Antioch International Ministries

Pastor Jim Sanderbeck

The Kingdom of God comes to change the culture.  Change culture?  Yes, the culture of darkness to the Kingdom of Light.  Scripture is very clear:

1Jn 3:7  Delightfully loved children, don’t let anyone divert [deceive] you from this truth. The person who keeps doing what is right proves that he is righteous before God, even as the Messiah is righteous. 8  But the one who indulges in a sinful life is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was revealed was to undo and destroy the works of the devil. (TPT)

Satan works through fear and manipulated lies and deceptions.  As exposure of the lies happens, the lie loses its power to enslave.  The devil then lies more, overplays his hand and is fully exposed.  At that point, he is held accountable and is subject to the judgement of God.  That is why for 3 years we have been praying for exposure, accountability and judgement.

Jesus is perfect in all ways.  He is both the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29) and the Lion of Judah. (Rev. 5:5)  Holy is the Name of the Lord. (Rev. 15:4 & others)  Just as Jesus is the Holy lamb, He is also the Holy Lion of Judah.  In fact, His gentleness and His wrath are both released because of His great love.  This generation of believers has known Him as the Lamb.  They are about to see Him now as the Lion.  The best New Testament example is that of Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5:1-11)  The result of that was a tremendous release of the fear [exceeding alarm, fright, terror] of the Lord.  Cultures of the earth are about to get a close look at the fear of the Lord.  As that comes about what should be the response of the Ekklesia?

Just before and right after Acts 5:1-11, the apostles AND the believers prayed similarly.  This event of Ananias and Sapphira took place in Jerusalem after they had been chastised and warned to keep quiet about the Kingdom.  After praying together, ALL were filled and the power of God flowed through THEM COLLECTIVELY.  Boldness that was unrestrained and unity in the love of Jesus was their portion and that boldness and unity in faith moved on and among the people around them.  In Acts 4 they prayed:

Act 4:29  So now, Lord, listen to their threats to harm us. Empower us, as your servants, to speak the word of God freely and courageously. 30  Stretch out your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of your holy Son, Jesus!” 31  At that moment the earth shook beneath them, causing the building they were in to tremble. Each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed the word of God with unrestrained boldness. 32  All the believers were one in mind and heart. Selfishness was not a part of their community, for they shared everything they had with one another. (TPT)

This (Acts 5:12-16) came after the prayer of the believers—not just the apostles. The believers acting in faith released the power of the Kingdom to those around them and that resulted in an increase in numbers of believers, a clear fear of the Lord on everyone, accompanied by deliverance, and healing.

Act 5:12  The apostles performed many signs, wonders, and miracles among the people. 13  And the believers were wonderfully united as they met regularly in the temple courts in the area known as Solomon’s Porch. No one dared harm them, for everyone held them in high regard. 14  Continually more and more people believed in the Lord and were added to their number—great crowds of both men and women. 15  In fact, when people knew Peter was going to walk by, they carried the sick out to the streets and laid them down on cots and mats, knowing the incredible power emanating from him would overshadow them and heal them. 16  Great numbers of people swarmed into Jerusalem from the nearby villages. They brought with them the sick and those troubled by demons—and everyone was healed! (TPT)

Therefore, as the Lion of Judah roars, this needs to be the posture of the Ekklesia:

• Continue in prayer as led by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 4 & 5)
  • He will give direction, strategies and assignments.
  • Pray for boldness.
  • Pray for those in need.
  • Pray for open doors of opportunity to share the Gospel of the Kingdom.
  • Pray Psalm 91 and add your name, your family, those in your sphere of influence to each provision of that Word.
• Come together regularly with others of the Ekklesia in the love of Jesus, and share in meeting the needs of one another.

Heb 10:25  This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning. (TPT)

• Stay accountable
• Share in communion regularly

• All things should be Kingdom focused—as seen through the window pane of the Word. (Jn 14:10; Jn 14:31)
• Be obedient to whatever Holy Spirit directs. Just make sure it is Holy Spirit and not emotion or self-serving. (2 Cor. 2:9)
  • Assignments (stay in your lane)
  • Strategies (movement and process)
  • God things have precedence over good things
• Listen to the words of the apostles (covering for protection, instruction and provision), the prophets (advance notice and instruction), the teachers (instruction in the Word), the pastors (care, counsel, stewarding), and the evangelists (spreading of the Gospel and taking territories). (Eph. 4:11-13)
• Be prepared to whatever degree is suitable for you and your situations (Matt. 25:1-13)
• Be engaged with your assigned boundaries (Acts 17:26)

Pastor Jim Sanderbeck

June 29,02023

It is very clear today that one of the strongest statements that we can make for the Kingdom of God is to “influence through impact.”  I simply mean that when we influence those around us by being a good citizen of the Kingdom of God, then we become a vessel of great impact for the Kingdom.

Remember, Jesus came to change the culture of this world into the culture of the Kingdom of God.  He was not passive about it.  He came to destroy the works of the enemy. 1 John 3:7-8 says:

1Jn 3:7  Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;

1Jn 3:8  the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. (NASB)

Jesus did not come to bring peace–but a sword. Mat 10:34

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

However our culture change method of “impact through influence” is not as the world does.  All you have to do is look at the world today.  The evil, violence, lies, corruption and total lawlessness in this nation and around the world clearly demonstrates the tactics of the enemy and his influencing style.  It is filled with death and injustice for all.  Our “impact through influence” comes about by the Kingdom model we represent.  As part of the Ekklesia, we are of a legislative body that models Kingdom life.  We are ambassadors of the King with full authority to exercise culture change by exhibiting the nature of the King Himself.

The time is upon us that on the 7 mountains of society (education, government, religion, media, arts & entertainment, business & finance, and family) the Kingdom of God must manifest through us.  In the AIM family network, we are assigned to “influence” and steward the part of the world that we touch.  First, we model Kingdom life and the nature of our King.  THEN, when we have done that and the opportunity presents itself, through the Holy Spirt, the available power for “impact” is available to change the culture.  Someone will awaken.  Someone will get revived.  The Kingdom has come and the King redeems what was lost.  It is not a  complicated pattern.  Can you see it?

This week, AIM’s Sue Anthony is a model example of this truth.  Yes, this amazingly kind and meek woman of God has impacted the marketplace at her job at the Grove City Outlet Mall.  She has done it by influencing this part of her world by simply being Sue.  Take a look at this:

The descriptive says: “Sue is one of the hardest workers!  Known at the store as “Miss Sue” she is always willing to help in whatever capacity!  She is amazing at customer service, helping customers find whatever they need.  She has also been a staple and regular associate at our clearance store location helping to keep it stocked and well maintained.  She is a caring team player that loves to stay busy and work hard.  She is one of the first to ask you how you are doing, and one of the first to pick up a shift or switch shifts with another associate.  She truly is the heartbeat and rhythm of the store.”

The last thing Sue would want or that I am trying to do is make Sue bigger than she is or cause her to be the center of attraction.  JESUS IS THE CENTERPIECE!  Take a look at the descriptive.  It is all Kingdom!  Servant – Loyal – Caring – Team Oriented – Works hard for her employer – Looks for opportunity to be kind – Cooperative with others.  This is exercising our legal authority as an ambassador of the Kingdom.  This is culture changing impact!  She has impacted by the Holy Ghost this store and the mall, and has become an influence with favor for future outcomes on that business mountain.  Come on!!!  Way to be Sue!  Jesus loves this stuff.

Look AIM.  Our network has been chosen by God to be a catalyst for awakening, revival and transformation in our geographic and ministry assignment regions.  I can’t help it.  You can’t help it.  Jesus as our King has assigned it.  Remember the song by William P. Merrill.

1. Rise up, O men of God!
   Have done with lesser things;
   Give heart and soul and mind and strength
   To serve the King of kings.
2. Rise up, O men of God!
   His kingdom tarries long;
   As faithful workmen, watch and pray
   And light the night of wrong.
3. Rise up, O men of God!
   The church for you doth wait—
   Your strength unequal to the task,
   But Christ in you is great!
4. Lift high the cross of Christ;
   Tread where His feet have trod;
   As brothers of the Son of man,
   Rise up, O men of God!

Family, THIS IS US!!!  WE WIN or WE WIN!!

TOGETHER, WE CAN change the world.  Be a culture changer.  Be a Kingdom ambassador.  The hour is upon us!!

Pastor Jim Sanderbeck

May 11, 2023

Over the past 2 weeks, Holy Spirit has been prophesying to me that a large number of believers have become weary in well-doing.  Fatigue has set in.  Disheartened and disappointed in the delay of answered prayers—especially for the nation.  Many believers are losing their passion for the Kingdom and doubting that what they had believed has dissolved in front of their eyes.  Distractions of health and circumstances just never seem to go away.

My Friends, we are in a spiritual war and it is not easy.  No one ever said it would be easy but you have been chosen and prepared for this hour.  These devilish conditions are clearly designed to weaken your victory resolve.  Jesus had the answer: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (NASB)

Fatigue has set in from all of the distractions and it is as if the “hang on ‘til Jesus comes” lie is again finding traction in the soul.  We know that this “hang on” lie has been one of the greatest disservices to believers.  It created an “escape mentality” that has kept believers from entering the stewardship of the planet through Jesus from being fulfilled.

I have been especially reflecting on the prophet Habakkuk.  Holy Spirit is showing me that this Book is especially noteworthy right now.  I’m highlighting 3 passages that are pertinent to the condition of many.  All the passages sited are from the Message Bible which makes it very clear and contemporary.

This first passage reflects to us exactly where we are right now as a culture and a nation.

Hab 1:2-4 GOD, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!” before you come to the rescue? 3  Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. 4  Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head.

[The Lord Answers]

Hab 1:5  “Look around at the godless nations. Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock. Something’s about to take place and you’re going to find it hard to believe. 

Of course, the battle between good and evil is hard.  Lawlessness, injustice, lying, and horrific perversions are everywhere and getting worse daily.  Unrighteous men and women who have forsaken God have been given over to a reprobate mind.  (Romans 1:18-32) The things they utter are not logical or based on any facts known to be true.  But God has spoken prophetically and the common thread of His Words has been that He will deliver, bring accountability and justice will be administered.  God has not changed His mind!

The second passage encourages us to record the vision so that it is not forgotten and encourages us to run towards its fulfillment with active faith and victorious hope in our hearts.

Hab 2:2-4  And then GOD answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.

Hab 2:3  This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

Hab 2:4  “Look at that man, bloated by self-importance— full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive.

I encourage you to be steady in your believing because, in that you are fully alive.

In the third passage, the prophet begins to rejoice in spite of all visible signs of depravity.  In faith, we must stand against what is seen and believe what is unseen.

Hab 3:17  Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty,

Hab 3:18  I’m singing joyful praise to GOD. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.

Hab 3:19  Counting on GOD’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain!

If you are running on a low tank of spiritual fuel or if you have leaked some of the power of the Holy Spirit, take a lesson from Habakkuk.  God enables us when we need it to be able to see as He sees.  Look through the eyes of the Spirit.  Everything is going to be alright IF we will stay engaged with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  There is no devil or demonic force able to withstand our God.  Having done all STAND!  Get into fellowship with those who are standing.  Encourage one another in the Lord.  TOGETHER, WE CAN!!  Jesus is now counting on us!  Nehemiah, when there was much danger and signs of war, said ‘go to your place on the wall with your weapons and your tools.  Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet rally to that place.  Our God will fight for us.’ (Neh. 4:15-23)

My Brothers and Sisters, lift up your heads.  Run to the mountain from which comes your strength.  Plant your feet firm and keep your eyes on the prize.  God has a plan.  Stick with it.  Stick with Him.  You will not be disappointed.

Rom 13:11  Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.

Pastor Jim Sanderbeck

January 12, 2023

In 2022, the Lord told me to pray on, through and for the words of exposure, accountability, and justice.  I believe we should continue in that prayer in 2023.  There has been some breakthrough in all three of those arenas but not nearly to full manifestation.  Now however, the Lord is showing me that in 2023 there has been a turning of the page.  I believe very strongly apostolically and prophetically that He is showing me that in 2023 the “church” and the ”world” systems are being taken by the Spirit of God to a higher level of intense experiences.  This is going to be seen and experienced in the earth realm, mankind, cultures, and all social spheres of influence (7 mountains).  Nothing will escape what God has planned for 2023.  The spirit of what God is saying in this prophesy is not an end but a beginning.  What we are about to experience will continue the process of the Kingdom coming on the earth.

The Lord says, “I AM going to expose to new levels unrighteous conditions and behaviors that have purposefully been meant for evil in my creation.  Things that have been meant to dethrone me and my plans and my purposes will be exposed.  False gods will be exposed.  Evil plans will be exposed.  Perpetrators of evil will be exposed at levels that were not even known to have existed.”  “At the same time”, says God, “I will expose righteousness to the world at a level which has never been seen since the generation of My Son.  My Ekklesia will be exposed to the world through many avenues including signs, wonders and miracles.  Children will be used mightily in this righteous exposure.  The Ekklesia will become a force instead of a fortress.  It will be an exposure of My love and goodness that will expand My family to unprecedented numbers and Kingdom accomplishments.”

The Lord says, “in 2023 the Kingdom of God will emerge as a bride emerges at the head of the aisle.  My Holy Spirit will be her escort.  This bride of mine will glow with My radiance.  The light of the Gospel will shine through her and unite those called by my name like no time in previous history.  This emergence will pull down walls of denominationalism.  The traditions and doctrines of men will begin to fall.  My Son’s prayer of unity in John 17 will be answered.  My people will become one with me and those who resist the change will fall away in power and influence.  The Kingdom will emerge on earth as it is in heaven.  Regional relationships will form and those regions will link arms in unity all across this nation and then spread north into Canada and south into Mexico and beyond.  The world will be caught up in wonderment.  Man’s governments will try to legislate against this Bride of mine but it will not be able to stop this emerging for this will happen in the Spirit and the natural will touch it not.  Even communication will flow by My Spirit and quickly all of the Ekklesia will know of strategies, events and all manner of My agenda for them.  My Bride will emerge and heaven will prevail”, says the Lord.

The Lord says, “in 2023, I will awaken an unseen giant.  The stronghold of slumber has been broken and the chains of complacency and lethargy are fallen away.  I will use My apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists and pastors to speak to dry bones.  A full cup will run over and anointing oil will flow from the candlestick of My presence.  By My Spirit I will walk the earth and shake my Bride.  What has started as a few will quickly grow.  This awakening will be as when one awakens on a cool morning after a restful sleep—filled with energy and anticipation.  As this awakening spreads, I will literally fill arenas that were once meant for man’s pleasures.  Men built their towers to climb to the heavens, but have I not said ‘while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God’s sight.”  This unseen giant is my Ekklesia.  They will awaken out of the smoldering and unfruitful ruins of perversion and evil.  They will bring hope to the lost and refreshing to those who are exhausted.  Awaken and find true life”, says the Lord!

And the Lord says, “in 2023, I the Lord, through my chosen ones, will begin a work to reform.  I will not only restore the righteousness the worm has devoured, but I will reform governments, social mores, institutions and what has become ungodly relationships.”  “Yeah,” says the Lord, “scales will be removed from the eyes of perversion as exposure, emergence and awakening come to the forefront in this season.  I will reform every earthly sphere by bringing clarity of Kingdom life.  That which was learned from man’s attempt to satisfy his needs himself will be reformed to heaven’s perfect design.  Babylon will give way to Eden,” says the Lord.  The Lord says, “Reformation is a journey.  Even the Ekklesia will need to learn patience in reformation.  There is much that goes into maturity and it’s end is in Me.  Reformation is a marathon not a sprint.  And in 2023, the journey to reform begins.”

Pastor Jim Sanderbeck

December 29, 2022

As we head into 2023, if we are going to overcome in this world, we are going to need to adjust our paradigm.  What is Holy Spirit saying to us RIGHT NOW?  For those of us who have endured in faith some of the most upside-down/inside-out experiences over the past four years, I can understand how you might be discouraged and disappointed.  But, if you are of the Ekklesia, you must be willing to dig deeper.

Our nation and our world have been drastically changed by ideologies, lies, pandemics, governmental policies and outcomes that are so opposed to the Word of God and even logical thought that I don’t even recognize our nation any more.  I lay that at the hands of those whose desire it is to change our culture through their perverse and evil motives.  Sad, but I suppose that can be expected because they, in their sinful nature, have no cognizance of the Kingdom of God.  They have no life; they know no better.  They simply have chosen evil over good.

However, within the faith-based communities there has also been voices and behaviors that, I believe, have grieved the Holy Spirit.  These voices are without excuse.  There have been those leaders who have refused to publicly take a Biblical stand by saying religion has no place in the public/political arena.  At the expense of those five-fold leaders who have taken a bold stand, these leaders have decried them publicly and, in one case, demanded the prophets who prophesied some form of God’s intervention be forced to sign an apology to the church with the admission of being false prophets.  It has been such a tragedy that Jesus’ example and teaching and His prayer for unity among believers is trampled underfoot by those professing to be His disciples.  Quotes from Eric Metaxas’ new book, Letter to the American Church, take institutional religion to task with such statements as:

• “Silence in the face of evil is evil itself.”
• “Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
• “God will not hold us guiltless.”

He says, “The Church is called to speak out and fight not just when the cause is fashionable—as with such causes as human trafficking—but also when it is unfashionable, and perhaps especially when it is unfashionable.  If we do nothing when we see our culture being attacked in ways that will cause innumerable people to suffer, will not God hold us accountable?  We are responsible to those suffering now, and to those in future generations.  How can we let others—rather than our own consciences—dictate what we say and do?”

In summary of these past 4 years, the confusion and chaos has taken its toll on many Christians.  Those who struggle cry out with the question “where is God?”  Believers, with or without shepherds, that have not made a clear distinct sound on their bugle have sheep scattering in fear of the wolves.  I understand why the fatigue, confusion, and the statement ‘just hang on ‘til Jesus comes.’  Even Elijah found himself hiding with the feeling of being all alone.  —BUT STAYING THERE—THAT IS NOT BIBLICAL!  I refuse to accept that statement to just hang on.  Elijah rose up from the doldrums and called down the fire of God and overcame his adversaries.  As believers we are to “ask and keep on asking, knock and keep on knocking.”  In Ephesians 6:13 we are told that in the evil day, having done everything we know to do, we are to put on the armor of God and “stand”.  It does not say run, hide, give up, or hang on.

We need a paradigm SHIFT.  Obviously, the old wineskin of going to the familiar place where we have found God in the past is not working—at least not to the degree that is required for victory in this day.  The battle rages; we go on.  As a distance runner at the most demanding part of the race with the pain tearing at lungs and legs, I couldn’t quit the battle and just say ‘this hurts too much.  I’m going to quit and give the victory to the other guy.’  If I wanted to win, I had to endure to the end—and so do we now going into 2023.

In 3:16 of the Song of Solomon, we read:

Son 3:1  “On my bed night after night I sought him Whom my soul loves; I sought him but did not find him. 2  ‘I must arise now and go about the city; In the streets and in the squares I must seek him whom my soul loves.’ I sought him but did not find him. 3  “The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me, And I said, ‘Have you seen him whom my soul loves?’ 4  “Scarcely had I left them When I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go Until I had brought him to my mother’s house, And into the room of her who conceived me.”

When the familiar places where we have in the past found Him do not reveal His presence, we must  go out and search for Him.  When He is not found in the Sunday morning worship service or the Wednesday night prayer meeting or the Friday night healing service, we have to search further.  When we don’t find Him in our dreams or in a familiar Bible verse, we have to search further.  He is our lover—the most important person in our lives.  We can’t ever give up.  Then we encounter the ‘watchman.’  The Holy Spirit will direct us to here He is.  When we encounter the watchman that’s where we will find Him—never to let Him go.

My Brothers and Sisters, now as we enter into 2023, we have to dig deeper into the Holy Ghost and prayer.  We have to be willing to go out from those comfortable places and search for Him in new areas.  There are no services or events that satisfy.  I’m not saying that old wine is not good wine.  I’m saying God is always moving forward.  We have to be willing to find new wine and put it into new wineskins.  Holy Spirit is our watchman now.  Not a book or even a trusted man/woman.  Pray and find Holy Spirit and you will find HIM.  He will direct you.  In this Kingdom season, ruling and reigning is where He is.  You must choose to go out into unexplored regions of the city and find Him and your assignment.

In Luke 24 and in Mark 16:12. Jesus met 2 men, His followers, who didn’t recognize Him.  We read in Mark 16:12: “After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country.  There is much to be drawn from this verse, but for us right now in our current circumstance, these men were disappointed because of what they thought was a disastrous outcome to what they had believed about Jesus.  But, He appeared to them in a different form.  Don’t look for Him in the old wineskin alone.  This is a different season.  A new wineskin is now with us.  He will be found in a different form.  You must go out; you can not turn in.  He isn’t in a dead sanctuary or a repetitive classroom.  Now He is out in the world around you.  Find Him.  It is in this world that you will find your foundation and your assignment.  It is where you will find your Lover.  WE WIN, or, WE WIN!  TOGETHER, WE CAN!

Pastor Jim Sanderbeck

October 28, 2022

Right now, primarily in the USA but literally around the globe, the evil heart of mankind is blatantly displayed on every mountain of society.  Many Christians and moral unbelievers, who have stood for good against this evil, have become weary in the battle.  Understandably, they have toiled and battled with what is right in front of them, and without seeing the big picture, have become tired and discouraged.

Let it be known that there is a remnant alive.  A body positioned to take on and act in governmental authority under the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Ghost.  I, and many, call that remnant the Ekklesia.  Biblically, it is a word used by Jesus, and translated as “church.”  The “church” is not a building; it is a people. This church has been given the Word of God and the office of the prophets to provide available “intelligence” and strategies that encourage and vitalize.

Holy Spirit says this day, “your enemy has felt the pressure of the battle waged.  He is filled with fear and he is confused because he has not experienced the ferocity of prayer and declarations that have been released from your mouth.  He has not seen the sword swung in this manner for many centuries.  The Host of Heaven has joined with you and together you are winning this fight.  Your enemies’ entanglements in the flesh have been uprooted and his grasp in the land is now weakened.  The avalanche of righteousness is overwhelming him and his dominoes have begun to fall.  Do not stop; victory is at hand.”

I draw your attention to a passage of Scripture that speaks both encouragement to the Ekklesia and warning to all who deny God and trust in the natural and carnal ways of men.  This is from Jeremiah 17: 5-13 (highlights mine).

Jer 17:5-13  Thus says the LORD, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6  “For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant. 7  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. 8  “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit. 9  “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? 10  “I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds. 11  “As a partridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid, So is he who makes a fortune, but unjustly; In the midst of his days it will forsake him, And in the end he will be a fool.” 12  A glorious throne on high from the beginning Is the place of our sanctuary. 13  O LORD, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the LORD.  (NASB)

This translation is also very interesting.  It says:

Jer 17:5-13  GOD’s Message: “Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans, Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets GOD aside as dead weight. 6  He’s like a tumbleweed on the prairie, out of touch with the good earth. He lives rootless and aimless in a land where nothing grows. 7  “But blessed is the man who trusts me, GOD, the woman who sticks with GOD. 8  They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers— Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. 9  “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. 10  But I, GOD, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.” 11  Like a cowbird that cheats by laying its eggs in another bird’s nest Is the person who gets rich by cheating. When the eggs hatch, the deceit is exposed. What a fool he’ll look like then! 12  From early on your Sanctuary was set high, a throne of glory, exalted! 13  O GOD, you’re the hope of Israel. All who leave you end up as fools, Deserters with nothing to show for their lives, who walk off from GOD, fountain of living waters— and wind up dead!  (Msg. Bible)

This passage of Scripture from the lips of Jeremiah the prophet is being experienced in this Chronos of time.  The evildoer is being dethroned.  The righteous in Him (the “church”; the Ekklesia) are exalted.  This is the time for the bugler to blow “CHARGE!”  When a runner comes into the final drive to the finish line his mind and his body must respond to the moment.  He must breakthrough the fatigue and declare what will be.  His declaration must be “I WILL NOT BE DENIED!

We, especially leaders to whom God has entrusted the souls and lives of their followers, must deploy the weapons of warfare like never before.  Like Eleazar, (2 Sam. 23:10) our hands must cleave to the sword.  This is not a time to be weary in well-doing. (Galatians 6:7-10)  This is the moment when we overrun the wall.  (Joel 2:9)  Open your mouth to pray and declare.  Joel Chapter 2, Nehemiah 4:15-23, and Isaiah 60 tell us of the day and plans God has for us in this season and what we must do about it.  Arise and shine in the vitality and the power of our God so that we can stand—unwavering.

So, those who are tired, draw from Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  Put off your fatigue and weariness and put on the full armor of God.  I smell victory in the camp.  As some famous guy from somewhere said, “WE WIN or WE WIN!”  There is no Plan B.

Elaine Mattocks, Sept. 16, 2022

Last night I had the strangest dream that I knew was from the Lord…I saw a banner with the words “Church burning in Antwerp” followed by what I perceived as a possible date, either 1605 or 1609.  I can’t remember exactly.

I asked the Lord what He meant, and, while I prayed and meditated upon this, I also did some research.  I discovered that indeed there had been a church burning of a large catholic cathedral in the late 1500s. This arson was done by protestant reformers who destroyed and torched idols and altars. The cathedral was rebuilt.  Today it contains many priceless pieces of art. There is one painting by Reubens, entitled “The Elevation of Christ”, which depicts Christ being crucified for our sins.

As I continued my sorting out of this dream with the Holy Spirit, I began to sense that this dream has absolutely nothing to do with Catholics or Protestants.  However, it has much to do with God’s people today.  There are Christians who are passionate obedient disciples of Jesus and there are those who are either apathetic self-satisfied pew-sitters or those who are merely following religious culture and think it is the correct way.  They know there must be more, but they have not been taught true Biblical discipleship.

The dream has to do with a call to holiness and purity of heart (which is in fact a joy-filled adventurous life).  It is a call to a burning of personal idols (both material and spiritual). I sense that God is about to WRECK the western church as we know it—in ways we can’t even imagine. He will rebuild, with the remnant remaining, a unified supernatural Ekklesia whose cry will be Zechariah 4:6…”NOT BY MIGHT (man’s), NOT BY POWER( again, man’s power), BUT BY MY SPIRIT SAYS THE LORD OF HOSTS”.

Today, Sept 16^th, marks the date when the Mayflower sailed from England with people on board desiring to live their lives in religious freedom. I did not know this information until I woke up.  Some of those Pilgrims were from the Netherlands (Antwerp is in Belgium).  Although they did find freedom of religion in America, they, without realizing it, eventually found that religion was enslaving them once more because of man-made traditions (just like how the Pharisees religiously enslaved the Jewish people).

This is the state of western Christianity today.  We have freedom to worship God as we desire.  However, even these freedoms are being eroded by wicked laws and many wicked government leaders who enact them.  But, pause to give this a thought or two.  Could this erosion actually be a good thing in disguise, because, as it increases, it causes us to pause and to take stock of what we are REALLY doing and calling “church”.  Perhaps it’s time for us, as individuals and collectively, to ask God to “burn the bridges” with the past way the church has done things, and be open to His cleansing fire of all our idols (individually as well as collectively).  He wants those that follow Him to give the Holy Spirit the freedom to REIGN and to build what He has always wanted and desired—an intimate relationship with His people that will be fueled by the Spirit in everything they do.  That His Light will dispel any darkness around them.  The Name of JESUS will truly be lifted up and ELEVATED (as opposed to using His precious name to elevate ourselves and our ministries)

It’s TIME for a modern day church burning of a different sort…a fire that starts to burn within our hearts as we ask Father to help us become true disciples of Jesus in all our ways 24/7—signs, wonders, and miracles will be a daily reality and not something that occurs once in a while in our lives, or something that we just talk about and wish for and pray for

We must ask ourselves “are we true disciples of Christ?” And, if we answer yes, can we name those we are currently discipling?  Jesus told us to Go and MAKE DISCIPLES.  This was a commandment for everyone, not just church leaders or those trained in some way to do it. Every disciple of Jesus must do this. Did you just say “owww” like I did?. It’s not too late for me and it’s not too late for you.

Father, may You fan the flames in our hearts (or start a fire in those who don’t know You but want to) that will ignite a deep passion and adoration for You so that absolutely nothing will prevent us from being just like those radical disciples that followed You (in the book of Acts).  May the western church burn the ideas, idols, and practices that are man-made and have no lasting results, and may Your beloved Bride be disciples who multiply disciples who also multiply disciples in Your Kingdom.  May You be glorified in all the earth, every nation, every tribe for Your fame Jesus and for Your honor!! May we become a true BURNING CHURCH and may the fire on the altars of our hearts NEVER go out!! (Leviticus 6:13) Yeehaw!!

I had a dream early this morning of ticks biting into my limbs. I suddenly saw ticks over a friend in Europe and then heard of ticks on friends in the USA. They were everywhere.

When I woke from this dream, I was quick to check my arms! Hah Hah some dreams really suck you in don’t they?!

Relieved the ticks were just in the dream, I asked the Lord about it. He said, “The ticks are all over the globe and they are sucking life from people.” 

I saw Him lift up His hand and in it He held a soft white cloth which had white vinegar poured over it. In one move, he wiped the ticks off every body that had them.  

As His hand wiped the white vinegar, the ticks were removed, no part of the tick was left on or in the skin of people. They were completely clean of all ticks. Completely clean.

As I computed what I had just seen, I heard the words, “The white vinegar is coming.”

 WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS ALL ABOUT??

Not living in an environment that has ticks (thank you Jesus!!), I went to google and typed in white vinegar and ticks. It’s a thing! 

White Vinegar when wiped especially on the butt of a tick makes it back out of the skin. From there it is easier to remove it.

We are at the back end of what has ticked a lot of us off, the pandemic being just one obvious thing. But there are other things that have borrowed their way in sucking life out of us. 

Interestingly there was a moment when life was sucked out of Jesus body. On the cross, the sins of the world he bore and it sucked all life from Him. The wages of sin is always death. (Romans 6:23) 

In those moments of life being drained from Him, He was offered vinegar.

John recorded, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst.” 

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar; and they filled a sponge with vinegar and put it upon hyssop and put it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, He said, “It is finished!”: and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:28-29)

The vinegar preceded the greatest moment of human history. 

After the vinegar Jesus gave the greatest announcement of history, “It is finished.” Nothing goes on forever. There is always a finish.

The world saw the power of God. As God wiped out the suck of death, resurrection power was released.

The white vinegar is coming down.

And when it does, we will see things reversed and removed, because nothing is impossible with God. There always comes a moment when God says enough, it finishes, mercy triumphs over judgment.

We have begun to see the first signs of this.

Just a few months ago, Lou Engle, Christian Leader of the Call, had a vision. In this vision he saw mass revival breaking out as people took communion.

Jesus said remember me as we take communion. Communion is a war move, a declaration. Communion is a daily joy and deep moment of honor for us. For a few years now, it has been the thing the Lord has invited us to do. It has been life changing as we have stopped and remembered Jesus, the pure genius of God.

The white vinegar is coming down.

There comes a moment in every generation, when that generation sees the power of the hand of God for itself. We are living in that moment.

The white vinegar is coming.

COURAGE & ENCOURAGEMENT

Pastor Jim Sanderbeck

July 5, 2022

Recently, I’ve been considering what I see naturally and what I prophetically sense in the Spirit for my personal study and sharing.  I’ve thought of several of the prophetic words I’ve been hearing and their impact on me and this season.  Words of endurance and direction to Believers in Christ who have remained strong and faithful in the midst of calamity.  Words of pending exposure, accountability and judgement to those who have instigated and conducted evil in the sight of our God or have complacently ignored Biblical truths and publicly criticized true Christian leaders.  Obviously, this is a season of turbulence, violence and lawlessness.  It is a season of mistrust and absurd political governance that has led to cultural decline, shortages, inflation, and social disunity.  No time in my lifetime has equaled what I have experienced and, in my opinion, these conditions have not been equaled since 1861 when such strongly held positions pitted “brother against brother” in a violent four-year civil struggle.

This consideration has released in me an astounding assurance and rejuvenation to carry the baton, wear the mantle, blow the trumpet.  Therefore, I decree in Jesus name that today we will be of good courage, and that we will encourage ourselves and ALL around us that our covenant with God will not be broken, that by His grace we will endure to the end, and that we and our seed will see the salvation of God.

Courage does not mean that there is a total absence of fear.  However, courage does mean that in spite of being fearful one moves forward or stands his ground anyhow.  It implies faithfulness.  It implies obedience over sacrifice.  It implies getting up one more time than the times knocked down.   Encourage means imparting to self and others the inspiration to endure and overcome in the midst of adversity.  It means looking beyond what appears naturally to what one knows to be true spiritually.  It implies that faithfulness secures a reward that is honored by God.  (Matt. 25:14-30)

Some of my greatest Biblical heroes are David and his Mighty Men.  (2 Samuel 23:8-39)  I like to think of those 37 faithful followers of the King as David’s SEALS.  And the Bible goes on to say that none of those 37 could rival the courage and faithfulness of the top three—Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah.  With their great battlefield exploits, these 37 brought encouragement to all of Israel, but out of their love for David, the 3 were willing to risk their lives for the King—to bring him a drink of water.  I say we can and should be willing to do the same for our King—Jesus.  On the way to Calvary, would you have been the one who had the courage to carry the cross or bring Him a drink of water?

Ronald Reagan speaking encouragement to an America in crisis said: “You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children’s children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.”  John F. Kennedy brought encouragement to all of America when in his inauguration speech and addressing a new generation of Americans facing trying times ahead said “And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”  He had just declared that the torch had been passed to a new generation of Americans – “born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage” – and they are pledged to “pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”  This is the difference between Presidents who encourage a nation and Presidents who blame others for their own failures.

Friends, this is a season to “faint not.”  At no time are your prayers, your visibility, your faithfulness and your courage more encouraging to a nation and a world that has lost its way.  We must endure.  Like Eleazar, our hands must swing until they cleave to our swords.  We must be encouraged by the truth we know and not what we see.  Jesus spoke these words in John 16:33  “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”   The Apostle John wrote from Patmos:  Rev 19:11  And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. :12  His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. :13  He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. :14  And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. :15  From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. :16  And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”   This is the destiny for those who follow Christ and give their all.  More importantly this is our covenant promise, formed in the belly of the Mayflower that God saw and accepted—and He never breaks covenant.  Be a person of courage.  Be encouraged.  Be an encourager.

In HIM, WE WIN (or) WE WIN!