1 Buildings in Lorca
Rivers of Fire Ministries International – aka RoFMI – has a ministry in central southern Spain around the Murcia area. If you fly to Alicante, then drive south for 100km, there you will find the large industrial town of Murcia. In March 2009 we were on a visit to our good friends and ministry partners out there. We travelled to Lorca, a town some 70km from Murcia where the local pastor had asked us to bless his new church accommodation. Whilst with him, he also asked us to bless his other new building. Apparently there is a law regarding empty buildings in Spain. If they are empty for too long they can be offered to local organisations free of charge for indefinite periods. This was one such building. On a previous visit we had given a prophecy about this pastor working with refugees and displaced people. We had prophesied that there would be ‘hotel-style accomodation’, crèche, language classes and so on – everything newly arrived people could want to start them on their way. This new building was to be their new hostel/reception unit !! We went to bless the building which stands next to a large market square that doubles as a car park on non-market days. Immediately opposite the new building on the other side of the car park stood the local Immigration & Aliens reception offices for the whole area !! Miracles or what?? Furniture and help with the refurbishment has been promised making this our first major miracle in Spain from Jehovah-Jireh God our provider.
2 Miracle Family
On May 15th 2009 the RoFMI team went to Murcia once again. On the day we arrived, Peter our leader said that he could “hear the patter of tiny feet” and he mentioned a young couple whom we shall keep anonymous by calling them ‘Maria & Miguel’. There was a short silence before the pastor told us that they cannot have children – medically confirmed and attested – no chance of children. During the meeting that evening Peter called for Maria & Miguel to come forward but only Maria was there as Miguel was stuck with a broken down car somewhere out on the road. Peter spoke briefly about Philip Airlines (Philip was transported from the site by the river to a town some 40 miles away.) He felt this was so important that we should ask God to transport Miguel to this meeting so he called for him to come forward – and suddenly there stood Miguel, looking somewhat surprised, to gasps of amazement from the congregation. Peter then prophesied children to this medically barren couple. Today, August 29th 2009, we heard that Maria is 7 weeks pregnant – and ecstatic. We all danced for joy at the news. Double miracle – all praise and Glory to God – our wonderful Father in heaven. Jehovah-Rapha God our Healer
What a wonderful God we serve \o/ AMEN
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
How can God use YOU ??
I've been thinking about ordinary men whom God changed into extraordinary men. They are just like all of us but, like them, God can use YOU in ways you never imagined - because He's in you and He wants to reach through you and touch the world around you.
Moses parted the red sea Exodus 14:15 “And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.” Can you imagine what an awesome sight that must have been?
Samuel anointed David 1Sam 16 “So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." God chose the unlikeliest one.
Elijah said at Mount Carmel “He who answers with fire – he is God” 1 Kings 18:24 “The god who answers by fire—he is God." Fire fell the prophets of Baal were routed and God was worshipped. God answered Elijah's prayer.
Elisha had Jehu anointed in 2 Kings 9:1-3 “The prophet Elisha summoned a man from the company of the prophets and said to him, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead. When you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions and take him into an inner room. Then take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, 'This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run; don't delay!" What a fearsome man Jehu must have been?
Daniel in the furnace Daniel 3:22 “Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.” The furnace killed ordinary men but God preserve His people.
Peter denies Christ church built on him Matthew 16:16-18 “He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Enough said ??
So who were all these (and other) wonderful people?
Moses – He was an ordinary man who heard from God, but he killed a man and became an outlaw, he was 80 years old before God could use him.
Elijah – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He had his fears and worries. God sent ravens to feed him. He spoke to kings and leaders. Like Enoch, he didn’t die – he was taken up into heaven.
Elisha – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He spoke to kings and leaders. Unlike Elijah - he died of an illness.
Daniel – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He interpreted dreams. He rose to a very powerful position. God rescued him from 'certain death' twice.
Peter He was an ordinary man who denied Christ but who came back to lead the first church. He was the ‘rock’ on which Jesus built the first church
John Wesley – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He walked and rode thousands of miles to preach the Gospel and he wrote hundreds of hymns.
William Booth – He was an ordinary man who heard from God and as a result he founded the Salvation Army.
John G Lake – He was an ordinary man who heard from God and God gave him and astonishing healing ministry.
Billy Graham - He is an ordinary man who hears from God and went on to preached to over 50 million people.
Reinhard Bonnke – He is an ordinary man who hears from God.He had 3Million+ peope in one meeting and 1Million+ came to the Lord that day
Benny Hinn – He is an ordinary man who hears from God. He leads a world wide miracle healing ministry.
This list is almost endless. These were all ordinary men whom God turned into extraordinary men. All of them were called to deeper relationship with God. All of them had that deeper visionary experience. ALL of them OBEYED gods call – and look how He used them.
All ordinary men who did or are doing extraordinary things for God because He chose them and they accepted His call. S what is the Lord showing you? Who wants to go deeper with God today? He is calling – will you answer? Will you say Yes Lord – I will pay the price. God is going to use YOU in ways you never imagined - because He's in you and He wants to reach through you and touch the world around you.
Don’t ask “Why me?” Rather ask “Why not me?”
© Chris Bennett 2009
Moses parted the red sea Exodus 14:15 “And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.” Can you imagine what an awesome sight that must have been?
Samuel anointed David 1Sam 16 “So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." God chose the unlikeliest one.
Elijah said at Mount Carmel “He who answers with fire – he is God” 1 Kings 18:24 “The god who answers by fire—he is God." Fire fell the prophets of Baal were routed and God was worshipped. God answered Elijah's prayer.
Elisha had Jehu anointed in 2 Kings 9:1-3 “The prophet Elisha summoned a man from the company of the prophets and said to him, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead. When you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions and take him into an inner room. Then take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, 'This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run; don't delay!" What a fearsome man Jehu must have been?
Daniel in the furnace Daniel 3:22 “Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.” The furnace killed ordinary men but God preserve His people.
Peter denies Christ church built on him Matthew 16:16-18 “He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Enough said ??
So who were all these (and other) wonderful people?
Moses – He was an ordinary man who heard from God, but he killed a man and became an outlaw, he was 80 years old before God could use him.
Elijah – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He had his fears and worries. God sent ravens to feed him. He spoke to kings and leaders. Like Enoch, he didn’t die – he was taken up into heaven.
Elisha – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He spoke to kings and leaders. Unlike Elijah - he died of an illness.
Daniel – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He interpreted dreams. He rose to a very powerful position. God rescued him from 'certain death' twice.
Peter He was an ordinary man who denied Christ but who came back to lead the first church. He was the ‘rock’ on which Jesus built the first church
John Wesley – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He walked and rode thousands of miles to preach the Gospel and he wrote hundreds of hymns.
William Booth – He was an ordinary man who heard from God and as a result he founded the Salvation Army.
John G Lake – He was an ordinary man who heard from God and God gave him and astonishing healing ministry.
Billy Graham - He is an ordinary man who hears from God and went on to preached to over 50 million people.
Reinhard Bonnke – He is an ordinary man who hears from God.He had 3Million+ peope in one meeting and 1Million+ came to the Lord that day
Benny Hinn – He is an ordinary man who hears from God. He leads a world wide miracle healing ministry.
This list is almost endless. These were all ordinary men whom God turned into extraordinary men. All of them were called to deeper relationship with God. All of them had that deeper visionary experience. ALL of them OBEYED gods call – and look how He used them.
All ordinary men who did or are doing extraordinary things for God because He chose them and they accepted His call. S what is the Lord showing you? Who wants to go deeper with God today? He is calling – will you answer? Will you say Yes Lord – I will pay the price. God is going to use YOU in ways you never imagined - because He's in you and He wants to reach through you and touch the world around you.
Don’t ask “Why me?” Rather ask “Why not me?”
© Chris Bennett 2009
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Hope for the 21st Century
Who knows that God speaks to His prophets before He does anything? Who knows that, although we may no longer have prophets in the mould of Elijah or John the Baptist, nevertheless there are prophets today who are used by the Lord to convey His words, His warnings, His hope to the world before He allows things to happen? Why does He do that? I believe it is because above all things our God is a loving Father who gives hope to His children. “He so loved us, John 3:16, that He gave us His Son that WHOSOEVER believes in Him shall not die but SHALL have eternal life.” What else do you think Calvary was all about – it was to give us a hope for the future, a hope for our children, a hope for our grandchildren and the generations following them – always assuming He doesn’t return before then.
The signs of the times that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 16:1-4 “The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. “ There is a great deal in Christian media today about these “signs of the times” and I believe it is right that we are currently entering into the ‘last days’ spoken about in Daniel, spoken about in Ezekiel, and spoken about in Revelation. The one text that the Lord has given me is from Amos 8:11 “The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. “ These days are surely upon us right now as the world searches desperately for a word of hope – a word of comfort – a word of sanity amongst all the madness breaking out all around them. There are countless words coming out daily about the judgements of God upon this nation or that nation. There are countless words coming out daily about the doom and gloom; the financial disasters of a world monetary system in meltdown and on and on and on.
These are the signs of the times!!
These are the warnings given to the prophets before God acted. I first read of all this way back in the late 90’s – we were warned, but how many of us took too much notice.
I want to insert a word of personal testimony here. Back in April 2007, my darling wife was taken home to the Lord. My world was empty. Yet the Lord had told me to be like Ezekiel 24 – turban straight; shoes fastened; act and be normal – with the promise as to Ezekiel, that God would sustain me. Amazing thing happened – I did and God did !! People said how strong I was and how well I handled everything but to those with an ear to hear I told them the truth of it. I did my mourning in private and the Lord carried me through – to the world, triumphantly !! Then about 6 months later, the Lord told me to sell up and move !! I was 64 – what did I want to move for? I was planning to work through to 68-70!! Why give up a great little job and change everything?? Not only that, He said to retire early !! You gotta be joking. No – no jokes – He was serious. So I sold up, cashed in and moved to my current rented apartment. When it eventually came to retirement date, like everyone else in that position, my retirement plans were cashed in for annuities. These were not very big at all as I had started them late and had then been un-employed for over 10 years so they were small. Yet when they were cashed in, I got the maximum I could possibly have expected from them. Now hear this – just TWO DAYS after they were cashed in, the markets collapsed and I was standing pretty with my full pension. OK it was small but it was bigger than many in the same boat because the Lords timing for me was PERFECT. He had told me to move, He had told me to retire. I had done both and He took care of me in my obedience.
So what has all this got to do with today’s ‘signs of the times’; today’s ‘end times’ events. Well, today I heard a voice of hope – a voice of encouragement – a voice of faith. I listened to a man many of you know – David Wilkerson. He spoke about the hope, the love, the life we have in Jesus even in these desperate times. The Lord then spoke to me about His promises and of passing this Good News on to the world waiting so desperately to hear ‘the word of the Lord’ as spoken by Amos.
Firstly, our wonderful Father God is a loving God – John 3:16 says it all. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
We can take all our cares to Him 1 Peter 5:7 because He cares for us.” Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
He is the God who heals us Exodus 15:26, He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
He heals all our sickness and forgives all our sins, Psalm 103:1-3. “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,”
By His wounds we ARE healed Isaiah 53:5. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Our hope is in Him Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. “
Please tell me how much more we need to be told these things and yet many still do not believe them.
Gods word is GOOD Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
His plans for us are GOOD Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
He even gave us His phone number Jeremiah 33:3. “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
If the Word of God does not lie, then these are all trustworthy sayings.
Listen to what the Lord is saying now – “The days are coming when many shall turn to me. Those who doubt now, those who do not believe in Me now, those who have wandered off like lost sheep. I am raising a new end-time army of believers. Those who will believe despite what circumstances scream out to them; those who believe despite and whatever the world throws at them; those who will believe through the worst possible persecution – even unto death. The world is turning against Me”, says the Lord, “ but I already knew this before I laid the foundations of the earth. The world does not realise this, yet even if they did, yet they would still despise Me. And they will despise you too because you speak My Name – because you believe in Me and in the One I sent. Even so,” says the Lord, “because your hope is steadfast and is rooted in Me, yet will I uphold you; yet will I justify you even in the worlds eyes. Do not lose sight of My Kingdom for it shall be your reward. Do not bow the knee to anyone but My Son for He is your saviour. Always remember that I, the Lord God Almighty, love you and I am with you – even to the end of the age. I am your provider. I am your Father. I love you – even you.”
CGB August 7 2009
© Chris Bennett 2009
Friday, 31 July 2009
A Golden Opportunity
What a world we live in !! What a desperate state of affairs we are building for our children to inherit. What a failure for us – what a victory for Satan !! People throughout the world are turning to look at the great faiths of the world – desperate to see something better than they see in the world at the moment.
We are living in an increasingly desperate world - a world desperate for something better - a world desperate to hear from God. Amos 8:11 "The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land - not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.”
The world is getting ever more desperate for ‘something better’. They have looked at the world – particularly their own world – and they have seen how shallow, how false so much of it really is. People are beginning to realise that they must seek out that ‘something better’ – whatever it is.
The time that the prophet Amos spoke of is here – now. It is a present reality. We are now living in the days of desperation so eloquently spoken about by Amos. So what on earth is the Church doing about it ?
How the devil must laugh as we preach the world rather than preaching the Gospel or teaching from the Word. Jesus said "Feed My Sheep". Who are His sheep? I think that every human being can be one of His sheep – but we are feeding only those sheep already inside the sheep-fold. We are not spreading the Gospel outside the comfort of our sheep-fold.
And what Gospel do we preach in these days of such desperation? Have we watered down the Gospel? We don’t hear much about sin, about grace, about repenting and dying daily to self so He can be seen more clearly through us – at least not in most churches and most pulpits. If there's no gospel message of sin, grace, repentance, and salvation there is nothing at all and we fail those who need to hear the Gospel message.
We hear much about the prosperity Gospel. The prosperity gospel is, in my opinion, really "the ear-ticklers gospel" (2 Tim 4:3-4 ) - it’s what the audience wants to hear rather than what’s truthful. The Prosperity Gospel is also false, worldly teaching by those who would twist Gods Word to their own ends and profit via emotional blackmail.
Oh - As we sit in our smug self-satisfied 'sanctified' complacency the Lord must weep over our luke-warmness. Send us a fresh injection Your Holy Spirit and Fire Lord. The Lord weeps over our lack of faith and our lack of belief in His Word. Not theology, nor liturgy, nor what we think the Word of God says – but what it actually says – in context and as it is supposed to apply to our lives. The trouble is that, not only have we watered down the Gospel, we have also seen fit to omit huge important chunks of it from our teaching. We think that an hour spent listening to a preacher talk about Jesus followed by two minutes spent saying the so-called ‘Sinners Prayer, and that’s it – we’re saved. Where is the life change? Where is the broken, true repentance? Where is the full gospel message of sin, grace, repentance, and salvation?
Brothers and Sisters, we are living at a time when God in His great mercy and love has given us a golden opportunity to spread His real Gospel throughout the world. We’ve had one (poor) model already – at Lakeland, Florida in 2008. That we wasted most of that opportunity was down to our own sin alone. Ignore what happened among the leadership – look at the effects around the world during that time of revival. We had the technology and we used it. Media, TV, Internet – all combined to take news of what was happening in Lakeland right round the world – to virtually every nation – as it was happening. The anointing in the meetings was transmitted over the airwaves and through our computers and TV sets into every home open to watch what was happening.
If we could only learn. People this is what it’s all about - LESS of us, more of HIM. If we would only stand back, let go, and let God do things through us, despite us and because of us - because He loves us so much. Whatever we think, His way is ALWAYS best and we must learn to let Him do things. This is the Golden Opportunity for us to make ourselves available to God the Holy Spirit so that He can use us to present the Gospel His way. He leads us into ALL truth so let Him lead us into sharing His wonderful and glorious gospel – the ransomed, healed, restored, and forgiven Gospel. NOT the “sign here and you’re saved” Gospel but His saving, redeeming gospel of Salvation through the glorious Blood of Jesus Christ.
AMEN?
CGB 31 July 2009
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Persecution in the West
There is a great persecution coming to the Western Church. A short while ago I gave a word that mentions persecution coming to the West. Since that time, I believe the Lord has been showing me more about this fast approaching end-time event – in fact its upon us now!
The (Western) world has finally got so sick and tired of the Church’s hypocrisy, its political meddling, its greed, and quite frankly its own sin, that they have turned on us. As Steve Gray spoke in his book, “Strike the Match” (p53)
“When the followers of God are not all that different from those who don’t follow Him, what is there attract the non-believer? When we are a powerless, unethical people in opposition to the standards of God, how do we hope to spur anyone to salvation? It is hard to convey the hypocrisy, self-indulgence, and greed that are engulfing our churches as worthwhile adverts for Jesus.”
That is not quite an exact quote as I have changed a word here and there for clarity. What truth and wisdom in those words. Steve Gray has not been alone in revealing this but, like all the rest, he has been roundly shunned and ignored by the great majority. Alas, the Church has not heeded these words in the slightest and the world has finally said “Enough is enough – the church has had its say, and yet the Church has never once followed its own preaching.” Why do you think so many people turned towards other religions or no religion at all. Why do you think those other religions, Islam in particular, have grown at such an alarming rate. Why do you think that their, still very much minority, voices are being given so much freedom? Could it be – could it just possibly be, that the Lord has allowed this so as to start the shaking He has promised??
I believe that the Lord has been showing me that there is coming a persecution to the Church of Europe and America, and to individual Christians. It will be of such magnitude that we will discover first hand what it was like to live under a repressive regime like the old Stalinism or Mao-ism. Christians in Europe and, particularly, America will be imprisoned for their faith. They will be publicly reviled for their religion and for their support of Israel. Many many thousands will flee Christianity as it becomes, to them, a stumbling block. As it was said by Paul in scripture :-
Romans 9:31-33 (NIV)” Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
These statements referred to the prophecy in Isaiah
Isaiah 8:14; “... but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
Yet there is hope for later in Isaiah it says -
Isaiah 28:16 “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.”
It is my belief that there is a truth here that we have long tried to ignore simply because we don’t like the sound of it. Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, He is not only our Lord and Saviour, He is not only the one who died for our sins that if we believe in Him we might have eternal life. Like it or not, Jesus Christ is also the stumbling block that will cause us to be persecuted , beaten, put in prison, humiliated, humbled before all men – in almost exactly the same way as the first church did 2000 years ago.
So why does scripture also say that the one who trusts in Him will never be shamed nor dismayed? We will never be shamed nor dismayed before God !! His Grace always was, still is, and always will be sufficient for us. He always was, still is, and always will be the way the truth and the life. No matter what persecution we may suffer in the days ahead, we will, like many before us, bear it with faith intact, we will bear it with dignity, and we will bear it for His sake and we will NOT be shamed nor dismayed before the throne of God. He will acknowledge us and be our fortress, our strong tower, our peace, and our all in all.
And this is our hope, that in whatever the coming persecution throws at us we may :- “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NKJV
One last thing for you to consider – I believe the Lord is saying that this is NOT the great tribulation spoken of in the Bible – this is going to happen before those days.
CGB 25 July 2009
The (Western) world has finally got so sick and tired of the Church’s hypocrisy, its political meddling, its greed, and quite frankly its own sin, that they have turned on us. As Steve Gray spoke in his book, “Strike the Match” (p53)
“When the followers of God are not all that different from those who don’t follow Him, what is there attract the non-believer? When we are a powerless, unethical people in opposition to the standards of God, how do we hope to spur anyone to salvation? It is hard to convey the hypocrisy, self-indulgence, and greed that are engulfing our churches as worthwhile adverts for Jesus.”
That is not quite an exact quote as I have changed a word here and there for clarity. What truth and wisdom in those words. Steve Gray has not been alone in revealing this but, like all the rest, he has been roundly shunned and ignored by the great majority. Alas, the Church has not heeded these words in the slightest and the world has finally said “Enough is enough – the church has had its say, and yet the Church has never once followed its own preaching.” Why do you think so many people turned towards other religions or no religion at all. Why do you think those other religions, Islam in particular, have grown at such an alarming rate. Why do you think that their, still very much minority, voices are being given so much freedom? Could it be – could it just possibly be, that the Lord has allowed this so as to start the shaking He has promised??
I believe that the Lord has been showing me that there is coming a persecution to the Church of Europe and America, and to individual Christians. It will be of such magnitude that we will discover first hand what it was like to live under a repressive regime like the old Stalinism or Mao-ism. Christians in Europe and, particularly, America will be imprisoned for their faith. They will be publicly reviled for their religion and for their support of Israel. Many many thousands will flee Christianity as it becomes, to them, a stumbling block. As it was said by Paul in scripture :-
Romans 9:31-33 (NIV)” Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
These statements referred to the prophecy in Isaiah
Isaiah 8:14; “... but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
Yet there is hope for later in Isaiah it says -
Isaiah 28:16 “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.”
It is my belief that there is a truth here that we have long tried to ignore simply because we don’t like the sound of it. Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, He is not only our Lord and Saviour, He is not only the one who died for our sins that if we believe in Him we might have eternal life. Like it or not, Jesus Christ is also the stumbling block that will cause us to be persecuted , beaten, put in prison, humiliated, humbled before all men – in almost exactly the same way as the first church did 2000 years ago.
So why does scripture also say that the one who trusts in Him will never be shamed nor dismayed? We will never be shamed nor dismayed before God !! His Grace always was, still is, and always will be sufficient for us. He always was, still is, and always will be the way the truth and the life. No matter what persecution we may suffer in the days ahead, we will, like many before us, bear it with faith intact, we will bear it with dignity, and we will bear it for His sake and we will NOT be shamed nor dismayed before the throne of God. He will acknowledge us and be our fortress, our strong tower, our peace, and our all in all.
And this is our hope, that in whatever the coming persecution throws at us we may :- “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NKJV
One last thing for you to consider – I believe the Lord is saying that this is NOT the great tribulation spoken of in the Bible – this is going to happen before those days.
CGB 25 July 2009
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
A Word from the Lord - Revival In America
Revival In America
I see the Glory Cloud coming to small town America. Not the great big ministries but the smaller ones who are pleading for a touch from God. I see a grass roots revival from small churches everywhere - starting in the North West and spreading all over. Holy Spirit led revival \o/
I see the Glory Cloud descending in your meetings and not one person is still standing. As with the priests when Solomon dedicated the temple, they could not stand in the Presence of the Lord.
1 Kings 8:10-11 " When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. "
Amos 8:11"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.”
These days are here right now and the Lord is listening for the fervent prayers of a righteous man.
James 5:16 “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
Then He will listen to your prayers, He will hear when you call upon Him; and He will heal your land.
2 Chronicles 7:13-15 "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”
Listen – Do you hear the sound of rain approaching?
Look - Do you see a cloud the size of a man’s hand? Look SEVEN times.
I see a very dry place where the wind suddenly starts to blow. Very little at first, but it builds and builds until it’s a storm force wind bringing the fresh rain of revival – not as a spring shower but as a mighty torrent. And with revival is coming the very presence of the Lord God Almighty and no man shall stand in that presence. You shall not cry out for healing – it will just happen. You shall not pray for the unsaved – they shall walk in off the street – convicted of their sin before they know what is happening. You shall not ask for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit – it will happen to anyone and everyone.
Joel 2:28-32The Day of the LORD"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; “
So – Are you ready. The Lord God Almighty is ready to start right now.
He is coming – He is coming – He is coming.
Get ready – Be ready. He will not wait for you but He will find those who are ready; who are prepared for His coming; who are desperate for a touch from His Holy Spirit.
Chris Bennett, RoFMI, 7 April 2009
How NOT to get Baptised in the Holy Spirit !!
My testimony of Holy Spirit Baptism is quite amazing.
I came to salvation in Dec 2nd 1962. Then, I ran away from God for 25 yrs 62-87 approx. In 1987 I started work in a town about 30 miles away. While there and during my lunch break, I met a now very good friend in the local Christian book shop. He welcomed me and offered me coffee - anyone who does that is a friend for life !! So we started to talk about things of Christianity and we had noticed a thing called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which neither of us new a thing about. So we made a pact to study it as best we could and eventually, my friend came up with some meetings on Tuesday nights at a place about 20 more miles away.
It was called Roffey Place and was a Christian ministry run by a quite famous British priest and author, Colin Urquhart. (Doubt you've ever heard of him) Roffey had just started running a course on the Baptism so we joined quickly and eventually we both went forward for prayer to receive it.
Nothing happened. Not a thing. Zilch !!!
Colin's wife Diane prayed for me and she said, "Chris, you have received it. You just have to pick it up!!" Well I had no idea how to 'pick it up' but I prayed and I prayed. Still nothing !! About 7 or 8 months went past and I was driving to work one day when I prayed again for God to show me how to 'pick it up'.
I suddenly sensed the Lord say to me, 'OK, pull the car over.' At this point you need to understand that I was driving a very narrow country road with no room to accommodate parked cars, nowhere to park safely, and lots of traffic - just room for two lanes of cars - one in each direction.
"I cant, Lord. there's nowhere to stop."
"Pull over"
"Cant."
"Pull over."
"Cant"
And so, somewhat disappointed, I drove on to my destination knowing I had lost an opportunity. Next morning, the same thing happened.
"Lord, help me receive this baptism. PLEASE."
"Pull over."
"I cant, Lord. there's nowhere to stop."
"Pull over"
"Cant."
"Pull over."
"Cant"
"Lord - do I have to stop. Cant you just do it?"
Don't you love naive and foolish questions???
BANG !!
The Lord took me at my word and baptised me there and then. I was doing about 50mph at the time.
I was all over the place. I was shouting, singing, praising Him in other tongues. Speaking in English. Speaking in my new tongue. Speaking in English. Speaking in my new tongue again. Backwards and forwards - in a totally joyous party for 2 - Holy Spirit and ME - and the car was still doing 50mph.
Do you know - the next time I knew what was happening, I had pulled up in our work car park and put the handbrake on. I have no idea how or when I got there. I only know I arrived safely with no knowledge whatsoever of 40 minutes of driving through country lanes and villages. The Holy Spirit drove that car - I didn't know what day it was let alone have the nouse to drive a car properly.
That lunch time I went to the Christian Bookshop to meet my friend. He took one look at me - poured out coffee and closed the shop ! "OK," he said, "Its happened. I know that because your face is shining like gold. Tell me about it."
And that is how I came into the baptism of the Holy Spirit in July 1989. Isn't God wonderful. Hasn't He got a great sense of humour. He must have laughed at me that day - as well as taking joy and pleasure in fulfilling my hearts desire. What a wonderful God we serve.
Amen??
© Chris Bennett 2009
I came to salvation in Dec 2nd 1962. Then, I ran away from God for 25 yrs 62-87 approx. In 1987 I started work in a town about 30 miles away. While there and during my lunch break, I met a now very good friend in the local Christian book shop. He welcomed me and offered me coffee - anyone who does that is a friend for life !! So we started to talk about things of Christianity and we had noticed a thing called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which neither of us new a thing about. So we made a pact to study it as best we could and eventually, my friend came up with some meetings on Tuesday nights at a place about 20 more miles away.
It was called Roffey Place and was a Christian ministry run by a quite famous British priest and author, Colin Urquhart. (Doubt you've ever heard of him) Roffey had just started running a course on the Baptism so we joined quickly and eventually we both went forward for prayer to receive it.
Nothing happened. Not a thing. Zilch !!!
Colin's wife Diane prayed for me and she said, "Chris, you have received it. You just have to pick it up!!" Well I had no idea how to 'pick it up' but I prayed and I prayed. Still nothing !! About 7 or 8 months went past and I was driving to work one day when I prayed again for God to show me how to 'pick it up'.
I suddenly sensed the Lord say to me, 'OK, pull the car over.' At this point you need to understand that I was driving a very narrow country road with no room to accommodate parked cars, nowhere to park safely, and lots of traffic - just room for two lanes of cars - one in each direction.
"I cant, Lord. there's nowhere to stop."
"Pull over"
"Cant."
"Pull over."
"Cant"
And so, somewhat disappointed, I drove on to my destination knowing I had lost an opportunity. Next morning, the same thing happened.
"Lord, help me receive this baptism. PLEASE."
"Pull over."
"I cant, Lord. there's nowhere to stop."
"Pull over"
"Cant."
"Pull over."
"Cant"
"Lord - do I have to stop. Cant you just do it?"
Don't you love naive and foolish questions???
BANG !!
The Lord took me at my word and baptised me there and then. I was doing about 50mph at the time.
I was all over the place. I was shouting, singing, praising Him in other tongues. Speaking in English. Speaking in my new tongue. Speaking in English. Speaking in my new tongue again. Backwards and forwards - in a totally joyous party for 2 - Holy Spirit and ME - and the car was still doing 50mph.
Do you know - the next time I knew what was happening, I had pulled up in our work car park and put the handbrake on. I have no idea how or when I got there. I only know I arrived safely with no knowledge whatsoever of 40 minutes of driving through country lanes and villages. The Holy Spirit drove that car - I didn't know what day it was let alone have the nouse to drive a car properly.
That lunch time I went to the Christian Bookshop to meet my friend. He took one look at me - poured out coffee and closed the shop ! "OK," he said, "Its happened. I know that because your face is shining like gold. Tell me about it."
And that is how I came into the baptism of the Holy Spirit in July 1989. Isn't God wonderful. Hasn't He got a great sense of humour. He must have laughed at me that day - as well as taking joy and pleasure in fulfilling my hearts desire. What a wonderful God we serve.
Amen??
© Chris Bennett 2009
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