It is very wise to recognize and know the spirit which we follow to insure that our children are being directed in the right direction. Satan is very clever in knowing how to deceive us when we lose sight of the steps that we take and we don’t take the time to know the message which is being delivered. For instance, Satan will sit back and allow us to go forward in worship because he knows what will take place when we get caught up in our emotions when we don’t have the spiritual wisdom and discernment to simply recognize what is right and what is wrong. This is where Satan often deceives us in the spirit because He wants us to think that we are following God when we could be leading to a division in the body of Christ.
There is unity in the body and harmony in the spirit of God that teaches each of us in love to learn from one another and how to respect each parties function within the direction of God. There is nothing wrong with us enjoying the spiritual high of God but if we do not recognize the importance of staying in tune with God in our emotions then we are setting ourselves up for a hard fall. We learn this in the lesson of Joshua and the Israelites when they ran out in front of God in their emotions after conquering the city Jericho.
It is vital for our youth and for every child of God to understand how to handle our emotional highs with our emotional lows that we face in this journey of life. Jesus Christ (NEVER) separated himself from the sinners nor the world and Paul supported the church that was first established by God with Moses as he lead the people out of captivity to reach the freedom that we receive in God’s promise. Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul addressed the people and the church not to bring division but to correct what was wrong by God in not properly following the Lord’s instruction. Division came because of Satan in the people for not humbling themselves to receive the Truth in the Word of God. Our Lord taught us how to walk in this world through Moses and the Israelites in order for us to maintain the freedom that has been given to each of us today in the spirit of God through Jesus Christ by having order and self discipline to keep our homes and our nations intact.
The Lord plainly teaches us how to listen, when to move, how to run, how to respect, and even how to walk in order to maintain our balance in this life. For if we just jump out on a tight rope without knowing how to reach the other side when the winds of Satan come our way then we really need to take a step back to learn how to walk with God rather than trying to do it on our own. Life has good times and life has very hard times and if we don’t know how to walk on our own under God with the love of Jesus in our hearts then Satan is just waiting at the door to hold us down when we fall.
It is very easy to speak out against what we see, but in true love that is directed by God we are to stand in faith while sharing the love of Jesus Christ. God shows us what is not right by others to help shape us into who He wants us to be. As we mature and learn to trust in God it is our duty to standfast in love within the winds of sin in this fallen world. It is when we take matters into our own hands that we cause divisions in our relationships to the point that they can cause anger and separation.
As long as we know the steps that we take in the Word of God and know how to act in love when we face confrontation then we are on the way to understanding how to follow God rather than acting out in our emotions. Regarding the Ramp in Hamilton, Alabama there are good points as well as there are bad points which we can find in any church or in any human being. It is great to see our youth speaking of God rather than chasing the world and watching them be set free from their suppression of Satan who wants them to lose hope in this life. But the part which is raising a flag of concern is the gift of speaking in tongues due to the confusion that it is bringing in the body. Speaking in tongue is a gift from God that no man can give or is to teach to another. The dangers of this practice in public display comes when someone does not know how to stand on their own under God and wants to be accepted into a group to feel loved by the people instead of learning to receive the gift in faith.
The Word of God teaches us in 1 Corinthians 14 about the gift of the Holy Spirit and we also learn the importance of decent and orderly worship. For there is a time to speak and a time not due to the confusion that it can bring upon the people. In reference to someone claiming to be chosen or to be a prophet this should be addressed with caution to insure that Jesus Christ is being properly edified and to insure that we lean on God rather than man. It is not our place to reveal something to someone but we are to lead by example and allow the Holy Spirit to give the confirmation rather than trying to reveal something for our own glorification. There is a big difference between being called and actually being chosen and many people have misled the people with this misunderstanding in the word of God.
There are good things taking place at the Ramp as well as some things that are causing some confusion in the church. This is where we as parents must understand the places our children attend and we as leaders in the church teach others how to recognize the proper spirit of God to insure the steps that they take. For God is not the author of confusion and if someone doesn’t understand what they are walking into then they need to take a step back to prepare for what they might face. We all encounter things in life that are different from time to time but one thing that we all must recognize is the importance of the unity within the body. It is vital to teach our children how to live in this world and not of this world through the love of Jesus Christ as they learn to hold on to the cross to maintain their balance in life… amen
James Harrison / Servant
Mr. Harrison,
Are you saying that the youth coming to the RAMP are being taught HOW to speak in tongues? I am not a Bible scholar, by any stretch of the imaganation, but I too believe speaking in tongues is a gift from God, not given to everyone, and cannot be taught by human beings. We may be taught another language but only God gives us the gift of speaking in tongues. Some of our youth have attended the meetings at the RAMP I will ask them if they have witnessed any of these ideas being taught.
Dear Shirley, I am saying that our children and young Christians are being introduced to this gift and it is very wise for us to teach what to expect before they walk in and experience something they do not understand. I would suggest talking with your children to allow them to share their thoughts and to insure that they don’t have any unanswered questions. This will help build a line of communication that will gain respect for the time that is shared in open discussion. Many people don’t address things they don’t understand and if we just shut the door to this discussion then we could be doing more harm than we are good…
Dear Brethren in Christ ,
Greetings to you in the precious name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
We hope and pray that you all are well. Firstly I thank God very much for He has allowed us to correspond with you dear brethren in Christ. My name J.D.Prasada Rao Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. it’s a great privilege to encourage of your words because we show your web Then we are inspired through the Holy Spirit so that we are writing this letter. We found your email address from Internet website. By God’s grace, I am running a Children home. I used to bring orphans from various corners and have been feeding and giving good education for them. My aim is to make them good citizens and spread His word across the world. Up to now, I maintained this Home successfully without expecting anything from the kids. But in these days, I am short in funds and thus struggling to run this. Days are becoming hard for me and my kids. We sincerely wish to fellowship and work with you for bringing up these kids and spreading the glorious gospel of Christ in India . I know many brethren in your country love the Lord’s work and encouraging brethren to start the congregation in every place. We thank God always for your wonderful efforts. I believe that you know the country India . Our country India is big one, contained twenty five states and 17 major languages. Our regional language is Telugu, we teach the word of God in Telugu. Only 28.5 percent people are Christians including all churches. Our people are so kind, gentle and love preachers who teach the truth in love. I thank God very much for He given me the opportunity to look after these kids and teach God’s word in our area and surroundings.
We need your prayers and encouragements for proclaiming the gospel of Christ in India . We also invite you brethren to India and strengthen the congregation to which we work. We hope that you encourage and strengthen us to do the great work for God and His glory. If you have any question please ask us, we answer with our humble heart. We respect and honor your suggestions and instructions. We wish to hear from you brethren. Thank you. Please send books and tracts materials for the pastors and believers because of here so many people are there in our ministry.
We are waiting for your kind reply and please pray for our ministry and visit our place and preach the word of God. Here i am sending my family and ministry photos. Thanking you. 111 John 1: 13 and 14.
Numbers 6:24 and 25:- “THE LORD BLESS THEE, AND KEEP THEE. THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON THEE, AND BE GRACIOUS UNTO THEE”.
Yours brother in Christ,
Rev.J.D.Prasada Rao
Personally, I was rebellious throughout my life and even carry some of the same beliefs that Damon points out in his dissapointments in the church. For one we must remember the church is only a building and the disaapointments that are received come from within the body for the lack of true following in the Word of God. There are people everywhere that are crying out in hurt and they know where they need to turn but due to the lack of (true) love being shown in the church body they continue to suffer in the world. Over the years we have allowed the world to enter the church when it should have been right the opposite of this.
In the hurt and rebellion that I carried I learned to trust God instead of taking matters into my own hands even when I knew what was wrong. This was the most excruciating thing that I have ever experienced but the most rewarding in the end. Because I was honored to witness first hand the Lords hand at work in reshaping the people verses taking matters into my own hands. The Lord does not want us to act in our emotions and leave where He guides us. All we have to do is stand strong in love and God will do the work that needs to be done. For He is the mediator and all vengeance belongs to the Lord.
Regarding the comment on the appearance of someone and whether they are wearing shoes or not this is out of line in the Word of God. For Jesus asked the Pharisees what does it take to please you people? John the Baptist wore animal skins and Jesus rode a donkey while the people continued to look for something wrong instead of simply hearing what needed to be heard.
We must remember that God is working in every circumstance and we should never have a worry that His will will not be done. Trust God and love one another. For nothing of God is forced upon another nor is there anything left to prove, for it has already been proven…
You know what, the devil is busy boggling the thoughts of our minds. I have gone to The Ramp and can only seem to find possitive things to say. I am a college student and went with fellow college students and found that The Ramp was not just a worship service but a place that tried to mold the youth so that they would not just know the will of the Lord but live it. Put God first. The entire building was filled with the spirit of the Lord and it was in those instances that you find people outpouring their spirit to God. – As for speaking in tongues that is in the Bible. No one tries to teach other tongues at The Ramp. In your time of intamacy with the Lord I ask for you to read 1Corinthians chapter 12-14. It explains gifts of God and how when man begins to communicate in another language it is not for his neighbor but for God and that is what I and several others learned. I know speaking in tongues is contraversial, because people feel as though it is being taught or comercialized. Before coming to The Ramp I just accepted that I did not have that gift but then the Holy Spirit took over my lips when I was before the alter and no matter how much I tried to speak English it would not come out correctly. God allowed me to pour all of what I wanted to say to him without limitations of words or the nozy ear of the enemy. The ministers do not preach and relay the messages in tongues, they may speak to God for an instance in tongues but they use English because the Bible says ” I had rather speak five words in my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, rather than saying ten thousand words of the unkown.” Everyone at The Ramp does not speak in tongues and it is almost out of place for us to judge the relations of a child and God. The fear of the enemy is trying to scare parents now and days because they are not used to seeing children so in love with God like this. Everything is in God’s hands and if there is some ill-will musturing then God already knows the intent of the hearts that cry out to him. I really do not think it is appropiate to judge the workings of The Ramp because ever since I have been it has changed my life drastically. where God is present wonders occur and I appreciate evrything the Ramp is doing.
This information was not posted in judgement but in awareness for those that have not ever experienced certain gifts of God. We are not the judge nor the mediator. It is our place to speak the Truth in love and then allow God to take care of the rest.
As adults we should know how to walk in the world but as children it is vital that we teach the principles in the Word of God to help them develop into who God sets them out to be. The enemy is very clever and deceptive in this world. For if we don’t know the Word then we we will never know how to stand…
Look at Jesus’ teaching in John 16. Telling us that the Father will send the helper to you, the Spirit of Truth, who will show you… Jesus said, John 16:15 “All things that the Father hath are mine therefore said I, that he shall take of mine , and shall shew it unto you. That word shew (anagello) means: declare, speak, tell, it was an audible word. When we are to balance what is taught to the Word, could it be that the Word is God’s word spoken to us by the Spirit of Truth, not taught by theologians?
The Truth is God’s Truth and it is guided by the Holy Spirit that indwells within the believer. Many theologians are nothing more than a history teacher that often miss the baptism in the spirit due to their focus being stuck in the past without learning how to apply it to our future. It is simply not enough to merely know the gospel, we must let it transform our life and let God impact every aspect of our lives.
With Jesus we have life and without Him we never discover how to live in the freedom that God has given….
I first attended the Ramp approximately 5 years ago when my wife and I took our older youth from church to a gathering. It impacted our youth group but it totally messed me up for ordinary worship ever again. I had straddled the fence for so long that I thought that was the only way to get by but the Lord showed me different.
I am challenged each and every time I am at the Ramp, to deepen my relationship with Jesus. I have seen healings right before my eyes, crutches thrown down, wheelchairs pushed aside.
Mark 9:38-40
Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side.
NKJV
I would hope and pray that all might get the opportunity to attend a gathering and witness it for yourself and not make your judgments based on what others would say.
very good point.
One thing we should remember is how God is of order and discipline when He gives us direction to follow. On worship this is between each individual and the Lord. No one has a right to judge another on their relationship with God through Jesus Christ and no one should assume that their way of worship is any closer to God than anothers.
There is a difference between praise and worship in the angels of God. For in praise angels still stand watching over the flock to protect the herd but in worship the guardian angels lay down their swords and join in in worship.
Dear Hyprocrite in Recovery,
After meditating in prayer over your comment above this is what the Lord placed in my heart. I do not say any of this for debate or to hurt you but in the loving truth.
Based on your comment you are saying that you followed the (people) in your past church services verses properly following the Word of God. There is no straddling the fence when it comes to following the Lord. It is our responsibility as a true Christian to recognize the Holy Spirit with discipline and order to maintain and achieve what God has given. It is my sincere prayer that you don’t fall to this again in following the (people) and that you learn to challenge and encourage in a loving way to properly lead the youth that God has put you with. For the last thing any of us want is for the door to be shut and to hear these words,” I do not know you even though you say that you cast out demons in my name.”
Dear Administrator,
I seem unable to delete my own comments nor to stop receiving emails from this discussion. I feel as though it has become argumentative with no real spiritual benefits to either side. Please remove me from this discussion. To quote a Southern discussion I am fond of : “I don’t have a dog in this fight.” I thank you so much.
your comment has been removed based upon the request and the content of the post. this post was not posted to be argumentative but to give awareness and to have an open respectful discussion between someone who may not understand. you have brought a good point out to me and I thank you for your input.
I am a multiple cancer survivor and in April, the Lord healed me of spinal cancer. I have a foundation in Missouri to minister to other cancer patients and their families. But in September, I went to a conference to rev up my ministry and came back on fire to help the youth! Dutch Sheets spoke and told of The Ramp and by the end of that hour, the Holy Spirit came upon me with such an anointing. I have decided to visit the Ramp and in April, 2011 I am hosting a citywide Youth for Christ rally in the Springfield Cardinal’s stadium. From nearly being on my deathbed to doing this? In January, I would have said, “No way; I can’t even get out of bed!” But with His grace, this will come together. If you know of anyone who would like to help, contact me anytime – ddevans63@aol.com. God bless – Daphne Evans
Blessings James,
I looked at a lot of stuff, but probably not enough. Did I find a lot of wisdom from Damon? No, not really…
Could I enjoy one of his sermons and take something away from it? No, not from the first fifteen minutes I listened to, but I would enjoy the fellowship of people gathering and worshipping in the Name of the Lord.
So much of what people take away from these power-packed emotional services depends on each individual’s heart. That is, God may speak to an individual through some words given in the teaching, and other errant teaching may slip by unnoticed. Then a critic comments on the errant teaching that the individual let slip by, and the individual rises up to defend the teacher that God used to reach the individual.
Example:
Larry is a seeker. Larry goes to a Ramp service and gets a lot of good from it. He leaves encouraged and in good spirits. Larry runs into a critic of the Ramp and decides that he needs to defend the Ramp. Now we have an argument, a quarrel, 1Co 3:1-3. The only thing that resolves a quarrel is both parties seeking the Truth and understanding in scripture. Iron sharpens Iron. Building one another up in Truth and love.
I’m telling you, we have an infant church in America. It is easily captivated by emotion, error, and all kinds of deceptive spirits. Too many searching people with open hearts latch on to people, preachers, and charisma. Then they are blown about by the waves of the sea, Jas 1:6, Jude 1:12.
Ultimately though, the seeker must empower himself with scripture, with Truth and understanding. The kingdom must rise in one’s own heart, 2Pe 1:19 and he/she will find the confidence to stand on God’s word with their own two feet and the Holy Spirit. Two people who do this are in unity on God’s page. A church that does this is in unity on God’s page, with renewed minds in the Truth.
Does Damon teach people to seek for themselves the Truth and understanding? I don’t know. I can’t say, because I haven’t spent enough time listening.. some of what I heard is true, but I am not a fan of the way he presents it, either.
I encourage people to really dig into the Bible from the basis of love, wisdom, and Truth. The goal is to have sound minds, loving God and neighbor in the Truth, and have that become visible in our lives, families, and churches.
Love = willing service to God. We serve with a healthy fear and respect for our Father in heaven. We “do” love to one another and to those placed in our path. Love includes teaching and standing on the Truth with kindness and firmness.
Wisdom = understanding God’s definitions of virtue, justice, mercy, courage, and “love your neighbor.” Also, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Truth = the Rock. The unchanging God and His unchanging Word which defines virtue, justice, mercy, courage, and love. God is the Author of right and wrong, and love your neighbor. We just need more mature lovable Christian neighbors. The Truth is supposed to make us lovable… and wise, …and merciful … and just… and strong… Love God first and He will teach you how to love family, friends, and neighbors in the Truth.
That said, I have a Berean heart. I can search scripture for myself. I desire other men/women to do the same. Perhaps I sound a little somber here and uncharismatic, so let me encourage with this:
The kingdom of God is the same as the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of God/heaven is within you, or it is becoming within you as you write scripture on your heart and “do” scripture in your life. Stay innocent, keep a clear conscience, be right with God.
Jesus says, “Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven.” Therefore “treasure” is happy wholesome adventurous memories serving God and neighbor. By doing that and by avoiding sin, we can aviod the painful memories that are the result of sin and ignorance, “garbage” in heaven. I’d simply want to make good memories helping, encouraging, and enjoying my brothers and sisters in Christ. If I had a family owned business, I’d seek to make good memories with my employees as well. God would set the boundaries in my relationships. If I had a disruptive employee who wasn’t pulling his weight, he would be gone after a few warnings- good firm communication. I would keep a clear conscience, while the bad employee leaves. His ignorance would not be allowed to steal a pleasant day at work from the other employees, good memories (treasure) ought not be stolen.
See what I am saying? Righteousness does have rewards and blessings. Wisdom and justice has rewards and blessings. Jn 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
As for the Ramp? My first impression is that it is a commotion, but that is my own preferences. I desire sound minds, smiles on children, and peace and harmony with joy and genuine laughter.
I just got a feeling of “frenzy” from what I saw and heard of the Ramp. I hope that they are not misleading people with error. I would tell an individual going there to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” for yourself. That way you can follow God and not men.
Peace to you and all your friends.
Russ
I just read a review you gave of another church congregation, the ramp. Good and bad things happen, I agree with that. But, instead of warning that people should beware of churches, wouldn’t it be better to acknowledge the problems are with humanity? If the concern is that people get too emotionally charged and end up in front of God, wouldn’t the same be true for people that dont take risks and become comfortable, thus do nothing with God. My concern is that the church has only embraced the role of teacher and pastor and as a result have believed they are mere laity. Look at Paul life, Jesus’ ministry, Peter…their lives were the farthest thing from balanced. Jesus only did what he saw the father doing. I hear the term BALANCE and I think, with what? With your comfort? With your knowledge? With your accreditation? Paul spoke with power and authority given to him by the holy spirit. The same power that is in those who have been baptized in the name of Jesus by the holy spirit. If you choose to balance this, and I pray you don’t, where do you choose to place the fulcrum? I have found that balance beam was not meant to be positioned horizontally. Mine is pointed directly at the Father. Jesus, the spirit of truth, the perfector of my faith.
Mark,
Thank you for your reply and you are correct in speaking against the lukewarm Christians in the church but this article was strictly written for awareness on the services at the Ramp for the infants in the Word of God. Can you imagine the questions from new or sheltered Christians after attending one service?
In reference to the definition of Balance it is wise for us to recognize the principles that help us to maintain our balance and the purpose of moving forward. Walking with the Lord means that we are to be anchored to the rock of Jesus Christ and prepared for the winds of sin that try to knock us off coarse.
There are many other articles written on this site that address the complacency in the church. This site is here to help strengthen the body and to teach spiritual awareness to help us develop our senses between good and evil.
Thank you for your response and please visit The Church Voice archives to view other articles that may interest you. We appreciate your openness and God bless….
I wonder what those new or sheltered Christians would think if they saw someone healed by the power of Jesus through another believer? I think people are just one encounter away from a much better theology.
I find it interesting that Apollos showed up on the scene in Acts, teaching about Jesus very well, full of zeal, but only with the Baptism of John (a baptism of repentance). Priscilla and Aquilla came alongside Apollos and explained The Way more accurately. They even let the brethern know that Apollos was coming to them and asked them to welcome him. When Apollos came and continued teaching (only with the baptism of John), many believe by Grace (in spite of teaching without the Spirit of Truth). Paul met with 12 of the people that believed after they were taught by Apollos and asked them if they receieved the Holy Spirit when they believed. Do you remember their reply? They said, “No, we have not even heard of the Holy Spirit”. Paul then asked, “then whom were you baptized?” They said, John…Paul went on to tell them that John baptized a baptism of repentence, Jesus baptism is a baptism of reconciliation and life. When Paul laid hands on the they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and began prophecying and speaking in tongues.
So, to answer your question, Yes, I not only imagine what questions a new believer would have, I long for the day that the church realizes the power of the Holy Spirit and embraces our calling without trying to confirm everything with human knowledge. I know there is a teaching here somewhere…something about knowledge comes from the Tree of Good and Evil…we should be eating from the Tree of Life.
I have seen many miracles since being baptized in the Holy Spirit, and seen many people conquer their fears and embrace a life in pursuit of Jesus. I have spoken in tongues, heard others speak in tongues, heard tongues interpreted, heard prophetic words spoken directly into the heart of people, into my heart (my stuff, spoken by someone who doesn’t know my stuff), oh the mysteries of an infinite Father, praise you Jesus! I boast in nothing other than Jesus and ask the Father to release his Goodness.
Mark, did you happen to read the reply by Russ Hinds? I am interested in hearing your comments in return to him…
Yes, Mark I have spent alot of time with different individuals from youth and with adults that have and are attending the Ramp. Again, please recognize this article was on awareness for the inmature Christians.
As Jesus taught we are live in this world and not be of this world. And in regards to your previous remarks on balance think about someone who does not move and just tries to stand completely still while trying to maintain their balance. There time is limited because they will eventually fall or come up short. The object in balance is learning how to walk in the steps of Christ without fears nor with any doubts in knowing that our Father in Heaven is leading the Way…
For if we don’t know how to maintain the oil in our own lamp it will be a sad thing when we can’t lean on someone else…
Maybe Jesus meant what He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also: and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. And, whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Keep reading what He said…amazing love. Christ in you, the Hope of Glory.
We at BLM have not questioned the scripture nor do we fail to understand the meaning of Mark 9:23. This post is for awareness and to possibly keep someone who does not know how to walk with the Lord on their own two feet from any type of confusion.
it just makes me sad to see people critical of other ministries. Have you spent any time in prayer with anyone from the Ramp? Have you met with them one on one and discussed your concerns? perhaps this would be a better place to start. I think you can find that somewhere in Matthew. I love you.
Sir, I understand your argument completely. However, at the Ramp’s Winter Conference (December 29-31), a woman who had an issue with her back began to worship the Lord in the congregation- her back popped and she was healed; 5 men from an 80’s party in the next room (who had probably never HEARD of the Holy Spirit) were given wristbands when they didn’t even register to come because they were more intruiged by the Spirit of God than by getting drunk on New Years Eve; and on top of that and thousands of other testimonies, someone got up out of a wheelchair!
Is God not all-wise? Does His Spirit not give wisdom and knowledge and understanding in abundance? Obviously, the Spirit is moving in the Ramp’s Ministry, because it IS bearing fruit- people are being HEALED, and LIVES are being changed.
So, are you really “protecting the sheep” or are you simply concerned that the Spirit of God is not really all-sufficient? Because if you believe the Spirit to be all-sufficient, your argument against Karen’s ministry should have ended at the moment you saw it to be bearing fruit.
to daughter of a King,
I am not denying the power of God or the gifts of the spirit. The reason for this post that was written several months ago was for awareness to those that are coming from churches that have never experieced the gift of speaking in tongue and for the leaders in the church to prepare their flock for new areas of the pasture without coming home in shock.
Another reason for this post is due to the lack of teaching in the Word of God that is taking place in our churches and this is causing many people to act on their emotions without developing their senses between good and evil.
Please understand that I am not working against any true movement of God for I am only doing what the Lord directs. One of the things I teach at Balanced Life is how to walk in the spirit while being held in the hand of God because when we learn to walk with Him on our own is when we truly get to experience the King at His throne.
Please don’t feel that you have to go somewhere to experience the fullness of God for He wants us to experience it right where we are from our homes, our schools, our work and especially in corporate worship with other believers.
May the Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven…..lets learn how to grow together in the natural flow of God to sharpen the iron of one another…
For understanding purposes can you please enlighten me with the meaning of the chant from the ramp in calling down the fire of Elijah? I would like to hear from someone in leadership from the Ramp that can help me develop the picture in what is being said.
My eldest son in College went to a church to help out with worship. The rest of his family left the church we had been at for 14 years and joined to help. The Pastor started taking the kids to the Ramp. They were all fired up after the first time, but it wore off after a few days or so. Then a few months later, same thing. The pastor started playing music from the Ramp, which was hard for us older folks to worship with. Then he started testing people, “If you don’t fast for so many weeks then don’t come to church here” Then money disappeared that was supposed to be for the children’s materials. Then our son can’t return our calls or texts. He started skipping school and using money we gave him for school to go to the ramp. He can’t get a part time job because he has to go to the church in the middle of the night to practice music. Or youngest son was a musician and because of admitting to a sin he commited a year earlier was told he couldn’t play and that our oldest son the new worship leader was the only one he wanted on stage. Then a meth addict came along and even though she got up on stage a week later and said she did drugs again and that morning was cussing her boyfriend about cigarettes, he put her on stage to lead singing. That was it. We tried to leave the pastor got in our faces and told my husband to make me go inside. He said he’s never wrong and will not appologize for anything he does. Then he lied and said he never said 3 months but then he said that our youngest son’s heart was not right and the drug addicts heart was. We left but our oldest is still there. The pastor texts him constantly all week all hours. So I had him blocked. I feel the man has got caught up in some weird idea of a church cult. He believes that he is the only one who hears from God and he is always right everyone else is wrong.He ran some other people off too. His m.o. seams to be test the people, if they don’t fall in line or if they disagree with him he punishes them and makes up stuff to hurt them. Our son and other people can’t seem to see the truth. I don’t understand why they all seem to think they have to go to the Ramp every few weeks. I think if they have to rely on the feeling they get from being at the ramp to keep the religious fever going in the church, something must be wrong. Its like they think they have to have that high excited feeling all the time. The pastor monopolizes our sons time and has put a wedge between us. When our son tried to spend a weekend with us the pastor kept texting him telling him to come back so he left. I just don’t know whats going on. The ramp may not have anything to do with the Man but I don’t think God would want a Pastor to cause a child to disregard and disobey his parents. I don’t know how to make our son see that the man is not good. I’m so afraid he will talk our son into marrying his daughter and then we will lose him forever. As a side note the last time our youngest went to the ramp he came home wanting us to throw out his tv, video games, and he said he was going to give away all but one set of clothing and the ramp people told him to go into the wilderness without anything for 6 weeks. our daughter was told to throw away her medicines. I don’t agree with those teachings.
First off we must recall a few of the commandments of God. Loving thy neighbor as thyself and honoring our parents in order to live a long and healthy life. The Lord despises rebellion and no where does He teach us to not obey our authorities unless they are ordering something that is simply not right by God. On the other hand we have a responsibility to speak the Truth in love without waver and when this is not done then it opens the door for complacency.
I am witnessing a lack of teaching in the Word of God and the Lord continues to show me the dangers of acting in our emotions without the Lord directing our steps. Jesus was always approachable and He taught out of love with full authority. I have witnessed as you the ramp up and then the drastic downs of children as well. Why does this happen you may ask? It is simple, there is a needed balance between the water and fire in order to maintain the longevity of our Christian walk with Jesus. The Lord showed me this need of balance through Moses and the Israelites as they were led out of bondage by cloud by day and fire by night. For a cloud is made up of water and when we follow Jesus which is the living well by day then the Lord will keep us warm and protected by night in order to carry on as He instructs.
I would like to visit with you and your family and your church as you are led to help open up the lines of communication in order to help repair these cracks through the Word of God that holds it all together. Please contact me through our contact page as you are led.James
In addition it is completely out of line from the Word of God for someone to direct someone to throw away their medications. Jesus did not heal every single person that He came in contact with but only those that truly believed.
As someone grows in faith without someone trying to push their decisions God gives the direction to the individual on what to shed and when. It is only our place to spread the Good News and teach the True Word of God while allowing our Creator to open the eyes of each individual.
Now I must say that I have no spleen and the world says that I am to take shots due to my weak immune system but since I have been getting closer to God the only time that I get sick is when I open the door up to doubts. God has brought me so far that I cant explain and there is a balance on the needed medications verses the doctors just trying every single thing they can. This is another subject but we must recall if we did not need doctors then God would not have created doctors and if God said we did not bneed medicine then He would have not given us the wisdom to make it. The object is though to grow our faith without doubts and allow God to heal and maintain our health in a balanced diet with exercise and obedience. Read Deuteronomy 28 to see Gods promise and the curse….
Praise you God for the strong passion and love of Christ that exists among each of us. As I read the comments of this thread again, I aim to encourage you.
Too often, when the Holy Spirit’s presence is felt, moves, manifests, youpicktheword, the all to natural response is doubt.
Here are some of my thoughts; the Church has been meeting around a message taught by a person on Sunday morning and this has become the Main Event. The message itself and the way it is taught has become something that is idolized. “Great Message Pastor” tickles the ears of many professional teachers/pastors every week. But few services end with a questioning congregation asking that the Message be better balanced with the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was tempted by the devil He said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” This statement intrigues me more that anything Jesus said when I ponder the word “balance”. It is written in the Scriptures that Man shall live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Jesus said, my sheep hear my voice.
Jesus did what He heard and saw the Father do. He is our greatest example. And He left so that the Helper could come, “the Spirit of Truth”.
When I hear people question Church gatherings full of emotion it baffles me. Love is emotional. I don’t know how someone could experience the Love of God without emotion. God is Love. It is interesting that emotional gatherings most often challenged are best described as being filled with “Freedom” and “Joy” but emotional services marked by crying are more widely accepted. The Joy of the Lord is our Strength. David, a man after God’s heart wrote Psalms and played the harp.
And along the lines of healing…while Jesus did not heal every person he came in contact with, Jesus did heal all who asked him to.
I’m also trying to understand your reference to reading Deuteronomy 28 to see God’s promise and the curse? We have been set free from the Curse; Jesus became the Curse for us…unmistakeable LOVE. Thank you Father.
As write this, I sense that you know all this. Let’s not allow our lack of experience to cause us to stop asking God for more revelation, more love, more Heaven on Earth.
Good to hear from you Mark and thank you for your words of encouragement. You made a comment of something you sensed when writing and may I recall to you Job 38:36, “Who has put wisdom in the inward parts? or who has given understanding to the heart?
There is nothing more excruciating to the flesh than waiting upon the Lord. For my flesh fights the spirit but the spirit triumphs over the flesh….Seasons come and seasons go. The object is to recognize the season at hand and enjoy the flow…May God bless you and please return for further post…
I give all glory to God…For it is He and not I…
I keep getting posted from a “review” that was shared online about the Ramp and when I have time to review them I keep getting drawn back to respond.
In your review you stated, “The Lord plainly teaches us how to listen, when to move, how to run, how to respect, and even how to walk in order to maintain our balance in this life. For if we just jump out on a tight rope without knowing how to reach the other side when the winds of Satan come our way then we really need to take a step back to learn how to walk with God rather than trying to do it on our own. Life has good times and life has very hard times and if we don’t know how to walk on our own under God with the love of Jesus in our hearts then Satan is just waiting at the door to hold us down when we fall.”
I agree with the first part of your sentence, I’m just don’t believe it has anything to do with maintaining balance. I do know this, you were made for Glory. It is Christ in you, the hope of Glory. This talk about seasons may be truly in a worldly sense, but if you have received the Holy Spirit and abide in the Father’s love you were made to bring Glory to the Father. To live from Glory to Glory.
We have an inheritance, the promised land has been given to us to dwell in. The Kingdom of God is being advancing. We are to defeat the works of the Devil, not run from him or worry about him. Resist the Devil and he will flee, he cannot stand up the the presence of God. When you walk into an environment with the Holy Spirit and you speak love, the enemy’s walls literally crumble. The absence of evil is was the focus of the old covenant. The presence of God in the hearts of His Beautiful Bride is the desire of the Father. He wants to commune with you.
If it was all about balance and our being able to understand God before we did or approved anything, how impressive of a God would that be?
This inheritance we have been given is amazing. We need to occupy the land that has been given to us by The Father. If the Kingdom of Heaven is advancing and aggressive men take it by force, then why do so many groups of people take on a defensive posture and point out all the weaknesses in the Church (which may only be areas they don’t understand)? When an evil spirit goes out of a house and travels through dry places only to come back and find the house swept and in order, it brings back with it seven friends each worse than the original. When the house is healed (void of evil) it is not enough until it is filled with the Presence of God. The absence of evil is not enough. We need His presence, not man’s limited understanding.
No one likes the word balance because it requires skills, self-discipline, appreciation, reverence & order. Balancing is about knowing where and how to stand as we continue to move forward as God directs. The skill comes in through being rooted in the Word of God to overcome the waves and winds that try to knock us off course.
Yes, we are conquerers and ambassadors but the missing link that many are not teaching is how to be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove in order to live in this world and not be of this world. There was an author named Sun Tzu that wrote a book titled The Art of War and he taught to go behind the enenmy lines in order to learn their ways and conquer in love.For a true swordsman never pulls his sword and true victory is the art of surrender.Is this not what Jesus taught?
When Jesus says to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves we must recall this in order to continue to move forward as God direct the steps..
I don’t believe Jesus was talking about balance when He said be wise and gentle. I think we live in a world so concerned about what the enemy is doing people forget what God has done and is eagerly waiting for us to do in response. To continue with the thought of balance, it’s like people are so afraid to make a mistake (for fear of punishment or fear of man) that they hug the balance beam and scoot across it. Then they climb down off the balance beam, take their bow and expect a 10 from the judges and we give it to them. We have been encourage to run the race, a race we have already won.
By the way, a by product of an encouraging word should leave the person feeling encouraged. I did not see that in your review of the Ramp and I believe you were made for greater things than being critical.
If you can not see the importance of balance then pray for God to give you this understanding. I know my calling and please know that this article was never meant to be critical but informative.
For Jesus is a conquerer but it was always carried out in love….
Slander is not informative
Mark there has been no slander and if so please point it out and I will rightfully apologize….This has been open discussion and when one can not openly in love discuss the truth then the roots of the heart or stage of maturity is what is revealed….I am not against the ramp nor anyone else that lifts up Jesus for it has been my whole intention to teach the importance of being rooted in the Word and to recognize the importance of churches that do not acknowledge the gifts of God before they send innocent youth that are not ready for the meat due to their need still for the milk.
It is in our human nature to want to mature before we are ready and there is a reason as there is a season to understand in this maturity process. For a plant that grows to fast is a plant that has weak roots and this is my point of concern and awareness.
Now, Mark if you want to discuss this without a challenging spirit or defensive spirit lets do so but if not then lets discontinue this dialogue until you are ready…For nothing in love is directed but comes in our freewill…. Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.