quest: While the foundation was set, the journey to maintain the balance of freedom remains an ongoing challenge.
Ongoing Responsibility: The importance of current and future generations upholding the values of freedom to honor the sacrifices of the past.

In addition to above article:

Greg, John, and Pat have a discussion about America: how we got here and how do we stay here? We need to get educated. One nation under God, because the Bible of God and the God of the Bible was made known to men. America just didn’t happen it has a history. All throughout history there have been kings and kingdoms. God is the one who establishes all authority even kings. Americans have been guilty of having one foot in one kingdom and the other foot in another. Conservatives have been happy to make America their kingdom. It’s God and country and not country and God. We are headed to a caliphate, tyranny and ultimately bondage. The question is how did we get here? How did we get to the King James Bible which represents the Word of God in the hands of every man? What it represents is more important than what some people have made of this version itself. There were some key events and key

King JamesVI of Scot & of England and Ireland

people in history that went down a direction that caused certain events to unfold that have had profound affects to the church and America even to this day. A

Queen Mary I of Scot

good starting place is with Queen Mary of Scots who was King James the VI of Scots and King James I of England and Ireland mother. Kings James would eventually be the one to sponsor the 1611 King James Bible. Prior to his rule his mother Queen Mary of Scots ruled Scots. Queen Mary I of Scots was eventually lured by the church of the day and eventually arrested and imprisoned as they tried to shame her for adultery and the choices she made regarding her husbands. She was imprisoned in Loch Haven Castle, never to see her son King James VI again. During her imprisonment she was forced to abdicate her throne as Mary, Queen of the Scots to her infant son. King James assumed and was named King of the Scots July 24, 1567 at 13 months. His care was entrusted to the Earl and Countess of Mar in Stirling Castle. King James’ upbringing was paramount to what would happen later in his life. They raised him and brought him up as a Protestant not a Catholic. There was a religious war between Catholics and Protestants and whether the Pope should be over the King and the church verses the King being over the church. The Protestants were defined as denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth” and more broadly, to mean

Elizabeth I Queen of England

Christianity outside “of an Orthodox or Catholic church.” Several tutors were sought out to train and develop King James into a God fearing, Protestant King who accepted the limitations of monarchy.

Guy Fawk

mask as a protest. The mask is a mask of the catholic man Guy Fawkes. On November 4-5 in 1605 on the eve of opening the second session of James parliament the Catholic man Guy Fawkes was discovered in the cellar of the parliament building guarding a pile of wood not far from 36 barrels of gun powder with which Fawkes intended to blow up the parliament House the following day and cause destruction. King James would later say that Fawkes was trying to destroy “Not only…of my person, or my life and posterity also, but of the whole body of the State in general.” This is the mask that you are seeing around the nation and the world today. The mask of Guy Fawkes. Realize what that statement represents, knowingly or unknowingly it represents destruction of present

Guy Fawk Mask

authority and blowing it up, destroying it all. After that attempt King James went through a period of time of ruler ship without consulting parliament. In America, according to our nation’s design, described in detail in the U.S. Constitution, the people are rulers, “kings” if you would”, under God. In his and Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, the British colonization of the Americas began which we now know were the first seeds of the United States of America. King James even signed “The Treaty of Burwick in which the killing of his own mother was approved. It was this treaty that secured his rise to power as King, but it was at the cost of his mother, Queen Mary I who was executed by Queen Elizabeth of England. The executioners knelt before her and asked forgiveness. She replied, “I forgive you with all my heart, for now, I hope, you shall make an end of all my troubles.” Her servants, Jane Kennedy and Elizabeth Curle, and the executioners helped Mary to remove her outer garments, revealing a velvet petticoat and a pair of sleeves in crimson-brown, the liturgical color of martyrdom in the Catholic Church…” As she disrobed she smiled and said that she “never had such grooms before … nor ever put off her clothes before such a company”. She was blindfolded by Kennedy (her servant) with a white veil embroidered in gold, and knelt down on the cushion in front of the block, on which she positioned her head, and stretched out her arms. Her last words were, “Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit”.

Mary was not beheaded with a single strike. The first blow missed her neck and struck the back of her head. The second blow severed the neck, except for a small bit of sinew, which the executioner cut through using the axe. The executor then picks up Mary I, Queen of Scots head, lifts it in the air and says “LONG LIVE THE QUEEN.”

After the Catholic Guy Fawk’s attempt to destroy him and England’s leadership; King James, stepped up his control over the church in a greater way. King James sanctioned harsh measures for controlling non-conforming English Catholics and 1606; Parliament passed the Popish Recusants Act which could require ANY CITIZEN to take an Oath of Allegiance denying the Pope’s authority over the King. The Act forbade Roman Catholics from practicing the professions of law and medicine and from acting as a guardian or trustee; and it allowed magistrates to search their houses. Today we have the second and fourth amendment in the U.S. Constitution to forbid this from happening. The Act also provided a new oath of allegiance, which denied the power of the Pope to depose monarchs. The person who refused to take this oath was to be fined £60 or to forfeit two-thirds of his land if he did not receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at least once a year in his Church of England parish church. This act also made it HIGH TREASON to obey the authority of Rome rather than the King. Upon King James VI’s death in 1625, realize it would only be 151 YEARS later- when the founding fathers of America would pen The Declaration of Independence in 1776 to begin a new

Declaration of Independence

fledgling nation! WHY? They wrote about their 27 reasons why in The Declaration of Independence which started by them writing it to the KING OF ENGLAND who merged the Church with his kingdom and had placed himself over the Church and the Anglican Church and he told all his subjects that if they were to leave the Church which he is the head of they were committing high treason against England. England ended up doing the same thing the Catholics did.

At the same time the Founding Fathers understood the importance of allegiance to a nation and even to this day we still require every new citizen to take the oath of allegiance; but we failed miserably in requiring citizens to live up to this oath.

OATH – A Pledge of Allegiance to be an American Citizen.

“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce, and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have here-to-fore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign AND DOMESTIC; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I TAKE THIS OBLIGATION FREELY without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

John Wycliffe

In the midst of this there was the Bible version that was going to lead to the birthing of a nation. The followers of John Wycliffe undertook the first complete English translations of the Christian scriptures in the 15^thcentury. These 1409 translations were banned. This translation predated the printing press but was circulated widely in manuscript form, often inscribed with a date earlier than 1409 to avoid legal ban. The second version was put together in 1525 by William Tyndale, an English contemporary of Martin Luther. Tyndale’s translation was the first printed Bible in English. In 1539 Tyndale’s New Testament and his incomplete work on the Old Testament became the basis of the Great Bible.

William Tyndale

They undertook a translation that became known as the Geneva Bible. This translation dated 1560 just six years before King James was born. As time progressed and Queen Elizabeth took the throne in 1558 they sought after a new translation which resulted in the Bishop’s Bible, which was a revision of the Great Bible and an attempt to replace the Geneva Bible. However it failed to displace the Geneva translation as the most popular English Bible of the age, in part because the full Bible was only printed in lectern editions of an extraordinary size [BIG ONE!] and at a cost of several pounds. Accordingly, to English lay people it was overwhelming to read the Geneva version was made available in small printed versions at a relative low cost. The Bishops’ Bible printed over 50 editions, whereas the Geneva Bible was reprinted more than 150 times.

However, a key meeting took place in May of 1601 in which King James VI of Scotland was in attendance of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Up to this point the Bible was in Latin and the Catholics held the Bible captive under “king pope.” Then there was the John Wycliffe Bible, the William Tyndale Bible, the Great Bible, the Geneva Bible, the Bishop Bible and now two years later at age 34 after he ascended the throne of England King James I of England.

It wasn’t until the Hamilton Conference of 1604 (the King James Bible Conference).

Founding Fathers

and declaring our independence from the King of England resulting in the American Revolution only 151 short years later after the death of King James. Today we have a constitution that includes a bill of “civil” rights. The very first amendment would insure the government will no longer be over religion. America, how did we get here? It got where it is today by the hand of God. What caused it to come to pass? Oppression and tyranny. What was the one thing that set men to walk out the freest, most powerful, most influential, most wealthiest nation in the world? It was the Bible getting into the hands of men! It was the word of God being understood by men! It was the beginning to follow God not men! It was men understanding that God is real, God is present and God is involved in the day to day affairs of men! It was realizing that now we know God, His Word and that all rights come from Him, we can believe Him for a nation which He is over, He blesses and speaks to the men of that nation. This way it can be a government of and by the people because they can hear from God. We must never forget the price those who have gone before us have paid so we can have the precious Word of God in our hands. William Tyndale was arrested and jailed outside of Brussels for over a year. He was later convicted of heresy and executed by strangulation and after which his body was burnt at the stake. John Wycliffe was declared a heretic and his writings were banned. The Council of Constance decreed Wycliffe’s works should be burned and his remains exhumed and burned and the ashes cast in the River Swift. May we never forget the price that was paid and may it spur us to seek the God of the Bible and allow Him to speak to us through His amazing and enduring Word. iAbide.org

America: How We Got Here Series Bible Bible Studies Church Splits Faith Mountain

America: How We Got Here and How Do We Stay Here! (Part 1 of 2)

by Greg Lancaster

LISTEN NOW!

America’s Roots: A Discussion on Faith, History, and the Making of a Nation

The Historical Context
America’s founding wasn’t an accident; it was the result of centuries of events, decisions, and the persistent tug-of-war between kingdoms, religious beliefs, and the idea of authority.

Greg Lancaster, VFNtv · America How We Got Here & How We Stay Here

The Power and Role of Kings
Since the beginning of civilization, kings and kingdoms have shaped societies. God, according to many beliefs, is the ultimate authority, even over monarchs. The concept of dual loyalty to God and country is evident in America’s history, with some prioritizing nation over divinity.

Queen Mary of Scots and the Ascension of King James
Queen Mary’s turbulent reign, rife with religious tensions, romantic intrigues, and political machinations, culminated in her forced abdication in favor of her infant son, King James VI of Scotland. James’ Protestant upbringing would heavily influence his rule and the religious trajectory of England.

King James’ Protestant Reign and the Catholic Challenge
Religious wars, especially between Catholics and Protestants, were central to King James’ reign. With his Protestant beliefs challenging Catholic hegemony, tensions culminated in events like the Guy Fawkes conspiracy.

The Guy Fawkes Legacy
The modern-day mask of Guy Fawkes has become a symbol of resistance and rebellion. But its origins lie in a plot to overthrow the authority of King James, a reflection of the enduring conflict between Catholics and Protestants.

The Birth of the United States and the British Colonial Era
King James and Queen Elizabeth I’s combined reigns saw the early phases of British colonization in the Americas. This laid the foundations for the emergence of the United States, with a unique interplay of political, religious, and cultural factors.

Religion, Allegiance, and the Struggle for Identity
The struggle between the Catholic Church and emerging Protestant denominations laid the groundwork for the future American nation. From the oaths of allegiance to the translation of the Bible into accessible English, religion played a central role in shaping individual and national identities.

The Journey of the English Bible
From John Wycliffe’s early translations to King James’ Authorized Version in 1611, the English Bible’s journey has been a story of perseverance, politics, and the drive to make the Word of God accessible to all.

The Declaration of Independence and America’s Founding Principles
America’s birth was influenced heavily by religious freedoms and the ability to practice faith without government interference. This foundation was laid partly by the availability of the Bible in English and the values it imparted.

Conclusion: America’s Divine Direction
America’s origins are deeply intertwined with religious freedom, the journey of the Bible, and the struggle against tyranny. The nation’s story, as seen through its early influencers like King James and Queen Mary, is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the drive for autonomy.

Addition to the article:

Greg and Pat have a discussion about America: how we got here and how do we stay here? We need to get educated. America just didn’t happen it has a history. All throughout history there have been kings and kingdoms. God is the one who establishes all authority even kings. Americans have been guilty of having one foot in one kingdom and the other foot in another. Conservatives have been happy to make America their kingdom. It’s God and country and not country and God. We are headed to a caliphate, tyranny and ultimately bondage. The question is how did we get here? How did we get to the King James Bible which represents the Word of God in the hands of every man? What it represents is more important than what some people have made of this version itself. There were some key events and key people in history that went down a direction that caused certain events to unfold that have had profound affects to the church and America even to this day. A good starting place is with Queen Mary of Scots who was King James the VI of Scots and King James I of England’s mother. Kings James would eventually be the one to sponsor the 1611 King James Bible. Prior to his rule his mother Queen Mary of Scots ruled Scots. Queen Mary of Scots was eventually lured by the church of the day and eventually arrested and imprisoned as they tried to shame her for adultery and the choices she made regarding her husbands. She was imprisoned in Loch Haven Castle, never to see her son King James VI again. During her imprisonment she was forced to abdicate her throne as Mary, Queen of the Scots to her infant son. King James assumed and was named King of the Scots July 24, 1567 at 13 months. His care was entrusted to the Earl and Countess of Mar in Stirling Castle. King James’ upbringing was paramount to what would happen later in his life. They raised him and brought him up as a Protestant not a Catholic. There was a religious war between Catholics and Protestants and whether the Pope should be over the King and the church verses the King being over the church. The Protestants were defined as denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth” and more broadly, to mean Christianity outside “of an Orthodox or Catholic church.” Several tutors were sought out to train and develop King James into a God fearing, Protestant King who accepted the limitations of monarchy.

We learn that James, King of Scots mother, Mary, escaped from her captivity only to be captured and imprisoned by Queen Elizabeth I of England. Elizabeth I, Queen of England researched and felt that James would be the rightful blood line successor to the throne of England. She began secret correspondence with him working out all details for him to pursue her as successor to her throne after her passing. On March 24, 1603, Queen Elizabeth died in the early morning hours and King James was proclaimed King in London, he became King of England and Ireland on the same day. In his first year he survived two assignation attempts. It was during his mother’s and his rule that the battle between Catholics and Protestants continued and there was conflict with him because of his Catholic mother. King James was distrusted by other nations for his repression of Catholics. They continued to discuss how today we are seeing people wear a mask as a protest. The mask is a mask of the catholic man Guy Fawkes. On November 4-5 in 1605 on the eve of opening the second session of James parliament the Catholic man Guy Fawkes was discovered in the cellar of the parliament building guarding a pile of wood not far from 36 barrels of gun powder with which Fawkes intended to blow up the parliament House the following day and cause destruction. King James would later say that Fawkes was trying to destroy “Not only…of my person, or my life and posterity also, but of the whole body of the State in general.” This is the mask that you are seeing around the nation and the world today. The mask of Guy Fawkes. Realize what that statement represents, knowingly or unknowingly it represents destruction of present authority and blowing it up, destroying it all. After that attempt King James went through a period of time of ruler ship without consulting parliament. In America, according to our nation’s design, described in detail in the U.S. Constitution, the people are rulers, “kings” if you would”, under God. In his and Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, the British colonization of the Americas began which we now know were the first seeds of the United States of America. King James even signed “The Treaty of Burwick in which the killing of his own mother was approved. It was this treaty that secured his rise to power as King, but it was at the cost of his mother, Queen Mary I who was executed by Queen Elizabeth of England. The executioners knelt before her and asked forgiveness. She replied, “I forgive you with all my heart, for now, I hope, you shall make an end of all my troubles.” Her servants, Jane Kennedy and Elizabeth Curle, and the executioners helped Mary to remove her outer garments, revealing a velvet petticoat and a pair of sleeves in crimson-brown, the liturgical color of martyrdom in the Catholic Church…” As she disrobed she smiled and said that she “never had such grooms before … nor ever put off her clothes before such a company”. She was blindfolded by Kennedy (her servant) with a white veil embroidered in gold, and knelt down on the cushion in front of the block, on which she positioned her head, and stretched out her arms. Her last words were, “Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit”.

After the Catholic Guy Fawkes’ attempt to destroy him and England’s leadership; King James, stepped up his control over the church in a greater way. King James sanctioned harsh measures for controlling non-conforming English Catholics and 1606; Parliament passed the Popish Recusants Act which could require ANY CITIZEN to take an Oath of Allegiance denying the Pope’s authority over the King. The Act forbade Roman Catholics from practicing the professions of law and medicine and from acting as a guardian or trustee; and it allowed magistrates to search their houses. Today we have the second and fourth amendment in the U.S. Constitution to forbid this from happening. The Act also provided a new oath of allegiance, which denied the power of the Pope to depose monarchs. The person who refused to take this oath was to be fined £60 or to forfeit two-thirds of his land if he did not receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at least once a year in his Church of England parish church. This act also made it HIGH TREASON to obey the authority of Rome rather than the King. Upon King James VI’s death in 1625, realize it would only be 151 YEARS later- when the founding fathers of America would pen The Declaration of Independence in 1776 to begin a new fledgling nation! WHY? They wrote about their 27 reasons why in The Declaration of Independence which started by them writing it to the KING OF ENGLAND who merged the Church with his kingdom and had placed himself over the Church and the Anglican Church and he told all his subjects that if they were to leave the Church which he is the head of they were committing high treason against England. England ended up doing the same thing the Catholics did.

OATH – A Pledge of Allegiance to be an American Citizen.

In the midst of this there was the Bible version that was going to lead to the birthing of a nation. The followers of John Wycliffe undertook the first complete English translations of the Christian scriptures in the 15^th century. These 1409 translations were banned. This translation predated the printing press but was circulated widely in manuscript form, often inscribed with a date earlier than 1409 to avoid legal ban. The second version was put together in 1525 by William Tyndale, an English contemporary of Martin Luther. Tyndale’s translation was the first printed Bible in English. In 1539 Tyndale’s New Testament and his incomplete work on the Old Testament became the basis of the Great Bible.

This was the first “AUTHORIZED VERSION” issued by the Church of England during the reign of King Henry VIII. When Mary I succeeded to the throne in 1553, SHE RETURNED THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND TO THE COMMUNION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH and many English religious reformers fled the country, some establishing an ENGLISH-SPEAKING COLONY AT GENEVA. Under the leadership of John Calvin, GENEVA BECAME THE CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CENTER OF REFORMED PROTESTANTISM AND LATIN BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP. They undertook a translation that became known as the Geneva Bible. This translation dated 1560 just six years before King James was born. As time progressed and Queen Elizabeth took the throne in 1558 they sought after a new translation which resulted in the Bishop’s Bible, which was a revision of the Great Bible and an attempt to replace the Geneva Bible. However it failed to displace the Geneva translation as the most popular English Bible of the age, in part because the full Bible was only printed in lectern editions of an extraordinary size [BIG ONE!] and at a cost of several pounds. Accordingly, to English lay people it was overwhelming to read the Geneva version was made available in small printed versions at a relative low cost. The Bishops’ Bible printed over 50 editions, whereas the Geneva Bible was reprinted more than 150 times.

It wasn’t until the Hamilton Conference of 1604 (the King James Bible Conference).

The newly crowned King James convened the Hampton Court Conference in 1604 in it were representatives of the Church of England, including leading English Puritans. That gathering proposed a new English version of the Bible in response to the perceived problems of earlier translations as detected by the Puritan faction of the Church of England which eventually would become the “Authorized King James Version 1611 Bible” You can say what you want to and how God does it and who He uses, the Word says, Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in men’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s plans that prevail. Proverbs 21:30 – There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The word of God was now available in the hands of every man that they may know God for themselves and learn of his ways and expectations. Man was free to seek God individually. As a result of many having the word of God much persecution followed which pushed the puritans out of England and eventually to land on Plymouth Rock. It also pushed our Founding Fathers as they continued to experience persecution from King George ultimately leading them to signing the Declaration of Independence and declaring our independence from the King of England resulting in the American Revolution only 151 short years later after the death of King James. Today we have a constitution that includes a bill of “civil” rights. The very first amendment would insure the government will no longer put its nose in religion. America, how did we get here? It got where it is today by the hand of God. What caused it to come to pass? Oppression and tyranny. What was the one thing that set men to walk out the freest, most powerful, most influential, most wealthiest nation in the world? It was the Bible getting into the hands of men! It was the word of God being understood by men! It was the beginning to follow God not men! It was men understanding that God is real, God is present and God is involved in the day to day affairs of men! It was realizing that now we know God, His Word and that all rights come from Him, we can believe Him for a nation which He is over, He blesses and speaks to the men of that nation. This way it can be a government of and by the people because they can hear from God. We must never forget the price those who have gone before us have paid so we can have the precious Word of God in our hands. William Tyndale was arrested and jailed outside of Brussels for over a year. He was later convicted of heresy and executed by strangulation and after which his body was burnt at the stake. John Wycliffe was declared a heretic and his writings were banned. The Council of Constance decreed Wycliffe’s works should be burned and his remains exhumed and burned and the ashes cast in the River Swift. May we never forget the price that was paid and may it spur us to seek the God of the Bible and allow Him to speak to us through His amazing and enduring Word. iAbide.org

Sharing the Gospel Witnessing

Sharing Your Faith 101

by Greg Lancaster

Maybe you’re afraid to share your faith because you don’t know what to say. Or maybe you’re sharing the Gospel but nothing is happening; people aren’t committing their lives to Christ. Are you doing something wrong?

You can’t open someone’s heart to the truth of the Gospel—but God can, by His Spirit. The Apostle Paul wasn’t eloquent, but God used him because he depended on the Holy Spirit to guide him (see 1 Corinthians 2:1-5). God guided many others in the Bible as well—like Moses, who at first asked God to get someone else to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, or Jonah, who didn’t think the wicked Ninevites deserved God’s mercy and tried to run the other way.

Remember that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called—and as Christians, we are all called to share what Christ has done. Some of Christ’s last words on earth were, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Sharing our faith isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a command. And God is with us when we obey Him.

What Do I Do?

One of the best ways to share your faith is to live a godly life. Non-Christians often look at Christians as hypocritical because we say one thing but do another. Show those close to you that you care—spend time with them, help meet their needs and offer to listen when they have problems. You might not be able to answer all of their questions, but they can’t deny the reality of what Christ has done in your life. If you find this is hard to do, perhaps God is speaking to you about your own need to walk more closely with Him every day.

Another important part of sharing your faith is to pray for those you interact with. If you can’t think of anyone who isn’t a Christian, pray for God to place someone in your life who needs Him.

Also make a habit of reading the Bible, praying and going to church. (Read more about diving into your walk with God through prayer, Scripture and relationships.) These things shouldn’t be done for attention or for the sake of doing them, but to help you grow in your own faith. Being passionate about Christ will help others see that there’s something different about you, and they will want to know what it is. You can also reflect Christ through kind words, patience, a gentle temperament, choosing to love even difficult people, carefully monitoring what you watch or listen to, and treating others with respect.

At the same time, we must do more than live godly lives. People need to hear the Gospel—to hear that God loves them, Christ died for them and that they can have eternal life. Romans 10:13-14 says, “‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

4 Simple Steps

To share the Gospel, you can follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Tell them about God’s plan—peace and life. God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.

2. Share our problem—separation from God. Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

3. Talk about God’s remedy—the cross. God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24).

4. Our response—receive Christ. You cross the bridge into God’s family when you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

To receive Christ, a person needs to do 4 things:

Admit you’re a sinner.
Ask forgiveness and be willing to turn away from your sins.
Believe that Christ died for you on the cross.
Receive Christ into your heart and life.

Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Here’s a prayer you can pray to receive Christ:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen.”

Source: Sharing Your Faith 101

Faith Mountain GLM Glory Stories

From Country Star to Spiritual Guide Discovering Hope in the Midst of Desolation and Grief

by Greg Lancaster

A Devastating Night:

On June 4th, 2019, Granger Smith, the iconic country music singer, was immersed in familial bliss, spending quality time with his children on the brink of his appearance at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville. However, this picture-perfect evening was marred by an unforeseen tragedy. Amidst the laughter and joy, his youngest son, River, met an untimely demise in their family pool. This harrowing incident left Granger grappling with boundless sorrow, guilt, and anguish.

The Descent into Darkness:

The aftermath of River’s death was a tumultuous period for Granger. The haunting imagery of that dreadful evening relentlessly tormented him. But external torment was no less; the world became a hostile place as blame and critique concerning the accident came flooding in. Every performance, every appearance seemed like a charade. Beneath the façade of the country star lay a father, shattered and broken.

From Tragedy to Redemption: Granger Smith’s New Path, Glenn Beck Interview

The Divine Intervention:

Yet, in the abyss of his sorrow, Granger encountered an unexpected ray of hope. On a solitary night in his tour bus, Granger felt the comforting embrace of Jesus, guiding him out of his despair and shedding light on a path of spiritual enlightenment. This profound experience revealed several universal truths to Granger:

God is the eternal source of our joys and sorrows.
Every pain we endure has a divine purpose.
Surrendering to God’s will paves the way for healing.
In our utmost vulnerability, God bestows upon us peace, hope, and unconditional love.
It’s the connection to a higher power that grants us the fortitude to rise above our sorrows.

Embracing a New Purpose:

In the face of life’s unpredictable twists and turns, Granger Smith has emerged as an epitome of resilience and faith. After gracing the music industry for over two decades with his award-winning compositions, 2023 marks a significant transition. With his final tour, “Like A River,” Granger is trading the spotlight for spiritual pursuits. Set to release his poignant memoir “Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache,” Granger is diving deep into the realm of ministry, further amplifying his commitment to faith.

Granger Smith:

Beyond the Music: Granger Smith is not just a music maestro. His journey spans over 24 prolific years in the music realm, with a massive fanbase termed the Yee Yee Nation. With ten studio albums, numerous chart-toppers, and a reach exceeding twelve million across social media platforms, Granger’s legacy in the music industry is unassailable. But beyond music, he’s a passionate speaker, actor, author, and a beacon of hope for many. His podcasts, touching upon faith, family, and restoration, resonate with his unwavering Christian principles. Granger, along with his wife Amber and their children, is based north of Austin, Texas, embodying a tale of grit, grace, and unwavering faith.

Listen to Chapter 4 of Granger Smith’s Book “Like A River” Now

HarperAudio US · LIKE A RIVER by Granger Smith | Chapter 4

10 Things We Learn:

Granger Smith is a well-established country music artist with a career spanning over two decades.
On June 4th, 2019, Granger faced the heartbreaking loss of his youngest son, River.
The subsequent period saw Granger battling severe emotional turmoil and public critique.
Amidst his deepest despair, Granger experienced a spiritual revelation that profoundly impacted his outlook.
He believes in the divine purpose behind every joy and sorrow in life.
Surrendering to God’s will can pave the way for healing and peace.
Granger decided to redirect his path in 2023, trading his music career for spiritual pursuits.
He is set to release a memoir titled “Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache.”
Beyond music, Granger is a speaker, actor, author, and hosts his own podcast where he discusses matters of faith, family, and more.
Granger’s story emphasizes the importance of connection to a higher power for strength and perseverance.

[ORDER BOOK NOW]

Featured Image: Granger Smith | Facebook

Church Church Community Faith Mountain GLM Original Intent of the Church Spiritual Growth Vine Seminars

God’s Building vs. Man’s Buildings: What does it mean to “build a church”?

by Greg Lancaster

Misconception: A “Church” Building vs. “Man’s Building” in Police Encounter

When I was in law enforcement, our shift needed to practice some arrest techniques and training. So, as we were a tactical unit on patrol, we saw a building where church meetings were held and pulled over to train on the open property. I have no doubt they referred to this building as “their church,” as you’ll soon find out. Later, we discovered it was actually a “man’s building.” As we began training, the man who was watching over his “church” building came running towards us – the local law enforcement – telling us that we had to leave. He said we couldn’t conduct our training on the “church” property because it was too risky for them if they saw someone getting hurt. It’s important to note that the building was empty and not in use at that time. The man had no understanding that we were all building material for God’s building. We were available for him to share the Gospel with us and to invite Jesus Christ into our hearts so that we could become part of the building of God. However, he chose “man’s building” over “God’s Building” and chased us away – “humans” who are created in the image and likeness of God. Christ died for us so that we could be saved. This was all done to protect a man-made building. I Corinthians 3:9, 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:19-22, Colossians 1:22-23, Galatians 3:28, I Peter 2:9, Genesis 1:26-27

Now, imagine with me that if this “Christian” had known he was the building of God, and that God wanted him to seek and save those who are lost so that they could become part of the building of God, he wouldn’t have seen it as a burden when someone was at “his building.” Instead, he would have considered it a blessing and would have joined and celebrated our presence. He would have asked if we needed something to drink, or if there was anything he could do to help us. He might have thought about thanking us for protecting him, his family and community. He would have shared with us what Jesus died to make known to us: His love, forgiveness, and His desire for us to become His Building. Unfortunately, this man ran the opportunity for a harvest away and refused to allow it on “his property.” A builder would say, “You just ran my lumber off, now, how can I build?”

Man’s Buildings

Numerous schemes and “plans” are devised by men to “build” God’s church. However, the word of God unequivocally tells us that God’s building, His temple, is not constructed by human hands. The only temple God desires is comprised of those who, through His power, earnestly seek and, by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, find salvation. It is within your heart that God desires to reside and establish His building, His abiding place.

Therefore, when someone approaches you and expresses a desire to “build a church,” it’s crucial to inquire by asking, “Can you elaborate on what you mean?” Why is this important? Quite often, they are referring to physical elements like bricks, mortar, wood, nails, or the conversion of a previous establishment, perhaps adorned with a cross, and then naming it “the Church.” However, Scripture instructs us that when discussing building the church, the focus should be on building people—strengthening their lives in Christ, aiding them in becoming disciples of Jesus. If you are in search of “building material” for the Building of God, you won’t find it at local stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Instead, you will find it at the local community park, your workplace, the marketplace—wherever people gather. This man, mentioned above, who ran the police off his property found building material for the Building of God on his property and ran it away. This is where the building material resides. Acts 17:24-25, I Corinthians 3:16-17, John 4:21-24, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:19-22

If You Build It, They Will Come?

It’s amazing how many people who are called into the ministry make finding a building or building a building their first priority. They have no money, they have no followers, yet all they can think about is “I need a building, a band, a stage, some seats, and a sign…” God delivered them from the debt of their sin, called them to help Him Build His Building, His Church, and instead of doing that, they chose to build their own building and get into debt. Then they get angry with God because of the burden of the building and often end up blaming their choice to build their building on God. Remember this wisdom, it can save you a lot of heartache, “God doesn’t care how much money and time you have invested on building an idol, He just wants it out of your life.”

Oftentimes, individuals fall into the trap of embracing the notion, “If you build it, they will come.” Living and ministering with this perspective, they dedicate their lives to promoting the edifice, the building, they constructed, disregarding God’s building, He built. Rather than fearing the potential loss of souls—God’s Building—they dread the jeopardy of losing “their building” whether next month’s mortgage can be met or if another wing can be adding on to their building. Consequently, they pressure “God’s building” (His people) to toil and cater to “their building.” They instruct “God’s building” that their attention should be directed toward their building. Announcements, often concerning their structure, proliferate. Frequently, discussions revolve around expanding or acquiring new premises for their building.

Building, Success?

Inevitably, the people of God (who constitute His building) begin to gauge success—be it their own or that of their pastor—by man’s building, instead of God’s building, the people. Is it sufficiently grand? Is it overly modest? The inquiries echo: “How many are you running?” The unspoken code for all these queries is, “How many are you accommodating?” Regrettably, due to their fixation on their own structure (man’s building), those entangled in this human-made tradition scarcely acknowledge God’s incredible work of grace, love, and compassion in the lives of His people—as His true Building. Perhaps, they harbor apprehension that if God’s people realize their role as the Building of God, they might forsake them and their building? An intriguing contemplation indeed. Just so you know, “The average United States congregation sees 65 people gather each week, according to the 2020 FACT study.” It’s not what those who promote their building make it out to be.

We’re called to make disciples, which is building on God’s Building of which Jesus is the Cornerstone. God didn’t call His people to build buildings, He called us to build people, which are His building. Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:19-22, I Corinthians 3:9, I Peter 2:4-5, I Corinthians 12:12-14

The Burden of Buildings

There was this one instance where believers gathered in homes, fostering fellowship as they followed the Lord’s directive to seek and save the lost. Their church experienced growth as a result as God added to their numbers those being saved. Acts 2:47 Over time, the congregation expanded, prompting them to move meetings to two houses due to space constraints in the first one. As the Building of God (comprising the saved individuals) continued to flourish, they extended their reach to more houses, creating a network of house churches.

In due course, a thought emerged collectively: while they cherished the ongoing transformation led by the Lord, they pondered organizing occasional communal gatherings or community-focused events in a dedicated space declaring “Let us build a building.” Astonishingly, five decades have elapsed since that day, and they remain entrenched in that building. Charles Simpson, the one who shared and experienced this, said one day they walked into the building, and they never came out. I’ve been trying to get them out of that building ever since. Curiously, the vibrant growth they witnessed, when the Lord was adding to their numbers daily when their focus wasn’t on constructing a human edifice, has since ceased. Regrettably, man’s buildings are where God’s building often goes to die. Exodus 20:4-6, Exodus 32:1-4

“”Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?'” Acts 7:48-50

You Know It All by Its Fruit, Right?

38% of pastors have thought about quitting full-time ministry in the past year… 4,000 churches closed and 20,000 pastors left the ministry in one year alone. In addition to those staggering realities, 50% of pastors say they would leave the ministry if they had another way of making a living. 50% of pastors feel unable to meet the needs of their job; 70% of pastors say they now have lower self-esteem today than they did when they first started ministry; 80% of pastors believe the pastoral ministry has affected their family negatively.

Here are some revealing statistics about the church and pastors:

1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.

4,000 new churches begin each year, but over 7,000 churches close.

50% of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.

80% of pastors and 84% of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.

70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor.

80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.

90% of pastors said their seminary or Bible school training did only a fair to poor job preparing them for ministry.

90% of pastors said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people.

80% of pastors’ spouses feel their spouse is overworked.

80% of pastor’ wives feel left out and unappreciated by the church members.

80% of pastors’ spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.

70% of pastors constantly fight depression.

40% of pastors polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry.

80% of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression.

Porn and Pastors:

Most pastors (57%) and youth pastors (64%) admit they have struggled with porn, either currently or in the past.
Overall, 21% of youth pastors and 14% of pastors admit they currently struggle with using porn.

About 12% of youth pastors and 5% of pastors say they are addicted to porn

87% of pastors who use porn feel a great sense of shame about it.

Many of these statistical realities, I believe, are caused by making church about our building instead of God’s building, which makes “man’s building” one’s idle and leaves a pastor who God has called to Build His Building frustrated, depressed, judged and measured by the traditions of man and his buildings, which leads him into sin. If a shepherd is not spending time with the sheep, being a shepherd makes no sense, and leads the shepherds, i.e., pastors frustrated, depressed, confused and captive. Isaiah 28:12-13 A true shepherd finds pleasure and meaning in being with the sheep. Is it time to leave man’s buildings for God’s Building? “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” Jonah 2:8 There is a grace awaiting you, I believe, when you stop working on man’s buildings and start loving God by helping and working on His Building. Hebrews 6:10

God never rebuked a pastor (shepherd) for not taking care of a building. He rebuked them for not taking care of His people, i.e., His Building! Jeremiah 23:1-4

American Enterprise

In America, the Church has been turned into an enterprise. Most decisions must be made by the church board, which is how an enterprise is run. According to George Barna, the American Church is paying 1.3 million dollars per baptized believer. Could you imagine Jesus having to pay $1.3 million for each person who chose to follow Him? [Of course, He paid a much higher price with His own life, but I am speaking figuratively. Although every soul is worth a greater value than all the money in the world due to God’s love for mankind and Jesus’ sacrifice, He and the Father paid for each one.]

Due to man’s adherence to traditional practices, the church often fails to effectively utilize the hard-earned funds provided through tithes and offerings, which rightfully belong to the Lord. These funds possess the potential to reach and impact millions of souls. Unfortunately, the emphasis on maintaining and investing in “men’s buildings” leads to limited results, often resulting in the salvation of just one soul costing “man’s traditional buildings” $1.3 Million, for “one baptized believer,” despite the vast possibilities offered by the resources. Matthew 7:15-20

A Family Not a Building

So, what is the pure expression of the Church? Rick Joyner shares about a shift in the Church and how the pure expression of it is family. God’s Building is family! The Church is shifting back to this pure expression, family! Father God gave His Son Jesus Christ, on behalf of His creation so that when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become sons and daughters of God, family! How do we get back to family? One way to do this is to relate to God as our Father. Jesus shares how we can talk to His Father in Matthew 6:9-10, “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” and those who fellowship with us as our brothers and sisters?

Jesus, “stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:49-50 That’s how you describe family, which is the Building of God.

Why is all this happening? Could it be because we’ve turned our backs on God’s Building and have made it about man’s buildings? Could it be the reality that things we’ve built in the flesh has become a stumbling block and a heavy burden to us? Could it be you are “making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down?” Mark 7:13, 1 Peter 2:7-8

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT. Matthew 11:28-30

Related:

Jesus Didn’t Die for Your Building, He Died for God’s Building!

I have nothing against man’s buildings. I love their architecture, their beauty, the engineering, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, air conditioning and heading, protection from extreme weather or even gentle rains, but in the end, they are man’s building. I’ve always joked around when talking about God’s Building vs. man’s building, because people take ‘their buildings’ so personally, by saying “I’ve got a good friend who is a building.”

How can someone who was born into a wealthy family, grew up living in the nicest buildings a man can build, with some of the finest foods, and kindness servant, be so miserable, empty, and suicidal? It’s because no matter how nice it all is, it’s “man’s building.” Buildings don’t save people, Jesus does, and then He makes them His building.

You Are the Building of God!

I Corinthians 3:19-15

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; YOU ARE GOD’S FIELD, GOD’S BUILDING. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

From God’s Building to Man’s Building?

How did we come so far away from building God’s Building [people] upon Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, to building man’s buildings? From this scripture, not only is the true ‘Building of God’ revealed and the ‘Field of God’ in which God’s Building resides, but we are clearly told that if we build man’s buildings, even with gold, silver, costly stone, wood, hay, or stubble, our work will be revealed for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. This scripture reveals that, “Everyone is “building something,” but in the end, what we built will be tested by fire.

Man’s buildings should be a byproduct of God’s Building. Hence, when it becomes necessary to seek shelter from the elements, look for ‘a place’ for ‘God’s Building’ to gather, always knowing that it’s God’s Building and His presence that is the church, not the place you gather. For where one or two are gathered in Jesus’ name, He rules over them, His Building, as the King and Shepherd He is. Matthew 18:20

Building Con-Fusion

“In Jerusalem, Christianity became a religion. In Greece, it became a philosophy. In Rome, it became an institution. In Britain, it became a tradition, and in America, it became an enterprise.”

When you make man’s building ‘the church,’ don’t be surprised when God’s Building [His People] refuses to or is unable to realize they are God’s Building. Leading them to relinquish all their responsibilities as God’s Building, that which Christ has called them to be and do for Him, over to your building.

It’s been said by some, ‘God spends half of a person’s life trying to get them in the church, the last half of their life trying to get them to go out from the church.’ First of all, God does not spend half of a person’s life trying to get anyone into ‘your building’ – ‘your church.’ He is inviting them to His Building, His Temple, where He dwells. I believe this confusion exists because teachers didn’t teach them ‘for works of service,‘ as clearly stated in the Word of God that plainly says they are the Building of God and how to be the Children of God. Not teaching God’s people, who too, like Jesus, are to be in the Father’s business of seeking and saving those who are lost. ‘From Jesus [the Cornerstone], the whole body [Building of God], joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows, and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Luke 19:10, John 17:17-23, Ephesians 4:11-16, Acts 17:24-28

It seems that traditions of men have fused man’s buildings with God’s Building thereby confusing Jesus’ followers to the point that they have no clue they are the Building of God.

People are Hard To Work With

One of the reason our sin nature turns to working with physical building rather than the spiritual building made up flawed human’s who are saved by grace is people are hard to work with. Everyone has been given their free will by God and have to choose to do what is right. Often their choices seldom fall in harmony with others, hence people are “all over the place.” Yet, it’s people, who are created in the image and likeness of God that Jesus paid the price for so that they can be saved and live with Him forever in eternity. Since God is in love with difficult people, and we are called as part of His Church, His Building, we have to resist the temptation to turn away from working with and on them and start working on “our buildings.”

Acacia Wood and You

I find it interesting that we are the Tabernacle of God, and the shadow of the Tabernacle—Moses’ Tabernacle—that God instructed Moses to use acacia wood for its construction. Romans 1:20, 15:4 Exodus 25:10-28 Acacia wood was used for making the Ark, the Table of Showbread, the Altar of Incense, and various other components of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Working with acacia wood presents several notable challenges stemming from its inherent hardness. The wood’s substantial hardness can prove formidable when utilizing hand tools or traditional woodworking methods, necessitating the use of exceptionally sharp and robust tools for cutting, shaping, and carving. However, this hardness also means that tools can quickly become dulled in the process, demanding more frequent tool sharpening to maintain effectiveness. Even sanding, a fundamental finishing step, becomes an arduous task due to acacia wood’s resistance to smoothing, contrasting with the ease of working with softer woods. Furthermore, the wood’s dense composition heightens the risk of splits and cracks, particularly if it is not adequately dried before implementation. Compounding these difficulties, certain species of acacia encompass natural resins that can gum up tools and introduce complications during the finishing stages of a project. To summarizes what God used to compare us human’s to, acacia wood, when working with them to make them into a tabernacle for His presence is: hardness, blunting of tools, hard to sand, splits and cracks easy.

Understanding this, you can see why someone says, I’m worn out working on people, I think I’ll just build a building and be done with it. Yet, in the end, at your Christmas Cantata that is still your building, not God’s Building.

Interesting note: The family carved out of wood as the image for this article was carved from acacia wood.

Dwelling With You

“’If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling place with him.” John 10:23

In 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13-15, we encounter the profound journey of King David’s desire to bring God’s presence into the heart of the nation, into his own home. The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred vessel that embodied God’s presence and covenant, held immense significance. It was not just a relic but a vessel through which God’s glory manifested. David’s yearning to have the Ark in Jerusalem mirrored our longing to have God’s presence dwell within us and our homes, into the true Building of God.

When David attempted to move the Ark initially, tragedy struck. Uzzah’s untimely death reminded us of the sanctity and reverence required when seeking God’s presence. This incident caused David to pause and reflect, leading him to leave the Ark at Obed-Edom’s house. The blessings that overflowed in Obed-Edom’s home were a testament to the tangible impact of God’s presence in a household. This resonates with our aspiration to have God’s presence not only in large gatherings of the church but also intimately within our homes and hearts.

When man finds out the price for hosting God’s presence he often decides to set “his church” up down the street, while leaving his home empty of God’s presence, just as David did.

David’s jealousy and desire after witnessing the blessings on Obed-Edom’s household mirrored our innate longing for God’s blessings. We often find ourselves drawn to the blessing’s others experience in their relationship with God, yearning for the same. Like David, we must recognize that the blessings come not just from proximity to sacred ark of God’s presence but from the depth of our connection to God as His dwelling place, His Building.

If you think your home is not a place where God’s presence, His Church, can gather, you need to pray again and ask if God has truthfully called you into the ministry. 1 Timothy 3:5

In a parallel sense, just as David’s longing extended beyond a mere building up the street, we are called to recognize that we are God’s temple. We, ourselves, are the dwelling place of His presence, God’s Building, God’s Field. The challenge lies in ensuring that we do not become complacent, content with confining God’s presence to a physical building or occasional religious rituals. Instead, we must mirror David’s determination to learn, sacrifice, and align our hearts with God’s ways to cultivate His presence within us. As the psalmist says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Are we willing to follow in David’s footsteps in not merely being satisfied with God’s presence being in a building up the street, but actively seeking to make our hearts and homes a place where God’s glory presence dwells? Just as David turned his jealousy, seeing God’s blessing upon Obed-Edom’s house, into fervent pursuit, we can channel our yearning for God’s blessings into a sincere quest for His presence within ourselves and our households. This requires more than a superficial façade; it entails a transformative journey of repentance, dedication, and alignment with God’s will, inviting His blessings to manifest in our lives.

Related:

Show Me Your Glory

Moses, like David, wanted to see and experience the glory presence of God. He cried out to God “Show me your glory.”

Exodus 33:18-23

“Then Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’ And he said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,’ he said, ‘you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.’ And the Lord said, ‘Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.'” (Exodus 33:18-23, ESV)

In this passage, Moses expresses his desire to see God’s glory. God responds by granting Moses a limited glimpse of His glory by allowing Moses to see His back, but not His face. This passage highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God’s presence and His holiness, which is beyond human comprehension. It also demonstrates God’s willingness to reveal Himself to Moses to a certain extent while acknowledging the limitations of human interaction at that time, before Jesus, with His presence.

That Has All Changed

Now the Jesus has not only become our Lord and Savior, but also the great High Priest in heaven making intercession for us before the Father, we can now boldly enter into God’s presence and have God’s presence enter into us as His Building, i.e., the Temple of God.

‘Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ Hebrews 4:14-16

It’s Time to Join the Master Builder

God’s building starts with people, for they are His building material. It is to them we share the love of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and invite them to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. If they accept Jesus as their Lord, and follow Him, they are then the body of Christ, the building of God. When we help them, the Building of God, God sees that as us helping Him and loving Him. Mark 16:15-20, Hebrews 6:10

Are you ready to go into the Lord’s harvest fields as His ambassadors, making His appeal to them for their very souls and trust God with His Building and Jesus with His leadership in what and where He desires His Building to dwell, and where is Field is to be stablished? Matthew 9:38, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Living Stones

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)

The Cornerstone of God’s Building

A cornerstone is a foundational stone that is laid at the corner of a building or structure. It serves as a reference point for the alignment of the other stones or bricks that make up the walls. The cornerstone is often inscribed with important information about the building, such as its date of construction, the names of builders or architects, and sometimes even ceremonial or symbolic elements.

“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone…” Ephesians 2:20 (ESV)

“For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'” 1 Peter 2:6 (ESV)

Jesus is the cornerstone of God’s Building. Just as a cornerstone holds pivotal importance in building construction, Jesus holds the central and foundational role in the Christian faith. He is the reference point that aligns the structure of God’s Building, as believers, we’re to align our beliefs and values to Jesus as our cornerstone. He is the first born from the dead, the head of the church, the cornerstone of God’s Building, the church. As a cornerstone often bears inscriptions of historical significance, Jesus carries the weight of eternal history, teachings, and principles. He is the unshakable foundation upon which Christianity, the Building of God, is constructed, and He is the strength, stability, and the essential element upon which all else rests. He is the word of God, the word of God Who became flesh. He is the image of the invisible God, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Everything is centered around Him, and everything is being brought up under Him. For He is the ruler of the kings of the earth, kings whose heart He directs like a river. Ephesians 1:10, Colossians 1:18, I Corinthians 15:20, Revelation 1:5, Proverbs 21:1, Daniel 2:12, Job 12:23-25

Jesus, our Cornerstone, “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [Notice, it’s the body of Christ that is built up, not “buildings.”]

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows, and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:11-16

Related:

Building View vs. A Biblical World View

Many are noticing that the days of yesterday are quickly changing and are no more. George Barna’s book, America at the Crossroads, reveals this very important reality in the Church. So much has changed in the recent years that Barna could only go as far as 10 years and discuss the rapid changes that are happening within those professing to be believers. Note, that these statistics have only grown darker since their recording in 2016. At the onset, ”90% Nine out of ten adults believe in “God””, but as we look closer and closer, we will see this is far from the actual reality within the Church. “Fewer than half of all Americans (45%) contend that Jesus Christ is alive today.

We must become Biblical aware of what is so that we can clearly identify what does not align with, and what contradicts what the Bible teaches. “Most people lean toward believing that the Bible, Koran, and Book of Mormon are simply different expressions of the same spiritual truths.” While at the same time, “Only 1 out of 8 adults consider themselves to be “highly knowledgeable” about the content of the Bible.”

By taking the time to have a lifestyle that incorporates the teachings and ways of the Bible, it significantly effects how we look at the world. This would be classified as having a “Biblical worldview”.

Barna writes, “Those who have a Biblical world view are:

12 Times LESS LIKELY to engage in extramarital sex.

9 Times MORE LIKELY to avoid adult-only material on the internet.

8 Times LESS LIKELY to gamble.

5 Times MORE LIKELY to believe that satan is real, not just a symbol of evil.

5 Times LESS LIKELY to believe the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are simply different expressions of the same truth.

4 Times MORE LIKELY to reject the idea that a person can reach Heaven through personal goodness or doing good works.

3 Times MORE LIKELY to affirm the holiness of Jesus Christ

3 Times MORE LIKELY to pray for the President.

Could it be that the church, the Building of God, has lost its Biblical Worldview, because man made it about their building instead of God’s Building? Has man only taught God’s people about his building, but not how to be God’s Building in the world today. Have they settled for people just showing up in their building instead of training them up and launching them out? One pastor, who is no longer in ministry today, referred to those who ‘showed up’ in ‘his church’ – as ‘giving units’ meaning people who gave towards ‘his building.’ Is this what religious leaders have turned God’s Building into, “giving units” to pay for “his building?” These are questions to ponder in a world where much of the church looks and acts no differently than the world they claimed to be saved out of, instead of being transformed as we’re so clearly told to be. Romans 12:1-2.

God Forbid

You might assume that I am advocating for people to leave the church and wander aimlessly? God forbid, I am not saying that at all. On the contrary, as Jesus told the religious leaders of his day, you might be rendering God’s word ineffective through your traditions. I’m saying that if you shift from human constructs to God’s design, everyone who claims God as their Lord should celebrate this transition. What I am emphasizing is the need to “be the church” – the “Building of God” – and to take ownership of your responsibility as part of God’s Building, remaining united and engaged, with each believer contributing their effort. A people aren’t defined as a church solely by man-made structures; it’s through God’s building, with Jesus as its head and Chief Cornerstone.

Since, we are going to be held accountable for what Jesus expects from each of us in the Building of God, which scripture clearly tells us we will be, don’t you think it’s about time we start being what Jesus died for us to be, the Building of God, the Light of Christ in the world, the ambassadors of Jesus Christ making His appeal to the lost? Don’t you think it’s time to “Be the Church Building” instead of just going to man’s building? Matthew 25

Mission(s) Possible?

In a world where income disparities among nations are stark, the question of missions and the allocation of resources becomes critical. Contrasting the hourly wages between Nigeria and the United States, where the average American earns $15.00 an hour compared to Nigeria’s $0.60, sheds light on the vast economic differences. As American churches invest heavily in building expenses, upkeep, mortgages, electricity, insurance, and staff salaries, the question arises: Are they truly investing in the heart of God’s kingdom—the people themselves? Scripture refers to believers as “The Building of God,” raising the poignant comparison between man-made structures and the genuine work of nurturing God’s living temple.

Mission(s) ImPossible?

The income disparity between nations is strikingly evident when comparing the average wages. Nigeria’s hourly wage of $0.60 seems meager in contrast to America’s $15.00. Yet, as American churches pour resources into constructing and maintaining elaborate buildings, the human aspect often takes a backseat. With the wages of laborers in mind, it’s essential to reevaluate the allocation of funds. A church’s true foundation lies not in bricks and mortar, but in fostering spiritual growth and genuine community. The contrast between these realities sparks a deeper conversation about where true investment should lie.

Mission(s) Beyond Numbers

The disparities in wages and financial allocations raise questions about the core mission of churches. While American churches may spend substantial amounts on buildings, staff salaries, and other expenses, the true heart of the church lies in its ministry to the community and beyond. Rather than focusing solely on financial investments, the church’s calling is to uplift individuals, nurture spiritual growth, and support global missions. The numbers may paint a picture of financial priorities, but the true mission goes far beyond figures—it’s about impacting lives and making a lasting difference.

In the end, how do you prayerfully feel the Lord will see is choosing our buildings for His offerings instead of His building?

Your Buildings vs. Missions for God’s Building

I strongly recommend prayerfully considering and weighing the prospects of your ministry, whether you are just beginning or a long-time pastor stepping into a completely empty building on a Monday, en route to your pastor’s office. If your weekly schedule consists of one, one-hour service, your building remains empty for approximately 98.8% of each week (166.5 out of 168 hours). These empty hours cost an estimated $481.00 per week, or $24,960.00 per year. This amount could cover a Nigerian’s income for 23 years. In the case of two, two-hour services per week, your building remains unoccupied for about 97.5% of the week (164 out of 168 hours). These empty hours would cost an estimated $474.00 per week, or $24,648.00 per year. This could cover a Nigerian’s income for 20 years. And if you hold three, two-hour services a week, your building would be vacant for roughly 96.1% of the week (161.5 out of 168 hours). These empty hours would cost an estimated $467.00 per week, or $24,284.00 per year. This amount could cover a Nigerian’s income for 20 years.*

Conclusion

Man’s buildings may be impressive, but God’s building is truly magnificent. Constructing and maintaining these structures incurs significant financial expenses, often funded from God’s offerings. Frequently, churches invest substantial physical and monetary resources into these buildings, which could otherwise be directed towards the essential task of cultivating souls—the building materials for God’s eternal structure. Though locating willing participants for God’s building may be challenging, as you will have to stay in the harvest fields, not in your buildings, our investment required pales in comparison to the ultimate cost borne by Jesus Christ for His divine edifice.

Our Co-MISSION: Go Ye,

Did Jesus say, ‘Go ye, into all the world’ and build your buildings, or did He say, “Go ye, into all the world and preach the Gospel to all nations and for those who believe, baptize, and make them disciples of Jesus, ‘living stones for the Building of God, in the Field of God. Mark 16:15-16 Let’s go forth seeking and saving those who are lost in the Lord’s harvest fields, building material, living stones, and help them fit tightly together with other believes, building “THE BUILDING OF GOD!”

* These dollar amounts are based on a 2023 estimate of church building expenses and everything that is involved, considering the current minimum wage of $0.60 per hour in Nigeria.

Faith Mountain Jezebel Spirit Spiritual Attack Spiritual Discernment

Six Signs of a Jezebel Spiritual Attack – John Kilpatrick

by Greg Lancaster

In the world of spiritual understanding, some elements of warfare can be deeply unseen but deeply felt. John Kilpatrick discusses a particularly challenging entity: the Jezebel spirit, which he links to modern-day verbal warfare and perhaps even greater spiritual confrontations.

Kilpatrick starts by painting a picture of our present world, noting the dominant force of words. “The warfare is with words right now, and you’ve never seen anything like this. The warfare words our country is being run by words by fighting back and forth.” He connects this to the predicted rise of the Jezebel spirit in the last days, a spirit that has profound effects on its victims.

Related:

How can you tell if you’re under the influence of this spirit? Kilpatrick lists six telltale signs:

Overwhelm: When the Jezebel spirit is coming against you, everything seems overwhelming, even the simple tasks. The mere act of opening mail or even confronting basic daily responsibilities feels daunting.
Difficulty with Simple Tasks: Undertaking even the simplest of tasks feels impossible. Starting something feels regretful as the belief takes over that it might never get finished.
Heaviness and Hopelessness: The Jezebel spirit fills you with a profound sense of despair. It makes you feel that God has never assisted you in the past and has no plans to help in the future. This, Kilpatrick emphasizes, is a deception.
Feeling Ineffective: Under the grip of this spirit, you feel ineffective in every role you have – as a pastor, a parent, a breadwinner, or even as a Christian.
Desire for Isolation: The affected person wants to remain in bed, sleep, and shut out the world.
Minimized Self-Worth: One starts viewing their ministry and role as laughable, insignificant, and unworthy of notice.

Kilpatrick emphasizes the attack on ministers: “All six of these things right here is exactly how the devil’s fighting preachers today.” He also suggests that such a spiritual onslaught could emanate from a person in the church or someone trying to hex the victim.

Kilpatrick concludes with a poignant prayer, reaching out to all those affected:

Prayer: “Father, every minister, every leader in the Kingdom of God that’s going through an attack of the Jezebel spirit, we call that thing to a halt in Jesus’ Name. Lord, we speak breakthrough and we call that thing to a halt. God let it be. Jesus in Jesus name, you shall not continue to hinder the work of God and the Ministers of God and the work of the ministry. You shall not continue to do it because a greater anointing is on the way to God’s people than we’ve ever known before. Such a great anointing. Breakthrough in Jesus name.”

Amen.

Seven Things We Learned from this Article:

The Jezebel spirit is linked to the current era of verbal warfare and may have broader spiritual implications.
This spirit is predicted to rise notably in the last days.
There are six telltale signs indicating the influence of the Jezebel spirit, including feeling overwhelmed, facing difficulty with simple tasks, experiencing heaviness and hopelessness, feeling ineffective, desiring isolation, and having a minimized sense of self-worth.
The Jezebel spirit can lead individuals to doubt divine assistance and presence in their lives.
This spirit particularly targets ministers, challenging their roles and effectiveness.
Kilpatrick recounts a tangible spiritual encounter during his sermon, feeling a cold presence.
Despite the challenges of the Jezebel spirit, Kilpatrick emphasizes unwavering faith in the overwhelming power of God.

Greg Lancaster, VFNtv · Signs Of The Jezebel Spirit – John Kilpatrick On The Jim Bakker Show

Breaking Soul Ties Faith Mountain

7 Steps to Breaking Soul Ties

by Greg Lancaster

“His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin.” Proverbs 5:22 NKJV

Beyond Repentance: The Persistence of Sinful Cords

Repentance is a fundamental step toward spiritual renewal, but it is essential to recognize that merely repenting of one’s sins might not free a person from the cords or ties that bind their soul to that particular sin. While seeking forgiveness is crucial, and God’s grace is boundless, there remains the possibility of being forgiven yet still entangled by the remnants of past transgressions. Like the ungodly soul ties emphasized in the seven-step guide, the remnants of sin can linger, acting as chains that tether one’s spirit, hindering true spiritual freedom. Therefore, while repentance is a start, it’s the comprehensive act of breaking, renouncing, and replacing these ties that truly liberates one from the shadows of past sins.

The Soul’s Renewal: Our Thoughts, Desires, and Emotions

Central to understanding the intricacies of soul ties is grasping the profound depths of the human soul itself. Our soul isn’t just an intangible essence; it encompasses our thoughts, desires, and feelings. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:1-2, urges believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The word that is interpreted “mind” here comes from the word which means “soul”, emphasizing the importance of renewal not just our cognitive processes, but also our very core – our wishes, inclinations, and emotions. This transformative renewal is foundational. Just as breaking soul ties sets one on the path to spiritual freedom, renewing the soul ensures that we are not merely freed but also realigned, reshaped, and revitalized in accordance with God’s will. In this continuous journey of spiritual evolution, addressing and reconfiguring what we think, want, and feel becomes instrumental.

Family Ties

Jesus emphasizes, in Matthew 10:32-39, the importance of publicly acknowledging Him; those who do so will be recognized by Him in heaven, while those who deny Him will be denied before God. He clarifies that His mission isn’t to bring peace to the earth but rather division, even among family members. The division Jesus brings is not as one who divides, but as One who says you will have to choose sides. You are either for Him or against Him; you can’t be both. This is affirmed in scriptures like Matthew 6:24, Joshua 24:14-15, and 1 Kings 18:21. Allegiance to Jesus must be greater than even the closest family bonds. Followers must be prepared to face challenges (“take up their cross”) and be devoted to Him. There’s a paradox: prioritizing earthly life may lead to the loss of eternal life, but sacrificing life for Jesus leads to eternal salvation. This should help if you are wondering if there are certain family soul ties that you are to break, which keep you away from pure loyalty to Jesus.

7 Steps to Breaking Soul Ties

Vladimir Savchuk says, soul ties involve a connection or bond formed between two individuals that may either enhance or debilitate one’s spiritual, emotional, or physical state. Although some soul ties can be beneficial and God-ordained, like in marriages, there are many unhealthy and ungodly soul ties that can be formed unintentionally or intentionally. These are the ties we are focusing on. Here are seven practical steps on how to break these ungodly connections:

Confess the Sinfulness of the Arrangement: Soul ties that emerge from sinful origins, such as acts of promiscuity or participation in witchcraft, must be recognized and repented for. If your bond was forged in a sinful circumstance, like a sinful relationship, it is imperative to confess and seek forgiveness from the Lord.
Extend Forgiveness: If you’ve been subjected to a controlling bond where someone else dominated over you, forgiveness is crucial. Release your perpetrator into God’s hands and let go of the resentment, anger, or hurt. Holding onto bitterness only strengthens the tie, but forgiveness can sever it.
Cut Off All Instruments of Connection: Any formal, tangible connections, like contracts, vows, or written promises, must be annulled and discarded. It’s about completely disconnecting and removing any link to the past bond.
Renounce All Spiritual Contracts: Especially if you’ve been involved in ceremonies or rituals, it’s vital to renounce and break any spiritual agreements. Some affiliations, especially those akin to cults, can be deceptive and bind you spiritually. Ensure you sever those ties.
Establish New, Healthy Associations: Once you’ve severed unhealthy ties, it’s essential to cultivate positive, godly relationships. This involves surrounding oneself with a new spiritual family, Christian friends, or even joining a new church that isn’t driven by manipulative practices.
Discard All Physical and Visual Connections: Any reminders, be it gifts, photos, emails, or personal belongings that relate to the ungodly soul tie, should be removed from your life. This includes both tangible and intangible elements that could act as triggers.
Declare Your Unfailing Bond with Your Savior: The most important step in breaking ungodly soul ties is strengthening your bond with God. Develop a more profound love, loyalty, and commitment to Him, ensuring your soul finds its utmost fulfillment in your relationship with your Savior.

In conclusion, breaking ungodly soul ties can be a journey, but it’s a necessary one for those seeking spiritual wholeness and freedom. With dedication, prayer, and guidance, you can sever these ties and build a more profound, enriching relationship with God. Remember, it’s not just about breaking the old ties but about forming new, healthy, godly bonds.

“Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as if with a cart rope.” Isaiah 5:18 NKJV

Related:

7 Things We Learned About Breaking Soul Ties:

Recognizing and Repenting: The first step in breaking a soul tie is acknowledging the sinfulness of the arrangement, especially if it was based on sinful actions such as promiscuity or witchcraft. This involves repenting for any sinful soul ties formed.
The Power of Forgiveness: If someone has dominated or controlled you, creating an ungodly soul tie, forgiveness is crucial. This does not condone their behavior but frees you from their emotional and spiritual grip.
Eliminating Physical Connections: To break free, you must eradicate all instruments of connection. This includes physical items like contracts, signed vows, or oaths that reinforce the ungodly soul tie.
Renouncing Spiritual Agreements: Some soul ties are formed through spiritual rituals, ceremonies, or contracts. Especially in instances of cults or certain extreme religious groups, these need to be renounced and broken.
Building New, Healthy Relationships: Once ungodly soul ties are broken, it’s important to establish new, healthy relationships. This could involve joining a new church, developing Christian friendships, or finding supportive communities.
Disconnecting from the Past: Any objects or memories that serve as reminders of the past soul ties should be discarded. This includes photos, emails, gifts, and other mementos.
Strengthening Your Bond with God: Ultimately, the goal is to establish an unfailing bond between your soul and your Savior. This renewed commitment to God provides a safeguard against forming harmful soul ties in the future.

Newer Posts

Older Posts