“And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:” Genesis 46:3
God clearly told Jacob (Israel) to go down to Egypt. Four hundred and some years later God rebuked Israel for wanting to go back to Egypt. Where God led you years ago may not be where He wants you to be today. Where God may lead you today may not be the place he wants you to be at tomorrow.
“And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. 2And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; 4Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.” Genesis 13:1-4
If you have wandered off into Egypt you need to get back to where you started (the cross is our altar). Then you must call on the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Hebrews 11:26
What an awesome God we serve. Experiencing the reproach that comes from serving Christ, is better than any of the treasures this world can offer. Let me say it another way. The worst of situations that result from serving Christ, far surpass the best of situations that the world gives.
“And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.” Numbers 14:4
When men decide to select their leader to replace God’s leader, the only direction it can go is away from the Lord.
“And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?… 17And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. 18In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:” Gen. 15:8, 17-18
Could it be that Abram saw the smoking furnace as a cloud and the burning lamp as a pillar of fire? I think so. This was God’s sign to Abram that he would inherit the land. 400 years later the cloud and fire showed again up in the wilderness telling the Israelites that the promise is still good and they will yet inherit the land.
“And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:” Ex. 13:14
Saints, don’t live in complacent Christianity, your children will just yawn. Believe for God to do something great in your life, so your children can ask you in time to come, “what is this?” Then you will be able to answer, by great strength God delivered me from bondage and performed all these wonderful things you see my children.
“And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.” Ex. 4:20
In the backside of the wilderness, the stick in Moses hand was a staff for shepherding sheep. When the call of God came upon Moses, that staff became the rod of God. If a mere shepherds staff can become the rod of God, imagine what you could become for God.
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.” Gen. 41:42-43
I wonder how many Christians missed their chariot ride because they gave up when they faced circumstances such as Joseph did.
Last month’s article was the first of a two part teaching on what I refer to as the Harlot Church. Before I get started, I just want to remind you that in the Old Testament, Egypt is a type of the world and Israel is a type of the church. The strange woman or harlot that is found in the portions of scripture in Proverbs chapters 2, 5 and 7, represents a type of the church that has fornicated with the world and committed spiritual adultery. Remember also, that the church is referred to as the bride of Christ. Therefore, the term harlot applies to that bride who has committed adultery against Christ. This harlot church is alive and well in America. This article, though to some it can come off as very critical, was written to warn you and help you identify this harlot church system so you can see how critical it is to stay far away as possible from her seductive power.
“And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)†Proverbs 7:10-12. The harlot church presents herself very seductively. She dims the lights and turns on the smoke machines. Song leaders and musicians are more concerned about putting on a professional show then they are pleasing the audience, who they have forgotten is God. One sister in Christ told me that years ago she went to a seminar on leading worship. She was told by the teacher “When you are on the platform singing, you should not be getting caught up in worship, but instead you should be looking at the people and making eye contact with them.†Evidently, the people must not be getting caught up in the worship either that they would be looking at the singers.
The “attire of a harlot†is provocative and sensual, and is meant to catch the attention and overwhelm the senses of the foolish. The harlot church also makes herself look attractive to this world by adorning herself with programs and entertainment that captivate the senses of man instead of minister to his spirit. She tries to find the ways that best appeal to the flesh. Don’t forget what Jude said, when he spoke of our day, “These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit†(Jude 1:19). The harlot church appeals to the senses, the true church appeals to the spirit. The harlot church promotes self, the true church denies self.
As the strange woman “lieth in wait at every street corner,†so too does the harlot church. there seems to be a decline in churches that hold to the truth and walk in the simplicity of Christ, we have these harlot churches springing up all over the place. They are the ones undiscerning, simple people flock to. Adding to the problem, many churches who were once faithful, are now fornicating with this world. You can see why there is such a lack of true Spirit filled churches. Brethren, if you discover that you are in one of these harlot churches, you need to come out from amongst her. Find a church that preaches and loves the truth. If God, in the days of Elijah, had 7,000 that have not bowed the knee to Baal, I am certain God has set apart for himself an assembly of like-minded, truth loving, Spirit filled believers who you can fellowship with. If you can’t find such a church, pray for God to raise one up.
“So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,†Proverbs 7:13
The harlot church works at creating an experience. She has conceived many ways to cater to and captivate those who lack understanding and discernment. That experience has the same seductive feeling as a kiss from a harlot does. It is captivating, it is sensual and can even give you goose bumps, but if you give into it, it will overwhelm you and overcome you. Saints, walk in the Spirit, not in the soulish realm.
“I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. 15Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. 16I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.†Proverbs 7:14-18
The harlot church maintains some form of religion. She makes her peace offerings and keeps her vows, but not the vow of faithfulness to God. She has adorned her house with the finest things of this world to attract multitudes of people. She calls out to everyone, come and enjoy what we have fashioned just for you. Come and enjoy the love.
“For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: 20He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.†Proverbs 7:19-20
A sermon on the practical things in life is what you hear preached at a harlot church. Christ is not preeminent, for He is no longer home. The harlot church tries to equip you for a carnal life lived now and only now. There is no mention of the day of the Lord; there is no anticipation for the rapture. The affections of the harlot church are centered on things below, not on things above. They don’t warn anyone to watch and pray, for they say in their heart, “my Lord delayeth His coming.â€
“With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. 24Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.†Proverbs 7:21-24
There are many saints who know they are in a harlot church. They think that they can remain there and say like Samson, “I will go out as at other time before, and shake myself.†At one time they would have had the discernment to know better than to let Delilah play with their hair. If you remain in compromise too long, then the destruction will come suddenly, like a dart through the liver and a bird going to the snare. Hearken oh saints of God, to the call to come out from amongst her.
“For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.†Proverbs 7:26-27
Have you ever heard the saying, “Christians kill their wounded?†Personally, I hate that saying. Real Christians have compassion and help heal and restore their wounded. It is the harlot church that casts down the wounded. The harlot church can even take down the strong. Don’t ever consider yourself beyond falling. You may know of a few ministers, who at one time seemed to have had an anointing, but since have lost it. They were once bold enough to call out sin, but now they tell everyone that they are alright. They once loved the truth, but since have embraced the harlot and have been seduced and deceived by her. Yes, “many strong men have been slain by her.â€
