Do you believe Jesus’ really came to abolish the Old Testament Laws

Posted: July 12, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching
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Do you believe Jesus’ really came to abolish the Old Testament Laws?

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).
Perhaps the most widespread controversies about the teachings of Jesus concern His attitude toward the laws of God recorded in the Old Testament.

The approach of most churches and denominations regarding Jesus is that He brought a new teaching differing considerably from the instructions of the Old Testament. The common view is that the teachings of Christ in the New Testament annulled and replaced the teachings of the Old Testament. But do they?

It doesn’t ultimately matter what people say about Him. Nor does it really matter what interpretations they give of what He said. What truly matters is what He really said, and whether we’re going to believe and accept what He said.

Clear statement in the Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is a good place to begin. Since this is the longest recorded statement of Jesus Christ’s teachings, we should expect to find in it His view toward the laws of God as recorded in the Old Testament. And indeed we do.

One of the reasons for some of Jesus’ statements in the Sermon on the Mount is that—because His teaching was so different from that of the Pharisees and Sadducees—some people believed His intention was to subvert the authority of God’s Word and substitute His own in its place.

But His real intention was to demonstrate that many of the things the Pharisees and Sadducees taught were contrary to the original teachings of the Torah (or Law) of Moses, the first five books of the Bible. Jesus refuted the erroneous ideas people had formed regarding Him with three emphatic declarations about the law. Let’s look at them.

“I did not come to destroy but to fulfill”

Jesus explains His view of the law very early in the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).

So immediately we see that Jesus had no intention of destroying the law. He even tells us to not even think such a thing. Far from being antagonistic to the Old Testament Scriptures, He said He had come to fulfill “the Law and the Prophets” and proceeded to confirm their authority. “The Law and the Prophets” was a term commonly used for the Old Testament Scriptures (compare Matthew 7:12).

“The Law” referred to the first five books of the Bible, the books of Moses in which God’s laws were written down. “The Prophets” referred not only to the writings of the biblical prophets, but also to the historical books of what came to be known as the Old Testament.

What did Jesus mean when He spoke of fulfilling the law?

Regrettably, the meaning of ” fulfilling the law” has been twisted by many who claim the name of Jesus but don’t really understand what He taught. They say that since Jesus said He would fulfill the law, we no longer need to keep it.

Another view of “fulfilling the law” is that Jesus “filled full” what was lacking in the law—that is, He completed it, partly canceling it and partly adding to it, forming what is sometimes referred to as “Christ’s law” or “New Testament teaching.”

The implication of this view is that the New Testament brought a change in the requirements for salvation and that the laws given in the Old Testament are obsolete. But do either of these views accurately reflect what Jesus meant?

Jesus’ view of fulfilling the law

The Greek word pleroo, translated “fulfill” in Matthew 5:17, means “to make full, to fill, to fill up . . . to fill to the full” or “to render full, i.e. to complete” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 2002, Strong’s number 4137).

In other words, Jesus said He came to complete the law and make it perfect. How? By showing the spiritual intent and application of God’s law. His meaning is clear from the remainder of the chapter, where He showed the spiritual intent of specific commandments.

Some distort the meaning of “fulfill” to have Jesus saying, “I did not come to destroy the law, but to end it by fulfilling it.” This is inconsistent with His own words. Through the remainder of the chapter, He showed that the spiritual intent of the law made it more broadly applicable, not that it was annulled or no longer necessary.

Jesus, by explaining, expanding and exemplifying God’s law, fulfilled a prophecy of the Messiah found in Isaiah 42:21: “The LORD is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will exalt the law, and make it honorable.” The Hebrew word gadal, translated “exalt” or “magnify” (KJV), literally means “to be or become great” (William Wilson, Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies, “Magnify”).

Jesus Christ did exactly that, showing the holy, spiritual intent, purpose and scope of God’s law through His teachings and manner of life. He met the law’s requirements by obeying it perfectly in thought and deed, both in the letter and in the intent of the heart.

All will be fulfilled

The second major statement given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, in the exact same context, makes it even clearer that He did not come to destroy, rescind, nullify or abrogate the law: “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18).

With these words, Jesus likened the continuance of the law to the permanence of heaven and earth. He is saying that God’s spiritual laws are immutable, inviolable and indestructible. They can only be fulfilled, never abrogated.

We should note that in this verse a different Greek word is used for “fulfilled”: ginomai, meaning “to become, i.e. to come into existence . . . to come to pass, happen” or “to be made, done, finished” (Thayer’s, Strong’s number 1096).

Until the ultimate completion of God’s plan to glorify humanity in His Kingdom comes to pass—that is, as long as there are still fleshly human beings—the physical codification of God’s law in Scripture is necessary. This, Jesus explained, is as certain as the continued existence of the universe.

His servants must keep the law

The third statement of Jesus, quoted earlier in chapter 2, pronounces that our fate rests on our attitude toward and treatment of God’s holy law. Again, “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least [by those] in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great [by those] in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).

The “by those” is added for clarification, since, as explained in other passages, those who persist in lawbreaking and teach others to break God’s law will not themselves be in the Kingdom at all.

Jesus makes it very clear that those who follow Him and aspire to His Kingdom have a perpetual obligation to obey and uphold God’s law. He is saying that we cannot diminish the law of God by even a jot or tittle—the equivalent in our modern alphabet of the crossing of a “t” or the dotting of an “i.”

The value He places on the commandments of God is also unmistakable—as well as the high esteem toward the law He requires from all those who teach in His name. His disapproval falls on those who slight the least of God’s commandments, and His honor will be bestowed on those who teach and obey God’s commandments.

Since Jesus obeyed the commandments of God, it follows that His servants, too, must keep the same commandments and teach others to do the same (1 John 2:2-6). It is in this way that the true ministers of Christ are to be identified—by their following the example He set for them ( John 13:15).

By Locoman8

Stepping Inside the Circle

Posted: July 12, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching
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Stepping Inside the Circle

Many of us today are experiencing a transition that is taking place in us and among us. We are moving from a membership in the kingdoms-of-men mentality to a citizenship in the Kingdom-of-God mentality; from living in bondage to the world system to living vibrantly in the Kingdom of God. We are being taken out of her (the institutional church system and the world systems) and are being established into Him (Jesus Christ). This book intends to hold up a few signposts along that path to help us know where this journey is taking us.

THE AHA! THE CIRCLE

A few people were invited into our home to hear Brother Sam Rahi share the incredible stories of Gods miracles, signs, and wonders in him, through him, and through others that he had personally witnessed. He told how he was miraculously spared from a tragic death while still in his mother’s womb, How he was healed from stuttering speech and twisted legs, How a bright light appeared to him in a dream and a voice told him, This is my way and Jesus is my Son,

How God orchestrated his conversion experience while in a land foreign to his homeland, How he had to count the cost of endangerment to his life from his Muslim relationships, How God used him to raise a woman from the dead, heal a blind girl, heal a deaf and dumb boy, and related several other miraculous acts, including how God physically caused him to grow four inches as an adult in answer to prayer.

Sam told how his father trapped him into returning home that he might coerce him into renouncing Jesus. When Sam refused, his father imprisoned him in his own home and attempted to kill him. He told how two angels miraculously escorted his escape.

Numerous other stories were told, leading up to how God miraculously made the way for him to launch The Bible Channel that reaches millions of people with the gospel all over the world.

As he told his stories, I suddenly had a revelation. An Aha! I jumped to my feet and addressed my visitors seated around the room, gesturing with my forefinger to an imaginary circle on the floor. Imagine if you can that inside of this circle is all that pertains to the Kingdom of God. Outside of that circle is all that pertains to the world in which we live. It is the natural, physical world of fallen men and corrupt systems. God has not called us to live outside the circle and reach in, but to live our lives out from within that circle.

Following that day, I continued to receive more understanding and clarity regarding the difference between the world we live in and the Kingdom of God.

All that pertains to the world is on the outside of that circle. Everything that pertains to the Kingdom of God is within that circle.

Most Christians live on the outside of that circle in the world rather than from within the Kingdom of God. We have been standing in the world and, at best, reaching over into the realm of the Kingdom of God in the hope of making our worldly lives more comfortable.

We ask God for this or that. We pray for healing. We pray for help. We pray for jobs. We pray for wellbeing. We pray for protection. We pray for peace. We pray for blessings. We pray for finances. We pray for things like that. We stand outside and ask God to do these things for us.

We may be interested enough at times to want to know His will in our lives and pray for that, but we rarely take the time with Him to find out what that might be.

Perhaps this is why, more often than not, we do not see the answers to those prayers and we wonder why. We ask God to bless our flesh and our own wills. This level of Christian living is so minimal. In fact, it misses the mark.

We now find ourselves hungering for more than this. There has to be more than this and, thankfully, we are finding there is.

The Kingdom of God presents a whole different reality in which we can live. The outcome of such a life is radically different.

Once we begin to really see the Kingdom of God, the cares of this world will grow strangely dim and we will be better able to enter in. We desperately need eyes to see and ears to hear.

The New Testament speaks of three ways we initially relate to the Kingdom of God.

1. We can see the Kingdom.

Jesus answered and said unto him [Nicodemus], Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. John 3:3.

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, who shall not taste of death, till they see the Kingdom of God. Luke 9:27.

2. We can enter the Kingdom.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. John 3:5.

Verily I say unto you, Except you are converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3.

For additional study read: Matthew 5:20; 7:21; 19:23-24; Mark 9:47; 10:23-25; Luke 18:17, 24-25; and Acts 14:22.

3. We can inherit the Kingdom.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matt. 25:34.

There are numerous scriptures that list those individuals who will not inherit the Kingdom. For additional study read: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 15:50; Galatians 5:21; and Ephesians 5:5.

I think these three seeing, entering, and inheriting occur in the order listed. We have to see it before we can enter it. We have to enter it before we can inherit it. Yet, in some mysterious way, the very instant we see it, we enter it. The very instant we enter it, we inherit it.

The goal of our inheritance is to reign and rule with Christ in His Kingdom. For now, we are taking the land little by little until one day suddenly we will have come into the fullness and glory of the Kingdom. We will be perfected. And [He] has made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev. 5:10.

In addition to seeing, we are to receive the Kingdom of God if we are to enter it. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10:15. It is my prayer that this writing will arouse within you the deep desire to love not the world, rather to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. 6:33.
Moreover, may this writing open the way for you to move from being focused on the world to truly seeing, entering, and inheriting the Kingdom of God. It can happen! It must happen! It will happen because our Lord has appointed for many of His sons to be brought to glory.

STEPPING INSIDE THE CIRCLE
For many years the Kingdom of God was a mystery to me. I would read the parables and note that Jesus said they were not to be understood by those who were outside of the Kingdom. Mark 4:11. After all, the Kingdom of God is a mystery to the natural man. It is even foolish to him. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can teach the things of the Spirit. He teaches Spirit to spirit, not spirit to the natural mind of man. Therefore, the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14. (Also, vs. 11-13.)

There I was. I could not reconcile the above passage in my own mind. I believed in Jesus with all my heart and thought I was spiritual, yet I did not get the point of many of the parables. I would hear what others thought the parables meant and think, Well, that may be right, but it still isnt insight to me. Then, it occurred to me that I was the one making a big mystery of the Kingdom of God. That is why I could not see it. It was a mystery to me because I was looking for something mysterious. The mystery of it all, however, is in its simplicity. It was there all along in plain view. It is there in the Bible from beginning to end. It is revealed in the life, words, and works of Jesus and of His original followers. It is all there in these writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, and Jude.

On several occasions, I asked my audience to name things that characterized the world as they understood it. I randomly wrote these on a flip chart around the outside of the circle. Together, we listed such things as: evil, darkness, sin, sickness, death, rebellion, occult, bondage, sorrow, fear, doubt, disbelief, curses, hatred, murder, lies, deception, manipulation, control, witchcraft, lusts of the eyes, lust of the flesh, the pride of life, religion, and various human endeavors.

Then, we randomly listed inside the circle a few of the multitude of characteristics that pertain to the Kingdom of God, characteristics that can be lifted straight out of the New Testament. Among them were: life, Holy Spirit, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, power, health and healing, faith, light, deliverance, miracles, signs and wonders, fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control justification, redemption, sanctification, glorification, mercy, forgiveness, gifts of the Spirit, ministries of the Spirit, prayer, authority, taking dominion, ruling and reigning with Christ, headship and submission, divine order, liberty, blessings, discipleship, praise, worship, revelation, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, the laid-down life, discipleship, persecution, and martyrdom.

Those things listed of the world and of the Kingdom are obvious, but what about charity work, hiking, music, art, reading a good novel, picnics, sports, laughter, playing, watching TV, games, pets, gardening, cooking, hobbies? Many things could go in either circle, depending on the source from which they come. Take laughter. From where does the laughter come? From a merry heart? A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Prov. 17:22. That is Kingdom laughter. Or does the laughter come from scornful ridicule of another? That is worldly laughter. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45. Who we are, who is in us, and whose life is being lived out from us makes the difference.

The rule of Christ All that pertains to the Kingdom of God, including those items listed, is within that circle. One way or the other, they all relate to the life of God in Christ. Of all that can be said of the Kingdom of God this one thing stands out the Kingdom of God is all about Jesus, the King of that Kingdom.

These are the kinds of things that pertain to the Kingdom of God and are manifestations of the Kingdom because:
The Kingdom of God is the reign and rule of Jesus Christ in the hearts and lives of believers with whom and through whom the government of His Kingdom will be manifested and established in the world.

Once Jesus has taken dominion of our spirits, souls, minds, and hearts, we will take dominion of the earth in His name. Whoever has dominion of the hearts of men has dominion of the earth and the kingdoms of this world. That is why Satan can claim dominion over the kingdoms of this world. Until now, he has had dominion over the hearts of men. As Satan loses his grip on the hearts of men, he loses his jurisdiction over the kingdoms of the world.

The day is coming when all men will bow the knee to the kingship of Jesus either in judgment or in adoration. At that time the seventh angel will sound, and there will be great voices in heaven saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever. Rev. 11:15. He will be fully known for who He has always been: the King of kings, Lord of lords, the possessor of heaven and earth, Lord of all. He will reign and rule through His people. Therefore, all that pertains to the Kingdom of God is already at work within us. The Kingdom of God is all about Jesus Christ and His Lordship in our lives. He is at work within us and is performing His life, word, and works through us.

When we are standing in the world, we are living out of the flesh. When we are standing in the Kingdom of God, we are living out of the Spirit. We are being called forth by the Holy Spirit today to step over into that circle and begin living our lives out from within the Kingdom of God from within Christ and not from outside of Him.

By Charles E Newbold Jr.

This article is excerpted from Charles Newbold’s newest book now available for FREE Download. Go Here: http://www.charlesnewbold.com/books/Circle.pdf

“Stepping Into The Circle – Of all That Pertains To The Kingdom Of God” – “Living our lives out from within the Kingdom of God”
Charles’ Website http://www.charlesnewbold.com/

Whatever Happened To Jesus?

Posted: July 11, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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Whatever Happened To Jesus?
by: Mike Helms

Scripture has much to say about God and His desire for a relationship with His people. We have a God who is steadfast in love, and a people who are prone to wander. You would think that it would be hard to grow cold in affection when you’ve been shown the greatest love the world has ever known, and yet, though we are the very bride of Christ and loved beyond measure… we still find a way to mess things up and stray!

In my song “Whatever Happened To Jesus?” I talk about that.

In Revelation 2:4 we read, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” My song addresses various issues, but at the bottom of it all, I suppose forsaking our first love of Him would be at the heart of the matter; it is our forsaking of our first love that leads to all the rest of our troubles. It’s then we began to flirt with the world and look for cheap substitutes to fill the empty spaces He used to occupy. His Word, which at one time was the joy of our hearts, becomes faint in our wandering; we no longer fear displeasing Him or worry about the consequences of our unfaithfulness.

The abundant life and living waters that used to flow so freely become but a trickle, and our life begins to look more like a desert than a well watered garden. It’s then that we break out the “Golden Calf” and try to whip up a little life of our own. It may even seem to work for awhile as we enjoy the party. Hey, a lot of our friends have come too and we’re having fun! The world and it’s lusts, it’s pleasures and sins, do seem fun for a season.

We revel in it, wallowing in the mud, blinded to the fact that God is not amused. You are His Bride! His heart is grieved, His jealous anger aroused. He’s desired a pure bride and you’ve flaunted your adultery to His face. Most suitors would have long since cast you off, but God is not like man… In His love, He is determined to have YOU! His desire is for you only. He will not settle for you and your lovers; He wants your whole heart. You are the apple of His eye, and He will not rest until you only have eyes for Him.
“I will betroth you to me forever…”

Hosea 2:19 reveals God’s heart of love for us in the words, “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion, I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD.”

The book of Hosea is filled with “the vilest adultery” and rebellion against the LORD, but more than rebellion- love scorned. And God’s heart broken. First comes His righteous anger: “Let her remove the adulterous look from her face and the unfaithfulness from between her breast, otherwise I will strip her naked and make her as bare as on the day she was born…” (Hosea 2:2-3) In vivid description He lays out the case of Israel’s infidelity to Him and we feel His broken heart together with His anger:

“…she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot,” declares the Lord. (Hosea 2:13)

And yet, the very next words out of His mouth are, “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her…” Who can fathom the love of God?

The scriptures are filled with examples of straying from the Lord, and these examples are given to warn us and turn us back to Him. “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come…” (1 Corinthians 10:11)

“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.” (Hosea 14:4)

Let us return to the LORD… His love is from everlasting!

Where have the ‘OLD FASHIONED’ Preachers gone?

Posted: July 4, 2011 in disciples life, teaching, wilderness
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Old Brother Splane, he used to preach, at work on the trains, and at the beach. A preacher of the olden brand, with Scripture verses right in hand. With half the Bible learned by rote, right in his head where he could quote. I’m sure the bells of heaven rang, both when he prayed and when he sang.

He raised a loud reproving din, against all shades and kinds of sin. He spoke aloud–-some said he raved–about the need of getting saved.

In country schools he preached back then, where women, kids and grown up men, with tear-streams coursing down their face, sought pardon, purity and grace.

He thundered forth the truth–-the Word–in tones that were distinctly heard. He had one message meant for all, ‘twas “Seek redemption from the fall.”

Old Splane died at eighty-nine. He’d heard the “roll call”: now’s his time. His last words were, “It is His way. Good-bye, I’m going home today.”

~*~*~*~

And now behind the pulpits stand
new preachers—educated, grand!
But is their message of God’s grace?
If not, they cannot fill the place
of preachers like our “Brother Splane”
who preach the Gospel, clear and plain.

They may have M.A.’s and Ph. D’s
and other marks of high degrees.
They may lecture on the Planet Mars;
or the glory of the moon and stars;
perhaps on the beauty of mountain range;
or other topics vague and strange.

Oh, their lectures might be very good–
if ever they were understood.
But they don’t put a man on pins,
or make him worry for his sins.
They never stir a wicked gent
up to the point where he’ll repent.

I wonder what these men will sing,
when slipping off to meet “the King.”
Will they, like Brother Splane, too, say:
“Good-bye, I’m going home today”?
Or will thy hang their heads in shame,
for they’d not preached in Jesus’ name.”

The Old Fashion Preacher believes Jesus Christ is the only way to to Heaven.

John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The Old Fashion Preacher believes if Jesus is preached to the world, that is enough to save the lost.

1 Corinthians 1:21 “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not
God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

The Old Fashion Preacher believes if you are not spiritually born again and Spiritually washed in the Blood of Christ which He shed on the Cross for the sin nature of mankind, then there is no other way to enter into Heaven

John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

The Old Fashion Preacher believes every message preached should be Jesus centered and Spirit inspired whether it is to the lost or to the saints or both at the same time.

Act 8:35 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”

The Old Fashion Preacher believes from Gen. 1:1 to Rev. 22:21 “it is all about Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the Living God and He is the Way, Truth and Life.”

There is much that has been lost in the modern methods of preaching from that of the old. In many ways the new has left a taste that some believe we need to get rid of the preacher up front all together. Yet a preacher walking in His calling as to Shepherding and teaching the Word is a picture of the Kingdom message being released.

Let us be cautious in our attempts to bring purity back into the Church that we not needlessly cast out somethings that have been God ordained.

For there is still a part of those old time preachers that stirred the hearts of men and released the Fires of heaven!! For the true preachers of times past saw themselves not as better than they whom they released the message to, rather they saw themselves often as unworthy messengers sent by the Father in the power of His grace. They were compelled to go for they had heard the masters call and dared not disobey!!

There is a freedom coming into the church today – my only prayer is that we do not walk in anything less than a Spirit led life and we treasure the gift of the “preachers of truth” for the season we are in desperate need for truth and fire of His holiness has never been greater!!

The Powerful Life of a Praying Leader ~ Francis Chan

Posted: July 3, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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Being Amazed at Answered Prayer

Pastor John gave me the topic of prayer as a personal journey. In my life, prayer has even rivaled the Scriptures in stirring my affections towards God. I know that Jesus loves me because the Bible says so—God, you love me that much! But I know he loves me because of the way he answers my prayers. Just five minutes ago backstage, pleading with God, “How do I share what you and I have been through all of the years? How do I communicate that? Do you love everyone this much? I see it so much in how you answer my prayers.”

Whenever I have money in the bank, I want to give it to people in need. But this one time I wanted to take my family on vacation and I pleaded with God and made it known. And I prayed and waited. A few days later my wife called me at work and said we got a cashier’s check in the mail for $2,000. All it had on it was a Post-It note that said, “Spend it on your family.” Wow! God is so good in answering my prayers.

Another time, my wife and I were talking. She was saying how she just loves our life and loves how simply we live. But she said, “You know, I just want to be more generous.” We have always wanted to be the kind of people who just write checks to people. We just are not those people though, so we prayed for wealthy people to be raised up in the church who just don’t care about their stuff. We also prayed that God would make us wealthy to give it away. And just last year, we made about $2M off of sales from Crazy Love. None of it comes to us but to a fund and we get to write checks to people.

Prayer is a way of walking in love. I love God so much because of how God has answered my prayers. Sometimes even we pray the wrong thing and we are so grateful and amazed that God did not grant those prayers. But when you look at Scripture, don’t we see that prayer is what sets us apart from other religions? The story of Elijah, God is the one who answers prayer. He is not a block of wood. He answers the prayers of his people.

One thing I have done is writing in prayer journals. I write my prayers on one side and then go back and write on the other side of the page when God has answered that prayer. It is so good to go back and remember how God has answered prayer. We so easily forget what God has done. This is a serious power that we have here in prayer.

Another time I was cleaning out my garage. I didn’t want to do it. I wanted to do something that would last for eternity. So I prayed that God would help to do something eternal in it. So I was cleaning out my garage and my neighbor stopped by. He said he had been wanting to talk with me and asked that I pray for him. It was great!
Believing in the God of Power

Every time I experience answered prayer, I am just in awe of God. Why do I do anything but pray? The only thing that ever differentiates between me and some other religion is that God is my God who answers prayer. When I talk to someone on a plane or somewhere, I pray that God would show up in power, otherwise I will just sound like one of these other religions. He has to work and do something.

When an unbeliever walks into your church, don’t you want him to walk away saying, “Man, that guy, those people, are connected to God!” Is that what they see? Is that what comes across in your church? Isn’t that what we want? We want to show how great God is through our connection with him.

Yes, God is sovereign and he could use an unbeliever to preach the gospel with authority. But don’t you want to be connected to God so people are pointed to God? Remember Sunday School as a kid? You would walk out thinking and believing that your God can do anything! You would read and hear about all these great things God has done and would believe it. But now that we’re older, we are no longer amazed by the miracles that God does. Instead, we’re amazed by a communication style and by knowledge.

Maybe we need to get back to preaching those great stories of God’s greatness in the Old Testament. We need to remind our people that our God can do anything. Do you still believe it? Do you still believe that God is able to do anything? We have lifted up Moses and Elijah as super heroes but they were just men like us. They have nothing on us. If they were here today, we may be in awe of them. But they are no big deal! We have a nature just like them. They prayed fervently. We could pray that we could do that.
Cry Out, He’ll Answer

I am now getting so used to God answering my prayers that I have to pause to think about it more when he doesn’t. I have to think harder about why he doesn’t heal that person. I have to think if I’m praying with wrong motives or if I’m not treating my wife well or what is going on. I want to point you to Isaiah 58:5-9.

There were people who were pleading with God for certain things, but because of their disregard for his commands, of course he was not going to listen to them. But as soon as they start doing them, he says, “Here I am.” There are times when I marvel at the Lord because I don’t pray as hard and long as some people. I feel spoiled because of how he answers when I just pray quickly or just think about it. This passage says he will answer. Just cry out.

If you abide in Jesus, he will abide in you. This is probably my biggest failure. It is so easy to get busy in the ministry and my prayer life just turns into, “Do this. Do that.” It lacks abiding in Jesus. It takes faith though to sit and abide in God. I neglect the most important thing, which is prayer as a way to walk in love. I fail to just commune and talk with God.

I fear that many of you focus so much on the work of God that you neglect the person of God. If you abide in him, there is much fruit. Think about it. The great things that have happened in your ministry—were they a result of your great planning or strategy or did something just fall in your lap? It is always the grace of God. Just abide in God.
The One Thing

I’ve been camping out on this verse for the past several weeks, Psalm 27:4. What is the one thing you keep asking of the Lord? If I read a transcript of your prayers, what would I see is the one thing you keep asking for? Would it be, “Let me dwell in your house all the days of my life and gaze upon your beauty”? Is that what I would read? Joel said last night, “If you want to humble a man, ask him about his prayer life.” What would it be?

The context of this passage is danger and crazy things happening in the life of the psalmist. The Enemy wants us looking at all the things that are going around us and anxious about the future and all the chaos. If he can get us fearful and worried about the things around us, no one will be amazed by God. But the psalmist says that God is the stronghold of his life.

Other things become our stronghold. We rest on our great staff who can pull off anything. Or we look forward to a day off or vacation or a great conference like this as our stronghold. Maybe you come here not desiring God but you are desiring Desiring God. Or maybe you are desiring Piper. We begin to find our stronghold in other things beside God. But when you are alone with God and baring your soul to him, there should be sweet fellowship and abiding.

When you face the stressful and terrible things of life, you should be able to have a “Go ahead, make my day attitude.” You should have a confidence. Why? Because of the one thing you have asked of the Lord. Because you are in God’s presence, communing with him. Who will attack you as you commune with Lord? That’s ridiculous! Just dwelling with the Lord and things will be fine.

Think about it. If there is only one sovereign Being who is over all things in the universe, then if I just abide him all things will be taken care of. Right? We would say that we believe in the sovereignty of God, but the question is how is that fleshed out in your life. Does it result in a peace that surpasses all understanding? Even when it seems like there is nothing else going for you, you have the sovereign God who is your refuge.

Do you get to the point where you just want to stay with God and stay in his presence? That’s what this verse is about—just gazing upon his beauty and spending those sweet moments with him. It doesn’t have to be somewhere special. I spent two hours at an IHOP eating pancakes, communing with God. Sometimes in the middle of the night I will just count my breaths and be amazed that God has given me another breath. It should stun us that the God of the universe will listen to us in prayer. What is better than that?He listens and hears and loves. Let this be the one thing you ask.
The Pitfall of Assumption

Everyone has been talking about me leaving my church in Simi Valley. I moved to San Francisco three weeks ago and everyone’s asking what I’m going to be doing there. But not one person has asked, “How is your prayer life?” It’s because everyone assumes that you’re doing that. I think people assume that I am doing that. Maybe they think it is silly to ask me if I’m praying. I wish more people would say, “I hope you haven’t started anything without praying first.”

We’ve all done that, right? We’ve made assumptions about staff people or congregation members. And then we find out later what they have been dealing with and wrestling with. So I don’t want to assume anything this morning. I don’t want to assume that you are walking closely with God right now. My prayer is that your boast is in God and that you are about God and that people see that in you.

It takes so much faith to abide in Christ and to dwell in the house of the Lord. I pray that you get there. That is what people want to see when they come to your church. They want to see a man of God who is connected. Elijah was a man just like you, just like me. He was connected to God. I want you to be connected to God like that.
~ Francis Chan

Watch full length Video here

Francis Chan is an author and church leader, formerly the pastor of Cornerstorne Church in Simi Valley, California. Chan has authored two books, Crazy Love & Forgotten God. He is also the founder of Eternity Bible College and sits on the board of directors of Children’s Hunger Fund and World Impact. Francis lives in California with his wife, Lisa, and their four children.

The Making of A Christian Leader

Posted: June 29, 2011 in disciples life, teaching
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The church should be raising up the greatest leaders for every area of society. There is a desperate need for positive, constructive, dynamic and creative leadership. Leadership in the church is different from leadership in the world – Luke 22:24-27.

What is Leadership?

Leadership is influence. Here is a leadership proverb for you: “He that thinketh he leadeth and no one followeth simply taketh a walk.”

There are 5 levels of leadership:

Visionary – People follow because you keep things on the cutting edge
Reproduction – People follow because of the growth you have facilitated in them
Competence – People follow because of what you can do
Relationship – People follow because they want to
Position – People follow because they have to

The Old Testament & Leadership

I believe that every basic, honorable principle in leadership and management has its root and foundation in the Word of God.

Joseph – He was a tremendous example of leadership skill and organization, but he had to grow in his leadership abilities.
Moses – Hebrews 11:24-29 gives a commentary on the outstanding leadership qualities that Moses possessed, enabling him to succeed.
David – In 2 Samuel 5:1-3 David was approached by the elders of Israel. They recognized his strong leadership traits.
The happiness and prosperity of Judah under David motivated the rest of the tribes to desire the administration of David’s kingship.
The relationship of the tribes to David was warm and tender. He was no foreigner to them.
They referred to his former valuable service to the nation. “When Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in”
The strongest reason of all was that he was God’s choice. Christian leaders serve better when they know they are in the will of God for then they know they will be equipped for their task by God’s power.
David took a loyalty oath with the people to protect them as their judge in peace and their captain in war.
They in turn obliged themselves to loyalty and obedience to David as their sovereign under God. Such a sacred pact inspired much confidence in the people.

Secrets to David’s Success

Wise Diplomacy – he knew how to treat people and people liked him (2 Samuel 5:11)
David’s recognition of the Lord in all his blessings. He didn’t take credit for his success and prosperity (2 Samuel 5:12)
He constantly sought the Lord’s guidance (2 Samuel 5:17-19)
He constantly sought the Lord’s blessing (2 Samuel 6:12-15)
He was not ashamed to praise the Lord openly and led his people in praising the Lord (2 Samuel 6:13-15)

God will always bless those who highly regard Him no matter what the endeavor.

Nehemiah: A Leader of Leaders

Nehemiah had 3 outstanding qualities:

He was a great administrator. This included leadership and managerial skills. He knew what he wanted to do, how it had to be done and who was to do it. To do all of this you need a clear objective of what needs to be done; a sound technique of how it needs to be done; and a good enlistment program of who is going to do it.

He was a great mobilizer which included:

A. Decision Making

B. Delegation of work

C. Motivating the workers

He was a great supervisor. To be a great supervisor you need to have communication, coordination and accountability

The book of Nehemiah is the textbook on leadership.

Leadership qualities evident in the life of Nehemiah are:

His concern for the people and God’s work (Nehemiah 1:1-3)
His complete dependance on God. Prayer, fasting and waiting on God (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
He waited and looked for, then took an opportunity when it arose (Nehemiah 2:1-5)
He was willing to sacrifice a good position as the King’s cup-bearer to see God’s kingdom built and people helped (Nehemiah 2:6-10)
He viewed the condition of the city and of the people to get the facts for himself before giving constructive advise (Nehemiah 2:11-16)
He had an aggressive, progressive attitude, a victory spirit. His advise was to “rise up and build.” He was a great encourager (Nehemiah 2:17,18)
He knew how to handle opposition

8 Kinds Of Opposition Nehemiah Experienced & How He Overcame

Ridicule and intimidation – Nehemiah 2:19,20. He overcame through confidence in God and perseverance
Anger and contempt – Nehemiah 4:1-3. He overcame by (Nehemiah 4:4-6):
Prayer
Hard work
Self-control
Conspiracy to stir people up to war against him – Nehemiah 4:7,8. He overcame by (Nehemiah 4:9):
Prayer and watchfulness
Putting watchmen in place
Discouragement of the people because of all the rubbish, the opposition of the enemy and the negativity of their own people – Nehemiah 4:10-12. He overcame by (Nehemiah 4:13-18):
He made them watchmen and armed them
He encouraged them not to be afraid – don’t let fear grip you
Remember the Lord. It is His work and He is great and powerful
Fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses. Fight for your freedom. You are building for the future
Selfish greed – oppression of one for another – taking advantage of the less fortunate – Nehemiah 5:1-5. He overcame by (Nehemiah 5:6-19):
Holy anger and a strong rebuke
His example of self-sacrifice
Craft and deception – Nehemiah 6:1-2. He overcame by (Nehemiah 6:3,4):
Spiritualperception
Wisdom
Continuing in the work realizing the importance of objectives
False accusation and slander to put fear in the leader – Nehemiah 6:5-7,19. He overcame by (Nehemiah 6:8-9):
Confrontation
Prayer for strength
Self-control
Treachery: one of your own turns against you – Nehemiah 6:10. He overcame by (Nehemiah 6:11-14):
Courage (vs. 11)
Spiritual perception (vs.12)
Prayer (vs. 14)

The Completion of the Task

The walls were rebuilt in just 52 days through vision, hard work, courage, determination, prayer and great leadership – Nehemiah 6:15-19. The completion of the walls caused the enemy to be much cast down in their own eyes and also increased the confidence of God’s people (Nehemiah 2:17 & Psalm 86:17). When the task was completed, Nehemiah placed the city of Jerusalem under the leadership of a faithful man who feared God – Nehemiah 7:1-3.

Christ & Leadership in the Gospels

Christ’s method of leadership sets the example: “The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve” – Mark 10:45.

What Leadership Is Not

New Testament leadership is not a political power play (Matthew 20:20-28)
New Testament leadership is not authoritarian attitude
New Testament leadership is not cultic control
New Testament leadership is not flashy public relations and platform personality, but humble service

The Positive Side

The leadership of the Lord focused on individuals
The leadership of the Lord focused on the Scriptures
The leadership of the Lord focused on Himself (John 14:9)
The leadership of the Lord focused on purpose. Christ had clear cut goals for His earthly ministry and a limited time in which to achieve them

The Epistles & Leadership – I Thessalonians 2:7-11

New Testament leadership is Motherhood
New Testament leadership is Fatherhood
New Testament leadership is example

I Peter 5:1-7

Leaders are to care for the flock. They are to accept their responsibility not merely out of duty, but with real compassion for others
A man must be interested in more than making a profit so that he will not be affected in his task or decisions by any personal gain that is unbecoming his office
A leader is not dictatorial. His major consideration is to be a worthy example for his flock
The true Christian leader will not resist or rebel against the experiences of life but will accept God’s hand upon his life
Humility should be shown in his relations with others.

This post was writing for and is provided by Victory USA http://www.victoryusa.org/welcome

The Fire is Ignited

Posted: June 27, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” ~ Jesus

“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” ~ Isaiah

The same fire that brings an end and makes ashes of the past brings the fresh life of purity and holiness.

We cannot make ourselves holy. I cannot make you holy, and you cannot make me holy. The Spirit of Christ invading and permeating our spirits with His Holy Fire is dissolving the past mixture from our lives and fully establishing His life, His character, and His nature in us.

This is the kingdom reality of the grace of God at work in His people preparing His Bride and bringing forth His kingdom on this earth as it is in heaven in this season.

The Day of the Lord is upon us. The cleansing of His people by the burning of His Holy Fire opens the way for the cleansing of the earth. Just as we are now a new creation in Christ and Christ in us, so also the world will become a new creation cleansed and purified by the fire of God. Kingdom of God come, will of God be done on earth as it is in heaven. ~ Jesus

Just as our old life of evil mixture is being purified by the fire of God, and we are being made a new creation, so also the world shall become a new creation, purified by the fire of God burning (dissolving) evil and filling the earth with the life of Christ Jesus in and through His people.

The mystery of the ages has been revealed and is now manifested within us and before our eyes. Christ in us, the hope of glory, is now becoming reality in the world.

The fire that Jesus came to send on the earth is now roaring from the heavens upon the earth. Everything we knew about church and life is and will be tested by the Holy Fire of God. Only the precious jewels of His pure and holy life, will endure the cleansing fire of God in this day that is upon us.

Everything that man has trusted in, which replaced the kingdom of God, will become ashes. Nothing shall remain that could be used to rebuild the false kingdoms of the evil one in and through mankind. The purging of the earth has begun, and the fire of God is beginning the harvest of all things.

The end of Babylon and the beginning of New Jerusalem is upon us. Corrupt governments driven by corrupt ungodly and demonically led religions will crash and burn. Corrupt church systems of mixture will likewise be dissolved and a holy remnant of the people of God will be brought to holy prominence in the earth bringing forth the life of Christ Jesus as Lord and King of the new creation , the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

This is not the work of man, nor does it resemble the church and life of the past. This is the work of the sovereign God that no man can do and no man can stop. It is a work above the past and beyond understanding. The Almighty Spirit-God of all creation is showing Himself strong and above all false gods. God in Christ Jesus is now calling forth many sons purified by fire to be carriers of the heavenly vision, filled with the unstoppable power and love of God.

The death of the world as we have known it is before us. At the same time, the new world ordered and ruled by the kingdom of God will soon be manifesting. The governance of Christ Jesus and the increase of His kingdom shall have no end. The Head of all things (Christ Jesus) shall rest upon the shoulders of His Body and bring forth the glory of God filling the earth. The heavens and the earth shall rejoice in the fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven in the manifest reality of supernatural natural life on earth.

Rejoice all you angels – Praise Him all you people -The glory of God is come to earth, and who can stand before it? Christ and the Spirit that raised Him from the dead have brought life immortal and unending into the world. The good tidings of great joy and good will toward man are fulfilled. The angels shall sing with the redeemed new-creation people of the redeemed new-creation world. Behold old things are passing away, and all things are being made new in Christ Jesus.

Kingdom Change Within

By His Spirit, God is stirring and changing His people from deep within. Without clear understanding of what is going on, we feel the inner core of our lives changing and know we can never be the same. God is responding to our willing hearts by releasing His grace by His Spirit to form the character and nature of Christ in us. A deep peaceful excitement emerges into our feelings from deep in our spirits; faith and hope seem to come easier and grow effortlessly into our hearts. Joy is never far away, and love seems ever present and often surges into our experience.

All of this wonderful work and more that God is doing seems to be in spite of us more than because of us. Nothing we do or say is causing this life-quickening experience. It is a work of God and not of us. Some way in our seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, we have become willing and believing volunteers.

And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

Keep on pursuing love. It never fails
and His kingdom never ends.

Ron McGatlin

http://www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

Continual prayer?

Posted: June 26, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching
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“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in our prayers for you … For this reason we have not stopped praying for you since the day we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight. We ask this so that you will live the kind of lives that prove you belong to the Lord. Then you will want to please him in every way as you grow in producing every kind of good work by this knowledge about God. We ask him to strengthen you by his glorious might with all the power you need to patiently endure everything with joy.” Colossians 1:3, 9-11 (GW)

Paul regularly wrote of his consistent and unceasing prayer for the saints throughout his epistles. To the Romans he wrote, “God has seen how I never stop praying for you, while I serve him with all my heart and tell the good news about his Son.1” To the Church at Corinth he wrote, “I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus.2” To the Ephesians he wrote, “[I] do not cease from giving thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.3” He told his disciple Timothy, “I continually remember thee in my prayers, by night and by day.4” And to the Thessalonians he said, “Pray without ceasing.5”

Paul truly believed in unceasing prayer and he modeled it in his daily life. There are no excuses for us today. Life in Paul’s day was just as hard, if not harder than life today. They didn’t have any of the modern ‘conveniences’ that we take for granted. Admittedly they wouldn’t didn’t have the same technological ‘problems’ that we have today. But human nature has always been human nature. If we can think of 1001 reasons not to pray in these days, then two thousand years ago they also would have come up with 1001 reasons not to pray!

The difference between Paul’s attitude and most of ours is that Paul didn’t live by excuses not to pray, he made excuses for why he should pray … without ceasing.

The commandment to pray without ceasing is a very hard saying. I don’t think there is a single person on the face of the earth who would say that it is easy to follow Paul’s example of praying without ceasing. However, since we know that Paul did it, we also know that there is a way for each one of us to develop our prayer lives to the level where we are constantly offering prayer to God.

So how did Paul do it?

A great secret is found in a passage of scripture in the book of Philippians. Writing to the Church in Philippi he said, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” The Good News Bible says, “I thank my God for you every time I think of you.” And the Message Version says, “Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.”

Paul’s secret was to pray every time that he remembered the churches, remembered the saints and remembered their needs. Instead of making that remembrance a point of worry or anxiety, he made it a point of prayer. No-one can stop thinking – God designed our souls that way. If we would simply make a character adjustment to pray each time that the thoughts of family members, workplace issues, church needs, political and spiritual leaders and other things enter our minds then we have just learned Paul’s secret to unceasing prayer!

“The highest rank is servant”

A Different America

Posted: June 22, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, wilderness
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History books are written and re-written according to what someone wants to say to promote their position. I don’t know what the history books will eventually say about the America that I grew up in, but I do know what I have seen and experienced over the past 75 years. In that period of time, it is like I lived in another country in those early years and at some point moved into the country that I live in now. Both from a natural and from a spiritual perspective, it is indeed a different place than the one that I knew. My hope and faith is that 75 years from now there will be a different and better nation and world than the one we live in now. I pray and believe it will be a much more godly world.

I remember sincere patriotism that was real and was deserved. The most godly nation in the world became the most powerful force in the world for good. The world was filled with bad things like Hitler and his rampage that brought about World War ll. However, America was always seen as on the side of right, fighting for freedom and liberty of the oppressed peoples. Always seeking to stop the invaders and prevent their oppression of other peoples and nations.

The churches that were on almost every other major street corner in small town America may not have had it all right but were corporately the greatest force in the world for sending the message of Christ Jesus as Saviour to all the world. Multitudes of sincere and dedicated missionaries left their families and the safety of their homeland to take the message of the cross to most every land in the world. They gave their lives without reservation to help the people of the world. To carry the gospel of Jesus Christ was a noble and highly respected service to the world.

From the fertile farm lands of America, more tons of food than anyone can count have been delivered into foreign lands to feed the hungry. Medical missionaries left potentially lucrative medical practices in America to help the suffering and carry the love of God to the remote regions of the world. We could go on and on with the sacrifices of many lives and much goods that have flowed to the world from America. Back when I was young, it really felt so good to be an American and to know that you and your country would give its all to preserve peace and freedom and well-being for the world.

In those days there were bad things in America, but not nearly so much, and at least we knew bad things were bad. A man and woman who lived together unmarried was a shame and a disgrace to their families and the community. It was called shacking up and was rarely practiced and then only by the non Christian bottom rung of immoral society. Women were moms and wives, and men worked hard to provide for their families. Meals were family affairs where much communication and informal training took place as parents passed on the wisdom of their fathers to the children.

Prisons were few, and the people who were in them were seen as different from the general population. Movies and even early TV shows were believable and taught good morals. The good guys always won, and it was not hard to tell them from the bad guys.

A child born out of wedlock was known as a bastard child and was a rare happening. Some people had pre-marital sex, but they knew it was bad and usually got married sometimes by what was called a shotgun wedding. That is the girls dad showed up with a shot gun and politely told the young man that he had taken his daughter’s virginity and would find it greatly to his advantage and continued good health to marry her NOW. After the wedding he was accepted as part of the family.

Homosexuality was not tolerated and was known to be a deadly sin. None of us could have possibly imagined that this would become known as a lifestyle alternative with gay marriages. Even the word gay meant a happy excited light feeling back then and had nothing to do with sexual perversion. No one could have imagined the violent in-your-face and in-God’s-face actions of homosexuals of today. Neither could we have believed the push by society to train our children in public schools in the acceptance of this life-damaging practice.

A man’s word was his bond and most would suffer great loss before they would go back on their word to someone. A written contract was not needed when a man gave his word, and a handshake sealed the deal.

When someone had need, the neighbors jumped in to do what they could to help. Welfare was not needed to be administered by the federal government. The local community took care of its own. When state-run welfare did begin, it was a shame to have to live off of someone else’s money, and only people in the most dire situations would accept this charity.

Americans were among the best educated in the world. Illegal drugs were unheard of in schools and across the countryside. Only in the big city slums were drugs a problem. There was alcohol, but even that was not for sale everywhere. Many areas of the country were known as dry, and no liquor was legally sold in those areas.

Housing was modest and simple. Only the most affluent had brick homes. Fishing boats used paddles, and only the rich had boats with motors. Time payment credit plans were just getting started, and most saved their hard earned money until they had enough to buy what they needed. Children were even taught to save at school.

Most higher learning institutions began for the purpose of teaching the Bible and biblical standards of life and conduct to the people. Public prayer was normal in schools and the name of Jesus was commonly used in prayer as the Son of God and not a curse word.

I could go on and on with how things have changed in my 75 years, but I think you get the picture. It wasn’t perfect, and there was bad stuff; but it was a very different America.

What happened? How has America fallen into spreading the filth of Hollywood and perversions of sin and filth to the world? How is it that young people are trained in sexual immorality and violence as pleasure? How have our business, church, and government leaders become known as greedy and selfish? How is it that the great institutions of learning have become filled with hate for Christ Jesus and the truth of the word of God? How has it happened that we have become known as the invader rather than the protector? How is it that “One Nation Under God” has rejected its God and is hated by much of the people of the world? All this and much more has come about in my lifetime.

Is it that there was always a hidden crack in our solid quest for liberty? Was our foundation of a nation under God noble and right but with an underlying flaw? In our early national history, had we preached Jesus to the native Americans while driving them from their homes, taking their land, and breaking the strength of their existence? What about the importation of Africans and treating them as chattel property rather than human beings. Yes, the strength of the church and the work of God played a big part in the continuing cleansing of the evils of oppression committed in the foundations of America.

During my lifetime there have been great strides toward righting these wrongs. But did we have deep within the fabric of our culture a remaining need that led to greed and immorality? And is that what is surfacing again as we become seen by many as the aggressor and the oppressor instead of the deliverer for the oppressed?

Is our underlying flaw a fatal flaw?

The flaw must be identified and corrected if it is not to be fatal. Perhaps many views at different levels would be seen by various people as the primary flaw. However, the need is to get to the very deepest level of the problem, recognize it, and change it. In my opinion, the Lord is in this season revealing the fatal flaw that has been the downfall of every powerful nation of history and is now in the process of taking down America and the coalition of western powers.

Our potentially fatal flaw did not originate in America. It was seeded into this nation from its European roots. The early settlers brought it with them as one of their greatest strengths. Some of you may think I have gone mad when I reveal to you what I believe the fatal flaw of America and other powerful nations over two millennia of history has been. However, please see me through and consider the full depth of this situation before you cancel your subscription or send me hate mail.

The fatal flaw is religion and religious systems. Let me explain. The only nation or power on earth that will ever remain without end is the nation ruled by God, empowered by Him and directed by Him. It is the assigned role of the church, the holy people of God, to bring forth the pure holy reality of Christ Jesus in man by the Holy Spirit to rule and reign on earth. The religious church systems failed to do this and substituted empty religion for the reality of the love and power of God indwelling the people through Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Religion has enough appearance of godliness to cause the people to think they are where they are supposed to be with God. Therefore, the people stop seeking for more of God and His kingdom. Religion is like a vaccination that keeps us from catching the real thing. When in reality, religion has only the appearance of godliness without the power and reality of God. Our nations without the power and reality of God have moved far from the ways of God and established man-centered, self-focused secular ways that were easily infiltrated with spiritual darkness.

2 Tim 3:5: having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Mark 7:9: He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.

Col 2:8: Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Religion instead of the reality of relationship with God is our fatal flaw. This is why our forefathers could preach Jesus to the Native Americans and destroy their lives at the same time. That is why this nation could buy and sell Africans and go to church on Sunday and pray. This is why Christian leaders fall into greed and immorality. That is why the deceptions of spiritual blindness allow this nation to be led by the greed and lust of the hearts of deceived people. That is why the western nations are becoming a violent immoral people fit for destruction.

I am not anti-American and not anti-Western and surely not anti-church. I love America, the church, and all the western nations, and I am sincerely thankful for all the value we have been. I love too much to sit back and say nothing when God is speaking and our hope depends on seeing who we really are and in what condition we really are. I love too much to not search for a road to change.

The good news is that the road has been found, and the way is open. Many people are getting up and moving out on the road to the reality of God and the establishment of His nation of holy people within many nations. People are moving out of the religious systems that are the fatal flaw and moving into Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit, becoming the holy purified Body of Christ. The kingdom of God from heaven can come forth in His people on earth. A fresh new extreme abandonment of all that our greed and lust has built and a passionate to-the-death commitment to God is the way to God’s power and love flowing rivers of living water into the nations of the world. There is a passion for God and for His people coming forth in people. Especially youth are giving birth to a new generation with a new level of passion for God and His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Rev 12:11: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Kingdom revival is a passionate move of God in people that leads to the kingdom of God lifestyle in the made-alive people of God. It is the life-giving Spirit moving upon and within, transforming ordinary people into maturing supernaturally-empowered men and women of God. People in every walk of life and every part of the world can get in as the Spirit of God is moving across the world. The substitute religion is being washed away by the life-giving Spirit of Christ Jesus moving upon our hearts. Get connected to and become one with the Spirit of Christ and connect with other passionate believers; then preach the kingdom, anticipating the power of God to move through you to touch and change the lives of the people who come within the sphere of the Spirit flowing through your life. Let your faith become without limitation and speak the truth in love. Do the work set before you, and we shall see the hand of God move to bring change and heal our fatal flaw.

This is not a time of fear and despair. This is the time to do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Psa 33:12: Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

Psa 144:15: Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!

Keep on pursuing love.
It never fails.

Ron McGatlin

http://www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

Glory or Glitter?

Posted: June 21, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
Tags: , , , , ,
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Glory or Glitter?

By Ron McGatlin

A great transition is in process. This glorious worldwide change began two millennia ago in Christ Jesus. It is now, in this current millennium, culminating in the raising up of many pure holy sons of God in whom the Spirit of Christ is manifesting into the world – sons who endure their personal cross to enter into resurrection life and show forth the radiance of the glory of God. These sons are men and women who thunder the holy words of God from heaven with supernatural demonstration of His love and power. They are sent to turn the nations from seeking the glitter of self-life to seeking the GLORY of God and His kingdom reality.
Behind the leadership of America the western world has largely gone for the glitter of self-fulfillment and pleasure seeking. Worship of the created has supplanted the worship of the Creator. The great illusionist continues to divert and turn aside multitudes of deluded reprobate people given over to their own foolishness. The glitter of human endeavor and pleasure has allured nations into a carnival fun house lifestyle of lies and deception which, in reality, is a despicable den of seething darkness.

Selfish pride of life and lust for the pleasures of satisfying base human desires of the creature without due concern for the Creator has separated most of the western world from God. The ways of heaven have become foreign to multitudes including many that call themselves Christians but live as aliens to God.

Powerless, man-focused church structures have been taken over by the same deception and are of no value in turning the people and nations back to God. On the contrary, the pseudo Christian views of accepting the ways of the fallen world of enticing people by feeding their desires for pleasure and self-fulfillment are robbing God’s people of the potential of a true experience of heaven’s ways of life. Religious church infiltrated by the fallen world’s ways has become a massive stumbling block for people seeking the reality of God.

In the midst of great darkness a bright light is emerging.

God will have a people of HIS GLORY. The glory of God shall cover the earth. There will be a sea of people of God filled with His glory carrying the light of heaven exposing every den of darkness and bringing forth the light of heaven in every heart and life of every person who remains beyond the cleansing shaking of God.

God is now preparing a nation within nations. A people of His glory filled with the life of Christ Jesus empowered from heaven by the Holy Spirit – a people without fear – a people of purity, holiness, and powerful humility – a people without regard for the fallen world who hear and obey only their God – a people in whom there is no dependence on man and no independence from God. True sons of God are being prepared to lead the world into the fullness of the kingdom of God.

There is no question that the sons of God are manifesting. The question is who will these people of God be? Are you one? Am I one? Who are these hidden people who will arise amidst the darkness that is covering the nations to carry the light to those who sit in darkness? Who will be the ones who call out and receive the people abiding in dens of seething darkness? Who will be the harvesters of the harvest of God? Who will be the ones to enter the New Jerusalem City of God to rule and reign with Him? Who will be the ones to sit at His table and commune daily with Him in the midst of His glory? Do you really want to know? It is those who are doing it now.

Wake up people! Those who name His name, AWAKEN!

Arise, shine, For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you (Isa 60:1).

Jesus has returned to live in your heart – the Holy Spirit has come to you – the same God who created all life and all matter dwells with you. The same God that by His emanating power causes all things to exist abides in you. In our day the supernatural power of God is flowing through His people to cleanse, heal, and deliver the people who are now sitting in great darkness.

Mat 4:16-17: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”.

Isa 60:1-5: Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.

Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side.

Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.

The radiance of the glory of God is so bright that it overpowers and exposes the glitter of self- indulgent pleasure seeking as darkness. The glitter of flesh-enhanced “worship” and man-focused preaching does not compare to the pure, holy glory of God. Man-made glitter does not compare to the beauty of a consecrated life filled with His love, humility, self-sacrifice, true righteousness, peace, and joy of the Lord. The glory of His presence causes all else to become as shadows. To know Him intimately is more than all the world has to offer. True kingdom is being birthed in the hearts of devoted servants who become sons in service and the King’s Bride in intimacy.

There is no other ultimate purpose in life. This is the reason we were made. The reason we were born and the purpose of our remaining on this small planet called Earth. There is no complete fulfillment in life beyond becoming the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. Total rest and satisfaction is only in knowing Him intimately and becoming a carrier of His glory on earth – a clear reflection and reality of the life of Christ Jesus. This is the field of great treasure and the one perfect pearl of life for which we gladly sell all that we have to purchase.

Many people desire this life and cannot obtain it. Many sense the beauties of holiness in the real kingdom, and. though it is rare on earth, they may see it in another person or family. They may exclaim, “Oh how beautiful – how peaceful and joyful; I want that for me and my family.” However, when they discover the cost of selling all they have, all their glitter, all they have striven to gain, and all that gives them their earthly reputation and provision – all that their flesh enjoys, then they are NOT willing to sell all and they walk away from the glory of God.

Surely, it is the mercy of God that allows all their glitter, all their earthly accomplishments, and all in which their flesh takes pleasure to be utterly destroyed before their eyes. In this great time of loss and painful shaking many who have previously seen but turned away may turn back with their whole hearts to seek the true life in the kingdom of God. Others will blame God for their loss and curse Him. The God cursers are even now attempting to rid their nations of God and destroy His people. They will become even more inflamed against God and His people as the day of their end approaches.

Mat 23:37-38: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate.”

Rev 9:18: By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed; by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone…..

Rev 9:20-21: But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Rev 6:15-17: And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Isa 2:11-12: The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted up; And it shall be brought low.

Beyond the great shakings of cleansing of the earth, the great governing city of God and His people will come into full view to rule the kingdom of God on earth as in heaven. God and His holy Bride will flow the light of the government of Christ Jesus over all the world, and the kingdoms of earth will have become the kingdoms of our Lord (Rev 11:15). Amen.

Rev 21:2-5: Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

This is not a far distant pie in the sky thing. This is available now within all who sell all to come to Him with their whole hearts. The New Jerusalem lifestyle must be within before it flows out to the world. We are the generation of the refiners fire of God coming down preparing a people to overcome the gods of this world – to retake the land of the living in the love and power of God to heal the broken, strengthen the weak, deliver the bound, proclaim the opening of the prison, the recovery of sight to the blind – to destroy the works of spiritual blindness, darkness, deception and delusion – to raise to life those trapped in spiritual death separated from their God.

Isa 61:1-4: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolation’s, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolation’s of many generations.

Keep on pursuing love.
It never fails.

Ron McGatlin

http://www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

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