How many of you ponder on church history? I found myself meditating on the ninety five theses from Martin Luther. These statements were nailed to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany more than five hundred years ago, and this act sparked what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. It was scandalous, and it cost Martin Luther much for challenging the current atmosphere and teachings of the Catholic church in his time. Imagine bringing the Light of truth into the Dark Ages, a time when everyday people did not have Bibles, and they entrusted clergy to tell them what the Word of God truly said. Sadly, they did not receive the truth. Surely, this would not happen again or a reformation would ensue .

Indulgences were a large part of the Catholic church, and they were used to collect money from the masses and in exchange, deceased family members and even the surviving relative could supposedly diminish time in purgatory. In essence, indulgences were a way to get closer to God and to earn a thing through works rather than understanding that the righteous shall live by faith and that the only way to the Father is through faith in Jesus Christ. Indulgences funded much self indulgence in the church during that time and corruption abounded. History has a way of repeating itself. The voices declaring truth were mocked and silenced in fear that power and money would be lost. But the Truth has a way of not ever being overcome by the darkness.

Another reformation is at hand

I would propose to you that we are in a “dark age”. The difference is that the Word is present, but many are relying upon others to tell them what it says, and because of that, many are being led astray. We are at risk of not knowing the unadulterated Word of God. Unadulterated is pure and not mixed with any different or extra elements. It is complete and absolute (Google Dictionary). The danger in this is that not knowing the unadulterated Word leads to not knowing the authentic Christ. Another Christ is presented (Galatians 1:6-9) and is being presented even now. The Word of God does not need a tune up or a transformation. It is not outdated. It is us who are in need of transformation and reformation.

Prophetic indulgences are being offered to the self established hierarchy in the Charismatic church and others parts of the body. Many want a prophetic word and inadvertently offer up monetary offerings in exchange for such a word or emotional preaching that offers no conviction before God. These words exalt man and not God, but there is a deception that these words prove favor found with God. The more money given, the more blessings will abound. At least, that is the promise. Never mind that we are promised being hated for the sake of the Gospel and that we will suffer trials and tribulations, but to not fear and to trust in the Lord.

The fear of man is being bred into the hearts of people who would dare speak truth about misguided leadership. Curses are decreed and declared against those who oppose unrighteousness. Those who would not fall into rank are labeled enemies of the “anointed”. Corruption abounds. Compromise is celebrated. A prophetic word is given precedence over the God breathed Word. Yes, history has a way of repeating itself. It is a different century, and the apparel is more hip, but it is the same. There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Over the past year or more, I have personally noticed in my own walk with Jesus Christ that some hard truths have come to light. I cannot apologize for the truth. It has set me free. His Word and His Spirit has set me free. My desire and intent is for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see to hear to see the truth, and the truth can only be found in God and His Word. There are things I have believed that were deception. That is the problem with deception. You do not know you are deceived. I saw things by the Spirit and sensed things that I did not want to see or to know. Isn’t it funny how we ask for the things of God and when He begins to reveal them to us, it brings change that we did not think was necessary. The true sheep hear His voice and follow Him. They will not follow a stranger (John 10:4-5).

I believe that there is reformation that must take place in us as the church before we can truly see the deep manifestation of the true remnant, the bride of Christ. Another reformation is needed in the church, and the casting down of prophetic indulgences is only one of several areas that must be addressed and rectified because people are perishing for a lack of knowledge. 1 John 2:20-21 tells us,

“But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.”

Please test the words you hear, including the ones you find on this blog. If you know Jesus Christ, you are anointed and the anointing you have is not your own. There are no little believers and big believers in the church. There are simply brothers and sisters in Christ who should be able to sharpen one another. Do not fear man, but fear God. Read your Bible and know what it says in the proper context. Rightly divide the Word. Test the spirits. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Do not be prideful or think more of yourself than others. Do not be deceived. Stay awake! Jesus is returning for a pure and spotless bride. Reformation is at our doorstep.