From The Pastor's Pen... 1/30/12 - National Renewal

“If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 AKJ).

Firstly, while the promise in the above verse from 2 Chronicles, is true for all born-again believers around the world, the purposes and scope of this column today are primarily concerned with the natural and spiritual alliances between the United States and Israel.

The ongoing eternal significance of the Old Covenant promise of forgiveness and protection in 2 Chronicles 7:14, extends not only to national Israel, but America as well. However, that promise of national renewal in regard to all nations is available only to those whom God specifically identified as “my people”. Obviously in our time that group to whom the original promise along with its conditions, was made, includes all of the true remnant church world wide, as well as Jewish Messianic believers. Both groups are therefore charged with the application of the conditions outlined in order to receive. That said, let me clarify a couple of vital points, which the true church of King Jesus must consider today, keeping in mind that all nations will be judged in regard to their treatment of Israel, His chosen.

In this pivotal presidential election year in America, Christ’s followers need to understand that it is no accident that America was providentially conceived and has grown to world prominence and power during the period of the Church Age coinciding with the establishment of the modern day nation of Israel in the mid 20th century.   Likewise, as allies, both nations are divinely joined by virtue of like spiritual and political principles, prophesied in ages past, by the Old Covenant prophets. In fact, U.S. President Harry S. Truman, being aware of the historical and scriptural implications of the event, officially recognized the Israeli government by presidential proclamation 11 minutes after it declared statehood, on May 14, 1948.

A great deal of Americas difficulties today are due in part to both the negligence of God’s people to heed His conditions in regard to scriptural promises, as well tolerance of officials in our national government who hinder or oppose Israel’s rights to securely protect her borders. Simply put, Israel’s security is our security (see Genesis 12:3)!

It is time for the watchmen of Gods appointed remnant to loudly sound the alarm and blow the shofar in warning on behalf of both ourselves and Israel in the face of the looming threats from satanically inspired Islamic Iran (ancient Persia) and the forces of evil which fuel them. One important way to do this is to carefully judge all presidential candidates in regard to their record on international matters, and not merely on that which they are currently voicing in the heat of the campaign. Be scripturally deliberate!

From The Pastor's Pen... 1/9/12 - Personal Restoration

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit”  (Ps. 51:12 AKJ).

Although we, as individual born-again believers are, like the church, blood bought, every serious follower of Messiah Jesus nonetheless requires regular periods of spiritual restoration, to continuously walk in power and victory. David’s declaration from the 12th verse of the 51st Psalm expresses that vital Kingdom principle, and we would be wise to heed its truth. Unfortunately, in our day and time, the term revival and the resultant spiritual restoration, which it carries with it, has taken on a context completely opposite to its original meaning, thus making it difficult to grasp for our selves. Let me explain.

You see, in earlier decades, not far removed from our own, it was readily understood that revival, whether individually experienced, or a church wide spiritual restoration, was not a scheduled event on a church calendar. Rather, it was a spontaneous, divinely originated action to restore, and uphold, previously achieved spiritual goals and understanding. And to, in effect, advance scriptural revelation for the purpose of empowering the believer, and local church, for greater warfare ahead.  Yet, none of these things can come forth except through prayer and fasting, coupled with an earnest search for a closer relationship with the Father, not by the plans, agendas, or traditions of men. The evidence of this principle has been, and will continue to be repeated over and over again throughout the Church Age. The most recent example being, the well documented Azuza Street revival of the early 20th century.

As we enter the opening days of a new year, it’s vitally important that we recognize the need for a true, divinely inspired restoration of our spirit man, which originates directly from the throne of God. May we who are called as followers of Messiah Jesus the anointed, like David, seek to be restored by Him, above all that we could conceive or think, according to the power that works in us, by way of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Like the person of Jesus Himself, the covenant promises of God, which are still available to us, are the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wonderously with you; and my people shall never be ashamed” (Joel 2:25-26 AKJ).