Intermission

Before continuing the series on Syncretism, I want to share some things sent to me by brothers and sisters in Christ.

SuperBowl
I have had quite a few responses to the article on the SuperBowl. Following is an insightful e-mail I received last night from a brother in Christ.

Joseph,

I just wanted to thank you for the Super Bowl article. I remember the message you gave on the last Super Bowl between the Steelers and Cardinals, and I wrote you to comment on the Super Bowl before that, when the Patriots were seemingly overcome by the Giants (of the land) on their way to ‘perfection’. It seems there has been a consistent theme running through these recent Super Bowls.

I wanted to express my agreement with you – when the play offs started I actually looked at the teams remaining and wondered if there were any potential symbolic match ups. The Saints were an obvious one, but I also saw them as the false Saints. Not understanding the symbolism of the Colts, I could not work out which AFC team they might play. Your article clarified the symbolism of both sides. I also noted that the Saints finished 13-3 in the regular season – 13 being rebellion, and the missing divine ‘3’ keeping them from perfection. These 3 losses in a row all happened at the end of the season, so that they started 13-0, but when people talked about perfection they lost the remaining three games. It is also worth noting that the Saints are renowned for ‘trickery’, usually having several trick plays in their arsenal, including the onside kick that completely deceived the Colts. It is also interesting to note that the Colts rarely deviate from their normal plan, using not trick plays or deceit.

Just a few thoughts – thanks again for your faithful insights, brother!
In Christ,
Michael

If you did not read the post on last year's SuperBowl and wish to see how a consistent message has been developing, you can find it here:

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/super-bowl-43-parable-of-church.html

David Wilkerson - On the Need of Anointing

A sister in Christ sent a link to an excellent short message by David Wilkerson. It expresses very well what I have sensed the Spirit communicating to my heart of late. There is a great need for a greater power to be able to fulfill the ministry of coming days. This anointing comes at a cost. I highly recommend the video.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/the-cost-of-the-anointing-part-2-by-david-wilkerson/C36B1284EBE955033F25C36B1284EBE955033F25

On a similar note, a sister in Christ sent me a link to a book on the life of Katie Booth, daughter of the founders of The Salvation Army. What I have read so far has impressed me with its emphasis on embracing the cross and providing a living testimony of Christ in the flesh.

http://www.thedivinepresence.com/studies/woman_of_god.htm
I am hearing from a number of brothers and sisters in Christ who are finding themselves being led down an afflicted path at this time. I would share the following Scripture for those who may question the rightness of the path they are on.

I Peter 4:12-19
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

The concept of the righteous being scarcely saved is foreign among a church today that preaches a costless Christianity. The Way is made exceedingly broad and adorned with pleasures, entertainments and ease by the majority of preachers today. Such ones are out of synch with the teaching of Christ and His apostles and contrary to the witness of the Spirit.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days,

Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws
Parables Blog: http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063