Dear Saints,
Since assuming this writing ministry of Joseph Herrin, the Holy Spirit has been making it clear to me how there is a great need amongst the Remnant to come together in fellowship in this late hour.
Many believers are isolated in these days due to their walk in Christ Yahshua and their outspoken dedication to His truths. Many have been cast out from the organised Church or have chosen to leave its corrupted ways. We are a Remnant scattered around the world, with few communities in which we may belong.
Our fiery trials in the wilderness have burned away many impurities whilst also separating us from the fallen world. In being set apart like this by the Father’s instruction, we become increasingly holy.
Though inversely, many have also become increasingly lonely.
The Loneliness Of The Saints
Perhaps you are blessed with a precious partner in your walk, or a handful of faithful friends, or even a small Fellowship of truth-loving saints (you are rich indeed!). Many however are not so fortunate in this hour.
I am reminded of the words of a brother who emailed recently:
“Our walk is certainly a lonely one. I’ve come to accept that as the price for walking closely with my God. I often think of Elijah and his walk, and how the Lord told him in his distress that there were yet 7000 who had not bent knees to baal. The disciples had a different walk, although still few in number, they had much more community and communication.”
Yes. When Elijah cried out in distress, there were only 7000 who had not yet bent the knee to Baal!
This is where many of us now are. Isolated in a wilderness which the early disciples of Christ Yahshua did not have to suffer alone, for they had each other.
They had community.
I do not write these sentiments on behalf of myself. My whole life I have been a soloist, and I tend to thrive when left alone. Like certain saints of old, I prefer being in the wilderness. But I write this on behalf of all the saints who have not been created to be so odd as that, and who instead are crafted as people are normally crafted, with a need for community and faithful companionship with their fellow peers.
As a sister in Christ recently wrote in an email, concerning Joseph’s ministry:
“A ministry takes a village…..His family members working together with Him being the HEAD.”
Amen!
Time and again throughout the New Testament, believers are exhorted to come together as a body, as a family of brothers and sisters in Christ, each with their own spiritual gifts in which to minister to each other. Of course these scriptures have often been misused as ways of ‘shaming’ believers into attending the Babylonian Church system (I have been told several times by fellow believers that ‘I am not a Christian because I do not attend a Church’). But despite those common misuses, these scriptures still apply to the ecclesia, the called out ones, of today. God wishes us to work together, and has given us gifts of grace for that very purpose!
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
… From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:7-16
Do you recognise the spiritual gifts you have been given, and are you using them to minister to your fellow saints in these last days?
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23
‘I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.’
In our scattered isolation, where is our collective glory?
Do not misunderstand me. Our isolation is for a purpose, and the Father has equipped us with all we need to endure it with patience, humility and joy. Yes, even joy.
In our separation from this world, in our drawing aside from the delusions and desires of the flesh, we shine even brighter to those who see us. And as the times become even darker, the brighter we yet become as an example of a better way, as a signpost directed to God. This is all part of Yahweh’s Plan.
Yet we are not meant to be isolated from each other – from our fellow saints, as Yahweh has also instructed us. And this matter needs addressing.
A Firstfruits Community
A Company of firstfruits has gathered around the teachings of Joseph Herrin. By simply being readers of Joseph’s works, you show the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you by your pursuit of Yahweh’s deeper truths. No one has ears for these teachings unless they have much courage, very little flesh remaining, and a deeply honest yearning for God’s understandings. And many have suffered greatly for this adherence to truth in their Kingdom walks.
Yet the Father loves you greatly for your faithful sacrifices, and He will give you everything you require when the time is most ripe for it. That time might be now. Or you may have to wait patiently for the conditions to ripen fully.
The other night whilst in prayer, I asked Yahweh how best to further Joseph’s writing ministry from here. The answer was immediate, and it was literally a single word.
Community.
And then the Father reminded me of all the ways he had been pointing this out to me over the holiday period. Community community community.
I understand that as believers scattered around the world we have many differences. And none of us will agree on every single matter. I have not encountered a single human being who I have agreed 100% with in all things. The closest to this I have ever come to is with Joseph Herrin’s teachings. And even then, I struggled with some of these teachings until the Spirit lead me into my own personal understanding of them. And still there are other minor teachings in which I do lean in a different direction of understanding from Joseph – simply because some understandings of scripture are not a simple matter of either/or, but rather a matter of emphasis. In other words, saints often emphasise different lessons from the same sources of teaching, and just because their emphasis is different from others, it does not necessarily make them incorrect.
For example: in the Old Testament, when Moses was barred by Yahweh from entering the Promised Land for striking the rock, was it because of a) Moses was disobedient to God, or b) because Moses was angry?
Do you see what I mean?
Yet despite our differences, our spirits are the same in Christ and we should be together as one body with Christ as our Head. And this ministry is one such place where we may come together in this hour, for we are already here!
In some way I hope to stir your spirit with these words.
If so, perhaps you yourself can help out in some way.
Share!
Do you have a faith website or ministry? It is getting harder to find Spirit-lead sites on the internet that are fully committed to truth come-what-may, largely due to the censorship of search engines and social media. Please send me your links, and I may be able to compile some resources for the saints to use in terms of community.
If you preach or minister on the streets, anywhere in the world, let me know! If you can provide photos then I can write up an article about your work here on Parables.
Get In Touch!
If you have missed any of the postings since Joseph’s retirement announcement, all of the articles can be read on the Parables homepage, where you are invited to leave a comment if you feel lead to do so. Comments are the least we can offer in terms of community.
(By the way, if you are experiencing any issues with subscriptions, emails or comments since the Parables website was moved last month, then let me know at thiswisefool@protonmail.com).
Most of all, get in touch! I would dearly like to hear from my brothers and sisters out there who are followers of Joseph Herrin’s works. I may take some time getting back to you, but I always reply to emails. Just use the email address provided above.
Donate!
Before the arrival of the New Year, I directed all donations to go to Joseph as part of his retirement from his ministry. However, at Joseph’s request, I have finally changed the donation links so they direct to a new Heart4God Ministry donations page. You are invited to donate to the ministry at this time. Your financial support will not only allow me to continue this priceless ministry onwards, but will also enable me to undertake some of the ministry projects that are listed below:
* Meeting the call for community by creating a COMMUNITY FORUM, where saints may fellowship online. This would be a third website to compliment Heart4God & Parables.blog.
* Publishing ALL of Joseph’s books as printed paperbacks, and then distributing them as widely as possible.
* Rebuilding Heart4God as a wordpress site.
* Updating the Parables.blog website to include such things as Pinned and Featured Articles in a new left sidebar (requires a redesign).
* Starting a Parables/Heart4God blog on Substack for Joseph Herrin beginners.
So your donations to this ministry are very much welcomed.
Lend A Hand!
Even more than financial aid, I require volunteers in order to pursue these ministry projects further.
Alas, I cannot do all of this alone!
The ministry requires volunteer Admins for the proposed COMMUNITY FORUM. If you would be suited for this task, and can offer some time, perhaps a few evenings a week, please contact me at: thiswisefool@protonmail.com.
If you have experience in building wordpress sites and feel up to rebuilding the Heart4God website as a wordpress one, then let me know!
If you are techy, and wish to offer some regular tech support for the websites so I may be freed to do other ministry work, I would like to hear from you.
If you are a writer, and have any articles to share with us, send them in. If I consider them suitable for the Parables blog, I will post them.
If you are simply inspired in the spirit to share some words with your fellow saints, I will try to post them in the blog for all to read.
Furthering Joseph Herrin’s Ministry
Clearly the Good Father does not wish me to do all of this alone. That is why I have been given the directions yet still lack the means.
I will pursue only those ministry projects which are provided for. So furthering Joseph’s 25-year-old ministry is truly down to all of us now, under the leading of Christ.
I testify that the Holy Spirit is speaking strongly that we must draw together in this late hour.
Will you respond to the call?
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
With love,
Colin Buchanan
thiswisefool@protonmail.com
Parables.blog — Heart4God — Truthvine.net
Hello Brother Collin,I remember Joseph and I discussing a couple of the details concerning Moses…ha ha.When He was on his way to Egypt after being sent by God.It says in Exodus 4:24 that God met him at a lodging place and sought to kill him.It all appears to be because he had not circumcised his sons.And Zipporah did it and called him a bridegroom of blood to her.I know that circumcision is symbolic of removing the flesh of our lives but leaves me wondering why God would kill him after He had just sent him.
God said to Moses at the rock though that he and Aaron would not enter the promised land because he did not believe in Him and he rebelled against His command at the waters of Meribah…but,the old testament is full of shadows and types also and Moses represented the law.
Going into the promised land and conquering the enemy is symbolic of us the christain overcoming all that is antichrist within us.We are that land to be conquered and it can’t be conquered by following the written law.It must be by taking up our cross and following Christ(Yashua)at the leading of the spirit.Moses represented the law and old covenant.Joshua(same name as Yashua)was chosen then to lead the children into the promised land and one by one to overcome the enemy(flesh) within.I don’t know if that has anything to do with God’s decision to not allow Moses in but it would make sense for the law could not make perfect.Only following Christ spirit can.
Anyways…thank you for the encouragement today for those of us walking in lonely places.Ive tried to remain in people’s lives but when the holidays come around it brings division and with most christains looking to a political leader to maintain the prosperity of this land it always brings the sword of division between me and them.Theres much more I could comment on and I don’t have a friend to lay these things on so I guess I am going on to vent here hoping to be understood a little…ha ha.Thanks brother once again for what you are doing for Joseph’s teaching and ministry.May you take it to the place and to the people I have hoped it would reach in these coming days.
God bless I can’t scroll this back to fix any mistakes in typing so it’s probably full of errors…ha ha sorry
Thank you Randy! I was surprised when you wrote: “…with most christians looking to a political leader to maintain the prosperity of this land it always brings the sword of division between me and them.’
Has it gotten so bad over there in the US now? Are the majority of Christians now following this political bandwagon of salvation? It is quite amazing how popular he has become AROUND THE WORLD …
Dear Colin!
So Happy you are continuing Joseph’s ministry.
Concerning The USA, and the political/religious climate here, I have a note.
President Donald J Trump has been inaugurated a 2nd time(though he never left office).
It was not a mistake he “didn’t put his hand on the Bible for his swearing in”.
That is another story.
However, now that CENTRAL CASTING/HOLLYWOOD/CIA is being exposed for the Satanists and Deceivers they are, many are realizing g they have been hoodwinked/mind-controlled/deceived by what they see on MSM/Tel-aVision propaganda machine.
It is through deep & prolonged searches that I have come to understand that we are in a major PsyOp(worldwide).
Judgment is here, and everything hidden is being brought to the light(as Jesus said it would be).
Though Politics & Religion(along with their tentacles of entrapment)have divided our Nation, many are waking up through Our President’s persistence in taking down the corruption everywhere, starting at the Highest Offices in the land.
Many are divided on his account as well, not knowing if he is Good or Evil.
However, he is a vessel being used by YHWH to bring about an Awakening, so vast, that no one will be exempt from it’s reach, nor have excuse to not know the Truth.
In a nutshell, The Political arena is the TWIN TOWER of the Religious arena. They Both went down together, as we all saw.
However, The Religious Tower is being exposed alongside The Political(they are entwined together by the Snake).
The Spiritual Judgment on The Great Whore is being seen in this physical realm daily, especially with the Airline Catastrophes.
To many DJT appears as a saviour to mankind, but to those that Trust YHWH, he is just an instrument of judgment in our land(and worldwide).
I do believe he is executing YHWH’s SWIFT judgment on this land, and even the Evil Powers that be, in their Resistance are also bearing out judgement on themselves, as well as destroying many people and land in the process, with their HAARP & SORCERIES that they DEW.
The atmosphere here in USA(now that our Republic has been restored, and USA INC. has been taken down), is one of mixed emotions.
Those that have been awake & following the TAKE DOWN of The Evil Cabal, are CAUTIOUSLY HAPPY, but those who are fighting against The Restoration of Our Republic are going full ahead Steam to destroy EVERYTHING in their path. No Souls are precious to these Servants of Sauron out of Mordor.
What I am cautioned to do is remember what Jesus said, about, WHEN THEY SAY “PEACE, PEACE”, then sudden destruction shall come…
Destruction shall come upon the whole Earth, but those that Trust in YHWH shall be kept safe from the Evil.
We all will go through the Valley of The SHADOW of Death, but HIS Rod & Staff(by which he died upon) shall preserve those that trust in HIM.
(I just learned about THE STAKE/STAFF in Hebrew). The Cross is really “The Stake” upon which he died, which is also interpreted “THE STAFF”.
One doesn’t have to be a scholar to see the SYMBOLISM(The Cross) that pagen religions have
incorporated into their one-world Religion.
This will come as a shock to most, but it’s true. The Cross(in all it’s different forms) is used worldwide in ALL ITS TWISTED FORMS OF
“CHRISTIANITY”.
True believers/called out ones/eklessia, don’t worship ANY IMAGE or SYMBOLS, but Worship YHWH in SPIRIT & IN TRUTH. So, it doesn’t matter that some call it a Cross & some call it a Stake. It only matters that we believe YASHUA’s Testimony that he gave us of Abba Father, Our Elohim.
We must all take up his reproach(The Cross/Stake/Tree) & follow him to the Death of The Flesh!
I hope this is acceptable to share!
I’m Thankful, Colin, for you, and Pray that you would be kept safe from The WATERS OF DECEPTION that the Dragon is pouring out of his mouth upon the earth. I also Pray that you, and yours, would be given a little sanctuary amidst the Terrible Troubles enveloping your Country.
Remember The Plagues of Egypt(The Children of Israel were SPARED The Wrath of God, and had light in their dwellings during the Plagues.
Now That is Hopeful!
I Also hope Joseph Herrin & Randy Simmons will be kept safe as well as any who read this blog, and Hope in Our Great Shepherd.
Note: Ireland has Strong ties to the Prophecies of Ephraim & Manassah, so be hopeful, that there are faithful among you, as well as The USA & Great Britain, and indeed in every Country, Nation & Language upon the face of the earth.
Shalom!
Thank you for your kind words Dimitri! I am heartened by your zeal and fear for God, brother.
I was also struck when you used the following words: ‘No Souls are precious to these Servants of Sauron out of Mordor.’
This leapt out at me, as this is the very topic of the blog I have posted today, They Flock To Kiss His Ring. I believe there is something in today’s writing which the Father wishes you to see, brother.
You also mentioned how ‘Ireland has Strong ties to the Prophecies of Ephraim & Manassah’. Yes, with spiritual eyes I have been seeing the real Spiritual war that has been occurring for all these centuries, and how certain nations are indeed in the crosshairs of the Enemy. How amazingly different history looks when perceived spiritually. Have you any links or references you could email me concerning the prophecies?
With blessings.
Dear Randy Simmons!
It is SO GOOD to hear from you.
I am merely a tag-a-long fragment of a believer in YHWH & YASHUA his Son, hoping to be A True Believer through & through.
I have been reading along(arriving late to the party, obviously),starting at where the blog began back in 2008. I jumped ahead to know what would become of Joseph your brother and friend. I am comforted in knowing he is ok on his path of retirement, and that YHWH has provided a brother to continue his ministry.
I always could associate with your trials & tribulations, being a very hard “nut” to crack.
I am so happy to hear your comment about Moses (not) entering the Promised land.
You are absolutely 💯 % correct.
Dad told us kids this many years back(I always cried for Moses on that story), that “The reason Moses COULD NOT ENTER The Promised Land was because of the truth of the Gospel(later to be revealed through YASHUA), that THE LAW CANNOT ENTER I to the Promised Land.
It is The Faith of YASHUA that any can enter, not by keeping the TORAH.
Anyway, So good to hear you preach that truth(YHWH showed you that by his Spirit).
God Bless You, my friend, and Joseph, as well. His Understanding & Humility have been a priceless treasure for me through my troubles these past few years. His teachings(most of them) have been such a source of strength, hope & comfort to me, though many were strong rebukes to me & my ungodly ways. I hope to be forgiven for all(and I am forgiven when I believe his Gospel of Forgiveness & Repentance).
My humble thanks to the saints who have emailed so far concerning this matter of community. It is most encouraging. May the glory be to Yahweh.
Thank you, Colin, for this (always) insightful post. I think, and has been my experience, that those who are following the Lamb where EVER He leads will have to get used to a measure of solitude and loneliness. However, I also believe that, among God’s true remnant are mature saints who come along side us in TRUE koinonia, and TRUE bonds of fellowship and love are shared and enjoyed. I pray daily, that He would cause me to (truly) agape people, and walk in (and preserve) the unity of the Spirit, drawing people into the Light, as opposed to striving for something we so often become ensnared in…. namely “trying to bring about the unity of the faith”, through the ministries that HE is raising up. When we truly allow our Great Shepherd (Pastor) to do the latter (in us and thru us), THAT is walking in the Light and He is in (and IS) the Light. That is the foundation of TRUE koinonia.
Be prepared to and willing to…
…go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. (Heb 13:13)
…but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship (koinonia) with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:7)
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent TO PRESERVE the UNTIY OF THE SPIRIT in the BOND of PEACE. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Eph 4:1-7)
For it is…
HE (that) has given some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we ALL ATTAIN TO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Eph 4:11-13)
We need to be so careful to not become infantile in our thinking by elevating one ministry as greater than another…
God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ been divided? (1Cor 1:9-13)
For your consideration and pondering.
Bless you in the name of Jesus Christ!
So many riches in your comment, Tim.
I thought it would be profitable to offer a definition of ‘Koinonia’ here:
“Koinonia is a Greek word that means more than just associating with other Christians. It implies a deep and intimate relationship of sharing, partnering, and being one in Christ.”
Amen brother. Pray it may be so!