MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION
At the conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew, following the triumphant resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the first Resurrection Sunday, He appeared to the eleven disciples (Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, had already killed himself) - on the mountain that Jesus had appointed for them.
In Matthew 28: 18-20, we have recorded what is known as The Great Commission:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
As reported on Vision Christian Media's website in Australia recently, was a news story headed: Biggest Synchronized Baptism in US History
Part of the article is as follows: On Pentecost Sunday, tens of thousands of new believers across the United States made a public declaration of faith in what organisers hailed as the largest synchronized baptism event in American history. The one-day initiative saw at least 26,657 individuals baptized and 6,445 salvations recorded across 1,080 baptism events hosted by 650 churches in all states, according to preliminary numbers.
The baptisms took place in a wide variety of areas - from small rural churches to outdoor locations. In Colorado Springs, Zeal Church held baptisms indoors at the large Citadel Mall shopping centre with hundreds of onlookers.
The event grew out of Baptize California which began two years ago with 4,000 baptisms. That number jumped to more than 6,000 last year.
This year's nationwide expansion culminated in a massive gathering at Pirate's Cove - a beach with deep spiritual roots. It's the same site where Pastor Chuck Smith conducted mass baptisms during the 1970's Jesus Movement as portrayed in the 2023 film Jesus Revolution.
The Baptize America event was the brainchild of Oceans Church Pastor Mark Francey who has previously helped organise three other mass baptism events in California.
His Oceans Church posted:
We gathered at historic Pirate's Cove for Southern California's Regional Baptism, joining with thousands of churches across America. Countless lives were forever changed as people publicly declared their faith in Jesus!
Here in SoCal, the presence of God was tangible - testimonies, salvations, baptisms. Revival is here and is just getting started!
We are in awe of all God did across our nation this weekend. To Him be all the glory!
THE ABOVE QUOTED FROM THE VISION EDITORIAL TEAM, VISION CHRISTIAN MEDIA, AUSTRALIA
Ten years ago, Kentucky- based Christian rock band, 7eventh Time Down released a song called "God Is On The Move." It's message then and now in 2025 is most relevant. Here are some of the lyrics:
Anytime a heart turns from darkness to light
Anytime temptation comes and someone stands to
fight
Anytime somebody lives to serve and not be served
I know, I know, I know, I know
God is on the move, on the move
Hallelujah
God is on the move
In many mighty ways
God is on the move, on the move
Hallelujah
God is on the move
On the move today
Anytime in weakness someone falls upon their knees
Or dares to speak the truth that sets men free
Anytime the choice is made to stand upon the Word
I see a generation standing on the truth
In each and every nation, God is on the move
Anytime the Gospel stirs a searching soul
And someone says, "Send me, here I go."
I know, I know, I know, I know
God is on the move, on the move
Hallelujah
God is on the move
In many mighty ways
Here in Australia where my wife and I live, and specifically in our state of residence, Tasmania, the Holy Spirit is moving in a way that many believe is seeing the church on the cusp of real Revival. Pastors and leaders are sensing that there are going to be mighty waves of Revival power, manifesting the Presence of Almighty God with a harvest of souls born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Also mighty manifestations of God's glory in healings, miracles, and deliverance from demonic oppression, including the breaking of generational curses that maybe go back several generations. Jesus came to set the captives free!
The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that: Who the Son sets free is free indeed! As a pastor I knew in New Zealand said many years ago, another way of saying those words of Jesus is: You shall know the truth and the truth shall be in you A LIBERATING FORCE!
Islam has been making a boast that it is the fastest growing religion in the world. In response, Christian leaders could well say that that may be so, but is merely a confirmation that satan, the arch-deceiver and enemy of all that is Godly and good, knows that his time is short as the Bible states, and is working overtime to get as many people as possible to join him in Hell and the lake of fire.
Revival fires are breaking out in many places around the world. It has been stated that in Iran, since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 has been one of the most oppressive Muslim strongholds ruled by theocratic dictators who have little to no value for human life, and whose regime is responsible for hundreds of summary executions every year.
It has been reported, apparently accurately, that 50,000 of 75,000 Islamic mosques have closed in Iran, and that some 80% of the Iranian population want a change of the tyrant regime, and a return to Western-style freedoms enjoyed in the 70's until the Ayatollah Khomeini came to power.
We are living in very dangerous times, and as I post this blog, Iran and Isael are at war with each other, Iran having clearly stated its goal to wipe Israel off the map. For Bible-believing Christians and Jewish people who study Biblical prophecy, they know that will never happen. Israel prophetically certainly has some very difficult days ahead, but the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to earth 2,000 years ago as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world, will one day return in all of His glory to rule and reign the earth from Jerusalem for a period of 1,000 years, known as the Millenium. You can read all about that in the Book of Revelation.
The Bible tells us prophetically in Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west. And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
Isaiah 60:1-5 Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the LORD is risen upon
you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the
earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the LORD will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your
rising.
Lift up your eyes all around, and see:
They all gather together, they come to
you;
Your sons shall come from afar,
And your daughters shall be nursed at
your side.
Then you shall see and become radiant,
And your heart shall swell with joy;
Because the abundance of the sea shall
be turned to you,
The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to
you.
While the world is getting darker, and many are sensing a rising tide of hopelessness, this is the time that every blood-bought child of the Living God was born and born again for - to shine brighter than ever before, holding forth the Word of God that is able to bring freedom and release from every type of physical, mental and spiritual bondage - in the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS!
Jeremiah 33 vs 3 says: Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you do not know.
Truly, these are days when the light of God's love and power and glory are upon us to turn the hearts of the repentant to righteousness and to new life in Jesus!
GLORY DAYS!!!
