Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Ring that bell
I listened to this powerful message this morning, and it brought tears to my eyes. Listen to it, and let God speak to your heart. It is so easy to get caught up in our lives and lose sight of what God has really called us to. Christianity is so much more than going to church once or twice a week, and having our bible reading plans and such. These things are good and have their purpose, but there is something lacking in so many of our lives. I believe it is a consuming passion for the souls of our fellow man. How much would we endure for Christ? How far are we willing to go to see the world around us reached with the good news of new life in Christ? Listen to this sermon and be blessed! Ring that bell
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Saturday, February 28, 2015
The Death of Self.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies it bears much fruit.
"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
John 12:24-26 NASB
There can be no spiritual power, no true usefulness to God, except that we die to ourselves. The world is full of busy religious people all doing things for God and His kingdom, but we see so little power, so little results, so little of the presence of God in our activities.
Jesus tells us that a seed will not bear fruit unless it is dead and buried. We also will not bear fruit unless we are dead and buried spiritually speaking.
He puts His finger on the problem. It is the love of life that keeps us useless for His glory. Multitudes of professing believers are caught up in the everyday pursuit of life and happiness. We live for the temporal needs of this life. We are concerned for food and clothing, and put God's kingdom in the back part of our minds. This is the exact opposite of what Jesus calls us to do (Matt 6:25-34).
You see, Jesus calls us to hate our lives in this world. He is telling us that our plans, our agendas, our pleasures and desires, must go. It is not about us at all. As long as we retain self in any form, we cannot truly follow Him. We cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24).
Too many professed Christians are running around with self in control of their lives. To be sure, many of them live moral, upright lives. They have put away sins of every kind, but they, like the rich young ruler, still have an idol in their hearts (Luke 18:18-24). It is this idea of happiness, the "American dream." We seem to want to be comfortable, to retain at least some control of our lives and circumstances, to have our needs fully met, and have some pleasure as well. We seek higher education, find fulfillment in sports and entertainment, go to Church and get involved with the many programs and activities that are promoted there, but it is all for us, and about us!
Paul said that he gloried in the cross of Christ, through which the world was crucified to him, and he to the world (Galatians 6:14). We all believe that Jesus was crucified on the cross for us, but have we been placed on the cross as well? We might not teach this today, but it is biblical nonetheless. Paul states that He has been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer Paul in charge, but the life of Christ is now lived out by faith (Galatians 2:20). In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul states that as believers we have been crucified with Christ so that our sinful nature would be destroyed. We find freedom from sin through the cross (Romans 6:6).
The point is that dead men have no plans, no purposes, no agendas, nothing. Once nailed to that cross, it is all over. You cannot get down to go to your job, you cannot get down to go home to your families, hobbies, vacations, entertainments, or anything else. Even our plans and desires as relating to Christian service must be forsaken for God, and His higher plans for us. It is over, and this is where God calls us to be. Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34-35). We are no longer our own. This is the call to surrender all, to completely and forever renounce all we have and are, and follow Christ fully. No more self, but Christ is all.
This is where we are filled with power and purpose. We have to get rid of self, so that We can be filled with Him. If you had murky water in a container that was unfit to drink, wouldn't you first pour it out before you filled it with fresh clean water? Likewise, God wants us out of the way so to speak, so that He might live through us in power.
Now it can be all about Him. It is no longer our will, but His. It is no longer our plans and purposes that we live for, but His. We are no longer struggling within the confines of our limited strength, but operating in the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as a seed falls into the ground and grows into a fruit bearing plant, now we too can bear fruit for God.
Fear keeps us back. We worry about not being in control, but is not God far wiser than we are in making decisions? We worry about food and clothing, but will He not take care of us (Matt 6:33)? God has our highest good in mind. He will not leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). God has a higher call upon your life than you might realize. Will you not yield to His call today?
"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."
John 12:24-26 NASB
There can be no spiritual power, no true usefulness to God, except that we die to ourselves. The world is full of busy religious people all doing things for God and His kingdom, but we see so little power, so little results, so little of the presence of God in our activities.
Jesus tells us that a seed will not bear fruit unless it is dead and buried. We also will not bear fruit unless we are dead and buried spiritually speaking.
He puts His finger on the problem. It is the love of life that keeps us useless for His glory. Multitudes of professing believers are caught up in the everyday pursuit of life and happiness. We live for the temporal needs of this life. We are concerned for food and clothing, and put God's kingdom in the back part of our minds. This is the exact opposite of what Jesus calls us to do (Matt 6:25-34).
You see, Jesus calls us to hate our lives in this world. He is telling us that our plans, our agendas, our pleasures and desires, must go. It is not about us at all. As long as we retain self in any form, we cannot truly follow Him. We cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24).
Too many professed Christians are running around with self in control of their lives. To be sure, many of them live moral, upright lives. They have put away sins of every kind, but they, like the rich young ruler, still have an idol in their hearts (Luke 18:18-24). It is this idea of happiness, the "American dream." We seem to want to be comfortable, to retain at least some control of our lives and circumstances, to have our needs fully met, and have some pleasure as well. We seek higher education, find fulfillment in sports and entertainment, go to Church and get involved with the many programs and activities that are promoted there, but it is all for us, and about us!
Paul said that he gloried in the cross of Christ, through which the world was crucified to him, and he to the world (Galatians 6:14). We all believe that Jesus was crucified on the cross for us, but have we been placed on the cross as well? We might not teach this today, but it is biblical nonetheless. Paul states that He has been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer Paul in charge, but the life of Christ is now lived out by faith (Galatians 2:20). In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul states that as believers we have been crucified with Christ so that our sinful nature would be destroyed. We find freedom from sin through the cross (Romans 6:6).
The point is that dead men have no plans, no purposes, no agendas, nothing. Once nailed to that cross, it is all over. You cannot get down to go to your job, you cannot get down to go home to your families, hobbies, vacations, entertainments, or anything else. Even our plans and desires as relating to Christian service must be forsaken for God, and His higher plans for us. It is over, and this is where God calls us to be. Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34-35). We are no longer our own. This is the call to surrender all, to completely and forever renounce all we have and are, and follow Christ fully. No more self, but Christ is all.
This is where we are filled with power and purpose. We have to get rid of self, so that We can be filled with Him. If you had murky water in a container that was unfit to drink, wouldn't you first pour it out before you filled it with fresh clean water? Likewise, God wants us out of the way so to speak, so that He might live through us in power.
Now it can be all about Him. It is no longer our will, but His. It is no longer our plans and purposes that we live for, but His. We are no longer struggling within the confines of our limited strength, but operating in the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as a seed falls into the ground and grows into a fruit bearing plant, now we too can bear fruit for God.
Fear keeps us back. We worry about not being in control, but is not God far wiser than we are in making decisions? We worry about food and clothing, but will He not take care of us (Matt 6:33)? God has our highest good in mind. He will not leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). God has a higher call upon your life than you might realize. Will you not yield to His call today?
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Desperation.
We are at a time in history when we need a mighty move of God like never before. Look around at the scandal, and gross immorality that pervades every aspect of our society.
The Church is not immune either, as we see much of the world's ways rushing in like destructive flood waters. It makes me think of Jesus' parable of the builders (Matt 7:24-27). The Church that is built upon the sand, one that compromises the word of God, one that hears the word, but does not put it into practice, will fall as the flood of sin rushes in.
The Church built upon the rock, will prevail. We cannot afford to compromise solid Biblical principles so that we are not viewed as offensive, or so that we will seem more seeker friendly. A Church built upon the rock is a Church that stands for the truth, teaches the truth, and lives out the truth. Though the world will rage against it, we have the promise of Christ that it will stand, and the gates of hell itself will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).
These are desperate times, and we need to bombard heaven with a holy desperation that will not be denied. We must seek with all earnestness the Holy Spirit, to come and strengthen us, to give us resolve, to give us boldness to stand up for truth in an evil world. Our light must be shining brightly in this darkness that seeks to envelope us. We need fresh oil (Matt 25:1-13).
Like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment (Mark 5:25-34), we too must reach out in a desperate, but faith filled effort, through the thronging crowd, and grab hold of the one who can make all things new.
We need revival! We need the manifest presence of the living God to come down in our midst. We need the convicting power of the Holy spirit, the encouragement, and wisdom that He brings. We need power in our lives, and boldness in our witness.
It is time to fall on our knees and seek Him in desperation, and not give up until He comes and brings refreshing to us once again.
The Church is not immune either, as we see much of the world's ways rushing in like destructive flood waters. It makes me think of Jesus' parable of the builders (Matt 7:24-27). The Church that is built upon the sand, one that compromises the word of God, one that hears the word, but does not put it into practice, will fall as the flood of sin rushes in.
The Church built upon the rock, will prevail. We cannot afford to compromise solid Biblical principles so that we are not viewed as offensive, or so that we will seem more seeker friendly. A Church built upon the rock is a Church that stands for the truth, teaches the truth, and lives out the truth. Though the world will rage against it, we have the promise of Christ that it will stand, and the gates of hell itself will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).
These are desperate times, and we need to bombard heaven with a holy desperation that will not be denied. We must seek with all earnestness the Holy Spirit, to come and strengthen us, to give us resolve, to give us boldness to stand up for truth in an evil world. Our light must be shining brightly in this darkness that seeks to envelope us. We need fresh oil (Matt 25:1-13).
Like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment (Mark 5:25-34), we too must reach out in a desperate, but faith filled effort, through the thronging crowd, and grab hold of the one who can make all things new.
We need revival! We need the manifest presence of the living God to come down in our midst. We need the convicting power of the Holy spirit, the encouragement, and wisdom that He brings. We need power in our lives, and boldness in our witness.
It is time to fall on our knees and seek Him in desperation, and not give up until He comes and brings refreshing to us once again.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Heavenly Minded.
There is a saying that one can be so heavenly minded, that they are of no earthly good. It seems that if someone gets passionate about Jesus, gets serious about living for Him, they are shut down by some professed believer who is a little uncomfortable with their zeal.
However, this is what God calls us to as followers of Christ,
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3 NASB
As followers of Christ, our life does not consist in the abundance of the earthly things we possess (Luke 12:15). Our life is not about all of our temporal, earthly pursuits (2 Tim 2:4). Jesus teaches us that even the necessities of life are not to become the end all of our existence here in this life (Matt 6:25-34).
Sadly, too many professed believers spend their lives in the hustle and bustle of this world. Days are filled with jobs, daycare, after school activities, and so on. There are too few hours in a day to juggle everything that we try to pursue. In the eyes of the world, this is wonderful, as we climb the ladder to success.
But at what cost? What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, only to lose his soul (Mark 8:36). While we chase the temporal things of this life our prayer life dwindles, our hunger for the word diminishes, and our love for the presence of Jesus Christ grows cold.
To be earthly minded causes us to be ineffective for the kingdom of God. While we pursue temporal things, the eternal things slip away. We wonder why our unsaved loved ones never get saved, but how can we expect them to when we are too wrapped up with ourselves to make an honest effort to reach them? Jesus teaches us to lay up treasure in heaven, not on this earth (Matt 6:19-21).
Consider the Apostle Paul. He claimed to do only one thing. That was to pursue Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:7-14). Out of that one thing however, flowed missionary trips, church planting, the writing of 2/3 of the new testament, and a multitude of other exploits that advanced the kingdom of God in a way that no other man has probably equaled in the history of the Church.
Paul was a dead man, crucified with Christ, yet Christ lived through Him (Gal 2:20). In other words, he had no personal plans of his own. His mind was not on the temporal things of this life, he was focused on Jesus, and doing those things that Christ called him to do.
Imagine what we could do if we had this same attitude. What if we would forget about material success, and only live for the kingdom of God. We would have to adjust our standard of living quite a bit, but in the eyes of eternity it would make a great difference. Imagine what would happen if we were empty of self and full of the Spirit? Think of the souls we could reach with the power and presence of God.
Set your mind on the things above! This is where your life is, if you truly belong to the kingdom of God.
However, this is what God calls us to as followers of Christ,
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3 NASB
As followers of Christ, our life does not consist in the abundance of the earthly things we possess (Luke 12:15). Our life is not about all of our temporal, earthly pursuits (2 Tim 2:4). Jesus teaches us that even the necessities of life are not to become the end all of our existence here in this life (Matt 6:25-34).
Sadly, too many professed believers spend their lives in the hustle and bustle of this world. Days are filled with jobs, daycare, after school activities, and so on. There are too few hours in a day to juggle everything that we try to pursue. In the eyes of the world, this is wonderful, as we climb the ladder to success.
But at what cost? What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, only to lose his soul (Mark 8:36). While we chase the temporal things of this life our prayer life dwindles, our hunger for the word diminishes, and our love for the presence of Jesus Christ grows cold.
To be earthly minded causes us to be ineffective for the kingdom of God. While we pursue temporal things, the eternal things slip away. We wonder why our unsaved loved ones never get saved, but how can we expect them to when we are too wrapped up with ourselves to make an honest effort to reach them? Jesus teaches us to lay up treasure in heaven, not on this earth (Matt 6:19-21).
Consider the Apostle Paul. He claimed to do only one thing. That was to pursue Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:7-14). Out of that one thing however, flowed missionary trips, church planting, the writing of 2/3 of the new testament, and a multitude of other exploits that advanced the kingdom of God in a way that no other man has probably equaled in the history of the Church.
Paul was a dead man, crucified with Christ, yet Christ lived through Him (Gal 2:20). In other words, he had no personal plans of his own. His mind was not on the temporal things of this life, he was focused on Jesus, and doing those things that Christ called him to do.
Imagine what we could do if we had this same attitude. What if we would forget about material success, and only live for the kingdom of God. We would have to adjust our standard of living quite a bit, but in the eyes of eternity it would make a great difference. Imagine what would happen if we were empty of self and full of the Spirit? Think of the souls we could reach with the power and presence of God.
Set your mind on the things above! This is where your life is, if you truly belong to the kingdom of God.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Full of the Spirit
Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God
1 Peter 4:11a NASB
As Christ's ambassadors we must be empty of self, and full of Him. Just like John the Baptist, we must decrease so that He can increase (John 3:30).
Our message must be God's message delivered by God the Holy Spirit, through individuals empty of self, and yielded to His impulse.
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction.
1 Thessalonians 1:5a NASB
For this reason we constantly thank God that when you received the word which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which performs its work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB
If we would see true results it must be all of God through empty vessels. We must give up all reliance on self, our natural strengths and talents, our persuasiveness, our programs, and lean completely on Christ, relying on the Spirit to give us the message in power and conviction.
It is hard to completely die out to the flesh, and this is where we see so little accomplished for the kingdom. The cost is great, but the one dead to self and yielded to God will shake souls, and see God move.
1 Peter 4:11a NASB
As Christ's ambassadors we must be empty of self, and full of Him. Just like John the Baptist, we must decrease so that He can increase (John 3:30).
Our message must be God's message delivered by God the Holy Spirit, through individuals empty of self, and yielded to His impulse.
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction.
1 Thessalonians 1:5a NASB
For this reason we constantly thank God that when you received the word which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which performs its work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB
If we would see true results it must be all of God through empty vessels. We must give up all reliance on self, our natural strengths and talents, our persuasiveness, our programs, and lean completely on Christ, relying on the Spirit to give us the message in power and conviction.
It is hard to completely die out to the flesh, and this is where we see so little accomplished for the kingdom. The cost is great, but the one dead to self and yielded to God will shake souls, and see God move.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
When Zion Travailed.
History shows us that every past move of God has been birthed in prayer. Past revivals, and times when God's Spirit has come upon individuals and communities with powerful conviction leading them to repentance and faith, have been preceded by deep earnest prayer. Someone somewhere spent earnest time wrestling with God for the souls of men.
It is much like giving birth. It requires effort, in fact hard painful effort. Just as labor pains become excruciating, and the process of labor becomes more and more intense in the effort required to give birth, so it is with bringing sons into the kingdom of God (Isaiah 66:8).
It is no wonder that few individuals can ever be found to truly pray for souls, for revival, for the Spirit of God to be poured out in abundance. It takes too much effort, and most are too busy with other things.
To prevail, one must be empowered and led in prayer by the Holy Spirit of God. This is what Paul means in Romans 8:26-27. This is what is meant in Jude 1: 20. Praying in the Holy Spirit.
This is a work that is not for the weak, faint or timid. It requires focus, a sober spirit. Those who would prevail in prayer must have no "fleshly" desire, but be moved by the very heart and compassion of God.
Like labor, it is a long drawn out process. We are too used to doing everything quick and easy. We want it now with little effort on our part. This is not how it works with God. Unless we seek Him with the whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13), unless we pursue Him, and His will with a whole hearted, relentless pursuit, we will see no answer. God means business with those who mean business with Him. You are either serious about Him and His kingdom, or you are not, and our earnestness, or lack thereof is a good indicator of how much we truly desire to see Zion bringing forth sons into the kingdom of God.
This is why we see so little of the power of God in our world today. The people of God do not have the passion and fire that it takes to grab hold of the horns of the altar and prevail with God.
God help us to come to grips with our lack of power, our lack of desire, and our feeble praying. God give us repentant hearts, and fill us with His Spirit, so that we would rise up to the occasion, and see revival sweep our land.
God does not bring to the point of birth, and then close up the womb (Isaiah 66:9). He is looking for someone who will lay down their life and seek Him in earnestness. Will that be you? He will give you the passion and power by His Spirit. Just let Him fill and use you!
It is much like giving birth. It requires effort, in fact hard painful effort. Just as labor pains become excruciating, and the process of labor becomes more and more intense in the effort required to give birth, so it is with bringing sons into the kingdom of God (Isaiah 66:8).
It is no wonder that few individuals can ever be found to truly pray for souls, for revival, for the Spirit of God to be poured out in abundance. It takes too much effort, and most are too busy with other things.
To prevail, one must be empowered and led in prayer by the Holy Spirit of God. This is what Paul means in Romans 8:26-27. This is what is meant in Jude 1: 20. Praying in the Holy Spirit.
This is a work that is not for the weak, faint or timid. It requires focus, a sober spirit. Those who would prevail in prayer must have no "fleshly" desire, but be moved by the very heart and compassion of God.
Like labor, it is a long drawn out process. We are too used to doing everything quick and easy. We want it now with little effort on our part. This is not how it works with God. Unless we seek Him with the whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13), unless we pursue Him, and His will with a whole hearted, relentless pursuit, we will see no answer. God means business with those who mean business with Him. You are either serious about Him and His kingdom, or you are not, and our earnestness, or lack thereof is a good indicator of how much we truly desire to see Zion bringing forth sons into the kingdom of God.
This is why we see so little of the power of God in our world today. The people of God do not have the passion and fire that it takes to grab hold of the horns of the altar and prevail with God.
God help us to come to grips with our lack of power, our lack of desire, and our feeble praying. God give us repentant hearts, and fill us with His Spirit, so that we would rise up to the occasion, and see revival sweep our land.
God does not bring to the point of birth, and then close up the womb (Isaiah 66:9). He is looking for someone who will lay down their life and seek Him in earnestness. Will that be you? He will give you the passion and power by His Spirit. Just let Him fill and use you!
Friday, September 5, 2014
Longing For the Presence of God.
Are you stuck in a spiritual rut? Are you tired of the same old religious way of doing things? Is your Christianity empty? Does it leave you with an aching void?
I believe countless numbers of people can relate to questions like these. They believe in Christ, they go to church, they call themselves Christians, but they are empty.
Look at the very beginning. Adam and Eve fellowshipped with God. It was sin, their disobedience that caused them to hide from His presence (Genesis 3:8). God's presence was with the nation of Israel in a pillar of fire by night, and a cloud by day (Exodus 13:21). He met with Moses at the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:9-11).
When the Israelites made the golden calf and worshipped it, God was angered and threatened to destroy them. Moses intervened on their behalf and God spared them, however He would not go with them any longer. His presence meant so much to Moses, that if God would not go with them, it was over! They would not go (Exodus 33:15-16).
Throughout the history of Israel God's presence was with them, symbolized by the ark of testimony, which was placed in the most holy place. It was only when they turned from God to worship idols that He departed from them (Ezekiel 10:18-19). The glory of God filled the tent of meeting in the wilderness. It also filled the temple in the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:1-2).
This is what was important! This is what really mattered. The presence of God, the manifestation of His glory, in the midst of His people. Without this everything else was really meaningless. Worship was empty. The rituals were only rituals.
This is what we need today! Worship is empty, sermons are dry, religious things are meaningless without the presence of God in our midst!
We need to get back to the worship of God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). The way to the most holy place has been opened for us (Hebrews 10:19-25). We can enter into the very presence of God. We can daily live in His presence as we live each moment of every day in His strength and for His glory.
Knowing and serving Christ was never meant to be empty and dry. It is a vibrant life full of purpose and joy, as we go on in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
I believe countless numbers of people can relate to questions like these. They believe in Christ, they go to church, they call themselves Christians, but they are empty.
Look at the very beginning. Adam and Eve fellowshipped with God. It was sin, their disobedience that caused them to hide from His presence (Genesis 3:8). God's presence was with the nation of Israel in a pillar of fire by night, and a cloud by day (Exodus 13:21). He met with Moses at the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:9-11).
When the Israelites made the golden calf and worshipped it, God was angered and threatened to destroy them. Moses intervened on their behalf and God spared them, however He would not go with them any longer. His presence meant so much to Moses, that if God would not go with them, it was over! They would not go (Exodus 33:15-16).
Throughout the history of Israel God's presence was with them, symbolized by the ark of testimony, which was placed in the most holy place. It was only when they turned from God to worship idols that He departed from them (Ezekiel 10:18-19). The glory of God filled the tent of meeting in the wilderness. It also filled the temple in the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:1-2).
This is what was important! This is what really mattered. The presence of God, the manifestation of His glory, in the midst of His people. Without this everything else was really meaningless. Worship was empty. The rituals were only rituals.
This is what we need today! Worship is empty, sermons are dry, religious things are meaningless without the presence of God in our midst!
We need to get back to the worship of God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). The way to the most holy place has been opened for us (Hebrews 10:19-25). We can enter into the very presence of God. We can daily live in His presence as we live each moment of every day in His strength and for His glory.
Knowing and serving Christ was never meant to be empty and dry. It is a vibrant life full of purpose and joy, as we go on in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Don't Neglect Your Gift!
There are many of us Christians who have had burdens for lost souls, a heart for revival, and a passion to see the church built up and edified. We may have at one time labored in the strength of the Lord to see these things accomplished for Christ.
It seems like we often let other things slip in and get us off track. We let our urgency wane. We grow lazy in our prayer life, our zeal for the service of the Lord grows cool.
Paul exhorted Timothy not to neglect the spiritual gift that was within him (1 Timothy 4:14). It is so easy to neglect the spiritual gifts that God has placed within each one of us. The world clamors to get our attention. Christian! God has gifted you. Do not neglect it!
If it has been lying dormant in your life you need to fan it into flame once again (2 Timothy 1:6). Get filled afresh with the spirit of God, and walk in your calling! Let God use you for His kingdom and glory.
It seems like we often let other things slip in and get us off track. We let our urgency wane. We grow lazy in our prayer life, our zeal for the service of the Lord grows cool.
Paul exhorted Timothy not to neglect the spiritual gift that was within him (1 Timothy 4:14). It is so easy to neglect the spiritual gifts that God has placed within each one of us. The world clamors to get our attention. Christian! God has gifted you. Do not neglect it!
If it has been lying dormant in your life you need to fan it into flame once again (2 Timothy 1:6). Get filled afresh with the spirit of God, and walk in your calling! Let God use you for His kingdom and glory.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
White Hot!
Jesus would have us to be white hot in our service to Him. In Romans 12:11 we are exhorted to be diligent, and fervent in spirit.
To be fervent in spirit is to be on fire for Christ. Someone who is white hot will set those on fire who are around them. A Christian full of the Holy Ghost and fire will accomplish much for the kingdom of God. Souls will come under conviction of sin, repent and be saved. Backsliders will be reclaimed. The dry will be kindled into flame!
Get full of the Spirit! Be white hot, on fire for Christ! Spread revival fire wherever you go!
To be fervent in spirit is to be on fire for Christ. Someone who is white hot will set those on fire who are around them. A Christian full of the Holy Ghost and fire will accomplish much for the kingdom of God. Souls will come under conviction of sin, repent and be saved. Backsliders will be reclaimed. The dry will be kindled into flame!
Get full of the Spirit! Be white hot, on fire for Christ! Spread revival fire wherever you go!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
The Great Commission.
I was reading about Joshua this morning. The account of God's commission to Him to lead the nation of Israel into the promised land (Joshua 1:1-9).
God gave him the incredible task of going in to take possession of the land. He was to drive out the inhabitants of the land, a thing that the Israelites had been to afraid to do years before (Numbers 14:1-10).
To encourage Joshua to be strong and courageous, God assured him that He would not fail, or forsake him. He would be with him wherever he went (Joshua 1:5,9).
This reminded me of the words of Jesus when He was about to ascend to heaven (Matthew 28:18-20). He has given us, His disciples, the commission to win the lost. We are to make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey the words of Jesus.
This is a daunting task to be sure! Who are we to accomplish such a serious charge? Fear cripples so many of us. What will people think of me if I try to witness to them? There are so many to reach. What can I possibly do?
To encourage His disciples Jesus told them That He would be with them to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Take heart! Be strong and courageous! Get the power from on high (Luke 24:49) and go!
God gave him the incredible task of going in to take possession of the land. He was to drive out the inhabitants of the land, a thing that the Israelites had been to afraid to do years before (Numbers 14:1-10).
To encourage Joshua to be strong and courageous, God assured him that He would not fail, or forsake him. He would be with him wherever he went (Joshua 1:5,9).
This reminded me of the words of Jesus when He was about to ascend to heaven (Matthew 28:18-20). He has given us, His disciples, the commission to win the lost. We are to make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey the words of Jesus.
This is a daunting task to be sure! Who are we to accomplish such a serious charge? Fear cripples so many of us. What will people think of me if I try to witness to them? There are so many to reach. What can I possibly do?
To encourage His disciples Jesus told them That He would be with them to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Take heart! Be strong and courageous! Get the power from on high (Luke 24:49) and go!
Friday, July 4, 2014
Consecrated To The Calling.
I believe the full gospel! I believe in the pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with signs following. I am in no way a cessationist. I believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for today. I believe that the New Testament gifts of the Holy Spirit are for us today as well. Jesus Christ is the same Jesus today. We need the presence and power of God in our lives today, just as the early Church needed it two thousand years ago.
It was the Holy Spirit who gave witness to the resurrected Christ in power through the Apostles and early Christians, with signs and wonders. He anointed the words of the early witnesses, bringing conviction to those who heard. The gospel was spread in the power of the Holy Spirit then, and nothing has changed now either.
The great evangelists of former times believed that they were powerless without the Holy Spirit's fullness in their lives. Charles Finney preached, and wrote extensively on the subject of the Holy Spirit, and the utter necessity of His power to convert sinners. John wesley preached in the power of the Spirt, as did Jonathan Edwards, and many others. These men believed that they had to have the Spirit's presence and power to successfully carry out the great commission.
The thing that strikes me is this. These men believed in persevering prayer for this blessing. They believed in a full consecration of oneself to Christ and the spreading of the gospel (Mark 8:35). They sought for the presence of the Holy Spirit. They emptied themselves of everything. They committed themselves to the work of saving sinners. They were entirely dependent upon God to enable them to do this work. They confessed sin, renounced anything that stood in the way of more of Christ in their lives. They were filled, and preached with a power that few have since preached with.
We are so weak today! Even those of us who call ourselves pentecostal! We claim to be Spirit filled, we speak in tongues, discern spirits, prophesy, and walk in the gifts. Don't get me wrong. I am not a cessationist. I believe that the spiritual gifts are still valid today (1 Cor 12:4-11). What is lacking is the power in the pulpits. The power in personal one on one witnessing. We see little results. Do we depend too much on ourselves and not enough on God? Many people seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but remain empty. We are told to just ask in faith. I agree, we receive the Spirit by faith (Gal 3:2, Luke 11:13). However we tend to forget why we need the Holy Spirit. We too often forget the great commission. We are not fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. We are not committed to the salvation of souls as our chief work for Christ on this earth. I understand we have different callings and vocations while on this earth, but our chief aim is the glory of God regardless of what we do.
The strange thing is this. The mighty men of the last few centuries believed in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They claimed it and preached in it's power. Multitudes were saved and set free from sin. Years later the majority of them were still saved and serving Jesus Christ. These ministers and evangelists said nothing of tongues. They had power though!
I believe in tongues, but I fear that the modern pentecostal view may have shifted from the presence and power of the abiding Holy Spirit to change the lives of men, to something that excites us on Sunday morning! This sounds harsh, steps on toes, maybe offends some of you. I don't wish to offend, but to challenge us all to rise up to the high calling of Christ to spread the gospel into the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20), with the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to the glory of God.
Examine yourself! Are you empty or full? Are you committed to Christ and the spreading of His kingdom? Is it your life's work? Are you willing to give up all for the gift of the Holy Spirit? You are nothing without it. The world goes lost without your witness. God is calling you to greater things.
It was the Holy Spirit who gave witness to the resurrected Christ in power through the Apostles and early Christians, with signs and wonders. He anointed the words of the early witnesses, bringing conviction to those who heard. The gospel was spread in the power of the Holy Spirit then, and nothing has changed now either.
The great evangelists of former times believed that they were powerless without the Holy Spirit's fullness in their lives. Charles Finney preached, and wrote extensively on the subject of the Holy Spirit, and the utter necessity of His power to convert sinners. John wesley preached in the power of the Spirt, as did Jonathan Edwards, and many others. These men believed that they had to have the Spirit's presence and power to successfully carry out the great commission.
The thing that strikes me is this. These men believed in persevering prayer for this blessing. They believed in a full consecration of oneself to Christ and the spreading of the gospel (Mark 8:35). They sought for the presence of the Holy Spirit. They emptied themselves of everything. They committed themselves to the work of saving sinners. They were entirely dependent upon God to enable them to do this work. They confessed sin, renounced anything that stood in the way of more of Christ in their lives. They were filled, and preached with a power that few have since preached with.
We are so weak today! Even those of us who call ourselves pentecostal! We claim to be Spirit filled, we speak in tongues, discern spirits, prophesy, and walk in the gifts. Don't get me wrong. I am not a cessationist. I believe that the spiritual gifts are still valid today (1 Cor 12:4-11). What is lacking is the power in the pulpits. The power in personal one on one witnessing. We see little results. Do we depend too much on ourselves and not enough on God? Many people seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but remain empty. We are told to just ask in faith. I agree, we receive the Spirit by faith (Gal 3:2, Luke 11:13). However we tend to forget why we need the Holy Spirit. We too often forget the great commission. We are not fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. We are not committed to the salvation of souls as our chief work for Christ on this earth. I understand we have different callings and vocations while on this earth, but our chief aim is the glory of God regardless of what we do.
The strange thing is this. The mighty men of the last few centuries believed in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They claimed it and preached in it's power. Multitudes were saved and set free from sin. Years later the majority of them were still saved and serving Jesus Christ. These ministers and evangelists said nothing of tongues. They had power though!
I believe in tongues, but I fear that the modern pentecostal view may have shifted from the presence and power of the abiding Holy Spirit to change the lives of men, to something that excites us on Sunday morning! This sounds harsh, steps on toes, maybe offends some of you. I don't wish to offend, but to challenge us all to rise up to the high calling of Christ to spread the gospel into the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20), with the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to the glory of God.
Examine yourself! Are you empty or full? Are you committed to Christ and the spreading of His kingdom? Is it your life's work? Are you willing to give up all for the gift of the Holy Spirit? You are nothing without it. The world goes lost without your witness. God is calling you to greater things.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
A Voice of Thunder.
He had no power in and of himself. What was his secret? He was yielded to God, full of the Holy Spirit. He walked in total obedience to God and His word. He was a man of prayer. He understood that without the power of the Holy Spirit in his life, he could do nothing.
His writings exist today, and have been a source of growth and encouragement to many. Many individuals have read them and God has used them to bring revival as well.
Why not let God use you? We need a voice of thunder today. Let God fill you and use you. Oh how the church needs revival today.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
In the Power of the Spirit.
We need to get back to the way God intended our lives to be lived, and our witness shared!
http://contendforfaith.blogspot.com/
http://contendforfaith.blogspot.com/
Sunday, May 5, 2013
An Interview With Leonard Ravenhill.
Here is a link to an interview with Leonard Ravenhill. It is convicting, as well as inspiring. We need to see revival as he describes it, once again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwtiw7UTj4o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwtiw7UTj4o
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Achan's Sin.
The sin of one man caused a whole nation to suffer defeat at the hand of the inhabitants of Ai (see Joshua 7). Achan took some of the plunder taken at Jericho, and hid it under his tent. He did this in secret. Nobody else knew, not even Joshua.
God knew, and held the whole nation responsible (verse 11). Because of this, He witheld His favor from them, and allowed them to be defeated (verse 12)! Until Joshua searched out this matter and dealt with it, God would not go with them any longer.
Likewise, God, through Peter, dealt with Annanias and Sapphira in the early church ( Acts chapter 5), and Paul rebuked the church at Corinth for tolerating, and failing to deal with a member living in open immorality (1 Corinthians 5). Jesus rebuked the church at Thyatira for tolerating a false teacher who led others into sin (Revelation 2:18-29). There were consequences to the sins of a few individuals, that threatened to effect the whole congregation.
Is it any wonder that there is such a great lack of spiritual power, and the presence of God in the midst of His people today? We live in an age where there is much tolerance of evil, where no one wants to confront someone who is living in gross sin, open rebellion, yet coming together with other believers as if nothing was wrong! You might say "It is none of my buisness what someone else does" but like the army of Israel at the battle of Ai, it affects you in an adverse way! Until sin is dealt with through confession and repentance, the presence and power of God cannot be restored.
It is time to grieve over the state of things among God's people. It is time to fall on our knees seeking His presence, time to cry out to Him to restore and revive His church, to rise up in the purity and power that come from His presence, secured by His blood, washed over a humble and repentant body of believers ready to stand strong for Him!
God knew, and held the whole nation responsible (verse 11). Because of this, He witheld His favor from them, and allowed them to be defeated (verse 12)! Until Joshua searched out this matter and dealt with it, God would not go with them any longer.
Likewise, God, through Peter, dealt with Annanias and Sapphira in the early church ( Acts chapter 5), and Paul rebuked the church at Corinth for tolerating, and failing to deal with a member living in open immorality (1 Corinthians 5). Jesus rebuked the church at Thyatira for tolerating a false teacher who led others into sin (Revelation 2:18-29). There were consequences to the sins of a few individuals, that threatened to effect the whole congregation.
Is it any wonder that there is such a great lack of spiritual power, and the presence of God in the midst of His people today? We live in an age where there is much tolerance of evil, where no one wants to confront someone who is living in gross sin, open rebellion, yet coming together with other believers as if nothing was wrong! You might say "It is none of my buisness what someone else does" but like the army of Israel at the battle of Ai, it affects you in an adverse way! Until sin is dealt with through confession and repentance, the presence and power of God cannot be restored.
It is time to grieve over the state of things among God's people. It is time to fall on our knees seeking His presence, time to cry out to Him to restore and revive His church, to rise up in the purity and power that come from His presence, secured by His blood, washed over a humble and repentant body of believers ready to stand strong for Him!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
A New Thing.
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.
Isaiah 43:18-21 ESV
There are Christians today who hunger for the presence of God. They are grieved over the shallowness of a lukewarm church. They desire to see the unsaved set free from the power of sin. They are discouraged by the lack of power in prayer and witness. It is the same old story over and over. A lot of activity with no true results.
Take hope discouraged Christian! Dwell no longer in the failures of the past. Look foward to the author and perfector of your faith. Like the Apostle Paul, look not at what is seen, but focus on what is unseen. With eyes of faith, expect God to do the unexpected. The things that the church has long ago stopped believing God for, He is about to accomplish. We have forgotten the power that the early church walked in as they fearlessly proclaimed the One who is mighty to save. God is about to do a new thing in this day, not a new thing, but a return to the power and purity that burned in the hearts of those set apart to Him. Awake O sleeper, and come to life, for the light of the Lord is about to dawn on you.
Isaiah 43:18-21 ESV
There are Christians today who hunger for the presence of God. They are grieved over the shallowness of a lukewarm church. They desire to see the unsaved set free from the power of sin. They are discouraged by the lack of power in prayer and witness. It is the same old story over and over. A lot of activity with no true results.
Take hope discouraged Christian! Dwell no longer in the failures of the past. Look foward to the author and perfector of your faith. Like the Apostle Paul, look not at what is seen, but focus on what is unseen. With eyes of faith, expect God to do the unexpected. The things that the church has long ago stopped believing God for, He is about to accomplish. We have forgotten the power that the early church walked in as they fearlessly proclaimed the One who is mighty to save. God is about to do a new thing in this day, not a new thing, but a return to the power and purity that burned in the hearts of those set apart to Him. Awake O sleeper, and come to life, for the light of the Lord is about to dawn on you.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Full Surrender.
God is looking for empty vessels, individuals who desire nothing but Him, and seek nothing but His glory!
http://contendforfaith.blogspot.com/2011/11/full-surrender.html
Sunday, February 26, 2012
The tongue of fire.
Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God.
1 Peter 4:11a esv.
What we need today, are individuals who will boldly proclaim the whole council of God. We need individuals today who will proclaim God's word under the annointing of the Holy Spirit. We need pastors and teachers who will speak as God directs them. We need pastors and teachers with clean hands and pure hearts, we need them to be prayed up, full of the Holy Ghost and fire. The Church does not need to hear sermons and teachings, the Church needs to hear God.
The old time holiness people spoke of the tongue of fire. This was the word delivered with power. Pastors and evangelists spoke with conviction. The fire fell, and people came under conviction. It was as if God himself was speaking. Their words cut like a sword and stuck into hearts. The Church was brought back to their first love, backsliders repented, sinners were saved, the presence of God was ushered in in a very real sense.
Peter spoke with the tongue of fire on the day of pentecost, and three thousand souls were brought into the kingdom. Men were cut to the heart, and said "What must we do?". Stephen spoke with a passion and power that few speak with today. Those who opposed him, could not contend with the Holy Spirit who was enabling him to teach the word of God. It cost him his life, he was completely consumed for God. He would not back down. This was how the gospel was spread in the days of the apostles. Paul lived in the annointing of the Holy Spirit, he preached with power, and saw results. This was how the early Church worked. they preached and taught, and evangelized in the power of the Holy Spirit. It was not the words of man, but of God that were proclaimed, and heard.
This same power was experienced by evangelists, and oastors and revivalists of more recent history. Edwards, and Brainard, Wesley, Whitfield, Finney, and a host of many others all spoke with an authority that few speak with today. Leonard Ravenhill, Smith Wigglesworth, David Wilkerson, all spoke with conviction. They delivered a message to the Church in a very prophetic sense.
We need the fire today, we need to hear God today. We need the Holy Spirit to come and convict. We need Him to edify and strengthen the Church, to build it up for the work He has called us to.
Pastors, sunday school teachers, evangelists, leaders, let God speak today.
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