"A TIDAL WAVE of CHRISTIANITY"
by cbn
We like to think of ourselves as the Christian West. But there is
growing evidence that the center of Christendom has moved.
Africans are running to accept Jesus Christ. It is a scene playing
out all across the developing world.
It may sound like an exaggeration, but it's not: Christianity is
sweeping across the southern hemisphere and Asia like a tidal wave.
"The scale of Christian growth is almost unimaginable," said Dr.
Philip Jenkins, distinguished professor of History and Religious
Studies at Penn State University.
Jenkins shocked and probably panicked some of America's political
and media elite with his acclaimed book, 'The Next Christendom:
The Coming of Global Christianity'. Jenkins argues the greatest
movement of the past century was not communism or capitalism.
Do the math and the winner is Spirit-filled Christianity, or what he
terms in his study as "Pentecostalism." "
The modern Pentecostal movement begins at the start of the 20th
century," Jenkins said. "So say this begins with a few hundred, a
few thousand people... today you're dealing with several hundred
million people, and the best projections are by 2040's or 2050's,
you could be dealing with a billion Pentecostals worldwide. By that
stage there will be more Pentecostals than Hindus. There are
already more Pentecostals than Buddhists." Jenkins says in just
20 years, two-thirds of all Christians will live in Africa, Latin America
or Asia."
Back in 1900, there were about 10 million Christians in Africa,
representing about 10 percent of the population. Today there are
360 million, representing just under half the population.
That is one of the most important changes in religious history, and
I think most of us didn't notice it," he said. A lot of people still
haven't noticed it. When scandal or controversy hits an American
church, the U.S. news media tends to treat it like a worldwide crisis
for that denomination.
But it is not a crisis for those churches in the developing world.
Most of them are not gripped by debates over homosexuality or
abortion that is a problem for European and American liberals -
they believe the Bible. "The Bible is alive in Africa and Asia and
Latin America,"
Jenkins said. "Overwhelmingly, th[is] kind of Christianity is one
which is very Bible-centered, which takes the Bible very seriously,
takes authority very seriously, both the Old and the New Testament,
in a way which I don't think western Christianity has done probably
since the Enlightenment." But the growth of Christianity threatens
Islam, and Christians are being slaughtered in places like Nigeria
and Indonesia.
Jenkins thinks the conflict will intensify in nations where the two
faiths compete. And he debunks the notion that Islam is the fastest
growing religion in the world. Christianity is growing faster." If you
look at the 25 most populous countries in the world in the mid-21st
century, 20 of those are going to be divided to a greater or lesser
extent between Christianity and Islam," Jenkins said.
Then there is China. There are about 80 million Christians in China,
according to former Time Magazine Correspondent David Aikman,
who predicts China will be a Christianized nation in 20 to 30 years.
He does not predict a Christian majority, but a China that is 25 to
30 percent Christian. Enough, he says, to change society and
government. "If you have a Christianized China, the leadership of
China would reflect a Christian worldview to some degree," Aikman
said. "A China that's Christianized would not be a threat to the
United States."
And Aikman says the Chinese church leaders have a burden to take
the gospel the rest of the way across the globe, to the Muslims.
"It's part of a sense that they call 'back to Jerusalem,'" Aikman said.
-Source-
http://www.cbn.com/CBNNews/News/030819a.asp
Minggu, 21 Agustus 2016
More GREAT QUOTES
More GREAT QUOTES:
"Holiness and living a sin-free life is heresy to the modern church.
The modern church is, quite simply, just the world with a Christian
T-shirt on!" - Nicky Cruz
"Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God. Resolved
second: That whether others do or not, I will."
- Jonathan Edwards
"A man may study because his brain is hungry for knowledge,
even Bible knowledge. But he prays because his soul is hungry
for God." - Leonard Ravenhill
"Despite the atrociousness of it, Satan really does have "little
cause to fear most preaching." Most preaching in the modern
church is completely devoid of unction. Pastors are too busy
playing golf or racquetball to bother spending time on their knees.
No wonder some pastors I've heard can more readily quote Dr.
Laura then bible passages pertaining to prayer. It's disastrous.
Satan need not fear under those conditions."
-A. Reavis
"How do we worship our God Wholeheartedly? To answer the
question we must respond to the command...
"If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15.
True Love is complete obedience ... half obedience is no
obedience. If you love Jesus, you will obey what He commands.
This is true love and true worship."
-Unknown
"Holiness and living a sin-free life is heresy to the modern church.
The modern church is, quite simply, just the world with a Christian
T-shirt on!" - Nicky Cruz
"Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God. Resolved
second: That whether others do or not, I will."
- Jonathan Edwards
"A man may study because his brain is hungry for knowledge,
even Bible knowledge. But he prays because his soul is hungry
for God." - Leonard Ravenhill
"Despite the atrociousness of it, Satan really does have "little
cause to fear most preaching." Most preaching in the modern
church is completely devoid of unction. Pastors are too busy
playing golf or racquetball to bother spending time on their knees.
No wonder some pastors I've heard can more readily quote Dr.
Laura then bible passages pertaining to prayer. It's disastrous.
Satan need not fear under those conditions."
-A. Reavis
"How do we worship our God Wholeheartedly? To answer the
question we must respond to the command...
"If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15.
True Love is complete obedience ... half obedience is no
obedience. If you love Jesus, you will obey what He commands.
This is true love and true worship."
-Unknown
Goliath Had a Brother
Goliath Had a Brother
(En Español)
Here's the scene: You are in a battle against sickness, oppression or some similar struggle. You seek God, and in some way the grace of God touches your life. Your victory may have come through a word or prayer or some other encouragement, but you absolutely know the Lord has delivered you. Using the five smooth stones of divine grace, you defeated your Goliath.
But then, a few weeks or months or perhaps years later, all the old symptoms suddenly return with a vengeance. If you were struggling with an illness, it manifests worse than ever; if your battle was regarding a relationship or a particular sin, it seems as though all progress has been lost. You are back to square one.
Have you ever been there? These negative experiences can drain the faith from your heart. You lose the anticipation and power of faith, and a spiritual paralysis immobilizes your soul. You may still attend church, but your faith is unresponsive. When others testify of deliverance, you worry secretly that they, too, will "lose their healing."
For many, the result is one of faith-shaking disillusionment. Scripture says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov. 13:12). This "heartsickness" is a spiritual disease that can cripple your walk with God. Remember, faith is the substance of the things you hope for; if you lose hope, your faith becomes hollow. How can you trust God when it seems as though He let you down? You wonder: "Did I lose my breakthrough, or was I only deceiving myself and never really had it?"
Dear one, it is very possible that what you are experiencing is not a loss of God's blessing but an entirely new spiritual battle. This new war is a very clever and effective deception that Satan uses to try and worm his way back into the lives of those delivered by God.
I had been praying about this very thing, this recurring battle, when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: "Goliath had a brother." I was immediately reminded of David's war against the Philistine giant. We all know that David became a great hero by trusting God and defeating Goliath. However, things changed as we see in 2 Samuel 21:
"Now when the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David went down and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary. Then Ishbi-benob, who was among the descendants of the giant . . . intended to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him" (2 Samuel 21:15–17).
Years after David conquered Goliath as a lad, after he became king he had to face other giants. In fact, 1 Chronicles 20:5 reveals that at least one of those warring against David was "the brother of Goliath," and four were his children (2 Sam. 21:22). We can imagine that these giants, being Goliath's kin, looked like Goliath, boasted like him, dressed like him and probably even smelled like him. The Scripture says that while fighting one of the descendants of Goliath, "David became weary" (2 Sam. 21:15). The Bible is silent as to what might have been going through the king's mind as he battled these giants. Perhaps he wondered, "I thought I killed Goliath. What is he doing back?" But Goliath had not come back; he was dead! David was actually fighting the giant's kin. It just looked like the same battle!
Likewise, you also have had many successful victories. Just because the current giant you are facing looks like one you defeated in the past, do not accept the lie that you never really won the first battle! By the strength of God's grace, you trusted the Almighty and conquered your Goliath. The first giant is dead. Satan is masquerading as your former enemy so he can slip past your shield of faith and thus regain entrance into your life. Resist him. Do not accept the lie that you were never delivered. Stand in faith. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).
The living God who helped you conquer Goliath will empower you to overcome his brother as well.
Father, I come to You as Your servant. Like David, I have become weary with fighting an enemy I thought I had defeated. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, however, I expose the lie that this is the same foe I previously conquered. In Jesus' name, I rebuke the enemy. I ask You, Lord, to send angels to strengthen me supernaturally, just as angels often strengthened Jesus. In the name of the Lord, Amen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, Spiritual Discernment and the Mind of Christ, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Accepting Level I Registrations
through August 25
through August 25
In Christ's Image Training
Level I classes begin September 2, 2016
There are qualities of
heart that actually attract the pleasure of God. If we possess
unoffendable faith in our pursuit of Christ's likeness; if we walk
humbly with our God; if we position ourselves in the intercessor's gap;
and if we abide in Christ-centered unity with the local body of Christ
-- we will attract the pleasure of God, and when we awaken His pleasure,
His power soon follows. Sign up today for our next In Christ's Image Training course that begins September 2, 2016.
Registration closes August 25, 2016. www.icitc.org.
In Christ's Image Training
is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. It is
based on 45 years of seeking God, study and revelatory insights. These
are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian
walk.
The vision of attaining Christ's likeness
Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
The course
comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to
lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full
course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio),
but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly
lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the
training.Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).
Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page, and Tuition page.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form.
4) Submit the registration form - Registration closes August 25.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form.
4) Submit the registration form - Registration closes August 25.
For more info, please see www.icitc.org.
Training also available in Spanish / Español
When the Crop Permits
When the Crop Permits
From the Christlikeness track
(En Español)
Certainly, the period prior to Christ's return will be both difficult and perilous. Scripture warns that God's voice will shake all things, things in the heavens and things on the earth. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, and then removed (Heb. 12:26-27).
Yet there is more on the calendar of God than increasing judgments and the Rapture. Between now and the Second Coming, there will also be a significant, though still partial, re-establishing of God's kingdom in the earth (Dan. 2:44; Matt. 24:14; Matt. 13). A spiritually mature people will serve as the vanguard of His return. Before the Lord is glorified in the earth, He shall be glorified in the church (Isa. 60:1-3; Eph. 5:27). Indeed, the attainment of Christlike maturity in those who pursue the Lord shall not be a mere sidebar on the list of end-time events; it will be a significant fulfillment.
Listen carefully to what Jesus taught. He said,
"The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows -- how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come" (Mark 4:26-29).
Jesus likened the kingdom of God to a farmer waiting for the maturing of His crops. During the harvest season, farmers are concerned about two primary things: the quantity and quality of the harvest. For over 30 years I lived in eastern Iowa. Some corn and soybean fields, which may have started strong, fail or were stunted due to unusually high or low temperatures or lack of rain. As a result, farmers plow under their fields because their crops did not reach maturity. There was no "mature grain in the head."
Just as the farmer will not harvest without the grain becoming mature, so God is seeking a crop of Christ-followers that have reached spiritual maturity. God is after full stature not just full numbers. Take note: Jesus said, "when the crop permits" God puts in the sickle. The return of Christ isn't tied to a certain "day or hour"; it is about the spiritual stature of the harvest that triggers the great unfolding of end-time events. You see, God is not looking at His watch; He's looking at His crop.
What does spiritual maturity look like? It looks like Christians taking "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). Again, God is looking for Christlikeness to ripen within us as we approach the end of the age.
"Man...in the image of God" is the seed-idea purposed by the Almighty from before time began (Gen. 1:27). The release of divine wrath is not the Father's highest priority. It does not in any way mean we think we are gods or that we take Christ's place; it means Christ has truly taken our place (Gal. 2:20). This is what the "mature head in the grain" looks like: mature Christlikeness.
For too long we have assumed that only the numeric size of the harvest was the focus of the Father. Certainly the number of people saved is pivotal: "the fullness of the gentiles" must come into the kingdom (Rom. 11:25). However, the Almighty does not just want numbers; He wants spiritual maturity.
Thus, the Lord is not looking at a calendar thinking, "Oh, it's the year 2016 (or 2020, etc.). I have to destroy the world on that date." No. A farmer does not reap his crops without first walking his fields, testing samples of the grain, and studying the moisture and integrity of the seed head. Only then does he begin his harvest. Again, the maturity of the crop determines the day of the harvest.
So many Christians are frozen in spiritual immaturity. They are easily offended, often distracted and without prayer or spiritual discipline. We think God is requiring of us simply to hang on, yet the Lord is looking for more. Paul says the goal of God in the church is that "we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13, italics mine).
Even now, believers around the world are becoming increasingly more Christlike. Many are dying for their faith. Yet "with unveiled face," they are "beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord" and "are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory" (2 Cor. 3:18). When this crop permits, the Father shall put in His sickle, for the harvest has truly come.
Let's pray: Lord Jesus, as You continue looking for spiritual completeness in the harvest, help me to grow to full stature, that I may truly represent a planting which has grown up into Your likeness.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Adapted from Francis Frangipane's In Christ's Image Training course - www.icitc.org.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Accepting Level I Registrations
through August 25
through August 25
In Christ's Image Training
Level I classes begin September 2, 2016
There are qualities of
heart that actually attract the pleasure of God. If we possess
unoffendable faith in our pursuit of Christ's likeness; if we walk
humbly with our God; if we position ourselves in the intercessor's gap;
and if we abide in Christ-centered unity with the local body of Christ
-- we will attract the pleasure of God, and when we awaken His pleasure,
His power soon follows. Sign up today for our next In Christ's Image Training course that begins September 2, 2016.
Registration closes August 25, 2016. www.icitc.org.
In Christ's Image Training
is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. It is
based on 45 years of seeking God, study and revelatory insights. These
are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian
walk.
The vision of attaining Christ's likeness
Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
The course
comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is designed to
lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ. The full
course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio),
but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly
lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the
training.Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).
Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page, and Tuition page.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form.
4) Submit the registration form - Registration closes August 25.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form.
4) Submit the registration form - Registration closes August 25.
For more info, please see www.icitc.org.
Training also available in Spanish / Español
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
To comment or send this message to a friend or print this message, use our Printer-friendly version.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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you are financially unable to purchase a product by Pastor Frangipane,
he would love to give you your choice of one of his ebooks for free
(*see exceptions). One free ebook per household please. (Visit our *FAQ page for more information.)
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Senin, 15 Agustus 2016
HAVE We NO TEARS For REVIVAL?
HAVE We NO TEARS For REVIVAL?
by Leonard Ravenhill
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." (Ps. 126:5).
The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the
Church, grieved at the blindness of the Church, grieved at the
corruption in the Church, grieved at the toleration of sin in the
Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed
that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the
strongholds of the devil. He is embarrassed that the Church folks no
longer cry in their despair before a devil-ridden, sin-mad society,
"Why could we not cast him out?" (Matt. 17:19).
Many of us have no heart-sickness for the former glory of the Church
because we have never known what true revival is. We stagnate in
the status quo and sleep easy at night while our generation moves
swiftly to the eternal night of hell. Shame, shame on us! Jesus
whipped some money changers out of the temple; but before He
whipped them, He wept over them. He knew how near their judgment
was The Apostle Paul sent a tear-stained letter to the Philippian
saints, writing: "I have told you often and now tell you even weeping,
that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ" (Phil. 3:18). Notice
that he does not say they are enemies of Christ; they are, rather, the
enemies of the cross of Christ. They deny or diminish the redemptive
values of the cross. There are many like this today. The church of
Rome does not stand as an enemy of Christ; it traces heavily on His
holy name. Yet it denies the cross by saying that the Blessed Virgin
is co-redemptive. If this is so, why was she not also crucified? The
Mormons use the name of Christ, yet they are astray on the
atonement. Have we tears for them? Shall we face them without a
blush when they accuse us of inertia at the Judgment Seat saying
that they were our neighbors and an offense to us, but not a burden
because they were lost?
The Salvationists can scarcely read their flaming evangelical history
without tears. Has the glory of the evangelical revival under Wesley
ever gripped the hearts of the Methodists of today? Have they read
of the fire-baptized men in Wesley's team? Men like John Nelson,
Thomas Walsh, and a host of others whose names are written in
the Book of Life; men persecuted and kicked in the streets when
they held street meetings? Yet as their blood flowed from their
wounds, their tears flowed from their eyes. Do the Pentecostals
look back with shame as they remember when they dwelt across
the theological tracks, but with the glory of the Lord in their midst?
When they had a normal church life, which meant nights of prayers,
followed by signs and wonders, and diverse miracles, and genuine
gifts of the Holy Ghost? When they were not clock watchers, and
their meetings lasted for hours, saturated with holy power? Have we
no tears for these memories, or shame that our children know
nothing of such power? Other denominations had their Glory Days
of revival. Think of the mighty visitations to the Presbyterians in
Korea. Remember the earth-shaking revival in Shantung. Are those
days gone forever? Have we no tears for revival?
-Leonard Ravenhill - source - http://www.sermonindex.net
by Leonard Ravenhill
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." (Ps. 126:5).
The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the
Church, grieved at the blindness of the Church, grieved at the
corruption in the Church, grieved at the toleration of sin in the
Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed
that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the
strongholds of the devil. He is embarrassed that the Church folks no
longer cry in their despair before a devil-ridden, sin-mad society,
"Why could we not cast him out?" (Matt. 17:19).
Many of us have no heart-sickness for the former glory of the Church
because we have never known what true revival is. We stagnate in
the status quo and sleep easy at night while our generation moves
swiftly to the eternal night of hell. Shame, shame on us! Jesus
whipped some money changers out of the temple; but before He
whipped them, He wept over them. He knew how near their judgment
was The Apostle Paul sent a tear-stained letter to the Philippian
saints, writing: "I have told you often and now tell you even weeping,
that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ" (Phil. 3:18). Notice
that he does not say they are enemies of Christ; they are, rather, the
enemies of the cross of Christ. They deny or diminish the redemptive
values of the cross. There are many like this today. The church of
Rome does not stand as an enemy of Christ; it traces heavily on His
holy name. Yet it denies the cross by saying that the Blessed Virgin
is co-redemptive. If this is so, why was she not also crucified? The
Mormons use the name of Christ, yet they are astray on the
atonement. Have we tears for them? Shall we face them without a
blush when they accuse us of inertia at the Judgment Seat saying
that they were our neighbors and an offense to us, but not a burden
because they were lost?
The Salvationists can scarcely read their flaming evangelical history
without tears. Has the glory of the evangelical revival under Wesley
ever gripped the hearts of the Methodists of today? Have they read
of the fire-baptized men in Wesley's team? Men like John Nelson,
Thomas Walsh, and a host of others whose names are written in
the Book of Life; men persecuted and kicked in the streets when
they held street meetings? Yet as their blood flowed from their
wounds, their tears flowed from their eyes. Do the Pentecostals
look back with shame as they remember when they dwelt across
the theological tracks, but with the glory of the Lord in their midst?
When they had a normal church life, which meant nights of prayers,
followed by signs and wonders, and diverse miracles, and genuine
gifts of the Holy Ghost? When they were not clock watchers, and
their meetings lasted for hours, saturated with holy power? Have we
no tears for these memories, or shame that our children know
nothing of such power? Other denominations had their Glory Days
of revival. Think of the mighty visitations to the Presbyterians in
Korea. Remember the earth-shaking revival in Shantung. Are those
days gone forever? Have we no tears for revival?
-Leonard Ravenhill - source - http://www.sermonindex.net
The Staff of God
The Staff of God
(En Español)
(En Español)
Imagine
a church or ministry staff where each person's primary vision was to
attain Christ's likeness. Picture working with this group of people: not
only do they each fulfill their responsibilities but they are earnestly
reaching for Christ's humility in their service. When they see
something flawed in another member of the team, they do not become
accusers. Rather, they approach the situation with Christ's redemptive
heart, praying for the situation first and, when necessary, bringing
correction motivated by love.
Can you
envision a staff that is committed to possessing unoffendable unity in
their relationships? Is there any doubt that with such a team God could
change the world?Before you say the above is impossible, I'm actually describing both my pastoral staff (when I was pastoring full time) and also my ministry staff right now. A key principle to walking in such grace has been our participation in In Christ's Image Training. While no one on staff was perfect (least of all me), and while we still had to correctly match individual gifts with ministry needs, the compelling vision for each person has been to truly become Christlike.
In Ancient Times
According to the dictionary, a staff is "a group of assistants to a manager, executive or other person in authority" (The American Heritage Dictionary). Originally, however, a staff was not a team of people but a strong, straight branch cut from a tree and sanded smooth. The purpose of the staff was for support and balance, and it was also used as a weapon to protect the traveler. From this simple origin, we can better understand the genesis of the word staff and how it came to represent those who support a leader. Just as a staff provided strength, balance and protection, so a leader should find these same qualities in those who serve as his or her staff.
Of course, when we talk about leader/staff relationships, our main focus is kingdom leadership according to Ephesians 4:11-13. The Lord raises up and appoints individuals to train His people, not lord over them. We are talking about leaders who are focused first on their own transformation.
At the same time, the idea that, in God's kingdom, leaders are not needed is a reaction to the failures and abuses of the past. What we need are godly, humble leaders, not self-gratifying or abusive leaders. We need individuals whose transcendent goal is personal conformity to Christ. Such leaders should be supported by their staff.
Amazing Power in a Godly Staff
The benefits of a godly staff are many, and they are profound, especially when it comes to the release of God's power in a church. Remember when the Almighty appeared to Moses in the burning bush? The Lord told Moses to cast his staff to the ground. Immediately, the rod turned into a dangerous snake from which Moses fled. Rather than being a source of protection for Moses, his staff became a threat. My first point is this: if a staff has not been touched by God to serve a particular leader -- if it still harbors jealousy and selfish ambition (see James 3:16) -- then it has the capacity to suddenly turn into a serpent, with a tongue that spreads poison.
However, in the above story the Lord told Moses to pick up the serpent, and as he did, it returned again to being a staff. When we lay our staff at the feet of God, that staff will be different when the Lord tells us to lift it, and this is my main point. When God gives you the staff He has chosen, there will be supernatural power accompanying it. In fact, listen to what the Lord said to Moses: "You shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs" (Ex. 4:17).
The Holy Spirit placed an anointing not only upon Moses but upon his staff -- and it was with his staff that he worked miracles! Repeatedly, the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt did not come through Moses alone, but God released miracles, signs and wonders through Moses' staff! Moses pointed the staff, struck the waters with the staff, and waved it up at the sky; the staff was the instrument through which divine power manifest.
Not only that, but from that point on Moses' staff was called by a new name: "the staff of God" (Ex. 4:20; 17:9). Oh, I pray this is a revelation to you and that you grasp the prophetic, parallel truth concerning a godly, Christlike staff. It is not enough for a pastor or leader to be anointed -- their staff must become "the staff of God." It is here, in the oneness of Christ, where the staff of God attracts Heaven's greatest blessings and power.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Accepting Level I Registrations
through August 25
through August 25
In Christ's Image Training
Level I classes begin September 2, 2016
There
are qualities of heart that actually attract the pleasure of God. If we
possess unoffendable faith in our pursuit of Christ's likeness; if we
walk humbly with our God; if we position ourselves in the intercessor's
gap; and if we abide in Christ-centered unity with the local body of
Christ -- we will attract the pleasure of God, and when we awaken His
pleasure, His power soon follows. Sign up today for our next In Christ's Image Training course that begins September 2, 2016.
Registration closes August 25, 2016. www.icitc.org.
In Christ's Image Training
is a six-month, online course developed by Pastor Frangipane. It is
based on 45 years of seeking God, study and revelatory insights. These
are proven truths that break chains and lead to power in our Christian
walk.
The vision of attaining Christ's likeness
Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
The
course comes right to your home via email and audio messages and is
designed to lift one's focus toward the actual presence of Jesus Christ.
The full course not only includes 48 lessons and 39 audio messages (sample audio),
but the discerning student will actually find the Lord using the weekly
lessons to stage opportunities to deepen the truths found in the
training.Possessing Christ's humility
Developing a strong prayer life
Becoming one with other Christ believers
For those with limited funds, the entire text is free by email. Just enroll in the Free Lesson Plan (new students only please).
Enrollment overview:
1) Go to www.icitc.org and read through the Level I page, FAQ page, Level I Syllabus page, and Tuition page.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form.
4) Submit the registration form - Registration closes August 25.
2) Choose an enrollment plan.
3) Next, complete the Level I Registration form.
4) Submit the registration form - Registration closes August 25.
For more info, please see www.icitc.org.
Training also available in Spanish / Español
Jumat, 12 Agustus 2016
Manifested in Our Mortal Flesh
What
did Jesus have in mind for His followers when His ministry began? What
was His holy objective? I am absolutely convinced that Christ not only
came to seek and save the lost, but at the highest levels came to
replicate Himself in those He saved. And whether we are just beginning
our spiritual journey or we are seasoned servants of many years, true
Christianity is nothing less than the living manifestation of Christ in
and through us (Gal. 2:20).
Indeed, our destiny does not find sure footing until the actual life of Christ emerges through us. When I speak of Christ, I mean His compassion toward the needy, the sick, the bound, the destitute, such things that brought the manifestation of miracles, wonders, and deliverances. I am speaking of His power and His deep surrender to the Father's will, which produced His expansive authority over all things. And when I speak of Christ in us, I am not merely referring to the right assemblage of theological precepts, as important as our doctrines are. The goal of God is that the truth found in our doctrines would germinate into the life and power of Christ, manifest through us.
This inner, Christlike transformation of the church was the utmost concern for Paul. He wrote, "My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you" (Gal. 4:19). Consider also the apostle's words to the Corinthians. Paul wrote, "For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh" (2 Cor. 4:11). Beloved, Christianity is nothing less than this: "the life of Jesus … manifested in our mortal flesh!"
You see, there is not a different Jesus in Heaven than He Who dwells in us. This means that the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the lover and redeemer of mankind, reveals Himself through us. This unveiling of Christ in us is the only thing that satisfies our quest to know the substance of God. Anything less than, or other than, Christ living in us is mere religion.
Jesus said, “As [the Father] sent Me into the world, I also have sent them” (John 17:18). We are sent as He was sent, with the same mission, same vision. When we accept Christ into our lives, we are accepting the very same person who died for men, now reliving His purpose and power through us.
This world, with all its evil, is the very reality God has chosen to perfect our conformity to Christ. You see, to discern what is wrong in the world requires little spiritual growth, but to see our communities and neighborhoods transformed requires we grow in Christlike maturity and vision. We must learn how, in the very environment wherein we find ourselves, to persevere in prayer and become committed to love.
Yes, this world is evil, but if you look closely, it is the perfect place for Christ to be manifested through our mortal flesh.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Shelter of the Most High
There is a place in the Lord's heart where His presence shelters us from all our fears. Pastor Frangipane's book, The Shelter of the Most High, will help escort you into the stronghold of God's presence For a limited time, the book is priced at 30% below retail. If you are troubled with fears, with stress, and are crying for peace, the truths in The Shelter of the Most High will help surround your heart with the peace of God. To order: Visit our Specials page
Sample Chapter: This Time I Will Praise the Lord
More GREAT QUOTES More EARTH-SHAKING QUOTES!
More GREAT QUOTES
"More corrupt than the dark days before Luther; more impotently
intellectual than during the heyday of Calvinism; more financially
perverted than the days that caused John the Baptist to explode;
more intoxicated with the drive for spiritual power than any age,
yet exercising that outward power with less internal transformation
than anyone since King Saul; enamored with the gifts, yet hardly
knowing the Giver, our age has produced the most commercial,
materialistic, fad-oriented people ever to claim His name."
-Gene Edwards.
"For I am verily persuaded the generality of preachers talk of an
unknown and unfelt Christ; and the reason why congregations
have been so dead is, because they have had dead men
preaching to them."
-Gilbert Tennent
"If Christians were not such cowards, and absolutely disobedient
to this plain command of God... one thing would certainly come
of it -- either they would be murdered in the streets as martyrs,
because men could not bear the intolerable presence of truth, or
they would be speedily converted to God."
-Charles Finney
"It is my studied judgement that some future generation will
deem this to be the darkest century, in spiritual depth and
spiritual experience, in church history - that is, unless something
very radical happens along... soon."
-Gene Edwards
"More corrupt than the dark days before Luther; more impotently
intellectual than during the heyday of Calvinism; more financially
perverted than the days that caused John the Baptist to explode;
more intoxicated with the drive for spiritual power than any age,
yet exercising that outward power with less internal transformation
than anyone since King Saul; enamored with the gifts, yet hardly
knowing the Giver, our age has produced the most commercial,
materialistic, fad-oriented people ever to claim His name."
-Gene Edwards.
"For I am verily persuaded the generality of preachers talk of an
unknown and unfelt Christ; and the reason why congregations
have been so dead is, because they have had dead men
preaching to them."
-Gilbert Tennent
"If Christians were not such cowards, and absolutely disobedient
to this plain command of God... one thing would certainly come
of it -- either they would be murdered in the streets as martyrs,
because men could not bear the intolerable presence of truth, or
they would be speedily converted to God."
-Charles Finney
"It is my studied judgement that some future generation will
deem this to be the darkest century, in spiritual depth and
spiritual experience, in church history - that is, unless something
very radical happens along... soon."
-Gene Edwards
Rule in the Midst of Your Enemies!
True
peace is the fruit of being confident in God’s love; it is born of the
revelation that, regardless of the battle, "Greater is He who is in you
than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). You are not self-assured, you
are God-assured.
The God of Peace Will Crush SatanTo wage effective spiritual warfare, we must understand and use spiritual authority. Spiritual authority, however, is not forcing your will upon another person. When you have spiritual authority, you have established God’s peace in an area that once was full of conflict and oppression. Therefore, to truly be able to move in authority, we must first have peace.
The apostle Paul taught, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Rom. 16:20). When we maintain peace during warfare, it is a crushing deathblow to satanic oppression and fear. Our victory never comes from our emotions or our intellect. Our victory comes by refusing to judge by what our eyes see or our ears hear and by trusting that what God has promised will come to pass.
We will never know Christ’s victory in its fullness until we stop reacting humanly to our circumstances. When you truly have authority over something you can look at that thing without worry, fear or intimidation. Your peace is the proof of your victory. Jesus’ authority over the violent storm (Matt. 8:23-27) was the exercise and expansion of His peace over the elements. He did not fight against the storm nor did He fear it. In perfect peace, He faced its fury and subdued it with His authority. In Pilate’s court, in a world stirred to an emotional frenzy by the powers of hell, a holy tranquility surrounded Christ -- peace that was born out of His resolve to do God’s will no matter what the cost. His Spirit emanated a calm that perfectly represented the peace at God’s throne. In a matter of moments it was no longer Jesus who was on trial but Satan, Pilate and the religious establishment in Israel.
Satan’s arsenal consists of such things as fear, worry, doubt and self-pity. Every one of these weapons robs us of peace and leaves us troubled inside. Do you want to discern where the enemy is coming against you? In the network of your relationships, wherever you do not have peace, you have war. Conversely, wherever you have peace, you have victory. When Satan hurls his darts against you, the more peace you have during adversity, the more truly you are walking in Christ’s victory.
Paul tells us to be "in no way alarmed by your opponents -- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you" (Phil. 1:28). Your peace, your immovable stand upon the Word of God is a sign that you are positioned correctly in focused submission to the will of God. The very fact that you are "in no way alarmed" by your adversary is a sign that you have authority over him.
Peacemakers Are Sons of God
Peace is Spirit power. Peace is an attribute of the Holy Spirit, and when you are walking in peace, you are walking in power. A peacemaker is not merely someone who protests against war; he is one who is inwardly so yielded to Christ in spirit and purpose that he can be called a son of God (Matt. 5:9). Where he goes, God goes and where God goes, he goes. He is fearless, calm and bold. Peace emanates from him the way light and heat radiate from fire.
In the battles of life, your peace is actually a weapon. Indeed, your confidence declares that you are not falling for the lies of the devil. You see, the first step toward having spiritual authority over the adversary is having peace in spite of our circumstances. When Jesus confronted the devil, He did not confront Satan with His emotions or in fear. Knowing that the devil was a liar, He simply refused to be influenced by any other voice than God’s. His peace overwhelmed Satan. His authority then shattered the lie, which sent demons fleeing.
Rest Before Rule
In the 23rd Psalm, David declared, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me" (v. 4). There is a place of walking with God where you simply "fear no evil." During his lifetime, David faced many enemies, including a lion, a bear and a giant. In this psalm he stood in the "shadow of death" itself, yet he feared no evil. David’s trust was in the Lord. He said, "You are with me." Because God is with you, every adversity you face will unfold in victory as you maintain your faith in God. David continued, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (v. 5). The battle you are in will soon become a meal to you, an experience that will nourish and build you up spiritually.
Only God’s peace will quell your fleshly reactions in battle. The source of God’s peace is God Himself. Indeed, "before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal" (Rev. 4:6). The glass sea is a symbol: there are no ripples, no waves, no anxieties troubling God. The Lord is never worried, never in a hurry nor without an answer. The sea around Him is perfectly still and totally calm. All our victories flow out from being seated here with Him.
God is our Father. The heavenly Jerusalem is our mother, the birthplace of our new nature (Gal. 4:26). And you, you are a beloved child of God, part of the Father’s family and a member of His household (Eph. 2:19). You must know by revelation that you are not struggling to get into Heaven; rather, you were born there in spiritual rebirth (see John 3:1-8 AMP). Let your heart be settled and positioned correctly in your relationship with the Almighty.
To those who have been born again from above, He says, "Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet" (Ps. 110:1). Before you go into warfare, recognize that it is not you that the devil is afraid of; it is Christ in you! We have been raised up and seated with Christ in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6). This is why the Holy Spirit continues to speak to us that worship of God is our first response in battle. Position yourself in the presence of God. Sit, at rest, in the knowledge that Christ has already made your enemies the footstool for your feet. From a position of rest, the Word of the Lord continues, "The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, ‘Rule in the midst of Your enemies’" (Ps. 110:2).
Rest precedes rule. Peace precedes power. Do not seek to rule over the devil until you are submitting to God’s rule over you. The focal point of all victory comes from seeking God until you find Him, and after finding Him, allowing His presence to fill your spirit with His peace. From full assurance at His right hand, as you rest in His victory, so will you rule in the midst of your enemies.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, The Three Battlegrounds, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Three Battlegrounds
Book - $8.00 (Retail $12.45)
Two-Book Package - $14.00 (Retail $24.90)
Three-Book Package - $19.00 (Retail $37.35)
Two-Book Package - $14.00 (Retail $24.90)
Three-Book Package - $19.00 (Retail $37.35)
Ebook - $7.00 (Retail $12.45)
Any
time the Spirit of God's kingdom is truly manifested in the earth, it
will ultimately confront the strongholds of hell. Indeed, wherever evil
spirits have either a foothold or a stronghold, you can expect that the
overcoming church will be engaged in warfare, and expect also that the
gates of hell will not prevail against the church that Jesus builds.
In
this book, Francis Frangipane explores three arenas of spiritual
warfare that the maturing Christian will face: the mind, the church and
the heavenly places. It provides a foundation of insight, wisdom and
discernment on the nature of the battle and the keys to victory.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Three Battlegrounds - Audio Book on CD
$9.50 (Retail $14.75)
GREAT QUOTES on "FRUIT"
GREAT QUOTES on "FRUIT"
"A born-again person ought to possess unspeakable peace in the
spirit."
-Watchman Nee
"Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and God. Peace
is the consequence of forgiveness, God´s removal of that which
obscures His face and so breaks union with Him."
-Charles H. Brent
"You were meant to bring forth much fruit. You can be effective.
Powerfully used. I'm talking to you. Not your preacher or Bible
study teacher. Your legacy can still have an impact in a dozen
generations if Christ tarries. You don't have to look a certain
way, receive a certain gift, attend a certain denominational
church, practice a certain kind of ministry, or establish a
nonprofit organization! All you need to be mighty in your
generation is a shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit (the
Word of God, Eph. 6:16-17). Through Christ you can absolutely,
unequivocally do anything God places before you (Phil. 4:13)."
-Beth Moore
"Peace should be a hallmark of the godly person, first because
it is a Godlike trait: God is called the God of peace several times
in the New Testament."
-Jerry Bridges
"When the root is bitterness, imagine what the fruit might be."
-Woodrow Kroll
"A born-again person ought to possess unspeakable peace in the
spirit."
-Watchman Nee
"Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and God. Peace
is the consequence of forgiveness, God´s removal of that which
obscures His face and so breaks union with Him."
-Charles H. Brent
"You were meant to bring forth much fruit. You can be effective.
Powerfully used. I'm talking to you. Not your preacher or Bible
study teacher. Your legacy can still have an impact in a dozen
generations if Christ tarries. You don't have to look a certain
way, receive a certain gift, attend a certain denominational
church, practice a certain kind of ministry, or establish a
nonprofit organization! All you need to be mighty in your
generation is a shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit (the
Word of God, Eph. 6:16-17). Through Christ you can absolutely,
unequivocally do anything God places before you (Phil. 4:13)."
-Beth Moore
"Peace should be a hallmark of the godly person, first because
it is a Godlike trait: God is called the God of peace several times
in the New Testament."
-Jerry Bridges
"When the root is bitterness, imagine what the fruit might be."
-Woodrow Kroll
The SPECIALIST
The SPECIALIST
by A.W. Tozer
Great industrial concerns have in their employ men who are needed
only when there is a breakdown somewhere. When something
goes wrong with the machinery, these men spring into action to
locate and remove the trouble and get the machinery rolling again.
For these men a smoothly operating system has no interest. They
are specialists concerned with trouble and how to find and correct it.
In the Kingdom of God things are not too different. God has always
had His specialists whose chief concern has been the moral
breakdown, the decline in the spiritual health of the nation or the
Church. Such men were Elijah, Jeremiah, Malachi, and others of
their kind who appeared at critical moments in history to reprove,
rebuke, and exhort in the name of God and righteousness.
A thousand or ten thousand ordinary priests or pastors or teachers
could labor quietly on, almost unnoticed, while the spiritual life of
Israel or the Church was normal. But let the people of God go
astray from the paths of truth, and immediately the specialist
appeared almost out of nowhere. His instinct for trouble brought
him to the help of the Lord and of Israel.
Such a man was likely to be drastic, radical, possibly at times
violent, and the curious crowd that gathered to watch him work
soon branded him as extreme, fanatical, negative. And in a sense
they were right. He was single-minded, severe, fearless, as these
were the qualities the circumstances demanded. He shocked
some, frightened others, and alienated not a few, but he knew
Who had called him and what he was sent to do. His ministry
was geared to the emergency, and that fact marked him out as
different, a man apart.
To such men as this the Church owes a debt too heavy to pay.
The curious thing is that She seldom tries to pay him while he
lives, but the next generation builds his sepulcher and writes his
biography, as if instinctively and awkwardly to discharge an
obligation the previous generation to a large extent ignored.
Such a man as this is not an easy companion. The professional
evangelist who leaves the wrought-up meeting as soon as it ends
to hurry over to the most expensive restaurant to feast and crack
jokes with his sponsors will find this man something of an
embarrassment, for he cannot turn off the burden of the Holy
Ghost as one would turn off a faucet. He insists upon being a
Christian all the time, everywhere; and again, that marks him out
as different.
Toward him it is impossible to be neutral. His acquaintances are
divided pretty neatly into two classes, those who love him with all
admiration, and those who hate him with perfect hatred!
-From the Foreword to "Why Revival Tarries" by L. Ravenhill.
by A.W. Tozer
Great industrial concerns have in their employ men who are needed
only when there is a breakdown somewhere. When something
goes wrong with the machinery, these men spring into action to
locate and remove the trouble and get the machinery rolling again.
For these men a smoothly operating system has no interest. They
are specialists concerned with trouble and how to find and correct it.
In the Kingdom of God things are not too different. God has always
had His specialists whose chief concern has been the moral
breakdown, the decline in the spiritual health of the nation or the
Church. Such men were Elijah, Jeremiah, Malachi, and others of
their kind who appeared at critical moments in history to reprove,
rebuke, and exhort in the name of God and righteousness.
A thousand or ten thousand ordinary priests or pastors or teachers
could labor quietly on, almost unnoticed, while the spiritual life of
Israel or the Church was normal. But let the people of God go
astray from the paths of truth, and immediately the specialist
appeared almost out of nowhere. His instinct for trouble brought
him to the help of the Lord and of Israel.
Such a man was likely to be drastic, radical, possibly at times
violent, and the curious crowd that gathered to watch him work
soon branded him as extreme, fanatical, negative. And in a sense
they were right. He was single-minded, severe, fearless, as these
were the qualities the circumstances demanded. He shocked
some, frightened others, and alienated not a few, but he knew
Who had called him and what he was sent to do. His ministry
was geared to the emergency, and that fact marked him out as
different, a man apart.
To such men as this the Church owes a debt too heavy to pay.
The curious thing is that She seldom tries to pay him while he
lives, but the next generation builds his sepulcher and writes his
biography, as if instinctively and awkwardly to discharge an
obligation the previous generation to a large extent ignored.
Such a man as this is not an easy companion. The professional
evangelist who leaves the wrought-up meeting as soon as it ends
to hurry over to the most expensive restaurant to feast and crack
jokes with his sponsors will find this man something of an
embarrassment, for he cannot turn off the burden of the Holy
Ghost as one would turn off a faucet. He insists upon being a
Christian all the time, everywhere; and again, that marks him out
as different.
Toward him it is impossible to be neutral. His acquaintances are
divided pretty neatly into two classes, those who love him with all
admiration, and those who hate him with perfect hatred!
-From the Foreword to "Why Revival Tarries" by L. Ravenhill.
Jumat, 05 Agustus 2016
GOLIATH - A Classic Insight
DAVID AND GOLIATH - An End-Time View
by Hadyn Olsen
Recently, after reading the account of this historic
meeting between David and Goliath, I was struck by the
significance of it's message concerning the end time
period that we are entering into.
Far more than a children's story, this account speaks
of the collision of two kingdoms. The kingdom of God
and the kingdom of Satan.
There are a number of times in the Scriptures that we
witness such a dramatic encounter between these two
kingdoms. We may think of the time of Moses and the
exodus from Egypt, the plagues and the Red Sea. We
may think of Joshua and Jericho - or Elijah on Mt.
Carmel. Then of course there is the Lord Jesus Himself
and the many occasions of His demonstrating the
kingdom.
In all these events we see something of the nature of
these two opposite kingdoms, and of the superiority of
God's kingdom over Satan's. We may also learn
something concerning our own lives and of the conflict
we face from day to day. Each of these historic events
may teach us of the things God wants us to know and
the victory He wants us to share.
We are coming to a time when we shall witness another
great collison between God's kingdom and Satan's. No
doubt it shall be as great, if not greater than all the
others that have preceded it. And it shall be a time
when once again, God displays His all-surpassing
greatness and dominion over Satan.
To this end our spirit's cry, 'Come Lord Jesus'.
As we read in 1 Sam. 17 of the battle between David
and Goliath we can first of all see that there are three
principal characters which may represent three different
peoples.
Firstly there is Goliath and the Philistines. They
represent the world, or more specifically unredeemed,
rebellious man. There is something about them which
may be encompassed by the term, 'The spirit of this
age'.
There they stand, full of defiance and mockery.
Wilfully and arrogantly railing accusations upon God
and His people. They represent man, in the fullness of
self power and self glory.
This is the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and
Evil come to maturity. The Pride of Life that looks
down upon God from it's own lofty height. The fullness
of man which seeks to be 'as God' and even to destroy
all that is of God in his quest to have dominion of the
earth.
We may notice in the description of Goliath that there
is reference to the number six. The number of man. He
was six cubits in height, he had six pieces of armour,
and his spearhead weighed six hundred shekels.
We could say that he represents everything that the
term 'anti-christ' may speak of, as he stands there
mocking all that is of God and calling God's people into
battle.
As we look out out upon the world today we can see
Goliath readying himself again. We can hear the
challenges ringing out saying, 'Where is your God' and
the accusations pouring forth to belittle the church and
call her to war. This has always been the very essence
of that antichrist spirit.
The second character in this story is King Saul and his
army. This group represent the people of God, but
they are the people of God under the dominion of the
flesh.
They are a defeated company. They stand there facing
Goliath, fearful, intimidated and without anointing or
strength from God.
We may ask, 'Why is this?.. How can it be?'
How can the people of God find themselves in this kind
of a situation and such a condition? The answer is, that
although they are the people of God they are still ruled
and controlled by the spirit of this world. They are
under the dominion of King Saul - the flesh.
Let us take a look at them.
They stand there in all their wordly armour. They are
fitted out with everything that the world counts for
something. They have their horses and chariots and
weapons of flesh - and of course they have their king
who stands so tall above the rest. They look just like
all the other nations in so many ways.
I cannot help wondering how many of our denominations
and church organisations are just like the armies of Saul.
They are full of the ways of the world and their strength
comes from money, organisation, and the power of the flesh.
We see in them the same spirit of this world that promotes
itself with gimmicks, sales techniques and all manner of
human ability.
There is also another characteristic that is common to
the Saul church. That is, disobedience to the word of
the Lord.
King Saul cared more for the outward appearances of
success and power than for obedience to God's word.
He would obey God as long as it suited him and as long
as it didn't threaten his own ambitions and desires to
be successful in the eyes of the people.
It is the same today in the denominations. Success
power and outward appearances are the most important
considerations. God's will and His purposes are often
compromised for the sake of human interest and human
traditions.
For that reason they will stand alone on that day that
Goliath confronts them. They will discover that Goliath
is far stronger in terms of this world than they are
themselves, and they will realise that they are no match
for him.
How frightening it will be on that day... although today
they are so full of their own strength and hypnotised
by their own praises and positive confessions.
Thank God there is a third group in this story. It is
the group that is characterised by David.
Yes, David was one of the people of God. But he
wasn't a part of Saul's army. In the same way today
there is a third group. Tbey are scattered around. They
have no special organisation or place to call their own.
Yet they have two distinguishing characteristics that set
them apart;
They have a heart after God and... they are not of King
Saul.
This David company, like David of old, is small,
insignificant, unimpressive and unimportant. Yet God's
hand is upon them.
David was out in the wilderness tending his sheep when
the call came to enter into the battle lines. He was
doing that which God has placed in his care - even
though it was insignificant and outwardly of little
importance.
In the same way today there are those that ask, 'What
are you doing for God? What has come of your leaving
the system?' They measure everything by outward
considerations and spend their lives racing around,
organising great things for God, yet in the end
accomplishing little.
David knew nothing of Saul's ways. He hadn't been in
any of Saul's training schools. He didn't know how to
even polish his armour let alone wear it into battle. All
David knew, he had learned out there amongst the
ordinary circumstances of daily life. He had learned the
simple things of truth, love and faithfulness. He had
learned how to walk with God each day.
But this is God's way. He always takes the lowly
things, the foolish things, and the things that are not,
to bring to nothing the things that are.
Likewise God is preparing a people today. They are
nothing now. Some have left denominations, some are
still amongst them wondering why it is that they no
longer feel a part of it all any more. They can no
longer get excited by the latest seminar or out-reach.
Instead they sigh and groan at the lack of God's
presence in the church, and they are grieved by the
way human power has filled the gap.
When David arrived on the scene, he had no
organisation backing him. There were no credentials or
any such thing. There was only the anointing. God
knew where He wanted David to be. God brought
things together as He always does.... in the fullness of
time.
David could stand before Goliath because God was with
him. Nothing more and nothing less. His spirit was
stirred against this monster David was not afraid. He
knew that there was one far greater who was standing
with him.
When David spoke to Goliath to challenge him, it was
not so much David speaking as God Himself speaking.
When David took the stone and placed it in his sling,
again it was God choosing and preparing.
When David sent his stone flying toward it's mark.. it
was God guiding it to just the right place.
Such is the way with all true ministry. It is God in man
doing the work and bringing forth the fruit.
There are many today who are trying to achieve great
things for God. They are using all of this world's
resources to try and do it. Yet God is not doing it.
They imagine that human effort is the key to divine
fruitfulness. They have missed God's way completely.
God desires a people who are dead to man's ways and
man's methods as far as kingdom work is concerned.
He is preparing a people who will wait for Him, and
move as He moves them, and who will work according
to His power that works in them mightily.
It may take Him a long time to get a man or woman to
that place... yet God has time.
That day is coming when that great conflict will arrive.
Which company will we be a part of? Will it be
Goliath's? or King Saul's?... or will it be David's?
It may be hard to say right now, but the day will
declare it. Nothing is surer... That day will declare it...
For then we shall find ourselves in the place that our
hearts have chosen.
Let us call upon the Lord today, while it is still
today... asking Him to change our hearts and take us
into that David company. May we seek to learn to walk
with God and be faithful unto all that He may call us to
do. May we learn the ways of humility and be satisfied
with simply living before Him each day. May we also be
careful to remain free from the ways of King Saul.
Praise God for His all-surpassing greatness and glory.
-Hadyn Olsen,
Lake Rotoma, New Zealand.
by Hadyn Olsen
Recently, after reading the account of this historic
meeting between David and Goliath, I was struck by the
significance of it's message concerning the end time
period that we are entering into.
Far more than a children's story, this account speaks
of the collision of two kingdoms. The kingdom of God
and the kingdom of Satan.
There are a number of times in the Scriptures that we
witness such a dramatic encounter between these two
kingdoms. We may think of the time of Moses and the
exodus from Egypt, the plagues and the Red Sea. We
may think of Joshua and Jericho - or Elijah on Mt.
Carmel. Then of course there is the Lord Jesus Himself
and the many occasions of His demonstrating the
kingdom.
In all these events we see something of the nature of
these two opposite kingdoms, and of the superiority of
God's kingdom over Satan's. We may also learn
something concerning our own lives and of the conflict
we face from day to day. Each of these historic events
may teach us of the things God wants us to know and
the victory He wants us to share.
We are coming to a time when we shall witness another
great collison between God's kingdom and Satan's. No
doubt it shall be as great, if not greater than all the
others that have preceded it. And it shall be a time
when once again, God displays His all-surpassing
greatness and dominion over Satan.
To this end our spirit's cry, 'Come Lord Jesus'.
As we read in 1 Sam. 17 of the battle between David
and Goliath we can first of all see that there are three
principal characters which may represent three different
peoples.
Firstly there is Goliath and the Philistines. They
represent the world, or more specifically unredeemed,
rebellious man. There is something about them which
may be encompassed by the term, 'The spirit of this
age'.
There they stand, full of defiance and mockery.
Wilfully and arrogantly railing accusations upon God
and His people. They represent man, in the fullness of
self power and self glory.
This is the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and
Evil come to maturity. The Pride of Life that looks
down upon God from it's own lofty height. The fullness
of man which seeks to be 'as God' and even to destroy
all that is of God in his quest to have dominion of the
earth.
We may notice in the description of Goliath that there
is reference to the number six. The number of man. He
was six cubits in height, he had six pieces of armour,
and his spearhead weighed six hundred shekels.
We could say that he represents everything that the
term 'anti-christ' may speak of, as he stands there
mocking all that is of God and calling God's people into
battle.
As we look out out upon the world today we can see
Goliath readying himself again. We can hear the
challenges ringing out saying, 'Where is your God' and
the accusations pouring forth to belittle the church and
call her to war. This has always been the very essence
of that antichrist spirit.
The second character in this story is King Saul and his
army. This group represent the people of God, but
they are the people of God under the dominion of the
flesh.
They are a defeated company. They stand there facing
Goliath, fearful, intimidated and without anointing or
strength from God.
We may ask, 'Why is this?.. How can it be?'
How can the people of God find themselves in this kind
of a situation and such a condition? The answer is, that
although they are the people of God they are still ruled
and controlled by the spirit of this world. They are
under the dominion of King Saul - the flesh.
Let us take a look at them.
They stand there in all their wordly armour. They are
fitted out with everything that the world counts for
something. They have their horses and chariots and
weapons of flesh - and of course they have their king
who stands so tall above the rest. They look just like
all the other nations in so many ways.
I cannot help wondering how many of our denominations
and church organisations are just like the armies of Saul.
They are full of the ways of the world and their strength
comes from money, organisation, and the power of the flesh.
We see in them the same spirit of this world that promotes
itself with gimmicks, sales techniques and all manner of
human ability.
There is also another characteristic that is common to
the Saul church. That is, disobedience to the word of
the Lord.
King Saul cared more for the outward appearances of
success and power than for obedience to God's word.
He would obey God as long as it suited him and as long
as it didn't threaten his own ambitions and desires to
be successful in the eyes of the people.
It is the same today in the denominations. Success
power and outward appearances are the most important
considerations. God's will and His purposes are often
compromised for the sake of human interest and human
traditions.
For that reason they will stand alone on that day that
Goliath confronts them. They will discover that Goliath
is far stronger in terms of this world than they are
themselves, and they will realise that they are no match
for him.
How frightening it will be on that day... although today
they are so full of their own strength and hypnotised
by their own praises and positive confessions.
Thank God there is a third group in this story. It is
the group that is characterised by David.
Yes, David was one of the people of God. But he
wasn't a part of Saul's army. In the same way today
there is a third group. Tbey are scattered around. They
have no special organisation or place to call their own.
Yet they have two distinguishing characteristics that set
them apart;
They have a heart after God and... they are not of King
Saul.
This David company, like David of old, is small,
insignificant, unimpressive and unimportant. Yet God's
hand is upon them.
David was out in the wilderness tending his sheep when
the call came to enter into the battle lines. He was
doing that which God has placed in his care - even
though it was insignificant and outwardly of little
importance.
In the same way today there are those that ask, 'What
are you doing for God? What has come of your leaving
the system?' They measure everything by outward
considerations and spend their lives racing around,
organising great things for God, yet in the end
accomplishing little.
David knew nothing of Saul's ways. He hadn't been in
any of Saul's training schools. He didn't know how to
even polish his armour let alone wear it into battle. All
David knew, he had learned out there amongst the
ordinary circumstances of daily life. He had learned the
simple things of truth, love and faithfulness. He had
learned how to walk with God each day.
But this is God's way. He always takes the lowly
things, the foolish things, and the things that are not,
to bring to nothing the things that are.
Likewise God is preparing a people today. They are
nothing now. Some have left denominations, some are
still amongst them wondering why it is that they no
longer feel a part of it all any more. They can no
longer get excited by the latest seminar or out-reach.
Instead they sigh and groan at the lack of God's
presence in the church, and they are grieved by the
way human power has filled the gap.
When David arrived on the scene, he had no
organisation backing him. There were no credentials or
any such thing. There was only the anointing. God
knew where He wanted David to be. God brought
things together as He always does.... in the fullness of
time.
David could stand before Goliath because God was with
him. Nothing more and nothing less. His spirit was
stirred against this monster David was not afraid. He
knew that there was one far greater who was standing
with him.
When David spoke to Goliath to challenge him, it was
not so much David speaking as God Himself speaking.
When David took the stone and placed it in his sling,
again it was God choosing and preparing.
When David sent his stone flying toward it's mark.. it
was God guiding it to just the right place.
Such is the way with all true ministry. It is God in man
doing the work and bringing forth the fruit.
There are many today who are trying to achieve great
things for God. They are using all of this world's
resources to try and do it. Yet God is not doing it.
They imagine that human effort is the key to divine
fruitfulness. They have missed God's way completely.
God desires a people who are dead to man's ways and
man's methods as far as kingdom work is concerned.
He is preparing a people who will wait for Him, and
move as He moves them, and who will work according
to His power that works in them mightily.
It may take Him a long time to get a man or woman to
that place... yet God has time.
That day is coming when that great conflict will arrive.
Which company will we be a part of? Will it be
Goliath's? or King Saul's?... or will it be David's?
It may be hard to say right now, but the day will
declare it. Nothing is surer... That day will declare it...
For then we shall find ourselves in the place that our
hearts have chosen.
Let us call upon the Lord today, while it is still
today... asking Him to change our hearts and take us
into that David company. May we seek to learn to walk
with God and be faithful unto all that He may call us to
do. May we learn the ways of humility and be satisfied
with simply living before Him each day. May we also be
careful to remain free from the ways of King Saul.
Praise God for His all-surpassing greatness and glory.
-Hadyn Olsen,
Lake Rotoma, New Zealand.
GREAT QUOTES on PRAYER
GREAT QUOTES on PRAYER
"I have known persons to pray till they were all wet with
perspiration, in the coldest weather in winter. I have known
persons pray for hours, till their strength was all exhausted with
the agony of their minds. Such prayers prevailed with God."
-Charles G. Finney
"Without exception, all true revivals of the past began after years
of agonizing, hell-robbing, earth-shaking, heaven-sent intercession.
The secret to true revival in our own day is still the same. But
where, oh, where, are the intercessors?"
-Leonard Ravenhill
"You must go forward on your knees." - Hudson Taylor
"Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which
cannot be refused." - Charles Spurgeon
"We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many
services but few conversions; much machinery but few results."
-R.A. Torrey
"You must pray with all your might. That does not mean saying
your prayers, or sitting gazing about in church or chapel with eyes
wide open while someone else says them for you. It means fervent,
effectual, untiring wrestling with God...This kind of prayer, be sure,
the devil and the world and your own indolent, unbelieving nature
will oppose. They will pour water on this flame."
-William Booth
"I have known persons to pray till they were all wet with
perspiration, in the coldest weather in winter. I have known
persons pray for hours, till their strength was all exhausted with
the agony of their minds. Such prayers prevailed with God."
-Charles G. Finney
"Without exception, all true revivals of the past began after years
of agonizing, hell-robbing, earth-shaking, heaven-sent intercession.
The secret to true revival in our own day is still the same. But
where, oh, where, are the intercessors?"
-Leonard Ravenhill
"You must go forward on your knees." - Hudson Taylor
"Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which
cannot be refused." - Charles Spurgeon
"We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many
services but few conversions; much machinery but few results."
-R.A. Torrey
"You must pray with all your might. That does not mean saying
your prayers, or sitting gazing about in church or chapel with eyes
wide open while someone else says them for you. It means fervent,
effectual, untiring wrestling with God...This kind of prayer, be sure,
the devil and the world and your own indolent, unbelieving nature
will oppose. They will pour water on this flame."
-William Booth
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