Not all dreams and visions are from God. How can one know whether a dream or vision is from God? First, you must look at yourself and determine whether you are a cleansed, purged, and a broken vessel. But yes, HE can still at times speak to us out of grace in dream and visions even when we are still not cleansed, purged, and broken. But if you are receiving frequent dreams and visions even though you may be fleshy, carnal, and still worldly, then you must discern and be very cautious. You must ask for the spirit of discernment. You must seek to be cleansed. You must study and know His Word. You must pray everyday.
Do not just attempt to interpret a dream or vision. If you try to guess and almost all the time the many who do attempt to guess are just wrong. If you attempt to interpret and it is wrong, you are contributing to the enemy by speaking lies and stumbling others. It is better not to guess. Yes, it is the human nature out of pride to try to get the right answer but if we do not know, please do not try to guess.
Many Christians practice divination and occult without realizing what they are doing. For example, people who buy lottery tickets. They ask God for the numbers and then they try to believe God is speaking to them and they pick random numbers. Then to top it all off, they try to bribe God by stating that if they win, they will give HIM so much. This is divination. Christians should not be buying lottery tickets. This is gambling. Even in gambling, when one tries to predict the outcome of an event or ask God to show what is in someone else's hand (cards), this is divination. What do fortune tellers do? They attempt to fore tell the future or events. If you ask God for the things of the future or events so you can show others that God is speaking to you, you are practicing pride and divination.
If you look at the bible and look at the true prophets to that of the false prophets, there was usually only one true prophet to all the false prophets. But the false prophets thought they were true prophets. Today, we have so many claiming to be prophets. Look at the bible percentage and FEAR GOD if you think you are a prophet. There is a good chance, you may be in the camp of the false prophets.
If you are worldly, carnal, fleshy, and have many problems overcoming sin, then you need to be very cautious before you prophecy or consider that your dreams/visions are from God.
Who are the false prophets? The false prophets are those who do not lead God's people back to following His commandments but preach and prophecy words that feed on people's self indulgence, self idols, and the desires of the people's own hearts. The false prophets are those who seek a pat on the back for their word, dreams, or visions. The false prophets are those who speak and know more about their own dreams/visions then they know about the Word of God!
Jer 23:15-31 Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets: Behold, I will feed them with [the bitterness of] wormwood and make them drink the [poisonous] water of gall, for from the [false] prophets of Jerusalem profaneness and ungodliness have gone forth into all the land.16 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Do not listen to the words of the [false] prophets who prophesy to you. They teach you vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility) and fill you with vain hopes; they speak a vision of their own minds and not from the mouth of the Lord.17 They are continually saying to those who despise Me and the word of the Lord, The Lord has said: You shall have peace; and they say to everyone who walks after the stubbornness of his own mind and heart, No evil shall come upon you.18 For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord, that he should perceive and hear His word? Who has marked His word [noticing and observing and giving attention to it] and has [actually] heard it?19 Behold, the tempest of the Lord has gone forth in wrath, a whirling tempest; it shall whirl and burst upon the heads of the wicked.20 The anger of the Lord shall not turn back until He has executed and accomplished the thoughts and intents of His mind and heart. In the latter days you shall consider and understand it perfectly.21 I did not send these [false] prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.22 But if they had stood in My council, then they would have caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them [My people] from their evil way and from the evil of their doings. 23 Am I a God at hand, says the Lord, and not a God afar off?24 Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? says the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.25 I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed [visions on my bed at night].26 [How long shall this state of things continue?] How long yet shall it be in the minds of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even the prophets of the deceit of their own hearts,27 Who think that they can cause My people to forget My name by their dreams which every man tells to his neighbor, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal?28 The prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; but he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat [for nourishment]? says the Lord.29 Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?30 Therefore behold, I am against the [false] prophets, says the Lord, [I am even now descending upon them with punishment, these prophets] who steal My words from one another [imitating the phrases of the true prophets].31 Behold, I am against the prophets, says the Lord, who use their [own deceitful] tongues and say, Thus says the Lord.
Prophecy, Interpreting dreams and visions are a gift. You must receive this gift from God and it does not just come over night. You must be a broken vessel in which God can flow through you. Repent and stand by His full council. Study to show yourself approved.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church - An International Holy Fire Ministry for the feeding and tending of God's flock to equip for the perfection of the saints that they should do the work of ministering toward building up Christ's Body (Church) and to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name’s sake among all the nations until the return of the Lord - Branch of the Lord's Church USA
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Witchcraft in our ranks
In the Old Testament, we are told of one of God's king, Ahab, who had married Jezebel. He had taken a wife, Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, who had served Baal and worshiped him. Jezebel in the bible is one who had killed many of God's prophets. There are many prophets today who are now operating in the Jezebel spirit. It comes down to witchcraft as many are seeking their own desires and stubbornness. Many think they are hearing God's voice but in reality, they are hearing from Baal and they prophecy from Baal. The demon Baal is one who represents self prosperity. It is self idol. It is about making everything good, easy, and prosperous for the self using God.
Today, in the spiritual sense, we know a Jezebel is a controlling spirit and an Ahab is a spirit that is complacent and full of self pity. Both spirits can operate in one person. A person can use self pity, seeking attention through their hurtful past, abuse, or other sympathetic stories of their lives to lure and control another.
In the Church, there are many wounded souls. There are many men and women who have wounded hearts. But there are more women in the Church than there are men. There are many women with wounded hearts that can be very dangerous to a ministry and other brethren. We must ask and seek for spiritual discernment. The enemy is a master of lies. The devil is a master of deception. The bible warns us to beware of wolves in sheep's clothes. The bible does not say beware of wolves in shepherd's clothes. This is not to say there are no wolves masquerading around as shepherds but there are more sheep being used by the enemy to stumble one another.
God uses people through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His Word and Will. At the same time, the devil uses people as well, especially God's own people, through the demons and their flesh to accomplish division, chaos, disorder, kill, steal, and destroy!
When we look at our own lives, we must be very careful not to fall into the trap of the enemy of self pity, low self esteem, lack of love, failures, why me, and envying of others. King Ahab was very complacent, lazy, and wanted to do things the easy way. He was looking for short cuts. There are no short cuts with God. We must pray, worship, read, and wait for HIM. But many see other people's anointing, the power of God in their lives, spiritual gifts, restored families, glorious families under HIM, healthy ministries, and they allow jealousy and envy to enter their hearts. The eternal calling and gifts are our inheritance. We are not allowed to sell it.
1 Kings 21:1-14 Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, close beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria; and after these things,2 Ahab said to Naboth, Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near my house. I will give you a better vineyard for it or, if you prefer, I will give you its worth in money.3 Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you.4 And Ahab [already depressed by the Lord’s message to him] came into his house [more] resentful and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him; for he had said, I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers. And he lay down on his bed, turned away his face, and would eat no food.5 But Jezebel his wife came and said to him, Why is your spirit so troubled that you eat no food?6 And he said to her, Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, Give me your vineyard for money; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it. And he answered, I will not give you my vineyard.7 Jezebel his wife said to him, Do you not govern Israel? Arise, eat food, and let your heart be happy. I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal and sent them to the elders and nobles who dwelt with Naboth in his city.9 And in the letters she said, Proclaim a fast and set Naboth up high among the people.10 And set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying, You cursed and renounced God and the king. Then carry him out and stone him to death.11 And the men of his city, the elders and the nobles who dwelt there, did as Jezebel had directed in the letters sent them.12 They proclaimed a fast and set Naboth on high among the people.13 Two base fellows came in and sat opposite him and they charged Naboth before the people, saying, Naboth cursed and renounced God and the king. Then he was carried out of the city and stoned to death.14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth has been stoned and is dead
Jezreel means God sows. This vineyard can represent a ministry, a calling, a family, or other spiritual gifts. They are what the Holy Spirit has given to His children. This vineyard was near Ahab's house. In other versions, it states that the vineyard was convenient to Ahab. Many Ahab spirits like to look for short cuts or what is convenient to them. Ahab works hand and hand with a controlling spirit. He wanted to buy the vineyard with money. When one purchases with money, it can represent one's desire to control.
In Acts chapter 8, there was a man name Simon who practiced magic and amazed the people of Samaria. But Simon was a wizard or witch in the spiritual sense. But the people of Samaria believed Simon was performing by God's power. They were all deceived. Philip, the deacon, had come to Samaria to proclaim the news of Christ and he worked in signs and wonders. Scripture says that even Simon believed and was baptized. But then Peter and John had come to lay hands to pray and impart the Holy Spirit, Simon offered money for this power. Peter than rebuked him and said destruction take him. Saved Christians who are even baptized can turn against the Holy Spirit.
Ahab wanted to purchase Naboths' vineyard which was Naboth's inheritance. Simon wanted to purchase the power to impart the Holy Spirit. When we purchase something, we own it and thus we can do as we please. Both Ahab and Simon had desired to control God. Many of God's people today are no different. They want to control God. They want to control God to fulfill their lack in life.
Since the Ahab spirit cannot purchase the inheritance, they become self pitied and speak words to bring attention to themselves. They may attempt to seduce people. They attempt to make eunuchs allied to Jezebel. The Ahab spirits want to be the preacher by taking over their positions. They want to replace the preacher's wives instead of praying for their own husbands. They want to have the preacher's family instead of waiting for God to given them their own. They want the anointing of God without paying any price. They want the power of God without praying. They want to be the center prophet without going through the process of being broken and cleansed. They continue to dwell in their self pity becoming deluded. And since they seek the short cut, the demons fill the gap and now they prophecy and hear through the spirit of Baal.
As they dwell in their pithiness, the spirit of Jezebel comes to delude them even more. In verse 7, Jezebel asks, "Do you not govern Israel?" In other versions, it states, "Are you not the king of Israel?"
What Jezebel is really saying is the following; "Are you not the child of the Most High! You deserve the inheritance! You can just take it! You been through a hard life, you deserve it! You are a princes! You are a prince! You do not need to wait, just take it! God will forgive you! God will understand! Did God really say you will die?"
Each day, God's people are continuously tested just as Adam and Eve were tested in the garden of Eden and as Satan spoke, "You shall surely not die!" Many Christians today choose sin, continually partaking the fruit of death thinking they will not die from their disobedience.
Today, many Christians with the Ahab spirit allow themselves to be deluded with the Jezebel spirit. Jezebel reminds them that they deserve what others have and they do not have to go the long route of obedience. In fact, they can just take it from them. They then allow the Jezebel spirit to go to work for them to kill Naboth and steal their inheritance. Jezebel rallies the elders and other church members with lies and gossip. Many Christians continue to be liars. Many Christians are being used by the devil as they willfully lie so they can allow the devil to steal, kill, and destroy God's own people/inheritance.
There are so many wounded hearts in the world today. Many of these wounded hearts are single women and widows. Most of the church consists of women who have never been loved or cherished. They had lived without the love of fathers or husbands. And even if some of them were married, many Christian women do not receive love from their husbands.
Many pastors and elders may show God's love by showing kindness, gentleness, humility, joy, and love. When such women are shown God's love through an obedient servant of God who possess authority, power, nice family, and so on, many women rather than seeking God to fill and heal their wounded hearts seek it directly from the pastors and other church leaders/men. They receive God's love in the wrong way. Many wounded hearts who are women then come with Ahab, Jezebel, and seducing spirits to seduce pastors and church leaders. Yes, this can occur with the other gender in which a man can attempt to seduce the wife of a pastor. But the devil knows once the head is captured, the body of that church will crumble. Such women do not realize they are being controlled by witchcraft to bring down ministries. Many of them are deluded. They are attempting to steal someone else's inheritance through Jezebel and Ahab. A very very dangerous act. Sadly, this is a frequent attack in our churches. There are real operating witches within our ranks. Pray diligently pastors, leaders, and church!
Isaiah 63:10 (AMP) 10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; therefore He turned to become their enemy and Himself fought against them.
If we rebel and grieve the Holy Spirit, we will become HIS enemy.
May we all ask for a sharper spiritual discernment and may the Lord have mercy on HIS people.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Today, in the spiritual sense, we know a Jezebel is a controlling spirit and an Ahab is a spirit that is complacent and full of self pity. Both spirits can operate in one person. A person can use self pity, seeking attention through their hurtful past, abuse, or other sympathetic stories of their lives to lure and control another.
In the Church, there are many wounded souls. There are many men and women who have wounded hearts. But there are more women in the Church than there are men. There are many women with wounded hearts that can be very dangerous to a ministry and other brethren. We must ask and seek for spiritual discernment. The enemy is a master of lies. The devil is a master of deception. The bible warns us to beware of wolves in sheep's clothes. The bible does not say beware of wolves in shepherd's clothes. This is not to say there are no wolves masquerading around as shepherds but there are more sheep being used by the enemy to stumble one another.
God uses people through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His Word and Will. At the same time, the devil uses people as well, especially God's own people, through the demons and their flesh to accomplish division, chaos, disorder, kill, steal, and destroy!
When we look at our own lives, we must be very careful not to fall into the trap of the enemy of self pity, low self esteem, lack of love, failures, why me, and envying of others. King Ahab was very complacent, lazy, and wanted to do things the easy way. He was looking for short cuts. There are no short cuts with God. We must pray, worship, read, and wait for HIM. But many see other people's anointing, the power of God in their lives, spiritual gifts, restored families, glorious families under HIM, healthy ministries, and they allow jealousy and envy to enter their hearts. The eternal calling and gifts are our inheritance. We are not allowed to sell it.
1 Kings 21:1-14 Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, close beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria; and after these things,2 Ahab said to Naboth, Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near my house. I will give you a better vineyard for it or, if you prefer, I will give you its worth in money.3 Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you.4 And Ahab [already depressed by the Lord’s message to him] came into his house [more] resentful and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him; for he had said, I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers. And he lay down on his bed, turned away his face, and would eat no food.5 But Jezebel his wife came and said to him, Why is your spirit so troubled that you eat no food?6 And he said to her, Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, Give me your vineyard for money; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it. And he answered, I will not give you my vineyard.7 Jezebel his wife said to him, Do you not govern Israel? Arise, eat food, and let your heart be happy. I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal and sent them to the elders and nobles who dwelt with Naboth in his city.9 And in the letters she said, Proclaim a fast and set Naboth up high among the people.10 And set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying, You cursed and renounced God and the king. Then carry him out and stone him to death.11 And the men of his city, the elders and the nobles who dwelt there, did as Jezebel had directed in the letters sent them.12 They proclaimed a fast and set Naboth on high among the people.13 Two base fellows came in and sat opposite him and they charged Naboth before the people, saying, Naboth cursed and renounced God and the king. Then he was carried out of the city and stoned to death.14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth has been stoned and is dead
Jezreel means God sows. This vineyard can represent a ministry, a calling, a family, or other spiritual gifts. They are what the Holy Spirit has given to His children. This vineyard was near Ahab's house. In other versions, it states that the vineyard was convenient to Ahab. Many Ahab spirits like to look for short cuts or what is convenient to them. Ahab works hand and hand with a controlling spirit. He wanted to buy the vineyard with money. When one purchases with money, it can represent one's desire to control.
In Acts chapter 8, there was a man name Simon who practiced magic and amazed the people of Samaria. But Simon was a wizard or witch in the spiritual sense. But the people of Samaria believed Simon was performing by God's power. They were all deceived. Philip, the deacon, had come to Samaria to proclaim the news of Christ and he worked in signs and wonders. Scripture says that even Simon believed and was baptized. But then Peter and John had come to lay hands to pray and impart the Holy Spirit, Simon offered money for this power. Peter than rebuked him and said destruction take him. Saved Christians who are even baptized can turn against the Holy Spirit.
Ahab wanted to purchase Naboths' vineyard which was Naboth's inheritance. Simon wanted to purchase the power to impart the Holy Spirit. When we purchase something, we own it and thus we can do as we please. Both Ahab and Simon had desired to control God. Many of God's people today are no different. They want to control God. They want to control God to fulfill their lack in life.
Since the Ahab spirit cannot purchase the inheritance, they become self pitied and speak words to bring attention to themselves. They may attempt to seduce people. They attempt to make eunuchs allied to Jezebel. The Ahab spirits want to be the preacher by taking over their positions. They want to replace the preacher's wives instead of praying for their own husbands. They want to have the preacher's family instead of waiting for God to given them their own. They want the anointing of God without paying any price. They want the power of God without praying. They want to be the center prophet without going through the process of being broken and cleansed. They continue to dwell in their self pity becoming deluded. And since they seek the short cut, the demons fill the gap and now they prophecy and hear through the spirit of Baal.
As they dwell in their pithiness, the spirit of Jezebel comes to delude them even more. In verse 7, Jezebel asks, "Do you not govern Israel?" In other versions, it states, "Are you not the king of Israel?"
What Jezebel is really saying is the following; "Are you not the child of the Most High! You deserve the inheritance! You can just take it! You been through a hard life, you deserve it! You are a princes! You are a prince! You do not need to wait, just take it! God will forgive you! God will understand! Did God really say you will die?"
Each day, God's people are continuously tested just as Adam and Eve were tested in the garden of Eden and as Satan spoke, "You shall surely not die!" Many Christians today choose sin, continually partaking the fruit of death thinking they will not die from their disobedience.
Today, many Christians with the Ahab spirit allow themselves to be deluded with the Jezebel spirit. Jezebel reminds them that they deserve what others have and they do not have to go the long route of obedience. In fact, they can just take it from them. They then allow the Jezebel spirit to go to work for them to kill Naboth and steal their inheritance. Jezebel rallies the elders and other church members with lies and gossip. Many Christians continue to be liars. Many Christians are being used by the devil as they willfully lie so they can allow the devil to steal, kill, and destroy God's own people/inheritance.
There are so many wounded hearts in the world today. Many of these wounded hearts are single women and widows. Most of the church consists of women who have never been loved or cherished. They had lived without the love of fathers or husbands. And even if some of them were married, many Christian women do not receive love from their husbands.
Many pastors and elders may show God's love by showing kindness, gentleness, humility, joy, and love. When such women are shown God's love through an obedient servant of God who possess authority, power, nice family, and so on, many women rather than seeking God to fill and heal their wounded hearts seek it directly from the pastors and other church leaders/men. They receive God's love in the wrong way. Many wounded hearts who are women then come with Ahab, Jezebel, and seducing spirits to seduce pastors and church leaders. Yes, this can occur with the other gender in which a man can attempt to seduce the wife of a pastor. But the devil knows once the head is captured, the body of that church will crumble. Such women do not realize they are being controlled by witchcraft to bring down ministries. Many of them are deluded. They are attempting to steal someone else's inheritance through Jezebel and Ahab. A very very dangerous act. Sadly, this is a frequent attack in our churches. There are real operating witches within our ranks. Pray diligently pastors, leaders, and church!
Isaiah 63:10 (AMP) 10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; therefore He turned to become their enemy and Himself fought against them.
If we rebel and grieve the Holy Spirit, we will become HIS enemy.
May we all ask for a sharper spiritual discernment and may the Lord have mercy on HIS people.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
To prophesies is greater than to speak in tongue
1 Cor 14:5 Now I wish that you might all speak in [unknown] tongues, but more especially [I want you] to prophesy (to be inspired to preach and interpret the divine will and purpose). He who prophesies [who is inspired to preach and teach] is greater (more useful and more important) than he who speaks in [unknown] tongues, unless he should interpret [what he says], so that the church may be edified and receive good [from it].
If you read the context of the beginning of chapter 14, Paul wishes the church to all speak in tongue but he clearly states that he wishes more the church to prophesies. When most Christians read these verses, they assume the word "prophesies" here is to prophecy speaking as though "Thus saith the Lord!" Many are taught and assume since this is the greater gift than to speak in tongue, it must be defined as being the divinely inspired Word or utterance with the "Thus saith the Lord!" at the end of the prophecy. After all, in verse five, it does state that he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless he should interpret. However, the context of the beginning is speaking about edifying the church and believers. If we are to edify and build up the church, they must be fed the Word of God.
1 Cor 14:3 But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who [b]interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their up building and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.
In most other English versions, the word of "prophesies or prophesieth" may be used so most believers assume it is the generic term to prophecy or basically "Thus saith the Lord" statement.
But the amplified has the best definition. The term prophesies is to interpret the divine will and purpose inspired preaching and teaching. Let us look at another version.
1 Cor 14:1-5 NLV or New Living Version You should want to have this love. You should want the gifts of the Holy Spirit and most of all to be able to speak God’s Word. 2 The man who speaks in special sounds speaks to God. He is not speaking to men. No one understands. He is speaking secret things through the power of the Holy Spirit. 3 The man who speaks God’s Word speaks to men. It helps them to learn and understand. It gives them comfort. 4 The man who speaks in special sounds receives strength. The man who speaks God’s Word gives strength to the church. 5 I wish all of you spoke in special sounds. But more than that, I wish all of you spoke God’s Word. The one who speaks God’s Word has a more important gift than the one who speaks in special sounds. But if he can tell what he is speaking, the church will be helped.
Beloved brothers/sisters, I am emphasizing this message because the Holy Spirit spoke to me about these verses. It is a greater gift because one who prophesies is one who can teach, preach, and discern God's Word or bible. In NLV version, it states to speak God's Word. God wants us to learn and know HIS Word which is the bible! Yes, in some extent, it can be to prophesies in terms of speaking directly from God's throne. But so many believers are attempting to prophecy with no foundation of the Word of God in their spirits. So many believers can speak in tongue but have no foundation of the Word of God! How can one prophecy with sand as their foundation? Our foundation should be the Rock who is Christ and who is the Word!
I am seeing many Christians who can speak in tongue very deceived. I am seeing many Christians who claim to prophecy stating "Thus saith the Lord" very deceived. In these last days, many false counterfeit Jesus will appear to many deceived Christians. How do you know you are not deceived? Satan is the master of lies and deception. Do you really think you can outwit an eternal being who has been here longer than you? You must know the Word and always be led by the Spirit! You must be cleansed and purged of your sins, addictions, bondage, hurt, abuse, anger, hate, coveting, lust, and the secret sins that others do not know about. How can God speak through a vessel that is so defiled? God can only speak through a broken, cleansed, purged, and contrite vessel who fears and trembles before HIM in reverence. Yes, HE loves us very much but we must know HE is GOD!
Rather than wanting so badly to prophecy because of one's pride, perhaps, it would be best to ask God to cleanse and be purge learning to be still and feeding on HIS Word instead. So many people are in such a hurry to be prophetic. So many have no patience to be cleansed and wait for HIM. Do you not know those who speak for HIM will be judge and condemn greater if you are wrong? To know HIS Word is to know HIM. You must know HIS Ways and Character first.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA
If you read the context of the beginning of chapter 14, Paul wishes the church to all speak in tongue but he clearly states that he wishes more the church to prophesies. When most Christians read these verses, they assume the word "prophesies" here is to prophecy speaking as though "Thus saith the Lord!" Many are taught and assume since this is the greater gift than to speak in tongue, it must be defined as being the divinely inspired Word or utterance with the "Thus saith the Lord!" at the end of the prophecy. After all, in verse five, it does state that he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless he should interpret. However, the context of the beginning is speaking about edifying the church and believers. If we are to edify and build up the church, they must be fed the Word of God.
1 Cor 14:3 But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who [b]interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their up building and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.
In most other English versions, the word of "prophesies or prophesieth" may be used so most believers assume it is the generic term to prophecy or basically "Thus saith the Lord" statement.
But the amplified has the best definition. The term prophesies is to interpret the divine will and purpose inspired preaching and teaching. Let us look at another version.
1 Cor 14:1-5 NLV or New Living Version You should want to have this love. You should want the gifts of the Holy Spirit and most of all to be able to speak God’s Word. 2 The man who speaks in special sounds speaks to God. He is not speaking to men. No one understands. He is speaking secret things through the power of the Holy Spirit. 3 The man who speaks God’s Word speaks to men. It helps them to learn and understand. It gives them comfort. 4 The man who speaks in special sounds receives strength. The man who speaks God’s Word gives strength to the church. 5 I wish all of you spoke in special sounds. But more than that, I wish all of you spoke God’s Word. The one who speaks God’s Word has a more important gift than the one who speaks in special sounds. But if he can tell what he is speaking, the church will be helped.
Beloved brothers/sisters, I am emphasizing this message because the Holy Spirit spoke to me about these verses. It is a greater gift because one who prophesies is one who can teach, preach, and discern God's Word or bible. In NLV version, it states to speak God's Word. God wants us to learn and know HIS Word which is the bible! Yes, in some extent, it can be to prophesies in terms of speaking directly from God's throne. But so many believers are attempting to prophecy with no foundation of the Word of God in their spirits. So many believers can speak in tongue but have no foundation of the Word of God! How can one prophecy with sand as their foundation? Our foundation should be the Rock who is Christ and who is the Word!
I am seeing many Christians who can speak in tongue very deceived. I am seeing many Christians who claim to prophecy stating "Thus saith the Lord" very deceived. In these last days, many false counterfeit Jesus will appear to many deceived Christians. How do you know you are not deceived? Satan is the master of lies and deception. Do you really think you can outwit an eternal being who has been here longer than you? You must know the Word and always be led by the Spirit! You must be cleansed and purged of your sins, addictions, bondage, hurt, abuse, anger, hate, coveting, lust, and the secret sins that others do not know about. How can God speak through a vessel that is so defiled? God can only speak through a broken, cleansed, purged, and contrite vessel who fears and trembles before HIM in reverence. Yes, HE loves us very much but we must know HE is GOD!
Rather than wanting so badly to prophecy because of one's pride, perhaps, it would be best to ask God to cleanse and be purge learning to be still and feeding on HIS Word instead. So many people are in such a hurry to be prophetic. So many have no patience to be cleansed and wait for HIM. Do you not know those who speak for HIM will be judge and condemn greater if you are wrong? To know HIS Word is to know HIM. You must know HIS Ways and Character first.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA
Friday, April 18, 2014
Submit to God so the devil can flee
The bible says that we as the children of the Most High have been given the authority "to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." But not all of God's children have the authority to do as the bible promises. Why? This means that such authority is available for all believers but not all believers possess this authority. Scripture clearly states that NOTHING WILL HARM YOU. But why are so many Christians attacked, defeated, and harmed?
Luke 10:19 (AMP) Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
Our God is a God of order. You must realize the order of authority and submission before you yourselves can obtain spiritual authority. Satan thrives in chaos and confusion. Where there is confusion, the enemy is present. If one is out of order with Kingdom principles, then one does not have authority and power and one can shout "Get out in the Name of Jesus!" all day long and the enemy will laugh in your face.
Many pray beseeching God to deliver them out of their troubles. The bible commands us to pray when we are in trouble. But we must first know the proper order when resisting the devil. Without proper obedience to God's Word, we will be fighting in vain.
James 4:7 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The context of James chapter 4 is that the author is rebuking the church for being worldly as it fights, quarrels, and is like an unfaithful wife. Why are these things happening? These things are happening because the devil has a strangle hold on the church. What are the instructions James is giving for the church to be set free and have authority and victory?
Many Christians today are fighting, quarreling, unfaithful, and are very worldly in their sins. Many are praying and many are being prayed for but there seems to be a lack of victory.
What are the instructions?
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
First order, SUBMIT TO GOD! Other translations can be "be subject to God" and/or "subject yourselves under God's authority. When we first submit to God's Word and authority walking and keeping HIS commandments, then we can RESIST the devil and he will flee. We not only submit to God's Word but to the pastors that God assigns us. If you treat your pastors like carpenters and disrespect them, you will prevent your own breakthroughs in life. When Jesus went to His hometown, they did not honor HIM and thus HE could not do major miracles. They had dishonored HIM. Dishonoring HIM was their lack of faith.
Many Christians must repent for slandering God's authority such as pastors and other servants of God. Next, come near to God. We need to start praying, reading, and worship. A relationship with God is not a 10 second prayer before a meal. Just because some of you think you hear God's voice does not mean you are having a relationship with HIM either.
Wash your hands sinners and purify your hearts double minded people! So many people have divided hearts toward God. Many Christians are cheating on God every day. Grieve and mourn or in other words, REPENT and ask for a spirit of repentance! Humble yourselves! Fast and pray and give HIM an offering of yourselves by fasting and praying.
James 4:11-12 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
Christians need to stop gossiping and slandering one another. Scripture says if we speak against our brethren, we speak against the law and judge it. We are thus playing God. We are then piling up our sins. This is why so many Christians do not have authority over the devil. It is their lack of submission to God's Word and authority. Such Christians only bring judgment on themselves and as they pray for deliverance, no answer comes. They must repent and submit to God first.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Luke 10:19 (AMP) Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
Our God is a God of order. You must realize the order of authority and submission before you yourselves can obtain spiritual authority. Satan thrives in chaos and confusion. Where there is confusion, the enemy is present. If one is out of order with Kingdom principles, then one does not have authority and power and one can shout "Get out in the Name of Jesus!" all day long and the enemy will laugh in your face.
Many pray beseeching God to deliver them out of their troubles. The bible commands us to pray when we are in trouble. But we must first know the proper order when resisting the devil. Without proper obedience to God's Word, we will be fighting in vain.
James 4:7 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The context of James chapter 4 is that the author is rebuking the church for being worldly as it fights, quarrels, and is like an unfaithful wife. Why are these things happening? These things are happening because the devil has a strangle hold on the church. What are the instructions James is giving for the church to be set free and have authority and victory?
Many Christians today are fighting, quarreling, unfaithful, and are very worldly in their sins. Many are praying and many are being prayed for but there seems to be a lack of victory.
What are the instructions?
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
First order, SUBMIT TO GOD! Other translations can be "be subject to God" and/or "subject yourselves under God's authority. When we first submit to God's Word and authority walking and keeping HIS commandments, then we can RESIST the devil and he will flee. We not only submit to God's Word but to the pastors that God assigns us. If you treat your pastors like carpenters and disrespect them, you will prevent your own breakthroughs in life. When Jesus went to His hometown, they did not honor HIM and thus HE could not do major miracles. They had dishonored HIM. Dishonoring HIM was their lack of faith.
Many Christians must repent for slandering God's authority such as pastors and other servants of God. Next, come near to God. We need to start praying, reading, and worship. A relationship with God is not a 10 second prayer before a meal. Just because some of you think you hear God's voice does not mean you are having a relationship with HIM either.
Wash your hands sinners and purify your hearts double minded people! So many people have divided hearts toward God. Many Christians are cheating on God every day. Grieve and mourn or in other words, REPENT and ask for a spirit of repentance! Humble yourselves! Fast and pray and give HIM an offering of yourselves by fasting and praying.
James 4:11-12 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
Christians need to stop gossiping and slandering one another. Scripture says if we speak against our brethren, we speak against the law and judge it. We are thus playing God. We are then piling up our sins. This is why so many Christians do not have authority over the devil. It is their lack of submission to God's Word and authority. Such Christians only bring judgment on themselves and as they pray for deliverance, no answer comes. They must repent and submit to God first.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Friday, April 11, 2014
The walls around your hearts must come tumbling down
Joshua 6:1-5 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”
The Lord's people were commanded to take the land. In order to find spiritual/physical freedom, in order to receive deliverance, and in order to move forward in His Grace moving from Glory to Glory as HE changes us, we must follow all and precise instructions from the Lord. God continues to remind us in many parts of the bible to obey all of His commands and it will be well with us. God told Joshua that HE had already given him Jericho into his hands.
Yes, we are already saved as far as the spiritual realm is concerned but you are also being saved as far as this realm is concerned. We must finish and endure this race to the end. Jesus has made the way. But even though Jericho was already given, God's people must still continue to obey God's instructions to prosper and take the promise land. Many people had physically died or were killed before taking the promise land. There are always casualties in this spiritual war. Many are tested in their faith. Many did not make it to heaven as they complained, grumbled, and disobeyed. Today is no different. There are many casualties as many are spiritually walking dead.
Yes, we are already saved as far as the spiritual realm is concerned but you are also being saved as far as this realm is concerned. We must finish and endure this race to the end. Jesus has made the way. But even though Jericho was already given, God's people must still continue to obey God's instructions to prosper and take the promise land. Many people had physically died or were killed before taking the promise land. There are always casualties in this spiritual war. Many are tested in their faith. Many did not make it to heaven as they complained, grumbled, and disobeyed. Today is no different. There are many casualties as many are spiritually walking dead.
What is the promise land? The promise land can represent your heart. God is promising to free us from our idols, bondage, addictions, deception, troubles, and restore us if we continue to obey and move forward with HIM. Salvation is a journey. God's people were saved out of Egypt. Egypt represents the world. It represents bondage and imprisonment by a system and lures of the world. Egypt represents everything that hinders or blocks the Will of God in your life.
The bible has many promises. The bible says by His stripes we are healed. The bible says God will supply all our needs. The bible says if we ask in His Name, HE will answer us. The bible says God has a good plan for us. But then why are so many Christians walking around defeated? Why are so many sick and dying in their sins? Why are so many lacking? Why are so many the tail and not the head? Why are so many the footstool of Satan when the devil should be our footstool? It may be because we are out of order with God.
Joshua1:5-9 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
In order to succeed and obtain the promises of God, we must be strong and courageous through HIM, OBEY ALL OF HIS COMMANDS, and not quit or run! We must know the Word! The Word must fill us inside and outside. Many of us today offer HIM our blemished sacrifices of our works. We are doing our own works in HIS Name but not according to HIS Will. We must listen to His precise instructions to succeed. Yes, the bible says go preach the gospel and make disciples. But Jesus also said in Acts 1, to stay in Jerusalem, pray, and wait for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon and in them. Jerusalem is home to the temple of God. We are spiritual Jerusalem. We must first learn to obey by praying and wait for HIM. We must first know the Word and be filled with new wine (Spirit). We must become prayer warriors. We must become worshipers who worship in the Spirit.
Joshua 6:6-9 So Joshua called together the priests and said, “Take up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and assign seven priests to walk in front of it, each carrying a ram’s horn.” 7 Then he gave orders to the people: “March around the town, and the armed men will lead the way in front of the Ark of the Lord.”8 After Joshua spoke to the people, the seven priests with the rams’ horns started marching in the presence of the Lord, blowing the horns as they marched. And the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant followed behind them. 9 Some of the armed men marched in front of the priests with the horns and some behind the Ark, with the priests continually blowing the horns. 10 “Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout.
Joshua was told by God to take seven priests with a ram's horn and walk in front of the Ark. Some armed men marched in front of the priests, some behind the Ark in the presence of the Lord, and the people marched around Jericho once for each of the six days and then seven times on the seventh day. The priests blew their horns as they marched around Jericho. They were given precise instructions not to even talk until commanded. On the seventh day, the shout would come with the long blow of the horns by the seven priests once they had marched seven times around Jericho and the walls came tumbling down. Seven means completion. We must pray until our prayers are accumulated and completed to receive our answer.
Joshua had an army. He had armed men ready to fight to push down the walls of Jericho. What does Jericho represent? Jericho had high walls. These walls can represent the walls within your hearts. They can be high walls protecting your hurt, abuse, rejections, addictions, bondage, family troubles, finances, diseases, unforgiveness, stubbornness, and etc. God was showing them if they had pushed with their own strength even though they had armed mighty men of war, they would not have succeeded without the lead of the Spirit. But God required them to do something that probably made the people of Jericho laugh as they marched around the town. In the eyes of the world, marching around the town when they had the resources to attack the walls seemed silly and it didn't make sense. But if God is going to get the Glory, it will not make sense in the physical logical sense.Physically attacking the walls represented walking by sight and moving by sight rather than by faith. God required them to move by faith by obeying to HIS instructions. HE told them to blow horns and march. People in general are impatient. They want to go to war and fight. They want to see results from the works of their hands. They want to do things that makes them feel good. Marching and blowing horns is not the first option of mighty men of war.
The blowing of horns represents us praying. The number of times to march around the town represents God's time and sovereignty for us to obey. We must pray and be patient. It may look as though nothing is being accomplished but we must learn patience and obedience to succeed. When God's time came, the walls of Jericho was destroyed by the Spirit of God. It is not by might, power, but the Spirit of God that frees us. As the walls are destroyed, we are set free to take the land and give all our hearts back to HIM. The first spoils belong to HIM. God ordered that the spoils of Jericho belonged to God. The first fruits of our harvest belong to God. All tithes belong to God. The second spoils HE gives to Joshua and the people. We must follow His commandments and order. We must properly tithe giving our first fruits to HIM so that we may continue to succeed, prosper, and to stay in the blessing. We must follow precise instructions from God.
Gideon and his 300 in the book of Judges was given precise instructions. When the word came, they blew their horns, shouted, and broke the jars that were hiding the light. When the walls in our hearts come tumbling down and when the jars are broken, the light of God will shine and we will achieve VICTORY! The jars are you and I. We are the vessels of God but the walls of our hurt, abuse, self preservation, jealousy, addictions, impatience, bondage, lack of trust, and etc must first come down. We must be a broken vessel. We must be contrite spirits. But to achieve this, we must pray and wait for His time. We must march around Jericho seven times. This number of times to march around the town may be different for all of us but we must all learn patience and to wait for HIM. We must pray and wait for the next move. We must be led by the Spirit of God. When we wait for HIM as we pray, read, and worship drawing closer to HIM. We are then acknowledging HIS sovereignty.
The church must return to prayer as they obey HIS Word.
Fire of God Church
Fremont, California USA
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
The church must return to prayer as they obey HIS Word.
Fire of God Church
Fremont, California USA
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Friday, April 4, 2014
The false church
Revelation 17:1-6 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls then came and spoke to me, saying, Come with me! I will show you the doom (sentence, judgment) of the great harlot (idolatress) who is seated on many waters,2 [She] with whom the rulers of the earth have joined in prostitution (idolatry) and with the wine of whose immorality (idolatry) the inhabitants of the earth have become intoxicated.
3 And [the angel] bore me away in the Spirit into a desert (wilderness), and I saw a woman seated on a scarlet beast that was all covered with blasphemous titles (names), and he had seven heads and ten horns.4 The woman was robed in purple and scarlet and bedecked with gold, precious stones, and pearls, [and she was] holding in her hand a golden cup full of the accursed offenses and the filth of her lewdness and vice.5 And on her forehead there was inscribed a name of mystery [with a secret symbolic meaning]: Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes (idolatresses) and of the filth and atrocities and abominations of the earth.6 I also saw that the woman was drunk, with the blood of the saints (God’s people) and the blood of the martyrs [who witnessed] for Jesus. And when I saw her, I was utterly amazed and wondered greatly.
Who is the prostitute or harlot that rides the scarlet beast with seven heads and tens horns. Why is the woman robed in purple and scarlet and bedecked with gold, precious stones, and pearls? Why is the woman drunk with the blood of the saints?
The harlot is a false church. The harlot is a false religious system. Many people think the harlot represents the Catholic church or Anti Christ but in reality, it is any church or religious system including many so called Christian churches that are hoarding and idolizing with the world. Many Christian churches are the harlot as the golden calf is still in their hearts. This harlot is the many professing Christians who was once a beautiful city on the hill. You are spiritual Israel. You are spiritual Jerusalem. But now, many who were once faithful are now spiritual prostitutes. Therefore, Jesus is calling His Church to return to their first Love. Many churches have watered down the gospel. They have watered downed the wine. Many are but hirelings.
Isaiah 1:21-23 See how Jerusalem, once so faithful, has become a prostitute(harlot). Once the home of justice and righteousness, she is now filled with murderers. 22 Once like pure silver, you have become like worthless slag. Once so pure, you are now like watered-down wine. 23 Your leaders are rebels, the companions of thieves. All of them love bribes and demand payoffs, but they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or fight for the rights of widows.
In the last days, many churches may have nice buildings and some may not have nice buildings, some may have much money and some may not, they may have the old rugged Cross hung on the wall, they may open the bible to read and study, and they may have good knowledge of the Word, they may have a beautiful worship team and great singers but they lack one color. The harlot was robed in purple, scarlet, gold, pearls, and precious stones. The harlot looked very pleasing with the physical eyes. But with the spiritual eyes, the harlot or false professing church was an abomination to God. This false system, denomination, or church was leading many of the saints to spiritual death.
This whore church is intoxicated with the system of the world with the wine of immorality. The harlot or false idolatrous church is in bed with the kings of the world. It was in bed with the world's system. The saints were led to prostitute themselves with the world's entertainment, world's greed, world's lust, world's murder, world's selfish interests, and world's ways. The harlot church has no distinction but looks, feels, and smells like the world. They claim to be born again but yet there is no radical transformation in their lives except memorizing some verses of the Word and claiming to be saved.
This harlot church robs God of HIS tithes and offerings. This harlot church breaks His 4th commandment (Sundays now) and lusting to go back to her lover, the world, once the short church service is over. This harlot church devours one another in fellowship with lust, anger, jealousy, coveting, and hate. This harlot church has the mark of disobedience and rebellion in their hearts. The harlot church usurps God's authority. This harlot church has no fear of God. This harlot church continues to practice sin and more sin. This harlot church is worse than the unbelievers. This harlot church is physically sick like the world as the wicked one is able to lay hold on her. This harlot church is the tail and not the head. This harlot church is the defeated and not the victor. This harlot church runs cowardly rather than having her enemy flee from her.
1 John 5:18 We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him].
What color is the harlot missing?
Exodus 28:3-9 Tell all who are expert, whom I have endowed with skill and good judgment, that they shall make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him for My priesthood.4 They shall make these garments: a breastplate, an ephod [a distinctive vestment to which the breastplate was to be attached], a robe, long and sleeved tunic of checkerwork, a turban, and a sash or band. They shall make sacred garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to minister to Me in the priest’s office.5 They shall receive [from the people] and use gold, and blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff], and fine linen.6 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff], and fine twined linen, skillfully woven and worked.7 It shall have two shoulder straps to join the two [back and front] edges, that it may be held together.8 The skillfully woven girding band which is on the ephod shall be made of the same, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff], and fine twined linen.9 And you shall take two onyx or beryl stones and engrave on them the names of the twelve sons of Israel;
The color that is missing is blue. What does the color blue stand for? The color blue stands for the commandments of God and for us to obey HIS COMMANDMENTS!
Numbers 15:38-40 Speak to the Israelites and bid them make fringes or tassels on the corners in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and put upon the fringe of the borders or upon the tassel of each corner a cord of BLUE.39 And it shall be to you a fringe or tassel that you may look upon and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, that you may not spy out and follow after [the desires of] your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to follow and PLAY THE HARLOT [spiritually, if not physically],40 That you may remember and do all My commandments and be holy to your God.
Ezekiel 23:35 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have forgotten Me [your divine Husband] and cast Me behind your back, therefore bear also [the consequences of] your lewdness and your harlotry.36 The Lord said, moreover, to me: Son of man, will you judge Aholah and Aholibah? Then declare and show to them their abominations (the detestable, loathsome, and shamefully vile things they do),37 For they have committed adultery and blood is on their hands, even with their idols have they committed adultery [against Me]. And they have also caused their sons, whom they bore to Me, to pass through the fire to their images [as an offering of food] to be devoured [by them].38 Moreover, this they have done to Me: they have defiled My sanctuary on the same day [of their idolatries] and have profaned My Sabbaths.39 For when they had slain their children [as offerings] to their idols, then they came the same day into My sanctuary to profane it [by daring to offer sacrifice there also]! And behold, thus have they done in the midst of My house!
Today, the passing of fire or offering their babies to Molech is the same as abortions. So many Christians have committed abortion and then they enter God's sanctuary defiling His House with no fear of HIM. Where are the repenting hearts? Rather than repenting, they continue to fornicate with one another. Whether the harlot church had made offerings to Molech or have made other offerings to their worldly idols such as coveting, jealousy, addictions, drinking, greedy, lying, pride, drugs, smoking and etc, they continue to come into His sanctuary to offer their abominable sacrifices.
The church today has much to repent. Yes, it may look good on the outside but Jesus said the inside is filthy and HE told His people to clean the inside of the cup first! Where are the desperate hearts on their knees showing true repentance? Where are the desperate hearts to obey so they may find freedom? Jesus said to the church of Laodicea, be hot or cold for the lukewarm will be spit out. If a Christian was cold, he/she knows he/she needs to return to HIM. If a Christian is lukewarm, he/she has no idea they are heading to perdition.
The church must return to HIM with full surrender and obedience repenting on their knees fasting and praying. His command is that His servants teach HIS people to keep and follow HIS COMMANDMENTS without compromise!!
3 And [the angel] bore me away in the Spirit into a desert (wilderness), and I saw a woman seated on a scarlet beast that was all covered with blasphemous titles (names), and he had seven heads and ten horns.4 The woman was robed in purple and scarlet and bedecked with gold, precious stones, and pearls, [and she was] holding in her hand a golden cup full of the accursed offenses and the filth of her lewdness and vice.5 And on her forehead there was inscribed a name of mystery [with a secret symbolic meaning]: Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes (idolatresses) and of the filth and atrocities and abominations of the earth.6 I also saw that the woman was drunk, with the blood of the saints (God’s people) and the blood of the martyrs [who witnessed] for Jesus. And when I saw her, I was utterly amazed and wondered greatly.
Who is the prostitute or harlot that rides the scarlet beast with seven heads and tens horns. Why is the woman robed in purple and scarlet and bedecked with gold, precious stones, and pearls? Why is the woman drunk with the blood of the saints?
The harlot is a false church. The harlot is a false religious system. Many people think the harlot represents the Catholic church or Anti Christ but in reality, it is any church or religious system including many so called Christian churches that are hoarding and idolizing with the world. Many Christian churches are the harlot as the golden calf is still in their hearts. This harlot is the many professing Christians who was once a beautiful city on the hill. You are spiritual Israel. You are spiritual Jerusalem. But now, many who were once faithful are now spiritual prostitutes. Therefore, Jesus is calling His Church to return to their first Love. Many churches have watered down the gospel. They have watered downed the wine. Many are but hirelings.
Isaiah 1:21-23 See how Jerusalem, once so faithful, has become a prostitute(harlot). Once the home of justice and righteousness, she is now filled with murderers. 22 Once like pure silver, you have become like worthless slag. Once so pure, you are now like watered-down wine. 23 Your leaders are rebels, the companions of thieves. All of them love bribes and demand payoffs, but they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or fight for the rights of widows.
In the last days, many churches may have nice buildings and some may not have nice buildings, some may have much money and some may not, they may have the old rugged Cross hung on the wall, they may open the bible to read and study, and they may have good knowledge of the Word, they may have a beautiful worship team and great singers but they lack one color. The harlot was robed in purple, scarlet, gold, pearls, and precious stones. The harlot looked very pleasing with the physical eyes. But with the spiritual eyes, the harlot or false professing church was an abomination to God. This false system, denomination, or church was leading many of the saints to spiritual death.
This whore church is intoxicated with the system of the world with the wine of immorality. The harlot or false idolatrous church is in bed with the kings of the world. It was in bed with the world's system. The saints were led to prostitute themselves with the world's entertainment, world's greed, world's lust, world's murder, world's selfish interests, and world's ways. The harlot church has no distinction but looks, feels, and smells like the world. They claim to be born again but yet there is no radical transformation in their lives except memorizing some verses of the Word and claiming to be saved.
This harlot church robs God of HIS tithes and offerings. This harlot church breaks His 4th commandment (Sundays now) and lusting to go back to her lover, the world, once the short church service is over. This harlot church devours one another in fellowship with lust, anger, jealousy, coveting, and hate. This harlot church has the mark of disobedience and rebellion in their hearts. The harlot church usurps God's authority. This harlot church has no fear of God. This harlot church continues to practice sin and more sin. This harlot church is worse than the unbelievers. This harlot church is physically sick like the world as the wicked one is able to lay hold on her. This harlot church is the tail and not the head. This harlot church is the defeated and not the victor. This harlot church runs cowardly rather than having her enemy flee from her.
1 John 5:18 We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him].
What color is the harlot missing?
Exodus 28:3-9 Tell all who are expert, whom I have endowed with skill and good judgment, that they shall make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him for My priesthood.4 They shall make these garments: a breastplate, an ephod [a distinctive vestment to which the breastplate was to be attached], a robe, long and sleeved tunic of checkerwork, a turban, and a sash or band. They shall make sacred garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to minister to Me in the priest’s office.5 They shall receive [from the people] and use gold, and blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff], and fine linen.6 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff], and fine twined linen, skillfully woven and worked.7 It shall have two shoulder straps to join the two [back and front] edges, that it may be held together.8 The skillfully woven girding band which is on the ephod shall be made of the same, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff], and fine twined linen.9 And you shall take two onyx or beryl stones and engrave on them the names of the twelve sons of Israel;
The color that is missing is blue. What does the color blue stand for? The color blue stands for the commandments of God and for us to obey HIS COMMANDMENTS!
Numbers 15:38-40 Speak to the Israelites and bid them make fringes or tassels on the corners in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and put upon the fringe of the borders or upon the tassel of each corner a cord of BLUE.39 And it shall be to you a fringe or tassel that you may look upon and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, that you may not spy out and follow after [the desires of] your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to follow and PLAY THE HARLOT [spiritually, if not physically],40 That you may remember and do all My commandments and be holy to your God.
Ezekiel 23:35 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have forgotten Me [your divine Husband] and cast Me behind your back, therefore bear also [the consequences of] your lewdness and your harlotry.36 The Lord said, moreover, to me: Son of man, will you judge Aholah and Aholibah? Then declare and show to them their abominations (the detestable, loathsome, and shamefully vile things they do),37 For they have committed adultery and blood is on their hands, even with their idols have they committed adultery [against Me]. And they have also caused their sons, whom they bore to Me, to pass through the fire to their images [as an offering of food] to be devoured [by them].38 Moreover, this they have done to Me: they have defiled My sanctuary on the same day [of their idolatries] and have profaned My Sabbaths.39 For when they had slain their children [as offerings] to their idols, then they came the same day into My sanctuary to profane it [by daring to offer sacrifice there also]! And behold, thus have they done in the midst of My house!
Today, the passing of fire or offering their babies to Molech is the same as abortions. So many Christians have committed abortion and then they enter God's sanctuary defiling His House with no fear of HIM. Where are the repenting hearts? Rather than repenting, they continue to fornicate with one another. Whether the harlot church had made offerings to Molech or have made other offerings to their worldly idols such as coveting, jealousy, addictions, drinking, greedy, lying, pride, drugs, smoking and etc, they continue to come into His sanctuary to offer their abominable sacrifices.
The church today has much to repent. Yes, it may look good on the outside but Jesus said the inside is filthy and HE told His people to clean the inside of the cup first! Where are the desperate hearts on their knees showing true repentance? Where are the desperate hearts to obey so they may find freedom? Jesus said to the church of Laodicea, be hot or cold for the lukewarm will be spit out. If a Christian was cold, he/she knows he/she needs to return to HIM. If a Christian is lukewarm, he/she has no idea they are heading to perdition.
The church must return to HIM with full surrender and obedience repenting on their knees fasting and praying. His command is that His servants teach HIS people to keep and follow HIS COMMANDMENTS without compromise!!
At the end, the world will turn on the harlot and the harlot would have built her foundation on sand rather than the Rock of Christ. Those who have built on sand are the sons of disobedience.
Matthew 7:20-27 Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits.21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].24 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a [p]sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it.
Matthew 7:20-27 Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits.21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].24 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a [p]sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA
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