Know The Times! Series

Series: What is the Spirit Saying?

Opening thought: I received this insight – knowledge to do this series while I spent a week at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. I answered this question by asking many ministers, pastors, Bible teachers and by prayer “What they think the Spirit is saying today?” This is a combination of their answers and it will give you knowledge and even power if you apply these messages to your life.

Quote: from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/columns/fiomascarenhas/scripturallyspeaking/30.asp

The expression, "what the Spirit says to the churches" occurs in each of the seven letters to the particular churches. In these letters, Christ refers to the merits and failings of each community, and offers appropriate encouragement or reproaches. The letters end with an exhortation, either for the church to change its ways (Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, and Laodicea) or to persevere in fidelity (Smyrna, Thyatira, and Philadelphia). The church that receives the most severe reprimand (Laodicea) is not accused of any grave fault but Christ condemns the existing state of tepidity and self-satisfaction ("neither hot nor cold"-3:15); this community enjoys material well-being and the absence of persecution. Such an enjoyment brings on pride which, in folding man in on himself, closes him to every gift from Christ. But Christ’s severe reproof is inspired by his love: for whoever will give attention to the call of Christ and will open to him ("Behold, I stand at the door and knock") will participate with the Lord in the joys of the banquet in the time that is to come.

Many churches across America today match one of the 7 churches addressed in Revelation. I do believe the Spirit of the Lord is speaking to His church today to prepare them for what is to come. If I were to pick a church which parallels us at Christian Hills I would choose Laodicea so let’s read what Jesus says to that church. So think carefully, meditate on this section of Scriptures as I read it to you today.

Revelation 3:14-22:

To the Church in Laodicea

14“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.

15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

17You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

T.S. - So what is the Spirit saying to today’s church, our church or even other churches? How is He speaking? What is He saying?

Introduction:

You could be wondering about the voice of the Spirit – What does it sound like? Is it a booming deep voice or a gentle whisper? How does He communicate? With whom will He communicate? Why does he communicate?

Here are some mediums that God uses so we can hear the voice of the Spirit today:

By prophetic words – like David Wilkerson’s, “The Vision,” He predicted back in 1973 some of the following: Economic confusion, drastic weather changes, rise in porn in the USA and on TV especially after midnight, pleasure palaces will rise in the USA, the sin of Sodom will sweep the nation of America, a great falling away will happen to the church, sexual immorality will be excused and even embraced in the clergy of many main line denominations, the deception of prosperity will sweep the church, the church will become addicted to watching sin as entertainment, there will rise a gossip war in the church against all ministers, “Every motive will be questioned and suspected. Every statement will be examined and cross-examined page 59,” there will be an increase in false doctrines, divorce will sky rocket in and out of the church, teens will be in to hatred of their parents, there will be a rise in drug use, a spirit of persecution will come on Christianity by the media and the watch dog groups, Hollywood will assault the value system of Christianity.”