I don’t know what’s happening in everyone else’s home church, but let me tell you what we’re experiencing.
Our pastor has begun preaching a message of repentance, saying things like, “It doesn’t matter who becomes President, no man can save this country!”
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
I’ve watched him transform to preach this end time message, and he’s on fire for the Lord. But as soon as his messages became politically incorrect, people began to walk out of the services – right in the middle of his messages. Tithes and offerings are down 50%, and he’s getting letters saying he needs to repent for his messages!
Saints, a huge separation is taking place. I agree and am praying fervently that the blinders will come off. And I’m confident that the great shaking to come will jolt many wide awake. Our Lord is merciful in bringing this shaking.
Note: The photo above is only symbolic, not a real physical fight.
Diana, Just heard the rebroadcast of your Pastor on TRUNEWS with Rick Wiles. It was on air June 28th. The interview was great! But yet very sad that people are rejecting the message of the cross when it is preached from the pulpit. It seems they would rather hear a politically correct sermon. You are blessed to be in that church where the truth is going forth. Thanks for sharing this.
George,
It’s been amazing to see what God has done. Miracle after miracle. First, James Bailey taking notice of the comment I made on someone’s post. The next morning I got up, and he had printed it as a post! Then it impacted Rick Wiles, who brought Pastor Bates on for an interview. Then Charisma did a story on it too!
A lot of pastors and lay people all over the U.S. and elsewhere where impacted by the message of not compromising and filtering the Word of God for political correctness. Pastor Bates has been getting tons of support all over social media, etc. This past Sunday, we had a lot of new faces at Church, folks said they’d heard the interview and came to show their support. God has used Z3News in a big way to speak to His pastors and teachers about standing strong in these last days.
Blessings to you!
On Jun 12, 2016, I was meditating on Acts 18:1–6. This is what I received and I thought I’d share it with you all:
Because the Church has rejected my message, I will take what belonged to them, what could have belonged to them, and give it to those who today are my enemies, and they will receive it with gladness.
Those who today are the objects of my wrath, those whom you call unbelievers, I will go to them, and they will receive what my own people have rejected. I will call them my people, and they will call me their God.
Sujit,
That’s a beautiful message, and just like the Father to take what was offered, yet rejected, by the self righteous “church,” and give it to those regarded as “unworthy and sinful” by that same “church.” What an awesome God we serve! Thank you!
I guess I have a problem with this type of preaching. Or at least, let us get more specific with what pastor is saying. What exactly is the repentance that he is referring to? Do WE have to repent for believing some man or woman can save this country? I do believe yes, true, no man or woman can save this country. But, to say God wouldnt not have a will at all in this election, so elect anybody, I think would be misleading. It does matter who we vote for, especially for president. I think the plan of the enemy would be for us to lay down our arms number one, and second, dont even vote or put conscious moral thought or prayer into picking a president. I think pastors are still led by fear in not speaking out more boldly about certain political candidates due to possible loss of tax exempt status. Again, I am wholly for repentance, but repentance from exactly what sin or transgression?
Jerry,
When our pastor says it doesn’t matter who is elected President, that they cannot save this country, he always makes clear that “only God can save this nation!” That is his point, not that we shouldn’t vote. Voting isn’t the topic at all, it’s the fact that people in America seem to believe the individual they elect is the person who will turn the nation around. The repentance of this nation, a turning to God, is our only hope.
Hello Everyone! I just found Z3 News today, and I really like it!
I wanted to add my comments on this post. This is not an advertisement, just my personal opinion!
Yes, there are a LOT of “feel good, soft gospel, no repentance “churches out there today, preaching a watered down gospel to satisfy the itching ears of many today. Remember in Revelation 2 & 3, only 2 out of the 7 Churches were
pleasing to Jesus, and only 1 (the Philadelphia Church) was blameless.
I have been to many, before I found the one I am at now, and have been for 20 years. I am VERY happy with our Pastor, he teaches the whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation! And he knows that God will hold him accountable for what he teaches us. So, he teaches everything, that sin is sin, and holds nothing back! As far as the Tithes & offerings, the Pastor knows nothing about who gives what, and that is the way it should be! We have other people that do the books & finances, so the pastor can focus on spreading the whole, true Word of God! We are a Non-Denominational, Bible Teaching Church!
The name is http://www.calvarychapelpearlharbor.com and I highly recommend a
Calvary Chapel to anyone that needs to find a good, solid Biblically based
Bible Teaching church! There are many worldwide, and to find one in your area, just enter http://www.calvarychapel.com and click on the church locator button, and follow the steps to see if there is one in your area. There is no membership or joining needed, because it is God’s church, not man’s We do not claim to be the “one true church” or anything like that, and we do not save anyone- God does! Not the Pastor or Church…
If you come across any church that thinks they are the “only way” to get saved, or that they are the “one, true church” , then TURN AND RUN AWAY from that cult!!! That’s a major red-flag…..
Aloha from Hawaii,
Sailor Dale
Sailor Dale,
Thank you so much for this good report. It’s very helpful to the Body of Christ to be aware of those churches preaching the non-compromising, unfiltered Word of God. Many are in areas where it’s difficult to find a church with a pastor who’s not bowed his knee to political correctness. Appreciate your information!
Blessings to you!
James, I thought I’d let the z3news family know that Trunews contacted me today to get in touch with my pastor, Terry Bates, in an effort to bring him on the program. Pastor Bates agreed and will be on Trunews June 28th!
I believe the Lord is bringing this issue to the forefront and using z3news and Trunews to do it! Are pastors going to open their mouths and speak what they hear the Father speak – the Word of the Living God, or will they choose to cower in the corner and only speak what ‘s allowed by the government?
I want to thank everyone in advance of your prayers of support for these brave men of God!
God Bless!
That is so awesome! Sounds like God is promoting your pastor for his faithful obedience and used your comments to do it. I love hearing that because we are in a war. The enemy wants to silence the message of repentance, which is the true message of the Bible. I thank God for Rick Wiles broadcasting it all over the world, exposing the schemes of the devil. Ha ha!
I pray God reaches everyone He wants to hear that broadcast, especially on fire believers in your area who will more than replace the ones who walked out and stopped tithing. What a great turn around that will be! Please keep us posted on how it plays out. Thanks!
A Bible verse from 2 Timothy comes to mind:
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
—————–
It seems that many in our churches just want to be entertained. Come as you are (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing)…. but…. then we’ll give you a latte and give you a feel good lecture for a hour and you can be on your way.
Joe,
Sad, but so true. Been to a few places just like that!
I am thankful for people like Franklin Graham who have been going state-to-state holding mini crusades and calling believers and America to repentance. The hour is late. I pray for my family and the church at large to wake up. We were born for such a time as this.
I too don’t have dreams and visions, but God has given me other gifts that are needed for the Body of Christ. Maybe not as dramatic or exciting, but just as important. Help me Lord to use my gifts for your glory!
Debbie, a big AMEN to that! Franklin Graham came to our city a few weeks ago and circumstances were that I couldn’t attend the event. But he is such a blessing to the Body of Christ!
Diana, could you tell us what the nearest big town to your church is? I too, live in Oklahoma and have been church hopping trying to find a church like you are describing. I just want to know if there is any possibility it might be near me. I live near Oklahoma City.
Bonnie, it’s in Oklahoma City! if you’d like to give James your email to forward, I’ll contact you with details.
God Bless!
James, please give Diana my email address, thank you.
califgal33@hotmail.com
Diana,
Thank you for this post and you are so correct and timely with it. Even in our very small church (maybe 40 ppl) we have had so many walk away due to them not liking the word of truth that our Pastor preaches. Some are still very worldly and are continuing to live in their sins thinking that we are not truly in the times that we are. Many I think are just offended by messages of repentance and end times even though some have been very strong core members in our church. Our attendance and tithing has gone down drastically and we have even discussed just going to house services instead of renting the center that we do. We pray for more true believers in Jesus and continue to spread the Word and will not break and give in to the evils of this world. For we are not of this world! I’m praying for your Pastor and church for I’m sure the warfare will come with the message he is giving. Let him remain on fire for the Lord and thwart all evil! We are in the end times and Matt is correct, your Pastor should not relent as it will save souls. We know that the changes happen first within our churches and that is exactly what is taking place. People are leaving churches that are not teaching the times we are in, and then there are people leaving the ones that do. It’s a sifting process that must take place. God Bless and may the Lord protect you under His Mighty Wings. Much love.
Well said, Shannon! The Church is definitely going through a sifting process, and that’s the way Pastor Terry describes it. May the Lord give His true and faithful Pastors the strength and courage to say what they hear Him say, and do what they see Him do. I ask for wisdom, guidance, and protection for all of us as we maneuver the waters ahead.
Yes, the modern American church is in chaos. They have been fed only parts of Scripture and not he whole word of God. Very sad. I even did a cartoon on a related subject. Here is the link. http://www.artwanted.com/imageview.cfm?id=1403211&SGID=24857
James, thanks for sharing. I love that cartoon!
Thanks. This is a very timely message that few have the courage to speak.
Even so, come Lord.
I grew up in a baptist church that later grew into a megachurch. Since I was a teenager, me and about three others felt very uncomfortable at how our church had become so infatuated with worldliness. We had no idea what it was at the time since we were teens but we knew the Spirit was stirring us and convicting us. We wrote letters to our pastor to no avail.
After going through several churches, I’ve concluded that treating church as a business will never work.
Either it steals and profits through religious facades, or it lays itself humbly before God and waits on His providence completely, thereby being unsuccessful in the eyes of the world. Anything in between does not work.
“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Sean,
You hit the nail on the head! It’s the facade – all about keeping up appearances and the love of money! Hope you found a Word preaching church along the way! Of course, home churches are becoming more and more the best way to go, and will soon be about the only way to meet together.
Blessings!
Diana, please know I will be praying for your pastor and your church. If he needs a friend to stand with him, please give him my contact information from my website. Blessings!
Pastor Faircloth,
I will pass that information along to him! Thank you for your prayers and ministry!
Sad to say, I agree that many churches are either operated as a business or the church leadership is afraid to rock the boat with the whole truth, free of political correctness. I believe a major underlying factor is fear of loss of membership and lower attendance, resulting in lower donations levels. After all, in America, bigger is better. You need to downplay sin (and repentance) and focus on grace if you are going to increase attendance and swell the offering plate.
Some pastors, frankly, are oblivious to the truth. Others want to conduct “church as usual”, completely blind and deaf to the reality just outside the church doors. I have approached my pastor regarding end-times and the need to warn the flock. I’m sad to say I’ve made multiple suggestions, comments, and observations to no avail. Warnings and preparations are not in the “playbook”.
I mentioned to my wife this weekend that I love my brothers and sisters at our church, but we need to find a church that is awake to the real world and the evil agenda. We need a church that feeds the flock. America is under judgement because the nation sins and does not repent. If our churches don’t join together across all denominational lines to pray for repentance for our individual and collective sins as a nation, there is only divine judgement before us.
How can much of the Church be silent? The Church, of all institutions, should be preparing the sheep. What kind of shepherd allows their sheep to be led to slaughter through ignorance, arrogance, political correctness, or fear…or a conscious or unconscious desire to create a cash generating machine?
As the future unfolds, I believe we are headed to underground home churches. Persecution will be a catalyst, as well as a backlash from Christians that awake from their slumber and realize their church and pastor led them astray. We will flip from mega churches to small, faith-filled home churches on fire for the Lord that preach the entire Gospel including repentance, forgiveness, and surrender that recognize the mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father.
Amen, Wayne! You summed it up! What is sad is that I’ve heard there are many pastors out there who know we’re heading for horrific times, but still will not warn their flock! Some are actually prepping in secret?
Lord, I pray for a great awakening in the midst of the coming judgment. I pray for the eyes of pastors and teachers to open now, to prepare their flocks for what’s ahead. Father, I pray we who are already awake will draw ever closer to You, that we will allow ourselves to be transformed into Your image and likeness, that you will have a people prepared to bring in the great harvest that’s coming. In Jesus name, Amen!
We started doing home church. My kids love it! No agenda. No program. Whatever the Holy Spirit wants to do, for however long He wants to do it.
We started a home church about five years ago. We take turns every Tuesday meeting at each others houses. We usually discuss what God is sharing with us. Then we listen to worship music and worship. Scripture is shared. Next we pray for around thirty or forty minutes. Some people have visions, and some prophesy. We are from various types of churches, but here is a freedom I feel no where else. Someone invited me to a bible study recently. I asked how much of it was prayer and worship. He said they opened with a little prayer and maybe closed with a little prayer. I said “No thank you. There is so much power and fellowship when you pray and worship together.”
Outdoor Jon, that sounds awesome! Such freedom. About 10 years ago, we held Wednesday night Bible study in our home for a couple years, until we moved. But it was like you described. Saw awesome manifestations of the Spirit during those gatherings.
“Someone invited me to a bible study recently. I asked how much of it was prayer and worship. He said they opened with a little prayer and maybe closed with a little prayer. I said ‘No thank you. There is so much power and fellowship when you pray and worship together.’ ”
Had I been the invitor, I would have been surprised by the question, and dismayed by the response. Do you think it odd that a “Bible study” be comprised of time spent studying the Bible? You were not invited to a “prayer and worship service.”
Dean,
I agree wholeheartedly! We have a lot of prayer and worship in our Bible study group. It’s crucial.
Blessings to you!
ken, I’m amazed at the number of z3ers who already have a home church! Is it just your family for now, or do you have others that join you? Blessings to you!
Currently it’s just my family, Diana. We’ve invited some people, but no one is coming yet. I get the impression they are too attached to their church, or they’re hoping their pastor and church will get a clue. It’s probably to late for that though. At least that’s what I’m feeling in my spirit.
Recently, I reached out to a pastor that was my pastor in my childhood years. Time has moved on. We both lived in Canada back then. Now we both live in the United States (but in different states) and it had been a while since I last talked with him. I asked him what he’s seeing/hearing in his church circles these days (as we head through these turbulent times) as he’s responsible for a bunch of churches in his denomination. I found his comments very interesting – here’s a snippet:
========================
Personally, I feel that as Christians in North America we will suffer for our faith. The Church, and I mean the Church in a broad sense, has historically been at odds with the government and much of the culture it is part of, only in recent history has the Church enjoyed the recognition and acceptance we have enjoyed.
It seems to me the Lord is showing us that no political system is the answer. Our answer must be in His kingdom. We want the benefits of political recognition, tax advantages and and social acceptance because that is what has been true in the recent past. I think most of those things will go away in the near future and the church will have to wrestle with learning how to be Church and live for Christ in a hostile environment.
===========================
I think he hit the nail on the head. The church has rarely had it as good as they’ve had it in America in recent decades. Social acceptance…. political recognition and tax advantages have all been in play while more people around the world have been martyred for their Christian faith in this past century than all other centuries combined. We’ve tried to have our cake and eat it too. It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens as society increasingly forces true Christians to either be with society, or forge a new path alone.
Joe,
Yes, I believe this pastor has a good handle on the situation. I like what I heard a TV evangelist say years ago, something to the effect of, “No matter what the outside of a package looks like (picture a tube of toothpaste), when you squeeze it, whatever’s inside will come out – the content will be revealed.” When the squeeze comes on the Church, what’s inside will be revealed.
Thank you, Joe
Re “sheep to the slaughter” a few years ago I visited my mother-in-laws church. After the meeting, I asked the pastor about the coming judgement. He refused to acknowledge what is coming. Btw when my mother-in-law broke her hip and returned home finally from South Africa, he never phoned or visited her (but they will accept her offerings!). Others who used to go there ( they are both 89 years old but do not have transport to get there,) were given a terse letter stating that now they are no longer members of the church! Care of a shepherd or those who tear the flesh from the bones?
Zechariah 11:4-5
This is what the Lord my God says: “Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter. Their buyers slaughter them and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, ‘Praise the Lord, I am rich!’ Their own shepherds do not spare them.
Martin, that is horrendous! My uncle, who passed a couple years ago, was hurt in a similar manner when he was a young man. He left the “church” in discouragement. Thankfully, he came back to the Lord a couple years before his death. It’s easy to understand why judgment must begin at the house of God.
Maybe it will start with Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston? Was talking to a good friend of mine last night, who is a Houston cop. Poor dude’s parent’s house got flooded. He said Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are a mess! Hmmmm…Texas is the home of the “mega-church.” Could it be, that God is cleansing the land with flooding? My friend said they’re expecting 8 more days of rain. I told him, “If you want this to stop, kick Osteen and any other, apostate “mega-church” pastor out of Texas. Then it MIGHT stop. He agreed.
Same thing in our church Diana. We are fairly big (about 2,000 on a Sunday) and are pretty well timed and programmed for 3 services (I’m on the worship team – wish we were not quite so structured :)) – but, our pastor had a sermon series that dealt with sex, and God’s design for it…and we had people get up and leave right in the middle of the sermons. Please let Pastor Terry know that he is not alone in this. God bless you sister.
Mike, yes it’s amazing to actually witness this. Just think of how it affects the speakers! Pastor Terry said it’s hard to be right in the middle of delivering a message from the Lord, and see members of your congregation, some very long standing members, begin to stand up and leave. Let’s pray fervently for our pastors and teachers everywhere!
God bless!
I read of a pastor about 50 years ago who was asked to be the pastor of an existing Church and so the first thing he did was preach the church down to about 10% of its original size and then built it from there. If he was preaching the true gospel message then so be it, at least the people that left would not be fooled into believing that they were true believers.
The message of the 2 Witnesses will be REPENT! Turn from their ways or worshiping. Turn back to Torah. To follow the commands and ways of YHVH. Look at what the Message was of The Prophets. All is to direct to Messiah. He is the Living Torah.
Our Elohim will NOT share His with any other. His people ARE a Set Apart people.
This has cost us everything. Our friends and family… Most all are believes. The closeness we had is not the same. They don’t want to hear or to be reminded of it. Even with No words spoken. They are believers, but don’t see the Truth. They still want the “mixed ways”.
Now I know what he meant …
Luke 12:51-53
Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! For from now on there will be five in one household divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother in law against her daughter in law and daughter in law against mother-in-law.
I pray for their eyes to open and see what is coming. To seek His Way and Not their Own.
Shalom
Dawnette,
Many of us on this site have experienced this division in our families and personal friendships. I believe this is just a taste of the division to come shortly, as lines will be drawn in the sand and all gray disappears. Blessings to you!
Wow Dawnette, that’s exactly how I feel about my family members.
They don’t want to hear the warnings. I pray for God’s mercy on them!
Jesus first sermon was “repent,” (Mark 1:15) His last sermon was, “repent” (Rev.2:5,16,21,22, 3:3,19) and He preached repentance throughout his ministry (LK. 10:13, 11:32, 13:3, 15:7, 17:3, 17:4). He said, “I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world” (John 8:26), “…I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me” (John 8:28) and “…My teaching is not mine but His who sent men” (John 7:16). The things he said were from the Father which is why he spoke with authority and power unlike the pharisees. When you get your sermons from God, you become a prophet, you speak for God.
In John 3:19-20 Jesus says, “And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed”. This is one reason why men reject Gods message, it exposes their sin. It is actually extraordinarily gracious when God exposes our sins, because only then can we repent and find mercy. In john 6:60-71 many of His disciples could not handle his message and “withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.” But Jesus did not change His message, because he had received it from the Father. We must do likewise and not change God’s message or we too will find ourselves walking away from Jesus. Stick to God’s Word, whatever the cost.
Great points Neal! Thanks for sharing this.
Truth spoken, Neal! Thank you!
So what is the remnant doing to support this man? If there is a 50% shortfall in church support, maybe they should ante up double. Or else face the reality of having a new, less awake, man standing in his place some upcoming Sunday.
He has done his part and put his career on the line. Now others must also risk something, or else they become as bad as the ones who walk out on a message of repentance.
I seem to recall reading somewhere an admonition against piling up wealth in this world. This may well be a good place to start coming clean from the treasures of this earth..
Kevin, if you would like to ante up double with a donation to Diana’s church, just let me know and we can get you instructions on how to do that. In the meantime, stop telling everyone else what they should do when you are doing nothing yourself, which is the definition of a hypocrite.
Kevin, the remnant are definitely standing with our pastor and all who are able have upped the ante. I have faith the Lord will provide all the needs of the faithful remnant. We are told to “Fear Not.”
I am not at all surprised by this as we are told that many will fall away from faith. I am personally watching many of my friends who used to be my allied prayer warriors fall away at a rapid pace. These are people who have been huge supporters of the church, leading groups and speaking truth. Now living in lives of deep sin and turning their backs on Christ and hopping on the new age train :(. But it has been already revealed in scripture that this will take place. I keep hearing Him say that we are right on the brink of a big change/shift. I can envision the body of Christ as one stepping out of the birth pangs and into the tribulation time at any given moment. Prepare and ready yourself. We are gonna see major shifts (heavy spiritual warfare). Stay strong church!!! Preach the truth at any cost!!!
Janelle,
I know your pain of watching friends walk away. I experienced that as a few of my friends (from the mega church) and I met regularly for prayer. They became uncomfortable with the prayers of repentance and forgiveness and one by one walked away.
Thank you for your words of wisdom and truth! Blessings to you my sister!
Where God Guides, God Provides!
Diane,I read your message and this is like much what I have heard….Our house church is moving and has increased with people in a small amount…..We must keep praying!!!!!!!!!and persevering!!!!!!!GBU
Bette,
Thank you for that encouragement! Yes, we must press in and cling to the Lord with all our might!
About 3 years ago in a dream, the Lord spoke and said “Read Jeremiah 7” It describes the modern church. Unfortunately Jesus has become a product that is being sold for money. From Australia to the West Coast Jesus is being branded and sold as a sound or an encounter. But repentance is never mentioned, They threw away the Gospel to sell their products. Soon no one will be buying their stuff. I had a dream and their was a large airliner above me in the sky and the Lord told me that a very popular tv pastor was in the plane, then it crashed. All these rich Laodicean pastors and music peddlers are about to have their money tables flipped over and candle stick removed.
David, In May 1999, I was on a plane travelling from Nashville to Chicago. Joel Osteen came over to where I was sitting and the Lord gave me a word for him. Was it him in your dream? and was your dream recent? I put some information about the word on my website (which is still under construction) prophecy today online dot com. The private info in the word is still private. But this word was delivered publicly and many heard it (around 100-150 people). And part of the public word is addressed on the website. This is one of the most unusual words the Lord’s had me give. It had two endings depending on choices Ps O made. As of 2006, the secondary ending has been in play. In mid-March 2016, I woke up with this message on my heart, almost as if the Lord was whispering it to me “It won’t be much longer now”. And the JO prophecy is one of the things I’d been praying and fasting over and believe it’s referring to JO. And, Diana, your pastor is now in my prayers. I stopped going to church in 2014 and attend a weekly Home Bible Study now. Also, the Lord directed me to move out of the United States which I did in September 2015. God bless you Diana and David.
Elle, thank you for sharing. A home Bible study is something I’m preparing for in the near future as well, because we know this will happen as Churches are forced to close their doors.
Yes it was Joel. The dream was about 2-3 years ago. I had another dream about him where he gave me a contract to sign to do some work for him and as I went to read it spiders came out from between the pages.
David, thank you for speaking about this truth. The dream is very sobering and reveals the Father’s heart about the abomination of selling the gospel for a profit. Thank you, Brother!
Diana:
You know I BELIEVE Your Messages Are RIGHT ON!
Sometime ago a few people told me to Chill when I gave my opinion on a certain posting on Z3 – I mean NO DISRESPECT to the person but I just didn’t agree or even see it the way it was presented – But that doesn’t matter!
You Are So Right – There was an Evangelist Nick Mahaney (AWESOME) and he said “AMERICA IS IGNORANT” because she won’t repent.
Rick Wiles of TruNews has had dreams where people are just skeletons and they have went through HELL – Rick said it was during the Holiday Season!
It must might be this year – HEAVEN HELP AMERICA!
I just hope everybody Prays To ALMIGHTY GOD FOR HIS MERCY AND PROTECTION!
Thanks again!
Paul Morgan
Paul, thank you for your words of encouragement! Yes, I too believe the PRIDE of America will soon be brought low, and pray for His mercy in this time of judgment!
Blessings to you, Paul!
In the large denominational churches, you see that they are being operated as if they were a business and the Pastor is the CEO- the image of the business. The objective is to generate funds to keep the business doors open. To preach the Word as it is supposed to be preached will offend those who are backslidden and tolerate sin. Many forget the road to Salvation is actually a narrow path with Jesus being the Way, the Truth, and the Light. This can happen also in small churches where there are those who have tickling ears and wish to hear funny stories and listen to a watered-down message. It may be distressing but it is a fact. Many adults have their hearts harden to the Word of the Lord. There are various reasons why this has occurred. Each person must examine his or her own heart and see what is his or her relationship to the Lord. I conclude with: If an individual were to read Pilgrim’s Progress, you see that not everyone makes it to Heaven. It is the Pastor’s intent to lead as many as possible to Salvation but the are a number of Pliables (a character in Pilgrim’s Progress) in a Church who will go the way of the world. They listen but yet they are deaf. They see yet they are blind. This may seem to be harsh but it is the reality. Be a Pilgrim and do not become a Pliable!
Benton,
The mega church i attended for a few years was as you describe. They rarely spoke of sin and repentance. Everything was perfectly timed and orderly, the Holy Spirit would have interfered with their “program.” But I do pray the coming shaking from our merciful Father will awaken many.
Yes, their program as dictated by the order of service as dictated by the Sunday worship bulletin and the clock on the wall instead of the leading of the Spirit.
Hi Diana,
Your post is a huge confirmation of God to me at This moment. God’s timing always amazes me! It is 9:08pm here where I am. The Lord brought me to this new city and earlier this evening he to took me to see what a mega church preaching looks like. I got a taxi around 6:45pm and got to the church a little past 7:00pm, the worship was on and the church was packed. A man came and found me a seat 3 or 4 rows from the pulpit, I set down and waited to see what was to happen. Then after the worship had ended the preacher which is a well known figure in the States as well as around the world got up and stated to preach. There was no urgency, no end time nessage at all it was like a regular Sunday service full with little stories and some mention of prosperity. And, in the middle of the his preaching I felt that the Lord wanted me to leave, so I got up and left! I called a taxi and waited outside the church, and as I was waiting for the taxi I stated to cry for the people inside the builden because they were all happy not knowing what is about to come. May the Lord have mercy on those people!! I came back to my hotel room and started to pray and then the Lord led me to check z3news for a new post. What a confirmation! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Ivone, thank you for sharing this experience. It’s amazing that you were led by the Lord to walk out of that lukewarm, watered down “church,” whereas satan is prompting others to walk out of the on-fire, unfiltered Word of God Churches! There is a huge separation taking place.
Thank you and God bless you, Ivone!
I have a stupid question…if you are one that does not hear the audible voice of God, and do not have dreams and or visions, or prophetic insight, how can you be sure you are living in Gods will? I pray usually everyday, and more times than not, multiple times in the day; not boasting, just trying to make a point…I do “feel” His presence, but I even wonder sometimes if it is a “placebo” effect. But I guess if I take the various “coincidences” along with the emotional, tangible feelings, that’s pretty hard to attribute to placebo..ok sorry, Im rambling. 😉
His gifts are wonderful, but we don’t have to feel or see anything to know He hears us because He has already promised in His word, if we simply acknowledge Him in all of our ways He will make our path straight (Proverbs 3:6). In other words, we can bypass all wrong turns and detours.
Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) is what keeps us on the right path because His righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, but wickedness subverts the sinner (Proverbs 13:6). If we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, God will equip us with everything we need to complete our assignment, including spiritual gifts.
colin you are not alone and its not a stupid question. im in exactly the same position – no dreams no visions no voice etc
Colin, as I read your comment, the first thing that came to mind was when Jesus said, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The best part of a relationship is just what you describe; sitting or walking along communing with our Lord in prayer; listening to Him speak to us through His written Word. Personally, I believe those who receive dreams and visions on a regular basis may be at risk of depending upon them as a temperature gauge of some sort. Because I’ve had periods when there’s been a long space of time between receiving a dream or vision, and I’ve thought, “I must have done something wrong, God must be upset with me – He’s not speaking to me…” When in actuality, the primary way our Lord speaks to us is through His written Word and in the manner you describe in your comment.
Thank you James and Diana for your encouragement, I appreciate that!
Diana, Thank you so much for you saying that you have had periods when there is a long space of time between receiving a dream or vision and you thought that you must have done something wrong, or that God was upset with you. I was just praying today for confirmation that our communion was good, and that I was still traveling on the right path, and find your comment. What a confirmation!
Nita, I think the Lord enjoys us just sitting in His presence, and in essence He says, “Be still and know I AM God.”
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7)
Consume the Word of God, for it is the very bread of life.
Don’t read “quarterlies” or pamphlets, don’t read “Inspirational Works,” don’t listen to hour upon hour of blah, blah, blah.
Be strong in prayer, and consume the Word of God, stem to stern, nothing lacking. Use tools to help understand the Hebrew or Greek. Measure EVERYTHING else by it.
Colin, when I read God’s Word, He speaks to me. Many times when I pray and ask the Lord questions about things, He will reveal a Scripture to me which answers my question directly. Amazing! God bless you
Large or small, whether they know it or not, they are ALL businesses as they all do have a BUSINESS LICENSE that is issued by secular government, which we all do know are beasts, as symbolically revealed by the four BEASTS that rose up out of the sea (multitude of the lost) in Daniel.
They ALL are abomination before God as it is written, “neither shall any woman (speaking symbolically of the bride of Christ) stand before a beast to lie down (have union with [business license) thereto: it is confusion (abomination)” (Lev 18:23b).
May the Lord protect those who are prepared to defend the truth. People hate to hear the TRUTH that leads to eternal life….keep bombarding the world with the truth and where sin exists demolish it! Heaven backs you. Sin SEPERATES US FROM GOD!
Thank you Diana for the excellent report of the obedience of your Pastor. It is encouraging. If we could have the names of the church and the pastor, I am sure many of us would want to pray for him. I pray regularly that the Holy Spirit would fall on the Pastors in my area and that they would preach righteousness and repentance. I am sure many Christians are praying similar prayers.
Joseph, yes all the faithful pastors need our fervent prayers. I don’t know that he’d want me to disclose his full name over the internet, but if you’ll pray for Pastor Terry in Oklahoma, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you!
Diana, I live in OK. I’m encouraged and thankful to hear your pastor is ‘on fire for the Lord’. God bless him and I will pray for him to stay strong in the Lord. God bless you too
Christina,
That’s awesome! Didn’t realize you also live in Oklahoma. Hopefully, we can meet sometime. Thanks for the prayers!
Diana, that would be a blessing. Feel free to contact James for my email any time.
Ok girls, it looks like all 3 of us are from OK…! 🙂 Good to know many in our state are awake and aware.
Susie, that’s great! Feel free to get my email from James. I’d love to stay in contact.
Praise God for your courageous pastor.
In April I contacted 36 churches around my city to see if any were talking about the coming judgment on our nation. Only four got back to me. Two refuted what I had to say. One pastor agreed it was possible someday, but wasn’t comfortable talking about specifics. Another church agreed things are bad, but the pastor wouldn’t return my call to discuss this topic. Bottom line: No churches expressed any interest in discussing the repercussions of judgment on America. None!
This is part of verse God has given my wife and me about the times we are in:
“For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us reviving TO RAISE UP THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD, TO RESTORE ITS RUINS AND TO GIVE US A WALL IN JUDAH AND JERUSALEM.” – Ezra 9:9
Our assignment is to be on the rebuilding and restoration crew after the wrecking ball of judgment hits the churches.
Thanks for sharing your finding Mike. Zero out of 36 is truly amazing!
Zero out of 36!!! That makes me want to weep!! I am so nauseated and grieved over the state of the church. We had someone walk out during our meeting this week too. I guess we didn’t tickle her enough. It can be discouraging if you allow it to be but ultimately, people walked away from Jesus when he said uncomfortable things! When people walk out of our meetings, then that is the true indication that we are doing something right! We are reflecting the ministry of Jesus! Congratulations Pastor Terry and Diana! We will be praying for you all to be encouraged and strengthened with might! 🙂
Truth spoken, DAIston! Thank you, and my prayers are for blessings on your meetings!
I thank God for churches like yours Denika!
Wow, Mike! That is sobering news – zero! A friend of mine, who still attends the mega church I formerly attended, recently asked the pastor about events happening in the world, whether he planned to address the fact we may be at the end of days, etc. He said, “Those things are controversial matters and not core to the message of the gospel. We only stick to the basics.” Needless to say, she is trying to get her husband to consider leaving…
Honestly, I have no idea what is going on in the church I used to attend. I was baptized as a baby in that church, confirmed as a teenager in that church and married in that church. My family left the church last year. I was never comfortable around the new pastor. I always felt threatened by him even though he looks like a very meek man. He did marry my husband and me and he also baptized my oldest son. Shortly after, he got a divorce and started telling one of my closest friends… Also, the godmother to my children… Very inappropriate things about his ex-wife through Facebook private messages. He also said some inappropriate things about my friend’s appearance through Facebook private messages as well. The whole thing was very ugly and seedy. I never told anyone how he made me feel uncomfortable because of his meek appearance. I felt like I’d be laughed at. Only when my dear friend confessed to me and told me of the messages did I finally tell my family and friends the truth about my feelings about him. I now just stay at home and listen to the bible on cd and I’m perfectly happy with that!
I also listen to David Wilkerson’s sermons. Love that man!
Thia,
If I hadn’t found this church, I was ready to stay home myself. I see this happening soon – home churches, and have begun to prepare with Bibles, etc.
If he keeps preaching it souls will be saved. I love a non-pc, non- watered down, non-compromising, raw, telling the truth, hearing from God preacher. Let him keep preaching this message, eventually the right people will walk through those doors. One of the biggest complaints I hear from those truly seeking the Lord, is finding a pastor who preaches the undivided truth. There is only two types of churches real and fake. Diana this is sad reality for many “aints,” they love the fake stuff. They treat church like it’s The Price Is Right, or Let’s Make A Deal, and they want the pastor to be Drew Carey or Bob Barker, so they can “Come on down” to prosperity. The “Saints” want the truth.
Amen, Matt! I told him although many are walking away because of him preaching the undiluted, unfiltered Word of God, many, like myself, are coming and staying because of it.
So sad. The backslidden “church” is in a funk for sure. To dare come against the holy and pure message of our Righteous Father and Lord Jesus Christ. What can you say? That’s disgusting to feel the need to walk out of a service that preaches the truth. It took all I’ve got to remain in the dead services! I’d love to shout a loud , strong Amen to your pastor Diana. The coming judgement is deserved….and yes , it is His Mercy.
Katie,
I agree. We need to speak words of encouragement and literally stand in support of these faithful pastors. And we do shout a loud “Amen” to this courageous leader during our services.
Sadly, we’re not hearing anything at all about repentance in our church. I don’t know which is worse. We need to pray for a Spirit of repentance to come and wake up The Church.
Amen, Gabbie!