Hi all,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 
 
Barb had her gallbladder out December 1st and while in there they found gall stone blockage further 'downstream', which required a transfer to the main hospital and another procedure the next day. But she is up and around now and doing well. She has a few more tests in January for some other things, and I have my Afib/cardio consultation January 9 followed within the month by the ablation procedure on my quivering nerve in my upper left heart, but everything in its time. 
            
It has been rather weird for us to be so focused on ourselves the past few months, no long trips, limited Skype and phone calls, limited involvement with our Tulsa core - but needful for health’s sake, not only ours, but some issues with Chris and his health, and the group home. We look forward to the turn of the year and getting more active along with the many trips on the calendar.          
            
Remember this?
Many will recall how the Father told me earlier this year "2017 will be a difficult time for the world" and other things related to the time after the current US President leaves office. Last month you'll recall the vision I shared of the 2 layers of clouds, separate, each layer representing the efforts and focus each has. 
 
If you think that through, it becomes clear the lower cloud level which the Father tied to the soon to be former President's efforts to change everything from voting district boundaries to culture in the big cities and streets, and the upper level being the new President's administration - it becomes clear there will continue to be 2 streams in the US, the 'discussion' about the level of involvement the federal government should have in the lives of its citizens, and to what degree the federal government adheres to the US Constitution. It is a matter of prayer, but the 2 streams that will continue are clearly seen in that vision I've shared about. 
 
You'll also remember that I was flying in between the cloud layers, not touching either. I took it to mean I was representing the larger body of Christ in doing so, showing me there will be a time of protection flying between the layers as we weren't the focus of either layer, and I take comfort in that. He (Father) told me at the time of the top layer; "They will be focused on things which will require their full attention" and of the lower layer, "They are looking down, not up, and will try to affect you (Christians) indirectly - but they will not now succeed." That left me wondering...not now...
 
One of the things the Lord told me recently 
The words He used carry meaning and spiritual baggage for many, so I need to establish the context because what some might think He was talking about isn't at all what He was saying. Just this past week He told me (the Lord, not the Father) we will see the rise of people talking about 'kingdom culture', but His part of it is in a balanced way, though many would veer out of balance with it. 
 
He then started to explain what it was not, saying I would hear of little sects and ministries here and there, and larger groups claiming to be kingdom culture, but they are off balance. It is rare for Him to make blanket statements, so I asked for more detail. He said, "It is their movement, not something I'm doing on a larger scale, but still, I will do what I can within many of them according to the knowledge they have. If they have to advertise as their main point that they are kingdom culture, they aren't. Kingdom culture is who you are, in your spirit, and in your relationships, ever growing and maturing in Me."
 
To Him, kingdom culture involves the core elements we see from the Garden of Eden through the New Testament - family and relationship based faith that is focused on living godly and holy lives. When I asked for chapter and verse He said: "Sure. II Timothy 1:9."The Father has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our efforts, but according to His purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal."
 
He continued: "The Father has saved you and called you with a holy calling. Many who believe have turned aside from this, being self deceived, thinking they can live however they wish, their lusts finding justification they think, in Me." (He was clearly angry at this, His emotion and appearance in His face proving it to the point I was a bit nervous as He spoke, for it reminded me of His instructions and warnings to the 7 churches in The Revelation chapters 2 & 3.)
 
"Kingdom culture in your world includes all that I hold dear - the fruit of the Spirit, the strong and godly character found in my true disciples - THAT is what I am doing, though many will touch only elements and certain aspects and run with it, saying 'We are kingdom culture!' From such turn away, for again I say to you, if they have to announce it in a way to let all know that is their main emphasis, they are not living it, but only have part of it right. Balance son, always balance."
 
Those were some pretty cautionary words and there were more things as well; He talked about how things we call moves of God come and go with the seasons, but He said 2017 will see more unity in the body of Christ where it counts. He told me of some notable people who would die in the coming weeks and months and said to observe the reactions of people. He said His timing is such that as leaders from a past generation die the level of dependence people had on them is revealed, forcing His people to either fall away or focus on Him within. That was one of the most significant points of this visitation - not just Him growing His kingdom within true disciples (and the difference becoming more apparent between true disciples and those who are believers in name only, but His perspective that as leaders die it forces believers to turn inward to Him and them, not Him and that leader's body of work and them. I'll share more at a later time, but for me, I like to digest the visitations I have with Him, and let His words echo around my being awhile...I think you know how that is, like savoring a great taste or aroma. 
 
Jesus is comfortable in any culture, because He is a culture within Himself - and we can be like that too
If you look at the Lord Jesus you see He was comfortable in whatever culture He found Himself. When He was casting Legion out of the Greek man in the 10 Greek cities called ‘Decapolis’* He was just as at ease as He was in Jerusalem. (*Mk 5:20) When He was talking to the Roman Centurion in Matthew 8 He was just as comfortable talking to the Pharisees. Jesus was comfortable in whatever culture and surrounding He was, because He was secure in Himself.
            
When Christ is in us we can also be comfortable in whatever culture we find ourselves –from the home of an unbeliever to an auditorium church to someone’s living room – if we focus on Christ in us and His ease.
            
That the Lord Jesus was willing to come to earth, let alone be born in a stable, shows us He is comfortable in any culture – from a stable in Bethlehem to our own hearts. 
 
Translators needed! We are still looking for people to translate my Weekly Thoughts and e-newsletters into Finnish, German, and other languages - even if you aren't able to do it on a weekly basis, consider 2x per month on the Weekly Thoughts - thank you! Contact Wil and Ank at cwowi@solcon.nl for information. 
 
Wil and Ank - they had an accident that totaled their car as it was an older model so it didn't take much to render it un-fixable! lol. But...their desire is to buy a good used car outright to replace it and we are asking for help in that. Barb and I have contributed as well as CWOWI, and are opening it to others who want to help. They travel all over the Netherlands in the work of the Lord, as well as use it for work and such, so the need is genuine and urgent. If you would like you can contribute through the EU web site or our US site, cwowi.org, or if in the US you can also mail a contribution - just mark 'for Wil' and we'll make sure it gets to them. 
 
May we continue to grow in Jesus’ culture however, focusing not so much on what He can do for us, but how we might be conformed to His image and His ‘culture’. Kingdom culture. Thank you for your giving and prayers. Blessings and much love!
John & Barb
 
 

Hi all,
I have so much to write about and update you on...first, I received quite a few people from around the world who were curious about last month's word for the US based mail-out newsletter, so I've decided to share a bit here as well. You won't be lost if you didn't get last month's newsletter, so I'll pick it up with this month's mail-out 'part two', now included in this e-newsletter.
 
I also want to mention I'm doing Wednesday morning teachings live on Facebook - about 10 minutes each - I felt prompted to do this, and so I just ask the Father what He has in mind, and it just drops in me so I share basic points. I also post them on YouTube, just look up John C Fenn videos and you should see a few. 
 
Some catching up to things the Father has told me:
I've shared several times before (but just to make sure everyone is on the same page), "The President and his policies will be more dangerous after he leaves office than when he was in" and "The collapse will come when conservatives are in charge" and the vision that went with that word:  It was a vision of a playground slide with a man in a suit that I knew represented conservative's efforts, trying to climb the slide but every time he got part way up he would slide right down again, representing efforts to control entitlement programs and the budget expenses of the nation. I expect from that word progress will be made, but it won't be smooth sailing and will have setbacks. 
 
With the election we have some clarity. His word to me that was if I recall in September 2004 in context about terrorist attacks on US soil that was 'Watch out when Hilary takes office" can be seen as Secretary of State and the many attacks in this nation since 2009, and the larger changes in the nation - we certainly have had to 'watch out'.
 
To pick up on the vision in October:
As the Father was speaking: I was flying (I thought just me at first, but then I realized I was in an airplane that represented the body of Christ in the US) - looking over the nation, in between cloud layers, in safety in sunshine (Son-shine) between 2 layers as the Father spoke.
             
The bottom layer, closest to the ground, was what He told me (Obama) would be doing in the cities to organize and move things around in terms of voting districts and people in the near future, and being smart about how they plan to change the nation. That is the main point; He said that he will be working to rearrange voting districts and pulling together formerly disconnected or loosely connected people into an organized movement and network across the big cities, which will be in place to stir civil unrest in the future.
 
He kept saying he and they were going to be 'smart' about it - the emphasis was on the organizing of demonstrations and dogged pursuit of change against the 'normal' American culture. Much of it would be unseen by most, and all this was what the bottom cloud layer was about, and it was an attempt at a grassroots organizing of protests for the purpose of breaking down society in opposition to what others are trying to do.
 
As He spoke it was like a playback of a highlights film before me, of instances when people disagreed with the President and he accused those who disagreed with him of being racist or homophobic and so on – unwilling to discuss issues intellectually, so he fell back to personal accusations directed to those who opposed his ideas. 
 
Suddenly I saw him behind the scene in a puppet stage pulling strings unseen as a puppeteer using agencies and individuals to harass Christians and conservatives and such. (I’m just giving the main points lightly here for the sake of space) And I heard the Father say, “Now imagine taking that to a local level and organizing people who believe those things into a nation-wide network.” Only then did I get the scope of what He was showing me – the cloud covered most of the land, heaviest in the eastern US at first but almost in the Midwest equally so.
 
The top layer of cloud not visible from the ground was the new administration and there was a separation between the two cloud layers - as I said with us flying in between; one layer doing one thing and the top layer doing another, with me (us) flying in between.
               
This is the most important part for us: I was totally in peace - I was in between those layers - between the ugliness in the unrest in the cities and society, and in between the government's agenda: I (we) were in sunshine (Sonshine) in a safe place and flying (a type of going about life) in smooth air. 
 
I've shared before how the Father often shares with me 'big picture' things while the Lord talks of the body of Christ. About 2 days after this word from the Father the Lord started talking to me about what would be going on in the body of Christ in this time, both in the US and around the world. 
 
In the US He said church buildings - not just conservatives and Christians and Jews - but houses of worship will be attacked, and there is coming a time when many will not feel safe 'going to church'. He spoke of the continued rise of family and home based churches, and as He spoke a vision played out before me:
 
He and I were suddenly in someone's living room, standing more in the corner of the room while several people were talking and eating and playing with kids who were playing with some toy just off-center in the room. As they talked and some interacted with the small children, the Lord started pointing to different ones in the room, noting their particular differences theologically and emotionally with others in the room. 
 
I won't share the details of what He said of each person in case what He was showing me was real people at some future time, but He pointed to a man and noted he believed some end times things that were different than anyone else in that church. He pointed to a woman who had strife issues He said with another woman in the room. He pointed to another couple and talked of their marriage difficulties, and so on around the room...including questions and hurts some of the children had. 
 
And then He stopped and turn fully towards me saying, "But in that day, none of these things will matter. The days of luxury this nation and much of the world has had to dwell on differences of doctrine and arguments between themselves, are over. He was smiling as He talked, and I got the feeling He was inwardly thinking "Finally!" when He continued, 
 
"Love will become the focus and many will grow up in that day and know what is truly important, which they've actually known all along but have stubbornly stuck to their childish ways. But there will be still more who have been caught up in the world and petty strifes and things which never were important, and they will be afraid and insecure when they see such things around them. Thinking they have been people of faith, they will discover they were not for they will have no peace- this is one way you'll know them - they won't have peace -  but had placed their faith in man and man's doctrines and not me nor those who mind the things of me. In that day be gracious to those who repent, and watch that your heart not be hardened against them, though they knew all along the path to walk."
 
And there was more - but enough for now. Barb and I have long talked what would happen in the US if conservatives ever grew a backbone and put controls on federal spending and how those who are used to getting things for free would rebel - think that through Americans. But I also know there will be others who will rise up to confront some of the demonstrations and rioting that will come on this nation...a battle for the soul of the US is about to be engaged. Pray some of these things will be lessened or not happen at all.
 
On a personal note - we've been dealing with several things roughly the last 3-4 months I've not said anything about other than me and my AFib and battle to lose about 10 more pounds. I'm down 45 from my high, but still have 10 to go. Barb has been dealing with thyroid cysts which affect her whole system and after the first of the year will probably have the required surgery. But first, about the first of December will also be having her gallbladder removed - lots of tests these last 3 months, lots of thinking and research and prayer and...money, lol. That has been rough for her affecting everything in life, for the gallbladder, liver, and thyroid are all connected...so it has been rough, but she is very private and only now gave me permission to ask for prayer as she is nervous about it all, and just share with people. 
 
Our insurance has a $7500 deductible, its the level of coverage we can afford as even for the 2 of us with our Christian co-op sharing it still costs over $500 per month for coverage, so we've been paying cash as we go and been able, plus the monthly fee - all I've alluded to in the newsletters is that we have some needs right now - but this surgery will be a big one as they're going to do a couple procedures, and then probably her thyroid cysts (at least) removed in January - so keep Barb in prayer, thanks so much. 
 
As many of you know, health issues have a way of wearing you out and taking a lot of time. With each blood test, ultrasound, CT and MRI it is another doctor, another week, another missed communication leaving the sick person to bridge the gap between medical specialties when they aren't running here and there having tests and consultatons...it has worn her out.
 
Chris - I had a meeting with the leadership (CEO) of the group home - a company with about 300 or more clients in homes all over Northeast Oklahoma - trying to settle some issues we're having in Chris' group home while also providing ideas and solutions for the whole company. It was a good meeting, but we've had to deal a lot with staff changes and Chris' behaviors and such...thanks for your prayers.
 
In terms of family and home based house churches - they continue to be in all stages all over the globe. As I've said all along, it is the relationships that count - the world will pass but we are already in eternity and will know each other thousands of years from now - so we need to do as the Word says and make allowances for one another, be quick to apologize and make things right, and lose the focus on trivial fringe doctrines that cause fear and uncertainty. 
 
Trips - depending on Barb's surgery(s) I'm still planning to start traveling again in February, but we've really needed this time to focus on her and Chris and network things. I hope you understand, I'm not flashy, we're just us trying to walk with the Father as best as we know. There are so many times I ask the Father how in the world He expects me to care for Chris 2 days a week plus the medical things and staff things Barb coordinates, do the ministry with all the prayer and study and writing and video and recording and traveling, and juggle sometimes everything from life and death issues half way across the world or closer to home, or soothe someone's hurt feelings over things they brought on themselves...it gets tiring. We are looking forward to the Thanksgiving break.
 
So that is why those of you who pray for us are so important. We've had people email saying we've been on their hearts are we okay, but I was only able to respond in generalities - and in the US those who send in prayer requests, and those who email - know that we love you, I pray for those requests - from getting a relative out of prison to healed relationship between parent and adult child to looking for work  and so much more - it is a privilege to pray for you. 
 
And to those who go the extra mile to donate and join with us in the ministry to the saints, no matter how big or small the gift, you will never know this side of eternity how your generosity and consistency bless us and provide for us. There are so many times the Father uses people just in the nick of time, and we just shake our heads in humble amazement of His care for us through you. Thank you for being in our lives, blessings,
John & Barb
   www.supernaturalhousechurch.org
 

Hi all,
First a quick message for those in the US reading this: If you live in the US please read the mail-out newsletter coming this week for a prophetic message for the nation that is not in this e-newsletter (that goes out to so many nations). I"m not putting it online. The content of the mail out newsletter is always different than the e-newsletter for that reason, but this month I share a particularly 'heavy' recent word and vision from the Father for the US you might be interested in. 
 
Facebook live
I'm doing about 1 Facebook Live video per week so if you are on Facebook you can look up John C Fenn and see and/or follow me for video and written posts. We're working on posting them on my YouTube channel but it seems more difficult than a simple forward and I'm (we're) still learning the process - but a couple of Facebook videos are there and I plan on doing one around the middle of each week. They are in the 5 to 10 minute range, but not over 10 minutes for sure. 
 
Health, travels
On a personal note, I continue losing 1-2 pounds (.5-.9k) per week to reach my goal of no more than 250 (113k) so as of this writing I still have 8 to go, with a loss so far of 22 pounds (10k) since discovering my AFib and high blood pressure. In terms of my highest weight (because I lost some weight knowing I was going to have that physical back in January, lol...vanity, vanity...I've lost 46 pounds (20k) grand total overall. Once I have a time at the goal weight or a bit below and my blood pressure remains there, I'll be looking at the ablatian for the AFib in February. 
 
I'm planing a Chicago/northern Illinois/Kenosha area visit in early February, more details later, and planning Lithuania in the second half of March though exact details aren't set. I'm also praying about a separate Finland and maybe Nordic nation trip but it's just being 'birthed' in my spirit as to what the Father wants, but I know one is coming but not when yet - just that He wants me to do a separate trip there. Open to suggestions on that!
 
Also remember our Dutch conference May 25-28 which is during the US holiday, Memorial Day weekend. We are planning on spending a couple days after the conference with anyone who can stay to see some of the Netherlands. You can go and return in a week, and what a week it should be!
 
The Dutch conference is at a retreat center in a rural area outside a small town, so we are all lodged in the same place and eat our meals together and have time to visit. It is a time of a variety of things in the Lord ranging from teaching to question and answer to the move of the Father and Lord in our midst, to spending time with me and others from several nations 'hanging out' together. The Dutch conference is the place to be. 
 
Speaking of the Netherlands, Wil and Ank will be moving to their new home the end of March - a beautiful home and setting better capable of hosting (home) meetings and regional gatherings and guests, and we all sensed such peace the Father had something like this for them. They do so much in communication, coordination, and teaching all who are doing and interested in family and home based church in Europe, and they are so loved and appreciated. They also travel extensively in Europe and host folks as well, so this home is perfect. They extend their thanks for those who gave and who have committed to helping monthly, and gifts between now and their move will be appreciated so they can make the move well supplied and furnished for all that will be needed in the transition. 
 
Ezekiel 38 lining up
One of the most intriguing statements in Ezekiel 38 about the prophesied war between what most believe is a Russian led alliance against Israel, is that God says "I will turn you about, and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you forth with all your armies..." (v4)
 
The 'turn you about' indicates a changing foreign policy for Russia. In other words before, it wasn't interested in direct military involvement in the Middle East, but is now turned around and pulled into that region, choosing to align itself with what is modern day Turkey, Iran, and others. 
 
To have 'hooks in your jaws' means being pulled in at first perhaps, unwillingly, almost lured in. That understanding makes sense because verse 10 says that in those days a thought will come to (him) and an 'evil plan' will be devised to invade Israel for the purpose of taking spoil. It reveals that invading Israel wasn't on the agenda at the first, when they are drawn into Middle East conflicts.
 
That is exactly the process going on right now isn't it? In the last month we've seen Turkey and Russia not only get closer, but are working militarily together in Syria to support the current government, while the US continues to talk big but in practice back away overall. The hooks are in the jaws, and the next thing at some point in the future will be the thought to go further into the Middle East by invading Israel. Obviously that won't happen as long as the US has a presence and will to be involved with Israel and the Middle East...so watch the election in the US, for if it goes one way we may have time due to strong Presidential support for Israel, if it goes another way things will continue as they are.
 
China
Also interesting is the President of the Philippines saying he is backing his nation away from the US, this said after he spent time with China's leaders to develop agreements for their increased involvement in his nation. Many of you will recall the times I've shared a visitation from 1991 or '92 where the Lord told me; "...(most) are focused on the wall coming down and the fall of the USSR, but they should be focused on China, for she will become an economic powerhouse and seek to swallow up all of Asia and much of the world if she could, but this she must do to fulfill her role in the end times." 
 
I've never forgotten those words and that visitation for He confirmed we are in the end times and my understanding of the basic scenario. The economic growth of China can be seen from the Panama Canal (ownership) and them buying the largest port in the Canal in May, to Africa to the Philippines, and more. And of course military advancement often follows economic advancement, so expect to see more of China in the news - but they aren't involved in the Ezekiel 38 war, they are part of the 200 million man army that invades Israel about 7 years after the Ezekiel 38 war, which will be Armageddon and the return of the Lord. 
 
Meetings in homes and Abraham - what do they have in common?
In Genesis 18 in the writing style of Moses and Joshua, we see 3 men having a meal with Abraham. Moses and Joshua's style was to show the natural view first, and then reveal the spiritual view and truth. This can be seen in several places, including Jacob wrestling with what is said to be a man initially, but who turns out to be the Lord*. Also Joshua is confronted by a man with sword drawn outside Jericho* and who turns out to be the Lord as Captain of the Lord of Host's army. He reveals how Joshua is to conquer Jericho. *Genesis 32:22-32, Joshua 5:13-15, 6:1-5. 
 
Note, Joshua worshipped the Lord and removed his shoes in His presence, revealing this was the Lord and not an angel, as erroneously reported by some who claimed to have met 'the angel' that met Joshua. Angels don't receive worship and only God commands men in the OT to remove their shoes (Shoes are man made and we don't approach God of our own doing or device). So if you hear someone or read a book claiming that person talked to the 'angel' Joshua talked to, the 'angel' that person talked to wasn't one of God's angels...but a demon appearing as one. Toss the book or recording for it is full of error as is the author or speaker. 
 
In Genesis 18 we are told 3 men walk up to Abraham, who invites them to dinner, and they 3 are served by Abraham himself who stands by them as they eat. Only then, after the meal is eaten, is it revealed it is the Lord and 2 angels, for the Lord tells them Sarah will have a son about that time next year, and then the 2 angels leave to go to Sodom to rescue Lot and his family which is seen in the next chapter. But the Lord lingers behind and says within Himself:
 
"Shall I hide from Abraham that which I'm about to do? Since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation...for I have known him that he will teach his children and his household after him to keep the ways of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous..."
 
Meetings start out 'in the natural'
In the same way Moses and Joshua's style of writing was to provide the natural appearance of things first, and then reveal the supernatural truth, so it is with many, many things of the Lord - how many of us have started our walk with Him, or had experiences that started quite normally and naturally but turned out to be a God-encounter? 
 
So is it with home based church and relationships. If you attend a house church meeting you won't be impressed. There is no choir, no stained glass, no Italian marble in a foyer cafe' where you and 200 people are offered coffee and pastries. 
 
You walk into a home - if you don't know someone there you will be nervous entering a home you've never been to before, and it all seems quite normal, natural, and you won't be impressed. No one will hand you a bulletin or order of service. No smartly dressed usher will seat you - you may be greeted by the family dog, a toddler with mouth covered in breakfast may try to give you a slobbery greeting, you may even see a glimpse of someone dashing off to finish their make up or hair or put their socks on. 
 
It's all normal, the natural view if you were Moses or Joshua writing about it. But if you will stay, if you will invest yourself in the people, if you will allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone a few weeks in a row - the spiritual and supernatural will be revealed to you. 
 
The auditorium church affirms people differently than a family based home church 
In the auditorium a person is affirmed and put at ease with the order, the routine, the surroundings of woods and carpets, architecture and history - all appeal to the emotions and physical senses to make one feel at ease and secure and safe.
 
The family based home church is boring by contrast. The degree to which you will be unimpressed and bored reveals the degree to which your mind is trained by the auditorium church with expectations to be affirmed in that same way. If you are out of your comfort zone by the idea of church in the family and home, then you don't know your Bible nor culture of God - in other words, a normal Christian. ha!
 
We've been born into and adopted into the family of God. It's all family based. Jesus went to prepare a home for us where His Father and He live. Too late, it's all family based. You will still know 100,000 years from now the Christians you know now. It's all family and relationship based! Start renewing your mind to think as God thinks and be willing to transition from a structure based faith to God's family based faith - you aren't confused by family and home based church, you were confused by the auditorium culture and the light of God's Word and ways are shining light on your confusion for the first time. 
 
Also note what the Lord said back in Genesis 18:17-19: He based His giving revelation into the earth on the spiritual life of Abraham's family. "Shall I hide from Abraham that which I'm about to do...seeing he will raise up his household and children in the ways of the Lord..."
 
If you want revelation from heaven, it starts with meeting the Lord in your home, with your spouse, family, friends; in your relationships. The Father is a Spirit, so He affirms us in our spirits, not our flesh. That is why walking into a family based home church appears all normal and natural and without an initial clue that something supernatural is about to happen and be revealed. Learn to be affirmed in your spirit instead of your flesh. 
 
But stick around that home church...invest in the family of God, invest in the relationships and see the supernatural work of God in action. It will be messy. You will get to know people without their church faces on. You may even take off your church face to reveal what is really happening, thereby allowing God's power to move through those people to heal, to comfort, to provide an inspired word to you. 
 
Thank you for your prayers - there are some things happening I'm not at liberty to discuss, but we appreciate your prayers. Chris has had several weeks of peace at his group home, thank you for your prayers for him. We appreciate your financial support, for joining with us in ministry to the saints in so many nations.
 
    Blessings!
        John & Barb
   www.supernaturalhousechurch.org

Hi all,
Thanks for those asking about my Atrial fibrillation - AFib - the doctor said to lose another 10-20 pounds to be sure my blood pressure is down to normal, and he will see me in February to discuss the nerve ablation, which is when they insert an electrical probe to the nerve in the heart that is firing continually, and with a shot of electricity, deaden that nerve so it doesn't fire at all.
 
I'm praying, as I'm not sure I want to do that because I don't seem to have symptoms of anything wrong. But at the same time I wonder if the AFib is like the 'check engine' light on the car - nothing major is wrong but it needs to be corrected at some point as it could lead to something more wrong down the road...thanks for praying for me. I will go with peace and whatever the Father says or leads, but that peace and direction often comes only after gathering all the information possible and THEN He speaks or directs. So I will lose weight and talk to them in February.
 
“Watch out when Hillary takes office”
I don't like to keep going over this but I continue to receive many emails about what the Father told me so let me set the context. In the spring of that year He had told me of a plot to smuggle shoulder fired missiles/RPG into the US to shoot down aircraft and launch attacks, and He said “You need to pray.” So I did, asking the Father to have the plot discovered and stopped, and in August or September the discovery of the plot made the news (I’m just a small cell in the body of Christ so I’m sure many were praying).
 
As a result of that plot being uncovered I asked the Father in context of terrorist attacks on US soil, “How’s the country now?” and He replied, “Okay for now, but watch out when Hillary takes office.”
 
At the time she was a US Senator and a few years later, in 2009, she was named Secretary of State. So I consider that word fulfilled when she became Secretary of State in 2009, for we have seen an escalation in terror attacks in the US since then, almost on a monthly if not weekly basis it seems at times.
 
But the larger ‘watch out’ is broader than just terror attacks within the US, for the culture and economy of the US have declined faster than anyone thought possible in that same time frame He outlined. So I wonder if that was what He was talking about, or if the larger fulfillment will be her being elected and the negative in a much more intense and larger scale. We watch and pray.
 
Additionally
After I first shared that some 12 years ago, a friend told me that William Branham saw in 1933, before he got off-balance in his beliefs, a vision of a time in the US with driverless cars that were shaped similar to eggs, women cutting their hair, dressing like men and shedding their clothes, and well as a beautiful woman become President who rules with cruelty, followed by explosions all over the US. (Not to insult the nominee, but in 1933 a man seeing a vision of 83 years in the future of a glossy made up for TV woman President might be described by him as beautiful)
 
I don’t fear, but I watch and pray. My main focus is actually on the amazing things the Lord is doing all over the world, family to family, friend to friend, home to home – focus on Him and news related to what He is doing and you won’t have fear of world events.
 
You may also recall (I've shared this a few times) the Father told me; "The President and his policies will be more dangerous after he leaves office than when he was in (office)." Last week a friend sent me a link to the President's interview with Historian Doris Kearns, in which he said he planned to start speaking out more like an activist than a president after he leaves office. Traditionally former presidents step aside and don't comment, but the US and world should be ready for the first post-office activist president. 
 
Translators needed
Our German and Finnish translators are overwhelmed and we need help! They have faithfully translated my Weekly Thoughts and e-newsletters for years, but things have fallen on their shoulders alone and it is time to take some of that load - if you are interested in translating my Weekly Thoughts and e-newsletters into German or Finnish (or other language if interested and needed) please contact Wil Kleinmeulman at cwowi@solcon.nl for information. Thanks!
 
30th anniversary of the Lord appearing to me October, 1, 1986
That 10/1/86 teaching visitation was the 2nd time I had seen Him, the first being in April of that year, but the first of many teaching visitations – and this one impacted my life more than any other. He opened by saying “I want to teach you how to hear the Father’s voice”, and then taught for a total of about 50 minutes. I’ve shared the core points in a DVD recorded at TV7 in Finland, and also several CD/MP3 series, and we’re offering those series at a discount this month in addition to the new series, "The Friendship Crisis; When Christian Friends Act Like Unbelievers". I’d also suggest reading my first book, Pursuing the Seasons of God (available as an e-book too), which details many of the early visitations from 1986-1992.
 
Facebook Live
I'm going to start doing live Facebook mini-teachings, just a few minutes in length each - if you happen to be on FB while I am you can listen and watch live, and if not they will be posted to be watched when you sign on. I don't have a regular schedule, but they will be things on my heart, food for thought, short teachings and things to think about - so watch for those in the coming weeks.
 
House church; Not something you 'do', something you live
As I scan the world for what works and what doesn't work in house church, the key of course is the relationships not the house - meeting in homes is the natural outgrowth of those relationships. As we get to know someone it is natural to invite them into our home, share a meal, and from there having a time of prayer, worship, thoughts on something the Lord has shown or taught us, is natural.
 
We continue to see rotating who leads each week, and rotating homes as it is practical works best - across borders, across cultures - this seems to be what they did in Acts - going "house to house" as it says. Even if you meet in the same home most of the time, rotate who leads each week.
 
In the New Testament we see 'main homes' with key leaders mentioned by Paul in his letters - Gaius Justus in Corinth, Lydia in Philippi, Philemon in Colossae, and Aquila and Priscilla seemed to have opened their home no matter where they lived, for they are mentioned as hosting in Rome as well as Ephesus, Nymphas in Laodecia, Jason in Thessalonica, and so on.
 
For many, the fact the letters of the New Testament were written to specific individuals and the members of the body of Christ that met in homes, is a revelation. Many never connect the names in Acts with our titles of the letters, missing the fact that Paul was writing letters to real people in real homes. This means if you've tried to understand the New Testament (even the gospels) through the auditorium setting you have understood it all wrong - the instructions written to them were in the context of relationship based faith as they met in homes. The 5-fold, the gifts of the Spirit, giving and receiving - all in context as written, were to be practiced in homes within close relationships in Christ. And this is what God is doing all over the world!
 
The investment of ourselves in relationships
One of the most frustrating aspects of house church I hear is the contrast between those willing to invest themselves in others by getting to know them, versus those who come to house church to be fed like a baby bird. Often they are people in search of a home, of safety as they define it - meaning they can sit and do absolutely nothing other than 'receive'.
 
There is space for that in house church, but what happens is that person will at some point just a few weeks later, open up and begin sharing like everyone else (if they will stick with it and return).
 
That said, taking the step to get to know new people is huge. That is why most growth in house church in scripture and today, is through friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. Relatively rare is the stranger who comes to house church knowing no one there, and stays.
 
Invest in each other by sharing meals together, lunch hours, outdoor events, social events, prayer, worship, study of the Word - share life! This world will pass away, but people are forever. Look at the big picture that you and I and those we lay down our lives for in Christ, will still know each other 1,000 years from now. You can get over the bumps that naturally occur in relationships if you look at the big picture.
 
Thank you!
Paul said of those who contributed to his ministry in II Corinthians 8:4, they gave for the “privilege of sharing in this ministry to the Lord’s people.” It is a privilege to give so as to share in ministry to the Lord's people.
 
As in Paul's day, not everyone has this in their hearts, even many who have been with us and CWOWI for years never or rarely give - so we are very thankful for those who do remember us in their giving. Not that we want it solely for us, but that giving and receiving is part of a mature and balanced Christian life which is our call in life, to mature people in Christ. And when we see people walking in this grace of giving, it means we have had an impact in their growth in Christ which causes us to give thanks to the Father.
 
    Thank you so much! Love and blessings upon you and yours,
        John & Barb
   www.supernaturalhousechurch.org

Hi all,
As we reach the middle of August I wonder where the summer went! (Greetings to our Aussie, Kiwi, and RSA friends, who are looking for spring).
 
The Lord seems to move in seasons* rather than minutes and seconds, which sometimes causes us to be anxious because we live in a minutes and seconds world. We observe that "God came through at the last second" while He is thinking He provided the answer within His season of our life. *Genesis 1:14
 
Your seasons used to be your own, but now they belong to Him
In John 7:3-5 it is recorded Jesus' unbelieving brothers teased Him about going up to the Feast of Tabernacles and proving Himself to His followers. (Later at least 2 of His brothers would become believers, leaders, and authored 2 letters of our New Testament: James and Jude)
 
When they told Him to go up to the feast to prove himself, He responded in verse 6: "My time (Greek; season) has not yet come, but your time (season) is ready anytime." (Gk; hetoimos, ready, standing by).
 
Jesus marks a difference between those who believe in Him and those who don't: Those who don't believe in Him are in control of their own seasons of life. But Jesus was sensitive to the Father's seasons for His life, indicating the time wasn't yet right for Him to attend the feast, yet He didn't say why.
 
And that is how it is with us today. The Lord doesn't always reveal the timing and events within a season of our lives, but we are submitted to Him, trusting He is in ultimate control of our seasons. We do know however, that in each season He expects us to use it to grow in Him.
 
Yesterday I taught in one of the house churches from Psalm 37:23 which says in the King James Version: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and He delights in his way."
 
The Lord takes delight in your life
We all compared various translations and all agreed the second half of that verse says that God delights Himself in (a good person's) way. The Amplified Bible translates the second half of the verse this way: "...He delights in his way and He busies Himself with his every step."
 
That is amazing - The Father busies Himself with our every step. Linking the two together we realize if we submit our seasons of life to the Lord He not only orders our steps, but He finds delight in doing so, and personally involves Himself in our every step. Unbelievers don't have that blessing, and there is great peace in knowing He is in ultimate control and guiding our steps - no matter what it looks like right now.
 
There is a rest and peace that comes upon us when we join Him in looking at the big picture of our lives - as Hebrews 4:9-11 so states, our labor is not to stir up faith, but to enter into rest. Faith is a spiritual force that Satan cannot touch, so he attacks our peace by destroying hope.
Our effort is to stay in the peace, and hope is strengthened best by stepping back and realizing we've submitted the seasons of our life to Him, and He is involving Himself in our every step. Ahhhh....that is so nice.
 
A personal note
Especially over the summer when people go on vacations and take holidays and such, we've been especially blessed by those of you who continue to remember us in your giving, especially monthly giving, because in such a busy season you remember us and our work in the Lord - thank you so much for your conistency.
 
Paul wrote of the household of Stephanus in I Corinthians 16:15; ‘who have addicted (devoted) themselves to the ministry of the saints’. And in his second letter to them, speaking of the Philippians and others in that area that they ‘urgently pleaded with us for the privilege in sharing of this ministry to the Lord’s people…and they gave themselves first to the Lord, and then by the will of God to us.’
 
Barb and I thank you so much, those who have given their hearts first to the Lord, and then out of that appreciation and love, to us - thank you!
 
Update on Wil and Ank's move to a larger home
Wil and Ank send their thanks as people have responded with enough pledges of support for their opportunity to move out of their town house into a large country home, big enough to host people and hold regional house church conferences. We add our thanks to theirs for those who have responded!
 
Prophetic happenings in the news
Things lining up for the Ezekiel 38 war in the news include now not-so-secret meetings between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab nations, formulating agreements and plans against Iran’s increasing presence in Syria and the Mid-east. Remember that Ezekiel mentions ‘Sheba and Dedan’ in particular, understood by most to be modern Saudi Arabia and other smaller Arab nations in the region, joining with Israel and her allies against a future Iranian and Russian invasion.
 
And of course the failed coup in Turkey is very important prophetically, for it has tipped Turkey away from the US and the EU, now re-formalizing relations with Russia, including talks of more Russian pipelines for gas/oil through Turkey, and the building of a nuclear power facility in Turkey.
History records the last Caliphate, a multi-nation Muslim rule, was out of Turkey known as the Ottoman rule, which ended in 1922. Some say Turkey wants to re-establish itself as the Muslim leader in the Mideast, and it seems headed in that direction. Again, in 3 separate visitations with the Lord going back into the 1990’s, He has told me ‘watch Turkey’ – so we watch and pray. CWOWI has friends in Ankara, and life is hard…praying.
 
House church isn't about the house
House church isn't about the house, it's about the church, which is the people. Those relationships are #1. Think outside the 'church' mentality and be creative in how you invest in one another. Lunch hour meals together to reconnect, an evening meal together, inviting someone to join you in a walk, bike ride, movie, window shopping or something creative.
 
Even if you are just 1 person wanting to start a house church, don't start by holding 'church'. Start by investing in people. House church isn't a program or model of how to do church, meeting in homes is the natural result of healthy relationships in Christ. Invest therefore in relationships and at some point you will want to gather in a home for a meal, some prayer, maybe some worship or study of the Word...we will know each other and be together for eternity, so act like it. Invest in your relationships!
 
I'm so, so saddened by the shallow and immature Christians who attend a house church for awhile, then who break off fellowship because of doctrinal differences or they don't get to spout their favorite slightly off the norm belief at every meeting. In the auditorium church people come and go like that all the time because they find no place to share their view, so end up going nowhere and their leaving isn't even noticed.
 
But in house church the numbers are small and they are noticed and loved, and when they leave it makes a hole. They are missed as the others truly loved them, but they reveal they were only in it in the hopes of sharing their particular belief. Jesus brought them to that house church in the hopes they would grow into balance through healthy relationships rather than the false relationships offered by (for instance) web sites that theorize this whose currency is fear. In leaving real people and real relationships they reject His plan for why He brought others into their lives, going with their own plan for their life. That is idolatry.
 
The larger picture - is that new affiliates in the US and other nations continue, and all are on the same spiritual page, eager to celebrate Jesus with others and grow in Him. It is SO exciting and so exactly what we see in Acts - growth and people coming to the Lord in the midst of life's difficulties. 
 
Thank you for being part of our lives, Barb and I appreciate you very much. Keep us in prayer, Chris especially, as we've had a very hard time with his behavior at the group home. With our travel and hosting schedules his normal routine of coming home Friday and Saturday has been disrupted, and he has been confused as to when dad is coming to get him, leading to fits of anger and such...thank you. And thank you again for remembering us in your giving, joining yourselves with us in this work of the Lord.
 
    Blessings!
        John and Barb

Hi all,
If you live in the US I encourage you to get on our mail-out newsletter list as the content is usually very different than this e-newsletter that goes to so many people in many nations. The mail out newsletter is more personal about what is happening in our lives, while the e-newsletter usually includes some teaching and other thoughts.
 
Prophetically – Remember the Father told me in September 2003 to “Watch out when Hillary takes office”, and about 2 years ago (I haven’t’ shared this publically before now that I recall), “The President (Obama) and his policies will be more dangerous after he leaves office than when he was in office.”
 
But the ‘watch out’ part has certainly been true since 2009 when Hillary became Secretary of State, so that has been fulfilled as we've certainly seen massive changes to our nation since then. But time will tell if He was speaking of a still larger ‘office.’
 
I had mentioned earlier the Father told me "The last half of the year will be difficult for many." Of course a statement like that can be said of any given 6 months in history - but when the Father specifically made that statement to me, I took it as having a deeper meaning, that things unusual would happen in the world. 
 
Having seen the terrorism and political happenings around the world already, from Brexit to Dallas and other violence against police, to Turkey to Nice, France and more, and we're only in mid-July, I am really praying about these last 5 months. He had already said as I've shared before "2017 will be a difficult time for the world", so I'm 'gearing up' spiritually so to speak.
 
But again I go back to a visitation in early 2010 when I was asking about the Arab Spring and Egypt and other things, and after telling me a few things He said, "But what are these things to you? As for you, you must be about the Father's business."
 
Christ is in us, and He is rock solid steady. We must as individuals, each be about the business the Father has for us in our sphere of life; Our spouses, family, work, those we fellowship with - those are our priorities. Watch, pray, observe, but don't fear.  And remember, we are human beings, not human doings. First 'be', then 'do', in that order.
 
Practical house church tips - You are the host so you set the rules. If people need to be out by a certain time, tell them that up front. If you close the doors to certain rooms tell them they are closed for a reason and to stay out. Set the rules, you are the host. If it is any consolation, Paul had to instruct the Corinthians on such social skills in I Corinthians 14 starting in v26. Those included take turns, don't interrupt one another, anything you say will be judged and could be rejected, don't dominate conversation, and more. 
 
In our first year of starting CWOWI we had a couple lead a house church that met Sunday mornings at 10am. They would tell of how people would stay until 11pm, and even go home, get their swim suits, and come back for dinner and sit in the hot tub until almost midnight!
 
We told them that is not wise, that people are there for house church - to celebrate Jesus and what we have in common in Him, and to grow as people and believers. As such our advice was to limit the meetings to a couple hours or as the Lord moved, but certainly to dismiss in time for people to have the rest of the day.
 
This couple complained about it, not wanting to hurt feelings, but torn because they had to get up early the next day for work, so for the sake of not wanting to hurt feelings they wouldn't set limits. The end result was they burned out as predicted, and aren't doing house church today.
 
Rotate - another tip is rotate who leads, and rotate homes. We've found this pattern seen in Acts 2:46 and elsewhere, works no matter the culture or nation. If it isn't possible to rotate homes each week, at least rotate who leads the meetings. And by that I don't mean a rotation among just 3 people, but rather give everyone the opportunity to lead a meeting. We've had several house church meetings that have been led by children and teens - share the responsibility!
 
And leading doesn't have to mean the whole thing - be creative, maybe someone new only feels comfortable picking out some worship songs while asking someone else to share the Word or what's on their heart. It isn't a competition, it only needs to be non-controversial and instead focused on what we have in common - and people can share depending on the grace He has given them. A person who loves to worship, may lead everyone in worship without any 'teaching' from the Word. An intercessor may lead everyone in prayer. A teacher may skip a time of worship altogether and just share from the Word - allow people to share according to their grace.
 
We've found a house church is more vibrant if it limits studies from books or other curriculum, choosing rather to rotate each week who shares, making each meeting different. If one feels led to share from a book or lesson, do so only when they host and/or lead rather than each week, or at least limit such set in stone schedule to no more than a month of meetings - trust Christ in each person, and remember that a little wild fire is preferable to no fire. People will come back to balance with gentle guidance.
 
Live intentionally towards one another - don't let that weekly meeting be the only time you see and/or communicate with one another. Invest in the relationships by making the effort to have lunch with someone in your house church once a week. Invite someone from your group over for dinner mid-week. Be creative; moms and young kids get together, have a men's get together over sports or meal or something all agree on. Maintain social media contact and stay in touch so that the weekly meeting is merely a continuation of the relationship.
 
May Dutch Conference
Our Dutch conference next year is held on the USA's Memorial Day weekend, starting Thursday, May 25th through Sunday the 28th. (Memorial Day is Monday the 29th)
 
I encourage you to prayerfully consider coming to the conference. It is a mix of fellowship, worship, teaching, and move of the Spirit, all in a retreat setting where we eat together at a nice facility on beautiful grounds in rural Netherlands. We usually have people from 6 to 15 nations attending and you will certainly gain many new friends! 
 
The plan is that after the conference, from Monday (Memorial Day in the US) the 29 through Wednesday the 31st, those who wish can stay over and site see with Barb and I. The Netherlands is so beautiful, especially in spring, with fields of tulips, quaint towns, castles, and vibrant Amsterdam and surrounding areas. We may visit the Anne Frank house and/or the Corrie ten Boom house as well.  
 
Flights to Amsterdam allow easy access for those coming outside the US or Canada. From the US you leave one day, sleep on the plane and arrive the next morning. You can easily do it in a week or 8 days. Contact Wil and Ank at cwowi@solcon.nl for details.
 
Personal
If you could keep us and Chris in prayer we'd appreciate it. We've had so many trips and visitors and events this year that our normal schedule for having him home has been all over the calendar, which he hasn't understood as he is very schedule oriented with his brain damage doesn't understand all the changes we've had to make to his schedule. The aides at the group home, as well as we have had to deal with behavioral issues and his emotional roller coaster. Thanks.
 
Jesus said He is meek and lowly in heart, and so He is. He isn't Hollywood Jesus. He isn't impressed by Italian marble foyer as one enters a building called church, He values a cup of water to a child, a personal visit to sick friends or those in prison, and meeting food and clothing needs.
 
Our values must align with His values. He is meek and lowly in heart and we can learn of Him; that learning is day to day through mundane, normal, life. That is a life-long process!
 
We have several needs right now and we SO appreciate your giving – Thank you.
    Blessings,
        John & Barb
       
   www.supernaturalhousechurch.org

Hi all,
Many are asking me about ‘Brexit’, which is the vote on June 24 deciding whether the UK will remain in the EU or separate, with many claiming economic rearranging world-wide if they exit – but does scripture provide clues? Perhaps. Let's look at Ezekiel 38 & 39 and a future war against Israel.
 
The plot against Israel
Ezekiel 38 prophesies nations that will align themselves against Israel, and hints at nations that align themselves with Israel. The ones against Israel are named in the first few verses of Ezekiel 38, and in modern geography include Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, and other nations in the region of Turkey and Russia.
 
Ezekiel says they will ascend like a cloud to cover Israel which is seen as a prediction of modern flight and air war, while also mounting a huge land force to invade mainly from the north, thinking it will be over so fast no one would be able to come to Israel's aid, and that no would dare confront such a mighty force. Wrong. Spoiler alert, Israel wins.
 
In Ezekiel 38:21 God calls for allies of Israel to join with them fighting against the invading force, and He also says the invaders will be met with a large earthquake, overflowing rain and hail, and such confusion in communication among the multi-nation army that many end up killing themselves.
 
Ezekiel 39:9-12 says it will take Israel 7 months to bury the dead and they will recover a 7 year supply of fuel and other spoil. He describes in 39: 13-15 Israel hiring citizens and others for temporary work to walk around the battle site and place small flags when they find body parts, in a perfect prediction of modern forensic work seen at any disaster site. (Therefore since they are walking around the site this battle is not nuclear at least in and around Israel, neither is it Armageddon)
 
The allies of Israel
But Ezekiel 38:13 says the following nations will confront Russia/Iran: “But Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all the young lions thereof, will say to you, 'Do you think you are coming to take a spoil?...'
 
Sheba is described as being in the Arabian peninsula or around the horn of Africa and Ethiopia. Dedan is Saudi Arabia. That modern Arab nations allied with Saudi Arabia would confront the Russian/Iranian/Turkey alliance when they attack Israel would suggest a split among Arab nations, with Saudi Arabia and others aligning against Iran and Turkey. It may not be that they are for Israel, but that they don't want to see Russia/Iran/Turkey take over the Middle East.
 
This is where it gets interesting
Tarshish is the ancient name of Spain, and the ‘merchants of Spain' are therefore understood to be the nations that came about by Spanish merchants, in short, the Americas.
 
Ezekiel continues; ‘and the young lions thereof’. Young lions means the offspring of those Spanish efforts, but bringing in the lion as symbol has caused many to speculate it is a reference to Britain as the lion has for centuries been their symbol, and the Americas were settled most predominantly by Spain and Britain. That would mean along with Saudi led Arab nations confronting the Russia/Turkey/Iranian invaders, the Americas and the UK will also, if this understanding is correct.
 
This is where Brexit enters the picture
The theory that the UK would join the Americas and the Saudi's against Russia/Turkey/Iran has long been complicated in the minds of some by the fact the UK is part of the EU and being bound by various agreements, would not necessarily act militarily independently of the EU against Russia and Turkey.
 
Germany and other nations get their heating gas and other fuels from Russia with pipelines through Turkey, who only has to flip a few switches to make much of Europe go cold during winter and allow their vehicles to run out of fuel. So many have wondered if Britain is part of the EU how would they act independently to join Israel against Russia. 
 
However, if they exit the EU they could act more independently to join Israel and the Americas against the invaders. So this vote will be interesting to watch, and it may, may, have implications as mentioned here.
 
But even if they stay in the EU, God's Word will still come to pass, and if the understanding of Ezekiel 38 and 39 above is close to accurate, then no matter the vote, they will in fact take action with Israel and her allies against the Russia/Turkey/Iranian alliance.
 
So we watch, we pray, we wonder...prophecy is understood most clearly in hindsight, until then all we have is kernels of truth to wonder about. Praying for the people of the UK!
 
Other news...
I remember at the start of this year the Father saying to me, "The last half of the year will be difficult for many." I've wondered what that meant, and now wonder if Brexit succeeds will there be economic consequences in the last part of this year. My point is that either way, I'm in prayer about the rest of the year, not only for the US elections and Brexit, but in general.
 
This May/June has been busier for us than we had originally thought, including a brief weekend trip for a house church meeting, but also hosting people at our home or driving somewhere to meet folks each week -  the summer is flying by. July will be filled with family focused events and August we rest and prepare for our September Lithuanian and Latvia trip.
 
How do you respond to an event?
When there is a major event the immediate response sets the tone and direction, often for years to come. For instance, when a baby is born that is a great event but it is just for that moment. The response to that event is actually the more important because how those parents deal with their new child determines it's future and theirs, and for generations beyond.
 
In the same way the outpouring on Pentecost in Acts 2:4 was a single event, wherein 3,000 people responded to the original 120 pouring into the streets newly filled with God's Spirit. While that single event is amazing, we look to the response of the 120 on how they dealt with such an influx. Their response set the tone for 'the church age' for us all some 2,000 years later, and even to me and CWOWI and our network as we seek to follow the practices of the apostles and early church.
 
While Acts 2:41 tells us 3,000 were saved and Spirit filled, verse 42, the very next verse, details their response to that great event that set the tone which is woven throughout  the whole New Testament:
 
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching, and fellowship, and the breaking of bread (eating together & the Lord's Supper), and prayer (includes worship as worship is also prayer).
 
Teaching, fellowship, eating together, prayer/worship. That is how the 120 dealt with 3,000 new friends. But it took 'continued steadfastly' - they devoted themselves to the relationships in Christ.
 
Today we'd race to a large building and start some program for new believers, or we'd assign people to 'follow up'. Most in the auditorium mentality would panic quite frankly, at 3,000 sudden converts. But they just took them into their homes for a meal, some teaching, some prayer.
 
That is SO simple isn't it? We have to lose the idea we have to 'build' something to accommodate people. NO. Just have a meal together - it is holy. Fellowship together and get to know one another - it is holy. We think, "Teaching and prayer/worship is holy, but eating together and fellowship is not holy." Wrong. The most intimate moments between Jesus and the disciples was right before He was betrayed, and it was during a meal. Eating together in deep fellowship is holy.
 
When Christ is in you and Christ is in me, then we two sharing our stories in Christ IS holy. Having a meal together IS holy. Teaching and prayer and worship are holy, but so is eating together and comparing stories on what Jesus has done for us. Perceive the grace in one another and fellowship. (Galatians 2:9). Be polite guests in someone's home, don't dominate conversation, don't push your favorite controversial teaching - focus on Christ and what you have in common in Him - and be a polite guest in their home.
 
How do you respond to the amazing thing the Lord has done for you? Continue STEADFASTLY in teaching, fellowship, eating together, and in prayer and worship. Find even 1 person, just 1, and eat together. Build the relationship.
 
Wow, I'm out of room already for today's e-newsletter...blessings, and thank to you who support us with financial gifts and prayers, we have some needs so they are greatly appreciated...new affiliates with CWOWI range from Australia to the Philippines to other points all over - God is moving in relationships. All else will burn, but people are forever.
 
    Blessings!
        John and Barb
       
   www.supernaturalhousechurch.org

Hi all,
Barb and I are back from our Finnish and Dutch conferences, and it was so good seeing old friends and make new ones.
 
For Chris, we were away from him a total of 3 of his work weeks
He goes to a workshop Monday-Thursday each week, and we dropped him off Sunday, April 10, and didn’t pick him up until Friday the 29th, and it was just too long, with a few ‘behaviors’ as they call temper outbursts in that last week. So in the future rather than back to back European conferences we’ll have to separate them to keep our total time away at no more than 2 weeks – They said the last week, each morning, he would refuse to go to the workshop, but just sit by the window looking out saying ‘Dad is coming to get me, I’m NOT going to work!’…
 
I remember when we placed him in the group home 13 years ago and felt like the worst parents in the world for doing so, and one night after Barb fell asleep I lay in bed telling the Father either heal him or take him home – and suddenly the Lord stood in our bedroom, and without greeting simply opened with:
 
“Would you have Chris miss out on the fullness of his reward by Me taking him home early, just because you feel bad for having to place him in a group home?” I humbly apologized saying “I’m sorry Lord, I never considered Chris’ rewards and his part in our ministry, of course I want him to have the fullness of his reward, but under one condition: That he not suffer any abuse or neglect.” He looked at me and with one quick downward nod of His head as He spoke, said, “Done”, and disappeared.
 
In between then and now has been great difficulty on both his and our parts, but the Lord never promised an easy life, just eternal life.
 
People are forever
The whole of the New Testament was written by apostles who started family based churches that met in homes,writing to people in those home based churches. To understand the New Testament any other way is to take scripture out of context - no matter how you celebrate the gathering of saints, from denominational churches to independent charismatic to house church - that is just history.
 
Their focus in the New Testament was on relationships, which followed Jesus' teachings that if someone sinned against you, go to them and try to mend the relationship. That principle is stated from Matthew 5 where Jesus said to leave your gift at the altar and be reconciled, to Matthew 18:15 to go 1 on 1 to make peace, to Galatians 6:1 to restore one who has trespassed in a humble spirit, to the James 5:16 exhortation to confess our trespass to the person we trespassed against and pray for one another that the relationship would be healed.
 
Relationships are the key no matter how you celebrate church, though some structures are better at the development of relationships than others. I remember what the Lord said to me in His February 4, 2001 visitation:
 
"See what I see, people running to and fro to this meeting and that, looking for the spectacular thinking that is supernatural, while they miss the supernatural work in their midst, even in their own hearts...As it was in the beginning, so it must be now; I'm moving in relationships."
 
We often misunderstand what the Lord is trying to do in our midst because we attach what He wants to our own experience or education and understand it through those eyes. As I like to say, we don't see the world as it is, we see it as we are.
 
People may think they are called to plant churches, or start a house church, but in reality we are called to develop relationships, and from the vitality of those relationships comes meetings in homes.
 
Come and go as you please?
A healthy family based church that meets in homes as depicted in the New Testament is very different from some who claim to be in the 'house church stream', but often call it 'simple church' or 'organic church' - there are some good and balanced house churches under those banners, but many are not.
 
A house church is not a miniature of the auditorium church, each week dictated by 1 person what will happen in the meeting, nor is it a come and go as you please bless me club with no sense of order or commitment.
 
In scripture we see people dedicated to each other in the Lord, meeting with purpose and working through challenges rather than leaving the group when challenges in personalities arose.
Acts 2:42 says "They continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Note 'continued steadfastly'. 
 
The Greek word translated 'continued steadfastly' is 'proskartereo', literally meaning 'to be strong towards', meaning perseverance continually towards a person or thing. It is also used in Acts 1:14 speaking of how the 120 continued in prayer during those 10 days between Jesus' ascension and Pentecost.
 
They were strong towards the apostles teaching, fellowship, eating together and in prayer/worship.
 
To have teaching, fellowship, food and/or the Lord's Supper, and prayer/worship without the 'continued steadfastly' element, you just have a come and go as you please, no requirement placed on you, bless me club using the name 'church'. The purpose of the gathering of the saints is to conduct the business of the kingdom, which is furthering the discipleship process, not just to make people feel warm and fuzzy inside.
 
I know what the Lord has said to me, that the days of church without purpose, including house church, is past and the body of Christ is being urged by the Spirit to grow up in our relationships.
 
That is why I say so often that house church is a lifestyle, not something we do. When you invest the time and effort in relationships, those people you are still going to know 100, 500, even 10,000 years from now and beyond in the ages to come, it requires purposeful commitment. But that is what the Spirit is saying. No matter how you celebrate church, invest in relationships in Christ.
 
2 new series
Our ordeal with Chris of this thing called life, along with a couple of requests to do so, prompted me to record the series “Why God?”, and will help you look at the larger picture when dealing with heart-rending issues like handicapped children, chronic physical conditions and such here on earth.
 
The other series, David the Future King, is the first of a 3 part series about the Psalms David wrote at particular times of his life - before being king, while king, and in exile when Absalom rebelled. You'll not only learn more about David, but gain insights into his emotions and spiritual ups and downs - and where some of your favorite verses and Psalms came from.
 
Thank you!
After the last 2 busy summers being so busy, this one is being taken at a slower pace, and we are enjoying it, Chris now settling back into a routine, which is so important to him, and us.
 
Thanks for being part of our lives, and remembering us in prayer and in your giving – thank you!    
    Blessings,
        John & Barb, & Chris
   

​Hi all,
As you read this Barb and I are in Europe for our Finnish and Dutch conferences, returning to the US late the 26th. We would appreciate your prayers during this time as it is 2 weeks of constant activity and travel, but pray especially for Chris please. In terms of time that he won't see him, we dropped him off at the group home the evening of Sunday the 10th, and won't pick him up until the 29th - nearly 3 weeks, and that is very hard on his emotions to not see mom and dad for that length of time. Though he is 36 years old he is mentally about 4, so just think of a 4 year old not seeing mom and dad for 3 weeks. {picture - Christ and pilot Ernie)
 
Specifically, we need him to willingly get up and go to the group home's workshop each work day and be cooperative while we are gone - that is a major concern for him -  - thank you for your prayers.
 
Around the network
I've recorded a 2nd series this month specifically related to house church entitled 'The Core'. It is about the 7 common traits of healthy house churches as seen in Acts and now in practice around the world. If you have thought of starting a house church or already have, or are part of one, I really encourage you to listen to this series. With various exchange rates against the USD around the world, if funds are an issue email me at cwowi@aol.com and we can send the MP3 link.
 
I saw a news item in the secular press about the Chinese government taking down over 2,000 crosses as a means of intimidation and to try to 'stamp out' Christianity. This secular article states that by 2030, just 14 years from now, there will be 247,000,000 Christians in China - nearly all in house churches.
 
When we first started CWOWI in January of 2002 through about 2 or 3 years ago, when someone started a house church they were intimidated by questions from friends, relatives, and pastors who asked 'Who is your covering?' and cautioned about becoming a cult - to the point many were very distressed on how to answer them.
 
In the last 2-3 years however I've seen a boldness among believers who just said 'We're doing this' no matter what 'they' think, and they do. The result is many house churches popping up faster than I can keep track. It doesn't seem to matter what nation or what culture believers are in, they are being led to start meeting in homes to celebrate Jesus in a healthy and balanced way - and we are here to help.
 
What the Father said
If you've been with us for a while you'll recall I shared the Father said 'The second half of 2016 will be difficult for many' and '2017 will be a bad year for the world.' In both cases note He is speaking in such a way it is clear He is talking about 'other people' - 'difficult for many' rather than difficult for a specific group or for all, and without mention of believers. And, 'bad year for the world' is just like it - for the world, a bad year - but for believers, we are growing more and more Christ-like and walking closer with Him.
 
What He is doing in us is not affected by the world around us. How He orders our steps is not affected by the world around us. Check in your spirit and sense that peace - that is our focus - let information come and go through the mind, but always check with the Spirit of Truth within and the peace found there as the final opinion on a matter. Jesus said in John 16:13 the Holy Spirit 'speaks not of His own, but whatever He hears, that is what He speaks to you, and He will show you things to come', so if you have peace in your spirit that is the Father and Lord saying all is well, so discipline your thoughts and feelings to that peace.
 
Another thing He said about the next 18 months in particular I found interesting and haven't shared until now, is this: "In the coming months it will become clear to those who have heard what the Spirit is saying, who of their family, friends, neighbors and coworkers have not heard what the Spirit is saying." 
 
The way He described it is like this; A person will be talking to someone about what is going on in their heart and what they sense in their Spirit, and their friend will look at them without understanding what they are talking about. For others it will be apparent they have no interest in the things of the Spirit. It will be subtle things noticed in the midst of conversations that will pinpoint exactly where a person is, spiritually speaking. In this way friendships will be rearranged as it becomes apparent old friends are no longer on the same spiritual page, and people start seeking new friends on the same spiritual page.
 
A mini-vision
When He was talking to me about these things I saw a mini-vision, meaning my eyes were open and I saw the natural world, but overlaying that for about 90 seconds as He talked I saw in visual form what He was describing. He was describing on the one hand the larger Christianity which is becoming more nebulous and defined by a 'whatever feels right or you think is right, do it', making faith rather vague and defined by each person, and on the other hand that well-defined faith where absolutes are known, right is right and wrong is wrong, and we know who Jesus is and what walking with Him looks like.
 
What I saw as He described the first was a blob straight out of a 1950's horror movie or early Star Trek type episode, a soft sticky blob with undefined and ever changing edges creeping slowly to try to cover everything in its path.
 
Facing 'the blob church' was a person that somehow resembled a building - the temple of God - they 'morphed' into a building that was a temple made of finely hewn stones all fit neatly and tightly together. Their face was the highest part of the building and straight down from that was the Holy of Holies with intense white light directly in the their chest where their heart would be - the innermost part of the building. Their arms were the furthest ends of the temple building complex and their hands and arms were open and outstretched inviting to all to come and experience the presence of the Lord.
 
What was striking was the well constructed and solid nature of the person/temple - each block that made it/them was incredibly and personally designed with precision. The organization of the person/temple was extraordinary and I knew in the vision that person knew each part of the building block that made them very well, each block representing some part of their life given to the Lord or having overcome something the Lord turned into a work of beauty.
 
At that point I asked, "Father, what am I seeing" and He replied simply; "The second half of Ephesians 2."
 
I knew it but it's been a while since reading it, the closing lines of that chapter are: "..you are members of His household...with Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit."
 
We are living temples: I Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19, II Corinthians 6:16, Colossians 1:26-27
 
The contrast between the blob church and the person/temple church was so clear there was no mistaking anything. The blob church reminded me of a demon I've seen in a few churches I've ministered in, and demons I've seen on a few people too - the closest thing would be to describe a movie character from the Star Wars series called Jaba the Hut - most will recognize immediately what I mean the rest can do a web search for a picture. That demon is both lazy, slovenly, and arrogant, as well as manipulative, and I was saddened by what I was seeing, yet I observed the 'blob church' with a sort of emotional distance one might have when reading the newspaper - it was informational only because my life is with those who have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying. I'm outside the 'blob church' loop, so to speak. 
 
What I understood by His words and the mini-vision is that in the days to come the line between the 'real church', the bride who is all about making herself ready for the groom, and those asleep or are adulteresses in love with the world, will be very clearly seen. So watch for the gap widening between that which is called Christian and what is really Christian.
 
Some have asked about my day trip with Chris: Chris and I had our Tulsa-Dallas and back trip on March 29 and he did extremely well. It was tiring for him as I expected, as part of the purpose was to test his stamina. Southwest Airlines was very gracious to us, allowing us to board first as for my back’s sake and Chris’ lack of mobility, getting that first row with only a bulkhead in front of us provided the room to walk and scoot him to his seat. As expected, he had a running commentary on everything. Chris never let go of the SW Airlines toy jet I bought him at an airport store, and here is a picture of him and Captain Ernie, who was so very kind and accommodating.

I’ve heard from a lot of people via email about me sharing the story of my AFib and weight/blood pressure issues and I thank you for your prayers. It’s one of those things I’d have never known about had I not kept my word to my sons and gotten a physical. I feel no different than I ever have, but I've lost 20 pounds, hit a plateau in March, re-gathered my will and energy for the discipline required, and am now losing more weight to get to my goal of another 20 pounds - having reset my 'end of March' goal to 'end of April'.
 
My cardiologist said he sees over and over again that the body has a particular weight where BP is normal, and then even sometimes just 1 pound over and BP goes high – I noticed that with me in this last month. Thank you for your prayers, emails, and faithful giving – there are several needs we have right now and appreciate you remembering us in your giving. . Thank you for praying for us during this trip, your financial support, and just being in our lives - thank you!
 
    Blessings,
        John & Barb
       

Hi all,
A couple weeks ago Chris was home, sitting in his recliner watching a children's show while Barb and I were in the kitchen holding a debate about a weekend trip to Tulsa (2 hour drive) for our regional conference - should we take 1 car or 2?
 
Barb processes information out loud, while I process internally. I wouldn't really call it talking to herself, just talking out loud as she thinks and does things around the house. She's done that as long as I've known her -since we were kids, so I'm used to it - once I've settled an issue I fall silent - while she often keeps a running conversation going out loud as she continues to debate the merits of deciding one way or the other.
 
That's what happened on this day. If we took 1 car she and I would be together, but we were bringing back with us 2 granddaughters and their pet, Charlie the Wonder Dog. On the other hand, she could run errands independent of what I needed to do if we left early enough, but the 2 hour drive home late Sunday when she would be very tired wasn't something she was comfortable with. Additionally, we had to get Chris to the group home before we left for the weekend which is a process all by itself.
 
I said to her, "If we take 2 cars you can leave right after the conference finishes on Sunday afternoon to run errands, and I'll drive the truck and bring the kids and dog - your decision, I'm fine with whatever you want to do", and I'd said my peace, that was that. Period. Paragraph, Over and out.
 
But she kept the conversation going with herself, processing everything out loud as she walked between rooms: "1 car or 2, I might fall asleep at the wheel and that wouldn't be good, but I might not get to everywhere I need to go if I don't, but I don't want to load John up with the kids, dog and all their things..."
 
Out of the blue came Chris' loud and crisp voice from the living room: "It's OK mom. We'll take 2 cars. Just relax mom, just relax." The authority and clarity with which he spoke ended all debate, and Barb and I burst out laughing.
 
Sometimes there are moments where some one or some thing cuts through all the issues with such clarity it settles all arguments. But it wasn't him telling his mother we'd take 2 cars, it was the 'Just relax mom, just relax' that brought clarity - the decision wasn't a big one so don't make it more than it is; just relax and decide! We focused on the relax rather than the decision, and were suddenly at peace.
 
In the same way
I've recently read several Christian statements people believe - crazy and illogical theological statements that I've wondered how people could say such things about God. Some range from wild conspiracy theories that put God right in the middle of the intrigue, to practically accusing Him of falsifying the historical record just to trick unbelievers into believing a lie, and so much more.
 
And then I had a moment of clarity like Chris' "just relax" - I realized the issue wasn't who was right or wrong about a theological idea and figuring out a way I could show them higher truths, it was that while believing in Him, they don't know Him. If they did know Him they would not make such statements.
 
They believe - they are born again, but they don't truly know Him. They read something in the written Word but don't know the Living Person of the Word who directed that ink to be placed on the page. Therefore what they believe the written Word says isn't even close to the character of the Person the Living Word.
They know the page, not the Person.
 
In Paul's most transparent letter, to the Philippians, he shares his greatest desire: "That I might know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings."
 
At the end of his life as he awaits execution in a Roman prison, in his last letter, in II Timothy 1:12, Paul states: "For I know in Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have entrusted to Him until that last day."
 
Paul not only believed, but he knew in whom he believed. That knowing of Him persuaded him of the Lord's character - He is able to keep that which I've entrusted to Him.
 
We believe, then we know, then we entrust. When we entrust, we rest - not in ourselves, but in Him and His sense of rightness and ability to explain at a later time all the confusing things we've gone through in life.
 
That knowing leads us to 'be persuaded' and then entrust our heart's secrets to Him. The phrase 'entrusted (committed) to Him' is 'ten paratheken mou', literally, "my deposit (with Him)". It means something entrusted to another for the means of safe keeping. The use of 'paratheke' implies and was used to indicate a person going on a long journey and who deposits all his valuables with a close friend, trusting them to be returned to him on his return.
 
The important thing therefore, is not to split hairs over doctrine, nor to call out beliefs that seem crazy, illogical, or divisive, but rather to draw back from those which are minor in the big picture, and direct ourselves and our friends to know Him, for by knowing Him we become persuaded of Him, and in being persuaded we are able to entrust our very souls for safe keeping until we go home to Him.
 
The Core
I've been studying how the Lord builds a healthy family based church that meets in homes, and see in scripture and in real life today, that He often takes 1 to 2 years to build a core, a nucleus of people who really get to know each other over that time, and learn to trust Christ in each other.
 
I have a teaching series next month on the subject, for it springs from a visitation in February (some of which I shared in last month's e-newsletter and Weekly Thoughts) about what He is saying to the body of Christ. He has been building 'core' people in small family and home based churches and will continue, but once that core is solid, He builds - and while some flow with Him in that, some choose to stay 'us four no more'.
 
Contrary to church culture of bigger is better right from the start, in Acts we see a core develop in Jerusalem from 1-2 years, seen in Acts 2:4-8:1. Then we see Antioch in Acts 11, where Paul and Barnabus taught them for over a year. We see Paul in Corinth 18 months in Acts 18, in Ephesus 2 years in Acts 19, and on it goes - be patient, let Him solidify the core so that when the time comes, others will be added to that healthy and solid group. More on this next month.
 
Finland, Netherlands conferences
In each of these conferences I will be sharing more about the core, and what He has shown me or told me for Europe and the EU - and some He has said for Finland specifically, so I encourage my Finnish friends to come if you can make it to Helsinki that Saturday, 16 April (marius.palmberg77@gmail.com for information).
 
I will also be sharing about the core at our Dutch conference in April 21-24, but the longer time, Thursday evening -Sunday, allow time for worship, prayer, teaching, and so much more. I'll be teaching on hearing the voice of the Lord, practical things for house church, prophetic updates, and others will be sharing as well in workshops as well. And frankly, I've found the Lord's presence and gifts of the Spirit moving more intensely there, consistently over the years, than any other conference - invest in relationships and yourself!
 
Personal - Thank you for your prayers, friendship, and financial support. Whether your gift if large or small, it is always appreciated - there really is no such thing as a 'small' donation for it means so much to us and directly helps us.
 
I'm way behind in emails with some 250 to answer, but I am trying to catch up - thank you for your patience!
 
House churches are popping up all over as people are feeling more free to start meeting on their own, and so many want to know others doing the same thing in a network, so we are very busy. From the Pacific islands to behind the veil of Islam to dozens of other nations, people are gathering in homes to regularly meet for teaching, prayer, fellowship, food, and worship...the revival going on isn't in the auditorium, it is in the home.
 
Blessings! John & Barb
www.cwowi.org and email at cwowi@aol.com