Eric Metaxas: Bolstering the Saints
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Eric Metaxas: Bolstering the Saints
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I Prayed
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We are in an epochal crisis in America and around the world. Prayer has never mattered more than it does right now. ~ Eric Metaxas
In advance of Intercessors for America’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and Gala, we had the pleasure to sit down with one of our keynote speakers, bestselling author and syndicated radio host, Eric Metaxas. His latest book, Letter to the American Church, is not only a prophetic warning designed to put new muscles on the Church and its leaders but also a heavenly jet fuel for the prayer engines of our national intercessors.
IFA has faithful members who have fervently burned in prayer for our country from a few months to all fifty years. The disciplined work of intercessory prayer requires faith, steadfastness, and often longsuffering as national answers to prayer necessitate time to unfold.
Our aim in bringing Eric to the Shaping HIStory Conference is to encourage, exhort, and supercharge our intercessors to celebrate the work accomplished and prepare for the battles ahead.
Drawing richly on his prolific and meaty research of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the failures of the Christian church in pre-WWII Germany, Metaxas roars the same warnings of heaven that Bonhoeffer did. Eric tells us that of the 18,000 Protestant pastors in pre-WWII Germany, only 3,000 stood in defiance of the rise of Nazism. That left 15,000 church leaders either silent or complicit with the Fuehrer.
When we spoke with Eric, he was thrilled to hear that the IFA intercessors can be likened to those 3,000 strong — heeding the warnings and speaking loudly on behalf of the Kingdom. When asked how we can bolster these brave saints who are determined to call down God’s will for this nation, Metaxas said:
Our nation came into existence with prayer and has only continued to exist because of prayer and will continue to exist only if we continue to pray. There is no beacon of freedom like America, and it is an unimaginably vital role God has entrusted us with. Whether we like it or not, the world in many ways depends on us in America — and we in America depend on the prayers of the intercessors. It is a sobering thing to consider.
In reflecting on his masterfully written biographies of Bonhoeffer, Wilberforce, and Luther, some intercessors may feel their contributions to history may pale in comparison. Eric says,
Everyone has a different role, and the key is for each of us to ask the Lord to lead us to what He has made us for. Trying to do what others are doing can be a big mistake.
Whom God sees as courageous is often different than whom we would see as courageous. And there are doubtless innumerable souls who are courageous in what are private spheres, but that have a ripple effect in the wider world, and whom we may never know.
God sees all these souls in their otherwise private battles. In a way it seems we are living at a time when God calls each of us to be the heroes we have read about, knowing that He is no respecter of persons and calls every single one of us to courageous acts, wherever we are.
Find out more about Eric Metaxas at ericmetaxas.com.
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Father
Thank you that you hear and listen. Help us to love our local church and its members. Place your love in our hearts, overcome bitterness and pain through your help. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Thank you Lord for strong faith Christian people that we see, but you view them as saints 🙏. Give him the power to reveal the truth for so many people who DESPERATELY need to hear it!
dutifully scribed and presented! Truth! In Jesus Name, Amen!
Eric Metaxas is dynamic and thoughtful . Sounding the alarm loud and clear. Will America heed?
May the Lord strengthen His faithful servant, Eric Metaxas. May his voice increase, across the atmosphere of America. May his God-oriented message be empowered by Holy Spirit to penetrate the hearts and minds of all Americans.
May the Lord bless and keep you Eric and your family.
Father God, we thank you for the Christian leadership of Eric Metaxas and all the wonderful God-filled leaders that you have raised up and used in this ministry and others through the years. May our hearts and minds be willing to listen and follow. May we form a strong dedicated group full of strength and the participation of all believers not just a few as happened in Germany before WW2. In Jesus’s Name we forbid inaction and complacency and fear to influence us. The time to pray and act is now!!!When we pray God will speak to our hearts through Holy Spirit and give us our assignments. Then we will act in unity and win the battle between good and evil. God is with us and so is His victorious power. In reality we have already won. Everyone that is a Christian believer is needed to work together to accomplish the perfect will of God. Let us make manifest God’s will. First John 5:4 “ For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. “ Praise you Lord Jesus!!
I appreciate what Eric Metaxas had to say. I have read his book on Dietrich Bonhoffer and have really enjoyed listening to his podcasts. We can never underestimate the power of prayer. God has raised His intercessor’s up for such a time as this. May we be faithful to the call and continue to pray!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you Keith for this great article! It almost seems like Eric is passing the prayer baton in the running for our faith and literally for our civilization! Thank you for all you do for the Kingdom, and IFA. So nice to meet you and Jill on the bus over the weekend at IFA’s 50th! God bless you!
Thank you so much, Mary Jo! It was a phenomenal conference in so many ways. And it was so good to meet you too. Let’s continue to pray for our leaders and be salt and light.
Eric Metaxis has been one of my favorite authors and still is. He speaks truth and is giving a prophets warning to all for the times we are in.
Let us heed his warning and insights!
Exactly we must pray for the strength to gods will always, forsaking all of earths persuasions and even persecution. Our world is getting darker every day we stay strong in and by our prayers.
I needed to hear this today, very timely.
I love this man in a spiritual way he truly believes and it is such a pleasure to listen to 🙏🏻
How Godincidental that I sent this message to Eric yesterday…
Eric,
Praise God! YOU WILL APPRECIATE THIS…
Pastor Tim Dilena of Times Square Church preached the harsh message of Nahum yesterday… like you and I, he sees clearly as to what is coming to America VERY soon. This replay is queued to start with his opening: https://youtu.be/1XL8HqBHD2s?t=3414
It was May 13 of this year where Holy Spirit directed me to Nahum and confirmed it immediately with the words “Enemy at the Gate.” This is exactly what happened… https://peter70x7.substack.com/p/enemies-at-the-gate-a-flood-at-the.
I have patiently waited on the Lord for the appointed time, and this morning a door opened to “write Eric” with a strong sense you will receive and engage. As it just dawned on me, I’m pausing this very moment pondering any significance to the fact today is exactly half a time since that “May Day.” Hmmm.
In August, I was blessed to learn the Greek word, Pathema, by none other than your friend, Pastor Jack Hibbs. In this same post, I connect to you in what had been a wonderfully confirming moment when reading p122 of Letter to the American Church. https://peter70x7.substack.com/p/the-lateness-of-the-hour
Brother, can you see men lifting up over their shoulder and pouring the entirety of their treasure chest into the Kingdom? Nothing is going to make sense going forward. The wise shall be confounded.
Wield the Sword for the King of glory ~ Shalom! Peter
“Then came Peter to him, and said, ‘Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?’ Jesus saith unto him, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22 KJV
“A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.” Daniel 9:25 NLT
Telegram: https://t.me/LordofHeavensArmies
I’m praying for America 🇺🇸 , Israel 🇮🇱 and revival throughout Europe!!
Lord our country goes from crisis to crisis and it only proves how much Americans need You Lord. Please Lord raise up leaders in churches and all over nation that encourage people to pray for Your will to be done. Lord You know what is best, help us to reach out to You and seek You. Amen.
“I am asked, what is one to do to be sure that one is following the way of Salvation. I answer: ” Love God, and, above all, Pray.” Mother Teresa “When we get a glimpse of Jesus as the Divine Intercessor, we will begin to pray in a different light. You will begin to know the authority, power and intensity of the Divine Intercessor as He works in and through you.” Gary Wilkerson “But when you pray go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:7 Thank You Father God that You have given us the gift and power of prayer. Please help us to faithfully stand with You in prayer to see Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Your Glorious, Victorious Name we humbly come before You in prayer. Amen.
“As they were traveling on the road, a man said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” Yeshua answered him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds flying about have nests, but the Son of Man has no home of His own.” To another He said, “Follow Me!” but the man replied, “Sir, first let me go away and bury my father.” Yeshua said, “Let the dead bury their own dead; you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God!” Yet another said, “I will follow You, Sir, but first let me say good-by to the people at home.” To him Yeshua said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and keeps looking back is fit to serve in the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62
LORD, help us for we don’t want to be those who look back, but those who set our faces like flint and persist in plowing the hard ground of this world with our tears, our intercession, our sowing and declaration of Your Holy Living Word, our obedience. “So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don’t give up, we will in due time reap the harvest.” Gal. 6:9 Perhaps this is that “due time”, but if not, help us persist in faith.
Thank you Eric for your voice and pen. You are an inspiration to so many in this hour when a clear and God fearing message of strength and grace is needed.
Thank You Lord for calling Eric Metaxas up to speak. I bless Eric Metaxas with increased Favor, Authority, Revelation, and Reach, in Jesus’s name. May his voice be amplified so that Your Message to Your People may be amplified on this earth. In Jesus’s name.
We all wish and hope and pray that ALL of God’s people would be burdened to pray and intercede for our country, to be a loud voice for what’s right and to push against the evil voices that abound everywhere. Let’s be encouraged that we are here, the few, the remnant. Let us rejoice that we are the few who were chosen for such a time as this. Let us rejoice that we heard the call. Let us be thankful that God didn’t leave us asleep.
Father, we pray that the rest would wake up and hear the clarion call to prayer and action. We give you all the praise and glory and honor that we are among the little army of believers whom You have called. Each of us will do our part, being watchmen and warriors for this hour. We take our stand in the marketplace, in the prayer closet, with our families, and with whatever it is You have called each of us to do. Thank You, Father. All glory to Your Name.
Please Lord move on Your Body and the leaders of churches.
Im a newer Christian and Lord put it in me to start a weekly current events prayer group at my church. A couple seasoned Christians at the church didn’t like it, complained relentlessly to leadership (who had originally approved it), and leadership cancelled it. The Lord’s House is to be a House of Prayer.
Revival – you can make your house a house of prayer! The LORD will make a way for your calling as you trust Him.
I am not a new Christian. Our church has had a long standing in-person intercessory prayer group, of which have been a participant for 17 years and leader for the last 9. We’ve always been a small but steadfast group. The pastor and council have set a term limit on my position. The new appointee has no desire to continue in person prayer at the church. I had to announce it to our faithful praying remnant last night. Not sure what Holy Spirit will do, but I’m waiting on Him. In the meantime don’t stop praying! Being an intercessor can feel pretty lonely here on earth, but it is highly valued in God’s eyes. I will never stop as long as I have breath—it may fly under the radar, so to speak—but I shall not stop! I’m adding you to my list for the Lord to give you wisdom, strength, and an outlet for your passion! You are needed in the Body, dear faithful one.
Start attending events at other churches..as you meet people..after awhile begin to share an idea to start( the group you just mentioned at home).. and online resources may be used to start Christian groups as well-, but be careful about that.. and be content with just one or two people coming over to pray as you kind of get a feel for their situation and the sincerity of those people.. in the meantime you may find that God is calling you to another church or you may wind up staying at the church that you’re at.. but don’t let people’s attitudes and questionable intentions derail your internal compass as God directs you. Especially being that it seems you have a strong sense of God’s Direction.. that’s the most important part. If your church-,as you have stated..has already adamantly spoken against doing that.. I would not bring it up there again
This is so sad that your church cancelled the prayer group:(
Please know that each state has an IFA state prayer leader. Here’s the link https://ifapray.org/states/
to find your state and when they pray. Being connected to your state will be a great way to use your gift (intercessor).
Blessings, Anita
I am in total agreement!
God has been putting on my heart to tell others that we must “Pray Pray Pray than keep on Praying and NEVER stop Praying!!!
Today I woke up feeling bogged down by what news article I will be praying for during my time of prayer with IFA. There have been difficult articles recently and sometimes I don’t know where to begin. I was so encouraged by this article today, thank you Eric. And I saw the other articles by Dutch Sheets , Kim Potter, Rachel Wright and Joyce Swingle and I already felt encouraged before I even read them. They are all such encouragers of faith and prayer. Help me to be a light, Lord. Direct my path.
Thankyou Eric,
For your kind words of truth and encouragement. I have referenced and recommended your books many times, especially the latest one, “Letter to the American Church. As I fight the battle for speakers/pastors/leadership at a conference center not far from where I live to become part of the confessing church, and leave the ranks of the the quiet and complicit, it seems hardly anyone is listening. It’s the hardest job I’ve done for free. But I am reminded and encouraged that my job is only to sound the trumpet of warning. It is up to them to choose to hear. I pray they and others hear these words of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand:
“Some tell me to preach the pure gospel! This reminds me that the Communist secret police also told me to preach Christ, but not to mention Communism. Is it really so, that those who are for what is called the “pure gospel” are inspired by the same spirit as of the Communist secret police?”
As we pray and speak up, inwhatever our speres of influence are, I believe that the cloud of witnesses and the Lord himself is cheering us on.
Praying for you as well, sir, as you continue to be a leader of the watchmen. Praying also for us rank and file watchmen. Our common enemy is formidable, but we tremble not for him. One little word shall fell him. The right man, our Lord, is on and at our side. (Paraphrased from ” A Mighty fortress is our God”)
The level of veiling inside The Church is astounding. The heartbreaking thing is when the majority are veiled, they feel normal and the unveiled look like outliers. So that further promotes their deception. But the remnant IS growing and we must do what we are called to do. I’m in hard ground and I am actually seeing fruit, some just starting to stir.
It’s a marrow path..getting even more narrow
Thank you God for these people of faith and for the encouragement that we receive from them thank you for IFA May you bless them with wisdom and power and help us to shine bright for you Jesus thank you amen
ODE TO THE HOLY PROPHETS OF OLD
by Eva
Great servants of G-D, who followed His Voice in days gone by,
Could not be moved by compromise: to the flesh they’d chosen to die.
In deep humility, they arose obedient to their call,
Accepting the work commissioned them as rebuilders of Jerusalem’s wall.
They were His anointed messengers: His mouth, His feet, His hands;
They listened intently to G-D’s still, small Voice and followed His every command.
They were conscious of His holy power, they ruled in His authority.
In a land filled with abomination, they proclaimed G-D’s holy decrees.
They were the bearers of heavenly secrets obtained from G-D’s throne of Grace.
Forsaking all behind them, they followed after their Ancient of Days.
They were men of prayer and communion who’d stood in the councils of G-D.
Their consecrated lives leaned heavily upon His staff and rod.
They rebuked all social injustice, against sin they stood fearlessly.
Guided by G-D’s Holy Spirit, they caused “blind” eyes to see.
Who were these men and women of faith who’d soared in eagle’s sky?
They were G-D’s holy standard bearers who held His banner high.
A beautiful poem that encourages through remembrances of what and who God has birthed in the past that we need for today. Thank you for sharing what God has given you.
Prayer is what keeps us going.