Concerning Past, Present and Future – You Should Read This!
I can see the need for Radical Change in How we Fellowship as Christians.
Pastors and Evangelists are still trying to Save the Church Model that has existed for Centuries now since Constantine changed things in 300AD. He had No Right to do that – he was not an Apostle or Father in the Fath, he was the opposite, a Roman Emperor. Do not suppose and many do that he was a friend of Christianity because that was the Enemy’s Next Move to Stop the Church after Persecution did not work – Christians and Ministries alike are Still Ignorant of That.
Governments across the World have been getting quite demanding with their Political Correctness and other Agendas in recent years as to what you can say in Church. And already, many Pastors have Compromised the GOSPEL of CHRIST for SOCIAL GOSPEL…….Never thought I’d See The Day with some of these Pastors –they preached a Faithful Message for Years – Effective Ministries are rendered Ineffective.
And believe it or not, many Pentecostal Churches are leading the way in that. It’s important to note that the “Gifts of the Spirit” were quenched for some years in most Churches preceding that – where the Holy Spirit is not Welcome, He does not Move. Other things became “More Important” and the Bread and the Wine rushed with Announcements. In many Local Churches, it is seldom practiced – let’s leave out anything the Newcomer doesn’t understand shall we!? Jesus did say “As often as you drink this Cup, you Remember Me”
In fact, that is one of the main things they engage in, on the Home Church Scene. Much time is devoted to it often. “For this reason many of you are Sick because you do not discern His Body” May I ask the question: How do we discern His Body if we don’t partake?
A Personal Experience In 2006
You know, The Lord called me out of the Established Church System as we know it Today when a “Prophetic-Pastor” broke into a temper and made rash accusations for asking him not to rush that precious time? The Lord showed me the three names that evening, he would not tell me, aye?
And he told me “You should be out ministering and not wasting my time!” (I was resting at that time) Excuse me, The Lord sent me there to bring it up with him because He considers it to be the Most Important Part of a Service. It always was at a Church I attended in the 70s and 80s. Some Pastors have a lot to “Answer For”
Observations Through The Years
Here in Australia, many Pentecostal Churches in my area were experiencing Domination or Extremism at that time. Not sure if things are still that way – I think Social Gospel started after that – “Anything to keep the Numbers” shall we say? The Pentecostal Church is noted for it’s Unstable Element and they think they “Have It All?” I should know, I was in that scene for some time.
It often concerned me how Christians there would take as Gospel (true) anything that was said over the Platform because the Preachers stood there on two feet with a Bible in their hand and said “Thus says The Lord” (that is not meant to be disrespectful) they would preach all manner of things sometimes and everyone accepted it, questioning nothing! So the Pentecostal Church does have an Unstable Element. The Lord gives us Common-sense and the ability to Discern, if we use it.
A Preacher with a True Prophetic Ministry came through our city many years ago and made this statement “We take all manner of whoopy because it comes over the Platform” SO TRUE!
And I saw that go right over the pastor’s heads who were sitting behind him as he preached – that was an AOG setting. They concerned themselves with a lot of entertainment there to “bring people in” excuse me, “what for?” when they don’t keep these precious people? Some do notice the instability after a time “there is something wrong” and leave. And these days, many are presented with a Santa-Christ, find out He is Not and leave.
If I had my time again I would choose Baptist Fellowship because there is much more respect shown to The Word of God and their way of doing things is much more stable.
I learnt much from the Lord years ago observing the Good and the Not-So-Good. I received much of my Training from the Spirit of God for my Prophetic Calling in that environment.
He taught me many things and some things He showed me in the 70s are being taught by stable prophetic preachers Today. I’m happy to see some of those things out in the open and embraced by many believers now.
Fond Memories Of Yesteryear – Keep Honoring Jesus!
Please Note: not all Pentecostal Churches are Unstable – I know some very Good Ones in the Bethesda Movement here in Australia. They practice the Presence of God, Spiritual Family orientation, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and many Christians in those Fellowships reach out to those around them who need Jesus, through the week. They also engage in Body Ministries as Believers through the week, communicating with each-other and helping each-other through the week – it is not a setting where you sit down and shut up, get preached to, sing a few songs and go home, to live like strangers through the rest of the week – excuse me for saying that but it’s true. That’s pretty much what you experience in most churches, is it not? The Bethesda Environment is Stable and I knew the Founder of that Movement, Peter N Vacca very well in the 70s and 80s.
They are happy for everyone to be functioning in their ministries with their Giftings from The Lord. They are quite happy (and un-threatened) to do that – they have no problem with that, like many Pastors who ‘run the whole show’ with their Leaders from start to finish (so to speak). That is not a Healthy Environment but has been accepted for years! I do have a problem with that kind of thing like The Lord does, who has Called us to Better Things – we read this in our Bibles and need to take those things seriously, putting them into practice. This is the kind of Church that will keep their numbers for the right reasons. For the most part, that is found more often in the Home Church Scene. If you go to call him “Pastor” he will say “Please call me Peter” for instance but he would not put up with nonsense, he has some good principles to run a Church with, his Ministry is Apostolic, Prophetic and Pastoral of a genuine nature, he is a Revelatory Teacher of the Scriptures and expounds some good Christian ethics – at the same time, he will be your “brother” in Jesus. Wish there were like him. He is in his early 80s now and he died with some kidney disorder, I heard about a year ago, Jesus sent him back to his church and family. I would like to hear his story, because he is passionate about Jesus and very well-balanced. I’ve been so busy myself in this last year with websites to run and what not, but will catch up with his family in near future to touch base and hear about it. When I do, I shall place his story on two of my new websites JesusHopeOfHeaven.Com and Worship-Jesus.Com I’ve learnt some wonderful things from Peter years ago, he is a “Beacon of Righteousness” and loves his JESUS – I’m sure his story will not be kept under a bushel. He started out many years ago, evangelizing his workmates in their lunch hour and proved himself faithful to his Lord. He later became a Pastor of a small Church and things developed from there.
A Word About Christian Ministries You Should Know
JESUS CALLS and TRAINS GOOD MINISTRIES – their Credentials don’t come from Man – the Apostle Paul is clear about that in Scripture. The problem we have Today in many circles is that we have too many “Ministries” from some Bible Institution who are trained in Stereo fashion – this is not so with any genuine Apostolic or Prophetic person. I have witnessed some “immature prophets” through the years who can function in the Gift of Prophecy and their behavior does not line up (you see very little of Jesus’ Nature in them). They also are lacking in True Prophetic Insight. David in Scripture made certain statements like “I shall walk in the Way with the Blameless” and “The Blameless shall minister to me”……..we would be strongly advised to do the same…….there is too much prophetic ‘Lime Light’ these days – you would be better off going to that “Secret Place” in Prayer and Searching The Lord for yourself and maybe having some confirmation or word of wisdom in some instances, from a fellow Christian who stays Close to the Father and Jesus than those Jokers – pardon me, but they are, they may tell you right and they may tell you wrong. They seek to impress others and my Bible tells me “God resists the Proud but Gives Grace to the Humble”. Besides, some of these “prophets” are into false teachings or greed for your pockets – sorry to say these are “a dime a dozen” on Christian TV. Scripture, tells us to take note of these things and to “Avoid such Men” but many of you look to such “ministries” and embrace every word they say. Please practice more discernment and Read your Bibles more Closely…….The Lord is calling His Children out of that sort of thing at this time “Acquaint yourself with The Lord, thereby you will be At Peace”.
Christian Parents Please Read!
Many of you “sit under prophetic preachers” but they’re not all True. You need to learn this, it’s alright to be Cautious – The Lord would rather you be that way than Naïve, saying Yes to everything you hear. That is so dangerous these days. Please be careful and practice better judgement whose ministry you take seriously because some will impede your judgement in spiritual things. This is very Sad to me because many of you have Children and you need to be more careful about getting Mixed Up with Such Things. Learn what it is to Value Scriptures, by spending more time in Prayer and Devotions, be a Friend and an Example for your Kids, bringing them up in the Ways of The Lord in a way they will ENJOY rather than ENDURE. Bible says “not to provoke your children to anger”……some of you do this by placing high expectations on them. Our Heavenly Father is not like that – He wants them to grow up Naturally and Spiritually at their own Pace. Some parents rush the process, not letting them be children or failing to support them through challenges in their Youth Years because you are busy with Church Programs, Conferences and “Ministry DVDs” maybe TV and your children need some of your undivided attention at this time in life and doing some things together. Clearly, this is not happening if you are spending too much time watching TV (like the world) or too much time in Church Services (they will think you love those more than you love them). This also hinders them from finding Their Own EXPRESSION in GOD. They need to find Their Own God (experience Him for themselves) in their little or young years – how can they do this when Our Expression in the things of God (lots of churchy stuff) is imposed on them? Rather, they will find a Closeness with The Lord if you show Interest in them and see you Enjoying God, not affiliations you have – that is good in it’s place. I spent too much time in Conferences and Services when my child was young (and my Mum minded him on many occasions) this must of come across as ‘Neglect’ to him and my dear Mum. I thought I was doing the right thing – how misinformed can we be? And I did not attend all the Conferences etc that some of you attend. FAMILY IS IMPORTANT – God instigated it before He instigated anything else!
Our Father’s Vision For Spiritual Families
Did you know that Israel used to Worship The Lord as FAMILIES at HOME, not so much the Big Gatherings – they were special events on the Feast Days? No, it was not so. The Levites visited them in their Homes. This repeats itself with the EARLY CHURCH – they gathered with Friends and Family in THEIR HOMES with Great Joy and they Broke Bread together (the bread and the wine) with Gladness of Heart. In fact, their neighbors asked to join them because this was wonderful to them – they wished to find this Wonderful Savior who was Blessing Hearts and HOMES. That is what Speaks to People – especially in our stressful generation. In fact, many people are Responding to This in some countries Overseas. Many people recognize the Real Thing when they See It but Shy Away from Institutions – they have enough of those in the World. No, they will respect a bunch of Christians who have their Family Lives Together and Set a Good Christian Example – not churchy or plastic but we Walk with our God and we Love One Another. That is something people crave for deep in their hearts and they recognise it when they See It – they realise that is what they have been craving all way long. This is what will separate the Lost from those who Mock – those who are prepared to accept their condition, that they need Our Savior God. And mark my words friends, deep down they are waiting for that (so to speak) they Will Not be Sold Short. They are well aware that Churches have been trying to do this for years because the present Church Model Falls Short – they can tell the difference between a Synthetic Rose and a Real Rose. No-One can resist a real rose!
LIFE TO THEM IN JESUS NAME – LET’S GO TO THEM WHERE THEY ARE: THE BODY of CHRIST NEEDS TO GO AUTONAMOUS IN STRUCTURE AND START MEETING IN HOMES. FAMILIES WILL BE RESTORED (Christian and Other) WHEN THIS TAKES PLACE.
Many Christians are Leaving the Churches because they are Dissatisfied and have witnessed phony Christian Behavior. Many of these Christians are now Meeting Together in Homes – they find this more Genuine and more Fulfilling. They can find more Expression there without the churchy masks (everything’s ok when it’s not) and expectations that were placed on them in the Institutional Church Setting. No, we don’t need to Save that System, we need to wake up to it and Return to the NT Pattern – that which was TRULY Instigated in the Book of Acts and Romans 16. It was GOOD for ISRAEL, it was GOOD for the EARLY CHRISTIANS, it will be GOOD FOR US. Instead of building Churches to House Christians 1-2x a week we should be building God in the Families at HOME. That’s the Real Way, that’s the Only Way.
I know a Home Church Movement called OIKOS in Australia who all Get Together in Parks on a regular basis to Socialize and Share what things The Lord is Doing in their Homes. I also know another Home Church Movement where a brother with an Apostolic Ministry And one with a Prophetic Ministry oversee some Home Churches in their Care (each church making their own decisions) they Visit these Churches on a regular basis like the Levites did in Israel and Paul did in New Testament Times. Read it all recorded in the Book of Acts and Romans 16. It’s a form of spiritual blindness that Christians have not SEEN THIS All these years! That’s trying to make the Bible Fit the Constantine Model and preserve it while so many pastors and Christians keep saying Home Church isn’t ‘Real Church’ only the rebellious go there. However, some Pastors are leaving the System and going Organic now (another term for Home Churches).
I PUT THIS QUESTION TO YOU WHEN YOU READ THIS: WHO IS THE REBELLIOUS, THE HOME CHURCHES or PASTORS? WHO IS BACKSLIDDEN, WHEN YOU SEE THE EVIDENCE – THOSE FINDING RENEWED FAITH and VITALITY in their WALK WITH JESUS SINCE ATTENDING A HOME CHURCH OR THOSE WHO ARE ALWAYS SEEKING FOR THAT (in the church system) OR DOING THEIR REGULAR SUNDAY DUTY? NO, CHRISTIANS IN HOME CHURCHES ARE THOSE WHO SAID “SOMETHING’S MISSING” LIKE LOCAL CHURCH CHRISTIANS DO BUT THEY GOT UP AND DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND SOUGHT THE LORD – THAT’S HOW HE LED THEM. THE SAD THING IS, THOSE WHO GIVE UP THEIR WALK WITH GOD WHEN THEY SEE “Something Is Wrong” THEY LEAVE THE SYSTEM AND GOD AS WELL, SAYING “That Is Distasteful, I don’t want anymore of that!” Shame on you who are Anti-Home Church Pastors, making misleading statements Concerning Home Churches which you really know nothing about! Rather, you need to be careful that YOU are not Resisting the Holy Spirit. And you don’t OWN the Sheep in your care – JESUS DOES.
LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE IN HEARTS AND LIVES. THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES! WE WILL ALL NEED THIS KIND OF FELLOWSHIP WHEN THE GOVERNMENT IMPOSES MORE STATE RULES ON LOCAL CHURCHES.
Really speaking, it’s bad enough now! Please read the following,
you will find it Refreshing. Then read what’s after and compare.
WHAT IS HOME CHURCH ALL ABOUT?
In Home Churches, you do not have a rigid structure of service that must be kept but rather, you come together on a Saturday, Sunday or Friday Evening that is best for them. They start this time by catching up together, talking about their week and their interests, they have a nice buffet meal or similar together, they share the Bread and the Wine in Remembrance of Jesus around the table or in the lounge-room together and are quite dedicated to the Scriptures, sharing them together and having sermonettes by different ones from week to week. Some Home Churches are more spiritually orientated than others, functioning in prophecy and the Gifts of the Spirit together – and they all love to Sing and Worship together. Some of those groups train each-other in the Spiritual Gifts so they can bless people in their communities during the week. Many of these Home Churches communicate with each-other during the week. Some of them employ their talents to help each-other in practical ways sometimes and I’ve seen them pool-together on occasions to help with a genuine financial need. Yes some of these Churches have some really beautiful people.
No two Home Churches are alike – each one has found their own expression that suits most and they love their Prayer Times. Some of these Home Churches are a passionate people, engaged in what they do, this varies considerably from church to church. I have fellowshiped with two Home Churches and visited a few. I’ve met some nice and wonderful Christians in these Gatherings.
I’ve met a few members who need to improve on their behavior – same as anywhere else – however, there are pleasant communications most of the time overall. Hope this helps if you are not familiar. Don’t look for perfection – you don’t always find what you want (some are better than others).
SOCIAL GOSPEL – WHERE IT’S AT – AVOID IT!
In churches Today, Pastors preach a Santa-Christ to men, women and young people alike ie “Come to Jesus, He will give you this, that and that and make your life wonderful” with no Repentance needed (change of heart) or Commitment (like we give to a loved one) a sure recipe for disappointment or disillusion. And we can’t experience transformation without those when we truly have New Birth (Jesus comes in to indwell your spirit). We’re all Children of Creation when we are Naturally Born, we are Sons and Daughters of a Loving Heavenly Father when we are Born Spiritually. That was as real to me years ago as when I had my child because I would continually enjoy His Presence and I loved reading Scriptures daily.
Please Note: That was just after a True Repentance Salvation Experience.
If You are Not Preaching the POWER of THE BLOOD and REDEMPTION You Have NO Gospel. You’ve shunned Jesus’ Work on the Cross.
In this Day and Age, Social Gospel does more harm than good. Stressed for one reason or another and the world around us, people often consider God – maybe they did not previously – and they are presented with a Santa-Christ. Several months down the track – maybe a few years for some – they find out He isn’t a Santa-Christ after all. They become deeply disturbed about that and there is turmoil within (a form of disorientation). Because this Social Gospel starts you off on the Wrong Foundation – that lacks Foundation – it’s Shifting Sand, according to JESUS that results in many of His Children being Lost along the Way.
This is Serious, it’s Heartbreaking. Render your hearts to God in Repentance you Pastors who Preach that kind of thing. Social Gospel is an Insult to the Lamb of God, our SAVIOR and REDEEMER of Mankind. You concern yourselves more with Political Correctness than the TRUE PRINCIPLES delivered to us from JESUS and the APOSTLES. You fail to Introduce the JOY of SINS FORGIVEN that ACCOMPANIES TRUE SALVATION and Deprive people of the Basic Elements of Christian Living that will make them Strong – these are Vital Essentials, especially for the Age we are living in.
I compare that to putting a Baby out on the Side-Walk to fend for Itself. You’re not giving them Spiritual Food and Nourishment from Above……..you’re giving them Junk Food when You’re so caught up with the Spirit of the World that is Influencing You This Way.
That’s why so many of God’s Kids feel so Weak and Unequipped to handle situations that come their way. In caring more for what the Government Says and Your Pockets, you strip them of the Basic Necessities that make for LIFE and VICTORY.
So A Major Concern Is – The Church System (most churches) Is Into Aborting Spiritual Babies Instead Of Nurturing Them With That Which Truly SUSTAINS. Jesus Wanted a FAMILY – Not An Orphanage Where His Children Are Institutionalized And Entertained.
A FAILING IN THE CHURCH SYSTEM – THIS IS IMPORTANT
Also, I address other Pastors here. You are making Christians who attend your church WEAK with all that KINDERGARDEN Stuff you have been dishing out all these years. Many men and women have not really GROWN SPIRITUALLY who have been In Attendance for YEARS. You and your “Leaders” do everything for them__ deliver a sermon, invite them ‘out the front’ for a spiritual massage when they need something from God and counsel them with sympathy every time they have a problem (you do everything – exactly my point, they don’t do anything much because you don’t encourage them to). Then you complain if they come for “counseling” too many times because it upsets the order of things. Of-course it does, you have too many coming (because they depend on you and your Leaders for everything. They don’t know any different, you taught them that way). While others, with Real Needs can’t get in and are often turned away because you’re not interested in them – you’re “Too Busy”
That was not meant to offend anyone who is deriving comfort from those things – it may be the one way you manage to Cope – those words are not directed at you “take heart”
THE ENEMY’S STRATEGIES (For Years, This Has Concerned Me. It Is Time To Address It).
It is the Enemy’s Agenda to make Christians weak and unprepared for the Coming Days, immediately ahead of us. This Campaign, so to speak, has been RELIGIOUS CHRISTIANITY (Pentecostal Included). He is happy for us to have all manner of distraction and interests, including churchy programs and what not, that does not really feed our spirit and make us strong. He is also happy for the Church (Body of Christ) to be self-satisfied OR introspective and preoccupied…….so we’re not reaching out to those who need our Father and Savior…….most Christians are Churchy Minded Or wanting their needs met, not even conscious of the spiritual needs of those who don’t know Him yet. Almost indifferent, we leave that to the Missionaries and Evangelists, don’t we? “That’s their work, that’s their ministry” attitude. And we are called to show Mercy on those who need Him and ready to show the way – Yes You, Yes Me – “we are Living Letters, read by men”……..
JESUS WANTS US EQUIPPED TO MANAGE LIFE’S STRESSES AND TO HAVE AN ABILITY TO LOOK OUTSIDE OF OURSELVES
It’s time for the Great Harvest and the average Christian would not know how to lead a soul to Christ or pray for someone’s need. It’s very sad and things have been leading up to this for years with the Constantine Christianity Model (the very same Model that stripped the Early Christians in the 3rd Centaury of their Power). Yes the Church waned in Power after Constantine. He was NOT God Commissioned, he was Self Commissioned – the Enemy’s Hidden Agenda. Our God never intended the Church to be a State Institution and once again, a Return to the Same Deception – just a different Guise. The Government is having far too much to say about what goes on in the Church and Pastors are going along with it for some time now.
This has Done us No Favors and We Need Salve for Our Spiritual Eyes.
ALSO, EVERY BELIEVER NEEDS TO DISCERN THAT WHICH IS TRULY SPIRITUAL AND WHAT IS NOT!
Most of all, we need to See Jesus Afresh don’t we? We need to come against Lazy Christianity in this Hour (not later) and we need to come against Selfish Christianity.
“The Mystery of Lawlessness has already been at work through the years” Bible says and so has the Enemy’s plans for us to be Playing Church and “forgetting what manner of men and women we are”.
Much of the World’s interests these days is A FORM of MASS DISTRACTION “Veiling the Minds of Men and Women”……and……may I suggest to you that the Present Church Model we have had for Years now, plus Social Gospel which has crept right into the Church Scene is also A FORM of MASS DISTRACTION Veiling the Minds of Christians.
I say to each and every one of you “Let’s Wake Up and Be TRUE BELIEVERS” Never mind all the Talk about “THE EARLY CHURCH” Let’s BE The ENDTIME CHURCH Bright and Glorious in HIS MIGHT – Reaching the Hearts of Those Around Us.
It is going to take PERSONAL COMMITMENT on an INDIVIDUAL BASIS For This because the Commodity Called Local Church Services has Failed Him.
It was never meant to be the Church Model for Christians it is such a poor representation of THE EARLY CHURCH – Time Is Short and we Need to Make This TRANSITION. LET’S MOVE INTO IT NOW!
THOUGHTFUL OBSERVATIONS
THE BODY OF CHRIST IS CALLED TO MAKE AN EXODUS FROM WHERE WE HAVE BEEN SINCE CONSTANTINE. THIS IS A MAJOR SHIFT AND MANY OF YOU ARE NOT READY FOR THIS INCLUDING PASTORS. YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE NEW BY FOCUSING MORE ON HOME FELLOWSHIPS.