1. The need of our time. The Church is becoming aware of its own desperate condition and the even more critical needs of our time. We long for revival and the life of Jesus amongst us and we experience it but only for certain periods and not as an ongoing lifestyle.
We can blame many things:
We see people’s lack of involvement.
We see the lack of dedication to the Body of Christ.
It is because people come to church with an “Entertain Me” attitude.
Many still lack the fundamental hunger that is needful in a revival.
We can say there is no fear of God and respect for the ministry.
We can say it is not enough prayer, lack of commitment.
People don’t read the Bible-doers of the Word.
Follow and serve God no matter what you may be going through! Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and HE will add all other things…
Christians around the world are praying for revival. What exactly is meant by "revival"? Some think in terms of great meetings or tremendous evangelistic outreach. Others think more in terms of Christians who are encouraged and brought to a new level of commitment in their faith. But what is it?
Revival is ultimately Christ Himself being seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth. True revival is not man-centered but Christ-centered. It is not about a type of music or special experience, but a fresh revelation of Christ in the midst of His people.
REVIVAL HAPPENS WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP FOR CHURCH. The Lord is always present when His people gather in His Name- but now we are talking about His manifest presence- feel it, see it. Move in it.
When the people of God become aware of the Presence of the Lord, everything changes. Our worship services, our family lives, our evangelistic efforts, and our individual devotional lives will all be different when God shows up for church.
When He shows up anything can happen! He can save, fill, change, restore, touch, heal, deliver, motivate, bring purpose, lead, provide, use people, change priorities, bring commitment, evangelistic zeal, lives are transformed, joy is evident, the powers of darkness are forced to retreat. Biblical truths that had perhaps grown stale are suddenly infused with new life. The love and life of Jesus are lived out in fresh new ways as the Church gathers.
Endless list! DO YOU WANT IT?
The early church had a revival in prison. We can hardly get the saints to worship in the church on a Sunday with our heaters, fans, fancy equipment.
The early saints walked by a cripple man at the gate beautiful and lifted him up to his feet – healed in Jesus name. For us it is hard to go to someone who’s life is falling apart and ask them if we could minister to them.
The N.T. Christians turned their world upside down in two years (Acts. 17:6).
Devils left screaming from the New Testament church-The N.T Church was bold people who walked into the market places and into kings throne rooms and declared the gospel of Jesus Christ.
That Church grew because of God’s favour and because the world looked at it as something that offered a refuge from the sinful lifestyles.
The early church would hold an all night all church prayer meeting to get Peter out of jail. The early church would go from house to house fellowshipping and praying.
We promote programs and agendas but how many souls will be won by our church and by our use of time, energy and money?
The cares of life, the politics, economy, elements of this world and the evil powers at work, are pulling us away from what the original church was.
WHAT DO WE WANT WHEN WE ASK FOR MORE?
What did the early church have that we do not have today? Christians are praying for God to move in significant new ways in the Church.
2. There need to be a growth cycle consisting of:
a. Being continuously filled with the Holy Spirit and power ( Eph. 5:18). The Book of Acts is the greatest book on revivals which has ever been written.
In (Acts 1:4) we find our risen Lord gives His last and His most powerful command –in verse 9 He was taken up in a cloud in the air. If you go away for a time and leave people behind, your last words are important.
He actually "charged" them, a military term, "not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father" (ASV). Ampl. ‘He commanded them…”
When it comes to the baptism in the Holy Spirit it is not a voluntary thing (if you want to.)
He commanded them to go to the Upper Room and to ABIDE IN PRAYER TOGETHER! And because they did, the Holy Spirit came! In verses 14 and 15 we read that they, about 120, continued in prayer and supplication.
Why did they do it? Because Jesus commanded it. They didn’t discuss the possibility of not going-of ignoring it-of having a say in it whether they should or shouldn’t go.
They didn’t have a Bible Study on: Five reasons why we should we go to the upper room?
The command of Jesus to wait (Luke 24:49). Our trouble today is that we have not seen the Upper Room prayer meeting as a command of Jesus. We seem to have little authority when it comes to getting our churches into prayer meetings.
This is a great part of our problem and weakness – getting corporate prayer and revival back into our churches (Acts 1:4).
Can I ask you today: How much of the Holy Spirit do you have today? Read (Acts 1:8.)
To Jesus it was an absolute necessity that his disciples will be filled with the Holy Spirit continously (Acts 13:52). His own ministry only started after He was baptised in water and the Holy Spirit came down upon Him! With the Holy Spirit in and on you, you become a dynamic instrument in the hands of a living God.
We need a baptism of fire!!! Let the fire of God burn in our bones and it will burn up all dignity, all excuses, all selfishness-it will consume all religion and leave only the glory and power of Jesus behind. Don’t let the fire of God pass you by, don’t let the river pass you by.
God, remove in me the ritual, the routine and give me a passion for the reality of your Spirit! Burn up the wood, hay, stubble and replace it with refined gold!
The infilling of the Holy Spirit is the gateway to the supernatural. More of the Spirit also means more signs and wonder/miracles. After the day of Pentecost, miracles occurred constantly in the Acts church.
b. Change me/church. (2 Cor. 5:17) is not a once of thing. If we stay the same as we are, the world around us will stay the same. If we don’t change the world will keep on going downhill: Sin will increase, unrigtheousness will increase, the church will diminish, the people will die without Jesus, the sick will become more, crime and corruption will increase.
When we change the light will increase in South Africa-attitudes will change-lives will be touched and God’s righteousness will increase.
When we become more hungry for God then our sensitivity level increases. And because we then live nearer to His heart, because we hear His voice clearly our lives change. When we become God conscious, we grow out of self consciousness. We then explore the MORE we are praying for, the things that God wants to do! There are so many dimensions of God that we haven’t touched yet.
We are called to FLESH OUT THE LIVE OF JESUS and it will happen more and more as we fix our lives/attention on Jesus! I want to encourage you to intensely pursue full devotion to Christ. Trust Him to change you, be thankful for His daily work in your life, pursue Him, follow Him, love Him with your whole life!!!
My friends we can never get enough of Jesus Christ in our lives. This is a never ending quest, deeper with God and it is also an increasingly rewarding process.
c. Use me/church (John 15:16) God is looking for a dividend because He has made great deposits in your life! Playing it safe is the most dangerous way to live. Safe in my comfort zone, with no possibility of failing. No possibility of being embarrassed. No stepping out of the boat, no trusting God, no faith in this miracle working God. It also means that there is no possibility of of being used by God.
The Great Commission (Matth. 28:19) is the last and most forceful and imperative of all His commandments, and we must hear and do it.
God release whatever is necessary and USE ME IN THE PROCESS. God can take your mess and turn it into a message! A negative past doesn’t disqualify you from a positive future. We’re you’ve been is not nearly as important as where you are going! Many of us sitting here today can say, “My family put the function in disfunction.” Nothing in your past can disqualify you from what God wants to do through your life in the future!
God wants a passionate people. He wants passion and zeal for Him! IF YOUR PASSION DOESN’T MOVE YOU, it won’t move God! God is entrusting us with a move of God- what are we doing with it. We are a fortunate people, we are a chosen generation-we are custodians of “the more of God.” Are you ready to pray, to be, to move, to change, turn the world upside down?
(Col.1:27) teaches us the mystery of God – "Christ in us, the hope of glory." Is there a more astonishing verse in Scripture-that the Son of God has actually come to take up residence within the individual Christian? Lord, help us to experience the indwelling Christ! Open the eyes of our hearts that we might know You and become aware of Your Presence here inside us. Immanuel-God with us!
What a difference it would make in our lives if we truly lived out the truth of Christ in us, the hope of glory; walking daily with Jesus--aware of His presence, His love, His strength, and His direction.
Take up your position in Jesus Christ, take up your mantle- touch the world around you because you are touched by God-you are God’s anointed! Let the Holy Spirit flow in P’n P, Post office, streets and wherever you go-invading the market place!
We are seeing an increased awareness of the activity of the Lord in the midst of His people and it is exciting-and He wants you to be part of it!
Your intimacy with FatherGod intimidates the devil, because he knows from that relationship comes authority, boldness and a flow of the Spirit. This is a season where we must believe and act upon what we know! We minister effectively only when we understand God’s goodness.
3. Conclusion: You? How will God work through you to make a difference in this world? He poured out his life and His Holy Spirit in us to use us!
It’s time for all of us get life. It’s time that all of us get tired of living in 2nd hand Christianity and get an expectation of living in Christ. Get tired of depression, tired of sin, tired of the devil’s lies, of being the same year in and year out!
(John 10:10). Realize that Jesus is life in abundance, Jesus is hope, Jesus is love, Jesus is joy, Jesus is peace.
Say with me: I am a carrier of the presence of God.
Lord I am available in your kingdom.
I will speak your Word.
I will declare the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I will flow in your Spirit. My life will touch other lives!
Amen.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Progressing in God
Progressing forward in God means:
a. He trusts us with more. The faith He requires from us today is not the same as what He required from us yesterday.
We are the containers of His Spirit and a life of continuous close fellowship with Him will cause us to “overflow” and His Glory and Anointing will be “poured out of” our inner most beings. As He trusts us with more, we touch other lives with more. We dare not just live for ourselves, we must trust the Lord to live His life through us, touching others. We are at a phase in God’s dealings with mankind where His Glory is being developed and manifesting in and through us.
b. He will constantly stretch us, which is both challenging and encouraging. Kathryn Kulhman once said ... "It is when you dare to believe God to the point of action, that something begins to happen". Faith is not lethargic it demands action, faith is believing to the point of action. We need to get out of the boat and start walking on water! We should not want to miss anything that God is doing, on any level. We should be devoted to being a part of what He is doing in our time. Warriors run to the sound of battle not away from it. Christians should likewise run to a move of God.
c. He’s preparing us for greater responsibility. Rick Joyner says: “I have spent many years studying both what enabled revivals to ignite and what stopped them. One common denominator with the way they all began is that they were all unique. They each began in different ways and under different conditions. However, they each ended in basically the same way. Because there is no easy formula for understanding how revivals and moves of God begin, it compels us even more to simply follow the King. Obviously, a move of God must be God moving, so our primary goal should always be to get close to Him and stay close to Him.” He also says, “How is the Lord visiting us now? He is coming the way that He came the first time-healing the sick, casting out devils, and delivering those who are oppressed of the devil. We are in the initial stages of a release of the power of God like has not been witnessed in over half a century, and which may not have been seen since Jesus.” walked the earth as a man. There are doors that stand open in heaven as we read in Revelation 4:1. A door is open right now for Christians to begin walking in healing gifts and to perform miracles in the name of the Lord. For those who already walk in these gifts and ministries, the door is open for them to go to higher levels of authority in them.”
d. He is opening up new avenues of prayer and treasure hunting. We need to see praying that is bold, that is strong. Praying that moves God is prayer that moves us. If we are not moved by our prayers how do we expect them to move God. Jesus had "strong crying and tears" (Heb. 5:17)- should we not pray the same way? Loud crying with tears. Gethsemane prayer, agonizing prayer is needed in our lukewarm laid back Christianity today. Isaiah speaks the word of the Lord to Hezekiah and may it be to us also spoken: "I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears." Prayer that is Spirit lead. Pray-ers that are born out of the Spirit. All good prayers are not necessarily God prayers.
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:14-15).
How can we change? We must desire God more than anything else. We must seek Him, and cry
out for Him, be open to His Spirit.
e. God is entrusting us with a move of God-what are we going to do with it? Are we ready for this next move of God-are we where He wants us to be?
Joy and freedom will increase to much higher levels.
When we become more hungry for God our sensitivity level increases.
There are many sides of God that we haven’t seen yet.
Hunger for God releases the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We are custodians of more of God.
Our Prayer is: God release whatever is necessary.
Zeal for God will help us to overcome.
a. He trusts us with more. The faith He requires from us today is not the same as what He required from us yesterday.
We are the containers of His Spirit and a life of continuous close fellowship with Him will cause us to “overflow” and His Glory and Anointing will be “poured out of” our inner most beings. As He trusts us with more, we touch other lives with more. We dare not just live for ourselves, we must trust the Lord to live His life through us, touching others. We are at a phase in God’s dealings with mankind where His Glory is being developed and manifesting in and through us.
b. He will constantly stretch us, which is both challenging and encouraging. Kathryn Kulhman once said ... "It is when you dare to believe God to the point of action, that something begins to happen". Faith is not lethargic it demands action, faith is believing to the point of action. We need to get out of the boat and start walking on water! We should not want to miss anything that God is doing, on any level. We should be devoted to being a part of what He is doing in our time. Warriors run to the sound of battle not away from it. Christians should likewise run to a move of God.
c. He’s preparing us for greater responsibility. Rick Joyner says: “I have spent many years studying both what enabled revivals to ignite and what stopped them. One common denominator with the way they all began is that they were all unique. They each began in different ways and under different conditions. However, they each ended in basically the same way. Because there is no easy formula for understanding how revivals and moves of God begin, it compels us even more to simply follow the King. Obviously, a move of God must be God moving, so our primary goal should always be to get close to Him and stay close to Him.” He also says, “How is the Lord visiting us now? He is coming the way that He came the first time-healing the sick, casting out devils, and delivering those who are oppressed of the devil. We are in the initial stages of a release of the power of God like has not been witnessed in over half a century, and which may not have been seen since Jesus.” walked the earth as a man. There are doors that stand open in heaven as we read in Revelation 4:1. A door is open right now for Christians to begin walking in healing gifts and to perform miracles in the name of the Lord. For those who already walk in these gifts and ministries, the door is open for them to go to higher levels of authority in them.”
d. He is opening up new avenues of prayer and treasure hunting. We need to see praying that is bold, that is strong. Praying that moves God is prayer that moves us. If we are not moved by our prayers how do we expect them to move God. Jesus had "strong crying and tears" (Heb. 5:17)- should we not pray the same way? Loud crying with tears. Gethsemane prayer, agonizing prayer is needed in our lukewarm laid back Christianity today. Isaiah speaks the word of the Lord to Hezekiah and may it be to us also spoken: "I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears." Prayer that is Spirit lead. Pray-ers that are born out of the Spirit. All good prayers are not necessarily God prayers.
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:14-15).
How can we change? We must desire God more than anything else. We must seek Him, and cry
out for Him, be open to His Spirit.
e. God is entrusting us with a move of God-what are we going to do with it? Are we ready for this next move of God-are we where He wants us to be?
Joy and freedom will increase to much higher levels.
When we become more hungry for God our sensitivity level increases.
There are many sides of God that we haven’t seen yet.
Hunger for God releases the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We are custodians of more of God.
Our Prayer is: God release whatever is necessary.
Zeal for God will help us to overcome.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
OUR AWESOME GOD.
God is an awesome God. He's enduringly strong. He's eternally steadfast. He never wavers.
He is immortally graceful and He's all-together merciful.
He's imperially powerful.
He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He's unparalleled, and he's unprecedented.
He can do anything He wants to. God is accountable to no one except Himself (Not to any Synod, Council of Pentecostal churches of charismatic leaders). He can do anything He desires-needs no-one’s permission.
His ways are not our ways (Is. 55:8-9).
He is not constrained to man’s choices.
(Is. 43:13) He says, I will work, and who can hinder or reverse it?”
He can speak any way He pleases.
HE WILL GET HIS WAY WITH YOU!
God can make a way where there seems to be no way. (Jer. 32:17) Nothing is too difficult for Thee.
God knows the end from the beginning-He is not panicking about any situation, wondering what He’s going to do. He is totally in control. He can speak one word and change everything. He is the Author and the Finisher. He NEVER makes any mistakes.
He's the key to knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom.
Nothing catches God by surprise. He has no dilemmas and no shortages. He has no rivals, no fears or worries.
He always knows just what He wants and where to find it. God is God. He is self existent, self powered, self contained-He needs no-one and nothing. He won’t fall apart if man doesn’t do certain things. He is not dependant on any man for anything. He is God all by Himself and He knows it!
There can be no short- circuiting of His agenda. God has never feared a power struggle or a hostile takeover. He has no equal and no competition.
It is amazing the things God does because He has the liberty and freedom to do whatever He likes. He can move by His Spirit in any way He chooses. Sometimes soft and gentle, other times with noise and a strong force. Sometimes He will offend the mind to show the heart.
God is God, He is sovereign and He can do what He wants to do with you, your church, and your family.
God has never had a boss or a supervisor-He didn’t work hard for fifty years and then got promoted to the position of God. He doesn’t report back to anyone because He is the highest authority. He was and is God from eternity. He never had a deadline.
There is no stopping Him, no containing Him. He is not in competition being God. He is not threatened by anyone or anything.
You can’t impeach Him, you can’t ignore Him or His Word.
He is God all by Himself, He is complete-He has no flaw. He is fully God, He is a wholly God- He is perfect and happy with himself. He has no needs. He has no teacher, no role model, advisor or therapist.
The devil has never been a threat to God. God could easily wipe out the whole kingdom of darkness in a moment.
He directs the course of nations, He raises up rulers, He births life and ordains death.
God is bigger than our wildest imagination. After an eternity of being God, He shows no signs of wear and tear or fatigue. He sits on an everlasting throne-His Kingdom has no end.
His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His word is alive.
His grace is sufficient. His yoke is easy and his burden is light.
I wish I could describe him to you- but He's indescribable! He's incomprehensible. He's invincible.
God knows everything about everything and everyone, nothing is hidden from Him.
Our awesome God still works through humans and even failure to accomplish his purposes.He exists before there was any being and no motion, no time and nothing but God himself, alone in his eternity; without the angels. He exists since eternity.
He's the King of righteousness, He's the King of the ages, He's the King of heaven. He's the King of glory, He's the King of kings, and he's the Lord of lords.
God is perfect-He is the Great I Am.
He is immortally graceful and He's all-together merciful.
He's imperially powerful.
He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He's unparalleled, and he's unprecedented.
He can do anything He wants to. God is accountable to no one except Himself (Not to any Synod, Council of Pentecostal churches of charismatic leaders). He can do anything He desires-needs no-one’s permission.
His ways are not our ways (Is. 55:8-9).
He is not constrained to man’s choices.
(Is. 43:13) He says, I will work, and who can hinder or reverse it?”
He can speak any way He pleases.
HE WILL GET HIS WAY WITH YOU!
God can make a way where there seems to be no way. (Jer. 32:17) Nothing is too difficult for Thee.
God knows the end from the beginning-He is not panicking about any situation, wondering what He’s going to do. He is totally in control. He can speak one word and change everything. He is the Author and the Finisher. He NEVER makes any mistakes.
He's the key to knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom.
Nothing catches God by surprise. He has no dilemmas and no shortages. He has no rivals, no fears or worries.
He always knows just what He wants and where to find it. God is God. He is self existent, self powered, self contained-He needs no-one and nothing. He won’t fall apart if man doesn’t do certain things. He is not dependant on any man for anything. He is God all by Himself and He knows it!
There can be no short- circuiting of His agenda. God has never feared a power struggle or a hostile takeover. He has no equal and no competition.
It is amazing the things God does because He has the liberty and freedom to do whatever He likes. He can move by His Spirit in any way He chooses. Sometimes soft and gentle, other times with noise and a strong force. Sometimes He will offend the mind to show the heart.
God is God, He is sovereign and He can do what He wants to do with you, your church, and your family.
God has never had a boss or a supervisor-He didn’t work hard for fifty years and then got promoted to the position of God. He doesn’t report back to anyone because He is the highest authority. He was and is God from eternity. He never had a deadline.
There is no stopping Him, no containing Him. He is not in competition being God. He is not threatened by anyone or anything.
You can’t impeach Him, you can’t ignore Him or His Word.
He is God all by Himself, He is complete-He has no flaw. He is fully God, He is a wholly God- He is perfect and happy with himself. He has no needs. He has no teacher, no role model, advisor or therapist.
The devil has never been a threat to God. God could easily wipe out the whole kingdom of darkness in a moment.
He directs the course of nations, He raises up rulers, He births life and ordains death.
God is bigger than our wildest imagination. After an eternity of being God, He shows no signs of wear and tear or fatigue. He sits on an everlasting throne-His Kingdom has no end.
His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His word is alive.
His grace is sufficient. His yoke is easy and his burden is light.
I wish I could describe him to you- but He's indescribable! He's incomprehensible. He's invincible.
God knows everything about everything and everyone, nothing is hidden from Him.
Our awesome God still works through humans and even failure to accomplish his purposes.He exists before there was any being and no motion, no time and nothing but God himself, alone in his eternity; without the angels. He exists since eternity.
He's the King of righteousness, He's the King of the ages, He's the King of heaven. He's the King of glory, He's the King of kings, and he's the Lord of lords.
God is perfect-He is the Great I Am.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Living in the miraculous. Read 1 Cor. 2:5
1. Introduction: Pray for sensitive hearts. Let the vastness of God and what He is doing worldwide take hold of you. Allow Him to reveal His majestic glory to you. This is a time where we need to be more than just a good church. We need more of God to be effective. The flesh wants ease. The devil wants defeat. The world wants conformity. GOD WANTS ALL OF YOU!
2. God is taking us in a good land (Deut. 8:7). He has already given us all (Rom. 8:32). Move into it. Increase your capacity for more of God. Read (John 10:10+Eph. 3:19+John 7:38.
A life filled with the life of Jesus! God is calling us to become...The fire of God's Spirit will burn in the souls of those who will make themselves available to it. To get what we never had, we must do what we've never done. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven...
3. The reality of the supernatural world (Col. 3:1-4). Authentic Christianity brings demonstrations of heaven to earth. Todd Bentley says, "I don't ask God for specific experiences, I just make myself available and say, God whatever you want to give or show me, or wherever you want to take me is fine." Not only believing, but living in the supernatural! People in the Bible experienced many supernatural experiences like revelations, trances, angelic visitations, visitations of God, dead been raised, sick being healed etc. It is time to lift our standard and expectation of how much of God we can have and see NOW! Exercise our spiritual sense (Hebr. 5:14). God's ability to keep you is far greater than the devils ability to deceive you.
Our desire for the supernatural and spiritual experiences must be motivated by a passion to know Jesus. Every spiritual encounter is about intimacy with Jesus! Todd Bentley says, "The more I see and experience Him and His kingdom, the more I want to give all of myself to Him."
Jesus open our eyes by your Spirit. This is the church's finest hour-press into it.
Trust in a loving, good, heavenly Father who gives good things to His children who ask Him. Read (Matth. 7:11).
2. God is taking us in a good land (Deut. 8:7). He has already given us all (Rom. 8:32). Move into it. Increase your capacity for more of God. Read (John 10:10+Eph. 3:19+John 7:38.
A life filled with the life of Jesus! God is calling us to become...The fire of God's Spirit will burn in the souls of those who will make themselves available to it. To get what we never had, we must do what we've never done. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven...
3. The reality of the supernatural world (Col. 3:1-4). Authentic Christianity brings demonstrations of heaven to earth. Todd Bentley says, "I don't ask God for specific experiences, I just make myself available and say, God whatever you want to give or show me, or wherever you want to take me is fine." Not only believing, but living in the supernatural! People in the Bible experienced many supernatural experiences like revelations, trances, angelic visitations, visitations of God, dead been raised, sick being healed etc. It is time to lift our standard and expectation of how much of God we can have and see NOW! Exercise our spiritual sense (Hebr. 5:14). God's ability to keep you is far greater than the devils ability to deceive you.
Our desire for the supernatural and spiritual experiences must be motivated by a passion to know Jesus. Every spiritual encounter is about intimacy with Jesus! Todd Bentley says, "The more I see and experience Him and His kingdom, the more I want to give all of myself to Him."
Jesus open our eyes by your Spirit. This is the church's finest hour-press into it.
Trust in a loving, good, heavenly Father who gives good things to His children who ask Him. Read (Matth. 7:11).
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Be renewed in your mind (Rom. 12:1-2).
1. God's thoughts about you. God's has been thinking about you long before you were born (Ps. 40:5). He is thinking good thoughts about you (Jer. 29:11).
2. The natural mind. Our natural mind is limited-sees everything from the human perspective. Our minds have been conditioned by the secular culture and the values of a fallen world system. Paul says (Eph. 4:23) Ampl. "And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind." The mind is one of the most powerful tools that God has given, and that is why God is after capturing our minds.
3. Repentance means a change of mind. If there is no repentance there is no renewed mind. When my life is in line with God's Word, He transforms me. Unrenewed minds are of little use to God, so we must repent to be transformed. Greek word metanoia means a complete change. It changes the way you think and your appraoch to life and ministry. It is a metamorphosis-a complete change! It means we will gain God's perspective of reality and living. Repentance brings our minds in position to receive impressions from the Lord. This renewed mind should reflect the reality of another world, the kingdom of God. When your mind is still conformed to the world, the mind says impossible. When the mind is renewed the impossible looks logical. (Col. 3:2) says, "...set your minds and keep them set on what is above, not the things that are on the earth." Set your minds on Kingdom life! This transformed mind will enable us to demonstrate power, because it receives impressions from the Lord.
The Lord's prayer says (Luke 11:2 Ampl.), "...Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." It means that we pray for the same things to happen here on earth "as it is in heaven." "Come and reign amongst us Jesus. Be the King." What is free to eoperate in heaven is free to operate here on earth. A transformed mind is able to declare the Word and to demonstrate the will of God.
4. The mysteries of God. Read (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Paul realizes that it is not through wisdom, intelectualism or eloquence in speech that God works, but (v4) "in demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power." He says (v6b) "... it is not through the wisdom of this present age or of this world...they are being brought to nothing..." Paul says (v7) "...it is wisdom (mysteries of God) of God once hidden from human understanding and now revealed to us..." It is not something that you can discover, it is something that must be revealed to you.
God's truth is hidden in many ways (parables, stories, riddles, principals), but a tenderness of heart and a yieldedness enables us to come into that realm of revelation that unlocks this mysteries of God.
Read (1 Cor. 2:9) He has made it ready for those who love Him (v9). (v10) says that God has unveiled it by His Holy Spirit. Whe you allow the Holy Spirit to work in you, allowing Him to renew your mind, He will take you outside normal boundaries! (v10 Ampl.) speaks of "...the profound and bottomless things of God. Ampl. explains it as the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny. God will function through us but outside of our own abilities. (v10) says "...for the Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything..." He is searching the greates Source of information, the Fastherheart of God!
(Matth. 13:11) Parable of the sower (Ampl.) "...To you it has been given know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven..." Read (Jer. 33:3). With the renewing of the mind we have the opportunity to receive revelation knowledge. If we don't have it, our faith is restricted by our misconceptions.
There are so many realms that we've never tapped into because of the restriction of the human mind. God wants to take us into these mind boggling realms.
(Matth. 13:19 N.I.V.) says, "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart..." The Word of God is a living seed which contains potential. This is the seed of the kingdom of heaven and it should take this world over, spread all over. If a person hears but doesn't understand, then the enemy has open access to that Word.
Understanding in Biblical times was an experience (according to Bill Johnson, Bethel church). The Western mind understands with reasoning and a working out of things, conclusions, to define and describe. The learning process in Scripture is not an intelectual matter, but a experience. You hear and do, then you understand.
Revelation was meant to bring us into a God encounter. If it does'nt it only serves to make us more relgious. So if the Word that God gives me is not brought into practical experience, then that Word is open to be taken away by the devil.
Be renewed in your mind!
2. The natural mind. Our natural mind is limited-sees everything from the human perspective. Our minds have been conditioned by the secular culture and the values of a fallen world system. Paul says (Eph. 4:23) Ampl. "And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind." The mind is one of the most powerful tools that God has given, and that is why God is after capturing our minds.
3. Repentance means a change of mind. If there is no repentance there is no renewed mind. When my life is in line with God's Word, He transforms me. Unrenewed minds are of little use to God, so we must repent to be transformed. Greek word metanoia means a complete change. It changes the way you think and your appraoch to life and ministry. It is a metamorphosis-a complete change! It means we will gain God's perspective of reality and living. Repentance brings our minds in position to receive impressions from the Lord. This renewed mind should reflect the reality of another world, the kingdom of God. When your mind is still conformed to the world, the mind says impossible. When the mind is renewed the impossible looks logical. (Col. 3:2) says, "...set your minds and keep them set on what is above, not the things that are on the earth." Set your minds on Kingdom life! This transformed mind will enable us to demonstrate power, because it receives impressions from the Lord.
The Lord's prayer says (Luke 11:2 Ampl.), "...Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." It means that we pray for the same things to happen here on earth "as it is in heaven." "Come and reign amongst us Jesus. Be the King." What is free to eoperate in heaven is free to operate here on earth. A transformed mind is able to declare the Word and to demonstrate the will of God.
4. The mysteries of God. Read (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Paul realizes that it is not through wisdom, intelectualism or eloquence in speech that God works, but (v4) "in demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power." He says (v6b) "... it is not through the wisdom of this present age or of this world...they are being brought to nothing..." Paul says (v7) "...it is wisdom (mysteries of God) of God once hidden from human understanding and now revealed to us..." It is not something that you can discover, it is something that must be revealed to you.
God's truth is hidden in many ways (parables, stories, riddles, principals), but a tenderness of heart and a yieldedness enables us to come into that realm of revelation that unlocks this mysteries of God.
Read (1 Cor. 2:9) He has made it ready for those who love Him (v9). (v10) says that God has unveiled it by His Holy Spirit. Whe you allow the Holy Spirit to work in you, allowing Him to renew your mind, He will take you outside normal boundaries! (v10 Ampl.) speaks of "...the profound and bottomless things of God. Ampl. explains it as the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny. God will function through us but outside of our own abilities. (v10) says "...for the Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything..." He is searching the greates Source of information, the Fastherheart of God!
(Matth. 13:11) Parable of the sower (Ampl.) "...To you it has been given know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven..." Read (Jer. 33:3). With the renewing of the mind we have the opportunity to receive revelation knowledge. If we don't have it, our faith is restricted by our misconceptions.
There are so many realms that we've never tapped into because of the restriction of the human mind. God wants to take us into these mind boggling realms.
(Matth. 13:19 N.I.V.) says, "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart..." The Word of God is a living seed which contains potential. This is the seed of the kingdom of heaven and it should take this world over, spread all over. If a person hears but doesn't understand, then the enemy has open access to that Word.
Understanding in Biblical times was an experience (according to Bill Johnson, Bethel church). The Western mind understands with reasoning and a working out of things, conclusions, to define and describe. The learning process in Scripture is not an intelectual matter, but a experience. You hear and do, then you understand.
Revelation was meant to bring us into a God encounter. If it does'nt it only serves to make us more relgious. So if the Word that God gives me is not brought into practical experience, then that Word is open to be taken away by the devil.
Be renewed in your mind!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Grace
Realities of grace:
Grace is a gift of kindness to someone who does not deserve it. It uplifts the soul, it gives life, it builds up, it refreshes the soul.
Grace is not reciprocal. It goes one way. Grace gives without expecting anything in return.
Grace is costly. Someone has to pay the price for grace. Grace thinks of others not of self.
Grace looks at what people can become and seeks to help them reach their potential.
Grace does not condemn those who have not yet arrived.
Grace helps people become like Christ. The way we treat others is a direct response to our understanding of God’s grace.
Grace focuses on solutions, not problems.
Grace leads to action.
Grace is what motivates God to relate to us moment by moment with perfect love. God looks at us through eyes of grace. If this wasn’t true, we would have no hope.
Grace is the lubricant that eases friction in any relationship.
Grace expects the best but offers freedom to fail.
Grace celebrates success and does not keep score of wrongs.
Grace is a gift of kindness to someone who does not deserve it. It uplifts the soul, it gives life, it builds up, it refreshes the soul.
Grace is not reciprocal. It goes one way. Grace gives without expecting anything in return.
Grace is costly. Someone has to pay the price for grace. Grace thinks of others not of self.
Grace looks at what people can become and seeks to help them reach their potential.
Grace does not condemn those who have not yet arrived.
Grace helps people become like Christ. The way we treat others is a direct response to our understanding of God’s grace.
Grace focuses on solutions, not problems.
Grace leads to action.
Grace is what motivates God to relate to us moment by moment with perfect love. God looks at us through eyes of grace. If this wasn’t true, we would have no hope.
Grace is the lubricant that eases friction in any relationship.
Grace expects the best but offers freedom to fail.
Grace celebrates success and does not keep score of wrongs.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Desperate men pressing in (Mark 2:1-12)
1. Introduction: Jesus returns to Capernaum from a ministry trip where He did great miracles. News spread about this and a crowd awaits Him in Peter's house. People came for different reasons-some where desperate for healing, help, restoration-others were sceptical and curious. They were expecting more miracles, instead Jesus preaches to them. This shows the importance of Spirit and Word. Proclaiming the Word was important to the ministry of Jesus. So it should be today!
In this crowd was the four men carrying their paralyzed friend on a stretcher. Their attitude: WE MUST GET THROUGH TO JESUS, no matter what the cost! Their desperation activates faith. Nothing's gonna stop us!
2. Jesus is in the house (Mark 2:1). The Messiah, the Anointed One, the King of Kings and the Lord of lords is in the house. This makes the difference. The presence of the Creator God, the Star Maker is in the house! The Word that became flesh, God Himself, Immanuel, God is with us, is in the house. He is here to touch, change, heal, restore, save, deliver!
Jesus has drawing power (John 12:32.) When He is lifted up, when word gets out that Jesus is in the house, the people come.
Jesus came to model what the Spirit can do through one person. Get your attention on what God is doing now and not on what He has done. Don't go off on your own mission.
3. Desperate times require desperate measures. They couldn't get through by the door but they were willing to do whatever it takes to get to the Lord! NO excuse stopped them, they pressed in. They dared to do the unusual. It is not business as usual for the church. We need to pray, fast, worship, love, serve, give, sacrifice, minister, seek God, be open as never before. It took ingenuity to break up the roof to get that man to Jesus. They dug a hole through the roof (Amplified.) They made a plan to get into a position to receive. It is time for us to do the unusual to show our faith. We had lots of teaching, now we need lots of living! GOD IS CHALLENGING EACH ONE OF US TO MOVE UP to a next level with Him.
If we move up, the church will move up, His presence will increase, the life of Jesus will be evident amongst us.
4. Desperate times require faith. (V5) says, "...and when Jesus saw their faith..."
Jesus first sorts out his spiritual need (your sins are forgiven). This man's faith was very low, but Jesus saw the faith of his friends and acted because of it! When we are a blessing to others, helping them to believe, believing with them, God moves. Sometimes our own faith is low and we need brothers and sisters believing for us. It is impossible to be a blessing without a blessing also splashing over you as well. These friends dared to do what was difficult and costly. They realized that this man needed more than just being in the vicinity of Jesus, so they took him up close.
By forgiving his sins Jesus declares publicly He is the Messiah. The Jews was well aware that only God can forgive sin and that Jesus is claiming deity.
The scribes were just sitting there (Mark 2:6). They were discussing this amongst themselves and didn't have the courage to speak to Jesus openly.
Jesus heals this man and proved that He was worthy of faith.
5. With God all things are possible. When we turn to God in our desperation, He hears and moves. Whatever your situation may be, Jesus can change it, can change you, can change people that is involved, can change circumstances, can touch and heal! God is at work with His church in South Africa. It is a time of faith, of opening up to His Spirit and followinh where He leads.
In this crowd was the four men carrying their paralyzed friend on a stretcher. Their attitude: WE MUST GET THROUGH TO JESUS, no matter what the cost! Their desperation activates faith. Nothing's gonna stop us!
2. Jesus is in the house (Mark 2:1). The Messiah, the Anointed One, the King of Kings and the Lord of lords is in the house. This makes the difference. The presence of the Creator God, the Star Maker is in the house! The Word that became flesh, God Himself, Immanuel, God is with us, is in the house. He is here to touch, change, heal, restore, save, deliver!
Jesus has drawing power (John 12:32.) When He is lifted up, when word gets out that Jesus is in the house, the people come.
Jesus came to model what the Spirit can do through one person. Get your attention on what God is doing now and not on what He has done. Don't go off on your own mission.
3. Desperate times require desperate measures. They couldn't get through by the door but they were willing to do whatever it takes to get to the Lord! NO excuse stopped them, they pressed in. They dared to do the unusual. It is not business as usual for the church. We need to pray, fast, worship, love, serve, give, sacrifice, minister, seek God, be open as never before. It took ingenuity to break up the roof to get that man to Jesus. They dug a hole through the roof (Amplified.) They made a plan to get into a position to receive. It is time for us to do the unusual to show our faith. We had lots of teaching, now we need lots of living! GOD IS CHALLENGING EACH ONE OF US TO MOVE UP to a next level with Him.
If we move up, the church will move up, His presence will increase, the life of Jesus will be evident amongst us.
4. Desperate times require faith. (V5) says, "...and when Jesus saw their faith..."
Jesus first sorts out his spiritual need (your sins are forgiven). This man's faith was very low, but Jesus saw the faith of his friends and acted because of it! When we are a blessing to others, helping them to believe, believing with them, God moves. Sometimes our own faith is low and we need brothers and sisters believing for us. It is impossible to be a blessing without a blessing also splashing over you as well. These friends dared to do what was difficult and costly. They realized that this man needed more than just being in the vicinity of Jesus, so they took him up close.
By forgiving his sins Jesus declares publicly He is the Messiah. The Jews was well aware that only God can forgive sin and that Jesus is claiming deity.
The scribes were just sitting there (Mark 2:6). They were discussing this amongst themselves and didn't have the courage to speak to Jesus openly.
Jesus heals this man and proved that He was worthy of faith.
5. With God all things are possible. When we turn to God in our desperation, He hears and moves. Whatever your situation may be, Jesus can change it, can change you, can change people that is involved, can change circumstances, can touch and heal! God is at work with His church in South Africa. It is a time of faith, of opening up to His Spirit and followinh where He leads.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
A new move of God
Revival does not come to people who seek revival; it comes to a people who seek God! Far too many people are caught up in what God can do for them. But, seeking His face means that we HUNGER FOR HIM more than for what He can do. He wants us to love Him for Who He is! The essence of genuine revival is falling in love with Jesus all over again, (Rev. 2:1-7). SEEKING HIM will bring revival to His church. It Is A Challenge To Be Devoted! Nothing we are, or have, or think or do is to distract us from Him and from seeking His face. Our heart should settle for nothing less than all of His we can acquire!
We need the mentality:
We need the mentality:
Of Promise (2 Cor. 1:20). . Acts 7:17-19 (NKJV) “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham…” Many personal and congregational promises. You and I have the liberty to approach God. - We may approach God with freedom. Freedom means we can be open and frank with God. God is faithful and true in everything that He says and does. So you can count on the promises of God to be absolutely trustworthy. (2 Peter 1:4) He has given us his very great and precious promises (Bible). Many of the Israelites of old failed to enter in to that which God had promised because of their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19). The Lord wants us to believe in the promises that He has made to us, that we might walk in all that He has for us and desires to do in and through us The Bible is a historical record of the ABSOLUTE RELIABILITY of God’s promises. The promises have always proven trustworthy, so you can COUNT ON them.
(Numbers 23:19) “God is NOT a man, that he should LIE, nor a son of man, that he
should CHANGE HIS MIND. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise
and not fulfill?”
Don’t evaluate God’s reliability like a human’s. God will never lie, never deceive, never mislead you. God will not change His mind.
Mentality of hope. In our circumstances in South Africa it is very easy to fall in pessimism, negativity. The devil is trying his best to break S.A but let’s not forget God's ability and faithfulness to keep His promises. We are not in a flat spin like the world on the outside, because Jesus is alive and totally capable to handle S.A and all its complecities. (Jer. 32:17) says, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You." (
Jer.) 32:27 adds, "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"
(Matth. 19:26) Jesus declared, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
In Luke 1:37, concerning the virgin birth, Jesus added, "For with God nothing will be impossible." When viewed within the realm of God's ability, everything that He promises is possible. In light of all that God is able to do, nothing that He promises is impossible for Him to fulfill. Some scripture passages address specifically the ability of God. Jude v. 24 asserts God's ability to protect the purity and strengthen the consistency of our spiritual walk. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Ephesians 3:20 proclaims God's ability goes far beyond our prayers or thoughts. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think." God's ability to do all that He promises to do exceeds our deepest needs, as well as our highest contemplations.
Mentality of progress. Jesus came out of tomb to go somewhere- to the right hand of the father. To glory. To send us the Holy Spirit. You came out of the tomb with Him, but are you are going somewhere?
Mentality of progress. Jesus came out of tomb to go somewhere- to the right hand of the father. To glory. To send us the Holy Spirit. You came out of the tomb with Him, but are you are going somewhere?
Mentality of winning ( Rom.8:37). We live in a time where men are consumed with breaking the records that their predecessors once achieved. Humanity is looking to do things faster, quicker, greater, higher.
Many have broken records, but all will pass away. There is One Barrier Breaker who lives on, and is still breaking barriers! It is Jesus Christ! Because of Him, there is no limit to our possibilities. For the Bible tells us “for with God, ALL things are possible, and that “greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world.” He who was dead is alive forever more, now has the keys, not only of death and hell, but all those that unlock the gates to every barrier that was made to be broken! When we look at the possibilities through the power and provisions of God, our vision expands. we are able to reach out and break the barriers before us (2 Petr. 1:3)!
Mentality of seeing with spiritual eyes (open the eyes Eph. 1:18). For the Church to adapt itself to this new reality, we will have to see the world through God’s eyes. If ever there was a time when we need Holy Spirit revelation it is now!!! If God doesn’t intervene in S.A. we are in big trouble! All the hard work of the last few yrs will go down the drain and this country will be devastated. God is calling us to pray (Rom. 13).
Famous believers like Paul and David said:
Paul - “That I may KNOW him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10.
David – “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4.
And – “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15
And – “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:1-2
Famous believers like Paul and David said:
Paul - “That I may KNOW him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10.
David – “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4.
And – “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15
And – “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:1-2
Monday, March 3, 2008
Becoming all that you are destined to be in Christ
1. Introduction: Change of focus. (Isaiah 52:1) "Awake, awake! Put on your strength, o Zion; put on your beautiful garments." God changes people. Our attitude (South Africa) needs to change, thinking needs to change, churches need to change, ways need to change, prayer needs to change etc. God wants to raise up a army of God centered, Jesus obsessed and possessed people scary to the devil!
2. They GAINED what was promised N.I.V. (Hebr. 11:33). Come in a new and different place with God. (John 14:21) It means less distance between us and Him, getting nearer to His heart, understanding more of His ways, stronger relationship with Jesus, hearing His voice clearer, flowing in a deeper dimension of His Spirit-a connectedness with God! (Hebr. 11:34) Their weakness was turned into strength. Ordinary people who didn't start out strong, but they were shaped by God (2 Cor.12:9; 1 Cor. 1:27).
3. The church being repositioned for the next season of God. God is already positioned, now it is time for the church to get in position. God is a giving God (John 3:16). He gives salvation, grace, gifts, joy, fullness of His Spirit, peace, provides every need, freedom etc.
Church must get positioned to receive!
4. Raising a new breed of Christians (Isaiah 9:7). It is time to embrace prayer and the miraculous (Rom. 8:26). It is time to be a people of faith. Get established in the present truth that God is revealing. We are called by God (Rom. 8:30; Eph. 1:4-6, Eph. 4:1.) Called to commitment. Commitment means money, time, service, sacrifice!
Breaking limitations. He is not a limited, partial inadequate God. God says, "Break out."
This will flow from knowing Him (Phill. 3:10).
Seeking the Lord's face is about wanting Him more than anything else in this world!
2. They GAINED what was promised N.I.V. (Hebr. 11:33). Come in a new and different place with God. (John 14:21) It means less distance between us and Him, getting nearer to His heart, understanding more of His ways, stronger relationship with Jesus, hearing His voice clearer, flowing in a deeper dimension of His Spirit-a connectedness with God! (Hebr. 11:34) Their weakness was turned into strength. Ordinary people who didn't start out strong, but they were shaped by God (2 Cor.12:9; 1 Cor. 1:27).
3. The church being repositioned for the next season of God. God is already positioned, now it is time for the church to get in position. God is a giving God (John 3:16). He gives salvation, grace, gifts, joy, fullness of His Spirit, peace, provides every need, freedom etc.
Church must get positioned to receive!
4. Raising a new breed of Christians (Isaiah 9:7). It is time to embrace prayer and the miraculous (Rom. 8:26). It is time to be a people of faith. Get established in the present truth that God is revealing. We are called by God (Rom. 8:30; Eph. 1:4-6, Eph. 4:1.) Called to commitment. Commitment means money, time, service, sacrifice!
Breaking limitations. He is not a limited, partial inadequate God. God says, "Break out."
This will flow from knowing Him (Phill. 3:10).
Seeking the Lord's face is about wanting Him more than anything else in this world!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Jesus the Breaker (Micah 2:13)
1. Introduction: Rick Joyner says, "There is nothing more interesting and exciting than God and getting close to Him." God's command is to "be fruitfull and multiply" (Gen 1:28+John 15:16.) God purposed our lives (Ps. 139:13-15).
Jesus the Breaker. Micah 2:13 Ampl. Bible "The Breaker (the Messiah) will go up before them. They will break through, pass in through the gate and go out through it, and their King will pass on before them, the Lord at their head."
Background-The sheep would be confined in in a stone sheepfold by their shepherd for their own protection during the night. He would close the gap (door) either by building up the stone wall or by thorntree branches. When the day breaks the shepherd prepare to open a way for them to be delivered from the stone enclosure. As He opened away for them they would crowd up alongside Him pushing against the gateway with a lot of force. This is the same picture spoken of in (Matth. 11:12) "The kingdom of God suffers (allows) violence and the violent (are pressing in to) take it by force." When the breakthrough came the whole flock would pour out of the sheepfold through the opening together with the Messiah as the "Breaker" going before them. Could also be translated as "The Through-Breaker," or, "The Breaker-up," who makes a way for His people and creates it by force! This is also a prophecy of the conversion of the Jews to Christ. The Lord Jesus would open their way to God!
2. The Breakers authority (Matth. 28:18).
3. The Breakers anointing (Luk. 4:18-19).
4. The Breaker will break barriers, religion, strongholds, tradition etc. He will break through it and lead people to fullness! He broke the old Jewish religious system. He can break anything that is holding people back. Read (Isaiah 54:17, Col. 2:14.) He turns closed societies into open societies. Satan is stirring the racism scene in South Africa, but we as Christians are called to break it down! He breaks down all opposition and He clears the road for us.
a. God is a sending God-He breaks into lives, He sent His own Son. He wants to reproduce what He installed in us (John 15:16). Read (Mark 1:17, Matth. 9:37-38)
b He will go before us (Micah 2:13+John 10:4.) Follow me means doing what He did, breaking up, opening up whatever is necessary.
c. God is breaking fresh ground (Hos. 10:12) "...untill He comes."
d. See new doors and opportunities before us (Col. 4:3). God is unlocking strategic principles. Christ breaks locked doors (Isaiah 45:1-3).
4. Jesus won't accept neutrality (Matth. 12:30.) Ground yourself on God's side of the fence. Read (James 4:8).
5. God's time (Gal. 4:4). God is carrying out plans He formed long ago. Scripture speaks of significant "appointed times." Read (1 Sam. 9:24, Esther 4:14, Rom. 9:17, Hebr. 9:27, Matth. 24:35, 2 Cor. 5:10). Recognize the times and seasons God has appointed for you and His church (Acts 17:25-27+ 1 Chron. 12:32.) Seize the opportunity!
The Messiah (Breaker) came at the appointed time (Rom. 5:6.) God has certain appointed times of significant breakthrough for His church. It is a time that God has fixed, or determined to release, or impart, something at a verty particular date or season, according to His sovereignty. Don't miss His time of visitation (Luk. 19:44).
Jesus the Breaker. Micah 2:13 Ampl. Bible "The Breaker (the Messiah) will go up before them. They will break through, pass in through the gate and go out through it, and their King will pass on before them, the Lord at their head."
Background-The sheep would be confined in in a stone sheepfold by their shepherd for their own protection during the night. He would close the gap (door) either by building up the stone wall or by thorntree branches. When the day breaks the shepherd prepare to open a way for them to be delivered from the stone enclosure. As He opened away for them they would crowd up alongside Him pushing against the gateway with a lot of force. This is the same picture spoken of in (Matth. 11:12) "The kingdom of God suffers (allows) violence and the violent (are pressing in to) take it by force." When the breakthrough came the whole flock would pour out of the sheepfold through the opening together with the Messiah as the "Breaker" going before them. Could also be translated as "The Through-Breaker," or, "The Breaker-up," who makes a way for His people and creates it by force! This is also a prophecy of the conversion of the Jews to Christ. The Lord Jesus would open their way to God!
2. The Breakers authority (Matth. 28:18).
3. The Breakers anointing (Luk. 4:18-19).
4. The Breaker will break barriers, religion, strongholds, tradition etc. He will break through it and lead people to fullness! He broke the old Jewish religious system. He can break anything that is holding people back. Read (Isaiah 54:17, Col. 2:14.) He turns closed societies into open societies. Satan is stirring the racism scene in South Africa, but we as Christians are called to break it down! He breaks down all opposition and He clears the road for us.
a. God is a sending God-He breaks into lives, He sent His own Son. He wants to reproduce what He installed in us (John 15:16). Read (Mark 1:17, Matth. 9:37-38)
b He will go before us (Micah 2:13+John 10:4.) Follow me means doing what He did, breaking up, opening up whatever is necessary.
c. God is breaking fresh ground (Hos. 10:12) "...untill He comes."
d. See new doors and opportunities before us (Col. 4:3). God is unlocking strategic principles. Christ breaks locked doors (Isaiah 45:1-3).
4. Jesus won't accept neutrality (Matth. 12:30.) Ground yourself on God's side of the fence. Read (James 4:8).
5. God's time (Gal. 4:4). God is carrying out plans He formed long ago. Scripture speaks of significant "appointed times." Read (1 Sam. 9:24, Esther 4:14, Rom. 9:17, Hebr. 9:27, Matth. 24:35, 2 Cor. 5:10). Recognize the times and seasons God has appointed for you and His church (Acts 17:25-27+ 1 Chron. 12:32.) Seize the opportunity!
The Messiah (Breaker) came at the appointed time (Rom. 5:6.) God has certain appointed times of significant breakthrough for His church. It is a time that God has fixed, or determined to release, or impart, something at a verty particular date or season, according to His sovereignty. Don't miss His time of visitation (Luk. 19:44).
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