My first followers were Jewish and assumed that the gospel of the Kingdom was for the Jews, but my plan was to open the door to whosoever would come. They were familiar with Jewish practices, but I told them that new wine would require new wineskins.
My word teaches you to give generously into the work of my Kingdom. There have been excesses and abuses by some pastors in the way they raise funds. Others are reluctant to bring this up for fear of driving away those who have been sensitized on this issue, but my word is clear whether men misrepresent it or refuse to declare it.
Andrew Hardy, a British scholar and professor of CLU’s graduate students, is completing a writing project validating the voice of God TODAY. He needs some concrete documented examples of the following, which you can send directly to Dr. Hardy (ar.hardy@ntlworld.com), and please send a copy to me also (mark@cluonline.com).
The two-way journaling below was shared in a seminar where Mark Virkler was teaching "How to Hear God's Voice" at Catch the Fire in Toronto on 1/4/12.
Judith Clarke asked the Lord, "How do you see me?"
I think the world of you. I see you made like Me with a compassionate heart and a tenderness that speaks of Me. I see you perfect.
I told Him, "Jesus, I can't see this!"
Mary received an amazing message from an amazing messenger, yet she kept these things and pondered them in her heart. In her case this was a good idea. Who would believe her report? What do you ponder in your heart?
Blessed Holy Lord Jesus, what kind of religious "stuff" do I need to remove?
Can you imagine heaven? My word says that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things I have prepared for those who love me. Conversely, can you imagine hell?
Vengeance is mine, I will repay. Does it seem to you that I am depriving you of an activity that would give you great satisfaction? You may long to settle scores with those who have wronged you, and may feel that you are justified in doing so.
Your justice system starts with the presumption of innocence. This is appropriate for a system administered by people with limited reasoning and access to information. The burden of proof is on the prosecutor, but a case can still be made to convict and punish the guilty.
