Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Church As Jesus Began To Do And Teach

The Church today seems to have a hard time communicating the Good News and then Equipping those who respond to that Good News by giving their lives to Jesus. There seems to be this battle that rages between being living witnesses and Spirit filled disciples in some churches today. One group wants to win the lost at all cost while another wants to equip people to do great and mighty things through God without a priority to win the lost, as if they were actually opposite objectives.

I would like to suggest that we all reread the Gospels and the other New Testament books to see that reaching the lost with the Good News and providing Discipleship opportunities and relationships are at the heart of all that Jesus began to do and teach. These opportunities which should be clearly designed for spiritual and personal growth can be made up of short term tracks which once each track is completed can provide the foundation for additional growth opportunity tracks designed to equip believers to be effective disciples of Jesus who can experience healthy growth in every part of their life, with God, at work, in their family, church and community.

The New Testament Church saw all that Jesus began to do and teach as their responsibility as they were directed by the teachings, commands and example of Jesus, as well as, the direction and power of the Holy Spirit!

No matter what the name or affiliation of your church are you doing all 'Jesus Began to Do and Teach?' If not you have work to do to be doing God the Father's will.
Call out to Him today! He desires to do a complete work in you, your family, your work, your community and your church!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Church That Equips and Understands Our Calling

The Church That Equips must be built on an understanding of the Calling we who follow Jesus have.
Becoming an Equipped and Passionate Disciple and the Call of God in Your Life
Introduction:
Have you ever wondered what the call of God is, who are called of God and what that has to do with you and your life as a follower of Jesus?
I. Who are the called of God?
Is it only the giants of the faith?
Is it only a select few?
Is it only those who are called to the five offices listed in Eph. 4:11-14?
Is it only those who operate in the more visible gifts listed in I Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and elsewhere in the Bible?
"We can discover who the called of the Lord are if we will look into our Bibles with an open mind and heart."
1. The Call of God is for whom so everJohn 3:16-17 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. The Call is to those he has qualified Col 1:12-14 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. NIV
3. The Call is to those who have said yes to the Gospel 2 Thess 2:13-15 4 He called you to this through our gospel that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. NIV
4. The Call is to those that he predestined Rom 8:28-30 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. NIV

Informative note:

This predestination is based on the advanced knowledge of God. (This is the God who knows the beginning from the end and who sees all things. It is He knows the fact that on a certain day and at a certain time certain place we will accept the Lord Jesus as our savior and Lord.)

5. The Call of God is spoken of throughout the New Testament
Eph 1:17-23 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, NIV
Eph 4:1-13 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
2 Peter 1:10-11 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. NIV
2 Thess 1:11-12 11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. NIV
Heb 2:17 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess NIV

Informative Note

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans which is briefly mentioned in Rev. 2:6. Jesus says the believers in Ephesus are to be commended because they hate the doctrine of this group. This group believed there were two groups of people in the Kingdom of God. Those who were more favored or anointed and therefore had special knowledge of the things of God and those who did not and were therefore not as called by God. This false doctrine is today seen in the separation between professional clergy and lay people in many churches. Although there are specific offices in the church to equip God's people; Ephesians 4:10 to 14, The people called to fill these offices have not been put in their office to lord it over God's people or deny the people of God a clear revelation of all that God has for them and the blessings which come from Him to all who call on His name.


II. What is the Call of God?
a. Is it to become a minister, missionary, evangelist, teacher or prophet?
b. Is it to do some weird thing like putting your underwear in the mud of a river bank and then bring them out and wave them around and tell everyone that this (these soiled underwear) represent how they and their sin appear before God as Ezekiel was called to do?
Answer
It is to recieve, become and particpate in all that God has for us in Him.
Ephesians 1-3 Read and be amazed. Below are more verses that give us insight.
1. To become fellow inheritors of God's mercy and power.
Rom 8:17, Eph 3:6
2. To be grafted in to the vine (Israel)
Jn 15
3. It is to become new creations in Jesus christ
2 Cor 5:17
As a Result of who and what we have become in Christ:
It is to do the things that Jesus began to do and teach,
Acts 1:1
1. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost,
Lk 19:10
2. Jesus came to set the captives free,
Lk 4:18
3. The Call is for us to be witnesses by the power of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8
4. We are to make disciples of all people groups and nations,
Matt 28:19-20
5. We are to be living letters or epistles to those around us concerning the Good news of Jesus.
6. We are to be Christ's Ambassadors or representatives, Ephesians 6:19-20.
It is to do what Jesus instructed us to do through the Apostles.
7. We are to go and make disciples of nations and people groups, teaching them to do all that I have commanded. Matthew 28:20
8. We are to do the work of the ministry, build up one another, and work on becoming mature in Christ Ephesians 4:10-14
Conclusion
1. Today as in Jesus’ day God is calling each of us to follow Jesus, to answer His call and do the things that Jesus began to do and teach. We are to be His disciples as He empowers our lives by His Spirit.
2. We need to give ourselves to Him completely, we also need to seek to build a relationship with Him and be available to be a living witness of His work in and through us.
3. We also need to continually seek to be equipped so that we will become mature in Him and then we can do more to help others walk out their calling!

Call to Action
Jesus wants to raise up a new generation of passionate disciples who will say yes to Him and be His voice and hands extended in this day and to this generation.

WILL YOUR SAY YES TO HIM TODAY?

I would like to ask you to check out what the Bible says for yourself and be Acts 17:11-12 Christians 11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth. NLT
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Artwork by Graham Braddock
http://www.grahambraddock.co.nz/

Thursday, December 11, 2008

HighCallingsBlogs.com

TheHighCalling.org

I want to introduce you to a new resource that will assist you as you seek to be a believer who is Equipped and someone who is a part of a Church that Equips God's people.

With a vision to be the internet source for people seeking the high calling of their work and daily life,
TheHighCalling.org seeks to connect people with the faith that undergirds and sustains all that we do.

That's why it is the high calling of our daily work. Daily work embraces all aspects and activities of daily life—including home, community, leisure, as well as occupation.

http://www.thehighcalling.org/

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

The Church That Equips

A Church that Equips is a daily demonstration of Ephesians 4: 11-16 in everyday life.

When we say that the leadership that is called by God is given the assignment to Equip the People of God (the church) What are we saying? What might it look like and what might the values of an Equipping Church be? How might it function?

From the English Standard Translation.
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds
[2] and teachers, [3] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, [4] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Eph 4:11-16
The Amplified Translation
11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.
12 His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church),
13[That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.
14 So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.
15 Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
16 For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.


1. What might it (the church that Equips) look like and what might the values of an Equipping Church be? How might it function?

A. It has a plan to make disciples who are passionate for all that God has for them. This plan is based in all that Jesus began to do and teach.

B. It adapts to and connects with current culture, technology and ideas to reach people with the life that God freely gives us in Jesus to be released in every layer of society.

C. People are focused on being not just doing.

D. Their individual gifts are explored and developed so that they may fulfill Ephesians 4:11-16.

E. Leaders are Equippers not Performers, Controllers or Do it all themselves people.

F. Each person ministers within their gifting and skills and a pathway is provided for continual growth.

G. Every person including leadership seeks to grow into the maturity of Christ which is a life long joy and process.

H. Building up one another is participated in with passion, it is not just a truth to agree with.

I. Doing the work of the ministry is embraced by all in every day life not just in the gathering of believers.

J. It is open to either owning or renting facilities and decides which to do on how to best accomplish its vision.

God so values people, which He has chosen to, create us in His image with His DNA. His people (the ones who have decided to give themselves to Him) are the means by which He unfolds or reveals Himself and His ways to all people and all of creation.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Church: Equipping God's People

I recently attended a service where the Teaching Pastor compared what happens in many churches to a child's play at school, where everyone had rehearsed their part and then presented it for those in attendance to see how well they had performed, or memorized their lines. This made me laugh until I realized what a powerful truth she had revealed.
When we say that the leadership that is called by God is given the assignment to Equip the People of God (the church) What are we saying? What might it look like and what might the values of an Equipping Church be? How might it function?

To start we should review the passage in Ephesians 4: 11-16.
The passage below is from the ESV.
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds [2] and teachers, [3] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, [4] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Previously I have stated in other articles that the Church or people of God must continue all that Jesus began to do and teach through the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the will of the Father. The verses above give us insight and direction for the accomplishment of doing all that Jesus began to do and teach as He fulfilled both the Law and the Prophets.
1. The first observation from these verses is that this is about God's people not programs. Equipping God's people is not about pulling a program out of a box or copying what some other church or ministry is doing, but leadership serving as a catalyst, teacher, encourager and resource so that God's people will fulfill His plan through them.
Below I have provided definitions of these key words so that we might know with greater depth what we are saying. In my next article we will look deeper into being a Church that continues to do what Jesus began to do and teach by obeying the truths stated above in this passage.
According to Websters dictionary:
cat·a·lyst Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ləst\ Function: noun Date: 1902
1 : a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible

2 : an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action

To Teach:
Pronunciation: \ˈtēch\ Function: verb inflected Form(s):
taught \ˈtȯt\ ; teach·ing
Etymology:
Middle English techen to show, instruct, from Old English tǣcan; akin to Old English tācn sign — more at token
Date: before 12th century transitive verb

1 a: to cause to know something

b: to cause to know how

c: to accustom to some action or attitude

d: to cause to know the disagreeable consequences of some action

2: to guide the studies of

3: to impart the knowledge of

4 a: to instruct by precept, example, or experience

b: to make known and accepted

5: to conduct instruction regularly in intransitive verb: to provide instruction : act as a teacher

To En·cour·age
Pronunciation:
\in-ˈkər-ij, -ˈkə-rij, en-\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): en·cour·aged; en·cour·ag·ing
Etymology:
Middle English encoragen, from Anglo-French encorager, from en- + curage courage
Date:
15th century
1 a: to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope :
hearten b: to attempt to persuade : urge

2: to spur on : stimulate

3: to give help or patronage to : foster — en·cour·ag·er noun

Re·source
Pronunciation:
\ˈrē-ˌsȯrs, -ˌzȯrs, ri-ˈ\
Function: noun
Etymology:
French ressource, from Old French ressourse relief, resource, from resourdre to relieve, literally, to rise again, from Latin resurgere — more at
resurrection
Date: circa 1611
1 a: a source of supply or support : an available means —usually used in plural b: a natural source of wealth or revenue —often used in plural c: a natural feature or phenomenon that enhances the quality of human life d: computable wealth —usually used in plural e: a source of information or expertise

2: something to which one has recourse in difficulty : expedient

3: a possibility of relief or recovery

4: a means of spending one's leisure time5: an ability to meet and handle a situation : resourcefulness

Monday, October 27, 2008

The Third Day Church

There is a great need for believers to STOP going to church and realize they are THE CHURCH! This opens up whole new ideas for the way we might be doing church.

In looking at contemporay church movements The Third day Church is one model with Growing impact. Check out this site to find out more about The Third day Church. The material below is from Gary Goodell @ http://www.thirddaychurches.com/

There are other great articles at this site which can inform you about this movement.

"Welcome
Take a close look at today's culture and today's church. On several occasions, history has provided the needed critical mass and the synergistic inertia to thrust the church into breaking out of its' box and becoming the force in culture and society that God intended it to be.

Today, the church, in the 21st Century, has once again reached this "critical mass." It is something so big and so obvious that the winds of change demand we look hard at our traditional forms and face the reality that a different church must provide a different response to a postmodern age.

This Third Millennium ("a day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day," II Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4), or this "Third Day" requires a "Third Way" of doing and being the church.

Christian Schwartz, the German church-growth researcher suggests that we are in the era of a third Reformation. The first Reformation took place in the sixteenth century when Martin Luther rediscovered the core of the gospel: salvation by faith, the centrality of grace and of Scripture. It was seen as a reformation of theology.

A second Reformation occurred in the eighteenth century when personal intimacy with Christ was rediscovered. It was, according to Schwartz, a reformation of spirituality. But when it was all said and done, we were still trying to pour new wine into old wineskins. The third Reformation is now upon us. It is a reformation of structure of how we actually "do" church.

For too many years, our current forms, structures and traditions have led the way, with these practices remaining painfully predictable from generation to generation, ever diminishing in their effectiveness. It is now time for change! The forms of the "first day church" must be reevaluated, and those lifeless programs and traditions be allowed to die in the "second day church" so that the resurrected "third day church" can be released.

In its "ripple" effect, there now exists a growing fraternity of leaders, ministries, even creative businesses who are ready to obey the wind of the Spirit. They are ready to inhale the breath of change and welcome an experimentation of new and creative ways of "doing" and "being" the church in the third millennium. Many are already experimenting with new relationally-based models that release the priesthood potential of all believers in a given group, area or region.

Our continued purpose in these critical times is to give lots of permission and to empower a large army of ordinary people to be innately creative as they lead.

At the end of the day Third Day Churches is not more meetings, or just more tweaking of the forms. It is ongoing and growing conversation moving towards an ever-increasing radical community lifestyle. Welcome to the journey.
Join the discussion.

Permission Granted...Gary Goodell"

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Church As It Could Be Is Already Available

My last article has caused some very interesting reactions. These reactions ranged from Amen, to various defensive responses in support of Church or attending church.

I fully enjoy being in the gathering of believers, fellowshipping, hearing the Word proclaimed and taught. There is something about worshipping and praying together with God's people that is not only spiritually enjoyable but enjoyable on many levels. Before I write more please go back and read the last article and you will find the paragraphs that follow included.

"There are also, many good churches which are doing a good perhaps even a great job at accomplishing all that Jesus began to do and teach. They have the heart of the Father, the mind and revelation of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit freely working in their midst.

If we ever hope to have all that Jesus has for us we must start with an awareness that in and of ourselves we have nothing to offer. This humility is the soil in which God can work and shape us into His image once again.

We have multi-generational, multi-cultural, multi-worldview and multi-actuational (one that puts into action) society today.

God's people have a great variety of visions or models for church today that can minister to each generation, culture and worldview which can put into action the plan God has for them. Many of which are based on Biblical teaching. They will however, never reach the full measure they were intended to reach unless they have the heart of the Father, the mind and revelation of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit freely working in their midst.

God is a creative God. Although He never changes, His infinite wisdom and creativity are constantly at work to accomplish His plans and purposes in His people, the Church."

In previous articles I have written about what success looks like in your church. I have also written about the stream of life that flow out from God and into our various cultures, theologies and preferences in music, the style of our public gatherings, governmental structures and relational dynamics.

There is no one perfect way of doing church! Let me say that again. There is no perfect way of doing church.

There are however many good and healthy ways of doing church! There are common elements that are seen in scripture that make His people who are the church a success in doing all that Jesus began to do and teach!
Sign up at the right for the next article to find our more.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Church As It Could Be Starts Here

My heart, as well as, I believe God's is broken for all of those believers who have been abused by the spirit of religion and religious people (once called well intentioned dragons) whose relationship with God has not transformed them to have the Father's heart for the people of God or those outside of God's grace (known as the unsaved, the unreligious, the heathen, the dammed or the non-Christian).

There are so many people just doing church as they have been taught or believe they should and so many people are fed up with what they have experienced in these churches. I believe this is a 2 Chronicles 7:14 moment for the church world wide but specifically here in America.
2 Chron 7:14 14
If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. AMP

The land here in this context was Israel, the God given place in which the people lived and all that was a part of it, starting with God's people.

Today the church in America needs to do exactly what is commanded in this verse if we expect God to begin to heal, mend, mature the church, it's relationship with God, it's ability to effectively touch people for God today as God desires and breathe God's life into it's ways (methods and structures, priorities).

This must happen if we expect God to bring forth a nation changing move of God or Great Awakening in this day and hour.

This means that all we know and think about church must be subject to the death of the cross and the resurrection power of God. Allowing everything we see as the right way, to be put on the altar for the consumption by the Fire of God. If we are unwilling to let God have it, how will we ever get the fresh manna or plan God has for the believers he desires to knit together to accomplish His work in our lives, families and communities?

There are many effective models of doing church available to us based on our theological understandings, our gifts and personalities, the context (personal experiences and education) of our lives and the culture (both the secular generational culture and spiritual culture) around us.

This context has been called by some the 'Wineskin' into which God pours Himself by His Spirit to produce in each generation the people of God (also known as the Church, the body of Christ or holy and separated to God ones).

There are also, many good churches which are doing a good perhaps even a great job at accomplishing all that Jesus began to do and teach. They have the heart of the Father, the mind and revelation of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit freely working in their midst.

if we ever hope to have all that Jesus has for us we must start with an awareness that in and of ourselves we have nothing to offer. This humility is the soil in which God can work and shape us into His image once again.

We have multi-generational, multi-cultural, multi-worldview and multi-actuational (one that puts into action) society today.


God's people have a great variety of visions or models for church today that can minister to each generation, culture and worldview which can put into action the plan God has for them. Many of which are based on Biblical teaching. They will however, never reach the full measure they were intended to reach unless they have the heart of the Father, the mind and revelation of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit freely working in their midst.

God is a creative God. Although He never changes, His infinite wisdom and creativity are constantly at work to accomplish His plans and purposes in His people, the Church.

Questions:

1. Will you take your understanding of, or vision for the church and put it on the altar of God's fire?

2. Has God burned all or part of it up, resurrected it and breathed new life in it or expanded your vision?

3. Have you done what 2 Chronicles 7:14 says concerning your experience and understanding about God's people and the functional organism or organization you know and have experienced as the church?

4. Are you willing to look again at what the Bible says about the church, its function, purpose, structure and your role in it?

5. Will you apply John 12:24-25 to your understanding or vision for the church?
24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. NASU


Our Vision or model of doing church may need to die to bear the level of increased fruit that God desire fro it!

Jesus gave His life so that he might have a Church without spot or wrinkle. It was important to Jesus to have a Church ready to meet Him and yet one willing to do all that Jesus began to do and teach while here on earth according to Acts 1:1.

Eph 5:25-27


25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. NASU

What is next: What Jesus began to do and teach?
1. According to the fathers will.
2. By the Spirit's Power.
3. With Jesus having given up His authority and power while on earth.

Monday, October 06, 2008

Life Without Church as It Has Been

Over the last several years there has been a great deal written about believers who are in love with Jesus but not the church. There has been a great exit of believers seeking to find an effective model that is both Biblical and that they find relevant where the life the Bible speaks about can be found among other believers. Some have given up and just stay at home, possibly catching a christian TV show to partially meet their need.

Over the next few weeks I want to address this on my here at the Equippers Network Blog http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com/ and I will be offering brief descriptions of a variety of book on my Equippers Tool Box blog http://equipperstoolbox.blogspot.com/ , which address the church, its current state and a variety of solutions being offered by people from a wide variety of theological perspectives.

Many churches have become ineffective at being alive in Christ and in doing what Jesus began to do and teach, Acts 1:1. The Bible tells us that the people of God are destroyed for lack of knowledge and the people perish or (wander aimlessly without hope or purpose) because they have no vision of who God truly is and what He truly desires for us as individuals or as a people.
Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. NASU

Prov 29:1818
Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man] — blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he. [1 Sam 3:1; Amos 8:11,12.] AMP
The passage below reminds us that our assembling or gathering together is important. What is not addressed in these verses is the when, where, and how of our gatherings.

Heb 10:19-2519
Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus, 20 By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh, 21 And since we have [such] a great and wonderful and noble Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, 22 Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water. 23 So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. 24 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, 25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. AMP
My Hope: Is that you will discover the option you have been looking for so that you can enjoy all that God has for you individually and that you might grow as a part of a healthy group of believers into all that God desires for you to be as a community and the family of God!
The first book I want to feature along these lines is below. Life Without Church by Brian Sanders.

Life without church. It's getting easier to imagine. And maybe you already left. A leaver, then. Committed to Jesus, not an institution. Perhaps you've left your church in spirit, remaining in the pew. Outwardly silent. Secretly bored. In either case, Brian Sanders has a word for you.


Wednesday, October 01, 2008

The Word of the Lord

Meditations and Prayers Relating to the (Ways, Law, Testimonies, Precepts, Statues, Commandments, Judgements) of the Lord

Ps 119:1-8 Aleph.

How blessed are those whose way is blameless,Who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,Who seek Him with all their heart. 3 They also do no unrighteousness;They walk in His ways. 4 You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments. 7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,When I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I shall keep Your statutes; Do not forsake me utterly! NASU \

Ways, Law, Testimonies, Precepts, Statues, Commandments, Judgements

Ps 119:1-8

BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) are the undefiled (the upright, truly sincere, and blameless) in the way [of the revealed will of God], who walk (order their conduct and conversation) in the law of the Lord (the whole of God's revealed will).
2 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart.
3 Yes, they do no unrighteousness [no willful wandering from His precepts]; they walk in His ways. [1 John 3:9; 5:18.]
4 You have commanded us to keep Your precepts, that we should observe them diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed and established to observe Your statutes [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]!
6 Then shall I not be put to shame [by failing to inherit Your promises] when I have respect to all Your commandments.
7 I will praise and give thanks to You with uprightness of heart when I learn [by sanctified experiences] Your righteous judgments [Your decisions against and punishments for particular lines of thought and conduct].
8 I will keep Your statutes; O forsake me not utterly. AMP

Monday, September 29, 2008

The Spirit and Truth Study Blog

I want to introduce those read this blog to another New Revolutionary.

"These New Revolutionaries are the ones who reject the spirit of religion and passionately embrace the truth and power of God's Word to change what is by into what God desires."

Jessica TenBrink is a worship leader with a heart after God who has the gifting and skill to lead a group of believers deep into the father’s presence and on into His heart!
Jessica has recently started ‘The Spirit and Truth Study Blog’, which is designed to take you through the entire Bible and study Biblical Worship. Jessica's introduction to her new blog is below along with a bio and photo.

‘The Spirit and Truth Study Blog’, by Jessica TenBrink
This blog chronicles my study of the Word to learn what it really means to worship in Spirit & Truth. John 4:23 says, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." My desire for The Spirit and Truth Study is to become one whom God can find faithfully worshiping Him. Join me in the study. Comment, and offer your insight so we can grow together.
http://spiritandtruthstudy.blogspot.com/

Invitation
“I want to invite you all to visit me on my new blog and join me as I start an intense study in the Bible on worship. M
y new blog is focused solely on a brand new study that I am embarking on. I thought I would chronicle it in blog form for anyone who would like to pitch in with their insight or comments, or even questions. What fun! I have posted the backdrop to the study so far (what has led to the start of the study) and I hope to begin posting actual study material within the week. If you know anyone else who might be interested in reading as I study the Bible in the context of what kind of worship God requires, please let them know as well! You can subscribe to my blog on the left hand side of the homepage where it says "subscribe". Then you will get automatic updates after each post.”

Bio:

Jessica TenBrink is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, a wife to Karl, and a stay-at-home mother to Annalee (7) and Mattea (2). A pastor’s daughter two times over (both her mother and father pastor Crossfire, a Church Without Walls in Centennial, CO), she has a calling to minister to the local Body of Christ as worship leader. She served Crossfire as its first worship leader for two years beginning in 2005. She has a heart to see the Lord exalted within the corporate worship setting with passion, might, and abandon. Her desire is to counter the cultural norm in America that says, “I can worship God just fine with my hands in my pockets.” Her desire is to raise up Davids—people after God’s own heart, whom God seeks out as worshippers while they worship in Spirit and truth.” David was not only a worshiper; he was a warrior. Jessica’s vision is to raise up warriors for the Kingdom of God who accomplish extraordinary things in the very potent humility that true worship requires. Because the Lord dwells in the praises of His people, her vision is to encourage, mentor, and teach believers that God moves when we praise and worship His name! Jessica and Karl are raising their children and serving the Lord in Colorado Springs, Colorado. http://spiritandtruthstudy.blogspot.com/

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Are You Naked?

Are you naked? was written by Tom Crandall. Tom is one the New Revolutionaries I have recently written about. I believe you will find this article to have the authenticity of the Holy Spirit.

In a day when so many leaders are chasing popularity and seeking to build a crowd with worldly methods it is refreshing to find those, like Tom, who have the heart of the Father, the mind of Christ and the Power of the Spirit. The proclamation of the Gospel and the Lord Jesus who is the King of the universe are without compromise in Tom's ministry.

May God reveal his message to this generation through these New Revolutionaries with His authority and power to a generation caught in the whirlwind of spiritual darkness, confusion, false god's, phony promises and false hope!
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Are you naked?
“I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid” -Adam. Have you ever felt vulnerable and exposed to the point that all you wanted to do is run and hid? I have, more times than I am willing to admit. It’s one of the worst feelings in the world!! You feel like everybody is looking at you and at that moment all the things you wish you could change scream at you; insecurities, secret sins, failures. The masks come off. I’m sure what Adam and Eve experienced that day in the Garden of Eden was very similar. “Oh no its God, hurry quickly under the bush, he won’t find us there! We’ll be covered.” Truth be known, that feeling that feels like a lightning bolt going through your subconscious telling you your missing something can be one of your best friends. After all, who wants to be naked and exposed before other people? Can you imagine (please don’t) if your neighbor walked out of their comfortable abode to get the news paper one morning with nothing but starbucks in hand! AAAHHH! Though most of us would make a mad dash for our front door, a good neighbor would scream on their way in, “you’re missing something!!” As funny as this sounds our walk with God can be very similar. This is why I am so thankful for the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

He is my most faithful partner in life. He let’s me know when I leave the house having forgot to put my pants on. I can honestly say that my greatest fear in life is no longer being rejected by people, preaching a bad message or looking bad because of a decision I made; it’s being naked, and I’m not talking about leaving the house having forgot my shirt, but leaving the house or doing anything for that matter not clothed in the manifest presence of God! Spiritual nakedness can come from eating the fruit of bitterness and unforgiveness, a critical spirit and judgmental attitude, or just being to busy for God. Remember the seven sons’ of Sceva from Acts 19? They approached demon possessed people and tried to do spiritual things with out having their own spiritual power but rather attempting to operate in someone else’s, can I say again they were naked; with out the presence of God they got beat up so bad that they left physically naked and bleeding from such a bad beating.

For me, the simplest thing such as loving a little child to mowing the lawn I need to make sure that I am clothed in the presence of God, and not showing the world that it’s ok to go shirtless. Adam and Eve were so use to being clothed in the presence of God that when it was gone, they freaked out. It wasn’t until God came and made the first animal sacrifice to cover their nakedness with the skins of an animal that they felt comfortable again. Jesus Christ has paid our price to be clothed or wrapped in his presence. His blood has provided us with the opportunity to put our clothes back on. Do you freak out and get as scared as I do when you’re to busy to get fully dressed in the morning, or are you in the habit of walking in spiritual nakedness.

The army of Israel was petrified of one man named Goliath because they were naked, but little scrawny David hit this giant trained warrior with a rock and cut his head off because he was wearing the right clothes! So the next time you get intimidated, or a friend tells you “you’re missing something,” get clothed in the power of God and you will stand with a confidence that is not in your own flesh but is in the presence of the one who spoke the world into existence with a simple word. Are you naked?

Tom Crandall
http://www.collidemovement.com/
BIO:


Pastor Tom Crandall serves as the Youth & Young Adult Pastor of Mountain View Christian Assembly, Sandy. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, he has a background in Evangelism & Outreach, Youth, and Young Adults. After having a radical encounter with God in the fall of '95, his pursuit has been to know Jesus Christ and to see others have a divine encounter with the Lord. Soon after his salvation experience, he felt the call of God on his life and attended the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry in Pensacola, Florida, from '97 to '99, where he received his Associates Degree in Practical Ministry. There he met his wife, Leslie, and they were soon married September 11, 1999. Since then, they have been on staff at churches in Texas and Ohio where they served with passion and love. Their heartbeat is to see the lost transformed by the love of Christ and the Church revived and walking in the character and power God has called her to. They reside in Salt Lake City, Utah, and have two incredible kids name Joel and Adelyn

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers and Fresh Fire

There is a great deal of conversation and commotion in the Body of Christ today about the reality of having Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers as described in
Ephesians 4:11-13.
Some say that God never intended these Gift/offices to fade away or be done away with while others say these gifts do not all function today, others believe they are still functioning in the church today but under different names.


You’re Wineskin (church government and structure) along with the point in history and context of the birth of your fellowship or church group (revival or move of God or desire of man from which it sprang into life) will greatly determine how you understand the meaning and function of these gifts.

It is not my objective to argue this point today. Instead, I would like to look at the purpose or responsibility and character of these 'gifts to the church' and all who are called into the leadership of God's people. These verses when examined in a variety of translations and the Greek in which it was originally written help us to understand that 'the gifts' God has given have the responsibility to:
1. To Equip believers to do the work of the ministry (those things that Jesus began to do and teach and then were carried out by the Holy Spirit through those who made Jesus their Lord and Savior)
2. To build up one another (those who have also become believers and disciples of Jesus the Messiah)
3. To bring them into a place of full maturity.'

When we examine the words and their meaning in context we see that a part of this equipping is the mending or making whole of individual believer so that they can fulfill God's call on their life.

We also see that another part of being equipped, is to be properly fit (taking ones proper and unique place) into the body of Christ according to God's grace given each individual, as well as, the operation of His gifts in them, along with their skills, maturity and experience.

The death and resurrection of Jesus was designed to make us whole and make maturity in Him not only possible but our primary co-objective as we continue to do those things that Jesus began to do and teach through the power of His Holy Spirit.

A more complete look at the context of this passage will assist us in understanding the purpose of these three verses. The greater context will also help us to understand the expectations we should have of ourselves and those called into these positions which the Holy spirit in scripture calls Gifts to His Church.

Eph 4:1-16
4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:
"When he ascended on high, he led captives in his trainand gave gifts to men."
9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. NIV

A powerful move of God, a revival, or releasing of His glory or presence which does not then become the catalyst or launching pad for the continuation of those things Jesus began to do and teach has failed to accomplish what God desired.

It is the responsibility of the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers to make sure that those things Jesus began to do and teach are continued as a result of THE FRESH FIRE!

Artwork, The Road to the Cross by Graham Braddock http://www.christian-artprints.com/

Thursday, August 14, 2008

The Joseph Daniel Calling

I have the privilege of knowing a Joseph-Daniel Fore-runner. This is a person who along with the Joseph Daniel calling on His life is called as one who goes before (or sent out before) others with such a calling on their lives. He is not only the one who spies out the land but then must go back and give a report of what is ahead for those who also have this calling on their lives. Now this all sounds very wonderful and magnificent, Oh what a calling!!! Callings this BIG require both great vision and a great sacrificial heart.

Before I go any further let me ask you a few simple questions to put this all in context.

1. What is a Joseph or a Daniel or for that matter a forunner calling?
A. Joseph: He had the coat of many colors and the father’s favor which may have meant a larger share of the inheritance.
B. Daniel: had encounters with angels in his battles in prayer. Did not get hurt in the Lions den.
C. the Fore-runner: the one called to go before, a path finder a path maker! John the Baptist. Eating grasshoppers and dressing in camel hair. A message purified by the wilderness.

2. What preparation does each of these callings demand?
A. Joseph
B. Daniel
C. The Fore-Runner

3. If you are called to one or all of these ministries what should you expect from God, from people and from yourself? What kind of lifestyle does each of these demand?
A. What is a Joseph dreamer and visionary without humility and the experience to make the God given dream come true and in turn bless all who are involved. He did not require harm or vengeance upon those who mistreated him.
B. What is a Daniel without faith to stand in the battle with Angels and trust God in the pit with Lions?
C. What is a (fore-Runner) and what is their ministry? When you cut into new territory, enemy territory you are being cut as well.

You cannot lead where God desires without more of God and less of you. So as you are pruned you will continue to produce an even greater harvest. Now greater here may mean more quality or, more quantity or both. The truth is that each anointed calling requires the death of the flesh and all of the power, authority and influence we may wield and the total dependence on the power and authority of God in our lives.

Jesus himself is our example in this. He relinquished His authority and power yielded to the father’s authority and was empowered by the Holy Spirit so that we might always be able to say;”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and “not my will but yours father.”

1. Do you have a Joseph Daniel calling?
2. Are you willing to pay the price
to make yourself ready for the weight of His Glory in your life?

If not turn back now before it is too late.

If you answer yes than gird yourself for battle and give all you have for the heart of God, the Mind of Christ and the Power of the Spirit!


To Discover more about the Joseph-Daniel calling buy
Joseph Daniel Calling Morris Ruddick from Arsenal Books at the Link below.
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Joseph Daniel Calling by Morris Ruddick

Book Summary
In the face of political instabilities, economic reversals, fear, and uncertainty, Kingdom opportunities not obvious to the world are quietly on the rise. These Kingdom agendas reflect an interlinking of secular enterprises with overriding ministry objectives.

What is emerging is a move of God in the marketplace that will parallel the rise of the parachurch ministry movement of the early fifties. At the forefront of this movement is a group of men and women of God called in the same way as Joseph and Daniel of the Bible. Modern-day Josephs and Daniels will serve strategically as instruments of God’s purpose in secular positions of influence within seats of power of this world. This book addresses the dynamics of this calling, God’s economy, and the preparation, character, and challenges of these uniquely called Josephs and Daniels. Among other agendas, they will be facilitators of the release of the wealth of the wicked into Kingdom initiatives.

Author Profile
MORRIS E. RUDDICK is a business executive, consultant, entrepreneur, missionary, intercessor, conference speaker, board member, and writer. He is at the forefront of mobilizing a unique group of anointed marketplace leaders, referred to as modern-day Josephs and Daniels. As head of a market planning consulting firm serving an array of clients from Fortune 500 firms to respected ministries, his expertise includes business planning, forecasting emerging markets, developing business strategies, funding initiatives, modeling entrepreneurial bypass strategies, and applying principles of biblically based businesses. He was chief architect in two successful corporate turnarounds. His ministry activities target strengthening the brethren in locales ranging from Afghanistan to Israel. But the foundation of both his business and ministry activities is his role in leading a global intercession ministry known as SIGN (Strategic Intercession Global Network), which has as its purpose targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis.
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Revolutionary Champions and Principles

The Bible is full of Revolutionaries (men and women) who saw beyond what was and into the Spirit realm and saw what God was doing or desired to do. One of Biblical account which demonstrates this truth is 2 Kings 6:15-17.

15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha . NIV

What is the definition of a Revolutionary?
1. According to Webster: Major Fundemental Change
a: of, relating to, or constituting a revolution b: tending to or promoting revolution c: constituting or bringing about a major or fundamental change
2. According to the Bible: Turning the World Upside Down
These New Revolutionaries want more than revival of what is and have diligently prayed and worked for what God in His Word has promised. They seek the work of His Spirit in this generation with such magnitude that nations are changed and the tide of darkness and the stench of hell and death are cleansed from their cities and nations. These New Revolutionaries are the ones who reject the spirit of religion and passionately embrace the truth and power of God's Word to change what is by into what God desires, a reformation of every village, town and city in the nations of the earth.
Acts 17:6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out,"These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.NKJV
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The Champions:
The faith of the people are listed in Hebrews 11, in God's supernatural ways and character caused them to do things and say things that put them in direct conflict and opposition to the way things were in their culture, and often to the government and the ways people around them lived and behaved. The Bible tells of these Revolutionaries who looked for the life, provision and home God had built to share with them. Hebrews chapter 11 tells many of their stories.

Heb 11:1-40
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.Heb 11:11-40
11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age — and Sarah herself was barren — was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." 19 Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones. 23 By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. NIV

1. Principle One: FAITH
One of the Keys concepts for the The New Revolutionary is FAITH that God is the greatest supernatural being in existence and that He desires to provide us with all we need to have a supernatural life and accomplish all He desires in and through our lives.
Hebrews 11:1-3
'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.'

2. Principle Two: DEATH
Another Key concept for the New Revolutionary is a willingness to DIE to all of the desires of our heart and this world even to the point of DEATH for the cause of Christ. The New Revolutionaries, as well as, the Biblical ones were so desirous of gaining what God had for their lives that this earth and all it offers had no hold on them.

Hebrews 11: 13- 16.
And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11 is not an exhaustive list of the Biblical revolutionaries. It is however a review of many and the cost they were willing to pay for the cause of God!

Will you pay the price needed to answer the call to be one of the New Kingdom Revolutionaries for Jesus the Messiah?

Will You Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb?

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=fd28e0f6fcdffbcdd760

ARTWORK: 'Guardian Angel' Danny Hahlbohm

http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/getthumb.asp&CID=B76AE35B549945EEB3B53AB313FF3271&PPID=1&sortby=PD&c=c&page=3&Search=19294