We are living in some of the most contentious and difficult times ever know to man. As one of my Bible school profs used to say, “if this isn’t the last days, it’s the best dress rehearsal he’d ever seen”. When I was in my younger years during the 1960’s, one of the churches greatest draws were all kinds of prophecy conferences. With the “cold war” in full swing including the “Cuban Missile Crisis”, everyone’s thoughts seemed to be about the end of the world and Jesus’ second coming. Churches were packed with prophecy teachers explaining scripture with charts based upon on the opinions from their study and interpretation of the timing of the return of Christ. We were convinced that the rapture was imminent. Movies like “A Thief in the Night” and “Years of the Beast” and books like Hal Lindsay’s best seller, “The Late Great Planet Earth” only intensified the atmosphere of Jesus’ soon return. In church youth group, we were convinced that Jesus would come back before any of us could experience the joy and marital bliss of a wedding night. That was 50 years ago. Then along came Ronald Reagan in the 1980’s, the iron curtain came down and the entire scenario painted by the teachers of the 1960’s seemed to collapse.
We seem to be living in unprecedented times. In fact, some might say “apocalyptic”. There is so much confusion and fear out there to navigate through. Does anyone else see the insanity in mandating a “jab” for a “virus” that under proper care from correct protocol is 99.9% recoverable? It appears from all the friends I’ve lost in the last 18 months that the best way to not die is to stay out of the hospital. When I was hospital last January, a nurse screamed at me that “if you go to the ICU unit, I would surely die”. I later found out from another nurse that 75% of those that go into the ICU end up in the morgue. I’m so glad that God heard my and your prayers and healed me. Nurses called my recovery “miraculous”. No kidding!!
Psalm 2 is a Messianic Psalm concerning the inheritance Christ would receive by His death, burial and resurrection. A Messianic Psalm points to the finished work of the cross.
7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
I have found over the past several weeks and months that the Lord has been expanding my understanding about the power of the “Gospel”. Jesus said this about the power of the gospel in Luke 4:18-19 (ESV) after he exited from His 40 day fast followed by the Devil’s temptation in the desert.
I recently came across a statement that Bobby Connor said quite a while back. He stated that love opens the door to heaven and that we are to be so full of God that when we go to heaven, it will not be a big transition. I believe we are now being given an open invitation and a challenge to pursue and demonstrate this fullness of the Father's love. These statements reminded me of a scripture that I have been confessing over my life for years.
As I have stated publicly, I believe the next item on the prophetic calendar is not the rapture but the revealing of sons. Because of that, we must realize that the Lord will be pressing those sons into maturity. He uses discipline to train us. Those in the military understand this principle. Many in the church do not. The role of the five-fold ministry is not only to teach inspirational and practical messages but to bring the body to maturity.
This is the time of the awakening. Never before have My people been in a place where they need to wake up like today. They are in their comfort zones and like it there, but that is not where I made them to stay; Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV).
Over the last few weeks, I have been sharing the things I believe the Lord has shown me concerning the time of what the church considers the “last days”. Ever since the 1960’s and Hal Lindsey’s “Late Great Planet Earth”, eschatology has always been a favorite discipline of mine. The return of Jesus was an extremely important expectation of the early church. It kept the church pure with expectation of His immanent return.
Unfortunately, because of all the different views, this teaching has become absent in much of the church over the last several years. Because of that, it’s my view that the church has lost its way. If we don’t know who we are and what’s ahead, we will not be prepared for it. That’s why I have been seeking the Lord so desperately. I encourage you to watch the videos on our YouTube channel, “Cornerstone Frederick” if you need to catch up. Since time is so limited on Sundays, I thought I would share the verses that led me to these conclusions. The foundation for my personal view is from many years and hundreds of hours poring through books and teachings of various views, studying the scriptures, the original languages and finally intimacy to allow Holy Spirit to lead me. The main foundation is from the words of Jesus as He was sharing with His inner circle, Peter, James and John on what would be the signs of His return; Matthew 24:11-14 (ESV)
“And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Judgment & Correction of the Present-Day Corrupt Church:
1 Peter 4:17 (ESV); For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Matthew 7:21 (ESV); “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
The Exposure of Corrupt Shepherds who have abused the sheep;
Matthew 13:30 (ESV); 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Judgment & Correction of the Present-Day Corrupt Church:
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV); But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
The Great Shaking
Hebrews 12:25-29 (ESV); See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
The Great Falling Away
1 Timothy 4:1-2 (ESV); Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared
Matthew 24:10-13 (ESV); Many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
The Great Out-pouring;
Acts 2:17-18 (ESV); “And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
The Revealing of the sons of God
Romans 8:19 (ESV); For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV); But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
The Preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom
Galatians 1:8-9 (ESV); But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel (American Gospel) contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
Matthew 24:11-14(ESV); And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
The Restoration of all things;
Acts 3:19-21 (ESV); 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago, the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
I close this blog with the verses from John the Beloved from Revelation 22:16-17 (ESV)
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Maranatha!! Jesus is coming soon!” The kingdom of God is at hand!
Last week, we had Part 1 of an article sent to me by Dr Bruce Allen, “The structure of the church is about to be destroyed on the shoals of the new thing.” — Dr. Bruce Allen
This week includes the 2nd and last part of the article. Please read it prayerfully and respond to the Lord as He leads you. God Bless!!
Over the past few years, Dr Bruce Allen and his dear wife Reshma has become dear friends of ours at Cornerstone. I am convinced that Bruce received Neville Johnson’s mantle upon Neville’s passing a couple of years ago. His instruction and teaching on the “Glory Realm” is paramount for the church in this next season. Bruce has agreed to be a voice that speaks into the life of Cornerstone going forward. We are extremely honored and are blessed of the Lord for such a privilege.
The last time I heard my friend Neville Johnson speak in California, he spoke of being in the transition from the church age to the Kingdom age. At the time, that did not fit with any of my “pre-conceived” eschatological understanding, so I put Neville’s teaching on the shelf and waited for the Lord to give me more revelation. As I have sought the Lord over the last few years, He indeed has given me more understanding and I have come into agreement with Neville’s statement. In the same way the “Book of Acts” introduces us to the ways of the Lord in the fact that God works and seasons and times according to His own purpose and plan.
One the greatest enjoyments of being a Pastor is meeting gifted people. I love hearing the different perspectives that different people have. For that reason, I’m changing the format of our weekly email blog. I’ve asked others to write over the next season so that you can hear the wonderful insights that so many others have. I received the following from Ed Mack the other day. It is an excellent insight into the Father’s rest. Ed and his wife have been attending Cornerstone for the last several years. please enjoy.
You are to be like lights to shine in this darkness and no one and nothing can sway you. When the narrative comes about that what you know to be true is false you will not be moved. I have prepared you and am in you and you will listen to the voice of your God and Him alone will you trust; Psalm 2:1-4 (ESV)
On March 23rd, 1775, Patrick Henry allegedly made the famous statement “give me liberty or give me death!” I say “allegedly” because It’s not exactly sure that Patrick made the statement. His speech was recalled years after the event from people who had been at the convention. However, Patrick Henry did address the Virginia Convention to gain support to oppose any British Military intervention in Virginia. Tensions between Britain and the colonies had been escalating over the previous decade since the enforced “Stamp Act” in 1765. Revolution was on the horizon and the birthing of a new nation was at hand.
There are many scriptures in the four gospels that point to the cost of following Jesus. Jesus, Himself defines the cost of following Him in Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV).
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
I feel like I have cried an ocean full of tears in the last 17 months. In fact, I was in the hospital battling “Covid-19” when I got the news that one of my spiritual mentors had passed away. He passed away in his 90’s, a few days after his wife has passed away. The family had a double funeral. Although both had lived a full life, I still cried like a baby when I received the news. Our lives change so drastically when we lose a loved one. For a spouse, there is not an experience this side of heaven that is as painful as losing a faithful husband or wife. I’ve also discovered that it doesn’t matter how old you when you lose a parent, it is devastating and life-altering. My heart breaks for those family members whose lives have been so affected and changed by the loss of a loved one.
The Apostle Paul gave this scriptural principle to the church of Corinth in his first letter chapter 12:24-26 (ESV)…
“But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
A few weeks ago, Cornerstone lost a member of its leadership when Jim Potts went home to be with the Lord following a brief but intense battle with cancer. Jim and Barbara Potts have been leaders of “Cornerstone East” in Fort Washington, Md. for the last several years. It is not only a great loss for us but also an incredible loss for Barbara. Barbara has written a beautiful letter to the congregation that I wanted to feature in this week’s blog. The following is from Barbara.
John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
I am truly coming soon and I will bring with Me the wind of My Spirit. Stand and let it wash over you that you will be covered in My glory. I come to rescue, to save those who are perishing, and to those who have forgotten their way.They once knew the power and majesty of their God but have been swept away in the world’s culture. “Come back little ones, come back.”
Thanks to all for your love, support and especially prayer during Cheryl's open heart surgery and recovery over the past week and a half. Cheryl is making good progress each day and I feel she is getting stronger as well! Our church family and friends have been amazing in their support by providing meals for us during this stretch. The meals have all been very healthy, low salt and low sugar and all very delicious. Thanks to Mya Frey for setting this meal train up. Cheryl's first post-op check up with the cardiologist will be this Thursday. Please keep us in prayer for that. She is recovering despite me being her main nurse and care giver but I'm doing my best. I received the following from one of our Cornerstone satellite leaders, Karen Austin last night. It was very encouraging to us so I wanted to encourage you with it especially as we move into a new season...
believe that we are heading into one of the most incredible times in our lives as believers. Oftentimes in history, incredible moves of the Spirit came out of chaotic times in culture. There are many prophets that have a sense that we are on the threshold of a third great awakening. Let’s look at some scripture that would give precedent such a happening. The first is Acts 3:19-21 (ESV);
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.”
This has been quite a year. I don’t believe I have ever been in a year like it in almost my 40 plus years of ministry where there has been the opportunity for individuals to be the cause of an offense or be offended. No one is exempt! Between the “Covid” pandemic and all its related issues, the Presidential elections and all its related issues, I have never experienced an 18 month period that provided more of an opportunity for people to take offense with one another. Can the church survive this season unscathed? We can either stay offended and separate from those we don’t agree with and lose our inheritance or allow the pressure of the season to forge us into a unified “Bride” that Jesus desires in the last days. Paul encouraged the church to be focused on the latter: Ephesians 4:1-6 (ESV),