Stephen Barret shares what it is like to evangelize in Japan. Signs and wonders confirming the word.
Show Notes with Time Stamps
02:05 Stephen went from no miracles to miracles 06:45 Jesus is not known in Japan 08:35 The Japanese think evangelism is for the Pros 10:08 God draws the right people 12:16 Stephen recounts a miracle in his ministry 16:15 an example of God drawing the hungry people 18:34 Japanese Mystics - Idolatry 20:38 Idolatry is a problem when new converts in Japan 21:43 Buddhism and Shintoism is prevalent 22:39 A Buddhist dreams about Jesus and then gets saved 25:38 The ones that follow you are the ones you disciple 27:49 The smart phone as a ministry tool 30:41 Japanese think Jesus is a historical figure among other gods; 34:58 Another miracle recounted 39:30 A terminal patient healed in Jesus Name 41:16 Commanding in the Name of Jesus 44:33 Signs accompany the gospel confirming the word 46:16 Dealing with Doubt and unbelief 48:25 Stephen was going blind from demonic attack 54:27 Running to the demons in dreams to attack 56:08 The devil tests believers 56:38 Don't seek sympathy get in agreement 1:02:53 Greater works than these 1:06:14 The devil circles about seeking whom he may devour 1:09:50 Acts is our blueprint for today - not leaven 1:11:54 Committing time for evangelism each week 1:18:17 Huddling after a spiritual encounter - discipling 1:20:12 Words of knowledge - spiritual discernment 1:27:03 Stilling the thoughts to be receptive to God 1:29:01 Learning from God directly 1:31:15 Stephen recounts a time he got healed 1:39:15 Stephen prays
Exploring my journey in Faith Healing. I used to think it was fake but now I am a firm believer.
Show Notes:
I used to think healing was fake;
I grew up in Cessationist church;
Faith healers were exposed as frauds;
A man raised from the dead exposed as fraud;
Watching Benny Hinn closely;
I prayed for a lady to live and she did!;
David George gets healed at church! ;
OFCC had many testimonies of healing;
Man's eye straightened up;
Couple gets pregnant through prayer;
Dave and Patty Lage interview ;
Kevin Riordan praying for people on the Street;
Stephen Barret - Radical Transformation in healing;
I saw healings first hand with Garry Nesbit;
Seeing healings first hand with Doug Hanson;
Praying with doubt #DoesNotRock ;
Praying in the "Name" of Jesus ;
Being meet for the Master's use;
Continuing in the series "Prophetic Evangelism" I interview Nick Serre from Canada.
Show Notes:
Sola Scriptura and following the Spirit;
Don't need to be a prophet to prophesy;
Discerning God's voice through relationship;
Waiting on the Lord;
Being led by the Spirit during evangelism;
Treasure hunting approach;
Spending time in the prayer closet;
How to pray for healing;
Ignoring the prompting to pray for someone;
How to approach people;
Reasons we miss it - discernment;
Different sources of information in the spirit realm;
The Spirit empowers us to do His Will;
Evangelizing at a Marylin Manson concert;
Reading the book versus doing what the book says;
Authority is given for us to Go! ;
Dare to take the step of faith;
Huddling after spiritual encounters;
Nick prays for the listeners;
Reviewing Shawn Bolz's book "Through the Eyes of Love" from a perspective of exploring the nuts and bolts of prophetic evangelism.
Show Notes:
Reading some of the book descriptions;
Shawn talks about hearing God's voice;
Delivering a prophetic word;
Missing a prophetic word;
Practicing the prophetic;
Old testament vs new testament prophetic;
God showing us things to come;
Sources of information in the spirit;
Interview with Stephen Barrett form Holy fire Japan about Prophetic Evangelism.
Show Notes:
Stephen and I met around 2010 on #Tworship;
Frustrated with no results and God told him to fast;
Many supernatural miracle healings ;
Living by faith;
Prophetic Evangelism is really spirit led evangelism;
A word about Treasure Hunting;
Words of knowledge about pain;
Evangelism does not have to be 'prophetic' ;
Initiating the conversation;
Scanning in the spirit;
Committing our way to the Lord so He will bring it to pass;
Establishing rapport;
Street evangelism and opening your mouth;
The boldness that comes;
Words of knowledge versus common knowledge;
Missing it ;
Stilling the thought life so you can hear in the Spirit;
Sources of information in the Spirit;
Prophetic mentoring;
Talking too much instead of listening;
Assembling the body together;
Doing it versus making excuses;
Stephen Prays us out;
00:49 Someone shared the gospel with a saved person;
01:08 Hateful Street Preacher example;
02:29 Biblical Definition of "Preach" or "Preacher" ;
06:29 Acie Burleson chimes in;
06:56 Lance Rowe says not to stand by idly!;
07:28 Monty Simpson God's love must be preached;
08:24 Corey Costelli gives a train example;
08:51 John Roush chimes in;
09:16 Mandy Stork, follow the Lord's leading;
10:24 Muslims having service inside a Christian church!;
11:05 Texas Muslim capitol day - interrupted by Christine Weick;
12:29 Preacher arrested for reading the bible at DMV;
13:39 Examining the Captive audience doctrine;
14:55 My first experience Street preaching the cops shut me down;
15:59 Jonny Gaston from Reach My City Audio;
18:17 Matthew Foutch preaches the Love of Jesus;
20:16 Brandon Hooks If we love people, tell them the truth;
21:51 Stephen Barrett from Holy Fire Japan - Be led by the Spirit;
29:24 Acts 5:27 Obey God about Preaching and not man;
30:19 Philippians 1:15 At least Christ is being preached! ;
The Christian Yoga Deception: Uncovering the Hidden Dangers
Welcome back to Coffee with Conrad! I'm your host, Conrad from ConradRocks.Net. My heart burns with a passion for you to have a deep, spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus, the God of the Bible. The God who declared, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3, KJV), and who warned us against worshipping Him according to the ways of the heathen, saying, "Learn not the way of the heathen..." (Jeremiah 10:2, KJV).
It grieves me to see how easily we, as believers, can be led astray, sometimes even with good intentions. Today, we're diving into a topic that has become increasingly prevalent in modern church culture: Christian yoga. Is it really okay for Christians to practice yoga? Let's explore the hidden dangers lurking beneath what often seems like a harmless form of exercise.
My Journey and a Word of Warning
For those who are new to my podcast, my background is probably a bit different. I was raised in a cessationist denomination, a belief system that holds that the gifts of the Spirit ceased in the first century. However, my personal experiences painted a different picture. I encountered the supernatural firsthand, both the good and the terrifying. I experienced demonic attacks and things that science simply couldn't explain. These experiences, detailed in my book "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey," which you can find on Kindle, taught me a profound truth: the spiritual realm is real, and we must be discerning about what we allow into our lives.
One of the things I experienced early on, even as a child in a Christian home, were terrifying night terrors and even an instance where my own hand seemed to try and suffocate me while I slept. Later, dabbling in New Age practices led to even more unsettling experiences, including what some might call astral projection. It wasn't until I encountered God in 1995 and truly started pursuing Him that I understood the dangers of dabbling in Eastern religions and practices. Just as God warns in the Bible, these seemingly innocent pursuits can open doors to demonic influence.
I feel a deep responsibility to warn my people, as Revelation 18:4 (KJV) urges: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." This is why I'm addressing this topic of Christian yoga today.
The Allure and the Deception of Christian Yoga
A quick search online will reveal numerous positive posts about "Christian yoga." It's a clever marketing tactic, really – placing the word "Christian" before a clearly pagan practice. But let's be clear: yoga, at its core, is a Hindu spiritual discipline. The very word "yoga" means "to yoke" or "union" – a union with the divine in the Hindu context. It's akin to suggesting "Christian Buddhism" or a "Christian Ouija board" – the foundational principles are inherently incompatible. You can't really have a "Christian demon," can you?
The proliferation of positive content around Christian yoga often points to a financial motive. I recall reading about a pastor who spoke out against it in his 10,500-member congregation, and the local yoga instructors were up in arms, fearing the loss of their livelihood. This echoes the story of Demetrius in Acts 19, who rallied the silversmiths against Paul's teachings because they were losing money from the diminishing sales of idols of Diana.
Sadly, Christian yoga is now so widespread that it's being offered in churches, even Christian schools. A friend of mine, Kevin Riordon, shared a shocking story on Facebook about his daughter being forced to do yoga in her Christian school! This is the very environment parents entrust to nurture their children's faith, yet they are being subjected to practices rooted in another religion. This highlights a significant issue: biblical illiteracy within the church and a disregard for clear scriptural warnings.
This post goes beyond this podcast, offering video testimonies of individuals who have experienced negative consequences from yoga, podcast episodes exploring the subject in more depth, book recommendations, and links to relevant news articles. It's a hub of information for you to explore at your own pace. In this podcast, I want to highlight some key insights from these resources.
Stretching vs. Yoking: Understanding the Core Difference
One of the most common arguments in favor of Christian yoga is, "God doesn't really mind if I stretch." While stretching is a physical activity that can be beneficial for the body, it is fundamentally different from yoga. As mentioned, yoga is about "yoking" or "union" – a spiritual union within a Hindu framework.
Consider this definition: "Yoga, a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation." It's crucial to understand that the physical postures (asanas) in yoga are not merely stretches; they are often intended to pay homage to Hindu deities and invoke their specific properties.
One woman who practiced high-level occult yoga for 15 hours a day shared her harrowing experience: "I got hit with spiritual warfare... because it opens you up to a different dimension... I thought I was becoming enlightened because I was feeling good... but just because something feels good, it doesn't mean that it's coming from a good place... it truly is witchcraft." Her testimony, which you can find on my blog, details the demonic terror she endured, including waking up choking herself and experiencing suicidal thoughts.
These experiences eerily mirror some of my own from my past. In my book, I recount a time as a young boy when I felt a hand, seemingly not my own, trying to suffocate me in my sleep. This resonates deeply with the experiences of those who have unwittingly opened themselves up to negative spiritual influences through practices like yoga.
The Biblical Mandate Against Syncretism
The Bible is clear about not worshipping the Lord according to the ways of other nations. Deuteronomy 12:29-30 (KJV) warns: "When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise."
Furthermore, Exodus 20:3-5 (KJV) explicitly states: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me."
When we perform Hindu yoga poses, we are contorting our bodies in ways that were originally designed to pay homage to Hindu deities. While practitioners of Christian yoga may claim they are not worshipping these gods, the origin and intent behind these postures cannot be ignored.
The Kundalini Serpent and Spiritual Awakening
Disturbingly, research suggests that the physical postures of yoga can awaken what is known as the Kundalini serpent at the base of the spine – a spiritual energy in Hindu philosophy. Once this energy ascends the spine and reaches the head, it is believed to lead to a heightened state of consciousness or enlightenment within the Hindu worldview. However, for Christians, this is a dangerous concept that aligns with Eastern mystical beliefs rather than biblical truth. You can find accounts of "Kundalini deliverance" online, highlighting the negative spiritual consequences some have experienced.
The typical progression for those who get involved in yoga often starts with the perception that it's a cool exercise with medical benefits. They may initially try to separate the physical from the spiritual aspect. However, the exposure to the environment, the instructors (who may unknowingly or knowingly be Hindu evangelists), often leads to curiosity about the spiritual side. This can act as a gateway, eventually leading to demonic oppression, as evidenced by increased suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol abuse, and ultimately, a desperate cry out to Jesus for deliverance.
Kevin Riordan aptly described yoga as a gateway: "The devil doesn't play fair... he'll prey on a person's ignorance... he's waiting for you to open the door so he can get in." Just as some consider marijuana a gateway drug, yoga can be a gateway to Eastern spiritual practices and potential demonic influence.
Rejecting Knowledge and Generational Consequences
Hosea 4:6 (KJV) says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee..." When we reject the clear warnings in Scripture about not following the religious practices of other nations, we open ourselves and potentially our families to negative consequences.
The concept of generational curses is also relevant here. Exodus 20:5 speaks of God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children. When families dabble in the occult, even unknowingly, the Bible suggests that these negative spiritual influences can be passed down through generations.
The Meaning of "Yoke" and the Invitation of Spirits
Stephen Bancarz powerfully stated, "The word yoga means Union, so I'm a Methodist, therefore I'm yoking myself to spirits." Anytime we submit to a philosophy, behavior, or practice that is contrary to God's commands and intrinsically connected to a non-biblical spiritual system, we are potentially opening ourselves to demonic oppression. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) reminds us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Many yoga poses are named after Hindu deities, and holding these positions is meant to invoke the characteristics and essence of those gods. Additionally, the chanting of mantras literally invokes demonic entities.
The Hindu Missionary Effort and Yoga's Role
It's eye-opening to realize the deliberate missionary efforts of Hindu organizations. India's Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the world's largest Hindu missionary organization, announced in 1979 that their mission in the West had been met with "fantastic success," with Hinduism becoming a dominant world religion and the "end of Christianity" drawing near.
Central to this effort are yoga teachers. A quote from Dave Hunt's book "Occult Invasion" and a documentary called "Gods of the New Age" both highlight that yoga teachers are considered the "front missionaries" of Hinduism. Hinduism Today, in an open letter to evangelicals, even stated in 1991 that a "small army of yoga missionaries is ready to go to the west."
With an estimated 70,000 yoga instructors in over 20,000 locations across America teaching 35 to 40 million people, the reach and influence of this Hindu missionary effort through yoga are undeniable. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, many yoga instructors are introducing people to Hindu spiritual concepts.
Testimonies and Warnings from Those Who Escaped
Numerous individuals who have come out of yoga share similar experiences of negative spiritual consequences. The term "yoke" in yoga explains the yoking of energies or spirits that are invoked to deepen the practice. These energies are invited in through poses that worship deities and through the repetition of mantras that invoke specific spirits.
Heidi St. John interviewed Jessica Smith, who came out of yoga and explained that yoga has its own doctrine, the Yoga Sutras, which is antithetical to the Bible and can be seen as a guidebook for sorcery and divination. Even the poses alone are believed to activate the spiritual realm. The yoking in yoga is about opening oneself spiritually to the spirit of yoga and ultimately seeking to become one with the Hindu concept of god – a stark contrast to the Christian understanding of our relationship with God.
Stephen Barrett from Holy Fire Japan cautioned against using yoga studios as an evangelistic outreach, noting the lack of fruit from such attempts and the potential for spiritual contamination. Denise Richards shared her personal experiences of levitation in dreams, being chased by spirits, anxiety, and depression as a result of her yoga practice. Deanna Connelly emphasized that Christian yoga is an oxymoron, akin to being a "Christian Hindu," and that even Hindus recognize the incompatibility. She warned against the attempt to manipulate the life force through yoga breathing, which takes us out from under the protection of the blood of Jesus. Johnny Gaston from Reach My City likened Christian yoga to "Christian tarot cards" or "Christian witches" – a repackaging of pagan practices that does not make them godly. He affirmed that yoga is Hinduistic and that Christians should simply stretch for physical benefit.
What do you think?
What do you think about Christians practicing yoga? Feel free to leave a comment on the blog post,
If you know someone who might be wrestling with this issue or involved in Christian yoga, please share this podcast and the blog post with them. It's crucial that we, as believers, are not deceived by practices that have roots in other religions and can potentially open doors to negative spiritual influences. Let us be discerning, rooted in the Word of God, and committed to worshipping the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Thank you for joining me on Coffee with Conrad. Remember, Jesus rules! Until we meet again, dig deeper and go higher in your walk with the Lord. Amen.
Stephen is on his way to bring revival to Kenya all they way from Japan.
He is currently in California with signs and wonders following.
Show Notes:
1:50 Stephen is in California;
3:45 California is a spiritual hot zone;
6:15 Lance Row Sacramento
8:29 Healings are happening;
9:30 knee issues and scoliosis healed;
11:40 Atmosphere of faith;
13:06 knee healing testimony;
13:30 Scoliosis healing testimony;
15:09 talks about trip to Kenya;
18:45 El Camino Real tent preaching;
Stephen Barrett is a Christian Missionary to Japan. He is making an impact in Japan and walks in gifts of healing and the prophetic.
An interesting dream;
Following the Spirit;
Faith - text vs Spirit;
Faith and miracles;
Different perspectives of God;
Holiness;
Changing our thinking and faith;
Faith in dotctors or God;
From faith to faith;
My Pitbull faith example;
Finger of God Authority;
Preaching in public in Japan;
Activating Kingdom Seekers;
Belief and reliance;
Stop sinning vs Seeking Jesus;
In this 5 part series i discuss the things i have learned in going out in public and talking to people about Jesus.
Part 1 i discuss:
Prophetic evangelism and treasure hunting;
Presence of God changes lives;
Prophesying = divinely speaking;
Evangelism = heralding the good news;
The woman at the well example;
Hearing the voice of God;
Walking the lit path;
Time and geography;
Activating Kingdom Seekers;
Prophetic Activation for evangelism;
Acts 16 Macedonia example;
My personal example of Florida;
5 Powerful, Spirit filled, Words;
Contrasting from only the prophetic;
The importance of presence evangelism;
Activating Kingdom Seekers;
God orchestrates evangelism;
A touch from God changes lives;
My gospel is to the lukewarm;
Lighting people on fire with contagious passion;
God lights up people to talk to;
Leaving people better than when we found them;
Goal of activating Kingdom Seekers;
Presence of the Spirit of God;
We learn as we work the field;
Redefining Success to obedience;
Don’t let ‘no’ discourage you;
Be willing to look foolish for Jesus;
Eye contact leads to prayer;
Introductory questions;
Establishing Rapport;
Faith WORKS by love;
Finding something in common to start the conversation;
The group photo opportunity for evangelism;
On the other side of NO! Is FRUIT!;
Religious symbols - jewelry, on the car, or tattoos;
Just flat out asking people if they need prayer for anything;
The empty pier that filled up with people that needed prayer;
Sharing your testimony instead of prayer;
Keeping video testimonies on your phone;
Doug and Garry approach in different ways;
Just continue John 8:31,32;
Spirit Power inside the spoken words;
Laodicean resistance and how to deal with it;
The poor and harboring resentment;
Love on the poor and keep ministering in love;
Understanding and applying basic biblical doctrine;
Ignorance and rejecting knowledge and it's result;
Unforgiveness is a big problem;
Principalities in buildings; http://bit.ly/MiraclesAtVA ;
Giving Jesus a 'try' and how we proceed;
God orchestrates divine encounters;
Avoid people too busy or bent on sinning;
Places to avoid;
Don't fall into a system or a formula;
Miracles in Japan! They began in January 2017. In this interview Steve gives a few testimonies. He shares what he is learning. What he is doing ministry wise. What is God up to in Japan?
This is a podcast that you will want to share and save. This comes from experiential theology and biblical theology. There are Kingdom Keys in the bible ! This is on Faith!
Experiential Theology vs Biblical Theology;
Talking to God as a kid;
Satan sows doubt and unbelief
First person relationship is important.
People are depending on us;
Ecc 10:19 money answers all things;
Girl with issue of blood;
Tragic endings selfish lust;
Mal 4:2 Healing in His Wings;
HolyFireJapan.com Stephen Barrett;
Having Faith in God;
Mark 11:21-26 faith passage;
Spiritual dialogue;
Coffee shop faith example;
Prov 10:22 rich with no sorrow;
Deut 8:18 wealth is for the covenant;
Sower sows the word;
Is 58:14 delight thyself in the Lord
Ps 37:4 delighting in the Lord and desire;
Give him your car! ;
Possessing the promise;
I have come for your words!
From faith to faith and the word;
Prayer for agreement;
James 4:1 ask and receive within the will of God;
An impromptu VOXER interview with Stephen Barrett Missionary to Japan about Church planting.
Steve thanks voxer peeps for prayers;
DCPI in Japan;
Divine appointment testimony;
Japan VS America church paradigms;
200 churches disappear each year;
How God called Steve to Japan;
Presenting the gospel in Japan;
Giving up social status for Jesus;
Sin consciousness in Japan;
Stephen Barrett came up with an interesting topic on Voxer. Taking bible verses out of Context.
Body is the temple;
The spirit is more important;
I can do all things Phil 4:13;
Mountain moving faith;
Jeremiah 29:11 abuse;
John 3:16 the word 'so';
Salvation context;
Job 22:28 & 42:7 decree a thing;
Check out this Bible Chopping; video;
https://youtu.be/nudtKU6mHkA
I noticed my day was getting out of hand… lots of stuff going on.. Then I prayed about how this ties in with the bible….
My typical day;
Read the bible and pray;
Testimony referred to here: http://bit.ly/HeCheatedIStayed ;
Facebook Lists for ministry;
Don’t reply in anger;
Stephen Barrett time and relationship;
Garry Nesbit - Dallas Cowboys vs the Bible; https://web.voxer.com/u/conradcarriker
Interview Steve from Holy Fire Japan. Steve talks about Forgiveness and how God is using the prophetic to change lives all over the world - through a podcast.
The Forgiveness wave of Revelation;
Forgiveness and healing;
Testimonies -forgiveness and healing;
We met on #Tworship on twitter;
Salvation through the podcast;
Water wells in Africa and salvation;
God calls Steve to Japan;
Japan and the prophetic;
God uses words to change people;
Importance of speaking forth;
How GBC radio got started;
Steve prays ;
Steve teaches English using the bible;
I have known Steve for years. I refer to him as @SteveTsunami in the beginning of the podcast because that is how i met him on twitter.
God is moving in Steve's ministry through a podcast.
Salvation and healing via the podcast;
Learning English via the gospel;
Church planting training;
Helping earthquake victims;
Strike now for victory! ;
Today we're diving into something really significant, something that's been on my heart for a while now. It all started with a simple question: What does it take to knock down idols?
This isn't just some abstract theological debate; it's a question with real-world implications for our spiritual lives and our walk with Jesus. I've been studying the scriptures, and a particular passage in 2 Kings chapter 18 has really jumped out at me. It talks about King Hezekiah, and his story is incredibly relevant to us today. So, let's unpack it together and see if we have what it takes to break down the idols, the groves, and the high places in our own lives and in the broader church.
Hezekiah: A King Who Dared to Demolish Idols
The passage begins by telling us about Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, who became king of Judah. The Bible says he "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did." That's a powerful statement! But what exactly did he do that was so right? Well, verse 4 tells us: "He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made."
Think about that for a moment. Hezekiah, a political king, took decisive action against idolatry. He didn't just pay lip service to the idea of worshipping the one true God; he physically removed the places where false gods were being honored. He broke the images, cut down the groves (which were often sites of pagan worship and even sexual immorality – something we still see echoes of today, even on college campuses under different names), and here's the kicker – he even destroyed the bronze serpent that Moses had made!
Now, that last one might seem a bit shocking. The bronze serpent was originally created by Moses at God's command as a means of healing for the Israelites who were bitten by fiery serpents in the wilderness (Numbers 21). It was a symbol of God's provision and healing. But over time, the children of Israel had started burning incense to it, essentially turning a tool God had used into an idol. Hezekiah recognized this. He even gave it a derogatory name, "Nehushtan," which basically meant "a piece of brass." He was saying, "Look, this isn't some magical object; it's just bronze. We've elevated it to a place it doesn't belong."
This resonates deeply with me. How often do we, even with the best intentions, take something God has used or blessed and turn it into an idol? It could be a past move of God, a particular ministry, a tradition, even a certain way of doing church. We hold onto it so tightly that it becomes more important than our living, breathing relationship with Jesus.
The Biblical Mandate Against Idolatry
This wasn't just Hezekiah's personal preference; it was in line with God's clear commands. As we read further in 2 Kings 18, it says Hezekiah "trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him." He clave to the Lord and didn't depart from following Him. He kept His commandments. And the result? "The Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth."
This brings us to a crucial point. God has always been vehemently against idolatry. In Numbers 33:52, God commands the children of Israel, when they enter the land of Canaan, to "drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places." This wasn't a suggestion; it was a direct command.
And it wasn't just about physical idols. In Leviticus 26:30, God says, "And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your groves, and your images, and cast your carcasses upon the carcasses of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you." Strong words! God calls idolatry spiritual adultery. It's a betrayal of our covenant relationship with Him.
It's striking to note that while many other kings in the Bible walked after the Lord in some ways, they often failed to remove the high places. And each time, the scriptures point this out as a significant failing. Hezekiah stands out precisely because he took this radical step.
Modern-Day High Places: Idolatry in the Church Today?
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. We don't have literal high places and groves in the same way today. But the principle remains. Idolatry isn't just about bowing down to statues. It's about anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and lives.
Think about it. What are the "high places" in our modern context? Could it be our obsession with social media, where we seek validation and worth from likes and followers instead of from our identity in Christ? Could it be our pursuit of wealth and material possessions, where we place our trust in earthly riches rather than in God's provision? Could it be our adherence to traditions and rituals that have lost their original meaning and become empty forms?
This past year has been interesting in this regard. We saw the continued trend of many churches focusing on Easter while seemingly overlooking Passover, the very feast that Jesus Himself celebrated and that foreshadows His sacrifice. Easter, with its roots in pagan fertility festivals and its association with the goddess Ishtar, has become so ingrained in our culture that many don't even question its origins. The King James Version even uses the word "Easter" in one instance where every other translation correctly uses "Passover" (Acts 12:4). It makes you wonder why this discrepancy exists.
Similarly, Christmas, while a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, has become heavily commercialized and intertwined with pagan winter solstice traditions. While the sentiment of giving and celebrating with family is good, we need to be mindful of the true focus: Jesus.
I'm not saying we should boycott these holidays, but we need to approach them with discernment, ensuring that our focus remains on Christ and not on the cultural baggage that comes with them. Repentance isn't just about acknowledging a mistake; it's about turning away from it and aligning ourselves with the truth. Jesus said in Revelation 18:4, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." We are called to be separate, to be holy. Pointing these things out can sometimes lead to backlash, but we must speak the truth in love.
From Brass Serpent to Medical Symbol: Understanding God's Moves
The story of the bronze serpent is particularly insightful. God used it for a specific purpose at a specific time. But when it became an object of worship, it had to be destroyed. This teaches us that even things that were once a move of God can become idols if we hold onto them beyond their intended purpose or elevate them above our relationship with Him.
It's natural for us, as humans, to want to create tangible reminders of supernatural encounters or past blessings. But we need to be careful not to worship the memory of the move rather than the God who moved.
Interestingly, the serpent on the pole in Numbers 21 is also a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As Jesus Himself said in John 3:14-15, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." The very symbol that once brought physical healing now points to the ultimate healing and salvation found in Christ. It's a powerful connection, but it also underscores the danger of fixating on the symbol rather than the reality it represents.
The Danger of Carnality: Making Idols of Movements and Leaders
This tendency to create idols often stems from our carnal nature. In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, who were experiencing a powerful move of God with signs and wonders yet were still acting like spiritual infants. He says, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ."
Paul emphasizes the difference between being spiritual and being carnal. The carnal mind cannot understand the things of God (Romans 8:7). Spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Corinthians were dividing themselves based on who they followed – Paul, Apollos, Cephas. Paul rebukes them, saying, "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" (1 Corinthians 3:4).
Divisions and denominations, while sometimes arising from genuine theological differences, can also become idols if we prioritize our affiliation with a particular group over our unity in Christ. I've seen this firsthand. While out on the streets sharing the love of Jesus, I've encountered groups of Christians who seemed more interested in debating denominational differences than in reaching the lost. It's a stark reminder that we need to knock down these idols of division and focus on the core message of the Gospel.
Breaking Down Our Own Idols: A Personal Journey
So, what does it take for us, individually and collectively, to knock down the idols in our lives? It starts with recognizing them. We need to honestly assess where our hearts truly lie, what we prioritize, and where we place our trust.
For me, this is an ongoing process. I constantly have to check myself. Am I more concerned with the number of views on my videos or the depth of my connection with Jesus? Am I holding onto past experiences or successes as a measure of my worth, or am I pressing forward into what God has for me today?
The first step, as Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, is to "cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5). We need to deal with our own idols first. This requires self-sanctification, a conscious effort to align our lives with God's Word and His Spirit.
I believe the Lord is moving me more and more into the arena of faith, and as I step out in faith, I have to be constantly aware of the temptation to create idols out of past victories or to rely on my own understanding rather than on God's supernatural guidance.
Supporting the Kingdom: The Example of Holy Fire Japan
Speaking of stepping out in faith, I want to take a moment to mention a friend of mine, Stephen Barrett, an American Christian Missionary in Japan. His blog is called Holy Fire Japan, and I encourage you to check it out. Stephen is doing incredible work, especially right now in the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Japan. He's providing food, water, shelter, and clothing to people who haven't been reached by government aid.
In a country where only about 1% of the population is Christian, Stephen is on the front lines, showing the love of Christ in a tangible way. His blog offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Japan and the challenges and triumphs of being a missionary there. It's a powerful reminder that our faith is meant to be lived out, not just talked about. You can follow him on Facebook if you'd like to learn more or see how you can support his efforts. This is what it looks like to live out the spiritual life in a real and impactful way.
It's Time to Knock Down the Idols
So, going back to our original question: What does it take to knock down idols? It takes a heart that is truly devoted to Jesus, a willingness to confront the "high places" in our own lives and in the church, and the courage to break down anything that stands between us and a pure, unadulterated relationship with our Lord.
It might mean standing alone at times, just like the prophets of old. It might mean going against the cultural grain. But the promise is clear: when we trust in the Lord with all our heart and follow His commands, He will be with us, and we will prosper in all that we do.
I encourage you to dig deeper into these scriptures, to pray for discernment, and to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any idols that might be lurking in your heart. Let's be like Hezekiah, a generation that dares to demolish the idols and wholeheartedly follow Jesus.
I met Stephen Barret many years ago on Twitter. He is an American Christian Missionary living in Japan. His blog had me captivated. Japan is so different than America and
I was excited to see Japan through his perspective.
Stephen was there during the Big Earthquake on 3-11-11 and he was also there during the recent one during my first Facebook live broadcast.
Stephen is helping out with the earthquake victims in Japan, and you can find out how
in the video.
Momentum for the Gospel: An Interview with Missionary Steve Barrett
As a believer passionate about spreading the Good News, I'm always excited to connect with fellow Christians who are on the frontlines of ministry. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Steve Barrett, a missionary serving in Japan with Holy Fire Japan and Dynamic Church Planting International (DCPI). Our conversation was a powerful reminder of the importance of missions and the incredible work God is doing in Japan.
The Spiritual Landscape of Japan
One of the first things Steve shared was the unique spiritual climate of Japan. Contrary to what many Westerners might assume, Buddhism and Shintoism, while culturally influential, aren't as deeply rooted in daily practice as we might think. Steve explained:
"I'd say most people are agnostic... Buddhism is widely culturally taught, a lot of principles from Buddhism, and there's also Shintoism... but whether people really hold true to those beliefs is very... it's kind of a cultural thing."
This insight highlights the need for a fresh approach to sharing the Gospel in Japan. With only about 1% of the population identifying as Christian, Japan represents a vast mission field ripe for harvest.
Innovative Approaches to Sharing the Gospel
What struck me most about Stephen's ministry was his creative approach to evangelism. He hosts weekly English classes called "His Word," using the Bible as the primary text. This ingenious method allows him to introduce non-Christians to the teachings of Jesus in a non-threatening way.
"People are reading the Word of God together, and for the first time, they're hearing about things that Jesus actually did," Stephen shared enthusiastically. "They're like, 'Whoa!'"
This approach has been incredibly fruitful, with about 88 people attending regularly. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most effective way to share our faith is by offering something of value to others.
The Power of New Believers
Stephen's face lit up as he recounted the story of a recent convert he's been discipling. It was a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel:
"It's very encouraging for me to see when the Spirit is with someone, that they're just hungry for the Word, hungry to know more about Jesus and to kind of develop the relationship with Him."
This young believer's excitement about prayer and his newfound ability to connect with God anytime, anywhere, was infectious. It served as a powerful reminder of the joy and freedom we have in Christ – something we can sometimes take for granted as long-time believers.
Challenges and Opportunities in Japanese Ministry
While the work is challenging, Stephen sees tremendous potential for growth. He's particularly excited about the momentum building through DCPI's church planting training events:
"We've already had two training events where pastors have come and been trained on how to start churches... I think that the key to expanding [Christianity in Japan] is more churches, people stepping out in faith, seeing God give them a vision, God providing for that vision, God starting new things."
This focus on equipping local leaders is crucial. As Stephen pointed out, while his role as a foreign missionary is important, it's the Japanese Christians who will ultimately have the most significant impact in reaching their own people.
A Call to Action
As I reflected on my conversation with Stephen, I was deeply moved by his passion and commitment to seeing the Gospel spread in Japan. It's a powerful reminder that God is at work all around the world, often in ways we don't see or hear about in our daily lives.
I want to challenge you, dear reader, to consider how you might get involved in supporting global missions. Whether it's through prayer, financial giving, or even exploring a call to missions yourself, we all have a part to play in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Let's pray for Stephen and his family, for the believers in Japan, and for a mighty move of the Holy Spirit in that nation. May we see a day when the 1% becomes 2%, then 10%, and beyond – all for the glory of God!
Remember, as believers, we're all called to be witnesses for Christ wherever we are. Let Stephen's story inspire you to step out in faith, share the Gospel, and be a light in your own community.
