The Counterfeit Love Movement: Why the Church Must Prepare to be Stunned
We are currently drowning in a culture that has entirely redefined the concept of love, and tragically, the American church has largely adopted this counterfeit definition. In our desperate attempt to remain relevant, palatable, and culturally accepted, we have traded the consuming, holy fire of God's affection for a watered-down, spineless doctrine of universal tolerance. We have embraced a “Great Love Deception,” and it is absolutely crippling our ability to host a true, regional outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The enemy has masterfully executed a campaign to convince the modern church that true love equates to unconditional affirmation. If you confront sin, you are deemed unloving. If you preach on the necessity of repentance, you are labeled intolerant. If you dare to suggest that a lifestyle of compromise will lead to eternal separation from God, you are accused of being judgmental.
But let’s be entirely clear: a love that refuses to warn a person of impending destruction is not love at all; it is hatred disguised as empathy.
The Great Love Deception
This counterfeit love movement is a systemic disease within the local church. It has produced a generation of believers who are comfortable in their sin, apathetic toward the lost, and completely devoid of the fear of the Lord. When the church adopts the world's definition of love, we lose our prophetic edge. We become an echo chamber of the culture rather than a holy counter-culture.
True, biblical love is not a soft, squishy emotion designed to make us feel good about ourselves. God is love, and the Word of God declares that our God is a consuming fire. His love is a burning, holy, jealous force that refuses to leave us in our brokenness. When the real love of God invades a room, it does not pat us on the back and tell us we are perfect just the way we are. It confronts our flesh. It demands our surrender. It burns away the dross and calls us higher into the glorious freedom of extreme holiness.
We have to understand that Jesus did not go to the cross simply to give us a comfortable life on earth and a free ticket to heaven. He endured the agony of Calvary to purchase a Bride who would be without spot or wrinkle. The love of Christ is radical, blood-bought, and fiercely jealous for our complete devotion. Anything less than a total surrender to His Lordship is a mockery of the price He paid.
The Necessity of Shock Christianity
If we are going to see our cities transformed, we must abandon this deceptive, culturally approved version of Christianity and prepare to be stunned. We need an injection of “Shock Christianity.”
For too long, we have insulated ourselves from the raw, terrifying, and awe-inspiring reality of who God actually is. We have reduced the Almighty to a friendly therapist in the sky. But when you encounter the true, unfiltered love of God, it is shocking. It is offensive to the carnal mind. It shatters our preconceived notions and demands that we entirely reorient our lives around His burning mandates.
Shock Christianity means unapologetically preaching the full counsel of God. It means re-introducing the fear of the Lord into our sanctuaries. It means telling the truth about Heaven, the reality of Hell, the necessity of the blood of Jesus, and the uncompromising standard of biblical holiness. Will this offend people? Yes. Will it empty some mega-churches? Probably. But we are not called to build massive audiences of unregenerate people; we are commanded to equip a holy military for the coming storm.
Preparing the Remnant
The world is starving for truth, not another echo of their own confusion. When the remnant finally rises up and begins to demonstrate the raw, untamed, shocking love of God, the atmosphere of our cities will violently shift. People are tired of the superficial. They are desperate for an encounter with the real, burning presence of Jesus.
It is time to stop playing games with the Gospel. Refuse to apologize for the severity of God's Word. Shake off the fear of man, reject the counterfeit love movement, and prepare yourself for the shock and awe of God's glory. The fire is coming, and it will only fall on an altar that is built on absolute truth.
Go Deeper & Partner With Us:
Are you ready to discover the unadulterated truth of God's consuming fire? As a free gift to you, you can download the complete digital version of my book, The Terror of Hell, to understand the eternal stakes of the hour we live in: www.revivalx.tv/hell
If you are burning to see true, uncompromising revival hit our cities and want to stand with us on the front lines, you can support the ongoing mission of Revival X here: www.burton.tv/donate
Sources & Citations for this Article:
- The Great Love Deception (Ebook by John Burton): Sourced for the core theological framework exposing the counterfeit love movement, the danger of prioritizing tolerance over truth, and the church's compromise with cultural definitions of empathy.
- Shock Christianity (Ebook by John Burton): Sourced for the mandate to reintroduce the raw, awe-inspiring, and confronting nature of God's true love, and the necessity of preaching the unapologetic, “shocking” full counsel of God.
- RevivalX.tv & Burton.tv Teachings: Integrated foundational ministry principles regarding the “consuming fire” of God's affection and the prophetic call for the remnant to rise as a holy counter-culture.
Content Transparency: The material presented in this article is 100% sourced from the proprietary writings, books, and hundreds of online articles by John Burton. AI technology was employed exclusively to assist in the compilation and drafting of this text based on those original teachings.
The Prison of Offense and the Tactic of Absalom
There is a silent, venomous disease rapidly spreading through the ranks of the American church, and it is entirely dismantling our ability to host the presence of God. It is not the moral decay of our secular culture. It is not the political landscape. The greatest threat to regional revival right now is the spirit of offense, accusation, and division operating freely within the walls of the ekklesia.
The enemy is absolutely terrified of a unified, praying city church. He knows that if a body of believers ever truly locks shields, honors leadership, and commits to standing their ground in the place of intercession, the demonic strongholds over that region will violently collapse. Therefore, his primary, number-one tactic is to scatter the troops. If he can get us to devour one another, he never even has to draw his sword.
The Casual Church-Hopper
We are living in an era of casual, consumer-driven church hopping. We have developed a highly sensitive, fragile version of Christianity where believers pack up their families and leave their local church at the absolute slightest hint of friction. If the pastor delivers a correcting word, if a worship set isn't to our liking, or if another congregant looks at us the wrong way, we immediately begin searching for a new building with a more palatable, accommodating atmosphere.
What we fail to realize is that the very friction we are running from is often the exact refining fire the Holy Spirit intends to use to burn the immaturity out of us. God places us in spiritual families not just to be comforted, but to be confronted. The local church is a tactical war room, and in war, you do not abandon your platoon just because the trenches get muddy. When we flee from divine discipline or interpersonal conflict, we abort the process of our own spiritual formation.
The Spirit of Absalom
Even more dangerous than the casual church-hopper is the one infected by the spirit of Absalom. In 2 Samuel, David’s son Absalom positioned himself at the gates of the city. He didn't outright attack the king at first; instead, he intercepted the people. He offered them a sympathetic ear, validated their complaints, and subtly undermined the authority of God’s anointed leader, stealing the hearts of Israel.
This exact spirit is sitting in the foyers and small groups of our churches today. It thrives on gossip disguised as “prayer requests.” It feeds on private conversations that critique the pastor's vision. It draws people into exclusive cliques and slowly, methodically sows seeds of distrust against the leadership God has put in place.
We must forcefully and unapologetically shut down the spirit of Absalom. We don't need more church splits, and we certainly don't need more self-appointed critics. We need fierce defenders of the church who will ruthlessly guard the unity of the body, honor spiritual authority even when it is imperfect, and refuse to entertain the venom of the accuser.
Breaking Free from the Prison of Offense
If you are carrying an offense today, you must understand that you are not just holding a grudge—you are sitting in a spiritual prison. A critical spirit will entirely blind you to what God is doing in the earth. You cannot carry the fire of the Holy Spirit while simultaneously carrying bitterness toward your brother or your pastor.
To become unoffendable is to step into glorious, shocking freedom. It means choosing to drop the stones. It means deciding that the corporate destiny of your city is far more important than your bruised ego. It means forgiving quickly, serving radically, and staying fiercely planted in the house of God, even when it costs you something.
Revival requires an army that cannot be offended. It demands a people who will take the low seat, wash feet, and battle alongside their leaders in extreme warfare. The world is watching. Let’s show them a Bride that is radiant, unified, and absolutely unbreakable.
Go Deeper & Partner With Us:
Are you ready to break free from the trap of a critical spirit and learn how to fiercely protect the unity of your local church? Equip yourself for the battle by diving into my books Defeating Absalom and Unoffendable, available now at www.burton.tv/books.
Revival X is mandated to equip a holy, unoffendable remnant for the coming outpouring. If you are blessed by these theological deep-dives and want to partner with our mission, you can support us here: www.burton.tv/donate
Content Transparency: The material presented in this article is 100% sourced from the proprietary writings, books, and hundreds of online articles by John Burton. AI technology was employed exclusively to assist in the compilation and drafting of this text based on those original teachings.
The Forgotten Terror of Eternity and the Epidemic of False Grace
We are living in an hour where the church has actively chosen comfort over conviction. In our desperate attempt to be relevant, palatable, and seeker-sensitive, we have systematically eliminated the fear of the Lord from our sanctuaries. We have constructed a cozy, self-centered religious experience that demands absolutely nothing of the believer. But in our pursuit of a sanitized Gospel, we have ignored a terrifying, sobering reality: eternity is at stake, and following Jesus is not a casual commitment.
The modern church has been infected by an unbiblical grace message that is putting the eternal souls of millions at risk. We have been sold a theological bill of goods that suggests salvation is nothing more than a momentary intellectual agreement—repeating a quick prayer at an altar twenty years ago—while we continue to live our lives entirely on our own terms. We profess to know God, but we deny Him by our lifestyles, our apathy, and our refusal to carry our cross.
The Shocking Reality of Hell
The truth that we must aggressively reclaim in this generation is the absolute horror and reality of Hell. It is an unpopular topic. It will not grow a mega-church, and it certainly won't win any popularity contests in a culture of relentless positivity. But if we truly love the lost, and if we genuinely care about the flock God has entrusted to us, we must sound the alarm.
Many Christians will be shocked to find themselves in Hell one day. In The Terror of Hell, I wrote about a visceral, horrific dream the Lord gave me regarding the reality of eternal separation from God. It was a frightening and holy reality that shook me to my core. We cannot afford to view Hell as a metaphor or a mythical concept. It is a place of weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. It is an eternity completely void of the presence, the comfort, and the breath of God.
When the reality of Hell grips a local body of believers, everything changes. The mundane, predictable church service suddenly feels entirely inadequate. The petty arguments over worship styles or building programs evaporate. When we finally grasp that our neighbors, our family members, and even some sitting in our pews are standing on the precipice of eternal darkness, our hearts must shatter.
Enduring to the End with Fear and Trembling
Salvation for the coming harvest cannot equate to a soft, easy-believism. The Apostle Paul exhorted us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Jesus Himself warned that many are called, but few are chosen, and that he who endures to the end will be saved. Enduring to the end requires holiness. It requires hunger. It demands an uncompromising pursuit of the King of Kings.
We must reject the deception that intimacy with God is optional. Like the five foolish virgins in Matthew 25, it is entirely possible to fall asleep, let your oil run dry, and find the door to the marriage feast shut in your face. The Bridegroom is looking for a Bride who is awake, whose lamp is burning brightly, and who is fiercely devoted to Him. We must crucify our flesh, die daily, and surrender our personal ambitions to the consuming fire of the Holy Spirit.
The Call to the Prayer Room
What is the only appropriate response to the terrifying reality of eternity? It is the prayer room.
When the terror of the Lord falls upon a city, the prayer rooms will reopen, and they will be flooded with fire-breathing intercessors. We will transition from a people who ask God for blessings to a holy military that weeps between the porch and the altar for the souls of our region. True intercession is not a scheduled program; it is the agonizing, prevailing cry of a church that refuses to let the lost perish.
It is time to throw off the slumber. It is time to abandon the counterfeit grace that requires no repentance. Let the fear of God grip your heart again. Dive into the Word of God, resolve to live a life of extreme holiness, and let the shock and awe of God's glory redefine your existence. The harvest is waiting, but they need a remnant that is actually awake.
Go Deeper & Partner With Us:
It is time to prepare your heart for eternity and awaken to the urgency of the hour. As a free gift, you can download the complete digital versions of two critical books right now:
- The Terror of Hell: www.revivalx.tv/hell
- Staying Saved: www.revivalx.tv/saved
If you are burdened for the lost and want to help us spread this uncompromising message of revival and holiness, please consider partnering with Revival X. You can support the ministry here: www.burton.tv/donate
Content Transparency: The material presented in this article is 100% sourced from the proprietary writings, books, and hundreds of online articles by John Burton. AI technology was employed exclusively to assist in the compilation and drafting of this text based on those original teachings.
The End of the Living Room Church: Mobilizing the Remnant for Regional Revival
Right now, across the thousands of cities in our nation, revival is virtually non-existent. It is a sobering, terrifying reality that we can no longer afford to ignore or gloss over with enthusiastic Sunday morning worship sets. We have over 19,000 cities in America, and not one of them is experiencing a biblically normal outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Not one.
We have to admit that something is terribly wrong. We have settled for a localized, comfortable version of Christianity that prioritizes the ninety-nine over the radical call to equip a holy military. The undeniable truth is that the solitary local church, as it operates today, simply cannot support the weight of a true, regional revival. It’s time to stop pretending that our standard, scheduled weekend gatherings are shifting the spiritual atmosphere of our regions. They aren't. We are losing the battle for our cities because we haven't even shown up to the front lines.
Confusing Community with Commission
A massive part of the problem is that we have confused community with commission. While the desire for relational connection and organic fellowship is understandable, community in and of itself cannot be the ultimate goal of the ekklesia. God is not calling us to perpetually gather around the campfire to sing songs, drink coffee, and soothe our anxieties. We are being summoned to the theater of war.
We have built an entire religious system around coddling the immature, entertaining the passive, and protecting people from the very refining fire that is required to purify them. We don't need more entertainment, more fog machines, or more palatable, seeker-sensitive presentations masquerading as sermons. We need the burning word of the Lord, delivered by seasoned fivefold leaders, calling the remnant into radical consecration.
In my book, Fire Will Fall, I made this reality as clear as possible:
“With absolutely no city in this nation experiencing revival, we have to admit something is terribly wrong. We are zero for 19,000. Of the over 19,000 cities in America, not one is biblically normal. There is no revival on a city level. Until the city church is identified, ordered, gathered, and contending in prophetic, biblical, and governmental intercession night and day, there’s no way we can expect an enduring outpouring to overtake our cities.”
This is the mandate. We cannot rely on isolated islands of ministry to do what only a unified, governmental city church can accomplish.
The Necessity of Revelation-Driven Prayer
The shift required is monumental, and it begins in the place of prayer. True, region-shaking revival will never come because we asked nicely. It will only break out when a holy remnant refuses to move until they hear the voice of the Lord, and then ruthlessly enforces that word in the earth. We must transition from a pastoral, nurturing model to an apostolic model that equips warriors for the prayer room.
The prayer rooms in our cities must reopen. We need fire-breathing intercessors who will take the night watches, who will battle through the static of our culture, and who will contend for the shock and awe of God's glory to invade their region. When prayer is never-ending, when we refuse to allow the fire to go out, when repentance and holiness rage through the camp—that is when the atmosphere finally shifts. We must stop praying our own good ideas and start fiercely enforcing God’s burning mandates.
The Prison of Offense and the Spirit of Division
The enemy knows that a unified, praying city church is an unstoppable force. This is exactly why the spirit of Absalom sits at the gates of our local congregations, actively attempting to draw the hearts of the people away from anointed leadership. We are living in an era of casual church-hopping and rapid-fire offense. At the slightest hint of correction, a misunderstood comment, or a shift in leadership direction, people are quick to pack up their families and find a new building with a more palatable atmosphere.
We have traded the biblical mandate for gritty, enduring unity for the fragile comfort of our own egos. Let's get right to the point: easily offended Christians will never carry the weight of true, regional revival. When you allow an offense to take root, you aren't just holding a grudge—you are stepping into a spiritual prison. If the enemy can get you to leave your assigned post because your feelings were hurt or you didn't agree with how a situation was handled, he wins the battle for your city without even drawing his sword.
Fulfilling your calling requires staying power. It requires dying to yourself, choosing to honor authority even when it's imperfect, and contending fiercely for the house God has planted you in.
The Urgency of Eternity
Why is this so urgent? Because the stakes are eternal. We have bought into an unbiblical grace message that puts our very eternity at risk. In a culture of relentless positivity, we have forgotten the terrifying reality of eternity without Christ. Many Christians will be shocked to find themselves in Hell one day because they embraced a cozy, self-centered experience while ignoring the absolute terror of separation from God.
Salvation for the coming harvest cannot equate to a casual, convenient commitment. It must equate to passionate surrender to a zealous Bridegroom. We have a mandate to awaken a sleeping church before it's too late. The world is desperate for the remnant to arise, to lay down their personal agendas, to crush the spirit of offense, and to fight for the freedom of the captives.
The Joshua Mandate
It is time to abandon the pursuit of personal spiritual comfort. The Joshua Mandate is upon us, and the time for action is now. How will you handle the revelation you have received? What is God saying to you about the coming revolution?
The coming church is a city-taking church. It’s a unified ekklesia that refuses to back down, refuses to compromise, and refuses to let the fire go out. It is time to cross the Jordan, leave the wilderness of “church as usual” behind, and take our cities for the Kingdom.
Are you ready to embrace the burning?
Go Deeper & Partner With Us:
Are you tired of powerless prayers? It’s time to discover the shock and awe of God's voice and partner with the Holy Spirit for regional revival. As a free gift to you, you can download the complete digital version of my book, Revelation Driven Prayer, absolutely free right here: www.revivalx.tv/revelation-driven-prayer
If you are burning to see true revival hit our cities and want to stand with us on the front lines, you can support the ongoing mission of Revival X here: www.burton.tv/donate
Content Transparency: The material presented in this article is 100% sourced from the proprietary writings, books, and hundreds of online articles by John Burton. AI technology was employed exclusively to assist in the compilation and drafting of this text based on those original teachings.
ICE, POLITICIANS & THE POLICE: Rebellion, Independence and Resistance to Authority
A lack of honor, submission and love of those in authority is spreading in the nation—and in the church.
No matter how terribly the policies and character of someone in authority might trouble me, I refuse to lash out, disrespect or defame them. While President Biden and others on the left promoted many egregious mindsets when they were in office, as a follower of Jesus it would be wildly inappropriate and sinful if I were to express myself through personal assaults.
The same is true now, when President Trump is leading our nation. Our words matter.
When he was in office, President Biden was my authority. In fact, he was placed there by God and the way I responded to his placement revealed the condition of my heart. The way we respond to President Trump, ICE, the police, bosses at work, judges and other authorities is equally significant.
Romans 13:1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
Before you presume that we are only subject to righteous governing authorities, check out what Jesus told Pilate:
John 19:11: Jesus himself acknowledged this when he told Pilate, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”
Current events have the nation debating the activities of ICE, the police, politicians and other authorities, and it's shameful the way so many are responding. Each of these positions hold God-given authority and our response to them must be honor, respect, love and subjection.
Instead of exhibiting aggression, resistance and employing strategies to make it hard for ICE and the police to do their job, the right response is something altogether different.
We honor them.
We respond with humility.
We comply with every directive unless it's clearly and obviously evil and illegal. (This means clear wickedness, not disputed interpretations of law.)
“Yes, sir,” and “yes, ma'am” should flow from our mouths.
1 Peter 2:17: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
The spirit of independence that so many are overly proud of in this nation very well might be our downfall. Resistance to authority as we beat our chests and denounce every detractor is a vile trend that's weakening society.
Titus 3:1: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
Remember, if we fail to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and to do whatever is good, severe judgment follows. Romans 13:1-2 makes this clear:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.“
Gossip, slander and other speech that attacks, shames, defames or reveals hatred in our heart is forbidden for Christians. Judgment will be swift.
How should we respond instead? Scripture addresses that as well:
1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
REBELLION IN THE CHURCH
It can be argued that those who are resisting the authority of the police in the streets of our cities are mostly on the left and mostly by those who have not surrendered their lives to Jesus. It would be easy to point the finger toward the other side of the aisle and arrogantly presume we are more righteous.
On the contrary, deep repentance must hit the church due to our resistance of God's ordained leaders. The anti-leadership movement is alive and well among America's Christians.
Hebrews 13:17: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
An Absalom spirit has overtaken many who are determined to highlight weaknesses in their leaders. They bring their complaints and ensure they spread far and fast to any who will listen. They spiritualize their “concerns” and put leaders on blast, whether it's in their small circle or on social media for all to see.
2 Samuel 15:6: And Absalom would add, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.
Absalom received the gossip, the complaints and the concerns about their rightful leader David. This was his sin.
Instead of ensuring the work of their leaders are a joy, according to Hebrews, resisters of God-ordained leadership become burdens, distractions and antagonists.
Just as with the police and politicians, God ordains all authority, including pastors and spiritual leaders. Our personal opinions and insights cannot be allowed to bring division to the camp or to threaten the greater mission.
Of course, we will never agree on every point, but we must have the fear of the Lord weighing heavily on us before we presume it's appropriate to spread those disagreements like a virus. Gossip is deadly. Gossip is witchcraft. A group of gossips is nothing less than a coven meeting of people operating in the sin of witchcraft.
1 Samuel 15:23: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…”
The following is from my article, 5 Reasons Not To Leave A Church.
(A reason NOT to leave a church) The leaders aren’t doing things the way most people think they should. Many people believe leaders should make it easy for people to follow them. I disagree. Church leaders are mandated to lead people into some of the most challenging, risky and costly missions the world has ever known. People should actually make it easy for church leaders to lead them.
People made it hard for Moses to lead them into the Promised Land and they died. They made it easy for Joshua to do the same, and they dominated.
It's evident that rebellion, gossip, a lack of honor and an independent spirit are rampant in the church today. It couldn't be clearer and it's deadly both to the church and to those who have been poisoned by their own destructive opinions. (Keep in mind, opinions can be destructive even if they are correct.)
WHAT ABOUT EXTREME SITUATIONS?
I was hesitant to include this final section as it seems obvious that we shouldn't submit to clear and obvious evil. However, whenever I teach on healthy, biblical honor of authorities, this is the accusation that most immediately rises up.
We must understand the difference between our attitude and our actions when presented with commands that would require us to defy clear and obvious scriptures.
If an authority were to command me to cover up theft, for example, my response would be to refuse. My action must align with the Word of God.
However, my attitude must also align with the Word of God. I would honor them, pray for them, refuse to gossip about them and carry the burden of deliverance for them. I would have an assignment to do all I could to campaign for their transformation.
Of course, different situations demand different responses, but the truth about our actions and our attitudes remain.
Matthew 18 protocol may need to be enacted. The step-by-step process must be followed.
Matthew 18:15-17: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
In severe situations, when people are in harm's way, our response should be immediate. Help should definitely be sought out and people's well being must be primary. A clear and present danger requires this.
But, again, our attitude and our actions matter. The way we carry our heart is significant. Our intercession is important.
We must ensure we don't become jaded due to the actions of others. If we remain in a place of love and allow the Holy Spirit to guide every step in difficult situations, the life and peace that results will be the strength we need. God's grace is sufficient.
The truth remains, our nation is at risk due to an independent spirit, rebellion and a spirit of witchcraft that has been unleashed as a result.
The same is true in the church. Widespread and immediate repentance must overwhelm us. The Holy Spirit cannot move the way he desires if rebellion, pride and a spirit of independence continues to dominate the way it has been.
Let's lift up our leaders and get ready for a mighty move of God in our nation! We are in desperate times!
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
Today my pastor released the following as part of our twenty-one-day fast. I think it's appropriate given the subject of this article to share it with you:
DAY 2—SPIRITUAL COVERING FOR LEADERS
Scripture: Isaiah 54:17 | Hebrews 13:17 | Ephesians 6:12
Victory Church Family,
Today we stand in the gap for every leader—our pastors, ministry heads, and their families. Leadership carries weight, responsibility, and unseen spiritual warfare.
TODAY WE PRAY:
• Protection over their lives, families, and ministries—no weapon formed against them shall prosper
• Supernatural strength to serve from intimacy with God, not exhaustion
• Wisdom and discernment in every decision
• Joy in their service and covering over their households
Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Let’s contend together in prayer, believing our leaders will finish well with joy and the fullness of God’s favor.
Join us in praying for our leaders today.
PASTORS GO THROUGH HELL
Burnout, suicidal thoughts, demonic attack and despair plague many in the ministry.
Few understand what pastors and church leaders go through. The pressure and warfare is so intense that many are leaving the ministry.
After considering all that I'm about to share, which is a small glimpse into an even greater problem, I want to encourage you to rally around your leaders like you never have.
ELEVEN REASONS PASTORS ARE IN CRISIS
- 18% have considered ending their lives in the past year.
The weight of ministry is so extreme that one in five pastors have contemplated ending it all within the past twelve months.
- Spiritual warfare is indescribable.
Especially for those who are advancing with passion and anointing, church leaders often find themselves in a spiritual vortex that can't be easily understood or stopped.
Due to their authority in the spirit, invisible entities target them and attack relentlessly. Nightmares are common, yet not anywhere near the most severe of their experiences.
Irrational, suffocating fear can strike at any moment. Despair, hopelessness and terror can grip them. Actual visitations of demonic spirits are not rare. Supernaturally-initiated anxiety can drive them near mad.
Satan's assault is crafty, continual and impossible to understand in the natural.
- Ministry often causes crisis in the family.
It's very common for spouses and children to resent and even resist the call of ministry due to the unfair burdens they often have to bear.
People often try to get to the pastor through the spouse. The manipulation, demands, accusations and even well-meaning discussions typically end up spinning wives out. They barely recover, if they do at all, by the following Sunday.
This tension is extremely difficult to navigate for many church leaders. The call to ministry is from God, very intense and not to be taken lightly. Of course, the call to minister to their family comes first, but this tug-of-war can wear leaders and their families down to the point of depression, or worse.
- Betrayal can be devastating.
Did you know that pastors are often ready to quit and that their wives (if not themselves as well) can erupt in tears for weeks or months when people leave the church or cause trouble? Of course not. They put on a smile and plow through. You never see it.
Of course, people rarely leave churches in a healthy way. The trail of destruction in their wake can destroy a church, and the pastor and his family live in constant concern that the ministry might suddenly collapse.
When people they have supported, prayed for, encouraged, given leadership positions to and trusted with ministry turn on them, it's like a serrated dagger that rips through their hearts.
- Gossip can hurt more than betrayal.
Betrayal usually ends with people leaving the church. Gossips remain in position in the church and keep talking. It's a wicked attempt to gain influence. It's a true Absalom situation that divides the church and invites dark, evil spirits to ministry through those who are causing distention.
Gossip is fueled by a demonic spirit of witchcraft and is extremely powerful. Pastors most often feel this evil spirit in the atmosphere well before they hear about what was spoken through the “witches,” those who are poisoning the people with their verbal vomit.
- Financial burdens threaten the church every day.
Pastors should be giving themselves to prayer and study of the Word. In most cases, they are not called to raise funds and deal with the financial pressures of the church.
The bills of the church are not the responsibility of the pastor. They are the responsibility of the people. If there's a mission that must be funded, an electric bill that must be paid, a paycheck that can't be skipped, the people should rally together and cover it. Every week. Every time.
Further, if at all possible, pastors should receive healthy salaries so their own bills don't consume their emotional energy. They must be free of every possible burden if they hope to avoid burnout. Tent making may be necessary at a time, but it must be as short-term as possible.
- Lack of buy-in of the vision can be demoralizing.
When people don't exhibit passion and don't have a laser focus on the vision of the house, it leaves the pastor spinning his wheels. Instead of advancing in the assignment, they become exhausted attempting to cast the vision over and over again.
They trade the mantle of prophet for salesman, trying to make the mission as exciting as possible.
Instead of a Gideon army who are fully locked-in and devoted, they are left with people who are scattered, complaining, apathetic or resistant.
- Fear of failure can be overwhelming.
The dream of fulfilling the call that God placed on their lives often leads to disillusionment, depression and permeating sadness.
Rejection by the very people hey expected to run the race with cuts deep, and the threat of falling well short of the goal is very real.
- Pastors are expected to do what they aren't wired to do.
Pastors should be in prayer and in the Word. Anything beyond that should be according to their specific gifting and calling, not the demands of culture or the people in the church.
We have pastors called on to counsel when they have no training or desire to do so.
They are expected to be available at any hour.
They risk losing people if they turn down invitations or don't meet their demands.
They are starting programs and ministries they have no desire to, but are demanded by the people.
Due to this, many wave the white flag, give up the focused call and do what everybody expects. They show up for work, but in their heart they quit long ago.
- They spend their energy herding cats.
They are the welcoming committee, the assimilation team, the retention department and the crisis managers.
It's common for them to worry when they don't have the chance to say hi or bye to someone on a Sunday morning. They carry that throughout the week, ruminating on whether they offended the individual or not.
The mission becomes all about keeping people happy, connected and served instead of what it's really supposed to be.
Instead of advancing in the mission, they are continually attempting to make sure the people stay connected, happy and affirmed.
- By design, God is adding to the pressure.
Leaders aren't only attacked by the enemy or troubled by people, they are crushed, challenged and called to go deeper by God.
This is a difficult, but appropriate and welcome pressure that absolutely should demand their full attention. This intensity is enough to push a leader to the brink. It results in breaking, humility and a greater anointing.
However, when the other ten issues are added in, the pastor can find himself broken for the long term.
And, yes, God will allow some of the ten issues as part of the pastor's personal ministry school. Training in the fire is necessary and God will allow what seems to be unfair in order to make them ready.
The attacks of the enemy and the body can result in refining and a greater dependance on God.
THERE'S SO MUCH MORE
Pastoring is considered to be the third most stressful and difficult job in the world.
There are burdens and struggles that go well beyond what I outlined here.
Of course, when a pastor is called, they must do what they can to press on and through. We could look at each of the above points and discuss a resolution for the pastor. God didn't call them to succumb. They have the victory.
There are strategies on dealing with an Absalom spirit in the camp. There are ways to help ensure health in the pastor's family. They can deal with their own limits and fears. They can learn how to war more effectively in the spirit realm.
But the truth remains, most nobody understands what ministry leaders go through on a minute-by-minute basis.
Yes, some leaders are more skilled and prepared to handle some of the above issues than others. Yet, most are not only struggling, they are devastated.
Many are seeking to end their lives.
Over half have fallen into pornography.
Some are on the cusp of divorce.
A significant percentage of them hate the ministry they once loved.
No, there isn't any excuse for falling into sin. But, there are helps, strategies to keep them from falling in the first place.
We must see a loving, responsive people who are holding up the arms of our pastors. When they grow weary, they need the people to step up and carry the weight.
Molech, Charlie Kirk and the Colossal Failure of the Church
If Charlie Kirk's assassination doesn't change the church, what will?
The most shocking moment of the past two days wasn't the tragic, horrific and demonic murder of Charlie Kirk. Reported to be the kindest of people and a true prophetic voice for this generation, Charlie's words weren't contested with opposing arguments this fateful day. Respectful dialog didn't win the day.
A coward's bullet stopped him. It didn't stop his message, mind you. It exponentially multiplied it.
The shock hit when the dark underbelly of our nation was exposed not only to be much darker than many presumed, but also that it's no longer an underbelly. It's in your face. It's gone mainstream.
The celebrations of murder seemed to take over social media, and the rejoicing over Charlie's blood have not slowed down.
I can't believe I just wrote that.
Enraged Over Mere Words
Dutch Sheets shared a brief video message on the parallel between what happened with Charlie Kirk and the martyrdom of Stephen. It was spot on and it gives a powerful revelation into the redemption plan of God in this hour.
“But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” (Acts 6:10, ESV)
As with Stephen, the debate enraged those who had no answer. The wisdom was too great to overcome. Accusation and ultimately violence of one twisted individual was the result. Agreeing to disagree wouldn't suffice.
Stephen preached on fire and revealed truth that was fiercely rejected.
“You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’” (Acts 7:43, ESV)
I find it interesting that Moloch was mentioned in Stephen's message. This demonic god has spilled the blood of untold millions of Americans through the evils of abortion. When a spirit of murder and bloodshed is so aggressively worshiped in our nation we can't be surprised when it manifests in other sectors. Killing babies was only the beginning of the enemy's plan. In fact, I've said for years that, if the intercessors and prophets don't rise up, it will become legal to kill children aged two years and younger. That method of extermination has precedence. A spirit of Herod is ready to destroy God's people.
“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.” (Acts 7:54, ESV)
All it took was hearing Stephen speak.
All it took was hearing Charlie speak.
They were enraged.
“And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” (Acts 7:56–58, ESV)
They stopped their ears. The truth alone was enough for them to attack and kill. But did you notice how the passage ended? Saul was there. Paul. He witnessed it all.
I wonder just who may have been in attendance on the Utah Valley University campus. In fact, I believe more than one modern-day Paul has been awakened. Prophets, bold and anointed voices of God, were born.
The Failure of the Church
It's troubling the boldness, anointing and fearlessness that we saw in Charlie Kirk is rare in the pulpits today. Many pastors are drunk on church growth dreams, avoiding anything that would create a divide in the body.
Where are the Upper Room prayer meetings?
What happened to unapologetic calls to radical holiness (which really isn't radical at all)?
Why are the prophets muzzled?
Where are those who have actually signed up for possible martyrdom, surrendering their lives for the cause of Christ that goes well beyond forgiveness of sins and hopes of Heaven?
The church gathering, the Ekklesia, must promote strategic, fiery, heart-rending intercession to first place. The primary purpose, the foundational reason, the main thing has always been fervent prayer. Well, in Scripture at least.
The church gathering must be marked by a sharp prophetic atmosphere that results in urgent and timely messages of God piercing the darkness. The days of “family-style church” are drawing to an end, at least for the true remnant followers of Jesus.
Today's church is mostly impotent, natural and devoid of supernatural power.
Where are the dreams and visions?
Why are prophets and intercessors relegated to Facebook groups instead of the Sunday morning platform?
When will the church arise and assume its rightful place as the governmental authority in our nation?
A political spirit has consumed not only America, but also the church. Instead of governing from an apostolic and prophetic position, we have either deafening silence or bombastic, carnal, religious rants. Anointed, prophetic revelation is rare. People are consumed with “facts” instead of truth, opinions instead of the heart of God.
It's time to tremble in tears in a place of repentance, prayer and where the fear of the Lord consumes us.
I'm not pretending that the arousal of the church would have prevented Charlie's death. Martyrdom will only increase as the end draws nearer. However, it would have created an atmosphere in this nation that's burning with revival and moving in great wisdom and authority. Love would abound and millions of people would have a direct encounter with the Lover of their souls. We need another Jesus revolution.
I implore you, in an age when Molech is spilling blood all throughout our nation, when voices like Stephen and Charlie are rare and when the underbelly of darkness has become brash and overt, everything about our church gatherings must change.
When people are actually dancing on TikTok and laughing and celebrating someone's death, we know the darkness has nearly won, strangling and suffocating our nation.
Pastors, cancel everything and pray.
Many people will leave. Those who don't wish to carry the burden of the hour and who are repelled by the intensity and emotion of prophetic intercession will abandon their assignment.
This is why church growth cannot be a goal. It's laughable to think it could be.
Where we are going requires a Gideon exodus. Only one percent of Gideon's army was ready. I believe we are at the same juncture today.
Are you part of the one percent? Are you ready to tear down the altars of Molech? Will you be a Saul that is transformed into a Paul? Will you be driven by love, truth and a supernatural resolve to see freedom come to millions of people in the United States of America?
If so, don't wait. Don't look around for others to join you. Just do it.
Oh, by the way, our mission is love, not revenge. We want those who are lost to be found. We must contend for Charlie's assassin to meet Jesus. Heaven wouldn't be the same without him.
I'm sure Charlie is awaiting the day when he just might run with open arms to joyfully embrace him as he enters Heaven. This is what love looks like, and this is the core of our mission.
Demonization Simplified
Can Christians be demonized?
Satan seeks to secure influence and control over our lives. This is clear to all. What many struggle with is the idea of demonization among Christians.
They often can't negotiate the idea that a Believer can be both demon possessed and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
In Scripture, we never see a difference between “possession” and “oppression.” In fact, those are man-made terms that aren't found in the Bible. The correct word is “demonized.”
While the following is admittedly oversimplified, it should help people grasp just how demonization works.
I'm going to substitute the influence of demons with the influence of people. This will help us understand how a third party can dramatically impact us, if we allow it. Of course, people don't demonize us and they aren't the enemy. The point of this exercise is to bring clarity on how outside sources affect us.
LEVELS OF DEMONIZATION: AN EXERCISE
1. GENERAL INFLUENCE: We are impacted by the world we live in. Immoral TV commercials, social media trends, popular culture and the flood of marketing we are hit by causes many to feel like they can't measure up. Rejection, low self-esteem and other negative emotional and mental results are common.
2. INVITED INFLUENCE: When we buy into the lies of culture, it's common to embrace them and alter who we are. The goal is to thrive and break out of our mediocrity, but most often we step right into the trap. We are conditioned to lose our identity in favor of another, all with our eager agreement. We open doors to the influence and affirm whatever is popular, no matter how immoral or inappropriate it may be.
3. MANIPULATION: The next level is much stronger as we find ourselves manipulated to be and do what others demand. This can include culture, but at this point it typically becomes more personal. Other people can put on the pressure to conform to their demands.
4. CONTROL: The chains of people's expectations get heavy at this level. In a very real-world example, it's possible to be in a controlling marriage that is devoid of love. The person being controlled feels angry and hopeless and struggles to find a way out.
5. IMPRISONMENT: Again, to take the example of marriage to this next level, terrible situations can get even worse very quickly. Understand, in a marriage there is a covenant, a union that brings complexities into the situation. Spouses are often terrified to escape this threatening situation and often stay in the prison without any attempt to find freedom.
6. TORMENT: The abuse, whether physical, emotional, psychological or other is all engulfing and overwhelming at this point. The hope of being free, joyful and experiencing abundant life is now gone.
7. HATRED: Every evil emotion now drives the person. Thoughts of death, revenge and much darker emotions take over.
8. DESTRUCTION: Full-blown defeat, destruction and open wounds of anguish now overtake the individual. They are broken, emotionally wrecked, mentally unstable and crushed. Suicide, self-harm, drugs and other attempts at relief are common.
9. DUPLICATION: While not an excuse, the next step for people in this scenario, whether it's the spouse or the children growing up in the environment, is often a life fueled by what they have experienced. Hatred, revenge, drugs, immorality, torment, control and more are passed on to the next generation. Fatherlessness, for example, has a direct impact on the children, and this model is duplicated in the next generation.
DEMONIZATION WORKS SIMILARLY
The above levels are in play in regard to demonic influence as well. To be demonized, at its most basic, is to come into agreement with the influence of the enemy.
If we agree, for example, that nudity in media is okay, we embrace the enemy's influence and we give license to it. Lust and sexual immorality often follow. Agreement is powerful, and Satan knows it. There are next levels that low-level agreement opens the door to.
In the above breakdown, it would be fair to say that demonization begins at number two. When we invite the influence, we align with the influencer.
It's also fair to say that demonization can come when we don't directly invite the enemy to join ranks with us. Torment, trauma and other devastating life issues can result in extreme weakness and hopelessness. If we don't fight back against the enemy's plans, it's common to fall into despair which opens the door for greater demonic influence.
The point of this exercise is to demystify demonization. It's extremely common among Christians. Our thoughts, our beliefs, our decisions and our reactions to culture and life can give the enemy access.
Demons are invisible entities that talk to us. Really, that's their most powerful weapon. When we listen and when we don't respond wearing the armor of God, demonic influence settles in. For many it can last a lifetime.
Of course, we have the victory if we do, in fact, wear our armor, pray with passion, stand on the Word of God and resist the enemy. We are more than conquerors!
No matter how dark and deep the demonization is, whether it's invited influence or fully manifested destruction, we can be delivered. For those influenced by generational curses or those who have passed on the curse to their children, it's time to fight!
Repent, surrender, cry out to God, seek deliverance, resist the enemy and change the future of you, your children and your grandchildren! The blood of Jesus is enough!
Annoyed in the Place of Prayer
It's not the words Bishop Mariann Budde spoke.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
“I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.”
“May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being…”
These are direct quotes from the message that Bishop Mariann Budde released to the nation at the inaugural prayer service. It's hard to argue with the words, which, I'm sure, were carefully poured over and selected. Mercy, strength, courage, honor, dignity. All good things.
THERE'S MORE THAN WORDS TO BE EVALUATED
While it's true that some campaigning Christians are creating unnecessary division with rants and accusations, there are others who are celebrating the Bishop's rallying cry as heroic and undeniably “Christian.” The divide within the church is wide.
Those who are leaning left predictably do not discern the spirit behind the words. I've watched many previous radicals for Jesus become disillusioned by the church. It's terribly grieving to see people who were champions for holiness fall for the religious deception of the day. Grieving, but not shocking.
What has shaken me is the number of authentic lovers of Jesus actually buying into what Bishop Budde is selling. I'm stunned. They are actually supporting her message.
More than any time in history, we need the gift of discerning of spirits in the church. Many false-teachers will arise with convincing words in their mouths. The Anti-Christ himself will be seductive, brilliant, charismatic and full of words that will appease many of the most spiritual among us.
GREATLY ANNOYED IN THE PLACE OF PRAYER
This message by Bishop Budde was filled with “true words” and delivered in the place of prayer. After reading the following passage of Scripture, you can't deny the irony.
“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.” (Acts 16:16–18, ESV)
The slave girl was driven by a spirit that benefited many. Lies weren't being spewed. In fact, the truth she shouted was clear and powerful. Then why was Paul greatly annoyed?
It wasn't the message that bothered him. It was the spirit. It was the agenda. It was the defiance.
Today's authentic, Spirit-filled Christian nation is annoyed at the wicked spirit that was catapulted into our country. The prayer service was desecrated and curses, intentional or not, were released.
The passage in Acts continues by revealing what happens when the Spirit of truth confronts, delivers and dares violate the agenda of the religious. Attacks. Beatings. Imprisonment.
Oh, and keep reading a little further and you'll see:
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.” (Acts 16:25–26, ESV)
FALSE LOVE
Many on the religious left are crying out with a message of supposed love, though their definition doesn't pass muster when compared with Scripture.
From my article, The Great Love Deception:
Keep in mind that false or tainted love doesn’t flow mostly from an evil, debased heart. It also doesn’t mean that there is nothing about the argument or viewpoint that is true. A person who craves pure love can, in their zeal or in their weakness, allow impurities into their expression of love that twists and compromises it. The reason I needed to say this is to encourage you if you’ve been hit by the false-love spirit. Your desire for manifested love is very probably true, yet the enemy can come in and confuse the process.
The inaugural prayer sermon feels like love, and many of the points can be accepted as true. However, the deconstructed and the liberals most often fail to understand what true, biblical love looks like.
It has to be said, without any nefarious motive or ill intent, that Bishop Budde endorses a heretical message and is a leader in a heretical movement, the Episcopal Church. She cannot be considered a sister in the Lord. This is enough to raise red flags regarding her sermon.
While I'm confident she has many impressive and honorable traits, that's not enough to pass the scriptural litmus test. Many of society's nicest, most honorable, kind and caring people are not believers in Jesus and his truths.
Yes, the unsaved can at times be kinder than the saved. That's a sad indictment on the church. That being said, it doesn't exonerate those who endorse and spread heresy. Their message is eternally deadly.
THE ANOINTING MATTERS
No Spirit-filled Christian would believe Bishop Budde's message carried the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It did not.
It was fueled by agenda, erroneous beliefs and human wisdom that was wrapped in the guise of love.
This doesn't mean we hate, despise, shame or seek her destruction. God loves her passionately, just as he loves those she referenced in her message.
It's time for the church to exhibit true love that cannot be counterfeited by those who do not know God. It won't always affirm, appease, tolerate or include, but it does reveal the burning passion of Jesus for mankind.
An Open Letter to Normal Christians
Delay is no longer an option.
The term normal Christians is in no way meant to be disparaging. It's defining.
For the sake of this letter, a normal Christian would be someone who faithfully connects in a church, develops life-giving relationships with other Believers, gives joyfully, loves to worship and has a desire to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Further, they may be in the Spirit-filled camp or may align with any number of additional authentic, Christian expressions. These are people many would consider the spiritual backbone of society. Some may be candidates to serve as elders, Sunday School teachers, small group leaders and pastors. This healthy, vibrant church crowd has a significant measure of devotion, or at least wild curiosity.
However, such a devotion to their “Jesus experience” isn't enough. This is the purpose of this letter.
YOU WERE BORN FOR MORE THAN THIS
There's a difference between our personal journey and our ministry. Now is the time for ministry. Revival needs you.
We are on a rescue mission to save multitudes from the torments of Hell. When this is what drives us, it becomes quite clear, quite fast, that personal edification and satisfaction once or twice a week won't suffice.
The experience God has for all of us eclipses the “church as usual” paradigm that nearly every Christian is familiar with today. A massive, all-encompassing reformation, a radical revolution, is required.
Revival is not a meeting under a tent and it's not a pie-in-the-sky dream. Revival defined is simply biblical normalcy. When we are living a biblically normal life, the fireworks start exploding all around.
You weren't born to stop short at a church commitment, bedtime prayers and a nice, safe, Christian life. Simply, you weren't created to be normal.
THE SIN OF BEING AVERAGE
In this hour when normal, average Christianity will compromise the advance of revival and the salvation of millions, I must challenge you to radically, comprehensively reconsider your spiritual life. Everything must change.
Satisfaction with the present is fatal to the future. ~Glen Berteau
While the church you attend might not be ready to cater to the hungry, desperate remnant, you have no choice but to join the ranks of the radicals. Burn hot, contend in fervent intercession, discover your spiritual gifts, shift atmospheres and unite with a Gideon's army to route the enemy and call down fire from Heaven!
THE CALL OF ALL
Again, this letter is being written to normal Christians. It's time to awaken the Jesus freak within and live a life worthy of a bloody cross and an empty grave.
It's time to lay down the dream of finding a happy church experience where the baristas know your name. The call of all in this desperate and glorious hour is to die to self, take up our cross and burn with Holy Spirit fire. No longer can we be satisfied with lesser things. The deep is calling and we must respond.
If your church doesn't provide the opportunity to rage on fire like this, then, don't jump ship. Stay faithfully connected while you add to your weekly schedule prayer meetings, prophetic gatherings and city-focused missions. Find a tribe that will not stop until full-blown revival, reformation and revolution strikes your city.
GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
Ben Johnson, the new Head Coach of the Chicago Bears, announced to his team, without apology, that they must get comfortable being uncomfortable.
For too long the church has been about us. Our experience, our satisfaction, our enjoyment, our promotion, our ministry, our connection, our growth. A shocking shift that's coming to the church is a disruptive departure from the tired, powerless norms of the previous generations. The remnant must arise and the focus now becomes an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the region.
The only way to see this come to pass is if we cancel the “sail away party” on the cruise ship and enlist on the battleship. You are a soldier not a tourist. You're on a mission, not on vacation.
No longer is the church to meet our demands and expectations. We are there to meet the demands of the mission. Blood, sweat and tears will flow as we pray continually, walk in the spirit, burn white hot and run toward a fulfilled assignment.
THE BLUEPRINT
The severity of the season demands all hands are on deck and ready for war.
Instead of Ted Talk-style encouraging nuggets of truth to help us get through the upcoming week, pulpits must erupt with prophetic revelation as anointed men and women of God equip the saints for battle. The goal isn't to alleviate stress. It's to become specialists, Navy Seals, Green Berets, people who have the skills, devotion and passion necessary to look wickedness in the face and blast the light of Jesus into dark, demonized territories.
This means we must gather frequently, pray strategically, grow in the prophetic, understand our authority and advance in our supernatural superpowers. This type of life starts on our own, in our prayer closets, but it can't end there. The corporate assault necessary against the kingdom of darkness requires a unified advance. This is why this letter is so critical. You can't be normal. You can't be average. You can't do it alone. You are needed in the war room and on the front lines.
So, all who are living a predictable, typical, normal, average, tired life that looks no different than the way most every other normal Christian is living, pray for shift.
A mighty shockwave will indeed impact you, shaking you off your feet and driving you to your knees. If God is to manifest today, we cannot remain the same. Today's church shows little blood, bruises, tears or desperation as a result of the cross they supposedly carry. Most don't even bear a single splinter.
You were called to be different.