Monday, October 15, 2007

A Tale Of Three Cities

Unlike Charles Dickens, I am a generous man, and so today I will not share with you a tale of two cities, but rather a tale of three cities. God gave me this message Saturday night, and I preached a version of it Sunday morning, and so for those that were in the service, I apologize for the repetition.
It seems that if most don't know what 'a tale of two cities' is about, at least they know the opening line of the cumbersome volume, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' Just for fun, if anyone ever quotes that line to you, ask them to quote another line from the book. Incidentally since I had to read it in school, and pretty much everything I read sticks to me like a warm cinnamon roll and a glass of cold milk sticks to my midsection, the book is about the French Revolution, spanning some thirty six years. Not a fun read by any means, and here I am getting sidetracked.
For the three cities we are about to discuss, the best of times was behind them. The had crested the hill of success, and now were on the decline, each in their own way.
The first city, is the city of Sodom, a city where sin ruled unhindered. Homosexuality was rampant, and the laws protected the vile, and the criminal element.
The second city we will be discussing today, is the city of Nineveh, a powerful city of close to two hundred thousand citizens, a large number for that time, a city that was self assured, living the sin of pride and arrogance. They thought themselves invincible, and their cruelty toward their prisoners knew no bounds.
The third city, perhaps the most lamentable of all, due to its wasted potential, is the city of Jerusalem, the city of David. Here it was celebrating one thousand years of existence. Having been conquered by the Romans, Jerusalem prided itself, smiling through the tears, with a well established if somewhat hollow faith. The hypocrisy of externalized religion had overtaken its leaders, and truth was rare indeed. Everything was formality, going through the motions, and now the religious leaders were forced to contend, and indeed were troubled by the sermons of a carpenter's son from Nazareth.
Three men, were inexorably linked to these three cities, whether by family ties, duty, or love.
The first man, was Abraham, a man with no hidden agendas before God, unshakable in His faith, having an established relationship with God. A man whom God called his friend.
The second man, was Jonah, a prophet, bound by duty, sent on a mission, straightforward and direct, unwilling to mince words.
The third, of course was Jesus, man, yet more than man, in fact the Son of God born of a virgin, raised with bread and water like all children, yet one who started preaching when He was twelve, an felt more at home in the Temple than in his mother's embrace.
Although these cities spanned a great length of time, all three had something in common. Their one commonality was sin. In one, the sin of sexual perversion and immorality, in another the sin of pride and trusting in their sword, their force, and their high towers, and in the third the sin of hypocrisy and religiosity without substance.
For now, let us gloss over the fact that all three of the sins for which these cities were judged individually, can be found together in one place, in this nation we call home, this land of the sort of free, and this home of the not quite brave. Yes, dear friend I speak of America.
Let us also overlook the fact, that just as it was in ancient times, for most of those who dwell within this nation's borders, it is business as usual. Although sin is growing, mutating and multiplying, although mindless violence is escalating, although the only item on the spiritual menu is empty and absent of substance, although pride is the fragrance of the day, we skip merrily along, content with having a few shekels in our pockets, and a better carriage than our next door neighbor.
All these three cities had one other thing in common, the fact that judgment had been pronounced against them. Utter and complete destruction was at the door, the pouring out of God's wrath was upon them. All three stood on the threshold of destruction.
There is also one other commonality that linked the three men. They all walked with God, they all knew of God's future plans, and they knew that judgment was about to descend.
Knowing that judgment was imminent, how did these three men react?
Abraham began to intercede, begging God not to go through with the planned judgment, trying to point out that if there were sinners, surely there must be some righteous. He did his best, he negotiated with God, until with pain in his heart he realized there weren't even ten righteous.
Upon hearing of the judgment to come, Jonah rejoiced, and bought a one way ticked to Tarshish. He considered that justice must be served, and that God should show no mercy. He was content, happy, and full of glee thinking of the soon to be charred city.
Jesus wept for Jerusalem. The misunderstood cries of the rejected one echoed as he saw the future of His people.
Luke 19:41-44, "Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying: 'If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."
Three cities, three men, three different attitudes. One interceded, one rejoiced, and the last wept. Judgment is coming, and we know it. The world is beginning to see the writing on the wall, while the church blinded by the glare of their diamond studded rings, still refuses to acknowledge it. Even so, there are those whom God has chosen, whom God has called, and whom God has sent, and the only question that remains, is whom do we most liken ourselves to Abraham, Jonah, or Christ?
Too few Abrahams are still about, and even less who weep like Christ. One thing is certain, we must redeem the time, and now while we are still able, pull as many out of the fire as we can, tireless in our quest to see another soul redeemed and sanctified, and brought into the kingdom of God.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amen. We need to walk in wisdom toward those who are without redeeming the times.

We have seen the judgment that is to come to this nation. As Michael said, even the writing is on the wall, but there is much to do and many that perish for a lack of knowledge.

Let every one of us be ready to answer every man and to point to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Ryan

Marcel said...

I think we have been set up and there is no Ninevah for us.

Watching Ameirca's top preacher on 60 Minutes last night with his autographed book and idol worship from visitors to his church it was evident that if a Jonah were to enter this mega church arena he would most likely be usherd out before he finished his sentence, accused of hate and judging and preaching an unloving and very critial message.
For all of his faults God used Jonah to save thousands of lives
I think we have been set up with the soft message and easy grace and so we will not accept a stern mesage to repent from anyone.
And that is the church ,not the lost.
It seems the world has more understanding than God's people as the interviewer told the pastor that his message was man centered and not fouused on God.
The devil has managed to make man a god in the center of God's church.
It's all about what God can do for us,that God is here to serve us instead of the other way around.
Isn't this the ultimate blasphemy ?
A religious people like those religious ones of Jerusalem who wer so blinded as to waht was coming upon them.
I think of God's command to Jeremiah to not even bother praying for His people and I know that we in America have come to that place were there is no turning back.
May we be hidden under His wings and trust in Him without wavering as His wrath is poured out.
For our God is not only love ,but a consuming fire.

----------------
Michael ,I read this earlier today and wanted you to see it.
It is what the Church is not used to hearing.

October 15, 2007
"Final Call"

A Word of Prophecy to People

A FIRE IS COMING AND IS NOW HERE. A FIRE IS ABOUT TO
SWEEP THROUGH THE HEARTS OF ALL THAT CLAIM MY
NAME....THIS MESSAGE IS FOR THOSE WHO THINK THEY ARE
MINE..AND THOSE WHO KNOW THEY ARE MINE.

IT WILL BEGIN IN EVERY HOUSEHOLD WHERE ANY WHO CLAIM
MY NAME DWELLS.

http://www.stevequayle.com/News.alert/07_Prophetic/071015.a.word.1.html

Anonymous said...

Brother Michael,

I wholeheartedly agree that judgment has been decreed for this nation and nothing can stop it at this point. I don't claim to be a prophet, but I am one of the Master's sheep and consequently I do hear His voice from time-to-time. For the last two years, the Lord has been warning me of coming judgment on this nation that will result in a total economic meltdown and a downward spiral on many fronts (famine, pestilences, sword) thereafter.

My first reaction was like that of Abraham's to begin interceding. However, after a season of this, the Lord told me not to pray for this nation just like he told Jeremiah. Consequently, my intercession has turned to weeping, because I know how near and certain judgment is. Although I weep, a part of me I guess is also like Jonah in that I want to rejoice, because I know that the people (the backslidden churuch in particular) will only learn righteousness when His judgments are in the earth. I know that when that day comes I will say with the saints from Revelation, "Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments."

The Lord has shown me that he has a specific assignment for me and that I will be released into my calling when His judgment is in the earth, but lately I have been wrestling with the scriptures regarding what the saint's reaction should be here in America since we have be forewarned of what is coming. Proverbs 22:3 says, "The prudent see the evil and hides himself, but the naive go on, and are punished for it." I have searched the Scriptures and have been seeking the Lord how to respond, but I'm not sure what to do at this point.

In two of the three cities that you discuss, the command to Lot in Sodom and the command to the Israelites in Judea was to flee in order to escape the judgments. Elsewhere, throughout the scripture, specifically where the judgment on Babylon (America) is discussed in detail (Jeremiah 50-51 and Revelation 18), the saints are warned to flee and come out of her my people so that you do not share in her plagues. Are we to obey these commands literally?

From a spiritual standpoint, I know that the safest place to be is in Christ, our rock of refuge and to hide ourselves in the secret place of prayer and fasting and trusting on Him alone. I know His promises and I rest in them as one of His children, but as the priest and head of my household, I am also responsible for my wife two young children and another child on the way to be born in December.

I myself am ready to face any persecution that may come, but I don't want to be responsible for my wife and children going into captivity because of ignorance on my part. Look at the word of warning to Jeremiah about marrying and having sons and daughters in Jerermiah 16:1-4. May be this is why Paul also said that it is better not to marry, because he knew the seasons of judgment that were coming in his own day.

Well, obviously for me, it is too late to obey this scripture, which begs the question, what am I to do, if anything, from a practical standpoint? I know that only the Lord can give me specifics, but I would like your wisdom on this matter as one who also hears from the Lord. I did feel led to get passports for all of my family members as a precaution, but I still don't know if I should leave the country (may be go to Romania!).

I have prayed and prayed and the only clear word that I have received regarding this question is, "To arise and go to Zarephath." I'm still trying to sort this one out. If you recall, Zarephath is where Elijah fled for his life from Jezebel and was taken care of for two years by the widow. If I take this literally, modern day Zarephath is in Lebanon I believe. If I take this as an example, God is saying that he has a place prepared for me and that He will reveal it to me at the proper time. In reading some of your grandfather's prophecies, the Lord showed him in a vision when he asked a similar question about the remnant in America and your grandfather was shown a wilderness and pastures where the people of God would be safe.

If you have any insight on this matter or if the Lord has told you what your response should be, may be you can post it.

God bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and your household!

Brother Andrew

A Seed Sower said...

Oh brother Michael that is a beautiful word.
Oh how I wished that people would listen, oh how i wished they would see that they need a saviour.
Oh how i wish the church would desire the unadulterated truth of God's Word.
Surley God's judgment is coming on San Francisco unless she repent and turn from her wickedness.
Good word from Marcel also..God Bless you again Bro Michael, I feel like I am having daily fellowship with God's chosen. This is such a place for good spiritual food, exhortation,edification and great encouragement..i know all means the same,I am a bit wordy sorry..God Bless you all.
Helen B

A Seed Sower said...

Bro Andrew, I would just like to give you my 5 cents worth. I am no brother Michael, but being a Mom and a grandmother, I am concerend for the well being of all my family also. But I know that my God kept the 3 hebrew children in the midst of the firey furnace, in fact He was with them in the furnace. He kept Daniel in the midst of the lions den, and brother He will keep you and your precious family in the days of judgment ahead. Your family is very fortunate that your a man after God's heart. God Bless
Helen B.

Anonymous said...

Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.
Jeremiah 51:50

Anonymous said...

Brother Andrew,
You are most certainly not alone in your confusion! I do not claim to be a teacher, prophet, or even a leader, but I feel God tugging at my heart and in this instance I don't know what to do!
I have always believed in being prepared for survival, (I was raised in Northern Idaho, what can I say!) and I have worked towards making my home a safe haven for the distressing times to come, and I know with God I have a chance of helping others in my area. BUT... This past week I am feeling, very stongly, that I need to get the whole family passports, and have transportation ready, but to go where????
I long to hear God's voice crystal clear. I can only keep praying and hope that one day soon I will grow to that point!
Mrs. Pugh

Anonymous said...

Sister Helen and Sister Pugh and all with ears to hear,

I thank you for your words of encouragement. It is comforting to know that I'm not alone in this battle.

I know that God is able to protect me in the midst of the storm just like He did for the three Israelite children in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the lion's den, but I don't want to be naive either. I read a true account of a Russian believe named Boris Sorokovsky before Communism took over. Many believers had been warned of coming persecution, but they ignored the warnings thinking that God would keep them safe right where they were (in the fire so to speak). Others obeyed the voice of the Holy Spirit and fled the cities and went to where the Holy Spirit told them to go.

I believe that it will occur much the same way here in America, but instead of Communism, it will be the New World Order taking over and the Christians will be the first to be targeted.

In praying about this more, I think I may have answered my own question and fear. Our only hope is to be vigilant and sober (1 Thess. 4:6) and not to be secure in anything except the Lord. We must become so intimate with the Lord Jesus Christ that we can hear His voice behind us saying, "Go left or right". (see Isaiah 30:21).

This gets me back to the word that the Lord spoke to me concerning this question about what to do. He told me to, "Arise and go to Zarephath." I believe that the Lord has finally given me understanding concerning this verse and what is to come. When the Holy Spirit spoke that verse to me, He did not intend for me to take it literally and move somewhere in Lebanon between Tyre an Sidon. Scripture says in 1 Cor. 10:11 that, "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come." If what happened to Elijah, when the government of his day (through Queen Jezebel) began to persecute and wipe out the true Christians, was written for our instruction, then we should learn something from it!

In giving me this verse, I believe that the Lord is assuring me that He already has a place prepared for me where all of my needs and those of my family will be met and that we will be safe from the coming persecution just like Elijah was hidden for two years in Zarephath at the widow's home. The challenge for us then becomes listening to His voice in the midst of this chaotic and fast paced and wicked generation so that we can hear where our personal Zarephath is.

The time is so serious and so urgent that if anything keeps you from hearing the Lord's voice at this level, we must get rid of the idol and as Michael alluded to in an earlier post, to burn it up. For some, this may even mean quitting our jobs so we can get on our faces before Him for hours at a time. Many of us Christians could do this and just live off our retirement savings for two years or more if necessary. The Lord has shown me personally that the time is short and that I don't need to worry about retirement.

May we all cast down our idols and get on our face until we hear from Heaven! Otherwise, you will most likely see with your own eyes, your family and those you love going into captivity or be killed by the sword. When our the Christians going to wake up? It clearly says in Revelation 13:7-10 that the dragon is given power to make war with the saints and to conquer them. Some will go into captivity and others to the sword. Believe me, I don't love my life so much as to shrink from death, but if I can avoid watching my loved ones being tortured and killed before my eyes, I will do whatever is necessary now to avoid that. Quitting your job to seek the Lord may seem radical and it will be mocked, ridiculed, and scorned by lukewarm believers whose treasure is in this life, but wisdom is proved right by her children and I want my children to live! Alleluia!

Come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen!

Brother Andrew

Anonymous said...

Brother Andrew,

I wanted to let you know that I have shared the same concerns in times past regarding the protection of His people (me and my family included.) If you ask Him to show you where the places of drawing water are, away from the noise of the archers and the sound of battle (Judges 5:11), He will clearly show you. I know the Lord has shown me and some of those who are with me where He would have us to be in the times to come, and I know that we are no more important to God than you and yours.

God has shown many of my brothers in sisters that He has chosen us for such a time as this, even as He has chosen you, and I know that for every trial, God makes a way of escape. We just have to have our ears so tuned in to the Spirit of God that hearing the voice of God would be as easy and common as taking a bite of food.

I encourage you also to be patient and wait on your ministry. In your patience, posses your soul. The Lord will speak to you concerning all that He will have you to do, but nothing before its time.

I thank God for these opportunities to sharpen one another and to be encouraged, knowing that as God answered Elijah when he thought he was the only one, "I have my 7000 that have not bent their knee to Baal."

May we seek the Face of God as never before and dwell in His presence where there is fulness of joy and pleasures at His right hand.

God keep us in the times to come.

Brother Ryan
ryancfrench@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Tylee:

Wow, man of God. That was powerful. YOu know, as i read the word,pray and consecrate before God, my seeing is increasing and what i, as well as all of us on this blog. see, destrubs me..Even my own father, is a pastor and a prophet. and he's rebuking somewhat and warning somewhat, but he's not fully walking in his office...he's not telling the peole of the pursecution, beceause he really doesn't believe, he's not warning of the destruction, he does, but not straight out..he'll say judgement is coming, but won't tell the people, what they in teh OT said, destruction is comging to your cities and famine etc. and when i try to encourage him. i get rebuked and attacked..oh it hurts.

But,thank God there are the few, that what to make a difference, despite the relatoinships we may loose...

keep the opinions and the people and give me God....

I love u bro.

Elm Street Chapel said...

Michael,
I hear the cry of your heart.
People do not realize what this world will be like 7, 8, 9 whatever years from now. Destruction of cities is terible. What will be left after the wrath of God will be about a tenth of the population we have now. WW2 like a stroll in the park. Peace will be on the earth but what a reminder. Burying the dead for seven years. If that won't make you weep and cry after salvation for the oil less virgins what will. Come out people of God, out of Mystery Babylon, out of deception, out of pride.
Dave

Anonymous said...

Brothers and sisters,

Check out the meaning of Zarephath:

"ambush of the mouth" or

"a workshop for the refining and smelting of metal"

We must "GO" to Jehovah's workshop for our refining. Zarephath WILL Be for our Refining, yes provision, but refining.

Think of Elijah...He was refined by asking the unheard of from a widow. Zarephath was for HIS refining, yes, the widow's provision, but Elijah's refining.

Did you catch that... the absolutely least likely to provide for Him, a widow, same with the ravens, (they are not known to share)

We must be willing to do the unthinkable, the socially unacceptable and WHATEVER the HOLY SPIRIT tells us to do.

By the way...

What would happen if ALL of us started worshipping, praising, honoring and thanking Jehovah for His coming provision, wisdom, shelter, protection, shielding, help, and refining rather than attempting to figure out HOW HE is going to do it for us.

He has been teaching me this. I catch myself asking Father HOW HE is going to take care of all the things that are concerning me today, and I start praising HIM that HE IS Going to do it in HIS way, in HIS time and, most importantly, FOR HIS GLORY!

Be Encouraged brothers and Sisters!

We Must Start a mighty praise party that HE is going to do all that HE Said HE would for HIS END TIME ELECT ones!

LET THE PRAISE BEGIN!

(By the way, we are not at all alone in watching our little children and spouses suffer and die for Christ.

THEY each one have a prepared purpose, plan and path that Jehovah has already chosen for them. He knows...Please, rest in His sovereignty and stop letting the enemy seduce you with doubt and fear. Many have gone before us... may we have the courage to follow in their footsteps and totally entrust our families to HIM. He WILL BE THEIR ONLY PLACE OF SAFETY :) Only do everything you can to equip them with the memorized Word of God. It will prove to be their greatest tool and provision for the coming days.

Be Strong and Very Courageous!

Rachel

Anonymous said...

I do not live in America, but there is no doubt that judgment will eventually be meted out rightfully on many nations who are in dreadful sin and wickedness. When I think about these present times, and the times to come as revealed in God's word, I pray for the strength and courage to hold fast and to ensure that the oil is in my lamp! I am also reassured that 'all the days ordained for me are written in His book'. In the meantime, we must walk whilst we still have the light, and as you have truly said, Bro Michael, pull as many out of the fire as we can. Thank you for your words of truth!