Michael and Terri Piper, apostolic church leaders in Brazil, tell how God brought churches together to change a nation.
I interviewed the Pipers at a camp in Mexico in March, 2019. Here’s hope and a challenge for any nation in the world. Thanks to Erik Martinez for recording the interview.
Is there a need for apostles today?
Is there a need for apostles to bring churches together?
I intend to show from the Scriptures that the Spirit of Christ indwells the communion elements.
As a background, let’s examine briefly the Catholic, Reformed and Lutheran concepts of the Eucharist. I use the terms Communion, Eucharist, Lord’s Table and Lord’s Supper interchangeably.
Catholic theology teaches that in each mass Christ is crucified afresh. However, chapters 7-9 of the book of Hebrews state seven times that Christ died once and for all. Catholics also need to reconsider the basic doctrine of transubstantiation (the conversion of the substance of the Eucharistic elements into the body and blood of Christ at consecration, only the appearances of bread and wine still remaining).
At the same time, it seems to me Catholics—especially charismatic Catholics—experience healings and deliverances in Eucharistic services far more frequently than Pentecostals and Evangelicals.
The Reformed tradition teaches that the bread and juice (or wine) merely represent the true body and blood of Christ. This is clearly a Western, rationalistic understanding of communion. It fails to grasp the Biblical, Hebraic and Mid-Eastern mindset. Compared to other communion concepts the representative view of communion lacks the power portrayed in Scripture. For example, in 1 Corinthians 11:30 we see many church people got sick or even died as a result of improper communion. Consequently, Luther was right to reject it.
One aspect of the reformed view that could be seen as positive is this: it is easily grasped by the Western mindset.
Martin Luther viewed the Lord’s Supper as the “Real Presence” of Christ, and denied both the Catholic and Zwinglian theologies. He saw the elements as “vehicles” to bring the “Real Presence” of Christ to the participant.
The Lutheran view realizes at least some of the power of the Biblical concept of Communion. However, it does not explain the “how” or the “why” that the “Real Presence” is in the communion. Ask any Lutheran to explain communion and you will most likely find bewilderment. I spent years in the Lutheran Church and never, not even once, found a clear explanation of Communion.
In the Bible, there exist numerous times when spirits, either good or bad, attached themselves to people. Saul, David, the Gadarene demoniac, the twelve disciples of Acts 2 are examples. At least once, demons came upon a herd of hogs, which caused the pigs to rush into the sea and drown.
That spirits inhabit people and physical objects should never be doubted by students of the Bible or astute observers of modern life.
Let me offer two clear examples.
First, the Ark of the Covenant (1 Sam 5:1-12). The power of the Spirit in the Ark of God proved superior to the power in the Philistine god Dagon. Further, wherever the Ark went among the Philistines, it caused tumors and confusion.
Second, the false prophet gives breath (Gr: pneuma or spirit) to the image [statue] of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed (Rev 13:15).
Photo by Josh Marshall on Unsplash
If you practice deliverance ministry, you have undoubtedly uncovered spirits attached to objects or houses. I have personally cast out spirits from houses and seen not only the house, but also the people living in the house, set free.
How many times have naive people kept a little Buddhist statue on the shelf in their home only to find out it was bringing depression and confusion into their life? Remove the statue and the depression leaves.
I have cast many spirits out of many different people. When the spirits go, depression, sickness, confusion, deception also go. (Obviously, not every symptom can be traced to a spirit. Spirits don’t cause every symptom. There are other causes as well. Let me make that clear.)
From the Garden of Eden onward there exists a connection between food and acts of God. When Eve and Adam bit the apple (or peach, or fig?), humanity was forever changed. God sent a spiritual curse or punishment on Satan, Eve, Adam, the ground, and the entire human race (Gen 3:14-19).
God has always had a significant interest in our food and how it relates to Him.
In fact, the Old Covenant was ratified with food and drink . . . . they saw God, and they ate and drank (Ex 24:11b). What an astounding point of contact with the seventy elders of Israel!
At the first Passover meal, God judged the gods of Egypt. Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the LORD (Ex 12:12). The Egyptian gods were false gods, yet powerful enough to control much of Egyptian society.
The Passover Meal (and the Lord’s Table that fulfills it) has untold power for those who eat in faith. The Passover Meal took place just hours before the Exodus from Egypt. Can you imagine the condition of the Israeli people? They were slaves, harassed and whipped by merciless slave masters. Without a doubt, many were sick, weak, or injured. They were laden with the diseases of Egypt. But when they ate the Passover Lamb, remarkable things happened. Psalm 105:37 relates the memorable results of eating the Passover Lamb!
Then He brought them out with silver and gold, And among His tribe there was not one who stumbled (NASV). There was not one feeble person among their tribes. (KJV). (Excerpted from my book Answer for Cancer: 9 Keys).
In the New Testament we find even common everyday food became sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer (1 Tim 4:5). In other words, the food was changed, altered, made holy, because of God’s word and prayer. How much more, the communion elements!
1 Corinthians 10:16-21 specifically addresses the issue of whether or not spirits indwell food. Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?
This passage specifically refers to the Lord’s Table of the New Testament church. The cup (of wine or juice) and the loaf of bread had to be blessed [with some sort of thanksgiving or ritual]. Then it became a sharing in the bloody sacrificial death of Christ. The Greek word used is koinonia, which means a sharing, participation, or fellowship in something.
When we partake of the food, we partake of the God who gave the food. For the pagans, there was a demon spirit in the food. Paul said, I do not want you to become sharers in demons (1 Cor 10:20). In contrast, for the Christian communion, there is the Spirit of Christ with the food.
Some reviewers swallow hard (pun intended!) at the thought that either demons or the Spirit of Christ can attach to the food we eat. More than one has pointed to 1 Corinthians 8:4 we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, thereby denying the possibility that spirits inhabit foods.
But read on. In the very next verse Paul acknowledges that there are so called gods whether in heaven or on earth; in fact, there are many gods and many lords (1 Cor 8:5).
How could this become any clearer? When the pagans ate food sacrificed to the idol gods, they took into their bodies the demonic spirits of those gods.
When believers imbibe the bread and drink, we take into our bodies the Spirit of Christ that indwells the elements.
In His great mercy and grace, God has selected many connection points with His children. Some are one-time events. In contrast, communion is an ongoing event until Christ returns.
The most common point of connection is the church service. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst (Matt 18:20). Other points of connection in Scripture are the Ark of the Covenant, the cloud, handkerchiefs and aprons, hands laid upon a person, Jesus’ robe, tithes and offerings, anointing with oil, even the bones of Elisha and the bronze serpent.
Why is a point of contact with God so important? Because it’s a specific time and place where God interacts with a person or group. A point of contact is a God-ordained time and place where God has chosen to supernaturally act. That’s why there are healings and other supernatural acts at the Lord’s Table.
While a Pentecostal understanding of the Eucharist holds the promise of the release of greater connection and power with God, it also poses dangers. I mention two.
The greatest danger is turning the Eucharist or the elements into an idol. This happened with the bronze serpent. Originally, God directed Moses to make the bronze serpent as a remedy for the snake bites (Numbers 21:9). All who gazed at the serpent in faith, God healed. As the years progressed, however, the bronze serpent became an idol and finally had to be destroyed (2 Kings 18:4).
An associated danger with all theologies of communion, not only with the approach that I’m proposing, is that of coming to the altar with wrong attitudes. This includes coming with lack of forgiveness, without love toward people, and without faith to connect with God.
I have written briefly showing instances from Scripture and life where spirits, both good and evil, attach themselves to people and objects. I applied this to the Lord’s Table.
Now I ask for your thoughts. Are you and your church people experiencing the power and presence of Christ in communion? We have always found a little, but only a little, of the magnificence of Christ that He deserves in communion. That is until recently. As I have begun to explore and teach a Pentecostal communion, our church is beginning to come alive at the Lord’s Table due to the Spirit of Christ inhabiting the elements.
Several ministers have reviewed this article. I especially thank Edgar Mendez of Queretaro and Edgar Olvera from Mexico City for their extensive input and corrections. Nevertheless, the contents remain my own and I am solely responsible for the concepts.
May God bless and promote you. Again, please share your thoughts with me. I value your input.
Howard Jackson here defines “apostle” in a generic sense in this first 54 second video.
Now to a more specific use of the word “Apostle” in the New Testament. . .
In this 36 second video Howard Jackson focuses on the calling of a Christian minister in the specific sense of the New Testament apostolic calling. There’s a whole lot more info at Churches and Apostles.
The ongoing exposures of sexual harassment in America and the world are signs of revival. The exposure of church leaders who compromise and fail to repent are a sure sign of God’s judgment. Judgment is part of revival. Judgment begins with the church and continues with all segments of society.
Let’s thank God that the Hollywood icons Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey are exposed. Let’s thank God for focusing the light on pastors, senators and others in the church and government. Three megachurch pastors in the Chicago area have recently been forced to resign. The Charlie Rose firing by CBS and Matt Lauer firing by NBC (both months ago) appear to be righteous judgments that help to cleanse the nation and the nation’s airways.
Why is this happening? David Brooks, New York Times columnist and NPR commentator claims political reasons underlie the sudden outcry against harassment against women.
Think again. The sudden morality awareness stems from the prayers of the church. 2 Chronicles 7:14, the enduring watchword of the church is activated and is producing heaven-intended results. Since at least 2017 our sovereign and faithful God is fulfilling His response to those prayers.
In 2012 God spoke to me, “Prepare My people for judgment.”
Are you calling for revival? Join the movement. Let’s become history-makers. Let the fear of God fall on our land!
The expose’ of sin is none other than God’s timely and loving answer to prayer. The prayers of the church are bringing a fear of God on the land.
Mercy triumphs over judgment. Mercy is God’s first response and is the first response of people like Him. We need to pray for the gift of repentance for leaders (and anyone else) who violates God’s heart and pleasure. If, however, any leader continues in sin and fails to listen to God’s warnings, prayers for divine removal are fitting and Biblical.
Jesus spoke strong words of judgment to the Pharisees and scribes, who were the political and religious leaders of the Jewish nation: Fill up then the measure of the guilt of your fathers (Matthew 23:32). Jesus is warning, “If you continue adding to the sins of your father, you will bring on yourselves divine judgement. ”
Evil leaders are leading their followers into sin. I personally pray for some officials that God remove them if they refuse to repent. “Repentance or removal,” is my plea. The sooner they are removed, the less judgment will fall on them. Is that not God’s mercy?
Look to ourselves, lest we too be tempted. God is ruthless and jealous. Don’t think any of us can escape if we knowingly harbor sin of any kind.
Let’s keep clamoring on the doors of heaven. A mistake I’ve made in the past is to stop too soon. No more. We cannot stop praying when we see the answers begin to arrive. Better, when answers start pouring in, that’s the signal to pour fuel on the fire. Now is prime time to increase passion and prayer, not diminish either.
Are you calling for revival? Are you calling for the fear of God to fall on our land? I am. Let’s be like Elijah: go ruthlessly for the root cause. There’s much more work to be done.
Featured Photo by Kat Love on Unsplash
Second Photo by Shelby Miller on Unsplash
What is God Doing in Your Communion Services? Are you seeing supernatural communion activity?
Supernatural events are occurring in our communion services. Most are small: minor healings, words of comfort and revelation.
That was past. Now we are seeing an uptick in supernatural communion activity.
Paul sent out physical objects from his body that carried the Spirit of God. Those who received the aprons and handkerchiefs received healing and deliverance from demons (Acts 19:11-12).
In a similar way, God is sending out bread and juice (or wine) at the Lord’s Supper. The bread and fruit of the vine are carrying the Spirit of Christ. Those who receive are getting supernatural experiences in our communion services.
I asked people to write what happened to them following our last communion. Here are some unedited responses.
Healings: Headache came and left. No more headache.
Renewal of Health of body, health of mind, health of soul. Sins forgiven.
God comforted me.
“I give you more power in the name of the Lord.”
I felt the Holy Spirit. I felt closer to Him.
A still, small assurance of God’s leading, blessing—doors will open.
I believe there was additional healing to my left leg and foot.
[The Lord spoke] “It’s the beginning” of untangling of nerves, etc. in my feet.
He smiled on me and said He’s happy when I go out.
My feet was feeling better.
What is God doing in the communion services in your church? What are you experiencing in the Lord’s Supper? What is happening at the Church of the Living Water in Muscatine is wonderful. As a fellow minister from town and I read the reports together, we were moved by the presence of God. We both fell on our knees and began thanking God.
If God is stirring supernatural communion activity here, He’s most likely doing it elsewhere. What He’s doing at Living Water Muscatine is probably not isolated. He could very well be doing the same or greater at your church. What is God doing with you at communion?
I’d like to hear. Please share.
Myanmar Refugee Responds to Website
Name: Bawi tin thang
Email: ft.naylin09@gmail.com
Write your story here: My name is Bawi Tin Thang ,
I’m from Myanmar ..i’m Living in malaysia as a refugee. Even I don’t have any document by the grace of God I got appotunity to study the Bible at Ebenezer school.
Example of Myanmar man
This picture is not Bawi Tin Thang, I post it only as a representative of a Myanmar man. Bawi responded to a post on my website. I had no idea he was reading and viewing my site.
This speaks to me, and perhaps to you, that we all have an influence beyond what we expect.
Steve Fatow offers a clear distinction. Learn about chicken evangelism here.
Learn more about modern day apostles here.
Fred Herzog answers the question many are asking today. Amid confusion and controversy, this veteran apostle responds with an answer that may surprise many.
Want to discover more about apostles?
Part 1 appeared last week and can be viewed here. The title was The Taxi Driver and the Bishop: the Monumental Importance of the Church. It’s an eye-opener and worth reading in a day some people don’t think church is relevant.
Just before we left Murang’a, we met an Anglican Bishop, the Venerable P. M. Kariuki. The bishop felt badly he was dressed in civilian clothes instead of his clerical collar and garments. He drove a 30 or 40-year-old Toyota pickup. Nothing memorable there, but his words I may never forget.
Kari asked him pointedly, “Do you speak in tongues?” His answer was clear and to the point. “No, that is what we are missing. What we need in Kenya is the Holy Spirit.”
His words beckon us back to Kenya.
God is moving in Kenya. What the established churches are seeking, the newer Pentecostal-type churches are supplying. The Spirit–filled churches are the revivalists and reformers.
The photo above is by Tim Easley on Unsplash
At a pastor’s prayer meeting, Peter the leader said, “Our greatest need is not money. We have great resources in Kenya. What we need is unity.” They are believing God for a neutral place where believers from every Christian denomination can spend hours or days or weeks in prayer and fasting much like the Korean model of Prayer Mountain.
The photo above shows the hands of Pastor Isaac, some church leaders of the Full Gospel Church of Marang’a and my wife’s (Kari’s) hands. (I wasn’t praying–I was snapping the photo.)
The need for unity is great. We experienced the Psalm 133 blessing of unity with Pastor Isaac and other churches in Kenya. Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in
unity. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion.
Kari and I travelled to the border of (and slightly beyond) Murang’a County to meet with three Catholic priests. What a blessed time! After a tour of the grounds and buildings, we chatted over lunch. Father Kevin, Father Michael and Father Edwin shared their vision of developing parts of their10 acres of church property into agricultural use. They have begun by hiring unemployed workers to prepare the ground and plant garden seeds. Each day the priests pray with the workers, not only providing jobs but also offering spiritual direction.
As Kari and I lunched and prayed with the priests, the Holy Spirit manifestly attended, sealing our oneness in Christ.
Lazarus, come forth! shouted Jesus to the dead man. In the same way the church needs the apostolic ministry to come out of the tombs and come alive. A chief function of an apostle is to bring unity.
Apostles claim new ground for the kingdom by opening new concepts for the church. Jesus words Beloved, let us love one another are having a hard time travelling across denominational lines. Apostles can and must bridge gaps between genuine believers. Praise God for all who are fulfilling this ministry.
Let me issue a clarion call for those who have this ministry. Apostles, come forth! The need for unity is great and awaits your ministry.
Upon return, Pastor Morris marveled and explained. “What you did was historic! This may be the first time in Kenya that Protestants and Catholics have prayed together! I doubt that those priests had ever prayed with Protestants before. This is historic for Kenya!”
Whether historic or not, I don’t know. What I do know is this: Jesus prayed that they may all be one . . . that the world may believe that You sent Me (John17:21).
My Three Greatest Impressions of Kenya from our February Mission Trip (Part 1)
The Taxi Driver and the Bishop
The name “Kenya” Means “God’s Resting Place” It’s a beautiful land resting right on the equator. Her people are warm-hearted and love the United States. Many want to travel here.
In 2016 God spoke to Kari a single word—Muranga. Not knowing what it was, and thinking it might be some kind of ice cream(!), she googled the word and discovered Murang’a exists as a city and county in Kenya.
For 3 years Kari prayed over Murang’a. We travelled there in February 2019 for the purpose of encouraging pastors and strengthening churches, especially smaller churches in rural areas.
I came home with three major impressions.
Here’s a short background. Kenya has a long history of Christianity. Both Anglicans and Catholics missionized the area as early as the 1800’s. There are 300 pastors in Murang’a County alone. It seems churches are everywhere.
At the same time, the country has a reputation for corruption. We were told it’s first or second of the most corrupt nation on earth. (Worse than Venezuela?) The nation’s major newspaper headlines new scandals day after day. While we were there a billionaire beer dealer was busted. Another day, a well-known soccer goalie was exposed for throwing games.
I asked a taxi driver, “Why is it that Kenya has so many Christians, so many churches, and is still such a corrupt nation?”
“Because the pastors are corrupt,” he answered without a moment’s hesitation. “All the pastors are corrupt.” “What about your pastor? Is he corrupt,” I inquired. “Yes, they’re all corrupt. There is not a single honest pastor in Kenya,” he opined. “They’re all after money.”
Later, I asked a Bishop the same question. He returned a similar answer. “It’s because of the _______________ church,” he claimed. They got here first. They’ve been here a long time and they don’t fear God. Because they don’t fear God, no one else does either.”
So there you have it. From the Bishop to the taxi man, they both pin the corruption in the country to the corruption in the church.
Modern day apostles are God’s chosen instruments to help churches impact culture. Jesus call us to be salt and light in society. Most pastors are gifted in caring for the flock, the individuals and families within the local church. Apostles and prophets are gifted to lead the church outward to reach the city. The monumental importance of the church is also a monumental call for the rise of God-fearing apostles and prophets.
Following a prayer meeting of Spirit-filled pastors, Kari and I encouraged the pastors to take seriously the injunction in 1 Timothy 2:1. The Bible says the number one priority in a gathering of believers is prayer for the government.
“At the Church of the Living Water in Muscatine, we began about 5-6 years ago to begin every worship service with prayer for our government and also for another local church,” we explained.
The leader, an intelligent and articulate man named Peter, got excited. He announced how God was using President Trump to promote Biblical values in the US and Kenya, especially in the pro-life area. “If the other party would have won,” he proclaimed, “it would have been bad for the world.”
We reported how Iowa has elected a God-fearing governor and how God is blessing our state. “Yes, Iowa! It’s one of the states that put Trump over the top!” remarked the leader in excitement.
Another pastor explained a common perception among Kenyans. “If America does it, it seems right to us. Whatever America does, it seems right. So we do it too.”
Upon reflection, I could see the monumental importance of the church. She is greater than we realize! Because of growing, massive intercession in the churches; because pastors are taking a stand and educating people of what the Bible says on social issues; because 81% of evangelical Christians and a majority of Catholics voted for a conservative candidate, a God-fearing culture is rising.
Because the Church became active, socialism was cut off at the knees. Opposition to childhood murder is increasing. Not only in America, but also around the world.
I came away from Kenya with a renewed sense of the monumental importance of the Church, the role of apostles, and how together we impact society.
Parts 2 and 3 of My 3 Major Impressions of Kenya will continue next week.
