Showing posts with label nation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nation. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

"Be Patient, Your Nation Is Having Major Heart Surgery. Stay In The Waiting Room and Pray." - Bill Yount


Posted: 28 Feb 2017 

I Heard The Lord Say, "Be Patient, Your Nation Is Having Major Heart Surgery. Stay In The Waiting Room and Pray."

I remember when my mother had major by-pass heart surgery in her seventies. The doctors came to us in the waiting area and told us these words, "Because of what she just went through, she's not going to look very good to you, but she looks great to us!"

I sense the Lord saying, "Be patient with your nation and remember I am not a Republican or Democrat, I AM that I AM. I AM working on a whole nation and everyone is a work in process. Don't judge, for I AM not finished working on anyone. I am working in the Fox News Room, CNN News Room and all the other News networks and radio, TV outlets, and media. I'm going for the heart of this nation or it will surely die, unless I complete surgery on it's heart."

"Stop grumbling and complaining. It can delay and even cancel this Kairos moment as your nation is on My operating table. Speak life and become love to every person. Embrace your opposition and enemies so they will experience My arms of love surrounding them. Protest the devil, not people."

"What appears to be chaos and gross darkness to you, are the instruments I pick up in My hands and use to give new hearts to nations. Nothing is being wasted in the hands of your Redeemer. Your heart is also included in this surgery. Trust Me and tell your heart to beat again!"


Bill Yount

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

The Church, The Nation, Donald Trump and the Future of Freedom - James Robision and Michael Brown - THE STREAM

The Church, The Nation, Donald Trump and the Future of Freedom

Through an interview with Dr. Michael Brown, evangelist James Robison delivers a word for America during her hour of decision.


THE STREAM  By JAMES ROBISON Published on October 30, 2016

It’s a critical hour in America. A vote that will decide the direction and potentially the existence of the United States is mere days away. At this moment the election is reeling with news that Hillary Clinton is again facing an FBI investigation. Meanwhile, there is controversy and division among Christians over Clinton’s opponent, Donald Trump. In the midst of this high stakes season, with the future of freedom on the line, evangelist James Robison has a word for the Church and the nation. He shares it, along with his relationship with Donald Trump, in the following in-depth interview with Dr. Michael Brown.

On Our National Leadership

Brown: I want to come away with some important lessons for the church right now. First, let’s talk about your involvement with national leaders. For many years you have had communication with previous presidential candidates, Democrat and Republican. This year you met with many of the candidates. Were most of them conservative Republicans?
Robison: Yes, because they were the ones who opened the door. But both political parties are polluted.
Ted Cruz used a rough term “the Washington cartel,” and in fact there is that system that I would say has an even greater grip than any Mafia or cartel ever had. This is serious. The “establishment” has had a terrible effect on the well being of the people. Failure to see the benefit of iron sharpening iron, people just continually attack one another and no one wins because they never come to the table of reason.
I think the American people who have common sense are getting fed up with it and I think we all should be fed up with it. The fact that we have these serious problems prevailing, in my opinion, is because the church opted out of the process of impacting the culture from the arts, to education, sound government, economic practices, and care of the poor which is impossible without a direct compassion connection.
When you promise people something and create dependence upon those politicians, you put them in bondage. Just like in the days of Nehemiah when the people in the Promised Land said, “We are in the land you gave us and we are slaves in it,” the American people have become slaves to a system that is so corrupt there is no terminology strong enough to describe it. Ted Cruz is right. There is a Washington cartel — or maybe worse.

On Where We Stand as a Nation

Brown: How would you characterize where we stand right now as a nation?
Robison: We are rightly appalled at the intense division, dissension, and hostility; animosity filled with hate borders on a continuous rage in the lives of people all across the nation. We are in a very dangerous moment. We are more capable of exploding and being damaged by that than we are even by the reality of a terrorist attack. Many Americans are being guided by a terrorist mentality. People are moving from disappointment and disgust to a spirit of intense hatred leading to rage. The situation is volatile.
We are rightly appalled at the intense division, dissension, and hostility; animosity filled with hate borders on a continuous rage in the lives of people all across the nation. We are in a very dangerous moment. We are more capable of exploding and being damaged by that than we are even by the reality of a terrorist attack.
People are fed up with political correctness and over-reaching, over-regulating federal government, the $20 trillion dollar debt, urban communities in distress, minorities used as political pawns, a disastrous healthcare system and totally corrupt self-serving politicians in office and running for office. American citizens with common sense — whether Christian or not — are totally fed up with the dishonest liberal media polluting the truth and manipulating people with their deception. Jeremiah said, “Lies and not truth prevail in the land. Everyone must be on guard against their neighbor because they all go about as a slanderer.” This is typical of the people elected to represent us in Washington, even among those in the same party. This must be corrected and common sense thinkers are demanding it be corrected.
Brown: James, how did our nation get to this place on the brink of disaster?
Robison: The greater problem we see today in our nation is the church — not just people who claim a religious affiliation, but people who actually have a personal relationship with Christ and have experienced an encounter that impacted their life in a very positive, undeniable fashion. We are watching these Bible-people seeking to destroy one another, to accuse one another. They have joined with “the accuser of the brethren” and they are firing at one another and questioning everything another person may do. If you happen to be seen with the wrong person, praying with the wrong person, caring about the wrong person, then you are a target of their disapproval. They are actually judging the heart, not just the actions, because they don’t know what may be happening behind the scenes. Imagine what the media today would say about Jesus going in the house of a Pharisee sitting on his sofa with a prostitute at his feet.
Some leaders I greatly respect who are willing to sacrifice their own reputation are being misunderstood. Along with me, these committed church leaders who are attempting to help correct our nation’s course are being called compromisers.
I have said many times Christians have the perfect Father, but His family often act as though they are the children of the devil. Sincere believers divide and attack one another as foolishly and fiercely as Congress. Time and again I have said forcefully, “If the family of God, His children, would behave like the Father and become the healthy body of Christ, I believe a fatherless nation would run into the church to meet and know our awesome loving Father.”

On the Race Dividing the Body

Brown: So how do we navigate these waters? We had evangelical candidates like Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, and several others, but there was tremendous division among believers about who to vote for. So we ended up with Donald Trump as the candidate. I had questions about Jerry Falwell and Robert Jeffress endorsing him, how could they do that? Why was Ben Carson behind him? It seems that now the division has gotten even more intense and that with Trump as the nominee, the division has spread through the church rather than uniting around God’s kingdom purposes.
Robison: Because I am close to the people you mentioned — Jerry Falwell, I’ve known him for since he was very young and he respects me with gratitude for the impact I made preaching at Thomas Road Baptist Church and helping his dad build Liberty University. Dr. Jeffress has been listening to me preach in his own church and across the nation since he was a young boy. Ben Carson and I decided to walk as one the moment he made statements that needed to be heard about the foolishness of political correctness and government masquerading as Father God, and I began to help him herald those messages.
I believe our hearts must lock together in harmony on the will of God understanding that a spiritual awakening is essential for the survival of freedom in America.
All believers must understand that “Christ in us is the only hope of His glory” manifesting on earth right now. The church must come together and understand that God has given us the opportunity to be the church in these trying times, and be a healing, transforming factor through the power of the Gospel delivered in love from people who love God and love one another.
I believe our hearts must lock together in harmony on the will of God understanding that a spiritual awakening is essential for the survival of freedom in America. Regardless of who wins the election, the church must be standing together as faithful witnesses and ambassadors for Christ. If we do not stand together chaos and the destruction of that which is precious will shift into high gear. We won’t have to wait for the devastation to come from outside our very porous borders. As Abraham Lincoln said, “If destruction be our lot, we ourselves will be its author and its finisher.”
Whoever wins, the church must be there to stand against the devaluation of human life, the devaluation of the importance of nature’s God and nature’s law, the casting aside of the brilliance of the Constitution drafted by diverse individuals who were led by a power beyond themselves which they referenced as “Divine Providence.”
So whoever wins, the church must be there to stand against the devaluation of human life, the devaluation of the importance of nature’s God and nature’s law, the casting aside of the brilliance of the Constitution drafted by diverse individuals who were led by a power beyond themselves which they referenced as “Divine Providence.” We best get back real quick in Washington and in every city and community to the guidance of Divine Providence or you can write “Ichabod” over the United States of America.

On Donald Trump and the Power of Witness

Brown: I remember early on in the primaries that you were seeking to speak into each candidate’s life. You were urging Ted Cruz to learn to be a bridge-builder and to let people see compassion in his heart. You were speaking into the life of Ben Carson, Gov. Huckabee, who had worked with for four years, and Rick Perry, Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, Scott Walker, Jeb Bush … nearly all of the candidates. You were endorsing truth, praying for them and with them. How did you ever connect with Donald Trump?
Robison: Well, I got the invitation to meet with him one-on-one for what he said was the longest meeting of that type in his life. It was made possible because Ben Carson’s endorsement came with Mr. Trump’s commitment to such a meeting. From that time on, we have been in ongoing communication. I have never wavered; I have faithfully and in unconditional love presented the unadulterated Word of God as forcefully as I’m capable of. 
In 55 years of public ministry, meeting with people on all levels, I have never — I repeat never — been received by anyone with greater appreciation, humility and focused interest in all the principles of freedom and biblical truths I have shared. I would say that Mr. Trump heard because of the prayers of concerned Christians for everything they longed for him to hear face-to-face. I have faithfully sown good seed. Only time will clearly reveal the soil on which it was sown.
personally do not think Donald Trump will ever be the same man. I think he is so concerned about correcting what is wrong and sees an over-reaching, out-of-control government along with policies that hurt the people, he will stand against those problems as long as he lives.
Donald Trump has at least opened the door to people filled with love, truth and wisdom … and people in love with God. I’m praying the church will not slam the door he opened in their own face.
Sadly, I think he may be more dedicated to correcting the problems than many Christians are. This means if he doesn’t understand freedom’s foundation, his attempts will not produce the necessary results. That is why the church, God’s family, must make a Kingdom impact on his life with the transforming power of gospel truth. There is no substitute for the witness of the church.
Brown: Of course, you know that many are skeptical and say that Trump is just manipulating you and other evangelicals in order to get votes. What’s your response?
Robison: I want to address the danger about manipulation. In the first meeting I told Mr. Trump he had lived as an intimidator and manipulator, and that must change to inspiration and motivation. I shared that God had gifted him to do that. It is a process requiring spiritual growth. Remember, Jesus was with His disciples for three years. After that time with the greatest Teacher, they still had serious issues.
I have continually told Mr. Trump he must get to know wise people who know how to effectively address every legitimate concern, and they are not wrapped up in themselves. Amazingly, he has met with many of those leaders, which according to some observers is the first time they have known of such a meeting.
I’m saying that, Michael, because this man has at least opened the door to people filled with love, truth and wisdom … and people in love with God. I’m praying the church will not slam the door he opened in their own face. Because Mr. Trump is so strong, in my attempt to help him grasp the importance of meekness, I told him a thoroughbred race horse can only win if a thousand pounds of power is submitted totally into the hands of a less-than-100-pound jockey. “If you learn that lesson, Sir, you might win the Triple Crown and help America out of the ditch and see the blessings of freedom preserved. You have the ability to help inspire the people to join together with the wisdom God freely offers — and see America become great again.”
Brown: Many people wonder if Mr. Trump is listening to counsel. You’re speaking to him on a regular basis. What can you tell us?
Robison: In all my years of ministry, no one has ever listened to me more intently. 
Christians must stop shooting at one another and pray for the miracle only God can perform. Please pray for people like me who are able to deliver the gospel and God’s Word to individuals like Donald Trump. God has given me great love for him and his family. I believe they are willing to lose everything to help correct the course of our Titanic ship of state headed for catastrophic destruction and the loss of the freedom we’ve been blessed to enjoy and share.
I am going to continue to deliver the truth to Mr. Trump and other leaders as long as they have ears to hear. The moment he doesn’t appear to be hearing, I’ll try to get a bigger platform, a louder megaphone and more force behind me, and praying that God Almighty will let the power of His truth transform every area of his life, every area of my life and every area of the life of every person on this planet until we become what God designed us to be.
I’ll go on record and say that Donald Trump, in my opinion will never be the same Donald Trump again, win or lose. I personally think he will remain committed to do many of the things the church should have been committed to do a long time ago — and that’s to bring this out-of-control government under control, this new-found Pharaoh and upstart Caesar, this Uncle Sam masquerading as Father God must be brought under control.
I’m going to repeat: Whether he is president or not, he will attempt to pull down damaging practices that hurt the American people. In his attempt to make much needed correction, whether president or as a businessman, his success will be determined by the witness and impact of the church and those who understand freedom’s essential foundation.
Now is the time for the church to stand together overwhelmed with the weight of God’s glory and make a Kingdom imprint on this planet to see His will fulfilled in the lives of all He sent His Son to redeem.

The Platform is More Important Than the Personality

Brown: If I’m reading this interview as a believer, not a leader, and I don’t have a lot of understanding politically or spiritually, I’m asking: How should I vote? How should I live?
Robison: Good questions, and I pray every reader will take this perspective to heart. We vote for principles and must consider the platforms of the candidates in order to make a wise decision. This year, the difference is as distinct as daylight and dark. 
Had the present Democratic platform been in place, I never would have been born. When a 40-year-old hospice nurse was raped by the alcoholic son of the man she was caring for, she conceived her first child. In desperation she sought an abortion, and the doctor refused. My mother said she prayed and felt in her heart she must have the baby. Her decision had a huge impact. I have three children, 11 grandchildren, and one great grandson, and have been blessed to lead millions to Christ, while also helping to save millions of lives from starvation and contaminated water sources through our mission outreaches.
One candidate says a baby can be ripped from the womb through the ninth month, approving the horrific act of partial-birth abortion and demanding tax payers cover the cost. The candidate and platform asserts marriage must be redefined, human sexuality redefined, proven-to-fail, unsustainable government programs must be maintained, borders remain open and lines drawn in the sand ignored. Christians, both Catholic and Evangelicals are told they must change their views on marriage and abortion. The poor are manipulated to become continually dependent on Uncle Sam as Father God, while at the same time attempting to justify a $20 trillion debt and pass it on to children yet to be born. Third World countries have learned from the practice supported by this platform and their candidate that if they don’t support abortion and redefine marriage, those poor nations will lose U.S. support.
Some voters may be saying, “We don’t know for certain what the Republican candidate will actually do in office.” They are absolutely right. Only time will reveal if he will bear the fruit of the seeds of transforming truth that have been faithfully sown in love. But we know absolutely what one candidate will do. There is a proven track record that cannot be denied and a commitment to continue the process of destroying the freedom our founders and the Constitution granted us. A close friend shared, “Anyone who can stand by four of our heroes wrapped in the American flag lying to the families and the American people is not fit to defend that flag.” I agree!
We are voting on more than a personality or even a person or a president. We are voting on life or death and the future of freedom. If we continue to cast aside God’s truth we will prove ourselves to be fools and suffer the consequences of idolatry. Everyone who understands freedom has a foundation must vote for the future of freedom.

On a New Awakening

Now is the time for the church to come out from under cover, put the light on a lamp stand, impacting the culture as salt … protecting and preserving the precious refusing to allow the sacred to be trampled under the feet of men. We must stand boldly together, shoulder to shoulder, with our eyes fixed on Jesus as ambassadors for Christ, becoming a mighty army, declaring and demonstrating the power of transforming truth as a “city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.” Our nation has no hope apart from the witness of the church and the next great Awakening.
 This is the time for the church to stand up and say, “We’re going to extend the arms of a loving God to a world in darkness—defeated and desperate. We’re going to lift them up out of that sinking sand, which some have referred to as a ‘swamp,’ and get their feet on a solid rock—and that’s freedom’s foundation.” This is what I see the church doing—and whether Mr. Trump is in the White House or back in his office in Trump Tower, we must impact this population and these leaders with the power of the gospel, or our children will not enjoy the blessings of freedom we have known.
Brown: How can the church bring about the necessary changes and give momentum to the Awakening in America?
Robison: Every great awakening, every truly great event and every move toward true freedom has come because of the weight of that kingdom imprint on the earth at that time. We are kingdom people, we are here on a divine assignment, and we are not here waiting to get out — we’re waiting to be used of God as channels of blessing through whom He can flow the rivers of His love and His transforming truth. He wants the best for everyone.
This is the time for the church to stand up and say, “We’re going to extend the arms of a loving God to a world in darkness — defeated and desperate. We’re going to lift them up out of that sinking sand, which some have referred to as a ‘swamp,’ and get their feet on a solid rock — and that’s freedom’s foundation.”
This is what I see the church doing — and whether Mr. Trump is in the White House or back in his office in Trump Tower, we must impact this population and these leaders with the power of the gospel, or our children will not enjoy the blessings of freedom we have known. It will become very dark, dismal and miserable in this country.
If we put a good crew and captain at the helm of our Titanic ship of state, we can steer away from the horrific consequences about to come and begin sailing toward safe harbor. But we must turn quickly, beginning November the 8th.

On Redemption and the Clintons

Brown: In everything you’re saying, I keep hearing the theme “redemption,” going back to the beginning of this interview. I didn’t know you during the days of the Clinton presidency, but I was one of those outraged by his immorality and wanted him to be impeached. I felt we should have someone better in the White House. I probably didn’t think enough about if there was a way for the man to be redeemed. We’ve all fallen short. Yes, America is in sin. Yes, we’re doing outrageous things. But rather than the church just raising its voice in condemnation, you’re calling us to be agents of redemption—and that is the great challenge: To be outraged over sin and evil, and yet to lay our lives down and help people come out of it.
Robison: “It’s for freedom Christ made us free” (Gal. 5:1). Now expand on that in your mind for a moment. Freedom blesses everyone, as does the rain — the just and the unjust. It’s delicate. We’re one generation away from losing our freedom and it is precious, easy to abuse and requires great diligence and devotion to preserve it.
I actually had tears well up in my eyes when you said Bill Clinton. You see, Michael, I was trying to get in that room with him. I was trying to be in there during the accusation process when it began. Some of the most influential business leaders in the country wanted me to share with him. At one time he was planning for a meeting, but for some reason, he became uncomfortable and he cancelled it.
When you referenced him a moment ago, tears welled up in my eyes because I remembered praying and weeping over this incredibly talented person who was obviously being defeated and trying to cover the failure inappropriately. I wanted so much to take this gifted, dynamic man who had so much potential and not only hold him in my arms and comfort him, but lift him up into the arms of our loving God. I still pray for the Clinton family consistently and with deep, genuine concern.
So Michael, I find myself wondering, “What if Hillary Clinton came to see the value of every life like me? A little boy whose hospice-nurse mother was forced into sex when she was 40 and gave birth to a child a doctor would not abort when she was 41. No regular job, no husband. I never would have been born.”
I said to a group yesterday at a university, “I think we have probably aborted the person who would have discovered the cure for cancer, but their brilliant mind was not allowed to be born.” We have no idea what we’re doing when we devalue any life because when you devalue anyone, you devalue everyone.
I want to see Hillary Clinton realize that the federal government must be brought under control, and she must not tell people who believe the Bible she says she believes that we’ve got to change our opinion on what we believe concerning certain things, and then to hear her vice presidential nominee stand against the very principles he claims to believe as a Catholic. It breaks my heart!
Let me say to everyone who disagrees: It is impossible to adequately describe how much I love you. I promise to take all unkind words, criticisms or accusations leveled against me before the Lord. Your words will weigh heavily on me, and possibly keep me awake at night. I will be praying, “God, please show me if I’m missing something. Please correct me.” I will seek to repent and be sharpened and strengthened because God has given me love for those who seem to be enemies. I know He can use them to help correct my own course just as iron sharpens iron.

On the Church Answering the Call to “Arise and Shine”

Brown: If we bring everything together for our readers, we’re saying: (1) Vote soberly and responsibly, recognizing what’s ahead for our nation; (2) Pray for the candidates and God’s purposes in their lives; (3) Stand up and be the church now. Quit tearing each other apart over political division and start asking, “How can we work together to save America?” That’s the urgent message.
Robison: The real message is for the church, the family of God, to “Arise and shine, with the glory of the Lord upon you” In the two chapters preceding that call in Isaiah 60, God called for the chosen fast, which is setting people free breaking the yoke of bondage. In that freedom, you’ll stop accusing one another, and you’ll respond to the cry of the hungry, poor and desolate. When you do, God will suddenly answer your prayers quickly. In other words, if we as Christians and caring Americans would seek to be an answer to the prayers of others and to their greatest needs, God says, “I’ll answer you and begin meeting your needs.” He goes on to say that you will become a “well-watered garden.” Then, in fact, you will be known as one who restores the foundation — the essential foundation stones of freedom.
I’m telling you, the stage is set for the greatest move of Almighty God in human history.
In the next chapter, He says, “My hand is not shortened that I can’t save, heal and correct. But your sins have separated you from My blessings, from the response to the need. You’ve cut me off.” Twice, He says, “Because you’ve shed innocent blood … your feet hasten to shed innocent blood. Lies are prevailing in the land, and you wish for peace and find more trouble. Justice does not prevail. But He makes it very clear that the future rests on the shoulders of the family of faith. So we must “Arise and shine!”
Jay Richards and I wrote in the book Indivisible that there is not a thing, not a challenge, not a problem that people created in the image of God cannot address effectively. If you show the American people a problem and how to effectively solve it, you won’t have to wait for the government to do it. Let’s get that heavy foot off the backs of American business, churches and the American people. They are sick and tired of the federal government mismanaging the hard-earned money of our citizens.
The worst place any person and money manager can put money is in the hands of the worst money managers on the planet — and tragically that’s in the hands of our government. It must be brought under control.
National leaders must recognize you cannot address any serious problem without a compassion connection, and oversight requiring accountability and personal responsibility. Don’t tell me it can’t be done. It must be done!

A Final Prayer

Robison: I’m telling you, Michael, the stage is set for the greatest move of Almighty God in human history. I’m praying for the effect of amazing grace 10 times greater than what happened to William Wilberforce. I’m praying for the transformation greater than what happened to Augustine. If God could use a Churchill, who was anything but a religious spiritual giant, to help save freedom in the United Kingdom with his boldness and love for freedom, can’t we realize that God can use any available instrument? If we ask God to heal our land and then we criticize a potential agent of healing because we didn’t like the package, believers can easily abort the potential answer to their own prayers.
Remember, in 1980 a wonderful, dedicated, truly humble Christian Sunday School teacher was replaced in the White House with a divorced Hollywood actor and we saw positive changes, the eventual collapse of the Soviet threat, the Cold War ended and the Berlin Wall came down. In 1980 Christians and concerned Americans who understood and loved freedom stood together to see the life of freedom extended. I think the stage is now set for the next great spiritual awakening.
Brown: I have that exact same anticipation, and I believe if we will humble ourselves, America’s greatest days will be ahead and the greatest days for the church in America will be ahead, but we must wake up to the urgency of the hour.
Robison: That’s my prayer. I’m yielded to it, I’m longing for it, and I’m praying with every breath, “Father in heaven, please help your children begin to look like You. And Father, please answer the heart-cry of our Lord over Jerusalem before it was desolated and leveled. ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how I long for you to come like chicks to the wings of the hen.’ I see our nation running to the shelter and shadow of Your amazing presence, protection and provision. All of our hope and trust is in You. In Jesus’ name.”
Brown: Amen and amen!

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Russia Proposes Law to Ban Evangelism in the Nation - RUTH KRAMER/MNN CHARISMA NEWS

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia Proposes Law to Ban Evangelism in the Nation

Russian President Vladimir Putin ( REUTERS/Ivan Sekretarev/Pool)

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

"Preaching to the choir" is an idiom which means you are trying to make believers out of people who already believe, or convince people who are already convinced. For the most part, it's another phrasing for ineffective messaging.
When the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, approved a package of anti-terror bills this week, that is what could become the reality for gospel work in Russia.
Seems innocuous until you realize how much snuck through without public comment, and how much it could change gospel work in Russia.
Slavic Gospel Association's Joel Griffith says, "From what we're able to understand from all the sources, if the bill is signed and it stands as is without change, it looks like missionary activity would be off-limits to anybody but representatives of the registered organizations or groups, or individuals who have entered into formal agreements with such bodies."
Plus, the new anti-terror legislation cracks down on anything that is interpreted as a violation of public security and order—extremist actions, coercion into ruining families, and encroachments on the freedom of the person and the rights and freedoms of citizens.
One way that could be read, explains Griffith, is "they're saying every missionary has to carry documents with specific information proving their connection to a registered religious group, and it looks like they're wanting to try to ban any missionary activity in residential areas except for certain things like prayer services or ceremonies."
A ban is also imposed on missionary activities aimed at inducing suicide, at creating obstructions to getting compulsory education, and at persuasion of individuals to refuse to perform their legally binding civic duties. How it could be enforced: "Foreign missionaries would only be able to operate where their inviting organizations are registered."
The broad strokes being used to curb extremism often have a chilling effect on other groups, like SGA, too. Christian leaders haven't been taking it silently.
President Alexei Smirnov, of the Russian Baptist Union, wrote a formal letter to President Putin to express his disagreement and concern over the bill in its current form.
"President Smirnov, in his letter says, 'The draft law is anti-constitutional, as it violates the basic rights of its citizens and does not coincide with the current Constitution of the Russian Federation,'" says Griffith, noting Smirnov's other concern that "the bill was not discussed with the Duma Committee on Public and Religious Organizations. There was no public discussion of the draft law. In such a way, religious organizations lacked even the opportunity to express their opinion."
The package has landed on President Vladimir Putin's desk for his signature. SGA is praying that, "Mr. Putin will heed the concerns, not only of the churches, but also those in Parliament who are concerned about freedom of religion, that this law would not be signed, ultimately."
Yet, even if the bill gets signed into law, there's still hope.  
The churches SGA has served over in Russia, in the whole Commonwealth of Independent States, the former Soviet Union, have operated under very difficult conditions before. "They've survived atheistic Communism and the persecution they endured there. So, they know what it's like to pay a price for their faith.  They're going to continue on with their ministry, regardless of what happens."
To that end, their purpose remains unchanged. The Great Commission, says Griffith, has not been rescinded. "Our desire, as their helpers at Slavic Gospel Association, we exist to serve the churches. Our prayer is that we'll continue to have an open door to serve them in what they need." 
This article originally appeared on Mission Network News. 
Draw closer to God. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit every month as you read Charisma magazine. Sign up now to get Charisma for as low as $1 per issue.
Has God called you to be a leader? Ministry Today magazine is the source that Christian leaders who want to serve with passion and purpose turn to. Subscribe now and receive a free leadership book.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Franklin Graham: God's Hand Is Being Removed From This Nation - CBN NEWS CHARISMA NEWS

Graham said secularism and communism "are one and the same."

Franklin Graham: God's Hand Is Being Removed From This Nation

Graham said secularism and communism "are one and the same." (Courtesy)

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

Evangelist Franklin Graham is urging Christians to vote this election year, even if "it's for the lesser of two evils."
Graham spoke to a crowd on the steps of the capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was the 24th stop, nearly the halfway mark of his 50-capitol Decision America Tour.
"I have no hope for the Democrat Party ... I have no hope for the Republican Party," Graham told the more than 3,000 people at the event, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. "The only hope for our nation today is Almighty God. The most important thing we can do as Christians is pray. It is our only hope."
Graham says believers should vote for candidates who at least consider their concerns. He says bringing God back into politics is an absolute necessity.
Between 1,000 and 8,000 people have met Graham at each stop on the tour, the purpose of which is to encourage Christians to pray and stand up for their faith.
"We are more concerned about political correctness than about God's truth and righteousness," he continued. "America is being stripped of its biblical heritage and God-inspired foundations.
Graham said secularism and communism "are one and the same."
"Secularism is godless. Secularism is taking over our country. Every level of government is secular. It has crept in and taken root," he said.
"The people who do this call themselves 'progressives.' Look at what they stand for and believe. They want to make us a godless country and a godless society," he continued. "If we take God out, He will leave. He blessed us more than any nation on Earth, but his hand is being removed, and the only thing we can do is pray ... and go vote." 
Reprinted with permission from CBN.com. Copyright The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., All rights reserved.
Draw closer to God. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit every month as you read Charisma magazine. Sign up now to get Charisma for as low as $1 per issue.
Has God called you to be a leader? Ministry Today magazine is the source that Christian leaders who want to serve with passion and purpose turn to. Subscribe now and receive a free leadership book.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

False Human Rights Destroying the Church and Our Nation - JOHN BURTON CHARISMA NEWS

Gay rights activists

False Human Rights Destroying the Church and Our Nation

Gay rights activists (Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini)

Does a moment go by that we don't hear about some group or movement making demands for their supposed human rights?
"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." —John F. Kennedy
What happened to this? What happened to America? What happened to the church?
Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
Today we are absolutely overwhelmed by the constant, self-centered shouts of those who demand that their country—or their church—gives them what they believe is rightfully theirs.
It's a false human rights movement.
The right to abortion. The right for same-sex marriage. The right to be equal. The right to be heard.
It's a sickening, selfish focus that is driven by human desire instead of a willingness to take up our cross and die. How often have people left churches because their supposed rights weren't addressed? How much dissension is in the workplace because people are looked over in favor of another?
I've said it before—today, when people's self-centered pursuits are rejected, they abandon relationships, leave churches and cause division, but when Jesus was rejected, He didn't abandon people. He didn't forsake the church.
He let people kill Him so they might be saved. He died so the church could thrive.
My point in this article isn't to address specific issues as much as it is to deal with a deadly, demonic spirit that is extremely advanced in its progress in the destruction of the church and, thus, the nation.
A Spirit of Entitlement
This spirit is pervasive in our nation, and unfortunately it has infiltrated the church to such a degree that it has altered the church's very DNA. Today people attend church with expectations of how they should be treated instead of a plan to lay down their lives for the sake of the mission. There is a predetermined checklist of items that they presume they are rightfully entitled to. If those demands aren't met, then trouble is initiated—just as the enemy planned.
This spirit of entitlement convinces us to look inward and fight for our perceived rights. It's fueled by pride that results in the pursuit of personal attention, gain and satisfaction.
Isaiah 14:12-15 says, "How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also on the mount of the congregation, in the recesses of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Yet you shall be brought down to Hell, to the sides of the pit."
Lucifer was focused on self—entitlement. This pride resulted in destruction beyond anything we could measure. He fell and weakened the nations simply because he was focused on self!
America, are you listening?
Because of Lucifer's attitude, millions of people have been destroyed, the Holocaust terrorized a generation, an ancient flood destroyed the masses, 55 million American babies have been murdered and Hell is growing in size to hold the increasing number of people who will live there for eternity.
Yes, a spirit of entitlement destroys.
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18).
"When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom" (Prov. 11:2).
"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility" (Prov. 18:12).
Taking on Offense
When entitled people gather together, you have a union. Here in Detroit, this is understood well. There are certain expectations that must be fulfilled by leadership, or those in union will threaten harm to them or the organization. This concept isn't hard to understand. Often on the news we hear of school teachers or bus drivers who are in a union, and when their demands aren't met, they strike.
When an entitlement isn't met, offense is the result—and when people are in union with another who has been offended, they very quickly take on that offense—and, again, it is deadly.
We see this happen in churches all the time. Offended people have friends, who unify with them and come into agreement with their arguments.
Of course, it would be very easy right now to start considering all of the secular benefits to actual unions. We could discuss how the playing field is evened and the way leadership treats the working class is improved by holding them accountable.
But I'll say this very clearly—this spirit of false unity, entitlement and offense has no place in the church. Our nation would begin down the road of healing and strengthening if we all stopped making demands and started serving, loving and following Jesus and the principles of Scripture.
An offended people will destroy a nation. A surrendered people will build a nation.
As an example, the spirits of entitlement and offense drive the abortion industry. False compassion, demonic in nature, is one of the tools that is used to gain sympathy and support for that movement. The threat is that we will come across as unloving, uncaring people if we oppose that movement. The same is true with the homosexual agenda. False love results in accusations of homophobia and hatred for those who don't support their movement.
As Christians, we are handcuffed as we are forced into a position of affirming our love of these people. If we don't, they win the debate.
Our only weak, predictable response seems to be, "We love the sinner and hate the sin."
Boldness
We as prophetic voices in the church must brake off intimidation and fear of man. Keep in mind we are wrestling against demons, not humans. What is difficult is that when humans embrace the lies of the demons, we who stand for truth can come across as attacking those people. So many Christians avoid any appearance of conflict at all.
Listen closely: People are going to enter into Hell today. If we don't have bold prophetic messengers rise up in the spirit of John the Baptist, in the spirit of David and other historic Godly warriors, millions upon millions of people will actually, literally go to Hell! If it's rare to make it to Heaven, and common to enter Hell, how can we sit back and avoid a violent conflict with those forces of hell? We cannot.
"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has forcefully advanced, and the strong take it by force" (Matt. 11:12).
Check out this commentary on the above scripture:
Greek: biazo (GSN-<G971>), to use force, to force one's way into a thing. The idea here is that before John the kingdom could only be viewed in the light of prophecy; but now that it was preached, men were pressing into it with ardor resembling violence or desperation. They appeared as if they would seize it by force (Matt. 11:12; Luke 16:16). It expresses the earnestness that men must have in getting rid of sin, all satanic powers, the world, and in standing true when relatives oppose them (Matt. 10:34-39). (From Dake's Annotated Reference Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments of the Authorized or King James Version Text.)
This is where we are now! Let the fire-branded, love-driven warrior bride arise!
When David killed Goliath, it's true that he killed a human, but he was actually fighting against a demon that was manifesting through a human. David didn't sit down in a coffee shop to passively, casually discuss the dispute with Goliath. He was ready for a violent assault against the kingdom of darkness.

He made clear what the situation was and what was to be done! How easy it would be for David to be accused of not loving Goliath! But the truth is that David loved God first (Luke 10:27) and was fully invested in partnering with him. Human arguments would have to meet the fierce decrees of the child of God! Fear-driven false humility was not an option for David. David was on a mission of salvation—the salvation of God's people.
"David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying, 'What will be done for the man that kills this Philistine and takes away this reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?'" (1 Sam. 17:26).
David was bold. Who is this uncircumcised Philistine? He was calling out Goliath's immorality and his lack of consecration to the Lord.
Come on church! Quit cowering in false-humility and rise up in the greatest love this nation has ever known! It's time to declare the word of the Lord to the uncircumcised enemies of the Lord in America!
But beware, many in your sphere, in the camp of the Lord, will also be intimidated by your love-driven boldness. The prophetic, apostolic anointing often results in jealousy and accusation against the one advancing fearlessly. Accusations of pride will always accompany those who are willing to live radically by laying down their lives for the Lord.
Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, "Why have you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the evil of your heart. For you have come down that you might see the battle."
David said, "What have I done now? Was it not only a word?" (1 Sam. 17:28-29).
His brother attacked him! I'm sure he felt conviction as little brother David was going to do what every other person should have done—deal with the uncircumcised Philistine with expediency!
Will you raise your anointed, prophetic voice, or will you seek a false sense of peace? Remember we are to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers! We cannot keep peace where there is no peace!
We have no obligation to passively form our words in such a way that we will be heard. It's time to bring a shaking to this nation—before it is literally destroyed!
The Philistine came walking and drew near to David, and the man bearing the shield went before him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him. For he was a youth and ruddy with a handsome appearance. The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the heavens and to the beasts of the field."
Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a shield, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have reviled. This day will the Lord deliver you into my hand. And I will strike you down and cut off your head. Then I will give the corpses of the Philistine camp this day to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the earth so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. (1 Sam. 17:41-46)
It's time that we go after the anti-Christ spirits that are overtaking our nation! We can no longer use human arguments. It's time that we are anointed in the boldness and power of the Holy Spirit! We aren't to prove our love, we are to love—and true love brings true problems in the pursuit of liberty for a nation! We see this cover to cover in Scripture.
Let me be clear: I deeply love but do not care.
I will say it very, very clearly. I radically love those who are advancing humanistic agendas, even though you may not believe me. That's your battle, not mine.
Jesus loved people though He would not bend to their demands. He cared about their emotions, their hearts, their eternities—but He didn't defend himself. He let his accusers kill Him. Who was the one who cared and loved when he was lifted up on a cross that day?
In an attempt to break the church out of a passive, false-love driven debate over holiness and morality, I will say this very clearly:
I do not care enough, young woman—about your career, your comfort, your supposed right to independence or the crisis and cost a new baby will bring to your life—to affirm your plan to kill your baby. You are not entitled to comfort. You are not promised happiness. I challenge you to lay down your life for a baby that God thought enough about you to entrust its care to.
When you wave a coat hanger in the air during an abortion rights protest, you are declaring that you have more compassion for one who would intentionally harm someone than one who is being harmed. The answer to losing access to 'safe abortions' (how is intentional murder safe?) is not to head out to the back alley to abort the baby yourself with a hanger—it is to have the baby and love it with selfless passion! The answer is so simple!
I do not care about a supposed right to sexual freedom, gay or straight, that results in a devastating lifestyle that is bringing destruction on our nation. Decrees of holiness must return to our churches and nation again.
I do not care about equality in our nation if it results in climbing over people who are in our way or forcing them to affirm our self-centered position. It's time that we lay down our demands, surrender our agendas and quit manipulating systems in a selfish pursuit of personal gain. It's time for humility to reign in America again!
Christian leaders, I honor you deeply and pray for you, and I do understand the pressures you are under. However, I do not care about personal agendas, self-centered ministry projects, self-assigned titles or ego-driven programs, and I will not unite with those who embrace them. Your legacy and history in the city is meaningless unless it results in a future of Holy Spirit freedom for desperate people. I will expend energy, time and money to run with you if you are humble and passionate about the plans of God in the region. Let's slow the flow to hell together.
"Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. But He emptied Himself, taking upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:4-8).
I care about the heart of God and His overwhelming love for people—and the fact that hell is swallowing millions of them. I care about the clear truths of Scripture. I trust in God's wisdom and I refuse to allow humanism to gain the upper hand in the debate. I care about bold prophetic messengers who will lay down their lives and open their mouths and shout truth from the rooftops.
Today, not tomorrow, it's time to die to self and run to the battle, as the spirit of Goliath is threatening to destroy us. It's time for the circumcised, consecrated lovers of God to take back America.
John Burton has been developing and leading ministries for over 20 years and is a sought-after teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. He has authored nine books, has appeared on Christian television and radio and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. Additionally, he planted two churches, has initiated two city prayer movements and is currently directing a prayer- and revival-focused ministry school in Detroit called theLab University. John also has a web- and graphic-design business and is continually developing new and exciting ventures. He and his beautiful wife, Amy, have five children and live in the Detroit area. He can be reached via his website atjohnburton.net.
Draw closer to God. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit every month as you read Charisma magazine. Sign up now to get Charisma for as low as $1 per issue.
Has God called you to be a leader? Ministry Today magazine is the source that Christian leaders who want to serve with passion and purpose turn to. Subscribe now and receive a free leadership book.