Prophets Are Weird: Embracing the Supernatural in Our Spiritual Walk

Prophets are Weird!

Hello, fellow seekers of truth! It's Conrad from ConradRocks.Net, and today I want to dive into a topic that's been stirring in my spirit: the weird and wonderful world of prophets. As someone passionate about helping you develop a spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus and seeing America restored to greatness under God, I believe it's crucial to understand and embrace the prophetic, even when it seems strange to our natural minds.

The Peculiar Nature of Prophets

Let's face it: prophets are weird. I've been hanging out with a lot of prophetic people, and they do some pretty strange things. But you know what? That's exactly how it's supposed to be! Let me take you on a journey through some of the most bizarre prophetic acts in the Bible:

1. Elijah and John the Baptist: These guys were hairy, ate locusts, and wore camel's hair girdles. Not exactly your typical fashion statement!

2. Abraham: Heard God tell him to leave his home and later to sacrifice his son. Can you imagine trying to explain that to your family?

3. Isaiah: Ran around naked. Yes, you read that right. A respected prophet of God, stark naked!

4. Ezekiel: Laid on his side for an extended period and played with toy models of Jerusalem.

5. Hosea: Commanded to marry a prostitute. Talk about a challenging marriage!

These examples might seem outlandish, but they serve a divine purpose. They challenge our conventional thinking and push us to see beyond the natural realm into the supernatural.

The Misconception of Perfect Prophecy

Recently, I had a conversation with a gentleman who was struggling to understand why some Christians weren't able to "mop the floor" with atheists in debates. He was approaching faith from a purely intellectual standpoint, trying to prove God through logic alone.

This reminded me of a common misconception about prophecy: that prophets are born fully formed, never making mistakes. The truth is, there are different degrees of hearing from the Lord. Sometimes it's a clear "Thus saith the Lord" moment, and other times, like with Gideon, we need confirmation.

Learning to Prophesy

Contrary to popular belief, prophesying is something that can be practiced and developed. In 1 Corinthians 14:29-32, Paul talks about prophets speaking and others judging. This isn't the same as Jeremiah receiving a direct word from God. It's more like Agabus prophesying about Paul's future in Jerusalem—a Spirit-led revelation that comes in the moment.

When we gather in a prophetic environment, there's often a corporate overflow of the prophetic anointing. It's like the veil between the natural and spiritual realms becomes thinner, allowing us to see and hear in the spirit more clearly.

My Personal Journey with Prophecy

In my own prophetic journey, I've learned that it's okay to make mistakes. I used to try to interpret every vision or "cartoon" I received, not wanting to look silly. But I've learned that sometimes, God just wants me to share what I see without interpretation.

This process of learning and growing is part of what the Bible calls the "school of the prophets." It's a mentoring process where more experienced prophets guide those who are just starting to walk in their gifting.

The Weird Commands of God

Now, let's talk about one of the strangest prophetic acts I've come across. In 1 Kings 20:35-37, we read about a prophet who asks his neighbor to strike him. When the neighbor refuses, he's killed by a lion! The prophet then asks another man, who does strike him.

This story illustrates an important point: sometimes, God asks us to do things that seem contrary to natural wisdom. It's crucial that we learn to discern His voice and obey, even when it doesn't make sense to our natural minds.

 Applying Prophetic Wisdom to Our Lives

So, how can we apply this understanding of the prophetic to our daily lives? Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Don't judge by appearances: Just because something looks weird doesn't mean it's not from God.

2. Stay sensitive to the Spirit: Always check with God before acting or speaking, as Paul advises in Colossians 3:17.

3. Be open to the unexpected: God often works in ways that confound human wisdom.

4. Embrace the learning process: Don't be afraid to make mistakes as you grow in your prophetic gifting.

5. Seek confirmation: Like Gideon, it's okay to ask God for confirmation when you're unsure.

6. Break free from familiarity: Sometimes, we need fresh perspectives to hear God clearly.

7. Walk in humility: Remember that even experienced prophets

Biblical References and Teachings

The Bible is rich with stories of prophets who did extraordinary, and often perplexing, things in obedience to God. These acts are not just historical anecdotes; they offer profound lessons for us today. When we dive into these stories, we discover a God who is not constrained by human logic or societal norms. Let's explore a few more examples and the teachings they impart:

Jeremiah's Yoke: In Jeremiah 27, God instructs the prophet to make a yoke and wear it around his neck as a symbol of submission to Babylon. This act seemed bizarre, yet it was a powerful visual prophecy about Israel's future. It teaches us about the importance of visual symbols in conveying God's message.

Micah's Nakedness: Another prophet, Micah, walked around naked and barefoot as a sign of the impending doom of Samaria and Jerusalem (Micah 1:8). This teaches us the importance of vulnerability and transparency in our walk with God.

Elisha's Bones: Even after his death, Elisha's bones brought a man back to life (2 Kings 13:21). This miraculous event emphasizes the enduring power of God’s anointing and the supernatural impact of a prophet's life.

Personal Reflections on the Prophetic

Reflecting on these biblical examples, I often think about how these lessons apply to our lives today. The prophetic is not merely about foretelling the future; it's about aligning ourselves with God's purpose and allowing His voice to guide us in every aspect of our lives.

In my journey, I've learned that the prophetic often challenges us to step out of our comfort zones. It's about embracing the unknown and trusting that God knows what He's doing, even when we don't. I've had moments where I felt God leading me to do something that seemed utterly ridiculous at the time. But in hindsight, those acts of obedience opened doors to deeper understanding and spiritual growth.

Conclusion 

As we walk in our daily lives, let's be sensitive to the Lord's leading. Sometimes, God will tell us to do things that seem weird to the natural mind, but that's where faith comes in. We need to trust that our obedience to His voice can bring about transformation in our lives and the lives of those around us.

I encourage you to delve deeper into the supernatural aspects of your faith. Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s direction and asking Him to reveal His plans for you. Don't shy away from the prophetic; instead, embrace it as a vital part of your spiritual journey.

If this message has resonated with you, I invite you to share it with a friend. Let's spread the word about the incredible, sometimes peculiar, ways God moves among His people. 

Also, join us in our upcoming 21-day fast and prayer initiative starting January 1st. It's an opportunity to unite in seeking God’s direction for our nation and our lives. Visit 21-dayfast.us for more details and to see how you can get involved.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let's dig deeper and go higher in our walk with Jesus. God bless you!

Unwrapping the Truth About Christmas: A Revealing Interview with Dr. Bob Strachan

Interview with Dr. Bob Strachan - Paganism in Christianity

As we approach the holiday season, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Bob Strachan from Jedburgh Baptist Church in Scotland for an eye-opening discussion about Christmas. Dr. Strachan, known for his deep biblical knowledge and commitment to truth, shared some surprising insights about the origins and implications of this widely celebrated holiday. What he revealed challenged my understanding and I believe it will do the same for many of you.

The Journey to Truth

Dr. Strachan began by sharing his personal journey of discovery regarding Christmas. "The journey started in 1997," he explained. It began with an article about Halloween that opened his eyes to the pagan roots of many popular celebrations. This led him to investigate Easter, and eventually, Christmas.

"The last year that I was putting the Christmas tree up," he recalled, "the Lord spoke to me and it was very very clear... I just felt the Holy Spirit saying to me this is you will not put this up again."

The Pagan Roots of Christmas

As we delved deeper, Dr. Strachan explained the pagan origins of Christmas. "Christmas was invented sometime after the Catholic Church got started in 313 AD," he noted. "It coincides with ancient pagan winter solstice festivals, not with Christian tradition."

He pointed to Jeremiah 10:3-4 as a biblical warning against practices remarkably similar to our modern Christmas trees:

"For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter."

Dr. Strachan emphasized that this passage isn't specifically about Christmas trees, as Christmas didn't exist when Jeremiah was written. However, it clearly warns against adopting pagan customs involving decorated trees - which is precisely what many Christians do each December.

Biblical Truth vs. Man-Made Tradition

One of the most compelling points Dr. Strachan made was about the lack of biblical basis for Christmas. "When God wanted His people to observe something, He gave clear instructions - as with Passover, Pentecost, etc.," he explained. "The Bible never commands us to celebrate Jesus' birth or instructs us how to do so."

He warned against the danger of elevating tradition over Scripture, referencing Jesus' words in Mark 7:8 about nullifying God's word for the sake of tradition. Dr. Strachan pointed out that many early Protestant leaders, including Charles Spurgeon, preached against celebrating Christmas.

The Danger of "Another Jesus"

Perhaps the most thought-provoking part of our conversation was when Dr. Strachan discussed the potential for Christmas to lead to worshipping "another Jesus." He referenced 2 Corinthians 11:4 and explained, "If we know that Jesus wasn't born on December 25th but we are celebrating a Jesus that was, that means we have another Jesus. It's a different Jesus, as 2 Corinthians 11:4 tells us - another Jesus, another Spirit, another gospel."

This concept of "another Jesus" is particularly concerning when we consider the pagan roots of the December 25th date. Dr. Strachan explained, "From ancient paganism, Nimrod died supposedly on the 31st of October and... he was supposedly reborn on the 25th day of December." By celebrating Jesus' birth on this date, we may inadvertently be associating Him with pagan deities.

The Christmas Tree and Worship

Dr. Strachan addressed the common defense that "I don't worship the tree." He pointed out that the act of bowing down, which is part of worship, is inherent in many Christmas traditions. "When you turn the lights on for the first time you have to bow down to put the tree the lights around the tree. When you put the presents under the tree, what are you doing? You have to bow down in front of it."

He also noted the similarity between the star or sun often placed atop Christmas trees and ancient sun worship practices.

Addressing Common Concerns

Dr. Strachan didn't shy away from addressing common objections to abandoning Christmas celebrations. When asked about disappointing children, he responded, "If you put your children before the word of God, you have put them before God." He emphasized the importance of teaching children to obey God above all else.

He also addressed the argument that Christmas provides an opportunity to share the gospel. While acknowledging the good intentions behind this, Dr. Strachan cautioned against using pagan practices as a means of evangelism. "We shouldn't have to join the world to reach the world," he stated.

The Spirit Behind Christmas

Intriguingly, Dr. Strachan suggested that there might be a spiritual force behind the widespread adherence to Christmas traditions. He compared it to the spirit of Jezebel mentioned in the Bible, characterized by rebellion and false worship. This spiritual influence, he believes, may be why many find it so difficult to let go of Christmas celebrations even when presented with evidence of its pagan roots.

A Call to Examine Our Hearts

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Strachan's passion for biblical truth was evident. His message wasn't one of condemnation, but a call to carefully examine our beliefs and practices in light of Scripture.

"My Ministry... is primarily teaching to inform the Christian, equip the Christian, and to try and help them to be as righteous as possible," he shared. "Jesus says be holy for I am Holy, and that's one of the biggest pushes that we have."

Dr. Strachan emphasized the importance of relying on Scripture rather than tradition or personal preference. He encouraged believers to be willing to let go of practices that don't align with God's Word, even if doing so is difficult or unpopular.

Concluding Thoughts

This interview with Dr. Strachan has certainly given me a lot to think about, and I imagine it will do the same for many of you. While these ideas may be challenging, I believe it's crucial for us as believers to continually examine our traditions and ensure they align with God's Word.

Dr. Strachan's insights remind us of the importance of worshipping God in spirit and in truth, as Jesus instructed in John 4:24. It's a call to prioritize biblical faithfulness over cultural traditions, no matter how deeply ingrained those traditions may be.

I encourage you to prayerfully consider Dr. Strachan's words. Study the Scriptures for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth, as Jesus promised in John 16:13. Whether or not you ultimately decide to continue celebrating Christmas, may this discussion prompt all of us to examine our practices and ensure that we're truly honoring God in all we do.

What are your thoughts on this topic? How do you approach Christmas as a believer? I'd love to hear your perspectives in the comments below. Let's engage in this important conversation with grace and a genuine desire to honor God.

The Cursed Land: Unveiling Biblical Truths and Our Responsibility

From Desolation to Restoration: Understanding the Concept of Cursed Land

Hey there, it's Conrad, and I'm excited to share with you a powerful teaching that's been stirring in my spirit for years. Today, we're diving deep into the concept of the cursed land - a topic that's not only biblically rich but also incredibly relevant to our lives as Christians in today's world.

The Genesis of This Teaching

A few years ago, someone mentioned the idea of a "covenant with the land." At the time, it was just a seed planted in my spirit. As I continued my spiritual journey, I kept encountering references to this concept, but it wasn't until recently that I felt compelled to dig deeper.

What truly sparked my interest was an event that occurred in October 1996 at Christian Tabernacle in Houston, Texas. During a Sunday service, as the pastor read from 2 Chronicles 7:14, the power of God visibly manifested, splitting the pulpit in two and throwing the pastor backward. This dramatic encounter led to months of services focused on repentance and seeking God's face.

The Scripture in Question

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

This verse became a cornerstone for my exploration into the concept of the cursed land.

Appalachian Dawn: A Modern Example

As I delved deeper into this topic, I came across a powerful documentary called "Appalachian Dawn." This film tells the true story of a territory in the Appalachian mountains that experienced a remarkable transformation. Through repentance and unity, the people saw their land healed, wildlife return, and the entire area restored. It's a testament to the power of God's people coming together to seek His face and turn from their wicked ways.

Biblical Examples of Cursed Land

Scripture provides numerous examples of how land can be cursed:

Not Following God's Commandments (Leviticus 26:14-36)

Rejecting the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6, Acts 11:28)

Sin and Disobedience (Genesis 3:17, Jeremiah 23:10)

Evil Doings (Jeremiah 44:22)

One particularly striking example is found in 2 Samuel 21:1-7, where David inquires of the Lord about a three-year famine. The Lord reveals that it's because of Saul's bloody house and his slaughter of the Gibeonites, with whom Joshua had made a covenant.

Our Responsibility as Christians

So, what does this mean for us today? As Christians, we have a responsibility to be stewards of the land and to seek God's face for healing. Here are some key points to consider:

Humble ourselves and pray (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Seek a relationship with God, not just knowledge about Him (Matthew 7:21-23)

Repent from wickedness, both personally and collectively (James 4:7)

Appropriate our authority in Christ (Daniel 9)

Come out and be separate from the world (Revelation 18:4)

As we reflect on these biblical truths, we must ask ourselves: How can we apply 2 Chronicles 7:14 in our lives and communities? How can we be a "peculiar people" for God in a world that's increasingly hostile to Christian values?

I encourage you to prayerfully consider these questions and take action. Let's be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Let's seek God's face for the healing of our land and the restoration of our communities, just as we saw in the Appalachian Dawn story.

This teaching on the cursed land is vast and profound, and there's so much more to explore. As we face the challenges of our time, we're called to dig deeper and go higher in our relationship with God. Let's embrace this calling and be agents of change in our world.

Remember, like the people in Appalachian Dawn, we have the power to transform our communities through repentance, unity, and seeking God's face. Let's commit to being that catalyst for change.

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you. I love you all, and I'm grateful for your presence in my life. Keep seeking His face!

Conrad