The Voice of Apostolic Reformation
AUGUST 2012
a person who is devoted to or guided by something
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Welcome to the Next Wave Dr. Bernie Wade
SPECIAL INSERT: Fivefold Roundtable
THE NEXT WAVE www.icof.net The Blind Side Lea Bates
PUBLISHER International Circle of Faith (ICOF) The Next Wave - Contributing Editors
Whose Side are You On?
David Tait, Lee Bates, Bernie Wade,
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MATERIALISM
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Lordship - A Stumbling Stone
OUTLINING THE MARGINS OF GOD - Doc Burkhart
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proponents of the last wave will radically oppose:
WELCOME TO THE NEXT WAVE
By Bernie L. Wade, Thd.
Anyone not part of their group. Attempts toward restoration of the tenets of the original Apostles and the New Testament Church especially fivefold ministry, the operation of the gift of the Spirit and baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Opponents of ecumenicalism Attempts to update, alter or remove religious traditions, icons, creeds or other works of men accepted by many as ‘orthodox’. Those who are not Politically correct Those who believe the bible is literally the word of God. Those who believe in creation, sanctity of life,
Since the passage of time left the followers of Jesus Christ without the original Apostles there has been a concerted effort to reproduce the Church without the tenets of doctrine of the Apostles. Throughout history there have been waves of the Holy Spirit that resulted in attempts at restoration or reformation of the Church to return it to the original doctrine of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. We refer to this as Apostolic Reformation. Movements of Apostolic Reformation have happened repeatedly since the time of John Wycliffe. In the last Century there was an Apostolic Reformation that birthed the Pentecostal Movement. Dr. Daniel Joseph, Bishop Joseph Rankin and abstinence and general Dr. Bernie L. Wade, President of morality based on the International Circle of Faith Global with It is our expectation that we Bible. other ministers Nigeria West Africa are on the verge of yet another wave of the Spirit. We refer to Like Balaam, the Prophets (profits) of this as The Next Wave. Following is Baal will continue to take rewards to what we expect to see from this wave of soothsay against The Next Wave, the Holy Spirit. posture to control the free flow of the spirit of God with systems, structures, The Next Wave will be as radically groups, titles and clergy that seek the different as the last wave. The approval of the laity or the imprimatur of opposition will come from the recipients the papacy. of the last wave. Among the things the 4
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In spite of the opposition, The Next Wave will move away from the traditions of men and focus on the Revelation of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teaching of the New Testament church and the Apostles of Jesus Christ. The next wave will have little interest in superficial events and pseudo ‘outpourings’ opting for a real and sustaining manifestation of the power of God. Many mega churches and movements will move further into alignment with the State Church system. The State approved church will continue to promote reunification in a manner that will surprise perhaps even shock the uninitiated.
larger task and role as there will be even more need. The Next Wave will put less emphasis on titles, attire and bling choosing to focus their energies on relationship. Denominations will continue to become less relevant which will create great opportunity to those who are Kingdom minded. However, at the same time it will create terrible vulnerability to the body from pretenders. This will make the role of true Apostles and the true Prophets even more important. The next wave will be a true restoration of fivefold and restore the proper place of the Apostle and Prophet. The earmark of this wave is going to be humility and genuine love. This humility will be brought through prayer and fasting.
The Catholic Church will make 'concessions' that have seemed to be immovable objects in the past, moving the ecumenical movement full cycle and achieving the goal set for it by Vatican II framers, uniting former Protestant groups with the 'Mother' church.
Global calamity is going to drive the Bride of Christ to her knees, literally. This will birth both global revival at unprecedented levels and global persecution of Christians such as we have not seen since the days of the old Roman Empire at the time of the original Apostles. This persecution is going to cause the Church to cry out for God to come and get His Bride.
Globally, a billion or more people will have a real and genuine encounter with Jesus Christ. This will be a great time for pastors, evangelists and teachers. There will be an unfathomable growth in the house church and small church environment giving teachers an even
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The Next Wave will seek true prophetic vision and move away the ministry of Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses. This will turn the Church from spiritualism and soothsayers who have invaded the Bride in hordes under the guise of 'prophets' and self proclaimed apostles.
There will be a holy boldness come over the church that will impact every segment of society. The Bride will wake up, get up, cleanse herself and prepare for the coming of her Groom. Will this be the last wave? Only God knows. WELCOME TO THE NEXT WAVE!
The Next Wave will expect the Biblical requirement of all of the fivefold which will include the Biblical standards of holding prophets accountable for their predictions. This will leave most of the so called prophets on the outside of The Next Wave.
Dr. Bernie Wade is the President of the International Circle of Faith (ICOF) Global Network. A Global body of believers served by more than 50,000 ministers representing more than 25 million constituents. This is considered the largest Apostolic body of believers in the world. http://www.icof.net
The opposition to the Next Wave will make the opposition against previous restoration movements seem frail. There will be a level of demonstration and power coming from the Apostolic that will genuinely compare to the New Testament Apostles but will seem even more powerful because of the stark difference between the New Testament church and what professes to be the Church today. The 29th Chapter of the Book of Acts will be written. Many of the leading fivefold ministers will come from Asia, Africa and Oceana. There will be a level of anointed come to music that will produce a host of Spirit filled musicians and singers like has not been seen since David assembled his great choir. These musicians and singers will renew a focus on true worship rather than offering entertainment. 6
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The movie “The Blind Side”, staring Sandra Bullock told a tale of a family who took in a homeless child and helped him realize his full potential. In the turn of events of the story the young man was able to see his blind side (the side he couldn’t see) and improve his character. In the mean time, the family’s blind side was revealed too. In a scene in the movie the mother had completed Thanksgiving dinner and called the family to come and eat. Being engrossed in their annual football game festivities they prepared their plates and returned to the living room to watch the game. That is, all except Michael, the young man they had taken into their family. Michael sat at the dining room table alone eating his Thanksgiving meal. Leigh Ann, the mother, realized her own blind side of not encouraging family time to be one of fellowship together. She immediately called the family together to eat in the dining room.
The Blind Side By: Lea Bates Luk 18:18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: 'DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,' 'DO NOT MURDER,' 'DO NOT STEAL,' 'DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,' 'HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.' " 21 And he said, "All these things I have kept from my youth." 22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. When Jesus spoke to this rich ruler he was exposing the man’s violation of the law of God (the Ten Commandments). Just in this lesson alone there were 2 violations of the Ten Commandments. However, another thought occurred to me. Jesus exposed a blind side about this man that the ruler had no idea that he had. It was up to this man to accept or reject it.
What does this story in Luke and the movie, The Blind Side, have in common, you might ask. They have in common 2 things: We all have a blind side that others see in us that we don’t; and when it is exposed we chose whether to accept it and do something about it…or not. Jesus pointed out the ruler’s blind side that was preventing him from 7 http://www.icof.net
entering the Kingdom of Heaven. The rich ruler loved his money more than he loved the idea of putting God first in his life. Thus the 2 commandments he broke were the first and the last Commandments of God.
not criticism meant for condemnation, but is merely meant to convict ones soul and turn them back to their Father. If we reject the truth of our blind side we are rejecting the only One who can save our souls from darkness. We remain bound to a stronghold that rules us instead of allowing God to rule in our lives. It is only the convicting power of the Holy Spirit that can reveal these truths to us.
Trust is a necessity in our walk with Jesus Christ. This true relationship with him requires our blind sides to be exposed so we can grow in our relationship and our faith in Him. Trust is a requirement in every relationship, and with that trust is the willingness to allow our blind sides to be revealed. Through this willingness comes repentance which allows us to press into the mark of the high calling of Christ Jesus. Jesus’ methods were simple when he taught. He revealed the blind sides of people’s thoughts and actions through comparison of the law and then loved them through it. Now that, my friends, is the Father heart of God.
So when words are spoken, in love, it’s always best to pray before one takes offense. See if God may be revealing a blind side to you. Thank Him for the revelation and ask Him to help you overcome it. He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleans us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
In our lives as we walk with God, He will reveal to us through the Holy Spirit our blind sides. He points out areas in our lives that need to come back into alignment with His Word. He’ll use sermons, life lessons, or words spoken by a friend to reconnect us back to Him. In order to receive what may seem as harsh reality one must have a repentant heart. Also, one must be able to trust that what is being revealed to them is
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After the former mentality was firmly established, the credit card industry was launched which capitalized more on greeds than needs. The idea of instant gratification became the rule of thumb in many arenas. Paying cash for purchases is unusual and the ease of running up exorbitant credit card debt has forced many into bankruptcy.
Materialism: A Paper "god" Running Out of Gas! By Dr. Charles Solomon
Those who build considerable equity in a home mortgage are regularly taunted with the idea of taking an equity loan with no closing costs to consolidate high interest credit card debt which they have amassed, financing current expenses over the term of the loan. Thus, the cycle continues unabated. With many, the idea of paying off the mortgage is not even considered, except to
"The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender" (Prov. 22:7). Over the past half century, we have developed a lifestyle where we buy things we can't afford with money we don't have and with deferred payments, while establishing a family budget that is largely based on servicing debt. It is the rule rather than the exception to have a house payment and car payment as a minimum. The price and size of the house are usually determined by the payment that the salary will cover, without exceeding a certain percentage of the monthly salary. This dictates that the set salary must be maintained over the term of the loan. In a continually expanding economy, such a rationale is workable; however, over a period of years, there can be "crunch times" (such as are upon us!) where contractions may occur, which can apply stress to the borrower. In years gone by, families lived on a cash basis, only buying that for which they could pay out of current income; the lifestyle was determined by the money available-not that for which their credit would qualify them.
refinance or to sell the home and progress to one with larger principal. Thus, a person 50 or 60 years of age will sometimes get a 30 year loan! The borrower becomes a servant to the lender(s), with life decisions being made (or forced) that are based on debt which must be serviced [feeding the monster] (Prov. 22:7). This being the case, such a
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person has done involuntary obeisance to the false god of materialism-a paper god that can never be satisfied.
churches and picked up food baskets in a Mercedes. When materialism is providing the needs and many of the greeds, such as we find common in the West, it very subtly becomes a substitute god-one that is insatiable, unpredictable, and capricious, though it be but a paper god. Obviously, such a pervasive societal trend cannot be reversed overnight. Indeed, such an ingrained identity based on the paper god of materialism can only be conquered by shifting to the one true God and finding identity and meaning in Him.
With an entire society built on being servants to lenders, most are forced to play by the 'golden rule'--he who has the gold makes the rules! Almost all businesses are run on a line of credit of some sort, with precious few being run without borrowing money for operating expenses, as well as for capital improvements.
Before there will be the willingness to make such a change, it will probably require a major disruption in the life and economy (such as greatly inflated oil prices) that the paper god cannot overcome. Having been slaves to the system and covertly serving a paper god, it will take divine intervention to effect such a transition. Barring that, the stage will be set for a dictatorship to bring order out of chaos, if there is a broad failure of the paper god to continue to service the system.
An executive making a large salary will generally adjust his/her lifestyle to match the salary. A sudden downturn in the economy or the loss of the position because of the ubiquitous mergers and shifting of management personnel can wreak havoc with the family budget, if not force bankruptcy. Those in the family, not just the executive, will usually develop an identity made possible by such a salary. A major downward adjustment can be a decided blow to the identity; an identity based on money and things must fluctuate with the economy. In Denver, during the oil crunch of the 1980's, there were cases where such families went to the back door of
The extra demands that are presently being placed on the financial system combine to place pressure on lives and families that may already be near the breaking point due to having been built on the shifting sands of the flesh. These pressures include the cost of war preparations; financing a war and rebuilding all that we have destroyed; damage inflicted by terrorism to 11 http://www.icof.net
installations; and the downturn of the economy caused by war jitters, oil prices, unemployment, natural disasters, and rolling back of salaries. With a preponderance of our population stretched to the limit with debt, such assaults on the economy could make bankruptcy and foreclosures a common occurrence. In such a scenario, it is inevitable that there will be a drastic increase in suicides, as well.
in the Lord Jesus Christ by having revealed to us, one by one, our death and resurrection with Him, will we be able to transcend the world system and have victory over false gods to which our flesh has become accustomed (Rom. 6:6-14; 2 Cor. 2:14).
Only so will revival begin to spread across our country such that the enemies of the Cross will begin to be pushed back to the glory of our Lord (Phil. 3:18). When the flesh has been satiated with materialism, the identity and lifestyle are dictated by its demands. The expanding economy, to which we have become accustomed in the last half century, has accommodated its continuation with the last two generations knowing nothing else other than minor recessions. The present oil crisis, itself, can have just such effect as was mentioned above.
The identities of the individual, the church, and the nation, have been based with few exceptions, on the profferings of the world system. The only answer is for these to come under the influence of the Cross of Christ, such that a resurrection life identity may be manifested (Luke 9:23, Gal. 2:20). When that quality of devotion becomes a significant percentage of believers, there will be repentance on the part of the church, which can have a major impact on the nation. Radical Christian living must become the rule rather than the exception, if societal trends, not just financial, are to be reversed and the God of the universe is to take precedence over the paper god of materialism. Only as we find our identity
Since long distance commutes have been feasible, the property values at a distance from cities and the workplace have greatly escalated, with only those able to work locally or by computer avoiding commuting. Not only in travel
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to work, but also in leisure time activities, driving great distances has been commonplace, as has attendance at many mega churches.
this becomes commonplace, the need for spiritual counseling will multiply exponentially! Since most churches are not even equipped to do it presently, the additional demand can also overstress churches.
Since the almost unlimited consumption of oil (our lifeblood as a nation) has been greatly curtailed, it will have the effect of shrinking the economy. Since a great percentage of our population has become accustomed to using almost all of their income each month, the major increase in fuel prices means that many will have nothing left at the end of their money! Many will not be able to reduce spending or obtain additional income to cover the deficit. If a way is found to do so, it can be at the expense of family time which will negatively impact relationships. If the family already tends toward being dysfunctional, the additional financial down pressure can bring many families to the breaking point.
On another dimension, distance commutes to mega churches will become increasingly burdensome, which will negatively impact such churches, as well as tax community churches. The former will have surplus staff and the latter will have insufficient staff to cope with an influx of those making lifestyle adjustments, with house churches becoming more common.
As has been the case in recent years, the trend of adult children returning to live with their parents can accelerate with the added feature of bringing their families with them! The cost of distance commuting and the inability to find work closer to home may mean that the younger families will be unable to support a separate dwelling.
With the likely demographic shift described above, a significant percentage of our population could be adjusting to a lifestyle which is not friendly to self-centered expectations! Those individuals/families currently living on the edge could easily be pushed over the brink.
When that is the case, two or more families forced to share the same home will generate tension in relationships, which can reach the breaking point. As
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who have; thus, drastically increasing such things as burglary, stealing gasoline, etc. Unsettled people can easily precipitate further unsettled conditions in society.
between families and the effect on church budgets. Self-centered living has never been scriptural, but it has become the norm in today's society with Christian families not escaping it. Only the Church can minister to this malady, but the 'physician' must first heal itself, since it has fallen victim to the same trend.
A forced return to community living, as opposed to bedroom communities in proximity to cities, can cause unrest in society as a whole. Since this would undoubtedly be characterized by lowering the income of many, the financial pressures will be exacerbated.
The Cross is the only answer; but its teaching is in short supply, even among sound evangelical churches. While the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross is commonly taught with its emphasis on justification, the Cross for the believer (Rom. 6, Gal. 2:20), or deeper life sanctification, is very uncommon since it runs counter to the self-life.
Since the prognosticators do not see a return to comfortable living in the predictable future and with ample supplies of reasonably priced oil a distant prospect, the Church must gear up for a major role in such a paradigm shift. Business as usual will not suffice when the remainder of society is forced to abandon business as usual!
I have found that believers are not open to the crucified life (Col. 3:1-9) so long as the self-life can cope. When the selflife is curtailed, the Cross for the believer may become appealing! The same is true of the Church which has fallen prey to marketing church growth and other fads which run counter to a Christ-centered and Cross-centered approach to life and ministry.
Self-centered living has never been scriptural, but it has become the norm in today's society with Christian families not escaping it.
The negative impact of the fuel crunch can be used of God to prepare both the believer and church leadership for the return of the role of the Cross in living and ministry (Gal. 6:12-15). However, it does not promise to be an easy transition from the flesh to the Spirit.
While the Church has the answer, few indeed are those which are prepared for such an influx of human need-financial shortfall resulting in massive interpersonal conflicts within and
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Lordship – a stumbling stone
Lord expresses himself in no obscure terms when it comes to the building of the Church and the formulating of its protocol. “I will build”. . . That is, He will not leave it to our good will, to our religious ambitions to formulate the testimony which is to represent Heaven.
By: Lars Wilderberg The Sermon on the Mount delivers Kingdom ethics. The Sermon on the Mount delivers simple instructions on how to live. The Sermon on the Mount is Kingdom protocol for Kingdom presence. The Sermon on the Mount delivers a Kingdom statement regarding the Sovereign Lordship of Jesus Christ: “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord! Lord! shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven.”
An entering the Kingdom of Heaven is solely based on a doing of His will – consisting of repentance, of faith which brings a new birth and then of consistent obedience to protocol which is a living according to the will of the Father. Where do we err?? Why the obvious hazard of a “I never knew you” delivered amidst our religious fervor? Why the obvious danger of a “Depart from Me” delivered even as we have had wonderful seasons of worship together with the very best musical backing followed by stirring preaching by renowned and esteemed men. Where do we err?? The Lord Jesus tags a most delicate description to the “Depart” – “you workers of lawlessness”. Anomia – Greek for a situation, a state without law, without protocol. He could have said, “You act without heavenly protocol. Your speaking may be doctrinally right, your miracles seem to support mercy and goodness – but your show is not based on the proper and necessary inner submission to the protocol of Heaven, to the sovereign lordship of Jesus Christ.
“Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works?” Neither words – words based on doctrines or formulated as truisms, nor miracles – even miracles done in the name of the Lord constitute an authentic adherence or belonging to the Kingdom of Heaven. Our dealings as to personal beliefs and conduct, our dealings as to corporate expressions of faith and testimony comes to conundrum and collapse in the light of possible errors in our midst. The
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testimony to the Church – His is a Sovereign Lordship. The entering into the Kingdom of Heaven is solely based on a practically expressed doing of the will of the Lord. Our entering – yours and mine – is based on our willingness to do. . . The entering into the Kingdom of Heaven, our neighbors' entering, even our enemies’ entering, the entering of theirs depends on our obedience in practical expressions. And the obedience must rely on, relate to the work of the Holy Spirit in our innermost being.
possibility of this reality – as well as the remedy – for the sake of a recovering of a proper testimony regarding the Kingdom of God.
If the gatherings of the Church appropriate a format which finds its source in the Anomia of this present age – even including excellent preaching accompanied by signs and wonders, the obvious hazard stands prophetically solid in our midst – “this is not mine, I never built it, it does not represent me, leave to enter the darkness which inspired it”. Strong medicine? Tasting extremely bad? It is not comfortable to write these words – tears are at hand at every stroke of the keyboard. But, we must consider this part of reality – especially as we look at and pray for the present state of the Church, a straying Church, a Church eager to perform, eager to find new protocols as to expression and testimony. We must consider the
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and sound the alarm, to awaken the silent majority to be proactive in their spheres of influence. We must This invitation is for: the divinely encourage the righteous everywhere not appointed drum majors of to vote along racial or political lines; but righteousness, the intercessors who can rather, to vote for candidates who are touch heaven, and those who have willing to take a stand for righteousness. refused to be pimped by selected Civil For several millenniums the righteous Rights leaders designated to promote have, historically and categorically, genocide and dysfunction in minority rejected the pseudo-scientific communities. dysfunction of the Greco-Roman legacy of infanticide and sexual perversion The righteous are not (incest, pedophile, homosexuality, partisan politicians or sadomasochism, etc,) found citizens; but rather upholders throughout Western European of the divine constitution in culture. However, propaganda all facets of life’s endeavors. through the media, music, We are looking for best entertainment, and our nation’s practices and effective educational systems have remethods to reach the soul of socialized the current American our nation in order to psyche, to be akin to, and mirror produce repentant hearts Bishop Clarence Harris that of Sodom and Gomorrah; and lasting change in all its therefore, strategies and plans social institutions (family, education, must be used through new media government, economics, and religion). technology and at the grass roots level in order for godly systemic changes to America is in the midst of a major occur. If not, the only other option that spiritual, economic, political, religious, we may all be confronted with might be and social war, which contends for the divine retribution. souls of men. Most Americans have succumbed (to the detriment of our Many righteous African Americans have nation) to the globalist strategy of “divide individually refused to succumb to the and conquer.” Unfortunately, this has media-created Black political and split our nation down the middle on religious “pimps” (who have been for almost every front by entrenched lines decades, parading in their communities of demarcation concerning race, to propagate unrighteousness, economics, and politics. Our prayer is genocide, and dysfunctional families)'. that the silent righteous majority will WE NEED YOUR HELP! We believe stand up, and make a difference in their that the solution to America’s dilemma communities, regardless of the outcome may start with the individual and his of the pending 2012 national elections. family... then the church, and finally his community. If we can make individuals We are seeking those who could whole, get them to repent and be healed suggest and implement effective of their psychological, social, economic, strategies on how to blow the trumpet, 19 http://www.icof.net
different wings working together to divide and conquer the malleable unsuspecting masses (along racial, political, religious, and economic lines) in order to fulfill their preconceived global agendas.
and spiritual afflictions, then their world, and our nation, will be made right. If you plan on attending… please bring with you media contacts, technological systems, and possible strategic plans to spread the word and sound the alarm.
THE RIGHTEOUS MUST STAND UP … AND BE SILENT NO MORE!
The following are some of the contributing factors towards the destruction of America. Each has had an acute impact on its minority population:
Pitting minorities against one another to eventually destroy each group and undermine our nation as a whole seems to be a current and thus far effective strategy. The Destruction of the Orchestrated immigration conflicts Black, Hispanic, and and dependent social programs Native American families have been used to justify through social programs, government’s intrusive actions, to abortion, alcohol, deceive, and manipulate the public imported drugs & to advocate civil liberties. Also, as weapons, violence, the a result of seemingly many media, entertainment, orchestrated social crisis’s have educational deficiency, compel the populace, out of fear incarceration, and high and co-dependency, to consent to unemployment. unconstitutional authority, and crisis Dr. Cindye Coates - ICOF The Destruction of the VP of Political Affairs management. business and entrepreneur welcoming Dr. Broun to The destruction and Washington, DC. sector through taxation, incarceration of minority males to intrusive regulations, banking fraud, destroy their families, their economic government agencies, and base, take their homes, and deprive transnational corporations. them of their voting status (as The Destruction of the biblical felons). nuclear family through the promotion The Destruction of minorities (Black of narcissistic same sex marriage, females) through the escalating sexual additions, divorce, fatherless AIDS epidemic. homes, teen pregnancy, and Destruction of the unborn minority existentialist apostate preachers. children through Infanticide The Destruction of the wealth of (abortion). most minorities and America’s The Destruction and promotion of middle class through the American dysfunction of children through the home foreclosure crisis by banks, music and entertainment industries. investment firms, and government Of course, this list is not complete; however, agencies. your input and prepared solutions would be The Destruction of America by past greatly appreciated at our prayer breakfast. and present administrations through Please be prepared to have a round table a globalist agenda. Many are coming discussion and action plan immediately after to realizing that top Republican and our breakfast. Time is short and our nation the top Democrats of both parties is hemorrhaging … Can you help stop the are of the same bird. They are just bleeding? 20 http://www.icof.net
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environments, products, skills and business acumen. This in turn means improving local education of all those wishing to have a business as well as being supported by an educated local staff that are also able to communicate with the world and be respected for their positions and concerns for their nations and families and friends. This means working within their countries, spreading goodwill to the rest of the world while enhancing the well-being of all they contact.
International Circle of Faith Business & Development There is a need for all people of this world to be as self-sufficient as possible and it is toward this goal that ICOF is headed through use of its “Development Division”.
International Circle of Faith Global Union is committed to helping our members and partners. Realizing that most churches and ministries need additional resources to accomplish their mission and at the same time lack the wherewithal to have their own development team, ICOF has committed, time, talent and resources to assist in the area of general development. This commitment includes but is not limited to:
One of the major difficulties facing individual and governmental development is that, even though all people are created equal, our societal set-up’s have been already shaped by our predecessors and “change” becomes the challenge to many.
A. Developing qualified and sustainable business proposals B. Attracting qualified investors to these projects. C. Advice and direction for churches and ministries. D. Unique and innovative solutions for missions and missionaries.
For ICOF to bring direction to all, a start must be made to bring all to belief in Jesus Christ and what He foresaw as future needs of societies, including enrichment of each other in all things. This enrichment can take on many forms and ICOF has taken a gigantic step to meet the challenge through its “Development Division”.
John Rogers, PhD., serves as Sr. VP of Development with ICOF Global
This Development Division includes support to assist in establishing new businesses of all kinds throughout the world that must be keyed to local 22
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the truth that His plans for us are to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Sometimes the words of the enemy seem to scream louder to tell us we are not worthy; that we are forever to be imprisoned in the chambers of our mind -- no way out -- with no hope of ever experiencing a normal life that we perceive others to have. Somewhere in the recesses of our minds we were dealt a blow that halted any hope‌that erased the meaning of faith or truth.
(Excerpts from Lea Bates book, Before I Knew Him)
Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV) Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
My friend, this story is a living testimony of how God took a broken vessel with no hope for a future and turned it around for His Glory. It is written to encourage anyone who struggles with the pain of their past. May they learn that they too can be set free from the chains that hold them back from living the life that God has planned for them. I give the utmost praise to God for the ability to write, and especially for the opportunity to write my story of how God took this vessel and raised her out of the ashes and gave her beauty. He created in her a heart of joy and a
It’s hard for us to conceive sometimes, especially when we see ourselves as failures that God loves us and cares completely about us. We struggle with 27
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mantle of praise for her heaviness, so she might be called a tree of righteousness…so that He might be glorified (Isaiah 61:3).
Hard to believe But I know it’s true That before you formed me You said ‘I knew you.’ You ordained my purpose While in the womb of my mother ‘This child’s life will touch many With a love for her brother. ‘First I’ll raise her and teach her And show her some things Then I’ll bring her to me On eagles’ wings.’ So when going through life With its ups and its downs Remember His strength Remember the crown. My strength comes through faith In my Savior’s sweet love Through obedience we receive The crown of life from above. I’ll fear not for He keeps me In the palm of His hand Where no man can snatch me It’s all part of His plan. For yes, He made plans For you and for me But it wasn’t about us But the One on the tree.
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29 http://www.icof.net
The very act of bringing a cruise ship to Haiti is a large part of our mission. As one of the only nations in the Caribbean without a tourism industry, our assistance and efforts will show the world that Haiti is “tourism ready” and be the first step in breathing new life into their economy. Ours ship will be the first to dock in Haiti in more than a quarter century!
It is with tremendous excitement that we offer the 5th Cruise with a Cause missions cruise—this time to Port au Prince, Haiti! You’ll join together in a common cause with fellow believers to reach others in need, help a hurting nation and change your eternal perspective in the process. We have seen countless times as families from different social, racial and economic backgrounds unite to become the family of God in spreading love and sharing the gospel with those in need. This is unlike any other experience cruise or mission available!
During our cruise to Haiti you’ll have days to rest, along with all the famous food and fun from a Carnival cruise ship experience. You’ll hear from our diverse lineup of Christian speakers, artists and leaders. There will be more than 80 concerts and conferences! Adults, singles, students, children, men, women, and couples will all be encouraged by the worship, teaching and missions training available onboard the ship.
Haiti is a nation full of need and filled with opportunities. They sit at a turning point both spiritually and economically. Our mission isn’t to offer handouts, but a loving hand up—and their government has given us very special sanctions and protection, allowing us to go places and help in ways unavailable to other mission efforts in Haiti. Teams of volunteer missionaries will visit schools and orphanages; do construction and renewal projects to rebuild areas devastated by the earthquake; provide aid in medical clinics and deliver medical supplies; visit with locals in the streets and tent cities; and help us host an evening evangelism outreach festival for almost 100,000 locals. We’ll share the Gospel to everyone we meet all along the way!
Please consider joining your favorite Christian personalities and over 3,000 other Believers this June 1-6, 2013 for the largest foreign mission ever! We’ll be serving shoulder to shoulder to help lives and save souls. It’s an experience you’ll remember the rest of your life!
Matthew Dunnaway
30 http://www.icof.net
Go to Joshua 5. I've seen a vision of God doing a cleansing work in the Church, as He did with Joshua in the Promised
By Dr. Robert Straube
Land through circumcision. He's looking for a Joshua-type people at this time. He's saying, "Come out! Moses is
After all of the years and all of the towns
dead, but I want you to go into the
I have been in, I can't help but notice all
Promised Land. I don't want you to hold
of the churches in every town. And
back anymore; I don't want you to look
when I asked God, "Why all the
at the past and say, `But God, you really
churches, Lord?" I get the distinct
were there, and your presence did some
feeling that He has been seeking a
things. . .' But God is saying, ‘Moses is
church, a people, who want Him more
dead, and Moses has served
than anything else; who
My purpose, but it's time for
want to walk with Him in
Joshua to rise up and go in.’”
obedience, not trying to convince Him to walk
God speaks in spiritual
with them. And after all
terms, and He is moving my
that I've seen and heard
spirit. As we hear and obey,
through the years, I know
it will not only be spiritually
that I have heard the Lord
manifested, but physically
clearly in my spirit, and I
manifested as well. I want
am just now able to get it into my head,
you to hear God speaking spiritually, to
in my heart and out of my mouth after
your spirit, and I want you to hear what
all of these years. He desires a people
He has to say to you and go out and obey
who will walk with Him, and He wants
according to what He is showing you.
that probably more than you do. He
God has shown me that there is a time of
wants a Church who will walk with Him.
coming out in Southern Illinois, a time
He wants His Bride to walk with Him.
of testing, a time of proving, a time of
So, the Lord has spoken a clear word to
separation. And now there's a time of
my Spirit, and if I can get this out, it will
people dying in the wilderness, they are
be great.
literally going to die there. You are 31 http://www.icof.net
going to have to decide if you're going to
me." Usually this is asked when
die in the wilderness or go into the
circumstances get tough and they begin
Promised Land. God is saying, "Go on
to question whether they really heard
in!"
from God to be where they are.
Joshua did some things going into the
I remember a time years ago when I was
Promised Land that most people totally
invited to go on an overseas trip, a
read past, that is -- except for two times
missionary journey. Well, I was excited
-- before he moved he heard from God.
and I began praying about the details of
Every time, he would get alone with God
the trip . . . finances, the message I was
and receive directions from Him, except
to give, etc. Then the Lord said to me,
for the two times. Once was at the battle
"Wait a minute. I didn't tell you that I
of Ai, and the second was the
wanted you to go!" I said,
time of Achan sinning. If they
“Lord, you're right!" And I
would have taken the time to
went to a quiet place and
get with the Lord like other
sought His will and
times, Achan's sin would have
direction, a clear word
been exposed, and they would
from Him. We don't have
not have been defeated.
enough Christians getting
However, after being defeated
a clear word from the Lord.
they sought the Lord, repented
We think that's the pastor's
against Achan, and gained victory over
job or the preacher's, prophet's or
Ai. God is the God of second chances.
apostle's job. Have you ever bought
God is saying as you go into the
something and later wished you had
Promised Land, that new territory; seek
never bought it? If we would have
Him before you make any moves. Then
sought God first we may have not
when it gets tough, you can rest and say,
bought it. The reason we don't is that
"God told me to be here," and that will
we think we already know the answer.
bring peace to your hearts.
We don't want to confer; we just want to go ahead and talk ourselves into the
I've spoken with a lot of people and
reason why it is His will for us to have it.
heard, "I don't know where God wants
If we get a clear word from God, then it 32 http://www.icof.net
doesn't matter what difficulties you run
made that very plain in Matthew 16:18-
into. You can be at peace because you
19, ". . . I will build My church . . ." So,
know God sent you and He will provide
the question is whether you're on His
for your needs.
side or not.
You all know about the battle of Jericho.
And we are so preoccupied most of the
But what is so neat about it is what
time with other people and how we
happened before the battle, and it is
compare with them, rather than what
probably one of the best illustrations of
God is saying to us. I've heard people
this in the Bible. In Joshua 5:13, we'll
say, "We looked at some of the other
look at the rest of the story later, but
churches, and we're better than them . . .
first look at what was
we looked at other
asked and the answer
churches and we're not
(verse 14). He said,
as good as they. . ."
"No!" Wrong answer?
What does that mean?
No, wrong question.
It means our hearts are
Lord, whose side are
far from Him . . . that's
you on? Are you for us
sin! Remember when
or for them? You see,
Jesus spoke to Peter
He is not on YOUR
and asked him three
side; you had better be
times if he loved Him?
on His side. (Verse 14 again): "I'm not
(2 times - Love me? Feed My sheep . . .
here to take sides, I'm here as the
3rd time — Lord you know all things,
commander, I'm here as God. You had
and you know I love you. . . Feed My
better learn to hear from Me, and quit
Sheep). The Lord told Him three times
concerning yourself with whose side I'm
what He wanted Peter to do. It was
on, and concern yourself with whose
simple, not hard: "Feed My Sheep."
side you're on." I've heard, "God we're
This is the same Peter who got the right
going to build this church for you, now
answer earlier and Jesus said, "Upon
you come on down here and help us."
this rock I will build My church." But
There is not a man here or on this earth
this time, after being told to feed the
who can build a church for God. Jesus
Lord's sheep three times, do you know 33 http://www.icof.net
what Peter does? He turns around and
3. Not only get in the middle, but
sees John and says, "Well, Lord, what
get shorn now and again. And
about him?" Jesus said, "If I will that
that's good, because you know
He remains alive until I come what is
what happens when you get
that to you?" Again, wrong question . . .!
shorn? Others get clothed!
If you want to be in My will, then feed
Otherwise you're a sheep with a
My sheep. Don't worry about how I'm
lot of wool. That's not good. You
using someone else.
collect bugs and get matted and your wool is no longer of any
There are some things you need to do if
good use. As God gives to you,
you want to become and remain good
you need to give to others.
sheep:
My point is: we're too
1. Get under a
concerned about
shepherd. You
others and how God
can't be good
is using them.
sheep if you're
Concern yourselves
not under a
with how God is
shepherd. It's
speaking to you and
very scriptural.
using you -- what
You may say,
you're going to do --
"Well, a shepherd has hurt me."
not what side God is on, but which side
Well, wait until a wolf has
you are on!
mangled you! Just get out there on your own for a while and see
The current restoration of God's Church
how quickly the wolves come
is bigger than you, bigger than your state
after you.
or America. Go to Ezekiel 36:16-19. This is an example of God restoring His
2. Get right in the middle of the
Church. God started the Church in Acts
flock. Wolves attack stragglers,
as one church and then scattered them
those who aren't very involved.
when they started to become unclean. Then the world looked at the church and
34 http://www.icof.net
said, "Hmmm, That must be who God
this time of restoration. Look at Verse
is‌" God said, "I'm not going to have
24, this is the first step of restoration.
that anymore� and scattered the Church
God's bringing us together. That's why
(Verses 21-25). God's concern is not for
the enemy is causing us to choose sides,
the Church, but for His Holy name . . .
trying to cause us to divide. It always
for His sake. The restoration is going to
amazes me that people come out of one
happen whether you want it or not. God
church to "go on with God," and then
is saying, "I am coming back to the
pretty soon they divide again, and then
Church before I come back for the
again. That's not saying that there isn't
Church!" Ready or
a division that is of
not, here I come!
God. There is only one
Revival, through
division of God, and
the restoration of
that is the Word of God
the Fivefold
dividing between the
ministry, is coming
Spirit and the soul. If
back to the Church.
soulish minded people
No one can stop
go by their own mind,
Him. It will happen
by their own will and
in spite of anyone or anything. If you
their own emotions, then when the
want to be part of the revival of the
Word of God enters in, it will divide
Church, then you need to pray, read the
those people who are soulish from those
Word, and be obedient. Be on His side
who are of the Spirit (the wheat from the
and do what He has called you to do.
chaff). That is the only division that is of
Don't worry about everyone else. I want
God. Any other divisions that try to
you to have a revival vision of the
divide a church, a people who truly love
Church. It’s bigger than your four walls
God and are walking by the Spirit, is of
(verse 23). When the Church really
the enemy trying to cause division. It's
worships God,
okay if you go to a different church than
the nations will know that He is real!
someone else as long as you are not divided in your spirits. The enemy's
Now, there are several things that are
whole plan is to try to get us to think
happening and are going to happen in 35
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that we're better than someone else.
are clean! However, there is a
That's pride. And if God does move in
regeneration process, a washing. Jesus
your midst, and you get proud of it, then
is the Word and He is washing His
He'll stop!
Church. God is intensifying the washing right now. I know of people who are
God has currently been bringing people
seeing the Word more clearly than ever
together for a few years now. I believe
before.
He is moving into step two now (verse 25). God is doing a cleansing process in
God is doing some scrubbing. He wants
His Church right now. I want you to
to get the religious spirit out of His
know something: He
Church! He is shining
is talking to the House
more of His light in His
of Israel here. He isn't
Church, exposing
talking to the world, is
manmade doctrines
He? He's talking to His
and sin. There's no
Church and saying, "I
reason to get upset
am going to clean My
about all the sin we're
Church." There are
seeing in the Church.
two cleansings of the
Listen: the sin has
Church: First, of course, the cleansing
always been there, the washing is what
in the Blood; and second, a cleansing by
is exposing them and bringing them to
the Water. The Water is the Word. He
the surface. God wasn't any more upset
said He's going to cleanse her by the
about it ten - twenty years ago than He
washing water of the Word (Ephesians
is now. He has already done the "once
5). Our spirit is revived, given life and
and for all" process with Jesus on the
cleansed by the Blood. That's a once-
Cross for all our sins -- He's already
and-for-all cleansing. People say that
taken the punishment for it -- the price
Hebrews says it's not a once and for all
has been paid. What are the results of
cleansing, but a thorough study of
His cleansing process (verse 26)? He
Hebrews shows that it is a once and for
wants our minds to line up with our
all cleansing. It says Jesus did it once
changed hearts.
for all. Once the Blood cleanses you, you 36 http://www.icof.net
I remember praying to God one time
the Church. You know that this work is
and confessed, "I don't want to read my
complete in you when you can look back
Bible today." He already knew that. He
at the time you took hold of the
wasn't surprised. I just wanted to speak
Promised Land, and you no longer think
honestly to the Lord. Most people
of what you gave up or sacrificed for it,
couldn't do that; they just want to pray
when you no longer say or think about
their churchly prayers. I just can't do
what could have been had you stayed in
that, because I figure that He already
the wilderness.
knows anyway. I
(Verse 27) There is
guess I was too
coming an outpouring
stupid to know that
of the Holy Spirit that
I was supposed to
we have never seen
cover something up
before. It's not here
because I knew He
yet. You can say that
knew! So when I
the manifested Spirit of
would talk to Him I
God is in your services,
would say, "I don't
but it is not as fully
want to pray today,
here yet. We have just
and I want you to
seen a tiny token of it.
know that. But I want YOUR want to
It is flat compared to what God is going
pray. I want the desire to pray, even
to do. If God be among us, where be His
though I don't want to pray right now.
miracles. Every time God was in Israel
And I don't feel like reading my Bible
there were miracles. There were
right now because it seems like every
supernatural things happening. People
time I open it up it's like I already read
today roll in for a service and then they
that part before. I just want you to know
roll back out, week after week. Let's not
that. Please put a renewed desire within
fool ourselves and say that God is truly
me to read, with renewed revelation."
among us as He desires to be. But He is
That's the new heart speaking against
coming with an outpouring of His Spirit
the old. He actually begins to change
as the world has never seen. It is
your desires. That is what He is doing to
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prophesied throughout Scripture that
all belongs to God anyway. But first
the latter temple will be greater than the
there must be a heart change, a
former. Greater than the Book of Acts . .
cleansing and a restoration.
. it's coming soon. Now is the time!
Can you imagine that if all the money
(Verse 28-29) THEN! When? After all
that went into TV evangelism went into
that God said He would do prior to this
real missions? Millions a week go into
verse is done. This is not only
buying air time for Christian TV, and
spiritually, but physically as well. I
many say that it’s for evangelism. There
believe God is going to restore
may be a few, but I say that most people
spiritually to the
don't watch Christian
Church abundantly
TV, even more so
and more. I also
among the lost.
believe He is going
Pouring money into
to touch His Church
anything that is not
abundantly in the
reaching people for
physical realm as
God is absurd.
well. Through His
(Verse 30-32) What
purification, He will
gets to me is that we
restore finances,
are so good at slipping
health, etc., only as He purges and
into works, and what He says is that we
changes and restores the heart of His
ought to be ashamed and confounded as
Church, our hearts. Have you ever
to our own ways. God says He's not
experienced having some money, using
doing this because we deserve it, for if "I
it or spending it, and then when you no
give you what you deserve, I'd give you
longer had it found yourself thinking,
hell." Instead He chooses to give us
"Man! Why did I spend it like that? If I
grace. Grace is totally unmerited,
ever get it again I'll use it differently."
undeserved favor. Total favor in the
Well, I believe God is going to bring
sight of God is totally unmerited. Our
wealth back to His Church. I believe
prayer time, Bible study time, all our
we'll see people giving as much as 5o%
righteousness is as filthy rags. It is
or more to the Church in their tithes. It 38
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totally by grace! You know what we do?
Without cause you have received, so
You know what dead works are? Let me
without cause, give. A way for us to
give you a definition of dead works:
operate in grace is to give and expect
dead works are the things we think we
nothing in return. The opposite of sin is
ought to be doing to get closer to God,
not righteousness. The Word says that
but never get around to it. Read my
where sin abounds, grace abounds much
Bible. . . Pray more. . . Spend more time
more (Romans 5:20). The opposite of
with God. . . I'm going to . . . going to . . .
sin is grace.
and you never do . . . these are dead
In the Old Testament the bloodshed was
works. We say we're going to do more
not enough, there was another thing
for God, but we never do get around to
they did with it; they
it. Dead works are an
sprinkled it. Once
attempt to get God to
you become a
be in our debt. We
Christian, when you
pray so now you're
sin you do not have
going to have to do
to outwardly confess
this . . . and that. We
your sins to be
spend and waste most
forgiven for them.
of our time trying to
When you were saved you were forgiven
get God to do what we want Him to do
for all sin. That is Scripture. When we
for us. IF He gives us anything or
confessed Jesus as our Lord and Savior,
answers our prayers, it’s by unmerited
that He died for our sins and paid for
grace -- unmerited and undeserved.
our punishment, we received complete
There's a Scripture which says, ". . .
forgiveness from all our sins, because we
freely you have received . . . freely give"
confessed by our acceptance of His gift
(Matthew l0:8). That word "freely" is
of salvation that we have sinned and
translated only one other place in the
fallen short. Our thinking that we have
Word, in the Greek, but it's translated
to outwardly confess our sins is works,
"without cause." It was used by Jesus
that we do something to receive
when He said, "they hated me without
something. I'm not talking about
cause." Let me put it to you this way:
someone who openly confesses so that 39 http://www.icof.net
they may be held accountable by those
(Verse 33) God is going to enable you to
who heard the confession (a principle I'll
dwell in the cities. I've heard people say
cover at another time). A believer has
that it would be a miracle if He got
already been forgiven their sins, through
everyone together. I think it would be a
salvation, and has already been forgiven.
miracle if He got us all together and we stayed together. So, here God is saying
So what purpose does confession serve
that not only is He going to bring us
in the life of the believer? It is the
together, but He's going to enable us to
sprinkling of the blood that cleanses the
dwell together.
conscience. If I as a believer sin and I come to God and
(Verse 34-35) When
say I'm sorry and
God tills it can hurt,
apply the blood,
because the ground
then my conscience
has become so hard
is cleansed. Now I
and dry, and His plow
can go on and serve
is true and sharp. The
God in grace, and
word "they" in verse 35
not of works. And if
means “the world,� and
I don't learn to
when God brings His
sprinkle the Blood, then when I sin I'll
Church back from the ruins the world
try to pray more, or read my Bible more,
will say, "That was the most desolate
or give more - perform some sort of
place. Do you remember all the stuff
works, dead works. God wants a Holy
they went through back in the nineties
remnant; God wants to bring us to the
and early two thousands? Boy, that was
point that we walk in His grace, not our
the most desolate, dead, dry, shriveled-
works, understanding that it's not
up, dry church, and look at them now!"
deserved, without cause.
(Verse 36) "I, the Lord, have spoken and I will do it!" Does it look as if there's any
God is going to restore His Church. The
doubt about this happening? No! "I
point is that we need to get in there,
spoke it; I will do it!" So, where does
receive His grace, His mercy, let Him
prayer fit in?
minister to us however He wants to.
40 http://www.icof.net
(Verse 37) "I'll let them ask Me to do it."
for us. Prayer doesn't move God toward
He already said He was going to do it in
us, it moves us toward Him. It's not
the previous verse, but He's giving us
twisting His arm to get Him to do it.
the privilege of asking Him to do it for
Restoration is coming because He said
us. But He's going to do it. He
He would do it. My place is to agree
promised! Prayer becomes a privilege.
with Him and find my place in His
Prayer is not conquering God's
restoration.
reluctance, prayer is laying hold of His
(Ezekiel 37:1-3) Can
will, His Word. There is
this church live? (Verse
a parable that Jesus
4-6) When you hear a
gave, and my heart has
lot of noise, know that
been broken by what I
it's the Lord putting
have heard many
the bones back
preachers say about it. It
together again. You
is from Luke 18, the
can't put bones back
wicked judge. Let me lay
together without
this out, right now: God
making a lot of noise. And the breath, of
is not a wicked judge. The parable is of
course, is the Spirit of God. You see,
the widow who comes to the judge over
God is going to bring us back together
and over again and the judge finally
again, clean us up, give us His desires;
gives in to her to stop her from
but there is no life until we have His
bothering him. God is not a wicked
breath within us, His Spirit. We can
judge, and prayer does not coerce or
come together as Church, you can cover
bother God. The parable is to show that
yourself with the Word, and you can
God answers His people quickly, yet this
begin to get closer in relationship, all
parable has been used to teach
important. But if God doesn't breathe in
persistence in prayer. In other words,
it, if He doesn't give it life through His
pestering God. Prayer does not bother
Spirit, then it is meaningless.
God, and He is not the wicked judge.
(Verse 9-11) The whole Church!
Prayer is simply laying hold of God's will and what He said He was already doing
41 http://www.icof.net
(Verse 12-16) Let me tell you something
wants His church to be a light in the
about who these two sticks are. One is
dark places. You can't be a light if you
Judah. What does Judah mean? Praise
don't have the juice. You might as well
in Spirit. The other is Joseph, meaning,
go on to heaven and get out of the way of
“increase through truth.� Notice that
those who will beam the light of the
you have a stick that means truth and
Lord. The only reason God gives us the
one that means praise in spirit. God
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for us to be
tells us how to worship, in Spirit and in
the light, to have power, to dispel
truth. Some churches only take up one
darkness and show the way. God,
of the sticks.
forgive us for changing
Pentecostals picked up
what you intended to be
Joseph's stick, but not
a powerful witness, and
Judah's. Some think that
was turned into a
the evidence is speaking
powerless witness. One
in tongues, but the
of Satan's greatest
Scripture says that the
victories was deceiving
evidence is in power and
us to turn the light
boldness to be a witness. I don't care if
inward and not outward. God forgive
you speak in tongues; if you don't
us!
witness in power and boldness, you
Most Baptists have a lot of truth (the
don't have it.
stick of Judah) and not much Spirit.
Jesus said that we shall receive power by
Truth without Spirit is dead. God wants
the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and that
Spirit and truth (verse 17). God does a
we shall be His witnesses. If you say
miracle here and says that they're going
that you have it and don't have the
to become one.
power to witness, then you have been
(Verse 18-19) Notice whose hand the
deceived. If you can pray in tongues but
stick is in? Take a stick, put it on the
not win this area for Christ, you might as
ground, and see how much it can do by
well shut down, lie down and die and go
itself. That's us. If we get out of the
on to the Lord, because you won't be
hand of God, we can't do anything.
able to do one thing for the Lord. God 42
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(Verse 20-22) You see there're only two
God! The restoration is coming whether
kingdoms: light and darkness. But
you're in it or not. This is why I have
what we did was take the kingdom of
been brought to this area, to find a
light and divided it . . . against each
church, a people, who want to move on
other. God says that we're not going to
with the Lord, saying, "Yes, Lord! Bring
do that anymore. (Verse 23-24) When
us together. Cleanse us. Set us upon the
He talks about David
truth. Breathe your
He is talking about
Spirit within us. We
Jesus Christ, who is
will be your light unto
the root and the
the nations!"
offspring, as spoken
But I want to show
of in Revelation.
you why your focus
(Verse 25-28) God is
needs to be turned
going to restore His
outward instead of inward. The entire
Church and show the world His bride.
reason is that you'll be gripped with a
THEN every person will be confronted
burden for people like you've never had
with the Gospel. Most people are now
before. We'll be able to see into people
confronted with someone's religion, not
with the truth, and with Spiritual eyes,
with the Gospel. When God restores His
and not the faรงade they put out. We'll
Church the world will be confronted
see their hurts, their pain, and we'll have
with Jesus, moving in a people, alive!
a genuine burden for them. I want you
Then on judgment day He's going to say,
to understand something: God is doing
"You saw Me. I showed Myself to the
something all over the world, but He
world and you rejected Me."
wants, right here, a people called by His
What's the purpose of bringing us
name.
together? For cleansing us with His
We read several times where He said,
Word? For breathing His Spirit into us?
"They shall be My people, and I will be
For setting us upon His truth? So that
their God." That's all God ever wanted,
the nations will know He is Lord! We've
was a people He could truly call His
seen this throughout the Scriptures . . .
own. He wants it so much that He sent
so the world will know that He is really 43
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His Son so He could have a people. That's why we have had, from the beginning, even before we were saved, the desire to worship something. Whether it was a car, drugs, a boy or girl, something in our desires causes us to want it more than anything. It wasn't until we truly knew Jesus that our desire to worship was pointed in the right direction. God placed the desire to worship in our created bodies, minds and spirits, so we could fellowship with Him. And until we were saved by His grace through the Blood of Jesus, we gave in to our fleshly desires. Not any longer! Don't ask God whose side is He on anymore. He is not here to be asked that question. Get on His side. Get in on what He is going to do here. Just say, “Lord, whether it’s five or five thousand of us, we’re going to follow you.”
Dr. Robert Straube is the President of International Circle of Faith Colleges, Seminaries and Universities (ICOF CSU). http://www.icofcsu.yolasite.com
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longer than anticipated, learn to build margin into your planning.
By: Doc Burkhart
2. Learn to say no. Contrary to your perception, you are not indispensable. 3. Cut down on the activities as they have a way of self-perpetuating; of multiplying. 4. Practice simplicity and contentment. Choose to live with less. 5. Get less done but do the right things. Assess all your activities as to their spiritual authenticity. 6. Decide to live the life of Jesus… whatever the cost:
Each page in a book has a margin. You wouldn't be able to read the print if it ran to the edges of the paper because it would offend your sense of proportion. In similar fashion, our lives also need margins. They need proportion. Margin is:
"The gap between rest and exhaustion… "The leeway we once had between ourselves and our limits… "Something held in reserve for contingencies or unanticipated situations… "
"Let your sweet reasonableness, your forbearance, your being satisfied with less than your due, become known to all men… Stop worrying about even one thing, but in everything… let your requests… be made known in the presence of God, and the peace of God… shall mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-6)
If you are running thin on margin these days, my guess is you are on overload in at least some of the following areas:
Too many commitments. Too much competition. Too much debt. Too many expectations. Too much ministry.
Here are six steps we can take to insure margin is built into our lives: 1. Learn to expect the unexpected. Because most everything takes 46 http://www.icof.net
become stronger, and the lives of each member become ready to empower their world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Help us and be a part of our efforts in doing our part to improve our ever increasing poverty rate, degeneration of values and overall quality of Life; by focusing on the needs and solutions for all these areas including the neglect of our Nation's children. We are purposed to impact the preservation and restoration of the family. We hold that the Church was patterned after the family.
Christian Greetings, We welcome you to the International Circle of Faith Global Missions Department. Our missions department exists to aid our network of established ministries and churches in a holistically approach of restoration of body soul & spirit; to extend the church beyond the traditional parameters of the edifice complex. We are dedicated to community and family development by helping meet the needs of the citizens and communities we are called to serve. We must focus on the needs of an ever growing population in our communities, cities and Nation. Every day, individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness, hunger and other life crises in our communities go unnoticed by society at large. We are the body of Christ and it is our mandate to help those who need our help the most?
We are a mission’s resource network; partnering with churches, organizations, agencies and nonprofits and faith based communities to achieve our mission to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every man woman and child.
Africa Our past and present missions include: Drilling water wells, free medical services and in current development of Agriculture &Housing.
India
ICOF Missions focus: 1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ 2. Humanitarian 3. Business and Economic development
In partnership with ICOF CSU we have started the Patrick Song Academy English School, to help young Indian children to speak English, so they can function in elementary and secondary education.
We believe that by assisting those in need– physically, mentally, and spiritually – and helping them to reach their full potential, our communities 47
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ICOF Medical missions in conjunction with Project Eye Openers, reaches the
Senior Citizens
ICOF Home Missions offers personal interactions for the elderly. Providing a much-needed ministry for older people to receive care and human concern. With the baby boomer generation fast approaching their senior years, a swelling tide of concern for the many that will need support and assistance is evident by the many senior citizen charity groups that continue to organize throughout the country. ICOF Home Missions division offers opportunities for any person to donate time and important resources to this growing challenge.
poorest, most vulnerable patients, who may not be aware about eye care and free medical camps services. While Project Eye Openers current outreach teams provide free medical services and eye examinations to approximately 400 plus patients in each Village per Medical Camp outing, their ultimate goal is to eliminate obstacles by providing pre-screenings through our Mobile Medical Camps.
Pakistan
Holistic Family Restoration. A long term priority is to under-served communities. The goal is to lead individuals and families in need towards a better life, improved happiness and inner peace in addition to rebuilding their material lives or improving their living and an educational condition with the power of the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ ….body, soul & Spirit.
Evangelism: We have a program called “Project Logos “The program consists of sending bibles to Pakistan translated into their native language. Medical Missions: Through ICOF Medical Missions “Physicians with a cause” provide free medical camps and sharing of the gospel, throughout remote villages in Pakistan.
A hundred years from now it will not matter how much money you have, what kind of car you drive or what kind of House you live in, but the world will be a better place because you made a difference in the lives of others”.
USA We also are focused on Church Home Missions in the USA. Through Community Enhancement that acts as a safety net for individuals and families in need, ICOF Global Missions works to strengthen and enhance communities by working with varies other agencies, churches, non profits within the Faith Based communities already in existence. We are committed to our Senior citizens community including information and referral, food distribution and collaborations with the faith community.
Dr. Barney Phillips ICOF VP of Missions drbphilips@icof.net
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spirits. DOOR TO DOOR EVANGELISM: The Evangelistic team harvested 7 Souls last week by the Lord. We are glad the harvest is great and the Lord is at work by His Holy Spirit. PRAISE/WORSHIP CHOIR CONFERENCE: We look forward having Choirs and Singers from our churches during time in August 29th to 30th for Praise and Worship conference. Preparations started towards this, your prayers are important for events success.
KENYA VICTORY PRAISE Blessings and greetings from your Friends and ministry in Kenya, Africa in Christ Jesus! It's a blessing to share His Word and Testimony..... SUNDAY SERVICE: The Lord blessed the Service with great teachings of the great Man of Valor for God's purpose. We had 14 Souls come to Christ in Bungoma Central assembly. 6 Souls came to the Lord in Nasyanda Assembly. The prayer sessions were so good with great flow of the Holy Spirit. We did not lay hand but we had several healed from Malaria, eyes problems, arthritis and others. We also had one prayed for deliverance from familiar
BROTHER BUSHEBI'S TRIPS AROUND: There is always a need for Bishop Bushebi moving to churches in this region for teachings and revival. The last several Sundays, he's been in about 5 churches and the Lord has been using him more in the work. Thanks for your prayers enabling us move forth by the Lord's mercy.
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AUGUST 14th - 7 PM
ICOF CSU Graduation
ICOF OHIO VALLEY FIVEFOLD ROUNDTABLE
October 17th ICOF CSU Zambia
LOUISVILLE, KY
Host: Dr. Charles Mwape
HOSTS: TED AND JANET DONES
THE INTERNATIONAL
Email for more information: administration@icof.net
GATHERING OF EAGLES ACCRA GHANA. 8th to 10th of November 2012. Bishop Freeson (ICOF Bishop of Ghana)
SEPTEMBER 19 CONGRESSIONAL PRAYERBREAKFAST WASHINGTON DC Hosts: Bishop Clarence Harris Congressman Paul Broun
BISHOP RANKINS ANNIVERSARY SERVICE ABUJA, NIGERIA OCTOBER 25 - 28th
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