Chapter 12: War And Glory:

In August of 1993, I had a vision of the church. It was represented as an island in the middle of a sea. There were many different types of buildings all over this island, each of which I understood to represent a different denomination or movement. These buildings seemed to clash with each other architecturally as there were very old ones next to very modern ones. There was a war going on between many of the buildings, and most of them looked like bombed out shells. People were still living in the buildings, but most were starving and wounded.

The Controlling Spirits:

There were two dark spirits over the island directing this war. One was named Jealousy and the other one, Fear. They congratulated each other every time one of the buildings suffered damage, or people were wounded. I then saw two powerful and frightening spirits rising over the sea. These became storms. One was named Rage and the other, Lawlessness. They were stirring up the sea and causing great waves to crash onto the island. Soon these storms became so large that they seemed even more threatening to the island than the war. I felt that the people in the city had to be warned about these storms, and several apparent watchmen were trying to do this, but no one would listen to them. The people only debated and argued about whether the watchmen should be trusted. This was remarkable because anyone who just looked up could see the storms for themselves. These wars had left so many people wounded that the hospitals were fast becoming the largest buildings on the island. The hospitals were movements or denominations that had given themselves to healing the wounded. As these grew the other warring factions had no respect for them as being a place where even their own wounded were being cared for. Soon they became more resolved to destroy these hospitals as well as the other buildings. As the war continued, even those who were not badly wounded had the appearance of phantoms, or became grotesquely deformed from the starvation and disease. Anytime a building received a supply of food, which would attract people, it would become a target. I could not comprehend how even a war could be so cruel—and this was the church! In the midst of the battle men were still trying to add to their buildings, or to start new ones, but it was futile. Anytime one building would start to rise a little higher than the others, or anytime a new building was started, it would become the main target of all of the other buildings, and it would quickly be reduced to rubble. I was then shown many powerful leaders who were conducting this war. All of them had the same word on their forehead: "Treachery." I was surprised that anyone would follow someone with that written on them, but they did. I was reminded of II Corinthians 11:20, "For you bear with anyone if he enslaves you, if he devours you, if he takes advantage of you, if he exalts himself, if he hits you in the face."

A Remnant:

However, there were people who appeared as lights in almost every building. These lights refused to take part in the fighting, but spent their time trying to repair the buildings, or nurse the wounded. Even though it was impossible to keep up with the damage or the wounded, they did not stop trying. It was also apparent that each of these lights had the power to heal wounds, and that power was increasing as they worked. Those who were healed became lights just as they were. It was obvious that these individuals who were committed to healing the wounded were now able to do more than the hospitals because of the ruthlessness of the attacks on the hospitals. Understanding this, the hospitals dispersed their people as "healing teams" which spread out across the island and moved into many of the other buildings. There were also many small camps around the perimeter of the island. Some of these were involved in the war between the buildings. They wanted to destroy all of the buildings so that they could bring the people to their camps. The leaders of these camps had the same word "Treachery" written on their foreheads. There were also few of these camps around the perimeter which were not involved in the war, and they too appeared as lights. These were also growing in authority, but it was a different authority than that of those with the healing powers. These had authority over events. They were praying to stop small battles, and to keep small storms away. Their prayers were becoming increasingly effective. The two spirits over the city and the two storms became very intimidated by these small camps that were praying. PIt was obvious that these intercessory groups would soon have the authority to stop the big battles and big storms, which was obviously the source of agitation of these large spirits.

The Tragedy:

There were multitudes of boats and ships all around the island that were waiting to enter the city as soon as the fighting stopped. Many of these boats were full of refugees from other wars, and many were wounded. There were also ships bearing kings, presidents and those who appeared wealthy and prosperous. These were all afraid of the storms, but they could not enter the city because of the fighting. Their groans and screams were so loud that I was surprised no one in the city could hear them. No one even seemed aware that the boats were out there.

In His Wisdom:

Then I saw the Lord standing and watching. He was so glorious that I wondered why I had not seen Him before, or why everyone in the city did not stop to worship Him. To my amazement, no one was able to see Him. I then looked into the eyes of some of the people, and they were all so "bloodshot," from the dust of the city, that I was surprised that they could see anything at all. Their pupils were so small that I knew that they could only let in the smallest amount of light; and soon these people would be completely blind. I then wondered why the Lord did not stop the fighting, but He seemed content to just watch. As if He had understood my thoughts, He turned and said to me, "This is My church. These were the houses men tried to build for Me. I knocked on the door of each one, but they would not open to Me. I would have brought peace because I will only dwell in the city of peace." Then He turned and, indicating the people in the ships, He said: "If I allowed all of these people to come to the city now they would just be used in the war. When their cries become louder than the war, I will build a place for them." Then He looked at me with great earnestness and said, "I allowed this to happen so that it would never happen again!" It is hard to convey the power of this statement, but it imparted to me a deep understanding that He allowed this conflict to continue out of profound wisdom. He then said, "Until you understand this you cannot understand what I am about to do." When the cries of those in the boats became louder than the conflict in the city, the Lord gave a command and the sea was released. Great tidal waves arose and began to sweep across the island until they covered the buildings. The spirits that were storms joined the spirits over the island, and they all grew to almost double their previous size. Then the island completely disappeared under the darkness of the spirits and the raging sea. The Lord did not move as this was happening. I knew that my only protection was to stand as close to Him as possible. I could not see anything but Him during this great storm. As I looked at His face I could see both hurt and resolve.

The House Of The Lord Is Built:

Slowly, the storms died down and the tides receded. The individuals who were the lights in the buildings emerged and remained standing where the buildings had once been. Then the Lord, who had been on the edge of the island, moved to the center and said, "Now I will build My house." All of those who were lights started turning toward the Lord. As they turned they became even brighter, and each group was changed into a living pillar right where they stood. Soon it became obvious that these pillars were the framework of a building which would cover almost the entire island. The pillars were different colors, shapes, and sizes. It was hard to understand how all of these, being so different, could work together as a single framework. However, the Lord seemed very pleased with each one. As the building took shape, the different pieces did eventually all fit together into a structure so harmonious that I could not imagine how even a single piece could have been left out. My mind drifted to the incredible balance of the forces in the universe that were required to sustain our life on earth. If the earth's orbit around the sun drifted just the equivalent of 1/8th of an inch over a 32 mile distance we would either fry or freeze, yet this perfect balance was sustained by the gravitational forces from the planets and other heavenly bodies, as well as the sun. I thought of how the perfect balance of the gasses in our atmosphere, and the elements of the soil were all required to be in perfect harmony to support our life on earth. I remembered what I had read about the odds of just the gases in our atmosphere having come together as they did by chance, compared to the rarity with which these gases are found in the universe; this would defy computation by our greatest computers. I then started to feel insecure as I realized how delicate all of these balances were in the natural. Knowing my thoughts, the Lord said, "All of these balances are upheld by the word of My power. The balances are delicate, and the forces against them are now great, but my word is greater." Then I looked back at this glorious building that was the church. I knew that the harmony and balance wrought from the diversity in this building had reached a new level in the creation. I knew that even the angels were marveling at this great work. I understood that for this miracle to have arisen from the terrible darkness (and war was even greater than what had been brought forth when the Spirit had moved upon the formless void at the beginning), this church, this new creation, would be the crown upon all of the creations of God. This was the city for which Abraham had been searching, and all of those with true vision since. Then again I began to feel insecure about how this incredible balance between so many of diverse nature could be sustained. Surely, some would start to go their own way and bring the whole building crashing down. This insecurity caused a great striving to rise up in my soul, and a gripping compulsion to do something, though I did not know what. Then the Lord arrested my heart by firmly grabbing both shoulders, saying, "Remember the word of My power. It is I who have built this house and I will keep it. The striving that you feel is what brings the disharmony, and the divisions, and the collapse of those who do not abide in the power of My word." His words caused a great peace and strength to flood my soul. I knew that His word was much greater than I had ever perceived. He continued, "You will never have peace if you look to the creation, even to the new creation that is My house. Look to Me. Look to My word. When you walk in My word you can walk anywhere and be at peace. When you walk in My word you can even walk on a stormy sea, because My word is greater than any storm."

The People Come:

Then the ships and boats all started landing on the island. There were multitudes of people. Each ship was from a different country or race of people. Soon I began to think that, even as large as it was, there were too many people for the building. Then the Lord looked at me and said very sternly, "We will build as many rooms as we need—no one will be turned away." This was said so sternly that I resolved to never again consider turning people away as an option. I also pondered how the biggest problem before was how to get people to come to the buildings. Now the big problem was what to do with all of the people.

The Cemetery:

When each ship arrived, the people on it were led straight to the Lord. He looked into the eyes of each one and said, "If you trust Me you will die for Me." When each said, "I will die for You," He immediately thrust His sword right through their heart. This caused very real pain in each one. To those who tried to avoid the sword it was obviously even more painful. To those who relaxed it did not seem to hurt as much. These were then taken to a cemetery with the words "Obscurity" over the gate. I felt compelled to follow them. Those who had been stabbed were checked to see that they were really dead before they were buried. Some clung to life for a long time, and were laid off to one side. Quickly, those who were buried began to arise as lights just like those who had survived the storm. I noticed that they were not staying in their tombs the same length of time. Some of these had arisen before those who were clinging to life were even buried. When I first looked at this cemetery it looked like a dreadful place and I did not think that it belonged at all on this now glorious island. As I left the cemetery I turned to look back at it, and it looked beautiful. I could not understand what was different. Then one of the workers said to me knowingly, "The cemetery has not changed—you have." I again looked at the building and it was even more glorious than I had remembered. I then looked at the island and felt the same thing—it had become much more beautiful. I remembered the Scripture, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones" (Psalm 116:15).

The worker, who was still looking at me, then said, "You have not died yet, but were changed just by being close to those who have. When you die you will see even more glory." Those who were emerging as lights from the cemetery were each being led to their own place in the building, which would have their names on it. Some joined the walls, others joined the pillars, some became windows or doors. They remained people even after they became a part of the building. These really were "living stones." I knew also that when they took their place "living" reached a higher level. Each life was magnified by the lives of all the others.

The Test:

I returned to the Lord's side. Standing in His presence was so wonderful I could not imagine why anyone would not be willing to die for Him. Even so, many of the people coming from the ships did refuse. These would all back away from Him at the request. Many of these went back to the ships, some of which left and some of which remained in the harbor. A few of the people who refused to die stayed on the island and were allowed to walk about freely, they were even allowed to enter the House of the Lord. They seemed to love and bask in the glory of it all. Many of these began to shine with a glory too, but they never had the glory within themselves—they only reflected what was coming from others. As I was thinking that it was not right for these to be allowed to stay, the Lord said to me, "My patience will win many of these, but even those that never give me their lives, I love and am pleased to let them enjoy My glory. Never turn away those who love My glory." These really did enjoy the house, and enjoyed the presence of the Lord that radiated from the house, but they seemed timid, and retreated when the Lord Himself came close to them. Even so, the Lord loved them and rejoiced in their joy.

I thought of Matthew 5:44-45: "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous." I then watched as those who had refused to die for the Lord begin to act as if His house were their own, and had been built for them. I wanted to be angry at their great presumption, but I could not feel anger even though I wanted to. I then understood that it was because I was standing so close to the Lord that I could not be mad. This forced me to make the decision to stay close to Him or move away so that I could be angry. I was surprised that this was a difficult decision, that I would even consider wanting to move away from the Lord, but it honestly was. Out of fear at what was arising within me, I stepped closer to the Lord. He immediately reached out and grabbed me as though I were about to fall off of a cliff. As I looked behind me I was astonished to find that I had been on the very edge of a precipice, and had I taken that step away from the Lord to feel the anger, I would have stepped off of it. He then said to me, "In this house I can tolerate presumption more than that anger. That anger would start the war again." I was then overwhelmed with the knowledge that I had not yet made the decision to die for Him either, and that I too had been presumptuously feeling possessive of both the house and the Lord. When I saw this great evil in my own heart I was appalled and immediately begged the Lord to destroy my evil heart with His sword.

Resurrection Life:

When the Lord pierced My heart I was surprised to feel so little pain when it seemed to have been so hard on others. He then said, "Those who request death die easier." As I was fading from consciousness I remembered His statement in Matthew 21:44: "And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust." I did not remember being carried to the cemetery, but just as if no time at all had passed, I was emerging from it again. Now the glory of everything I saw was unspeakable. I looked at a rock and loved it. I looked at trees, the sky and clouds, and could not believe how wonderful they were. A sparrow seemed more glorious than any bird I had ever seen, and I marveled at the great treasure that this little bird was. I wondered greatly at why I had not appreciated them like this before. I then looked at the presumptuous people. Not only did I feel no temptation to be angry, I loved them so much I would have let each one pierce my heart again if it would have helped them. I then began to think of how blessed I was to be able to meet them and be with them. Now I actually wanted them to stay and could not even comprehend how I was ever tempted to be angry at them—they were much greater treasures than the sparrow!

The Betrayer:

I then saw one who I knew to be a Judas, a betrayer. I did not fear him but I knew he had power to damage the building. I knew that he wanted so badly to be a part of the house that he was scheming how to do it. I looked into his eyes and saw two demons, Pride and Fear. I tried to speak past the demons to the man and said, "You must do it His way." The man seemed profoundly insulted, and Pride answered, "I know that!" But he didn't know.

I then saw Fear whisper:

"Don't listen to him. He's a deceiver." Then the Lord stepped beside me. As He did, I then saw Fear and Pride merge into one larger demon called Religion, and it declared: "Worship Him!" The man bowed low and wept upon the Lord's feet, declaring profuse love and praises. I knew that it was worship from this Religious spirit which Pride and Fear had merged to form. The worship was so demonstrative that it was repulsive. I then saw the word "demonstrative." I was amazed that the Lord did not seem to mind. He started to declare His love for the man, but before He could finish His sentence, this demon cried out, "I know you love me," and started quoting verses. The man then fell on the ground groveling in pretended religious ecstasy. The Lord then lovingly patted the man's head, knowing that He could not speak a word without the religious spirit interrupting Him. I asked the Lord why He did not just cast this demon out. He replied, "There is so little of the real man left that he would die. This kind can only come out with love." I thought of Jezebel in the church of Thyatira and what the Lord had said about her, "I gave her time to repent..." (Revelation 2:21).

I then thought of Judas who had betrayed Him, yet he allowed him into His innermost circle of leaders. The Lord then said, "I loved Judas, and My apostles learned love by having him with us. My own people delivered Me to the Romans, but I love them and I died for them too. When your love can win My brothers the Jews you can deliver any Judas and make him a Paul. You can win any Jezebel and make her a pure and holy bride. The religious people are your greatest enemies, but they are enemies for your sake. I desire for all to be saved, and only love can win the religious, so love you must if you will do My will. I rebuked Thyatira for tolerating Jezebel. You must not tolerate the evil, but you must love the people who are bound by it." Though I did not think it was possible, the Lord looked even more glorious than before. I was surprised that I could stand so close to such glory. He said, "This is why the death of My people is so precious to Me. Those who seek to save their lives always lose them, but those who lose their lives for My sake will find true life. Now you know true life because you know love. Only by your death could you know this." I then looked at the house and all of those who composed it. Everything and everyone that I saw seemed to stir up this great feeling of love that was more wonderful than anything I had ever felt before. I wanted to go look at or talk to each one, but I did not want to leave the Lord's side Whose presence was even more compelling. Knowing my thoughts, he said, "You need never fear leaving My side, because I have made My abode in you and I will be with you everywhere that you go." As I watched the presumptuous people, they were enjoying all of the blessings, and even thought of themselves as the reason for them, but they really were not even part of what was being built. Having just been one of them I also knew how shallow their enjoyment was, compared to what it could become, and a great compassion came over me for them. As I continued watching these people, they gradually become thinner in substance until they were just like the phantoms I had seen in the city that had been destroyed. Again I thought of the Lord's words, "Those who seek to save their lives will always lose them, but those who lose their lives for My sake will find true life." I also watched as the Judas, going through his religious antics, turned so many people away from the house. Sometimes he would preach. Sometimes he would go into his fits of pretended ecstasy. I watched as those who focused on him too long would turn away. However, those who would look past him to the glory in the house would soon begin to see right through him as though he did not exist. This infuriated the demon in him, but it was powerless to do anything about it.

No Limits:

Then I noticed that the building kept getting higher. The higher it grew the more glory it exuded and the further it could be seen. As a result, even more ships and people were coming through the storms, which although they were still raging, seemed unable to affect the island. As I wondered how high the building could get, the Lord turned to me and said, "There is no limit to how high we can build this because I am the foundation and love is the cement." This caused me to look at the cement, which was transparent but radiated a great power. I wondered why I had not noticed this before; it was now so obvious and captivating. I then began to ponder how blind I had been to even the greatest wonders of this building until the Lord directed my attention to them. This caused me to turn back to the Lord and watch everything that He gave His attention to. The Lord then began looking at the people who now composed the building. As I looked at them again I was immediately struck by the fact that they were more than people. I knew that they were the "new creation" that had transcended this creation, but now I saw how they had bridged the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, yet were clearly a part of both. They were unquestionably supernatural, which did not mean that they were not natural, but were far more natural than anything "natural" I had ever seen. They were more real than anything I had ever considered "real." They made everything else seem like a shadow. Soon the glory that was coming from those who were a part of the building could be both seen and felt. The feeling was not like a touch, but like an emotion. As I walked close enough to this glory, it made me feel so good that I can only describe it is as a wonderful intoxication; not one that clouded the mind, but on the contrary, illuminated it. I felt somehow ennobled, not with pride, but with a powerful sense of destiny. I also felt a profound security, as if I were in complete harmony with the ground, the air, and especially the Lord and His house. This feeling was so good that I never wanted to move again. With the addition of each new boat load of people, the transformation of those already a part of the building would continue, and the glory of the whole building would increase and expand. This made everyone in the building greatly rejoice with the coming of each new group of people.

Sharing The Glory:

When those who came from the cemetery took their place in the building, those who were already a part tried to give the new ones their own glory. As they did this, the glory radiating from the Lord would increase, and He would give those who had given their own glory away, even more. Those who were the most devoted to this sharing would be the ones used to start the next level of the house, which kept going higher and higher. I thought of how opposite this was from the jealousy which had before prevailed in the city. I then tried to ponder the jealousy to understand it more, but it was almost impossible to do. Because I could no longer feel jealousy I had a difficult time even understanding what it was—it seemed as unreal as if it had only existed in bad dreams. The joy of sharing was so great that not to do it now seemed incomprehensible. The more one shared his glory, the more he received to share. This joy of sharing was so great that I knew that all of us would be spending eternity just seeking others with whom to share the glory. I then somehow knew that the Lord would be creating many new worlds just for us to have new places to share His glory. I understood that this was why He had created the universe with such diversity, and why He created it to continually expand. Those who touched His glory were touched by a love that had to share the glory, which caused them to expand. He had given us the universe with which to share His glory. He had set in motion a glorious chain reaction that would never stop! There were no limits on time or space, and we would need every bit of it! As I looked at Jesus, I knew that He was the Wisdom of God. He was the Wisdom who would bring forth from his treasures things both old and new. He was the bridge between the old creation and the new, and He would forever be sharing both.

The Storms Return:

Then suddenly my attention was turned toward the storms that had continued to grow in the sea. To my shock they had grown larger and faster than the house of the Lord, and were now coming toward the island. Great waves covered the island and the building disappeared from my view, even though I was still very close to it. The fury of this storm was beyond comprehension, but I felt no fear at all. I knew that it was because I had already died to this world and had a life that could never be taken from me. Above all, I knew that I had His word. I stood on something that could not be overcome. As wonderful as the island had become, I was just as happy to die physically so that I would be free to carry the glory of the Lord to the rest of the universe that had so captured my attention. It really would have been hard to choose to stay or go, so I just rested and waited. Gradually the storms abated and the building then re-emerged. Both the building and the island were much smaller, but were even more glorious. Then I noticed that the storms were just off shore and were returning. This happened several times, and each time the building would emerge it would be smaller, but more glorious. Each time that this happened the storms were also much smaller—they were wearing themselves out on the island. Soon the storms could only generate small waves that held no threat of any real damage. The glory of the house was now beyond any human description. Then the clouds dissipated altogether into the most beautiful sky I had ever seen. As I gazed into the sky I began to realize that it was filled with the glory that was being emitted from the house. As I looked at the house I was amazed that there was no damage from the storm, though it was much smaller. Even so, the glory now coming from the house was much greater than before, and was reflected by everything. I felt that it was so great that it must already be extending far beyond the earth. Then the vision changed and I was alone with the Lord. All of the great feelings were gone—even the love. He looked at me earnestly and said, "The war is almost over. It is time to prepare for the storms. Tell My people that no one with His brother's blood on His hands will be used to build My house." I was trying hard to listen to these words in order to heed them, while still thinking about the great love I had felt. He then said, "This was a dream, but it is real. You have known everything that I have shown you in this dream in your heart. Now believe with your heart and My love will be real to you again. This is your quest—to know My love."

Comments:

The general interpretation of this vision is obvious, but I do think that many of the feelings that I had during this experience are an important part of the message. In looking at the different buildings which I knew represented denominations or movements, the architectural clash was so striking that it was grotesque. It was as if they were all so intent on being different that the most hideous skyline had been the result. I could not imagine anyone who happened upon such a city having any desire to enter it, even if the conflict had not been taking place. The church is doing much more damage to herself through infighting than the enemies without are able to do. At that time I was consciously surprised that the Lord did not intervene in this destructive fighting. Those who were fighting against the other denominations, or movements, were all disqualified from being a part of the house which the Lord built. This reminded me of King David, who, because he was “a man of war and had shed blood” (I Chronicles 28:3) was not allowed to build the temple of the Lord. This did not disqualify David from salvation, or from being considered one of the great men of God of all time. I felt that many true saints, and even great men of God, were tragically disqualifying themselves from this most wonderful work of all by becoming embroiled in this spiritual civil war. This even caused them to lose the light that they had; only the peacemakers, and those who were trying to repair and build instead of tearing down, radiated with light in this vision. I think that it was significant that almost all, if not all, of these buildings contained those who were true lights. These may appear as small lights now, but they will be the foundation upon which the Lord will build His house. Because the sea sometimes represents "mass humanity" in Scripture (see Revelation 17:18), the multitudes are going to rise up in great waves which will destroy much of the present, visible structure of the church. Those who are true lights were not swept away by the waves. Those who walk in truth have a foundation which cannot be shaken. The Lord's command to release the sea did not cause the sea to rise up, but just removed that which was restraining it. The sea then came with fury against the island, as if it were being controlled by a great hatred. I believe this represented a great hatred against visible, institutional Christianity that will arise, and the Lord will allow it to destroy these institutions. When these great tidal waves had stopped, there were no Christian institutions as represented by the buildings that men had constructed. However, all of the real Christians remained. I do not think that it is wrong to keep trying to repair these structures, as the Lord honored and preserved those who did, but this vision affirmed deep within me the need to focus on building people, rather than trying to build another institution that will be able to stand in these times, none of them will stand. Even though these buildings were destroyed, they each contained those who were to be pillars in His house. The house of the Lord was a brand new building, but those who became the main supports in it came from almost every denomination and movement. The Lord does have new wine to serve, but Isaiah 25:6 declares that the Lord will also serve "refined, aged wine." The Lord will not use either the old or the new, but both the old and new. The Lord's house was built in the midst of the increasing storms of rage and lawlessness. It radiated an even greater light because of those storms. I was encouraged that the Lord will build, on this earth, a church that really will reflect His glory, and that this age will not end until He does. It could not be any other way. Moses contended when the Lord threatened to destroy Israel, that this would only leave the testimony that He could bring people out of Egypt, but could not lead them into the Promised Land. The Lord will have a testimony, through the church, that will last for all eternity. That testimony will be that He not only can forgive the sins of His church, but He also has the power and wisdom to deliver her from her sins, and to make her into a glorious bride without spot or wrinkle. Now when Jesus came into the district of Ceasarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, [a stone] and upon this rock [a large rock or bedrock] I will build my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it (Matthew 16:13-18).