THE AMAZED & THE MOCKERS

There are things going on right now that should cause you to have an existential experience and question your reality. But the spirit of this world, the antichrist spirit, is saying, “That’s just crazy talk. There’s nothing to see here. Life goes on. I’m okay, you’re okay. You be you. These are not the droids you’re looking for.” Then if you stop to ponder, the mockers arrive to distract you and shuffle you back into the fog of popular culture.

And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Acts 2:12-13 ESV

In Acts 2, the Greek word for amazed is “existanto”. This is an existential experience — in other words, it forces the person to question their existence and their reality. When we face the existential, do we admit our perplexity and humbly ask, “What does this mean?”

ALL were amazed and perplexed, and then the mockers spoke out. To stop and consider what God is doing would require humility and admitting that something bigger is occurring. If the mocker opens that door then they may also have to admit that they are accountable for their lives, actions, and choices. This terrifies those who have rejected God. The rejecter does everything in his or her power to avoid and resist a true existential experience because it is the ultimate fork in the road and the moment of decision.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2 ESV

Scoffer in the Hebrew meant “make mouths at” and it’s also used to describe an interpreter or ambassador. When used in a negative connotation, as in Psalm 1, it is a person who derisively, sneeringly, or sarcastically re-interprets something right and good as comical, silly, or foolish. It is a person who serves as an ambassador of the antichrist spirit of this world and intentionally misinterprets truth, often in a snide, jesting manner.

“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

Proverbs 21:24 ESV

the devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

Proverbs 24:9 ESV

In the New Testament, the scoffer is equivalent to a false teacher who derides truth. Peter reminds us (2 Peter 3:3) that we need to remember the predictions of the prophets and the commands of the apostles, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.” Jude also warns (Jude 1:17-19), “But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.”

Today as we face amazing and perplexing occurrences all around us, will we question our reality? Will we humbly and sincerely stop what we’re doing and say, “What does this mean?” Or will we listen to the mockers and the scoffers? Will we allow them to distract and detour us from tears in the fabric of the world’s narrative?

This past Sunday, Jonathan Reaves, one of our Wellspring leaders, gave a big picture of what is currently happening in the world and then gave a charge to believers. Right now the entire world is having an existential experience, but for followers of Jesus this is a burning bush moment. Are you paying attention and are you taking your role seriously? CLICK HERE to watch the message.

Next Sunday, June 26th, Dr. Eddie Hyatt is teaching. I had the honor of working with Dr. Hyatt at Christ for the Nations Institute many years ago. At that time he taught classes on Holy Spirit, New Testament Survey, and the history of the charismatic church. He has experienced revival fire repeatedly in his own life and he’s written many books, including one titled Fire on the Earth. He’s also written books on the history of the Spirit-empowered church and books on the history of the United States. Dr. Eddie Hyatt and his wife, Dr. Susan Hyatt, are anointed teachers and gifts to the church. I can’t wait to hear the fresh word he’s bringing on Sunday!

I’m also really looking forward to July. It will be Wellspring’s “Women on Fire”. We’re having Debbie Countryman, Luna Neese, Melody Cook, Sally Pearson, and Stephanie Armstrong preaching. As the world calls for fear and control, the Spirit of God is bringing a match to the party. And He is fully intending to light things up. Are you preparing yourself?

Holy fire come!
Matt

Matt Neese
Wellspring.Live

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ON THE CALENDAR

• 06/22 — Prophetic Group – Stephanie sarm1220@gmail.com
• 06/25 — Men’s Coffee Talk – Darren darren1421@gmail.com
• 06/26 — Guest Teacher: Dr. Eddie Hyatt – eddiehyatt.com
• 06/29 — Youth Hawaiian Falls – Sally ssalas0616@yahoo.com
• 06/29 — Prophetic Group – Stephanie sarm1220@gmail.com
• 07/05-08 — Youth for the Nations – Sally ssalas0616@yahoo.com
• 07/06 — Prophetic Group – Stephanie sarm1220@gmail.com
• 07/13 — Prophetic Group – Stephanie sarm1220@gmail.com

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