In my short life, I have seen many such believers. They are no better than unbelievers and the Lord is going to judge them; this is the “bully” believer as the Lord showed Charis recently. They know better than others and accept no correction. Beloved, you must choose your position: the uncompromising straight and narrow road accompanied by faithfulness or the broad road that leads to Hell (Matthew 7:13- 14). If you choose the broad road, then you do not love eternal life and you would have chosen the temporary, easy road in exchange for eternity. What a regrettable choice! If you are still reading this, there is still hope. Endure the scorn and persecution that comes through the CROSS and be un-apologetic about it. Pursue a life of faith and total devotion to Christ Jesus; only then will you inherit life.
I admonish further, what reward is out there in the world that is better than everlasting life? Do you despise the Giver of eternal life (Christ Jesus) for temporary and self-destructive pleasures? (Mark 8:36). Have too many voices of encouragement to sin ministered to you, blinding you and leaving you confused? Has the Christian message left you confused because there are way too many denominations? If so, you might ask, ‘how do I get right?’ ‘Which “truth” do I follow?’ Indeed there are many! We offer a basic solution below.
Like the conscience-stricken jailer, who asked “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30b NIV).The is no other name or way of salvation other than the reply the jailer got; “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved….” (Acts 16:31-32) and “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). This is the first and most important decision, principally, to believe in the redemptive work of Christ for you, so that you may escape God’s wrath (Hebrews 2:3). Equally important, is to obey and practice Bible teachings (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7: 21- 27). Obedience, therefore, is an expression of faith towards God. Faith is manifested in action, and the result is the fruit (John 9:7).
Furthermore, the best way is the Bible way. Sometime ago I wrote in one of our articles how I got saved (see my article ‘God’s Serious Judgements’ on this website). I did not hear about God in a church, but through reading the Bible for myself resulted in me believing and following what the Bible teaches. I later joined a local church to fellowship with other believers. I did not allow their way of life to influence me; I followed what the Bible says. Being a very conservative but inquisitive person, I resolved to allow nothing to convince me except the Truth, the Biblical Truth! My brethren, you cannot just be satisfied with my view or other people’s views on matters of life and death without comparing your conscience state with what the Bible teaches! The Lord has not called us to follow a specific church or leader, but to seek an audience and fellowship with Him directly (Matthew 4:19; Luke 6:46). I conclude on this matter with these words: The Old Testament believers under the Law were commanded to follow and obey the teachings of Moses because he was a God-ordained minister (Joshua 1:7; 2 Kings 21:8). In the New Testament, however, we are commanded to follow, obey and to imitate Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 7: 21-27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). The apostles received from the Lord Jesus and passed it on to us, (1 Corinthians 11: 23); they did not promote or testify about themselves, except to encourage believers(2 Corinthians 11: 16-33).
Question: WHY do you follow your leader’s teachings more than what the Bible teaches? Are you intimidated by his experiences and knowledge? You should not be! He or she is just a fellow believer and his/her attitude must be humble and meek.
Below are direct remarks by our Lord Jesus Christ that we are sharing to encourage you. I have added scriptural references to point to the seriousness of these so-called minor offences. If they did not carry a sentence, the Lord would not have mentioned it.
Taking Advantage of the Lord’s Grace: Again, a message like this is somewhat surprising to come from the Lord, but He did rebuke a member of our fellowship for taking advantage of His forgiving nature, (Proverbs 3:11 – “… do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke”).The Lord repeatedly gave the same message to the member, who asked for forgiveness from Him, but she never complied. The person never addressed the problem area in her life and ignored the Lord’s call for action. People, does this not address a situation in your own life? You have repented from a wrong in your life, but you still continue to indulge in that wrong. Is that not taking advantage of the Lord? This is sinful and shows no fear for God! Don’t play with your eternal salvation, repent and sin no more!
Self-Pity: The Lord revealed that self-pity is a sin, when a person was supposed to address a situation and face the consequences of possible persecution and rejection. The person tried everything to avoid this problem so she employed fear and self-pity to ‘ease’ the conscience. This is false security and it shows a weakness of dishonesty. We must own up to our sins and seek deliverance by acknowledging it. The Apostle Paul strongly addressed the Corinthian church on this matter (2 Corinthians 7:8-12). In addition, Moses likewise wanted a break from doing what God sent him for so he took pity on himself thinking God would fall for that, but the Lord rebuked him (Exodus 4:10-16).
Screaming at Others: Screaming at someone during a normal conversation with an angry tone or bitterness is being rude. This comes from a spirit of anger and it is demonic. The Lord rebuked a sister, telling her that screaming is from the DEVIL. As it is, many other members were warned by the Lord not to yell or scream at others. This comes from a hateful spirit. If you are tempted to scream, keep quiet and just walk away. Do not allow the devil to use you to sin against God. Be gentle and kind (Galatians 5:22). Instead, the Lord said that we must have a spirit of love. Screaming or yelling at someone is being rude and disrespectful.
Making Ugly Faces or Gestures: This might seem acceptable and justifiable, but if the Lord took offence to it, then it must be sinful. People were severely warned for turning their mouths and faces ugly when speaking to others. Some of the individuals were not even aware their appearances changed so drastically during heated arguments or exchange of words. I say the truth: anger, hatred and violence are written all over those faces. The Lord would indicate the seriousness of this in a capital STOP, saying “My son X [or daughter Y] MUST STOP………..! (Luke 16:14; 1 Corinthians 13: 4-6). Making ugly gestures during arguments or conversations is an expression of unkindness, while the heart is being darkened with hatred. This is sinful, so be careful!
Not Rebuking Others: I was sternly rebuked by the Lord for overlooking a sinful behaviour of others without correcting them. The Lord has rebuked every one of us in this ministry for ignoring the sin of others. As I mentioned earlier, many of us are afraid of persecution or rejection. This is such a serious sin that the Lord warned somebody he was in danger of going to Hell for this. The Bible puts it this way: “Do not hate your brother in yourheart. Rebuke your neighbour frankly so you will not share in his guilt” (Leviticus 19:17 NIV).
Thinking Sinful things in Heart or Mind: This needs no explanation for the Bible says: “O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise, You perceive my thoughts from afar” (Psalm 139:1-2). People, even we are thinking quietly or silently, this is still loud enough for the Lord to clearly hear! He knows our every thought! This is how many of us found out, when the Lord rebuked some of us for thinking wrong things in our hearts about others. This is sinful, so repent and meditate on His ways instead: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Also, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2). Let our prayer be: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14)”.
Being Unfaithful: Many of us have been rebuked for being unfaithful. The Lord made it clear that some of our prayers are not being answered because of unfaithfulness. This is disobedience! When the Lord brings a message for someone whom He chastises for being unfaithful, the word disobedient is always mentioned. I was once rebuked for being disobedient; it hurt my heart because I was guilty. The Lord requires faithfulness in our daily prayers, daily bible reading and faithful dedication and devotion to Him in our fellowship with Him. The Lord measures obedience through faithfulness. This is a FRUIT and the true believers’ most welcomed phrase (“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful… Matthew 25:21).
Hurting People’s Hearts: I am confessing here. Before I got this rebuke I was influenced through debates to say things to hurt others. During my student years I was taught to win an argument at all cost even if it meant hurling insults. In politics, this is often done to discredit someone. In the context of a discussion, I would use my “superior” knowledge to savagely humiliate my opponents. I carried this sin over to my new life in Christ. I knew it was wrong, but I was in bondage to this kind of being. So, finally I got my rebuke. The Lord said: “Your father must not say things to hurt other’s hearts.” Amazingly, the Lord freed me and delivered me from this spirit. I also used to hear the Lord saying that I must not make people’s heart sore, but I did not understand until this rebuke. I knew I had to say GOODBYE to this destructive habit. Beloved, I’m sharing to warn you (Ephesians 4:29-32).
Not saying “Thank You!” and “Please!”: This might seem small but I was also rebuked some time ago for taking for granted the services I received from my own family. The Lord told Charis, “Your father must learn to say ‘thank you’ and ‘please’.” I repented of this ungrateful attitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It is easy to show gratefulness to others, but very hard to say thank you to our own children or spouse.
Being Self-righteous: The Lord has called us out of darkness, and as a people who sin and make mistakes, we must be able to humble ourselves and accept correction from others. I fell and stumbled too by being self-righteous and having the attitude that I was always right. The Lord took me to task for this as well, saying: “Your father does not like being wrong.” Did these words hurt! Ouch! Yes it did! It took me from my high seat. Please allow me to say this, I am now a servant and I humble myself in full submission to Christ’s corrections. He is my Judge and God. Please consider James 5:16. I am not confessing here to win your sympathy; I do this to save you from repeating my mistakes. Be wise learn and inherit life!
Treating People Unequally: Beloved, many of us are guilty of this conduct. We often cater only for our own children’s needs and not so much for others. This is very displeasing to the Lord. He has rebuked many of our members for such behaviour. This is favouritism and unjust conduct. The apostle James says warns the body about this kind of behaviour (James 2:1-4). We often favour some people over others if they have ‘influence.’ I have witnessed some pastors spending more time with their rich church members than the poor. The motive is selfish and not helpful. I have also seen some parents giving more of something to their own children and less or nothing to other children. A mother in our ministry was sternly rebuked for such conduct.
Vision of a Woman Dressed Inappropriately
I deliberately left this for last. On Monday, December 3, 2012 the Lord Jesus showed Charis a vision of a woman who was indecently dressed. I will try my best to present what she was shown including her hair. Here is her account:
“I saw Deborah (not her real name) dressed in pair of cheeky shorts and a crop top. She had very long hair extensions in different colours. Then the Lord said: “Look at her; she is ungrateful the way I created her.”
I have never seen this woman before, but I was told this is a naturally beautiful woman. Now people, I am very careful about this, but I must share what the Lord showed and revealed through Charis. Many of you have read and believed some of her visions and revelations, this is one of them and it is scriptural (1 Timothy 2:9). Also, earlier this year, the Lord rebuked a mother for trying to use a chemical substance on her daughter’s hair. This was a relaxer or perm. The Lord forbids us from using substances on our hair that change our natural hair colour and change our hair texture. The Lord showed Charis in a vision how the hair of one of the sisters in our ministry would fall out if she treated it with chemicals at a hair salon. This is true, people, many women are going bald because of these chemicals. I have daughters and the Lord instructed my wife through Charis to wash with Shampoo and blow-dry their hair twice a week. She applies nothing else except some hair food.
In conclusion, brethren, please be encouraged and work out your salvation daily. I would like to add another vision the Lord showed Charis of a man who died three (3) months ago. Many people think that if you served the Lord and become backslidden you will automatically make it to Heaven (“once saved, always saved”). This is not true! The man in this vision was a believer and he backslid a week before he died in a tragic car accident. About three weeks after his funeral, the Lord showed him to Charis in his spirit body. She describes the appearance of his spirit body as follows: He looked like he was wearing the same clothes the last time I saw him, and that was July 2012. He looked soft and appeared to be made of steam or light smoke. According to Charis, the smoke did not evaporate but moved in the shape of the body. Then she heard these words: “I feel very sorry for this young man.” The Lord knew what was in our hearts: we thought he must have made it to Heaven, but we were wrong! The Scripture warns that we will die if we sin and our righteousness will not be remembered (Ezekiel 18:24). This young brother attended a house church meeting where I preached in July this year (2012). I solemnly warned them to guard against unexpected death.
Brethren, let us use these warnings to be ready and serve faithfully until the end. “But he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Shalom!
Brother Glenn Van Rooyen
December 6, 2012.
