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Prodigal Comeback

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The statistics are unbelievably staggering: over the last 10 years, 28 million have left the church – making America the third largest mission field in the world. 72 churches in America close each Week and attendance in 66 % of America’s churches has either plateaued or is 2/3 in decline.  I hate to report this one, but truth is – Islam is the fastest growing religion in America.

Yet, as Paul would say, “we are hopeful of better things-things that belong to salvation.”  We are hopeful our generation will see another great revival.  We are hopeful that there will come another great awakening.  We are hopeful that the prodigals will return.  The question is:

Why are they leaving?

There are several reasons people are leaving the church. But allow me to highlight a few here:

Apathy and the deceitfulness and hardening of sin

Shallow soil, not grounded and without roots

Hypocrisy, sin among clergy and offense from others, inner hurts

Drifting, one bad choice after another bad choice

The seeker experience never turned into a conversion or salvation experience

Truth too hard to swallow

Why am I hopeful?

We are hopeful because God never gives up on Prodigals. He relentlessly pursues them. He is not going to let the devil have them.

Though they resist him, he will not give up and let them go. He will send prophets, and if they are rejected. He will send more. Though they unfollow their christian friends and close their hearts to his message, stop listening to loved ones, he will, in season and out of season, pursue them relentlessly, until all their defenses fall to the ground and they see how much he loves them.

We are hopeful because it is never too late to turn or return. We are hopeful because nothing is impossible with God.  There is a seed planted within their soul that can germinate.

For Example :

Hebrew 6:4-8:  Who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come.

Prodigals were once enlightened
Prodigals once tasted the heavenly gift
Prodigals once shared in the holy spirit
Prodigals once experienced the goodness of the word of God
Prodigals once tasted the powers of the age to come

Story of a Prodigal Comeback

Luke 15 tell the story of a young man who at a very young age decided to leave home and travel to a distant land. The bible doesn’t really give any inside story as to why he decided to leave home. But one can imagine how niece young men can be when they reach a certain age. All of a sudden, they become wise in their own eyes.

Four easy step for any prodigal to return to the Lord

He remembered what he lost
But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!  Luke 15:17

He made an all the way decision
I will arise and go to my father…  And he arose and came to his father… Luke 15:18, 20

He repented, confessed his sins, never to return to it
Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you… And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.  Luke 15:18, 21

He had no doubt that the Father would receive him and restore him
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him… But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.  Luke 15:20, 22-24

He recognized the value of true Sonship
And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.  Luke 15:21

On this day he discovered a new depth of the Father’s love. This is the day he discovered that God could run. It was the day he felt the ferocious love of the Father. It was the day he realized how God’s heart breaks with depressing agony over the thought of losing a son. It was the day he understood the depth of the Father’s love. And I hope you understand that today.

Prayer for a Prodigal Comeback

Father, thank you for your relentless pursuit and your amazing grace.  Thank you for your love that is long-suffering and unfailing.  You have moved heaven and earth to find me again, for that I am eternally grateful.  I surrender my life to you – in Jesus’ name – Amen!

Singing with the Enemy

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Every day in December – leading into Christmas, I have planned to have or experience joy in every area of my life.  As bold and ambitious as that is, I am very hopeful and confident that nothing will derail me from knowing indestructible joy – every day in the month of December – even in difficult times.

So here is a story that will help you do just that.  I started a 23 days devotional a few days on YouVersion.  This post contains the 3rd day notes from “Joy! to the world countdown to Christmas, which was written by Carol McLeod and Just Joy Ministries

Here is the story

British soldiers were spending Christmas Eve 1914 on a French battlefield during World War I. After four months of fighting, over a million men had perished in the bloody conflict. The bodies of dead soldiers were scattered between the trenches of the opposing armies.

It was in the middle of a freezing battlefield in France, that a miracle occurred! British troops watched in amazement as candle-lit trees appeared above the German trenches.

“From the German parapet, a rich baritone voice had begun to sing a song I remember my German nurse singing to me … the grave and tender voice rose out of the frozen mist. It was all so strange … like being in another world,” a young British soldier wrote in his diary.

“Silent Night, Holy Night. All is calm. All is bright.”

When the German soldiers finished singing, the British decided to retaliate. Rather than retaliate with the roar of a cannon, the army chaps from England sang,

“The first noel, the angels did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay …”

When the boys from jolly old England finished, “Born is the King of Israel!”, the enemy began clapping and struck up a rousing rendition of “Oh Tannebaum!”

When the British troops began singing, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful!”, it was at that moment that the Germans immediately joined in. They were singing with the enemy.

This was a most extraordinary event taking place in the middle of a blood-drenched battlefield! Two opposing nations were singing the same Christmas Carol in the middle of a fierce war. It is recorded that enemy soldiers greeted each other in the no man’s land that just minutes before had been a killing zone. Soldiers wished one another a Merry Christmas and agreed not to fire their rifles on Christmas Day.

Thousands of soldiers celebrated the birth of the Prince of Peace among the bodies of their dead.

A solitary voice began to sing “Silent Night” in French … he was joined by another voice singing in German … and finally the words were in English.

Who do you need to make peace with this season? Have you been engaged in a fierce battle that has extracted the very life from your soul? Christmas is a moment in history when peace is abundantly possible because of the Baby who came to bring peace for all of the ages.

Please take some time to meditate upon Isaiah 53

Ignite my Soul: Consume these idle sticks

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“God consume these idle sticks in my life that may burn for thee.” Jim Elliot

What does the word idle mean?

It means – not active or in use.
synonyms: inactive, unused, unoccupied, unemployed, disused. It speaks of a person – not working; unemployed. Synonyms: unemployed, jobless, out-of-work, redundant, between jobs, work less, unwaged, unoccupied. It also speaks of a person avoiding work; lazy. Synonyms: lazy, indolent, slothful, work-shy, shiftless, inactive, sluggish, lethargic, listless

It means to lack or be without purpose or effect; pointless.
Synonyms: frivolous, trivial, trifling, vain, minor, petty, lightweight, shallow, superficial, insignificant, unimportant, worthless, paltry, niggling, peripheral, inane, fatuous

It defines a person who spends their time doing nothing; be idle.
Synonyms: do nothing, be inactive, vegetate, take it easy, mark time, twiddle one’s thumbs, kill time, languish, laze, lounge, loll, loaf, loiter.

The Scripture warns about it

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4

And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace. Matthew 20:3

But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Matthew 25:26

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. Titus 1:10

And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:11

I understand that some times, depending on where you are in life, a lack of clarity or opportunity can easily turn you into a couch potato. But that is a very dangerous place to park. If you didn’t already know, you are in big trouble if you find yourself sitting around doing nothing. Your life has become the devil’s workshop.

A slothful life can easily become a life of Spiritual Apathy. You soon find yourself slipping into a subtle love for worldly things. All of a sudden you, your life, your vision becomes dull – nothing moves you.

At this point, life is reduced to easy choices, and mediocrity. You begin to make the bed with false comforts. You are easily carried away by worldly distractions and fleshly attractions. And the things of the world are now more important than God’s mission.

What you need at this time is a dose of purpose; a watershed of passion and an explosion of persistence.

Mary O’Connor said, “It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted.” What’s your purpose in life?

Shannon O’Dell said, “God has so made man, that whenever anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish.” What are you passionate about?

The Apostle Paul said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward toward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” How persistent are you?

Before I close, I urge you to find those idle sticks that are slowing you down from living life persistently and passionately on purpose. My idle sticks are different from yours and yours from mine. What’s important is that we can find them and ask God – the God who answers by fire – to consume them and set us on fire.

These prayers I will pray:

Lord, consume my longing and lack of discipline for:
Too much Entertainment

Lord, consume my:
Laissez Allez Mentality

Lord, consume my:
Indifferent & Care free Attitude

Lord, consume my:
Propensity to Settle for second best

Lord consume my
Spiritual Apathy

Lord consume my
Passivity

Light a passionate fire in my soul and make me “the fuel oh flame of God.”

Recourse: Online Etymology Dictionary for idle

Happy Thanks Giving

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Here are 3 Bible verses for your Thanks Giving Holiday

May your thanksgiving be filled with joy, gladness and lots of singing

For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord ; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.  Isaiah 51:3

May your thanksgiving be filled with unceasing prayers and unconditional rejoicing

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

May your thanksgiving be filled with memories of God’s goodness as you thank him for future blessings.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.  Restore our fortunes, O Lord , like streams in the Negeb!   Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!  He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.  Psalm 126:1-6

As you celebrate today, remember those in hospitals, war zones, and refugee camps in your prayers.

God bless!

Arrested by Stealth

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Mark 14:1 ESV

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him.

They wanted to arrest Him secretly.

Stealth comes from an Old English word related to steal. Now we must understand that no thief steals openly.

Stealth means secretive, secrecy sneakiness, slyness, camouflage, clandestine.

I am sure you have all heard about the stealth bomber? This aircraft was designed in accordance with technology that makes detection by radar or sonar difficult.

This is the modus operandi of the enemy. His primary way to attack us – steal from us and hinder us – is to hide from us! He seek to blend in, make his moves undetected.

The scripture calls him a thief – John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But he does none of this openly. Matthew 24:43 says to – Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a thief was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.

A secondary way the enemy steals, kills and destroys is by falsehood. The scripture says, When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar (falsifier) and the father of lies.  John 8:44. 2 Corinthians 11:3 says – But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning (sly, tricky, sneaky, scheming, deceptive) your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

A third way the enemy steals, kills and destroys is by deception. Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 – No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:15 –Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

For these reasons, the Bible urges us to remain sober, vigilant,  alert and discerning.  Because we can not afford to be ignorant to the schemes of the devil.

Nominal
If you’re still living like a normal or let me say nominal christian life – chances are the enemy is flying right beneath your spiritual radar.

Pushing my buttons

The enemy knows how and what buttons to push in your life to get you rattled. If you don’t understand that he will use whoever it is the closest to you – he is flying right beneath your spiritual radar

Spiritual Pride
If you no one can correct you, if you are refusing every suggestion and healthy critique, chances are the enemy is flying beneath your spiritual radar undetected – pride goes before the fall.

False Comforts
If you’re warming yourself by the fire of false comforts – entertainment, substance abuse, too much booze – chances are the enemy is flying right beneath your spiritual radar.

Us against them
If you mesmerized by every sensational claim out there about COVID-19, end-times;  if you’re obsessed with the subjects of – conspiracy theories, fake news, political arguments – chances are the enemy is flying way below your spiritual radar.

Spiritual heaviness
If you have lost all desire to worship, pray and study the word – chances are the enemy either has you distracted or is using excessive sorrow to sap away any spiritual apatite. He is flying below your spiritual radar.

Fall away on Account of others.
If you are stressing over the fall of a respected leader and have allowed the let down to overwhelm you with excessive sorrow or anger… or maybe you are being tempted to fall away on account of their failure – there is a strong possibility that Satan is flying below you spiritual radar.

Overwhelming burden
If you find yourself carrying an overwhelming and sometimes unnecessary burden, there is a strong possibility that Satan is flying below your spiritual radar.

Un-forgiveness – If you are walking in un-forgiveness or if there is any bitter root in you, there is a strong possibility that Satan is flying below your spiritual radar.

Strife – If there is constant strife, diversion,  fights and quarrel in your life and relationship, that could be an indication that Satan is flying below your spiritual radar.

What you don’t know can hurt you! Friends – don’t let the fiery darts of the evil one sneak up on you. Don’t let him attack you before you can realize it.

God doesn’t want us to remain ignorant to the devil’s schemes,  so He provided the sound ways to detect and destroy  flaming darts (stealth bombers) of the evil one.

The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Self-control/ Sober Minded
1 Peter 4:7

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

Holy Spirit Discernment
Ephesians 5:14-21

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

The divine nature
2 Peter 1:3-10

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

Submission to God – Resist the devil
James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Conclusion:

The days we are living in calls for a razor sharp focus. This is not something we get when we come out of COVID-19 – this is something we get right now. It is for your taking… you have to bring yourself under it. You can’t come under it by:

  1. Wishful thinking the enemy away… that’s call wishful thinking.

  2. Ignoring him… that’s stupidity

  3. Giving him the glory for everything that goes wrong in your life… he doesn’t deserve that much credit… I’m talking to those who see a devil under every rock and behind every bush. Is there any room in your spiritual understanding that sometimes things just happen to break. We live in a fallen world – sometimes things break. You know what the devil loves? He loves to see God’s people fight imaginary spiritual battles.

There are two things the enemy respect:

  1. Power or Authority – And you got it! The weapon of our warfare are not carnal… but mighty in the pulling Dow of strongholds. All authority and power has been given unto you. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.

  • Awareness… a razor sharp focus and discernment. 2 Corinthians 2:11 – “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.“

    • Let us pray:

    Dear Heavenly Father – Please give us with razor sharp focus in these days, Holy Spirit discernment and spiritual alertness… In Jesus Name!

     

    More than Conquerors

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    I had the privilege of being a part of a missionary work in the West African nation of Ivory Coast, correctly know known as – La Cote D’Ivoire between 1990 and 1994.

    By the time I signed on, they had planted about 6 or more Churches around Abidjan – capital city. Those days were special: knocking on doors, walking the neighborhoods, holding All Night Prayer meetings and community gathering for fasting and praying. A revival was happening all around us – young and old coming to know Jesus and being filled with the Holy Ghost. These are some of the best days of my life and ministry.

    The people we ministered to were just like me. They were refugees, displaced, cut off from family, scattered in this foreign land and living among people with a strange tongue. They were often abused, and un-welcomed and mocked in the public square.

    You would think their pain and sorrow would define them, break them and leave them in despair. You would think their loneliness, loss, and inability to return to their homes would keep them in shackles of gloom and doom. But when they began to worship – heaven took notice, mountains moved, Devils were chased away in utter confusion. Good Lord, they understood what it means to worship! In their dire straits, at their wit’s end – they understood the power of praise.

    There was one song we would sing at the close of every service. It was a simple chorus but loaded with a dynamite of truth. We sang it over and over again and over again. It was a declaration of faith – a declaration of war. We wanted the devil to know exactly where we stood. So we would sing:

    We have overcome, we have overcome – by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of the Lord – We have overcome. Jesus Christ is King, Jesus Christ is King – the strong man is bound, the victory is won, we have overcome.

    Every week, as I traveled to those 6 or more churches to teach Bible studies, lead worship or preach the word, I would see hundreds of broken and traumatized people come alive and find hope that only Jesus can give. I would see people look into their dire consequences and with faith declare their victory in Jesus. I would see hundreds healed and set free from the power of the enemy, and filled with the joy of the Lord.

    I was one of those people – suicidal, hurting, confused, bedridden with a blood disease that was slowly killing me. For six month, I would toss and turn all through the night hoping to find sleep from a troubled mind.

    But one day I found Jesus – I should say, He found me. I still remember those days – jumping around, dancing and weeping with ecstatic joy in those churches. My spiritual father used to call me the weeping prophet, because of the tears pouring down my chicks when we worshiped Jesus.

    See, “when I think about the Lord, how he saved me; raised me; filled me up with the Holy Ghost; how he healed me to the uttermost” – it does something within me.

    I don’t care how dire your circumstances are today – if you would look in the face of Jesus, you will find solace for your weary soul. You are an overcomer! I urge you to look into your darkness with the light of Jesus and declare your victory. I urge you to storm the gates of hell and bind the strong man by the victory of the cross and the power of the blood. I urge you to stand on his word today.

    Here is why – we have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of the Lord. The strong man is bound, the victory is won. You are more than a conqueror!

    The Greatest Chapter in All of Scripture is the greatest chapter of my life

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    It was the summer of 1991. I was young and had discovered the joy of salvation, the hope of eternal life. There was a fire burning in my heart. I felt like I had been made new. I was born of God. His seed had budded within and I would never be the same.

    We had completed our baptismal classes. We were baptized. My spiritual father insisted that we memorize Romans 8. Everyone of us had committed the chapter to memory. We stood before the congregation, just before our first communion, and with one voice, one proud, loud and joyful voice, we recited the greatest chapter in the entire bible – Romans 8:

    The Spirit of Life

    There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

    Heirs of Christ

    So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

    Glorious Future

    For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

    God’s Everlasting Love

    What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Today, I still know the chapter, in most parts by heart. It affected me and continues to, even today. All glory and thanks to my savior and Lord. Thank you for your everlasting love.

    Not easily broken

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    These I call the threefold cords
    You cannot talk about one and leave the other out of the picture. You cannot believe in one and not the others. Each stand in its own right, but lift up the rest.

    I believe in grace… but grace, not as a license to sin.
    I believe in love… but not at the expense of obedience or truth.
    I believe in truth… but not at the exclusion of the grace and love.

    It was Robert Farrar Capon that said, “let’s get drunk on grace, two hundred-proof defiant grace…”

    In response someone said, “let’s get fired up on love, seven times tested and refined love…”

    Still another said, “let’s get anchored in truth, truth that has stood the test of time…”

    I say:
    Let’s get drunk on grace, love and truth.
    Let’s get fired up on grace, love and truth.
    Let’s get anchored in  grace, love and truth.
    I think they are the threefold cords of the Christian faith that are not quickly broken.

    Grace
    “For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world. Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11-12‬

    Grace saves us.
    Grace empowers us.
    Grace trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly desires.
    Grace trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly desires.
    Grace trains us to live devout lives in this present world.

    Love
    “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” Romans 10:21
    “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3

    God is love.
    God’s love is patient and kind.
    God’s love hopes all things.
    God’s love endures all things.
    God’s Love never ends.

    Truth
    “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

    Truth is God’s grace and love in action.
    Truth is the belt that holds everything together.
    Truth sets free.
    Truth can not be broken, no matter how how hard you try to break it.
    Truth is who God is.

    So, I say yeah, it’s time to embrace grace, love and truth in a balanced and inclusive way. God would say it this way:
    My Grace is sufficient for you
    My love for you never ends
    My truth sets you free.
    This is all you need.

    How to live a Spirit Empowered Life

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    How active is the Holy Spirit in your life?  Are you living the abundant Christian life the Jesus promised to all his followers?  I believe it all depends on how much access and freedom you give him to truly live a Spirit empowered life.

    The case for the Spirit

    The first question to ask is where is the Holy Spirit in the Bible and how involved is Him in the grand scheme of things.

    In the Old Testament 

    We first find Him in the beginning as the source of life.  He strives with men.  He is the very manifestation of God.  He has a special relationship with Israel; he guides and empowers men from all walks of life to do exploits for God.

    In the New Testament

    In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit’s role in the ministry of Jesus and in the Early Church is on full display. In fact, the Holy Spirit launched the public ministry of Jesus.  As we read the gospels and particularly the Book of Acts, He is also involved in the lives and ministries of the disciples, empowering them for a fruitful life.

    • He gives life; he proclaims the future; he dwells in Believers
    • He teaches; he testifies about Jesus; he glorifies Jesus
    • He convicts of sin; he is present in lives; he discloses what belongs to God
    • He baptizes in the Spirit with enduement of power for life and service

    Jump Start the Experience

    The first step toward a Spirit empowered life is to come alive to God. Regeneration is the word that we use to refer to the process of coming alive to God.  When we get born again, our spirit-man comes alive.  Just like the scripture says, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”   At this time we have power to live like Jesus lived.  We have power to pick up our cross and follow Him.  We have spiritual power to endure suffering like Him.  We have power  to live a life of joy and peace.

    Experience the Release

    When we talk about the second step toward a Spirit empowered life, “it is important to stress that the Holy Spirit is not external to a believer not yet baptized in the Spirit. The Spirit works internally in a repentant and believing person to effect the new birth; He does not then leave, to come back at the time of the in filling. Spirit-baptism is an overwhelming experience of the already indwelling Spirit; it’s called by some a “release” of the Spirit.”

    The most distinguishing features of the baptism in the Holy Spirit are as follows:

    • The first is “theologically and experientially distinguishable from and subsequent to the new birth”
    • The second is usually followed by speaking in tongues
    • And the third is “distinct in purpose from the Spirit’s work of regenerating the heart and life of a repentant sinner.”

    Experience the flames

    Unveiled Faces

    Paul writes, “But when one turns to the Lord, He removes the veil.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are change into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”  

    For Paul, the goal of the Christian life is transformation into the image of Christ.  This transformation only comes by the Holy Spirit, as we continue to spend time with the Lord beholding his glory.  The word behold means a careful study, not a casual look.  As we look for him on the pages of His book; spend time at his feet in prayer; practice the Lord’s presence; fan into flames the gifts of God and keep in step with the Holy Spirit  – we are changed from one degree of glory to another.

    Here is how:

    • We turn to the Lord
    • He removes the veil
    • We continue to Gaze intently upon his glory
    • He releases a greater measure of his Spirit and his freedom
    • We enjoy this Freedom
    • And we never forget where it comes from – “the Lord who is the Spirit.”

    I’m convinced that God is calling us from a life of independence to complete reliance on him.  I can do nothing in my strength.  I can’t pray adequately, but the “Spirit himself intercedes for me in my weakness.”  I don’t have the power to witness, but “I receive power when the Spirit comes upon me.”  I can’t live holy in my strength, but if I “keep in step with the Spirit, I won’t gratify the desires of the flesh.”

    Every child of God must diligently seek and expect the Holy Spirit’s power to help him/her bear spiritual fruit, cultivate spiritual gifts and enduement of power for a life of service in the kingdom of God. If we open our lives to the Spirit – He will give life to our mortal bodies – and that is what we need to live this Christian life.

    As I draw to a close, I urge you to take these words as encouragement to drive you to your knees and ask the Lord for more of His power, instead of engaging in a theological debate. You would agree that, no matter what your theological persuasion is – we all desperately need the Holy Spirit.  With that, stay blessed and have a great day!

     

    Resource: Position Papers

    Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 61; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:25–27 and Joel 2:28,29; Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32

    What is the Kingdom of God?

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    Expressions of the Kingdom

    Secrets of the Kingdom of God
    “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables.”  Mark 4:11

    Scattered Seeds and the Kingdom of God
    “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.” Mark 4:26

    Kingdom powers
    “The kingdom of God after it has come with power.” Mark 9:1; 1 Corinthians 4:20

    Kingdom humility
    “The kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”  Mark 10:15

    Good news of the kingdom
    “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God.” Luke 4:43

    Beatitudes of the Kingdom
    Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20

    Miracles of the kingdom
    “The kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.” Luke 9:11

    Kingdom qualification
    “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

    Mustard Seed
    “The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed.”  Luke 13:18-19

    Leaven
    “The kingdom of God is like leaven.”  Luke 13:20

    New Birth and the kingdom
    “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  John 3:3

    Heirs of the kingdom
    “God has chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom.”  James 2:5

    The Kingdom of God is God’s reign and rule here and now

    Every person who believes in Jesus and has made Him Lord, has God’s kingdom established in their heart. This is the first aspect of the kingdom.

    “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8

    The Kingdom of God is God’s ultimate reign and rule at the end of the age

    Even though the kingdom is here, it’s like a pledge, a foretaste, a deposit – sealed with a promise that guarantees an eternal inheritance.

    “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to destroy is death.”  1 Corinthians 15:24-26

    “The kingdoms of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

    “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

    “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”  Revelation 19:6-7

    “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.”  Revelation 12:10

    “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3, 4

    Fruits of the Kingdom

    Miracles, Signs and Wonders
    “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Luke 11:20

    “I proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”  Matthew 10:7, 8

    Righteousness, Peace and Joy
    “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17

    Redemption and Forgiveness of Sins
    “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13, 14

    How to enter into the Kingdom or receive the Kingdom?

    Repent and believe
    “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15

    Be Born Again
    “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:5

    Recognize need for a Savior
    “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

    Comes as a child
    “But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16