Go to Church! Your Nation depends upon it!

Go to church, Restore your nation Jer 13:16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. 17 But if ye will not hear it, […]

Go to church, Restore your nation

go-to-church

Jer 13:16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD’S flock is carried away captive.

Hear the heart of Jeremiah here, the one Bible scholars call, ‘the weeping prophet’. He sees God, and sees the people of God rebelling against Him, in pride going their own way.

Note for intercessors, the only way to bring down a spirit of pride, is with an opposite spirit, a spirit of humility. Jesus did it with His disciples, setting the eternal example of servant-hearted leadership, for all generations, He washed His disciples feet. Jeremiah too, has found a secret place, away from the eyes of men, to weep.

Why? He sees the inevitable consequences of their rebellion, captivity and bondage.

Over the past couple years, as I have spent time simply walking around and meeting new people here in Tulsa, I have discovered an amazing ignorance of the things of God in the people I have met.

They seem like nice enough folks, but out of the heart, the mouth speaks. I ask them where they go to church, and they tell me that they used to attend church, but…and then come the stories….

Yes, horrible things have happened in churches, simply because fallen, broken, sinful people attend them, but we cannot allow the behavior of others, no matter how ‘spiritual’ they appear dictate our decision to obey God in attending a place of worship:

Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle

Field of play

Pride is not just someone walking with their chest puffed out, strutting their stuff.

No, pride in God’s eyes, is deciding that our will is greater than His. Like we are smarter than He is….

The Bible says, GO TO CHURCH! Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

In these last days, it is not a time to be playing with God: tremendous prophetic events are occurring in the earth, and great consequences happen from both obedience, and disobedience.

The way I see it, you are either part of the solution, or part of the problem.

The solution is Jesus, His kingdom, power, and restoration through the establishment of His Word. His church, the bride, is the answer to this world, His kingdom extended through His people…

Yet, if you think you are too smart for God, that ignorance is bliss, think again.

Do not mistake God’s silence for permission or acceptance of your lifestyle. He loves you, but He is holy, and when the only word He could speak would be correction that He knows you will not hear, in His mercy, He is quiet, hoping you will, of your own volition, turn to Him. If He were to speak, His only word would be judgement upon your sin, and so, in mercy, He is silent.

If you won’t, of your own volition do what the Word clearly says: He remains faithful and true, but the withdrawing of His presence and blessing has very tangible consequences, like here in the nation of the United States of America, a 14 trillion dollar deficit. (At the end of FY 2016 the gross US federal government debt is estimated to be$19.4 trillion, according to the FY17 Federal Budget. )
american-jesusWe have prayed, and now have a President, and Vice President that understand this: God will make America great again, and this debt is nothing, before the Creator of the Universe – His righteousness will exalt America again, and blast this debt back into the hell that spawned it.

The church’s task with regard to the state which is posed for all time is thus clear. First, it must loyally give the state everything necessary to its existence. It has to oppose anarchy and all zealotism within its own ranks. Second, it has to fulfill the office of watchmen over the state. That means it must remain in principle critical towards every state and be ready to warn it against transgression of its legitimate limits. Third, it must deny to the state which exceeds it limits, whatever such a state demands that lies within the province of religio-ideological excess; and in its preaching, the church must courageously describe this excess as opposition to God.”

Oscar Cullman, The State in the N.T., pp. 90-91

No matter how great any of us are, God has instituted pastors and five-fold ministry that are faithful to HIS Word. This Word, properly articulated and applied, is the answer to every human need, both personally and nationally.
Come back to Jesus today. Find a good church. Find a place to serve and give something back. There is joy and eternal purpose in it.

Your nation depends upon it.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, you see the state of the ‘church’ in my area. You know me, and all that has been done. Give me the courage to attend where You want me to attend, for Your sake, not the sake of the people there. Lead me, guide me, speak to me, and make a way, where there has been no way. In Your Name, I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

Go to Church!

Go to church, Restore your nation

go-to-church
Jer 13:16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.
17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD’S flock is carried away captive.

Hear the heart of Jeremiah here, the one Bible scholars call, ‘the weeping prophet’. He sees God, and sees the people of God rebelling against Him, in pride going their own way.

Note for intercessors, the only way to bring down a spirit of pride, is with an opposite spirit, a spirit of humility. Jesus did it with His disciples, setting the eternal example of servant-hearted leadership, for all generations, He washed His disciples feet. Jeremiah too, has found a secret place, away from the eyes of men, to weep.

Why? He sees the inevitable consequences of their rebellion, captivity and bondage.

Over the past couple years, as I have spent time simply walking around and meeting new people here in Tulsa, I have discovered an amazing ignorance of the things of God in the people I have met.

They seem like nice enough folks, but out of the heart, the mouth speaks. I ask them where they go to church, and they tell me that they used to attend church, but…and then come the stories….

Yes, horrible things have happened in churches, simply because fallen, broken, sinful people attend them, but we cannot allow the behavior of others, no matter how ‘spiritual’ they appear dictate our decision to obey God in attending a place of worship:

Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle

Field of play

Pride is not just someone walking with their chest puffed out, strutting their stuff.

No, pride in God’s eyes, is deciding that our will is greater than His. Like we are smarter than He is….

The Bible says, GO TO CHURCH! Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

In these last days, it is not a time to be playing with God: tremendous prophetic events are occurring in the earth, and great consequences happen from both obedience, and disobedience.

The way I see it, you are either part of the solution, or part of the problem.

The solution is Jesus, His kingdom, power, and restoration through the establishment of His Word. His church, the bride, is the answer to this world, His kingdom extended through His people…

Yet, if you think you are too smart for God, that ignorance is bliss, think again.

Do not mistake God’s silence for permission or acceptance of your lifestyle. He loves you, but He is holy, and when the only word He could speak would be correction that He knows you will not hear, in His mercy, He is quiet, hoping you will, of your own volition, turn to Him. If He were to speak, His only word would be judgement upon your sin, and so, in mercy, He is silent.

If you won’t, of your own volition do what the Word clearly says: He remains faithful and true, but the withdrawing of His presence and blessing has very tangible consequences, like here in the nation of the United States of America, a 14 trillion dollar deficit. (At the end of FY 2016 the gross US federal government debt is estimated to be$19.4 trillion, according to the FY17 Federal Budget. )

Come back to Jesus today. Find a good church. Find a place to serve and give something back. There is joy and eternal purpose in it.

Your nation depends upon it.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, you see the state of the ‘church’ in my area. You know me, and all that has been done. Give me the courage to attend where You want me to attend, for Your sake, not the sake of the people there. Lead me, guide me, speak to me, and make a way, where there has been no way. In Your Name, I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

His Glory is a Defense!

The glory shall be a defence!

Chris Karen Walsh's photo.
Is 4:5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

As I read these words, and think of the very real spiritual warfare we face when we exercise Jesus authority over demons, and wickedness in the earth, I am reminded of the armor of God given to us in Ephesians chapter 6. There is much teaching on this armor, but notice that it is all this armor is for moving forward, attacking and taking ground for the kingdom.

Truly Jesus is building His church, and the gates of hell are not prevailing against us, and we are vessels of His glory!
Chris Karen Walsh's photo.

Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

In Jesus, His glory is revealed, reconciling the irreconcilable, redeeming the nonredeemable, forgiving the unforgivable, healing the incurable, delivering those without hope or God in this world!

In battle, strategists plan for attacks from the rear, yet when we pray, fast, and fully obey Holy Spirit, we find this precious promise tucked into fasting chapter of Is 58:

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning,
and thine health shall spring forth speedily:
and thy righteousness shall go before thee;
the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.

This word rereward, is Strongs number: 622, the Hebrew word: 

asaph: to gather, remove

Original Word: אָסַף

Strongs lists four definitions here, but I believe that the applicable ones used here, are definitions 3 and 4, which are 3:bring up the rear of Isaiah 58:8 יַאַסְפֶ֑ךָ ׳כְּבוֺד י i.e. be thy rear-guard

4:gather and take away, remove, withdraw

The picture I see in these words is of the Lord, with the host of heaven, angels that encamp around us that fear Him, literally protecting our rear, and gathering together demonic forces, and wicked people that serve them, and TAKING THEM AWAY FROM OUR LIVES!
warrior bible

As His church, His bride, His family, His covenant people, we are covered by His glory, and His glory shall be our defense!

These are the last days, and dangerous times. It is time to pray dangerous prayers, for the God of glory to perform ‘suddenlies’: Breakthroughs into our daily human existence, acts of power demonstrating His glory. I cry out for boldness and courage, that Holy Spirit again manifest in our lives like in Acts 4, where the places we meet are literally shaken by His power, and demonstration. We serve a very living God…

Let’s Pray:
‘Father, I believe I receive the glory Jesus gave us, today! I believe that very glory is doing for me, and my house, what I could never even conceive in and of myself! I ask you for You to breakthrough into my life, shaking what must be shaken, that I become everything You have created me to be, and see again, the mighty, notable, miracles you have recorded in Your Word, NOW, Today! In this, my generation. Thank You Lord Jesus! Amen’

Chris Karen Walsh's photo.

We Will Stand!

Over the years, we have become friends with a precious woman of God, Loretta Miller Smail. She truly loves Jesus, and He loves her. She has been given a beautiful gift of song, and of the songs she writes, there is one, that I believe, is a word that must be heard all across the United States of America, especially during these difficult times.

In the Media, we see treachery, and politically there is turmoil, yet in the heart of this nation, is a victorious church, determined to walk in holiness before God, for His sake, and this people are the hope of America, Jesus victorious church.

Loretta gathered together a bunch of friends, and had this video produced. I am the guy in the white hardhat, representing the construction industry. The video speaks life and hope!

Here it is, please share it as far as you able, for the glory of the Lord!

 

Loretta has a remarkable life story, having overcome great horror as a child, to live victoriously for Jesus now. Please learn more about her at: http://lorettasmail.com/

The Apostles Creed – A Platform for Christian Unity?

apostles creed unity

As I was raised in the Roman Catholic church, I remember fondly reciting this as children. Now, as I am becoming a non-denominational theologian, I see a depth and chance of unity in these words for the body of Christ, that I would love to see happen:

The Apostles Creed! (Lutheran version)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen

Very similar are the same words in the doctrine of the Anglican Church of England:

 

Church of England:

Common Worship[33]

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Amen.

 

I see in these simple, profound words written by our earthly church fathers, a place where the true ‘Catholic’ church can come forth. By this, I do not mean the Roman Catholic Church dominating other Christian denominations, for this is not what I believe Jesus would have when He prayed that we all become one, as He and the Father are one. There who some who disagree, in that this prayer does not reveal God’s love for Israel adequately by showing Jesus to be Jewish, nor does it reveal his humanity well enough. https://chab123.wordpress.com/2016/03/03/where-the-apostles-creed-falls-short-2/

Yet, rather that split hairs, I still believe we can

apostles creed

No, in strict definition, the word Catholic means one true faith, and it is my understanding that we are to come into unity or faith in Jesus, not perhaps in practice of worship or denomination, for truly the gifts of callings of God distributed throughout the whole kingdom of God are too wonderful for any to fully understand or behold.

true faith

It is a unity of faith, that is belief in Jesus that we labor for, and in this particular creed I see words that perhaps all Christians might actually agree upon, in the essentials of the gospel.

 

Ephesians 4:13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

stand for unity

While we labor in our own particular vocations, callings, and growth in Him, it is my prayer that we might be:

 

Ephesians 4:3

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Here is an article and prayer that I wrote in a clear cry I feel for unity in the Kingdom of God, being walked out here in the earth.

 

Please read it: https://chrisaomministries.com/2015/02/01/unity-produces-the-power-of-god/

 

He that is spiritual, restore…

He that is spiritual, restore:

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Restore Gal

Some time ago, I had a discussion with a friend of mine about the topic of a person being restored to fellowship in the local church, after they had been removed from that church through the church disciplinary process.
2 Cor 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

In this long discussion, pastor Richard Lyons taught me a beautiful truth about forgiveness and  restoration. In this case, the apostle Paul was asked to render judgement upon a difficult case, a man that had committed an abominable sin, and who had been removed from the church, and turned over to satan, that his flesh be destroyed, though his spirit be eternally saved.

1 Cor 5: 1 ¶ It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Incest! Ugh! Paul, judging by the Holy Spirit, had the man thrown out of the church, that the church not be defiled.

Yet, now, after a passage of time (not sure how much time, you theologians can surely tell me!), Paul is asking this same church, to restore this same man.
Chris Karen Walsh's photo.

In the natural, it’s not possible, but in Christ, all things are possible.

Ever wondered how to forgive? What the process might look like?

Let’s look at a few key points:
2 Cor 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

ONLY IN THE PERSON OF THE ANOINTED ONE AND HIS ANOINTING, CAN WE FORGIVE THE UNFORGIVEABLE!

This was brought home to me, as I ministered amongst the people of Rwanda. Both victims of the genocide, were in church, worshipping God, with the very perpetrators that had slaughtered their families!

The Holy Spirit had done such a deep work of forgiveness, that there was an honest love between them, both sides, from the repentant and forgiven, to the the restored and forgivers, there could be seen no distinction, they were both sides lost in the presence of God in deep worship, brokeness, humility, and servanthood, loving and serving one another in the love of Jesus! Only the presence of God could make this miracle happen, only Jesus could perform such a deep work of mercy, grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Before someone who had been removed from fellowship could be restored then, apostolic authority has to hear God, judge, and in the presence of Jesus, decide to restore them.

How was this to be done?

2 Cor 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Chris Karen Walsh's photo.
8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
We see three steps here:
1. They must be forgiven. (Here is where life becomes tricky, individual, and very specific, because only the Holy Spirit knows the heart of the person who has been removed from fellowship, and only He can tell us the state of the person’s heart, whether or not they have truly repented, or are only exhibiting ‘worldly sorrow’.
2. They must be comforted. (I believe both from the Body of Christ, and through prayer and the ministry of the Holy Spirit)
3. They must be confirmed in our love towards them. (For a time, they must be constantly encouraged, confirmed, blessed, strengthened)

There is much more to be said, about how to practically do these things, and I, like you, need to grow and learn some things here. What are your thoughts on church discipline? What is the process in your particular assembly by which discipline is decided upon and executed? How do you discern if a person has truly repented, and therefore needs to be restored to fellowship?

Let’s pray:

‘Father, show us how to restore broken people. I pray for those of us in leadership, that you grant us strength and discernment, to know when to bar someone from fellowship, and when to restore them. Help us to truly forgive them, in the presence of the Holy Spirit, to comfort them, and to confirm them in their restoration into their gift and calling, in your name I pray Lord Jesus’

Chris Karen Walsh's photo.