Summer
1996 (Part One)
STORM
ON THE HORIZON
I
was not among those who heard the chilling radio announcement that Britain
was at "now at war with Germany". But it must have been an awesome moment.
Those
listening to the declaration of war must have felt a deep sense of inevitability;
that preparations would have to be made, and hearts would have to be steeled
against impending losses and heartbreak. It was a watershed moment that
we would not wish to repeat.
In some senses - though not of course in the same way - I have those feelings
now, at the brink of what may be a period of instability and distress,
certainly in the churches, but possibly also in the world.The elections
in Israel, Russia, and the UK; the growing discontent over Europe; escalating
conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and the Russian satellite states; the
growing militancy of Islam - all this and much more gives a feeling of
alarm. How close are we to a major outbreak of war?
In
every possible way - in society, in politics, in religion, in the Church
- there are dark storm-clouds on the horizon. For believers who are anchored
to the Rock, however, those dark clouds are not terrifying. On the contrary,
as signs of the Lord's near return they are cause for rejoicing, even
though they represent another challenge to our faith.
This
article represents a few thoughts on the ways things are headed. It follows
this basic outline:
- The
Imperative to Come Out - Lot lingers but the angels urge him to
hurry out of danger.
- The
Coming Storm - a whirlwind that shakes the very foundations of our
faith.
- The
Devilish Delusion - that has universal appeal - deceiving some of
those who previously stood firm.
- The
Civil War - that will erupt as a result - pushing many final objectors
"out of the midst".
- The
Parting of the Ways - as the Harlot Church and Elijah's 7000 go
in different directions.
The
Toronto Blessing and allied deceptions have at least had one good effect
- they forced wavering Christians to leave unsuitable churches. This was
the Lord's plan. When the Israelites turned to idols in the desert, "the
LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from
among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment." (Num
16:20-21)
In
order to be able to judge harlotry, the Lord has first to withdraw his
own people: The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude
of the waves thereof... My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and
deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD. (Jer
51:42-45.)
The
Lord prophesied that, because of the unbelief of His people, the literal
Temple in Jerusalem would be broken into pieces and the stones would be
separated and scattered, so that not one remained upon another. Now we
have a living Temple, in which we are living stones. And now that Temple
is being attacked and cast down, and those living stones are scattered
and separated. (1)
Does
this means the Church of God is defeated, overthrown? No! Quite the reverse.
The Lord promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against the
true Church. What does this scattering mean, then? I believe that we are
experiencing a transition from the visible denominational "churches" of
today back to the original Church of the Body of Christ. .
JESUS
SUFFERED OUTSIDE THE CAMP
"Let
us go forth therefore unto him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come". Heb
13:13-14
A
friend recently wrote to me with some interesting thoughts on this subject:
"...His
ministry moves outside the camp so to speak. (The camp being the organized
institutionalized "church"). There are two historical precedents. One
is ancient Israel where the early church was forced outside. The second
is the reformation which forced the reformers outside. Structurally
we are headed back to the beginning - small groups and individuals.
Let's
define 'church'. Biblically it has two meanings:
-
The totality of all believers since Pentecost.
-
Local assemblies of believers.
It
is possible that the age of the church in terms of the second meaning
may already be over or ending. A text that has bothered me for years:
'Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day
approaching.' (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)
In
the context of the second meaning of the word church I haven't done this
consistently for years. It seems that I am not alone in this. I take very
seriously the calling to all truth (Jn 16:13, Jas 1:5), not that I believe
that I have it but that we were all called to aggressively pursue it without
doubt. I simply can't assemble together with those who unrepentantly and
repeatedly teach obvious demonstrable error. I tried but can't do it.
I continue to assemble with other believers, privately and individually,
but not under the second definition of the word church. In that sense
for me, for now, the age of the churchES is over."
As
this man testifies, many have either made a choice, or been forced, to
seek fellowship outside of the conventional church system, "outside the
camp". God has even made use of deception, persecution and rejection to
drive believers out of churches that would have suffocated them in time.
So, persecution has a positive side. For instance:
-
it causes us to pray more and to work on our relationship with God.
-
it brings us together with other folk who are in the same boat, and
we have richer fellowship as a result.
-
it makes us forsake our self-centred ways, and forces us to pray for
and help eachother.
-
it destroys idle complacency.
-
it makes us appreciate the blessings we have in this world
-
it reinforces our heavenly hope.
-
it frees us from unsuitable fellowship and teaching.
-
it gets our eyes off men and onto the Word.
-
it strengthens our faith and our resolve to stand for truth.
-
it opens our eyes to deception so we can help others.
One
excellent illustration of this present-day situation is what happened
at Sodom. (2)
Sodom
was a beautiful and fertile place (13:10) but unfortunately "the men of
Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly." (13:13). Although
Lot was grieved (2 Pet 2:7,8) he stayed on there, and even rose to a position
of eldership, much to the annoyance of some! (Gen 19:9). However, God
would not begin His judgement on the city before Lot and his family were
safely out of the way, so angels were despatched to bring Lot out. (Gen
19:1)
Having
listened to the angels' message of impending judgement, Lot tries to warn
his friends and family - but they mock him. This is the period we are
now living in, when some are staying in the "city" in order to sound the
warning. But this is only for a short period of time. The Angels say "HURRY!"
- "Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou
be consumed in the iniquity of the city". (Gen 19:15)
LOT
LINGERED
"And
while he lingered ....." (verse 16) What is Lot's response? He hung around,
thinking about it! He lingered! Can you imagine anything more stupid?
What was he thinking of? His nice house and garden, maybe - the vegetables
he was looking forward to eating in the Summer; the new patio he was building;
his social work for the orphans, his next door neighbour who had been
so friendly and lent him that oil when he ran out, his lovely family sitting
round the table in the evening, his grandchildren playing with their toys
in the firelight...it was all so familiar and peaceful. How could he believe
it would end the way it did?
Despite
its sinfulness, I don't suppose Sodom was without its attractions. When
things are going well, it's difficult to imagine the destruction to come.
Many churches are still attractive places to go, filled with fun and friends,
and a secure sort of familiarity. But if you have heard God speaking to
you about the teaching and activities there - it's time to go.
UNRIGHTEOUSNESS
OR UNCERTAINTY?
To
Lot, Sodom with all its wickedness was still his home with his family
and friends, people he had known for years. Perhaps he was thinking of
a way to warn them - it was heartbreaking to just walk out and leave them
to their fate, and surely God would hear his prayers for mercy? And, if
he came out "where would he GO?" The uncertainty of the new was more worrying
than the sinfulness of the old.
"And
while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand
of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful
unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city." So
God in his mercy told the angels to get hold of them and DRAG them out
if need be! That was how urgent it was! How loving and kind God is. First
he allows the stormclouds to gather, then the sky grows dark, then the
first spots of rain begin to fall - all this is a warning. The Toronto
Blessing is just the first indication of greater signs and wonders. It
is time to take warning, and to "flee the city" as fast as possible.
Even
then, Lot's wife didn't make it. She not only lingered, she looked back,
(Gen 19:26) yearning in her heart for all the city meant to her. Often
women do get more attached to people and places than men. But we must
close our hearts to every form of emotional blackmail and obey the Lord.
Jesus warns: "Remember Lot's wife!" Luke 17:32
The
first wave of deception has already struck, and flowed back out to sea
taking hundreds of struggling bodies with it. But there is a second wave,
a tidal wave, a tsunami, about to roar in. It will crash down on those
left idling on the beach and sweep them out to sea in an enormous nigh-irresistible
wave of deception. It will be more subtle, and also more powerful than
the last wave - and more far-reaching in its appeal. I believe that this
next wave will TRY EVERY HEART. Those who avoided Toronto will now be
put to the test, and no matter what denomination, what creed, what ministry,
ALL will be forced to make a decision for or against.
Those
who are already "on the Lord's side" (Exod 32:26) are beginning the process
of a huge realignment within the Body. However, when the next storm breaks,
many more will draw the line and look around for help. Without our encouragement,
support and safe-houses they might feel too confused and vulnerable, too
scared to run. So we must be ready for ministry like never before.
This
is a time of preparation. We are being trained as the Lord's Rescue Services.
If we use this time wisely, we will be ready for the tidal wave that will
wash many in our direction. This time they will not just be the walking
wounded, as with Toronto, but they will be like dead corpses washed up
on the beach - we will have to give them mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
to bring them round! We can only do that if we have prepared OURSELVES
first.
This
next wave, although hard-hitting, will not I believe throw those who have
already made up their minds to serve the Lord. It will be a time of activity,
ministry and - yes, even excitement and joy - as the waiting days come
to an end and the purpose for our trials appears. Faithfulness and humility
will be rewarded as the Lord takes up and uses the tools He has been preparing
so lovingly and secretly. Many who are at present "nothings" in the eyes
of the traditional church will become "somethings" in the Lord's service.
It's
important not to keep looking to "names" to support and lead you. I believe
some ministries and individuals that had been staunchly opposed to Toronto,
may fall for this next deception. The one you depended on yesterday may
lead you astray tomorrow. The only true Guide is the Holy Spirit who leads
us into all truth and reveals the Word as we seek to know God's will.
THE
DEVILISH DELUSION
Many
have been speculating on the nature of the next wave. For what it's worth,
my guess is that the new deception will take the form of a REVIVAL. That
is to say - not a genuine classic revival where people hear the preaching
of the gospel, are convicted, and dramatically repent. Nobody could object
to that. But this would be an awakening on a national or even a global
scale calling for a radical change in society.
The
difference is perhaps not obvious at first - many would applaud moves
to create a new moral climate. It would be difficult to oppose a drop
in the crime rate, or the abandonment of promiscuity amongst the young.
But is a Christian lifestyle enough? Can any attempt to keep God's laws
last long, given the inherent sinfulness and rebellion of man's heart?
Also,
is God's ultimate intention to change this world? I believe not. Those
who see the Church's role as a law-maker and peace-bringer to the nations
would be in danger of supporting this new move. Likewise, those who have
no theological difficulties with the idea of a massive endtimes revival.
Anyone whose eyes are more focused on this earth than on the heavenly
hope would be tempted to receive the awakening as a good thing. Not only
those in the kingdom-dominion camp, but those who have previously vigorously
opposed it would be affected!
You
see, the aim for satan and his antichrist is to set up an earthly kingdom
that mimics the kingdom of God. A false millennium, in fact. So anyone
whose hope lies in restoring this present earth is barking up the wrong
tree. (3) Some believe an advancement for the Church and for godliness
can come about through supernatural power and signs and wonders; others
see this happening in a more traditional way, but both are deceived. Those
who are striving for a new order without jumping into bed with the globalists
are deluding themselves. They are not perhaps aware of the political and
spiritual forces they are invoking. Any major social change could not
now be accomplished without buying into the ecumenistic, interfaith, humanistic
agenda that is anathema to any true Christian.
Not
only that, but it's unbiblical. The Bible speaks only of apostasy in the
churches and increasing wickedness in the world leading up to the end,
not a return to righteousness. Look around you - are things getting better,
or worse? You be the judge! Any who are looking for things to improve
at this stage of history have the seeds of deception within them waiting
to take root.
What
a trial of faith this will be! How difficult - or impossible - it will
be to argue against good-hearted Christians who just want to "save the
world". How can we come against revival and restoration without appearing
to be terminally cynical? People are sure to write us off as doom and
gloom merchants, stuck in a rut of condemnation. However, despite the
temptation to give in to our emotions, we must stand firm on the Word
of God. If society is suddenly moved by an impulse to change, if "love"
is held up as the only way forward for every nation, religion and government
- then we must not be taken in. However sweet the words and however powerful
the message, we must bear in mind that "love" without "judgement" is unbiblical.
Where there is no conviction of sin, there is no real heart-change, and
where there is no born-again experience, spirits will remain blind to
God.
Have
you ever wondered why all the world worships antichrist and supports his
kingdom? Is it because he comes with a harsh, terrifying dictatorial regime
of unremitting evil? Obviously not! Nobody would be fooled by that. But
men will follow what seems 'good' and right, sensible, decent and helpful.
They will raise up on their shoulders one who comes as a saviour of mankind,
one who is able to right the wrongs of the world, one who bring unity,
peace, harmony and love to all.
Then
how important it is right now to get our doctrine and eschatology straight!
Whatever tends to make men believe that the world will improve, that the
Church will rule over mankind and that goodness, righteousness and peace
can come about before Jesus returns, will tend towards the acceptance
of antichrist.
LUCIFER'S
NEW MUSICAL KEY?
I
have a suspicion that a new powerful form of music will also take centre
stage in what is to come. This has been predicted by people like James
Ryle, who still looks upon the Beatles as God's first (failed) musical
attempt to change the world. Now he and others are teaching that a society-impacting
music must arise within the Church to win men's hearts. He foresees a
musical expression with all the magic and power of the Beatles, but with
a message of spirituality and righteousness. Put this together with the
phenomenon of angelic choirs turning up at some of the Toronto meetings,
and you have an explosion waiting to happen. Already, CD's of Gregorian
chant have topped the charts, and people are looking for something new.
Can you imagine the scramble to buy a CD of authenticated angelic singing,
put to a beat as hypnotic as the Beatles! [needless to say, the singing
angels would be fallen ones].
Not
only the Church, but also the new-age religion is hoping to reach all
mankind with a musical message soon. I have just received news of a project
to produce a "minute of connection" using music to link all mankind in
the year 2000. I quote: "On January 1st of the year 2000 all inhabitants
of the planet Earth accessible through all communication means will be
linked to receive and share for one minute a message, that expressed in
musical language, can be universally understood as a way to empower the
individual and express its belonging to the global community."
It
is designed as:
"A
moment of union with a single thought for all the people, which will
erase all borders that presently separate us, and will inaugurate all
together a new epoch in human relations."
The
promoters ask the question:
"Does
it [sic] exist a musical expression capable of promoting universal communication?
We don't know, but there are people who research and advance in this
area, from those who look for the "internal music" to those who combine
different musical expressions."
This
idea comes from World Action for the Millennium. (4) The project has the
backing of a whole list of powerful people and organisations, including
UNESCO, and the UN-supported HABITAT II - [see article on the merging
of Global Religion elsewhere in this newsletter.] Lucifer, who seems to
have had a musical role before his fall, (Ezek 28:13-15) appears to be
gearing up to use his talents on mankind.
THE
COMING WAR
Modern-day
zealots want to use the Name of Jesus, and the power of the Church, to
transform the secular governments of our world and to raise up a new religious
order. Just like the Jews in Jesus' day, they believe the land is theirs
by right, and they want to take it by force. And, just like the Jews in
Jesus' day, they will not allow anyone to stand in their way - even God
Himself!
This
so-called prophecy says it all: "As Jesus arose from the dead 2,000 years
ago, so have I arisen in these days. As He conquered every foe by His
resurrection, so have I come forth to claim the victory in these days."
WHO
is speaking here? He makes himself distinct from Jesus, yet claims the
same resurrection and victory. This is a sinister reminder right away
that we are dealing with another spirit, another christ.
"For
Jesus staked a claim over every piece of ground on this earth and I have
arisen to fully possess it...This is the day when I will cast out the
deceivers who have settled on land that rightfully belongs to Me...For
this land belongs to Christ and His heirs and we are about to dispossess
the ones who have falsely possessed it. Come one and all for we must fight
for our rights. Do as I say and we shall surely reclaim our ground..."
(5)
The
imagery and "words" coming out of Toronto meetings are growing ever more
militant, with visions of swords, warriors, war dances, battle head-dresses,
armies and guided missiles being launched. At the Toronto Airport Anniversary
celebrations, [January 1996] where Gerald Coates spoke, along with Paul
Cain and others, it was said that: "some of us received war strategies
that are not to be disclosed - some things are almost too sacred or holy
to be revealed".
Again,
at a conference held by Rick Joyner's ministry, MorningStar, it was reported
that: "At one point, during four hours of worship, there were many manifestations
of the war cry, a shout as one running into battle."
The
doctrine behind the renewal also supports a war, one that will eliminate
all remaining opposition to the new teachings. The book of Joel is being
used as foundational doctrine by many groups today. There, they say, we
find an all-out attack by an invincible CHRISTIAN army that will sweep
every opponent out of its way and establish God's rule over all the earth.
Two men this year had visions of a great army led by a Jesus on a white
horse devastating the land, and they linked it to Joel Chapter 2 and to
the current outpouring of the spirit at Toronto!
A
veiled reference to Joel 2:7-9 can be found in the following extract from
a new revival initiative called the Night Watch set up by Mahesh and Bonnie
Chavda. Having experienced what they called warfare prayer, they: "...saw
smart missiles going out while we were dancing. These missiles are able
to go round corners, see through walls and seek and destroy the weapons
of the enemy. God is granting us power to send out these missiles." Biblical
prayer is never directed AT people or things, but always towards God the
Father, through Jesus, by the Spirit. Whatever is going forth during the
Night Watch, it is certainly not prayer! But something is being invoked
in order to do battle with the "enemy" - and in many cases it is the beleaguered
Christian who tries to withstand all this error who is perceived as the
enemy.
DESPISED
AND REJECTED OF MEN
"For
even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously
with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them
not, though they speak fair words unto thee." (Jer 12:6) (6)
We
can perhaps find a clue about our current situation by looking at the
events leading up to the Cross. Jesus came to offer eternal life - true
liberty and forgiveness, yet his message was rejected, and he was betrayed
and killed. Why? The opposition was double-edged:
Both
these groups had a worldview, rather than a heavenly hope. And today we
again see two groups who are seeking in different ways to save the world:
One
camp believes that it is necessary to propel the world into a new age
of the spirit, a transformation produced by a spiritual outpouring with
signs and wonders. They see anyone who opposes them as anti-Spirit and
governed by a spirit of religion. To this camp, it is not the Word, but
spiritual revelations that are the key - and anyone who brings them back
to the scriptures is going too far along the road to religious observance.
On
the other hand, another camp believes in strict religious observance for
all. They believe the world must be won by reconstructing society according
to the laws of God. They generally believe that national Israel is finished
with, and that the Church must gradually take over the world by spreading
the knowledge of God. They reject spiritual methods, and believe that
teaching the Word of God is all that is needed, bringing people one by
one into obedience to the Bible. To this camp, world salvation can only
come about by a return to the moralistic requirements of scripture. Those
who disagree with them are damned because they do not go far enough.
Both
these positions are extremes, and neither of them is truly biblical. They
represent either end of the spectrum, the right and left of a pendulum
swing, rather than the balanced position midway in between.
LEFT
AND RIGHT
Just
as we have extreme right (fascism) and extreme left (communism) in the
world, so we have right and left in the Church. New-agers often make use
of the left-brain/right-brain analogy, which I do not believe has a basis
in scientific fact. However, for purposes of illustration we could say
that there is a left-brained side of the Church which is the logical,
intellectual, word-oriented side, and the right-brained side composed
of the intuitive, mystical, spiritually inclined people.
Current
thought is that if we combine Word and Spirit, we will end up with a whole-minded
healthy united Church. On the contrary, I think it can be shown that these
two camps are already united for they are two aspects of the same error,
travelling on parallel tracks!
Leaders
of the present renewal have been comparing the situation to that of the
Civil War in America, with opposing sides - the "blues" (the spiritual
ones) and the "greys" (the intellectual ones). They say these two sides
are at war, and eventually the blues will win and push the greys and their
"religious slavery" out of the way.
I
do see two groups, but neither of them is representative of the true Church.
Both the mystical hyper-charismatic "blues" and the judgmental, anti-supernatural
"greys" are equally deceived and equally dangerous! (7)
I
consider the mystical revelation-based belief-system and the legalistic,
authoritarian, knowledge-based system to be two sides of one coin - they
BOTH stem from Babylon, and they BOTH came to power through Rome. We know
that it is the Babylonian/Roman religion which will rise to prominence
and oppress the world in the endtimes. So far we have seen the mystical
form of it in action, but I believe we will not come to the end of history
without seeing a resurgence of the militant crusading zeal of the intellectual
wing of the Church. And as always a small minority of "outcasts" will
be caught in the middle, hated by both sides.
JUDGEMENT:
HAVING YOUR WAY
God's
judgement is often simply to give somebody over to what they most desire
and hold to. To be given our own way is sometimes the greatest punishment
we can bear.
The
hyper-charismatic fanatics have been ruled by a spirit of harlotry for
years and when God gave them over to it, it produced the manifestations
that we now call the Toronto Blessing.
However,
on the other hand the modern-day Pharisees have for years been ruled by
a spirit of self-righteousness and condemnation. If they are given over
to that spirit, it will produce a Saul indeed! Then that Saul-group, in
jealousy and rage, will turn on "david" - the Christian Remnant - and
hurl its darts of anger so as to do the most possible damage.
When
David faced up to a huge giant who was an outsider to his people - Goliath
- he took a stone, symbolising the power of God in the Word, and slew
that giant.
However,
rather than fight with Saul, God's Anointed who was in authority over
David and his family, David chose to flee. He and his rag-tag band took
to the caves and the desert places until the storm had passed, and that
is precisely the way things are going now.
PUSHED
ASIDE
For
some, this is cause for rejoicing! They are getting rid of the thorn in
their side and removing the last barrier to unity.
Rick Joyner writes:
"On
February 23rd of this year I was shown for the third time that the church
was headed for a 'spiritual civil war'... This battle must be fought.
It is an opportunity to drive the accuser out of the church, and for
the church then to COME INTO A UNITY that would otherwise be impossible."
"Believers
and unbelievers alike will think that it is the end of Christianity
as we know it, AND IT WILL BE....There will be an entirely new definition
of Christianity... The world will know us by our LOVE." (8)
Only
when all who object to the new teachings are cast out of the Church, says
Joyner, can she enter into her "ultimate destiny" of glory. When the remaining
true believers have thus been pushed violently "out of the midst" then
a whole new "church" and "creed" will be set up - a world church including
all beliefs, worshipping a subjective touchy-feely god who bears no relation
to the founder of Christianity.
Yet
God is still Sovereign, and He is using these circumstances to remove
His people from the scene of danger. Like Lot, the Remnant Christians
of today are coming out of Sodom.
FOOTNOTES
(1)
When Jesus said "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it
up." [John 2:19-21] they thought he spoke of the physical temple, but
"he spake of the temple of His BODY". When it seems as if the Church is
destroyed, Jesus will raise up His Body, even from the grave. There is
a terrible warning of judgement upon any who try to "destroy" the Living
Temple. [1 Cor 3:17]
(2)
Jesus and the New Testament writers used Sodom specifically used as a
type of the coming tribulation - Luke 17:26-32/2 Pet 2:6-9.
(3)
We should nonetheless be active in opposing evil, and doing good where
possible.
(4)
Project WAM. Communications for Human Development Association. C/ Luis
Antunez n: 6 #3. 08006 Barcelona. Tel. (343) 415-67-51. Fax. (343) 415-24-40.
E-mail: wam2000@cinet.fcr.es; WEB http://www.cinet.fcr.es/CinetSpace/wam2000
(5)
Prophecy given to Jane Williams, Christian Fellowship Church Columbia,
Missouri on April 7, 1996
(6)
Additional scriptures are: Matt 10:36/Job 19:13/Ps 41:9/Ps 55:12-14/Micah
7:5-7/Ps 69:7-9/Matt 24:10
(7)
A picture of these two groups can even be found in Sodom and Gomorrah.
The name Sodom is linked in Hebrew with a field of grain, or VINEYARD
and also a hot scorching wind, a blight. The name Gomorrah has been translated
by some authorities to mean "to bind closely, to treat harshly, to enslave".
(8)
'Morning Star Prophetic Bulletin', May 1996
AND
NOW...,
FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU TORONTO...
40
MONTHS:
Marc Dupont has released a prophecy headed "Vision for 1996" that includes
the statement "it will take a total of 40 months before the soil is really
ready" and "May 1997 is going to be a time of breakthrough".
BIRTH
PANGS:
The phenomenon known as "birthing in the Spirit" now regularly takes place
at renewal meetings. Both men and women hunch up into the birth position,
suffer contractions, groan in "labour" and bear down with the help of
"midwives". One Toronto "prophecy" told the Church to: "push forth the
Word of God. The Doctor is coming and I would have you drop the baby into
His hands... Oh church of God, you must labor. Squat in prayer and push
forth this child. For I am birthing a new people... Your birth pangs are
merely mirroring what is happening in heaven. I say to you, Jesus and
all the angels are beginning to squat... Do you want to see the glory
of God revealed?... Then push for the time has come!"
GLORY
CLOUD:
At the Brownsville/ Pensacola Revival meetings, where Toronto manifestations
are commonplace, it was reported in January 1996 that: "The last Monday
night the glory cloud filled the church!! ...It was blue in color and
hung just below the lights."
The cloud also appeared at Rick Joyner's Conference, "The Heart of David:
Worship & Warfare", April 1996, when Joyner asked people to sing "I Want
To Hold Your Hand" an old Beatles' song. When they finished...There was
a presence of the Lord like I had never felt in a meeting before... Then
a cloud appeared in the center of the stage, visible to everyone, and
a sweet smell like flowers filled the area.
BLACK
ARCHANGEL:
Bonnie, the wife of Mahesh Chavda brought various words to a meeting she
attended in Gettysburg, in February. Amongst these were that "God would
be visiting America, beginning with the black races". She claims to have
received this information from the 'archangel of the black races' who
visited her on two occasions.
ISRAEL:
Rick Joyner and Mahesh Chavdah have been invited to meet with the Knesset
in Israel.
NETWORK:
The Toronto Airport Fellowship has formed an International Renewal network,
following its split from the Vineyard. Amongst the listed participants
are Gerald Coates, Ken Gott, and R.T. Kendall.
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