Until The Shout

Are You Recklessly Abandon To Christ?

bjohnson — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:55:43 +0000

We look around in our society today and see few truly great works of God. It seems these days the word of the Lord is rare and prophetic visions (miracles, goals, plans and ambitions based on Truth and Divine guidance) are not wide spread. We know He is present and orders the steps of the righteous man but let’s face it, how many of our lives are punctuated with great triumphs for Christ? As the years escape our culture, our experience (as a culture) seems less and less to resemble the positive pictures in the Biblical text. Within just a few short decades, we develop enough audacity and arrogance to make statements like, “God does not work that way any more.” Or, “Well, He just did that to get the early church going.” We become self sufficient. Why is this?

Are you “recklessly abandon” to Christ?

The picture is a lot like that old joke of the elderly man and woman driving down the road in their car. They pull up behind the car in front of them and notice the couple in that car are sitting close, even snuggled up to one another. The mature lady looks across the car to her husband and says “Why don’t we sit that close any more?” The husband behind the wheel answers, “I never moved.” Similarly, we often look to our Bridegroom and ask, “why don’t you do this or that, anymore”.

I believe we can find the insight we need in the Word of God. When the era of the Judges nears its end, we find their culture looked a lot like ours. In fact, the book of Judges ends with this indictment, “…everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Samuel, the last judge or the first great prophet is raised in this cultural environment. Just before Samuel’s ministry begins, we see this statement in 1 Samuel 3:1 , “In those days, the word of the Lord was rare and prophetic visions were not wide spread.” (HCSB) These two scriptures are separated by the book of Ruth and we often loose the connection between the two. Chronologically they speak to the same place in time. Do you see it? The condition in 1 Samuel 3:1 is because of the condition in Judges 21:25! Thus it is in our day as well.

Are you “recklessly abandon” to Christ?

We look at great men of God like Peter and Paul from ancient history or men like Brother Yun or Jim Elliot from recent history and marvel at their testimony. If we are honest, a few of us may even say to ourselves why won’t God use me like that? We wait for God (in our self-sufficiency) to tap us on the shoulder and say, “Come, I’m ready to use you mightily now!” But that is not the way God works. Can He not call a man to great work you say? Of course He can. But He calls the man who is already standing before the Throne recklessly abandon to Him! And that’s just it. There is no line of volunteers before the Throne.

Ezekiel 22:30 “I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one.” (HCSB)

2 Chronicles 16:9 “The eyes of the Lord range (search) throughout the whole Earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. …” (HCSB)

Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the Lord say ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’…’’ (HCSB)

All these verses show that God is looking for bold servants abandon to him but they are scarce. He is searching because there are so few to be found. We are not “at hand” for God like we think we are.

We tell our church or our Christian friends that we are willing to do “whatever it takes” for Christ! But frankly, we know that is an easy and safe statement for us to make. Down deep, we know our Pastor nor our friends is going to beat us, imprison us or hang us upside down! We know that our local church won’t require prison time or ask us to sacrifice years with our families. But what about Jesus? What will He require? Are we willing to do what ever it takes for Jesus? After having spent years in prison, twice, Brother Yun was aggressively confronted by an elder believer who said, “and just what price have you paid?” The words of his testimony still ring in my own ears. I have to ask myself, what real price have I paid?

Are you “recklessly abandon” to Christ?

You Oswald Chambers fans have recognized by now that I have borrowed this phrase from him. But it so precisely gets the point across. If I am “recklessly abandon to Christ”, i.e. willing to forsake all for Him; willing to do “whatever it takes for Him”, does this then mean that God, in my service to Him, will allow my body to be broken as His was or as Brother Yun’s was? Or perhaps will I be taken from my family? I must be very honest at this point and say frankly that I hope that God does not allow me to be put through such as that. But the real question is, am I willing to be put through that for His sake? Am I willing to do whatever it takes for Jesus?

In Acts chapter 12:3-11, we see Peter miraculously delivered from prison (as was Brother Yun, by the way). But don’t ignore the first 2 verses of the chapter. James is put to death! Within the first dozen verses of the same chapter we see two separate saints, both recklessly abandon to Jesus. One is delivered. One is martyred. And therein lies our dilemma! The one who is truly and recklessly abandon to Jesus Christ never really knows if today is his day to be “Peter”, or if today is his day to be “James”! The question is, when you get up in the morning, are you just as willing to be “James” for Christ as you are to be “Peter”? Only then are we truly abandon to Jesus! Only with this kind of relationship can we expect God to move in our lives as He did in Peter or Paul’s. Only with a remnant that is recklessly abandon to Him can we expect our Lord to move in our culture as He did in Peter’s. In the mean time, how dare we question God for what seems to be a lack of miracles or for the distance of His supernatural hand.

Now I will ask you the same question I ask myself regularly, Are you willing to step forward with reckless abandon?

I love you all…

Until the Shout!
Brian

ISRAEL DISCOVERS OIL

bjohnson — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:15:42 +0000

God’s timing is amazing. Until the Shout Ministries has completed 2 “Telling Time” prophecy conferences within the last 2 weeks or so. I personally am convinced that we are now in the last days. More specifically, that we are within the last generation of humanity. As I study the scriptures, I am certain the Lord will come for His church either in my life time or certainly that of our children. One of the things we look at in our conferences is how the prophecies are coming to pass right now in the world around us.
As part of the conference, we look at headlines all within the last 18 months and compare them to Bible prophecy. It is startling what prophecies are coming to pass even as I write this. Moreover, we look at prophecies that are yet on the horizon and help Christians to know what to look for. We even suggest what future headlines might be in the coming days and months.
One of those pivotal headlines is that the Nation of Israel will strike oil. It is in keeping with the fact that God tells us through the prophet Ezekiel that the Magog invasion will be fought over “spoil” and “plunder”. It is in keeping with the fact that God has promised to restore Israel’s fortunes. Even more specifically, God has suggested in His Word what this new “wealth” may be. (Genesis 49:25; Deuteronomy33:13 & 19 & 24; Deuteronomy 32:12-13; Isaiah 45:3).
Saint’s if you have kept your eyes and ears open, (let him who has an ear, let him hear) you have just seen the latest headlines, “1.5 Billion Barrels of Oil Discovered Near Rosh Ha’Ayin” (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3938192,00.html) and “Central Israel Oil Discovery: 1.5 Billon Barrels” (http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/139163).
Until the Shout Ministries is certainly not the only ministry that is pointing out the signs of our times. But it did strike me that in the wake of 2 very recent conferences that these headlines have come to light. The Lord is “right at the door”. The folks at CrossView church in Hoschton, GA and Chattahoochee Baptist Church in Flowery Branch, GA have set their hearts on being ready. How about your congregation? Contact us about hosting a “Telling Time” Conference at your church. America, keep an eye to the East. The greatest adventure of all time is just ahead – because the King is coming! You will be part of it, one way or another.
Saints, contend for the faith…

Until The Shout!
Brian

“Telling Time” Prophecy Conference

bjohnson — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:42:52 +0000

Join us at Chattahoochee Baptist Church August 13th – 15th at 6325 Lights Ferry Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. You may reach the church at 770-967-6281 or contact chattahoocheebaptistchurch@bellsouth.net or bjohnson@untiltheshout.com .

Are you able to discern the signs of our time? In the days in which we currently live, the prophecies read more accurately than the daily headlines. Current global events are contributing to fulfillment of prophecy right before our eyes. Hear God’s voice through the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zachariah and John, the writer of Revelation. Revelation is the book of consummation, in which the divine program of redemption is brought to fruition and the Holy name of God is vindicated before all creation. The final season is closer than you think!

"Even so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door."
– Matthew 24:33

The Schedule will be as follows:
Friday the 13th – 7pm to 9pm
Saturday the 14th – 9am to 11:45am (Brunch served by the church)
Sunday Evening the 15th – 6pm to 8pm (finishing w/ a Q&A session)

Mark your calendar for August 13th – 15th at Chattahochee Baptist Church. Bring a friend for a time of learning, spiritual challenge and revelation. See you there!

Have you taken the Lord’s Name in vain?

bjohnson — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:47:52 +0000

Do you often take the Lord’s name in vain? A few might sadly admit they occasionally do. Even more might say they have in the past but no longer. Most Christians would say certainly not. But have you seen what is happening in America today?
There’s a lot of discussion over the moral and cultural decline in America. It is impossible to ignore. If we study an index of leading cultural indicators over the last 30 years, we find some startling facts: a 200% increase in teenage suicides, a 300% increase in single parent homes, a 400% increase in both the divorce rare and pregnancies out of wed lock, a 560% increase in violent crime. There has been one decrease though; a 75% decrease in SAT scores! These statistics do not look any better within the church.
Isaiah 5:8-25 gives us 6 tell tail “Woes” that lead a nation to ruin: Alcoholism vs. 8; Wonton immorality vs. 11; standards and principles become relative instead of absolute vs. 20; arrogance of the elite vs. 21; the compromise of justice vs. 23. Do any of these sound familiar? Indeed according to the Scriptures we are headed for disaster. It begs the question how did we slip so far? Who is to blame for this?
When I listen to Christians in general answer this question, I am often amused at the answers. I hear things like, well its the President’s fault or Congress is to blame or Hollywood with all the hedonism they promote or perhaps its the media that twists the truth and deceives us with their propaganda. However, when we use the Scripture as a mirror the image looking back may surprise us. Its us! 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us:
“If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Notice who this is addressed to! It isn’t Congress, or Hollywood or the national media or even liberals of conservatives. Its addressed to His people, the church. It is our sin that stands in the way of revival in America.
By now you may be wondering why I asked the opening question and what it has to do with the unraveling of the moral fiber of this country. Its simple. It is because we do not understand the real meaning of the 3rd commandment. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” – Exodus 20:7
We think its all about vocabulary. It has less to do with vocabulary and far more to do with ambassadorship! When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we take His name, “Christian”. We identify ourselves with Him. If we take His name we had best represent Him faithfully, accurately and be found serving Him in this world. Without Him, we cannot heal our land. Without us, He will not heal our land.
Now I ask again, have you taken the Lord’s name in vain?

Until the Shout!
Brian

What Others Are Saying

bjohnson — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:31:14 +0000

What Pastors and Church Leaders Are Saying About Brian…

“I sincerely hope you will consider the ministry of Brian Johnson to minister God’s Word in your church. He has a tremendous gift of teaching God’s Word with great power, anointing and his practical style enables listeners to flesh out the Biblical truth they have heard. Brian Johnson has spoken in my pulpit and I encourage you to invite him to speak in yours… your church family will be blessed & inspired!”

– Rev. Jeff W. Crook, Senior Pastor, Blackshear Place Baptist Church, Flowery Branch, GA

“It gives me great pleasure to commend Brian Johnson as a dedicated devotee of Jesus Christ and a diligent student of the Word. His “Until the Shout Ministry” is designed to focus attention to the blessings inherent in obediently serving our loving Lord while awaiting His glorious imminent return. Brian is a living example of the faith he advocates. His approachable nature encourages people to be open to the truths he shares. It gives me pleasure to recommend him.”

- Dr. Nelson Price, Pastor Emeritus, Roswell Street Baptist Church, Marietta, GA

“Brian Johnson is a gifted teacher with a passion for helping people understand the riches of God’s Word. His ministry will encourage both leaders and their congregations with practical help for living a godly life.”

- Dr. G.J. (Jojo) Thomas, DOM, Chattahoochee Baptist Association, GA

“Brian Johnson has a fresh, challenging approach to teaching Holy Scripture. His teaching, no doubt, will invite Bible teachers to dig deeper.”

– Rev. Dan Robertson, AMD, Golden Triangle Baptist Association, MS

What Event Attendees Are Saying About Brian…

“Your enthusiasm and energy are inspiring. Your knowledge of the Word is awesome – ‘To God be the glory’! “ – Martha Adiano, West Palm Beach, FL.

“I have been greatly encouraged to see my heart in the light of God’s Word and I am in his will!!!” – Loris Pomnitz, Port St. Lucie, FL.

“Very well organized. Excellent Teacher!” – Mildred Anton, Broadview Heights, OH.

“An excellent presentation. Brian makes every thing I’ve read and studied come to life more clearly.” – Billie Price, Greenacres, FL.

“This was awesome! I am so blessed to have been here today! Thank you for listening to God and sharing his Word!” – Sarah Parker, Jensen Beach, FL.

“Mr. Johnson taught me more about the Bible that I was expecting. I really was blessed! I pray that I can bless someone else with what I have learned.” – Kenneth Hill, Birmingham, AL.

“Today through Bro. Brian’s teaching, it makes the desire even greater to study God’s Word. This has been a great day.” – Judy Hill, Birmingham, AL.

Until The Shout

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:01:02 +0000

Greetings Mighty Warriors!

The Christian world was recently jolted when the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) was released. Newsweek magazine reported these findings in their lead story, “The End of Christian America.” Our President has declared to the world that we are no longer a Christian nation. Over the last 18 years, 50 million people have been added to the United States, yet almost every denomination has lost ground.

If we want revival within the Church of Jesus Christ, if we want a resurgence of the Great Commission, if the Just are to live by their faith, then there’s got to be a refocusing on the priorities of Christ for discipleship. Revival, evangelism and faith-full living, are a spontaneous response to a relationship with the living Lord! Not to programs or religious activities.

The most powerful component of the Great Commission is to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Our churches aren’t stalled in America because of a lack of ingenuity, ideas, methods or buildings. I believe there is a huge gap in the teaching ministries of our churches today. The only thing that can get us out of that is good, solid biblical exposition that leads us into the deepest and most profound relationship with Jesus Christ.

Here at our website you will be able to get all the latest news on Until the Shout. You will get seminar previews, curriculum updates and also Brian Johnson’s latest blog. The website is brand new and over the next few weeks information will be added regularly so check back with us often!

If you are interested bringing an “Until The Shout” seminar or Bible Study to your church please contact us right away.

Our Vision: This ministry is an educational ministry investing in the Spiritual lives of all believers and assisting local churches of every denomination in the ministry of discipleship and edification through sound exegetical Biblical teaching.

Our Mission: To raise up holy warriors in the Kingdom, strong in their faith, with an answer prepared for the hope that is within them, reaching the land for Jesus and manifesting the Glory of God.

Our Objective: We are committed to a transdenominational and transcultural ministry through the media of seminars, literature, radio, online studies, as well as written, CD, and DVD curricula and formal education.

All this is by God’s grace and your support of “Until The Shout Ministries.” We are very excited about 2010 and what God has in store for His Church and the role “Until The Shout” will play as He carries out His plan. We could not have come this far had God not laid us on your hearts and had our supporters not responded so obediently to His urging. Thank you and may God bless you mightily in 2010!

Until the Shout!

Brian Johnson

You’ve Got Mail!

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:15:40 +0000

A Study from the Revelation of Jesus Christ

In this Study we will open God’s Word and look at how Jesus has personally addressed each one of us.

If you ask Bible – literate Christians how many epistles (letters) there are in the New Testament, most will tell you there are 21. They will list the 13 “Pauline” epistles and the 8 epistles to the Hebrews. Although this is the common answer, it isn’t the correct answer. Most will overlook the 7 most important letters in the entire Scripture – the 7 letters written by Jesus Himself contained in the book of Revelation. In all of Revelation, the two chapters most important for believers today are the ones most often overlooked – chapters 2 & 3.

Each of the seven letters from Jesus Himself did not only apply to the local churches of that day. They are also a picture of seven kinds of churches that are found in any age, in any period of history. Including our own! Moreover, each of these letters has a very personal application to each one of us. In other words, our Savior has written each of us a letter as well. But which of the seven is yours?

This is a deep and personal study for the individuals who are bold enough to engage it and is also a very introspective look into the heart of any church. Find out what God’s Word has to say about who we are, how we live our lives, and how we can “Overcome.”

What’s In Your (Eternal) Wallet?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:02:22 +0000

“Compensation in eternity: What is it and what happens when I die?”

In this study we will open God’s Word and tackle a subject that can be a source of confusion and even controversy (imagine that!) with many believers – our Eternal Rewards in heaven. Let me ask you some provocative questions that you may not have thought of…

What happens when we die? Believers go to Heaven, sure, but what then?

Do all believers receive the same “treatment” or “status” in heaven?

Once we are saved, does the way we choose to live our lives continue to affect our eternity?

Is there only one judgment?

Is it possible to suffer loss in heaven?

How about hell? Are there “levels,” if you will, of misery or punishment in hell?

Is all sin equal?

If there are differing “levels” in heaven, what determines yours?

The answers to the questions above may surprise saints and sinners alike! How we live our life on earth as both believers and non-believers determines our reward in heaven or our punishment in hell. Life after death is determined by life before death. And the decisions we make in our short lifetimes will affect us forever. Now that’s leverage!

Your congregation, Bible Fellowship class or Bible Study group will be blessed and stirred to action by this eye opening study. Find out what God’s Word has to say about this exciting, but sometimes misunderstood topic.

Statement of Faith

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:14:57 +0000

We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on the cross to provide for our redemption, resurrection, bodily ascension into Heaven, present ministry of intercession for us, and His imminent return to earth in power and glory (John1:1,14; Luke 1:26-38; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 6:19; Romans 3:24; Matthew 28:6; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 7:25; Acts 1:11; Luke 21:27).

We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that He performs the miracle of the new birth in an unbeliever and indwells believers, enabling them to live a Godly life. (Acts 5:3,4; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18; Ephesians 4:30)

We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of sin was alienated from God. That alienation can be removed only by accepting through faith God’s gift of salvation which was made possible by Christ’s death (Genesis 1:26,27; Romans 3:23,5:8,8:1; John 3:16-19,5:24; Ephesians 2:8-10).

We believe that salvation with its forgiveness for sins and its impartation of a new nature is entirely separate from good works, baptism, church membership, or man’s effort. Salvation is totally by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Furthermore, we believe that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and that “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 )

We believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man and is verbally inspired, authoritative, and without error in the original manuscripts (2 Peter 1:21; John 10:35; Matthew 5:18). All scripture is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

We believe the local Church (each local body of believers) is God’s chosen instrument for reaching the lost world by obeying and fulfilling the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:19-20.

Until The Shout Ministries

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:01:41 +0000

Greetings Mighty Warriors!

Welcome to the new website of Until the Shout Ministries! Until The Shout is a teaching and training ministry dedicated to the growth and edification of believers and the Church. We are doing our part to fulfill the Great Commission and in particular by obeying the verse given to us in Matthew 28: 20, “…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you….”

The Christian world was recently jolted when the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) was released. Newsweek magazine reported these findings in their lead story, “The End of Christian America.” Our President has declared to the world that we are no longer a Christian nation. Over the last 18 years, 50 million people have been added to the United States, yet almost every denomination has lost ground.

If we want revival within the Church of Jesus Christ, if we want a resurgence of the Great Commission, if the Just are to live by their faith, then there’s got to be a refocusing on the priorities of Christ for discipleship. Revival, evangelism and faith-full living, are a spontaneous response to a relationship with the living Lord! Not to programs or religious activities.

The most powerful component of the Great Commission is to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Our churches aren’t stalled in America because of a lack of ingenuity, ideas, methods or buildings. I believe there is a huge gap in the teaching ministries of our churches today. The only thing that can get us out of that is good, solid biblical exposition that leads us into the deepest and most profound relationship with Jesus Christ.

Here at our website you will be able to get all the latest news on Until the Shout. You will get seminar previews, curriculum updates and also Brian Johnson’s latest blog. The website is brand new and over the next few weeks information will be added regularly so check back with us often!

If you are interested bringing an “Until The Shout” seminar or Bible Study to your church please contact us right away.

Our Vision: This ministry is an educational ministry investing in the Spiritual lives of all believers and assisting local churches of every denomination in the ministry of discipleship and edification through sound exegetical Biblical teaching.

Our Mission: To raise up holy warriors in the Kingdom, strong in their faith, with an answer prepared for the hope that is within them, reaching the land for Jesus and manifesting the Glory of God.

Our Objective: We are committed to a transdenominational and transcultural ministry through the media of seminars, literature, radio, online studies, as well as written, CD, and DVD curricula and formal education.

All this is by God’s grace and your support of “Until The Shout Ministries.” We are very excited about 2010 and what God has in store for His Church and the role “Until The Shout” will play as He carries out His plan. We could not have come this far had God not laid us on your hearts and had our supporters not responded so obediently to His urging. Thank you and may God bless you mightily in 2010!

Until the Shout!

Brian Johnson