Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5 v 3 - 4: "For I verily, as absent in the body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Acts 8 v 39 - 40: "And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
40 But Philip was found at Azotus..."
Ezekiel 11 v 1: "Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the Lord's house..."
We still have much to learn about the ways of the Holy Spirit and we must always discern correctly that He is in control of every situation. We may think that because there was no technology 2 - 3000 years ago that God had to employ extraordinary means to help His people.
That could be true, except it is happening today and there are people all over the world who are unreachable any other way. Think of the over 70 thousand North Korean Christians imprisoned in dog cages being brainwashed day and night by Communist propaganda broadcasts. I KNOW they travel out of their bodies to hear the Word and become refreshed.
This travel in Spirit is not soul travel or astral projection. Astral projection is the counterfeit in satan's kingdom of the real ministry in God's Kingdom. Astral projection is experienced in Buddhism; Hinduism and other Occult practices. It is dangerous as it leaves your body unprotected against demons abusing you. Mentally, sexually, or bringing much fear.
When the Holy Spirit takes you to help someone who is struggling and unable to be reached any other way, you are fully protected. His purpose is always to minister to those you are sent to visit. In 1905, John G. Lake was preaching in South Africa when a woman asked for prayer for her mother in an asylum in England. John found himself in her room and prayed for her healing. A month later this woman was in his meeting in South Africa fully restored, and they both recognised each other.
We prayed for a man who had committed suicide and was clinically dead for four days when Jesus raised him back to life. He never knew about our ministry or me. His wife phoned me frantically two years later to say he was behaving suicidal again, please come. I had never met her either and he never knew I was coming over. He opened the door in his shorts and went as white as a sheet, then turned and fled.
His wife told me to follow him. I found him in the shower, shorts on floor outside it. I stood to one side and asked him why he ran from me. He said, "I know you! You were there when I died! You pulled me out of the pit!" Thankfully he got saved that day and the spirit of suicide left him. I had no recollection of him or pulling him out of the pit but he knew me for sure. God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.
I have heard testimonies of other Christians who have been transported in Spirit to minister to people in China, Russia, Mongolia, Japan and other far off places. Its obviously something Paul was used to doing as he prayed and was shown the needs of the early church. And Philip was sent to join the eunuch and lead him to Jesus and baptize him in a pool on the roadside; before finding himself preaching miles away.
As we get nearer the end of this age, the persecution of Christians will increase: Peter said "All who live godly lives shall suffer persecution." The church will exist underground (not the people). The church will be invisible as it is a spiritual entity, not a building. The main line churches will become part of the One World Religion controlled by the Antichrist.
We need to have a way to hear, see, communicate, travel in the Spirit, to keep the people strong in their faith. God has made us a way and it will increase rapidly as the day gets nearer. So prepare yourself to be used by Jesus in any way that gets the work done. Hone your spiritual skills and talents to be available for Him to use in these last days.
I always smile when I think of what Daniel wrote so cryptically about the time of the end. "Many will travel to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." For some reason I always picture him looking at a vision of Los Angeles, CA, as it is today. Busiest airport, cloverleaf highways and ramps full of all types of vehicles; high rise buildings. As he lived in 600BC it must have boggled his mind.
We have come a long way and many do travel to and fro, but when our physical movement may be restricted, God will be with us and make sure we have everything we need to keep the world revival going. The Holy Spirit will be poured out on all flesh and who knows what will happen after that to turn this world upside down for Jesus. Its going to be amazing so strap yourself in for an incredible experience.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I write this I feel my spirit stirring within me in anticipation of wonders ahead. I am excited to see how powerful this last move of the Holy Spirit will be, how the gifts He gives will enhance our knowledge of You. Teach us now Lord so we are not ignorant of Your ways and work in and through us to Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.