The Church for some years has been at Pentecost. Pentecost is the fourth feast of the Lord. The next, the fifth feast, is Trumpets. The Blowing of Trumpets announces the war between righteousness and wickedness.

In order for justice to be brought to the earth Satan must be cast out. The casting out of Satan marks the coming of the Kingdom of God.

The price of redemption was paid on the cross of Calvary. But Satan will not release his slaves. The only solution is force, the force of God's Spirit.

The Blowing of Trumpets has two aspects, one personal and one kingdom-wide. The personal fulfillment of Trumpets occurs as the Lord Jesus Christ comes against the enemy in the lives of His people, declaring war against the powers of darkness. The kingdom-wide fulfillment of the feast of Trumpets will take place when the Lord Jesus descends with His overcomers and drives Satan from the earth.

We are not accustomed to this role of the Lord Jesus. But the change is taking place today. The Lord is taking off His Moses hat and putting on His Joshua hat.

Whenever change takes place among people an uproar occurs. So it is today. The believers, naturally, want to cling to the familiar. They want to sing "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us"; "I Come to the Garden Alone"; "Sweet Hour of Prayer." Who could blame them? These hymns of the faith have brought the Christians through many a stormy trial.

But new choruses are coming forth having to do with war and battle: "Our God Is an Awesome God"; "He Is the Living God, Enduring Forever"; "Blow the Trumpet in Zion." Our own assembly is probably on the growing edge in this regard and some of our choruses, such as "Faithful and True," have been composed by our own musicians.

On occasion the people will march around the church while the only sound is the drum, some of the worshipers carrying banners, including our great banner with Christ on His white horse descending to make war against His enemies.

There always have been war hymns, such as "Onward Christian Soldiers"; and "Stand Up for Jesus." But there now is much more of a sense of immediacy accompanying these, at least for our generation.

The worship team on the platform must envision themselves as an advance guard, driving the enemy from the congregation until the people are lifted into the prophetic milieu. The presence of demons in the United States is increasing daily. The battle continually intensifies. The believers coming in to worship are torn and bleeding from what they have encountered during the week. It is the responsibility of the worship team to mount the attack until the Spirit of God is predominant.

The platform during the worship is no place for casual conduct, banter, or any kind of foolishness whatever. It is to be all-out war and nothing less! All confusion and indecision must be settled in prayer prior to the commencement of the service. Nothing should be said or done that brings the congregation down from the heavenlies or focuses their attention on themselves or on the worship team.

The song service should start strong and keep up the militant and worshipful attitude, even during the slower choruses.

The team leader is free to make exceptions to the above principles but only as he or she is directed by the Spirit, never casually.

Make no mistake, the battle has begun in earnest!

To be continued.