The King's New Clothes

Two words have recently captivated my conscious mind. No, they are NOT Facebook & Google. They are subculture and counterculture!

My spirit says that we have become the former but Christ's intention was that we be the latter!

As a sub culture (a social group within a national culture that has distinctive patterns of behavior and beliefs) we are, in essence, still a product of the Western/American, Capitalistic, Individualistic, Materialistic & Humanistic way of life.

It seems that the 'house of the Lord' which WE have built looks more like a theological house of cards or the mirror image of the American corporate icon than a "new and living way."

I am afraid that such heretical thoughts may give birth to an experiential encounter with Christianity, not as a religion or system of believing or thinking but as a new way of living - and living by a new and divine source of life - the Holy Spirit.

Then, I/we may discover the true meaning of the phrase Counter-culture:

'A culture with values or lifestyles in opposition to those of the established culture.'

Unfortunately much of what is touted as counter cultural within modern or post modern Christianity, is simply an attempt to dress up traditional Western Christianity in new, more fashionable and acceptable modern attire! It is conforming Christianity to modern thinking or ideas rather than the image of Jesus Christ.

It is, in essence, no different than the evangelicalism it seeks to displace.

All The Pyramids Are In Egypt or Are they?

I have maintained for many years that the "church' has been erroneously patterned after a pyramid structure with "leadership" occupying the top tiers and continuing on down to the "people" or laity who reside on the bottom of the structure and it is their job to support the structure above with their time, talent and treasure.

As a new believer having experienced a powerful conversion, the Holy Spirit spoke to me one day and told me to take out a sheet of paper and draw a pyramid. I was then instructed to draw various bisecting lines beginning at the top. Next I was told to label the top tier as apostle or pastor. The next division underneath was labeled elders, then deacons and various 'offices"or functions, The last division, occupying the bottom and largest section of the pyramid was labeled members or laity.

When the diagram was completed the Lord spoke again and said;

"What is this?"

I responded, “It is the church,”

I immediately received a resounding, "NO!"

"It is the American corporation!"

I immediately recognized that I had seen this drawing before in High School. All I could say was "Amen". I knew this was true. Subsequently I was instructed to "take the pyramid diagram and Turn it upside down!"

As I stared at this inverted image I heard in my spirit, "This is MY church. See how the ones who were formerly on top and were supported from below now bear the weight of all those above."

Immediately I recalled the word of the Lord:

³³ They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” ³⁴ But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. ³⁵Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” ³⁶ Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, ³⁷ “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”

Again:

²⁰ Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. ²¹And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She *said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” ²² But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” ²³ He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”

²⁴ And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers. ²⁵ But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. ²⁶ It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt: 20

This revelation really upset my apple cart. It has revolutionized my understanding of "ministry (service) and "church". No longer do I desire either position or power except the lowest position - that of a slave or servant. In writing this I am once again brought into remembrance of one additional beautiful picture of service.

¹ Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing thatHis hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. ² During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, ³ Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, ⁴ *got up from supper, and *laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

⁵ Then He *poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. ⁶ So He *came to Simon Peter. He *said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” ⁷ Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” ⁸ Peter *said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you,you have no part with Me.” ⁹ Simon Peter *said to Him, “Lord,then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.”¹⁰ Jesus *said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹ For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

¹² So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? ¹³ You call Me Teacher andLord; and ^[b]you are right, for so I am. ¹⁴ If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. ¹⁶ Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." John 13:

My lesson continued, " See how the one who was formerly on top and supported from below now bears the tremendous weight of all those above. This is MY church."

Then the Lord showed me how “the Gentiles Lord it over one another but it will not be so among you. For he who would be greatest must be the servant of all."

This revelation has ruined me for the worldly corporate or organizational or institutional church” paradigm that I had been conditioned to identify with the Lord's 'church".

In addition i came to realize that the true pastor or leader is not at the top. Further more i understood that there is no office of head pastor or leader. ?the term pastor would be better translated as Shepard one who cares for, guides, and protects sheep. the term 'pastor: is one of function - it is not an office or position. When it comes to the position of a "leader" there is only one prescribed position.

I must always remember the example and teaching of our Lord who said:

"You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." John 13:

Betty June Dunn (March 29, 1926 - July 23, 2011)

As the song goes: “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got til its gone…”

This is true with respect to those people whom God has placed strategically in each of our lives: beginning with our Mothers!

I am already experiencing a growing sense of loss as I recall my Mother, Betty Dunn. I realize more and more what a blessing she was to my life! Though her passing is such a great loss - deep inside, in my heart, her presence is still alive and well. Her kind and gracious words and the many truths she imparted to my young heart are still as fresh to me as when they were first shared.

My earliest recollections are of the sound of mom's sweet voice as she sang and read to me. I still hear all those wonderful bedtime stories that she used to teach the deeper truths of life and heart. From “The Little Match Girl” to Aesops Fables, Mom skillfully and wonderfully taught us the importance of cultivating qualities like caring, sharing, compassion, honesty, truthfulness and giving.

She not only taught them with her words, but she modeled them before us with her life.

Whether it was with her kind words, alms or her fine hand quilted pillows, my mother demonstrated to us that giving was not just a virtue to be cultivated, it was a way of life.

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he’ll not depart from it” was my mother's adage. It has certainly been proven true in my life. The older I get, the more I return to those age old foundations - to those simple but profound eternal truths that my mother planted so many years ago in my young spirit.

Thanks Mom! I haven’t forgotten. I still remember!

I cannot speak highly enough of Godly mothers in general and mine in particular. Often it is true that you really don’t know what you've got til it is gone! Day by day my admiration and thankfulness for Betty June Dunn continues to grow as I recall all that she was.

As another song testifies, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” or in today's vernacular, MOMS RULE! Indeed they do!

Please hear me when I say:

"All you mom’s are important. You are more important than you know."

I received confirmation of this truth a number of years ago when I was asked to speak to a rather large congregation in Durham, North Carolina. I was asked to bring the message on Mothers Day Sunday! I must admit I was somewhat terrified at the prospect. I knew I was expected to preach a Mothers Day message but the more I prayed and studied, the more I came up blank! As the day approached, despite many hours of prayer and supplication, the "message" did not come. Over and over as I sought the Lord, only one thing came to my mind. It was a single scripture:

“I would that men everywhere would pray lifting holy hands without wrath or dissention.”

"What does praying men have to do with Mother’s Day, Lord?" I asked, but I heard not even a whisper. Heaven seemed uncomfortably silent and I felt increasingly anxious and uneasy.

Mothers Day arrived and although I had carefully crafted a message on the power of prayer and the need for men to pray, I knew that something vital was missing. Sunday morning, after a gracious introduction by pastor Z.D. Harris, I ascended to the pulpit. I was extremely insecure about this message I was soon to deliver. I began by readimg the text. Then I prayed a simple heartfelt prayer, "HELP"!!!!!

Then I began the sermon with; "God wants men to pray... because believing prayer is powerful in its effect."

Then, suddenly, I found myself departing from my prepared script as I blurted out:

“How many men here today in this congregation believe that they owe their salvation to a praying mother! Will you stand!"

As I waited with bated breath, I watched every man in the congregation rise to his feet and begin to applaud and give thanks.”

Then I heard myself say;

“Here’s your tribute Mothers! Look around you! You’ve done your job well! Here is the fruit of you labors! Happy Mother's Day!"

The entire congregation continued to clap and cheer these faithful women of God.

So today, as we remember the life of Betty June Dunn, my mom, I stand up and say:

“Mom this is your day. Here’s a tribute to a life well lived, from your greatful son, George!"

and it almost seems that somewhere in the background I hear His still small voice say to her:

"Well done Betty, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of thy Lord."

Welcome Home, Mom!

And all God's people said:

AMEN!

Elton Dunn - August 6, 1925 - May 23, 2011

As part of my wife, Nancy’s histology training, she talks about having to be a deaner and assisting with autopsies at the Cleveland clinic. Nancy vividly remembers her first time assisting the medical examiner. She recounts that as she stared at the “person” lying on the table the pathologist came over and put his hand on her shoulder. “Obviously,” says Nancy, “He could see my nervousness.” Then the pathologist whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry Nancy, this is just the house the man lived in - but he’s not home any more.”

For we who are believers in Jesus Christ, the truth is not that the man is simply not home any more but that the man has truly gone home: home to where he truly belongs - in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As the scriptures attest, “Absent from the body present with the Lord.”

I am comforted to know that my dad, Elton Dunn, has indeed gone home!

For some reason, when I think of dad I also think of his father, my beloved Grandpa Roy. Whenever I think of myn grandpa Roy, I recall sitting next to him in church and hearing him sing, with great gusto, When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there. As I listen to the music, in my minds eye I see my father crossing the ramparts of glory and arriving on high. Then as I hear the name, Elton Dunn called out, I see dad raise his hand high, like a child in school as he shouts out, “Present”!

"Absent from the body present with the Lord!"

Welcome home Elton! Welcome home Dad!

Some years ago a survey was done of senior citizens. One of the questions asked was;

“What is your most precious possession?”

Want to guess the number one answer???

Photographs!

why? because photographs are about memories and our memories are indeed our most precious POSSESSIONS.

A number of times recently I have been blessed to go to the funeral home's web site and view the marvelous photo journal of dad and our family. Whenever I have lingered there, my mind has been flooded with images - sweet memories of “the Acts of Elton Dunn.”

Until we are reunited with those who have departed we have these precious photographs and our memories. This indeed is a precious gift which Dad has left behind, this gift of remembering. It is one gift that cannot be taken away.

Let us take time in the days ahead to remember all that Elton meant to those of us who were loved by and who loved him and let us share those precious memories with one another.

Imitation of Christ Pt. 1

It has often been stated that: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The dictionary defines imitation as:

"Something derived or copied from an original.

To imitate means: "To appear like; or to resemble".

There's a lot of research and talk about advances in virtual reality. I have seen holograms appearing so real you have to reach out and attempt to touch them to determine if they are! This picture of a hologram generator is one highly publicized example. So, which is real - the strawberry or the hand? Perhaps neither?!

Being an old guy I still remember the advertising slogan; 'Is it real or is it Memorex'? Well, is it?

However, in my mind imitation is not NOT the sincerest form of flattery! When it comes to spirituality I believe that imitation is the sincerest and greatest form of deception! It's the devil's business. It is the one thing he does best! "Is it real or is it Memorex?"

This is strictly my opinion, but I believe that his (satan's) greatest imitation, is the imitation of Christ!

Paul, in defending his apostleship to the believers in Corinth had this to say:

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds."

Satan also imitates the signs, wonders, and miracles performed by God. We are living in a day when there is an increase in lying signs and wonders. Matthew 24:24 says; “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

Deceive the very elect!? So how are we to walk in these perilous times? How are we to keep from being deceived? How are we to know the real from the imitation, - the genuine from the counterfeit?

Although I intend to further explore this topic, over the next few posts I want to offer these two brief examples.

The coin or currency of the realm

In the U.S. Department of the Treasury, when they train experts to recognize counterfeit money, they never show these agents the counterfeit. The agents are trained completely, thoroughly, painstakingly on the characteristics of the legal bills, the real thing, how it’s supposed to appear. Every nuance is noted, every feature documented in painful detail, so that when the Treasury Agent sees any difference in a bill, he knows immediately without any doubt that the bill is counterfeit. They study what the bill is supposed to look like, how it’s designed, so that when they detect any difference at all, they spot the error immediately. In other words, the ability to detect that which is NOT genuine comes from knowing that which is!

One of the foremost experts on detecting counterfeit currency demonstrated the remarkable ability to detect counterfeit bills strictly by "feel". When asked how he he was able to do this feat his response was, "I can detect the feel of counterfeit bills only because I have handled millions of dollars of the real thing."

Spiritually we need to say we have known that which is real. As we read in First John:

^"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ²(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) ³That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."

Detecting Counterfeit Christians

When it comes to those who claim to be His representatives, there is one sure way to detect whether or not they are the genuine article. Simply put, our Lord says:

^"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? ¹⁷Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

²⁰Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

²¹Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.

²²Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

²³And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

“Whoever wishes to understand fully the words of Christ must try to pattern his whole life on that of Christ.”

Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ

What On Earth Is God Doing

I recently heard a marvelous story. A little 6 year old girl was in a drawing lesson. She was in the back of the room. She hardly ever paid attention in class but was doing so this time. The teacher was fascinated and walked over to her and asked, “What are you drawing?” And the girl said, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” The teacher said, “But nobody knows what God looks like!” To which the girl replied, “They will in a minute!”

I'm reminded that Jesus was asked by his guys, his students, his disciples to "Show us the Father?!" In a nutshell His response was:

"What do you mean? Don’t you know He who has seen me has seen the Father."

Whew, this adds a new dimension to the little girls’ story. Think of it. If "He" (Jesus), who we say is very God, now lives His life in and through us, perhaps the only way the world can see Him, is by looking at us. As if to say;

“Want to know what God is like? Wondering what on earth God is doing! Want to see a picture? Look at me!”

Lately that's what I am thinking and writing, to myself, about. How can the world see God? And…What on earth is God doing? This question is, for me, the beginning of a new journey of exploration, contemplation and self examination.

I can tell you from experience that lately God has been doing some stuff. Just yesterday He (in and through me) spent time with His friends Dennis and Paul and with his wife Nancy. They talked about responding to homelessness, poverty and the needs of those less fortunate in our community. Later, He helped his wife pack and get ready for her trip, and yes, God is married. Later, God (in me) spent time purchasing and programming a new cell phone for Nancy’s trip to Michigan and ordering her special vitamins and protein foods to be delivered to where she will be staying. Later He (in me) made and confirmed Nancy’s rent-a-car and hotel reservations. God even helped wash some of her clothes – reluctantly and it certainly must have been Christ in me because I don't do clothes!

Earlier, in the morning, God (in Christ, in me) spent some time at the Free Store in downtown Charlotte. It is run by his friend Paul Fisher. As He does every week, God (the Holy Spirit in me) conducted a devotional bible study with some homeless folks and fed them donuts and coffee instead of loaves and fishes. Around noon He (God in me) had lunch at Dim Sum with Dennis, Paul and Nancy. Together they had a lively theological discussion. God, it seems, is quite fond of Chinese food – especially the sweet and sour pork! Oops, not kosher!! It’s worth noting that He left the waitress a very generous tip. God is not cheap! He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. God loves to give and He wants to give you to have your best life NOW!

In the early evening God spent a lot time just relaxing. He rested from his labors. Later in the evening it became evident that God is also fond of Netflix! He especially enjoys reruns of the TV series 24! He and Jack Bauer are in the same business – saving the world! After watching episodes for much of the evening - God (in Christ, in me) undertook reading and responding to some spiritual e-mails. Then He did some blogging and of course journaling followed by prayer! Amen! God is good!

Then He curled up with a good Christian book by theologian Howard Snyder. As you probably know, God is very keen on intellectual and theological writings and discussions. He religiously spends countless hours daily in such pursuits. About midnight, God was seen to be asleep in his favorite chair with his feet propped up on his favorite ottoman.

Just this moment it struck me that I may have to rethink this - see God or Jesus by looking at me stuff. I’m somewhat uncomfortable with this new revelation. It seems like strange fire – not very evangelical. Right now I find myself in uncharted and turbulent theological waters. I’m uneasy and stressed out at the thought this new revelation.

“Want to see God look at me” sounds kind of brassy and showoffy! It’s self promoting! Come to think of it, I’m too meek for that approach. I'm more unpretentious. I don’t like to be in the limelight or to bring attention to myself! I find that I'm much more comfortable with, “Want to see what God is like – don’t look at me - look at Jesus!” That’s a much better approach and is consistent with the kind of guy I really am.

Humble.

EROS!

My dear brother Dennis,

Upon leaving your office and arriving home I realized that I must write down the impressions of what I saw and the burden the Lord shared in our time of prayer. A phrase goes round and round in my mind. It is, "The burden of the Lord in the valley of vision."

Today as we were praying I experienced something that has never happened before. I was suddenly overcome with a gut wrenching despair and sadness. It happened when you showed me the flyer you received in the mail announcing the son of Jerry Falwell appearing at the annual NRA Christian Prayer Breakfast. Suddenly I began to tremble and shake. I felt winded as though I'd been hit with a knock out punch to the solar plexus! I doubled over and began to sob uncontrollably. I felt as though the Lord's heart was beating loudly in my chest and it was breaking!

Intuitively I realized that this invitation to the NRA/Christian Prayer Breakfast was from the National Rifle Association. I realized that this union between the secular or profane and evangelical Christianity, was an act of spiritual adultery! I was devastated! I knew that I was experiencing the heart of our Lord Jesus and I felt as though the Spirit was weeping through me. I was overcome with grief at this act of prostitution. I saw myself and us corporately portrayed as a scarlet woman lifting up her (our/my) skirts for any man who walked by and who might be enticed to join' with her. I was sick at heart and repulsed by this act of fornication with the world!

"Is this what I have done?! Lord please forgive me!" I cried!

As we continued in prayer, I continued to be captivated and shaken by this revelation of how we have played the harlot. I saw how we (the church/the bride of Christ) have prostituted ourselves in order to feel special, accepted, esteemed and loved by the world. Having received this revelation it seemed as though scales fell from my eyes and I could see with great clarity all the areas in which I/we have fornicated with the world, its institutions and western cultural values. I/we have traded the white linen of our purity for the bawdy revealing garments of a whore. Worse yet, I hate to speak of it but I’m compelled to share all that I felt. The Lord showed me how we had not only adorned ourselves cosmetically but also how we have flirted, enticed, and invited THE WORLD TO LAY WITH US. I perceived that we have YIELDED OURSELVES EVER SO SLOWLY. I knew that WE, the people, who call themselves by His name, have let the vileness of the world (portrayed by an unclean spirit) invade and defile us. We have allowed this evil to penetrate us in our deepest selves.

Next I saw the final resultant condition of the church. She (I,We) appeared as an old hag - wrinkled, diseased, and dressed in the tattered filthy scarlet and black lace garments of a prostitute. She lay in the gutter offering herself to every man who passed by. To some she cried out; “I know you. Do you not remember me? Come, taste of my pleasures!” These men hurried by and looked upon her with loathing and disdain. She was smeared with thick cheap make up and appeared more like a painted pathetic clown. Yet she still perceived herself as seductive, attractive, alluring - capable of loving and being loved. The sight of her (ME/US) broke my heart and sickened me. It was tragic and pathetic! I wept!

Then I said to myself;

“How will I/she ever be redeemed? Is it too late? Is all lost? Is it all over?”

These were my thoughts as I gazed upon this pathetic painted lady who was now an object of disdain and ridicule by those in "the world" who once professed love for her. There she lay in all her horrible splendor, totally abandoned and hopeless as she sobbed with gut wrenching desperate longing and remorse.

Then the Lord reminded me of Rehab and that she came to be in the royal lineage! The Spirit said; “There is redemption!" I also remembered Mary Magdalene and the woman taken in adultery!

Then my heart said:

“I will strip her of her shameful clothes and all her filthy rags. I will remove her makeup, the paint, the earrings and adornments with which she has adorned herself. I will wash her and bathe her and in my love she will be dressed in fine linen and neither she nor I will know her shame or nakedness. Then she will see herself in My loving eyes and she will know her purity and great beauty. For she is the love of my life...the one for whom my heart beats and is my deepest desire...my love...my VIRGIN bride for whom I wait."

Then I heard, “Babylon the mother of harlots." I understood that this was the world system and that Babylon is that human system which masquerades as "the church' but which is NOT the product of divine conception! IT is the product of a union of the sacred and the world - all of which lies in the hands of the evil one! It is an abomination unto the Lord and I realized that ALL its children are illegitimate” ...

BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!

Hallelleujah!

Then I heard, “What God has cleansed make thou not uncommon!”

I began to rejoice in my spirit as I sensed the water (of the word) come and wash away all her filth, much as a flood waters overflow and then recede and in so doing remove the POLLUTION AND ALL SCARS FROM THE LAND,

I rejoiced as I sensed my own cleanness and I remembered that our Lord not only forgives us our sins but CLEANSES us from all unrighteousness. Then I recalled that it was the flooding of the Nile that provided the fertile soil to bring about a new season of life and a great harvest in Egypt.

I tell you “So will it be in America!”

Suddenly, in my mind, I saw myself as a bride adorned standing before a full length mirror! I was totally amazed and transfixed by the vision of loveliness before my eyes - such purity and exquisite beauty. There was no outward adornment, no make up, no painted lips - just a beautiful bride in her white wedding dress and veil. The radiance and beauty I beheld was breathtaking. I sensed my heart beating loudly anticipating going forth to meet Him! I was totally consumed with the thought of the upcoming ceremony.

Next I remembered our Lord plaiting a whip and driving out the moneychangers and cleansing the temple. I knew that this is what He was beginning to do in my heart and in the hearts of His people! I knew the moneychangers represented this seductive spirit of materialism which has captivated America and the world and especially the American "church".

Next I saw the spirit of materialism (Baal) and the Spirit of sensuality (Asteroth, Aphrodite, Venus, Circe, Jezebel - a female erotic spirit) join and morph into one being!!!! I realized for the first time that materialism and sensuality are not two separate spirits as I formerly thought but ONE! Materialism IS a seductive Spirit also known as covetousness - which is idolatry! ! I saw that the power and allure of the this “American Idol” (i.e. materialism, capitalism, consumerism, individualism, avarice, usury, and even called seed faith) - is that its power is rooted in LUST!: the Lust of the Flesh, the lust of the eye and the vain glory of life all rolled into one. This demonic presence, often known as 'zeitgeist’ (spirit of the times) or the spirit of America, has been irresistible It appeared as an octopus whose tentacles reached out around the globe. This spirit has captivated many nations and spawned countless illegitimate offspring throughout the world! It is a powerful and subtly seductive satanic spirit.

And I heard, "Its name is EROS!"

Then I was immediately taken to the Book of Revelations where in I read:

1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

6Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

7How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

8Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

9And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

10Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

11And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

12The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

13And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

14And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

15The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. Revelation 18

1And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

3And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

4And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19

May the Lord grant you understanding!