prophetically speaking
House Fires by Estaban Vargas In the first five chapters of the book of Acts, we not only see the beginning of the church, but we also see the beginning of persecution against the church. After seeing a miracle performed by the apostles, the religious rulers threatened and commanded Peter and the disciples to not preach the Name of Jesus. Acts 4:18 “So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Today our world is witnessing a worldwide shift, a pandemic that is changing the way we live our lives. Though this is not a persecution against the church, we are feeling the effects as congregations all over are being told to stop all gatherings. I strongly believe that the gathering bans are not persecution against faith or the church but simply the world’s response in processing fear and safety. So what do we do? How does the church respond when we are instructed to stop gatherings for the sake of our neighbors? We respond like Peter responded to the religious leaders, we go home. Acts 4:23 “And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.” The day after we were instructed by our local county to stop all gatherings, I gave an update and devotional to my church via social media. The Lord led me to share from Matthew 5:14-16, encouraging our members that they are the light of the world. As I read verse 15 my spirit leaped. It was like the Holy Spirit 14 April April2020 2020| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 14
was sounding an alarm from within. In verse 15, Jesus said, “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” It was at the moment that I read the word “house” that something shifted. There was a prophetic stirring, a prophetic trumpet that was sounding, “There is coming, a light that will shine from the house.” As the church scrambles to the changes taking place, the Lord is bringing us “home”, He is bringing us to the “house” because there is a light that is about to shine! The day after I shared Matthew 5, two members of our church wanted to meet with me regarding what the Lord had been showing them. One person, a member of our prophetic team, shared with me a vision the Lord gave her. In the vision she saw homes with a flame above them, and the Lord spoke to her and said, “Do not let the fire on the altar burn out.” After we talked, another member walked in and he was burning with what the Lord had been showing him. As he was praying, the Lord showed him a movement within the homes. He saw people in their homes praying, worshipping, and teaching the Word. Both of these members had no idea what was on my heart, they had no idea the stirring I felt towards Matthew 5:15. We had no idea that we would all confirm what the Lord was saying to us. I strongly believe that this is an hour for the church in our homes to arise. The light in our house is about to shine! There is a light about to shine, “house fires” across the world. Not a persecuted church hiding from authority but a fiery church standing with authority. Husbands will shepherd their homes. Wives will turn homes into houses of prayer and intercession. Homes will be upper rooms full of the Lord’s Presence and power. We will prophesy over our family, we will lay hands on our family, we will disciple our family, and we will see a light that shines from the house that will turn the heart of the world towards our Father in heaven!
“House fires” are breaking out! Acts 4:31 “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Do not be afraid church. Do not panic. This is not an hour to worry but an hour to arise. May the Prince of Peace stir your heart as He keeps you under the shadow of His wing. And do not let the fire on the altar burn out.
Esteban Vargas Esteban Vargas is a revivalist who through preaching, teaching, worship, and music, is leading individuals and communities to Jesus. Active in ministry since 2008 and officially ordained for ministry in August 2014 Esteban currently Pastors (along with his wife Ahelya) Redemption High Desert in Hesperia CA. With a strong passion for evangelism Esteban ministers through words of knowledge, prophecy, healings and miracles, encouragement and leadership with the hope of individuals coming alive in Christ Jesus. His heart is for Jesus, his heart is for family, his heart is for revival.
