Five-Fold Today - Caught In the Second Day - On the Gagging of the Prophets - The "Eleventh Hour" Company - Revealing Jesus - The Present Truth Believer - Listening and Speaking Prophets - The House Is The Gate Of Heaven

December 16, 2000

CAUGHT IN THE SECOND DAY

Debra Westbrook

A new day is indeed upon us! The Third Day Church is arising, walking forward into a greater dimension of the Kingdom, where greater glory awaits us. But where have we been? I heard the Spirit of God speak this to me. "My church has been caught in the 2nd day, in the tomb, somewhere between the passion of the cross and the power of the Kingdom."

The cross brought us to a place of divine confrontation. That which we had been proclaiming with our mouths was now being experientially worked out through each of our lives. The choice was before us. Would we get on the cross? One will never have a clear eternal perspective while standing at ground level. No, we had to die upon the cross ordained by the hand of God for each one of us, while He was corporately preparing us.

A prophetic army must understand this - "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10) To be able to rightly speak for Him in power, we must have the cross worked through our lives. His testimony must become our testimony! His path must be our path! We have been wooed onto the cross by His love, required to follow in His footsteps.

Over the years, we pursued this path to greater glory, a path of radical obedience, little realizing that as we desired more of Him, greater glory would inevitably bring greater suffering. Romans 8:17 says it like this: "...heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings, in order that we may also share in his glory." So suffer we did! The remnant climbed upon the cross to die to all self-righteousness, hidden agendas, and all our religious ways. All our flesh must pass through the cross for the greater glory of a Kingdom Age. No flesh will glory in His presence!

Death was worked into our being for as a Third Day people, we can truly only impart that to which we first die to ourselves. We suffered reproach in His name, endured persecution and rejection for Him, in order to be more fully conformed to His image. Through it all, it has been revealed to us that great grace is required to move into this greater glory! Grace, grace, and more grace! Abounding grace beyond measure to endure and persevere in Christ Jesus. His testimony is being worked deep within each one of us. Who would truly choose to die of their own accord? It is only by radical obedience to know Him in the fullness of His suffering that we will experience the power of His resurrection. There is no way to become a Third Day church unless we follow the path Jesus took through His own three days. We must be empowered by His grace every step along the way. A hunger for radical obedience draws us to the cross, but only great grace keeps us there until our death!

Moving into the 2nd Day, we have discovered that our next stop was the tomb. It is here that many of us found ourselves, waiting to be called forth. But it did not happen as quick as we had hoped for because there was so much within ourselves yet to die. It is a holy hush, a divine silence that is upon us as John Moore recently spoke of in a prophetic posting.

Our flesh continued to decay and rot! Just when we thought we were dead, we realize we are not dead enough. It is as if we have been trapped in the increasing revelation that within us, each of us, is no good thing. In this time of divine silence, we have been brought back to the basics again - the passion of the cross, the power in His blood, and a glorious hunger for intimacy and worship of our King. This has been as a sweet fragrance unto Him for it has come in times of suffering. How pleased I believe that He is!

Knowing the end from the beginning, He is well aware of the necessity for this Third Day people to be brought to this place for such a time as this. He was and is bringing us to an end of ourselves asking very simple questions such as:

Can I trust you?

Will you follow me totally abandoned and surrendered to my plans and purposes?

Will you seek My face and not my hand?

Do you love Me?

The tomb has become a womb, a birthing place, for those who have discerned accurately. Our prophetic destiny in His divine purpose is being imparted in the silence. It has been the hand of God that has secured the entrance until His perfect timing, as God calls us to arise and come forth into the Third Day. We must not be deceived as we venture forth - we have by no means arrived. We are still in process, as we go from glory to glory to glory. Remember, greater glory will always require greater suffering - our flesh must always be brought to the cross to die. It is nothing in ourselves that has brought us to this great and glorious time we are about to enter into. It is His blood and His divine love that has drawn us forth upon this path for this time. Let us come forth as He calls us, hidden in God in Christ Jesus. Rise up! A mighty prophetic army with the name of Jesus upon our lips, a clear revelation of the blood, and the cross seared upon our hearts, we enter a new day.

Debra Westbrook
westbrook@worldnet.att.net
http://www.riversofeden.com

On the Gagging of the Prophets

Stephen Hanson.......
To the AP List

Meri,
I looked over Hollie Moody's message called: "The Gagging of the Prophets," [published here June 12th] and looked to see about some of these things mentioned in it. I remember when it came out and also inquired of the Lord about it at the time. With myself, I haven't noticed a "lessening of messages coming forth from Him," in light of this message, but have noticed an overall lessening in the body at large in terms of prophetic words perhaps. Some continue to speak forth what He gives. Perhaps the "tone" of the messages is changing, in fact I'm certain that that is true. I know it be true in my walk with Him. As we well know there have been times and perhaps they continue, when prophetic messages come forth like a spring of water in the form of comfort, edification, exhortation, etc, etc. etc....The "tone" as I am mentioning here is partly a thing of content perhaps. I believe yes, it is true, that He wants us to "grow up," and with that comes a growing up into what is spoken from Him. The more difficult prophecies as we know, emanate in the form of things to do with current events, directional messages, and messages that speak forth what is "yet to come." These are not more readily received and ones which perhaps are not as easily given as well.

Now, please understand that my intent is "not" to do anything here except to expand an understanding of what you mentioned. That is my "only intent," and nothing more.

Now I also believe that there are prophetic messages which do instruct and teach as well also. Truly a teacher will "teach," and a prophet will prophesy, but I believe that we sometimes place these things in neat little packages, and expect there to be no "crossing over into other areas." There are prophetic messages which are "foundational," and speak of biblical and scriptural doctrine. These I would label as "teaching prophecies," and maybe are even like akin to apostolic teaching. Only that they come in the form of a prophecy and not a "direct teaching." God wants to instruct us so that we are not like the horse who has no sense or direction:

8. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. 9. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Ps. 32

Sometimes prophetic words will say specific things about what we should expect to come. Here is a portion of a word that says that:

"The locusts are coming, locusts are coming. There are locusts that are coming into the land. They are being dispersed throughout it. They bring with them devastation. These are things which I have spoken about, and they are coming. In the days that follow, you will see these things manifested in different ways. They come to defile the land, and their seed will follow."

They will manifest themselves in these ways:

  1. A rise in domestic violence
  2. A rise in all forms of pornography
  3. A rise in political upheaval
  4. A rise in cultic activity
  5. A rise in denominational control
  6. A rise in teenage shootings
  7. A rise in many forms of witchcraft
  8. A rise in homosexuality and lesbianism

This message says some things about the danger of falling into strange and unusual doctrines:

"So I AM saying that it is so important how you hear...Then you will not be easily deceived, or misled. It is becoming more and more important how you "discern" the voices around you. Do not easily believe everything you hear about. Remember that satan comes as an angel of light. There are already many of your brothers and sisters who have been misled by his devices. There are many "strange and unusual" teachings which are abounding. Do not get "caught-up" in these things. Do not adhere to the teachings of angels. Worship the Lord your God and Him only. Many have been deceived by "ministering spirits," and to be true, they are fallen angels. Seek Me and you will find Me. Surely, this is the time when every "wind of doctrine" can easily mislead my church."

Lastly, this word from April 15 of this year talks about teaching and instructing us so that we can then impart or equip that to others as well. This below is a "portion" of that word:

"I have instructed my servants the prophets, to speak. To give a word which would "build-up" my body. To replenish the dry land with the rain of my Spirit. The words I give would be like the manna that was gathered in the wilderness. I ask you, my servants, to come before Me."

(The Lord showed me a scene in which I saw the profile of himself, like a giant King, and He was looking down upon His children. There were a few standing in front of Him, waiting for His orders. As I watched then, the Lord gathered up a bowl of water and poured it forth upon these men. As I continued to watch the water, it changed, and there seemed to be many things going on in the water. It began to boil and rise to the surface, and there appeared to be various things in the water. Then out of the water, came other figures, who were garbed in kingly and various robes. I watched these figures, and as they walked, they moved their hands and motioned and spoke.)

"I have instructed some of you to build-up and edify the body of Christ. I have placed my words in you. They have been like fire and burning coals. And some of you have followed my designs in doing this. But I AM calling many of you to other things. For out of the water of my Spirit are coming others. These are those who have been waiting for this time. For they have been in the desert and in caves being prepared for this time. Those of you who have stood before Me in my council, and have given forth my word in obedience, I ask you to help those, and train those who are coming forth. Yes, continue to speak forth my words. Continue to call forth those things and bind them in my Spirit."

(Again, the Lord began to show me some things and here I saw a huge pair of hands motioning to me to come over here and sit down. He then said, "Come and sit down, for many of you have been trained in my Spirit, but it is now time, to begin training others. For school has begun and it is time to get into your seats.)

Now, I realize you know what I'm talking about Meri; I just felt that some clarity sometimes needs to be brought forth with these things sometimes so that we can ALL then perhaps come to a better understanding. We know that the "winds will blow," that He wants a "body to be united,"that we need to stay in the "Center of the hurricane," that there are "different seasons that we go through," and on and on. These are messages that perhaps warn, encourage, and enlighten. May He teach us and bring us unto maturity, so that what is spoken will be articulated in a way that it is clear 'what way to go,' so that we won't be groping around in the dark.

"I have instructed my servants the prophets, to speak. To give a word which would "build-up" my body. To replenish the dry land with the rain of my Spirit. The words I give would be like the manna that was gathered in the wilderness. I ask you, my servants, to come before Me."

(The Lord showed me a scene in which I saw the profile of himself, like a giant King, and He was looking down upon His children. There were a few standing in front of Him, waiting for His orders. As I watched then, the Lord gathered up a bowl of water and poured it forth upon these men. As I continued to watch the water, it changed, and there seemed to be many things going on in the water. It began to boil and rise to the surface, and there appeared to be various things in the water. Then out of the water, came other figures, who were garbed in kingly and various robes. I watched these figures, and as they walked, they moved their hands and motioned and spoke.)

"I have instructed some of you to build-up and edify the body of Christ. I have placed my words in you. They have been like fire and burning coals. And some of you have followed my designs in doing this. But I AM calling many of you to other things. For out of the water of my Spirit are coming others. These are those who have been waiting for this time. For they have been in the desert and in caves being prepared for this time. Those of you who have stood before Me in my council, and have given forth my word in obedience, I ask you to help those, and train those who are coming forth. Yes, continue to speak forth my words. Continue to call forth those things and bind them in my Spirit."

(Again, the Lord began to show me some things and here I saw a huge pair of hands motioning to me to come over here and sit down. He then said, "Come and sit down, for many of you have been trained in my Spirit, but it is now time, to begin training others. For school has begun and it is time to get into your seats.)

In ending this:

34. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, `Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jer. 31

Stephen Hanson

cshanson@tri-lakesonline.net

The "Eleventh Hour" Company

Jim Wies

For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, . And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day?' "They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.'

"So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.' "And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner. "But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. "So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen." Matt 20:1-16.

There is a large company of saints who could be called the "Eleventh Hour" company, who have not found their place of work in the service of the King. The Eleventh Hour Company is the company of believers who have been idle in the market place until such a time as they find their place in ministry. Of course, part of the reason is that much of the church over the years has been more like a "spectator sport" than a "work force" for the Kingdom. The church has been astutely compared at times to a typical professional football game (or soccer, for you Europeans ) On the playing field are 24 over-worked and exhausted 'players' in desperate need of a break, while in the stands are 24,000 under-worked and out of shape 'spectators' in desperate need of some exercise.

Much of the way Church has been structured has leant to this dilemma, with certain 'paid professionals' doing the work of the ministry, and most of the rest just watching or waiting. But this scenario is about to change. The time of the "eleventh hour" work force is coming into place. Some have called it the "saints" movement, while others refer to it in terms of the "nameless, faceless revival" of the saints. Call it what you will, but it is a clear event in God's plan for end-times restoration. (note, Acts 3:20-21; Acts 15:16-18, etc) Of this period of time Psalms 110:3 states: "Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew."

But this eleventh hour company, as described in the Lords parable, when asked why they were idle, said that no one had given them a job. While we are currently seeing an emphasis in many circles on the restoration of the five-fold ministry in the Body of Christ, it is valuable to see that these critical ministries are not an end in themselves, as needed as they are; but are designed to be "equippers" of the saints. That is, to train, impart, activate, and deploy the saints in the work of ministry.

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, [that we] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." Eph 4:11-16

It is the time for leaders to make a place, and for the church to arise into it's place, and give themselves as laborers of the harvest. As we move into the time of the Eleventh Hour Company, two things need to happen in the church; leaders must become equippers, and saints much arise to pursue the discovery and fulfillment of their destiny, calling and purpose in the Kingdom of God.

It's not to late to sign up. The pay is out of this world and the benefits are eternal.

~Jim Wies
Edify Ministries International
jimmy@edify-ministries.org
www.edify-ministries.org

Revealing Jesus

Alison Bowling

In John 1:31 it says, "I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." The Father sent John to baptize, in order that Jesus might be revealed. John's role was to baptize and to call people to repentance, but the purpose of John's life and ministry was to reveal the Lamb of God. He himself did not know who this Lamb was that he had been called to reveal. Before He could reveal the Lamb of God, he needed a revelation himself. I don't know how long John was baptizing in the wilderness - it may have been many years, but I imagine that throughout this time, John was always on the lookout for the Messiah. He was constantly anticipating and expecting Him to be revealed. Maybe he woke up each morning wondering if this would be the day when he would see the Spirit descend on Him. But in the meantime, he faithfully fulfilled the task that God had given him to do. And finally, all the years of faithful obedience bore fruit as the hearts that had been prepared through his ministry responded to the Lord when He was revealed.

As I meditated on this scripture, it occurred to me that, like John the Baptist, God has called each of us to a destiny - that of revealing Jesus. In addition, God has sent us and gifted us with ministries and opportunities for service that he expects us to perform faithfully (Luke 12:43). However, our purpose and destiny is not the role or ministry that He gives us. If we allow our ministry to become the focus of our lives - whatever it is, whether building a church or leading a prayer team - we risk making it an idol. Like John, in the midst of our service, we must be constantly on the lookout for Jesus - expecting and anticipating a fuller and deeper revelation of Him, so that our lives will reveal Jesus. Only then will the true destiny of our lives to be fulfilled. Then also we will see the fruit of the years of faithful service on the backside of a desert as others receive the revelation, and "leave their nets and follow Him" (Matt. 4:20).

God bless,

Alison.

a.bowling@utas.edu.au
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
http://www.psychol.utas.edu.au/alison

THE PRESENT TRUTH BELIEVER

by Undrai Fizer Present Truth is God's current dealing or manifestation to the world and the church. It is the present (a right now, current) word and desire of God as He seeks to build His people. It is the thing that God is up to, right now. His present thoughts and plans. It is the thing that He is placing a defining emphasis on at the moment.

The present truth believer is locked into God's full purposes in the earth. That type of believer is in full agreement with the current stirrings of God in His dealings with the fellowship of believers as a whole throughout the world. The believer should be positioning themselves to be in the flow of God has He reforms and reveals the rise of an awesome company of believers in these times.

God's words are not designed for specific groups, denominations, or sects. His present stirring is to His church, you and I, and all of those who seek the passion and purpose of God for our lives. God has a global hunger and a global word.

In order to be in union with Him, we must desire the same desire He has for the Body as a whole. We may all have our distinct and unique ministries, but we should all share in the purpose of God for His Church.

The stirring of God is activating an examination of where we really are, without hiding in the shadows. It is causing us to see if we are up to date with the Spirit. Whatever God is presently doing in the earth, that is where you will see the intensity of His power and anointing. He channels His anointing, creativity, and revelation, in the areas of His present need.

That is why positioning is so important. We, as present truth believers, must align ourselves in the direction of the prophetic Spirit, or flow of God.

Do you love God's church? Do you want to see it healthy and grow into the full stature of Christ? Do you pray and seek God's government for the church at large?

Present truth believers think and pray globally. They are not confined to their specific four walls, even though they may be committed to a local expression of God's global kingdom.

There are many prophetic words going forth that confirms God's release and affirmation of the apostolic and prophetic government in the church. There are words that are confirming the raising up of networks and the Reformation of the church. There are words going forth that are bringing clarity to mainstream teachings we may have received as truth, but was wrong in application and content.

When your heart is locked into the Presence of God, the transition will be welcomed, even if it causes a "ripple" between God and mainstream loyalist. Present truth believers will not only embrace what God is saying and doing, they will pray for God's will to be expressed in their local fellowships. They will pray for leadership to receive what God is doing.

Do not be afraid of the term "present truth believer." It is a person who does not want to be out of step with the flow of God and has not allowed themselves to be a victim of the Presence-Less past. They are open to the moves and habitations of God and His set government of the fivefold ministry in the earth.

The Essence of Present Truth Living

It is the heartfelt belief and confidence in the administration of God. A commitment to God's leading of the church and the ministry of His people. Believers that have discovered the big picture of the kingdom of God realizes that this is more than a debate to see if there are still apostles and prophets in effect today (they are still in effect). They sense the stirring tide of the redefining of church as we know it. They are open to the season of change in the global church, and in that openness, they receive without feeling threatened or abused, the apostolic and prophetic anointings (the ministries and anointings used to develop, impart, and activate, the furtherance and wholeness of church government and destiny).

They are not afraid of things constantly changing and being redefined, because they know that this is the pruning and cleansing of the membership ministry of the church. The administrations will change when individuals change. When God does the redefining in His people, the result will be seen in the global ministry.

Undrai Fizer

"It's time to go places in God"
www.exploringthevision.org
UFizer@exploringthevision.org

Listening and Speaking Prophets

Judy Grobelny

I have been reading the recent posts with great interest and praying about them.

I feel the Lord is showing me that as the apostolic matures now the Lord is changing the prophetic in order to 'tune' the two together. Some of those who are experiencing quietness now are those prophetic people the Lord is going to place in close relationship with the apostolic.

When praying I see a huge ship coming to a stop, and get the impression that it is better to stop and turn it than to allow it to swing in the wide circle it would make if it were going 'full steam ahead'. I feel 'stop and listen' are the instructions that go with this.

What comes to mind is when Moses when to Egypt to free the Israelites things got worse before they got better because the Lord was shaking them out of the familiar - it is happening to many in the body right now.

Right now I am personally in a time of silence except for rare occasions like this. The word I had was from Ez.3:24 "Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me and said "Go, shut yourself inside your house."

From all that I know some things for sure - This is a work of the Holy Spirit
I am STANDING in the Lord
He has spoken to me directly that I have spent much time and prayer in His house, but He wants me to do some work in mine for a little while!

I am sharing this in the hope that it might bring clarity and encouragement to others having a similar experience in Him right now.

Blessings,
Judith Grobelny
jaygee@ihug.co.nz

The House Is The Gate Of Heaven

Pastor Francis Frangipane

"In the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it" (Isa. 2:2).

Today, in the very context of our lives and times, the first stages of this Scripture are being fulfilled. Throughout the body of Christ, leaders and intercessors are uniting in unprecedented ways. Indeed, the house of the Lord is being established.

How significant is this? In the history of the church there has never been a time when Christians from so many backgrounds came together as we do today. Our pattern has always been to divide and then criticize those with whom we once associated. Yet, today this trend is being reversed! God is establishing His house.

Some would argue that this unity is a prelude to the "one world church" of the Antichrist. Others contend the emergence of the house of the Lord won't occur until Christ comes. Isaiah plainly says God's house will be rebuilt "in the last days." This refers to our present dispensation. Since the book of Acts, the church has been in the period known as "the last days."

Indeed, in many areas of the third world, the house of the Lord is already rising above the sociological "mountains" of capitalism and communism.

While this has yet to occur in the western church, the Lord continues to remove sin and division from the lives of born-again Christians. When He is done, we too will see the Lord's house rise in cultural ascendancy.

I am amazed by the power in Isaiah's promise. He says "all the nations will stream" to the mountain of the Lord. Only in God can streams flow up a mountain! This promise speaks of resurrection life being poured out upon the nations - drawing people out of the ancestral sins and generational curses that have, for so long, weighed heavily upon them. Supernatural power is coming from the house of the Lord to reverse the "gravity" of life's situations!

Do we not often feel a downward pull, whether from work, school, world events, or cultural and moral corruption? These all weigh heavily upon us. Yet, God's word tells us that wherever the house of the Lord is built, the updraft of eternal life will inspire new beginnings for the nations streaming toward Christ.

Isaiah continues, "And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths' " (Isa. 2:3).

This, too, is happening in our day. While some may be focusing on the signs of the times, as well as the signs of renewal, still others are seeking to go deeper: to learn God's ways and to walk in His paths.

"For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples" (Isa. 2:3-4).

The Lord is rendering "decisions for many peoples" from His house. He compels us to deal with the conflicts between us. He has decreed: Racism cannot exist in God's house. As a result, a worldwide reconciliation movement has begun and is touching scores of nations!

"And they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war" (Isa. 2:4).

Repentance is the first sign of revival; reconciliation is the second. However, the result of being upgraded to God's standards is that He accompanies us in the great harvest. Swords and spears, instruments once used against each other, are being hammered into plowshares and pruning hooks; they are becoming instruments of harvest!

How Awesome is this Place!

Yes, destructive judgments will come upon the world at the end of the age. Yet, an outpouring of redemptive mercy is also coming from the Lord; it is streaming through His house into the world. Yes, the antichrist will arise; but so also will the glory of Jesus Christ be seen in His living house!

It is significant that Isaiah's prophecy refers to the Lord's house as "the house of the God of Jacob." It was Jacob to whom the first revelation of God's house came. We may think God should have chosen one more spiritual. Jacob was fleeing Esau, whom he defrauded. Yet, there is a message in this first unveiling of God's house: God chooses, redeems and transforms whom He wills (see Rom. 9:18). Those He draws into His house, He absorbs into His craftsmanship.

Let's look at this initial revelation of the house of God, for it speaks of the essence of what we will always find in this wonderful place. Jacob had stopped to rest. Putting his head upon a rock, he slept.

"And he had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And behold, the Lord stood above it" (Gen. 28:12-13).

The second characteristic of the Lord's house is this: It is the place where religion fades and the reality of God appears. This is where the living God has chosen to manifest Himself.

"Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' And he was afraid and said, 'How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven' " (Gen. 28:16-17).

The final revelation is that the Lord's house is "the gate of heaven." There is absolutely no place on earth like the house of the Lord! It is truly an "awesome" place.

So Jacob called this angelic reality, this spiritual abode where God and man could dwell together, "Bethel," the house of God (Gen. 28:19). It speaks of more than the visitation of God; this is God's habitation.

The Highest Priority

Throughout the Old Testament, it was the people's regard for the house of the Lord that revealed the condition of their hearts toward God Himself. Whether it was called the "tabernacle," "sanctuary" or "temple," God's house was the focus of His attention.

Consider: By some counts there are fewer than ten chapters devoted to the entire creation event, while more than 1,100 references point us to the Lord's house. The construction and service of the Lord's house clearly rises above all other themes in the Old Testament!

The house was to be a house of prayer, which would open the "gate of heaven." It was not only limited to Israel, but intercession that expanded "for all nations." In this place, sacrifice was brought; it was here that celebration was offered. Even in Israel's times of exile, the house was to remain their focused priority. The Lord told them that as they would "pray toward this place" (see 2 Chron. 6:20, 21, 26), He would bring them back and "heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14).

In biblical times revival was never consummated merely by an increase of miracles or signs. Supernatural wonders may have brought personal or localized revival, but only after the Lord's house was restored could national revival be attained.

One may argue that using the example of the Old Testament temple does not apply to New Testament Christians. Certainly, we are not seeking to rebuild the Jewish temple - although that would indeed be a revival of sorts. Our focus is not on a building made with hands, but the spiritual union created by believers united in Christ. Paul tells us that we are the temple of God, His living house. Thus, the principles that determined revival in the Old Testament are perfectly applicable to us in our times.

Today we are praying and working for revival in our land. If we would give the restoration of the Lord's house a higher priority, if we would repair our ruined relationships and rebuild our fallen unity, we would find an ever-increasing power from God to heal our national needs. We will never have the manifestation of heaven touch earth without the restoration first of the House of the Lord, for God's house is the gate to heaven.

The River

In recent years, the Holy Spirit has inspired many leaders to turn and begin rebuilding the Lord's house. This move toward unity has given birth to praise marches, prayer summits, citywide prayer meetings and prayer retreats; we have come together in Concerts of Prayer, Promise Keepers and other powerful gatherings. We are uniting in evangelism and reconciliation services. Each event has furthered the rebuilding of the house of the Lord.

Now, as our unity increased, in a number of areas, revival is awakening.

The prophet Ezekiel's words illumined what is about to occur. In chapters 40 through 43, Ezekiel foresaw a time when the house of the Lord would be rebuilt, returning God's glory to the temple (43:1-6). The following chapters continue speaking of the restoration, but then in chapter 47 Ezekiel records an amazing event: "From under the threshold of the house . . . from south of the altar" water was flowing (v. 1).

This water was but a trickle at first. Then it flowed ankle deep, then knee deep; soon it reached the loins and continued rising until it became a river that could not be forded. Ezekiel tells us that wherever the river went, it brought life and healing (vs. 8-9 KJV). It is important to see that the river did not flow straight from heaven; it came through the rebuilt house of the Lord!

Today, the house of God is revealed wherever churches are united in Christ. It is the place where, as disciples, we reap the benefits of Christ's sacrifice, and we strive toward obedience to His teaching. His cleansing blood and creative word establish us in His love. We are His living house. From here, His love compels us to cover one another as we reach to the lost.

This house is truly the gate to heaven.

Knee Deep and Rising

Today the "river of refreshing" is beginning to flow in many parts of the world. It is not happening coincidentally, but as a direct result of Christians coming together as the Lord's house. Now some will say, "Wait. The church is not completely united. We still are divided in many ways." True. And others will say the river is still quite shallow. That is also true. We need to see that the depth of the river is proportional to the depth of our unity!

Just as the Lord is not done uniting us, so the river is not done rising. Imagine, therefore, what the river will look like when the Lord is finished building His house. Remember, in the last days this glorious house will be "established as the chief of the mountains."

As we continue to unite as the Lord's living house, the river will rise accordingly. The "sign" of revival is that the house of the Lord is rebuilt.

The house is the gate of heaven; the river runs through it.

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