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THE SOURCE OF YOUR REVELATION
(1 Samuel 3:21)

And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

In this age of perilous times . . . wait a minute. Does everybody know what perilous times really is? Well, let's take a quick look.

Second Timothy 3:1 says, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." Paul goes on to give us a huge list of sins that help us mark the perilous times of the last days. The list includes the following:

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

What's interesting about these sins is that they've been a part of mainstream society for some time -- gradually becoming worse over time, but a part of mainstream society nonetheless.

The place where such attitudes and behaviors are NOT common place is . . . the church of the Living God. Why do such mindsets exist? The answer lies, partly, in the word "perilous". It doesn't just mean "dangerous" as some think. The "danger" has a precedent. The word "perilous" in the Greek means "through the idea of reducing the strength". Therefore, perilous times are more indicative of a time where strength is little. This lack of strength means that people can't and don't perform as they would if they were strong.

Consider the following passage, which is usually used to speak of our need to evangelize:

Matthew 9:36-38
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Question: Who was the Lord looking at when he made this observational statement? The Hittites? The Jebusites? The Philistines? The Romans? No. He was looking at HIS PEOPLE. Why then are we so quick to ascribe this passage to unsaved people? There is a great harvest today and its right in the midst of Christendom -- people who either truly belong to God (and don't serve Him to the fullest) or those who claim Him, but don't know Him at all. The people Jesus was observing had a faint mindset, were scattered (instead of gathered and being nurtured) and had no leadership. NOTE: This is another direct comment against the leaders of the day who, from God's perspective, weren't leaders in the true sense of the word. They didn't profit the people.

We're living in perilous times (because of a lack of strength among the people). Things are happening in the church that shouldn't. Interestingly, many leaders are willing to entertain, merchandise and present false visions and dreams and ideas, but the people love to have it so. This problem is directly attributed to leadership. If people are faint, God seeks to meet the need through leadership. If people are scattered, God sends someone to gather them up -- pastors after His own heart. People are scattered as sheep without a shepherd because they don't have a shepherd.

Interestingly, just as in the days when Jesus came, people can have access to truth, even when many responsible for distributing the truth fall short. In other words, the root of today's perilous times problem can be overcome by those willing to review, confirm and examine their SOURCE OF REVELATION. Really. Think about it. No matter what anyone is teaching, preaching or writing books about, if everyone was determined to receive revelation from the Lord and confirm the things that they hear from others as being of/from the Lord and only receive the things that pass the test, would there be room for deceit? Would there be reason for being faint? Would people be scattered? Of course not!!! Lastly, it's important to note the meaning of the word "laborers". Most are taught that this refers to anyone willing to work. Not so. The word "laborers" means "TEACHER". God sends TEACHERS to counter PERILOUS TIMES.

Whether or not the people receive the teachers or not is another issue, for in times of apostasy the people are behaving just as they did in Jeremiah's time. Jeremiah 2:30 says, "In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion." People don't want to hear correction. Yet God longs for us. People don't want to hear rebuke. Yet God desires us. People don't want to be taught, but would rather be entertained. Yet, God patiently waits to see if someone will call on Him with a pure heart. Where do you stand in this matter? Don't answer that. The following will reveal your heart.

The text of this message is vital. The Holy Ghost clearly states that THE LORD WAS REVEALED TO SAMUEL VIA THE WORD OF THE LORD IN SHILOH. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR REVELATION?!?!?

Operative question: What do you believe?

Operative question: Why do you believe it?

Operative question: Are you sure?

Operative question: From whom did you receive it?

Operative question: Is it mentioned once in scripture?

Operative question: Is it pattern-based?

Operative question: Is there anything in scripture that refutes it?

Operative question: Has God confirmed it?

Operative question: Are you sure?

In these perilous times, we are surrounded by wishy-washy pastors who have hordes of wishy-washy people following them. People are quick to repeat something their pastor has said and also quick to tell you that he/she said it. People are quick to buy every new publication from the bookstore, living off of someone else's revelation, but slow to seek God (as Samuel did) and REALLY get to know the Lord. People are quick to become as busy as they can at church and wear their "involvement" as a badge of honor, but aren't really interested in knowing the Lord in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. Yet, all of these people are bold and confident, even though (if you asked them, you'd find out that) they spend practically NO time whatsoever examining themselves whether they be in the faith -- something we have been commanded to do.

Consider these true scenarios. You've heard some of them before, but they warrant mentioning again. The following situations can be used as a litmus test for yourself -- to see if you're getting your revelation from the right place, especially seeing that His Spirit only leads us into ALL TRUTH. If you're "spiritually squeamish", you're going to have a problem with some of these statements (and the feedback at the end), but that doesn't matter. If you want to serve Him, you're gonna have to learn how to deal with this stuff.

Oh, yes. There's one thing to keep in mind that will help with this exercise. Remember Eve in the garden of Eden. Better yet, remember God's commandment to Adam and Eve, also known as the Adamaic covenant. Also remember that covenants, including the New Covenant, which which we are saved, has stipulations and guidelines -- so declares the word of God. If you ignore, disregard or trivialize these stipulations and or guidelines or teach otherwise . . . Need I say? If you do such things, you invalidate the covenant. That's why it's called a covenant.

Here goes:

Ready for the repsonses:

Folks, make sure that what you believe comes/came from the same source as in Samuel's case. Our revelation from God lies within the word of God. Remember, image is the root word of "imagination". The Jesus that many are serving and/or attempting to serve is nothing more than a figment of someone's imagination.

Don't let your image of God be shaped by false revelation, lies and other foolishness. The well being of your very soul depends on THE SOURCE OF YOUR REVELATION.

Until next time, check your sources, keep the WORD and be blessed!

Remnant Online Year-End Revival -- Volume 5, Issue 55 -- The Source of Your Revelation
Copyright © 2001, CyberSaint/Scenario Ministries International
An outreach ministry of Remnant Christian Assembly, Inc. All rights reserved.
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