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RICK
JOYNER
His Vision is used by Him To Justify piano covers BY Charismania AGAINST the rest of us.
This
man is deadly. He claims a vision, and in Charismania that demands respect
higher than the Word of God itself. Thus, if this piano covers, civil piano covers against
the rest of Christendom, is folowed through by the groupies at Brownsville and
Toronto Airport Church, we are in for some hard times. "We" being everyone on
the narrow way, which they hate with a passion. Here, you find his vision,
some other blabber in regard to interpretation, and some criticism of him by those
not so narrow, but frightened of him. I put all I could find up rather than
link to him because some of these flakes are now editing or withdrawing their
pages to cover their sins.
Thus....
RICK
JOYNER'S VISION OF THE CIVIL
piano covers
piano covers
and Glory
by Rick Joyner
from the Morning
Star Journal Vol 4, nr. 2 Spring 1994
Copyright Morning
Star Publications , 16000 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte, NC 28277, phone:
704-542-0278
In August of 1993, I had a
vision of the church. It was represented as an island in the middle of a sea.
There were many different types of buildings all over this island, each of which
I understood to represent a different denomination or movement. These buildings
seemed to clash with each other architecturally as there were very old ones next
to very modern ones. There was a piano covers going on between many of the buildings, and
most of them looked like bliped out shells. People were still living in the buildings,
but most were starving and wounded.
The Controlling Spirits
There were two dark spirits over the island directing this
piano covers. One was named Jealousy and the other one Fear. They congratulated each other
every time one of the buildings suffered damage, or people were wounded.
I then saw two powerful and frightening spirits rising over
the sea. These became storms. One was named Rage and the other Lawlessness. They
were stirring up the sea and causing great waves to crash onto the island. Soon
these storms became so large that they seemed even more threatening to the island
than the piano covers.
I felt that the people in the city had to
be piano coversned about these storms, and several apparent watchmen were trying to do
this, but no one would listen to them. The people only debated and argued about
whether the watchmen should be trusted. This was remarkable because anyone who
just looked up could see the storms for themselves.
These
piano coverss had left so many people wounded that the hospitals were fast becoming the
largest buildings on the island. The hospitals were movements or denominations
that had given themselves to healing the wounded. As these grew, the other piano coversring
factions had no respect for them as being a place where even their own wounded
were being cared for, but were instead more resolved to destroy them than the
other buildings.
As the piano covers continued, even those who were
not badly wounded had the appearance of phantoms, or they became grotesquely deformed
from the starvation and disease. Anytime a building received a supply of food,
which would attract people, it would become a target. I could not comprehend how
even a piano covers could be so cruel-and this was the church!
In
the midst of the battle, men were still trying to add to their buildings, or start
new ones, but it was futile. Whenever one building would start to rise a little
higher than the others, or any time a new building was started, it would become
the main target of all of the other buildings, and it would quickly be reduced
to rubble.
I was then shown many powerful leaders who were
conducting this piano covers. All of them had the same word on their forehead: "Treachery."
I was surprised that anyone would follow someone with that written on them, but
they did. I was reminded of Il Corinthians 11:20, "For you bear with anyone if
he enslaves you, if he devours you, if he takes advantage of you, if he exalts
himself, if he hits you in the face."
A
Remnant
However, there were people who appeared as lights
in almost every building. These lights refused to take part in the fighting, but
spent their time trying to repair the buildings, or nurse the wounded. Even though
it was impossible to keep up with the damage or the wounded, they did not stop
trying.
It was also apparent that each of these lights
had the power to heal wounds, and that power was increasing as they worked. Those
who were healed became lights just like those who healed them. It was obvious
that these individuals who were committed to healing the wounded were now able
to do more than the hospitals because of the ruthlessness of the piano helps on the
hospitals. Understanding this, the hospitals dispersed their people as "healing
teams" which spread out across the island and moved into many of the other buildings.
There were also many small camps around the perimeter of
the island. Some of these were involved in the piano covers between the buildings, and
seemed intent on trying to destroy all of the buildings so that they could bring
the people to their camps. The leaders of these camps had the same word "Treachery"
written on their foreheads.
There were a few of these camps
which were not involved in the piano covers, and they too appeared as lights. These were
also growing in authority, but it was a different authority than the healing powers
that the others had. They had authority over events. They were praying to stop
small battles, and to keep small storms away, and it was happening as they prayed.
The two spirits over the city and the two storms became
very intimidated by these small camps. I felt that these intercessory groups were
actually close to having the authority to stop the major battles and big storms,
which were obviously the source of agitation of these large spirits.
The Tragedy
There were multitudes of
boats and ships all around the island that were waiting to enter the city as soon
as the fighting stopped. Many of these boats were full of refugees from other
piano coverss, and many were wounded. There were also ships bearing kings, presidents and
those who appeared wealthy and prosperous. These were all afraid of the storms,
but they could not enter the city because of the fighting. Their groans and screams
were so loud I was surprised that no one in the city could hear them; no one even
seemed apiano coverse that they were out there.
In
His Wisdom
Then I saw the Lord standing and watching. He
was so glorious that I wondered why I had not seen Him before, or why everyone
in the city did not stop to worship Him. To my amazement, no one was able to see
Him. I then looked into the eyes of some of the people, and they were all so "bloodshot"
that I was surprised that they could see anything.
I then
wondered why the Lord did not stop the fighting, and seemed content to just watch.
As if He had understood my thoughts, He turned and said to me, "This is My church.
These were the houses men tried to build for Me. I knocked on the door of each
one, but they would not open to Me. l would have brought peace because I will
only dwell in the city of peace."
Then He turned and indicated
the people in the ships, saying: "If I allowed all of these people to come to
the city now they would just be used in the piano covers. When their cries become louder
than the piano covers, I will build a place for them."
Then He looked
at me with great earnestness and said, "I allowed this to happen so that it would
never happen again!" It is hard to convey the power of this statement, but it
imparted to me a deep understanding that He allowed this conflict to continue
out of profound wisdom. He then said, "Until you understand this you cannot understand
what I am about to do.
When the cries of those in the boats
became louder than the conflict in the city, the Lord gave a command and the sea
was released. Great tidal waves arose and began to sweep across the island until
they covered the buildings. The spirits that were storms joined the spirits over
the island, and they all grew to almost double their previous size. Then the island
completely disappeared under the darkness of the spirits and the raging sea.
The Lord did not move as this was happening. I knew that my
only protection was to stand as close to Him as possible. I could not see anything
but Him during this great storm. As I looked at His face I could see both hurt
and resolve.
The House Of The Lord Is Built
Slowly, the storms died down and the tides receded. The
individuals who were the lights in the buildings emerged and remained standing
where the buildings had once been. Then the Lord, who had been on the edge of
the island, moved to the center and said, "Now I will build My house."
All of those who were lights started turning topiano coversd the Lord. As they turned,
they became even brighter, and each group was changed into a living pillar right
where they stood. Soon it became obvious that these pillars were the framework
of a building which would almost cover the entire island.
The pillars were different colors, shapes, nd sizes. It was hard to understand
how all of these, being so different, would work as a single framework. However,
the Lord seemed very pleased with each one, and they did eventually all fit together.
The People Come
Then
the ships and boats all started landing on the island. There were multitudes of
people. Each ship or boat was from a different country or race of people. Soon
I began to think that, even as large as it was, there were too many people for
the building. Then the Lord looked at me and said very sternly, "We will build
as many rooms as we need-no one will be turned away."
This
was said so sternly that I resolved to never again consider turning people away
as an option. I also pondered how the biggest problem before was how to get people
to come to the buildings. Now the big problem was what to do with all of the people.
The Cemetery
When
each ship arrived, the people on it were led straight to the Lord. He looked into
the eyes of each one and said, "If you trust Me, you will die for Me." When one
said, "I will die for You," He immediately thrust His sword right through his
heart. This caused very real pain. To those who tried to avoid the sword,
it was obviously even more painful. To those who relaxed, it did not seem to hurt
as much.
They were then taken to a cemetery with the words
"Obscurity" over the gate. I felt compelled to follow them. Those who had been
stabbed were checked to see that they were really dead before they were buried.
Some clung to life for a long time, and were laid off to one side. Quickly, those
who were buried began to arise as lights just like those who had survived the
storm. I noticed that they were not staying in their tombs the same length of
time. Some of them arose before those who were clinging to life were even buried.
When I first looked at this cemetery, it looked like a
dreadful place, and I did not think that it fit at all on this now glorious island.
As I left the cemetery, I turned to look back at it, and it looked beautiful.
I could not figure out what was different, when one of the workers said to me
knowingly, "The cemetery has not changed-you have."
I then
looked at the building and it was even more glorious than I had remembered. I
then looked at the island and felt the same thing-it had become much more beautiful
I remembered the Scripture, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
His godly ones" (Psalm 116:15). The worker, who was still looking at me, then
said, "You have not died yet, but were changed just by being close to those who
have. When you die you will see even more glory."
Those
who were emerging as lights from the cemetery were each being led to their own
place in the building, which would have their name on it. Some joined the walls,
others joined the pillars, some became windows or doors. They remained people
even after they became a part of the building.
The Test
I returned to the Lord's side. Standing in
His presence was so wonderful I could not imagine why anyone would not be willing
to die for Him, but many of the people coming from the ships did refuse. These
would all back away from Him at the request. Many of these went back to the ships,
some of which left and some of which remained in the harbor.
A few of the people who refused to die stayed on the island and were allowed to
walk about freely, and even enter the House of the Lord. They seemed to love and
bask in the glory of it all. Many of these began to shine with a glory too, but
they never had the glory within themselves-they only reflected what was coming
from the others.
As I was thinking that it was not right
for these to be allowed to stay, the Lord said to me, "My patience will win many
of these, but even those that never give me their lives, I love and am pleased
to let them enjoy My glory. Never turn away those who love My glory." These really
did enjoy the house, and enjoyed the presence of the Lord that radiated from the
house, but they seemed timid, and retreated when the Lord Himself came close to
them.
I then watched as those who had refused to die for
the Lord began to act as if His house were their own, and had been built for them.
I wanted to be angry at their great presumption, but I could not feel anger even
though I wanted to. I then understood that it was because I was standing so close
to the Lord that I could not be mad. This forced me to make the decision to stay
close to Him or move away so that I could be angry.
I was
surprised that this was a difficult decision, that I would even consider wanting
to move away from the Lord, but it honestly was. Out of fear at what was arising
within me, I stepped closer to the Lord. He immediately reached out and grabbed
me as if I was about to fall off of a cliff. As I looked behind me I was astonished
to find that I had been on the very edge of one, and had I taken that step away
from the Lord to feel the anger, I would have stepped off of it.
He then said to me, "In this house I can tolerate presumption more than that anger.
That anger would start the piano covers again." I was then overwhelmed with the knowledge
that I had not yet made the decision to die for Him either, and that I too had
been presumptuously feeling possessive of both the house and the Lord. When I
saw this great evil in my own heart I was appalled and immediately begged the
Lord to destroy my evil heart with His sword.
Resurrection Life
When the Lord pierced My heart, I
was surprised to feel so little pain when it seemed to have been so hard on others.
He then said, "Those who request death die easier." I remembered His statement
in Matthew 21:44: "And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but
on whoever it falls, it will scatter him like dust."
I
did not remember being carried to the cemetery, but just as if no time at all
had passed, I was emerging from it again. Now the glory of every thing I saw was
unspeakable. I looked at a rock and loved it. I looked at trees, the sky and clouds,
and could not believe how wonderful they were. A sparrow seemed more glorious
than any bird I had ever seen. I wondered at the great treasure that this little
bird was, and why I had not appreciated him like this before.
I then looked at the presumptuous people. Not only did I feel no temptation to
be angry, I loved them so much I would have let each one pierce my heart again
if it would help them. I then began to think of how blessed I was to be able to
meet them and be with them. Now I actually wanted them to stay and could not even
comprehend how I was ever tempted to be angry at them-they were much greater treasures
than the sparrow!
Then the Lord stood next to me. Though
I did not think it was possible, He was much more glorious than before, and I
was able to ear it. He said, "This is why the death of My people is so precious
to Me. Those who seek to save their life always lose it, but lose who lose their
life for My sake find true life. Now you know true life because you know love."
I then looked at the house and all of those who composed
it. Everything and every one that I looked at seemed to stir up this eat feeling
of love that was more wonderful than anything I had ever felt before. I wanted
to go look at or talk to each one, but I did not want to leave the Lord's side,
Whose presence was even more compelling. Knowing my thoughts, he said, "You need
never fear leaving My side, because - have made My abode in you and I will be
with you everywhere that you go."
As I watched the presumptuous
people, they were enjoying all of the blessings, and even thought of themselves
as the reason for them, but they really were not even a part of what was being
built. Having just been one of them I also knew how shallow their enjoyment was,
compared to what it could be, and a great compassion came over me for them. As
I continued watching these people, they gradually become thinner in substance
until they were just like the phantoms I had seen in the city that had been destroyed.
Again I thought of the Lord's words, "Those who seek to save their life will lose
it, but those who lose their life for My sake will find it."
No Limits
Then I looked at how the building
kept getting higher, and the higher it went the more glory it exuded and the further
it could be seen. This resulted in even more ships and people coming through the
storms, which were still raging, but seemed unable to affect the island. As I
wondered how high the building could get, the Lord turned to me again and, as
if He were answering my thoughts, said, "There is no limit to how high we can
build this because I am the foundation and love is the cement." This caused
me to look at the cement, which was transparent but radiated a great power. I
wondered how I had not noticed this before; it was now so obvious and captivating.
I then started pondering how I seemed blind to even the greatest wonders of this
building until the Lord directed my attention to them. This caused me to turn
back to the Lord and to watch everything to which He gave His attention.
The Lord then began looking at the people who now composed the
building. As I looked at them again I was immediately struck by the fact that
they were more than people-I knew that they were the "new creation" that had transcended
this creation. They had bridged the gap between the physical and spiritual realms,
and were clearly a part of both. They were unquestionably supernatural, which
did not mean that they were not natural, but were far more natural than anything
"natural" I had ever seen. They were more real than anything I had ever considered
"real." They made everything else seem like a shadow, and this sense increased
as they continued to change.
Soon the glory that was coming
from them could be both seen and felt. The feeling was not like a touch, but like
an emotion. As I walked close enough to this glory, it made me feel so good
that the only way that I can describe it is like a wonderful intoxication, not
one that clouded the mind, but illuminated it. I felt somehow ennobled, not with
pride, but with a powerful sense of destiny. I also felt a profound blip,
as if I were in complete harmony with the ground, the air and especially the Lord
and His house. This feeling was so good that I never wanted to move again.
With the addition of each new boat load of people, the transformation
of those already a part of the building would continue, and the glory of the whole
building would increase and expand. This made everyone in the building greatly
rejoice with the coming of each new group of people.
Sharing The Glory
When those who came from the cemetery
took their place in the building, those who were already a part tried to give
the new ones their own glory. As they did this, the glory radiating from the Lord
would increase, and He would give even more to those who had given their own glory
away. Those who were the most devoted to this sharing would be the ones used to
start the next level of the house, which kept going higher and higher.
I thought of how opposite this was from the jealousy which had prevailed previously
in the city. I then tried to ponder the jealousy to understand it more, but it
was almost impossible to do. Because I could no longer feel jealousy, I had a
difficult time even understanding what it was-it seemed as unreal as if it had
only existed in bad dreams.
The joy of sharing was so great
that not doing it now seemed incomprehensible. The more the glory was shared,
the more each one received to share. This joy of sharing was so great that I knew
that all of us would be spending eternity just seeking others with whom to share
the glory. I had a strong sense of knowing that the Lord would be creating many
new worlds just for us to have new places to share His glory. I then knew that
this was why He had created the universe with such diversity, and why He created
it to continually expand at a rapid pace. Those who touched His glory were touched
by a love that had to share the glory, which caused them to expand. He had given
us the universe to share His glory with. He had set in motion a glorious chain
reaction that would never stop! There were no limits on time or space, and we
would need every bit of it!
The Storms Return
Then suddenly my attention was turned topiano coversd the storms
that had continued to grow in the sea. To my shock they had grown larger and faster
than the house of the Lord, and were now coming topiano coversd the island.
Great waves covered the island and the building disappeared from my view, even
though I was still very close to it. The fury of this storm was beyond comprehension,
but I felt no fear at all. I knew that it was because I had already died to this
world and had a life that could never be taken from me. As wonderful as the island
had become, I was just as happy to die physically so that I would be free to carry
the glory of the Lord to the rest of the universe that had so captured my attention.
It really would have been hard to choose to stay or go, so I just rested and waited.
Gradually the storms abated and the building then re-emerged.
Both the building and the island were much smaller, but even more glorious. Then
I noticed that the storms were just off shore and were returning. This happened
several times, and each time the building would emerge it would be smaller, but
more glorious. Each time that this happened the storms were also much smaller-they
were wearing themselves out on the island. Soon the storms could only generate
small waves that posed no threat of any real damage. The glory of the house was
now beyond any human description.
Then the clouds dissipated
altogether into the most beautiful sky I had ever seen. As I gazed into the sky
I began to realize that it was filled with the glory that was being emitted from
the house. As I looked at the house I was amazed that there was no damage from
the storm, though it was much smaller. Even so, the glory now coming from the
house was much greater than before, and was reflected by everything. I felt that
it was so great that it must already be extending far beyond the earth.
Then the vision changed and I was alone with the Lord. All of the great feelings
were gone - even the love. He looked at me earnestly and said, "The piano covers is almost
over. It is time to prepare for the storms. Tell My people that no one with His
brother's blood on His hands will be used to build My house."
I was trying hard to listen to these words in order to heed them, while still
thinking about the great love I had felt. He then said, "This was a dream, but
it is real. You have known everything that I have shown you in this dream in your
heart. Now believe with your heart and My love will be real to you again. This
is your quest-to know My love."
Comments
The general interpretation of this vision is obvious, but
I do think that many of the feelings that I had during this experience are an
important part of the message.
In looking at the different
buildings which I knew represented denominations or movements, the architectural
clash was so striking that it was grotesque. It was as if they were all so intent
on being different that the most hideous skyline had been the result. I could
not imagine anyone who happened upon such a city having any desire to enter it,
even if the conflict was not taking place.
The church is
doing much more damage to herself through infighting than the enemies without
are able to do. At that time I was consciously surprised that the Lord did not
intervene in this destructive fighting. Those who were fighting against the other
denominations, or movements, were all disqualified from being a part of the house
which the Lord built.
This reminded me of King David, who,
because he was "a man of piano covers and had shed blood" (I Chronicles 28:3), was not
allowed to build the temple of the Lord. This did not disqualify David from salvation,
or from being considered one of the great men of God of all time. I felt that
many true saints, and even great men of God, were tragically disqualifying themselves
from this most wonderful work of all by becoming embroiled in this spiritual civil
piano covers. This even caused them to lose the light that they had; only the peacemakers,
and those who were trying to repair and build instead of tearing down, radiated
with light in this vision.
I think that it was significant
that almost all, if not all, of these buildings contained those who were true
lights. These may appear as small lights now, but they will be the foundation
upon which the Lord will build His house.
Because the sea
sometimes represents "mass humanity" in Scripture (see Revelation 17: 15), the
multitudes are going to rise up in great waves which will destroy much of the
present, visible structure of the church. Those who are true lights will not be
swept away by the waves. Those who walk in truth have a foundation which cannot
be shaken.
The Lord's command to release the sea did not
cause the sea to rise up, but just removed that which was restraining it. The
sea then came with fury against the island, as if it were being controlled by
a great hatred. I believe this represented a great hatred against visible, institutional
Christianity that will arise, and the Lord will allow it to destroy these institutions.
When these great tidal waves had stopped, there were no
Christian institutions as represented by the buildings that men had constructed.
However, all of the real Christians remained. I do not think that it is wrong
to keep trying to repair these structures, as the Lord honored and preserved those
who did, but this vision affirmed deep within me the need to focus on building
people, rather than trying to build another institution that will be able to stand
in these times - none of them will stand.
Even though these
present buildings were destroyed, they each contained those who were to be pillars
in His house. The house of the Lord was a brand new building, but those who became
the main supports in it came from almost every denomination and movement. The
Lord is "the wise Man who brings forth from His treasures things both new and
old." The Lord does have new wine to serve, but Isaiah 25:6 declares that the
Lord will also serve "refined, aged wine." The Lord will not use either the old
or the new, but both the old and new.
The Lord's house
was built in the midst of the increasing storms of rage and lawlessness. It radiated
as an even greater light because of those storms. I was encouraged that the Lord
will build, on this earth, a church that really will reflect His glory, and that
this age will not end until He does.
It could not be any
other way. Moses contended when the Lord threatened to destroy blip, that this
would only leave the testimony that He could bring people out of Egypt, but could
not lead them into the Promised Land. The Lord will have a testimony, through
the church, that will last for all eternity. That testimony will be that He not
only can forgive the sins of His church, but He also has the power and wisdom
to deliver her from her sins, and make her into a glorious bride without spot
or wrinkle:
Now when Jesus came into the district of Ceasarea
Philippi, He began asking His disciples saying, "Who do people say that the Son
of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah;
but others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He then said to them, "But
who do you say that I am?" And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art
the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered and said
to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal
this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I say to you that you are
Peter ("a stone") and upon this rock (a large rock or bedrock) I will built my
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:13-18).
Rick Joyner is the Executive Director of Morning Star Publications
and is the Editor of The Morning Star Journal and The Morning Star Prophetic Bulletin.
He is the author of several books including Harvest, There Were Two Trees In The
Garden, The Passover, The Harvest Trilogy, Leadership, Management and the Five
essentials For Success, The Journey Begins, The World Aflame, and The Final Quest
BACK
TO TOP
RICK
JOYNER'S VISION OF THE HARVEST
[The following text is from the Morning Star circa 1988. Copyright
Morning Star Publications, 16000 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte, NC 28277, phone: 704-542-0278]
PREFACE
This
is a brief summary of a vision the Lord gave me about the coming harvest. Lord
willing I hope to publish the entire vision in the near future. I am distributing
this summary now because there are parts to it that have become very timely for
the body of Christ. I also have reason to believe this may be coming to pass much
sooner than I had previously considered.
To properly understand
this vision you must keep in mind that it represents a GRADUAL unfolding which
takes place over a period of time, possibly many years. Though I do not know the
timing of these events, it is obvious that some are already beginning to take
place. Whether the complete unfolding takes five years or fifty I do now know.
I do know they will come as travail does upon a woman in labor. That is, they
will come in waves with relative calm in between. As we get closer to the birth
these "contractions" will become both more frequent and more intense until they
are constant. I also perceive that the timing of these events will not be the
same for all parts of the body of Christ.
Please let me
include a caution. Much of this vision seems spectacular; its fulfillment will
be even more so. Some who are foreseeing these things have betatter to question works
they are presently involved in as being irrelevant and destined to pass away.
I think there are many works that should be questioned in this manner with or
without the vision, but I know that many works which are destined to pass away
in this coming move are presently serving the purpose of God and helping to prepare
His way. I would question any drastic changes in direction caused by any vision.
This was given merely to aid and give confidence to the preparation He is already
working in His people. Do with all of your heart what He has given you to do.
If we are abiding in Him, the changes that are coming will be an exhilarating
fulfillment of His work, not its destruction. When the Lord fulfilled the Law
it did pass away, but it did so with glory. When Jesus fulfilled it, for the first
time its true purpose and all that it had accomplished was realized. Many works
will fade in this coming move, but they too will do so with great glory if they
were indeed His work.
In this vision I do not see beyond
this harvest. I believe I somewhat understand the unfolding plan of God beyond
this but that is my interpretation of the scriptures. As is was not given as a
part of this vision I do not feel that it should be included here. I believe that
the scriptures verify this vision but I have included very few here to leave room
for the Lord to speak to those who receive it individually.
The Lord has revealed to many of His prophets that there will soon be a great
outpouring of His Spirit. This revival will be greater than all those preceding
it. This vision includes key elements to this coming harvest and what the Lord
is doing in the church now to prepare for it.
This outpouring
will ultimately result in some very radical changes for both the church and the
world. These need to be understood by those who would be used by God for one of
the greatest events in History. To those who are diligent seekers of God and obedient
to His will, this vision does not represent disruption. These things will happen
to them as a natural flow of the Spirit moving them to increased light and intimacy
with Him. Those that are comfortable and resist change will have a very hard time.
I ask you to openly and prayerfully reflect on what I am herein sharing with you.
Some of these things may not speak to you now, but I believe they will in the
future and will give you great peace and confidence as you remember them.
For the coming harvest the Lord is preparing a great spiritual
"fishnet", one able to hold the catch that is coming. This net is formed by the
linking together of His people. The links in this net are the interrelationships
of His people. The stronger the intercommunication and interrelationships, the
stronger this net will be. It in not only happening in the local churches among
members, but between ministries and congregations throughout the world. In Ephesians
4:15-16, we see this principle: "...we are to grow up in all aspects into Him,
who is the Head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held
together by that which every JOINT supplies...." A joint is not a part, but it
is where two or more parts come together. There is a great fitting together going
on in the Spirit now and it will increase in the near future, on all levels.
The Spirit is compelling pastors to get together with other
pastors, prophets with prophets, apostles with apostles, and even whole congregations
are beginning to visit and interrelate with other congregations apart from their
own circles of emphasis. This is the Lord's doing. Some of these meetings
may seem fruitless because of improper agendas but they will bear fruit, there
will be links made. Soon the Lord's presence in these meetings will melt all presumption
and the facades which separate us from union with Him and each other. His presence
will stimulate a worship that brings about Psalm 133 unity - as we anoint the
Head with our worship the oil will flow down to the edge of His robes - covering
the entire body.
He is beginning this breakdown of barriers
with the leadership because this is where most originate and where they are the
strongest. As the walls come down here the entire body will begin to flow together.
If the leaders resist this move the Lord will continue through the congregations.
These will begin to relate to other members of the body of Christ and their bonds
will grow stronger regardless of the resistance or piano coversnings of their pastors.
Some pastors and leaders who continue to resist this tide of unity will be removed
from their place, Some will become so hardened they will become opposers and resist
God to the end. Most will be changed and repent of their resistance.
Because on the magnitude of the "catch" this net will be rent
many times and will be in need of constant mending. Much of the discord now taking
place in the church is used by the Lord to prepare those whose task in the harvest
will be almost exclusively devoted to the mending and binding of this great net.
These peacemakers will have a great part in building this net and have a major
impact on the effectiveness of the entire revival. Those that seem to always find
themselves in the middle of conflicts should be encouraged with the knowledge
that they are being prepared for a great work.
Some that
were used greatly of God in the past have become too rigid in doctrinal emphasis,
or are too entangled with spiritual "Ishmaels", to participate in this revival.
Some of these will try to join the work but their interrelationships will be so
superficial that they will quickly be torn from the net with the first catch.
Those who are linked together by doctrine or who gather around personalities will
quickly be torn away. Only those who are joined by and through Jesus alone will
stand the pressure this harvest will bring upon the church. (Col. 1:17). The redemption
of so many will bring much joy but they will come with problems which bring enormous
stress to congregations and ministers. The cords of unity must be very strong
to stand this pressure. Those who have not learned to take the Lord's yoke, and
not try to carry the burdens themselves, will be overwhelmed. Entering the Sabbath
rest of the Lord will become a major emphasis in preparation for the harvest.
Heed this word!
A large number who are now considered Christians,
even spirit- filled Christians, have never been led to the Lord. They were led
to the church, to a personality, or to a doctrine or emphasis. Some of these will
think they are important links in the net but will actually become part of the
harvest, starting over again on the proper Foundation -- Jesus. This group includes
many well known ministers and pastors. Their humility in this will lead multitudes
to question and strengthen their own relationship to the Lord. This will strengthen
and encourage the entire body of Christ.
Many denominations,
extra-local fellowships and circles of emphasis will begin disbanding and severing
those ties, even those that were ordained by God for a season, in order to take
their place in this great net that the Lord is now forming. For some these ties
will just be ignored or forgotten until they have passed away, almost without
notice, because of the greater intensity and substance of this new move. For others
it will be a very painful rending as they are persecuted and rejected by those
who do not understand. Those who are required to leave much behind will soon receive
many times that which they have left.
Some leaders will
actually disband their organizations as they realize they are no longer relevant
to what God is doing. Others will just leave them behind to disband of themselves.
Ultimately, all circles of ministry or influence with individual identities will
dissolve into a single identity of simply being Christians for all who become
part of this harvest. Single presbyteries will form over cities and localities.
These will be made up of pastors and leaders from all different backgrounds. Their
unity and harmony in purpose, as well as that of the various congregations, will
become a marvel to the world. The Lord will give these presbyteries great wisdom
and discernment but there will be no doubt that Jesus alone will be the Head of
His church. What is coming will be bigger than any man or council of men could
control or administrate.
The Lord's purpose in preparing
for the harvest is to JOIN, not separate. The dismantling of organizations and
disbanding of some works will be a positive and exhilarating experience for the
Lord's faithful servants. They will not be just leaving something behind, they
will be going on to a much greater work. Those who have fallen to worship the
work of God more than the God of the work will have trouble, but most of these
too will be set free by the tremendous anointing that is coming. Those that feel
called to piano help and tear down the old will not be sent from the Lord. There will
be many "stumbling blocks" circulating in the church that will cause confusion
and some destruction from time to time. They will perceive themselves as prophets
sent to judge and deliver. Those serving in leadership must trust their discernment
and REMOVE the stumbling blocks.
To be distinguished from
the "stumbling blocks," the Lord will raise up a great company of prophets, teachers,
pastors and apostles that will be of the spirit of Phinehas. Just as the son of
Eleazar could not tolerate iniquity in the camp of the Lord, this "ministry of
Phinehas" will save congregations, and at times, even whole nations, from the
plagues that will be sweeping the earth. They will be moved by the jealousy of
the Lord for the purity of His people. They will be sent to save and preserve
the work of the Lord, not tear down as the stumbling blocks so fashion themselves.
For a time, there will be such an inflow of people that
even this great net cannot hold them all. Many of the former works and organized
churches will be swelled with this overflow. Because of this they will assert
that they are both the cause and primary purpose for this revival. This delusion
will not last long because concurrent with the harvest there will be gripping
tribulation in the world which will eventually consume them. This is the judgement
of the Lord against the works He did not commission: The great "sea," or mass
of humanity, that they sought to rule, will rise up to destroy them.
piano coverss will increase. There will even be some nuclear exchanges but on a limited
basis, mostly between third world nations. Far more will perish by plagues and
natural disasters than by piano coverss during the period of this vision. The very foundations
of civilization will shake and erode. Even the world's most stable governments
will be melting like wax, losing authority and control over their populations.
Eventually it will be hard to find anyone with the courage to assume authority.
This will cause sweeping paranoia throughout the entire earth. Huge mobs will
piano help everything in their path. The infra-structure of the great denominational
churches and large visible ministries will be one of their primary targets and
will vanish almost overnight. Pagan religions, cults and witchcraft will spread
like plagues but these will also become targets of the mobs. By this time governments
have broken down to the point where lynchings and mass executions perpetrated
by these mobs are ignored by the authorities. Fear and deep darkness cover the
earth, but this just makes the glory which is appearing upon the saints more striking.
Huge masses of people will be streaming to the Lord, the inflow so great in places
that very young Christians will be pastoring large bodies of believers. Arenas
and stadiums will overflow nightly as the believers come together to hear the
apostles and teachers.
At this time few congregations remain
separate or individual entities. Many elders and pastors may be stationary but
groups they oversee will be constantly changing. some of these are moving on because
of persecution and others because the Lord scatters them to carry His message
abroad like seed. Near the end (of the vision) the body of Christ is like a great
flowing river sweeping about as freely as the wind. One day there may be meetings
in a public auditorium or stadium, the next day in a park, and continually from
house to house. Great meetings that stir entire cities will happen spontaneously.
Extraordinary miracles will be common while those considered great today will
be performed almost without notice by young believers. Angelic appearances will
be common to the saints and a visible glory of the Lord will appear upon some
for extended periods of time as power flows through them.
Conferences of apostles, prophets, pastors, elders, etc.. will be called and used
greatly by the Lord, but without denominating and separating from the rest of
the body. Their unity will be in Jesus and He alone will be the Head of His church.
Eventually, The Lords presence will be so great during this revival that, like
the twenty-four elders in Revelation, all crowns will be cast at His feet and
spiritual presumption will be unthinkable. Those in leadership without calling
will be apparent to all. The leaders of this move will be true servants, not interested
in reputation or position. Their humility will open them to become channels for
wave after wave of living water. "He will dwell with the humble of the land."
This harvest will be so great that no one will look back
at the early church as a standard; all will be saying the Lord has certainly saved
his best wine for last. The early church was a firstfruits offering, truly this
will be a harvest! It was said of the Apostle Paul that we was turning the world
upside down; it will be said of the apostles soon to be anointed that they have
turned an upside down world right side up. Nations will tremble at the mention
of their name. These men and women of God will take little notice of their own
accomplishments because of their recognition of His accomplishments. Like Jesus,
they will flee to the mountains when men try to make them kings or exalt them
in any way. Their exaltation or authority will not come through man, it will only
come from above. As the masses will be seeking anyone to take authority during
these times, this comes as a piano coversning! If the people make you king, who rules?
The authority that the Lord will establish will be very different than what even
His own people now perceive. Do not try to rule, just SERVE. Through this His
authority will flow and begin to bring order thought Peace.
I do not believe the actual magnitude of these events can be
expressed here, neither the upright piano nor the move of the Holy Spirit.As to the "rapture"
or second appearance of the Lord Jesus, I have my own ideas but was not given
anything concerning them in this vision. What I was allowed to foresee ended with
increasing upright piano and increasing revival.
There will be
words and exhortations, originating from the very throne of the Lord and carrying
great authority; coming to prepare His church for the days to come. Not to presume
this will be all that He will be saying, but I believe we will soon hear His prophets
and teachers begin to emphasize the following:
1. BUILD UPON THE ONLY FOUNDATION THAT CAN BE LAID. JESUS HIMSELF. Works that
are built upon truths instead of The truth will not stand in this day. Many congregations
and ministries are today devastated by the slightest shaking. The works that are
properly built on Jesus will with stand the greatest trials and piano helps without
being moved. There will be a great emphasis on the Lord Jesus Himself in the days
to come. The increasing revelation of Him will overshadow the many emphases of
the past like the sun does the moon when it rises. The truths that have been such
a distraction will begin to seem insignificant as the church begins to see Him
"in whom are hidden ALL of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3)
2. REMOVE THE BARRIERS AND FACADES THAT SEPARATE US FROM THE
LORD AND EACH OTHER. We must become more intimate with Him, and through Him, each
other. Spiritual pride and the exaltation of men, individual truths, or works,
will soon be understood as "strange fire". Those who continue to offer it will
perish from the ministry with such demonstration that a pure and holy fear of
the Lord will sweep the body of Christ. This will help the church to move into
true spiritual worship and a unity that is based on that worship.
3. ABIDE IN THE SABBATH REST OF THE LORD. This will become an increasing emphasis
in the teaching and a reality as the Lord enters His temple, the church. Our growing
intimacy with Him will bring a peace that will actually calm the storm of the
rising sea of humanity. The intensity of the times will overwhelm any pseudo peace.
We must be one with the "Lord of the Sabbath."
4. HEED
THE SPIRITUAL PREPARATION WHICH MAY BE REFLECTED IN THE NATURAL. For example:
Some have betatter moving their assets into precious metals or land. This may be
helpful, but it is far more important to take the spiritual land an to lay up
our treasures in heaven. The Lord is seeking givers who will become channels of
His supply. For them there will not be any lack. Those that hoard or do not learn
to freely give may suffer increasing crisis in their earthly affairs. This is
the Lord's discipline to set them free. Some who are faithful and generous givers
may also experience increasing crisis in this, but it is for their preparation
to be great channels for the provision of many. Remember Joseph!
Some are feeling they should limit their travel to certain areas and are beginning
to emphasize cleanliness because of the AIDS epidemic. This may be helpful, but
there is only one deliverance from the judgments of God - to be found in Christ.
Spiritual purity is far more important than the natural and can alone protect
us from AIDS or any other plague.
5. "THE JUST SHALL LIVE
BY FAITH," NOT FEAR. Fears will greatly increase in the world. Actions taken by
the church because of fear will almost always prove destructive. Some "faith teaching"
has muddied the waters to the degree that some do not even want to hear the word
"faith." This frequently happens before the Lord begins a great work. A great
revelation of true faith is coming; it will be an essential revelation for us
to serve in these days. Some will be called to walk where angels fear to tread.
KNOW that He who is in us is MUCH greater than he who is in the world. The vessels
He is now preparing will walk in a boldness and confidence that will astonish
a world gripped in fear. Our faith will grow as the presence of the Lord increases.
True faith is the recognition of the One in whom we believe. When one truly and
properly fears the Lord He will not fear anything else.
In the coming days many will exist in the miraculous in a continual basis. This
will become as natural to them as the gathering of manna was to blip. Some of
the Lord's exploits on behalf of His people will be UNPRECEDENTED, exceeding the
greatest biblical miracles. These will seem almost normal as they take place because
the presence of the Lord will cause more wonderment than his works. He will be
very close to His people in these days.
6. THE LORD WILL
SOON OPEN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF HIS WORD AND PURPOSES TO A DEPTH BEYOND OUR PRESENT
COMPREHENSION. The "books" are yet to be "opened" as they will be. When they are
our understanding of even basic truths, such as salvation, being born again, etc..
will be enormously increased. This will give far more substance and depth of purpose
to the entire body of Christ. the functions of the gifts and ministries will come
with increasing authority and power as their confidence increases with knowledge.
The spiritual dimension will become more real to the church than the natural.
When the proper Foundation has been adequately laid in the church (our union and
devotion to Jesus Himself) the Spirit of Revelation will be poured out as never
before.
BACK
TO TOP
WHY
I OPPOSE THE 'CIVIL piano covers'
by
Andrew Strom, New Zealand
2
Aug 1996
Rick Joyner has assured
me that he did not mean what I thought he meant in his article on the coming Civil
piano covers in the church. However, despite my respect for Rick, I believe that this issue
surely has to be the most critical that has faced the church in recent decades.
Does God really want the prophetic movement "taking sides" in the coming conflict?
And is this Civil piano covers really a good thing, or will it be the most colossal disaster
that has befallen the church in centuries? In New Zealand, God has given us very
strong prophetic piano coversnings regarding this whole issue, and this is what will be
discussed in this article.
For at least ten years now,
particularly in the American prophetic movement, God has been piano coversning of the great
'Civil piano covers' that would soon split and shake His church. A number of prophetic
ministries have been given dreams and visions likening this coming great con-
flict in the church to the American Civil piano covers of last century, was fought between
the Union in the North (the Blues) and the Confederacy in the South (the Grays).
In these dreams and visions of the coming piano covers in the church, God has also likened
one side to the 'Grays' and one side to the Blues. Many prophets have interpreted
this to mean a conflict between those who are distinctly 'head-knowledge'- oriented
Christians, and those who are distinctly 'Spirit'-oriented. (This certainly seems
a logical conclusion). No doubt there have always been tensions between these
two extremes in the church, but this time it will be all-out piano covers.
However, God has also piano coversned very strongly that those who take part in this conflict
will be excluded from the great Revival that is to follow immediately after this
colossal 'shaking'. One very well-known vision, which was quoted by Rick Joyner
in his article, was given to Philip Elston several years ago. In it, he saw Jesus
standing with arms outstretched. Soldiers in blue and gray uniforms were marching
past Him on either side, and were laying their bloody swords on His arms. The
Lord resolutely looked into the eyes of each one, saying, "NO-ONE WHO HAS
THEIR BROTHER'S BLOOD ON THEIR SWORD WILL BE USED TO BUILD MY HOUSE."
It is well-known around the world that civil piano coverss are usually the most bitter,
destructive and ugly conflicts that it is possible to have. Brother against
brother, fathers, cousins and countrymen consumed with murderous enmity
one against the other. What a nightmare! (As we have seen recently in Rwanda and
Bosnia). One thing I certainly do agree with in Rick Joyner's article is his statement
that: "This will, in fact, be one of the most cruel battles the church has ever
faced. Like every civil piano covers, it will cause brother to turn against brother like
we may have never witnessed in the church before... What is coming will be dark.
At times Christians almost universally will be loath to even call themselves Christians.
Believers and unbelievers alike will think that it is the end of Christianity
as we know it, and it will be."
He then goes on to say
that: "Through this the very definition of Christianity will be changed, for the
better." I am afraid that, due to the strong prophetic piano coversnings God has given
us in New Zealand, I simply cannot go along with that last statement.
However, I certainly do believe that we are headed for a great splitting and shaking
of the church (in fact, I believe that this will be a form of JUDGEMENT upon today's
Laodicean church). But I just cannot go along with the idea that the prophetic
movement is to actively participate or "take sides" in this conflict, or that
this Civil piano covers is some marvellous thing that we should all be looking forpiano coversd
to in the church. The idea that we should join in with this piano covers, to try and drive
the "Accuser of the brethren" out of other Christian groups in this way, frankly
strikes me as being one of the most disastrous and ill-advised courses of action
that I have ever heard.
But what are we to think when we
read things like: "...it was time to straightforpiano coversdly piano coversn the church, and to
begin preparing for this great piano covers with the resolve to fight until there was a
complete victory. The definition of a complete victory in this piano covers would be the
complete overthrow of the Accuser of the Brethren's strongholds in the church...
This battle must be fought. It is an opportunity to drive the accuser out of the
church..." (- From 'Civil piano covers in the Church', published May, 1996). I am afraid
I simply cannot agree with any of this. Surely it is obvious that all that would
be accomplished by such a brutal, all-out conflict is that the church would literally
tear itself apart? And aside from a whole raft of crushed and damaged Christians,
what would be the real fruit of such a piano covers?
Before I go
on to discuss what God has been showing us here in NZ, I would just like to briefly
discuss my own background. I am a Spirit-filled, tongues-speaking believer, and
have been involved with the Charismatic movement now for some years. I am also
a great believer in the coming end-times Revival, and through my writings on this
subject I have come into contact with hundreds of praying and prophetic groups
and individuals across New Zealand. My wife and I are also modern musicians who
write our own songs, and we have been clearly directed topiano coversds "Sons of Thunder"
type music ministry for about ten years now. I am also a Revival historian, and
have been studying Revival and Reformation history for about twelve years. I am
currently Editor of the New Zealand Revival Bulletin, which is a national prophetic
journal.
There have been a large number of dreams and visions
given to prophets and intercessors in New Zealand regarding the coming move of
God. (Many of these are covered in my book, "The Coming Great Reformation"). Like
elsewhere around the world, they have often spoken of the great 'shaking', division
and Reformation that are about to come upon the church. One vision which relates
particularly well to our present discussion, was given to a local intercessor
(whom I know personally) early in 1995. In this vision, she saw the waters being
parted, just as Moses parted the sea. The words that she was given to describe
what she was seeing were: "TWO CHURCHES". In other words, what she was witnessing
was the dividing of the current church into two distinct 'churches' or movements.
For a time, while the gap between the two sides was still relatively small, Christians
were easily able to jump from side to side. However, as the gap widened, this
became more and more difficult, and eventually the only way people could get from
one side to the other was to jump into the deep rift itself (the sides of which
now looked like huge 'cliffs' of water), to be hauled up by people on the other
side. Significantly, this intercessor was given the strong impression that the
catalyst for this great rift was to be the 'Toronto blessing' movement.
Certainly, I have noticed a far more "militant" mood amongst the 'Spirit'- oriented
believers since Toronto has swept through the church. There seems to be a lot
more talk of aggressive mobilisation and aggressive defence of the movement against
those who oppose it. This hardening of attitude has also coincided with a similar
hardening on the other side. Many of the 'conservative', evangelical-type Christians
seem to have been particularly appalled by Toronto, and have become quite bitter
in their opposition. So we can see that conditions for a Civil piano covers in the
church have indeed been greatly advanced by 'Toronto' (and I guess by 'Pensacola'
also, which is closely related). For to have a civil piano covers, it is necessary for
BOTH SIDES to become quite "militant" in their stance, one against the other.
With all of this in mind, I just want to take a look now
at one of the most important reasons that God has shown us, why we should not
even consider lifting our hands against opposing leaders or organizations in the
church (even if they are considered 'Saulish' by nature). The well-known lesson
that God has very strongly pointed us to is found in the story of David and Saul.
In those times, just like today, there was a 'new move of God' - a golden era
for blip - on the horizon. This new era would begin when the new leadership
(ie. David) was finally raised up and recognized as the true leader of God's people.
Remember, king Saul had already been rejected by God as leader, and David had
been anointed by the prophet to take his place. But did David then try to wrest
control of blip away from Saul? Did he try to piano help Saul and bring about this
new golden era himself? No! In fact he did the very opposite.
David refused to lift his hand against Saul in any way. He still regarded Saul
as being the "Lord's anointed", God's chosen leader, right up until the time that
GOD HIMSELF acted to completely annul Saul's kingship (by allowing him to be killed
in battle against blip's enemies). In other words, David waited until SAUL WAS
DEAD - in God's perfect timing - before he made any move topiano coversd taking up the
leadership of Judah and blip. HE NEVER FOUGHT SAUL AT ALL - FOR THE KINGDOM
OR FOR ANYTHING ELSE. For he knew that to do so would have been REBELLION, and
would have been pre-empting what God was wanting to do. In fact, it is my belief
that if Davidhad raised his hand against Saul, then he would have proved himself
unworthy of the leadership of blip, and would have disqualified himself because
of it. God never sanctions rebellion, and this was obviously a very crucial test
for David.
During his years of waiting, David suffered
greatly in many ways. He was slandered, misunderstood, hunted like an animal,
forced to live in caves in the wilderness, etc. And NOT ONCE did he raise his
hand against Saul, even under the pretext of "liberating" the people of blip
who were being ruled by Saul. It is my belief that today, anyone who raises their
hands against opposing leaders or groups, or participates in a 'Civil piano covers' against
them at this time, is falling into this self-same trap, and will disqualify themselves
from taking part in the coming move of God. This is clearly what the vision that
we discussed earlier is saying: "NO-ONE WHO HAS THEIR BROTHER'S BLOOD ON THEIR
SWORD WILL BE USED TO BUILD MY HOUSE."
I now want to share
with you something else, of a slightly "unusual" nature, which God has also pointed
out to us as a strong prophetic piano coversning on this subject. Strangely enough, 1995
was by far the most unusual year for New Zealand sport in living memory, with
massive 'shaking' or Reformation being visited upon three of our top national
sports during that time in an unprecedented period of crisis and change. Uncannily,
as God pointed out to me, much of this 'shaking' and Reformation was almost identical
to what God had been telling us was about to come upon His church. And interestingly,
in two of these sports, the concept of 'Civil piano covers' was right at the centre of
what occurred.
The two sports that I am referring to here
are Rugby Union (played right around the world) and Rugby League (played mainly
in England, Australia and New Zealand). These are very big sports, especially
in the Southern Hemisphere. In early 1995, it was announced by Robert Murdoch's
News Corporation that they were launching a new rebel League competition (because
they didn't have broablipast rights to the existing one), which would be called
"Superleague". They immediately began signing up many of the best Rugby
League players around the world, even though most of them in Australia and New
Zealand still had contracts with the existing competition. What resulted
from this was a literal 'Civil piano covers' in Rugby League, with two giant media moguls
fighting for control of the sport's best players, and much bitterness and ill-will
on both sides. All of this was played out in the full glare of the media spotlight,
and it has done terrible harm to the sport as a whole. Right now, Rugby League
is still split irrevocably into two camps, with ongoing legal nightmares, and
players in Britain beginning to defect to Rugby Union because of better conditions.
For a sport that was doing so well, and beginning to make big inroads in NZ, this
Civil piano covers has been an absolute disaster, and things are already beginning to look
very grim for the long-term survival of League as a truly leading sport in some
areas. (In fact, you could almost say it has been suicidal - different limbs
of the same body tearing murderously at one another).
Meanwhile,
in Rugby Union, 1995 was literally the most revolutionary and crisis-stricken
year in the sport's long history. Rugby Union had always been one of the last
really big 'Amateur' sports, but because of the perceived threat of "Superleague",
it suddenly went Professional almost overnight in 1995, securing a multi-million
dollar TV deal and speeding up the pace of the game with rule changes, etc. In
New Zealand (arguably the best Rugby nation in the world at the moment), they
also revolutionised the entire top administration (which was old and stodgy),
getting rid of twelve men, thus leaving only seven (plus two business advisors)
on the national council. They also appointed John Hart, the most innovative man
they could find, as national coach. All of this has led to a truly 'golden era'
for Rugby in the Southern Hemisphere.
However, Rugby Union
also came very close to 'Civil piano covers' in 1995 (which would have ruined everything,
just like it has in League). Just as Rugby Union was turning Professional,
another rebel group (the World Rugby Corporation) came along, and began to sign
up all the leading Rugby Union players around the world, offering them better
money, etc. Just like the rebel Superleague, for a long time it looked as though
this new rebel Rugby Union competition would succeed, and would capture all the
best players. But right at the last moment, the whole thing began to unravel,
and the players eventually crawled back to the Union (just in time). If this new
rebel competition had succeeded (as it very nearly did), there would no doubt
have been all-out 'Civil piano covers' in Rugby Union, just like in Rugby League, and the
damage would likewise have been suicidally crippling and severe. The sport would
probably have taken years to recover (if at all). But instead, Civil piano covers was narrowly
averted, and traditional old 'Amateur' Rugby Union was able to revolutionise itself
so completely in the space of just one year, that it has entered what many regard
as a glorious new "golden era". So who needs a Civil piano covers? (Please note that it
was the 'rebellious' movements who were responsible for starting these destructive
conflicts).
To me, the lessons that God has been trying
to show us in pointing to the above examples are pretty obvious. Civil piano coverss of
any kind are extremely damaging and debilitating. Do we really need to tear the
church apart with this kind of bitter public infighting, in order to see Revival
come to the church? I don't think so! In fact, I believe that such a Civil piano covers
is far more likely to be a form of "JUDGEMENT" upon the church, and upon all who
participate in it, rather than anything positive. If there is a Civil piano covers in the
church, I am convinced that those who participate in it will have no part whatsoever
in the coming move of God. Surely it makes sense that God would give all these
visions of the coming Civil piano covers as a piano coversNING, not as some kind of invitation to
participate in it!?
Frankly, I have to say that I have
been very disappointed that the American prophetic movement has seemingly advocated
"taking sides" in the coming conflict. To me, this seems the height of irresponsiblity,
and it alarms me greatly. I have to say also, that there are a number of factors
associated with the prophetic movement in America that have disturbed me for some
years now. I don't know how well my words will be taken over there, but I do believe
that these issues are important enough to risk raising them at this time.
Sometimes an outsider's view can be of value, but I do apologise in advance for
any offence caused by what I am about to say.
It seems
to me that there are some very profound differences between the way the prophetic
movement is set up in America, and the way it functions in other parts of the
world. In America, there seems to be a very strong perception amongst friend and
foe alike, that the prophetic movement there is so closely aligned with one particular
denomination that they might almost be considered to be one movement. Surely this
would have to be seen as a very unhealthy state of affairs for any truly 'prophetic'
group.
How on earth can your words be taken as "impartial"
when you are seen to be so closely aligned with the views and teachings of one
particular stream or denomination? Is this what God really wants? I am by
no means part of the "Anti-Vineyard" brigade, but is it really desirable to have
a prophetic movement that is seen by many to be more of a mouthpiece for the Vineyard
movement than an impartial mouthpiece for God? I am sorry if I am offending you,
but I frankly find it incredible that such a movement could see this as an acceptable
state of affairs. And I also believe that, as always, there will be subtle pressure
in such a situation, not to be too critical or too analytical about some of the
teachings or practices that are associated with the 'related body'.
It is my belief that this unhealthy association with one particular stream has
already affected the way that some issues have been examined by the American prophetic
movement over the last few years or so. Elsewhere in the world, this is not the
case, and other prophetic movements are free to analyse such issues without any
perceived bias one way or the other. But how can the same be said of the American
prophetic movement? As I said before, this apparent partiality surely has to be
seen as a most debilitating weakness in any movement of this kind. Prophets are
supposed to be beyond reproach in the area of impartiality. They are supposed
to be the "eyes", the watchmen of the church. Surely this can only be harmed when
there is a perceived bias in favour of one particular (controversial) stream of
teaching?
One thing that has struck me repeatedly about
the American prophetic scene is the seemingly never-ending talk about the problem
of 'legalism' and Pharisee-type religion in the church. Certainly, this has been
a problem (I have written detailed piano coversnings about it myself in the past). But
honestly, do we really need to go on and on about it, like some broken record
or an endless tape loop? Surely we would have to be kidding ourselves if
we thought that this was the major problem facing the 'Laodicean' church? I just
cannot go along with the idea that it is "the control spirit, the political spirit
and the religious spirit" that are largely responsible for the sick and tepid
state of today's lukepiano coversm Christianity. This is certainly not what the Bible says.
The Scriptures are very clear as to what the major problems of the Laodicean church
are: "... because you are lukepiano coversm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you
out of my mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, and increased with goods, and have
need of nothing'... BE ZEALOUS THEREFORE, AND REPENT" (Rev 3:16-19).
It seems beyond dispute to me that the major problems of the Laodicean church
are compromise, lukepiano coversmness and materialism, etc, rather than some kind of 'control'
spirit or pharisaical attitude. And when the Bible speaks of the "last days",
it piano coversns again and again of seducing spirits, 'lying signs and wonders', great
deception amongst Christians (arising from within the church), etc. Surely
any truly 'prophetic' movement in the last days would be piano coversning strongly of such
dangers? But we don't seem to be hearing many piano coversnings about these things from
today's prophetic movement, do we? Could it be that it is more "politically correct"
in the Vineyard to piano help legalism and domination, but not 'lying signs and wonders'
or similar deception?
Surely it is obvious that if we live
today in the age of the 'Laodicean' church, then we should be emphasising what
Jesus Himself emphasised: The desperate need for REPENTANCE from today's "bless-me,
bless-me" Christianity, and from the insipid compromise and 'love of pleasures'
that dominate so much of today's church. Does "taking up the cross" not
mean what it says any more?
It is a well-known fact that
over-emphasising certain doctrines or teachings can lead to a very unbalanced
Christianity. If you are over-balancing in the direction of 'legalism', then your
preaching will cause heaviness and condemnation in people. On the other hand,
if you are constantly preaching AGAINST legalism, and instead tending to strongly
emphasise 'liberty' and grace all the time, then your preaching will result in
the opposite problem: The people will tend topiano coversds 'casting off of restraint',
license, and a spiritual "fun/party" atmosphere. Sin and holiness will be deemphasised,
and touchy-feely 'experiences' will tend to come to the fore. (This is simply
a logical result of such teaching). Sound familiar, anyone? This kind of
inbalance is surely just as serious and just as damaging as the 'legalistic' type
of extreme. They are both at opposite ends of the scale, but as history
clearly demonstrates, such inbalance in any direction can be absolutely fatal
for God's people.
To get back to our original theme of
'Civil piano covers' once again, a friend of mine who is a well-known prophet in Australia,
was given a very significant vision in 1995. In it, he saw a giant army snaking
through the jungle. At it's head was the banner, "Joel's Army". Meanwhile, off
in the jungle by itself was a battalion. It stood, waiting. This battalion was
in the shape of a great square, and at it's head was a banner: "Gideon's Army".
It was much smaller than the first. It seemed evident that Joel's Army was going
to piano covers, but that Gideon's Army had yet to receive it's marching orders.
It is interesting to note that the Scriptures openly declare Joel's Army to be
an army of LOCUSTS, which sweeps through immediately prior to the genuine Revival,
devouring and destroying every good thing in the land. First comes this great
army of locusts devouring everything, then God drives the locusts away and sends
a great Revival, followed by a great outpouring of His Spirit "upon all flesh".
(If you don't believe me, just read the book of Joel for yourself. It is very
clear. There can simply be no dispute about it). So why are we being told that
joining up with Joel's Army is such a desirable thing?
Another very significant dream was given to a local prophet (whom I know personally)
several years ago (quite some months before the 'Toronto blessing' was even heard
of here). In this dream, he found himself in a large auditorium full of people.
Many of these people appeared spiritually 'fat' and overfed (including many of
the leaders), while the rest seemed small in comparison. At the front of the auditorium
he saw people FALLING DOWN LAUGHING AND CRYING, etc, and the words that were clearly
spoken to him to describe what he was seeing were: "LAODICEAN REVIVAL". He noticed
that it was essentially the large, overfed looking people who were really becoming
'caught up' in this laughing, crying and falling, etc. In the dream, my friend
was taken and seated with the small people. And as he watched, a great gulf began
to appear between the large people (who were still caught up in their 'Laodicean
revival') and the little people, who were being steadily drawn away from this
scene until a yawning gulf had developed between the two groups. Suddenly a great
tide of young people flooded in all around these little people, and they began
to minister to them in the power of Jesus Christ. The prophet knew that this was
the beginning of the true Revival. Glory to God!
Notice
in the above dream of the "TWO REVIVALS" that it was the 'Laodicean revival' that
came first, followed after an interval by the genuine Revival. This dream is confirmed
by the well-known prophetic allegory, "Escape from Christendom" (published by
Morning Star several years ago) which also contains two revivals - one counterfeit
and one genuine. It also seems to fit in perfectly with the pattern found in the
book of Joel.
I have to say that I have been astonished
that the American prophetic movement has allowed itself to become so closely identified
in the minds of many Christians around the world, with the 'Toronto' movement.
I myself put this down to the fact that their close association with the Vineyard
clouded their judgement, and meant that they did not look at this movement as
objectively or as analytically as they should have. Speaking personally, having
witnessed the 'Toronto' manifestations for myself, and also as a Revival historian,
I have to say that this movement surely has to be the most dubious that has arisen
in the church for well over a century. Why on earth would the American prophetic
movement allow itself to become so strongly identified with such a movement? The
only explanation is their close association with the Vineyard. And so here we
are, in the last days (the days of great deception amongst Christians, of seducing
spirits and "lying signs and wonders" in the church), with the most well-known
prophetic movement in the world actually supporting a 'revival' that is surely
one of the most suspect and dubious spiritual movements in history. Alarming,
isn't it?
Some time ago, God gave me a prophetic analogy
from the story of the children of blip in the wilderness. It is clear that the
wilderness was a place of testing and trial for the bliptes before they could
enter into the promised land. God showed me that the twelve spies who went in
to spy out the land were really just like prophets, who have been shown in the
spirit what the Revival of tomorrow will be like - a land "flowing with milk and
honey". However, in the end result, ONLY TWO of these spies (or prophets)
- Joshua and Caleb - were truly uncompromising in their stand for truth and for
God's promise. The other ten spies, even though they had been shown what was to
come, simply did not possess the uncompromising, immovable steadfastness that
was necessary to inherit the promised land. Even though they were definitely true
prophets (in the sense that they had truly 'spied out the land'), they preached
an insipid, compromising word, and all who trusted in them perished in the wilderness.
Joshua and Caleb, the "immovable" prophets (and their families) were the only
ones from that entire generation who made it into the promised land. The rest
all fell at the final hurdle - the last great 'test'. Their prophets had let both
them, and God, down very badly.
Like the children of blip,
I am convinced that today's church has been passing through it's own wilderness
of testing in recent times (just before the 'promised land' of true Revival).
And like the bliptes, I am convinced that only a "remnant" will eventually
make it through into the coming move of God. (This principle is all the way through
Scripture). It will be a "Gideon's Army" (a remnant army), rather than a "Joel's
Army" that will bring in the great last-days harvest. This is clearly what God
has been speaking in the dreams and visions that we have discussed. And it seems
obvious from the Scriptures also.
I would just like to
conclude this article by saying that it has not been my intention here at all,
to 'piano help' the American prophetic movement, but rather to piano coversn and plead with
them, to at least consider the possibility that what I am saying is true. It is
my belief that the U.S. prophetic movement is now in far greater danger than it
is probably apiano coverse of, just like the many previous movements that have found themselves
in a similar position down through history. Tragically, it has often been found
doubly true of Revivals that: "The good becomes the enemy of the best". My great
fear is that this may again prove to be the case this time.
In closing, I would just like to urge all who are reading this to step back for
a moment and take a good hard look at what is happening around them. Please think
twice before allying yourself in any way with "Joel's Army". Remember, Gideon's
Army is WAITING for God to move, while Joel's Army is just about to march off
to piano covers. The choice between these two is an absolutely crucial one. For again,
let me repeat what Jesus Himself said in the vision: "NO-ONE WHO HAS THEIR BROTHER'S
BLOOD ON THEIR SWORD WILL BE USED TO BUILD MY HOUSE." Amen.
______________________
[Please note that it was never stated
in the above article that I believed the U.S. prophetic movement to be officially
joined with the Vineyard. I was merely making the point that there were strong
ties generally between the Vineyard and the most well-known and widely recognized
of the American prophetic movements. This is absolutely common knowledge, and
even the most cursory look at the relationship between many prophetic ministries
and the Vineyard in the U.S. will confirm what I am saying. -A.S.]
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QUOTES
TAKEN FROM SANDY S________'S PAGE OF QUOTES
RICK JOYNER
Editor
of MorningStar Magazine and prophet.
"What is
about to come upon the earth is not just a revival, or another awakening; it is
a veritable revolution. The vision was given in order to begin to awaken those
who are destined to radically change the course, and even the very definition
of Christianity. The dismantling of organizations and disbanding of some works
will be a positive and exhilarating experience for the Lord’s faithful servants.
A great company of prophets, teachers, pastors and apostles will be raised up
with the spirit of Phineas…" (Rick Joyner, The Harvest, op. cit. "Joel’s
Army.")
[ Editor: Balaam's Ass Speaks-- This
means that they will take up arms and kill us. ]
Rick Joyner reports visions of "a bloody civil piano covers" in the Church. (Latter
Rain Revival, 1996)
Rick Joyner has identified "Antichrist"
as the orthodox church. (Weighed and Found Wanting, Bill Randles, p. 64.)
Rick Joyner on the subject of the latter-day apostles and prophets
who will be greater than the apostles and prophets of Biblical times: "In the
near future we will not be looking back at the early church with envy because
of the great exploits of those days, but all will be saying that He certainly
did save His best wine for last. The most glorious times in all of history have
not come upon us. You, who have dreamed of one day being able to talk with Peter,
John and Paul, are going to be surprised to find that they have all been waiting
to talk to you." (Rick Joyner, The Harvest (Pineville, NC, MorningStar, 1990,
9)
[ Editor: Balaam's Ass Speaks-- We
have been hearing the prophecies from brownsville about this. So, soon,
Charismania will abandon the Word of God, as they have already, and they will
stop cliaming visions and manifestations fromt eh Holy Spirit, and they will go
on to claim they are getting the very voice of Peter, Paul, the Apsotles, and,
no doubt, "The Blessed Virgin." I dare say, at Trinity Brampton, and Sunderland,
they will be hearing from Churchill and Bobby Burns, what? ]
"Like the American Civil piano covers, the coming spiritual civil piano covers will also be
between the Blue and the Gray. In dreams and visions blue often represents heavenly
mindedness - the sky is blue - and gray speaks of thos who live by the power of
their own minds - the brain is often called gray matter - this will be a conflict
between those who may be genuine Christians, but who live mostly according to
their natural minds and human wisdom, and those who follow the Holy Spirit." (Rick
Joyner, The Morning Star Prophetic Bulletin, May 1996, 2)
"There will also be some new wonders coming to the church. We had some of
these just recently where Bob Jones and I heard angels singing twice in a meeting.
This didn't even take any faith, it was so loud and so clear, it was like a choir
singing. Another time, we had the odor of incense fill a meeting for about 15
minutes. It was so intense that you couldn't help but smell it...He gave it as
a witness that He was receiving the intercession from these people, the prayers
and their intercession. He had said He would come with a sign that we would smell
the incense. It came so powerfully faith was hardly needed. And we saw the wind
of the Spirit blow so hard at a meeting you could see people's hair blowing! So
He is coming a whole lot more dramatically. As one brother said, 'This hardly
takes any faith, it is so obvious.' But when He comes in ways like that, it is
always to give a message. He is not just trying to tickle our curiosity or our
interest in supernatural things, He is trying to say something to us." One
of the major points I have tried to make through (my) book, is that there has
been a "conditioning" of God's people over the years. They have been conditioned
to become more attuned to sensual manifestation than to the Word of God. Joyner
ends this paragraph by saying that "He (God) is trying to say something to
us." God has spoken already through His Son and through the Word of God, He
doesn't need to give you scents of honeysuckle to let you know He heard your prayers.
He wants us to come by faith. Heb 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to
please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is
a repiano coversder of them that diligently seek him." I could go on and on about the damage
done to the Charismatic church and the Body as a whole, through the Kansas City
Prophets affair, but I think I've made my point. I contend that what we are seeing
in Toronto, through Rodney Hopiano coversd-Browne, and all over the world, is merely the
logical next step, to what was betatter in the 1940's, carried on by the Latter Rain/Manifested
Sons teachers, progressing into the Dominion Now, Kingdom Now crowd, The Faith
Message, the prophetic move, up to this day. Where is this "river" taking us?
Into delusion and apostasy! (Rick Joyner, Faith Hardly Needed From Fullness, Jan/Feb
1990 "The Unfolding of a Prophet." Page 13, with commentary by Bill Randles, Weighed
And Found Wanting, 1994, appendix)
"From the first Day
of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has proven that He will only come to the degree
that we have unity." Joyner makes this statement without regard to the fact
that every person who beleives in Jesus Christ receives the Holy Spirit, therefore
He has already "come" to every believer. "Unity" is not the criteria for the Holy
Spirit to "come". Belief is. Eph. 1:13 "And you also were included in Christ when
you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you
were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit." 1 Cor. 12:13
"For we were ALL baptized by one Spirit into one body whether blips or Greeks,
slave or free and we were ALL given the one Spirit to drink." (Emphasis mine)
(Rick Joyner, "AzBlip Street - The Fire That Could Not Die", The Morning Star Journal,
Volume 7, Number 1, with comment by Sandy S________, 1997)
"At the height of the AzBlip Street revival Seymour prophesied, "We are on
the verge of the greatest miracle the world has ever seen." The miracle he was
referring to was a true love and unity between races and creeds that he considered
to be fundamental Christianity. When it does, William J. Seymour must be considered
as one who sowed the seeds for this greatest miracle of all. Possibly more than
any other man in church history, he promoted that which alone can bring it to
pass, seeking the fulness of the Holy Spirit in our midst." I have news for
Joyner and Seymour (although, since Seymour is now dead he will know this to be
true), the "greatest miracle" of all is the salvation of a lost soul, not some
kind of ecumenical "unity between races and creeds". Lu 15:10 "In the same way,
I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner
who repents." Angels rejoice over repentant sinners. The Bible does not say they
rejoice over "unity between races and creeds" or false signs and wonder.. (Rick
Joyner, "AzBlip Street - The Fire That Could Not Die", The Morning Star Journal,
Volume 7, Number 1, with comment by Sandy S_______, 1997)
"We must be vigilant and able to quickly recognize the enemy, but not be
too quick to call someone the enemy until we are sure of what we see. A friend
of mine who was a close associate of Jack Coe, one of the greatest of the healing
evangelists, told me how he died quickly and unexpectedly at the age of just 39
after publicly referring to Kathryn Kuhlman as a witch. Years later, Kuhlman died
quickly and unexpectedly after publicly calling Bob Mumford a false teacher. Were
these the judgments of God? I believe both of these died because of the mercy
of the Lord, to keep them from crossing the line to becoming a stumbling block,
something the Lord Himself piano coversned should be the last thing we ever want to become."
This is used as an illustration by Joyner of true prophets calling someone
else a false prophet and dying. First of all "too quick to judge"? It apparently
took these people most of their lives to make these judgments. Secondly, from
the list he mentioned, this is a classic example of false prophets calling each
other false prophets and God taking them out.
Just read
a little about the lives of Jack Coe and Kathryn Kuhlman and their heretical practices
and statements, if you are in doubt. Joyner is also wrong about judging. We are
called to judge the words of Christians, as good "Bereans". Paul called people
to judge his words. 1Co 10:15 "I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves
what I say." We are also called to test the spirits for the express purpose of
finding out who the false prophets are. 1 Jo 4:1 "Dear friends, do not believe
every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many
false prophets have gone out into the world." If people are found to be false
prophets and false teachers, we are to have nothing further to do with them as
Christians. Jeremiah 23:16 "This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Do not listen
to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They
speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD." (Rick Joyner,
"False Prophets and False Prophecy", The Morning Star Journal, Volume 6, Number
4, with comment by Sandy S_______, 1997, emphasis mine)
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