Posts Tagged ‘Kingdom of God’

What does a Kingdom Gathering look like?

Posted: January 4, 2017 in Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching
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The New Testament out-lines what a gathering looks like and sadly many miss this. Either that or they are taught that the model of today is the true model.

Here is what I believe we find one looks like according to scripture;

Is it a Kingdom gathering if its in a large Cathedral or Mega Church setting?

No, not necessarily yet the Lord can still move within one.

Is it only in a house sitting?

No, not necessarily although because of persecution this is how they met in the New Testament. And I personally believe that in small groups, connected through out a town, city or even State can be far more productive and cost effective.

Does it have a pastor?

No, not in the manner for which most Churches operate today. The New Testament model shows a plurality of leaders (elders). But this by no means warrants that a group must not have a teacher or one who is matured as an elder who the Lord is using to disciple others into the elder’s role. (Acts 2:42-47) Much like what Jesus himself had taught them (Luke 9:1-6), (Matt 10:1-16)

Do they collect offering’s?

Yes, they should collect an offering to go into the StoreHouse of the Lord which can be used for many purposes with regard to those who gather together as well as fund missions from within the group. The storehouse can also assist the needs of those whom the Lord puts on the hearts of the group. This does not mean that the group needs to support a sole individual who wants to be their “Leader” which is a mark of many groups and Churches today. I am not saying that one who is called to ministry is not entitled to receive money to support them as there is a Biblical principle as well. That is a different story. I know of people who started a house group (Church) and then forces their bills upon the group in a manner for which the group is manipulated through guilt into supporting them. Paul set the high road about this subject and a diligent student will go study what I mean. The positive thing in regard to meeting in private homes is that no money is wasted on rent or mortgages.

Lessons from my personal study:

I’ve spent the better part of a decade and a half studying the Kingdom Model and I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Regretfully the good have been far in between. I attended groups that merely sit around and complain about the big Church and bring no Glory to the Lord and sadly they are generally are simply a smaller model of what they are complaining about.

I have witnessed some that morphed into a secluded group of believers who don’t evangelize and are totally scared of “Out-siders” coming in and contaminating their group. This is scary and cultish as they general end up with a single leader.

I have also witnessed a few that are onto something and this is generally found in persecuted nations but there are a few as well which are thinly spread out across America. These group are tapping into the Kingdom culture and the Lord is beginning to really move. Although, right now it may well be considered a remnant of sorts. I have heard from others and believe myself that in the coming months, especially here in America it will begin to swell in momentum as the “Mega-Churches” have been draining the Nations storehouse to support their personal kingdom agenda’s which require mega mortgages and salaried staff to keep the machine operating. The Spirit is opening the spiritual eyes of many. In these groups, we find that unlike the Mega type Church, these Kingdom gatherings have a plurality of leadership, taking turns teaching and all the gifts operating within the group.

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When we tap into the scriptures we read how the early Church gathered from house to house, how the Apostles planted (discipled) teachers, evangelist, prophets and pastors (elders) and then moved onto the next home to reproduce. You can visibly see the “Gifts” of the Spirit operating in each group. Were they perfect? No, yet today we have their mistakes to learn from and with a greater understanding of the Pauline revelations he received through Holy Spirit. One can see where there was Unity, the Glory of the Lord was present. Unity comes when a group of people are of one-mind and who are seeking to glorify the Lord and not worried about who is the leader, how they are going to pay the mortgage, who is going to do this and do that. In fact, they were not worried about the government of the world or the culture around them because they all knew that they were commissioned to represent the Kingdom government of Jesus and to release the culture of the Kingdom, being an influence of grace & love rather than being influenced by greed and immorality.

We know from scripture that when they gathered it was centered around Jesus, often with songs, praise and worship along with teaching. (Col 3:16). More than likely, upon a deep study of the scriptures and what scholars state, their meeting consisted of worship, practice of Spiritual gifts, teaching, prayer, fellowship, the Lord’s supper and Baptism.

We know based on historical facts that most homes were in fact apartments for the most part consisting of one or two rooms there were however a few that may have owned a single home structure yet this was not the norm in that day. Of course, back then a whole family lived there and often even sons with their wives. A custom unlike what we in America are accustomed to although in recent years because of economic hardships it is be coming a not so uncommon practice here. So more than likely these groups were not larger than 15 to 20 persons which then would break off to form another group, yet they were still connected in one form or other.

Upon images-10studying the house meeting structure of the New Testament, many are amazed at how fast Paul developed leaders. Of course, upon reading scripture we find than generally the person who opened their home were considered leaders and others blossomed around them.

Paul speaks of this in first Thessalonians 5:12-13, yet he does not attach “titles” to them. Again, we see that leadership pretty much developed organically.

Now, nowhere in the New Testament can one find a picture that closely resembles any of the fully developed systems at play in the main stream Church today. Back then “Church” government was not highly developed, and the local gatherings were a rather loosely knit group. These small gatherings did however exist side-by-side with other house groups. We can pretty much gather from the scriptures that these believers saw themselves as part of a greater city-wide family of believers. Ministry from these groups was fluid and dynamic. Members were encouraged to experience their spiritual gifts for the common good of the Body, and leaders operated as gifted men and women. This led to many opportunities for ordinary people to develop into leaders. (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:8-10, 27-28)

hqdefault-3I believe that even as we see more and more open verbal and legal attacks against the Church and Christians in America and abroad, if one is truly tuned into what the Spirit is speaking, they to shall find the Father calling the Bride to journey back in time to apply the values and ministry practices found in the New Testament. While house to house ministry might look different today, many of the same Biblical principles apply and will help us to not only begin to disciple others, who go on to disciple others, we will also see the body coming back into unity and with that the Glory of the Lord shall once again be seen across this nation and through-out the world. Even if it is a remnant that begins, the fire will spread even as did through the first century Church.

Again,  I believe I have heard and learned through Holy Spirit in scripture as well as to what I have personally witnessed, this is what a Kingdom meeting does look like. Let us pray that the Bride awakens in this generation in this hour for His purpose.

I will be writing more on this topic in the coming months and welcome anyone else’s thoughts and insight as well.

~Dr. Russ Welch

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THE KING’S SERVANTS

Posted: February 11, 2015 in Kingdom Teaching
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My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My Kingdom is not of this realm. (John 18:36)

Too many believers today are trying to find fulfillment and significance through human means. They are trying to discover their destinies through man’s methods. However, man’s methods have never accomplished God’s goals. Jesus revealed that fully when He answered Pilate straightforwardly. Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My Kingdom is not of this realm” ( John 18:36).

In essence, He said, “My method reflects My source.” As believers, we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. Similarly, a boat is made to be in the water but not of the water. If the boat begins to be of the water and starts taking on water inside of it, it will soon go down.

To be in the world and yet not of the world means that worldliness does not define your decisions, relationships, priorities, or even the cadence of how you flow. The King and His kingdom controls your methodology. You seek Him first.

For His Kingdom.

Tony Evans

What a Wicked Person Can Expect from Life

Posted: May 24, 2013 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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“Indeed, the light of the wicked is snuffed out. The flame of his fire stops glowing. The light in his tent becomes dark, and the lamp above him is snuffed out. “His healthy stride is shortened, and his own planning trips him up.

His own feet get him tangled in a net as he walks around on its webbing. A trap catches his heel. A snare holds him. A rope is hidden on the ground for him. A trap is on his path to catch him.

“Terrors suddenly pounce on him from every side and chase him every step he takes.
Hunger undermines his strength. Disaster is waiting beside him. His skin is eaten away by disease. Death’s firstborn son eats away at the limbs of his body. He is dragged from the safety of his tent and marched off to the king of terrors.

Fire lives in his tent. Sulfur is scattered over his home. His roots dry up under him.

His branches wither over him. All memory about him will vanish from the earth, and his reputation will not be known on the street corner. He will be driven from the light into the dark and chased out of the world.

He will not have any children or descendants among his people or any survivor where he used to live. People in the west are shocked by what happens to him. People in the east are seized with horror. This is what happens to the homes of wicked people and to those who do not know God.” (Job 18:5-21)

Praise God there is hope In Christ Jesus for those who repent and turn their lives in submission to Him!!!

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. (Gal 5:1)

We can not fight and win the battle against sin in our power!!!

And having been set free from sin, you have become the servants of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in thought, purpose, and action). I am speaking in familiar human terms because of your natural limitations. For as you yielded your bodily members [and [a]faculties] as servants to impurity and ever increasing lawlessness, so now yield your bodily members [and [b]faculties] once for all as servants to righteousness (right being and doing) [which leads] to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what benefit (return) did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? [None] for the end of those things is death. But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life. For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:18-23)

So many today struggle in their walk – they’ve attended conventions, conferences and Church meetings, tarried at the alters yet experience no freedom. This is what happens when a false and watered down Gospel based upon self is taught – It is void of Gods power.

To get into heaven, you have to REPENT of your sins and BELIEVE the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15).

You have to REPENT of your sins–that means turn from them and BELIEVE that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Having done these things, you will be born again and the Lord Jesus Christ will help you to walk uprightly. You will read the word and follow the teachings of Jesus. The word of God will wash your mind and your desires will actually change as you obey what you read. [Beware for there are many false gospels in the world today].

Possess Godly Character or the Anointing of God

Posted: May 12, 2013 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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I was reading a magazine article in a Christian Magazine.  This article was discussing the question– What is most important for a Christians to possess a godly character or the anointing of God?

Immediately I felt the Holy Spirit rise up within me and say, “You must have both.  You must possess godly character and the anointing.” “The anointing with no godly character brings shame to the Body of Christ.”  “There has been too many who have gone forth ministering in the Body of Christ who have not possessed both–a godly character and the anointing of God.”  “You must have both.”  “It is not meant to be one without the other.”

Saul

In 1Samuel 10:1 Samuel anointed Saul as ruler over Israel.

1Samuel 10:20-22 Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. 21 Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. 22 Therefore they inquired further of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” So the LORD said, “Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage.”

Saul began walking in his position as the anointed of God with the godly character trait of humbleness.  He was hiding himself by the baggage.

Saul already knew from the Lord that it was he who was anointed as King and ruler of Israel.   He was not exalting himself among the people and yelling “It’s me!!  I’m the anointed one!!!”  “Look over here at me; I’m the anointed one of God!!”  Saul humbly hid himself among the baggage.

Saul did not continue to walk in a godly character.  In 1 Samuel 13: 8-9 we find King Saul offering a burnt offering.  This violated what God had commanded him to do.  In 1Samuel 13:13 Samuel tells Saul because of his disobedience that the Lord had sought out another to appoint as ruler over His people.

In 1Samuel 15:9-11 we find Saul once again disobey God.  God spoke to Samuel that He regretted making Saul king because he had turned away from following Him and had not carried out His commands.  In 1Samuel 15:26 Samuel tells Saul that the Lord has rejected him from being king over Israel.

In 1Samuel 16:14 we find the last state of Saul — the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul.

Saul did not continue to walk in a godly character.  Because of his lack of possessing a godly character along with the anointing, God removed the One who anointed Saul – God removed the Holy Spirit from him.

Saul remained the one who was anointed to the position and title (we know this because David refers to Saul as “the anointed of God”), but the presence of the Holy Spirit was removed from him.  Saul kept his position and title until his death, the Holy Spirit’s presence which had dwelled with him was removed

We see this today in the Body of Christ.  There are those who because of faulty and flawed characters have had the presence of the Holy Spirit removed from them, their ministries and their churches.  They continue on in position and in a title but the Holy Spirit’s presence has been removed from them.

We see these (pastor, teacher, prophet, apostle and evangelist) still able to operate in their spiritual gift but the Holy Spirit’s presence has been removed from them.

God’s Word says that his gifts are given without repentance in Rom 11:29.

Romans 11:29 (KJV) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

The Word in the Greek for repentance means IRREVOCABLE.

Irrevocable according to the dictionary means: not to be revoked or recalled; unable to be repealed or annulled;

Do you see that Saul’s call was irrevocable—he still continued on in the title and position of king until his death?   Even as he retained the call the dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit was removed from him.

Do you see that many in church today still operate in their spiritual gifts but the dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit has been removed from them?

David had seen Saul without the presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling with him.  I believe that is why David cried out to God “do not remove the Holy Spirit from me.”  He had seen the terrible state that it was to be in if you did not have the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.  David did not want to walk in title and position without the presence of the Holy Spirit.  I believe that is why he cried out to God “don’t remove the Holy Spirit from me.”

What a terrible position it truly is even this day – to walk in the spiritual gifts but have not the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.

I personally sat under and served on staff with a pastor whom I knew lied and gossiped about his people. I often heard him at staff meetings speak critically, harshly and in ridicule of the people in this congregation.

The Word of God says we shall be known by our fruit.

Matthew 7:16-17 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad
tree bears bad fruit.

I was looking at the wrong fruit!!!  I was looking at the fruit of the spiritual gifts being in operation in this pastor’s life.  I was not looking at the fruit of his character that was pouring out of his heart. I mistakenly thought the fruit of the spiritual gift in operation through him at the altar verified the presence of the Holy Spirit and the approval of God upon this pastor.

As we saw with Saul, the gifts and call is irrevocable but the presence of the Holy Spirit can be and is removed.  Seeing spiritual gifts in operation does not verify that God’s presence is upon someone or that God has set His approval upon them.

Matthew 7:20-23 “So then, you will know them by their fruits. 21  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

God is saying clearly in this scripture that we are not to look upon the fruit of the spiritual gift operating in someone’s life.  They had these gifts in operation but God calls them “those who practice lawlessness.”  These did not walk in godly character and because they did not the presence of the Holy Spirit was taken from them.  How do I know this??

Because the Word says that He does not know them.  God knows all who have His Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit’s presence with them.

God is clearly saying we are to look for the fruit of a godly character.  Where there is the fruit of a godly character there will be also be the anointing of God.

God is clearly saying our fruit must be the fruit of a godly character!!!  God is clearly saying when we manifest the fruit of a godly character we will possess His anointing which comes through the dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

I understand now what the Holy Spirit meant when He said, “You can’t have one without the other.”  If you walk in the fruit of godly character you will possess the anointing through the dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit said “Godly Character without the anointing has no power to change lives.”

I understand now what the Holy Spirit was saying.  The anointing is the presence of the Spirit in our lives and without the presence of the Spirit you do not have the effectual effective working power to see lives changed.  I understand now that when I walk in a godly character and manifest the fruit of that character, His Holy Spirit anointing will also be manifested in my life.

We are not to have one without the other!!!

David

In 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 we have the story of David’s anointing as king over Israel.  David is picked by God from among his brothers and anointed as king.

1Samuel 16:13  Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

When David was anointed as king of Israel the Holy Spirit came upon him mightily.  David now possessed the anointing of the Lord.  The presence of the Holy Spirit was with David from that day forward.  He went forth from that day to work mighty exploits in the name of the Lord; he did so through the presence of the Holy Spirit which was with Him.

We know from scripture that both Saul and David sinned against the Lord.  The Holy Spirit was not removed from David as He had been from Saul because David possessed the godly character of a repentant heart.  Saul when confronted with his sin made excuses and blamed others for his sin.  He did not take responsibility for his actions.  He did not come to true repentance.  He did not come to a repentance that was according to the will of God that leads to salvation.

2Corinthians 7:10  For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

David when confronted with his sin repented.  David was not a man after God’s own heart because he was sin free.  David was a man after God’s own heart because he came to repentance according to the will of God that led to salvation.  David walked in godly character and he manifested the good fruit of repentance.

The Holy Spirit and His presence remained with David.  David possessed both the qualities of a godly character and the anointing of the Lord.

When we sin we must have the godly character of repentance.  We must repent as David – without excuse, without blaming others for our sin, and by taking responsibility for our actions.  We must turn from our sin and turn to God.  We must move forward by bearing good fruit in keeping with our repentance.

Matthew 3:8 “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;

Luke 3:8 “Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance …

Act 26:20  but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.

We are to perform deeds/ bear good fruit appropriate to repentance.

Where there is the fruit of a godly character there will be also be the anointing of God.

Balaam

Balaam walked with a faulty and flawed character.  He is an example of many in the body of Christ today who function in a title and position but possess a faulty and flawed character.

We find the story of Balaam in Numbers 22 – 25.  Balak the king of Moab sent the elders of his nation to Balaam with money to pay for his service of cursing Israel.  God told Balaam to not go with them, for He, God, has blessed Israel.  Balaam speaks correctly to the king’s emissaries that God has refused to let him go with them.

The king of Moab then sends to Balaam more numerous and more distinguished leaders with a promise of honoring him richly.

Here is where we begin to see the flaw in the character of Balaam.  He knew God’s word to him that he was not to go and that Israel was not to be cursed for He, God, had blessed them.  The character flaw we find in Balaam is love of honor and love of riches!!!

2Peter 2:15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Balaam speaks three times the words God tells him to speak over the people Israel.

Numbers 23:5 says God put a word in Balaam’s mouth and Numbers 23: 16 says the Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth.  We find the last time Balaam speaks for the king of Moab to be different.

Numbers 24:1-2  When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times to seek omens but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2  And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him.

I believe the two times Balaam spoke before that he was speaking out of his gift.  He did not speak these words by the anointing, which is the presence of the Holy Spirit with him.

The Holy Spirit’s presence was not with him until this third time and he did not seek omen as he had at the other times.

Balaam mixed the worship of God with pagan worship!!  The presence of the Holy Spirit was not with him until he did not seek to hear through omens.  Not only did Balaam possess the flawed character of love of honor and money, he also possessed the flawed character of mixing the worship of God with pagan worship.  His heart was not totally Gods!!

We can not be as Balaam and mix the worship of God.  We must worship Him and Him alone.  We must not have this flawed character.  Our hearts must totally belong to God andto Him alone.

We are going to look at the next example of Balaam’s actions that we often see in the church today.  He spoke the right words but his actions did not line up with those words!!!

Numbers 24:13-14 ‘Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything contrary to the command of the LORD, either good or bad, of my own accord. What the LORD speaks, that I will speak’? 14 “And now, behold, I am going to my people; come, and I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”

What did Balaam advise the King of Moab?  First, Balaam prophesied the future of Israel to the King of Moab.  A deeper look at scripture will tell us the rest of Balaam’s advise to the king.

Numbers 25:1-3 While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. 2 For they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor, and the LORD was angry against Israel.

Num 31:16 “Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD.

Revelation 2:14  ‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.

Balaam spoke the right words from his mouth that made him sound as if he was totally dedicated to God.  His actions of teaching Balak the king of Moab how to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel did not line up with his words of devotion to God.

Balaam advised Balak in the way only way Israel could be cursed and destroyed!!  He knew that idol worship/departing from serving God and God alone was the only way Israel would be cursed and destroyed.  Balaam advised Balak to send in the women of his nation who would then entice and lead the men of Israel into idol worship.

It is the same in the church today, many speak what is right in front of others – where they are seen, but the actions of their lives do not line up with their words.  They speak as if they have great godly character but their actions/ their true character shows that they do not.

They are as Balaam—their lives do not line up with their words.  These do not possess a godly character and the anointing, the presence of the Holy Spirit is not with them.

Philippians 2:21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.

Many in the church today are as Balaam, seeking after their own interests of wealth, of honor, or fame and are not seeking after the interests of Christ.

Philippians 1:15-17  Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16  the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17  the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit…

Some in the church today preach Christ out of selfish ambitions—what is in it for them!!!

They do not preach Christ out of pure motives.  They preach Christ out of the motive of what will it bring to them.  They will not go where they do not receive a large honorarium, they will not go where there is not a large crowd who will give honor to them—they are too busy and important to serve the small congregations.   They preach Christ with the impure motive of “what is in it for them!!!”  These do not walk in godly character and are in danger of losing the anointing and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

We are commanded to not operate as these.

Pharisees

The Pharisees had “religion” they did not possess godly character.  Because they lacked godly character they did not have the anointing or the presence of the Holy Spirit with them.

We must not confuse having “religion” with possessing a godly character.  God does not see them as the same.  Jesus called the Pharisees who had “religion” a brood of vipers.  Jesus called them evil.  Jesus told them they were of their father, satan!!!  We must not confuse having “religion” with possessing a godly character and the anointing of God.

Matthew12:34-35 “You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. 35  “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.

Good fruit comes forth from one who has godly character.  Good fruit does not come forth out of “religion” it alone comes forth from one who walks in a godly character.  The presence and the anointing of the Holy Spirit are present with one who walks in a godly character.

John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Pharisees were a sect of self-righteous and zealous Jews.  They were zealous for their interpretation of the law and for their traditions.  Jesus corrected them for their traditions nullifying the Word of God.

Matthew 15:3 And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?

Matthew 15:9 ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'”

Mark 7:8 -9 “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” 9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.

Mark 7:13 thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

In the church today there are those who set aside the commandment of God in order to keep their tradition, their religion.  Their “religion” and “tradition” has become more important to them than having the presence of the Holy Spirit and His anointing with them!!!

The Pharisees through their interpretation of the law and traditions laid heavy burdens upon men.  They also by their religion prevented others from finding liberty and freedom. I want you to know that religion always does this – it keeps others in the same bondage they are in – it refuses to allow others to be set free.

Matthew 23:2-4 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3  therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 4  “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.

Matthew 23:13  “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

Religion always makes “carbon copies” of those who follow in its way.  There is no freedom in religion.

Matthew 23:15  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

Jesus came to set us free from religion and all its traditions!!!  Religion is devoid of the presence of the Holy Spirit and His anointing.

The Pharisees loved honor and glory to be given to them from men.  The Pharisees were full of the spirit of pride.  They esteemed themselves above all others.  The Pharisees did all their deeds to be noticed by men, not out of a heart of compassion of love for the people.  They did their deeds for the “good report” it would bring them.  Many in the body of Christ do the same today.

Matthew 23: 5-7 “But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. 6 “They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7  and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men.

Matthew 23:14 [“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.]

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their “religion” and their appearance of righteousness when they did not possess righteousness or a godly character.

Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.

Matthew 23:25 -28 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26 “You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 “So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Matthew 23:33 “You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?

The Pharisees had “religion” they did not have godly character.  The Pharisees were devoid of the presence and the anointing of the Holy Spirit and if they remained in this state would not be able to escape the sentence of hell.

The Holy Spirit began this discourse with the words “We as Christians must have both a godly character with the anointing.” “We are not to have one without the other.”  We have learned we walk must in a godly character, then the anointing and the presence of the Holy Spirit will be with us.

Let us as the people of God who seek to be His anointed in the earth examine our walks and our characters this day.

Let us persevere to walk with a godly character and the anointing which is the presence of the Holy Spirit with us.

 

Author: Dawn Wilson

http://www.dawnwilsonministries.org

Disciple of Christ – or – disciples of the world?

Posted: November 14, 2012 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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The cool-aides been removed & the waters been drained – time for the True Gospel.

We can talk about love all day and try to rah, rah, rah ourselves into a hyped up emotional state and never even begin to move then enemy out of our lives one tiny inch – Its time to wake up, step up and enter the war – Hell isn’t playing games & its time we stop playing games, playing Church and start being the Bride whom our Lord went to the cross for.

Jesus isn’t looking for cheer-leaders, He’s looking for humble warrior servants who are not afraid of getting dirty by touching the lives of the unwanted, visiting the widows, taking care of the orphans and sitting in the hospital waiting rooms praying with people we don’t even know. True warriors who don’t sit around the TV all night because they are so hungry to spend their nights on their faces weeping for the lost in this nation and around the world.

You can tell the strength of the soldiers who surround you by their dedication to training, study & attention at the briefings before the battle – How many of those who sit with you on Sunday, join in when its a prayer meeting? The Bible never said a thousand excuses will drive the enemy away.

Are our meeting just a public place where information is passed and people feel good?

Or are they meeting’s where people leave changed from who they were when they entered?

Do we desire meetings that will make us feel better about ourselves or do we want meeting where Holy Ghost comes into the room and does some surgery – painful yes, but the pain is worth it as it is a purification that is needed on the road to Holiness? Because the meeting’s Jesus held were about death to self and service to others, not one step self promotion meetings to improve our opinions (pride) and motivate us too a deeper love of ourselves.

Many exclaim “Lord put the coal to my lips” yet when a little persecution comes they cry “To Hot, to hot”

Jesus never built the Church to be a social club or even a hospital, He built it to be a dominion taking, Hell smashing war machine to claim back the world by ejecting the evil one, all to the Glory of the Father by the Authority He has given us.

If we cant see the Kingdom around us its because we have not died to the world, death which gives access to Holy Ghost to enter in and open our eyes. Come on people you will never grasp the Kingdom as long as your hands are filled with the pleasures of this world. It’s time to end the traditions of men and start living the Kingdom life – An all out submitted life to Jesus as Savior, Lord, King and most of all Master. A totally surrendered life that is willing to tell Jesus “No longer my life, my dreams nor even my heart but yours and yours alone Lord”. That’s what He asks for in fact that is what He demands and nothing short of it – if you don’t believe it you better read your Bible, especially the Red Letters.

Many seem to think the Keys to the Kingdom Jesus spoke of are keys to the bank, to the pleasure club and freedom from labor. Nope, so sorry Charlie, the keys Jesus was talking about where to the storehouse for mission provisions, for opening the doors of hell which has taking captive the lost, to the prayer room with a direct line to the Throne room and to the Armory to suite up with the weapons of Spiritual Warfare.

Time to end the self preservation meetings and enter the battle field, people are dying spiritual around us as we ponder the meaning of life. Jesus summed it up – Die to self, allow Holy Ghost to transform us into His image, teach others to do the same and bring Glory to the Father.

~Russ Welch

Seek ye first………

Posted: September 9, 2012 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt 6:33)

We need to take into consideration everything in our lives and lay them on the table before the Lord and truthfully ask Him – Lord, are these things what you desire for me? I believe that often times we seek after to accumulate and establish things that may be good, yet they are not the desire of God.

When we look at everything in our lives, if Jesus Christ is not the central focus point then they do not bring Him Glory. My marriage struggled in the early years yet once we made Jesus the very central point, there was a harmony, strength and love that has become the foundation of our marriage, because Jesus is the Rock upon which our marriage stands.

Are we building to promote who we are, or are we establishing Kingdom to promote who Jesus is?

There are ministries that putter along and even though their focus may be on the prophetic, deliverance, healing or discipleship if the main focus is not Christ, the Father has no desire to pour out His blessing.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Col 1:18)

He has established His Son in the position for everything in Heaven and earth to worship Him. Yet in much of the Church Jesus is the theme but not the central focus.

How can we expect the nations to honor Jesus in His rightful place among them when we the Church resist doing so. God’s purpose is that the Church reveal on earth, both individually and corporately, the centrality of the Lamb, Jesus Christ in our midst.

We’ve built Churches that are driven by the personality of the senior pastor, ministries that are focused on its leaders. Until we make Jesus Christ the focus point in every area of our lives, we can not and will not walk in our inheritance of Victory and power. We will not be able to release the Glory of the Lord to the world.

So again, take everything in your life, put it on the table and ask the Father “Is this purposed by You Father, or out of my own agenda and desire?

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. (Luke 14:33)

Are you radical enough to settle for nothing but the Will of the Father? In order to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, you must.

However if My people who are called by MY Name……

Posted: July 12, 2012 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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By Russ Welch

“Bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with hand-cut stones. Fig trees have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.” (Isaiah 9:10)

Like that of ancient Israel, God has been sending signs to America. And although many are trying to erase America’s true history in regard to the foundation upon which it was built or even the fact that before America was, it was dedicated by Christians as the New Zion even as Israel was dedicated to be a Nation unto the Lord.

Today we see people believing both in the Church and out of the Church that the cure to America’s woes are based upon an economic turn around yet that is a mere symptom of the real crisis at hand, for it goes far deeper to the very soul of this Nation and it’s continue progression away from God.

We can liken Sept 11, 2001 to ancient Israel when the hedge was breached instead of realizing that it was a Spiritual sign they looked at it as a sign that they needed to strengthen their nation defense. Now for a few brief moments America turned to God yet in its pride it sad we can become stronger, we can build a better defense system so that this will not happen again. The Churches for a brief moment were filled with people bowing low and crying out to the Lord. Now today we have people bowing low and worshipping mammon once again and seeking a human to solve their problems.

Look at the commentary of John D Watt’s on Isaiah 9:10:
“There is no way for the people to ignore the obvious disaster. Yet they choose not to recognize the deeper meaning…they do not respond to God. They only respond (inadequately) to the threating situation.”

And the Church remains silent on the matter. For much of the Church is sold out to the worlds systems (I said most not all) and has entered into the political arena spouting off who they believe will be better for the nation. Totally blind that the only hope for this nation lays in the hands of one man, and that man is Jesus Christ.

They have not even looked at the depth of sin in their own ranks; they have ignored the signs of God because they know Him not. Many will say God had nothing to do with 9 11 or that that was the Old Testament God, not the New Testament God of grace. Sorry but the Word is clear – the Lord God is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.

Did God cause 9 11? No He did not He merely lifted His hand of protection over this nation. Ironically the very descendants of those who attacked ancient Israel are they who attacked America on 9 11 – the Assyrians. And although the Assyrian language is dead – the remnants of its language is closely tied to that of Arabic.

The hope of America is dwindling day by day. At some point the Lord will lift His hands of protection all together, unless as He states in His Word “However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear [their prayer] from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country.” (2 Chron 7:14)

Now God is not only the God of Mercy, He is as well the God of justice and He can’t not allow America to continue on her path and still bless her. Even as He judged Israel as we read in the book of Judges for her open rejection of Him and their vile display of sin, so must He justly deal with America:

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel. So He delivered them into the hands of plunderers who despoiled them; and He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer stand before their enemies.Wherever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for calamity, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn to them. And they were greatly distressed. (Judges 2:14-15)

We are blind if we do not see America being sold right from out under our feet – look at the debt we owe to China, what will happen when they decide call in their notes. Look at our ports and see who the companies that run them are from – China.

Our government is selling our rights and our religious freedoms and we remain silent – yet our silence should not be broken by merely changing the people in Washington – our silence must be broken by a crying out to God and possible a changing of the leadership in His house who like the politicians of this world are steeped in political games.

Thus the problem of America is bigger than what a mere political campaign can solve – it is a Spiritual sickness that not even an outward reformation will solve – it must be an inward transformation of His people turning back to Him and Him alone.

For if His people in America do not turn back to Him in humble repentance– we can be assured that even as He prophesied over ancient Israel, so Has He prophesied unto America:

O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. (Isaiah 10:5-6)

We must make a radical cry to Heaven – we must radically change our lives from that of serving the world with our actions and merely attempting to appease God with our lip service – we must radically serve Him and His Kingdom as true disciples armed with His Word, hardened with calloused knees having spent hours in prayer. With purified hearts and clean hands

One Hope, One God – Awake, awake oh sleeper for Your Husband stands at the door!!!

Has the Church been sold back to slavery?

Posted: March 7, 2012 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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Has the Church been sold back to slavery?

by Russ Welch

We live in a day when slavery has surpassed any other generation along with that we are faced with imprisoning vices on all sides. Has the Church grown powerless or has it in a large part sold out to the customs of this world?

We must, as radical Christians realize that “Though worldly cultures and customs are apt to change with each generation the culture and customs of the Kingdom of God are eternal!

There appears to be a war within the very House of God, the lines have been drawn and the gulf is getting larger and larger. The liberal Christians [Those accustomed to feeding the flesh] have drawn a line called legalism and regretfully many good intentioned Christians have taking a stance that any social justice is outside of their calling.

For a number of generations the Church has remained silent on subjects that it should have released the roar of Heaven over. Today we see human trafficking happening right here in the USA and the Church to a large part remains silent

Why? Has the Church become ruled by a King other than our Christ? Has in it in its attempts to avoid taxes sold out its sovereignty to the Government of this land?  And in doing so has it sold its authority and power to that of the rule of mere men?

Immorality indorsed by national leaders!

When we see young ladies seated before the government of this world proclaiming a life of sexual immorality many are more outraged that people would question her life style rather than the fact that she is living a immoral life and expects others to pay for it.

We have the leader of this nation saying she should be proud. The very same leader who stated if his daughters had a “mistake”, he would not expect them to live with that mistake, rather that they should have an abortion! Since when is a creation of God labeled a “mistake?

This nation voted in the last presidential election with their first gripped about their wallets, while seated upon their morals and hide the Bible and any sense of Christian values in the closet. Saul this nation wanted, and Saul the Lord has giving this nation. And many Church leaders in this nation not only endorsed this mane, they proclaimed him as the hope of this nations future!!!

What has happened to America and especially the American Church (Maybe that is the problem ,it is the American Church and not Christ’s Church).

Idols of the American Church setting the stage for immorality.

Today sexual immorality has become a large scale erosion of the character of men and women within the Church it self along with greed and selfish ambition.

We have high profile pastors such as Paula White and Eddie Long who can divorce their husbands and wives and still be promoted as good, ethical, moral, holy and righteous Church leaders by the Main Stream Christian circles.  We have pastors committing horrendous sexual acts and paying off their accusers and the stories swept under the carper. We have high profile pastors being brought up on corruption and tax evasion charges, yet told this is part of the persecution of the saints!

What this is a corrupted generation of leadership at its best and they are trying to hide under the guise of holiness and proclamations of self induced persecution because they have not only broken the laws of the land, they have broken the very laws of a Holy God!!

We can see that 1Timothy 6 states a clear picture of our day;

A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. We didn’t bring anything into the world, and we can’t take anything out of it. As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied.

 But people who want to get rich keep falling into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful desires which drown them in destruction and ruin. Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief. (1 Tim 6:6-10)

Now Paul instructs Timothy how to battle such a plaque in verses 11-21;

But you, man of God, must avoid these things. Pursue what God approves of: a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the Christian faith. Take hold of everlasting life to which you were called and about which you made a good testimony in front of many witnesses.

 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony in front of Pontius Pilate, I insist that, until our Lord Jesus Christ appears, you obey this command completely. Then you cannot be blamed for doing anything wrong. At the right time God will make this known. God is the blessed and only ruler. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the only one who cannot die. He lives in light that no one can come near. No one has seen him, nor can they see him. Honor and power belong to him forever! Amen.

 Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Tell them to do good, to do a lot of good things, to be generous, and to share. By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves which is a good foundation for the future. In this way they take hold of what life really is.

 Timothy, guard the Good News which has been entrusted to you. Turn away from pointless discussions and the claims of false knowledge that people use to oppose the Christian faith. Although some claim to have knowledge, they have abandoned the faith. (1 Tim 6:11-21 GWT)

If we opened up the Bible to Romans Chapter 1, we would see that we are living in the very days described therein.

Has the Church taking a step backwards?

Sadly many in the Church today have taking on the Garden Mentality” in that they believe they question every aspect of God’s Word if it intrudes in their own life style and agenda not realizing that they are surrendering the very liberty that the Word brings to their lives.

Those of the grace, grace, grace movement who cry out “legalism” the loudest have birthed a generation of rebellious, anti –obedience people who have set them selves in the very seats of those whose name they label all who would disagree with them “Pharisees”. They claim to live a life filled with grace, yet they attitude towards those who are not holding to their doctrines is nothing short of that which John the Baptist called the Pharisees of his day “Brood of vipers” for they would eat their own if they disagreed with.

We must take a radical stand in our day and open the prison doors!!!

Unless the Church radically falls upon it’s face and repents and returns the sovereign rule of the House of God back to Jesus and out of the hands of men, this generation will not see the Glory of the Lord falling upon the earth.

We must wake up for the harvest fields are white before us, we must be willing to go on radical fasts, spend radical amounts of time engulfed in the Word of God & in prayer. We must radically raise our voices in the face of such rebellious acts against the Lord and His Word.

We must be a people who are radical in grace and mercy, who radically change our life styles of comfort in to that of servants. We must go into the highways and byways. We must not cower before the calls of social justice rather we must radically grab hold of these causes and impart the compassion, grace and mercy of our God into these situations.

We must radically change how we tithe and give of gifts. We must radically change our self-willed lives into that of Spirit lived lives.

Yet in all these things we must realize that we, in and of ourselves can not do it.

No, my friends, we must take that radical step towards the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Radically surrendering our wills and picking up our own crosses that have been dipped in His blood, baptized in His death and walk the life of obedient disciples, laying our lives down daily for the sake of the Kingdom of God, for the sake of the Gospel Message, for the sake of a lost and dying world, for the sake of seeing our lives break forth in such a way that His Glory is released throughout the world via broken and surrendered vessels such as we are called to be!!!

Let us step out of the prison of self indulgence today and into that of Radical Disciples of Jesus Christ for indeed we do serve an Awesome and Mighty God!!!!

Moving in the Spirit of God

Posted: November 25, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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As servant sons of God,, we not only have the privilege to walk in the reality of Spirit-empowered supernatural life, we have the responsibility to do so. We must be about our Father’s business. All of the resources of heaven are potentially available to us for accomplishing the will of our Father. Every day everywhere we go the limitless potential of Spirit God surrounds us. Countless powerful holy angels (ministering spirits) are available to assist us in the works of the business of our Heavenly Father.

A spiritual army is arising from the valley of the shadow of death. The lifeless shadow has lain upon the hearts and lives of God’s people, who were created to be kings and priests to rule and reign in this world with Christ. The enemy has, through false religious and secular doctrines and understandings shadowed our hearts from God’s supernatural spiritual reality. The arising spiritual army does not move by natural human strength or guidance and does not employ weapons built by man. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. ~ Paul

Divine supernatural love, power, and wisdom of Christ abiding in mature servant sons working with powerful angels will overcome all that lifts itself against God. Major strongholds of the enemy that are well fortified in the social order and governments of the world will be overcome by God’s army moving in the Spirit of God.

Ascending Above the Shadow

The shadow of death robs God’s people from life in the brilliant light of spiritual reality. It limits our ability to walk in the love, power, and wisdom that is far above natural fallen human life and the works of the enemy. Under the shadow of death the fullness of the reality of heavenly life in the Spirit is greatly limited. Intimate trust in God and faith to powerfully serve Him is hindered by the shadow of death. We are to serve Him by bringing forth His life into this world to transform the world into the glorious kingdom of God.

God told Adam and Eve that they could eat from all the trees of the garden except for one tree. They were told that if they ate of that one tree in that day, they would surely die. That day they were separated from intimate walk with God. They spiritually died that day, and life in the world abruptly changed. They were excluded from the intimate life with Father God and were cut off from the fullness of His provision in the garden. God provided a temporary sacrificial covering for them but their intimate walk with God was broken by their disobedience. Death (separation from God) passed upon all descendents of Adam.

For all who will receive it, Christ Jesus has provided the restoration of all that was lost in Adam.

The shadow of death on God’s people is not total spiritual death. Total spiritual death is total separation from God.

From Adam to Christ, God’s people lived in the valley of the shadow of death. God’s provision sustained them through their faith expressed by keeping the law of blood sacrifices and offerings that looked forward to the coming of Christ Jesus to fully redeem all that was lost in Adam, including walking with God in the Spirit. David wrote in Psalm 23 about God preparing a table before him in the valley of the shadow of death, in the presence of his enemies. This is a picture of God’s provision while moving through the valley of the shadow of death.

Spiritual life was poured out at Pentecost. The Spirit of Christ in the Holy Spirit returned to abide in His people to bring forth the finished work of restoration of heavenly Spirit-to-spirit life on earth. The shadow of spiritual death was removed from those who received the Holy Spirit. The brilliant life of supernatural spiritual life was poured out upon and into those who received it.

Sadly, through the generations, many people returned to partaking of the fruit of the forbidden tree of human intellectual knowledge as supreme over spiritual reality of God’s strength and guidance in life. The shadow of death returned upon the hearts of people and the brilliant supernatural spiritual reality of God became foreign to them. The enemy, working through religious and secular education, devised doctrines of demons that became traditions of men that opposed the truth of supernatural spiritual reality and restored the valley of the shadow of death.

The army of God arising in this day is ascending above the valley of the shadow of death into the fullness of the brilliant glory of spiritual life that is far above natural life (supernatural life in Christ by the Holy Spirit).

The proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven is releasing the power of God from heaven to overcome the death of separation from God. Eventually the whole earth shall be free from the shadow of death and filled with the brilliance of the glory of God.

Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! ~ Jesus

The Sword of the Lord comes,

Ron McGatlin

Investing Christ into This World

Posted: November 2, 2011 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic, teaching, wilderness
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As natural fallen human beings, we have a very tiny window of perhaps 86 years through which to view only a microscopic speck of the vast existence of creation from its origin to its end of time. Only a micro portion of created history is visible from our tiny natural window. The wisdom of the ages past and future is not in view through our tiny window.

The knowledge of natural man is less than trivial in the scope of all that is and was and shall be. Even with serious study of stored historical data and our best future casting that is based upon our limited understanding of the past, we remain clueless of the reality of the spiritual kingdom of God.

Spirit to Spirit Enlightenment

In great contrast to our fallen natural state is the redeemed state of becoming one with God in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit of God. The wisdom of the ages past and future is opened and available to redeemed man. As a son of God, our available light from our spiritual window comes from the fullness of God from eternity past to eternity future. There is no end to the potential of available light of heavenly wisdom, love, and power flowing from the open-heaven connection in the Spirit of Christ Jesus.

Connecting, becoming one with the life and light of heaven is for those who truly and completely love God � those who have become living sacrifices unto God. The beauty of holiness is measured out in our love from God and for God. The more love, the more holiness � the more holiness, the more access to the potential of heaven now on earth. Holiness does not produce love; love produces holiness.

To live and walk in the Spirit is to live and walk in love with God. The walk of faith begins and ends with walking in God�s love. All wisdom and power are available to those who believe (walk in faith) � those who live and walk in the Spirit � those who walk in love with God.

With God all things are possible. If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. ~ Jesus

The living Spirit of Christ in us is the only source of heavenly love, holiness, faith, wisdom, and power. This powerful heavenly Christ-Life in us always leads to true humility of soul. There is a complete absence of pride and fear. Perfect love removes all fear and pride and replaces it with humble rest in righteousness, peace, and joy. To live and walk in the Spirit is to live and walk in love with God.

Localized Tribal Villages of Love

The Spirit of Christ in us will draw us together with others who also live and walk in the Spirit. As we connect and gather with others walking in the Spirit, the presence of the glory of God increases. A spiritual radiant glow of the light of the life and love of God emanates from the villages and shines among men (Mat 5:14-16).

Sadly, many people in the world today have witnessed a lot of religious mixtures and counterfeits. Many will be greatly encouraged by experiencing the true manifestation of Christ appearing in His people on earth. Evangelism will be easy as people are drawn to the light and will seek out those who are walking in the Spirit to help them find the way to the fullness of Christ and become living sacrifices to God.

God�s investment will produce the fruit of the kingdom of God on earth.

God has invested the life of Christ Jesus into His many sons. Our lives are to be invested into serving one another in kingdom villages that are, in turn, invested into the world to establish the love economy of the kingdom of God on earth. God has also invested special spiritual gifts and holy angels (ministering spirits) to help us to disciple people into the reality of the kingdom of God under the headship of Christ.

God�s investments will pay off. All will not be lost. His word will not return to Him void. His purpose will be accomplished. However, we have a vital part in whether or not we will be part of what God is doing. It is possible for us to waste the investment God has put in our hands. The greatest investment is the cross and the potential of the resurrected Christ in us by the Holy Spirit.

In my opinion, one of the most grievous sins is to rob God of the offering of our lives as a living sacrifice to Him � to steal from God by wasting or misusing our lives and the gifts that He has given. Using our lives and gifts for the god of self or any other god is to waste God�s provision and sacrifice our God-given kingdom potential to another god. To turn our backs to the potential of Christ in us by the Holy Spirit and turn to fulfilling the lust of our flesh with the things of this world or to a man-centered religion that denies the Spirit of Christ in us by the Holy Spirit is grievous spiritual harlotry.

Many Christian people today are beginning to see that they are not walking in the reality of the kingdom in the Holy Spirit. They are beginning to sense that there are some among them who are filled with the Spirit of Christ and living a humble life of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit that they do not have. They are recognizing that their lives currently consist in the self-fulfillment of satisfying natural desires for self aggrandizement and pleasure. Ultimately, though, they do religious things; their life is wasted in a form of godliness without the reality of the life of Christ manifest in them by the Holy Spirit.

In the increasingly difficult times of judgments in the very near future, there will become a greater contrast and separation between those who both live in and walk in the Spirit and those who do not. The kingdom of God is in the Holy Spirit. There is no kingdom of God outside the Holy Spirit. There is a major difference from having only the earnest or gurantee of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of the Holy Spirit by being submersed, saturated, and filled with the Spirit of God. The difference is like the difference in having a seed or experiencing the full fruit of that which was in the seed.

Gal 5:24-25: And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Rom 8:9: � Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Rom 14:17: for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1:8: “I (John the Baptist) indeed baptized you with water, but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

We do not worship the gifts or the process. We worship the Giver and use the gifts wisely according to the leadership of Christ in us by the Holy Spirit.

Those who receive and are baptized in the Holy Spirit are filled with the fullness of the Spirit of Christ and have the potential to live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, to establish the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

The Sword of the Lord comes,

Ron McGatlin

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

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