Category Archives: Home Church

February 3, 2010 · 9:58 am

Why All The Outrage To Pat Robertson’s Remarks About Haiti? (Part 5)

Click on the following for earlier articles in the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

Over the last fifty years, the chief restorational influence on American Christianity came about because of some West Coast hippies. It was called the Jesus People Movement.

The movement’s message was simple: God is love; and He loves you.

It’s an understatement to just say the Jesus People were different than other new Christians of the 1960’s and 70’s. They had long hair, wore jeans, liked rocking guitars rather than organ music, were both enthusiastic and informal at the same time, and came out of communal living environments.

And when the Jesus People attended traditional churches, guess what happened? They didn’t fit in well with the starched white shirt, dark suit and formally dressed crowd. It was like trying to mix oil and water together; each repelled the other.

Thus, the Jesus People Movement spawned their own churches, ones like Calvary Chapel Churches and Vineyard Churches which held laid back, informal services focused on God’s love and building intimate relationships with God and each believer. And also, a new type of assembly came on the scene: Home Groups.

Plus, the music changed. Maranatha Music, Vineyard Music, and eventually today’s modern worship music, all had their origins in the Jesus Movement.

There is no doubt that God’s hand was on the Jesus People Movement. We American Christians needed a fresh focus on God’s love and building relationships without all the hindrances of traditional trappings. Thus, the Jesus People Movement has produced solid fruit in us believers.

But as with all movements throughout the history of the Church, the pendulum has swung too far in one direction. So much so, that today’s Church no longer views Jesus as the Judge or the Holy One who when John saw Him on Patmos , he fell at His feet as though he were dead.

Most of us American Christians now view Jesus as a warm and fuzzy Savior who tolerates all kinds of sin. After all, Jesus is love. And shouldn’t love put up with all kinds of sin?

The answer is a definite NO!

(Love) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:6)

So, with all of this in mind, let’s begin looking at Pat Robertson’s remarks, okay?

(Continued in Part 6)

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Filed under Christianity, Church, Gifts of the Spirit, God, Home Church, jesus, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

February 2, 2010 · 7:47 am

Islamic Terrorists Vs. Radical Christians: New Game. New Rules. (Part 2)

An Updated Rerun 2009 Series

Click on the following for an earlier article in the series: Part 1.

How do you defend a city or a nation against dedicated, radical terrorists like Kasab?

To be honest, there are no fool-proof courses of actions to stop radical terrorists from duplicating a Mumbai-type of incident in our nation. This is especially true if the terrorists have been trained like Kasab and his friends were.

America’s strength is that we are an open society. But sadly, this is also our number one weakness in fighting terrorism. If you couple openness with our national “It won’t happen to us” attitude, we’re sitting ducks, just waiting to be plucked.

For instance, let’s say that you’re staying with your family at the luxurious Beverly Wilshire Hotel, just off Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. Then, all of a sudden, terrorists burst into the lobby. They begin shooting AK-47’s and exploding grenades, killing and maiming everyone they see. Confusion and havoc reigns.

Somehow, you rush your family into a first floor cafe and hide behind a makeshift pile of tables and chairs. You hear the terrorists walking in your direction.

Who can you expect to help you at this precise moment?

Will the president help you? He’ll make a quick statement on TV, deploring terrorism, and will probably add, “Most Muslims are good people. These are just a few bad eggs!”

After all, the president needs the Muslim vote in the next election and doesn’t want to offend CAIR.

Will the governor help you? This is California, not Texas. So, the Governor will first take a quick telephone poll to discover what the people think. You know, he’s running for senator or some important cabinet position and his competition is tough.

The governor will also appear on TV, deplore terrorism, announce that he is considering all options, may even call out the National Guard, and then will take a helicopter to the scene.

Will the mayor and city council help you? These guys will be relegated to low-level radio interviews. But of course, they will deplore terrorism, violence, yada, yada and more yada.

What about the police? They and their SWAT teams will surround the hotel. Phone calls will be made to the governor, mayor, police chief, and whoever else needs to be contacted about weighing all of the pros and cons before taking action. Valuable time will pass before any decision will be made.

What about a DMORT team? This is the one positive which will happen almost immediately. A Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team from Region IX will be dispatched as soon as they hear about the attack. They will bring victim identification equipment, body bags, and storage units for the expected dead people.

So, what can we do?

(Continued in Part 3)

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Filed under Christianity, Church, Faith, Gifts of the Spirit, God, Home Church, jesus, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

February 1, 2010 · 7:01 am

Why All The Outrage To Pat Robertson’s Remarks About Haiti? (Part 4)

Click on the following for earlier articles in the series: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

Paul said to Festus, “This has not been done in a corner.”

Paul’s remark referred to the ministry, trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. You see, everyone in Jerusalem knew about Jesus and His ministry. It was not carried out in secret. Thus, Jesus’ words were trumpeted via Jewish grapevines into every Jerusalem home.

Now, because of this awareness, the apostles and believers had great favor with the people after the ascension of Christ (Spring, 30 AD). The Apostles taught daily at a Temple colonnade and held healing services in the streets.

This tenuous status quo lasted for almost five years. Then, with the martyrdom of Stephen, Saul and Jewish leaders brutally persecuted the Christians. The bloody campaign caused many believers in Jerusalem to relocate to other cities in Judea and Samaria, but the original apostles stayed behind.

The persecution by Jewish leaders lasted for the next twenty-nine years in an on-again and off-again fashion. Ironically, Saul became the Apostle Paul, and then received the heaviest persecution from the Jews for his work with the Gentiles. And the apostles in Jerusalem – Peter, James and John – eventually achieved a peace of sorts with Temple leaders.

From 35 AD until 64 AD, Jerusalem Christians assembled in home churches, but Jerusalem Christianity still had a distinct Jewish flavor about it. Some writers even refer to Jerusalem’s brand of Christianity as “Temple Christianity” to distinguish it from Paul’s Christianity.

As for the Roman leaders, they paid little attention to Christians and considered them a small sect of Judaism during this time period.

All of this changed in 64 AD when Nero began persecuting Christians and in 66 AD when Jewish zealots openly fought Roman armies.

Okay, all of the above history helps lay the groundwork for a powerful prophecy concerning the siege of Jerusalem:

In 66 AD or 67 AD, depending on what source you read, a Christian gave a prophetic word to the Jerusalem church. In the word, believers were reminded of Jesus’ prophecy and warned anew about the upcoming devastation of Jerusalem and advised to move out of the city.

By early 69 AD, all the Christians heeded the prophecy, left their homes, their livelihoods and their Jewish friends, and relocated to Pella (a city sixty miles northeast of Jerusalem) and other Transjordan cities.

The result of this prophecy was that none of the Christians perished in the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Let’s look at this prophetic word:

1. Who was the prophecy intended for? People living in Jerusalem.

2. What audience heard the prophecy? Christians.

Remember: According to Josephus, one-third of Jerusalem (population 120,00) converted to Christianity. So, as forty-thousand Christians packed up and left the city, the other eighty-thousand residents watched on.

Even though the prophecy was given to Christians, believers certainly would have explained to their neighbors why they were leaving. They would have mentioned both prophecies and tried to convince their Jewish friends and neighbors to leave, too. The neighbors then would have told others. On and on, until the whole city knew the reason for the Christian exodus: a prophecy about the soon coming destruction of Jerusalem.

But sadly, at the time, the Jewish zealots were winning the war with Rome. And after all, Jerusalem was the City of God and the Jews were God’s chosen people. Thus, very few Jews listened to the Christians.

So, when the Siege of Jerusalem happened in 70 AD, all had been warned ahead of time about the upcoming calamity.

(Continued in Part 5)

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January 25, 2010 · 6:40 am

Why All The Outrage To Pat Robertson’s Remarks About Haiti? (Part 1)

Let’s begin with a time warp short story looking back at the year 70 AD from today’s perspective:

The CBS Evening News opened with a shot of Katie Couric sitting at a desk, checking a laptop computer. As the camera zoomed in for a close-up, Couric turned and looked into the camera. Her face lacked its usual toothy smile, noticeable creases appeared under her blue eyes. She was not her usual bouncy self.

“Hi everyone, I’m Katie Couric,” she said. “Well, it’s over. The siege of Jerusalem has finally ended. For more on this tragic story, we go to our CBS Middle East correspondent, Lara Logan. ” Couric pivots to look at a TV monitor, sitting next to the laptop.

A beautiful blond woman, dressed in combat fatigues, appeared on the TV screen. She stood near a demolished wall, holding a microphone. “This is Lara Logan. I’m standing not far from what was the Jewish Temple, the center of Judaism. Earlier today, Roman soldiers under the command of General Titus, stormed the Temple and burned it to the ground.”

She paused as pictures were shown of grisly scenes. Fires burning out of control. Bodies stacked in heaps. Roman soldiers looting and plundering. Other soldiers toppling walls so that not one stone remained atop another.

“Josephus, the Jewish historian, stated that peaceful, unarmed Jewish citizens raised their arms in surrender to the onrushing Roman soldiers, but were butchered anyway. Pregnant woman had stomachs slashed open and their babies ripped out, and then the babies were smashed against walls. Men, women and children of all ages were slaughtered,” said Logan. “All in all, Josephus estimates that the destruction of Jerusalem resulted in 1.1 million people, mainly Jews, being killed or starved to death during the five-month long siege. Another 95,000 Jews were taken captive, to be used as slaves.”

The CBS Evening News switched back to Couric, sitting at her desk. “International leaders today have voiced their disapproval to the barbarity of this slaughter by the Roman soldiers. And at this moment, the U.N. Security Council is voting on a joint resolution, condemning Rome,” she said, looking down at her notes for a moment.

“But one Evangelical leader, Pat Robertson, is taking heat for his remarks about this tragedy,” she said as her eyes narrowed.

Then, a video appeared on the TV screen showing Pat Robertson talking to a young woman on the 700 Club program. “And you know, Christie,” said Robertson, “something happened a long time ago in Israel and the people may not want to talk about it. They were under the heels of the Romans and made a tough decision. And ever since, they have been cursed by one thing or another. They need to have a great turning to God. And out of this tragedy, I’m optimistic that something good may come. Right now, we are helping the suffering people and the suffering is unimaginable.”

Once again, the camera switched back to Couric. “How insensitive and sad for a so-called religious leader to paint Jerusalem and a whole nation as godless and deserving of destruction in one off-the-cuff statement,” she said, shaking her head. Then she added, “But you know, Robertson has a history of controversial statements like this.”

She collected her notes and looked at the camera. “Thanks for joining us and that’s the news for August 1o, 70 AD. Good night.”

So, in this time warp short story, was Pat Robertson insensitive and over the top with his remarks?

(Continued in Part 2)

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December 24, 2009 · 8:18 am

Want To Make A Difference Today?

Everyone loves heroes; and I’m no different. But my heroes don’t dribble basketballs, swing baseball bats or act in movies. Mine are those who actually make a difference in other people’s lives.

Mark and Christine Pedder are two such heroes for me. These Aussies live and work in BASECO, a 60-acre slum located in Manilla, Philippines. One look at the above picture will tell you it’s not prime real estate.

If you want more information on the couple’s ministry, check out Mark’s blog; and be sure to look at the pictures. They will grab your heart.

Now, the purpose of this article is to ask you to pray for Christine. She is facing major surgery in January.

So, if you can, take a moment and pray for a miracle healing for Christine.

Remember the Poor This Christmas

On September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa of Calcutta died. Her legacy of how one believer – backed by God – can make a difference in the world is still something to ponder on today.

Something Beautiful for God, by Malcolm Muggeridge, describes Mother Teresa’s first act as a missionary to the poor in Calcutta.

She was walking down a Calcutta street, wondering where she should go and what she should do. She glanced toward a gutter and saw a dying beggar being chewed on by rats. Other people walked past the man and ignored his agony.

Mother Teresa chased off the rats, picked up the man and carried him to a hospital. There she was told that the hospital did not care for dying indigents. She was ordered to leave. Refusing to obey their commands, she caused such a ruckus, the hospital decided to make an exception that one time. The man ended up dying on a clean bed with Mother Teresa sitting next to him.

It was this experience which framed her ministry for her next forty-nine years.

Mother Teresa’s quotes still inspire believers today:

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”

“Each one of them [the poor] is Jesus in disguise.”

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”

“It is a kingly act to assist the fallen.”

“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”

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December 19, 2009 · 11:56 am

Charles Finney’s Words Still Ring True Today

Charles Finney (1792 – 1895) was the most well-known preacher of the Second Great Awakening. His use of extemporaneous preaching and the “anxious seat” were innovative evangelistic tools for his day.

When the revival fires died down, he became a professor, and later the president of Oberlin College. It was his abolitionist influence which caused the college to be among the first in America to co-educate blacks and women with white men.

In 1857, Charles Finney was asked what he thought of the Businessman’s Prayer Revival. His words still ring true today:

We have had preaching enough, now it is time to pray. (Charles Finney)

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December 17, 2009 · 8:31 am

A Great Quote From An Awesome Lady of God

Kathryn Kuhlman (1907 – 1976) is an example of a believer who fearlessly paid the price to walk in the service of the Lord.

Her unique ministry shifted the focus of the Church from the outward show of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit back to the Giver of the Gifts, the Holy Spirit.

She was known as the “woman who believed in miracles.”

My favorite Kuhlman quote is:

“Lord, if you can use nothing, then use me. (Kathryn Kuhlman)

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December 11, 2009 · 8:12 am

Lord, Why Not Call Bill Instead of Me? (Conclusion)

Click on following for earlier articles: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9 and Part 10.

Have you ever been someplace that seemed to fit you to a tee? Maybe it didn’t have a five-star rating, but you didn’t care because it felt good just being there.

Well, that’s the way I felt about the little home church I attended after leaving the prison with a steeple on the roof.

The husband and wife leaders, Marion and Morris, were loving people who cared about others. They had no ambitious agenda outside of evangelizing their working class neighborhood and advancing the kingdom of God.

The main emphasis for the home church was reaching neighborhood children and teens; many of whom had learning disabilities with IQ’s at the five and six year-old level.

Looking back, I can still remember the first night I attended the home church. It was a Thursday evening Halloween party of sorts with treats and drinks. But two memorable things occurred on that evening.

First, a thirteen year-old girl asked for prayer. Why she did, I don’t remember anymore, but she was new to the group. Four of the learning disability kids (fifteen to nineteen years of age) gathered around her and prayed.

And to be honest, they were the absolute worst prayers I have ever heard. One said, “Do this.” Another said, “Do that.” A third said, “Try this.” And a fourth said, “Try that.”

Listening to them, my head almost spun around in circles. But guess what? The girl was set free of her problems, and then she gave her life to the Lord.

Secondly, a seven year old boy walked up to Marion. “I feel terrible,” he said.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, touching his head.

“I feel icky,” he replied.

In the next instant, she explained the good news about Jesus. He wept and nodded his head. They bowed on their knees together and he gave his life to the Lord. He was so excited about his Savior!

Unusual events? Not really. This happened every week I was there and had been going on for fifteen or twenty years before I arrived. Many of the same children’s parents had given their lives to Jesus in that same home church.

Now, not all of the neighbors totally approved of Marion and Morris’ brand of evangelistic Christianity. But each knew if they had problems, the couple would stop by with food, money and prayers, asking nothing in return.

But most of all, what I received from this home church was a revelation of God’s grace. A revelation so deep that it has carried me through every trial and problem since that time.

I would like to ask you to pause and think of the most horrible day you ever lived. The day when you did something you deeply regret. You can take comfort in this one fact: Your heavenly Father saw that day when He chose You in His Son before time…If that’s not good news, I don’t know what is. (From Eternity To Here, 2009, Frank Viola, pp. 71)

If somehow, I could impart a deep revelation of grace into every believer, I would. It’s that great. If you don’t have it, get it.

And guess what? A deep revelation of God’s grace is the only way to stay free of prophetic bondage. The two cannot coexist together because where grace is totally understood, legalism can not squeeze in.

I will have more on prophetic bondage (caused by words, prayers and prophecies by people in authority) sometime in the future. This is a major problem for the Church, especially after the so-called Prophetic Move of God.

(Conclusion. Friday starts a new series.)

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December 9, 2009 · 6:53 am

Lord, Why Not Call Bill Instead of Me? (Part 10)

Click on following for earlier articles: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8 and Part 9.

Though I left the small church, I was still not set free from prophetic bondage . Every knock on the door and every ring of the phone sent waves of panic through me. What if the two pastors were there? What if they prayed for me again?

I preached and prophesied a message of boldness at the home church but lived a secret life encumbered by fear. My prayer times were filled with cries to the Lord for deliverance.

And yet, day after day, I continued to struggle. Where was Jesus, my Deliverer?

If somehow I could have talked with the top leaders in the Body of Christ, maybe a consensus answer could have been reached for me. But what would it have been?

Probably something like this: “Larry, you just need to pray more, fast more and study the Bible more.”

But to be honest, I’ve met very few individuals who prayed, fasted and studied the Bible more than I did during this time period. I slept, worked, prayed, fasted and studied. This was the sum total of my life. Period.

So, more was not my answer.

The Church needs a total change in perspective to operate in the supernatural. We cannot indulge in the laws of reason and logic and expect to fight off the demonic…I believe that God is reasonable, except when He chooses not to be. Then, we need revelation… (Graham Cooke in Permission Granted, pp. 158)

This time, my deliverance was a two stage process.

First, a prophetess came to the home church and taught on fear. As I listened, nothing really stirred within me. Her message was one I’d heard dozens of times before. At the end of her teaching, she asked if anyone needed prayer to be delivered from fear.

Two or three people went forward, but I didn’t give it much thought for myself. Then, when the prophetess finished praying for the people, she said, “I really feel someone else needs to come up her for prayer right now!”

Bingo! Her words lit up something within me. I went forward, she prayed for me and I was set free from the prophetic bondage which had caused me such agonizing fear.

Now, this in itself was like having a boulder rolled away from my cave’s door. No longer did fear strike me when the phone rang or someone knocked on my door. I was set free.

The second stage of my deliverance involves a revelation. One which will help keep me free from prophetic bondage until I finally meet my Lord.

(C0ntinued in Part 11.)

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