As the world is consumed by wars and rumors of more wars going through what appear to be birthing pains, Christians take note: the Lord said these things would be happening, and that it would get worse.

Yet in the darkness of a world that is rejecting God in new ways each day, there is a promise of hope and an outpouring of God that is to wash across the barren earth.

Acts 2 tells of the words spoken by the prophet Joel, saying that we can expect amazing revelations given by the power of the Holy Spirit to those living through these times where rejection of our Maker is increasing in frequency and severity.

According to the Scripture, “‘In the last days it shall be,’ says God, ‘that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

Prophet Charlie Shamp, Co-Founder and President of Destiny Encounters International, shared a prophetic vision the Lord gave him regarding the leadership of the United States who made the declaration, “America is a nation of Pride.”

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“I was taken in a prophetic vision where I saw the 46th president of the United States. I observed with keen interest that this man’s feet were not made of sturdy flesh and bone, but rather, they were composed of fragile clay.

“Without warning, a rock, seemingly hurled by an unseen force, struck his clay feet with such force that it shattered the delicate balance he had maintained. The impact was so great that he was instantly toppled, falling to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris.

“Then, the Spirit of the Lord spoke, His voice resonating like a thunderclap in the silence that followed the president’s fall. He declared with an authority that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, ‘The man who stood tall and proud before you will fall and will not rise a second time. His reign is at an end.’

“The Spirit continued, His voice filled with a stern warning, ‘I am removing him due to his pride, for pride precedes a fall.’ The vision ended as abruptly as it had begun, leaving behind a clear message of divine intervention at hand.

As with all things, Christians should abide by Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Examine all things. Firmly hold onto what is good.”

What would the fulfillment of such a prophecy bring with it in America? Time will tell, but in the meantime, God is in control of today and the coming trials. In that, we can take peace and solace until the Lord returns for His people.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In recent developments across the pond, a bill in the U.K. is stirring the pot, aiming to disestablish the Church of England. An atheist group in the U.S., the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), is praising this move, claiming it as a step toward a more secular democracy. The bill, championed by Liberal Democrat Paul Scriven, challenges the historic ties between the church and the state, suggesting it’s time for a change.

For some, the disestablishment is seen as progress, a move away from what they perceive as the Church of England imposing its doctrines on the majority. The FFRF applauds this shift, highlighting recent concerns over religious inclusion at King Charles III’s coronation. The debate gains momentum as the bill heads to Parliament on Dec. 6.

Evangelist Ray Comfort, renowned for his outspoken evangelism, delved into the Christian imagery woven into the recent coronation of King Charles III in an exclusive Charisma News interview prior to the event. Comfort emphasized the significance of England’s Christian heritage, particularly reflected in the monarch’s ceremony. The evangelist highlighted the symbolic act of the king kneeling before and kissing the Bible, a centuries-old tradition that echoes the nation’s historical Christian roots.

Comfort underscored the importance of preserving these traditions, arguing that they serve as a powerful reminder of England’s deep-seated Christian identity. As the debate over the potential disestablishment of the Church of England unfolds, Comfort’s insights contribute to the broader conversation about the role of faith in the nation’s cultural and historical fabric.

“When Charles is crowned on May 6th, he’s going to reach out his hand and lay it on a Bible and swear to uphold the biblical truth of salvation by grace, through faith,” Comfort explains.

“He’s going to be the defender of the faith. He’s going to carry an orb…it’s a golden globe with diamonds and pearly all over it. [It has] a cross on the top, and it’s symbolic of Jesus Christ’s reign over the whole earth. He’s going to hold a scepter, as David held and as Solomon held.

“He’s going to be anointed with oil, there’s all sorts of things…and it’s going to be witnessed by literally hundreds of millions around the world,” says Comfort.

As we observe these discussions, it’s essential for Christians to reflect on the potential impact on biblical values. In moments like these, we are reminded of the Bible’s warnings about the falling away from faith. The apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, speaks of a time when people will turn away from sound doctrine, preferring teachings that align with their desires. The potential disestablishment prompts us to ponder whether this is a symptom of a broader shift away from biblical principles around the world.

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The proposed separation challenges the long-standing privilege of the Church of England in the House of Lords and the recognition of King Charles as the official “Defender of the Faith.” While some argue it’s a necessary step to modernize, others question whether this will undermine the faith foundation that has been part of the nation’s history.

As Christians, we must remember that our trust is in Jesus, regardless of the changes around us. In Hebrews 13:8, the Bible assures us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” While institutions may evolve, God’s unchanging truth remains a steadfast anchor for believers.

Amid debates and potential shifts, our focus should be on running toward Jesus, not away from Him. The challenges faced by the Church of England invite us to reaffirm our commitment to Christ and His teachings. The uncertainties in the world today find their answer in the unchanging love and truth found in Jesus Christ.

As discussions unfold about the potential disestablishment of the Church of England, we must remember the enduring nature of our faith. While the world may change, Jesus remains our constant guide. As Christians, let us continue to embrace the timeless truths of the gospel in the midst of shifting tides.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent Charisma News interview with Pastor Mike Shreve, the dangers of engaging in practices like astral projection and mantra chanting are brought to light from a Christian perspective based on specific chapters in the Bible.

It is essential for Christians to understand the spiritual risks associated with these activities and how they conflict with biblical teachings.

Astral Projection: A Deceptive Spiritual Realm

Pastor Shreve shared his personal experience with astral projection during his time as a yoga teacher. He described spending long hours in meditation, chanting mantras and attempting to explore the supernatural world. He explained that he had left his physical body and entered a spiritual realm.

This experience led him to a profound realization: there is a realm that exists between the heavens and Earth, a realm never explicitly addressed in Scripture. This realm, often overlooked, is described as the second heaven. The Bible explicitly refers to Satan as the “prince of the power of the air.” This implies that Satan operates in a spiritual realm that is subtly higher than the Earth’s physical atmosphere. Any pursuit of supernatural experiences outside of Christ opens the door to satanically inspired deceptions.

In Pastor Shreve’s understanding, this second heaven is a domain dominated by angelic and satanic activity. It is a realm where spiritual battles unfold, and demonic influence is pervasive. Attempting to penetrate this supernatural world through practices like astral projection inevitably leads to deception, as the realm is ruled by Satan.

Mantra Chanting: A Misguided Path

Chanting mantras is another practice that appears harmless on the surface to many who practice it. However, Pastor Shreve draws a parallel between mantra chanting and the Bible’s warning against “vain repetitions.” In Matthew 6:7, Jesus specifically cautioned against using empty, repetitive words in prayer, as the heathen do.

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The core of the issue with mantra chanting is the belief that it can control an impersonal force or power. This practice treats God as if He were a machine, responding to the right code or incantation. However, the Bible teaches that God is a personal being, not a force to be manipulated.

When we pray and communicate with God, it should be a dynamic, creative expression of our thoughts, needs and worship. God is not swayed by monotonous repetition; He desires a genuine, personal connection with His children.

The Biblical Way: A Personal Encounter with God

Pastor Shreve emphasizes that rather than attempting to penetrate the supernatural through astral projection or manipulate divine forces through mantra chanting, Christians have a unique and true path to God.

When one is born again in Christ, the Holy Spirit enters their heart, bridging the gap between humanity and divinity. God’s longing for a personal relationship with humanity is evident, as stated in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” This highlights His unwavering love and desire for an intimate connection with us.

The dangers of astral projection and mantra chanting are clear when viewed through the lens of biblical truth. These practices can lead to spiritual deception and undermine the unique, personal relationship Christians have with the living God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible warns against engaging in occult practices and emphasizes the importance of seeking God in the way He intended, through faith in Jesus Christ.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In the heart of Glendale, Arizona, the proclamation of the gospel faced an unforeseen challenge when Hans Schmidt, a 26-year-old military medic and committed Christian, was shot in the head while sharing his faith on a street corner.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday, Nov. 15, leaving Schmidt in critical condition and a community grappling with the senselessness of this violent act.

As we unravel the details of this tragic event, it is paramount for us, as Christians, to turn to the Scriptures for guidance and solace. In times of persecution, our faith undergoes scrutiny, yet the Bible assures us of God’s enduring presence and promises.

Schmidt’s response to the Great Commission exemplifies the courage and conviction necessary to share the gospel, even in the face of hostility. The apostle Paul, no stranger to trials for preaching Christ’s message, conveyed to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” This revelation serves as a poignant reminder that persecution is not an anomaly but an anticipated aspect of a life devoted to Christ.

⁦@GlendaleAZPD⁩ spokeswoman Gina Winn hoping witnesses come forward leading to arrest of person who shot Veteran Hans Schmidt 51st Ave & Peoria. He was shot around 6pm Nov. 15th while standing on the corner peaching ,he remains in critical condition #fox10phoenix pic.twitter.com/D2oyAQ0V8l

— Rick Davis (@rdavisfox10) November 17, 2023

The incident is a stark reminder of the escalating animosity toward those who openly profess their Christian faith. Witnessing this unfortunate event, it is crucial to discern the signs of the times. In Matthew 24:9-10, Jesus cautioned, “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. And you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. Then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another.” These words echo the current climate, emphasizing the urgency for believers to stand resolute in their faith despite the challenges that may arise.

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In the midst of the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges. Victory Chapel, where Hans Schmidt served as the outreach director, provides an update on his condition, stating that the family is encouraged by signs of improvement. As a community, let us unite in prayer for Hans’ complete recovery and for strength for his family during this trying time.

Navigating a world increasingly opposed to the message of Christ, let us not be disheartened. Instead, let this incident galvanize the response among Christians. The Great Commission, as given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, implores us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” This mandate remains unwavering, even in the face of persecution.

Let us join in prayer for Hans Schmidt’s recovery and for the restoration of our communities. May this incident inspire a renewed commitment to sharing the love of Christ in America and around the world, even in the presence of opposition. As we traverse these challenging times, may our faith stand firm, anchored in the promises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The recent illumination of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate Taylor Swift’s tour has ignited discussions about the appropriateness of using a symbol of Jesus Christ for secular purposes.

While the initiative aimed to bring joy to fans and coincide with the World Day of the Poor (by collecting donations of food and water for the needy), it raises questions about the alignment of such practices with biblical teachings on the sanctity and holiness of God.

One key consideration is the nature of Taylor Swift’s music, which has been known to incorporate new age and occult themes in her music videos. The Bible warns against participating in practices contrary to God’s holiness and calls believers to focus on what is pure, lovely and praiseworthy (see Phil. 4:8). Using a statue of Jesus Christ to celebrate an artist known for such themes raises concerns about whether it honors the Lord who sacrificed His life for mankind’s sins.

The Bible also cautions against idolatry, emphasizing that believers should worship the one true God. Using Christ the Redeemer, a symbol of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, to project imagery from secular songs may be perceived as blurring the lines between sacred and secular, potentially compromising the reverence due to God.

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Furthermore, the Bible encourages believers not to conform to the patterns of the world but to be transformed in Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:2). While cultural engagement is important, the question arises: Does projecting secular imagery onto a religious monument align with the biblical call to live as lights in the world (Matt. 5:14)? Christians are prompted to reflect on how such practices contribute to the broader cultural narrative and whether they uphold the distinctive values of the Christian faith.

As Swift’s tour continues, the celebration extends to landmarks like Rio’s giant Ferris wheel, featuring lyrics from her hits, which none have taken issue with thus far. While creative and engaging for fans, the broader Christian community may grapple with the tension between cultural engagement and maintaining a commitment to honor and reflect the holiness of God in actions and choices.

The controversy surrounding the illumination of Christ the Redeemer invites Christians to consider the implications of using sacred symbols for secular celebrations. The debate calls for a thoughtful exploration of how cultural engagement aligns with biblical principles, emphasizing the need for discernment and a commitment to uphold the sanctity of God in all aspects of life.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In an unprecedented move, Bethlehem’s annual Christmas display has been canceled by Palestinian authorities “in honor of Hamas martyrs” amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel.

The Bethlehem Municipality officially announced plans to forego the traditional Christmas tree and festive decorations in Manger Square, a site adorned with Christmas cheer since the inception of modern celebrations of the season.

This marks the first instance since 1988, during the first Intifada, that the iconic birthplace of Jesus Christ will be devoid of Christmas decorations.

Officials cited solidarity with their compatriots in Gaza and reverence for the fallen as the reasons behind scrapping the usual plans. While the traditional Christmas mass and prayers will proceed, the city will lack its customary Christmas tree and festive lights.

Additional plans for the festive period are anticipated to be disclosed in the coming days.

“The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration, they are sad, angry and upset,” a spokesperson explained. “Our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood. Therefore, it is not appropriate at all to have such festivities while there is a massacre happening in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank.”

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This year, Bethlehem, typically a bustling tourist destination in the lead-up to Christmas, seeks to convey a message of condolence and mourning rather than celebration. Pilgrims and tourists, who usually flock to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, will find a quieter atmosphere this year.

The Church of the Nativity, recognized as the birthplace of Jesus and a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds profound religious significance for Christians worldwide. Originally associated with Jesus since the fourth century AD, the existing church dates back to the sixth century AD.

Since the initiation of Hamas’ attack on Israel and the ensuing war, Bethlehem has experienced a marked decrease in its usual Christmas cheer. The region has remained quieter than usual, reflecting the somber mood that has settled over the town.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on Oct. 7, triggered by the terrorist group’s breaking of the ceasefire in place that resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of at least 240 individuals.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The war taking place between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas has split the world in two: those for Israel and those against.

The often-quoted quip, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be freed,” is not so much a pro-Palestine saying, but one that pushes for the eradication of the nation of Israel.

Even conservative circles have become split by the pro-or-not stance for Israel.

Recently, conservative commentators Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens, both of The Daily Wire, have been at each other’s throats over their respective stances on Israel.

Shapiro, an Orthodox Jew, is fully behind U.S. support of Israel and believes that the civilian losses occurring are an acceptable price to pay for the eradication of Hamas. He regularly points out that the Palestinians elected Hamas in to power, and they will be free of the terror organization once Israel defeats them.

Owens on the other hand is part of the growing “America First” movement which runs parallel to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” following. Owens is against sending money, aid or military to foreign countries and their conflicts that have nothing to do with the U.S.

These opposing positions have led to furious online back-and-forth’s between the two, with a large part of X (formerly Twitter) watching to see how this plays out.

Candace, if you feel that taking money from The Daily Wire somehow comes between you and God, by all means quit. https://t.co/qachKhAuHo

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 15, 2023

So why is the reluctance for many Americans to support Israel such a big thing? Is it simply because they want to fix things at home first? Or is there a deeper reason?

While many Americans are burned out on the massive amounts of unchecked funding that went to the war in Ukraine for the past year-and-a-half, many Christians, but sadly not all, view Israel as a much different story.

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Christian leaders such as Pastors John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Perry Stone, Greg Locke, Jack Hibbs and many others have proclaimed their unflinching support for Israel, and back their stances up with the Bible.

Yet there are just as many who claim to be a follower of Christ who do not believe that the country of Israel and its citizens are the nation of Israel described in the Bible. Many of these people are a part of the America First movement, and do not want America involved in the Israel-Hamas war whatsoever and cannot fathom why so many Christians are “obsessed” with the country.

To put it plainly, it is because of what the Word of God says. The covenant between Abraham and God in Genesis chapter 12 lays it out very plainly in God’s own words: “I will bless them who bless you, and curse him who curses you.”

Cursed by God should be reason enough to support Israel, but for many it is not. Perhaps they do not believe that the covenant is still in place, a folly of biblical proportions.

Prophecies from the Bible are still coming to fruition, and until the end of the age, God’s hand of protection will be over the nation of Israel. There will be those who revolt against her, and by doing so, they revolt against God.

Yet even with biblical prophecies over centuries, Christians and Jews have not had a great relationship. It was not until the third resurrection of the nation of Israel in 1948 that Christians really took notice, and talk of the end times coming to fruition began to dominate Christian media.

Since this third iteration of the nation of Israel, America has stood by her and supported her. Perhaps they were not always in agreement and did not see eye to eye in a host of matters, but they remained allies.

In these days that many believe are the lead up to the Great Tribulation, it is imperative, according to the Word of God, that America stand with Israel, even as the world turns against her. Note that standing with and supporting do not entail blindly following and being silent should things cross a line. As the old saying goes: Your best friends are the ones who tell you want you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

There is nothing wrong with being a patriot in America and caring deeply about righting the ship at home, because Lord knows the country needs it. But for this to happen, God must be placed first, not America. The blessing over this country through the years is because she was founded on God’s principles and design and honored Him, even while being an imperfect nation.

God was and is the pillar that keeps America held high. To turn against Him, as many in the country have done, and His people, would be a devastating blow to America, should He remove His hand of blessing and protection from the nation.

If somebody wants to put America first, then understand that means putting God first and abiding by His Word, His principles and His design for humanity.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In the wake of accusations that have rocked the Christian community, IHOPKC has developed and released a report on the initial findings of the investigation into founding pastor Mike Bickle.

The following present extracts from the initial findings report put forward by IHOPKC leadership:

Three weeks ago, on Oct. 24, a group of men led by a local Kansas City pastor, (the “Complaint Group”) officially presented IHOPKC’s Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”) with a series of allegations against Mike Bickle allegedly made by eight women whom the Complaint Group claimed to represent.

After three weeks of examination, IHOPKC has identified five of eight alleged victims.

Three of those five have publicly called the allegations lies, a fourth has not wanted to communicate with IHOPKC’s attorney, and the fifth’s allegations relate to incidents that preceded IHOPKC’s founding. Further, it became apparent that the Complaint Group did not have permission to include at least four of the women in their list of alleged victims.

We remain committed to verifying the remaining allegations, but we need the Complaint Group to assist in our inquiry of the remaining alleged victims to ensure their veracity. There is much at stake in getting to the truth.

Like many of you, we were deeply troubled and distressed to learn of the multiple allegations against Mr. Bickle. The ELT took these allegations very seriously and within 24 hours began the process of looking into the details, as well as asking Mr. Bickle to step away from public ministry to allow for a proper inquiry to be conducted.

Within days, the ELT commenced consultation of outside legal experts on how to conduct a proper examination of the facts and how to best handle the situation. Significantly, at all times, the allegations were treated as if they were credible in order to care for any past or present victim while objective due diligence was to be performed. However, upon review by outside legal counsel, it was determined that the collection and presentation of the allegations by the Complaint Group lacked any semblance of reliability or due process.

The document prepared by the Complaint Group to accompany the presentation of allegations on Oct. 24 does not contain any actual evidence: no statements from the victims, whether sworn or unsworn, and no emails, texts or other exhibits between Mr. Bickle and the alleged victim to substantiate the allegations (only blank squares as exhibit placeholders).

The Complaint Group’s allegations were also presented along with a list of pre-prepared demands “to prevent escalating levels of disclosure.” These demands and threats, which included dictating the use of IHOPKC’s funds, generated an atmosphere of concern regarding the true objectives of the Complaint Group.

Initial Findings:

On the week of Oct. 24, the Complaint Group presented a list of eight alleged victims to the IHOPKC leadership team. The Group did not, and has not, claimed that these women had ever previously made their allegations known to IHOPKC prior to October 2023.

However, it has become abundantly clear over the last three weeks that four of the women were presented as alleged victims without their consent.

Some of the Complaint Group’s allegations were presented in a document and some of the allegations were presented orally in conversation.

Three women were identified by their initials in the document. An additional five anonymous Jane Does are listed in the document but the Complaint Group would not share their names or any details about these allegations (or how these women came to be represented by the Complaint Group).

Then, IHOPKC was given the names of two additional women orally during conversations that took place the week of Oct. 24.

At that point, a total of five alleged victims had been identified by name.

Conclusion:

IHOPKC has heard the demands to bring in a third party to investigate the organization in general, but this step is premature until IHOPKC can establish the credibility of the allegations and genuine intent of the Complaint Group.

We hope that by sharing our preliminary findings regarding these allegations, you will understand why it is premature at this juncture to have a third party conduct a community-wide investigation.

IHOPKC remains open to inviting a third party (or even multiple third parties) to examine these findings. It is our sincerest desire that alleged anonymous Jane Does would come forward as soon as possible, either directly to IHOPKC’s attorney, via the Complaint Group or through their own legal representative, so that IHOPKC can then take the appropriate next steps.

*End of Report*

As the Christian community navigates the complexities of the initial report released by IHOPKC leadership regarding the accusations against Mike Bickle, it is crucial that we approach this situation with a measured and discerning perspective. Rushing to judgment serves neither justice nor truth. In times of difficulty, it is imperative that we allow the investigative process to unfold, with our trust planted firmly in the Lord bringing truth to light, while withholding premature conclusions until all facts are laid bare.

Only through patience and a commitment to the pursuit of truth can we hope to achieve a fair and just resolution. In the face of adversity, let us hold fast to the belief that, ultimately, truth will prevail. As we grapple with the intricacies of this challenging situation, may wisdom guide our thoughts, compassion temper our judgments and the pursuit of truth be our unwavering compass rooted firmly in the Word of God and the impartation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent interview with Charisma News, Pastor Brian Gibson shed light on the powerful revival sweeping through different areas under his ministry, including a significant transformation in the life of Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church. The conversation delves into the origins of their collaboration and Locke’s journey from a cessationist perspective to embracing the charismatic movement.

Pastor Gibson reminisces about Locke’s early days, marked by a strong voice against lockdowns and government interference. The turning point occurred during a rally in Kentucky when Gibson invited Locke to join the cause against the lockdowns. Little did Gibson know that Locke, a full-fledged cessationist at the time, would become an essential ally in their shared mission. As they traveled together, Gibson’s charismatic expressions, including praying in tongues, challenged Locke’s preconceptions, eventually leading to a profound shift in his beliefs.

“So, Locke goes on the road with me, and we preach in like, 30 states,” Gibson shares. “And I didn’t know he was a full-fledged cessationist and that he hated charismatics back then. I didn’t know he had written a book about guys like me.

“I remember Locke looking over at me, like ‘what in the world’s happening,’ but he would watch us and I would give words of knowledge and prophesy. As we were travelling he kind of figured out, ‘Man, this guy’s not crazy, at least not totally crazy, right?’ And God was already speaking to him…the Spirit of God was working on him.”

Locke’s immersion into the charismatic movement involved encounters with prophetic ministries and pivotal moments, such as a visit to Gibson’s church in Owensboro. A prophet named Gustavo Paez played a crucial role in revealing significant aspects of Locke’s life, ultimately impacting his ministry and prompting him to write a book about the experience.

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Addressing the sustainability of the ongoing revival, Pastor Gibson humbly acknowledges his lack of expertise but emphasizes the central role of passion for Jesus. Keeping Jesus as the focus and not overshadowing His presence with guest speakers is paramount in their approach. Gibson stresses the importance of continual prayer, especially in the face of heightened spiritual attacks. He shares personal experiences of late-night calls, such as a recent incident where the devil attacked his brother’s health.

Gibson underscores the power of gospel preaching as a form of spiritual warfare, highlighting the simplicity of proclaiming the message of Christ’s death, burial, Resurrection, repentance and belief. He also emphasizes the need for external support through prayer, as attacks intensify during times of revival.

“Middle of the night, I get a call and the devil attacked my brother’s health last night. My brother went down in front of his wife, got up straight out of bed, threw up and said call the ambulance,” recalls Gibson.

“You just get uncommon attacks when stuff like this is happening. Don’t fear it, right? We don’t have a spirit of fear. We have authority over the devil. But raising up that shield of faith with prayer. We need people praying for us, praying for our team, praying for safety, praying for protection.”

Looking ahead, Pastor Gibson reveals plans to rotate the revival meetings between different locations, observing that the revival seems to follow wherever they go. Testimonies of salvations during funerals, in beauty salons and at baptisms underscore the widespread impact of the revival.

As the flames of revival continue to burn, Pastor Brian Gibson and his team remain committed to walking humbly before the Lord, recognizing the need for awakening and revival in these crucial times.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In Psalm 96:8-9 it says: “Give unto the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Well, how do we enter into His courts? Psalm 100:4 answers that question: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

When a worship leader sees a congregation that is not focused on the Lord and respecting the holiness that comes with worshiping Him, it is their responsibility to correct the people lovingly.

In a video uploaded recently to YouTube, that is exactly what worship leader Dr. Ron Kenoly does.

As Kenoly leads the congregation in worship, he notices behavior that is due for correction. How he does this is an example to all Christians, including those in positions of leadership and authority, about being submissive and yet authoritative at the same time by asking the pastor of the church for permission before moving forward and stopping the worship in its tracks.

“Pastor, how much authority do I have?” Kenoly respectfully asks. After being given the greenlight that he has the authority, Kenoly explains why the worship must stop.

“One of the things that bothers me the most is that when I am trying to get intimate with God and somebody’s taking pictures of me,” Kenoly explains.

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This action, which may be done in innocence and ignorance, takes the focus of worship off God, and places it onto the person being recorded.

“I want to get something clear: I am not an artiste. I am a worship leader. And my goal, my only goal, my only gift…was to teach you how to worship Him properly,” Kenoly explains.

Continuing to make his point clear as to the honor and reverence God is supposed to be shown, Kenoly explains the proper way to address a king and how to act in front of one, but not just any king, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

“Now the Bible tells us the appropriate behavior when we experience His manifest presence. And it says it right here in the song: ‘You deserve the glory, You deserve the honor.’ So, we lift our hands in worship. I don’t mind teaching you, because I [would] feel like I failed if I didn’t teach you,” Kenoly says.

All of this teaching, instruction and rebuke comes from one place in Kenoly’s heart: love.

“I am rebuking you because I love you,” Kenoly shares, who then proceeds to lead the congregation in pure, unadulterated worship of the Most High.

Taking the worship of the Lord seriously is a principle Christians must re-learn if they truly want to experience the manifest presence of God pouring out over their congregations, homes and communities.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.