The Shadow of Your Wings

I have not, in these months of writing here, ever declared myself denominationally or doctrinally. It has been my thought that by staying somewhat anonymous I could maintain a neutrality in both the writing and my responses to others. But … there are things being said and done within the Church body, and on this blogsite that are challenging me to speak up, and out.

Denominationally I jokingly refer to myself as ChariBapticostal, or Pentistmatic, if you prefer. After many years in Charismatic, (pre)emergent, and AG churches I found myself in desperate need of a quiet place to “rest.” In His mercy and wisdom the Lord lead us beside still waters and we settled into a lovely, foundationally sound Baptist congregation, where we’ve been for the past 3 years.

My faith has survived the “gold tooth” phenomenon, "feathers," "gold dust," and oily palms. Been prayed “over” in unknown tongues and pray in a tongue known only to God. I’ve been “slain in the spirit” by the Lord, knocked down by men (and women) “in the name of Jesus,” and pinned to the ground by a demonic spirit disguising itself as “the power of God.”

I’ve prayed as the Spirit urged and seen people healed immediately of lesser maladies, giving God all the glory as they walked away without pain. I’ve prayed with all my being to see others healed of disease or injury only to attend their funerals months or weeks later.

I’ve been given words of knowledge - surprised to “know” such intimate details about some mere acquaintance, have been told that I have “the gift of wisdom,” and have, on occasion, spoken prophetically, as the Spirit led.

So, why divulge this information now? To say, in part, “been there,” “done that,” and to assure you that there is “nothing new under the sun.” But more because we, the Church, the beloved Bride of Christ, are encountering an influx of satanic influence and infiltration such as I have not ever witnessed in 30 plus years of being a part of this beautiful Body of Christ. It is as subtle as it is outrageous. From emergent philosophy to new age revivals, false teachings, and teachers, abound.

There is a desperate cry being heard throughout Christendom of watchmen on the wall trying to give warning. But they are dismissed as “critical” or “faithless” or seen as “Jezebels” trying to undermine a “mighty work of God.” Admittedly, some are simply possessed of a critical nature, if not spirit. Many are so bound by denominational traditions that they are unable, or unwilling, to trust God beyond the doctrine they have been taught all their lives. Others are struggling to find their own way to the still waters, weary of drinking from a “river” that has been polluted with play and muddied by unscriptural, unheavenly outpourings. And a few, caught up in the current, are honestly, humbly seeking and trusting the Lord. God bless and save them.

For three years I’ve lulled in the calm, quiet of First Baptist Church, MyTown, USA. I’ve regained perspective and balance and, frankly, tried to ignore what was going on in the rest of the church world. I confess that the spiritual gifts that the Lord has entrusted to me have become a bit “flabby” with disuse. I have become that “unprofitable servant,” having buried my Master’s talents in the ground. But recently I’ve become aware of a stirring in the Spirit, in my spirit. A call to rise up, to enter in. It is, I believe, a call to sound - once again - the trumpet of warning.

We, as a Body, and a society, have become so fearful of being “judgmental” that we’ve forsaken good, wise counsel. Those who perceive and speak a need for caution (“test the spirits”) are bullied into believing that they are being judgmental, or worse - denying the power and work of God.

Beloved Church, it is time to WAKE UP! To stir up the gifts of discernment and exhortation. To KNOW THE WORD of God - which is our Truth and the plumb line by which we measure - and yes, judge what is true and what is false. There is some seriously disturbing stuff going on in the church world, and we can no longer hide from it, pretending it doesn’t exist.

Please remember - our duty to God, the Church, and one another is not to condemn, but to correct, teach, exhort, edify, love and lead others to the One who IS the Truth and the Way. Judge righteously, but do not be judgmental. This is a call to prayer as well as action, to speak the truth in Christ, to “test all things, [and] hold fast what is good.” (1 Thes 5:21) The preceding verse tells us to “not despise prophecies.” “Prophecy” being the prime motivator in this strange time. The study Bible on the desk before me includes a definition of this word -

propheteia: From pro, “forth,” and phemi, “to speak.” The primary use of the word is not predictive, in the sense of foretelling, but interpretive, declaring, or forth-telling, the will and counsel of God.”

Indeed - let us hold fast what is good.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

paula