Author: Jerry Turk

Jesus said unto them, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord if it be you bid me to come unto thee on the water. And he said come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous he was afraid and began to sink, and he cried saying, Lord save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him and said into him, O thou of little faith, wherefore did you doubt? (Mt 14:27-31)

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing EVERY sickness and EVERY disease among the people (Mt 9:35).

When the evening was come they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils and he the cast out the spirits with his Word and healed ALL that were sick (Mt 7:16).

And Jesus went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing ALL manner of sickness and ALL manner of disease among the people (Mt 4:23).
Jesus Christ the SAME yesterday and today and forever (Heb 13:8).

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword…. Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…

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George:
Pastor Jerry, I’ve read all your posts and they’re very inspiring. I personally enjoyed reading about wisdom and revelation and the baptism of fire. But quite frankly I’m a bit confused. Are you saying that these are both the same experience. I’ve been saved for a number of years and I don’t believe the Bible teaches that I need anything more than faith in Jesus Christ. My faith in Christ is sufficient. But you seem to be advocating for more experiences. You’re very convincing but it sounds like works to me.

Pastor Jerry:
I agree with you about the sufficiency of Christ alone. The Bible says believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. These two experiences that I have written about, wisdom and revelation and the baptism of fire are not the same experience. Are these necessary? It depends on what you want from God. How much of Him do you want. I believe the Bible is clear in that it reveals to us that there are many experiences in God designed to bring us into closer communion with him. For example the Bible says about things in the Old Testament that they were written as types and shadows of things to come. A specific example of this might be the experiences that the children of Israel had as they left Egypt and ultimately entered the promised land.

George:
I believe in types and shadows too. I think Paul makes mention of that in the New Testament. But I see the types and shadows as an examples of prophecies about the coming Messiah 2000 years ago or about the second coming.

Pastor Jerry:
Agree. But Jesus said not one jot or tittle of my word will pass away until ALL these things be fulfilled. So if it’s still in Scripture it’s complete fulfillment yet awaits us. Even messianic prophecies have another meaning, which is yet to be fulfilled, otherwise it wouldn’t still be there in Scripture according to Jesus.

George:
So how do you see the journey of the children of Israel from Egypt to Cannan as being relevant to us? To me their journey speaks about warnings and lessons to be learned in my walk with Christ.

Pastor Jerry:
Throughout their journey to the promised land the children of Israel celebrated 7 feasts which were instituted by God. Each feast correlates to a specific experience in the Christian walk. The first three feasts were celebrated at the same time in the spring. These include Passover, Unleavened bread and First-fruits. Basically, they correlate with the salvation experience. Jesus had to die on Passover because God was offering up His lamb. Recall that John the Baptist said, “behold the Lamb of God taketh away the sins of the world.” In the same way the Hebrews took the blood of the lamb and put it on the door posts and lentils of the door frame so that the Death Angel would pass over, so too was Christ nailed to a cross, wooden horizontal and vertical beams, and He became the door between heaven and earth for whosoever will. Likewise, by accepting his shed blood as the payment for my sin the sentence of death passes over me and I become an heir of eternal life. His death is a perfect picture of the feast of Passover in type and shadow. When the Israelites got to the Red Sea they didn’t have time to let their bread rise so they ate their bread in haste without leaven or yeast because the Egyptians were in hot pursuit. Jesus said a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Cast out therefore the leaven. He was speaking here of sin. So when a person is saved by the blood of Jesus they also repent of their sins. We cast out the leaven by confessing to Jesus alone that we are sinners and we ask Him to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Again a perfect type or shadow. The third feast, First-fruits, was celebrated after they crossed the Red Sea. Paul even declared that their crossing the Red Sea was a type and shadow of water baptism. After the Egyptians were drowned they offered up their first fruits as an offering to God for saving them from their former slave owners. To the Israelites the first-fruits included such things as produce, money and even their firstborn – who were dedicated to the Lord to become priests. Likewise once a person accepts Christ as Savior we read Paul’s exhortation, “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” In other words, we dedicate the rest of our life to live for Him. So we see these first 3 feasts celebrated in the springtime perfectly expresses the work of salvation or what most Christians call the “born-again” experience. That is the blood of Jesus cleanses me from all sin, I repent, I publicly announce or submit to water baptism my commitment to live the rest of my life for Him. Now I am saved. My heart no longer belongs to this world and it’s worldly ways (spiritually Egypt) where I was a slave to sin.

George:
Ok. I get that. I’ve been taught those same similarities since I was a child. But I’ve never heard of any other feasts. And besides, I’ve always considered that the promised land is when you die and go to heaven.

Pastor Jerry:
After their Red Sea experience God leads them south, strangely away from the promised land to Mount Sinai. There, 50 days after Passover, they celebrate the feast of Pentecost, which is the Greek word for 50 days later. This is a celebration of the giving of the 10 Commandments. This was an incredible feast because God was giving his written word. However, it was also here at Mount Sinai that they built and worshiped a golden calf. Later the earth opened up and swallowed 3000 of them. The correlation here is of course the baptism of the Holy Ghost which occurred on the day of Pentecost to New Testament believers 50 days after Christ was crucified. Following this experience we read 3000 souls were not swallowed up by the earth but were converted or saved and added to the newborn church. This is further confirmation of the correlation between what happened on Mount Sinai in the natural and what happened to the 120 believers on the day of Pentecost in the spiritual. The old gave way to a new and better covenant. And in Acts we read “they were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues… and that this promise (of the Holy Ghost) is unto you and to your children’s children and to as many as are a far off and believe.” This was the beginning the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh… In that day I will no longer write my words on tablets of stone but on your hearts…your sons and daughters shall prophesy… With the stammering lip and a new tongue will I speak unto them.” Indeed, even Jesus predicted this event. “Out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water…He spake this concerning the Holy Ghost which had not yet been given.” And just as there was a great falling away at Mount Sinai we should not be surprised today when we see many Pentecostal individuals fall. But because we see many who have received this baptism fall into pride or the worship of prosperity and popularity, the experience itself is valid and scriptural. Just like the 10 Commandments which were the written word of God, the believer is now able to speak the very oracles of God. And why do we need to speak the oracles of God? Paul says, “I speak in tongues more than ye all… If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let him ask God for the interpretation… Howbeit, he speaks mysteries in the spirit.” And why do you need to know mysteries in the spirit? Because you are called to the promised land in this lifetime and you need to know how to get there. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the father but by me. Now that we know Jesus-the way, he wants to show us the truth that will bring us to eternal life in this lifetime.

George:
Are you saying that God wants us to be immortal? Never taste death? The Bible says it is appointed unto every man once to die and then the judgment. Right? If I think I understand you correctly, you’re saying that God will give people eternal life right now. Is that what you’re saying?

Pastor Jerry:
Yes. But don’t take my word for it. Listen to Jesus:”I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me though he were dead yet shall he live. (Martha who was weeping over her brother in the grave for four days wasn’t impressed with that either. She told Jesus she already believed in the resurrection.) But now listen to his shocking words: “AND whosoever lives and believes in me shall NEVER DIE. Do you believe THIS Martha?” In fact, we are told by Paul that “at the last Trump the dead in Christ shall rise first and we which are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. But having said all of that, eternal life now is not the prize. The prize is “Christ in you the hope of glory.” Being fully possessed by Jesus is the prize. It’s not about me. It’s all about Him.

George:
Well, that’s true. I believe there will be Christians who will not taste death. That’s what the rapture is all about.

Pastor Jerry:
I understand what you mean by a rapture. But that’s not what God has revealed to me.
But I have to go now. If you want I can explain further about the last 3 feasts or harvest feasts. These include the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. This is where “Wisdom and Revelation” come in (to answer your first question). Incidentally, two other feasts were also added. The feast of Purim (in Ester) which is related to Christ’s work of intercession (sometimes through us) and the feast of the Dedication of the Temple. This feast is related to your initial comment about the baptism of fire. Remember fire fell and consumed the sacrifices made by Solomon when the temple was first built.

George:
Well I have to admit I’m curious. A lot of what you said about the baptism of the Holy Ghost clears things up for me. I’ve never really heard it put into Old Testament context like you did. I know you’ve got to go, just one more question. So then in total there’s 9 feasts?

Pastor Jerry:
Well not exactly. There are three other holy days of convocation. These include the Sabbath, The Sabbatical and Year of Jubilees. These relate to the REST of the LORD, as in “there remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God.” But each one is for a different type of rest in a different season in your walk with Him. God bless you. Hope to talk to you again soon.
Brother Jerry

As we celebrate Christmas we are reminded of our Lord’s birth and the details of that story that are outlined in the Gospels. Once a year we sing these details in what we call “Christmas Carols.” We remember the Archangel who appeared to Mary and told her of her unborn child: that she would give birth to the King of Kings. Finally after an arduous journey to Bethlehem we read that Baby Jesus was born in a humble stable which was suitable only for animals. Up to this point the story is quite interesting and miraculous in many ways. But as the story unfolds what follows is beyond interesting and moves into the realm of the stupendous.

We read that immediately after his birth, there were shepherds in nearby fields who were keeping watch over their flocks by night. And suddenly an angel came to them and announced the birth of the savior of the world. Moreover as they continued to watch the night sky, a multitude of heavenly angels, hundreds, maybe even thousands, began singing praises to God. Can you even imagine? There you are with your coworkers holding down the fort, working the night shift, wondering who’s going to make the next pot of coffee and suddenly the night sky is filled with angels who are singing praises to God, and announcing the birth of the Messiah. You might wonder if you’re going crazy. But your coworkers are seeing the same thing. How does the average person wrap their head around such an event? And if that wasn’t strange enough the story becomes even more astonishing. We read that 3 Kings (the Magi) from eastern countries show up at the site of Christ’s birth bearing incredibly expensive gifts to give to the newborn. They claimed that they followed a moving star to meet this infant Messiah because they were aware of this baby’s coming and they were aware of his significance months ago. Consequently, they together made a journey to see this child, a journey that began weeks or perhaps even months before his birth.

Can you imagine what that would do to your faith if you saw what the shepherds saw or new what these 3 Kings knew? So often I hear testimonies where Christians share a set of circumstances that led them to accept Christ as their personal savior. I hear their testimonies and I think to myself that what they are sharing could have happened to anyone. So often it seems to me that their conversion or salvation experience is dependent on a desperate situation. You know, like they’re kind of convinced but their story is a little bit flimsy. In other words, a lot of Christians share something like, “I was in a jam.… I told God if he got me out of this one alive, I’d live the rest of my life for him.” Really? Is that the basis for a conversion to Jesus Christ? Now I realize I’m oversimplifying here to make a point. But if that’s the case we’d probably be better off to just get rid of the excessively-commercialized Christmas story and season, and reduce the gospel to a message from a fortune cookie that reads, “There are no atheists in foxholes” or quote some other pithy witticisms.

But if the biblical account is true then a flimsy conversion certainly was not the case for these dirt-poor shepherds. For them it was overwhelming. It was unmistakable. How could they NOT BE converted after what they saw and heard. Or the wise men; what guided them? What kind of star leads kings to a baby born in a barn? What motivates kings to bring super expensive gifts to a poor young couple that can’t even afford a room at a Microtel. What knowledge did these kings have? Indeed, the story of the Magi and shepherds is not the testimony of Christians today who say that they have decided to follow Jesus. Instead, most Christian testimonies include stories about influential family or friends, cool Christian music, an alleged miraculous escape from legal trouble and so on.

These wise men were powerful, influential individuals of considerable wealth who had extensively traveled to see this baby that was born because they were convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was now manifested in the flesh. It’s so different from anything you could possibly hear in a church today. Was there something special about these shepherds or these wise men? Dirt-poor shepherds get to see the skies filled with the angelic host. Why them? Three kings from the East know absolutely that God is now come in the flesh. They know when, they know where, and they know how. I get it that it that it was a special event. Great! But why did God choose these people to be part of the story. Why not you or me? After all, the Bible says God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). That is, to God where all the same. He loves us all.

Well Christian I’ve got good news. You and I are indeed chosen just like the shepherds and just like the wise men. Reading in Ephesians 1: 12-23 “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise… Wherefore I also… cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places… And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.”

So here we see that Paul is speaking to spirit filled Christians (after you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise). That’s right, this is a letter written to the Pentecostals or charismatics at Ephesus. And what does he have to say to them? That he DOES NOT CEASE to pray for them so that they might receive the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation” in the knowledge of him. Wisdom, you know, like the 3 wise men; or Revelation, like what happened to the shepherds. But why? Why do these Christians who are already filled with the Holy Ghost need this special “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation?” What could be greater than getting saved, and having the Holy Ghost – the icing on the cake? Well, according to Paul, receiving this Spirit from God causes the believer’s eyes to be enlightened. Like the 3 wise men they know the “hope of their CALLING.” Like the shepherds they have seen “the riches of the GLORY.” And Paul’s prayer for these Christians is not trivial or a footnote. He is not just rambling on in some theological way. He says he CEASES NOT to pray for these believers, CONSTANTLY requesting that God give them this Spirit.

I think it’s safe to say that the shepherds and the wise men were not acting out of blind faith when they sought the Baby Jesus. They were NOT responding to a message they heard on YouTube. They DID NOT read about it in a daily devotional or hear about it on Christian television. They had personal experience that convinced them beyond a shadow of a doubt to seek Jesus, the Christ child, the Savior of the world. If you receive the SPIRIT of WISDOM and REVELATION in the knowledge of him, money-back guarantee, it will blow your mind. You will never again be insecure in your faith. This involves an encounter with God because it is a spiritual encounter with TRUTH. It is not an encounter with a doctrine, with theology, with the apostles Creed or with a “statement of faith.” Once you have had this encounter you can easily understand why the songwriter wrote the words, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Now I can tell you that the point of this wisdom and revelation is that you will absolutely know that “Jesus is soon coming to be revealed in a many membered body who will, as one unified man, set up God’s kingdom on earth.” But that is and should be meaningless to you. You and I could argue and debate that statement for hours. But if GOD OPENS YOUR EYES to see his coming in a many membered body you will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER forget it and you will be permanently changed – just like the shepherds and – just like the wise men.

Now I realize that it’s common for most Christians to say that we’re not going to have this kind of firsthand knowledge (wisdom and revelation) until we get to heaven, when we see him face to face. Rubbish! Reading on in the same book, (Ephesians 3:17-19) “… that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that you might be FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD.” Just think, all of the God of the universe in you in this lifetime. Remember we just read, “the church, his body, the fullness of him.” If that’s really the truth then most of us have been sold a bunch of defective goods. Or it’s like getting home and realizing that you left most of the groceries at the grocery store. You’ve got to drive back and get what’s been paid for.

Christian, I challenge you to cry out to God for the spiritual eyes to see him in his glory as HE is. Be willing to take all your preconceived notions, catechisms and things you’ve been taught about Jesus since childhood and put them at the foot of the cross where the fullness of God’s wisdom was revealed to mankind. You will not be disappointed. Jesus will indeed lead and guide you into ALL truth. And guess what will happen, “You will know the Truth and HE who is the Truth will set you free (John 8:32)” from religion into relationship that brings you into ONENESS with HIM (John 17). Praise his holy name. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you richly above all you can ask or think during this Christmas season.

Brother Jerry Turk

http://youtu.be/sQeIGbKqiw8

Most believers who have been to Sunday school can quote John 3: 16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Likewise John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ who came to prepare the way for the Messiah (Mal 3:1) encouraged sinners to repent and be baptized in water. But, upon seeing Jesus approach him for water baptism John declared publicly to his followers something different from typical Christian rhetoric involving repentance, faith, water baptism and eternal life. Instead he announces “I verily baptize you with water, but He who comes after me whose shoes I am not worthy to unlatch (Jn 1:27), He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire ( Mt 3:11).” John had made water baptism and repentance easy to understand. Baptisms in the Holy Ghost and Fire were without a doubt mystical and mysterious to the average mind. Indeed, they probably still are.

An understanding of these strange concepts remained mysterious throughout the 3 ½ years that Jesus was engaged in active ministry. This mysterious mission of Jesus only became apparent 50 days after his crucifixion. That is, after he rose from the dead he remained with his disciples for 40 days (Acts 1:3). He gave instruction that they should remain in Jerusalem, praying continuously for power from on high (Acts 1:14). Only after they received the Holy Ghost would they have power to evangelize or become “witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Ten days after his ascension, and while these 120 disciples were praying we read that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost simultaneously. First there was the sound of a mighty rushing wind followed by something that appeared like cloven tongues of fire that sat upon their heads. (Incidentally, this is a perfect description of the manifested Shekinah glory.) And while worshiping they began speaking in tongues. Finally, upon leaving the upper room it is written that the crowds that were gathered in Jerusalem considered these 120 individuals to be drunk (Acts 2:1-4 &13).

Then we read that Peter preached to the multitudes gathered for this Feast of Pentecost and that 3000 souls believed and were added to the newly born church (Acts 2:41). However, what is strange about his preaching is that he speaks about the end of the world and events that would lead up to the second coming of Christ. He mentions that there would be signs in the heavens and he referenced the Old Testament prophet, Joel who also spoke about the end of the world (Acts 2:14-20). Later he quoted from the Psalms and spoke directly of the ancient prophecies that confirmed the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Moreover, though he encourages all hearers that they and generations to come could likewise be filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:39), he makes no mention of this fire that sat upon their heads which might also accompany future believers. Are we to believe that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost was for the 120 disciples as well as others that would follow, but the Baptism of Fire was not to be repeated?

Though it seems that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues has been hidden from Christians for centuries it has now become increasingly mainstream in communities throughout the United States and on public TV since the late 1940s. Originally participants were called holy-rollers but today, scarcely an American Christian alive can say that they are unaware of the charismatic movement. Indeed, many are personally acquainted with the experience or know someone who claims to have had this experience. But still, the enigmatic Baptism of Fire that occurred simultaneously with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost that occurred on the day of Pentecost remains unexplained. Perhaps Peter was trying to tell us in what started out to be an “end-time message” that Christ would baptize his followers in a kind of spiritual fire prior to his return.

I think there are aspects from the Greek that can also help to explain this mystery. In the Book of Acts when the followers received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost or the power of the Holy Ghost to become witnesses, the word used for power is “dunamis” from which we get the word dynamite. Later in the Book of Revelation chapter 11, Jesus says I will give power to my two witnesses. That is more, or a different kind of power to those who have already received dumanis-power. Here the Greek word for “additional power” is “exousia,” which is more accurately translated “authority.” So we read that there is a double portion awaiting Christians who have been filled with the Holy Ghost. It’s unfortunate but understandable why believers think that the two witnesses is a reference to the return of Moses and Elijah. For example, these two witnesses “turn the water to blood”or cause it “that it rained not” etc. (things that Moses and Elijah did). But fortunately we are provided with rules for interpreting Revelation: “to him that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 2:7,2:29, 3:22, etc). Hence any understanding of this book necessitates a spiritual interpretation (like a metaphor) and not a literal interpretation.

Instead of Moses and Elijah, envision the Jewish-menorah, a hollow candlestick, made of solid gold-with seven extensions. It looks something like a candelabra. And keep in mind the book begins by speaking to the seven churches in Asia Minor. Hence this vessel is symbolic of a group of purified or sanctified believers who, in the Lord’s eyes, are chosen vessels kept within the temple for the Lord himself. But why TWO candlesticks in TWO olive branches? Perhaps the author is referring to 1) individuals from natural Israel who has been converted to Christ (Messianic Jews) and 2) the spiritual Israelites or those from the Gentile world who have become Christians. Is there evidence for this? Romans 11, and specifically versus 25 & 26 suggest that one day the natural Jews will acknowledge Christ as their Messiah, they will be converted. I am also compelled to ask myself if I ever remember a time in my life when there were so many Messianic Jews on television preaching the gospel? No I cannot. This is a first. The idea of a natural as well as a spiritual Israel is reiterated in Ephesians 2:12-16. Again it seems to be validated with God’s promise to Abraham’s seed (Heb 11:12): “so many as the stars of the sky in multitude (spiritual Israel) and as the sand which is by the seashore innumerable” (natural Israel).

Moving on, the two olive branches here are, no doubt, a reference to olive oil that is poured into the candlesticks, the fuel so to speak. In this case the oil represents the Holy Ghost. Actually this is a consistent metaphor maintained throughout Scripture. For example, when David was anointed king over Israel in the Prophet Samuel poured oil on his head we read that the Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that point on (I Sam 16:13). David even refers to this event in the 23rd Psalm, “thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.”

But what good is a lamp with oil in it unless it is set ablaze. It’s like a lamp with the dead light bulb or a lamp with a good light bulb that someone forgot to plug into an electric socket. Hence the need for fire, or in the words of John the Baptist: a Baptism of Fire. The purpose of this second baptism is not just to give power so that believers can boldly witness but to give believers authority, much like the authority described by the ministries of Moses and Elijah. Recall that God introduced himself to Moses in the wilderness and spoke to him from a Burning Bush that was not consumed (Ex 3:2). After leaving Egypt, Moses and the children of Israel were led out of the wilderness and to the promised land by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. The cloud by day is a foreshadowing of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit while the pillar of fire by night is a foreshadowing of the Baptism of Fire. In other words, while there has been “heavenly sunshine” the Lord has visited his people with showers of blessing resulting in the gifts of and the fruits of the Spirit. However, as the midnight hour approaches this earth, believers will need to be possessed by our God who is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29).

On Mount Carmel Elijah told the followers of Baal “the God that answers by fire, let him be God” (1 Kg 18:24). Later we read that Elijah was carried to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kg 2:11). Other examples from the Old Testament come to mind where God uses fire to demonstrate his power and authority. Ironic that many Christians are not aware that Fire fell from the sky and consumed 144,000 sacrifices when Solomon’s Temple was dedicated (1 Kg 8: 64-65). But most believers remember how Nebuchadnezzar threw the 3 Hebrew children into a fiery furnace and they were not burned, scorched nor singed (Dan 3:24-25). This story is comforting to the believer who reads in 2 Peter 3:10 that “day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are there in shall be burned up.” Why is this thought comforting? Because, if the believer is already baptized in the Fire of the Holy Ghost he would be like the three Hebrew children thrown into the fiery furnace.

Also remember Gideon, who was called by God to drive out the Midianites from Israel. Once an army was assembled Gideon, prompted by the Lord, requested that all of the Hebrews who were gathered for battle go home if they were fearful; 22,000 left. Gideon then eliminated from the Army another 10,000 because they drank water from the brook like a dog. Finally, Gideon had only 300 men left to war against an army of thousands of Midianites. The first group that went home can be likened to Christians who mind the things of this world. The second group are easily compared to Christians who lap up the water of the Word like a dog. Whatever the preacher says they swallow it hook, line and sinker. But “You need that no man should teach you for you have an unction from the Holy One”(1 Jn 2:27). Instead Gideon kept only 300 men. Incidentally, 300 square cubits are the dimensions of the temple (the holy place combined with the holy of holies, but not the outer court believers). These 300 circled the enemy at night on the hills above the enemy camp. They blew their trumpets, yelled out loud a shout of victory, smashed their vessels of clay so that the light burning inside could shine. Whereupon, the Midianites woke from their slumber and in total darkness kill each other.

Indeed this fire-concept has captured the imagination of many popular charismatic ministers today. However, though they pray for individuals to receive the Fire of the Holy Ghost they describe the purpose of this experience as one that causes the believer to become more fervent in their faith. That is, they equate this fiery experience to a renewed passion for Christ, for improved soul winning, for a deeper and more fervent prayer life. Essentially, many of these ministers have merely defined the Baptism of Fire with a secular definition associated with the phrase “a burning passion.” The problem with this anemic, co-opted, secular definition is that it hardly mirrors the authority associated with Moses and Elijah. Their ministries were not simply a burning passion. No doubt a burning passion existed with both of these individuals but their ministries encompassed far more. They were empowered with a divine authority that superseded the kingdoms of this world.

Are you totally confused, or are you beginning to get what I’m saying? Peter referenced the end of the age and the coming of Christ when he spoke of these two baptisms. Since the baptism of the Holy Ghost has been available en masse for some 70 years, Christ is now pouring out on believers who desire more of him the Baptism of Fire. Please understand I am not opposed to a believer acquiring a burning passion for Jesus. Indeed, this may be a prelude to the promised fiery baptism. What I am simply sharing with you is that we are indeed at the end of the “Age of the Gentiles” and the Baptism of Fire is no longer just available to a few medieval saints. The Fire of the Holy Ghost is being poured out to all who ask, seek and knock. In Malachi 3:2-3 we read, “But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord and offering in righteousness.” He will indeed “do a quick work unto righteousness” (Rom 9:28). During the earth’s darkest hour, soon to be upon us, he will give authority to his two witnesses. I guarantee you that you will see in the very, very near future many Christians who are walking in incredible authority. (Of course they will be accused of being false Christ’s.) Even now God is leading many a spirit filled believer to boldly declare many things in the name of Jesus. In fact, these believers are shocked themselves at the immediacy of God’s response.

Re-read the Book of Acts. I suspect that what was recorded in that book will be seen as minor compared to what is right around the corner. Remember how Christians like Ananias and Sapphira dropped dead because they lied to the Holy Ghost (Acts 5:1-10). Or how Peters shadow heals the sick and delivers the possessed (Acts 5:15-17). Or do you remember reading how Stephen, while being stoned to death, fell asleep and was unaffected by pain (Acts 7:60). Prior to his death we read that Stephen did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8) and when he spoke to the Sanhedrin “his face shone bright as an angel” (Acts 6:15). Remember Peter was jailed by Herod but led out of a well-guarded prison by an angel, and he thought he was dreaming the whole time. Immediately after that miraculous escape from prison Herod was eaten of worms (Acts 12). Remember Paul and Silas who were imprisoned for casting a demon out of a woman in the marketplace who made money for her captors by telling fortunes. They were later released from their bonds by an earthquake that shook the jail. And immediately afterwards their jail keeper who thought to end his life because he believed prisoners had escaped, instead was gloriously saved and Paul and Silas were set free (Acts 16: 23-34). Later we read Paul’s handkerchiefs and aprons healed all who touch the pieces of cloth that had been touched by Paul (Acts 19:12). Remember how Paul was unaffected by a venomous snake bite (Acts 28:3-5) following a shipwreck where no one died because he prophesied it so (Acts 27:22). Also recall Jesus said this gospel shall be preached in all the world and then shall the end come (Mt 24:14). Coincidentally, this gospel has been preached in the entire world since the late 1940s following the charismatic renewal. So basically, we should be expecting the end to come.

Now back to the original question, “Why did Jesus come?” Answer: to the sinner he offers salvation and eternal life. To those who have received salvation and eternal life and are awaiting his return, he offers to baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with Fire. The Holy Ghost is needed to give us boldness to witness to a dying world. You are that Temple of the Holy Ghost if you have been filled by his Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). The middle wall of partition was ripped in half when Jesus died on the cross so that you and He are ONE (Jn 17:21). The holy place and the holy of holies constitute one room now.

Like Gideon’s army God is sounding his trumpet in this hour so that believers can and will also receive the Fire of God. Like Gideon’s shattered vessels yield yourself totally to him so that his light can shine through you. Run into the Fire of God so that he can give you His authority. When this simultaneously occurs at the midnight hour, the wise virgins who have kept their lamps trimmed (Matt 25:4) will be seen as “lightning that shines from the East to the West” (Matt 24:27) and “all eyes shall see him” (Rev 1:7) For “He shall come to be glorified in his saints” (2 Thes 1:10). In this way the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all flesh shall see it together” (Isa 40:5). The worldly systems on the earth will be burned up and melt away (2 Pet 3:10-12) by we who who are joint heirs and constitute the corporate Body of Christ. All creation will be set free (Rom 8: 17-19). On that day “the meek shall inherit the earth”(Matt 5:5).

That’s how much Jesus loves you and me.

God bless you all,
Brother Jerry Turk

http://youtu.be/2pMfLbk7bkg

I recently had discussion with a dear believer about her ideas concerning “healing and the old time religion.” She shared with me her belief about the scripture, Isaiah 53 in which the prophet foretells the coming of the Messiah, his work and his mission. In it we read “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed. She insisted that the healing referenced in this passage was for our sins-sick-souls and not for our physical bodies. Sickness, she said, is how God teaches us humility. She was shocked when I pointed out Matt 8:16 & 17 “…He cast out the spirits with his word and healed ALL that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying Himself took our infirmities and bare our sickness.” The beauty here is that scripture actually interprets itself.

If you’re confused about the Bible or a passage of scripture, ask Jesus. He wrote it. He’ll tell you exactly what it means. He is the WORD made flesh. That’s why “by him (Jesus) and for him were all things created” (Rom 11:3 & Jn 1:3). But, you might ask, creation happened before the birth of Jesus. How could Jesus create everything? Good question.

Remember in Genesis, God who is a Spirit (Jn 4:24) spoke words right out-loud and said several times, “Let there be…..” Well, in John’s Gospel we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God….and the Word became flesh to dwell among us.” Jesus is the Word made flesh to dwell among us.” He also says, “Lo I come in the volume of the book.” (Ps 40:7 & Heb 10:7). Who better to ask than the author himself.

And this idea of physical healing should not be new to the believer. It IS the old time religion. Matt 4:23 “And Jesus went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing ALL manner of sickness and ALL manner of disease among the people. And Matt 9:35 “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing EVERY sickness and EVERY disease among the people.”He healed them ALL.
But that was then. We’re now in a new dispensation, my friend argued. And besides, that was Jesus. He healed them to prove his deity. It’s not for us to pretend we’re Him.

NO NO NO, I said.

“JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TODAY, AND FOREVER.” Heb 13:8. And Mark 16:17, “These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name they shall cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues…. they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.”

Yes, it was necessary for him to die on a cruel cross and there shed his blood for the sins of the world. But it was also the Father’s will that he been beaten, tortured, whipped and scourged that you and I might, by his stripes – be healed.
If you are tormented, addicted, sick, diseased or racked with pain today, I say to you: “Rise and be healed in the name of Jesus.” Your cure, your remedy has been purchased. Jesus already paid ALL your medical expenses. Hallelujah!

http://youtu.be/rgK2OISzqkU

Yes beloved, with great longing we have waited for Him, His presence. His overshadowing is and always been marked by an unmistakable entrance. Unfortunately, many of the Christian circles that I have traveled in recently consider an experience with Christ non-essential; or worse yet, it is considered a counterfeit from the enemy; a self induced, emotionally-hypnotic trance-like-state confirmed by goose bumps. Some call it self hypnosis. Or, if in a crowd, it is called mass hypnosis. Instead, to these, Christ is reduced to a verbal affirmation spoken in a quasi-guttural, semi-suburban dialect which sounds something like uh-huh or yeaaah. They essentially mean that one only needs to mentally ascended to a prescribed religious rhetoric and thereby be called Christian.

But, thank God, some are not deceived. For the believer who asks, seeks and knocks, nothing less his abiding presence will suffice. Only after we have tasted of Him do we know this to be true. With this in mind I am particularly moved by Ron’s posted song below, “We Wait For You.” What is even more exciting to me is that the waiting is almost over. In fact, have you noticed that when you pray now He answers immediately or at least much sooner than ever before.

So then, we stand on the edge of Kingdom Living, where time will no longer be the deciding factor of truth. Eliminate from your thinking the axiom “time tells all.” Instead, Jesus tells all. He is the Truth. What we now wait for is that we might be filled with ALL the fullness of God (Eph 3:19). He longs to fill us with Himself. I pray we are so moved to agree with His desire.

When asked, many Christians believe that it is. They base this on 1) current events related to Israel, 2) changing weather patterns, 3) signs in the heavens and 4) the rise of a so called “antichrist new world order.” But even though many believe Jesus may be on his way many of these same Christians are also quick to point out that no man knows the hour (Matt. 24:36). In other words “Relax. All these events have happened before. If it’s the END-TIMES you’ll be safe if you obey God’s Law and GET SAVED.

But hear what John says in Rev 3:3 to the Church: “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I come upon thee.”

This apparent contradiction of Scripture perfectly illustrates what Jesus taught, “With man it is impossible but with God all things are possible.” In other words, you can’t figure out the hour of his coming but God can certainly reveal it to you.

This principle is also nicely illustrated with these 2 verses that seem to contradict each other: 1) “It is appointed unto every man once to die and then the judgment,” AND 2) “the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.” Again with man-impossible, with God- all things possible.
The message here is that the nightly news can bring you into fear and bondage.

The good news (gospel) can bring you into the kingdom of God. The nightly news is all about those who live by the law: the good, the bad and the ugly. The gospel of Jesus Christ is about those who have found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Like the five wise virgins who were ready when the bridegroom came, their lamps are trimmed. In other words they are yielded vessels filled with the oil of the Holy Ghost and set ablaze. They are believers who are baptized with the Holy Ghost and with Fire.

To those who only watch for signs on the nightly news he will say “I never knew you.” The reason I know Jesus is soon to be revealed in His saints is because This is the hour of the Baptism of Fire. Christian, it is obvious that the midnight hour is coming. Even the Nightly News knows it. Be filled with the Holy Ghost and Fire. Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine.

I leave you with a verse that many believe only refers to the coming of the Messiah to Israel 2000 years ago. But since not one jot or tittle has passed away it is obvious that it’s complete fulfillment is yet to come.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people. But the Lord shall arise upon thee and his glory shall be seen upon the.

God’s blessing be upon you all.