Uncategorized – Page 4 – Become The Sons of God

BE THOU MY VISION – updated 10/5/17

MY TESTIMONY…

INTRODUCTION
Throughout scripture the presence of the Lord has always been marked by an unmistakable entrance. Unfortunately, in many Christian circles in the United States an experience with Christ is considered non-essential. Or worse yet, it is considered a counterfeit from the Satan, arguing that the Bible alone is sufficient for conversion. And to the “rational Christian” who does not want to appear that dogmatic, a spiritual experience with Christ is often explained in psychological or scientific terms.

And so, in an attempt to be non-judgmental, these fundamentalists often view the “Christian experience” as a self-induced, hypnotic, trance-like state that in reality is nothing more than an adrenalin rush, a dopaminergic surge, a flood of endorphins or just plain old fashion goose bumps. And if the “experience” occurs in a crowd, it is simply called mass hypnosis, special effects, stage craft or charlatanism.

And while attempting to placate what they believe to be a group of emotionally charged “baby Christians” these so called “seeker-sensitive believers” have reduced the Christian experience to a verbal affirmation of doctrine. To them, the initiate reiterates or paraphrases dogma in a quasi-guttural, semi-suburban dialect, which sounds something like “uh-huh” or “yeah.” Later when discipled in the faith the new convert is brainwashed to believe that only those lacking faith seek an experience. They are taught that one only needs to mentally ascribe to a set of prescribed religious formulas now codified as the FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS in order to become a Christian. Like Nancy Reagan’s solution to addiction “Just say NO,” Christian conversion is simply “Just say YES.” In other words, “keep it simple stupid.”

Well, if you buy this schlock – hook, line and sinker, I’m here to tell you you’ve been robbed, lied to and cheated of your inheritance. The reason you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior is because you want to know Him. If He has revealed himself to you personally He cannot be denied.

1st ENCOUNTER
As a child I believed in God. I had heard Bible stories about Jesus and others first from my mother, then later in Sunday School. I believed these Biblical testimonies but I lacked personal experience. I even took my Bible to school every day to prove that I was not ashamed of the gospel. In retrospect I had convinced myself that an experience with Christ was simply emotionalism. Instead, I was memorizing scripture. I somehow convinced myself that I knew Him. But in reality, He was silent.

I also knew from the Bible that “the letter of the law kills but the Spirit gives life” (2Cor 3:6). I cried as an adolescent for years in secret, desiring a confirmation of my faith – even though the preacher thundered from the pulpit that “an evil generation seeks a sign” (Mt 29:39). Night after night, as a young boy of ten or twelve I cried myself to sleep with tears of desperation: “Jesus, if you’re real show yourself to me.”

2nd ENCOUNTER
Finally, at age 18 when I was a high school senior, I was invited to a home Bible study and prayer meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting a friend of mine, Joe asked if anyone wanted to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. I did not! And when asked, I said “NO WAY.” To me that stuff was demonic-like and raw emotionalism.

But out of shear curiosity I whispered to Jean, the woman sitting next to me, “How does one get this baptism?” Part of me was curious because it was a blizzard outside and I thought that perhaps I was being challenged to wade into some freezing river nearby. But instead, in a southern accent Jean responded, “Why you just ask Jesus to baptize you in His Spirit He does the rest.” Well that sounded easy enough. Nobody needed to know that I was praying. I really didn’t expect anything to happen anyways. I then innocently prayed “Jesus, baptize me in your Spirit if this is of you.”

Within minutes I was standing, hands were being put on me, I was crying out for more of Jesus and suddenly, from out of nowhere, a power, a surge, a wonderful warmth that seemed almost like electricity and warm oil slowly worked its way down my body from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. All I could say was “It’s you Jesus, it’s you.” And without a shred of doubt I knew it was Him. The power was so great I fell backwards right to the floor.

And while praising Him, I suddenly began speaking in tongues. It was an incomprehensible language that I could neither control nor did I want to. This experience has never left me and the same power occurs to me as the age of 63 approaches and as I speak in tongues daily.

3rd ENCOUNTER
Shortly after this glorious event and a few months before I planned to go to college I witnessed the visible and tangible Shekinah Glory of Christ. I was invited by a middle aged couple from my new church, the Auburn Assembly of God, to go to a Kathryn Kuhlman meeting in the old Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg. Hundreds, even 1000’s were simultaneously healed as repeating rings of a luminescent fog emanated from her in all directions. These clouds rolled over us and through us, one after another like ripples that form when a pebble is thrown into a still pond.

Toward the end of the service the four of us sitting some 25 feet from the stage witnessed the regrowth of leg muscles on a 20 year girl who was wheelchair bound. Calf muscles that did not exist appeared before our very eyes. It was like watching balloons being filled with gas from an air tank. Within seconds she was walking with ease.

The power in each doughnut shaped cloud that passed through us was so intense it was difficult to remain standing. We were literally jolted as each wave of power swept by. Like the Baptism of the Holy Ghost it again felt like warm oil and a wonderful electric-like power that invigorated, renewed and healed all at the same time. All Ms. Kuhlman did was stand on stage and sing “Hallelujah” in her post-menopausal, cracking and almost guttural voice. People everywhere were jumping up like popcorn, screaming that they were healed.

I went with a married couple, George and Dee, and Pearl, who was in her late 70s at the time. We all saw and experienced the same thing. We got there early, about 4am. You had to – to get a seat. Doors didn’t open until 10am or 11am. People came in wheel chairs, ambulances, with IV poles, and some with nurses in uniform. In the end what was a mean nasty crowd that trampled each other to get in, was after a 4-5 hour service that went by like half an hour, a totally transformed people. Almost everyone got saved, crying, begging for Jesus. As great as that was, it does not compare to what we are entering into now.

4th ENCOUNTER
About a year later while at Houghton Wesleyan College in Upstate New York I encountered some students that I considered “heretics” because they believed and preached a word that they claimed was from God, but these were different from my beliefs. Basically their beliefs challenged my traditional Christian ideas about rapture, tribulation, trinity, etc. Their beliefs seemed altogether different from the beliefs I was taught since childhood.

So I warned others about them and secretly wanted them expelled from this “Christian College.” Then one day I encountered in a dormitory foyer, Lee and Nancy, two followers of these heretical doctrines. They again gave me a summary of their heresy. And in the midst of my arguments I suddenly understood everything they were saying. In fact, I wasn’t even listening to them. In my mind I was trying to think of my next argument to counter their beliefs, when suddenly I fully understood. What I previously thought was heresy I now knew as Revelation. In that split second I received an expanded comprehension of the Lord Jesus Christ, my destiny with Him, His eternal purpose in me, and for that matter, His purpose for all creation.

This experience was not revealed as separate doctrines but was a Divine Revelation such that “the eyes of my understanding were enlightened” (Eph 1:18). It was as if the words of the song were suddenly true for me: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of The Lord” and I saw that He was coming to be glorified in His saints (2Thes 1:10).

My theology, which I have shared openly in my posts did not come from Bible School. It was imparted by the Holy Ghost. In that moment I experienced joy unspeakable and full of glory (1Pet 1:8). As one of His sons I was called not only to be conformed to His image (Rom 8:29) but I was also called to be ONE with Him (Jn 17:21). I understood that I had adopted a spirit whereby I cry Abba Father (Rom 8:15) and that one day I will adopt a new transfigured body (Rom 8:23). But I also understood that beyond adopting promises, I am NOT an adopted son. Instead, I am being born again of an incorruptible seed (1Pet 1:23) and Jesus was the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:29).

Indeed, the whole creation is groaning and travailing in pain for the MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD (Rom 8:18-22). In my previous experiences with Christ I had known Him as the WAY. Following this moment of Divine Revelation I came to know Him as TRUTH. But I still did not know Him as the LIFE.

5th ENCOUNTER
This occurred about nine months after the impartation of “Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Eph 1:17-18). Many trials and tribulations were occurring and I think it is fair to say that I was going through the worst time of my life up to that point. To escape my troubles I visited my friend, Jean in Tulsa, Oklahoma who prayed for me under the anointing and power of the Holy Ghost. During the prayer I was seeminly levitated and thrown across the room by an evil spirit. Immediately afterwards a raspy guttural voice came out of my mouth that said, “No I won’t go.” Not only had I suddenly lost control of voice, but my body was stiff and paralyzed. Once again my theology was challenged because I did not believe it possible for a Spirit filled believer to come under such demonic influence.

My friend continued to pray in the power of the Holy Ghost until the wretched spirit of fear that had haunted me my entire life completely left me. I was then again filled with unspeakable joy and flooded with the sensation of His abiding and dynamic love. It was beyond thrilling. The Kingdom Walk had begun. I was delivered out of my Wilderness and I was now in the Promised Land.

6th ENCOUNTER
For many of us after we began the Kingdom Walk, we were immediately involved in healing the sick, raising the dead and casting out demons. But unforeseen consequences occurred. We had become totally full of ourselves, totally enamored with our “high spiritual standing.” Essentially we become what Oswald Chambers calls “spiritual prigs.” Though we were involved in signs and wonders we are oblivious to our arrogance, pride and blackened hearts. And so our great intercessor, Jesus, the Son of the Living God, slowly begins to reveal how deeply offensive we really are, how very shallow we had become, how truly unlovely we appeared.

Many of us fell into gross sin and debauchery. But we thought it was okay because we were praying for people who got healed. This was exactly my situation. And so once again it was necessary for God to break me and mold me afresh. I was again brought back to my loving Savior so that God could rebuild me, like Zachariah’s Temple that needed to be rebuilt when the Israelites were released from 70 years of captivity. Essentially, while I was performing mighty miracles I was at the same time carried off to Babylon. And while in Babylon I learned that we, His people do not out grow our need for repentance.

7th ENCOUNTER
Decades passed but God is faithful and He has brought me back to a land of promise. This time He gave me careful instruction and he revived my soul with a new fire. He was again recreating and restoring, but this time He spoke to me about a promised land in different terms. It did not involve man, movement or ministry. Instead the Promised Land was JESUS, my true inheritance.

I will be 63 in a few months. In the recent past, that is the last 3 to 4 years, I have been experiencing the Baptism of Fire. Many Christians in the USA have never heard of this. However, this fire-concept has captured the imagination of many popular charismatic ministers today. Though they pray for individuals to receive the Fire of the Holy Ghost they describe the purpose of this experience as one that causes the believer to become more fervent in their faith. That is, they equate this fiery experience to a renewed passion for Christ, for improved soul winning, for a deeper and more fervent prayer life. Many of these ministers have merely defined the Baptism of Fire with a secular definition associated with the phrase “a burning passion.” The problem with this anemic, co-opted, secular definition is that it hardly mirrors the authority associated with Moses and Elijah described in Revelation 11. Here we read of witnesses who are already baptized with the Holy Ghost and have already received “dunamis” or power described in Acts 1:8, 2:38 and 39.

In Revelation 11, two witnesses receive the double portion: “exousia” or authority known to us as the Baptism of Fire. You and I are one of the witnesses and Christ in us is the second. Recall that Jesus said “I am one that bear witness of myself and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me” (Jn 8:18). And even as the ministries of Moses and Elijah were not simply a demonstration of a burning passion, neither is the individual baptized in the Fire of the Holy Ghost simply more enthusiastic. No doubt a burning passion existed with both Moses and Elijah, but their ministries encompassed far more. They were empowered with a divine authority that superseded the kingdoms of this world, the flesh and the devil. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost has been available for about 70 years to believers in large numbers. Christ is now pouring out on spirit-believers who desire more of Him this Baptism of Fire.

Please understand I am not opposed to a believer acquiring a burning passion for Jesus. Indeed, this may be a prelude to the promised fiery baptism. What I am simply sharing with you is that we are indeed at the end of the “Age of the Gentiles” and the Baptism of Fire is no longer just available to a few medieval saints.

The Fire of the Holy Ghost is being poured out to all who ask, seek and knock. In Malachi 3:2-3 we read, “But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord and offering in righteousness.”

He will indeed “do a quick work unto righteousness” (Rom 9:28). During the earth’s darkest hour, soon to be upon us, he will give authority to his two witnesses. I guarantee that you will see in the very near future many Christians who are walking in incredible authority. (Of course they will be accused of being false Christ’s.) Even now God is leading many a spirit filled believer to boldly declare many things in the name of Jesus.

When He first began to pour out His fire upon me I literally cried every time I heard His name or thought of Him. This occurred on a daily basis and it went on for over a year. At times I cried uncontrollably in public. Though I am not longer given to these uncontrollable outward expressions I continue to cry from my heart for Him day and night. I’m drawn to Him like never before. I now understand the words of Martin Luther King the day before his death: “I only want to do God’s will.”

CONCLUSION
It seems that almost everyone in the world even knows we are entering into the end of the age. I am now constantly seeking fellowship with those “of like precious faith” (2Pet 1:1). It would be fine with me if I were to be raptured, but I would rather be “Enraptured by Him,” or Possessed by Him: “That you might be filled with all the Fullness of God” (Eph 3:19).

If He’s in me and I am in Him (Jn 17:23), “it matters not if I am abased or abound” (Ph 4:12). Pre, Mid or Post-Tribulation: “Thou my inheritance now and always.” I don’t plan to die and go live WITH Him. No! “I shall know as I am known” (1Cor 13:12). There is no “with” about it. Instead, it is Christ IN me (not with me) the hope if glory (Col 1:27). Keep the pearly gates. He is the pearl of great price I seek (Mt 13:45-46). Forget the streets of gold. He is the treasure in earthen vessels (2Cor 4:7). It’s not about me. It’s all about Jesus, the lover of my soul (Mt 16:26).

Yes I am ordained but I work in medicine. God made it clear to me that he did not want me involved in “church work.” He wanted me to be with the sick and the dying. There are some ministers who live a comfortable life and spend their time trying to impress people with how important they are as they work on sermons and public appearances. Ministers with similarities to those in the entertainment industry frequently gain the attention of news media. But I believe the true servant of God is one who is willing to go to places where ministers of religion often do not want to go; to deathbeds, to prisons, to speak to sinners and love them. This is what I believe Jesus did. This is why he was always thrown out of the synagogue.

Many are aware of the work that I have committed to for several decades. Although I work 6 to 7 days a week, I rejoice as the Lord has put me in a position to minister to those with great need. Basically, I provide counseling, comfort measures and medications for those who have been abused or neglected. Two days a week I travel some distance from my home and stay overnight in a large metropolitan area. Here I work in several clinics where I share the love of Christ with refugees who have been tortured or who have witnessed the slaughter of their families. Most are from the Middle East. I typically see about 30 people in a 12 to 15 hour day. Although my days are long the Lord is faithful to renew my strength. The Lord is also faithful to provide me with an opportunity to share the gospel and pray for many of those who have suffered beyond what is imaginable.

I also have a private practice where I see individuals who live within a 100 mile radius of my office. Many live at the poverty level and are individuals who have been sent to me for mental health treatment. Others are children who have been abused or neglected. A large number are also women who have been victims of domestic violence. Though I often prescribe medication to address their trauma, most are content to see me on a monthly basis because I take the time to listen to their concerns, share the gospel and pray for their healing or deliverance.

Finally, within the past year I have also been challenged in my private practice to treat individuals who are addicted to heroin. New medications can effectively interrupt the constant desire and cravings for heroin, which is now associated with the death of many young people throughout the United States.

I am sure that many of you are aware that heroin addiction is considered an epidemic not only in this country but in countries throughout the world. At first I see these individuals alone or with their family members. However, after sharing their tragic stories some have invited Christ into their lives and experienced the power of His healing and deliverance.

The time involved with my work is often overwhelming and exhausting and my busy schedule of 7 days per week often takes me away from my family. I have a lovely wife of 42 years, four beautiful adult daughters and 8 wonderful grandchildren. Please know that I am not seeking financial support but I covet your prayers. Likewise I am holding you up in prayer that God will meet those specific needs in your life. Also know that you are loved by me in Christ our Lord. I pray His blessing and anointing rest upon you mightily and that you be used of him in a profound way that brings glory to his name.

I am also truly grateful that God has raised up a generation that is not deceived. This generation seeks to know Christ, to experience His presence (Ph 3:10) and fully comprehend His love (Ep 3:18). For the believer who asks, seeks and knocks (Mt 7:7), nothing less than His abiding presence will suffice. Only after we have tasted of Him (Ps 34:8) do we know this to be true. We worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (Jn 4:24). The doctrines of men are no longer sufficient. We study to show ourselves approved unto God (2Tm 2:15) and He leads and guides into all truth (Jn 16:13). We need that no man should teach us for we have an unction from the Holy One (1Jn 2:20,27).

What is equally exciting to me is that the waiting is almost over. In fact, have you noticed that when you pray now He answers immediately or at least much sooner than ever before? So then, we stand on the edge of Kingdom Living, where time will no longer be the deciding factor of truth. Eliminate from your thinking the axiom “time tells all.” Instead, Jesus tells all. He is the Truth. What we now wait for is that we might be filled with ALL the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19). He longs to fill us with Himself. I pray we are so moved to agree with His desire.

In His precious name,
Bro. Jerry Turk

Be Thou My Vision Hymn – Acapella Arrangement

WHEN WILL JESUS RETURN? – 9/27/17

Apparently even when Jesus walked on earth this was a burning question among His own disciples. To them He responded, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Mt.24:36). As a result and based on this text alone many believers are often inclined to disregard all words of prophecy regarding the Lord’s so called “imminent return.” In other words according to this scripture some say that the hour of His coming cannot be known. And with so many false predictions about the end of the world who could blame the average Christian for assuming a cavalier posture regarding the hour of his coming.

But allow me to share a principal that could provide the basis for knowing the hour. Recall that Jesus said it was impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom. Nonetheless, in His explanation to those close to Him He revealed an overriding and profound truth. Simply this, that the wealthy or the rich can enter the kingdom because “with God all things are possible” (Mt.19:24-26). We might then apply this same principle to the impossibility of knowing the hour of His return. In other words, even though no one knows the hour of His return, some can and will know because He is the God of the impossible.

But the application of this principle sounds a bit more like conjecture than truth. In other words, even though the use of this principle makes sense, the existence of a scripture that explicitly states that the hour can be known would build a stronger case. A good friend of mine used to say, “If you want, you can even get a recipe for fudge from the Bible.” Is that all we’re doing when we prophesy current or future end-time events? Are we just making fudge from the Bible? Is there a Biblical basis for knowing when He will return? Yes indeed, there is justification for this knowledge. REVELATION 3:3, “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”

Now perhaps some might say that this scripture is referring to a personal visitation and not the second coming. But I doubt it since other passages regarding the second coming also refer to this advent with similar language, i.e.: “as a thief in the night” (1 Thes.5:2). Moreover, the parable of the wise and foolish virgins suggests that some will know the hour of His coming and will be prepared, while others will not (Mt.25:1-13). Basically, what we have here is what appears to be a contradiction of scripture. But my sense about these types of so called Biblical contradictions is that there is usually a mystery that the Holy Ghost seeks to reveal to the hungry heart.

If we take a closer look at Revelation 3:3 we see that the carnal Christian or Christians who do not feel the need to repent for their sins are the ones who will not know when He is coming. Indeed the passage clearly indicates that those who have repented will know the hour of His coming. And it can be easily extrapolated from this passage the notion that if you don’t know the hour of His coming that makes you a carnal Christian because it indicates you’re not walking in fellowship with Him. For example, Noah knew the hour of the cataclysmic flood because he was in communion with the Lord. We recall from the story that the Lord informed of His intention to destroy the Earth by water. As a result Noah began to build the ark and became known as a preacher of righteousness. At that time I seriously doubt that he knew the exact moment that the flood would occur. Christians who know the Lord may not know the exact moment of his coming, but like Noah they are aware that the season is upon us. And eventually the Lord directed Noah into the ark and the Bible says the Lord Himself closed the door (Gen.7:16). At that moment Noah knew that the end of that age was occurring. What saved Noah was not his knowledge of boatbuilding, his understanding of environmental hydrodynamics or dispensational timeframes.. What saved him was simply his communion God. He knew the voice of God and responded to it with obedience.

There are also many Christians who have outright shunned the idea of knowing the hour of his coming because they feel it induces fear. But clearly that was not the intent of our Lord when we read Matthew 24. Notice that this chapter is one of the longest monologues of Christ recorded in the Gospels suggesting its importance. Jesus goes into great detail to explain when His second coming will occur and what signs to look for. So obviously He felt that knowing the hour of His return or second coming was very important. He wanted believers to be prepared for a time far worse than has ever been or ever will be (Mt.24:21), and that they not be overtaken like a thief in the night.

Another popular theory used by many Christians to calculate the hour of His coming I call the “thousand years axiom.” Basically, adherents combine the 7-Day-Creation story with the now, well known passage, “One day with the Lord is as 1000 years…” (2Pet.3:8). This 20th century theory is based on the scholarly work of the Irish Protestant Archbishop Ussher, who in 1650 and 1654 published dates of Biblical events that he calculated from Scripture such as the creation, the flood, events related to Israel’s history, the birth of Christ, and so on. Essentially, he derived his dates from Biblical passages wherein is recorded the birth, death and/or lifespan of patriarchs, prophets, kings, and other Biblical figures. By adding the years of each successive generation he was able to conclude that approximately 4000 years existed between creation and Christ. And if the so-called seventh Day of Rest or its correlation, known as the Millennial Reign of Christ accounts for years 6000 to 7000, it is easy to understand that the Age of Grace for the Gentiles accounts for creation days 5 and 6 or the current 2000 years, which have prevailed since the time of Christ. Consequently, with this theory, one can see that the end of the age draws nigh with apocalyptic events at our doorstep.

Although I do not dismiss this theory, I find problems with it rather than a quick and easy solution. First, predicted apocalyptic events do not line up exactly with Ussher’s work. That is, we are expected to accept approximate dates with the occasional 10, 20 or 30 year margins of error. But maybe I’m being too picky here. Second, this methodology seems to contradict Christ’s teachings, or the writings of Paul and John who would have us rely instead on knowing His voice and accepting Christ’s warnings, written in the Word. That is, we should be informed of the hour of His coming by maintaining intimacy with Christ and knowledge of Scripture. Nonetheless, I acknowledge that Ussher’s calculations could also be viewed as confirmation to the Spirit and Scripture rather than a contradiction. But my greatest problem with this theory is that it is simply conjecture. There is no specific Scripture that informs me that the seven days of creation necessarily correlated with the dispensations of man that began with Adam. Now, these seven days may indeed correlate with man’s time on earth by either coincidence or maybe even by design, but not because the Bible tells me so.

Now please know that I readily admit that certain numbers in the Bible have significance and oftentimes have a spiritual meaning. Indeed, the fourth book of the Bible is called Numbers. But the interpretation of numbers and ascribing specific meaning based on human reasoning alone can also be a symptom of fanaticism and apocalyptic predictions for those who are motivated by fear. For example, Psalm 50:10 reveals that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Does that mean that He does not own the cattle on hill number 1001 or hill number 1002? Instead we come to realize that in the context of this passage God is actually owner of an innumerable host which cannot be numbered. So in 2Peter 3:8 when he says “one day is as 1000 years” does He mean that literally or figuratively?

Here is probably the best advice that I can offer concerning the time of Christ’s return. “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief”(1 Thes.5:1-4). Why? Because “My sheep hear MY voice and I know them and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand” (JN.10:27-28).

Be blessed in Jesus name,
Brother Jerry Turk

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BEYOND PENTECOST TO TRUMPETS – 9/26/17

In Numbers 11 we read that God instructs Moses to construct trumpets made of silver to announce to the encamped Israelites the need to move on after they celebrated the “Feast of Weeks”… known in the Greek as the “Feast of Pentecost.” The glory cloud was moving. The trumpets were sounding. Tent stakes needed to be pulled up. And God’s people needed to follow Moses to the Promised Land.

Knowing that the Pentecostal experience speaks of the the gift of the Holy Spirit we are likewise encouraged to move on. Ephesians 1:13-17 reads “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, AFTER that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise…I cease not to… mention of you in my prayers that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him.”

So in moving beyond the Pentecostal experience, or what some call the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are compelled by Paul’s prayer to receive the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him, or a special type of enlightenment that comes from God. Apparently it is so important that the Lord compares this enlightenment in Old Testament type and shadow to the blast of Trumpets.

Essentially this experience which involves divine revelation empowers the Christian to actually comprehend the full extent of His love to “usward who believe.” No more “ever learning, never coming to the knowledge of the truth.” No more need for Sunday School. It is because of this enlightening experience that the songwriter wrote, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

This revelation is divine wisdom. At long last the Christian understands God’s purpose and goal for the entire body of Christ. And that goal is to “conform us to His image,” …that we as “His body” are to be “Filled with ALL the Fullness of God,” …that we enter into Unity and Oneness with Him as He prayed in the Garden, …that together with Him we become Manifested Sons of God to set all creation free.

But this encounter with Christ is inclusive of much more. Knowing the goal and knowing how to get there are two different things. Hence the need for wisdom and revelation.

Yet at the same time this Feast of Trumpets is experiential because a quickening in the spirit occurs with each new insight. For example, in their journey the Hebrews had many experiences and received many specific instructions. They were fed by manna and later by quail. Water miraculously gushed from the rock and quenched their thirst. They followed a pillar of cloud by day which protected them from the blistering desert rays. They were warmed at night from freezing temperatures by the pillar of fire.

They further received instruction to construct a tabernacle that was more like a blueprint of the temple they would build once in Palestine. It would contain three compartments that housed objects such as an altar of sacrifice, a water laver, a golden candlestick, a table of shew bread and an ark where the presence of the Lord visibly dwelt.

The story of Gideon in Judges 6 easily foreshadows this illuminating experience. Though far outnumbered, Gideon and his 300 men in unison broke their vessels of clay revealing the fiery light that was hidden inside. And together while sounding the trumpet they made haste with a loud shout toward the sleeping Midianites. Upon waking the enemy slaughtered each other in the confusion of night’s darkness.

Likewise, God has called us to allow our flesh or “these vessels of clay” so to speak, to be shattered so that the Light of Christ can shine and dispel the powers of Darkness. Empowered by the fire of God within – our anointed voice, like a trumpet causes Satan to flee.

But why were only 300 men chosen? Recall that initially thousands of Israelites were sent home because they were consumed by the cares of this world. Later, a second group were sent home because they lapped up water like dogs? Likewise today many believers lap up the water of the word from man, movement or ministry rather than from the Holy Ghost.

But why only 300? Is there something special about that number?

We believe yes. The Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle of Moses measured 10 cubits by 30 cubits, or 300 square cubits. And when Jesus gave up the Ghost “the middle wall of partition was rent in twain.” Thus the temple was no more divided into two rooms but was now “one new man.” In other words, Jesus the God-Man could now be ONE with His Body.

“What? Know ye not ye are the Temple of the Holy Ghost?” Beloved, as we follow Christ into battle – you and I, like Gideon’s 300, are the Temple of God called to demolish the forces of Satan when we allow our flesh to be broken, allow the light of His love to shine through us and shout the victory in Jesus name. Pray that His divine Wisdom be revealed to you in this hour so that you might receive not just the 30 or the 60 fold, but the 100 fold blessing of His Fullness.

HE’S YOUR SAVIOUR, BUT IS HE YOUR KING? – 9/21/17

Jesus taught us to pray and within this instruction is laid out the mandate of God’s priorities for the church. “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed (Holy) be thy name…”

The first and foremost priority of the believer and follower of Jesus Christ is to elevate and exalt the Lord Jesus within their own heart. Connect intimately with Jesus. Never leave anything to chance. Intentionally seek after and adore the lover of your soul. And as you enter into the celestial realms of true worship, a prayer of the Holy Spirit will arise within: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done IN earth as it is in heaven.” In the economy of God’s Kingdom this is the second greatest desire of God’s own heart.
In the place of intimacy with Christ, God’s longing and passion flows from His heart to ours; that the will (determination) and essence of God’s Kingdom come IN earth. You are that earth!

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. IN earth. In the Kingdom of God… in Heaven, there is only One King and the will of King Jesus is utterly uncontested.

In the Kingdom of Heaven no one contends for supremacy.

There is one King and one will.

Jesus told us to pray that all the perfection, righteousness, peace and joy of God’s heavenly Kingdom would come in earth.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done IN earth (just) as it is in Heaven.”
Notice the preposition “in” as opposed to “on”.

God will never be satisfied with superimposing His glorious Kingdom upon a corrupt, worldly, Earthly realm. He must first change the hearts and minds of those who dwell on Earth. His Kingdom characteristics must be formed within us. Those who were once subject to the rudiments of this world have been translated into the Kingdom of the son of God!

It is, of course, the will of God for His Kingdom to be supreme upon this planet Earth. But how is this to come about?

Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is IN you!” His Kingdom is to manifest on this planet Earth through those who have surrendered to His will. God made mankind from the dust of the earth and so we are that earth that His Kingdom is to be formed in… to come in.

The making of God’s Kingdom within the earth that WE are begins with the dethroning of our own will. With our will we direct and control our lives. If we are to be disciples of Christ then we must acknowledge that there is a greater King; One whose ways are perfect and righteous and better than ours. Here is where we pick up our cross, or cross-out our will. Be precise. Be persistent and intentional about killing the will of your carnal man. Next, I must consistently give way to the supremacy of the will of the King until His will becomes my very own. In this way we become the extension and conduit of God’s kingdom, a living demonstration to the world around us. A witness of Heaven on planet earth. The world will not see God’s Kingdom except it first come in us.

“For the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

IT’S CHRISTIANS THAT KEEP ME FROM CHRIST 9/5/17

“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” (Lk 8:43-48)

Did you notice what just happened? Peter and the others asked Jesus, “What do you mean – who touched you?” You see Jesus was walking through the crowd and he was no doubt surrounded by the disciples. They’re probably yelling, “Jesus is coming through, get out of the way.” They had formed a circle around Jesus. Nobody could touch him. He was too important.

Now maybe you’re in the same situation as this woman. You need to get to Jesus. But he is surrounded by disciples who are keeping you from getting close. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” So you say, “It’s these Christians that are keeping me from Christ.” But notice what this woman did. She pressed through the crowd and the circle of disciples. She was satisfied just to touch the hem of his garment. She wasn’t even touching Jesus. She had settled to touch the thing that touched Jesus. How badly do you want to get to Jesus? You might have to press through the crowd. Yes, there are those who are seemingly going to prevent you from getting to him. But she was determined. She had spent 12 years and all her money on doctors and was still no better. She had no hope! BUT JESUS IS PASSING BY.

And suddenly, like smitten sparks of fire, she was instantly healed. The power of Jesus surged through her body like an electric current and made her completely whole, healed… instantly, miraculously. And Jesus knew it too. “Somebody touched me,” he said, “for I perceive virtue gone out of me.” WOW!

What are you waiting for? What have you got to lose? Don’t let the crowd or the other disciples keep you from Him any longer. Extend your faith now. Be healed in the name of Jesus. Say this with me now …right out loud. “Jesus I need you. I believe in you. Save my wretched soul. Heal me of my infirmity. Make me whole again. I surrender my life to you. I will live the rest of my life for you.”

If you prayed that prayer, write me back. I want to know all about it.

Be blessed in Jesus name,
Brother Jerry Turk

Predestination? – 9/2/17

My dear brother in Christ,

Thank you for asking me to look at your post and make comments. You touch some of the most controversial issues in Christianity today. The terms used concerning predestination or eternal security, well it seems everybody has an opinion.

I was raised in a Christian environment where these explanations were unsatisfying but simple. Then one day when I was about 20 years of age (I am now 62) God poured out on me the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of him. After that all of my taught and entrenched beliefs were radically changed. Now about 2 years prior to this event I had already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. But this was a different experience. One that I had never heard of or was never taught, and yet was now my focus. I became aware that before one is baptized in the Holy Ghost they can certainly Fall Away and lose faith. But later we read that “after that you believed you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” So I believe that there are believers who are sealed and there are believers who are not sealed.

But now to your point about predestination, a seemingly eternal controversy plaguing the church for several centuries. I find it interesting that when discussing predestination we are automatically drawn to Romans 8. This chapter has been so abused and misused by most Christians that it is almost not worth it to study. In modern-day Christianity it seems that the only verses that are important are the ones about “no condemnation” and “all things working together for good.” Essentially this chapter has been co-opted into a dogma that enables Christians to feel good about themselves regardless of their behaviors or actions.

But a real examination of the text reveals that the focus of the chapter is about being “conformed to the image of Christ” and the great future event known as the “Manifestation of the Sons of of God.” Indeed, by this event apparently all of creation will be set free. Consequently by this hope and event we now stand without condemnation. This is the GOOD that all things work toward. So then we are not so much waiting for the Second coming of Christ or a rapture, but we are waiting for our Perfection on Earth, a perfection in which we will be manifested, a Perfection by which all of creation will be set free.

Watered-down versions will insist that this Perfection simply means a desire to want what God wants or some kind of Holy Sanctification, both of which are clearly valid. However, the same Greek word in Hebrews 6 (“Let us go on to perfection”) is used when Jesus said, “Be ye perfect as my Father in Heaven is perfect.” Hence, he cannot be talking about some sort of watered-down perfection that implies Christian maturity.

I believe the Perfection he is talking about is a Perfection that was manifested on the Mount of Transfiguration. Recall his clothes shown brighter than the sun and a voice from Heaven came stating “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” This is what we are waiting for as joint heirs of Christ. We are called to bruise Satan under our feet. We, the body of Christ, will be completely joined to He who is our head and act in perfect synchronicity such that there is no difference between body and head.

When we understand Romans 8 in this context we are forced to look at predestination in a different light. It’s not as though it’s “our choice” versus “predestination.” It is all about God fulfilling his original mandate: “Let us make man in our own image.” To this extent His WILL has been predestined. HE began this work and HE will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Allow me to illustrate with another example. That is, believers are often confused about things they believe are opposites. For example they believe that hate is the opposite of love. But we know scripture teaches us that God has not given us the spirit of FEAR but of LOVE and power and a sound mind. So likewise, choice is not the opposite of predestination. Predestination is God’s will, and the opposite has been expressed by his enemy who seeks to prevent his will. We are not in the equation as much as we think we are. That’s why Jesus said, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you.”

I realize that to you this may be an altogether different theology. Pray about it. Ask God. In America those of us who want to know about this theology, which is also called “Sonship” was first and formerly understood to a large extent in the context of the Latter Rain Movement of the early 1900s. I don’t know if any of this has been useful to you. Again thank you again for asking me to comment. God bless you always Brother.

ONE OUT OF SEASON – 8/26/17

I. YET NOT I
I am pretty much a literalist when it comes to Paul. If you do not believe literally what the Bible says about Paul, then you will probably wrestle with this message. But if you believe the testimony of Paul to be true, then you may be open to this word that I feel burdened to share with you.

If the Bible says that Paul was thrown to beasts at Ephesus, then I believe that he was given over to lions in that city. If scripture says a viper leaped from a fire and bit Paul and he lived instead of died, then that is literally what happened. If Paul says he was in “deaths oft,” then it means that he was in death more than once and came back to continue the Lord’s work. And if Paul says, “nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me,” then this too I take to mean exactly that.

II. OH WRETCHED MAN
I have noticed that many churches today are beginning to take a very subtle position that suggests that Paul had a sin problem. Paul’s credibility seems questioned in some places. For example, some preaching will point to Romans 7 when Paul says, “Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?” and interpret this to be Paul’s personal cry. Here is Paul in Romans 7, they say, complaining that he is in bondage to sin. (“That which I would, I do not; and that which I would not, that I do.”) It must mean that Paul still had a sin problem. This has almost become an accepted doctrine. Beloved, Paul did not have a sin problem. That is not the truth. In speaking to the Romans, Paul became all things to all men, presenting to that church the universal wretched condition of mankind, the state of every man who is not totally the bondslave of Jesus Christ. Why did Paul present this dilemma in Romans 7:24? So that he could answer his own question by saying in the next verse, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord,” going on in the eighth chapter to expound the law of the Spirit.

Are we really to believe that this man Paul, who survived stonings, lions, the bites of vipers, who considered whether he should go to be with the Lord or stay behind to preach the gospel; that this man who was recognized by the demons of hell as having authority over them had a sin problem? (2 Cor. 11:25, I Cor. 15:32, Acts 28:3-6, Phil. 1:21-26, Acts 19:15)

You see, the Body of Christ has difficulty in coming to grips with the apostle Paul. Everyone accepts that Jesus had no sin because after all, He was God incarnate. But Paul was completely human. Human mother, human father, just like you and me. So this is the problem: it is a hard thing for us to admit to the fact that Paul was REALLY filled with all the fullness of God, because if we admit that it could happen to one totally human being, then we are obliged to ask ourselves if it is possible for US to be filled with the fullness of God as well. Rather than face this question, it is easier to say that maybe Paul had a sin problem. It is easier to scan the scriptures looking for some error he made or some contradiction or some fault. That would let us off the hook. Then we wouldn’t need to feel uncomfortable about the lack in our own relationship with the Lord.

III. TEMPER TANTRUMS
I will offer you another example which has gained support among born again ranks which suggests that Paul was not quite on target. It has to do with the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, about whether John Mark should accompany them to visit the brethren. The disagreement was severe enough to cause Paul and Barnabas to go separate ways. (Acts 15) Later, in II Timothy 4:11, Paul requests that John Mark come to him, saying that he was profitable to Paul in the ministry. Paul, according to this fable, had a temper tantrum with Barnabas over John Mark and later saw the error in his judgment. Therefore, Paul was incorrect in his earlier dealings with John Mark. But as we examine the scriptures again, we see a different series of events. In Acts 13:13, Paul and Barnabas were in Pamphylia with various of the brethren, including John Mark. John Mark apparently abandoned the work without the leading of the Lord or the blessing of the apostle. It is clear that he deserted his brethren by leaving Pamphylia. Two chapters later, in Acts 15:38, Paul was therefore reluctant to allow him to rejoin the journey because of John Mark’s earlier instability and unfaithfulness in Pamphylia. Paul’s later statement in Timothy declaring that John Mark was now profitable to the ministry is simply a testimony of how the Holy Ghost had worked with John Mark and established him in the faith over a period of time. It is in no way indicative of a sin or temper problem with Paul.

But here again, it is easier to believe that Paul was in error than to believe that God can fill all in all. (Eph. 1:23) This is a subtle error crept into the church today in order to subvert your faith in God and to keep you from pressing on to the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:13)

IV. THORN IN THE FLESH
Or what about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh?” (I Cor. 12:7) This has produced some interesting speculations and fables as well. Some say it was blindness, some say sin. But the Bible leaves no mystery, for it clearly states in the same verse that the thorn was a messenger of Satan (an evil spirit) sent to buffet Paul. It really does not matter what the evil spirit was. Some get caught up trying to figure this out. The point, as Paul went on to explain in the next verse, is that after his third petition to God to remove this thorn, he realized that God’s strength is PERFECTED in weakness, and that the weaker Paul was, the MORE PERFECT Christ was in him. (I Cor. 12:9) And that is precisely the whole point of all Paul’s writing and his very ministry: that he became nothing and of no reputation that ONLY CHRIST SHOULD REMAIN. Therefore, he even gloried in this buffeting, for when he was weak, then Christ in him was stronger than ever.

V. THE PROBLEM WITH WOMEN
And still yet, some would rob you of your faith would tell you that Paul was in error because he was prejudiced against women. (I Cor. 14:34) Paul was not a social reformer any more than Jesus was. By the time Jesus went to the cross, the Romans were still in power, which was a disappointment even to the disciples. The gospel addresses something much deeper than social reform. It addresses the transformation of the heart by the Holy Ghost.

We know, for example, that in the Old Testament there is much discussion about a reference to a birthing-type experience, which we know is the birthing forth of Christ. (Gal. 4:19) You and I are called to bring forth Christ as a woman brings forth a child. (See Is. 21:3, 6:17; Jer. 22:23, 48:41, 49:22, 50:43; Mi. 4:9 for a few references to a birthing experience). Shall women say to men that they cannot bring forth Christ in the Spirit because they are incapable of childbearing in the natural? Of course not. But why is this ridiculous? Because we know that in the things of the Spirit THERE IS NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE and that ALL are called to bring forth Christ, man and woman alike.

There is a natural order and there is a spiritual order, of which Paul was aware. We must not confuse the two orders. The spiritual order SUPERSEDES the natural order. God is not and never has been a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) This is clear. Esau should have had the blessing, but Jacob received. Reuben was entitled, being the firstborn of Jacob, but Joseph became ruler over Egypt and received his father’s blessing. David, the youngest of Jesse, was anointed king of Israel. THE SPIRITUAL ORDER SUPERSEDES THE NATURAL ORDER. The very fact that God sent Paul to the Gentiles, by which grace we are saved today, proves magnificently that God is no respecter of persons. This includes male and female in the things of the Spirit. God does not care whether the earthen vessel is black, or Puerto Rican, or female. It is always the way of flesh to pigeon-hole people into higher and lower categories. It is the way of carnality. (Ja. 2:1-4) But the call of God is to WHOSOEVER WILL. It is not related to anything of the outward appearance, but it is completely related to the heart, which knows no color, no nationality, and no gender. (I Sam. 16:7)

Paul spoke to the Corinthian church about women. This was the most carnal flock of the day and surely Paul recognized this. The Corinthians were still having trouble with very fundamental truths. They were still involved with fornication, incest, and idol worship. (I Cor. 5:1) And so Paul ministered to them on a level they could understand. He shared with them the milk of the Word, being babes in Christ. (Heb. 5:13) But meat belongs to them that are of full age. (Heb. 5:14) Therefore to another body, he had the liberty to share the truth: in Christ there is no Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female. (Gal. 3:28) They could receive this truth.

VI. ONE OUT OF SEASON
Why have we elaborated so long on these questions about Paul? Do we worship Paul? God forbid.

Paul said he was one born out of due time or season. (I Cor. 15:8) When apples are in season, then all the trees bear their fruit at that time. It would indeed be a strange thing for only one apple tree to bear fruit in a whole orchard. Yet this is what Paul said about himself. Another way of saying out of season would be, “before the appropriate time.” Paul would not have spoken of being out of season unless there was coming a season of similar fruit at a later time. Through the eye of the Spirit, Paul knew that the “season” for others like himself was coming. (Eph. 1:10) This is why it is so important that your faith should not be robbed by those who tell you that Paul, an apostle to this generation, had fallen short of the mark.

Paul knew that others would come who, IN THEIR NATURAL LIFETIME, would surrender their wills, their ambitions, their desires, and die daily to win Christ. He knew that others would come who, IN THEIR NATURAL LIFETIME, would have the treasure of complete Christ in earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:7) ; who would bruise Satan under their heels (Rom. 16:20); who would pull down strongholds and be recognized by the powers of darkness because it was only Christ that was seen in them.

In fact, he knew that an ENTIRE GENERATION would come forth, in season, who would be the revealing of the Lord in the earth, who would be the mouth of the Lord to speak only His words, the arm of the Lord mighty in battle, the feet of the Lord who bring good tidings, who jointly fit together as Christ, His Body; not separated from the Head, but completely and perfectly controlled by the Head. One Christ, many members; He who fills all in all.

That season is upon us for the rest of this orchard to bear fruit. That season is upon us for the remnant who are willing to go the way of the cross to become the manifested presence of the Lord Himself, who have given up everything so that ONLY CHRIST REMAINS in an earthen vessel.

Many people followed the ministry of Christ, they pressed in for healings and deliverance and blessings. People got what they needed. Praise God, He meets our needs. So too today, thousands press in continually to have their needs met. But have you noticed who the Holy Ghost chose to tell us about? Those who went beyond receiving blessings to also lay down their lives – their SELF-LIVES – that they might receive the prize of the high calling, that Christ should be allowed to express Himself through them without hindrance.

VII. BUY OF THE LORD
Isaiah 55:1 says, “Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters and he that hath no money; come ye, BUY, and eat; yea, come, BUY wine and milk without money and without price.”

A widow who met Elijah “bought” for herself a never-ending supply of oil by her obedience to the prophet’s command to give. (I Ki. 17:10-16)

Five virgins were instructed to go and BUY oil for their lamps. (Mt. 25:8)

In Matthew, a man sold all that he had to BUY a pearl of great price.

And in Revelation, we are counseled to BUY of the Lord gold tried in the fire. (Rev. 3:18)

How can this be, if Christ paid the price, that we should need to buy anything of the Lord?

Before Christ, it was not possible to “buy” anything of the Father at any price. The veil was not yet rent in twain making His presence and His life available to us. The sacrifice of Christ makes available to us what was never available before; the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:19)

When you get saved, you “buy” with your repentance what Christ has made available by the blood; you accept your salvation. As you go farther and farther in your walk with the Lord, He shows you more of what is available to each individual what and how much they will “buy.” You can buy a little, or you can buy a lot, or you can buy EVERYTHING. You can have a thirty fold, a sixty fold, or a hundred fold increase. It is up to you. The hundred fold increase speaks about the total fullness of God in a totally surrendered life.

We cannot buy with our money. We cannot even buy with our time and labors, for we know that our works are insufficient. (Eph. 2:8 & 9)

But we can buy God’s fullness with our hearts. Each time you humble yourself to know the Lord, you are BUYING of Him. (Ja. 4:6-10) Each time you ask for forgiveness or forgive another, you are BUYING of Him. Each time you come to a Gethsemane in your life and choose God’s way instead of your own, you are BUYING gold, wine, milk, and oil which are in the Spirit representatives of more of the Lord. You purchase this fullness with the laying down of your self-life. It is the narrow way Jesus spoke about. Jesus did it. Paul did it, being totally human. The point is, IT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU BY CHRIST.

Any teaching that tells you it is not available is sponsored by a spirit of unbelief that limits God by not confessing that with God all things are possible. (Heb. 3:19) The powers of darkness would love you to believe that Paul had a sin problem. They would love you to believe that you are not really joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:17) They would love you to believe that it is not possible for us, being human, to be only earthen vessels containing nothing but Christ.

I declare to you by the Spirit, it is not only possible, but the hour is at hand when the prayer of Jesus in John 17 that we should be one in Him shall become a reality. That remnant shall declare that the works they do are the works of the Father. They shall declare as Jesus declared that whoever has seen them has seen the Father because Christ is ALL THAT REMAINS IN THEM.

You can buy of the Lord as much as you want. But, as the man considered the cost of the house before he built it, consider what you are willing to buy. (Luke 14:28)

Let God arise in you and all His enemies – not a few, but ALL – shall scatter. (Ps. 68:1) Who are His enemies? Not the prince of this world, for he is already cast down. (Jn. 12:31) The enemy of God is the flesh that yet remains IN US, resisting the work of the Holy Ghost. As you buy of the Lord, He will increase more and more, and you will decrease (John 3:30) until, if you buy enough, He is all that is left: that pearl of great price. (Mt. 13:46) There is no glory to the shell the pearl comes in. It is cast out and forgotten. But the pearl is that for which a man will SELL AND BUY.

IN JESUS NAME,
Jacalyn Eddy, PhD.

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CLYIM “Show Me Your Glory” – 8/19/17

This evening we are broadcasting CLIYM’s Radio program, “Show Me Your Glory” for the first time here in Ghana! (7:30 pm Ghana time on J-Life)
We will be teaching from Ephesians one about “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation” that Paul prayed the Lord would give to the church of Ephesus. This church was filled with believers who were also baptized in the Spirit and yet Paul prayed ceaselessly that they might receive this impartation of the Spirit of God. Paul knew they needed more!

I like how Ken Hagin called this “the Spirit of seeing and knowing”! To be those who long to see as Christ sees and to know as He knows is our prayer. This is truly the only way that we can be those who are led by the Spirit. If we cannot see what the Father is doing or or know what He He is saying or directing us to do, then we cannot and will not be LED BY HIS SPIRIT. Jesus demonstrated this walk for us. He plainly told his disciples that he did the works he saw the Father do and He spoke the words he heard his Father say.

If Jesus is the “firstborn among many brethren”, then we ought to press in for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation! Furthermore, how can we ever possibly press into the very fullness of His nature and the ultimate of what Christ has called us to unless we see and know what His great purpose and calling for us is.

Beloved your calling is more than being saved, getting your “fire insurance” and going to church. The word of God tells us that we have been called to the obtaining of glory. Christ, in all His beauty and splendor is this glory we are called to possess! Christ is all wisdom and all revelation! Let us apprehend and press into the greater things and the more excellent way that Jesus has provided for us!

Enter by faith. Become sons of God.

FORGIVENESS: Water to Swim In 8/19/2017

Many have asked me to share a message I delivered on June 19, 2017 at a Roman Catholic conference in Buffalo, NY where I was invited to be the keynote speaker. I estimate about 2000 attended. I am unaware of videos available, so I am simply sharing my notes (which my wife who has a PhD was kind enough to edit before the meeting). Following the message dozens came forward seeking prayer and counsel. All praise to Christ our Lord who saved and healed. May He be glorified.

The message…

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT WARM WELCOME IT’S A PLEASURE TO BE HERE.
Recently I met with Deacon Tom and Father Dave who asked me to speak to you on the subject of forgiveness. They had evidently heard of me through a mutual friend with whom I worked for several years at a clinic run by Catholic Charities. They also asked me for a brief bio sketch, and when they returned the conference flyer to me, I shared it with my wife, who laughed hysterically when I read it to her. I didn’t get it at first. Let me read it to you.

OUR PRESENTER IS GERALD TURK NP PC who years ago, after a conversion experience studied for ministry. But, after volunteering in a State Psychiatric Hospital he changed his vocational goals. (So far so good). He has been a mental health professional with a spiritual background for 42 years. (Okay… Now you know I’m old). He has a private practice and has worked at several mental health clinics run by Catholic Charities in Erie and Niagara counties. He is a family man married for 42 years with much to share with us. “That’s true,” she laughed. “Anybody who’s been married for 42 years MUST be an expert on the topic of forgiveness.”

It’s true, isn’t it? Offenses will come, and not always—or even generally—from strangers, but from those closest to us. The biggest hurts and the deepest betrayals don’t come from the Walmart clerk, but from our husbands, our wives, our children, our parents, our siblings, our close friends. And because those wounds are inevitable, the question is: “What are we going to do with them?” The fact is, time does NOT heal all wounds. And this is what we want to talk about this evening.

I have to say, that this most basic topic in Christianity—the issue that seems most fundamental, most at the very heart of our faith—is, in some ways, the most difficult to discuss.
The first question—“should we forgive?”—is easy: YES. ABOUT THIS JESUS IS QUITE CLEAR.

Matthew 6:15 AMP
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

Matthew 5:23-24 AMP
Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

Luke 17:4 AMP
Even if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him [that is, give up resentment and consider the offense recalled and annulled].”

But despite knowing that we SHOULD forgive, the nitty-gritty of who we should forgive, why we should forgive, and how to forgive get murkier. These other questions are much easier to TALK ABOUT than to PRACTICE.

The question of forgiveness is at the heart of life. It is at the heart of God Himself. And yet, it very often seems to be missing from the world today. In our cultural context, it’s “every man for himself.” We are encouraged to “set boundaries,” “take care of ourselves,” “speak our mind,” “hold the line,” “just get over it.” There is, in fact, a very real implication that forgiveness is for the weak, evidence of “co-dependence,” a sign of serious mental illness, or a subconscious desire to become the proverbial “doormat.”

These attitudes can become infectious, even among believers. We know we should forgive, but answers about who, when, and how get at the very quality of life we end up living.

JOIN WITH ME IN PRAYER RIGHT NOW AND LET’S DEDICATE THIS TIME TO THE LORD.
LORD JESUS, FILL US WITH YOUR SPIRIT.
Empower us to walk in love toward our fellow man. We confess our pride, arrogance and our bigotry. We place these beliefs and attitudes at the foot of the cross and look to you for healing and deliverance. We desire to be the expression of your will and instruments of your love. Thank you Jesus, that your word does not return void. All this is committed to you in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.

I take as my text a passage from the book of Ezekiel, chapter 47, verses 1-4. The metaphor in this passage, I suppose, can be applied to many subjects but I believe it speaks importantly to our topic tonight: levels of forgiveness.

“Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward:

And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.

Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees.

Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.

Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.”

This beautiful passage in Ezekiel actually creates an impressive metaphor by which we can comprehend forgiveness. We can decide to forgive others only up to the ankle, so to speak. We can get into Ezekiel’s metaphoric river only that far. Like the shallow water, it’s a shallow investment and has little, if anything, to do with Christ. And because we’re not in that deep, we can always walk away. We can always get out. Out of the water, and out of the investment.

Ankle-deep forgiveness is primarily born out of social obligation. It is the cultural product of being told to be the “big person” in any situation. We have been instructed all our lives—by parents, kindergarten teachers, football coaches, and Hollywood movies—that forgiving other people is a good idea. It’s true. Have you ever been “forgiven” by someone you felt did it simply because they were supposed to? The words sounded good, but you left with a sense that it wasn’t sincere.

The next level in Ezekiel’s river is a little deeper—up to the knees. Here, the forgiver is a little more invested, but escape to the shore is still easy. This sort of forgiveness is primarily conditional, meaning, you will only apologize if you can escape responsibility, or if the other person asks for forgiveness. It is more sincere than forgiveness at the ankle level, but it comes with strings attached. This is often seen when the forgiver uses the words “if” or “but.” “I’m sorry if you think I hit you.” Of course you hit the person. You clobbered them. They’re bleeding. They fell on the ground. But here you are saying, I’m sorry if you believe I hit you. Do you see the conditions there? The person hit has something wrong with their perception of reality. Equally conditional is the idea that forgiveness is dispensed only on request, like a gumball from a machine for a quarter. But what if the person who offended us never asks? Are we then absolved of forgiveness? Is it conditional upon their begging or upon our beliefs? So far, we have obligational and conditional forgiveness. We have all given this kind of forgiveness, and all received it. But now, the water gets a little deeper.

Next, Ezekiel speaks of water to the loins. This kind of forgiveness is more genuine than the first two. It has much greater depth. It is the biggest investment yet, and probably carries some genuine sincerity. But its shortcomings are two-fold: it is occasional, and it is still safe. Your feet still touch the bottom of the river. You are still in control. You are in deeper, but you can still walk away. It still makes you feel good about yourself, and in this way it is primarily self-serving, even if genuine.

But the fourth level is beyond ankle-deep obligation. It is beyond knee-deep conditionality. It is beyond the feel-good loin deep. Ezekiel’s fourth level is waters to swim in. To reflect the life of our Savior, our feet will have to lose touch with all that’s familiar. We’ll have to give up obligation and feeling good about ourselves and all our conditions. We’ll have to give up all our control over who and under what circumstances we decide to forgive, and start swimming. No longer episodic, you are now swimming, immersed in His life and not your own. Reflecting His image, not your own. You are consumed in this way of life, not easily able to walk back to the shore. That sounds like a lot to give up: control, feeling good, obligation, social cues. But here’s the thing: it’s the only way to get free of gravity. And unforgiveness has its own kind of spiritual gravitational force. Unforgiveness—or forgiveness at the ankle or knee or loin level—still holds you earthbound.

Do you remember when you learned to swim? Do you recall that very first moment when your feet left the bottom of the lake or the pool, and you didn’t sink? Do you remember the gravity-defying liberation of that moment? This fourth level in Ezekiel’s river is not self-serving, but God-serving. It requires you to give up everything you know, and simultaneously sets you free.

Forgiveness would be ever so much easier if it came with amnesia. But it doesn’t. Forgiving and forgetting aren’t the same. Forgiveness begins with an act of will, not a flimsy emotion of the moment. If you determine in your heart to forgive someone, don’t worry if you still feel some pain. Don’t worry if you still feel sad at first. That’s like saying, “I can remember walking on land, so I must not be swimming.” That’s silly. True forgiveness begins with a solitary decision, and evolves to bear fruit. We get to the swimming hole, to speak, not because we feel like it but because we decide to do it, and mostly, because we ourselves are forgiven.

But let’s talk about the flip side of this coin: receiving forgiveness. Personally, I’m convinced that some people actually get a thrill out of forgiving others. In fact, they love to tell you how much they’ve forgiven other people!!! Some people are addicted to the feel-good sense of feeling like someone’s victim.

So what about this issue? What keeps us from asking for forgiveness? I suppose, on the simplest level, it violates our personal sense of rightness. It admits that something we said or did isn’t quite right or has hurt someone else. Here again, we are endlessly taught by our society that other people’s feelings are not really our concern, that being rude is actually acceptable, that admitting wrongdoing is a sign of weakness, that nothing should come between us and our perceived “happiness.” At its worst, in fact, the culture suggests that we each have our own truth and that we bear no responsibility for the wellbeing of others. But we do not believe that. We believe that we do bear some responsibility for others, both in forgiving and being forgiven.

So let me ask: what should our strategy for forgiveness be? Let’s face it—we can make it pretty hard to ask for forgiveness. We can set up barriers that short-circuit communication, that prevent hearing, that stonewall the courage and humility required to ask. And when we do that, we actually punish that person through our silence, our smugness, or our avoidance. In this way, we prevent ourselves from swimming in Ezekiel’s river, and we chain the other person as well.

Why should we forgive? Theologically, the answer is simple: Jesus forgave us and commanded us to forgive others. But beyond that seemingly simple statement, my consistent personal and professional experience is this: the person who does not forgive and who is not forgiven is an unhappy, unfulfilled person. No matter how “right” they might feel, no matter how “safe” they play it by surrounding themselves with familiar attitudes, no matter how bolstered they are by our “tough” cultural attitudes, they are chained in their very core.

All kinds of people come to me and describe their misery. In nearly every case, it goes back to some pain that was never forgiven. They have tried everything to fix it: drugs, prescriptions, relationships, you name it. And they are looking to me to fix it, but no pill I can prescribe can take the place of swimming in Ezekiel’s river.

At this time I like to share with you a personal story. It involves an episode in which I was challenged, perhaps of the first time in my life to forgive somebody I truly hated. I was about 19 years old and received my first real paying job on a 15 bed psychiatric unit in a small community hospital. This was in 1974. And because I had previously volunteered at a state psychiatric hospital I was hired to be the unit orderly. In those days men were hired not as nursing assistants but what was known as orderlies. Basically my job was to keep the peace on the unit and to make sure everything was done decently and in order.

The head nurse, we’ll say her name was Arlene, despised me from the moment I set foot on her unit. Now I weighed 125 pounds soaking wet at the time but she wanted somebody who was over 6 foot tall and weighed at least 250 pounds. She wanted protection from patients who might get out of control. Also I should share that I had a recent experience with Christ and he gave me a heart for patients with mental health issues. And somehow God gave me the grace to talk or pray with patients so that they might calm down and avoid the need for physical force.

But that wasn’t good enough for Arlene. I can’t tell you how many times she said to me “what good are you.” In her best efforts to get me to quit she would often send me into the rooms of a violent patients and asked me to get vital signs or give them a certain medication.

I remember one occasion in particular where a young, very muscular and healthy man was in seclusion, experiencing what was known as PCP psychosis. PCP was a powerful psychedelic available in the 70s that often induced episodes of rage and violence. Once in the room Arlene locked the door and apparently hoped that I would be sufficiently torn to shreds. No doubt after such an experience I would quit. As a matter of course the opposite happened. The young man calmed down after I began speaking to him and after I began praying for him out loud.

I remained in that job 5 years or until 1979 and left after I advanced my career and education. I was glad to be away from that place and hoped never to hear or see Arlene again. Well, 30 years past and Arlene was simply a faint memory. But to be honest I still hated her. However, it just so happened that my sister, Valerie who is a registered nurse and was working in a nursing home and taking care of Arlene at the end of her life. Apparently Arlene inquired about my sister’s maiden name and Arlene recalled working with me. She tearfully shared with my sister how she had thought about me all those years and how much she loved me. Of course Valerie had no idea how much I hated Arlene. But, upon hearing of her love for me I understood that she was communicating her need for forgiveness. I asked Valerie to pass on my love to Arlene knowing that I was offering a pardon to a dying woman.

When I heard of her death I cried uncontrollably. I wished that I had seen her before she passed. But more importantly, I begged God for forgiveness because I had held onto that resentment for over 30 years. There, in my own prayer closet I too received a pardon from Christ. You see, Christ had met me in the waters to swim in and I was set free from the chains that it held me bondage for decades. No, time does not heal all wounds but I know a Savior who does. And what he has done for me I know he can do for you as well. Thank you for listening to my story and thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on forgiveness. God bless you all.

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WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF FIRE? 5/21/17

In Hebrews 6:1-3 we read of the doctrine of baptisms. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” Hence, this passage suggests that more than one baptism is required if godly perfection is to be achieved. What are these baptisms?

First, a public confession of faith and commitment to Christ is demonstrates with a clear conscious toward God through Water Baptism, which typically follows saving faith or a salvation experience.

Next, we experience the anointing of His Spirit with the mighty Baptism of the Holy Ghost, in which we receive the power to witness to others and communicate the very oracles of God in an expanded prayer language.

Finally, a third baptism is recorded in Luke 3:16, “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire.” But what is the purpose of this Firey Baptism?

Historically, a warm fire has been understood as a universal symbol of love. Even in a love sonnet from Song of Solomon 8:6, we read:

Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is strong as death,
passion fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
a raging flame.

Moreover, when Solomon dedicated the first temple, and the people saw fire from the Lord descending over it, they understood that it demonstrated the Lord’s love for them. This love is described in 2 Chronicles 7:3. “When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast LOVE endures forever.” Likewise, when Jesus Christ baptizes us with the Fire of the Holy Spirit, it is a baptism of intense spiritual and divine LOVE that is truly overwhelming and transforming.

With the Baptism of Fire, Jesus Christ cleanses our hearts by changing our desires, and motives, so that we no longer even want ungodly pleasures or things. And if we are tempted, instead of being drawn to those old, ungodly pleasures we find the very thought of indulging in them intensely distressing and unpleasant.

Additionally, this baptism has historically been considered by most Christians to be an intense and long process of purification that does not occur easily. Rather than look to scripture, Christians have traditionally defined the experience by gravitating to the secular phrase, “trial by fire.” In other words, death to ungodly desires could take years of trial, temptation and tribulation. This long and exhaustive process is also often associated with another phrase not found in Scripture known as “Christian Maturity.” Although there may be some truth to these concepts, it is not likely the appropriate definition for the Baptism of Fire. Why?

Because from scripture we understand the advent of a fiery purification occurs suddenly. Indeed this is consistent with the whole notion of “baptism.” Reading Malachi 3:1-3, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall SUDDENLY come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s FIRE, and like fullers’ soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”

Precious believer, if your walk with Christ is filled with a sense of failure and spiritual bankruptcy, then look to Jesus for victory. Ask Him to save you, deliver you, fill you and baptize you in the fire of the Holy Ghost. He longs to hear your heart’s cry even now.

Be blessed in Jesus name,
Brother Jerry Turk

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