Thursday, January 21, 2010

Despise Not Prophesyings

Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
I Thessalonians 5:17-21

Previously, I just posted this video with essentially no commentary or review. Based on questions I have received, I see that more discussion is warranted and have updated this post to address some of these issues.




Dr. David Owuor

There have been some questions about Dr. David Owuor; who he is and whether he is a true prophet of God. These are all questions that should be asked as we are told by God to test the spirit before receiving the words of any man.

I do not know Dr. Owuor personally. This video is the first I had heard of him. I have done some initial examination of his teachings - and while we don't agree on every point - I have found them to be largely Scriptural. His ministry seems to focus on a call to repentance and holiness before the Lord, especially in the church.

However, the purpose of this post is not to be an endorsement of any man (including Dr. Owuor), but to bring to the forefront the issue of God's judgment. Some feel uneasy talking about God's judgments as if they somehow show a level of insensitivity to those impacted by them. But it is an important topic to address, especially considering the days in which we live.

Judgments Aren't Supposed To Feel Good

Judgments are punishments. They are not meant to feel good. Anyone who has ever read even some of the Bible knows that God does send judgments. Examples include:

  • Dismissing Adam & Eve from the Garden of Eden
  • The Flood in Noah's day
  • Fire & Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah
  • The destruction of the various tribes in Canaan as Israel moved in to possess the land
  • Giving Israel into Babylonian captivity
In these judgments there were levels of hurt, devastation, tragedy, and even death. Yet, the human misery attached to these events did not mean that they were not from God.

Imagine being in Noah's day, where God sent the flood to address man's exceeding wickedness. Every person was destroyed except for 8 people. Some might think it "insensitive" to look at that tragedy and say it was God's judgment. But the fact remains that - no matter how unpleasant we may consider the thought - it was an example of God's judgment. We cannot base what comes from God by looking at how it makes us feel.

Judgment is defined as: 1) A judicial decision, sentence; God's favourable judgment by which he acquits man and declares them acceptable to Him or determines man to be unfavourable and condemns him; 2) A righteous act or deed

Consider this, a judgment IS a righteous act! If I commit murder and am sentenced to life in prison by the judge - even though the sentence is hard - the judgment is righteous. It is a just recompense for the deeds done. Why is it righteous? Because it enforces a standard of what is right and what is wrong. If we never judged crimes, then the streets would be filled with criminal activity and we would all be in danger.

This is why God's judgments are also demonstrations of His mercy and love.


Our God is a God of justice, but also a God of mercy.
Through the blood of Jesus, God's mercy is available to us now.
It is up to us to decide to accept it.
We don't want to be camping out in "Sin Forest"
when judgment time comes.

Copyrighted by Joyful'toons

God's Judgment is Also God's Love

God has declared that the wages of sin is death. By God's own word, man is worthy of nothing more than death because of our sin. Again, this is a righteous judgment, for we are the ones who have sinned.

However, God was not satisfied to leave things in that condition. He could not override His law, and at the same time, man in a sinful state could not exist in His presence. God's answer was to come down to earth Himself, and pay the price that we could not pay. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified as a sinless offering so that man - through faith in Him - could be reconciled unto God.

Let us be sure to understand the character and depth of love in God. He could have chosen to leave us in a sinful condition and damned us all to Hell for OUR sins (a righteous judgment). Yet, He did not. In compassion, He paid the price so that we would not have to. Now, He extends to man the choice to be reconciled to Him and not be damned by placing faith in the one and only offering that could cover our sin.

When God judges sin, it is an act of love and mercy. As we stated before in the example of crime, righteous judgments are a deterrent to wrong behavior, a protection for those who are the victims of such crimes, and a reinforcement of the standard of what is right and wrong. If God did not address sin, then fallen man in his depravity would destroy himself. It is also an act of mercy that He does not wipe all of man off of the face of the earth, for truly that is what we all deserve. We have all sinned and fallen short of His glory.



The Coming Judgments of God

Jesus told us that there would be judgments from God coming prior to His return to earth. He says:

"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:7-8

These are some of the signs that He gives us so that we will know the time is drawing near. These events will be the "beginning of sorrows" or what other Scriptures call the birth pains.

Is it a joyful sight to see people starving to death, afflicted by disease, or killed in earthquakes? Of course not. Should we do everything we can to help those in need? Absolutely. But, if we claim to be Christians, we cannot ignore spiritual significance which may be attached to such events.

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" Amos 3:7-8

The bottom line is that God warns us. He tells us what will happen and why. He even sends men and women to proclaim the truth so that people may repent and turn to Him. If we fail to perceive the warning, then how will we heed it?

At some point, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes that are part of God's judgments. Will we be wise enough to discern those times or will we be too afraid of people's reactions to proclaim what God gives us to say?

God does not see things as we see them. He does not want man to suffer, but at the same time He is not here trying to sustain our lives here on this earth. He is using this life to prepare us for everlasting, eternal life. If we repent and turn in faith to Jesus, that life will be spent with Him. If not, that life will be spent in eternal damnation.

Don't get so caught up in this life and in a human way of looking at things that you lose perspective on God and what He is doing. Some have painted a picture of God that is more akin to Santa Claus. He is a kindly old Father who doles out gifts and money. Make sure that the God in whom you place your faith reflects the whole character, love, and holiness of our Father. He is a God of love, of peace, of mercy, of judgment, of righteousness, of holy perfection, and of power.

It is not unkind or unloving to proclaim God's judgments if in fact that is what they are. Do not despise prophesyings.

"Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph." Amos 5:15

"But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." Amos 5:24

"But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin." Micah 3:8

"Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth." Habakkuk 1:4

6 comments:

  1. This prpphesy could quite easily apply to a number of other sinful nations around the world.

    The way I see it, this was a natural disaster, which incidentally occurss in the USA as well.

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  2. It can and I believe it does. Jesus told us what to expect prior to His return. No nation will be spared.

    "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows." Mark 13:8

    If we are believers, then what do we believe? Jesus said that what some might just call "natural disasters" will be poured out as part of God's judgment against sin before He returns. Do we believe Him?

    God is in control of all. He could have stopped this, but He did not. Everything He does - even what might seem to be "inaction" - is for a reason.

    The same God who died for us and watches over us each day is the One who destroyed all in a flood except 8 people. God's judgments are just as much a part of His love as His forgiveness because it is done with the goal of turning man's hearts to Him. His mercy is displayed, not only in being longsuffering, but in giving man warnings of what is to come. Question is, will we heed the warnings?

    “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?” Amos 3:7-8

    I am not very familiar with this man and God did not give me this prophecy. However, I have so far found his teachings to be Biblically sound. In November 2009, he stated that a historic and devastating earthquake would come to that island. Less than two months later, it did.

    But this is not about him. It is not even about Haiti. It is about discerning the times in which we live. According to the word of God, the tragedy Haiti is facing will be experienced by many other nations in the world, even in varying ways. We need to understand what the Scriptures say, but more importantly, we need to be prepared.

    The people of Haiti are no worse sinners than anyone else in the world. This is not a chance to point the finger at Haiti, for we are ALL in the same boat. The entire world is coming under judgment because of sin. As the birth pains which usher in the tribulation period begin, are we prepared to stand and endure?

    "And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:2-3

    The message that precedes Christ's coming is the same now as it was then. It is the spirit of Elijah coming with a call to repentance.

    You don’t have to believe that what happened in Haiti was the result of God’s judgment. But know this, He allowed it to happen. We cannot be so uncomfortable or even convicted by these discussions that we casually dismiss them. If God gives a warning – and we fail to heed it – then what will our end be?

    God Bless!

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  3. On the 12th a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. It has been reported that thousands are dead or missing. My heart truly goes out to these people, along with much prayer. I don't know much about Haiti. I don't know much about the 700 Club or Pat Robinson, (other than the fact that he is hated by many, including those that call themselves Christians) but if there is any truth to what he says, this could be very well a selective judgment. I just learned that voodoo is a national religion there.....I didn't know that.

    news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2985627.stm

    The mixture of gods and goddesses and Catholic saints is an integral part of Haitian life - one common saying is that Haitians are 70% Catholic, 30% Protestant, and 100% voodoo.

    Also, most of the comments I have been reading about this are not surprising. Many, especially the Christians who have been commenting only show themselves to be supremely ignorant of who God is, and what He is capable of. Stating the fact that we serve a God that uses and allows things like this to happen for purposes of judgment sends these "christians" into a heathen's fury. The missions of the Church will be there with relief, prayers, and whatever else they can do....the American government is sending relief and humanitarian aid as well. (I'm curious as to how much the other nations will send....) But I would submit to all that to go into a heathenistic rage because a Christian mentions that this could be judgment, is to practically shake one's fist at the Lord, at what He says by His Word, and at who the Holy Spirit reveals Him to be. This is not about Pat Robertson. This is about being confronted with who God is. This is about being confronted with a side of Jesus Christ that many Christians do not know. Nor do they want to accept. I believe these to be the Christians that will possibly fall away....

    When a nation officially nationalizes a satanic religion in which demonic spirits are invoked.....when something like this is part of their culture, their heritage, their very identity.....sooner or later (according to scripture) what did people think was going to happen? Not only should the people of God send aid and prayers for mercy. But all should be called to repentance as well. (this includes the Catholics there that practice or simply have no problems with voodoo).

    May the Lord have mercy upon us....

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  4. After reading this,I was left with a question that leaves me perplexed and confused. During the tribulation are we suppose to let them kill us, or are we suppose to make an attempt to stay alive? I mean if you just allow yourself to be killed or allow innocents to be slaughtered, is that not against the fundamental belief of defending and helping the motherless, the fatherless, those lost yet to be found?
    From reading some quoted scripture it sounds like we are suppose to flee unless we are caught of then which we are to lay down our lives so we may be presented as unblemished before Christ?
    Sorry, I am just lost as I cannot quite understand the bible to satisfactory extent and the viewpoints of various posts on other websites contradict each other in every conceivable way.

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  5. Hi Anonymous,

    I believe your answer lies in the following text:

    "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25

    The Bible does not advise us to be pacifists. So it is not a matter of not fighting, but a matter of what we are fighting for.

    The bottom line is that each person must be led by the Spirit of God to know what to do...now and during the tribulation. There may be a time when God provides a way of escape and He will communicate that to you. Or, there could be a time when He allows your life to be taken. There is no cookie cutter approach here outside of seeking God's will for your life and doing that.

    The point is to know that no matter what happens, it is not our own lives we are fighting for, but the life of Christ. Our lives are His and we belong to him.

    If our focus is on sustaining our temporal life, then we will miss out on eternal life. But if we live a life in sacrifice to God - allowing Him to do with it what He pleases - then we will have eternal life.

    Remember too, we are called to be living sacrifices. Our sacrifice is not that we just die for Him, but that we live for Him.

    So, just follow what He tells you to do and you will be fine.

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  6. I wanted to share this as we wait for the Lord.

    Dear Brothers and Sisters,
    May the Lord bless you and open your heart to understand this letter. May He bring your heart to understand that the days are evil and His coming is near. May God show you that every man action, thought, deeds, plans will be judged and show you just like He showed me that if you don't repent, you will be judged with the people of the world.

    May He bring the fear of God in your heart just like He brought to mine. May He bring you to the fire and test your heart so that you could be refined as silver and tried as gold so that He may bring out of you a pure heart that the Lord says Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

    And may He show you that without holiness no one will see the Lord and just like He showed me that as a disciple of Christ we must walk in the Spirit, for He can only be worshiped in truth and in Spirit.

    May He grant you wisdom to understand that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom that we all seek and that if you fear the Lord you will always endure to obey His commands and depart from evil for His commands are not burdensome.

    May He show you that what is happening and you are seeing in the television are just birth pains to a greater judgement that is coming for the evil of the world is great that has reached up to heavens and as Jesus said that before His coming the days will be as bad as the days of flood and Sodom and Gomorrah.

    Oh that He may open your eyes to see what is happening and give you a repentant heart that cries clothe my shame Lord, clothe my nakedness Lord, anoint my eyes that i may see and purify my heart that i may be refined as silver and tried as gold.

    That He may open your eyes to see that these things of the world will pass, and help you remove these desires of the world that you may only see Him and not the world.

    Oh May He work in your heart and remove everything that may become a barrier to His way and if possible even deny you the things of the world if they would keep you from seeing Him.

    Brothers and Sisters this letter is a letter of love and May He grant you wisdom to see this.

    Thank you

    Brother in Christ

    ReplyDelete

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