True Apostleship

Brian Anthony "True  Apostleship"

Brian Anthony “True Apostleship”

 

 

 

 

Editors note: Bryan Anthony  blogs at “Thoughts Upon Rising” and lives in Kansas City. The following post is from his blog.  At BMarkAnderson.com we endeavor to promote true apostleship and evangelism wherever possible. If you have news of apostolic events or noteworthy apostolic actions, please contact us via this website. Together we pray “Thy Kingdom Come!”  

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” -Hosea 6.3

Dear Saints,

We are opening our home in mid-town Kansas City once a month to all who would like to come, for a focused time of fellowship, prayer, and delving into the Scriptures. We will be especially taken up with the prophetic and apostolic foundations of the faith; seeking the Lord for light and grace to live as God’s people in this most crucial hour of history. The setting will be informal, so come as you are.

Our times will commence with fellowship and prayer, followed by a teaching/exhortation appropriate to the call of the Church and its mission, and an open time of reflection, dialogue and prayer. We are trusting the Lord to speak and give grace in these times, by “what every joint supplies.”

This month we will be focused on the subject of “True Apostleship” and its relationship to the “Gospel of the Kingdom.” How did the theology, eschatology, and ecclesiology of Paul affect and shape his missiology, and how ought we to be stewarding the Gospel of the Kingdom in this hour?

We look forward to meeting new saints, and to seeing faces already precious to us. We ask only that you R.S.V.P. at this email address to let us know that you’re coming:

bryanpurtle@mac.com

This will ensure that we have ample seating and the proper amount of coffee and tea.  🙂

Anticipating rich times together in the presence of our Beloved and soon coming King.

Affectionately,

Bryan & Audrey

The first of these gatherings will be on Sunday November 16th, 2014 at 7.00 p.m. When you R.S.V.P. at bryanpurtle@mac.com we’ll respond with our address and any other needed info. For those out of towners who have inquired about the gatherings, we will be recording and posting audio portions of what is shared.

 

Remarkable Report from Jerusalem

 

 

Sid Roth’s Remarkable Report from Jerusalem

Background: Who is Sid Roth? Roth currently hosts the popular TV program It’s Supernatural. He is a former account executive for Merrill Lynch who was raised in a traditional Jewish home. Yet, religious tradition provided no answers when he hit rock bottom in 1972. With his life out of control and his marriage in shambles, he was set free from demonic oppression through a supernatural encounter with Jesus. Immediately, he began to boldly proclaim Jesus as the Jewish Messiah.

Sid Roth’s Following Report is Adapted from His Website

I just got back from a trip to Israel where we led three evangelistic outreaches to share the Gospel with unsaved Jews. These outreaches coincided with the Feast of Tabernacles (Harvest feast) and a Blood Moon. I believe these were signs from God indicating it was a special time for evangelism to the Jewish people.

God Took Over


Sharing Yeshua with 150 unsaved Jews in Ashdod, Israel

We held two of the three meetings in the same city on the same day (Oct. 7). The first meeting had 150 unsaved Jews in attendance. I was told that I could say anything during this meeting but that I was not allowed to give a public altar call. Still, God took over! I am sure that all 150 unsaved Jews who attended went to bed saying, “Yeshua, become real in my life.” One woman ran up to me at the meeting and said, “I must be saved now!” I prayed a prayer of salvation with her.

Later that night, we had an auditorium filled with Jewish believers. The Israeli city where these two events were held is 100% Jewish. I laid hands on every person in attendance for an impartation of the Spirit. I believe many were set free for the first time in their lives, healed and anointed for ministry.

 

The Remarkable Report from Jerusalem

This Has Never Happened Before in Modern-Day Israel


Nearly 525 out of 550 unsaved Jews stand to publicly profess Jesus as Messiah in Jerusalem

The last meeting we held was on October 9 in Jerusalem to an auditorium filled with 550 unsaved Russian Jews. If you calculated the odds, you might think they were stacked against us: 550 unsaved Jews in attendance in the heart of the fiercest spiritual battlefield on earth.

Never tell God the odds. There has never been another outreach or response like we received in the history of modern-day Israel!

Editor’s note: Thanks to Werner and Ericka Blum from Bern, Switzerland who alerted us to this amazing and remarkable report from Jerusalem. Sid Roth is pictured below.

 

 

Chicken Evangelism Experiences

chicken evangelism experiences

chicken evangelism experiences

 

May I share a couple Chicken Evangelism experiences with you?

 Jessica manages a butcher shop in a nearby town. I had met her once before but had forgotten her name. Entering the store, I asked her name again. She waited on me and carried items to the car.

We conversed briefly and I popped the Chicken Evangelism question, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?”

She answered affirmatively, “Yes, I have.” “That’s really great! Can you tell me how it happened in a sentence or two?” I asked.

“Well, does it have to be only a sentence?”

She wanted to talk more but I explained I didn’t want to keep her from her job.

“OK. When I was five years old, I went to church and I received Christ there. “She was happy to talk about her experience.

“That’s great,” I said, “It really shows.”

She beamed and gave a happy “Thank you!” for the encouragement.

Something good happens every time we open our mouth for Jesus Christ. Chicken Evangelism experiences can be scary, but each encounter turns out to be an adventure. This time with Jessica was heartwarming and happy for us both. She and I will always be a friend because of this.

 

Armando was best man at a wedding renewal ceremony. All dressed up in a silvery tuxedo, he looked somewhat uncomfortable. We waited together for the ceremony to begin.

“Have you given your life to Jesus Christ,” I asked. He didn’t know how to answer and seemed puzzled. He didn’t really know how to answer.

Finally, he responded, “Yes, I’ve been baptized.”

“That’s great, and have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” I asked again.

“Yeah, well, yes, I want to get back into church.” He was telling me his heart, but was obviously fuzzy about what it means to become a child of God. We continued to discuss his desire for a couple minutes. He owns a Bible. He talked relatively freely about his thoughts. I invited him to come to a church meeting and he inquired about the time.

The door is open with Armando to discuss faith. I hope that he will become a genuine disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. He needs further contact.

By this time the ceremony was ready to begin, so our conversation ended.

Chicken Evangelism experiences propel us into an exciting realm. When we ask that initial question, “Have you given your life to Jesus Christ?” we never know what the response will be. Many people respond with a “Yes.” Some say “No,” and a few are fuzzy with their answer. Nearly all want to talk about their faith. Our job is to bring people to Christ and make disciples where we can.

How about you? Have you led anyone to salvation via Christ Jesus, the One who loved us and gave His life for us? You can! Browse around this website and be inspired.

 

Tell your own Chicken Evangelism experiences in the comment box below.

 

 

 

 

Amazing Miracle

Dale Sexhauer

Dale Sexhauer, evangelsit

Editors note: Amazing miracle! This report from Dale Sexhauer came across my desk a few minutes ago. It’s too good to hold  back. To God be the glory!

I have many mutual friends who know Dale personally and have invariably spoken highly of him and his ministry. Some of these friends include Bobby Martz, Ted Jensen, and Howard Jackson, to name a few. Each will vouch for the character of Dale Sexhauer and for the integrity of this report from India. I have not yet met Dale, but look forward to the opportunity. He resides in Willamsburg, Virginia when he is not traveling. God has used this man by allowing miracle after amazing miracle to follow him for over 30 years in ministry. 

 

Dear friends,

Thank you so much for your prayers! God poured out His Spirit in our first village crusade here in North India, healing the lame, demon-possessed, those with asthma and many other diseases. Two men with painful kidney stones were touched by God and instantly healed.

Around 800 people called on Jesus’ name for salvation. This is the most amazing miracle of all!

Last night during our second crusade, an amazing miracle took place which astonished all the people. A man whose stomach was swollen by around 12” for 10-12 years was healed and his stomach instantly shrunk down to normal size! A woman who had two painful tumors for six years, one on each breast, was healed — all the pain left and the tumors instantly vanished!


Please pray for the last two nights of this crusade, in the village of Panje Ke Utter, and for our last two crusades in unevangelized villages.


To God be all the glory for His amazing love and His amazing miracle working power which is being demonstrated today because Jesus is alive!

Conference: Personal Evangelism for Ordinary People October 25, 2014 in N Carolina

 

 

 

Editors note: ;Are you up for some great training in personal evangelism? Do you live in North Carolina? Check this out. Coach Chris will inspire you.

Personal Evangelism for Ordinary People

Personal_Evangelism_Conference_Mint_Hill_NCImagine:

  • You confidently answer a question about why you follow Jesus.
  • Your friend asks you how you became a Christian and you give a clear story.
  • You share the gospel story without being tongue-tied.

Just this week, I met a church member who felt that evangelism was not doable because he felt he had

  • no talent,
  • no skill,
  • nor verbally eloquent like his pastor.

My friend lacked any confidence that he could witness to anyone.

Maybe you feel the same way. You find personal evangelism intimidating. You would rather clean a pig sty instead of talking about Jesus to your friends.

I was.

Learn how Personal Evangelism can be Natural

Speaking at Your Evangelism EventThe Personal Evangelism for Ordinary People seminar will help you overcome those natural fears and find fresh freedom in sharing your faith.

As you go through the seminar with Chris Walker, you’ll

  • Learn to recognize God given moments to talk about your faith
  • Discover evangelism can be as normal and natural as breathing.
  • Find and develop the four core evangelism skills you need, even if you don’t know your Bible.

Discover a compassion for the lost and learn how to share your faith.

This seminar is designed to give you a clear understanding of personal evangelism which results in a compassion that swallows fear and equips you to be effective in everyday life.

It’s designed to move you from clumsy to confident in just ONE day.

Coming to Mint Hill North Carolina, October 25, 2014

If you live in or near the area, you don’t want to miss this FREE event. . . .

Chris will help you find the same confidence that has helps him talk about his faith in Christ to anyone who asks. He used to be the obnoxious evangelist no one wants to be and has learned core skills to make evangelism.


The seminar dispelled the fears associated with evangelism. Both personal stories and Biblical truth provided a framework from which to proceed in making sharing my faith conversationally more a part of my lifestyle.

I would highly recommend this class to anyone with a heart for becoming more verbal in their witness. — Participant


Come to learn some of the practical ways Chris has discovered to share your faith out of his research, study, and first hand real life experience from serving as a local pastor, planting two churches and doing evangelism work cross culturally in 9 different countries.

Date:

Saturday, October 25 2014

9:00a – 4:30p

Registration opens at 8:30am.

Location:

Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, Mint Hill, NC

11501 Bain School Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227


View Larger Map

Cost:

This personal evangelism seminar is free.

It is sponsored by Philadelphia Presbyterian Church

Other Notes:

  • Registration information will be shared with EvangelismCoach.org.
  • Lunch will be provided for a nominal cost, or you may bring your own. More information as time draws closer.
  • A resource table will be available, where Chris will provide audio CDs and other items from his resources.
  • When you register online, you’ll receive a complimentary subscription to the weekly newsletter by email, every Friday at 2pm. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Register Here:

Register online for free. You’ll receive reminders as the conference draws near.

We encourage you to bring your ministry leadership team to this event.

Event is open to the public and other churches are invited to register and attend.

Who is Chris Walker?

2013ChrisWalkerHeadShot425x287Chris Walker, of http://www.EvangelismCoach.org, is the featured speaker.

He is fittingly known as the Evangelism Coach because of his extensive work with churches in the US and Latin America in the areas of evangelism and church growth. Chris is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

His website has over 1000 articles on personal evangelism, congregational evangelism, and hospitality, as well as a podcast feed, all for free.

He has written:

Chris has also recorded 2 CDs on church hospitality issues, authored 2 DVDs for training greeters, and a 3 DVD set on Breaking Unseen Barriers that keep your visitors from coming back. Plus, he’s recorded additional DVDS and CDs on personal evangelism. All resources will be available at the resource table. Credit Cards will be accepted.


“Fall 2010 has gone well. I believe the First Touch teams have a renewed sense of purpose and others are doing their part to apply the welcoming concepts they learned when you spoke here. I heard from many folks about how helpful and energizing it was to hear you speak.

Your talk helped us see the need to engage people, not just serve them. I think overall it was one of our most successful events ever, and was a real example of how the momentum is shifting in a positive way.” P Strachan, Midlothian VA.


Chris is a highly accessible speaker who brings a passion and energy to his workshops that is contagious.

Geoff McClean, Pastor


I feel rejuvenated in learning to pray after the Salvation Army Quest ministry workshops in Michigan. Chris is very passionate and on fire for what he speaks about. Keep up the good work!

Dean Groendal
Muskegon Corps, Salvation Army

Obedience Brings Blessing

Obedience Brings Blessing in Surprising Fashion

ObedienceBlogChad went to our evangelism training one Friday night but was unable to go with our team on the next day’s Saturday outreach. But God still had outreach plans for Chad!

As Chad drove through the city on Saturday, he saw a man sitting on the side of the road. As he passed the man, the Lord asked him if he was going to put into practice what he had learned at the evangelism training the night before. Chad was a little nervous, because this was the first time he’d ever tried to lead anyone to Christ. But he immediately turned his vehicle around, parked, and got out to talk to the man.

This man had a case of beer by his side and a can of beer in his hand. Chad ministered to him using our pocket reference card, and the gentleman prayed to receive Jesus! As he prayed, tears began to roll down the man’s cheek. He was so thankful that Chad had stopped what he was doing to minister to him.

Then, unexpectedly, the man continued to give Chad thanks. With tears still in his eyes, he reached to shake Chad’s hand. “I felt something in his hand,” Chad told me “and I knew exactly what it was.” When Chad opened his hand, he saw a hundred-dollar bill. Chad didn’t want to receive it because he hadn’t reached out to the man in the hopes of being rewarded, but the man insisted because he was so thankful for what the Lord had just done for him. So Chad received the blessing from the gentleman.

When Jesus needed money to pay His tax, he told Peter to go fishing, and Peter found the tax money both for Jesus and for himself in the mouth of the fish he caught. Chad and his family really needed that hundred-dollar bill. The Lord knew that, and basically, He had told Chad to “go fishing.”

Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19, KJV). The Lord needed Chad to minister the good news to this man sitting at the side of the road. Chad was obedient to hear from the Lord. He acted on the word of God to him, and he found a blessing on the other side of his obedience. The Bible says, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” (Isa. 1:19, NKJV), and, “He who reaps receives wages” (John 4:36, NKJV). I’m sure Chad and his family ate well that Saturday night! There is always a blessing on the other side of our obedience.

I’m so thankful there is another name written in heaven! All of heaven is rejoicing! I pray today that you will be obedient to the Lord’s prompting when He wants you to minister to the lost. You can do it! If God is for you, no man can be against you!

This story is from rileystephenson, personal evangelism leader with Ken Copeland Ministries. Remember, obedience brings blessing!

Warning Dream from Rick Joyner

Warning Dream from Rick Joyner

” Warning Dream from Rick Joyner

“Prepare the People for Judgment.” God gave me this mandate about two years ago. Rick Joyner’s warning dream will help us prepare. Notice however: judgment as seen in this dream is not inevitable. Prayer for our governing officials, not knowledge about our future, is the goal of this post.

Prophetic Bulletin- The Border War by Rick Joyner
MorningStar Prophetic Bulletin #88 – October 1, 2014

The recent breaches in the White House security are not only shocking, they are prophetic. It was just revealed that the man who recently jumped the White House fence did not just make it to the front door, but actually got inside the White House, and deep inside of it. He was tackled by an off-duty agent who “just happened to be passing by.”

This breach into what is considered the most important house in America is a reflection of the breakdown of security for the whole nation. Those whose most basic responsibility is the defense of our country have not done their job. They have left us vulnerable, and our enemies are now pouring through our porous borders.

In the prosecution of a crime, you look for a motive, means, and opportunity. Those with the motive to kill Americans and destroy America now have the means and opportunity because of the failure of our government to secure our borders. It does not take a genius or a prophet to know our enemies are not going to let such an opportunity pass by, and our government is leaving the front door open to them, just like the front door of the White House was left open.

We are more vulnerable to terrorist attacks now than we have ever been. We will soon pay a terrible price if this is not addressed with the greatest resolve. The most basic responsibility of the federal government is defense, and the most basic defense of a nation begins with securing its borders. Our government leaders are presently guilty of the most basic dereliction of duty or treason. It must be one or the other.

The Warning Dream

On the night of September 17, I had a prophetic dream. It was about a “gate of hell” that has been opened into the United States. “Gates of hell” are the doors that hell uses to gain access. We have one of the biggest of these open into our country right now-our Southern border.

This does not mean that everyone illegally crossing our borders is a terrorist or has evil intent. It is likely that just a small fraction want to do us harm, but this is enough to wreak havoc on the entire country and soon. In the dream, I was shown the unimaginable consequences we will suffer if our borders are not secured very soon.

The dream began with a gang that crossed our border to attack a ranch in Texas. They herded together everyone on the ranch, about twenty in all, including family and workers. There were several children. Then with diabolical cruelty, they raped and tortured them. Then they killed them all in the most cruel, diabolical way imaginable. What they did to the children was the worst of all. Then they left with great excitement and celebration to attack another ranch. This was done in broad daylight. They did not seem at all concerned that they might be caught.

Then it was as if I was high over the land. I saw waves of gangs. Some appeared to be military units, sweeping across the southwestern United States. It was like a great plague as they were pillaging, plundering, raping, and murdering. It was an invasion that threatened more Americans than any previous war in our history. I was surprised I did not see any U.S. military response to this invasion.

Even though the invaders were pouring into every Southwestern state, there was a special focus on Texas. They seemed to have a special hatred of Texas and Texans. After Texans, it seemed their rage was directed toward Hispanics. This was hard to understand since most of the invaders were Hispanics, but this is what I saw. We know that the insanity that came upon Rwanda turned Rwandans against Rwandans for even slightly perceived differences. In this kind of evil rage, reason can be very twisted. What I witnessed was a raging and insane brutality like the earth may have never faced before.

ISIS and other terrorist groups were part of this horde, but this was not an ISIS led operation. In fact, the Islamic terrorists who were involved were shocked themselves by the level of diabolical evil they witnessed in these gangs. I knew that what I was seeing was the evil spirit of modern terrorism mixed with ancient spirits of a deep and powerful witchcraft from some of the South and Central American countries. The main evil spirit that was driving this was ancient, possibly rooted in old civilizations like the Mayans. When this mixed with the evil of terrorism, it became a concoction of evil like the world has never seen.

As this onslaught unfolded in the Southwest, I then saw an outrage sweep across America. This rage was not directed at the invaders as much as it was directed at our federal government because it had failed to protect us. This outrage grew to the point of being nearly as diabolical as what I had seen in the invasion across our border. Many Americans wanted to do to our government leaders what was being done to Americans in the border states. Every foolish action or policy our federal government had in regard to border security, such as the Fast and Furious program, was being brought up again to accuse our government. The rage grew with each one recited. I then saw federal employees fleeing some states as if they were fleeing for their lives. There was a seeming universal rejection of the federal government’s authority by the states.

Then militia groups began popping up like mushrooms in a forest all across America. These were not racist or extremist militias, but rather ordinary citizens who were resolved to protect their families and neighbors. However, because of the rage in America, I felt these groups were vulnerable to being co-opted by extremist groups. Even so, in prophetic dreams and visions sometimes you just know things that you do not see. I knew that these militia groups would eventually stop the gangs that had come across our borders. This was because of the help they received from many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who knew how to fight this type of warfare.

At this time, county sheriffs became like the glue that held America together and kept it from a meltdown into anarchy. They took a leading role in security and defense against the attacks-not just those coming across the Southwestern border, but those that seemed to be happening all over the nation.

I woke up with a most startling supernatural manifestation in my room that I still do not understand. I know it is significant, and I will share it when I am given understanding.

This Can Be Prevented — The Purpose of the Warning Dream

Many prophetic warnings are given so that we understand the schemes of the devil in order to foil them. What I saw in this dream will happen if quick, decisive action is not taken to secure our Southern border.

Days before I had this warning dream, I was told that America is in a Valley of Decision between now and the end of this year. When I asked what decisions we had to make, I did not get an immediate answer. However, when I had this dream, I knew it was the answer. If our government does not secure our borders very quickly, every American will be living in a constant danger from terrorist attacks. We will see the kind of wholesale invasion along our Southwestern border that I saw in the dream.

Prophetic timetables do not revolve around U.S. elections, but the upcoming elections are right in the middle of this time of decision that we have been given. As I have been warning since the 2000 elections, every election from then on would be more important than the previous ones for the future of our country, including mid-term elections. This has proven true. If we don’t vote, then we are voting for evil, because evil will fill every vacuum that the righteous allows. We must pray that securing our borders becomes a major issue in the elections and that those who see and understand it are elected.

There are other fateful decisions that will be made that will determine whether or not we suffer the onslaught that I saw in the dream. We will know by the end of the year if the right ones were made. If not, then we will know it is time to prepare the homeland for the war that is coming. When serious preparation begins, a spirit of mockery will be released by the enemy to thwart it and keep us vulnerable.

The Christian Response to the Warning Dream

This is the most alarming dream I have ever had. I admit to being shaken for days by it. I don’t think I had any fear for myself or my family who I have entrusted into the hands of the Lord. I have seen a lot of evil, but I have not seen anything like this. It shook me deeply. Even so, as Christians we must not walk by fear but by faith. We must wake up, but we must also resolve that we will not take action out of fear. Fear is not a fruit of the Holy Spirit. If we are led by fear, we are not led by the Holy Spirit.

When the Lord told of all the things that would come upon the world at the end of the age, He told His people to do two things: first to stand up and then look up. It is time for the righteous to stand up. The scariest thing in all of Scripture is the lake of fire. We are told in Revelation 21:8 that the first group thrown into the lake of fire will be the cowards. There is no place for cowardice in Christianity. It is time for Christians to stand up and demonstrate the faith we have in the One who is above all rule and authority and dominion. As Paul wrote in Galatians 1:10, if he still feared men, he would not be a bondservant of Christ. No true servant of the Lord can be ruled by the fear of man, but rather by the true and holy fear of the Lord.

It is time for the righteous to look up and see that the Lord is on His throne. He is not wringing His hands in worry, and neither must we. He is preparing for His kingdom to come and so must we.

We are commanded to pray for our leaders. We are not told to just pray for the ones we like or agree with, but the ones we have. We must pray for our present leaders, that they will wake up and be given wise counsel so that this gate of hell into our country is shut. That is the best of all scenarios.

By the end of this year, we will know if the invasion I saw in the dream has been avoided or not. If not, it does not mean that the attack will come right then, but we will know it is inevitable. That is when we must begin to prepare for it. We will be given wisdom to do this. Until then we should pray earnestly that it is not necessary.

When I shared this warning dream on MorningStar Television, I was surprised by how fast it went viral. I was more surprised by how many had already foreseen this type of thing coming and were already preparing for it. I was especially encouraged to learn the number of sheriffs who are not only aware of these threats to our country but are preparing for them. It is obvious that God is preparing us in many ways.

Last year I was told that this year we would start to see the Lord as our Shepherd in a greater way than we have before. As terrible as this dream was, since having it I have become aware of just how much our Shepherd is watching over us and helping us be ready for things we may be completely ignorant of. This is wonderful to see, but let us also keep in mind as Psalm 23 makes clear, knowing Him as our Shepherd requires us to come to the table, even in the presence of our enemies and while going through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Through all of this we will know, as we never have before, the Lord as our Shepherd and that He is able to keep us.

There is much more to discuss about natural, practical preparation for what is coming, but spiritual preparation is far more important. As Christians, we know that Satan cannot cast out Satan. The rage I saw coming upon Americans toward government leaders who had allowed this was diabolical too. Responding in rage is not the answer and will only multiply the access evil has in our country. Our non-Christian neighbors do not know this, and many will get caught up in this rage. Rage and revenge will try to fill America, yet Christians must stand up against this evil too.

When we begin to suffer the kinds of attacks I saw in this dream, it is understandable that the states would want to reject the federal government’s authority over them. It is understandable that citizens will want to hold government officials accountable for what has been allowed. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of the Lord’s throne, but His justice is never driven by rage.

What I saw coming upon the citizens and the states seemed to be leading to a breakup of the United States, not into just two nations but many. Our name is United States, and if we break up in this way, our major purpose will have been thwarted. This is the main scheme of the enemy in this attack. As Christians we must resolve not to let this happen. There may be a place for returning much more authority to the states and reducing the power of the federal government over the states to what was intended by the Constitution, but breaking up the country is only going to make everyone far more vulnerable. Christians will be the key factor that holds the country together or allows it to split apart.

One of the major purposes of the United States is to be light to the nations in confronting one of the ultimate evils of the human heart-racism. Racism is one of the ultimate evils because it is the result of the ultimate evils of fear and pride. We become racists because we fear those who are different from us, or we think we are better than others because of externals. We are warned, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (see James 4:6 NKJV). The grace of God is more valuable than any earthly treasure. We should therefore resist pride in every way that we can. This begins with resisting thinking we are better than others because of the color of our skin.

The United States has had terrible racial problems in our history. We still have major problems, but we have confronted them and made remarkable progress overall, even if we continue to have occasional, serious setbacks. The U.S. is a nation that is made up of all nationalities, and that has been one of our greatest strengths. We need to build on this strength.

When the Lord was asked about the signs of the end of the age, one of the first things He said was, “Nation will rise against nation” (see Matthew 24:7). The Greek word translated “nation” in these verses is “ethnos” from which we derive the English word “ethnic.” He wasn’t talking about countries fighting each other, but that one of the biggest events at the end of the age would be ethnic conflicts. Possibly more than any other nation, America is now positioned to be a standard to the world of the power of ethnic groups living in peace and harmony with one another. It is the devil’s intent to reduce America to a most deadly ethnic conflict. Christians, not the government, will determine which it will be.

It does not take a prophet to see that if what I saw in this warning dream unfolds, our Hispanic neighbors will be the most threatened. We are commanded to love our neighbors. The commandment does not specify their nationality, or even whether or not they are legal neighbors. If we love our neighbors, we will protect them from any threat, and as Christians we must resolve to do this. As Christians we must resolve now to stand up for and help any vulnerable people.

The truth is that the Hispanic people are some of the easiest people in the world to love. Of all the ethnic groups America is made up of, Hispanics would rank at or very near the top of those who have been the greatest blessing to America. As we are told in I John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear….” If we are obeying God to love our neighbors, then we will not fear them regardless of any ethnic differences. If we love them, we will help protect them.

We must resolve now to grow every day in faith, not fear. We must resolve that we will grow in love and not fear. We must resolve to grow in the peace of God, not anger. Then the joy of the Lord will be our strength.

Summary of Warning Dream

“If you do not change your course, you will end up where you are headed.” This warning dream represents where we are headed. The dream was so intense and powerful that I woke up feeling that this was imminent, but I was not given a specific timing in the dream for when this onslaught would come. The television show I did on this dream went viral, and sometimes exposing a scheme of the enemy to the light does at least cause him to pause, which can give us more time. I pray this is the case.

Even so, we do not have any time to waste. If the right decisions are not made by our government leaders by the end of this year to be decisive and resolute in defending our country by securing our borders, then we will need to start preparing for these things with decisiveness and resolve, but not in fear. The prepared prosper in all times.

Let us all make the right decision to vote in the upcoming elections. Because of ISIS, national defense has risen to the top of the issues, and it should be. We are vulnerable as a nation, just as security breaches to the White House should be a clear sign. The hedge of protection around our country is being removed by our leaders doing the things that we are warned will cause this to happen. Let us pray for our leaders to turn back to God or be replaced by those who will.

The only thing that will ultimately save our nation is another Great Awakening that turns the nation back to God. This onslaught across our Southern border did not turn America back to God, but it turned Americans against one another. If this is not stopped, then it can still be lessened by wise leadership and wise preparation.

The most important preparation of all is for every Christian to truly elevate God’s house above the White House, or any other house including our own. We must seek first His kingdom, which means that all of our major decisions should consider the purposes of God above any other purpose. His kingdom is built on a Rock that cannot be shaken. If we have built our houses on this Rock, we will not be shaken either.

Editor’s note: Joe Schrader of Faith Arrow Ministries sent me this warning dream by Rick Joyner.

Are There Women Apostles in the Bible?

 

Are There Women Apostles in the New Testament?

Women Apostles in the New Testament?

Women Apostles in the New Testament?

Women apostles in the New Testament? The question came up in our recent Adult Bible Class. I touched on it when I wrote Local Churches Global Apostles: How Churches Related to Apostles in the New Testament Era and Why It Matters Now. After the Bible class question, I decided to pursue the matter again.

Romans 16:7 is the only verse in question about the issue. If possible, two questions in this verse must be answered. Is Junia(s) a man or a woman? Second, how should “epistnmi among the apostles” be translated? Let’s examine some translations.

 

Greet Andronicus and Junias, [man’s name] my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. NASB

Salute Andronicus and Junia, [woman’s name] my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. KJV

Commentator David Brown explains: Andronicus and Junia–or, as it might be, “Junias,” a contracted form of “Junianus”; in this case, it is a man’s name. But if, as is more probable, the word be, as in our version, “Junia,” the person meant was no doubt either the wife or the sister of Andronicus.—Jamieson, Faussett and Brown

Charles Ryrie of Dallas Theological Seminary writes: “outstanding among the apostles. Better, well-known to the apostles.”

Let’s try some more translations of Romans 16:7.

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. HCSB

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. ESV

Remember me to Andronicus and Junias, my fellow-countrymen, who went to prison with me. They are noted men among the missionaries, and they became Christians before I did. Goodspeed 1923

. . .and to Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen, who once shared my imprisonment. They are of note among the Apostles, and are Christians of longer standing than myself. Weymouth 1912

Remember me to Andronicus and Junias, my tribal kinsmen and once my fellow prisoners. They are men held in high esteem among the apostles, who also were in Christ before I was. AMP

Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners; they are men of note among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Catholic Edition of RSV 1966

What do the commentators say?

Of note among the apostles has the idea that Andronicus and Junia are apostles themselves (though not of the twelve), and notable among other apostles. If there ever were women recognized as apostles . . . this is the strongest Scriptural evidence. It isn’t very strong. –David Guzik, Commentary on Romans

They were of note among the apostles, not so much perhaps because they were persons of estate and quality in the world as because they were eminent for knowledge, and gifts, and graces, which made them famous among the apostles, who were competent judges of those things, and were endued with a spirit of discerning not only the sincerity, but the eminency, of Christians. –Matthew Henry

. . .which are of note among the apostles–Those who think the word “apostle” is used in a lax sense, in the Acts and Epistles, take this to mean “noted apostles” [CHRYSOSTOM, LUTHER, CALVIN, BENGEL, OLSHAUSEN, THOLUCK, ALFORD, JOWETT]; others, . . . understand by the expression used here, “persons esteemed by the apostles” [BEZA, GROTIUS, DE WETTE, MEYER, FRITZSCHE, STUART, PHILIPPI, HODGE]. And of course, if “Junia” is to be taken for a woman, this latter must be the meaning. –Jamieson, Fausset and Brown

So there we have it! Are there women apostles mentioned in the Bible? No one knows for sure. Further, no one will ever know with certainty until we get to heaven (or possibly, until more ancient manuscripts of Romans 16:7 are discovered.)

Well, wait a minute. Let’s rephrase the question? Are there women apostles (plural) in the Bible? The answer is clearly “No.” But is there one woman apostle in the Bible? Maybe, and if so, she is mentioned here in Romans 16:7!

Sound off! What’s your take on women apostles?

Nice Doggy

SOME EXPERIENCES CAN BE UNFORGETTABLE LIKE THIS ONE

Sometimes I would knock on doors in the daytime, but sometimes it was in the dark of the night. That was how it was the time no one answered the front door of a 31st street house. I had always taught others not to give up, but to try another door. Maybe they don’t use that first door. So I bravely headed around toward the back of this house.

Nice Doggy

Nice Doggy?

IN THE MOONLIGHT I SAW SOMETHING THAT STARTLED ME

A distance away was a large dog. He growled…and then suddenly leaped at me. My heart almost stopped until I saw that he was chained and jerked to a full stop after a few feet.

Feeling safe I stepped up on the porch. Next came an unwanted revelation. That chain was merely caught on a rock, and now that dog came flying at me, leaping past the rock and setting his teeth around my ankle.

I could not move. There I stood looking down as my prayers started going up.

“Nice doggy, in Jesus’ name let me loose. Nice doggy, let go in Jesus name” I quietly and prayerfully intoned to his perked up ears.

WHEN HE FINALLY DID LET GO, IT ONLY TOOK A SPLIT SECOND FOR ME TO PUSH THROUGH THAT DOOR AND INTO THE KITCHEN OF A VERY SHOCKED STRANGER 

 “I am so sorry, “I explained to the lady, catching my breath. “Your dog had his teeth around my ankle, and this was my only escape. Please forgive me!”

We both laughed with relief. I was safe, and this was not a home invasion, and I was not a thief breaking into her house.

As crazy as it all seemed, as the situation unfolded, somehow the Lord turned even this around into a great opportunity to witness to this lady.

 

THIS ACCOUNT IS TAKEN FROM THE BOOK

REACH THEM ONE BY ONE by

CLAIRE H. GOODWIN

book adv

 

 

Editors note: Claire Goodwin is an experienced soul-winner with memorable stories to tell. Her book will inspire any one wanting wanting God to use them. You can buy her book at CalvaryPentecostalRevivals.org.

You too can lead people to salvation in Christ. Many people are ready. They just need someone to show them how.

If you have led someone to Christ, tell your story in the comment box below. Your story will inspire others.

Make a Friend with Chicken Evangelism

Chicken Evangelism Makes Friends

Make a Friend with Chicken Evangelism

Make a Friend with Chicken Evangelism

The crowd of ticketed passengers was waiting at the gate for our flight from Portland to Salt Lake City. As is usually the case, we were all avoiding eye contact, yet simultaneously profiling our fellow passengers. Over there was the severely overweight man; I hoped not to have to squeeze into a seat by him. Then there were the women with necklines so low I would be embarrassed to have to sit next to them. There was a foreign-looking guy with scraggly hair and pants so low his belt was actually below his buttocks.  I’ve never seen a man who wore his pants so low.  Fortunately, he wore such a long-tailed shirt that that he was not exposed.  I mused, “I think I could handle sitting next to him.”

I boarded the plane and found my assigned aisle seat, 27C.  A lady came and took seat 27A by the window.  Finally, just before closing the doors, the man with the low pants came and sat down beside me in 27B.  He immediately fiddled with his cell phone so as to avoid any contact.  After a while I interrupted him by introducing myself.  “My name is Ed*,” he returned.  I found out how to spell his name and that he was a Filipino from Manila.  I told him about my trip with my wife to Mindanao and our wonderful experiences in the Philippines.

After the plane took off I asked, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?”  He replied affirmatively, yet so vaguely that it left me wondering.  Because I’ve asked this initial question so many times to so many people, I could count on a time tested result. I expected I could make a friend. I expected the man would open up about his life, and he did. As we conversed I discovered that he was born a Roman Catholic, that he had received Christ as a child, (“a long time ago”), and that he had been divorced four years ago.

As the flight continued, I shared parts of my life and my story with Ed.  He began asking questions about my life.  He was very interested in our farm and what else I did.  I told him I was a marriage counselor and we talked about the many benefits of marriage.  He began to open up about how his marriage had fallen apart and how he had tried, without success, to keep it together.  Ed knew I was interested, so he shared his life.  He has a Bible (“I have many Bibles”), he reads almost daily, doesn’t go to church, and has no current job.

Near the end of the flight I asked if I could pray for him.  “Sure,” came his welcome response.  We had talked almost non-stop for the duration of the trip.  Surprisingly, Ed was more interested in my life and me than most strangers I had ever met.

Want to make a friend?  Take courage and simply ask, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?”  Ask soon after you meet—ask before you chicken out. I find I have about a five-minute window. If I share Christ in that period, I can do it. If I wait too long, I usually chicken out. When I first began, I was afraid I might offend someone. The opposite turned out to be true. The simple question “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” opens the deeper parts of a soul. It’s a way to make a friend, but it’s more than that.

Here’s how it works. When we share unashamedly what means most to us, the other person opens up also. I’ve found again and again that many people will share openly with a caring stranger the things they hide from friends and family.

God’s heart is for the lost. You will be amazed how He will use you with strangers. You can lead people to Christ. You can enjoy new friendships with strangers. God wants to use you. Take courage, try it. Chicken evangelism is fun and never ceases to be an adventure.

If you’re leading people to Christ, I’d like to know how you do it. Tell your story in the comment box below.

*Ed is a pseudonym.