Not Everything Supernatural Is Of God

Tags

Beautiful Side of Evil, bethel, cal pierce, Deception in the Church, false christs, False Prophets, johanna michaelson, john g lake, Kundalini Warning, lying signs and wonders, not all who say to me Lord Lord, psychic surgery, randy clark, the healing rooms, toronto blessing

This article is being written to inform readers that not all miracles, signs and wonders are of God. This is by no means an exhaustive study. Rather, it is a brief word of caution based on a recent experience.

Too many people, Christians included, seem to believe that miracles are all from God and that all miracles and all who perform such miracles can be trusted. Now to begin with, yes, Jesus did miracles and healed and delivered. Indeed, Jesus even said, “The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me…37If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” (John 10:25, 37-38). These miracles were His calling card so to speak. And Jesus did say in Mark 16 that “17… these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

That being said, Jesus also cautions us regarding signs and wonders and those who perform them beginning in Matthew 7, “21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” And Matthew 24 goes on to say beginning in verse 4, “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many… 11Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many…24For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Indeed, “9The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders…” (1 Thessalonians 2). And according to Revelation 13, the beast that comes out of the earth will perform “13… great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast…”

Will this be done with “enchantments” like the sorcerers of Egypt (Exodus 7:11, 22 and 8:7)? That is not clear. What is clear is that there will be signs and wonders performed by these false christs, false prophets, the lawless one, and the beast. They will be very real, and they will be used to deceive. And God has made it clear in Deuteronomy 13 what we are to do when confronted with any prophet who performs a sign or wonder. “1“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ 3you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Remember, many antichrists have gone out into the world, many false christs will rise? As John says in 1 John 2:18, “Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” And indeed, they are here at work among us right now, and they are saying all the right things.

This seems so simple. But, tests are rarely so simple. This takes more discernment than you know, for it’s not enough for a person to say, “I believe in Jesus.” With that statement the real question then emerges – which Jesus? Was He God incarnate come? Or do they overemphasize His humanity? Do they speak of a Jesus who needs mankind to prepare the world for His return? Do they speak of a Jesus who was the first one born again? Do they speak more of Jesus or more of their role to bring about the kingdom? If you listen carefully, if you do not explain away the warning you feel in your heart as you listen, you’ll perceive the twisting of their words. For they are quick and easy with Scriptures, but then they go on to tell a story or a dream or say something about Jesus or the kingdom that is not Scriptural at all. Thus, John goes on to say in 1 John 4:1, “1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Again, note the word “many”. And this was in John’s day. Why not all the more so now as we draw ever nearer to the return of Christ?

And the same goes for signs and wonders and miracles. From whence is the sign or wonder or miracle coming? It’s not a matter of if the sign, wonder or miracle is real. It’s real. Rather, what is the doctrine of the person performing the sign, wonder or miracle? Who is their Jesus.​

Just this past weekend I learned that one I know was healed during a ‘healing conference’ at a place called the ‘Healing Rooms’ in a neighboring county. Wondering about what healing conference had just taken place and what the Healing Rooms were, I googled the topic and found out. The site for the conference states, “This is your chance to get training with Randy Clark’s team from Global Awakening!” (“Healing Training with Global Awakening,” https://stayhappening.com/e/healing-training-with-global-awakening-E2ISWHV03Q6).

And I had a sinking feeling when I read the name Randy Clark.

Randy Clark is the one who, according to Bethel Church Redding’s website, “…is best known for helping spark the move of God now affectionately labeled “the Toronto Blessing.”” (“Randy Clark,” https://www.bethel.com/people/randy-clark). Notice the words “affectionately labeled”. This is the same movement that displayed ‘holy laughter’, barking like dogs, howling like coyotes, roaring like lions, and other bizarre manifestations that were incorrectly attributed to the Holy Spirit. He is very much a part of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), and highly regarded by Bethel and all in the network of “apostles and prophets” of this Third Wave Movement. And the team that was providing “powerful in-person events filled with teachings, activations, and impartations…[equipping and anointing people] to walk in greater levels of anointing and authority” was none other than Randy Clark’s team.

If anyone is not familiar with the NAR or Bethel or the Toronto Blessing, etc., please view this Andrew Strom video, “Kundalini Warning,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XNt-ucOy_Q.And if you do not already know about Bethel’s New Age teaching of Bill Johnson and unbiblical Christology, I refer you to this previous article for a multiplicity of links and information: “Do Not Be Deceived: An Angel of Light,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2022/04/08/do-not-be-deceived-an-angel-of-light/.

But there’s more. The Healing Room where this healing conference took place is part of and members of a larger group called the International Association of Healing Rooms which were started in Spokane, Washington in 1999 by a man named Cal Pierce. But, originally about 100 years ago a man named John G. Lake began the first Healing Room in Spokane, Washington. The Healing Rooms website states, “Having studied the revivals, Cal had read about John G. Lake’s ministry in Spokane. Cal visited John G. Lake’s grave site once each month for over one year to pray. On February 28, 1999 I started a 40 day fast. I went to Lake’s grave site to pray when I heard God say, ‘There is a time to pray, and a time to move.’ There was no doubt that God wanted us to re-dig the generational wells of healing in Spokane.” Cal called in intercessors and began training up healing teams. On July 22, 1999 the Spokane Healing Rooms of John G. Lake were re-opened in the same location they were 80 years ago.”” (“Leadership,” https://healingrooms.com/about/leadership/).

Now John G. Lake was inspired by John Alexander Dowie (The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal Charismatic Movements, pg 227) in 1898 when Lake’s wife was healed by Dowie, and came to be an elder in Dowie’s ministry (The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal Charismatic Movements, pg 828). While Lake was serving there, John Alexander Dowie in 1901 declared himself to be “…the third and final manifestation of the Prophet Elijah. Acceptance of Dowie as Elijah the Restorer now constituted a requirement for continued fellowship with the Christian Catholic Church and for residence in Zion City. Dowie required all members of the Zion Restoration Host … to sign pledges accepting the proclamation.” (Portraits of a Generation: Early Pentecostal Leaders, pg 8 including quote of Gordon Lindsay from his book, The Life of John Alexander Dowie, Whose Trials—Tragedies—and Triumphs Are the Most Fascinating Object Lesson of Christian History, 1951, pg 25)

Furthermore, according to Barry Morton in an article published in 2017 in Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae no. 42, 1, 62-85, “A wide array of American and South African sources show that Lake invented an extensive but fictitious life story, while also creating a similarly dubious divine calling that obscured his involvement in gruesome killings in America. Once in South Africa, he used invented “miracles” to raise funds abroad for the Apostolic Faith Mission. Before long, he faced many accusations of duplicity from inside his own church.” (https://www.academia.edu/53462454/John_G_Lake_as_a_fraud_con_man_and_false_prophet_critical_assessment_of_a_historical_evaluation_of_Lakes_ministry; and https://www.academia.edu/7005594/John_G_Lake_s_Formative_Years_1870-1908_The_Making_of_A_Con_Man). And Daniel Long, co-host of the Messed Up Church, found three newspaper articles from the 1920s that reveal John G. Lake was considered a fraud in Oregon state in 1920 and 1921. (For more on this please refer to this link https://www.themessedupchurch.com/blog/3-early-newspaper-articles-that-proving-that-john-g-lake-was-a-fraud).

This same John G. Lake is the one who is revered by the New Apostolic Reformation, after all, the “New Apostolic Reformation, began through a handful of leading figures of the group, such as John Alexander Dowie (1847-1907), John G. Lake (1870-1935) and William Branham (1909-1965), who had healing ministries, among other things. They are counted among the so-called “God’s generals.”” (https://bewatchful.org/origins-of-the-new-apostolic-reformation/). And thus Cal Pierce was inspired to start up the Healing Rooms again in Spokane and then internationally, based on the ministry of John G. Lake.

And if all of this is not bad enough regarding the Healing Rooms, Randy Clark, John G. Lake and John Alexander Dowie, and the blessing of Bethel Church on all of them, Cal Pierce also attended Bethel Church Redding for years wherein he was an “elder and board member”. (“Leadership,” https://healingrooms.com/about/leadership/).

This person I know who testified of having been healed attended this “Cal Pierce, John G. Lake, New Apostolic Reformation, Bill Johnson style Healing Room” with instruction given by Randy Clark’s team – the same Randy Clark that caused the spark of the demonic mayhem called the Toronto Blessing. This is where my acquaintance went for healing.

I am appalled that my acquaintance was encouraged to attend this conference, and appalled by whoever encouraged her to go. I am appalled that so many like her feel the need to go somewhere, anywhere else to be touched by God, to have an experience, to be healed, to received a miracle. What is wrong with the local churches? Are not those who need healing to go to the elders of the church and be anointed with oil and the prayer of faith will heal them? (James 5). And what of 1 Corinthians 12 that speaks of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in church services that includes ‘healings’ among other gifts? In other words, the people of God are not to be wandering all over seeking a healing, but rather, the body of Christ to whom they belong locally are to be praying and seeking and believing for the healing to manifest in their midst for the benefit of the Body! Thus, the deeper issue at play here is that of the local Body of Christ not allowing for the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, not even seeking to be used by God for this purpose! After all, 1 Corinthians 12:31 states that we are to “earnestly desire” these manifestations for the edification of the Church, and 1 Corinthians 14:12 says that we are to be “zealous” for spiritual gifts that we might build up the Body.

Here then is our downfall! Here then is our shame! Everyone comes together to sing a few songs led by a band, then they all listen to a thirty minute sermon by a leader in front, then they’re on to socialize over coffee in the fellowship hall and then all go home to get on with their real lives. But, no one is seeking the manifestations of the Spirit for the good of the Body. No one is zealously pursuing spiritual gifts for the sake of building up their brothers and sisters in Christ. And thus, so many Christians desperate for a miracle or healing flock to places like these conferences and Healing Rooms, longing for Jesus to touch them and make them whole. They read in Scripture that Jesus heals. They believe that Jesus heals today. But they have no idea where to turn. And then they hear of the Brownsville Revival, the Toronto Blessing, Benny Hinn Crusades, the Kansas City Prophets, Bethel Church Redding, the Healing Rooms, and the like, and rush off in hopes that Jesus will not pass them by!

I am reminded of the book by Johanna Michaelson entitled, The Beautiful Side of Evil wherein she recounts her own story of working with a full-trance medium named Pachita who did miraculous surgeries (with only a knife, scissors, balsam and alcohol and absolutely no anesthetic) on desperate people who had been told there was no more hope for them medically. And in spite of no anesthesia, most of the patients during those surgeries felt no pain and had their surgical sites miraculously close without any left over signs of cutting or tauma. Johanna Michaelson longed to do such good for people as a full-trance medium, and looked up to Pachita under whom she trained and worked, all while still believing she herself was a Christian. The entity named Hermanito who possessed Pachita and did the operations (with closed eyes by the way) always called on everyone to pray and to even say the Lord’s Prayer and appeared to give glory to God, and Johanna and many others who attended and watched including priests praised God for the miracles performed in people’s lives. Even respected surgeons came to be believers in these Psychic surgeries, and articles were written about them, including one in 1972 entitled, “A Surgeon’s Observation on Psychic Surgery,” by a prominent Dr. E. Stanton Maxey, M.D., F.A.C.S. According to Johanna Michaelson, this same Dr. Maxey “Besides being a practicing general surgeon for over twenty-five years and qualified by the American Board of Surgery and by fellowship in the American College of Surgeons, he is also a pilot and instrument instructor as well as an inventor who had built hydraulic operating tables, tissue processing machines, and altimeters. He also holds patents on electronic navigating and landing devices for aircraft,” (The Beautiful Side of Evil, pg 112). Such research as his has continued to be done by the medical field and can be found online. One such article from the Medical Anthropology Quarterly is found here entitled, “”Psychic Surgery”: Close Observation of a Popular Healing Practice,” https://www.jstor.org/stable/649226.

However, these miracle surgeries and cures, Johanna eventually found out, were only temporary (pg 134), and with the help of her sister Kim, she began to wonder about the source of Pachita’s power and which ‘Jesus’ she really believed in (pg 137). She also wondered on page 128 “…why some who sat under Hermanito’s knife felt no pain while others suffered almost unbearable agony.”

Eventually the truth hit her like a ton of bricks later on when her eyes were opened, and she found that a demonic deception had been at work all along. All that had appeared beautiful and miraculous had actually been evil. And she came to know the real biblical Jesus. She also came to understand that not everything supernatural is of God, but that demons too work miracles. As she states on page 173 of her book, “We see the magicians of Pharaoh reproducing the signs God gave Moses, doing “the same with their secret arts,” turning their staffs to serpents, turning the waters of Egypt to blood, causing frogs to cover the land. These are impressive tricks for “mere frauds.”… “In Deuteronomy 13 we are warned concerning “a prophet or a dreamer of dreams” who arises among the people and “gives you a sign or a wonder… These terms, the Hebrew aoth, which means “signs,” and moteth, which is the word for wonders, translated by Old Testament scholars in the Septuagint around 250 B.C. are the same words used by Jesus in Matthew 24:24: “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders…” The word aoth translates as the Greek semeion (signs), and the word moteth is teras (wonders). These are precisely the same terms used to describe the miracles of Jesus in the Gospel accounts.” She goes on to say that Hal Lindsay (at the time her brother-in-law as well as the author of Late Great Planet Earth) helped her to understand these terms and that these demonic miracles do take place. The question that must always therefore be asked is not Did a genuine miracle occur? But also What is the source behind it?” (pg 173-174). And indeed Johanna goes on to say, “Today we are seeing many signs and wonders. They may even be done in the name of Jesus and “to the glory of the Father above.” But which Jesus? To use his name does not guarantee its source, for many today have so redefined him that what they call “Jesus” in no way resembles the Jesus of the Bible, and so they lead the undiscerning into the worship of “other gods whom you have not known.”” (pg 174-175 – a portion of this was footnoted for the information comes from Walter Martin’s Kingdom of the Cults in the chapter entitled, “The Jesus of the Cults”).

This article is not against the supernatural, but it is a cautionary article. Not everything supernatural comes from God. I am not questioning my acquaintance’s experience, nor anyone’s experience for that matter. What I am concerned about however, are the names of NAR/Dominionist false teachers/prophets behind the Healing Rooms and the demonic manifestations of their ministries that have been attributed to the Holy Spirit. I am also concerned when my acquaintance said that the “issue” that had been healed has tried to come back a few times since coming home from the meeting, and it was rebuked in Jesus’ name. I don’t see this happening in Scripture. When Jesus healed someone they were healed – end of story. But, when it comes to demonic signs and wonders like that of Pachita, it seems that miraculous feats are immediately amazing like fireworks, but they do not last in the long term.

And I am grieved. Grieved that local churches are not doing what they are supposed to do. Grieved that Christians in the local Body of Christ are not praying for one another and seeking that the Holy Spirit might manifest among them for their edification. And I am grieved that because they are not, desperate Christians are leaving the local flock to seek out healing elsewhere among those they do not know, in ministries based on deception and intrigue.

Dear Christian, we are in the last of the Last Days. How much longer before we Christians learn to do things God’s way, the Holy Spirit empowered way, the Biblical and loving way? The time is short. Jesus’ return is near. Let’s be ready.

Zealously seeking,

Holy Light Ministries

Sources

Andrew Strom’s “Kundalini Warning,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XNt-ucOy_Q.

“Do Not Be Deceived: An Angel of Light,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2022/04/08/do-not-be-deceived-an-angel-of-light/.

Johanna Michaelson, The Beautiful Side of Evil, 1982.

The Healing Rooms website, “About,” https://healingrooms.com/about/ Quote: “…the Healing Rooms were started by Cal Pierce in 1999…”

The Healing Rooms website, “Leadership,” https://healingrooms.com/about/leadership/ On the Healing Rooms website it says, “Having studied the revivals, Cal had read about John G. Lake’s ministry in Spokane. Cal visited John G. Lake’s grave site once each month for over one year to pray. On February 28, 1999 I started a 40 day fast. I went to Lake’s grave site to pray when I heard God say, ‘There is a time to pray, and a time to move.’ There was no doubt that God wanted us to re-dig the generational wells of healing in Spokane.” Cal called in intercessors and began training up healing teams. On July 22, 1999 the Spokane Healing Rooms of John G. Lake were re-opened in the same location they were 80 years ago.” Furthermore it states on the same page of the website that Cal Pierce grew up in Redding and was an “elder and board member” of Bethel Church Redding.

“John G. Lake…” https://bewatchful.org/john-g-lake-1870-1935/ Quote: “The healing room ministry that we know today directly comes from the ministry of John G. Lake. Cal Pierce, who leads the Healing Rooms ministry, used to be a member and elder of Bethel Church. He indicates that for over a year, he visit John G. Lake’s grave to pray there until he heard from God that he was to reinstate a healing ministry in Spokane, Washington. The first healing room was opened at the very location of John G. Lake’s ministry. Of course, Bill Johnson is involved in this ministry; there is a healing room at Bethel Church, and it seems that Bill Johnson is a member of the board.”

“Healing Training with Global Awakening,” https://stayhappening.com/e/healing-training-with-global-awakening-E2ISWHV03Q6 Quote: “This is your chance to get training with Randy Clark’s team from Global Awakening!”

Bethel Church’s description of “Randy Clark,” https://www.bethel.com/people/randy-clark Who is Randy Clark? According to Bethel’s website, “He is best known for helping spark the move of God now affectionately labeled “the Toronto Blessing.””

“NAR Apostle Randy Clark, his Apostolic Network & his ‘Voice of the Apostles’ Conference,” https://churchwatchcentral.com/2018/04/06/nar-apostle-randy-his-apostolic-network-his-voice-of-the-apostles-conference/ Quote: “While at Vineyard, Randy Clark received a spiritual ‘impartation’ from NAR Apostle Rodney Howard-Browne, carried this ‘impartation’ to Toronto and released spiritual mayhem in John and Carol Arnott’s airport church…”

“NEW BOOKLET – FALSE REVIVAL COMING?—Holy Laughter or Strong Delusion?” (https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/new-booklet-tract-false-revival-coming-part-1-holy-laughter-or-strong-delusion/

“John G. Lake as a Fraud…” https://www.academia.edu/53462454/John_G_Lake_as_a_fraud_con_man_and_false_prophet_critical_assessment_of_a_historical_evaluation_of_Lakes_ministry;

“John G. Lake’s Formative Years 1870-1908: the Making of a Con Man,” https://www.academia.edu/7005594/John_G_Lake_s_Formative_Years_1870-1908_The_Making_of_A_Con_Man

“3 Early Newspaper Articles Proving that John G. Lake was a Fraud,” https://www.themessedupchurch.com/blog/3-early-newspaper-articles-that-proving-that-john-g-lake-was-a-fraud

Stanley M. Burgess, Editor, The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal Charismatic Movements, 2002. Source regarding John Alexander Dowie and John G. Lake

James R Goff Jr. and Grant Wacker, Editors, Portraits of a Generation, 2002. Source regarding John Alexander Dowie.

Who Is On the Lord’s Side: The Fiasco of the 2024 Stronger Men’s Conference in Springfield, Missouri, USA

Tags

A Call to Anguish, David Wilkerson, End Times, holiness, James River Church, jesus soon return, Jezebel spirit, Jezebel spirit in the church, Leonard Ravenhill, male stripper at christian men's conference, Mark Driscoll, Pastor Dana Coverstone, Pastor John Lindell, Pastor Mark Driscoll, quenching the Holy Spirit, Repentance, Return of the gods, Revival, Stronger Men's Conference 2024, The Cries of Anguish

[List of sources are located below/after this article as are updates and a p.s.]

Oh how far the mighty have fallen…

Something horrific took place this last weekend, something of biblical proportions. There are varying sides to what happened, some even say it was staged. Staged or not, what happened leads to a nose dive into an abyss and a call for rebuke, repentance and a return to holiness in the body of Christ. I am writing as a watchman who is witnessing a perilous storm that has come upon us and warning all to take heed, be alert, and to not be deceived.

This past weekend was the Stronger Men’s Conference put on by James River Church down in Springfield, Missouri. It is a yearly event, and has been criticized for years for being over the top in its entertainment. I have not followed this but recently read about it. Though I have not known much about this men’s conference until recently, I have known about James River Church for a long time. I actually attended it when it was called James River Assembly (of God) back in the early 2000s. I highly respected the exegetical, biblical, doctrinally sound teaching of their pastor, John Lindell, and at one time sought employment at that church. When COVID hit, I checked many ministries online, including James River, to see how they were fairing and if they were aware of the intricate web of great deception behind COVID and the vaccine. This was the first time I perceived a flaw at James River, for they were not only clueless, they were defiantly clueless. Not only did they not see through the foul deception, Pastor Lindell had the gall to put down, even mock, Pastor Dana Coverstone’s (also an Assemblies of God pastor) warning dreams of what lies ahead for America if she does not repent. Then, in July 2021 they opened their church doors on their several campuses to be vaccination centers. And not only did they open their doors to the vaccine, they also opened their doors to false teachers/prophets Bill Johnson and Randy Clark during what they call “the week of power”. And when Christians dared to question why James River would welcome false teachers and false prophets, Pastor John Lindell defiantly defended them and his decision to invite them. (videos below regarding all this).

This being said, it ought not to have been so surprising to Christians when they read/viewed the story/video of what happened at the Stronger Men’s Conference this past weekend, whose “attendees” were “from 38 states and 42 countries were present April 12 and April 13 at Springfield’s Great Southern Bank Arena…” (News Leader article listed below). In brief what happened is that on opening night, the entertainment was that of a former male stripper performing his sword swallowing act around a very long metal pole. He first rips off his shirt, then while topless acts like spiderman on the pole, eventually licks his sword, then appears to swallow it, climbs the pole all the way to the top, and then upside down slides swiftly down the pole. This ends with an eruption of cheers from the packed arena.

During Pastor Mark Driscoll’s presentation (the next day?), he is recorded as saying, “…because they’re not binary. Their sexuality shifts on a spectrum. They are transgender. Demons want you to be like them, not like you. He [God] made you male and female. They want to be with you as not male or female so that you are no longer manifesting the image of God but the counterfeit image of the demonic. You men need to know, you younger men, you’re living in a cult called America. You older men need to know that if you tolerate, they will dominate. And in the next session if I’m allowed to come back (laughter and an eruption of applause), we’re gonna talk about how to be an Elijah and how to deal with Ahab and Jezebel.”

(and the following words of Pastor Driscoll is what is quoted in most of the articles online, and is immediately what follows what he said above)

“But, let me do this. I’ve been up since 1 o’clock in the morning. The reason I’m hoarse is cause I’ve been praying for you and my heart is very burdened (applause). And I want to be very careful of this because it’s not what I want to say. But the Jezebel spirit has already been here. The Jezebel spirit opened our event. This is a rebuke and a correction of no one. This is an observation. Before the word of God was opened there was a platform, it was a high place. On it was a pole, an Asherah. The same thing that’s used in a strip club for women who have a Jezebel spirit to seduce men. (weak clapping) In front of that was a man who ripped his shirt off, like a woman does, in front of a pole at a strip club. (a few more clap). That man then ascended. See our God is not arrogant. He doesn’t ascend. Our God is humble. He descends. And then, (John Lindell is heard in the background saying, “You’re out of line, Mark!”) he swallowed a sword, and (Lindell says, “Mark!”) Jesus Christ – okay, Pastor John, I’ll receive that.’ (Lindell says, “You’re done!”) And Driscoll says, “Thank you.” Puts on his hat and exits while Lindell takes the platform.

(There are loud cheers and boos at the same time, and then there are chants of “bring him back, bring him back, bring him back” while Pastor Lindell appears subtly to make the devil sign with his left hand as he attempts to speak). “Mark is out of line. If Mark had wanted to say that he should have said it to me first. Matthew 18. Matthew 18. If your brother offends you go to him privately. I talked to Mark for a half hour, there was not one word of that! (Lindell’s tone sounds angry, whether acting or genuine) He’s out of line. If he wanted to say it, he could say it to me. You may not agree with me. You may not agree with him. But we are brothers in Christ, and there is a right way to handle a disagreement. I’m just telling you, I’m not gonna sit back and watch someone do publicly what they they should have done privately. And as a pastor and a man of God, I’ll call another man of God out. Now I love Mark, but he was out of line. I have a responsibility spiritually for this event. We saw 530 people come to Christ. We’ve been called to Jesus, and we’re gonna conduct ourselves in a Christian manner. And we’re gonna go according to the Bible. And the Bible tells us how that should have been resolved, and it wasn’t.”). (this info was gleaned from a video found in the article at this link: https://www.faithwire.com/2024/04/15/mark-driscoll-kicked-out-of-mens-conference-for-rebuking-jezebel-spirit-at-event/)

According to the Springfield News Leader on April 15^th (link below), after the scene described above, the two men patched up the situation. “Driscoll and Lindell said they talked in private and reaffirmed their friendship before Driscoll gave his planned sermon alongside Lindell.”I honor, respect, love and admire you as the father of this house. This is the greatest men’s event, I believe, in the country right now,” Driscoll said on stage, in what he said was a “model of how brothers can work through their” differences. He expressed remorse for not speaking to Lindell directly before speaking to the crowd. “I apologize to you for not going that route, which would have lead us from the most awkward moment in the history of any men’s event,” Driscoll said. Lindell said while people can have different opinions, he and Driscoll agree on the things that mattered. “People are going to make mistakes, they make misjudgments, but if we are going to penalize people and kill friendships over that, then we’ve damaged the body of Christ,” Lindell said.” (Private video footage posted on facebook of this “reconciliation” is found at this link: “Pastors John and Mark Talk Reconciliation,” https://www.facebook.com/macs417/videos/964397721972876.It is in this private video that Lindell calls Driscoll a “John the Baptist”, and says he looks forward to hearing Mark’s message on Elijah).

So, what just happened? It appears that Pastor Mark Driscoll, who has a very checkered past, spoke up as a reformed man who perceived the Jezebel spirit (about which he has written a book) that had been invited to and opened the event, and observed it out loud. Then, Pastor John Lindell who is the leader and host of the entire event, shouted out and shut down Pastor Mark’s observation, quenched the Holy Spirit, and thwarted any possible conviction that had begun in the men’s hearts. Then, Lindell proceeded to rebuke Driscoll, saying that he (Lindell) was spiritually in charge of the event. Then, as has been said, Lindell and Driscoll spoke together behind the scenes afterward, and then later sat before the thousands of men gathered, affirming each other and saying that they agreed to disagree, and Driscoll apologized that he had not gone to Lindell privately.

What did you do, Pastor Lindell? Did you just quench the Holy Spirit? After all, didn’t Pastor Lindell say that Pastor Driscoll was like the prophet John the Baptist in the private video link above and below in this article? Now who would dare to silence John the Baptist? And what kind of nonsense is Pastor Lindell attempting to pull over the eyes of the sheep? Matthew 18? That is not a passage used concerning corporate sin and the call to corporate repentance. Did John the Baptist ask the Pharisees if it was okay that he call them a brood of vipers? Did he go to them privately and tell them that he was going to tell everyone to repent? How about Elijah for that matter? Did he go to Ahab and Jezebel privately to tell them exactly what he was going to do on Mount Carmel before he shamed their false gods and killed all of their false prophets? Do I hear a resounding “NO!”?

Furthermore, this is a pattern among God’s holy prophets. For, Jeremiah called God’s message of repentance out in the city gate calling all who entered to amend their ways and stop believing the lying words of their leadership; he did not merely speak to the princes of Judah, but to all publicly (Jeremiah 8); Ezekiel demonstrated going into captivity in the open street and prophesied judgment to all Jerusalem and did not just speak just to the leaders or send a letter to the leaders in Judah (Ezekiel 12); Elijah proclaimed God’s word from the top of Mount Carmel before all of Israel not just Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 17); John the Baptist declared repentance to all who assembled at the river side and not just to the Jewish leaders (Matthew 3); Jesus denounced the Pharisees publicly with his countless “woes”, called them a wicked and adultress generation, and did not go to each of them individually in private (Matthew 16 and 23); Paul confronted Peter in public for his hypocrisy (Galatians 3). Furthermore, Jesus in Revelation called out the church at Thyatira who were tolerating the teaching of Jezebel who was leading many astray to open sexual immorality, and He did not have His letter privately delivered to the prophets of Jezebel in Thyatira first nor did He call the believers in Thyatira to agree to disagree with the followers of Jezebel (Revelation 2).

These matters of idolatry and debauchery and false prophets/teachers are not matters of private offense but an open abomination before God that is to be denounced publicly just as it always has been. After all, such a root of bitterness is not to be allowed to proliferate or else it will contaminate everyone else. As Hebrews 12 states, “14Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.” Deuteronomy 29 sheds light on the fact that this root of bitterness is actually when someone is in sin and yet says in his heart that he is blessed of God and habitually and willfully continues on in that sin. If that person is allowed to continue openly sinning without public rebuke or correction, much like the man with his stepmother in 1 Corinthians 5, then it winds up emboldening others to do the same or worse, and to also feel justified in so doing. This is what damages the body of Christ.

And what is this about being brothers and agreeing to disagree? Disagree about debauchery? Sexual immorality? Jezebel in the service? At what cost is this unity? We’ve gained the whole world but lost our soul. We’ve pleased our brother but lost favor with God. We’ve unified under the wrong flag. We’ve answered the wrong trumpet call. We’re marching to the beat of the wrong drummer. We cannot agree to disagree on depravity! What, we’re gonna love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ while everyone is sleeping with another man’s wife, lying and stealing and cheating and fornicating and murdering too? But, that’s okay. Nothing to see here. We all do what’s right in our own eyes in the name of unity and brotherhood and agreeing to disagree. That’s okay prophets of Baal, you’re off the hook today, Elijah just bowed to Jezebel, agreeing to disagree thus becoming yet another manipulated man-pleasing Ahab. This is not about Matthew 18 any more than it’s about 1 Corinthians 8 and the weaker and stronger brother, but it is very much the stark warning of 1 Corinthians 10 that says to flee idolatry, and to beware lest you in your liberty fall. And this is very much someone giving the appearance of godliness while denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). What a disgusting display of men-pleasers instead of God-pleasers!!! What a foul stench in the nostrils of the living God, who is an all consuming fire!!!

And then what? Pastor Driscoll apologized. Apologized for what? And why? In that moment he went from on the verge of being an Elijah to that of a manipulated Ahab under the spell of the Jezebel spirit. Indeed, is not the “apology scene” a perfect picture in living color of what Jezebel’s intimidating, enticing spell looks like? Who wants to hear about Elijah and how to handle Jezebel and Ahab from Pastor Driscoll now after this submissive charade?!

And what about the fact that Pastor Lindell took it all personally? Pastor Driscoll said nothing about Pastor Lindell. Nothing. And whether staged or not, Lindell acts the part of one incredibly offended and wounded. In so doing, there appears to be not only an issue of Jezebel but also of deeply rooted pride. Is not pride what comes before destruction? (Proverbs 16:18). Is not the pride of life one of the sins that caused Adam and Eve to fall in the garden? (1 John 2:16). And is not pride what caused Lucifer’s fall? (Isaiah 14).

This entire episode was a diabolical mockery of God’s holiness and true love that corrects and does not tolerate sin for the sake of unity. Astoundingly, this message of tolerance in the name of the brotherhood is what resounds loud and clear above all the noise and confusion and Jezebel-like intimidation and misuse/misapplication of Scripture at this conference. And now, this message has gone home with these men because of Pastor Lindell and Pastor Driscoll whom they look up to and respect. And here is what is being taken home – Jezebel is among us, but leave her alone. Respect her right to be here. You may recognize her, but do not mess with her. Yes, that is a golden calf of Baal, but it’s not your right to call it out. It’s not your responsibility to take authority over it. Just look the other way. Nothing to see here. We’re all brothers, so just agree to disagree. Unity is more important than holiness.

Take heed to Revelation 2 which says, “20Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.24“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25But hold fast what you have till I come. 26And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—”

As many as do not have the Jezebel doctrine and who hold fast, he who overcomes and keeps my works… Think on these words… For these are truly perilous times, brothers and sisters in Christ, and “13…evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2Timothy 3).

Furthermore, let us remember all the prophets such as John the Baptist, Jeremiah, and Elijah who did not lower their voice and talk behind closed doors but declared openly the truth of God’s coming judgment and the weeping call to repentance. Let us also remember that the Apostle Paul rebuked Peter to his face in the presence of all the brethren and called him into account because Peter by his bad example was leading many astray, even Barnabas, to the same bad behavior (Galatians 2:11-21). When a sin is not a matter of personal offense between two individuals but is done publicly, it is to be confronted publicly, just like Paul did with Peter. “20Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” (1 Timothy 5).

Sin has been tolerated far too long in the church, and too many biblically ignorant Christians have interpreted tolerance as love. And now these two pastoral leaders in the church, pastors Driscoll and Lindell, have not only been used to reveal this to those who have not already seen it, but have done violence to the word of God by misusing Scripture regarding the exposing of sin in the body of Christ. In so doing, they have caused confusion and have unwittingly tied the hands of those who would call for repentance and holiness. What Pastor Lindell’s power play and Pastor Driscoll’s apology have done is empowered a root of bitterness and emboldened the Jezebel spirit, giving her ground to seduce and hold under a spell those who choose brotherhood over holiness. In the words of Exodus 32 regarding the worship of the golden calf, “21And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?”…25Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), 26then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!””

Now, where do you stand? Will you stand against Jezebel in the house of God? Will you speak out for God’s holiness while still doing so in great love and even with weeping? Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet (Jeremiah 4:19-6:14). Jesus wept over Jerusalem because He longed to gather her like a hen gathers her chicks but she rejected Him (Luke 19:41-44). Will you weep? Will you speak? Will you pray without ceasing, and having done all to stand? Will you come out from among them and be separate? Are you on the Lord’s side?

Jesus is coming soon. Let’s be ready!

Still Looking Up,

Holy Light Ministries

P.S. James River Church is recognized as a Pentecostal church who is affiliated with the Assemblies of God. So, will the Assemblies of God (AoG) correct Pastor John Lindell? A friend of mine who is a licensed minister in the AoG just voiced their hope that they will do so. I responded that that would take a miracle. It will take a miracle because the Assemblies of God has already done the “agree to disagree” thing for the sake of unity when they joined forces with the false prophets/apostles/teachers of the New Apostolic Reformation under the auspice of Empowered21 (“Assemblies of God exposed to New Apostolic Reformation through Empowered21,” https://bereanresearch.org/assemblies-of-god-exposed-to-new-apostolic-reformation-through-empowered21/). This being the case, the leadership and general council of the Assemblies of God denomination will likely NOT do any correcting.

Update April 19, 2024

Holy Light Ministries has no dog in the fight, horse in the race regarding this issue. Pastor Mark Driscoll has a terrible past and has proven recently in a youtube video that there is still a deep heart issue that must be fully surrendered to the Lord. If anything, Holy Light Ministries would have had a personal preference for Pastor John Lindell whose past is stellar and sound. However, it seems that God again has “…chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29that no flesh should glory in His presence.” (1 Corinthians 1). He once again has used a Sampson to bring about His purposes. Indeed, He has, is and will yet use such Sampsons when they in absolute brokenness and in spite of deepest weakness will determine within their hearts to do the very thing for which God created them, and they will take hold of those two pillars and “… deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5; 16:29).

There is a grave sin in the Church of Jesus Christ in the United States of America. The root of bitterness — namely persistent, habitual, even defiant sin — has taken up a deeply rooted stronghold in the Body of Christ. Every denomination is included in this. Every one. And this nearly hushed moment of voiced concern of Pastor Mark Driscoll at the Stronger Men’s Conference followed by a voiced quenching of the Holy Spirit by Pastor John Lindell has brought this diabolical sin to the forefront for all the world to see. Just like Israel’s sin of worshipping the golden calf shamed them before the nations, this blatant unholiness and defiant response to a call for holiness is a foul and diabolical shame to the Body of Christ before a watching world.

At the present moment the Church of America is under the dark control of unholy compromise that has been justified so often and many times over and and over that Christians (not the world, but Christians) are now calling good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). This is our Philistine. This is our shame. And this has recently been demonstrated at a Wednesday night prayer service and quoted in the local newspaper (listed below) by a pastor calling another pastor to repentance for having dared to call sin sin, for daring to vocally observe unholiness in their midst, for daring to uncover a demonic stronghold. Truly, 21…the shepherds have become dull-hearted, and have not sought the Lord; therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” (Isaiah 10).

Are you broken over this? Or are you just sitting back and watching unmoved or wishing someone else would do something about this? Maybe you’re appalled, but you simply shake your head.

David Wilkerson wondered in deep grief, where is the anguish? “I’m tired of hearing about revival. I’m tired of hearing about awakenings, of last day outpourings of the Holy Spirit. I’ve heard that rhetoric for fifty years, just rhetoric, no meaning whatsoever. I’m tired of hearing about people in the Church saying that they want their unsaved loved ones saved. I’m tired of hearing people say I’m concerned about my troubled marriage when it’s just talk. Rhetoric. I don’t want to hear any more talk about how immoral America has become, how godless our society, how corrupt our business. I’m tired of hearing about Islam taking control and Christians losing power. And how dead the Church has become because that too is rhetoric. Meaningless…Tell me now, how many churches have you visited recently, how many churches do you know when you walk in the Holy Ghost is so strong that everyone of your sins is brought up before your face…and you’ve seen young people under such conviction because the people of God have been on their face? How many churches have you been lately where you hear a word comes forth that so burns in your soul you know it comes from heaven, you know it comes from the heart of God?… Whatever happened to anguish in the House of God? Whatever happened to anguish in the ministry? It’s a word you don’t hear in this pampered age…Anguish means extreme pain and distress, the emotion so stirred that it becomes painful…Anguish. Deep Pain. Deep sorrow and agony of God’s heart…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPPmpGFF5jE

And Leonard Ravenhill with great heartfelt emotion and Holy Spirit inspired words stated in agreement with Wilkerson, “Now let’s get this straight. Why did you come to this conference? Did you come to see miracles? Did you come to hear prophecy? Why did you come? Did you come to meet God? The Lord whom ye seek — and I’m seeking God. I’m not seeking miracles as good as they are, or prophecy. I’m seeking God. You say America needs God. No she doesn’t. The Church needs God. If the Church gets God America will soon feel it. You know it seems everybody’s broken in America, but the Church isn’t broken about it. The one thing that alarms me in America and England is, that there is no alarm in the Church. Most of you can’t handle the lot that you’ve got now, why should you hear more? And I believe God is holding back until like that thing David wrote…’I can’t live another day without the fire of God!’ You need the fire of God to pray. You need the fire of God to see visions. You need the fire of God to recognize there’s no help for us! … Like David in Psalm 80 ‘Oh Thou that dwellest between the cherubims. Lord! Don’t stay there! Come down here! We need God here!’ Does it matter if He breaks your heart today? … This period we’re in now is a dressing room for eternity, that’s all it is. You need God this morning!…I’m troubled every morning that I wake up for the simple reason I live in a world…that has lost its way and a Church that has lost its voice.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mziRM8hUa40

Pray, dear saints of God, for the pastors of the United States of America. They are and we are in all out war. Please pray. Pray in the Spirit. Pray with fervency. Pray with those groans that cannot be uttered. Pray as if your life depended on it. Set aside your busyness, and pray like you mean it.

April 22, 2024

According to Alex Magala he was raised an Orthodox Christian, was baptized into it as a baby, and to him this is the Christianity that he knows (begins at that 2 minutes and 9 second mark in this video, “I’ve Been Quiet About This For Half My Life,” April 19, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdnGnbPq6ck). He says at the 1 minute and 50 second mark that he does not have kids yet, but does have a “family” yet does not refer to a wife. He says these things because Pastor John Lindell in his own words said that Alex Magala has a wife and kids and that he became a Christian 10 years ago. Pastor Lindell states this information in the video below entitled “Pastor John Lindell Calls on Mark Driscoll to Repent”. Magala throughout this video seems to have no concept of what Christianity really is, and feels free to dabble in other religions because to him experiencing another’s religion is part of experiencing their culture.

Makes me wonder… Did anyone at the Stronger Men’s Conference share the real Jesus with him?

Sources:

“Here’s Why James River Church is Threatening to Cut Ties with Controversial Pastor if He will Not Repent,” April 18, 2024, https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2024/04/17/heres-why-james-river-church-is-threatening-to-cut-ties-with-a-pastor-mark-driscoll-john-lindell/73364982007

“Pastor John Lindell Calls on Mark Driscoll to Repent,” April 17, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntlnbT65GY4&pp=ygUSamFtZXMgcml2ZXIgY2h1cmNo

Please refer to Jonathan Cahn’s book, “Return of the gods” for more information about the goddess Ishtar and her return to America. Ishtar is also know as Ashtoreth/Asherah as was the consort of Baal, both of whom Jezebel worshiped and had hundreds of prophets.

And refer to Renner’s teaching on the works of the flesh called, “The Works of the Flesh vs the Fruit of the Spirit” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAa7VB4Zouw&list=PLLbGkPFh_RLeZwVLnueefIBorDy90Ld6g&index=8).

Pastor Dana’s Dreams: “No Fear: Guided into the Future,” July 2020, John Lindell of James River Church, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBZ7I7wOeoo

Vaccination Events at James River Church campuses: “James River Church to host vaccination events at all campuses from July 12-15,” July 2021, https://www.ozarksfirst.com/vaccine/james-river-church-to-host-vaccination-events-at-all-campuses-from-july-12-15/

The Week of Power: “Pastor Defends Bill Johnson and Attacks Christian Youtubers,” February 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_-lkB7mH0s with excerpts taken of Pastor John Lindell’s message entitled, “The Wind of the Spirit,” February 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIL-Q4qDLsw

“To the Assemblies of God and Pentecostals…” August 2023, https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2023/04/25/to-the-assemblies-of-god-and-pentecostals-remember-azusa-street-and-a-true-outpouring-of-the-spirit/ This article’s message is about how the movement that has known the real moving of the Holy Spirit has degraded into following fall teachers and false prophets with demonstrations of lying signs and wonders.

“‘Jesus cried’: Pastor leaves stage after comments at James River Church Men’s conference,”April 15, 2024, https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2024/04/15/mark-driscoll-leaves-james-river-church-conference-stage-alex-magala-comment/73327939007 Quote: “The Stronger Men’s Conference is an annual event by James River Church, which “exists to inspire and equip men to live out God’s vision for manhood to be the husbands, fathers, and leaders God has called them to be,” according to the church’s press release. The church said that attendees from 38 states and 42 countries were present April 12 and April 13 at Springfield’s Great Southern Bank Arena…Driscoll and Lindell said they talked in private and reaffirmed their friendship before Driscoll gave his planned sermon alongside Lindell.”I honor, respect, love and admire you as the father of this house. This is the greatest men’s event, I believe, in the country right now,” Driscoll said on stage, in what he said was a “model of how brothers can work through their” differences. He expressed remorse for not speaking to Lindell directly before speaking to the crowd. “I apologize to you for not going that route, which would have lead us from the most awkward moment in the history of any men’s event,” Driscoll said. Lindell said while people can have different opinions, he and Driscoll agree on the things that mattered. “People are going to make mistakes, they make misjudgments, but if we are going to penalize people and kill friendships over that, then we’ve damaged the body of Christ,” Lindell said. The day after the conference, Driscoll tweeted about the conference. As of publication, neither Driscoll nor James River Church have responded to requests for comment.”

And here is the private video footage of Mark and John after the outburst: “Pastors John and Mark Talk Reconciliation,” https://www.facebook.com/macs417/videos/964397721972876 )

“Mark Driscoll was Kicked off the Stage at a Men’s Conference for Calling out a Male Strippers Performance,” April 15, 2024, https://relevantmagazine.com/current/buzzworthy/mark-driscoll-was-kicked-off-stage-at-a-mens-conference-for-calling-out-male-strippers-performance/

“Mark Driscoll Kicked out of Men’s Conference for Rebuking Jezebel Spirit at the Event,” https://www.faithwire.com/2024/04/15/mark-driscoll-kicked-out-of-mens-conference-for-rebuking-jezebel-spirit-at-event/) Quotes of both Pastor Mark and Pastor John were excerpted from this article’s video link of the event.

“Demonic Spirit Manifestations”: A Video Message by Pastor JD Farag of Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii

Tags

authority in Jesus' name, bible, Deception, Deception in the Church, demonic manifestations, demonic rock and roll, demons, Ephesians 6, faith, God, Jesus, Jesus is coming soon, Pastor JD Farag, Pastor JD Farag's message on Demonic Spiritual manifestations, Spiritual Warfare, the demonic, The Full Armor of God

On Sunday March 24, 2024, there was a loud demonic manifestation that took place during Pastor JD Farag’s presentation of the Prophecy Update. Though Calvary Chapel Kaneohe edited the outburst out, in this April 2, 2024 Tuesday night prayer meeting video Pastor JD explains what happened and why they edited the event out (namely out of respect for the woman who left the service delivered but has not returned). And then he also goes on to address the rise of demonic activity, subliminal messages in movies and advertising and how only naive Christians think they are able to watch them without being affected, the influence of rock and roll groups like Led Zeppelin, the Monkeys, etc whose music communicates Satanic messages (inspired and trained by Satanist Alastair Crowley), how Christians cannot be possessed by demons but they can be “taken captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26), how prayer is key to the full armor of God and the Holy Spirit is the One who emboldens us to speak. This video is an 1 hour and 33 minutes, but it is well worth the time to watch, listen, and then pass on to someone else who has not yet viewed it.

It is good to remember Mark 16, “17And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”” Jesus said that believers have been given authority, as it says in Luke 10, “18And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” And indeed, we see that such authority in Jesus’ name brings deliverance and great joy, as portrayed in Acts 8, “5Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8And there was great joy in that city.”

Would you like to see great joy in your city? Do you believe?

The enemy is real. The enemy is busy. The darkness is growing darker. The end is drawing ever near. The demons know it. The world leaders know it. Do you? Jesus is coming. Let’s be ready.

Praying for boldness,

Holy Light Ministries

The April 8th Eclipse, a Dana Coverstone Dream, and Being Ready to Shine in the Darkness

Tags

April 8 eclipse, Christian, End Times, JD Farag Prophecy Update, Jesus Is Coming, Last Days, Pastor Dana Coverstone's dream, Really Graceful, the april 8 2024 solar eclipse is getting really weird, The Closer We Get The Crazier It Gets, Worse than you thought it would be dream by Dana Coverstone

The eclipse of April 8, 2024 is swiftly approaching, and it seems that there is much speculation and suspicion surrounding the upcoming event — not because of the event itself, but because of all the hubbub surrounding it. Though for centuries we have had eclipses, never has the National Guard been called in (“National Guard to Be Deployed for Solar Eclipse 2024″ https://www.newsweek.com/national-guard-deployed-us-solar-eclipse-april-2024-1881284), never has there been a need for extra blood donations (“Solar eclipse 2024: We Are Blood asking for donations boost ahead of influx of visitors” https://www.fox7austin.com/news/solar-eclipse-2024-austin-texas-blood-donations-visitors), never have there been such high alerts sent out (“Solar eclipse 2024 warnings: here’s the full list you need to know ahead of April 8” https://www.timeout.com/usa/news/solar-eclipse-2024-warnings-heres-the-full-list-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-april-8-032124), never have the leadership called on their people to make sure they have 2 weeks worth of food stocked up (“Map Shows Warnings for People to Stock Up on Food Ahead of Solar Eclipse” https://www.newsweek.com/solar-eclipse-warning-map-food-states-1880396), never has school been canceled (“Hundreds of schools are closing for next month’s total eclipse” https://www.axios.com/2024/03/30/schools-closing-solar-eclipse-april-8) nor have prisons been on lockdown (“Inmates in New York are suing to be allowed to see the solar eclipse” https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/02/inmates-sue-solar-eclipse-lockdown/), and never have there been so many warnings to have means of communication other than cell phones “Eclipse tourists should plan for overloaded cell networks” https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/02/cell-service-poor-solar-eclipse/.

On top of this, NASA says on April 8th they are going send up three rockets into sky. According to Extreme Tech online, “During the total solar eclipse this April 8, NASA will launch three rockets aimed at understanding how a sudden reduction in sunlight affects the ionosphere. What NASA learns could help mitigate the radio and satellite communication errors known to occur during some eclipses.” (“NASA to Launch 3 Rockets During April 8 Solar Eclipse” https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/nasa-to-launch-3-rockets-during-april-8-solar-eclipse/ar-BB1l0zWw). And these are not just any rockets; they are termed Apep rockets, and acronym for Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path (“NASA to Launch Sounding Rockets into Moon’s Shadow During Solar Eclipse” https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/nasa-to-launch-sounding-rockets-into-moons-shadow-during-solar-eclipse/ . However, Apep was also the Egyptian god of darkness and disorder. According to Ancient Egypt Online, “Apep was known by many epithets, such as “the evil lizard”, “the encircler of the world”, “the enemy” and “the serpent of rebirth”. He was not worshipped, he was feared, but was possibly the only god…who was considered to be all powerful. He did not require any nourishment and could never be completely destroyed, only temporarily defeated.” (“Apep (Apophis),”https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/apep/). And according to the World History Encyclopedia, “Apophis (also known as Apep) is the Great Serpent, enemy of the sun god Ra, in ancient Egyptian religion. The sun was Ra’s great barge which sailed through the sky from dawn to dusk and then descended into the underworld. As it sailed through the darkness, it was attacked by Apophis who sought to kill Ra and prevent sunrise. On board the great ship a number of different gods and goddesses are depicted in differing eras as well as the justified dead and all of these helped fend off the serpent. Ancient Egyptian priests and laypeople would engage in rituals to protect Ra and destroy Apophis and, through these observances, linked the living with the dead and the natural order as established by the gods….The rituals surrounding the overthrow of Apophis represented the eternal struggle between good and evil, order and chaos, light and darkness, and relied upon the daily attention and efforts of human beings to succeed. Humanity, then, was not just a passive recipient of the gifts of the gods but a vital component in the operation of the universe.” (“Apophis,” https://www.worldhistory.org/Apophis/). The three rockets of NASA are otherwise known as sounding rockets, and these “…will launch at three different times: 45 minutes before, during, and 45 minutes after the peak local eclipse. These intervals are important to collect data on how the Sun’s sudden disappearance affects the ionosphere, creating disturbances that have the potential to interfere with our communications” (“NASA to Launch Sounding Rockets into Moon’s Shadow During Solar Eclipse” https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/nasa-to-launch-sounding-rockets-into-moons-shadow-during-solar-eclipse/).

Furthermore, CERN is going to be busy with their Hadron Collider on April 8th during the eclipse. As stated in an MSN article, “The world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator is set smash protons together on April 8 to search for invisible particles secretly powering our universe.” (“CERN to test world’s most powerful particle accelerator during April’s solar eclipse to search for ‘invisible’ matter that secretly powers our universe” https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/cern-to-test-worlds-most-powerful-particle-accelerator-during-aprils-solar-eclipse-to-search-for-invisible-matter-that-secretly-powers-our-universe/ar-BB1kIhQM). The Wonderful Engineering website touts this as an “historic moment” (“Cern Is Going to Test World’s Most Powerful Particle Accelerator During April’s Solar Eclipse,” https://wonderfulengineering.com/cern-is-going-to-test-worlds-most-powerful-particle-accelerator-during-aprils-solar-eclipse/).

Really Graceful just put out a well done and timely video commentary on this very topic. If any have not yet heard it, I highly recommend it. “The April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse is Getting REALLY Weird…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9hqwERW8YM

(This info in italics added Monday, April 8, 2024) Another excellent video to view regarding the eclipse and the suspicious activity surrounding it, please check out Pastor JD Farag’s Prophecy Update video from Sunday, April 7, 2024 entitled, “The Closer We Get the Crazier It Gets,” https://www.jdfarag.org/bible-prophecy?sapurl=LytkNmtjL2xiL21pLysyc2p4dG1iP2VtYmVkPXRydWUmcmVjZW50Um91dGU9YXBwLndlYi1hcHAubGlicmFyeS5tZWRpYS1zZXJpZXMmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQjgyeXhwOGY= Pastor JD also discusses the logos of both the World Economic Forum (depicts both 666 and an eclipse of the sun) and CERN (which also has an eclipse and the number 666), reveals that the Bush family were Satanists (Scull and Bones), and explains how the creation of NASA by Jack Parsons and L. Ron Hubbard is “Satanic to its core.” And if that isn’t enough, April 8th is the day that Occultists celebrate Aleister Crowley and his dictation of the Book of the Law in Egypt in 1904, and on top of this Aleister Crowley was the inspiration of many rock n’ roll groups such as The Beatles.

So, with all this going on and being talked about, just last night I remembered a certain Pastor Dana Coverstone dream. I believe the meaning of the dream is about to unfold on and after April 8, 2024. In the dream many Americans are gathered for an event in which all are looking up. According to Pastor Dana it is not for the 4th of July nor for anything patriotic in particular – not for Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day or election day, etc. But, all of the patriotic symbols point to it being very, very American.

Those gathered are excited for the event, and again, are looking up waiting for the fireworks to commence. After 2 minutes of silence, all goes dreadfully wrong. There is a “horrific noise”, but nothing is seen except for “huge flashes of light”. And then the fiery debris began to fall on people, and chaos ensued while the announcer attempted to calm everyone. After he said “the problem will be remedied soon” a bunch more fireworks were shot into the air but sounded like F-16s taking off, and yet another explosion sounded. And people panicked and began running wildly. As Pastor Dana and his family head down the highway as quickly as possible, cars are seen parked under overpasses where people were peering up suspiciously into the sky. And “The sky was alive with fire and darkness”. The radio had only static, and no one along the highway knew anything. Everywhere was littered with trash, and there was great chaos. There was no sign or talk of war, nothing military.

Back home, Pastor Dana and his family turned on the t.v. to get the news. It was then that Pastor Dana saw “Jesus” from his other dreams, and he reported live. And He said, “We have gotten report after report of strange occurrences at outdoor activities and 911 calls have been overwhelmed and have overwhelmed the entire nationwide system. Many of you are aware that chaotic events spread over the entire country have left fires and confusion on every front. Let me be very clear, it is worse than you thought it would be. You were warned and told that perilous times were coming, but this is worse than you thought it would be. Many have ignored the truth, and now it is worse than you thought it would be. Don’t leave your first love. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Stay repentant and in the center of the wheel. Overcome. Walk through the open door. Stay disciplined. I will walk beside you during persecution and pain. Many will say that this is worse than they thought it would be, and they will be right. So remain hard braced and battle ready. I am coming and my reward is with me. And I am with you always, and as far as to your end. These are the hard facts in the news as I am reporting it to you in living color.”

It was then that in the dream Pastor Dana’s kids were their present age, and he and his family gathered in prayer. While beginning to pray, there came a knock on their door, and Pastor Dana unafraid opened the door where many fearful and questioning neighbors approached him regarding the things that were happening. He invited them in, and a little girl among them noted that “I feel better in here than I did out there.”

I encourage you all to view the dream and to listen to Pastor Dana’s commentary about it. Though he dreamed it last year in March of 2023, it appears to be beginning to come to pass now in 2024. This eclipse may be the beginning of many other such strange things happening in America that will baffle many, including many in the Church, because this year is not business as usual.

Thus, like in the dream, Christians will be called on to grow up really fast, even in the blink of an eye as things start unfolding all around them. No one in the news or at the grocery store or at work will know or understand what is happening, but Christians will have to grow up really fast as neighbors and family and strangers approach them regarding what is going on. Christian reading this, are you ready? Or are you while reading this feeling a sort of panic that you don’t have all the answers?

Know what? You have THE ANSWER, and His name is Jesus. You have the Bible, and in it there are prophecies regarding the end times. So, be in it. Read Revelation. Read Daniel. Read Zechariah. Read Matthew 24. Read Luke 17 and 21. Read Mark 13. Read 2 Peter 3 and 2 Timothy 3. These speak of the end times and perilous times and all that is and will be happening. Are these passages easily understood? No. But then none of the Scripture is. After all it is “spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2), and thus we need the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth (John 16:13-15). So, ask the Holy Spirit to do this. Ask Him for help. But, make sure you believe that He will when you pray that prayer, for God says that when we come to Him we must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). For indeed, He will be found by us when we seek Him with all of our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13).

Dear Christians, we are not to be afraid of all that is coming on the earth. Why? Because Jesus said, “25“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken…28Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”…34“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.””

Even so, let’s be vigilant for “…the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7). Do not be surprised at persecution nor suffering. “12Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” (1 Peter 4:12-14). After all Jesus said in Matthew 5, “10Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” And James, Jesus’ brother, says, “2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

We must get out of our American mindset of American rights and lawsuits and the American dream, and remember that we as Christians are pilgrims and strangers and citizens of heaven and ambassadors of another Kingdom, and as such we will suffer persecution and trials in this foreign world that is not our home. I repeat — this world is NOT our home. And thus, “14Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16holding fast the word of life…” (Philippians 2:14-15). As the world grows dark because of the eclipse, and darker still after the eclipse, let us shine out all the brighter, as a light on a hill, as stars in the universe!

Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!

Shining for Him,

Holy Light Ministries

“Worse Than You Thought It Would Be Dream by Dana Coverstone,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDFT31FM8wM&t=860s

What is Easter Really: Christian, Pagan, Goddess or Transgender?

Tags

2 Corinthians 6, Be holy as God is holy, christianity, Doc Marquis, Easter, Easter and Ishtar, history, Holidays, holiness, Jonathan Cahn, Pagan Easter, resurrection, Return of the gods, Which Queen of Heaven

Easter Sunday is tomorrow. And this Easter Sunday falls on March 31st which has been proclaimed as Transgender Visibility Day. “Biden proclaims Easter Sunday as Transgender Day of Visibility, sparking outrage online” https://share.newsbreak.com/6j10u0v8. Christians who have heard of this are in an uproar that such debauchery would be celebrated and even be allowed to overshadow their holy day of Easter.

Holy? Easter?

Let me be frank. Easter is a fertility/prostitution goddess also referred to as the Queen of Heaven who is celebrated in every culture by different names (Astarte, Aphrodite, Venus, Innana etc). The term Queen of Heaven is seen in the Bible in Jeremiah 7 wherein the Israelites were as a family celebrating this goddess by building fires, pouring out drink offerings, and baking cakes. According to Doc Marquis who was a former Illuminati witch, Semiramis was the original Babylonian name of Ishtar, and the name Easter is synonymous with Ishtar. (Doc Marquis – Catholicism Which Queen of Heaven, 2:56:17 minute mark https://youtu.be/p6Oin8-f6Xk?feature=shared).

Furthermore, according to Doc Marquis, Semiramus i.e Ishtar/Easter came back the Spring following her “ascension” as a colorful egg on a bed of wicker reeds, and a reincarnated Semiramus emerged. And thus we now have eggs in wicker baskets. And because she is a goddess of fertility, the bunny was chosen as a mascot – after all bunnies are always reproducing.

There is a lot more occult/pagan symbolism surrounding “Easter” that Christians have for years incorporated into the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection that is unbiblical and has nothing to do with Jesus. But all of those symbols is not what this article is about. If you are interested in more of this, please refer to the Doc Marquis video above.

Continuing on…

Ishtar is not only the fertility goddess, Queen of Heaven that comes back each Spring, but is also a goddess of war and an enchantress of a deep, dark sorcery that transforms “a man into a woman and a woman into a man, to change one into the other”. (“A Hymn to Inana for Isme-Dagan,” (Isme-Dagan K), 19-31 as quoted in Jonathan Cahn’s book, The Return of the gods, pg 136). Indeed, she is a transgender goddess and her consort and human attendants are transgender as well.

Thus, it should be no surprise that transgenders are to be celebrated on a day named after the goddess of gender confusion and the rainbow of war.

The real issue here is not Easter being the day of transgender visibility. Rather, the issue is that of Christians either being ignorant of the pagan signs and symbols and the goddess’ name, or of Christians willfully allowing it and even convincing themselves into thinking it is all so innocent.

But God does not think so. God calls us to holiness and to be separate. When Israel entered the Promised Land they were not to take on the practices of the pagans that lived there (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). The same is true of Christians. Indeed, “what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with and infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?” (1 Corinthians 6:14-16).

Easter is not merely a name, it is a goddess, and as such following the traditions associated with it is idolatry. And Easter is not just any goddess, it is a fertility goddess. And it is not merely a fertility goddess but is one that destroys genders and has no respect for the image of Almighty God in humanity.

First Corinthians 6:16-18 which says, “…for ye are the temple of the living God, and as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be My people. Wherefore, come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

At this time of the commemoration of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, let us humble ourselves before our God and recall that 1 Peter 1 states “…as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 17And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Reflecting on this great redemption, let us no longer participate in the paganism of “Easter” no matter how cute or seemingly innocent. It’s time to repent of this mixture. It’s time to look different. It is time to be holy as God is holy.

Let us also not forget that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against demonic realms and entities. Our enemy is not confused transgender individuals. Rather, our enemy is the devil who is out to steal, kill and destroy us and them. Our call is that of the great commission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all and make disciples. Transgenders need that same gospel. They need Jesus and the salvation and deliverance that comes ONLY in His blood and name. Do not withhold this from them through seeing them as the enemy, and do not withhold it from them by tolerating sin. It’s time to be bold. It’s time to stand.

Jesus is coming back soon! Let’s be ready!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!!

Rejoicing in the Resurrected Savior,

Holy Light Ministries

Remembering the Power of Christ’s Death

Tags

3 days and 3 nights, bible, Christ in the grave, Christ's death, Christian, christianity, Colossians 2:15, Ephesians 4:8, God, Jesus, Jesus is coming soon, Jesus' Return, psalms, resurrection, Revelation

Have you ever wondered what Jesus did in those 3 days and 3 nights in the grave?

It was at this time in the crucifixion story (the 3 days in the grave) that Christ ascended from where He had descended and “preached unto the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:20-21), and led “captivity captive” even a multitude of captives (Ephesians 4:8-10), and distributed gifts unto men. He did not descend into hell to suffer as some wrongly and even blasphemously assert, but rather, He went down as the Conqueror of death, hell and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Revelation 1:18). And all conquerors of that day led their vanquished and captured enemies in a parade of open shame before the a cheering crowd of the conquering army as they returned home from the battle. As a custom both before and after those days, the conqueror would hand out gifts to his soldiers etc. As Barne’s commentary states, “It is language derived from a conqueror, who not only makes captives, but who makes captives of those who were then prisoners, and who conducts them as a part of his triumphal procession. He not only subdues his enemy, but he leads his captives in triumph. The allusion is to the public triumphs of conquerors, especially as celebrated among the Romans, in which captives were led in chains (Tacitus, Ann. xii. 38), and to the custom in such triumphs of distributing presents among the soldiers…”

On top of this, the conqueror would free those whom the enemy had held captive, leading them home in grand display, and doing so with great jubilee and joy. “When Christ ascended to heaven, he triumphed ever all his foes. It was a complete victory over the malice of the great enemy of God, and over those who had sought his life. But he did more. He rescued those who were the captives of Satan, and led them in triumph. Man was held by Satan as a prisoner. His chains were around him. Christ rescued the captive prisoner, and designed to make him a part of his triumphal procession into heaven, that thus the victory might be complete – triumphing not only over the great foe himself, but swelling his procession with the attending hosts of those who “had been” the captives of Satan, now rescued and redeemed.” (Barnes).
Just as Colossians 2:15 says of the cross and death of Christ, “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Hallelujah!! Praise be to God!! No matter what we are enduring today may we think on what Jesus did those 3 days while in the nether regions of the earth. Let us remember He took back the keys of death and Hades. Let us think on Him leading those demons and principalities and powers and Lucifer himself captive and on full display as the defeated foes! Let us set our minds on the greatness of our God, who used the weakness of the cross to shame the strong, and foolishness of the cross to shame the wise!! (1 Corinthians 1). And as 1 Corinthians 1 continues to say, “28God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.””

Even so, let us boast in Him today! Let us glory in Him today! Let us remember He is still Conqueror today! He is still Savior today! He is still our All in all today! His strength is still made perfect in weakness today. The devil and his minions are still defeated today. He has not changed! (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) He is still in the boat, so to speak, and more importantly Christ is still on His throne today! Don’t forget it! Let this truth sink deep into the soul of your hearts. Let its roots go deep and not be overcome with the pleasures of this world nor let the trials and tribulations overwhelm its unchanging, unshakable truth!! (Luke 8 – parable of the sower).

Jesus is coming again soon! ” 28Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12).

Indeed at this time of remembrance during Holy Week, as we look back on His triumph of the cross and resurrection power, let us also look ahead to His ultimate triumph as portrayed in the final chapter the “Revelation” of Jesus Christ! Behold He is coming quickly – the Spirit and the Bride say COME! Let’s be ready!

Fixing our eyes on Jesus,
Holy Light Ministries

Full quote from Barne’s Notes on the Bible
Commentary on Ephesians 4:8

“He led captivity captive – The meaning of this in the Psalm [68:18] is, that he triumphed over his foes. The margin is, “a multitude of captives.” But this, I think, is not quite the idea. It is language derived from a conqueror, who not only makes captives, but who makes captives of those who were then prisoners, and who conducts them as a part of his triumphal procession. He not only subdues his enemy, but he leads his captives in triumph. The allusion is to the public triumphs of conquerors, especially as celebrated among the Romans, in which captives were led in chains (Tacitus, Ann. xii. 38), and to the custom in such triumphs of distributing presents among the soldiers; compare also Judges 5:30, where it appears that this was also an early custom in other nations. Burder, in Res. Alt u. neu Morgenland, in loc. When Christ ascended to heaven, he triumphed ever all his foes. It was a complete victory over the malice of the great enemy of God, and over those who had sought his life. But he did more. He rescued those who were the captives of Satan, and led them in triumph. Man was held by Satan as a prisoner. His chains were around him. Christ rescued the captive prisoner, and designed to make him a part of his triumphal procession into heaven, that thus the victory might be complete – triumphing not only over the great foe himself, but swelling his procession with the attending hosts of those who “had been” the captives of Satan, now rescued and redeemed.”

Time to “Get Busy” Praying with Faith — Pastor Dana Coverstone’s “the doctor will see you now” dream

Tags

bible, Christian Living, christianity, End Times, faith, Jesus, Jesus' Return, Last Days, mountain moving faith, Pastor Dana Coverstone's Dreams, Prayer, The Doctor Will See you now dream

You’ll need to watch the video to get more specific details of this dream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGqFKYY5Kzo). I simply wanted to make sure that the “prognosis” of the Lord in the dream was written down, for it is important for Christians this year. In brief, the scene is that of a medical clinic wherein people are crammed in like sardines waiting to see the doctor. One lady is praying very hard for her little boy, and keeps looking up to heaven. As she does so with great emotion, she is called in while the others remain waiting. Right after she’s called in, Pastor Dana Coverstone is called in to the words, “The doctor will see you now.”

After entering the doctor’s humble office, it transforms into something heavenly and serene, as if the very air was sweet, and the man who usually appears to him in his dreams (aka Jesus) is the doctor seated across from him. It is then that Pastor Dana says, “why am I here? What’s wrong with me?”

And the Lord said, “Here is my prognosis.”

Before continuing, notice the word used was “prognosis” not ‘diagnosis”. According to the Miriam-Webster online dictionary, a diagnosis identifies based on symptoms what disease is presently afflicting a person. Whereas, a prognosis predicts how the disease will likely progress and what treatment needs to be administered for the best possible outcome. https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/usage-of-diagnosis-and-prognosis-difference According to goodrx.com “A diagnosis is the identification of the problem that’s causing symptoms. It comes from Greek meaning “to distinguish or discern,”” and “A prognosis is more like a prediction of how the diagnosis will affect you. It comes from Greek meaning “to know before.”” (https://www.goodrx.com/healthcare-access/patient-advocacy/doctor-decoded-diagnosis-prognosis)

Continuing on…

“Here is my prognosis.

Over the next year the financial deception about the American economy is going to be revealed, but most will still not realize what’s happened to them personally.

The Church will have to live by faith, trusting me to provide and come through for them consistently, and I will provide for those who live, walk, in faith. And people will see what I can do.

Persecution will come at a pace the country has never seen before, and it will increase to far more than jail and prison.

Censorship will become the standard, and the attempt to silence truth will come to naught ONLY as the faithful pray and speak the truth themselves.

The Accuser of the brethren will unleash accusations against God’s people and bring intentional harm against those who speak the truth, and his lies will be believed.

Christian families will experience conflict that is unprecedented, and hate will knock on every Christian door.

And the false teachers will attempt to invade every church committed to truth, and strangle believers until they breathe no more.

The fight has come, and the fight is on. Braced or not, it’s here, and many will fall to the side on a sword of their own.”

Pastor Dana then picked up a clipboard on the doctor’s desk that was meant for him to read. And it said, “Be strong and courageous. Walk on the water. Be instant and in season at all times. I am with you at all times and will never leave you or forsake you.”

And then the doctor said, “Get busy!” And then he disappeared.

When Pastor Dana in the dream reentered the incredibly full waiting room (hundreds of people), someone announced that the clinic was closing, but that “church representatives” would pray with anyone who wanted to remain. With great disgust and frustration most of those hundreds exited the waiting room with great anger, but about 20 remained (some holding sick children, some elderly, others weary and desperate) to be prayed with by Pastor Dana, the woman who’d gone in with her ill child (who was now completely well), and a few others whose hands were filled with anointing oil. And the one pouring the anointing oil into the hands of those who would be praying said, “Let’s get busy.” And they began to pray out loud with power and authority, and each person was healed upon whom they laid their hands.

Dearest Christians, we all know that hard times are coming, and so I encourage us each now to press into the secret place of the Most High and to right now dwell beneath the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91). Let us right now seek His face, right now wait upon Him, right now watch and pray (Matthew 26:41) — even as Jesus directed over and over again while here. Those who have besought the Lord will find, like Pastor Coverstone and the lady with the little boy, closeness with the Lord who is our dear Shepherd (Psalm 23), who has promised us that when we seek Him we will find Him when we seek Him with all of our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13), and that in seeking Him believe that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11). That’s why in the dream the woman with the little boy and Pastor Dana were taken in to see the doctor — they were waiting upon the Lord already; they were praying already; they were seeking and trusting already. And then later at the close of the day, those 20 who would not leave and lingered in desperation and faith, when those “church representatives” who had already tasted and seen that the Lord is good, laid their hands upon them were healed. Thus, I would encourage each who read this article and who listen/watch the video of this dream to press in, to press on, to seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking, believe and keep on believing, wait and keep on waiting, ask and keep on asking, and do not leave, do not doubt, do not waver, do not give up, do not give in, do not let go of the hem of the Lord’s garment! Be as tenacious as the women before the unjust judge (Luke 18) who would not back down. Be those in whom Jesus finds faith when He returns! For indeed, without faith it is impossible to please God! (Hebrews 11:6)

Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!

Believing still,

Holy Light Ministries

Looking to the Reward

Tags

bible, christian nationalism, christianity, faith, God, JD Farag, Jesus, NAR, New Apostolic Reformation, What are we fighting for again

As we enter the Passover and Resurrection Sunday season wherein we commemorate Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and resurrection, may we as Christians take the time to reassess how the Bible defines a Christian, as well as what Jesus says about His kingship, His kingdom, and what that means for us as Christians right now.

Among many things, Christians are called a royal priesthood, holy and set apart, bond servants of Christ, evangelists, pilgrims and strangers (2 Peter 2:11), ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), and are those who, like Abraham, are looking forward to a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).

The Apostle Paul earnestly states in Philippians 3, “17Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”

Note that those who look to heaven as their country and to Christ’s return as their hope are contrasted with those whose minds are set on earthly things and their fleshly concerns like eating good food. Paul points out that Christians are “heaven bound” not “earthbound”. Christians are ambassadors to earth NOT citizens of earth. And to be more specific yet, ambassadors are not the citizens of the nation to whom they are sent, but rather are the citizens of the country from which they are sent. Thus, though Christians live in various countries of the earth, Christians must remember always that this is not our home. Our king is King Jesus and heaven is our residence. We represent Him and His heavenly, eternal kingdom while here.

And it is Jesus who said that His kingdom is not physical, but rather is spiritual. As John 18:36 says, “… “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”” And Jesus says in Luke 17:20-21, “…The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

So in short, Jesus said that He is a King of an unseen, spiritual kingdom that is right now within the hearts of those who follow Him. And those who follow Him are the ambassadors of a heavenly city whose builder and maker is God.

Though this spiritual kingdom is clearly presented in the inspired Scripture, there are those today who are preaching another kingdom that Christians themselves are to establish upon the earth right here and right now. Christians are to take back the seven areas of society in every city and nation, establish their leadership, and as super apostles and prophets (who are recognized as greater than all prophets and apostles in the Bible) are to decree and declare it into reality – and even vote it in as American citizens. And this ideology is the driving force behind both the red, white and blue Christian Nationalism and the New Apostolic Reformation.

Pastor JD Farag pf Kaneohe, Oahu Hawaii presented a powerfully accurate prophecy update this past Sunday entitled, “What Are We Fighting For Again?” In it he addresses this poignant topic of Christian Nationalism and the New Apostolic Reformation. Please listen to his excellent, heartfelt presentation that is somewhat different than what I’ve written. https://www.jdfarag.org/bible-prophecy?sapurl=LytkNmtjL2xiL21pLys3cWdzbnc5P2VtYmVkPXRydWUmcmVjZW50Um91dGU9YXBwLndlYi1hcHAubGlicmFyeS5tZWRpYS1zZXJpZXMmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQjgyeXhwOGY=

There are numerous websites who go into far more details about each of these movements if any are interested. This article is not about detailing these ideologies when others have done a far better job. Rather, this article is all about reminding Christians in America that we are not “American Christians”; we are Christians. Period. We do not bleed red, white, and blue, but are bought by the blood of the precious Lamb. Period. We are not earthbound. America is not our home. Our family’s future and security is not here.

Indeed, what the devil has strategically and brilliantly done via the message of the “American Gospel” for years and even now through the Christian Nationalists and the New Apostolic Reformation is twofold. Number one it keeps the Church from being the priests, ambassadors and evangelists that they are commissioned to be by getting them to believe that it is their Christian duty to vote, to live the American dream, and to provide peace and financial security for their family. Number two it has divided the American Church into two sides: the “earth-minded” that are fighting for making America great again and peace and prosperity on earth (some say in order to advance the Gospel), and the “heavenly minded” who are about reaching the lost with the Gospel regardless of war, persecution, famine, and the like, as well as preparing the Bride for Christ’s soon return.

Dear Christian, there is a heavenly King coming that will not be voted in or out, ushering in an undefeated heavenly kingdom that will not end. There is a spiritual banner beneath which we are called to fight the good fight of the faith. There is an anthem to sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord, even to inspire one another as we march along this narrow way. We stand few in number against a horde of innumerable thousands, but the battle belongs to the Lord and is not carnal nor against flesh and blood. We Christians march to the tune of a different drummer, not caring for worldly fame or fortune, peace or security in this life, for our identity is in Christ and heaven is our home.

Thus, let us take up our cross daily and follow Christ (Luke 9 and Matthew 16), no longer laying up treasures on earth in any form (bank, boats, houses, land, trust funds, stocks, bonds or gold, etc) but instead laying up treasure in heaven. “21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6). Is your treasure here? Is your heart here? Whatever it is that is tying us to this earth, cut it away and be like Moses who “when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26). Let us not forget these words of Hebrews 11 which says, “13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” For truly “we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28).

King Jesus is coming SOON! Let’s be ready!

Looking to the reward,

Pressing on,Holy Light Ministries

Those Who Prophesy Good Things

Tags

are christians to pray for world peace, End Times, False Prophets, Jeremiah, Kent Christmas, Last Days, Lord lord have we not prophesied in your name, Matthew 24, Micaiah, Not everyone who says to me lord lord, peace and safety, Revival, those who prophesy peace, world peace

I have been reflecting on what a friend of mine related to me about a prophecy of a man named Kent Christmas in October 2023. His prophetic message is one of the Church rising up and evil being crushed. My friend had found it riveting and hopeful. However, there is a word of caution to be heeded here. So, please take into great consideration the following warnings of Jeremiah, Jesus, Micaiah, and others regarding prophecies of good said in the name of the Lord.

In Jeremiah 28 there is a man by the name of Hananiah who was the son of a prophet who proceeded to prophesy that the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon would be broken and that Israel would arise. Jeremiah at first responded in verse 8 that all the previous prophets, even of old, had prophesied AGAINST nations and kingdoms and that there would be war and pestilence and evil. But, he says in verse 9, “The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known that the Lord hath truly sent him.” In other words, a ‘good word’ of prophecy and the prophet who gives such is only to be taken seriously if it comes to pass.

Furthermore, where in the Bible does it say that the Church will arise? Does it not instead say that there will be an increase in martyrdom and persecution? Think of Revelation 6:9-11 wherein the martyrs under that altar in heaven are asking how much longer before God avenges their blood, and verse 11 states “that they should rest yet a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled.” And did not Jesus also say of the end times, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you, and you shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake…” Matthew 24:9.

Last Sunday a guest speaker at my church wrongly stated that wars have historically stopped revival, and that we therefore, need to be praying against war and for world peace. What?! Was he truly saying that war trumps revival? That God is powerless to keep a revival going? But that our prayers are possibly powerful enough to keep revival going so that the billion soul harvest prophecy might be fulfilled? Seriously? What kind of unbiblical nonsense is this?

Jesus said there would be great deception, even deception on top of deception, with many lying false prophets and false teachers, wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, amped up persecution, offenses, a severe loss of love, etc. And Jesus goes on to say, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations and then the end shall come.” Notice that Jesus did not tell Christians to pray for world peace, but rather, he calls us to endure. For indeed, according to Jesus, war and all hell breaking loose does not, will not, cannot stop the gospel from moving forward. Do you see that in this passage? The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in spite of it all. After all, the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church!!! Ever. Period.

Those calling for peace and security (1 Thessalonians 5:3), by the way, are those who are not watching and waiting and alert to the signs of the times, and while calling for peace and safety sudden destruction comes upon them. Sudden. Bam! So, praying for peace and security/safety does not sound like a biblically good idea at all.

Remember Jesus said there would be MANY false prophets and an abundance of deception just before Christ’s return. And the false prophets of the Old Testament always prophesied good things and were many in number, but God’s prophets, who were few in number, warned of immanent destruction if the people did not repent and return to Him.

Do you remember the story of Micaiah of 1 Kings 22? It is there that we see 400 prophets who prophesied victory to the king of Israel and Judah, but then they called for Micaiah who was God’s prophet. The one who went to retrieve Micaiah from prison said to him, “Behold now the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth. Let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them and speak what is good.” (vs 13). “And Micaiah said, ‘As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.” (vs 14). Then, after feigning a good word, Micaiah spoke the word of the Lord, even sharing the incredible vision of a scene in heaven of the lying spirit that had been sent forth from the Lord into the mouths of all the prophets in order to bring about the demise of King Ahab.

In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus said, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you. Depart from me ye that work iniquity.”

I would therefore caution everyone about following any so-called prophet that prophesies anything “good”. Listen carefully to what they say and weigh it heavily with the word of God. And if you do not know the Bible well enough, get in the word of God now. Read it. Memorize it. Think on it. For it alone is “given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The devil comes as an angel of light, and is extremely adept at using the word of God to our demise and deception. This is why we not only must know the word of God but also must have the manifestation of discernment (1 Corinthians 14), and must test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). “For such are false apostles deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) Modern day false teachers and prophets use the word of God a lot. But then listen carefully, for in the next breath they will say something contrary to what they just said. Or they will redefine words to adapt it to their purpose. Be on your guard, for they are slick as a slippery snake speaking out of both sides of their mouth.

Remember, these are the last days, and the number one sign of the last days according to Jesus in Matthew 24 is deception. And he was not speaking about people in the world being deceived, but rather, was speaking of and to believers who will heed the voices of false teachers and false prophets. And if that is not sobering enough reflect on this, “Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition…whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 9-12) And reflect on this, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron…” (1 Timothy 4:1), and this, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Do not let this be you!

So, the next time you hear “good” spoken in the name of the Lord, be on you guard, for many false prophets have arisen (Matthew 24:11), seducing many with their “good” words (2 Timothy 3:13) that numb the senses so that we can no longer detect what time it is in this world. Therefore, do not so readily believe “good” words. Instead, stand fast in the Bible, and do not be moved.

Jesus is coming soon. Let’s be ready!

Remaining in the light,

Holy Light Ministries

Reflections: Loving Each Other Like Beloved Pets and Kids

Tags

Christian forgiveness, Christian love, forgiveness, unconditional love, walking in love

In the just the past week there have been ample, multiplied opportunities to be offended at my own church. It is wearying really. But, aside from my own personal feelings and experiences, I am perceiving a deep issue in “the Church” of the Western world, and that issue is a lack of familial unity and ultimately a lack of love. Though I am a researcher, the following is of my reflections regarding this, not a study.

This perception has reminded me of an outdoor cat we had for three years, and in all three of those years did not let us touch her even once. Oh, she stayed on our property almost exclusively, ate the food we fed her, slept on the heated outdoor bed we provided, knew the name that we called her which was “Shadow”, and enjoyed the daily visits of our indoor cats. But, she absolutely never let us touch her.

When I told others about her, they would tell me heartwarming tales of elusive cats who eventually came close enough to be petted and were forever tamed once stroked by a human hand. But, not Shadow!

Regardless of her stubborn, willful ‘dementia’, I loved her very much. My family was annoyed with her at times, and thought I was crazy to still feed and care for her. But in truth, I was never offended by thoughts that she didn’t like me, nor did I ever think that I’d done something wrong to make her not like me. Actually, I came to accept the fact that I would never touch her, and never grew impatient with her misguided fear. Instead, she was precious to me. Every quirk was special. Just making eye contact with her was priceless. Seeing her lap up the milk each night made my heart sing. Yes, she was peculiar. Yes, she was silly. Yes, she was ridiculous. But she was darling to me.

Have you noticed how people are with their pets, or grandchildren if you’re not a pet person? So loving. So forgiving. So kind. So gentle. So pampering. The cat throws up in their shoes, and their owner, though disgusted, cleans it up without reprimand. The dog chews up their trash while they’re gone all day, and they scold the dog briefly and then are softened by the big sad eyes of their naughty canine. The child uses your lipstick to produce a Picasso on your bathroom wall, and though you might initially scold the little one their crying leads you to get them a bowl of ice cream. The dog is a bit nippy, but it’s because he needs a treat. The cat is grumpy, but oh, isn’t she cute? The bird squawks annoyingly, but it’s because he’s nervous and needs some baby talk. And if a beloved pet becomes lost, we put up posters, send out announcements all over social media, and call friends and neighbors to find that precious pet in order to bring them home as soon as possible! After all, it’s all about the pet or child – how cute they are in spite of any bad behavior. They don’t earn your love. They just look at you and you love them.

But, in contrast, have you ever noticed how Christians are with each other? So unloving. So unforgiving. So unkind. So harsh. So quickly offended. Someone said something or didn’t say something. Someone did or didn’t do something. Someone should have just known better. How they looked at me or didn’t look at me. How they acted or didn’t act around me. If they invited me or didn’t invite me. And if a Christian who disagreed with me or offended me or was strange disappears from church, well, then, ‘good riddance, they were trouble anyway’! After all, it’s all about whether or not they treat me well or agree with me on every topic – for they need to earn my love and forgiveness.

Perhaps, however, we need to learn something from my cat Shadow. To begin with, we Christians are an odd lot, full of idiosyncrasies, irascible tendencies and strange behaviors, insecurities, and varying backgrounds. But, like my cat (if I can truly call her mine) each Christian (including you and me) is only receptive to a point based on all of their life experiences. But their receptivity and resistance has nothing to do with anyone else. Their behavior is not usually about me. It’s not usually about you. It’s their quirk; it’s their own disconnectedness; it’s their insecurity. And just like I unquestioningly loved my insecure cat who only appeared to reject me all the time, I need to love each brother and sister in Christ and be quick to forgive. I need to more readily love them as I did Shadow, and quit wanting/requiring them to be different than they are, quit placing such a high standard upon them, quit placing on them such great expectations. And really, I need to quit taking things so personally.

Indeed, perhaps this is why Jesus calls us to be quick to forgive, to be tenderhearted and warmly affectionate toward each other – in spite of our ridiculous short comings! Yes, perhaps we ought to see each other as cute, instead of aggravating. Yes, perhaps we ought to consider each other as adorable instead of unforgivable. And I want to be clear here – I am talking about the ins and outs of church life, not egregious sins. I am talking about offense, not murder. I am talking about quirks, not doctrinal error. Yes, in our day to day life, perhaps we ought to be more patient with each other, and think more of what pain or grief or other reasons that each might be going through that brought about such a response that hurt out feelings or made things inconvenient for us. Yes, we all have weaknesses, and each of us wants to be understood and loved and cared for in spite of them. Don’t we? Yes, perhaps we ought to treat each other more like a beloved pet or child instead of an enemy.

And even if someone is in error biblically speaking or is not doing something correctly, it is not for us to change them. Rather, we are to do our part in gentle correction and insight (2 Timothy 2:25), but we ought not be so impatient with them to change immediately. Change often comes over time. Change comes by the Holy Spirit. Even Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3 that some sow seed, some water, but it is God who gives the increase. So, why are we so impatient with people, when it is God’s job to change them? Let’s remember that Jesus did not run after the rich young ruler to compel him to give up everything right now, on the double quick! Instead, Jesus declared how hard it was for those who are rich and who trust in those riches to enter the kingdom of God, but then stated that “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible,” (Mark 10:27) And even more incredibly in the Mark 10 account, it says in verse 21, “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him…” Not only does the change lie with God, but can you honestly say that when someone does not appear to have heeded what you’ve said that you have looked at them and loved them? Jesus fixed His gaze upon this man with special interest and deep love. Have you? Have you longed for them, like Jesus said of Jerusalem in Matthew 23, “37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!”?

In this life we may never agree on everything, but we must all agree on one thing – love. It is love that holds us all together like glue. It is love that keeps the Church from falling apart. It is love that keeps us from dividing into a million pieces. It is love that binds all together in perfect unity. We are not enemies. We are family. Don’t let any whispering, conniving devil of hell convince you otherwise! Perhaps if we treat each other like we do our pets, we would not need to go to personal retreats or long for revival, because we would actually be the Church that Christ prayed that we would be.

We can all say, yes, I agree with this. Yes, everyone needs to be more loving. But, here’s the deal. It starts with you. It starts with me. Someone needs to lead. Someone needs to show others how it’s done. Someone needs to love first. And that someone is you and me. (Romans 12:9-21, Philippians 2:1-8, 1 Corinthians 13) And no, others may not follow our lead. Others may get even more exasperating. And yes, in the beginning you’ll wonder why you always have to be the leader. But you must overcome resentment and not be weary in well-doing, for in the end you’ll reap a harvest if you do not faint (Galatians 6:9). We are too earthly minded, wanting our rewards and benefits now. But, this is not he aven. This is more like boot camp wherein our faith is tested and tried in the fire of affliction, and wherein we are to be bonding like soldiers in basic training. For in “the end” we will reap that harvest the likes of which we have no concept of now, for our light afflictions are nothing compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Christians are not our enemies no matter how strange each of us may individually be, or how long it may take each of us to learn. We are on the same team. We are fellow soldiers. We are family. We are apart of one body – the body of Christ. We are the Bride. Even so, let us love each other unconditionally – even like beloved pets and kids.

Jesus is coming soon. It’s time to be ready!

Your Sibling in Christ,

Holy Light Ministries

For more on loving each other please refer to this link:

Romans 14: My Testimony, ‘Loving Each Other’, and Matters of ‘Conscience’