The unfolding events in Modesto read like something from a bygone era. A full 2 hours before the start, the tent was half full and we moved up the worship start to 5:45 P.M.
This is California. California, where supposedly, people do not want God. And even hate God. California where they are overscheduled and underwhelmed with the idea of having to show up early for anything. Right?
We rented 500 extra chairs, but almost immediately, they were filled. We used a tent much larger than our old tent, and still the overflow was larger than any previous tent crusade. Thousands came.
The only draw is singing, preaching, and Jesus. That is all. No bells, no whistles, no extravaganza. This in itself is a sermon. How far have we strayed from realizing the power of the presence of God to draw people? The presence that touches the human heart as nothing else can. The presence of God that Moses said would distinguish us from all the peoples of the earth (Exodus 33:16).
Why are they here? It is not just the presence of God, but they have been driven here because Satan and the Left have gone too far. The vision of the Left for California is an unmitigated disaster. It is misery for everyone, from the cradle to the grave.
Going ‘woke’, drains the color and enjoyment out of everything. It means living in a perpetual state of offense and paranoia. It turns otherwise rational people into people obsessed with racism.
They did not sit through just one sermon, but I preached two sermons. The first for lost souls, and the second, for revival.
It has been assumed by most, that Californians cannot sit through a full sermon, let alone two. That is just one of the sacred cows and false assumptions this blog has been targeting―but there is a simple reason: we are losing the war for America―and for all the wrong reasons.
Not only that, but my first sermon left in all of the items you are supposed to leave out. I preached against sin. I mentioned hell, often. I centered on the Cross and the Blood. I told them to repent.
When will we learn to preach what the Holy Spirit wants?
Then the Holy Spirit removed the protection and the resistance of sinners. They instantly left all, to follow Jesus. They tell me that 500 people came to Christ last night. But as always, only God knows the actual number.
The next sermon I preached centered on revival. I told the audience that we did not just want a great meeting. We do not want great pictures and memories of an event that came and went. “I want Satan to pack up and get out of town!”
To that end I made the following points:
1. Who knows when it will ever be like this again? What if this is the last time the door to revival will be open to California?
Esther 4:13-14, “And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
2. Understand what is at stake: We are fighting for our families! Nehemiah 4:14, “And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.””
3. Make room for revival. Jesus said to let down the nets, but they only let down one net.
Luke 5:4-7, “When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So, they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
4. We need the outpouring of Fresh Fire in order that we may be turned into the people of this hour.
1 Samuel 10:6-7, “Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you.”
Acts 4:29-31, “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
After the Word of the Lord was delivered last night, the fire fell, and thousands of people vowed to be lions of righteousness. They were sent out into the night to bring the sick to the great miracle service that will take place in the tent tonight. Join with us in prayer, and if you are coming―get there early!
