Is religiousity killing US?

I have had this on my mind for quite a while and I was struck yesterday after hearing an interview of a guy who heads up Reformed Theology seminary. I googled reformed theology to see what that even is. All I could make out what something about Calvinism. Then I thought about the arguments I have heard about Calvinism and everyone else. It boils down to fights creating divisions within the church.

Well, how much is this kind of silliness really killing us? Personally, I have stepped away from pre- post- trib stuff. I don't concern myself with arguing over tongues and baptism anymore. Why? Because it serves only to kill the fellow christian over nonsense. Scripture talks about speaking with tongues of angels, prophesying and doing all these Godly things but if you do not have love you are nothing. HOw much can we say of this in the Christian world? Or maybe Christianity in America?

Steve Brown has a slogan "Three Free Sins' which is just a little joke yet how many people probably get hell bent out of shape as a result. Would you get bent out of shape? In the religious mind it appears that sin isn't taken seriously with such a slogan but really, come one, should one really bent out of shape over such a thing?

How often have you ever engaged in ridiculous conversations of forms of baptism? tongues and its use, music in the church, the way you pray and so forth. Have you ever been so divided over it that it ruined a friendship? And then what about those who aren't christians? How does your division affect your witness to them?

I have backed away from so much that I am seeking only the basics of the gospel. If I run into division I will simply walk away or keep it in house and in the closet. I am a discussion type person anyway- I really hate arguments. This topic has really bugged me lately and I wanted to post it to get your thoughts.

I tend towards reformed theology. Good exsample might be truthforlife.org

QUESTION ASKED: Is religiousity killing US?

RESPONSE; Yes

posted this idea on another thread... but anything beyond the following shared tenants among us generally leads to strife and division-

I believe in God, the Father Almighty the Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.

Beyond that is normally going to cause strife and division with little hope of coming to agreement because of the tremendous amount of pride that we humans exhibit.

Leeza, I know you mean well but I really don't care who leans where when it comes to theology. What I mostly care about is how many christians are willing to put all that stuff down and keep only to the essentials and stop all infighting over silliness?

Seeing the issues of the Pharisees is just as seeing the issues of church splits. Petty silly stuff and we lose our point of view which is friendship and love under the banner of Jesus. It isn't the once saved always saved stuff, it isn't who speaks in tongues, it isn't who can prophesy and it isn't who can go out and feed the hungry. It is putting the silliness of conflicts aside and being a witness to the world.
Funny how this becomes so hard for christians who were once blind and now we claim we see yet many times I think we are more blind than we were before we became Christians.

I also hear stuff on christian radio in which they present these utopian views of christian life and then marvel why some cannot live up to it. Is that what the Christian life is all about? Striving for the perfect and yet depressed because we can't attain it? We know we can't and yet get depressed and angered because we can't. Does that make sense?

I keep thinking about Steve Brown and three free sins. It keeps Christian faith in perspective. You know you are going to sin so tongue in check you are allowed some fee sins. Yet some will interpret this as the choice to willfully sin and that is such a religious mentality as well. Such a dying mentality.

Well, how much is this kind of silliness really killing us?

Killing us?

The church is dead and we don't know it.

hi, i am trying to stay calm about something that is running rampant in this forum and others...Jesus is the Head of the church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it...do nothing pharisees who have not been anywhere and have not yet wept a lake of tears for the lost with no caluses on their knees from prayer..have never been wounded in battle against the principalities and powers of the air telling me the church is dead. there are five or six wonderful churches in my city of baton rouge who are preaching the gospel and turning our city,our state and our world to Christ.the church i have been with for years has started over 20000 churches around the world in the last 10 years at the cost of millions...we have a youth group in the schools called 220 that numbers over 7000students attending and no one has heard of us because we are not on 60 minutes for sinful or evil activity.jimp

My daughter from Austin came into town last week. She wanted to go to a church she attended before she moved. It was the Village church in Flower Mound (Texas). I was a bit reluctant to go, given the distance and the youthful zeal of assorted instruments that is a bit beyond my generation. I felt it necessary to acoompany her and so my wife and I attended. I went in bothered about all the wasted time that I could have communed with God apart from the drive. Bothered by those who would give God no notice except for a few hours on this morning. Bothered by emotionalism that people mistake for the love of the Spirit. Bothered by the Bride being treated only as sheep but not as priests. Bothered by a great many of my concerns that I would come to find were without foundation.

What I experienced in the worship was not through instruments, but Words from our God that were flashed upon the screen. God old fashioned verses of truth that formed the lyrics of the songs. Verses quoted by Book and verse. Words that cut deeper than any sword. Words that could penetrate the the soul of the believer. I could barely sing for the beauty of the Spirit that filled the room. The sight of saints praising our God is such an emotional sight. It is supposed to be this way. I can understand a little more of what eternity is like with such a picture. The sermon was dead on regarding Grace and the Law and possibly one of the best and clearest presentations I have heard.

I went in a little reluctant and came out overcome by His presence. I have been distanced from dead religion for a few years and in my solitude found a deeper relationship that can only come by the one on one intimacy possible with the Lord. I have somewhat limited fellowship these days but desire it in greater abundance. It is refreshing to see how God works among so diverse a people. Deadn you are right when you say there is so much dead stuff out there. Our God is a God of the living. Praise His name forever.

Lylewise

Great words there. Remember also that the point of my post is to put off the things that divide in religiousity. Meaning, why do we fight over the stupid stuff? Prayer, giving of ourselves, meditating the scripture, taking time to hear God is where we should put our focus, right? So why do we get so sidetracked and hijacked when it comes to other issues? It only causes fruitless debates.

Endtimes gets to be such a big discussion with some people. I don't concern myself with it anymore- it really just gets in my way of what I should be concerned with in the end. Sometimes I think of the scripture about thinking upon those things that are true and just and putting away the meaningless things that would cause division. Have you ever fought yourself against arguing with someone over something ridiculuous when it comes to God? There is a right way and a wrong way to argue or discuss. There is a right way and a wrong way to live your life as a witness and to engage in frivilous things is just thought, frivilous.

I say these things because I think I and many other have wasted our precious years with stupid stuff in regards to God and missing the entire purpose of why we are Christians. We are Christians because we believe God exists. We believe Jesus was sent to redeem our sinful souls from hell and to follow Him out of darkness into the Light. Yet once we have this new found life what do we do? Starting arguing over petty stuff. I think it is evidence of the patience of God in reflection. When we ask, How long O God will you go without dealing with Your church? In the meantime I am dealing with myself, praying for revival and carrying on with my personal life to make the most off it while not wasting precious time on the side arguments found in many churches that produce nothing but nonsense dogma

I know I am rambling just a bit but I am heartfelt with this and wish we all could just be honest with each other and just free in heart. Free to share joyous faith with each other, not to be corny but truthful and not to be argumentitive but engage is great meaningful discussion about what God is doing in your life and how to grow from that. It seems to simple yet we do mess it up, don't we?

The bereans (Act 17:11) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily [to find out] whether these things were so.

It is commendable to examine our beliefs in light of scripture. It is really a good thing to test teachings in light of scriptures.

If we, together, are seeking God, and seeking to understand more clearly what He has revealed in His word through the ministry of the holy Spirit, I think there can be a pure and peaceable discussion. We can share our concerns.

I pray, please cease from accusing one another.

"The church is dead"

I am only repeating what I heard from heaven....

quote: Jesus is the Head of the church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Yet you find Jesus the head of the church saying to a church in Revelation...

Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Alive but DEAD...

hi, since we are the church and we are dead then what is the use of anymore christian activity. should we eat, drink and be merry;and die. your insistance on death is not gospel(good news)for it is defeatest and says that we serve a God who is not able.my guess krispy is the Holy Spirit.jimp

If the chuch is dead, as some are saying than does God really exist? If the church is dead then there is no church, only appearance of something that parades itself as the church.

Is religion what is killing us? How many times have you ever read or heard of someone pointing a negative finger towards relgion and religious people? It usually if followed by no love, no forgiveness, always wanting to point the finger.

I am OVER it! Every notice how expected it is that a religious forum will be negative? Why is that? I know by I will leave it on the floor.

I think of a guy at work who goes to the Church of Christ. He is a massive complaining but when it comes to bible he wants to analyze every single word yet in doing so he has totally killed himself inside. His attitude is very negative. If you spend time around him in conversation you will not be built up inside at all. He has used the Word to kill himself and doesn't even know it. Is it A reason why religion is killing us? Could be a part of it.

QUOTE:
"Personally, I have stepped away from pre- post- trib stuff."

John, after you simmer down a bit, I would urge you to go study prophecy apart from any writings by any contemporary writer. Limit your reading to the WORD only.

Your post highlights the confusion that results when a body allows others' interpretation to supercede the teaching of the WORD.

John, there will always be disagreements among Christians. Some of it is caused by ignorance, some by rebellion, some by sin, some by blindness. We cannot allow it to effect our willingness to learn and listen to others. Even if we disagree with another person, it can trigger a thought process that will give you insight into a truth that heretofore was elusive.

God bless. And I suggest you go study Revelation, asking God to illuminate it for you. There is a ton of insights there that are sure to edify.

Ginnyrose

I hear what you are saying. In reference to you comments, I am not saying I am not going to do my studying. What I am saying is what profit is it to get in an argument over pre-trib, post-trib and so forth. It is nonsense. Personally I haven't made up my mind what the bible says about it. It doesn't concern me a great deal. I think it is good to engage in discussions over these issues and see how the interpretation is but to argue and divide over it it nonsense. This is where my argument is.

Is pre-trib, post-trib, whatever trib that important that it divides some Christians? If it is then we have serious issues. This is only a small snippet of the whole picture though.

Is pre-trib, post-trib, whatever trib that important that it divides some Christians? If it is then we have serious issues. This is only a small snippet of the whole picture though.

All these denominations and arguments that divide Christians are sure the work of Satan. Jesus in John 17 prays that those who believe in him will be united in one spirit like how the father Son and Holy Spirit are united as one. But how can we see we are all united if we keep dividing ourselves with these denominations and theologies that are called by Human names? Following these theologies called by human name is what caused division among Corinthians when they argued I am of Paul, I am of Apollos etc.

John 17 is prayer of Jesus who was righteous and God will surely answer the prayer of a Righteous man. Even now there are true Christians who are united in one spirit without coming under any denomination name. Let those who seek such true Church seek them. They may not start 20000 churches nor have 1 million followers but they have true disciples of Jesus. Jesus himself was able to gather only 11 disciples all his life, but dint these 11 turn the world upside down? So it is not the number that is important but the quality. Let those who seek a true Church of God understand these truths and seek that hey may see one.

sree

Good words!

Let's not get caught up in the pre-trib, post-trib , whatever trib thing. I only brought that up because it tends to be an area that divides people to the point of real division. Other areas of major division is tongues, prophesy, music, dress. They all have their place but for Christians to divide over it and allow to affect your discussions with other Christians and your whole being is unjust.

It seems some of favor certain of these things and want others to engage in them as well. The intentions are well meaning but in the end does it bring forth life or division? If division then RUN. If Life then INDULGE. This is different for everyone and that is what is so great about humanity. We are have different callings on our lives do that which we believe God is calling us to. While following that leading becareful that we don't jump into religious arguments that lead to nothing unless it deals with the essentials of the faith.

Quote: your insistance on death is not gospel (good news) for it is defeatest and says that we serve a God who is not able.

Quote: If the chuch is dead, as some are saying than does God really exist? If the church is dead then there is no church, only appearance of something that parades itself as the church.

Guys it not something you can grasp with logical thinking… When God said to me “The Church is dead” I didn’t hear a loud thump as he fell of his throne. I encourage you, in fact I challenge you to go to God about it and ask him the Holy Spirit to explain it to you.

Quote: Therefore Christ was dead in them and not alive. Bitterness, slander, hate, ruled their lives, and they had a name over their door that they were alive, but they were in actuality dead.

Approved is getting it… 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 3:3

I like how the New Living Translation says it: for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature?

"The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self--all your wishes and precautions--to Christ. C.S. Lewis

"Christ says 'Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. C.S. Lewis

Gal 5:24 and they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts

Defeatist---I would like to add as I close this post that after God said to me about the “church is dead” he went on to speak about the Mightiest Move of God ever sent. If we really want to see that Move of God then we have come to realize our current condition and turn back to God and humble ourselves and surrender our whole being over to Christ…

hi colin, i see what you are saying and respect your right to say it.you live in europe and my pastor was invited to europe to preach 2 years ago and was told that they have no invitations for salvation any more because noone was responding. he preached in germany and had an invitation and 180 people came forward to give their lives to Jesus. he said he had similar results elsewhere. i see Jesus blowing on sparks that are growing cold to keep His opportunity open.i see flames of fire in different parts of the world and in a few places ablaze with the fire of God. we get honest reports from the thousands of churches around the word that even include how many are imprisoned and tortured for the sake of Christ.be encouraged yourself,brother.jimp

(quote)
Defeatist---I would like to add as I close this post that after God said to me about the “church is dead” he went on to speak about the Mightiest Move of God ever sent. If we really want to see that Move of God then we have come to realize our current condition and turn back to God and humble ourselves and surrender our whole being over to Christ…
(quote)

What is considered the Mightiest move of God?
I have to say that I have heard many times, in church ( This was in pentecostal circles of which I no longer attend) That God was about to pour out His Spirit on the church and we would see great things. This appeared in very generic terms which really doesn't do much to build a people up. people hear such things but see nothing come to pass what are they to believe? This had been a problem for me for quite a while until I realized I am either looking in the wrong places for this or I am being lied to in church. I leaned towards the 2nd one because it becomes all about religiosity and keeping the faithful expecting for 'something'.

The comment above, I think this would refer to the personal life and not necessarily the public church? Or it could lead to the public church?

Does my post even make any sense at all? At times I sense being in a maze and when I hit dead ends I see a fragment of religiosity that leads no where as I mentioned in posts before and am looking for those things that lead to Living Water in the Soul which is Jesus while moving this this maze of life engrained within our culture. Thus another reason religiosity is killing us.

(quote)
I would also add that we are very short sighted. We see whats going on around us, and we assume this is the way it is world-wide. Not so.

As jimp pointed out, there is much that God is doing in the world. We have to see beyond our self-centered lives.

Krispy
(quote)

BULLSEYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From reading your past posting it is scary about how much we agree on so many levels. Are you a brother of another mother?

Quote: What is considered the Mightiest move of God?

The end result of the Move of God can be seen in this scripture below..

Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

God is going to raise up a people, the anointing is not for a few men it will be for God’s people. The people are going to be raised up to take the gospel to a lost and dying world, they will also have to face the antichrist but will come of victorious… The strength of this Move of God will be the people a Holy people…

Quote: The comment above, I think this would refer to the personal life and not necessarily the public church? Or it could lead to the public church?

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

The personal life of a Christian is very important look at this end time believers in the scripture above “they loved not their lives unto the death” Don’t expect to get victory over the beast if you haven’t got the the victory over your “favorite sins”.

Those we read about in Revelation “who loves not there lives unto death” is in complete contrast to what we have now: lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof 2 Tim 3:4-5.

Hope that helps you…

(quote)
Quote: What is considered the Mightiest move of God?

The end result of the Move of God can be seen in this scripture below..

Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

God is going to raise up a people, the anointing is not for a few men it will be for God’s people. The people are going to be raised up to take the gospel to a lost and dying world, they will also have to face the antichrist but will come of victorious… The strength of this Move of God will be the people a Holy people…

Quote: The comment above, I think this would refer to the personal life and not necessarily the public church? Or it could lead to the public church?

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

The personal life of a Christian is very important look at this end time believers in the scripture above “they loved not their lives unto the death” Don’t expect to get victory over the beast if you haven’t got the the victory over your “favorite sins”.

Those we read about in Revelation “who loves not there lives unto death” is in complete contrast to what we have now: lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof 2 Tim 3:4-5.

Hope that helps you…

_________________
Colin Murray

(quote)

THere is a sentence in here that puzzles me.

'God is going to raise up a people.....'

This is a future tense and I have always asked, well, when is this raising up going to be? Whenever I hear Christians says this I liken it to the rapture. Always looking forward to that day but it hasn't come yet- so when does it come? Or am over analyzing it? Or is the quote just a poor choice of words to say 'is going to'?

Tommy Hicks Vision

On the morning of July 25, 1961, at 2:30, I received a vision from the Lord, that has entirely revolutionized my whole life and ministry. It seemed as though I had hardly gone to sleep, when this vision came before me . . . not once . . . but three times. Oh, wonder of wonders when again on July 27 this vision appeared. In each instance, the details were identical.
Suddenly in the vision, I was standing with the full view of the whole world before me. From out of the heavens came great thundering and lightning. Accompanied with the phenomena, came a voice . . . a great voice . . . for it was the voice of God.
My face was turned toward the North. With a great flash of lightning covering the entire earth, I looked down and beheld a massive form that appeared like a huge Giant. I was amazed as I saw the Giant cover the earth. Its feet seemed to reach to the North Pole, and its head extended to the South Pole. The arms were dramatically spread from sea to sea. Again with another great flash, I saw that this Giant was alive . . . and yet strange to say . . . struggling to life. I said, "Oh Lord, what does this mean?"
This massive being was covered with debris and seemed to be fettered. As I viewed this being, it began to quiver, then almost go into convulsive gestures. As this took place I saw thousands of strange creatures. Every time the Giant would quiver, they would withdraw. However when it ceased to move they would return. I was definitely made to know what these creatures were. They were instruments that had bound the body of Christ through the ages.
Suddenly the right hand of the Giant came up. I heard a loud voice like a roar of thunder from heaven. Then his left hand was raised . . . and as I looked, I saw its hands extend into the very heavens. Then very slowly, the Giant began to rise . . . and with the giant hands, began to cleanse the debris from off its body. I saw it rise to its feet, with hands outstretched to heaven. So great that its hands were in the heavens, while one foot was in the sea, the other was on the earth. I trembled uncontrollably, never before seeing such a sight.
Presently, the sky was filled with clouds . . . heavy clouds . . . but lo they turned silver . . . until from the very silver clouds there came liquid drops of light and power on the form of the Giant. I watched intently . . . I saw the Giant melt to the earth itself . . . as though it was being poured out from heaven itself. The form had seemed to dissolve and now in its place I saw millions of people. I cried to the Lord, "What is the meaning of this?" A voice so clear and vibrant said plainly, "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."
As I listened to the voice and watched the multitude of people, from the clouds came great drops, like liquid light . . . this majestic heavenly substance made everyone it touched lose their identity . . . and their identification was JESUS. I saw no barriers, no denominations, nor sects, but the transcendent glory of heaven that rested upon these people compelled them to lift their hands in praise and adoration.
I watched to see who this company was worshiping. At that point, I saw a great white figure come out of the clouds . . . pointing His finger to one and then another. It seemed that He was giving directions, for as He would point, they would go . . . some to the east, some to the west, and in each direction. I could see them marching through cities, towns and villages . . . come through deserts, forests and jungles. God is going to have a perfect Church. He is going to have a people that are so endued with power that it will not be an exposition of self, but it will be Christ in them, the hope of glory. I saw these people pass through the fire, unburned . . . cross rivers as though there was no water there . . . they crossed oceans with ease, escaped persecution as though a hand transported them from their surroundings.
In spite of wild beasts roaring, being attacked by men with swords and weapons of war, nothing seemed to hinder them. They moved over mountains, and down through valleys . . . they moved like the hart skipping upon the hills. Their faces shone with the countenance of Victors . . . they were conquerors.
I hesitate to tell this part of the Vision, because it was with great trembling, I received this portion of the revelation. I saw the man, clothed in white, point with a scepter in his hand. Again there was pouring forth from His hand this that I call "liquid power." As soon as it would touch the person, he would have his hands bathed and dripping in the same heavenly substance. Upon receiving this anointing they would walk into Hospitals . . . through the streets . . . into the Institutions, and on and on, marching throughout the length and the breadth of the land. I could hear them saying, "According to my Word, be thou make whole." As the liquid power flowed from their hands, each one they touched was instantly healed and made whole.
I saw people transported in the Spirit from nation to nation. I saw them going to Siberia . . . to Africa . . . to Canada . . . and to the ends of the earth. I saw them literally lifted up and placed by the Spirit in the respective countries.
Then I heard a voice . . . not a thundering voice this time but a voice that was low and beautiful as the murmuring of the waters. This tender voice said, "My little children. I have given unto thee my treasures. You are mine, you belong to me. I have loved thee with an everlasting love. Now my power shall be IN YOU. The gifts that I have given unto thee shall be made manifest to a lost and dying world. I am going to restore to thee all." These people arose in the power of this great commission. I saw them cross oceans, go through fire, face persecution, and lifted by the Spirit and transported to many places. They were being placed where God wanted them . . . they were being put in the places where God was going to visit His people. They were prepared and already equipped.
I realized that this whole panorama picture was the demonstration of the Kingdom of God through those who follow Him. I continued to see a stream of people marching . . . healed . . . blind eyes opened . . . deaf ears unstopped . . . literally millions receiving the power of this great manifestation. It seemed so "Fluid" in its operation. There was no exaltation of a man . . . simple words were constantly repeated . . . simple but profound . . . "ACCORDING TO MY WORD, BE THOU MADE WHOLE."
As I watched, it seemed as though days formed into weeks, until months and years seemed to slip away . . . and in the midst of those who received the fullness of God's visitation, there were also those who withdrew. I could see the anguish of their faces . . . the price was too steep . . . retaining of the identification meant too much to them. They refused to march . . . and eventually slumped away. The price was more than they could bear . . . they eventually slipped out into the darkness of the night.
To speak of the following instances leaves me weak with the glory and power of the tremendous finale. The days, months and years seemed to slip by as I beheld the celestial scene. Nevertheless, it all happened in a short time . . . possibly just a few seconds . . . who can tell? No tongue could adequately tell the glory and the splendor of the formation of this angelic host. In a moment . . . just a twinkling of an eye, the graves of the saints had become as a plowed field and the saints from all ages . . . from the seas . . . the mountains . . . the deserts . . . from every imaginable place, gave up her dead . . . and rose in power and majesty . . . to be absorbed into the great Giant. No debris covered this great being now . . . it was clothed in heaven's majesty . . . glorious shining garments . . . so brilliant that it would make a million diamonds look dull.
Everyone was in a state of perfection. Again I heard a great thunder . . . and I turned to behold the most repelling sight human eye can witness. From the heavens above, poured forth the vials of wrath . . . and wrath of God. It seemed that the wrath and justice of God were wrung out as drops of unspeakable anguish and suffering. The Christ rejecting peoples of the earth had their cup filled.
Once again my attention was drawn to this glorious body . . . as I heard again the voice . . . even as thunder crying . . . "BEHOLD THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM. For He is the Lord of glory. Lift up your heads oh ye gates . . . be lifted up ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in." Then as though the great Maestro of heaven had given the sign, a mighty volume of harmonies . . . heaven's harmonies pealed forth like music born on the wings of a heavenly dove. The music was clear . . . vibrant, rich and resonant . . . it was heaven's music . . . the song of souls set free. They were singing a new song, and what I thought to be accompaniment, now became clearer . . . stronger . . . it was the voice of the Bride . . . many voices but one voice singing the Song of Moses and the Lamb.
As I listened, I suddenly became weak . . . and yet even the weakness was my strength . . . for I had been in the presence of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. I was filled with an unspeakable surge of the Spirit to go tell all nations . . . press the battle to the front line trenches of the lost and dying world.
Folks, the Kingdom is here. The very power and Spirit of the Kingdom of God no possessed me, I knew it was the revelation of the King in all His Kingly authority. I could see that the Lord was showing me that the Kingdom of God was coming into view. This was the revelation of the Kingdom of God coming to man. The very spirit and power of the Kingdom so gripped me, I felt like one caught away to the third heaven. Daniel saw the everlasting Kingdom . . . no power in the world will be able to destroy this Kingdom. Once again, I saw this body now being lifted into the heavens. At this point I awoke. The vision repeated in the same manner three times again. Each time perfect in detail. From that moment to this, these words have rung through my soul . . . HE'S COMING SOON!

Quote: The church is not dead... has never been dead... and never will be dead

Then we don't need a Revival then? everything is fine....

2 Chronicles 7:13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people.

Do you see any of this in your nation where you live?

The reason for the distress in our nations is because of the spiritual condition of the church. It is not because of the government it's is because of the christians "the church" because of it's condition.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

If my people "the church" shall humble themselves and pray and seek God's face and "TURN FROM THERE WICKED WAYS" then God will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and "HEAL THERE LAND"