Separation from the World

You’ve most likely noticed that oil and water do not mix.  If you pour some olive oil into a glass of water and leave it for a few minutes you’ll find that they separate distinctly like you see in this photo.  The inability of two fluids to mix is called immiscibility.

But there is a way to artificially force oil and water to mix together, either by using soap (surfactants) or by adding particles and then shaking up the mixture vigorously, which creates an emulsion. This kind of mixture is a mingling of two substances that normally remain separate from one another.

In the Old Testament they were supposed to destroy their enemies and be a holy people, but instead they mingled with the world. “They did not destroy the peoples, As the LORD commanded them, But they mingled with the nations And learned their practices, And served their idols, Which became a snare to them. They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and their daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with the blood. Thus they became unclean in their practices, And played the harlot in their deeds. “ (Psa 106:34-39)

As those under the New Testament, it is easy to think that separation was just for those in the Old Testament. We think about how Jesus was known as a friend of sinners, eating and drinking with them. The problem is that the Church has copied that part of Jesus' life without maintaining His standard of holiness and righteousness. As a result of this, the Church has gone astray and many have mingled with the world so much that they become just like the world and adopted their customs. They worship their idols, shed innocent blood, and defile themselves by what they do. By their deeds they have prostituted themselves.

John the Baptist was Separated from the World
Yet in the New Testament we do see a clear separation from the world, beginning with the life of Jesus and John the Baptist. John the Baptist lived in the desert. “And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.” (Luk 1:80)

He preached repentance. “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. “ (Mar 1:4)

He wore primitive clothing. “John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey.” (Mar 1:6).  I am not suggesting we all go around in sackcloth, but I am pointing out that John was certainly not caught up in modeling the latest clothing fashions.

Jesus Taught & Practiced Separation from the World
What about Jesus? Is there any example of separation from the world in His life?

He, too, came and preached repentance. "From that time Jesus began to preach and say, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" (Mat 4:17)

Before He began His public ministry, He spent forty days in the desert, separated from the world, fasting and praying, and overcame all the temptations that the devil presented to Him. One of those temptations was to give to Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor if Jesus would bow down and worship the devil. But Jesus refused to do so and overcame. “Then Jesus said to him, 'Go, Satan! For it is written, "YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY."'" (Mat 4:10)

Jesus was salt and light. He was different from the world. And He warned us against losing our saltiness.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Mt 5:13-16)

Jesus also taught us that we cannot serve both God and money. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Mat 6:24)

Jesus taught us that the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction and many enter through it. He taught us to enter through the narrow gate into life. "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. “ (Mat 7:13-14)

Jesus taught that when we follow Him, we even have to deny our basic desires like mourning the loss of a loved one. “Another of the disciples said to Him, 'Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.' But Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.'" (Mat 8:21-22)

Jesus fully approved of the ministry of John the Baptist, whom I have already mentioned was separated from the world. "Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Mat 11:11)

Jesus warned us against the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth. "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Mat 13:22)

Jesus warned against eating and drinking with drunkards. ''But if that evil slave says in his heart, 'My master is not coming for a long time,' and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mat 24:48-51)

Today many Christians want to live at peace with the world and don't want to “make any waves.” But Jesus said, "I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." (Luk 12:49-53)

These days it is unpopular to preach repentance, because it might offend people. But Jesus preached it boldly. "I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luk 13:3)

Jesus taught the need for a forsaking of all others to follow Him, even our dearest loved ones. "Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, 'If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.'” (Luk 14:25-26)

Jesus taught us to give our worldly possessions. "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” (Luk 14:33)

 In the parable of the lost son, we see an example of one who became like the world. "And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.” (Luk 15:13-16)

Becoming like the world will lead to a pigs pen.

Jesus taught how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom. "And Jesus looked at him and said, How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'" (Luk 18:24-25)

When the Jews allowed the world into the temple and He found them merchandising in God's house, He drove them out.

"The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, 'Take these things away; stop making My Father's house a place of business.' His disciples remembered that it was written, 'ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME.'" (Joh 2:13-17)

Bringing the world into the Church turns the Father's house into a place of business.

When Jesus' brothers tried to coax Him to show Himself to the world by going up to the Feast of Tabernacles with them, He refused to operate the way the world does. "So Jesus said to them, My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil. Go up to the feast yourselves; I do not go up to this feast because My time has not yet fully come.' Having said these things to them, He stayed in Galilee. But when His brothers had gone up to the feast, then He Himself also went up, not publicly, but as if, in secret.” (Joh 7:6-10)

Many Christians today hate rejection and want the world to accept them. Jesus said the world would hate us. "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.” (Joh 15:18-21)

Many Christians want to live a life of comfort and ease, but the Lord said we would have trouble. "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (Joh 16:33)

Early Church Practiced Separation from the World
In the book of Acts, we see the early disciples were not out mingling with the world. "These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Act 1:14)

They were devoted to a godly lifestyle. "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Act 2:42-47)

And many Christians today want their churches to be a place where non-believers can feel at ease. In order to make church seem relevant to the world, many churches adopt the world's customs, including dress, music, and holidays. But in the early Church, nobody dared to join the believers unless they had repented and put their faith in Christ.  There was no mingling of the world inside the Church.

"At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico. But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number,” (Act 5:12-14)

In the early Church, The apostles were persecuted, because they were determined to obey God rather than men. “But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.” (Act 5:29) They were not men-pleasers and did not water down their message to satisfy the people's demands or to be popular.

When the apostles went into the homes of non-believers, it was not to drink with them and enjoy idle, leisurely conversation, or godless chatter. They went to preach the gospel and lead them to Christ, as Peter did at the home of Cornelius (Ac 10:34-40) and as Paul did in the home of the Philippian jailer. “They said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.' And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.” (Act 16:31-34)

Paul Taught Separation from the World
The apostle Paul taught us to come out of the world and be separate. "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "and do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.” (2Co 6:17)

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2Co 7:1)

He taught us not to be yoked with unbelievers. "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?” (2Co 6:14-15)

Paul warned us against sitting down to eat and drink and indulge in pagan revelry. "Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, 'The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.' Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” (1Co 10:6-10)

Paul taught us not to conform to the world. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:2)

Paul taught that we would be persecuted. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2Ti 3:12).  The reason godly Christians are persecuted is because the world hates us. If we were no different than them, they would not hate us, since we would be one of their own.

Paul taught that the Church should never tolerate sin. "Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.” (1Co 5:13b)

He taught us to have nothing to do with wicked people in the Church.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2Ti 3:1-5)

He taught us not to be partners with immoral, impure, or greedy people.

"For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them." (Eph 5:5-7)

We are not to associate with immoral people.

“I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one.” (1Co 5:9-11)

I want to emphasize that Paul was not at all saying that we should not associate with the immoral people of this world.  Like Jesus, we are to be a friend of sinners.  But Paul warned us not to associate with anyone who calls himself a brother, who is an immoral person.  We are to be a light while we are in the world.  And if we pull back from all association with the world, it's impossible to be a Light for Christ.

Peter Taught Separation from the World
The apostle Peter taught that we are Strangers in the world. "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.” (1Pe 1:1-2)

"I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul." (1Pe 2:11)

John Taught Separation from the World
And, of course, the apostle John taught that we must not love the world or anything in the world.

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1Jn 2:15-17)

The apostle John also received the revelation, in which he heard the call to God's people to come out of Babylon.  He wrote:

Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

“‘Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. " (Rev 18:4-5)

Putting it All Together
That call goes out to all of God's people today to come out from the midst of the world and be separate, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.  Don't touch anything unclean.  You are the salt of the earth. But be very careful you don't lose your saltiness, or else how can you be made salty again? Then you would no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Don't love the world or anything in the world.  Don't allow the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth to choke the Word of God that was sown in your heart, and make it unfruitful.  Stop making the Father's house a place of business. We are in the world, but we are not of the world.  Like oil and water, we cannot mix together, except by unnatural forces.  Don't associate with immoral people in the church, who claim to be brothers in Christ. Have nothing to do with such people.  Don't eat and drink with drunkards. Don't be bound together with unbelievers. Like Jesus, we are to be a friend of sinners.  But don't compromise yourself in doing so.  Don't have fellowship with darkness. Keep yourself from being polluted by the world. Cleanse yourself from all defilement.

When the early Church did this, continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, to the breaking of bread, and prayer, none of the rest in their community dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem.  The Church did not concern itself with whether the world considered it irrelevant. There was a respect for the believers in the community, not a casual or indifferent attitude toward the Church. That is a picture of the type of response the world will have when they see the Church return to biblical holiness and separation once again.  It's high time we sought holiness and consecration to the Lord, so that we might once again see His Name held in high esteem, and His glory regarded with reverence and awe.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. 

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness, Holy Living in a Perverted World, Come Out of Her, Garments of Godliness, Keeping Your Body Pure and Holy, Keeping Sundays Holy,  Faith Works!, Godly Attire and Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations, Rock, Rap, and Reggae Music -- Two Divine Revelations, Zipporah Mushala’s Third Testimony of Hell, The Straight and Narrow Path, Ask for the Ancient Paths, and One Thing. I highly recommend reading, Only the Holy -- Three Shocking Testimonies and Holy Fire Baptism. You may find the Main Directory for this blog at Home, and also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Clean Hands and a Pure Heart

Dear God-seekers, greetings once again in Jesus Name!

As we begin a New Year of seeking the Lord, I would like to pose a very astute question that was originally asked by the psalmist:

“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psa 24:3-5; cf., Psa 15)

Only the one with clean hands and a pure heart may ascend the Lord’s mountain or stand in His holy place!  Nobody with unclean hands or an impure heart of any kind may ascend.  Nobody who has engaged in falsehood or deceit may ascend.  Nobody who has bowed to any idol may ascend. The standard of heaven is high! And although the Lord still loves us, He is not going to lower His standard for anyone. Therefore, we need to find out how we can ensure we have clean hands and a pure heart.

Clean Hands
What does it mean to have clean hands in God's sight? The word “clean” in Psalm 24 comes from the Hebrew word naqiy (pronounced, naw-kee') which means- "innocent: - blameless, clean, clear, innocent, free, guiltless, exempted, quit." (Strongs)

It means you have done nothing wrong, like the way Joseph, son of Jacob, said to His brothers that only the one caught with the silver in his pouch would be his slave, but all the others would be free (naqiy).  Likewise, this Hebrew word, naqiy is used when a person is liberated from slavery or released from an oath they made.  Moreover, naqiy may also be used to refer to "innocent" blood is shed, which is the blood of a person, who is not guilty of wrongdoing, such as the Lord Jesus Christ.

He was completely innocent. “Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’" (Luk 23:47).  The Greek word for “innocent” here is “dikaios,” meaning “holy, just innocent, or right.” (Strongs)

“Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’" (Mat 27:3-4a)  The Greek word for “innocent” here is “athoos,” meaning “not guilty, or innocent.”

All throughout Scripture, we find that God hates the shedding of innocent blood.  Yet it was His good will and purpose that the innocent blood of His only Son be shed for sinful humanity.  God was pleased to do this, because He so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that all who believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life.

“For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;” (Heb 7:26). The Greek word for “innocent” here is “akakos,” meaning “innocent or (subjectively) unsuspecting: - harmless, simple.” (Strongs).  The Greek word for “undefiled” here is “amiantos,” meaning “unsoiled, that is, (figuratively) pure: - undefiled.” (Strongs).

“But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1Jn 1:7).  The Greek verb for “cleanses” here is “katharizo,” meaning “to cleanse (literally or figuratively): - (make) clean (-se), purge, purify.” (Strongs).

"Jesus said to him, 'He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.' For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, 'Not all of you are clean.'" (Joh 13:10-11).  The Greek word for “clean” here is “katharos,” meaning “clean (literally or figuratively): - clean, clear, pure.” (Strongs).  The noun katharos here is directly related to the verb katharizo in 1 Jn 1:7.

"You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” (Joh 15:3)

“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach.--” (Col 1:21-22)

I have previously explained in my article, “The Keeping Power of God,” that because of the atonement paid for by the shedding of the innocent blood of Jesus Christ, there is something like an “atonement banner” or “arch” over all who obediently follow Him in faith.  The Lord showed this to brother Roland Buck, which he wrote about in Angels on Assignment.  As long as you remain in His love, keeping His Word, you remain under the covering of that arch.  When God the Father looks at you, He sees you as holy blameless, and without reproach.  But if you walk in rebellion or idolatry, you come out from under that protection, and God sees your sin.  That’s a dangerous place to be, because the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.  (Please see Keeping Power of God).

But it is not enough to be clean in God’s sight from only a positional viewpoint.  The apostle Paul said you must do something.  He said, “Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.” (1Co 5:7)

Paul also taught that you must prove you are blameless and innocent, saying, “So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,” (Php 2:15)

The seven angels who have the seven last plagues are clothed in linen, clean and bright. “After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their chests with golden sashes.” (Rev 15:5-6)

“Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.’ It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Rev 19:6-8)

“And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.” (Rev 19:14)

In order for our filth to be washed away, and the bloodshed to be purged from our midst, we need the Lord to do a deep work in us. 

“In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the survivors of Israel. It will come about that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy--everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and purged the bloodshed of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, then the LORD will create over the whole area of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, even smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.” (Isa 4:2-6)

This deep work requires that the Lord send us the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning.  We need to cry out desperately for the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, particularly the Holy Fire Baptism.  Our very lives depend on it!  Only then will we experience a cloud by day, even smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night, and a canopy over all the glory.

A Pure Heart
What does it mean to have a pure heart? The word “pure” in Psalm 24 comes from the Hebrew word “bar” meaning “beloved, pure, empty: - choice, clean, clear, pure.” (Strongs)

All the gold used in the tabernacle, its furnishings and utensils has to be pure.  In heaven, the Holy City and its streets are made of pure gold.  It’s as clear as glass, because it is unmixed with any impurity.

“The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.” (Rev 21:18)

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.” (Psa 119:9)

“Your word is very pure, Therefore Your servant loves it.” (Psa 119:140)

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body. Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.” (Pro 4:20-27)

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Mat 5:8)

“Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin’?” (Pro 20:9)

“And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1Jn 3:3)

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb 10:22)

“For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” (2Co 11:2-3)

“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1Ti 1:5)

“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2Ti 2:22)

“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (Jas 1:27)

Putting it All Together
Only the one with clean hands and a pure heart may ascend into the hill of the LORD.  The only one who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin” is the one who has been washed in the innocent blood of Jesus, and who continues to keep His Word. The Word is pure, and the Lord Jesus is pure.  You are all clean, if you have bathed in the blood of Jesus and continue to walk in obedience to the commandments of Jesus.  Our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water.

However, we must purify ourselves, just as He is pure. Now is the time that we must cry out desperately for the Lord to wash away our filth and purge the innocent bloodshed from our midst, by the spirit of judgment and the Spirit of burning.

We must prove ourselves to be blameless and innocent. We must flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. We must draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.  We must have love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. In God’s sight, pure religion is to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. 

The Bride of Christ must now make herself ready for the wedding, when she will be married to the glorious Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Indeed it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  The saints will live in heaven with the Lord Jesus forever, where the Holy City and its streets are made of pure gold. The pure in heart shall see God, which is the greatest blessing of all.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. The "Purity" painting © 2012 is by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, I recommend reading my articles Called to be Blameless, Only the Holy -- Three Shocking Testimonies, Michael Thomas Sambo's Revelation of Heaven and Hell, Godly Attire and Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations, Aim for Perfection, Called to be Blameless, Ezekiel Moses Testimony of Heaven and Hell,  Holy Living in a Perverted World, and Holy Fire Baptism. You may also like the other posts in this blog available through the main directory for Seeking the Lord, or my blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Fiery Sufferings of the Believer

I am reading through T.L. Osborne’s book, Healing the Sick.  It’s excellent! Although he has recently gone to be with the Lord in Febraury, he saw tens of thousands of people healed in every corner of the earth, during his sixty-five years of ministry.  I absolutely agree with most of what he says, including that it is always God's will to heal us.  You can read more on that in my other post called, "Healing is in the Atonement."

However, he says that suffering is never from God.  I can perhaps accept that sickness is never from God when His children are obedient.  But the Scriptures have much to say about the role of suffering in the life of God’s children.

In the Bible, there are two kinds of suffering, as I see it.  One is suffering for sin and the other is suffering for righteousness. 

Suffering for Sin
Let’s begin with suffering for sin.  The Israelites are a good example of this kind of suffering.  When they sinned, they suffered.  But it was always redemptive.  The Lord was seeking to bring them back to Himself.

The Bible does teach us that God does sometimes try us in the fire, refine us like silver, and that’s painful.  “For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.” (Psa 66:10-12).

In this Psalm, it even says the Lord laid an oppressive burden upon their loins.  God made men ride over their heads.  He put them through fire and water.  But look at what He did in the end ultimately – He brought them into a place of abundance. 

The only time you need to refine silver is when there are still impurities in it.  You only use this process to remove dross.  It would not be used on silver that is already purified.  So when we need more purification in our lives, the Lord uses the fire to remove the impurities. This comes in the form of painful sufferings.

I think that disobedience can surely bring sickness into the life of a believer (see Micah 6:12-13), which is one kind of suffering.  The way this happens is that when we walk in disobedience to the Lord, we open a door to the enemy and give him a right to get a foothold in our lives.  When the enemy comes in, he can and usually does bring sickness, pain, or disease.  The demons want to gain control of your soul ultimately, but they begin by getting into the body at first.  Satan always comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

In Deut 28:15-68 you can read how the Lord told the Israelites that they would experiences disease and hardship if they rebelled against Him.  You may be thinking that Jesus became a curse for us, and we are free from every curse, according to Galatians 3:13.  You are correct, but when a child of God walks in rebellion or idolatry, they come out from under that protective covering of Christ’s atonement.

There are plenty of practical examples in life.  One is alcoholism, which causes liver disease.  Another is tobacco addiction, which causes lung disease and other sicknesses.  Addiction to injected narcotics leads to disease that enter through the blood, such as AIDS, hepatitis, and others.  Gluttony leads to obesity and its related diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.  The list of examples goes on and on, and there are too many to cite.  The consequences of sin are serious and you cannot escape them if you walk in rebellion or idolatry.

The fact is that even when you're sick or in pain as a result of your own sin, the Lord still desires to heal you.  It's not His will to leave you like that. He wants you whole once again. 

Here is another example from the lives of the Israelites: 

At the end of Is 42 it says, “But this is a people plundered and despoiled; All of them are trapped in caves, Or are hidden away in prisons; They have become a prey with none to deliver them, And a spoil, with none to say, "Give them back!" Who among you will give ear to this? Who will give heed and listen hereafter? Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned, And in whose ways they were not willing to walk, And whose law they did not obey? So He poured out on him the heat of His anger And the fierceness of battle; And it set him aflame all around, Yet he did not recognize it; And it burned him, but he paid no attention.” (Isa 42:22-25)

From this passage we learn two things: it was the Lord who gave Jacob up for spoil and Israel to plunderers.  And He did this because they had sinned against Him.  They were unwilling to walk in His ways, and did not obey His commands.

This might cause a person to wonder if the Lord still loved them, or whether He still cared about them.  Was He finished with them and seeking to destroy them?

Immediately after this it says, “But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. "For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. "Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. "Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, And gather you from the west. "I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' And to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring My sons from afar And My daughters from the ends of the earth, Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made." (Isa 43:1-7)

This clearly shows the Lord’s redemptive purpose in suffering.  He says to them, I have redeemed you.  Although they have sinned greatly against Him, He says, “You are precious in My sight, and I love you.”  And He calls them His own. He calls them His sons and daughters.  He promised that though they would go through the fire, they would not be scorched, nor would the flames burn them.  And though they would go through the waters, He would be with them.  He said that when they would go through the rivers, they would not overflow His people.

The Lord promised that although it was necessary for them to be purged, ultimately He would get them back for Himself.  That’s the same way the Lord works under the New Covenant.  When we sin against Him and refuse to walk in His ways or obey His commands, He will refine us in the fire.  He will give us up for spoil to the plunderers.  How could He let the enemy do such things to His chosen people?  How could He lay such an oppressive burden on us, and let the enemy ride over our backs?  Is this a loving God?

Yes, He is loving in all His ways.  In the end, He brings us into a place of abundance.  He knows what He is doing!  The question is whether we know what we are doing.  And do we know what He is doing in all this when it is happening to us?  Or do we panic and think the Lord has forgotten us? Are we surprised by the fiery trials?

The apostle Peter says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” (1Pe 4:12-13)

From Peter we learn that fiery ordeals do come upon the saints of God for our testing.  It’s the will of God.  Being saved is not easy.  It’s a difficult thing.  When we have impurities in our lives, the Lord will burn them up. He will bring judgment to His house, not to destroy us, but to purify us, so we may be saved.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” (1Pe 4:17-19)

Peter says it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved.  The judgment of God begins now with the household of God. The only way through it is to entrust your soul to the faithful Creator and do what is right.

In all of this, we know that Christ has suffered for sin, but not His own.  He has suffered for our sins. 

Peter says, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1Pe 2:21-24)

Christ suffered for you.  And He bore your sins in His body on the cross.  The Lord has made a way for us to be saved, as well as healed.  We don’t have to earn our salvation. But we do need to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ, according to His example.  That includes dying to sin and living for righteousness.  If you refuse to do that, then you reject the sufferings of Christ for your sin, and you must suffer for your own sin.  If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the sinful nature, you will live.  But if you live to please the sinful nature, you will reap destruction.

Suffering for Righteousness
I said there are two kinds of suffering in life, and I have just explained the first one, which is suffering for sin.  Now we’ll discuss suffering for righteousness.

Peter called this "suffering unjustly" or "suffering for doing what is right," and taught that we find favor with God when we patiently endure it.

“For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.” (1Pe 2:19-20)

If you are going through some kind of suffering for your own sin, and you endure it, there is no credit in that.  You just need to repent and let the Lord have His perfect way in you.  Let Him use the fire to purge and purify you. And if you are sick, you need to call upon the elders of the church to anoint you with oil and pray for you, according to James 5:14.  And if you have sinned, you will be forgiven, according to James 5:15.

On the other hand, there is suffering for the sake of righteousness.  This happens when you do right and suffer for it.  Perhaps you refuse to do unethical things or immoral things that your employer wants you to do. You may lose your job and suffer financially for it.  Likewise, you might refuse to take such a job in the first place, if you know in advance what it will require.  In that case, you may also suffer through a longer period of unemployment and financial difficulty.  But the Lord will see this and be pleased.  He will bless you in the end, and give you something even better than what you would have had, if you had followed the ways of the world.  This has been my experience in life.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to suffer.  That’s what the Scriptures say.  Peter said, “You have been called for this purpose.” (1 Pe 2:21).  He was referring to doing what is right and suffering for it, then patiently enduring it (see 1 Pe 2:20).  That’s the purpose for which you and I have been called.  The problem today is that many preachers have taken the cross out of the gospel; however, there is a cross for every disciple.

The apostle Paul said, “For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” (Php 1:29-30)

Paul did not run from suffering, but embraced it.  He had lost everything for Christ and considered knowing Christ of greater value than anything else, "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;"  (Php 3:10; also see 1Th. 2:9; 2Ti. 2:3, 2:9; 3:12; and 4:5)

Paul said, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Act 14:22). 

The Lord told the church in Smyrna, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev 2:10).  And I believe the Lord would say the same to us today.  Do not fear suffering!  We have nothing to fear, if God is for us. Rather, rejoice that you suffer for Christ (see Mt 5:11-12).  If this message frightens you, then meditate on Rom 8:28; 1 Pe 5:7; Is 26:3; and Psa 56:3-4.

A preacher named Paul Gabanek, who suffered much for Christ under communism, said in his autobiography, Ministry of the Holy Spirit in My Life: "If we have love of Jesus, nobody can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38 to 39). Yes, God is with us in every situation of life. We need the love of Jesus Christ. Without His love we cannot suffer, we cannot bear tribulations or temptations."

Brother Gabanek stated: "In those last days of my imprisonment they put me in a disciplinary cell for eight days. It was a little room like a tomb in underground. Only a little of light came in. The guard took me down and locked the iron gate. As I lifted my eyes in prayer I had a vision: I saw Jesus Christ with His apostles at the table eating and drinking at the last supper. And immediately I heard Jesus saying to me: 'I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,' (Luke 22:15) and when He was saying: 'before I suffer,' He looked at me. I understood Him, but I was not sorrowful. He suffered much more for us than we can ever suffer for His sake. And our suffering for Him is blessed, because it is for righteousness’ sake. His suffering for us was much harder, because it was for our sins. (1 Peter 3:14)"

Now I am in total agreement with T.L. Osborne regarding the fact that God is not going to send sickness into the life of an obedient believer to refine the person (see Exodus 15:26).  I believe that healing is in the atonement and that we should stand on God’s promises about that.  But there are many other types of suffering that you may have to endure as an obedient believer.  Among these may be persecution and conflict, hardship and difficulty, beatings and imprisonment, troubles and distress, sleepless nights and wrecks, and a host of other possibilities like Paul endured (see 2 Co 6:3-10).  You cannot always make these go away.  And the Lord will use them to further refine you, just as Peter taught. 

Even those who obey the gospel still need to be purified.  There is not one of us who doesn’t need some work of purification in our lives.  We serve a holy God, and He has called us to be holy as He is holy.  We serve a perfect God, and He’s called us to be perfect as He is perfect.  We need to seek His righteousness, pursue holiness, and aim for perfection.  Seek peace and pursue it.  Pray for the holy fire to purify you from everything that will not pass through the fire as purely from God.

For, "The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” (1Pe 3:10-11)

Peter also said, “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,” (1Pe 4:1).  Suffering in the flesh does bring you to a place where you cease from sin.

Even the archangel Gabriel told the prophet Daniel, "Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.” (Dan 11:33-35)

This is not about bad people being punished.  It’s about those with insight and understanding falling by the sword and being burned to death.  It’s about righteous people being taken captive and plundered for an extended period of time.  The purpose for it is to refine, purge, and make them pure until the end time.

You see, this is the end time.  We are about to witness the return of Christ.  And the Scripture says “that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” (Eph 5:27)  He is going to present to Himself the church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing – one that is holy and blameless.

So let’s not be surprised at the fiery trials that come upon us. “But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” (1Pe 4:13-16)

Putting it All Together
There are basically two kinds of suffering.  One is suffering for sin.  Everyone who sins suffers for it, unless they repent and accept the suffering of Jesus Christ that He suffered for their sin in their place.  Even believers in Christ can suffer for sin, if they walk in rebellion or idolatry.  This could be sickness, disease, pain, financial distress, imprisonment, or a host of other possibilities.  But the purpose is always redemptive.  Though the Lord sends these things upon us, He promises that we will not be destroyed by them. The Lord is always seeking to bring us back to Himself into a place of righteousness, peace, abundance and joy.

The other kind of suffering is for the sake of righteousness.  It’s when you suffer for doing what is right, and that’s unjust suffering.  The Lord is not going to send sickness upon His obedient servant, so we can be sure of that.  I will concede that Job was the most righteous man on earth in his day, and yet he still suffered more than most of us ever have. But consider how God blessed him in the end.

We need to stand on the promises of Deuteronomy 28: 1-14; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24; Ps 103:1-3 and James 5:14-15. We need to walk in the perfect health He has paid for on our behalf.  But there are a host of other things that can happen to a righteous believer, and we cannot possibly list them all here.  That could include dishonor, evil reports, being regarded as a deceiver or imposter, being punished, seeming to be poor or having nothing, imprisonment, captivity, sword, flame, and even dying. So let's not forget that or remove it from the gospel.

This message is not intended to frighten you.  Do not fear suffering, but trust the Lord through it and rejoice that you share in His sufferings.

I close with the words of the apostle Peter, “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” (1Pe 4:17-19)

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note:  If you know a believer going through fiery sufferings, please share this article with them.  If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy Holy Fire Baptism, The Afflictions of the Righteous, The Burning Ones, The Three Elijahs, The Refiner's Fire, Only the Holy -- Three Shocking Testimonies, Holy Living in a Perverted World, and Aim for Perfection. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Happy Hunters on Fire

Charles and Frances Hunter

Charles and Frances Hunter, the Happy Hunters, were known around the world as the most anointed and energetic healing evangelists during their generation.  They ministered in 49 nations around the world.  In one service they saw 100 people get out of wheelchairs!  They had an incredible anointing for healing and the baptism with the Holy Spirit. 

On October 16, 1984, the Happy Hunters ministered at a church in Rotterdam, Holland, called Kom en Zie.  On the final day of the conference, they ministered the baptism with fire.  Here are some excerpts:

Charles said that the baptism with fire “burns sin out of people’s lives…Only the holy will see God.  Jesus said He would be back for a Bride without spot or blemish…God is again sending fire upon the earth. Many scores of times in the past two years, God has sent fire in.  When people begin to say, ‘I want to be perfect like Jesus is. I want to be crucified with Christ. I want to live a holy life.  I want only to please Jesus.  When people come to do that, many times God has let the people see fire in the spirit realm.” 

He went on to cite some examples from Hawaii.  He said, “On the island of Maui, a woman ran forward and said, ‘I’m frightened!’  So they asked, ‘Why are you frightened?’  She replied, ‘Laying over the whole audience there is an orange flame of fire about two inches thick!’ God sent His fire down to burn the sin out of people’s lives.”

He continued, “On the island of Oahu, in a church, the glory cloud came in…it looks like smoke, and fills the room.”  The smoke was up in the balcony, and the Lord told Charles that He was healing the people in the balcony first.  So Charles began to point to the people in the balcony and command healing upon them.  Afterward some people said that they could see lightning come out of his hands when he did that.  He said that this was fire of God.  Frances then read from Habakkuk, “His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand, And there is the hiding of His power.” (Hab 3:4)

She said, “There are many who speak in tongues, but do not have any fire in them.”

Charles said, “In a congregation in Florida, when we asked Jesus to baptize everyone with fire, we saw that there was an angel for each person.”  He said that the angels each had a wire of fire that was screwed into each person’s head.  Jesus told Charles that He was “electrocuting everybody and burning out self.”

Charles said, “The baptism of fire sends fire through every part of your body.  It gives you a love for God and a hatred for evil like you never have before.”  After he imparted the baptism of fire to the congregation in Rotterdam, he said, “God said, ‘I am a consuming fire.’ And because God lives in you, expect fire to come forth from within you.  If you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire, then not only will you have power, you will have fire to burn the sin out of people.” 

Then he said that while they were all singing in the Spirit and he prayed for the Lord to baptize them with fire, he saw little flames coming off their fingertips, and something like “raindrops” of fire coming down upon them.  Frances said she felt like her whole body was on fire.

Putting it All Together
In these last days right before the Lord returns, He is baptizing His people with fire once again.  Let me encourage you to pray, "I want to be perfect like Jesus is. I want to be crucified with Christ. I want to live a holy life.  I want only to please Jesus." Pray, “No matter what it takes, Lord, I need the baptism of fire. Just do it."  Then expect Him to do it!

Attribution notice: Scripture quotation taken from the NASB.

Author's note:  If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy my post called The Burning Ones, as well as my other posts called Holy Fire Baptism, Songs of the Holy Fire, and The Fiery Sufferings of the Believer. You can access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master. Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

___________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The End Has Come

I know that people don’t like to hear doom and gloom.  They want to hear messages that comfort them.  But the Word of God contains warnings of gloom and doom for the wicked. There is only one solution – only one remedy that will bring comfort -- if we don’t want to experience the gloom and doom in those warnings, and that is to repent. So if you are afraid of these messages, then examine your heart, and repent before the Lord.  Don’t look at any sin as being small.  They are all great in God’s sight and if you continue in them, they will land you in hell.  Only the righteous will be spared.  The Lord spoke to me recently through the following verses in Ezekiel:

The end has come!
The Lord is saying, "The end has come! The end is now upon you."  Here is the passage:

“‘The end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land! The end is now upon you, and I will unleash my anger against you. I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices. I will not look on you with pity; I will not spare you. I will surely repay you for your conduct and for the detestable practices among you. Then you will know that I am the Lord."

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Disaster! Unheard-of disaster! See, it comes! The end has come! The end has come! It has roused itself against you. See, it comes! Doom has come upon you, upon you who dwell in the land. The time has come! The day is near! There is panic, not joy, on the mountains. I am about to pour out my wrath on you and spend my anger against you. I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices. I will not look on you with pity; I will not spare you. I will repay you for your conduct and for the detestable practices among you. Then you will know that it is I the Lord who strikes you.'"  (Ezekiel 7:2-9)

This was the warning given then to Israel, the people of God.  And it applies just as much today to the Church, God's people.

We need to realize that the Lord Jesus is coming back right away.  In 2009, He said to Angelica Zambrano,  "I am no longer at the door; I am beyond the door.  I will come soon; My coming is near.  My people have left Me and gone back to worldly things...Tell My people to return to the old paths."

The apostle Peter said the same thing, "The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." (1Pe 4:7)

Silver and Gold in the Streets
People will throw silver and gold into the streets.

“‘They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be treated as a thing unclean. Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin." (Ezek 7:19)

Gold will be considered an unclean thing.  So if you're putting your trust in gold, silver, or other precious metals, you need to know which direction that's headed in. The Word makes it clear that it's not a good direction.

Wicked Abominations in the Church
The Lord showed Ezekiel some things that shocked him. There were wicked abominations committed in the temple.  The elders were guilty of these things!

He said to me, "Son of man, now dig through the wall." So I dug through the wall, and behold, an entrance. And He said to me, "Go in and see the wicked abominations that they are committing here." So I entered and looked, and behold, every form of creeping things and beasts and detestable things, with all the idols of the house of Israel, were carved on the wall all around. Standing in front of them were seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan standing among them, each man with his censer in his hand and the fragrance of the cloud of incense rising. (Eze 8:8-11)

It's sad to say, but today in the Church, there are wicked abominations being committed by those who profess to be Christians, even elders and pastors! That should bother you.  If it doesn't, you're in a dangerous place.

Grieve and lament
We need to grieve and lament over the detestable things done in the church. Begin with yourself and your own sins, and then cry out to God concerning the sins of others.

Ezekiel said, "Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side and said to him, 'Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.' As I listened, he said to the others, 'Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, the mothers and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.' So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple." (Ezek 9:3-6)

The "men" in this passage are angels.  One man has a writing kit with which to place a mark on the Lord's people who grieve and lament over these abominations.  And the other men have deadly weapons to kill all those who profess to be people of God, but do not have this mark.  And the Lord has instructed the angels to take no pity on the people without the mark.  They are to show no compassion.

The Lord has determined to pour out wrath.  It's coming and all who are walking in sin in the Church will be struck by it.  Judgment must first begin with the house of God (1 Pet 4:17).

Holy Fire
We need to love the fire of the Holy Spirit and desire it in our lives, so that we may be purified by it.  The Lord is sending His fire to the Church now to purge us of all that will not pass through the fire as purely from Him.

When the Lord commanded the man in linen, “Take fire from among the wheels, from among the cherubim,” the man went in and stood beside a wheel. Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand to the fire that was among them. He took up some of it and put it into the hands of the man in linen, who took it and went out. (Under the wings of the cherubim could be seen what looked like human hands.) Ezekiel 10:6-8

I encourage you to read more about the fire of the Holy Spirit in my blog on this topic (see here).

Worldly Standards
The people of God conform to worldly standards today, just as in the days of Ezekiel.

"Thus you will know that I am the LORD; for you have not walked in My statutes nor have you executed My ordinances, but have acted according to the ordinances of the nations around you."'" Ezekiel 11:12

There are still those who walk in obedience to the Lord, obeying His commandments as Jesus taught us to do.  But many in the Church today copy the behavior of the world, and conform themselves to those standards, rather than God's Word.

It will not be delayed any more
The prophet Ezekiel had to deal with an attitude among the people of God.  While they may have believed he had the word of the Lord, they thought it was for the distant future.

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, the Israelites are saying, ‘The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.’ Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”  Ezekiel 12:26-28

The same is true today.  There are those who say that this message in this blog is not a "now" word for today.  There is still plenty of time, and the Lord is delaying His coming.  But the Lord says that none of His words will be delayed any longer.

Angelica Zambrano

A young lady from Ecuador, named Angelica Zambrano, had a visit to heaven and hell in 2009.  While in Heaven, Jesus said to her, "I will come for a holy people and I will come soon for My church."  But later, following her return to earth, the Lord told her, "Daughter, I take pleasure in what you are doing, that you are fulfilling what I have given you, but do not tell My people that I am coming soon.  Tell My people that I am coming right away." Again the Lord said, "Tell My people that I am coming right away and that I am coming for a holy people.  Tell My people that only the holy ones, only the holy ones will see Me!...And do not be silent: Keep on declaring what I have told you."

The Lord allowed her to see what the early Church was like, so she could see the stark contrast with the current state of the Church.  He pointed with His finger and said, "Daughter, look, they praise Me; they worship Me!  My people no longer do as they did before.  My people no longer praise, no longer worship Me; no longer seek Me as before.  That is why I told you, Daughter, to go and tell My people to seek Me, for I will go, I will go, I will go - for a people that seeks Me in spirit and in truth, for a people that are ready, for a holy people!" And weeping He said, “I am coming, I am coming!"  Angelica said, "Then I understand why He was weeping, because He is coming, but not for those that are half-hearted.  He will return only for a people that is seeking Him in spirit and in truth."

This is consistent with what the Lord has been saying through many other people, who have seen the Lord, had visions, been to heaven, and been to hell. This is definitely a now word, if there ever was one!

Warning to the false prophets
Just as there were false prophets in Ezekiel's day, there are such people today in the Church.

The Lord gave a warning: “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!" (Ezek 13:2-3)

The Lord is still speaking through His holy prophets on the earth today.  But many of these prophets are no-name, unheard-of, little people of no account.  And most of the big, important people in the Church are not listening to them.  Instead they listen to the big-name prophets, who are recognized and who have their own ministry, website, or television program.

Be careful, people!  If the devil wants to take out a lot of people, what is easier -- for him to go after a single sheep or a leader?  Obviously it is easier to take out a leader.  If he can compromise a well-known prophet that people trust as a reliable voice for the Lord, then he can use that person to deceive many people.  Test every prophecy.  These famous prophets with big ministries are under pressure to hold back negative words, because people don't like to hear such things.  This could affect the prophet's ministry support.  Not all prophets are affected by this financial pressure, but I'm sure some are.  They are human and subject to these common temptations, especially in a day of financial crisis.  So if they give words from their own imagination, which the Lord is not speaking, it may sound like a bright future lies ahead.  But that's not what the Lord is saying, my friend. 

“Peace” when there is no peace
The false prophets say, “Peace” when there is no peace. But for a few years now, the Lord has been consistently warning us of impending judgment and His soon return.

The Lord says, "My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord. Because they lead my people astray, saying, 'Peace,' when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash."(Ezek 13:9-10)

The Lord goes on to say, "Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says’—when the Lord has not spoken."

A true watchman is supposed to warn the people.  If the wall is weak in a certain place, the watchman should instruct the people to fortify it, so that the enemy will not be able to break through that weak spot during a future attack.  But a false watchman will simply put a fresh coat of paint on the wall to make it look good.  This is what some prophets do today.  They give a word that makes it seem as though the Church is in good condition, and they cover over the dangerously flimsy sections of the wall.  They cover over and beautify the sins of men. And they do so as if the Lord has spoken through them, when in fact He has not spoken. Beware of those who say there will be peace and prosperity, because that's not what the Lord is saying. 

When a righteous person has gotten into sin, and hears the message of peace and prosperity from these false prophets, he is encouraged not to turn from his sin.  He thinks that all will be well.  When the righteous person who is living right hears such words, they discourage him from continuing to walk this way.  He may be tempted to think, "What's the use!  Why bother?  I see all the wickedness around me in the Church, but the Lord doesn't seem to care.  He is going to bless us with peace and prosperity anyway!"

Don't be led astray by these lies uttered by false prophets.  There is no peace outside of a truly righteous life in Christ.

Idols in their hearts
The Lord showed Ezekiel that the elders had set up idols in their hearts.  He said, “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?" (Ezek 14:3)

Brother John Mulinde

The same is true today.  There are elders, pastors, prophets, and others in places of influence in the Church, who have set up idols in their hearts.  I'm sure these people may say, "I have no idols in my life!  I have never bowed down to a statue or any kind of image.  I worship God alone."  But they have set up idols in their hearts.  This is what happened to brother John Mulinde, who was a famous pastor in Uganda with a successful ministry.  The Lord showed him that he had idols in his heart, which he didn't even realize were there.  I encourage you to listen to his whole testimony, which will surely change your life! (see here).

No Holiness
The Lord went on to tell Ezekiel, "Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them." (Ezek 22:26).

Again, this is true today, not only of Christian priests, but pastors and elders in the church.  They don't distinguish between that which is holy and the common.  This is true of music, clothing, videos and various other forms of art and entertainment, just to name a few.  The Lord says there is a difference.  But when we do not act like it and we teach that there is no difference, the Holy Spirit is grieved. For more on this, please see "Holy Living in a Perverted World" and "Garments of Godliness."

And the same priests and pastors shut their eyes to keeping the Lord's Day holy.  They mix common activities in with holy ones on Sundays, including spending money, working, and playing games.  They don't teach people how to properly keep Sundays holy.  The Lord says He is profaned by this, which means He is treated with irreverence. For more on this, see "Keeping Sundays Holy."

Arrogant, Overfed, and Unconcerned
Listen to the charges God made against unfaithful Israel.

“‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen."  (Ezek 16:49-50)

Israel would never consider Sodom to be her sister, but the Lord said she was indeed related.  And the Lord named the sins of Sodom.  We all know Sodom was filled with homosexuality -- a sin which God still hates (Rom 1:24-28; 1 Cor 6:9).  But here the Lord singles out the sins of Sodom: They were arrogant, overfed, unconcerned, not helping the poor and needy.  They were haughty and did detestable things. That's why He did away with them. He said that unfaithful Israel had more corruptly in her conduct than Sodom and her daughters (Ez 16:47-48).

The same is true today in the Church.  The Lord is grieved at what He sees.  His Church is dirty. I encourage you to watch the testimony of a sister from Cameroon, named Claire Andoun.  The Lord showed her that His Church is dirty (see here).

Many professing Christians today are arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned, not helping the poor and needy. They are haughty and do detestable things. The only solution is to repent.

The righteous may perish, the wicked may be saved
I know that some people do not believe a righteous person can perish.  But it does happen when a righteous person continues in sin.  For more on this, please read my post on "Drifting Away." (see here).

Here is what the Lord told Ezekiel: "If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die." Ezekiel 18:26-28

The Lord told Ezekiel that he MUST warn the people.  If he did not warn them, then their blood would be upon his hands.  When the apostle Paul finished his ministry, as an old man, he said that he did not have any man's blood on his hands, since he had faithfully preached the full counsel of God. This was the same thing the Lord told Angelica Zambrano.  He allowed her to see her own relatives headed for hell, and he said, "Daughter, they are walking to this place, but go and them where they are walking, go and tell them they are walking to hell.  Go and tell them that I have chosen you as my watchman...I have chosen you as my watchman, for it means that you are to tell the truth.  You must go and tell all that I have shown you.  If you do not speak out and something happens to that person, his blood will be poured over you, but if you go and do as I have told you, then that person has an account with me.  If the person does not repent, then the responsibility resting upon you will be lifted, for the account will rest upon that person and his blood will not be poured over you. "

The Lord said, "Daughter, there are also people who know Me, that are walking to this place." I asked, "Lord, how can people who know You also come here?"  He replied, "That person who has left My ways and that person who is living a double life."

My friend, don't keep this word to yourself!  Share it with others!  You must warn them, even if they know the Lord or are a professing Christian.  If you are a pastor, don't hold back from declaring anything the Lord gives you. Warn the people.  That's why I am writing this blog, in spite of it's unpopular message.

Repent! Turn from your idols
The message the Lord gave Ezekiel for the people was simple.  “Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!" Ezekiel 14:6

He also said, “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:30-32
 
This is the same message John the Baptist preached, and the same message Jesus preached.  The apostles also preached it.  This is a now word for today!

There are different kinds of repentance.  There is half-hearted, insincere repentance.  God sees right through that kind.  You cannot fool God.  Forgiveness can only follow true repentance, which is the true, sincere, deep, heart-felt kind.

Listen to some more of the words the Lord spoke to Angelica Zambrano:

The sin of unforgiveness --

During her visit to hell, the Lord said, "There is no other opportunity [for those in hell]; there is still opportunity for those who are alive."  I asked Him, "Lord, why is my great-grandmother here?  I don't know if she ever knew you.  Why is she here in hell, Lord?"  He replied, "Daughter, she is here because she failed to forgive...Daughter, he who does not forgive, neither will I forgive him."

I asked, "Lord, but You do forgive, and You are merciful." And He answered, "Yes, Daughter, but it is necessary to forgive, because they have not forgiven many people, and that is why many people are in this place, because they failed to forgive...Go and tell humanity that it is time to forgive, and especially My people, for many of My people have not forgiven.  Tell them to rid themselves of grudges, of resentment, of that hatred in their hearts, for it is time to forgive!  If death were to surprise that person who has failed to forgive, that person may go to hell, for no one can purchase life." When we left that place, my great grandmother was engulfed in fire and she screamed, "Aaaah," and began to blaspheme the name of God, she would curse Him; every person in hell blasphemes against God.

Fornication, idolatry, greed, and lying --
She was very surprised to see Pope John Paul II in hell, and she asked about it.  Jesus replied, "Daughter, no fornicator, no idolater, no one who is greedy and no liar will inherit My Kingdom."

Jesus said, "Look, Daughter, there are many idolaters in this place.  Idolatry will not save, Daughter.  I am the only One who saves, and outside of Me, no one saves.  I love the sinner, but I hate sin, Daughter.  Go and tell humanity that I love them and that they need to come to Me."

In heaven, she saw Mary, and Jesus told Angelica, "Daughter, she is Mary.  Mary, who gave birth to Jesus Christ, Who I am.  Daughter, I want to tell you that she has no knowledge of the things happening on Earth.  I want to tell you that you must go and tell humanity, tell idol worshipers that hell is real, and that idolaters will not inherit My kingdom, but go and tell them that if they repent, they can enter My heavenly dwelling place.  Go tell them that I love them and tell them that Mary has no knowledge of anything [happening on Earth] and the only One that they must exalt is Me, because neither Mary, nor St. Gregory nor any other saint can offer salvation.  I am the only One who saves and outside of Me – nobody, nobody, nobody- saves!" He repeated it three times - that nobody could save; only He saves. 

Animated cartoons --
Jesus said, "Daughter, these animated cartoons, those movies, those soap operas that are seen daily on TV are satan's instruments to destroy humanity...

The Lord told me something that is very sad and very painful.  He said, "Daughter, there are many children in this place because of animated cartoons, because of rebellion."  I asked Him, "Lord, why are animated cartoons to blame for this?" And He explained, "Because they are demons that carry rebellion, disobedience, bitterness and hatred to children; and other demons enter these children, so that they do not do good things, but do that which is bad: whatever children see on TV, they want to do in reality." 

I encourage you to read or watch her entire testimony, and take to heart what she says.  (see here and here)

Ask the Lord to give you true contrition for your sin.  Ask Him to give you tears of repentance.  Cry out to Him with mourning and wailing for your sins.  Change your ways!  Don't just say you're sorry, but stop what you've been doing.  True repentance always produces fruit.  God is looking to find the fruit of repentance in our lives.  But we need to produce that fruit.  John the Baptist said to produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

The Rapture
I would like to share with you one final word regarding the rapture -- the moment when all the holy ones will be snatched up to meet the Lord in the air.

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." (1Th 4:16-17)

I realize many do not believe in the rapture, and others think there are still many signs to be fulfilled before the Lord returns.  I am here to tell you that it may happen at any moment, so be ready.

The Lord told Angelica Zambrano, "Daughter, you have to return to Earth...Daughter, I am going to show you something: How I am coming to Earth for a holy people.  I am going to show you how the day of the Rapture will be." 

The Lord told me, "Daughter, in those days, death will flee; Daughter, in those days the Holy Spirit will no longer be on Earth." (See Rev 9:6)

He told me, "Daughter, look, this is how everything will happen."   And He showed her how terrifying it will be on that day, when many professing Christians, and even pastors, are left behind.

But sadly the Lord said, "It will be too late.  The time to repent is now...Daughter, go tell humanity to seek Me, for during that time there will no longer be opportunity.  (Isaiah 55:6)  Daughter, it will be too late for all those that stay behind." When Jesus observed how people were left behind, He began to weep and said, "Daughter, I will go to Earth as it says in 1 Thes.  4: 16-17."

Putting it All Together
I wrote this warning under the leading of the Holy Spirit on June 11, 2012.  Then on June 25, I happened to find the following prophetic warning of the exact same thing, when I wasn't even looking for it (see here).  I believe this confirms with certainty that this is a word from the Lord, so please be sure and read it!

When Jesus came the first time, it was to bear sin.  Now He’s coming again, but this time, He’s coming to save the righteous and punish the wicked.  He’s coming in anger and wrath. I'm not giving any dates.  But the day of the Lord hastens! The end of days have come.

John the Baptist was God’s chosen vessel to prepare the way for the Lord.  He paid the price (no wine at all, no fine clothes, no social life, no comfort, no pleasant foods, constant fasting, etc).  He didn’t fear men or seek to please men in what he preached.

He could have said, “I will still preach the message, but I will have a glass of wine now and then.”  Or, “I will still obey God, but I will live in Jerusalem and live in a normal home. I will have a preaching point in the city.”  Or, “I will eat like everybody else, but preach with all my heart.”  Or he could have avoided any scathing remarks to the hypocritical religious leaders of his day, so that he could win their approval, and improve his ratings with the people.  Or he could have avoided saying anything to King Herod about his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife.  But he made no compromise.  He delivered everything the Lord gave him to say.

Because of his faithfulness to the call of God, not just in speaking the right words, but also in his lifestyle, when he preached, people were cut to the heart.  He preached with fiery passion from the Holy Spirit.  He was full of the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit convicted his listeners.  They repented and prepared their hearts for the Lord’s coming. 

Today we need men like John the Baptist.  We need men who will prepare the way for the Lord. He is coming back immediately, and many people who profess to belong to God are not ready.  It’s just like the days of John the Baptist.  The Lord has sent the spirit of Elijah into the land once again.  He is turning the hearts of His children back to the Father.

The message is still the same: “People, get ready! Jesus is coming! Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Turn from your wicked ways.  Forsake the world.  Pursue righteousness.  Seek holiness.  Seek His face.  Seek the Lord while He may be found.”

Regardless of what you think of Angelica Zambrano and her experience, this message is still true.  Even if you remove from this post all excerpts from her testimony, the Word of God still warns us clearly.  But if you reject her message, there are many others to whom the Lord has been speaking the same thing.  Hers is not an isolated incident. It's one of many things the Lord is doing to deliver the final warning message to wake up the Church and call us back to holiness. So be careful what you say about Angelica and the others through whom the Lord is speaking this message.  In the same way, they treated the prophets of old.  This may be your last opportunity to turn back before it's too late.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: Another key article I discovered several days after I wrote this post is called The Most Annoying Shofar, written by Hannah Weiss and posted on Christians Together. I urge you to read that one, too. You may also want to read my other post called, "Very Few Will Hear the Trumpet".  Then check out "Grieve and Lament for the Church" and "Are You Rapture Ready?

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.