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FEBRUARY 2012
THE GREAT REVIVAL
Written on November 17, 2011
“Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight!’ Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.’” Matthew 3:1 - 12.
John the Baptist came in the commitment of a Nazarite and the holiness of a Prophet in order to prepare the way for the MESSIAH.
The Old Testament Prophets spoke of John’s coming in the Spirit of Elijah. His hour had been planned by GOD for a very definite purpose.
Historians believe that John grew up in the wilderness in a strict Jewish environment. Thus, he was prepared for his short but powerful ministry.
His Anointing was so strong that he had people coming from all Judea and from Jerusalem to him in the wilderness. He could help the people in their own wilderness experiences because he lived it.
A PEOPLE PREPARED
The time was one of hopelessness and sorrow for the Jewish people. Their nation was ruled by the severity of Rome. Their religion was despised by most, and they each had their own broken dreams.
They were a confused and downtrodden people. Family and friends also endured great pain and injustice at the hands of the powerful.
There was no one who really helped them with wisdom, and compassion. They were desperate. Desperate people often are begging for the love, truth, and miracles that only GOD can bring.
SIN
Sin was prevalent in every form. Violence and prejudice surrounded them. Immorality and perversion were common. False religions, idolatry and witchcraft were normal practices in the Roman Empire. Drugs, alcohol and sexual orgies accompanied the heathen temple worship and permeated society.
Multitudes were in spiritual bondage. For more than four hundred years few spoke powerfully for GOD. Truth had been compromised and GOD’s Holiness had become a political weapon to use, abuse, and to control the people.
A Fresh Voice from GOD was needed. That was their only hope.
THE GOVERNMENT
Greed and special favors lined the pockets of the government. Double standards of taxation and in the justice system were controlled by the rich and powerful. Ungodly people ruled the common man. People held onto their government positions through backroom deals, and through intimidation toward the weak.
The highest ideals of Rome and the view of Israel as a righteous nation were corrupted by the most evil of leaders. In the midst of Roman greatness was disgrace. Among the Truths spoken by Old Testament Prophets was a mockery toward GOD. Governments are no better than their rulers and their rulers were self-serving, greedy, hypocritical and corrupt.
The Jews were hoping for their MESSIAH and for GOD’s Kingdom to appear. They begged GOD for vindication against Rome. They were looking for the CHRIST.
THE JEWISH FAITH
Judaism - birthed through Abraham, structured by Moses, advanced by David, and defended by the Prophets.
The Old Testament Scriptures were GOD Breathed. They spoke of the coming MESSIAH and the eventual triumph of ALMIGHTY GOD.
Yet, it was hijacked by those who dissected the Scriptures to fit their own agenda. The emphasis on GOD was refocused on money, titles, ritualism, pride, and tradition of man. The Pharisees held up rules with no compassion. The Sadducees mocked the miracle power of GOD. And the Priesthood became a political office to share among the family.
Instead of presenting the True GOD to a hurting world, or extending hope to others through the MESSIAH, this distortion became their god, their messiah, and their blessings. Thus, they became void of truth, power, and love.
A WORLD PREPARED
GOD had been preparing the world for the Gospel for a long time. The Greek Empire that was conquered by Rome produced a common language throughout Europe, the Mideast, and North Africa. The Romans built roads and provided great shipping in the Mediterranean to move their armies and to enhance commerce. The Pax Romana broke down the borders between nations.
Thus, the way was prepared to explode the revival among the nations and various cultures. Our GOD is Brilliant!
THE REMNANT
The Jews had been purposely scattered throughout the Roman Empire. This was meant to disempower them.
These pockets of Jews built synagogues and knew the Scriptures. They also were knowledgeable of the prophecies concerning the MESSIAH.
Thus when the Gospel was preached there were people capable of understanding the Message. GOD had prepared His Remnant for this very day.
NEW LEADERSHIP
Meanwhile, GOD was preparing new leadership. This leadership would proclaim the Gospel and walk in the miraculous. They would be committed to their Mission and uncompromising with the Truth. They would be willing to die.
In a way that only GOD knew He was preparing the hearts of these leaders. They had to relearn doctrines and abandon what was secure. However, their hearts were truly hungering for the truth. New Wineskins were needed for the HOLY SPIRIT. Those unwilling to change from what was popular were left behind. Those who refused to be uncompromising were turned away by JESUS. JESUS didn’t need more corrupt leaders.
REPENTANCE
“And the crowds were questioning him, saying, ‘Then what shall we do?’ And he would answer and say to them, ‘The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.’ And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, ‘Teacher, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.’ Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, ‘And what about us, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.’” Luke 3:10 - 14.
Repentance is always the main theme in revival. For that to take place sin must be acknowledged. Transgressions may be what we have done or how we have defrauded others of what we haven’t done.
John proclaimed specific sins. He even called some “brood of vipers.” King Herod was rebuked for having his brother’s wife.
This call for repentance preceded Pentecost. Too many are seeking the spectacular today but still clinging to their rebellion.
Every time I have asked the LORD, “why are people caught up in the deception of false revivals?” the answer is the same. They want power but not the Fear of the LORD. Thus, they are open to the unholy spiritual world.
Repentance is a must in preceding any and all true moves of GOD. This also includes false doctrines in our denominations.
PREPARATION
Finally, GOD had prepared the day and the hour.
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law.” Galatians 4:4.
“So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority’” Acts 1:6, 7.
GOD is preparing a new hour of revival. It will circumvent man’s traditions and religions. It will exalt His Holiness and His Grace. It will bring people to JESUS and not to man or the organizations of man. There will be power with piety.
The leaders will be sacrificial, humble, bold, and committed unto death. Those who follow will abandon false movements, false doctrines, and false leadership.
Those who oppose it will have a hatred in their hearts, deception in their minds, and destruction in their actions.
The move of GOD will not be political but spiritual. It will force people to choose. As GOD touches the hearts of many, many others will be prepared for the great apostasy. And the antichrist.
Maranatha!
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