“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1
I threatened them today.
Well, actually the Lord threatened them. Acts 8:1-4 talks of the persecution that came upon the early church at Jerusalem. God had commissioned them to go into all the world and make disciples, but they were comfortable right where they were at and were not in any rush to leave. Life was good. Thousands were getting saved. Miracles were happening daily, there was joy in the streets and real love amongst the brethren. Why would anyone want to head off into the world of the Gentiles?
Because they wouldn’t go forth out of Jerusalem to preach the Gospel, God used persecution to chase them out. Don’t believe God would do that? Compare that to Egypt. They were there in slavery for 430 years, but when they finally cried out to God, He sent the Deliverer. Why did it take so long for them to cry out to God? I don’t know, maybe they just got used to the way things were. Maybe the slavery you are used to is better than taking a chance on a liberty that you don’t know. But when their babies began to be murdered, they started crying out to God. And when they did, God sent Moses. I gave them a chilling prophesy of what is coming to them if they don’t get out of their lazy white plastic chairs and go make disciples. You could feel the cold seriousness in the room as they sat on the edge of their chairs staring at me. It happened then; it could happen now.
Yesterday was also question and answer time. Boy, they came up with some sharp questions — they always do— and kept me on my toes. But I answered everyone one of their questions, even the tough ones. I will be first to admit that I don’t know everything. One of the most important lessons I ever learned was that is it okay to say you don’t know. But I have one advantage in these sessions — I got God. I’m not just saying this cause it makes a good sound byte. No, it is true — He gives me the answers. I might stumble around for a minute or so, but it always comes. And when it comes, it is always perfect. That’s how I know its not from me.
One of the questions was about how to tell when the Spirit that leading you and when it’s your own spirit. They are very aware of the dangers of the false prophets that plague their churches as well as ours. Just like us, they have a whole raft of well-known personalities posing as “God’s Generals” to hand down meaningless prophesies of peace, prosperity, wealth, and blessings. Never about repentance or about holiness. How is it that they are so much more aware of this than we are? I can only guess it is because they are more spiritually sensitive than we are in the West. So this was a big question for them. And yes, God gave me the answer.
I can’t remember the other questions. Maybe in the next couple days, I’ll write them down in another column. And maybe not. I’m so tired, I don’t think I can remember them anymore and, anyway, I’m not sure I care.
We’re almost done, and I am tired. (Can you tell?) My voice is so hoarse that I can barely speak, but somehow, I keep punching out one more service. You’ve seen how it works – when there is no strength, the Anointing carries you. They have seen that and they realize what it is.
It just makes for the message so much more important to them. God is talking to them. And they are listening.