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
mark says
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.
admin says
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.
Mark says
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.
Mark Tunstill says
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.
James says
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….
Mark says
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.
admin says
Mark, did you happen to read the reply by Russ Hinds? I am interested in hearing your comments in return to him…
james says
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…
Russ Hinds says
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
Daphne Evans says
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