Restoration

This book is the ninth of my father's books, written in 2005. I hope this will be a blessing to you. All that is written below are the words of my father and my mother. 

Acknowledgments 

In loving memory of my father
Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett
July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023

We are deeply indebted to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for allowing us to experience and understand a small measure of His Truth, as written in the Word and as revealed by the Holy Spirit. NO man can understand the Word of God or the ways of God unless they are revealed to him by His Spirit.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

All verses quoted herein are taken from the Authorized or King James' version, except as specifically noted at the appropriate places.

Permission is freely given to anyone to copy all or parts of this book and to distribute this word in any way that you desire, PROVIDED that you do so without any monetary remuneration. The word of God is free! "Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). 

The Unfolding: Volume 9

This book represents the ninth in a series of books centered around the unfolding of the word of God and the revelation or manifestation or unfolding of His great grace and glory.

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

For there is nothing covered, that will not be revealed; neither hid, that will not be known. Luke 12:2

God has revealed more of Himself and His word over the years. But there is coming a time when God is going to roll everything back up into Himself. A possible analogy is that of unrolling a scroll so as to read what is written thereon and then rolling the scroll back up. That was the inspiration for the front and back covers of this book and for those volumes in the series yet to come.

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll ... Isaiah 34:4

God's purpose is to manifest His glory. Everything is designed to show forth the glory of God.

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:5

Some verses that clearly show that God has chosen to reveal more of Himself and His word over a period of time are:

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. 1 Peter 1:20

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Romans 3:21

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing. Hebrews 9:8

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Ephesians 3:5

And He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. Isaiah 25:7

God's revelation, by His Spirit, is not simply TO us, but WITHIN us. The Word of God must become flesh, for example,

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace,
16 To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Galatians 1:15‑16

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:26‑27

There is still more that God intends to reveal of His glory.

Father, glorify Thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. John 12:28

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Romans 8:19

We believe in progressive revelation. The Lord is unfolding more and more of Himself and His Truth. The Holy Spirit continues to reveal deeper levels of meaning to the same verse. Peter said,

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:12

The existence of present truth implies that there is future truth still to be unfolded. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would lead us into ALL truth. Jesus IS the Truth! However, we believe that it will take an eternity for the Holy Spirit to reveal to us all of the Truth. Even the angels in heaven do not know everything about the Truth!

Unto whom [the prophets] it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1:12

We have believed for years that there should be fresh revelation from the Lord through the Holy Spirit in EVERY assembly of believers, whether two or three or three hundred. We do NOT think that the Lord is pleased when ministers rehash the same word for twenty years.

If any thing be revealed to another [prophet] that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 1 Corinthians 14:30

But there will come a time when God folds everything back up. Many believers sense that folding up is near at hand.

And as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed ... 

Hebrews 1:12

And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28

"For our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29), and everything shall be consumed by the fire of His Spirit, that God may be all in all.

The books in this series, to date, are: 

Volume 1: The Love of A Man For His Wife
Volume 2: In the Beginning
Volume 3: A Sure Foundation
Volume 4: Let Us Go On
Volume 5: Children, Have You Any Meat?
Volume 6: Discerning Things That Differ
Volume 7: The Last Joel
Volume 8: Marriage Principles for Christians: A Journey Of Love
Volume 9: Restoration

We originally believed that there would be only five books in this series. Shortly after the Lord apprehended us, we thought it would be difficult to come up with a different message every Sunday. We have changed our mind. We have found that EVERY time that we sit down to write on some topic, the Lord gives us more insight ... truth that we have never heard nor seen in print. We cannot tell you the number of times that the Lord woke us up very early in the morning and brought to mind something else to add to this book.

We believe that we are living in a time of great acceleration, both in the natural realm and in the spiritual realm. People are running to and fro and knowledge has increased. This is also a season when the Holy Spirit is shedding much light on the Word of God. Therefore, we fully expect, the Lord willing, that this will NOT be the last book that we will write.  

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. John 21:25

A word of caution is in order! What we present should not be interpreted as a "cookbook" approach to the restoration of the Church. Too many Christians today are looking for some "magic formula" or 1-2-3 steps to follow. Such an approach is always doomed to failure! Restoration is NOT about do’s and don’ts. The Lord is no longer saying, “thou shalt do this” or “thou shalt not do that.” The Lord Himself desires to teach us as we cry out to Him. Reading this book will NOT bring forth any level of restoration. Earnestly seeking the Lord WILL help to bring about that restoration!

We hope that this book will be used by the Lord to increase your hunger after Him and His ways. It is difficult to improve upon my grandmother's prayer: "Lord let me create hunger in their hearts, for until they hunger, they cannot be fed."

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

This word simply represents that which we have received from the Lord on the enclosed topics as of this point in time. A few sections are basically repeated, with slight revisions, from our other books because they have relevance here. Our sincere desire is that this word will be a blessing to all who read it.

Chapter 1 introduces God’s order and harmony in all things, including restoration. Chapter 2 then discusses what God is about in restoration, both in type, through scriptural verses about the Ark, and in reality. Chapter 3 then tries to answer the question, “Where do we go from here?” What pathway do we take toward restoration? Restoration is God’s part. But what is our responsibility? Chapter 4 speaks of some matters of the restored heart. Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. David, who made several very large mistakes, was still a man after God’s own heart. Chapter 5 then addresses some organizational and governmental aspects of the restored Church, as we see them. Chapter 6 presents a challenge to all pastors and elders. Chapter 7 then presents a final challenge to EVERY believer who has eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand.

Foreword

Have you ever noticed the number of words in Scripture that begin with “re?” Some of these words are renew, restitution, remove, refresh, regeneration, reconcile, replenish, redemption, recall, recover, recompense, return, repent, and restore. The prefix “re” generally means “again.” So “restore” or “restoration” means to store again, or to bring back to a former position or condition. People talk about restoring a car or restoring a house. One of the major topics that is dear to the heart of God is restoration ... a restoration of the Church back to something that was always intended. Since the Church consists of individual believers, restoration includes healing, as in Matthew 12:13, when Jesus healed a man with a withered hand.

Our purpose in writing this book has been first and foremost because we believe the Lord said to do it. But we have some understanding of WHY the Lord told us to write this book. There are at least four reasons. First, a spirit of democracy, an independent spirit, a spirit of mixture, a spirit of materialism, and the traditions of men have permeated the Church in America and greatly affected believers. None of those spirits should have any place in Christianity. Today, the Gospel is big business. Indeed, it is the best form of entertainment around! Some fifty years ago William Branham prophesied of this coming entertainment in “Christian” circles. He was right on, as usual! This once new (but now old) charismatic breed of evangelistic showmanship never ceases to amaze the world with its Hollywood dress and Broadway appearance. Gospel recordings are at an all-time high. Gospel music is big business!  

Second, we believe very strongly that God presently is in the process of restoration. A new sound is being heard in the earth by those who have ears to hear! We will use the history of the three items in the ark plus a rather amazing experience to describe that restoration. Third, we will set forth some scriptural, historical, and experiential guidelines concerning both how the individual believer and the Church should function during these last days if we desire His Divine restoration.

Last but not least, although many consistently deal in generalities (which keeps everybody fat, dumb, and happy), God’s watchmen have a solemn responsibility to speak specifics as seen from Zion’s holy walls. This book speaks specifics.

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. Isaiah 21:6

Chapter 1: Order, Harmony, Restoration

Out of chaos, God brings forth His order.
Out of order, God brings forth His harmony.  

 

(Prophecy which came forth in 1977 in a gathering of believers in North Carolina)

We might add to the above prophecy that out of harmony, God brings forth His restoration. Restoration comes forth out of God’s harmony.

God has His order in both the natural and the spiritual realm. All of the planets in our solar system, our moon, and the sun are set in a very orderly manner. A fruit tree will blossom, bud, and bring forth fruit, in that order. We must sow before we reap.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself: first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Mark 4:28

Please note that God’s order existed BEFORE He created man and BEFORE He created the heaven and the earth. In fact, His order prevailed TWICE. Before the creation of the material universe, God ruled in the spiritual realm and His order and harmony prevailed. This was followed by: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Then Lucifer, the shining one, rebelled against God and fell from grace. This caused the earth to become (not “was”) without form and void (Genesis 1:2). A better translation is that the earth became a wreck and a ruin ... chaos reigned. God NEVER creates ANYTHING that is a wreck and a ruin. The Lord did not create the earth a wreck (“in vain,” Isaiah 45:18).

But God reestablished His order, as recorded in Genesis 1:3 and verses which follow. This was followed in Genesis 3 by the fall of man, which resulted in the ground being cursed, with thorns and thistles rather than the fruit of the trees of the garden (a second time of chaos and a time which now characterizes the affairs of men on earth). When things are out of order as they are today, they must be set in order, even at the expense of being misunderstood.

The third and last occurrence of the order and harmony of God prevailing was initiated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and will be consummated by His second coming to earth.

For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16

(As an aside point, some teach that Jesus Himself will not return to this earth again except in His Body, the Church. I do not understand how such teachers explain away the above Scripture.)

Donald Grey Barnhouse, in his book, “Genesis” (Zondervan Publishing, 1970), puts it this way:

The earth has always been a mirror of its inhabitants [italics added for emphasis]. When Lucifer was an unsinning cherub, the earth was perfect. When he fell, it became a wreck and a ruin. When Adam was created innocent, the world was a garden of Eden. When he fell, God cursed the ground for man’s sake, and it became the mirror of fallen Adam.

God is very orderly and He has an order in all things, including restoration of the Church. If we look at the historical record of the true moves of God, we see that God has gradually been restoring all things back to His original purpose. God used Martin Luther to restore the truth of justification by faith. He used the Anabaptists to restore the truth about water baptism. John Wesley taught about sanctification and holiness. A.B. Simpson reintroduced the true healing ministry. The early Pentecostals, such as Charles Parham, brought back the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. Then in 1906 the Holy Ghost began to move in many new ways in Azusa Street in Los Angeles. Next, in 1948, came the outpouring of the Spirit (called “latter rain”) in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada. That move of God saw a restoration of the gifts of the Spirit, the fivefold ministries, deliverance ministry, singing praise and spiritual songs, and the truth of the body of Christ. The New Testament house church of which we were a part for almost twelve years, from the late 60's into the early 80's, corresponded with the “Charismatic movement.” We were in on the beginnings of that “movement,” which started disintegrating only a few years after it had begun. Derek Prince, a noted charismatic teacher of that era, came to one of our house meetings. He said that he had heard that we were like the he goats (trail blazers) before the flock, as stated in Jeremiah.

Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks. Jeremiah 50:8

Nevertheless, all of the real moves of God soon disintegrated. The life of the Spirit left as man took over more and more control of what God was trying to do. The spontaneity of the Holy Spirit has been replaced by the (well-intentioned) preplans of genuine, Spirit-filled pastors and elders who love the Lord but are not aware that they have limited the Holy One of Israel.

There is only One who keeps the world in order ... and that is God. He is the One who causes all things to happen in their seasons and gives everything and everyone a purpose. All that is done is controlled by His providential and sovereign hand. All of the events of history have been fitted into God’s timetable. It is by His power that all things exist and consist and are held together. His will and order even works for non-Christians!

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

If we can agree that God has an order in all things, then we need to understand and agree with His order. In order to agree with His order we must make certain decisions. We all make choices or decisions every day. Some of these choices are inconsequential, such as what should I eat for breakfast today (if anything) or what clothes I should wear. Other choices we must make are not nearly so trivial, such as which woman, if any, should I marry or what job should I accept. These types of decisions make it imperative that we ask the Lord what is His will for us. Jesus said,

O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt. Matthew 26:39

If Jesus Himself earnestly prayed for His Father's will to be done in His life, can we do anything less? When we agree with the order of God and put that agreement into action, we see the harmony of God come forth.

The word “harmony” does not appear in the Bible so we need to elaborate on what we call harmony. Harmony implies more than one item or participant. A soloist is always in harmony when he or she sings alone. A pianist is always in harmony when he or she plays only one note. In that respect, harmony is the combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord. Further, harmony implies a pleasing arrangement of parts. Harmony in singing means that everyone is not only singing in the same key but also with the correct pitch ... no one is flat or sharp. By spiritual “harmony” we mean that each member of the church is in tune with the Lord and His ways. Each member has only one desire ... to please the Lord and to do His will. Spiritual harmony implies a oneness, an agreement, an accord, a peaceful and pleasing working together toward the one common goal. That goal, to us as believers, is to individually and corporately manifest the glory of God in the earth.

From the first Chapter of Genesis, God created certain things on certain days, in an ORDER that was pleasing to Him. Scripture speaks of the firstborn, the first begotten, and the first fruits. In EACH of these three cases, that which is first in the spiritual realm is Jesus!

For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18

And again, when He bringeth in the first begotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him. Hebrews 1:6

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming. 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23

After the centrality and supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ is a settled point in our minds, and never to be downgraded, then we look at God’s plan for us, as the Church which is His body. Let us consider a few more thoughts on Restore. Restore from what and restore unto what?

Is this restoration back to the glory days of the New Testament Church, as recorded in the book of Acts? Not really, although that may be a stage that we will pass through.

Is this restoration back to the garden of Eden, before Adam and Eve sinned? Not really, but that may also be a stage that we will pass through. Adam, as he came from the creative hand of God, was the highest of all creatures, but he only had created life! He did not possess the uncreated, divine life of God. Divine life can not be created; it can only be shared through a living union with the Creator. We can NOT (or at least should not) interpret Bible history starting with the fall of man. Man wants to begin everything with himself, but God does not begin there. The Bible does not start with man, nor with man’s fall into sin, nor with his salvation. The Bible begins with God: “In the beginning God ...” (Genesis 1:1). Unless we see things from God’s perspective, we are always looking out through our rose-colored glasses to relate all things to our self.

The restoration that God is bringing about is back to what was in the heart and mind of God before the foundation of the world. God’s original plan from eternity past was for man to be in Christ. It is that restoration which we write about in this book. (Those two words, “in Christ,” carry much more significance than most of us realize. See, for example, pages 123-124 of our book, “Marriage Principles For Christians: A Journey Of Love.”) Ephesians, Chapter 1, sets forth very clearly what restoration is unto. The mind of God has always been,

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him. Ephesians 1:10

The Lord said,

5 Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite earth with a curse. Malachi 4:5-6

11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Matthew 17:11-12

The Elijah spoken of in Verse 12, above, was John the Baptist. But he was rejected and his head cut off. Now I ask you, have all things already been restored? I think not! Therefore, there awaits a further fulfillment of the above verses.

22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.
23 Who among you will give ear to this?  who will hearken and hear for the time to come? Isaiah 42:22-23

The above verses, like so many others in the Old Testament, are prophetic of the time in which we live. They certainly apply to the charismatic churches in America right now. This (charismatic churches in America) is a people robbed and spoiled. We have been robbed because those in leadership positions have not spoken the word of the Lord, but instead have been pastors who feed themselves. We have been spoiled on the milk of the word and by those who make a name and wealth for themselves.

We are snared in holes and hid in prison houses and do not know it. Christianity is growing by leaps and bounds in China, India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. I have read, from a very reliable source, that in those parts of the world the present increase is almost 175,000 new Christians every DAY! But in the United States, the grapes are withering on the vine. It is rare for a charismatic church to have one new convert per MONTH. Why? This book attempts to provide at least partial answers to that question.

11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people, which shall be left from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
. . .
16 And there shall be a highway for the remnant of His people, which shall be led from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt. Isaiah 11:11, 16

Verse 16 compares the second (and last) recovering of the remnant to the first time when the Lord led His people out of the land of Egypt. The first recovering of His people was a NATURAL, historic event, which began in 1491 B.C. The second (and last) recovering of His people will be a SPIRITUAL event, which certainly is on the verge of occurring in this hour. This is a time when the modern-day Moses (not one person) is beginning to speak to the modern-day Pharaoh to let the people of God go free from our captivity and all of our many bondages. When the Lord sovereignly recovered the remnant the first time (from the bondage and captivity of Egypt) there was only one captor ... Egypt. When the Lord sovereignly recovers the remnant of His people (spiritual Israel, the Church) the second time, in these last days, there are eight captors, as listed in Verse 11, above. (For the significance of the names of the eight captors, see Chapter 7, The Prophetic Nature Of Scripture, in our book, “Discerning Things That Differ.”)

Isaiah 42:22 says that we are for a prey. That means that we are hunted by the adversary simply because we are believers.

Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? 

Isaiah 49:24

A mouse is a prey for a cat. What did the mouse do to deserve being a prey for a cat? Nothing! It was simply born a mouse. The second, third, and fourth generation of the Israelites who were in bondage and captivity in Egypt were also a prey. They had grown up in an environment and all they knew was a life of bondage. They had never experienced anything else. What had they done to deserve being in bondage? Nothing! They simply were born into that environment. They never knew there was a better way. Finally, after 400 years of increasing bondage, suffering, and hardship, the Israelites cried out to God and God sent a deliverer, Moses, who led them out of Egypt. In like manner, many charismatic believers today have grown up in an environment and just assume that their “leaders” are preaching the truth. These lovely believers have never known there is a higher way!

What about a “lawful captive?” We, as believers, become a lawful captive whenever we sin through omission or commission, through word or deed. As a lawful captive we are subject to the will of the adversary. If we have become a lawful captive, no amount of prophecy, praise, or prayer will restore us. We must run to the cross and sincerely ask forgiveness for going astray. But,

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Isaiah 42:22 says prophetically that none delivereth the charismatic churches in America. The blind are leading the blind. That same verse says that none saith, Restore! We can think of only two possible reasons why none saith restore. The first reason is ignorance; none are able to see the need to proclaim restoration.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to Me: Seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6

Paul, five times in the New Testament, says, “brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant of ...” (Romans 1:13, 1 Corinthians 10:1, 1 Corinthians 12:1, 2 Corinthians 1:8, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Peter says the same thing in 2 Peter 3:8.

The second possible reason is indifference. Indifference may also include the desire to maintain the status quo, don’t rock the boat, keep everybody happy, keep the money coming in.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Revelation 3:16-17 

Note that the last verse, above, combines BOTH indifference and ignorance. However, with this book, we change the trend where “none saith, Restore.” This book proclaims, RESTORE! (We are not so naive as to believe that this is the first proclamation of the word “restore” in modern America. We are sure that this word is not hid in a corner. Neither are we so naive to believe that the mere utterance of the word, restore, is sufficient. This must be a heartfelt cry from the depths of our being!) But enough is enough! It is time for the Lord to have His way! Hear what the Word of God says about “restore.”

He restoreth my soul. Psalm 23:3

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 

Psalm 51:12

And He said, It is a light thing that Thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6

In the above verse, the Father is speaking to the Son. Who can raise up the tribes of Jacob or restore the preserved of Israel except for the Son? “Raise up the tribes of Jacob” refers to bringing the yet unsaved into the fold. “Restore the preserved of Israel” refers to those believers who have strayed.

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Daniel 9:25

Some may say that the above verse is the historic prophecy relating from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, when natural Jerusalem was rebuilt, until the first coming of Christ to earth. We would not argue with that. HOWEVER, if that be true then there is a second and far greater fulfillment. The verse is ALSO prophetic of the end times and speaks of the time before the second coming of Jesus Christ. Has the commandment gone forth once more to restore? We believe so! Without any question we live in troublous times.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible which contains the word “restore” is found in the Book of Joel. The following verse is familiar to almost everyone.

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, My great army which I sent among you. 

Joel 2:25

Please note that the four increasing stages of destruction (four stages of the locust) were sent by the Lord Himself! He calls them “MY great army!” Please also note that the Lord restores ONLY after we repent! The book of Joel is very clear about that fact. The key word in the Book of Joel is the little word “then” in Joel 2:18. The primary action on our part is repentance. The primary action on God’s part, after we repent, is restoration. We will have more to say about that fact later.

Please read again Isaiah 42:23. Who among you will give ear to this?  who will hearken and hear for the time to come? The “time to come” is NOW!

Who Is in Control?

This is a key question which must be answered by every believer, particularly those who have been placed into a leadership position in a local church. The answer to this question will determine our place in the kingdom. It is one thing to be led astray as an individual. It is quite another thing to lead many other believers astray.

From our experience, there are many possible “little foxes” that can spoil the vines (Song of Solomon 2:15). One rather large “fox” that attacked my vine for many years was when things did not occur in the manner that I thought they should. There have been a number of occasions when I was convinced that the Lord was going to do certain things at a certain time and it never came to pass. Sometimes our soul can cloud our spirit and make us believe that certain things will happen in a certain way. When that does not happen, our soul can tend to become vexed or irritated or frustrated. We have to remember that the Lord is the One who is in control, not us. Israel means “God rules” or “God commands.” We can NOT allow our soul to control our spirit and thus take over our being.

Horatio G. Spafford, a successful attorney in Chicago, lived from 1828 until 1888. He was the father of four daughters and one son, an active member of a Presbyterian church, and a loyal friend and supporter of Dwight L. Moody and other evangelical leaders of his day. Without warning, however, a series of unexpected events occurred. First there was the death of the Spafford’s only son. Shortly after that, the great Chicago fire of 1871 wiped out the family’s extensive real estate investments. When Moody left for Great Britain in November 1873, for an evangelistic campaign, Spafford decided to take his family to Europe to lift their spirits and to assist in the meetings. Spafford was detained by urgent business, but he sent his wife and four daughters as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre, planning to join them soon. Halfway across the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was struck by an English vessel and sunk in 12 minutes. All four of the Spafford daughters drowned. Mrs. Spafford was among the few who were miraculously saved.

Horatio Spafford stood hour after hour on the deck of the ship carrying him to rejoin his sorrowing wife in Wales. When the ship passed the approximate place where his precious daughters had drowned, Spafford received sustaining comfort from God that enabled him to write, “It is well with my soul.”

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, 

when sorrows like sea billows roll – 

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 

It is well with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, 

the clouds be rolled back as a scroll: 

The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, 

Even so – it is well with my soul.
Chorus: It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.

What a picture of our hope! Ask yourself if you can truthfully say, “It is well with my soul,” no matter what the circumstances may be that surround you.

Chapter 2: The Mind of God Concerning Restoration

Restoration: A Kingdom of Priests

Let us consider what has always been, and still is, in the heart of God with respect to His chosen people. First, the Lord said, during the Exodus:

If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26

Next, the Lord told Moses to say unto the people:

5 Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine.
6 And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Exodus 19:5-6

Note that the people of God were (are) to be a kingdom of priests, with the Lord Jesus Christ as our great High Priest. This kingdom of priests will NOT consist of Levitical priests or the Aaronic priesthood, but priests after the order of Melchisedec. In the kingdom of God there is no such thing as a Catholic priest, or an Episcopal priest, or a Baptist priest or ... Please note what Peter said to the Church many long years later:

4 To Whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
. . .
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His glorious light. 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9

(As an aside point, the word “peculiar” in the above verse is a peculiar word. The word actually means that we are an acquired or purchased possession. It carries the same significance, although not the same exact word, as the word “ye are bought with a price” in 1 Corinthians 6:20.)

So the mind of God always was and still is to have a kingdom of priests ... a holy priesthood ... a royal priesthood. This high calling was originally offered to the Jewish nation, but they rejected (and continue to reject) that call and crucified the Lord of glory. Therefore, the chosen generation is no longer the natural Jewish nation but spiritual Israel ... the Church which is His body. The chosen generation is not a natural generation but consists of ALL believers over all of time who accept and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. (“For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel” (Romans 9:6). This is the “missing” generation in Matthew, Chapter 1.

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Matthew 1:17

If we go back and count the number of generations listed in Matthew 1:12-16 from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, we count only thirteen. The fourteenth generation consists of all born-again believers over all time.

Let us look at the function of priests, as first recorded in Scripture.

At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before Him to minister unto Him, and to bless in His name, unto this day. Deuteronomy 10:8

The above verse is the prophetical prototype of the Melchisedec priesthood that we have been called to in the spiritual realm. “Unto this day” still holds true for us today! The whole body of believers, as priests, are to (1) reflect the holiness of God and that of our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ (bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord); (2) offer spiritual sacrifices (stand before Him to minister unto Him); (3) intercede for man before God; and (4) represent God before men. (Functions (3) and (4) constitute “bless in His name.”)

I heard a good brother not long ago say, publicly, that he was not called into a ministry of intercession. What he should have said was that he had not yet recognized that call on his life. If you are a member of the body of Christ, you are automatically called to intercession because you are part of the holy, royal priesthood after the order of Melchisedec! Because He ever liveth to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25) we likewise, in identifying with Him in all points, are called to intercession for the lost (who will be found) and those already in the Church.

We are lively stones (1 Peter 2:5) who derive our life from Christ, who is the first living Stone to whom we have come (Verse 4) ... the life-giving Spirit. We are lively and we are alive in Him, both now and forevermore!

Note also in 1 Peter 2:5, that we are built up a spiritual house, not a natural house. That house is formed and indwelt by the Spirit of God. Every stone in the house has been made alive by the Holy Spirit, sent by the exalted living Stone, Jesus Christ. Believers are living stones that make up a spiritual temple in which, as a holy priesthood, they offer up spiritual sacrifices. The New Testament speaks of a variety of such sacrifices: (1) our bodies are to be presented as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1); (2) offerings of money and material goods (Philippians 4:18); (3) sacrifices of doing good and communicating (Hebrews 13:16); and (4) sacrifices of praise unto God (Hebrews 13:15). As one good brother put it many long years ago, the Holy Ghost is bringing us from total flesh to total spirit.

It may be worthwhile to reflect upon the contrast between the old covenant and the new covenant. Under the old covenant there were natural priests, a natural temple, and natural sacrifices. But under the new covenant, all of these things are spiritual! The author of the Book of Hebrews has much to say about this truth.

In addition,

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
. . .
6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God. Isaiah 61:1-2, 6

Jesus quoted those first two verses in a synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19). He also said that “this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21). So those verses in Isaiah 61 were (are) prophetic of the Lord Jesus Christ. But since we are IN Christ, they also apply to us! Those were the same verses that the Holy Spirit quickened to me personally, shortly after He baptized me in the Holy Ghost. It was also a fulfillment of my grandmother’s petition when I was born. She wrote in her Bible, the day I was born, “Lord make him your minister.” She never got to see the fulfillment of her prayer with her natural eyes, but she received her answer by faith.

Returning to the original proclamation of God concerning His chosen people,

7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him.
8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord. 

Exodus 19:7-8

But the people did not keep their vow as stated in Verse 8.  

18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed and stood afar off.
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. Exodus 20:18-19

Just as before, after the covenants were given the second time to Moses:

And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. Exodus 24:3

Neither did the people keep their vow the second time.

It is clear, however, that God’s original purpose was for each man to hear the voice of the Lord for himself. It was never God’s plan to have to use an intermediary, such as Moses. This is confirmed in the New Testament.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5

But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. 

1 John 2:27

However, the people of God refused to hear the voice of the Lord for themselves and demanded to hear the Lord through a man. It was the same throughout the Old Testament. It is the same today.

Restoration in Type: The Ark of the Testimony

The Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, was a perfect cube. It represented God’s dwelling place. We are certain that many have noted the dimensions of the sanctuary, or holy place, and the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was 10 by 10 by 10 cubits or 1,000 cubic cubits. The sanctuary was 10 by 10 by 20 cubits or 2,000 cubic cubits. Does the 2,000 cubic cubits correspond with the time (2,000 years) from Jesus’ first ministry on earth as a Man until His second coming? Does the 1,000 cubic cubits of the Holy of Holies correspond to the millennium, when Christ reigns on earth for 1,000 years? Only the Lord knows, but it is certainly a possibility.

The Holy of Holies contained only “the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the Lord of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims” (2 Samuel 6:2). The ark symbolizes the presence and power of God. The ark, for a period of time, contained three items: the two tables of stone, upon which were written the ten commandments and given to Moses; the golden pot that had manna; and Aaron’s rod that budded.

2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 And after the second vail, the tabernacle which is called the holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. Hebrews 9:2-4

The Greek word translated “censer” here refers to a vessel used for burning incense. So it can describe either the shovel (censer) used for carrying the coals or the altar on which the coals were placed. Although the altar of incense stood in the holy place, the author of the Book of Hebrews describes it as belonging to the most holy place. On the Day of Atonement the high priest took incense from this altar, along with the blood of the sin offering, into the most holy place (Leviticus 16:12-14).

The Lord told Moses:

And thou shalt put into the ark the Testimony which I shall give thee. Exodus 25:16

Later, Moses did just that, on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 40:17).

And he [Moses] took and put the Testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark. Exodus 40:20

The Golden Pot That Had Manna

During the Exodus from Egypt, after about 40 days, the people murmured because of hunger, and the Lord rained down manna from heaven (Exodus 16). The manna lasted for almost 40 years and ceased as suddenly as it began (Joshua 5:12) after the Israelites had eaten of the old corn of the promised land of Canaan.

This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. Exodus 16:16

Please note that EACH man was to gather the manna for himself and for his family each day, except on the seventh day. Each man was to gather a double portion on the sixth day because no manna fell on the seventh day (Exodus 16:26). The golden pot that had manna signifies revelation knowledge rained down sovereignly from God, intended to be gathered by each man for himself and his family.

The Lord also told Moses to save an omer of manna in a golden pot. (An omer, according to Josephus, is about seven pints, or slightly less than a gallon.)

32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, Fill an omer of it [manna] to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.
34 As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Lord, to be kept. Exodus 16:32-34

We can find no scriptural reference as to when the golden pot that had manna was actually put into the Ark except possibly for Verse 34, above. However, Hebrews 9:4 clearly states that as being true. This may be one of several examples in the New Testament where the writer had a revelation of something which is not actually recorded in the Old Testament. When Aaron “laid it up before the Lord,” that may well be a Hebrew figure of speech which indicates that he put it in the ark. The manna was a foretaste of the spiritual counterpart which was to come in the Person of Jesus. The manna represents Spiritual revelation about Jesus and the truth of His word, as given by the Holy Ghost.

31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34 Then said they unto Him, Lord, evermore give us of this bread.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. John 6:31-35

Aaron’s Rod That Budded

The third item in the ark, at one time, was Aaron’s rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). This event occurred some twenty years after the start of the Exodus, or about halfway through the forty years that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and is spoken of in Numbers 17. This story follows the account of the Divine judgment of Korah (Numbers 16:1-35) and the narrative of the symbolic use given to the censers of the rebels and its aftermath (Numbers 16:36-50). Numbers 17 is thus the third in a series of accounts vindicating the Aaronic priesthood against all opposition. Earlier, Miriam and Aaron had led a rebellion against the leadership of Moses (Numbers 12). As a result, Miriam was made leprous by God and shut out of the camp for seven days.

7 And Moses laid up the rods [twelve rods, one for each of the tribes’ houses] before the Lord in the tabernacle of Witness.
8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of Witness; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. Numbers 17:7-8

Please note that Aaron’s rod budded, bloomed blossoms, and brought forth fruit (almonds). This was (is) a sign of God’s anointing ... to bring forth fruit. Aaron’s rod that budded foreshadowed the coming apostolic authority, reflected in shadow and type with the Aaronic priesthood. That apostolic authority points first to our Apostle and High Priest, Christ Jesus, and then to those whom the Lord sets in the body as true apostles, as in Ephesians 4:11.

Now, let us fast forward through time. After the new generation of Israelites entered the promised land, judges were set in to rule over Israel. These twelve judges lasted for approximately 350 years. The Book of Judges recounts the sad events of Israel’s apostasy. It was common in Israel during the time of the judges for every man to do “that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). God had to remind them again and again that He was the one true God, because they repeatedly indulged in the idolatry and immorality of the Canaanites among whom they lived. The Book of Judges reflects a cycle: Israel falls into apostasy, God sends an oppressor, Israel repents, God sends a deliverer, there is peace and prosperity, and then Israel falls away again. So it is in the modern day Church in America!

During the time of Eli the priest, who also judged Israel, things got so bad that the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, both died in battle the same day and the ark was taken by the Philistines. When Eli heard of the news, he likewise fell off his seat, broke his neck, and died the same day. Then the wife of Phineas, who travailed in birth and brought forth a son, “named the son Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken” (1 Samuel 4:21-22). She likewise died the same day.

The ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines for seven months, during which time the Lord smote the Philistines with several plagues. So the Philistines decided to send the ark back to the Israelites on a new cart. When David finally brought the ark back to Jerusalem and Solomon built the temple, there was nothing in the ark except the two tables of stone, which Moses had put there at Horeb (1 Kings 8:9 and 2 Chronicles 5:10). What happened to the golden pot that had manna and Aaron’s rod that budded? Did the Philistines remove them from the ark? We do not think so. If they had, they would have been struck dead immediately. Scripture does not specifically tell us, but we strongly believe that God sovereignly removed them from the ark. Why? To signify that what those two items represented had been lost to the people of Israel.

Like Eli, Samuel neglected to discipline and teach his sons properly. Perhaps, like servants of God today, he was away from home too much and too occupied with helping others. Just as the personal failures of individual ministers lead some to reject the whole concept of the Church, the failure of Samuel’s sons led the people to reject their authority as judges, as well as to reject God, who in His sovereignty set the judges up to rule over His people. So,

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.
7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 1 Samuel 8:4-7

It is the same today! The “king” that the Church has asked for (and received) is the pastor. Churches, even Spirit-filled, charismatic churches, have said, through their actions, “Let the pastor speak to us the words of the Lord, but let not the Lord speak to us.” It is much easier to hear what the Lord is saying through a pastor or through a book or tape than to seek the mind and voice of the Lord for yourself.

Continuing with the restoration of the ark, the ark remained symbolically empty until the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus, at which time the two missing items (Aaron’s rod that budded and the golden pot that had manna) were spiritually restored. No one can deny that Jesus, and then Peter and Paul certainly manifested apostolic authority. Paul received so much revelation that he had to receive a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul was also caught up to the third heaven and heard unspeakable words which were not lawful to utter (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).

8 Wherefore he saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and He gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.)
11 And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
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. Ephesians 4:8-13

So the “five-fold ministries” are temporal ... till we all come. Have we all come unto a perfect man? NO! Therefore, these ministries are still valid. Please also note that we, the Church,

Are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone. Ephesians 2:20

The modern-day Church has changed that verse to read that we are built upon the foundation of the pastors. That is why we have more than 500 denominations today. So once again, every man does that which is right in his own eyes. Once more, the Church has got into much idolatry, mixture, and abominations in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore, the Lord has once more sovereignly removed Aaron’s rod that budded and the golden pot that had manna. Except for a few, brief, isolated events at various times in history, there has been no apostolic authority and little outpouring of revelation.

Restoration in Reality

We have previously documented, in several places, the state of the Church today. (See, for example, Chapter 1 of our book, “Discerning Things That Differ.”) Believe me, it is NOT a pretty picture! The majority of the Church in America today is in bondage to almost every foul spirit imaginable and does not know it. The enemy has come in like a flood. HOWEVER ...

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19

20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers.
21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:20-21

Bread and water is the food of prisoners ... those who are in captivity ... in bondage. But God offers a way of deliverance! Where there is no way, Jesus is THE Way! There is a stirring in the mulberry bushes! God will have His way, despite all of the failures of men! But God!

Historically, ever since the “dark ages,” which lasted a full 1000 years, God has gradually been using chosen vessels to light the fires of restoration ... vessels such as John Wycliffe, John Huss, Martin Luther, John Wesley, and others. God is in the process of one final restoration! The Lord Jesus Christ is searching for a people in the earth today ... a people to complete the work of restoration of His glorious Church! Whenever God desires to restore the Church, the eyes of the Lord begin to search the earth for a suitable vessel. The suitable vessel is always a man whose heart longs for the fulfillment of God’s purposes upon the earth.

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

One word of caution ... there is a price to be paid for saying, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” That price is the same price that Paul and many others paid.

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep.
26  In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren:
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28 Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

In addition, let us consider some of the “heroes of the faith,” as recorded in the Book of Hebrews.

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jepthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets.
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:32-40

John the Baptist lost his head because he spoke the truth. Jesus was crucified because He was and is The Truth. Never did any man suffer like Jesus. He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.
4 Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. 

Isaiah 53:2-5

If all of these things happened to our Lord, what do you suppose will happen to those who follow after Him? Jesus answered that question just before His crucifixion.

28 But Jesus turning unto them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
29 For behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? 

Luke 23:28-31

Jesus is the green tree; we are the dry.

What also happens as God ushers in more revelation about Himself and His word and brings the Church, through a human vessel(s), closer to full restoration to what was always in His heart and mind before the foundation of the earth? It is a scriptural and historical fact that each major step of restoration is accompanied by more persecution, more misunderstandings, more confusion, division, riots and revolution, wars and rumors of wars, torture, and many other problems. Further, the persecuted in one generation or move of God eventually become the persecutors of a future generation. The Roman Catholics persecuted the Lutherans, the Lutherans persecuted the Anabaptists, the Anabaptists persecuted the Puritans, the Puritans persecuted the Wesleyan churches, and many denominations, as well as the Roman Catholics persecuted those who were baptized in the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues. History is on the verge of repeating itself! Who will (or perhaps we should say have) the charismatics persecute? The overcomers, those chosen vessels who have been selected to usher in the final restoration of truth. Yes, there will be an end to the process! The last-day remnant, which I am convinced is in the earth right now, will restore the last truth that will trigger the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I retired from a secular job of teaching computer science in May of 2001. Shortly after that, I began to receive an abundance of revelation, which far exceeded that which I had received in the previous 35 years. At about that same time, Ken Bennett, a solid man of God, began to see, with his natural eyes, “spiritual rain.” At one point he told me that he had seen that spiritual rain for 75 consecutive days. When my wife and I stayed with them at a beach house in South Carolina in the late summer of 2002, both of us also saw that spiritual rain. We know that there were at least a handful of other believers who saw that same spiritual rain. Only the Lord knows how many others around the world saw the spiritual rain. It looked exactly like a gentle, slow drizzle or mist of rain, except that no water ever hit the ground. It was easier to see on a clear day. I now believe that was the beginning of God’s restoration of the spiritual golden pot that had manna. In the first six months of this year, we have experienced a further acceleration of revelation coming down from above. I have talked with a few believers who have told me the same thing has been happening with them.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Revelation 2:17

Now we must remember that Aaron’s rod that budded was laid up before the ark of Testimony some 20 years AFTER the golden pot that had manna. We believe that God will be raising up and manifesting true apostolic authority in the earth in the very near future. Undoubtedly those who will receive such authority are even now in the earth, being prepared for their ministry in these end times.

However, there will be one final removal of these two items from the ark ... namely when Jesus returns to the earth at His second coming. And yes, despite some claims to the contrary, Jesus Himself will return to the earth. When that happens, there will no longer be a need for apostolic authority through men or for raining down revelation from heaven. When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away (1 Corinthians 13:10). That will leave only the Word of God in the ark for eternity. The trumpet is sounding! The trumpet no longer is giving an uncertain sound (1 Corinthians 14:8). It is time to prepare ourselves for the battle!

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:19

Blessed be the Name of the Lord! His Name is Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace! I don’t know about you, but I would like to be on this earth when all of these things shortly come to pass!

Chapter 3: Our Pathway Toward Restoration

In summary, based on the light we have received from the Holy Spirit concerning scripture, as well as some understanding of the ways of God, plus our own personal experience, we believe that the following steps are important (but not all-inclusive) on our part to prepare for the realization of the mind of God concerning the restoration of the Church. God always requires something from us. Our God is not a God of cheap grace (grace that does not cost us anything). He requires a step of faith on our part. He requires us to agree with His Word and to take certain actions on our part in response to His Word.

Repentance and Grace

At the top of our action list is repentance! Repentance is not just for those who do not know the Lord. It applies to all of us today. To repent means to turn around, to change our mind, to go in a different direction, to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition. Repentance is the first principle of the doctrine of Christ.

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works. Hebrews 6:1

Come and let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up. Hosea 6:1

That verse in Hosea is current events. Why has the Lord smitten us? Because we have strayed from Him and His ways. The prerequisite for healing is to return unto the Lord (repent).

The first message preached by Jesus was, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The first message preached by John the Baptist was, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The major word spoken in the first half of the book of Joel is repentance. (See our book, “The Last Joel” for more details.) The message preached by all of the prophets was “repentance.” Among the favorite words of the vocabulary of the prophets were the two words “turn” and “return.”

True repentance is not superficial words or thoughts that are “short lived.” Shallow, sentimental tears will not suffice. A mere admission of guilt will not solve the problem. Neither will an outward performance of ritual satisfy the demands of a holy God. Unfortunately, this is why many of us go around the same mountain for years and are never able to walk in the victory which is found in Christ. Something must happen in the heart which will reflect itself in the way of life. John the Baptist put it correctly when he told the Pharisees and Sadducees who had come to his baptism:

7 O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Matthew 3:7-8 

True repentance requires our ability to sense, at least in some measure, the grief of the Lord as a result of our own ungodly thoughts, words, or actions. If we really love the Lord, we don’t want to HURT or GRIEVE HIM. So often, we superficially repent because our words or actions backfired on us or we have harmed another person or persons. However, our grieving the Lord must affect us deeply and supercedes all other reactions which lead us to repentance.

Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance. Romans 2:4

When our heart is broken because we let the Lord down, only then can we earnestly hate our “sinful nature” and desire only to please the Lord. At this point, we are able to turn in the direction of the Holy Spirit and be “born” into the victory which is in Christ. This may be a y process and painful to the flesh, but the Lord is able to complete that which He has begun.

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

These principles apply also on a corporate level as the Lord allows us to see an aspect of the state of His Body, the true Church, that grieves the Lord. Weeping, travail, and intercession should spring forth as we identify with the wrong and cry out to the Lord for mercy, healing, and restoration.

Repentance is NOT a popular word! A little more than a year ago my wife and I were in a rather large, charismatic gathering of at least 100 believers. There were quite a number of believers present who seemed to have quite a bit of maturity. During the course of that meeting one man, whom I have never met, gave a rather lengthy “prophecy” (at least 10 minutes). The essence of his prophecy was that the Lord loves His people, and He has great blessings and prosperity in store for His people. No one could argue with the truth that he spoke. As he was speaking, I looked around the room and saw most people smiling, clapping their hands, raising their hands upward, shouting “amen,” and dancing around the room. After he finished, another man spoke up and said, “No repentance, no blessing.” NO ONE SMILED, NO ONE CLAPPED, NO ONE SAID AMEN, NO ONE RAISED THEIR HANDS UPWARD, AND NO ONE DANCED AROUND THE ROOM. We believers like the “good” part, but we don’t care too much for the suffering, travail, denying of ourself, etc., that must precede that “good” part.

When Isaiah saw the Lord, he repented. Isaiah said,

Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 6:5

The word “undone” can be translated as “lost” or “cut off.” But there is NOTHING in the previous five chapters of Isaiah that indicates that Isaiah had done anything wrong or said anything wrong. Isaiah saw that his very being was unclean, in comparison to the Lord.

We need to be not only serious but quick repenters, like David. We are sure that you have experienced some meetings of believers that never seem to get off the ground whereas in others the presence of the Lord is manifested quickly. If you and I want to sense the manifest presence of the Lord and bathe in His Light and Glory, we suggest before EACH and EVERY gathering of believers that EVERY believer do the following:

(1) repent of any sin that we are aware of in our life;
(2) repent of any and all fleshy desires, such as self-pity, self-seeking, or ANY needs of self; and
(3) go to the assembly of believers with ONE thought in mind ... to praise and worship the King of kings and Lord of lords and to give Him the glory.

As one believer shared with me many years ago, there seem to have been many breech births in the body of Christ ... those who have come to Christ, but for the wrong reasons and in the wrong way ... where the Head does not come first.  

A few years ago I heard of a man who was traveling around the country preaching a message of repentance. Many (believers) might say, "repent? of what?" Perhaps for starters, we could repent of any self-seeking attitude. We must repent from our two-way thinking and life style, with one foot in the kingdom and one foot in the world. Repent of any obsession to fulfill some lower-level goal. Repent of any attitude that falls short of, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God." 

Many years ago, long before the Lord apprehended me, I taught electronics for four years in the Air Force. One specific circuit that I taught was a rectifier, whose purpose is to convert AC to DC current, which is needful for computers. A rectifier is used to change the wave shape of an audio or RF wave from a sine wave to a square wave. The rectifier drastically changes the shape of a sine wave by cutting off the top or the bottom of the sine wave, thus approximating a square wave. The meaning of the word, rectify, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is to set right; purify; to correct by removing errors.

Likewise, after we have been apprehended by the Lord Jesus, we believers need a Divine rectification in our thinking and life style, which must no longer be according to the old man, whose focus is on me, my, and mine, but rather on the Lord Himself. This requires us to cut off from our minds our selfish focus on self and to understand and agree with the will of the Lord. The Lord will NOT do that for us! That requires a continual, daily, decision on our part! We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to rectify or change us.

It is profitable for us all to reread the rewards or results of repentance found in Deuteronomy 30. We quote only parts of that Chapter below. Please go back and read the entire Chapter.

1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee,
2 And shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey His voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
3 That then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee.
9 And the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the Lord will rejoice over thee for good, as He rejoiced over thy fathers. Deuteronomy 30:1-3, 9

Please notice the little word, “then,” in Verse 3. Little words mean a lot in the Bible. In other words, the blessings, prosperity, etc., spoken of starting in Verse 3 are conditional upon the repentance in Verses 1 and 2. The same is true in the Book of Joel. Exactly in the middle of the Book of Joel (Joel 2:18) is the word “then.” This is the only occurrence of the word “then” in Joel. What follows Joel 2:18 is deliverance, blessing, prosperity, etc. What precedes Joel 2:18 is repentance. Please also go back and read again all of Isaiah 58, which describes the Lord’s fast. Those 14 verses in Isaiah 58 contain the word “then” four times. Each time, it describes how the Lord will bless us IF we repent. We suspect that there have been a multitude of people who have said, “Lord if you will just do this for me, then I will ...” In general, those who make such a statement generally do not keep their vow. But AFTER we have accepted the saving grace of our Lord, there is no more place for that kind of statement or vow. At that point it is the Lord who says, “if you repent, then I will ...”

Acts 2 describes what happened on the day of Pentecost.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:38-47

The word for the Church today is still the same; “Repent and save yourselves from this untoward generation.”  Untoward means crooked, perverse, or warped. The Church, which is supposed to be “straight,” is no longer straight, but crooked, having been warped for many long years by the ways of the world. The Church has been infiltrated by a democratic spirit, materialism, the god of entertainment, traditions of men, etc.  Untoward is the same type of word used to characterize Jacob, who tried for years to bring about the blessing of God through his own efforts. Peter says “save yourselves.”  You do it! This means we must make a conscious decision on our part to repent from our own warped ways and allow the Lord to be Lord of our life. The word “favor” in Verse 47 is the Greek charis, which means grace.

Now let us look at the somewhat similar verses in Acts 4 and compare the two sets of Scriptures. There are numerous similarities but some significant differences.

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made to every man according as he had need. Acts 4:32-35

(1) In Acts 4:4, 5,000 souls were added (by the Lord) to the Church, compared to 3,000 in Acts 2:41 on the day of Pentecost.

(2) More importantly, Acts 4 speaks of great power being manifested through the apostles and great grace being upon them all. This is the ONLY verse in the Bible which speaks about great grace. The question arises, Why? Why great power and great grace in Acts 4 but only power and grace in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost?

The answer may be found by examining what happened in Acts 3 and 4. In Acts 3 Peter and John went up to the temple to pray and encountered the man who had been lame from his mother’s womb. A Divine appointment! When the lame man asked an alms of Peter and John, Peter and John did NOT ask the Lord to come and heal the man; instead, Peter spoke the word of healing to the man.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 3:6

When Peter and John spoke the word of healing to the lame man, they knew that they had already been endued with power from on high. They had seen the manifestation of that power on the day of Pentecost and they simply BELIEVED the words that Jesus had spoken unto them. They also knew it was the will of God for that lame man to be healed. So they spoke the word of healing with all boldness and confidence, trusting and having faith in the Lord’s word to them. They believed that which Jesus had told them and they ACTED upon that faith when they told the lame man to rise up and walk!

Then Peter preached his second “sermon,” with the same general message as on the day of Pentecost. That message was:  repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter and John were then arrested and commanded by the Sanhedrin not to teach or preach in the name of Jesus any more. They refused, and they spoke the word of God with even more boldness. The Lord brought about this Divine appointment with the lame man and the subsequent trial of Peter and John in order to prove them, whether or not they would speak the word of the Lord with all boldness and authority and whether they would endure persecution. This was a trial of their faith.

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7

It is a great honor to be placed on trial by the religious elite of the day. That happened to Jesus and to Paul. It happened later to Martin Luther and to a number of other men of God throughout history. I have known personally four men in my lifetime who were put on trial by Spirit-filled, charismatic Sanhedrins. But the apostles counted it all joy (Acts 5:41); so did Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

Now WHY, in Acts 4:33, did the apostles give witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with GREAT power? Because they asked for it!

29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word.
30 By stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31

I have found only twelve verses in the Bible that speak about great power. Two such verses speak of the (false) power of the enemy (Psalm 37:35 and Acts 8:10). Nine verses speak of the power of the Lord. This is the only verse which speaks about great power which is delegated, namely to the apostles.

In Acts 4:33, great grace was upon them ALL, not just the apostles. Why? David said,

For who will hearken unto you in this matter? But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. 1 Samuel 30:24

The pathway to receiving more grace from God is humility, walking in His righteousness, and doing the will of God from the heart (Micah 6:8). It is exemplified by the parable of the talents, in Matthew 25:14-30. In that parable, it was not nearly as important the number of talents each servant had, but rather what each servant did with the talents that he had received. 

Prayer and Intercession

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. 1 Timothy 2:1

Paul tells us that the first priority of a Christian assembly is prayer. He mentions various forms of prayer.  Supplication means a petition or request. The Greek word comes from a word which means to beg, as binding oneself. Prayer means worship and signifies to pray earnestly. Jesus said to those in the temple,

It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer. Matthew 21:13

In addition, Paul says,

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Timothy 2:8

The word “men” in the above verse is actually the Greek word for males, not the generic word for human beings. Just as the Lord instructed every male to gather the manna each day for himself and his family, here again is an exhortation for men (males) to pray. This does not diminish or de-emphasize the importance and tremendous effect and fruit which springs forth from the prayers of women. For example, in the following verse, the word “man” is the Greek word for human being and thus includes both male and female.

The effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

Samuel said that it was a sin against the Lord if he ceased to pray for the people.

23 Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
24 Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all of your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:23-24

Note that Samuel prayed for Saul even after God had rejected him from being king (1 Samuel 15:11). That verse says that Samuel cried unto the Lord all night on behalf of Saul.

To intercede literally means “to come in between.” The intercessor is one who comes in between God and man, on behalf of men, frequently those men who deserve His wrath and punishment.

The great Intercessor, of course, was and still is Jesus.

Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12

In effect, when Jesus died on the cross, He was saying, “Let the judgment that is due to the people come upon Me.” Then after His death, resurrection, and ascension, we are told,

24 But this Man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25

What a comfort we have to know that Jesus continues to make intercession on our behalf before the throne of the Father! Jesus spent thirty years in relative obscurity, in “normal” family life; three and one-half years in public ministry; and now about two thousand years in intercession, unseen by any natural eye. Do those time frames say anything about the importance of intercession?

Some careful thought will bear witness that the greatest saints were often the greatest intercessors, for they were those who were closest to the heart of God. Some of these great intercessors were Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, and Paul, to name a few.

Abraham interceded on behalf of Sodom because his nephew, Lot, was there. Abraham knew that if judgment came upon Sodom, then Lot and his family would be part of the judgment. Abraham kept interceding for Sodom until the Lord promised that He would not destroy it if He found ten righteous persons in the city. I have read that at that point in time, Sodom was a major city with a population of no less than 10,000 people. For the sake of ten righteous people out of 10,000 persons God was willing to spare the entire city. That is one out of a thousand! Elihu, in the Book of Job records this same proportion.

23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
24 Then He is gracious unto him. And saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. Job 33:23-24

One out of a thousand! That does not seem like a very large percentage ... 0.1% ... or a tenth of a tenth of a tenth. Let us apply this same proportion to the United States. As of the printing of this book, the population of the United States is very close to 300,000,000 people. Does that mean, if we use the same proportion, that God will spare the United States if He finds 300,000 persons who walk in righteousness? A better question might be, are there 300,000 committed believers in the United States who walk in righteousness? (That does NOT mean those who have their names on a church roster; nor does it mean those who are born-again believers but are doing their own thing.) Do you think that America is in trouble? Is it time for the judgment of God to descend upon our country? Do we need some real intercessors, such as Abraham was in his time?

A second striking example of an intercessor was Moses. The apostasy of the Israelites who came out of Egypt during the Exodus was so great that only two of those over the age of twenty actually made it into the promised land. But Moses interceded.

31 And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book, which Thou hast written. Exodus 32:31-32

That is intercession! How many such saints do you think there are in the United States who would sincerely make that same statement? Only the Lord knows, but I would guess not too many! The Lord surely would have destroyed his chosen people had not Moses stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath.

In Verse 31, the people had made gods of gold. Do you think that some believers today have likewise made gods of gold? Money is a HUGE driving force in America, both in the world and in the Church. Almost all of the teaching relating to money that I have heard in person and from the television preachers is WARPED and DISTORTED! (For more on the Christian and money, please see Chapter 3 of our book, “Discerning Things That Differ.”)

The apostle Paul made the same statement as did Moses.

1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Romans 9:1-3

Ezekiel 22 records a different scene. Just as in the time of Abraham and Moses, the sins of God’s people are portrayed once more. But this time there was NO intercessor found to stand in the gap.

30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 22:30-31

One man ... one intercessor ... could have saved an entire nation, even though every section of society was corrupted (see Ezekiel 22:23-29 for proof of that). Can one man save the United States from the judgment of God?

The same apostasy existed in the time of Isaiah. Please read all of Isaiah 59 to get the complete picture.

And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him. Isaiah 59:16

Even God Himself wondered that there was no intercessor! What an amazing verse! Not one intercessor! Therefore, He sent His son, Jesus to be that intercessor. Thank you, Lord!

From my somewhat limited experience, I have seen very few saints who even know what intercession is, much less move in that vital ministry. Even the so-called “intercessor conference” that I attended last year gave little sign of genuine intercessors.

Therefore, we believe it is crucial for those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand, to ask the Lord to raise up true intercessors in our midst. There is no higher calling than that of an intercessor. Man will not see, recognize, or applaud you, but in the Kingdom of God your life will count for eternity.

What shall we as intercessors pray for? that the spiritual leaders of the Church will return unto the Lord, laying aside all mixture and things that hinder. Scripture is clear that judgment is according to the light that has been given. The greater the light, the more severe the judgment.

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him will be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48

In all of the history of the human race, there has never been a generation on the face of the earth that has been exposed to greater spiritual light than this generation in the United States. Most believers have heard an enormous amount of good teaching, both through first hand exposure and through books, tapes, and videos. Yet the Church in America has strayed far from what the Lord desires.

Intercessors also need to ask the Lord to open the eyes of each believer in our midst to come and see Jesus, to hear His voice, and to walk in His ways. Ask the Lord to give each member of the local church discernment concerning the body of Christ. Ask the Lord to bring you a true apostle. Ask the Lord to raise up a true prophet(s) in your midst. Then when the Lord grants your request, ask the Lord for His grace to hear, understand, and walk in the higher ways set forth by the true apostles and prophets.

Worship

Worship is not only the heart of a gathering, but also the heart of our every day life. Ministry to the Lord is vital! Ministry to the Lord is worship and worship is ministry to the Lord. A few years ago, as I enjoyed fellowship with some brethren in another state, I had a brief conversation with the wife of a man who seemed to have some maturity about him. When I asked her about worship, she said, “Oh, I never worship at home ... only in the meetings.” How sad! We should be free to worship in all circumstances and contexts. Our life should be a praise and worship to God no matter where we happen to be.

But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near to Me to minister unto Me, and they shall stand before Me to offer unto Me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 44:15

The Westminster Catechism states that the chief end of man is to know God and enjoy Him forever. Strange as it may seem at first, God also wants to enjoy us!

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

One of the means God established to provide enjoyment and pleasure is the avenue of worship. Let us look first of all at what worship is not and then at what worship is. There is a difference between worship and the activities often associated with the word “worship” and the traditional forms it often takes. I remember, before the Lord apprehended me in 1967, that my wife somehow persuaded me to start attending a denominational church. I remember that Methodist church had a Sunday program for their “worship service.” It consisted of 17 items, starting with an organ prelude, a “call to worship,” ending with an organ postlude, with three hymns, responsive reading, a few written prayers, an offering collection with an offertory solo, and the “sermon.” I know that there was a list of 17 items because I counted them every Sunday. I could not wait for the “service” to end! Then the Lord apprehended me and all things began to change!  

In the “hey day” of the New Testament church of which we were a part for about 12 years, we had no written program for our worship service. But we certainly had an unwritten program. It consisted of an opening prayer, the singing of three fast songs, the singing of three slow, more worshipful songs, singing in the Spirit, followed by the prophecies, a teaching or preaching, the chair out in the middle of the room for anyone who desired prayer, and then “fellowship,” which in reality was more like socialization. We rarely deviated from our order of worship. Was this better than the order of worship in the Methodist church? Perhaps, but only because of the spiritual state of the people. Although the house church incorporated many items of spontaneity, allowing more freedom for the Holy Spirit to move, we still missed the mark. Man’s methods of worship are mechanical and binding to those whose spirits are being drawn ever upward to the heart of the Father.

In the Old Testament the most commonly used Hebrew word for worship is shachah (pronounced shaw-khaw'). This is a primitive root; which means to depress, that is, prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God):-bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, or worship. The second most used word translated as worship is cagad, (pronounced saw-gad’) which is a primitive root meaning to prostrate oneself (in homage):-fall down.

In the New Testament, the primary Greek word translated as worship is proskuneo (pronounced  pros-koo-neh'-o), which means to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand; to fawn or crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):-worship. 

We can see from these definitions that the worship desired by God primarily refers to an inner attitude, consisting of prostrating ourselves before our Holy God. It also speaks of homage, reverence, service, and adoration. We would do well to understand that while worship is often usefully expressed in outward praise, not all praise is an expression or form of worship. Although there are many physical, outward expressions or forms of worship, worship is our inner attitude or state of our heart toward God. Clearly, from the following verses, God is after our heart, not a routine. Jesus said to the Pharisees,

7  Ye hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying:
8 This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.
9 But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:7-9

The importance of worshiping the Lord can be seen by the following verses.

8 Again, the devil, taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto Him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:8-10

Worship must also be in spirit and in truth.

19 The woman saith unto Him, Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet.
20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 4:19-24

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision!
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:2-3

I can not improve on the wording expressed by a good brother in Christ in a short article he wrote about worship. 

Worship consists of acknowledging His loving Lordship, being available to Him, putting ourselves at His disposal, waiting on Him, and being obedient to Him. This attitude is a praise to His Name and invites Him to indwell us and direct us more fully. Mary, the mother of Jesus, had such a heart attitude.

We do well to labor more earnestly to enter into His rest, allowing Him access to our hearts in simple expressions of love and care for one another. For it is in His rest that we allow the Holy Spirit to move freely in our midst.

Consider these scriptures:

13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lift up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For He is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;

14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14

Although we have been fortunate to have been part of a number of gatherings where the presence of the Lord has been manifested in many ways, we are still waiting to see a fulfillment of Verse 14 in our life on earth! Just as we grow toward seeing the hand of the Lord in every circumstance and hearing His voice from many sources, we also grow toward more perfect worship in the midst of all of life’s activities. We become more thoroughly available to Him throughout the day and we become “living epistles, read of all men.” I have been aware for 37 years that the level of congregational worship seems to be proportional to the maturity level of those believers present, where “maturity level” is defined by the degree to which we become as little children before Him.

One of the most immediately effective expressions of worship, especially in gatherings, is song. However, song is equally effective when we are alone with God. I remember that my grandmother would frequently try to sing as she worked around our house (she lived with us). She always said that she wished that she had a better singing voice so that she could praise the Lord better. Well, she got her wish because she is in the presence of the Lord now, singing His praises for eternity!

Every kind of appropriate song, whether psalms like those of the Old Testament, or hymns directed to God, or spiritual songs, blesses the Lord. It pleases the Lord to reveal Himself to us during such moments. Some have even heard the Lord singing in the midst of the congregation!

11 For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying, I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee. Hebrews 2:11-12

However, if our expressions of worship grow no further than singing together then it grieves the Holy Spirit, and eventually even the singing may develop into nothing more than a mechanical routine.

I remember one local gathering of about 12-15 saints many long years ago. One relatively young couple had a gift in music, so they led us in singing praises to our God. The only problem was that they exceeded their anointing and went on and on. The Lord brought to my mind a picture of the Israelites coming out of Egypt during the Exodus. They marched five in a row (Exodus 13:18). With at least one million people (counting women and children), the parade of people must have been at least 114 miles long, assuming three feet between rows. (Some simple arithmetic will confirm this.) The singers and musicians, like everyone else, had their specific position in the parade. However, if someone had been sitting on a grandstand and viewed the parade as it passed by, after the singers and musicians passed the grandstand there would come a point in time when they could no longer be heard because of the great distance. The moral of that picture is that a little pepper is good but a lot of pepper spoils the broth. In other words, the singers and musicians have a purpose to lead us into praise and worship, but once their function has been completed, they need to be careful not to exceed their anointing. They can become an end in themselves. We need to know when to minister overtly and when to stop ministering overtly.

Effective ministries, such as intercession, prophesying, teaching, comforting, exhortation, and all others, are also expressions of worship. Indeed, worship that is acceptable to God is what qualifies ministries as being effective. 

Let us look at the Lord's instructions to Moses:

24  An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my Name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. Exodus 20:24‑26

Marion Fretwell, a good brother who was serving the Lord many years before Latter Rain began, put it this way: "I will come unto thee" is the essence of worship. Our approach to God is quite secondary. Unless He comes unto us, our worship service may be nice, but unfruitful. Jesus said,

19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My father which is in heaven.

20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20

Verse 19 has been greatly distorted by many preachers. That Verse does NOT mean that you and I can agree that we both will be given a new Mercedes car every year!

Jesus did NOT say that where two or three gather together on Sunday morning (or any other time) that He would be present. He said that where two or three are gathered together (by the Holy Ghost in His name) then He would be in our midst. There IS a difference! The Holy Ghost MUST be in control. Hundreds of thousands gather together every Sunday morning in denominational churches. But is The Holy Ghost in control? Is there a manifestation of the Lord?

Exodus 20:24, above, also seems to indicate that the Lord's first choice was an altar of earth. By the time we get to Joshua we find no mention of the altar of earth. What then, is the altar of earth? It is you and me! It is the Church! We are that altar of earth! Paul put it this way:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

I have not yet found one verse in scripture where a natural altar of earth was built. Verse 24 is forward‑looking to the new covenant and the time when the tabernacle of God is with men (Revelation 21:3). What moves the Lord to come unto us? James answers that question:

6 But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8  Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 

James 4:6-10

An altar of stone (Exodus 20:25) was acceptable under certain conditions. Please note that it is not acceptable for man to have a part in shaping the stones that are used for an altar unto the Lord. This too is God's work and it is marvelous in our eyes. Man's ways pollute.

Glory and honor are in His presence; strength and gladness are in His place. 1 Chronicles 16:27

In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Moses understood the importance of the presence of the Lord.

14 And He [the Lord] said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

15 And he [Moses] said unto Him, If Thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. Exodus 33:14-15

How Do We Enter into His Presence?

First of all, we can NOT enter into His presence or be aware of His presence by our own works, strength, or power. We enter into his presence by His grace and mercy and by keeping our garments clean.

We also have a responsibility in order to enter into His presence. This responsibility is stated numerous times in the Psalms.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:2

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4

The “gate” speaks of the mind. The human mind is the gateway to the heart and soul. The “door” speaks of the heart. God’s gateway to our spirit is our heart. In the above verse, “enter into His gates” means to understand the mind and the ways of the Lord.

Further, because no flesh can glory in His presence and because no sin can be in His presence, it is vital that we keep our garments clean. We keep our garments clean by walking in the light which we have received.

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in Thy presence. Psalm 140:13

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:

A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou will not despise. Psalm 51:17

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. Micah 6:8

1 Thus says the LORD, The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool: Where is the house that ye build unto Me? And where is the place of My rest?

2 For all those things hath Mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word. Isaiah 66:1-2

For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15

1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:1-2

Notice the order in Verse 2 ... they ministered to the Lord and fasted. It does NOT say they fasted and ministered to the Lord. There IS a difference! Some believers fast in order to better minister to the Lord. That constitutes the preplanning of (Christian) man, not the spontaneity of the Holy Ghost. The prophets and teachers in Antioch became so caught up in ministering to the Lord that they “forgot” to eat and thus fasted. It wasn’t so much that they “forgot” to eat, however. Rather it was because they had only one thing on their minds ... to minister to the Lord in praise and worship!

Gleanings From the Early Church

We can not overlook what the early Church did, as recorded in the book of Acts, Chapters 2 and 4. 

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:42-47

That last verse is the highest form of evangelism. If we, the Church are in a right relationship with the Lord, then the Lord will add to the church daily such as should be saved. We do NOT have to beat the bushes for one convert to His Church!

The early church continued stedfastly in the apostles’ (plural) doctrine. Today, much of the Church does not even know what an apostle is. Many charismatic churches do not even know an apostle, much less what his doctrine is. But this condition will change soon, because the Lord will sovereignly restore Aaron’s rod that budded.

The things that we CAN do, from the above, is prayers and breaking bread from house to house. There is much life in Christians coming together over a meal. We can also endeavor to be in one accord. If there are things which are difficult to be in one accord about, then take it to the Lord in prayer.

How about selling all of our possessions and having all things in common?

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold. 

Acts 4:34

That would never fly at this season. The Church in America is much too materialistic for that. But we should be moving toward the spirit or heart of acknowledging that truth. All that we are belongs to the Lord. All that we are temporary stewards of likewise belongs to the Lord. Therefore, we freely give as led by the Holy Spirit. We cannot out-give the Lord, and our greater responsibility is to fellow believers, not to those in the world.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

The sovereignty of God may well bring about the heart of Acts 4:34 in our time after a new level of persecution hits the Church. Judgment MUST begin at the house of God!

Chapter 4: Matters of the Restored Heart

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his [Eliab’s] countenance, or on the height of his stature: because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Do All to the Glory of God

The first requirement on our part is a heart attitude of giving all the glory to God. We should let the glory and honor of God be habitually and in reality the chief end of all of our actions. To give glory to God should be the greatest desire of every believer. Not only should this be the supreme goal for our individual lives, but it should also be true whenever we gather in our local churches.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Every thing and every one has been designed to show forth His glory.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Even every one that is called by My name: for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7

There is a glory of man and then there is the glory of God. The glory of man is taken for worldly splendor and magnificence, which make kings glorious before men. Solomon, in all of his glory and in his richest ornaments was not arrayed nearly as beautiful as the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-29). We speak here only of the glory of God. By glory we mean, at the highest level, not only the essence of who God is, in all of His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, but also His manifest presence.

He IS our glory!

My glory and the lifter up of mine head. Psalm 3:3

I am the Lord: that is My name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8

The Father glorified the Son (John 13:31) and the Son glorified the Father (John 17:4). When the Lord says, in Isaiah 42:8, that “my glory I will not give to another,” He means that there is no real glory outside of Christ. “He is bringing many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

One of the multitude of ways that we give glory to God is through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, whether we are alone or in the midst of the congregation. Johann Sebastian Bach once said:

The aim and final reason for all music should be nothing else but the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit.

One of my favorite hymns is, “To God Be the Glory,” written by Fanny Crosby. Two of the stanzas of that great hymn are:

To God be the glory, great things He hath done! So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, who yielded His life an atonement for sin and opened the life gate that all may go in.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son; but purer and higher and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Not My Will but Thine Be Done

“Standard” Christian teaching says that we are a tri-part human being, consisting of body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). “Standard” teaching also says that our soul likewise consists of three parts ... the mind, will, and emotions. Moreover, we have free will ... we are able to make free choices and decisions ... we are NOT a robot with no will of our own. The same was true of Jesus when He came to the earth in the form of a man. (We believe that most of our problems stem from our disobedience and self-will, not from the devil.) I visited one church a few months ago. The question was asked, “Did Jesus have a choice when He went to the cross?” The leadership said, “No, Jesus did not have a choice.” We must respectfully disagree. We believe that Jesus had (has) a free will of His own, but He always subjected His own will to the will of the Father. We must do the same.

38 Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.

39 And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt. Matthew 26:38-39

If Jesus Himself prayed (Verse 39) that the will of the Father might be done, can we do anything less? We must become “will neutral” and be careful not to run ahead of the Lord, thinking that we already know the will of the Lord in a given situation.

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God. Hebrews 10:7

 

Jesus came to earth as a man to do the will of the Father. We have the same mission ... to do the will of the Father. We, like Jesus as a Man, have a will. The will of man is, by our sinful nature, to do our own will ... to satisfy our carnal desires and lusts. Even after we are apprehended by the Spirit of the Lord, we still tend, at times, to let our will override the will of the Father. But our will must become a servant to the will of the Father.

If you think about all of the “great” men and women in the Bible, they all came to the place where the will of God was uppermost in their minds. For example, let us revisit Samuel.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,

5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.

7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not rule over them. 1 Samuel 8:4-7

Note, in Verse 6, above, that the request of the elders displeased Samuel. Samuel KNEW that the request of the elders was not in the will of the Lord. Nevertheless, even though he knew their request was misguided, he still prayed and asked the Lord what he should do! Samuel COULD have told the elders that their request was displeasing to the Lord and that he would do no such thing. But he did not take the matter into his own hands. Instead, he prayed and asked the Lord what he should do. We should do the same as did Samuel in every situation of any consequence! Is it the will of the Lord for believers to be healed of sicknesses and disease? Of course! But we need to be careful that we don’t fix the fix that the Lord has set up because the Lord is after some higher purpose in that believer’s life.

Very recently, a good brother in the Lord told us a true story that actually happened about fifty years ago. One man of God, in his early years of walking with the Lord, had a younger brother who was about twelve years old at the time. The younger brother had been stricken with polio in the 1950's, when polio was not uncommon and vaccines had not been sufficiently developed to counteract that crippling disease. The younger brother was so crippled by polio that he could not walk, and had to lie in bed. The older brother was helping his brother in various ways, including caring for his financial needs. One day while the older brother went to work in a factory, he sensed the presence of the Lord at a rather high level all throughout the day. However, as he boarded a crowded bus to come home from work, he no longer sensed the presence of the Lord. Once he got off the bus, however, he again sensed the strong presence of the Lord. He came back to his home and pulled a chair over near the couch where his younger brother was lying. He bowed his head and prayed, Lord, you know that I would like for You to heal my brother. Nevertheless, please show me YOUR will for my brother. As he lifted his head from prayer, he saw, at the other end of the room, a column of fire in the shape of a man. The fiery shape walked toward him and seemed to enter into his very being. At that point in time, he KNEW that it was the will of the Lord to heal his brother. So, he went over to his brother, laid his hands on him, and his brother was instantly healed of polio and stood up and walked!

To repeat the principle, we need to be “neutral” in heart and mind and will as we pray for the Lord to reveal His will. Otherwise, we become like Moses, who struck the rock the second time because he saw that it “worked” once.

Come And See

35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

36 And looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God.

37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto Him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest Thou?

39 He saith unto them, Come and see. John 1:35-39

The two disciples, in the above verses, asked where Jesus dwelt physically ... what house or tent. However, Jesus gave them a spiritual answer, and one that they did not understand. That last verse may be translated as, “Come and you shall see!” See what? more scriptural truth? NO! Come to Jesus where He is and you shall see THE TRUTH ... Jesus Himself, the personification of all truth. Where does Jesus dwell today? The same place that he has always been ... in the realm of the Spirit. And so the key for us today is the same key that has always been there ... coming to Jesus. Jesus prayed,

Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24

Note that Jesus did NOT pray that they might be with Him where He would be, but where He was, even before His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Where was Jesus? in the realm of the Spirit! Man is forever trying to pull Jesus down to where we are, but Jesus wants to draw us, by His Spirit, up to where He is! When Jesus was crucified, we were crucified with Him. When Jesus died on the cross, we died with Him, When Jesus arose from the grave, so did we. In all points we must identify with the Lord Jesus!

It is only by the grace of God that we have been allowed to come unto Jesus initially and experience His saving grace.

No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him. 

John 6:44

When we come to Jesus, we must come as a little child, trusting completely in Him.

Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16

Some wonderful results of coming to Jesus are a quenching of our thirst, eternal life, and rest.

If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. John 7:37

39 Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.

40 And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. John 5:39-40

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

This rest that Jesus spoke about is the same rest spoken of ten times in Hebrews, Chapters 3 and 4. That rest is a ceasing of our works and an entering into the works that the Father has ordained for us to walk in from before the foundation of the world.

However, coming to Jesus, except for the initial salvation experience, is not free. There is a price to pay.

And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Mark 8:34

There is a difference between knowing about someone and knowing that person. In one sense we all know President Bush, but we actually only know a few things about him. His wife, Laura, knows George Bush very well! Why? Because she has lived with him for many years. She knows his strengths and his weaknesses.

In like manner, the only way we can truly know Jesus is to come to Him, dwell with Him and He with us, be taught by Him, learn to trust Him. Knowing the Lord was/is a sign of Israel’s blessing.

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9

10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people:

11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest. Hebrews 8:10-11

Similarly, evils came to Israel from not knowing the Lord.

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: But Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider. Isaiah 1:3

The Greek word, eido (pronounced i’-do) is a wonderful word! It is translated “know” in the New Testament 180 times and 80 times as “see.” Conclusion? To see Him is to know Him!

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2

Christianity is not a religion but a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. You can read about Christianity all you want, but you will never know the depths of that Man from Galilee until you experience Him, walk with Him, dwell with Him, and understand His ways. It is one thing to understand Scriptural truth. It is quite another to experience THE Truth (the person of the Lord Jesus Christ).

Historically, we can (and do) hear, understand, and recover scriptural and doctrinal truth (by the grace of God). We also can (and do) become satisfied and even ecstatic with this newly unveiled scriptural truth. We can go to our nice meetings, sing some nice, worshipful songs, hear a nice polished teaching or preaching (perhaps with some new revelation), say some nice prayers, and never know what we are missing! We need to be careful that we are not “playing” church. We need to be very careful that we do not fall into the category of,

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. 2 Timothy 3:5

But we can NEVER be fully satisfied until the experiential life of Christ is made manifest within us! Christ in you, the hope of glory! The ONLY way we will ever be satisfied is given by:

As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness. Psalm 17:15

You will NEVER have a fruitful local church simply by reading a book, not even the Bible! Jesus said to the Jews,

39 Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.

40 And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. John 5:39-40

“The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). A good book about the Church can only point you in the right direction. The ONLY way to have a fruitful, thriving local church is to “Come and see Jesus.” Seek Him who is the author and finisher of our faith. After all, He is the one who founded the Church. He has ALL of the keys to success. Unless the Lord is satisfied, neither will a local church be satisfied or fulfilled. Only the Lord can bring about fulfillment and satisfaction in a life or in a church. Never lose sight of your priorities. The Lord MUST be first. He must come first before our spouse, our children, our job, and even our God-given ministry.

Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called and His disciples, to the marriage.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto Him, They have no wine.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. 

John 2:1-5

The word translated as servants is the Greek word diakonos and indicates those servants who have become servants of their own free will. Only the true servants of the Lord can respond to hearing and doing the will of the Lord. Verse 5 contains Mary’s last and most significant words that are recorded in Scripture.

Jesus said,

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

. . .

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:1-4, 27

In order to do whatever He saith unto us, we must first of all hear what He is saying. In early Bible times Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and many others heard the voice of the Lord for themselves. They did not have the benefit of a Bible, Bible commentaries, good Christian books and tapes, or wonderful teachers to help to guide them. They had to depend upon that which the Lord told them. The Bible does not state HOW they heard or in what form His voice was communicated.

Many long years ago, I taught electronics in the Air Force. One of the courses that I taught was called “basic radio.” I taught, in great detail, all of the circuits required to make up a radio. For a radio to be effective, there must be two major components ... a transmitter and a receiver. One without the other is of little value. You may have the best transmitter in the world, but if there is no adequate receiver, then that which is transmitted produces no fruit. The same is true if you have a great receiver but no transmitter. There must be communication between the two components.

The Lord Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, is the greatest transmitter ever known. There is no lack to His ability to communicate with men. He speaks to us in ways that we do not realize. I once knew a man who said that he had heard the Lord speaking to him through dining room table place mats, a man’s hat, a man’s pants, and a dog, to name a few. He also heard the voice of the Lord sovereignly, through reading Scripture, through other believers, and through heathens.

I am thoroughly convinced that the Lord wants to speak to us more than we want to hear. We need to sharpen our desire to hear His voice and then sharpen our spiritual ears to hear Him in any of the many ways that He speaks to us.

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and whiles they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

The only question is, how good is our receiver? Have we had our ears circumcised to hear all the truth of God? or just the part that we want to hear? Are the traditional teachings of men, even mature believers, so stuffed in our ears that we cannot hear His word?

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14

The senses in the above verse does not refer to our natural senses, but to our spiritual senses, such as having eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart to understand. Note that the above verse says “both” good and evil. The verse does NOT say “between” good and evil; neither can that Greek word be translated as “between.” What the verse says is that we need to have our spiritual senses exercised (through use, or practice) to discern the difference between the will of God on one hand and good and evil on the other hand. Remember that God forbade Adam and Eve to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Why has hearing the voice of the Lord become almost a lost art? For a variety of reasons: lack of understanding the ways of the Lord and self-centeredness are certainly two such reasons. Laziness and impatience are two more reasons. We live in an age when people demand instant gratification. It takes time and effort to sit and wait on the voice of the Lord to speak to us. It is much easier to just read a good Christian book, listen to a tape, watch a video, or hear what the pastor says. We also have hardened our hearts.

7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear His voice,

8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:) Hebrews 3:7-8

Is the Church teaching believers to hear the voice of the Lord for themselves? Are Christian parents teaching their children to hear the voice of the Lord for themselves? It appears that the answer in both cases is “No.” The greatest service any minister can perform for others is to help younger believers to hear the voice of the Lord for themselves, to have an understanding heart to know His ways, not just His acts, and to cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean (Ezekiel 44:23). Please pause a few seconds and reflect on that word, “cause.” Ezekiel 44:23 does NOT say that the priests, the sons of Zadok, will teach about discerning between the unclean and the clean. That is not good enough. That will not get the job done. For any believer to cause another to discern between the unclean and the clean is quite a strong statement.

But hearing is not sufficient. We must also obey. “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.”

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken that the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

Obedience is NOT a natural quality! We are certainly NOT born with a tendency toward obedience ... quite the contrary! All you have to do is look at little children. They will pout, cry, and do ANYTHING to get their own way. And when two little children want the same toy ... LOOK OUT!

Whenever we come to know the saving grace of our Lord, we do not automatically take on the nature of obedience. Obedience is a characteristic of both the natural and the spiritual man that must be learned. When a mother tells her young child, “No, no, don’t touch the fire or hot oven,” the child at first cannot comprehend, because he or she has never experienced the sensation of burning. The child, unfortunately, must usually learn from a painful experience (or two) to obey the mother. Consider Jesus.

Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. Hebrews 5:8

How could it be that Jesus had to learn obedience? Because He came to earth as a man. He had to experientially learn obedience as a man. Jesus learned obedience by the things which He suffered. God has chosen suffering as a major avenue whereby we may learn obedience and become an overcomer. If that were true of Jesus, how much more true that is for us! Peter has much to say about the suffering which we as Christians are called upon to endure. However,

I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Led By the Spirit

Probably the most important aspect of the proper functioning of a local church is for each member to be led by the Holy Spirit, both individually and corporately.

A number of months ago, we heard several believers in a certain charismatic local church say, during the service, that their church was certainly “led by the Spirit.” We are sure that those believers were/are well intentioned and sincerely believed what they had said. However, from our observation over a period of time, we are not sure that those believers knew what they were saying. We say this because almost all of their services are preplanned. That condition is quite normal for some charismatic churches, not to mention denominational churches. Because of the rigidity of such gatherings, it is usually difficult for a fresh, new word from the Lord to come forth.

We believe that there is a difference between an individual believer being led by the Spirit and a local church being led by the Spirit. Each individual believer obviously has numerous times and events when he or she must make a personal decision of some importance.

Led by the Spirit as an Individual Believer

Living by the promptings and power of the Holy Spirit is the key to conquering sinful desires.

Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. 

Zechariah 4:6

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

Romans 8:14

God is the Father of us all in the sense that He created us all and His love and providential care are extended to all (Matthew 5:45). But not all are His children. Jesus said to the unbelieving Jews of His day, “Ye are of your father the devil” (John 8:44). People become children of God through faith in God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13). Being led by God’s Spirit is the hallmark of this relationship.

No one would argue that Jesus is our pattern. No one would argue that Jesus was always led by the Spirit. He always did the will of God. As a man, He had a will, but He always subjected His will to the will of the Father.

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Matthew 4:1

The wilderness is the proving ground. It is in the wilderness that the Lord sees whether we will follow Him or not. We find this same principle at work when the Israelites came out of Egypt.

 

17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.

18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. 

Exodus 13:17-18

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed ye be not consumed one of another.

16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Galatians 5:13-18

24 And they who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:24-25

The Lord tells us in Luke 18:1 not to lose heart. The Lord is faithful! The sufferings and travail to fulfill the purposes of the Lord cannot be compared with the glory that is to be revealed within us.

Led by the Spirit as a Corporate Body

The Church at Corinth was/is a pattern of a corporate group of believers who were NOT led by the Spirit when they came together corporately. They were led by the flesh. We call that the “Corinthian spirit.” The believers at Corinth were children of God, born again, baptized in the Holy Ghost, and had every gift and ministry in operation. But they were not sons of God; they had no maturity about them. They had charisma but not character. In Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, he says:

So that ye come behind in no gift. 1 Corinthians 1:7

1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

In effect, the believers in Corinth, when they assembled themselves together, wanted to be seen and heard. I have witnessed that same Corinthian spirit on numerous occasions. They exercised the vocal gifts to an excess, but it was primarily motivated by the flesh. Their gatherings approached chaos, with no order or harmony in what was brought forth. Peter said,

If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

1 Peter 4:11

When the Lord, through Moses, sent the ninth plague upon Egypt (the plague of darkness),

24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.

25 And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God.

26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God; and we know not with what we must serve the Lord, until we come thither. Exodus 10:24-26

The above verse speaks of the spontaneity that should exist within corporate gatherings. From 1969-1980 we were part of a New Testament house church. We had no one who had been to a seminary or Bible college, no paid ministries, no written program, no podium, never passed a collection plate, never knew what songs we would sing, and in general never knew who was going to teach or preach. We came close, during the “heyday” of that church, to being led by the Spirit.

We have believed for 35 years that there should be fresh revelation in every gathering of believers. Because of the preplanning of most Christian leaders, it is difficult for a fresh revelation to come forth. The tradition of some charismatic leaders is to preplan every meeting, including what songs to sing and when, and who is to be the scheduled speaker. That certainly creates a very predictable situation. Unfortunately, such gatherings may easily miss that which the Lord wants to say. We strongly recommend that you do not preplan what songs you will sing and do not preplan who will be the “scheduled speaker.” With preplanning, all the other elders can just sit back and relax, knowing that they will not be sharing anything. We strongly recommend that each elder be prepared to share a word at each and every meeting. Then, if the inspiration of the Holy Ghost is there, one or more elders can easily speak forth that word. (By this we do NOT mean to imply that only elders can speak during a meeting. In general, the smaller the number of believers present, the more each believer should have freedom to speak. With larger numbers of believers, it is generally more in the will of the Lord for more mature believers to speak.)

Around 6 a.m. on April 11, 2004, the Lord gave me a dream. In the end times, “your old men shall dream dreams” (Joel 2:28). In the dream I was sitting in a rather large assembly of Spirit-filled (charismatic) Christians. I did not know anyone at that gathering. At the beginning of the meeting a woman stood up and gave an impassioned, personal plea for spiritual help. I do not remember the specifics of her request other than it was a heart-felt cry for someone, anyone, to help her in her situation. When she finished, there was silence in the assembly for what seemed like a long time, although in reality it was probably no more than one or two minutes. One or two minutes of silence in a charismatic assembly seems like a very long time! The silence seemed to indicate that either no one knew how to help her or that no one wanted to be bothered. At that point, sensing that I could and should help the woman, I stood up, carrying my Bible, and walked toward the front of the large room where the believers had assembled, looking for whoever was “in charge” of the meeting. Since I did not know any of the believers who were present, I had difficulty locating the “elder in charge,” although I believed it was one of three men that I saw. One of those three men then went over to a raised platform where a number of musicians were seated. So I went over to that man and told him that “I have the word of the Lord for this assembly.” (The word was directly related to the woman’s plea for spiritual help.) The musicians had already started playing so I had difficulty hearing the man’s response to me, particularly since he spoke in a rather low voice. So, I repeated that “I have the word of the Lord.” Again, the man (elder in charge?) said something to me in a low voice. I could hear that he mentioned my name. The essence of what he said to me was, “Mr. Padgett, we cannot allow you to speak.” (An interesting question is how did the man “in charge” know my name? I had never met any of those people in my dream.) Then I woke up from the dream. When I woke up, I immediately received the interpretation of the dream. The woman who had made the impassioned plea for spiritual help represents the body of Christ. It is significant that in my dream NO ONE actually helped the woman! Again, in my dream, the Lord did have a word that would address the woman’s sufferings and bondage, but the “religious system” did not allow the word to come forth. (That dream was literally fulfilled in reality a few weeks later!) The woman’s plea for help and deliverance from her bondage and sufferings reminds me of the time of Moses.

23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them. Exodus 2:23-25

Then God released Moses, whom He had been preparing for 80 years, and sent him to be used as the human deliverer for His people. But God never released Moses until the people cried out to God. Why did it take the Israelites 400 years before they cried out to God? Because at least four (new) generations had grown up in bondage and never knew there was a better way! They thought their life of suffering and bondage was “normal” UNTIL the suffering became unbearable.

The Lord also reminded me of a “Lay Witness Mission” I attended in the mid 1970's in a Methodist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. On Sunday mornings, instead of a “sermon” the coordinator (leader) of the Lay Witness Mission usually gave his/her personal testimony of how the Lord had apprehended him/her. Everyone was seated that morning as we sang the hymn right before the time for the “sermon.” The hymn was, “To God Be the Glory.” As the congregation sang the second verse of that hymn, a few of the members of that local Methodist Church stood up, raised their hands into the air, and started praising the Lord. More did the same, such that at least half of the people there were standing, arms upraised, and praising the Lord. I remember sensing the very strong presence of the Lord. When the hymn was over, the coordinator took that service right back into the normal routine. He stood up and gave his personal testimony of how the Lord had apprehended him. I remember that I groaned in my spirit. The Holy Spirit was beginning to move in that Methodist Church but the coordinator quenched the Spirit by going right back into the usual routine. We will never know what we missed that morning!

The same thing happened in my dream Easter morning, April 11, 2004. The Lord wanted to do something in that meeting, but the elder in charge took the meeting right back into the usual routine. The musicians started playing their three fast songs, which is somewhat customary in our charismatic meetings. Why? Because just like the Israelites in Exodus 2, the people of God don’t know there is a better way, a way that is truly led by the Holy Spirit. More specifically, as one good brother put it, “There is nothing more scary than the Holy Ghost beginning to take over and the person who has been in charge suddenly not knowing what will happen next.” May we suggest that if we know what is going to happen next, then we are most likely NOT being led by the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, if we know what is going to happen next, we don’t need the Holy Spirit in our meetings.

This same spontaneity is reflected below.

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets:

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:29-33

Verse 29 ... Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. This verse is somewhat amazing in that very few charismatic churches have one prophet, much less two or three! Does this reflect how far we have fallen? Do the local churches see the need for two or three prophets? We are not talking about those who have a gift of prophecy. (For the difference between the ministry of a prophet and the gift of prophecy, see Chapter 6 of our book, “Discerning Things That Differ.”)

We strongly recommend that believers pray fervently that the Lord will raise up one or more true prophets in your midst. Then after the Lord grants your request, ask for His grace that you can accept what the prophets say.

A good verse that applies to both situations ... being led by the Spirit as an individual and being led by the Spirit corporately is,

But there [in Zion] the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. Isaiah 33:21

A galley with oars is one that is being led by man. Man does the rowing and thus controls both the direction and the speed of the ship. A galley without oars means that man has no part in the guiding of the ship. The Holy Spirit is the guide! A gallant ship speaks of someone who has acquired a “name” in the body of Christ ... someone who is well known to men, but not approved by God. When we are truly led by the Spirit, we have no oars to propel the galley, neither is there any gallant ship to sail across the rivers and streams. Praise the Lord!

Follow Me

The Lord Jesus Christ is clearly the One we want to follow, by and through the power of the Holy Spirit, Who indwells us. If we follow Him, He will mold us into that which He desires. If we follow Him, He will lead us to the cross and we will identify with Him in all things.

And He [Jesus] saith unto them, Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. 1 Peter 2:21

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. Revelation 14:4

The above verse deserves some explanation! Does that mean that the 144,000 (from Revelation 14:1-3) who sing a new song were only males?  NO! In Christ there is neither male not female (Galatians 3:28). Does it mean that marriage is not good because a man gets defiled if he marries and biblically “knows” his wife?  NO! Jesus glorified marriage (Matthew 19:4-6); so did Paul (Ephesians 5:22-33). There is no justification for a doctrine of celibacy in the teaching of the New Testament. In fact, Paul warns that one sign of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils is “forbidding to marry” (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Does the verse mean that only those who are literally virgins (in the natural, physical sense) qualify for God’s highest rewards?  NO! The verse describes believers who kept themselves from defiling relationships with the worldly religious systems, the metaphorical “women” in Verse 4, above. Those same “women” are (spiritual) harlots and the daughters of Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth (Revelation 17:5).

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:3-4

Here it says that the Rock followed them, but in the Old Testament it says that they followed the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Why the change in the New Testament? Because in the New Testament we walk by faith, not by sight. The Lord requires that we take a step of faith. When we do, then we hear a voice behind us, saying, “this is the way, walk ye in it.”

Younger believers do well to follow the example of a mature man of God, such as Paul. Why? because Paul was following the Lord.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) Philippians 3:17-19

7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

Chapter 5: The Organization and Government of the Restored Church

In this Chapter we discuss several aspects relating to the organization and government of the local church ... names, church government, church structure, locally paid ministries, freedom and liberty within the assembly, appropriating the Christ in others, and the Lord’s supper. What we discuss, we believe, has immense significance with the way a local church should operate or function if we desire to experience God’s restoration.

Names

Man, even Christian man, seems bent upon names. About 30 years ago, someone told me that there were 435 denominations in the United States. If that were true then, there must be more than 500 by now. We like to name, title, and stereotype almost everything, particularly church groups. But The Church at Ephesus, for example, most likely NEVER called themselves The Church at Ephesus or any other name. That was only how Paul referred to them. As a matter of principle, whenever a church group assumes ANY kind of name (which is usually in order to get a bank account and an IRS number, with the subsequent "tax deduction"), that is the first step in the wrong direction, toward stagnation, tradition of men, the ways of the world, the leaven of the Pharisees, etc. Yes, God is merciful and often "winks" at our ignorance, for a season. But we strongly recommend that you do NOT adopt a name for your local church. This implies that you cannot get a bank account or an IRS recognized status. This means that no donations are “tax deductible.” What a wonderful day it will be when that becomes a secular law! Then we will be forced to render unto the Lord the things that are the Lord’s and render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. We will be forced to trust the Lord and rely on Him for our materialistic well-being!

It appears that The Church at Corinth (unlike The Church at Ephesus) DID call themselves by some name (or rather names, plural). In 1 Corinthians 1:11-13, "... every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." Again, in 1 Corinthians 3:4, "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" How does this differ from the modern-day version of: "I belong to the First Baptist Church; I am a member of The Church at Fairfax County; I am a member of the ___________?” (Fill in the name of YOUR group.)  

First Corinthians, of course, is primarily a letter of correction that Paul wrote, concerning a variety of errors (at least seven) that had crept into that church. It is worth reflecting that this situation (members of The Church at Corinth calling themselves by different names) is the FIRST error addressed by Paul. He addresses this problem even before the (rampant) fornication, which he first mentions in Chapter 5. Why the order? Perhaps because "he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body" (Chapter 6:18), but the naming process had affected EVERY believer (Chapter 1:12).

In the beginning, when God created man, "Male and female created He them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created" (Genesis 5:2). "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28).

BEFORE the fall of Adam and Eve (the timing is significant), "the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof" (Genesis 2:19). Adam also gave his wife her name (Genesis 2:23). Then AFTER the fall, in Genesis 9:1, "And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth." After the fall, man no longer had the charge to "subdue the earth: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." As a result of losing his God-given dominion, man also lost his authority to give out names.  

Of course, man has continued to exercise the function of giving names, even though he no longer has that authority. This is an external outworking of the rebellion of man. For example, in Genesis 4:16-17, "And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, ... and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch." Another example is recorded in Daniel 1:7, where the Babylonian prince of the eunuchs gave (different) Babylonian names to Daniel (renamed Belteshazzar) and three other chosen men of God. Everyone remembers the Babylonian names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Who remembers their REAL names?

There seems to be at least four categories of giving of names:

(1) Man (in his rebellious state) still exercises the lost charge to give names or to make a name for himself/herself.

Some of us name businesses, houses, lands, streets, boats, cars, and children after our self. This is usually motivated by a proud desire to perpetuate our own name. Such was certainly the case for Linda’s father, who built his own empire and was characterized by the following verses.

10 For He seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.

13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. Psalm 49:10-13

(2) Man (in his rebellious state) still exercises the lost charge to give names, but this is later overturned by the sovereignty of God. For example, God changed the name of Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, and Saul to Paul. 

(3) Man, in a right relationship with the Lord, seeks the will of God for the name of an offspring, and gives the God-desired name.

(4) God sovereignly provides the name, without man asking. Two prominent cases in this category are John the Baptist (Luke 1:13): "and thou shalt call his name John"; and Jesus (Luke 1:31): "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS."

So, the dominion (and the right to "name") originally given to Adam, but lost in the fall, now belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ as a result of the redemption purchased at the cross of Calvary.

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. John 10:2-3

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Isaiah 62:2

Any believer walks in a very precarious position when he or she begins to make a "name" for himself or herself. It is a very easy thing to make a name for yourself, but it requires some compromises along the way. Anyone who has an apparent gift that appeals to the senses (such as healing or miracles) or a reasonable message of "truth" (or even a word that sounds pleasant to the ears) can relatively quickly establish audiences in numerous places. Before long, you can become a speaker at the large "conferences" and make yourself nationally known. There are currently, in the United States, dozens, perhaps hundreds, of such "names" that will one day be humbled by God in the sight of man. Some already have been. Many of these "names" will surprise you. I remember one such man who years ago had developed a nationally-known "name." Then he was humbled (because of his own deeds) in the sight of other believers. Apparently in a state of repentance, the man received a word from the Lord that, "the Lord has allowed this thing to overtake you such that you will be less known to man, but more known of God." Unfortunately, after a season of repentance, it appears that man has fallen into another snare, which also is related to making a name for yourself. How do I know? Because the Lord sent me one Sunday morning to “his” church to see for myself. Why did the Lord want me to see the snare that brother is now in? primarily to pray for him. I am quite certain he is not aware of his present entrapment. Only a sovereign tough from the Lord will set him free.

Even if man begins to acquire a "name," but not through his own efforts, there is still potential peril, albeit of a different variety. Such a person is subjected to significant attacks by the enemy. There is no better example than Jesus Himself. Not only did Jesus not make a name for Himself, He MADE Himself of NO reputation (Philippians 2:7). In Mark 1:34-38, after Jesus had healed many that were sick of diverse diseases, and cast out many devils, Simon and those with him came to Jesus and said unto him, "All men seek for Thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth." Jesus never sought the applause of men.  

John 6 records the height of Jesus' popularity, because of His miracles and because He provided natural food for the multitudes. But in that same Chapter, Jesus said some things that no man understood. In verse 53, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." Those who heard Him considered this to be heresy, since Moses had told them numerous times not to eat flesh with the blood. This was the start of the conflict that the Jews had with Jesus. And "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him" (John 7:1). Not long afterwards the Jews succeeded in their mission. Those "hard" sayings in John 6 have no natural-level meaning. Jesus said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63).

The "best" name for any believer may be summed up by Revelation 2:17 and Revelation 3:12.

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Revelation 2:17

In Revelation 2:17, the OVERCOMER (not just anyone who has accepted the saving grace of our Lord) is promised a new name ... the believer's new name. No one else except the overcomer himself/herself knows that name. Therefore, no other person can prophesy to you your new name.

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Revelation 3:12

In Revelation 3:12, the OVERCOMER is also promised a new name - but this new name is the Lord's name. In both verses, the word "new" is the Greek "kainos," which means new as to quality, not "neos," which means new as to time.

But even better than that is the name of Jesus ... name above ALL names! the name to which every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Why is the name of Jesus even better than the new names promised to the overcomer in Revelation 2:17 and 3:12 ? One of the best answers to that question can be found in Philippians 2. Because Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

In Acts:

16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Acts 15:16-17

Church Government

The Holy Spirit seems to have revived (and increased our understanding of) this word, first received in the late 1970's, as being quite pertinent to all believers today. The title could just as easily be "The Normal Christian Life" or "The Walk of a Believer" because the same principles apply in the life of every believer as in the subject of "Church Government."

The first teaching we received (through a human believer) on the subject of church government came around 1969, as follows:

(1)  A (local) church government corresponds to a (local) civil government. Paul writes to The Church at Ephesus, The Church at Corinth, etc. Since the house church that we were a part of at that time was located in Fairfax County, Virginia, and since the government was (and is) Fairfax County, therefore we (wanting to be scriptural) called ourselves "The Church at Fairfax County."

(2)  The pattern for church government is typified by The Church at Antioch. The teaching went as follows. In Acts 15, after no small disputation, James (the pastor at Jerusalem) said (Verses 13-21) ... and that ended the discussion. So The Church at Jerusalem typifies the pastor and the elders, which is still very much present in denominational churches and a few house churches today. In this pattern, the pastor basically is the dominant authority, subject (more or less) to input from the elders. The Church at Antioch, as illustrated in Acts 13, represents a plurality of ministry, where no one person stands out above the rest. In Acts 13:2, "... the Holy Ghost said ..." The teaching was that "the Holy Ghost said" is better than "James said." Therefore The Church at Antioch is the scriptural pattern. (As an interesting aside, a number of believers have written books, arguing which of these two churches is “the pattern” for church government. As we describe below, they are BOTH wrong!)

Some years later the Spirit of God quickened that the above is not quite the way that it is. Furthermore, we (our house church) were NOT The Church at Fairfax County because The Church at Fairfax County consists of all genuine believers who live in Fairfax County. And so we were rather presumptuous and prideful (albeit ignorantly so) in taking on our "name." Further, The Church at Ephesus most likely NEVER called themselves The Church at Ephesus or any other name. That was only how Paul referred to them. Moreover, there is no scriptural indication that the early believers even called themselves Christians. They were first called Christians (by others) at Antioch (Acts 11:26). Some believe that this “name” of Christians was invented by enemies of the cross of Christ as a term of reproach. As a matter of principle, whenever a church group takes on ANY kind of name, that is the first step in the wrong direction, toward stagnation, tradition of men, the ways of the world, the leaven of the Pharisees, etc. (See the previous section on “Names.”)

More importantly, NEITHER the Church at Jerusalem NOR the Church at Antioch is the scriptural pattern for church government. Both groups have missed the point. Church government, like the life of a believer, CANNOT (or at least SHOULD NOT) be a static pattern. Surely, somewhere toward the bottom line of God's purpose for the Church is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." God desires that the fullness of Christ be formed within each member of the body of Christ, which is His true Church.

No instant maturity is available. Paul said, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31). John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). It is amazing how many ministers REVERSE the order and quote the verse as, "I must decrease, but He must increase." The order is significant. If we concentrate on Christ increasing within us, the result is inevitable, namely that I MUST decrease. No man can serve two masters. However, it is possible for me to decrease with no increase of Christ within. The pattern for church government, as well as the life of a believer, must be DYNAMIC, a daily "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

One day in the late 1970's, the Holy Spirit began to quicken His word on church government from the book of Acts. In Acts 1:15, "And in those days’ Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together was about a hundred and twenty,) ..." Then in Acts 2:14, "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said ..." The Holy Spirit instantly correlated the 120 in Acts 1:15 with the 11 in Acts 2:14. Then the Spirit revealed that in Acts, Chapters 3 through 8, Peter and John are ALWAYS mentioned together. You never see one without the other. But in Chapters 9-28, you NEVER see Peter and John mentioned together. So there is a progression in the life of Peter, as recorded in the book of Acts, which parallels the dynamics of church government as it is meant to be. Peter with the 120, then Peter with the 11, then Peter and John, and finally Peter and no man, but the Lord. Of course this does not mean that Peter never saw or related to John or any of the other disciples again. It simply is not recorded in scripture.

Compare this with the transfiguration of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 17. Peter, James, and John at first saw Moses and Elijah, as well as Jesus (Verse 3). But after the word from God, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Verse 5), and after Jesus touched them (Verse 7), "when they had lifted up their eyes, they  saw no man, save Jesus only" (Verse 8). Compare also 1 John 2:27, "But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you ..." We must get our eyes off man (no matter how spiritually mature the man may be), and look only to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

An excellent scripture pertaining to church government is:

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Verse six lists a progression of 4 stages:

(1) unto us a child is born

(2) unto us a son is given

(3) the government shall be upon His shoulder (NOT the shoulders of elders or a pastor, but upon HIS shoulder)

(4) and His name shall be called ...

These SAME 4 stages are typified in the life of Peter, as recorded in the book of Acts. Stage one MAY be typified by The Church at Jerusalem, but the error is in staying there forever. Stage two MAY be typified by The Church at Antioch, but the error is in staying there forever. Stage 3 takes a lot of maturity (seldom, if ever seen in a group as a whole) and can be typified by the "father" stage in 1 John 2. This stage can rarely operate except in individuals who have a revelation of what lies beyond Pentecost. Stage 4 can be summed up as "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This stage involves the realization and manifestation of the time when the Son turns everything over to the Father that God may be all in all (1 Corinthians 15:28).

The major point is that church government is NOT patterned after the Gettysburg address ... a government of the people, by the people, and for the people (where people in our context signifies genuine believers). Church government must always be a progression TOWARD the government OF God, BY God (sovereignly), and FOR God, and AWAY from government of, by, and for believers. Again, the order is significant. We can move away from the government of, by, and for believers and be nothing more than a rebel.

Compare 1 Samuel, Chapter 8, when ALL the elders were in error (Verse 4) by asking Samuel to make them "a king to judge us like all the nations." Just in case you think that it is not possible for modern-day Spirit-filled elders to ALL be in error, the Lord has allowed me to see it happen in six different churches. In Verse 7 the Lord says, "... they have not rejected thee (i.e., Samuel), but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." Church government has no relationship to democracy (one elder - one vote - majority rule). Neither is Church government a dictatorship through one man called a pastor. We need to change our mind-set from the typical pastor-dominated local church.

A pertinent question at this point might be, "Well, how do you IMPLEMENT this dynamic pattern of church government?" First of all, YOU do NOT implement it; the Holy Spirit does. Second, if this revelation does not produce a corresponding vision, then don't even try. Third, this pattern cannot be implemented if your vision of the church is The Church at Antioch. As far as the MECHANICS are concerned (if there is any such thing), "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!" The Holy Spirit must have a freedom to operate.

Now we need to be very careful, lest we fall into the snare of becoming a rebel. This word does NOT propose that there is no place for elders, pastors, teachers, etc. Quite the contrary! Each of the four stages in church government (or the life of a believer) is necessary. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). As a new believer, we need to see and be fed by visible, human ministers; we feel comforted by symbols that we can see (such as a little metal or wooden cross). A pastor who truly exhibits the love of God is a source of much comfort to us. However, the primary purpose of any minister, including pastors, is to help a believer to mature to the point where each member of the body comes to realize and walk in the fact that the Lord is my Shepherd, not a man. At the same time, as we grow into greater spiritual maturity and understanding, we must continue to walk in a spirit of humility and submission.

We know of some believers who pooh-pooh the idea of “elders.” (Actually, in ANY regular gathering of believers, someone will emerge as a leader or elder of the group.) The impression received from these younger men is that they are past that stage in maturity and do not need elders any more. We believe that kind of thinking represents rebellion to God-given authority. We recognize that the office of an elder has too often been abused, misused, and misunderstood. An elder, of course, should be an EXAMPLE to the body, not a dictator. But how, for example, do you explain the TWELVE verses in the book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to the apostle John concerning elders? Such as,

And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Revelation 4:4

John was told that these were “things which MUST be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1). Although the “fivefold” ministries of Ephesians 4:11 are clearly temporal, it appears that the concept of “elder” may, in fact, be eternal! These elders sit around the throne of God, clothed in white robes and wearing crowns (4:4; 14:3); they cast their crowns before the throne (4:10); they continually worship and praise (5:11-12); they bring to God the prayers of the saints (5:6); one elder encourages the seer when he is sad (5:5); and one of them acts as interpreter of one of the visions (7:13). Isaiah speaks of God reigning in glory among the elders (“ancients” in the King James version, but it is the same word). We have no specific revelation from the Lord concerning these 24 elders referenced in the book of Revelation. We DO know that there were twelve tribes of the Jews and twelve apostles. The one true Church is composed of both Jews AND Gentiles. So, the 24 elders may well be symbolic representatives of the faithful people of God ... those who one day in glory will praise and worship in the presence of God Himself. Many are called, few are chosen, and even fewer remain faithful! God-given, earthly types and offices may pass away, but the spiritual counterpart will remain eternal. As I heard one true prophet say many years ago, “some believers never seem to understand how something can be Divinely given and then Divinely taken away.”

In any event, there comes a time when we must put away childish things (even the elementary things ordained by God) and move on to the second stage (typified by the "young men" of 1 John 2). This is when we begin to function in the gifts and ministries that the Lord has given to us. Symbols start to lose some of their significance to us. It is time for the "plurality of ministry." If we persist in staying in the first stage, then the increase of Christ within us as a believer is severely restricted.

By the same token, to stay too long in this second stage will cause severe restrictions in the growth of Christ within. Have you ever noticed that very few people have straight feet and straight toes? Most toes are bent inward, due, no doubt to the shape of the shoes that we wear (particularly women’s shoes, which are very narrow at the toes). This is symbolic of the great restrictions and constraints placed upon us from the world AND from the religious arena (or perhaps restrictions that we place upon ourselves). But we read in Ezekiel 1:7 concerning the four living creatures, "And their feet were straight feet ..." Also, in Ezekiel 1:12, "whither the spirit was to go, they went ..." The Lord desires to slit our shoes such that our toes have room to wriggle around, with no human restrictions - neither from the world nor from any static religious environment. As a result, we will sense a dramatic increase in freedom ... a liberty to follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth ... a freedom to go whither the Spirit leads.

Many at stage 2 have been persecuted and maligned by those at stage 1. Some at stage 3 have been persecuted and maligned by those at stage 2. Do you really think that it will ever be otherwise? But there is a visible, natural church, and there is the church which is His body, in the realm of the Spirit. The latter will prevail, but only after much suffering and persecution. Like everything else, we believers must count the cost.

Of the increase of (secular) democracy there will come an end. Of the increase of (Christian) man's church government, there will come an end. But of the increase of HIS government and peace there shall be NO end. The zeal of the Lord of hosts WILL perform this!

Miscellaneous Operations in the Local Church

Church Structure

Webster’s dictionary defines the word “structure” as: (1) something arranged in a definite pattern of organization; (2) arrangement or interrelation of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole; or (3) the aggregate of elements of an entity in their relationships to each other. The word “structure” does not occur in the Bible. For our purposes, “structure” can refer to either the format, operation, etc., of the gatherings of believers within the local church, or it can refer to the more governmental aspects, for example elders, deacons, pastors, and how they interrelate, somewhat independent of the gatherings themselves. The Sunday services at the Methodist church we attended before the Lord apprehended us had a very rigid structure, all of the elements of which HAD to be completed within one hour, plus or minus a few minutes. The services in our New Testament house church, about thirty years ago, were not so rigidly structured. Most charismatic churches today have some structure about them and usually have an elder “in charge” of the gathering. The functions of the elder “in charge” may be only to see that the meeting starts at a reasonable time, ends at a reasonable time, and that there is nothing “off the wall” that is allowed to continue.

There are some very cumbersome, legalistic, organizational structures in the modern-day church. Each church, of course, believes that their structure is scripturally correct. In spite of some binding church structures, hungry hearts still find the Lord. Life flows to some in the midst of, or rather in spite of, all of the apparent bondages, at least for a season. Corporate life in such poorly structured, humanistic churches, however, is usually somewhat lifeless and devoid of the Spirit.

By contrast, some insist on being free from all organizational entanglements. There is virtually no structure, yet things still may be spiritually lacking. I remember going to one such group a few years ago, and sharing what the Lord told me to say. Afterward, a man, who supposedly had some substance, spoke up and shared with the group a “revelation” that he had just received as I was speaking. The only problem was that what he shared was clearly “off the wall!” No one corrected the man publicly and I sincerely doubt if anyone said anything later to that man. Was that because no one saw the error in what he had shared? Or was it because no one was willing to confront the man in a gentle, loving way? We were invited “guests” and at the time I did not feel led to say anything to the man. Hindsight, when the meeting was over, perhaps I should have said something to the man privately. Perhaps it was a learning experience for me.

A few years ago, one genuine believer told me, privately, that the house church of which we were a part 30-some years ago, was anti-Christ because of our rigid church structure and organization (that was not true) and because there is no such thing as elders (that is not true either). He neglected to say that he had also been a part of that house church until he was told by the “enforcer” that he could come to the meetings but could no longer speak because he was in rebellion. He has harbored a root of bitterness for thirty years! Very sad! I tried to help the man, but to no apparent avail.

May we suggest that the fault lies neither in the structure nor in the lack of it. What really matters and what determines how much life flows in the body of Christ in a given area is how men flow in the Spirit of the Lord. We believe that if those in leadership positions are really attuned to the life of the Spirit, then the structure will take care of itself. The opposite is NOT true! NO amount of correct structure will guarantee the life of the Spirit!

Locally Paid Ministries

We see no basis for any locally “paid” ministries. Yes, we are aware that Jesus said that the workman is worthy of his meat (Matthew 10:10). But that context speaks of the apostles who were sent out. Even Paul, himself, had a tent making job so that he would not become a financial burden to the churches. In addition, concerning the local churches themselves, Paul said,

If any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Does the word “any” exclude a pastor? I have never understood why a pastor or an elder should receive a regular pay check from the local church funds, but an intercessor, for example, should not. Have you ever noticed that in the order that God has set forth (in 1 Corinthians 12:28), no mention is made of a pastor? The only possible inclusion of a pastor in that verse is under “governments,” which is seventh in God’s order.

Nevertheless, if some individual feels led by the Holy Spirit to give monetary gifts to another member of the body, then obviously do so. Scripture instructs that such monetary gifts be done anonymously and in secret. Otherwise, giving money openly to other believers tends to create a bondage and/or an adverse respecter of person’s attitude.

1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.

3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

4 That thine alms may be in secret: and the Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:1-4

Likewise, scripture indicates that widows who are widows indeed, and over the age of 60, should be supported by the local church. If the local church as a body supports some members of the body, great wisdom must be exercised. Unfortunately, some people, even Christians, relish the thought of a free handout.

Freedom and Liberty, But Under Control of the Holy Spirit

Always allow a freedom and liberty for each gift and ministry to function. Avoid getting into the same routine at each gathering of believers. A gathering of believers should be anything BUT something mechanical or routine. We have believed for 35 years that there should be fresh revelation coming forth in EVERY gathering of believers! We have seen it happen too many times. We have also seen the fresh revelation unable to come forth because of the traditions of men. We need to be careful not to frustrate the grace of God.

At the same time, we must be careful not to use that liberty for an occasion to the flesh (Galatians 5:13). Unfortunately, the Corinthian spirit pop up through supposedly “mature” believers in a multitude of charismatic churches and conferences. We must have the balance of:

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

1 Peter 4:11

Appropriating the Christ in Others

One of the most critical areas in order for a local church to function as a well-oiled machine, is the recognition and appropriation of the various gifts and ministries that have been placed in the body by the Lord. I remember the very first word that I shared publicly. The word was “appropriating the Christ in others.” I also remember that I spent much time preparing that word and I was very nervous as I spoke. I have no idea whether any of the 40 or so believers present received anything of value from that teaching. Only the Lord knows. But the essence of that word has been made very real to me over the years. The appropriate Scripture is:

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 

1 Corinthians 11:29-30

The word “unworthily” is not in the original texts. The word “damnation” means judgment. The judgment is given specifically in Verse 30 ... many are weak and sickly, and many sleep. Why are many weak and sickly in the Church and many sleep (have died physically)? because they do not discern the Lord’s body. They do not recognize or appropriate the gifts and ministries that the Lord has set in the body as it pleases Him. If you have a toothache would you go to a car mechanic? If you have a leaky water pipe would you go to an artist? No matter how hard you try, the hand just does NOT see as well as the eye; neither does the foot hear as well as the ear. We do well to read again 1 Corinthians 12. Lord give us discernment to recognize and appropriate the gifts and ministries that you have placed in the body!

The other side of appropriating the Christ in others is to function in the place you have been called.

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 1 Corinthians 7:20

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. 

1 Corinthians 7:24

One reason why the Spirit-filled community is greatly divided and fragmented, based on different understandings of scripture in general, is because too many ministers are trying to function in a place where they have not been called. The American Church is distinctly “pastor” dominated, almost to the exclusion of other ministries. The pastor preaches, teaches, administrates, and in general “calls the shots.” 

I have never met a true pastor, a believer who has been called to pastoral ministry, who is likewise a visionary. This is NOT being critical in any way because that is not the function of a pastor. I HAVE known several believers who are visionaries and have tried to function as a pastor. In general, this also does not work well, except possibly for a short season. A pastor is primarily attuned on the horizontal level ... to the needs of people. We need more good pastors. They have a vital role to play in the Church. (As an aside, however, the ONLY place that the word “pastor” is used in the King James New Testament is in Ephesians 4:11. The Greek word, poimen, which is translated as “pastor” in Ephesians 4:11, is used sixteen more times, in every other verse translated as “shepherd.”)

What we see in the Church today is that pastors, subject more or less to some elders, are setting forth the “acceptable” doctrine through teachings. But what saith the Scripture?

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; Ephesians 2:19-20

3 How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Ephesians 3:3-5

Those verses indicate that the apostles and prophets are charged to set forth doctrine. The problem is that there are too few genuine apostles and prophets (See Chapter 6 of our book “Discerning Things That Differ.”) In fact, who even sees the need for such ministries? Further, the Church does not discern between the holy and the profane. One good brother in the Lord (who sees very clearly the state of the Church) told me not long ago that the best thing that could happen to the local church in his area was for it to disband completely and start all over on a more sure foundation. I cannot disagree with his observation.

Is it time for pastors to pastor, teachers to teach, intercessors to intercede, watchmen to stand upon the walls and proclaim what they see, and apostles and prophets to set forth doctrine and lay the foundation in the Church? Is it time for each member of the body to function in the place he or she has been called and for each member of the body to recognize the place where other members of the body have been called? Is it time to realize that God hath set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him (1 Corinthians 12:18)? Is it time to repent and return to our first love? Is it time to call out for the grace and mercy of God to be upon us and all of those whom the Lord has called?

The Lord’s Supper

(Note: From Christian man’s perspective, this section belongs under Church organization. From God’s perspective we believe it actually falls under matters of the restored heart. We will not belabor the point here and now.)

20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:

24 And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.

25 After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. 1 Corinthians 11:20-34

What Paul is talking about in the context of 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 is the agape love-feast when the whole church got together. We must remember that 1 Corinthians is primarily a letter of correction to The Church at Corinth. Paul exhorts them concerning their selfish nature and acts of feeding their own belly with natural food and not sharing what they had with others.

Verse 20, above, is the only place in the Bible that speaks of the Lord’s supper by that name. Jesus speaks of His own supper once.

For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper. Luke 14:24

From the context in Luke 14, those who were bidden to come to the supper all made excuses as to why they could not come. In other words, they valued their own self-interests more than those of the Lord.

Now I ask you. Does the Lord’s supper consist of bread and wine (or grape juice)? Or perhaps the Lord’s supper consists of bread and fish, which is what the Lord prepared after His resurrection and before His ascension (John 21:9-14). Neither! The Lord’s supper should not be interpreted in a natural sense. What kind of natural food was the Lord referring to in Luke 14:24? None! The Lord’s supper is the selfless heart attitude of caring more for the Lord Himself and for others in the body, thus denying yourself. Jesus said that one of the (three) prerequisites for being His disciple is to deny yourself. At what men call “the last supper,” Jesus was more concerned about doing the will of the Father and about ministering to the twelve disciples rather than His own needs, even though He knew He was going to the cross. Paul said,

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. Romans 12:10

51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. John 6:51-53

After Jesus said those things to the Jews, the road to the cross accelerated, because the Jews did not understand and called His words heresy. From that time on the Jews sought to kill Jesus. The law strictly forbade the drinking of blood. The people tried to interpret what Jesus said in the natural realm, but Jesus was speaking in the realm of the Spirit, which the people could not understand. The Hebrews used the verbs eat and drink to denote the operation of the mind in receiving, understanding, and applying doctrine or instruction of any kind. We digest what is said.

Just as our natural, physical body lives temporarily by eating natural bread and drinking natural water, so the new life is nourished by feeding upon Christ in our hearts by faith. So what Jesus was saying in Verse 53, above, was, except we feed on Christ in our hearts and partake of His life (for the blood is the life), we have temporary natural existence but no life in us.

In 1899, a man named E.W. Bullinger wrote a marvelous book called, “Figures of Speech Used in the Bible” (published by Baker House). That book, which contains 1104 pages, defines, with a multitude of scriptures, every type of figure of speech used in the Bible. We recommend this book to your reading and reference. (He also has edited the “Companion Bible,” published by Zondervan, which is an excellent King James version Bible.) I can’t imagine how any man could publish such a book in a lifetime of work. Bullinger was academically and theologically brilliant, with a Doctor of Divinity degree; I would say he was probably a genius. But he also had great insight into the ways of the Spirit. Quite an unique combination! He was not perfect, of course. No man is. Below, we quote from his book, pages 840-842. We leave it to each reader and the Holy Spirit working within the reader to see the significance of what he wrote.

“The bread which we break” [1 Corinthians 10:16]. This is referred by some to the Lord’s supper in ignorance of the prevailing custom of the early Christians when meeting together on the first day of the week. Assemblies were few, and the members were scattered. Many came from long distances, and food had to be brought for the day’s sustenance. The early fathers tell us that the people brought from their own homes hampers filled with cooked fowls, and geese, etc., meat, loaves of bread, with skin-bottles of wine, etc. The rich brought of their abundance, and the poor of their poverty. These Sunday feasts acquired the ecclesiastical name, agapai or “love feasts,” because the richer brethren made them for the benefit of the poor.

It is easy to see how this would in time become a feast; and how, though all partook of the common food, some would have too much, and some too little; and, as it is written, some would be hungry, and others drunken (1 Corinthians 11:21).

This looks as though the feast or meal itself came to be spoken of as “the Lord’s supper,” from the fact that each received an equal portion, as on the night when the Lord Himself presided, and received it as from Himself and not merely from one another.

But in process of time, a special ordinance was added at the close of these feasts, at the end of the assembly, and at the end of the day, to which the name, “the Lord’s supper,” was afterwards confined. Up to the time of Chrysostom it followed the feast; but as superstition increased, it preceded the feast; but for 700 years after Christ they accompanied each other: and the Lord’s supper was unknown as a separate ordinance!

As late as A.D. 692 the close of the Lenten fast was celebrated by an agapee, or feast, as the anniversary of the institution of the Lord’s supper; and in England the day was called Maunday Thursday, from the maunds, i.e., the baskets or hampers in which the provisions were brought. No one but Royalty now keeps up this ancient custom. It fell into desuetude from the superstition of “fasting communion;” which had been brought in (though Chrysostom wished himself anathema if he had been guilty of it!)

The “breaking of bread” therefore was used of the love-feast, and never, until recent years, used of the Lord’s supper as a separate ordinance.

The error has arisen from the misunderstanding of the Hebrew idiom; and, from translating literally that which is used as a figurative expression.

Rome has done exactly the same, though in another direction. Rome forces the words “to break bread” to prove its practice of withholding the cup from the laity, or of communion in one kind! Rome argues that as it only says “bread,” and wine is not mentioned, therefore the “wafer” is sufficient!

Had Gentiles been acquainted with the Hebraism, neither malice nor ignorance could have diverted the words from their simple and only meaning.

Chapter 6: A Challenge to Pastors and Elders

As we stated in Chapter 5, all the elders of Israel were wrong when they asked Samuel to make them a king (1 Samuel 8:4-5). Once more, just in case you think that it is not possible for modern-day Spirit-filled elders to ALL be in error, the Lord has allowed me to see it happen in four different charismatic churches.

In Chapter 4, we wrote a little about being led by the Spirit. I am sure that some pastors and elders would say to me, “But brother, we believe that we are being led by the Spirit when we get together as a presbytery and plan our services ... what songs we will sing and who will be the scheduled speaker.” I am certainly not in any position to say that you are wrong. However, when any presbytery preplans the agenda for any gathering of believers, there is NO room left for the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit to move in that meeting. And the Holy Spirit MUST be in control. The Holy Spirit MUST have the freedom to move upon whomever He desires to say or do whatever He desires to bring forth at that moment in time. We must ALWAYS be alert to recognize God’s leading in our midst, through the Holy Spirit, and to acknowledge His hand of blessing upon our corporate endeavors ... the great things He hath taught us and the great things He hath done. Without this sensitive awareness and gratitude, churches, like individuals, can easily lose the focus of their mission and develop a false sense of self-worth and sufficiency. Jesus said,

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8

Let us also remember what Moses told Pharaoh.

24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, go ye, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.

25 And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God.

26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God, and we know not with what we must serve the Lord, until we come thither. Exodus 10:24-26

We do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we get to the meeting! As one good brother has put it, the movings of the Holy Ghost can not be predetermined or duplicated and are like tomorrow’s wind ... yet unborn. Can you imagine the following scenario? Just before the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts Chapter 1, all of the apostles got together and determined that it was the mind of the Lord for Peter to be the speaker when the day of Pentecost was fully come. So Peter spent many hours planning and rehearsing his sermon, waiting for that day to come. Does that sound absurd? I hope so!

Now some might say, “But brother, if we allow that kind of spontaneity in our meetings, we would have chaos!” If that is true then you are not teaching the people the right things ... things such as the centrality and supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ, how to hear the voice of the Lord for yourself, the fear of God, and if any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God. Certainly, order can and should be maintained during the flow of the Spirit.

Part of the difficulty is that we have been thoroughly trained and conditioned as to how our gatherings should evolve. Everyone has read all of the (good) books, listened to all of the (good) tapes, watched all of the (good) videos, and heard all of the (good) teachers and preachers. Not the least problem is all of the “How To” teachings and writings ... how to be born again, how to be healed, how to be delivered, how to receive a financial blessing, etc. We are an “I know that” people. We also have a tendency to revel in revelation, rather than in the Author of that revelation. The natural man, the Athenian man, revels in telling or hearing some new thing (Acts 17:21). But,

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought. 1 Corinthians 8:2

The following is extracted from the June 2005, monthly newsletter, written by our good friends, Marion and Pearl Fretwell, who are solid in the Lord. The title of the article is “Pentecost.”

An old friend of ours, Howard A. Goss by name, received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1902. It was just after the outpouring in Topeka, Kansas. He told us of how he couldn’t speak in English for several days. When he would go to the grocery store, he would have to point at things. He couldn’t tell them what he wanted.

. . .

Brother Goss told Pearl and me about some of the meetings they had in those days. People would go out into towns, rent a hall, and start holding meetings. There was not much need to advertise – the Holy Ghost did that. Folks came from far and near to see what was taking place. They were seldom disappointed – the miracles of healing, and other manifestations of the Power of God were very convincing – and CONVICTING.

. . .

As long as the young people were at a loss to know what to do, and when to do it, God took over and did things the right way. He knew when to do what, and how to do it.

. . .

But little by little, men began to “LEARN HOW” to do things, and the Holy Ghost backed off and let them “do it.”

. . .

Revival fires burned for several years, however, and in 1913 Brother Goss and a few other men organized the Assemblies of God movement. There was a need, they thought, for a more orderly method of getting the Gospel out. There were some of the brethren who were doing things which were not correct in the sight of most of the brethren. And there could be strength in numbers. More could be accomplished for the Lord.

. . .

There are folks today who doubt the wisdom of the move those men made back there. God alone REALLY knows.

. . .

The Assemblies of God was split almost as soon as it was born. Bitterness was the result, which remains today.

*        *        *

We have stated many times that we believe there should be fresh revelation in every gathering of believers. During the Exodus, every day brought fresh manna from the sovereign hand of God. The Church must have fresh manna, fresh revelation, or we will starve. The Church can not progress on leftovers from previous visitations. Transformation comes only in the light of the present glory and revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Some of you remember a good brother named Merle Maupin. He was almost 102 years young when he went to be with the Lord a few years ago. He had been given a rather unique ministry of playing the piano in the Spirit. He would open up the Bible, read some scripture, and then play those verses on the piano. Needless to say, he never knew the notes that he was going to play and he could never repeat what he had just played. But the clear move of the Spirit through him was like a breath of fresh air moving through the trees. That is the way that all ministry in the congregation should be. We still treasure a letter he had written to us about 15 years ago!

Structure, organization, and control are much easier, much more manageable, and much more predictable if we stick with the traditional denominational or charismatic format. The traditional format also helps (on the surface) to keep more money coming in, which seems to promote a more financially secure local church. In reality, it compromises or trades more (temporal) money for the life of the Spirit. We must remember that if the Lord establishes something, the Lord also provides the wherewithal. This principle applies on an individual level as well as a corporate level.

For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. 

Psalm 50:10

The traditional format also tends to keep more believers comfortable, because far too many believers do NOT want to be stirred up. We like the tradition, the routine, the fixed format. Change is very difficult for us people. But sadly, we may be missing out on the life flow of the Spirit.

Please note that Jesus said, “I will build My Church.” This is the promise of Jesus. He did NOT say that you or I will build His Church. He did NOT say that the pastor and the elders will build His Church.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18

We all need to be ever mindful ... that THE LORD IS IN CONTROL! The big question is ... Are the church leaders of today ... the pastors and the elders ... willing to let go of THEIR control and let the Holy Spirit have His free way, producing spontaneity and a freshness and originality in that which is brought forth to glorify the Lord?

We are talking about a big change ... a transformation. What we have discussed in this book is radical to many. But we see no other way to true restoration. It takes an adjustment to our way of thinking ... like Peter walking on the water. What it takes ... is faith! In the time of Nehemiah,

And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. Nehemiah 4:10

The bearers of burdens represent true intercessors, whose strength is decayed. Also, no one can build a wall on rubbish because it has no firm foundation. Such is the condition of far too many churches today.

The Lord told Jeremiah,

9 Then the Lord put forth His hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put My words in thy mouth.

10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. Jeremiah 1:9-10

Now we ask you, did Jeremiah fulfill Verse 10? NO! But Jeremiah did speak forth the word of God which set things in motion to root out, pull down, destroy, throw down, and to build and plant.

Note that the four “negatives” come first ... to root out, to pull down, to destroy, and to throw down. In reality, there is NOTHING negative about the Word of God. That which man, even Christian man, has built must come down before the building and planting can occur. The building and planting will come through true apostolic and prophetic ministry (Ephesians 2:20).  

A man of God named Frank Bartleman, in a book called “Another Flame Rolls In,” has written of the mighty evidence of the spontaneous working of the Holy Spirit in the Azusa Street revival. That author says:

The spirit of singing among God’s people was like a harp spontaneously flowing in the midst of His people. In fact it was the very breath of God, played on human strings or human vocal chords. The notes were humanly impossible. It was indeed singing in the Spirit. We had no pope or hierarchy. We were brethren. We had no human programme. The Lord Himself was leading.

There was no priest class. These things have come in later with the apostatizing of the movement. We did not have a platform. All were on a level.

Ministers were servants according to the true meaning of the word. We did not honor man after their advantage in means or education. But rather we honored them for their God-given gifts. He sets the members in the body.

The place was never closed or empty. People came there to meet with God. He was there. Hence a continuous meeting went on.

The religious ego preached its own funeral service quickly.

No subjects or sermons were announced ahead of time.

There were no special speakers for such an hour. All were spontaneous speakers. All were anointed of the Spirit. All wanted to hear God (and not man). We were delivered from ecclesiastical systems. We wanted God.

In honor we preferred one another. When God spoke we all obeyed. It seemed a fearful thing to hinder or grieve the Spirit. He was in His Holy temple. It was the norm to keep silent.

A similar manifestation occurred in what is called “latter rain,” which began in February 1948, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada. One of the writers, describing this movement in 1948, writes, concerning what one young man told him:

I shall never forget the morning in which God began to move in our midst in this strange manner. Some students were under the power of God on the floor. The anointing deepened until the awe of God was upon everyone.

But after a few days of searching in the Word, to see if we were on Scriptural grounds, unity prevailed amongst us and the Lord came forth in greater power and glory day by day. Day after day the glory of God came upon us. Great repentance, humbling, fasting and prayer prevailed. Though men are moved to look for the spectacular, God continues to move silently, below all the noise, in the hearts of His people. The place that God chose to start this restoration of the truth is only significant in as much as it is the most unlikely of all places. No man would have chosen either the town or the school or the students or the ministers through whom God restored His blessings. But that is all most consistent with God’s ways. He chooses what man rejects.

Some are praying fervently for revival. That is fine. But certainly God does not send revival without true repentance. May we also suggest, however, that God does not send revival. He comes Himself! The Omega of the Word of God is:

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:20-21

Can we hasten the day when the Lord comes again in a more complete way to bring about complete restoration in the Church? We believe so! There are too many scriptures that bear witness to that truth. Are we waiting on the Lord to do something? or is the Lord waiting on us? We believe the latter.

And therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: For the Lord is a God of judgment: Blessed are all they that wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18

God’s order in the above, and other verses, is that He waits for us. Then after we have done the will of God, we wait patiently for Him.

We challenge each and every pastor and elder who has read this book to seriously be before the Lord to see whether the things written herein be so or not. May the God of all grace be gracious unto you as you make your decisions.

Chapter 7: A Challenge to Every Believer

This Chapter applies to every believer, which includes my wife and me. Believe me, we are NOT perfect! Just ask my wife about me! In Chapter 2, we mentioned that EVERY believer is called to the priesthood after the order of Melchisedec and that part of that priesthood includes intercession for the lost and for others in the Church who have lost their way or strayed in some manner. Obviously, we have NO control over other people. We do exceedingly well to control our own spirit. 

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 16:32

But we CAN groan in the Spirit, weep over the present state of the Church, and intercede fervently for those who need help. (Is there some reader or writer who does NOT need help?) I have become thoroughly convinced over the past several years that intercession is what is urgently needed in this hour. If you have not yet sensed the burden of intercession in your life, ask the Lord to show you that truth and then to fan the flame within your soul and spirit. You have been baptized in the Holy Ghost. Now stir up the gift that is within you! Ask the Lord to cleanse and purify you because the effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).

The Book of Isaiah, with its 66 Chapters, has sometimes been called a prototype of the complete Bible, with its 66 Books. Indeed, the Book of Isaiah contains more prophecies about our Messiah than any other book in the Old Testament. Isaiah is also a book which unveils the full dimensions of God’s judgment and salvation.

IF the Book of Isaiah ALSO prophetically speaks of the history of time before the second coming of Jesus, then where are we today in the chronology of Isaiah?

We would say that we are PAST Isaiah 59. There are TWO significant events in Isaiah 59. The first is,

And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor. Isaiah 59:16

The second event is,

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19

Certainly, the enemy has come in like a flood. The Lord is in process of lifting up a standard against him.

Isaiah, Chapter 60, speaks of the dawn of a new manifestation of God’s redeeming glory. That is like a little cloud out of the sea (of humanity), like a man’s hand rising up in the distance, afar off (1 Kings 18:44). We are in the few hours which precede the dawn’s early light.

Isaiah 61 speaks of the good tidings of salvation and also proclaims the coming day of vengeance of our God.

Isaiah 62 proclaims ... THE RESTORATION OF ZION.

We leave it to the reader to look more carefully into Isaiah, Chapters 59-66, and to see the prophetic significance of those Chapters. A careful study of those chapters bears a striking resemblance to the Book of Joel. And why not? Both books were inspired by the same Holy Ghost.

Finally, we desire to impress the reader with what happens in Isaiah 66.

5 Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: But He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that rendereth recompence to His enemies.

7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.

8 Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day?  Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Isaiah 66:5-8

It is reasonably obvious that (spiritual) Zion has not yet travailed. The timetable of the Lord is that Isaiah 62 (the restoration of Zion) precedes Isaiah 66 (Zion’s travail). This book proclaims, Restore!

This book also challenges EVERY reader (including myself and my wife) to a life of intercession that the restoration of Zion may be completed and that Zion, in turn, might travail in intercession for her children (the young, immature believers) to come forth. The BIG question is ... 

WHO WILL ACCEPT SUCH A CHALLENGE?

If you see the state of the present, temporal Church in America (and many of you do), and if you lean on the breast of Jesus and sense in some small part the heart beat of the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ (and many of you do), then you have no choice! You MUST accept that challenge! You MUST travail in intercession that the will of the Father may be completed ... that He might restore all back to what was in His heart and mind from before the foundation of the world.

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the [spiritual] Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.