The Asbury Revival

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

from Anchor for the Soul

I’ve already posted a few thoughts about the Asbury Revival in my stories but I want to cover it a bit more thoroughly. Whether you agree or disagree with it, I think this revival is of greater consequence than most of us realize. I’m going to do my best to show you how and why that is. I want to be clear that I’m not judging the motives or hearts of the people involved in this revival. I’m sure many of the people involved have true faith and are simply caught up in the excitement. And I hope that there are some students who have truly been saved or changed. God can use anything but that doesn’t make it right and good. I simply want to look at the idea of revival (specifically as represented at Asbury) as a whole.

In order to fully understand, I think we need to take a step back and look at church history over the past century. There has been a massive paradigm shift within Christianity over the past 100 years. It’s been slow and subtle but it has completely transformed how Christianity is both viewed and practiced. We have unequivocally shifted from true, Word-based Christianity to an experience-based, false Christianity. It is a direct result of Charismatic and Pentecostal beliefs slowly but purposefully permeating every mainline denomination. I’d like to share the details of how that happened historically but it will have to be in a separate post.

A Word-based, Biblical paradigm is actually very simple. We read the Bible, we believe the Bible, and we obey the Bible. That is true faith in a nutshell. God, in His grace, opens our eyes to the truth of the Gospel and His Word and we submit to it. Trust and obey. The Holy Spirit changes us through God’s Word, the church preaches God’s Word, we share God’s Word with others, and we sing songs that reinforce the truths of God’s Word. Notice the common denominator?

But to the world, that’s boring and pointless. Why? Because they don’t have true faith. They don’t want to obey the Word of God but they still want God. They want to feel connected to Him. How do you do that without the Bible? Through an experience. They want to feel good, to have that spiritual high, to experience God. And this is what the Charismatic movement has specialized in providing.

And so here we are. Christianity has shifted to an experience-based, unbiblical paradigm. We have a Christianity that is basically charismatic in practice if not in name. God’s Word takes a back seat and experience reigns supreme.

This shift has manifested itself in 5 ways and all find their beginning in the Charismatic movement.

𝟏. 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Everyone, everywhere has heard from God. He gives dreams and visions for your life. God’s Word isn’t sufficient, we need more. And ironically, His message is often about us and this world rather than His glory and His kingdom.

𝟐. 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Worship is all about the experience. Songs are purposefully written to evoke a sensual and emotional response. Man is exalted. We sing to feel good. Who cares if the songs come from false churches and contain bad theology. They make us want to cry, dance, raise our hands, or jump up and down.

𝟑. 𝐄𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦: “Unity at any cost” is their mantra. It’s all about the breaking down of doctrinal barriers. As my Uncle says, it can be summed up in this: “We all love Jesus, group hug!” We no longer unite around doctrine but around a common experience.

𝟒. 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧: This is the idea that there will be a great revival or great awakening before the Lord returns. Though slightly different than the Latter Rain movement, Dominionists (otherwise known as post-millennials), and the NAR also believe we are being used to prepare the world for the return of Christ. They are all looking for an end-times revival.

𝟓. 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭: There are times of a “great outpouring” of the Holy Spirit. Many believe that we usher in this special outpouring through worship and prayer. There are spiritual manifestations of His presence that include emotional or physical responses, speaking in tongues, healing, miracles, and even weirder things at places like Bethel.

All 5 of these are unbiblical and one could easily write a whole post on each topic explaining why. But I’ll attempt to refute them simply. I would also encourage you to look up the passages and study it for yourself.

𝟏. 𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭. The canon is closed and there is no direct revelation. If you want to hear God speak then open up your Bible. (2 Timothy 3:14-17, Revelation 22:18-19, 2 Peter 1:3)

𝟐. 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩. Singing praise to God is a good thing! But our worship must be done in truth from a heart of faith and according to God’s Holy Word. (John 4:24)

𝟑. 𝐄𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧. He will use it to gather all the world under a one-world religion. The Bible is clear that we find unity with those who stand on God’s Word alone and separate from those who don’t. (Romans 16:17, Ephesians 4:11, Galatians 1:8, 2 John)

𝟒. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬. We should not be expecting some worldwide end-times revival. (Jude, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13)

𝟓. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬. The book of Acts is descriptive and not prescriptive, therefore any notion of “the manifest presence of God” or “a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit” is unbiblical. We don’t need to travel to Asbury to experience His presence. He works through the Word of God to convict and transform us. (John 14:15-17 & 26, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 8:9)

Unfortunately, the revival matches up with all 5 of these unbiblical shifts.

𝟏. 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: This is the reason there is no preaching at this revival. They may quote a few verses but it’s not the focus and the full Gospel message hasn’t been shared. It’s all testimonies and sharing their “word from the Lord.” Someone in support of the revival rejoiced that this revival is not “preaching laden [but] it seems almost preaching averse.”

𝟐. 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: This revival is all singing, singing, singing. It feels good. It pleases the senses. Which one among us would not be tempted to be caught up in the emotion of singing with thousands of people? Who cares if it’s repetitive or if it contains false theology or comes from a false church. This revival is satisfying people’s need for an experience, to feel connected to God, and to have that spiritual high. Contemporary Christian music is created to do exactly that.

𝟑. 𝐄𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦: Check out twitter. People at this revival are talking all about how it’s tearing down doctrinal divides. “God is bypassing denominational differences to rest upon anyone seeking and longing for Him.” They’re welcoming Catholics and all sorts of denominations along with those in the LGBTQ community. It’s being praised by Mormons, Catholics, Conservatives, and Liberals alike. We all love Jesus! Jesus is exalted! But which Jesus? (hint: it’s not the Jesus of the Bible)

𝟒. 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧: People are grabbing onto this because they are looking for a great awakening and a great revival before the Lord comes back. We’ve seen this lingo increasing over the past few years among Dominionists, Post-millennials, the NAR, and the Christian nationalists. This revival is what they’ve all been waiting for! Even if some are not supporting this revival for Biblical reasons, their theology has set up the Christian community at large to be expecting something like this.

𝟓. 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Check out the lingo surrounding the revival on social media. “We feel a wave of the Holy Spirit” and the “manifest presence of the Holy Spirit” and the students are crying out for a “mighty visitation from the Spirit.” People are traveling from every state to “feel the presence” and “experience the mighty move of God.” It all comes back to one thing. Feelings. I wonder if they’d experience the presence of God in the same way if someone got up and preached for hours from His Word? Somehow I doubt it.

This revival embodies this paradigm shift perfectly. There is no Word of God and nobody seems to care! There was no complete Gospel presentation. But we know that God works through His Word. How could it possibly be a true revival without it? The fruit of true revival would see people hungrier and hungrier for the Word of God, not the emotional experience of “His presence”. And yet we’ve come so far from Biblical Christianity that we’re labeled cynical and judgmental for pointing that out.

I’ve heard many people claim the validity of the revival because there’s supposedly repentance going on. But how can there be true repentance if the Word of God has not been shared? An article online stated that there was repentance and prayer for “reconciliation, sexual healing, renewed identity, forgiveness, and love.” Just because there’s repentance doesn’t automatically mean that there is Biblical repentance.

Listen. The Bible is clear that we are looking for an end times apostasy. A falling away. A rebellion. Read the book of Jude. It is the description of the church in the last days. Apostates run the show. And what do they do? Turn the grace of God into LICENSE. They aren’t denying the deity of Christ or that He died for our sin or that He rose again. No, they are subtly promoting a Christianity that in sensual and after the flesh. It is devoid of the Spirit while they act like they are full of the Spirit. We’ve arrived. It’s Christianity today.

Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. He isn’t going to show himself as all evil and bad and darkness. He will look like light and righteousness. He is setting himself up to look like he’s battling the corruption of the government and the evil of the leftist, woke agenda. He’s working both sides. It’s a false light and a fabricated battle of good versus evil. Because then the antichrist can swoop in and save us from all the evil, corruption, and darkness. Satan is setting up the whole world to follow the experience-based, mystical, one-world, one-religion antichrist system. And this revival shows just how quickly the “Christian” world will fall for it.

So what’s our job? To contend for the faith. These students don’t know the Word of God because they’ve never been taught the Word of God or the importance of studying it. Most probably don’t know what true faith looks like. We can judge the revival as a whole but we need to have compassion on the Gen Z generation and pray that their eyes are opened. That the Holy Spirit will use the “ordinary” preaching and sharing of the Word to reach into their hearts and transform them from inside out.

Please note that I’m not saying that all emotions and feelings are wrong. But they cannot guide us or be what we seek. They must be an expression of true faith that’s rooted in the Word of God. The Bible is preeminent and our emotions take the backseat. instead of vise versa. Sometimes there’s no emotion or feelings and we still choose to be faithful in our walk, knowing His promises are true not matter how we feel.

We must cling to His Word in a Christian world that’s left it behind. And look up, for our redemption draws near!

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Asbury Revival Real or False? [podcast]

WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON AT ASBURY?

Apostasy

Jacked Up Jezebel Rebuked [podcast]

“Jezebel is a widely rampant spirit of rebellion that is hard to get rid of, rooted in pride, self-will, and self-sufficiency. Only the LORD can deliver but only if the individual truly repents and submits to Him, to His Word.” Anita Villarreal

Any person defending this jezebel heresy that women can be pastors, elders over men, is under the control of Satan, period. And in need of true repentance (James 4:7).

—-There are NO female apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers under the New Testament (Ephesians 4:8, 11-12). Jesus gave these “gifts unto MEN.” (Ephesians 4:8) There is not even one woman mentioned in 27 books as an elder over Christ’s flock. Such is clearly forbidden (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In Acts 21:9 we read of Phillip’s daughters which “did prophesy” which is a gift of the Spirit (one of the nine-1 Corinthians 12:7-10). The office gifts are eldership functions for men called to be overseers over Christ’s flock, which is completely different than the gifts of the Spirit which every believer can function in and certainly women are seen doing such as Phillip’s daughters and how women are mentioned concerning operating in the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14.

Classic case of a jezebel lashing out when the Word of GOD corrects her (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Her rebellion is against God. Jezebel is utterly rebellious. She hates what God’s Word says and so the demons that control jezebels will lash out in personal attacks against the men who stand on the truth unwaveringly (such as did Elijah whom Jezebel sought to kill).

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” 1 Timothy 2:11-14

“As I look around America I ask myself who can find a virtuous woman? Whose whole life is surrendered to God. And centered in the fear of the Lord. No woman will submit to their husbands unless they first submit to God. Ephesians 5:22 says women are to submit to their husbands, “as unto the Lord.” That must come first. And what is a great price in the sight of God? A woman who has a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4). This is true beauty to God. But Jezebels are the complete opposite. Full of rebellion, pride and hatred! God says throw her down!” Karen Cochran

From the divine perspective, this is not about oppression but rather about protect. See Revelation 2:20-24 to see what Jesus warns when a woman is allowed to lead as an elder in the body of Christ. He uses the words “The depths of Satan” and speaks of the death and destruction that will result when the men allow a woman to lead in a manner that is outside of the stated role God ordained for the woman.

Yes the LORD said He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, sons and daughter, but not to anoint a woman to do something HE forbids. Women are to teach women yes but not the general body of believers (Titus 2:1-5). There are NO female elders in the New Testament. God forbids it. Eldership is reserved for men – to humbly teach, lead and protect and cherish women and children.

“There’s a crazy role reversal across the land and men should always lead. Even our women’s prayer group was led by the pastor because that’s what he believed. Women are more emotional and men more logical. Both have their designated roles . God meant them to compliment each other rather than to compete.” John Umlauf

When people don’t like what God’s Word states, they will attack the mere messenger as if that changes the truth. Not. And, they heap judgment on themselves by doing so (Matthew 7:1-5; James 2:13). Persecution

“For we are not as many, which corrupt (twist, adulterate) the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13

Jesus Addresses the Ahabs and Self-Appointed Jezebel at the Church at Thyatira

Revelation 2:20-24

Revelation 2:20-24 is about a certain self-appointed woman who was allowed by the spineless men in Thyatira to operate out of the biblically-stated order for women in the church setting.

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Jezebel Category

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Family | Godly Manhood | Women

Proverbs 31 Woman

The Importance, the Blessing of the Family Dinner Table [podcast]

God’s Education vs Satan’s Indoctrination [podcast]

Preacher Vicioiusly Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]

Jezebel Unmasked! Invasion of the Warrior Princess Jezebels [podcast]

Proverbs 31 Woman [video]

“Every woman on this planet should listen to the series ‘The Proverbs 31 Woman’. I just listened and it has changed my life. When I began to listen, I told God I am so far from this kind of Godly woman. I wanted to turn it off. But the Lord kept pushing me on! I now understand it is about the hidden man of the heart (1 Peter 3:4). The inner man. A meek and quiet spirit. One who isn’t easily provoked to anger. They will put up with injuries done to them and not retaliate. Quietly submitting all to […]

Apostasy

Racism: Nation Rising Against Nation [radio]

Nation Shall Rise Against Nation

Laboring in the Spirit, not the Flesh

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

It’s not about the color or your skin, it’s about what kingdom you’re in!

What Should be the Response of the Body of Christ? – LOVE!

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning this week is a life changer. Nothing in our lives is going to work out right if we don’t prayerfully endeavor to walk in God’s love – loving God and our neighbor, above ourselves. I love pouring prayerfully over 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 2:3-5. Life changing is an understatement!

Racism is hatred and is not a skin color. It is a heart condition – coming from a sinful heart. Memorize Romans 2:11.

In the time of tribulation for the believers at Thessalonica, the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul and said this:

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5

By this we know of a certainty that the Holy Spirit is leading, directing our “hearts into the LOVE of God” and not the flesh, not a fleshly response. We now face tribulation and can be assured by this truth that our unchanging God is directing our hearts into His love and not hatred.

This is a divine truth for every era, every hour…. and we sure know that sin is exponentially abounding in this late hour…. which means divine grace is even greater – to save, heal, bless, deliver, and make whole!!!!

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20

Here’s more evidence of God’s leading His people into the love walk in trying times:

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8

Any person who does not walk in God’s love is not saved and we know that from many Scriptures. No hate, no hater shall enter Christ’s kingdom, no matter what justification that sinner thinks he has to warrant hating anyone. “He that loveth not knoweth not God.” (1 John 4:8) “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)

When His disciples ask Him “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”, Jesus gave them this answer:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation (ethnic group) shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:4-13

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5

The Church began, will end as containing precious souls from every nation, kindred, and tongue (Acts 2; Revelation 5:9; 14:6).

The New Testament church began with men from every nation under Heaven and will be the same throughout eternity in glory.

Acts 2:1-13

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9

Nation/ethnos, ethnic yes…groups at odds was foretold by Jesus – Matthew 24:7

Yes we can be at peace, Jesus told us to fear not and to be at peace …..

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Compassion in Light of Christ's Soon Return [video]

PRAYER: Holy Father, please change us to the very core of our being…. that we might see the lost souls around us as precious to You! In Jesus’ name, amen. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James […]

Articles

When God Says to STOP PRAYING! [podcast]

Reconciling with God and other Saints

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (the Word), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9

Those who do not love God enough to seek Him in the Word, to learn, and to obey Him, will not be heard by Him.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

In general, because God is “Holy, holy, holy,” when there is sin, God will not answer prayers – until the sinner repents and reconciles with the LORD and any person involved as needed (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; Proverbs 28:9, etc.).

“And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11 Israel hath sinned …” Joshua 7:10-11

In other words, God said to Joshua “Why are you seeking My face, praying to me, talking to me, when there is sin in the camp? Get the sin our of the camp and then you can approach Me in prayer.”

STOP PRAYING AND LEAVE IT!

God is not going to bless our lives unless we are willing to sincerely admit our sins, repent and confess them, and make amends (restitution) with anyone we’ve harmed. In the divine economy, there’s no such thing as being right with God when you’ve done another person wrong, haven’t repented, and haven’t made amends for what you’ve done. Such a person will be outside of the will and blessings of God until he makes things right with God and man.

God is not hearing the prayers or worship of any person who has done someone else wrong and refuses to make restitution (Matthew 5:23-24).

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; FIRST be reconciled to thy brother, and THEN come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

God will not answer the prayer of any person who does not honor and obey His Word and if a person has an outstanding offense He wants them to clear up these matters (Proverbs 28:9, 13).

Here Jesus gave us the instruction to stop praying! What!? Someone may be thinking “Todd, are you being sacrilegious now!? What is your problem brother!?” Keep reading okay.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Psalms 66:18

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

According to the Son of God, just when (if ever) should the believer stop praying? When he remembers that a brother has “aught against” him. Yes, I know this may raise eyebrows to say that Jesus told us to stop praying, but He certainly did. That’s what we read of His very words in Matthew 5.

He instructs us not to wait for the other person to come to you. Go to them and make peace. Work things out so that neither of your relationships with God will be in any way hindered. Forgive. Seek restitution and forgiveness. The Christian life is all about relationship – vertically first and them horizontally.

Jesus is saying here: “Stop praying or doing any form of worship until you have first done all you can possibly do to make peace with that person you had strife or misunderstanding with, offended, or wounded – the person that still has aught against you, whose heart isn’t yet clear in the matter. Your prayers and any form of supposed worship will not be honored in Heaven until you take care of this matter. Since I am holy I require certain things of you and one of them is that you do your best to keep unity with others, especially My people. Remember how I told you to love one another and to treat others as you wish to be treated? I love you and want clear communion with you and am simply not going to allow you to have a clear conscience until you work things out with that other person who has aught against you. Remember that though I love you, I care about others as much as I care about you. Get that human relationship right first and then come and seek My face in worship and we shall commune.”

God forgives us through Christ’s perfect sacrifice and as we choose to give it out to others! WHO might you have aught against in your heart today beloved?

As a believer, the LORD holds me personally accountable to facilitate reconciliation and peace in others when there is a rift and no matter whose fault it is (Matt. 5:23-24).

First and foremost we must realize that when we sin it is against the One who is “holy, holy, holy” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). After that fact, we at times sin against or offend men (James 3:1). So, when we have wrongly offended someone who is created in the image of God, we should first confess that sin to the LORD and then do whatever it takes within our power to make it right with the person.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” Proverbs 3:27-28

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:25-27

Child of God, are you aware of anyone who might be upset with you for something you have done or they thought you did? Is anyone offended at you?

This writer is no stranger to wronging people, but is learning to follow this simple truth in Matthew 5, making sure to openly and transparently facilitate healing in those I have brought hurt to or who are offended at me for any legitimate reason.

Granted, we are going to offend people at times when it is not our fault. I am not talking about that. I am talking about when it is our fault or the situation is questionable or a close call.

Have you been offended? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone else held the key to your closure, your healing? Think back in your life: Have you ever needed someone else’s help in getting free in your heart from something concerning a situation?

Jesus called the divine Person of the Holy Spirit “the Comforter” (Jn. 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). God is all-powerful and can help us walk through a heart-rending ordeal where another person has hurt us and is unwilling to partake of the healing process according to the Word/instructions of the LORD. This He can and will do, yet He holds that other person responsible for doing their part – “Leave there thy gift before the altar – FIRST be reconciled to thy brother.”

Those made righteous by the blood of Christ are to do all in their power to facilitate healing in others.

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18

Jesus Christ came to make captives free and such freedom is the desire of all who follow Him. They desire also to see people set free and do their part when it is in the power of their hand to help (Prov. 3:27).

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

When need be, we are to work hard to make sure God’s peace abides among the saints.

“Endeavouring (working hard) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

“Endeavouring” – it’s hard work at times to keep unity in the body. Have you noticed that things happen that need attention, patience, humility, admission where wrong has been done, etc.?

It is our personal responsibility to keep schisms out of Christ’s body as much as it is in our power.

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

The LORD promises us that He commands His precious peace where brethren dwell together in unity.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there (in the unity of believers) the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3

The person who is truly born again cares for the body of Christ. Peace among the saints is where God’s blessing abides.

“We know that we have passed from death unto life (we know we are saved), BECAUSE we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14

Without love we are nothing (1 Cor. 13). Divine love, authentically demonstrated in our lives, is the earmark fruit of the Heaven-bound disciple. There are no exceptions – “He that loveth not knoweth not God” (1 Jn. 4:8). If such charitable love does not presently appear in our lives, we should consider going before the throne of grace and making things right with God (repentance). The genuinely born again person is filled with God’s love and teachable in the precepts of the LORD. When he discovers a previously unknown (to him) truth, he swiftly hearkens and obeys. Remember, God’s eternal kingdom and the terms for entrance into it are based on the LORD’s terms and not any individual’s. Either we meet the terms and conditions or we shall be found without (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46-49; 13:24-30; 1 Jn. 2:3-5; Rev. 2-3).

“We know that we have passed from death unto life (we know we are saved – been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life), BECAUSE we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:14-16

Child of God, do you have a key that would help another get free? If you possess the key that would assist in obtaining their freedom, the LORD holds you personally responsible to use it to help unlock that person’s heart and assist in their returning to a heart that is right with God, free from anything that hinders that relationship.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26

Don’t let the sun go down upon that which you can do to cause reconciliation in Christ’s body for which He bled. Leave your prayer closet and any and all worship and go get things right with that person the LORD may be placing on your heart. You will be glad you obeyed the LORD in this.

You see, if we truly have an intimate and saving relationship with Christ, we realize that nothing could be more important to us – and others. Knowing Jesus is everything. Armed with this knowledge and moved upon by the Holy Spirit, we are to be compelled to help others in their relationship with Jesus in any way we possibly can.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son Jesus to live and die for me – for all of my many sins. This moment, I turn my life to Thee O God – asking Your merciful forgiveness on my sin of departing from You. Right this instant I ask You to please be my first love LORD Jesus! Bless this heart with sensitivity and a deep conviction for Your truth. Please allow this heart to have godly conviction! Please bless this life You graciously gave lift others to You and help them in any and every way I have opportunity. I am all Yours and You are all mine my LORD. Quicken my heart in any matter that You wish me to make amends with another person. Right now I now humble myself under Your mighty hand and ask You to use me to help facilitate peace between You and others Jesus, and in Your body. Please bless Your body to live in Your love, and Your truth and in peace with You and one another. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

For a topical study of deeper proportions on this subject, see The Blood of Jesus.

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?

PEACE with GOD

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