There were many in Israel who saw Jesus, a few saw Jesus Christ.
There were many in Israel who saw the power of God upon Him, a few realized that the Kingdom of God had come unto them!
When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night in the 3rd chapter of John, he was aware that the power of God was upon Jesus. But Jesus' 'answer' to his observation was unexpected. Jesus told him that one must be born anew, or from above, in order to 'see' the Kingdom of God. Jesus went on to explain that to be born from above is to be born of the Spirit.
I believe that when we receive Christ as Lord and savior we all receive the Holy Spirit. That means we have the ability to 'see' the Kingdom. But lately I have become aware of a simple conviction; I have not seen the Kingdom at any time, in my 30+ years of being a Christian, as I now see it.
What I mean is this; Jesus invited us to see something more. More then fellowship, church, tradition, ministry, prayer, Bible study, conferences, Sunday school and programs. He invited us to a relationship that can experience the invasion of heaven upon our tangible world. My world has been turned up-side right by this invasion and I am overwhelmed by the wonder of it.
Three Gospels record the event where Jesus heals a blind and dumb man and He is accused of doing so by demonic powers. His answer is astounding; first He makes it clear that it would be stupid of satan to heal the disease he inflicted upon the man, then He challenges them to see what really just happened. "If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons then the Kingdom of God has come upon you!" (Lk.11:20) It was an invasion of heaven. A touch from the Kingdom into the realm of this reality with super-natural power.
It is just here that I want you to see something significant; the Kingdom of God is now! And it has power for us to be able to tap into a realm of glory we have always been meant to access but only a few realize. It is available to everyone who believes!
The Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God was to come, they imagined it to be a earthly restoration of the house of David with a Messiah to rescue them from worldly oppression.
They looked for a prophetic 'sign' of that appearing. Jesus told them that "the Kingdom of God was not coming with (outward) signs that can be observed (in the natural realm); nor could anyone say 'Lo, here it is!' or 'there!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you (or within you)." (Lk.17:2o-21) 'It is like the wind,' as Jesus told Nicodemus.
Like the wind in the sense of the Spirit.
Like the Spirit in the sense of 'wind'.
A Kingdom that becomes 'tangible' for those who are born of the Spirit.
A 'Kingdom of heaven' which is more 'real' than the 'reality' we touch with our five senses.
It is there/here all around us. It is available to everyone who believes.
I believe that Jesus gave an invitation. Mark 1:14-15 records: "Jesus came preaching the gospel of God, and saying, 'the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent (change your mind), and BELIEVE the gospel'."
Many believe the 'good news' of salvation and are saved. Many believe in spiritual gifts and experience the wonderful blessing of tongues. Most Christian love Jesus.
But is there MORE to 'believing' the gospel? Can we experience greater levels of intimacy? Can we experience more of His tangible love?
There were many in Israel who saw Jesus, but only a few saw Jesus Messiah.
A King with a Kingdom.
It is my belief that the Kingdom of God is greater than many of us yet see.
I believe that Jesus is greater than we think.
I believe that there is more to the Christian life than we have experienced.
If you have read any of my previous Blogs you will certainly know what I am alluding to.
I am experiencing astonishing things.
The Kingdom of God is in our midst, it is 'with-in' us.
The King is inviting us to MORE.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Astonishing Things Are Happening
The amazing journey I have been on these past few years gets more exciting every day. I believe we are living in the greatest moment in Church History. The exponential increase of the signs and wonders of His Spirit are daily reported across the planet if you care to take notice and know where to look. It is not in the media news. Yet.
Why? Why the increase? I truly believe that it is not because God is pouring out His Spirit in greater measure, rather, I think the church is catching on to what has always been available to us. Because more people are understanding who they are in Him, more is happening!
That is not to say that there is not evidence in history of unusual and seemingly unexplainable outpourings of His Spirit. Done by His will and His design and His purpose alone.
But as a student of Revival History I have discovered that most of these seemingly arbitrary events of great outpouring can all be traced to a few who believed God. They believed God to be greater than their experience and sought Him for the power they read about in the Book of Acts! God was more than willing to answer. The Holy Spirit is attracted to faith.
He always has been. It is irresistible to Him. We did not establish the principle of faith, He did.
It is everywhere HIS word.
Many of these 'revivals' were short lived. Lasting only a few years and confined to certain geographical areas. (Though these revivals had a real 'ripple effect' across the planet the benefits of which are still felt today).
Still there is something different about what is happening now. Thousands of people at all points on the globe are seeing signs and wonders in astounding measure. Healing, deliverance, miraculous provision. The dead are raised, the lepers are cleansed, the hopeless are encouraged.
Young people are finding a reason to live for God. Thousands are being saved. (The reports of the youth leaving the church in droves are drawn from statistics provided by traditional churches. Look to the non-traditional churches and ministries if you want to be encouraged).
Powerless Christianity holds no draw for this generation. We blame a lack of character on their part for their inability to attend a service with 3 hymns and a four point message. "Kids these days have no respect for tradition". "Parents haven't trained them to sit still so maybe they would learn something".
Frankly as a former church 'pastor', I am with the youth, this is my generation, I am as bored with the messages I once preached as they are.
I want Revival, I want God, I want His power, I need His Presence.
By 'revival' I do not mean ol' time religion. I do not mean a tent, an alter call and a 'mourners bench'.
I mean honest to goodness Holy Spirit signs and wonders with the 'wind' of His Spirit and the presence of angels. I mean healing of disease, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, the dead are raised to life.
I mean a worship service where the atmosphere is thick with the tangible sense of His Presence.
Where lifted hands are covered with oil and chests are pounding with an awareness of His astonishing love.
It is happening whether you are in touch with this news or not.
And the young (and old) love it.
In the Mall last week a group of giggly teenagers gathered around my friend Coelho, my daughter Hannah and a few others from various ministries in our area. They were caught up with amazement as their friends were healed of various ailments. They had stopped giggling when the first healing happened before their eyes. A few ran away, most stayed to talk, several gave their lives to Jesus.
This is revival.
Coelho goes out everyday. He likes to take people with him. But whether alone or with friends he heals the sick shares the gospel and demonstrates its power.
It is just one story but it happening everywhere.
And this is what this generation is looking for.
A wondrous revival that is all over the planet because leaders and preachers have learned that it isn't about them, it is available to anyone who has the faith to believe it. And because many are being encouraged to believe, it only 'appears' to be a great 'outpouring'. It is, in fact, a great 'infilling' that is 'spilling-out' from individuals with the rivers of living water they always had within them.
This is a great moment in history, I am happy to be alive.
This is my generation.
Why? Why the increase? I truly believe that it is not because God is pouring out His Spirit in greater measure, rather, I think the church is catching on to what has always been available to us. Because more people are understanding who they are in Him, more is happening!
That is not to say that there is not evidence in history of unusual and seemingly unexplainable outpourings of His Spirit. Done by His will and His design and His purpose alone.
But as a student of Revival History I have discovered that most of these seemingly arbitrary events of great outpouring can all be traced to a few who believed God. They believed God to be greater than their experience and sought Him for the power they read about in the Book of Acts! God was more than willing to answer. The Holy Spirit is attracted to faith.
He always has been. It is irresistible to Him. We did not establish the principle of faith, He did.
It is everywhere HIS word.
Many of these 'revivals' were short lived. Lasting only a few years and confined to certain geographical areas. (Though these revivals had a real 'ripple effect' across the planet the benefits of which are still felt today).
Still there is something different about what is happening now. Thousands of people at all points on the globe are seeing signs and wonders in astounding measure. Healing, deliverance, miraculous provision. The dead are raised, the lepers are cleansed, the hopeless are encouraged.
Young people are finding a reason to live for God. Thousands are being saved. (The reports of the youth leaving the church in droves are drawn from statistics provided by traditional churches. Look to the non-traditional churches and ministries if you want to be encouraged).
Powerless Christianity holds no draw for this generation. We blame a lack of character on their part for their inability to attend a service with 3 hymns and a four point message. "Kids these days have no respect for tradition". "Parents haven't trained them to sit still so maybe they would learn something".
Frankly as a former church 'pastor', I am with the youth, this is my generation, I am as bored with the messages I once preached as they are.
I want Revival, I want God, I want His power, I need His Presence.
By 'revival' I do not mean ol' time religion. I do not mean a tent, an alter call and a 'mourners bench'.
I mean honest to goodness Holy Spirit signs and wonders with the 'wind' of His Spirit and the presence of angels. I mean healing of disease, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, the dead are raised to life.
I mean a worship service where the atmosphere is thick with the tangible sense of His Presence.
Where lifted hands are covered with oil and chests are pounding with an awareness of His astonishing love.
It is happening whether you are in touch with this news or not.
And the young (and old) love it.
In the Mall last week a group of giggly teenagers gathered around my friend Coelho, my daughter Hannah and a few others from various ministries in our area. They were caught up with amazement as their friends were healed of various ailments. They had stopped giggling when the first healing happened before their eyes. A few ran away, most stayed to talk, several gave their lives to Jesus.
This is revival.
Coelho goes out everyday. He likes to take people with him. But whether alone or with friends he heals the sick shares the gospel and demonstrates its power.
It is just one story but it happening everywhere.
And this is what this generation is looking for.
A wondrous revival that is all over the planet because leaders and preachers have learned that it isn't about them, it is available to anyone who has the faith to believe it. And because many are being encouraged to believe, it only 'appears' to be a great 'outpouring'. It is, in fact, a great 'infilling' that is 'spilling-out' from individuals with the rivers of living water they always had within them.
This is a great moment in history, I am happy to be alive.
This is my generation.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Report from IHOP-KC
There is, what they are calling, an 'awakening' happening at the mission base for the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. It began with on November 11th with the students in the college there. There is no doubt in my mind that it is a genuine outpouring of the Holy Spirit which is often otherwise called 'revival'.
When I first heard of it I felt that the Lord wanted me to go. I found out that Mike Bickle, the IHOP founder and leader, had called Bill Johnson and John Arnott to come and advise IHOP in stewarding the outpouring. They would be there December 7-9. I knew that that is when I wanted to be there. I had no way of getting there financially, and I didn't want to ask my supporters for funds for another trip, so I left it in the hands of God.
On Thursday the 3rd my friend David called from Kansas City and said I needed to get there, he bought me a ticket for Saturday the 5th and put me up in his apartment a mile from the IHOP center. Just in time to be there when Bill Johnson and John Arnott were coming.
I got off the plane and headed to the IHOP center where Wes Hall was leading the regular 'awakening' meeting. I was in for a unique experience and awesome privilege.
The room was alive with the energy and excitement of expectation. There seemed to be a predominately young crowd present, mostly students I assumed. With IHOP staff making up the rest. There was little room left for visitors such as I and we had waited in line for a long time just to get into the auditorium.
The worship was intermixed with prayers and exhortation from Wes Hall. The crowd danced, sang, shouted and prayed with an intensity I have rarely seen. Many crowded the front near the platform where everyone seemed to be praying and laying hands on one another. There did not appear to be a 'ministry team' doing all the laying on of hands, everyone seemed gifted to be able to 'minister' the spirit.
This was not confined to the front, all over the room people were praying for one another and everyone seemed full of the power of the Holy Spirit. Young people were especially having 'fun' with the power of the Spirit. Touching each other and saying 'fire' or 'more' or 'increase' and whoever they were touching were manifesting some physical response. People were falling over everywhere. Some were shaking, some jerking, some doubling over with a sort of bending I have heard called 'crunching'. One young man was shaking in a way I though was physically impossible, he was moving his head so fast I thought it might come off his shoulders.
People, especially the young, were walking around looking quite 'drunk'. Many appeared to have great difficulty walking as they 'crunched' up and down the isles like they kept getting whacked on the head by some invisible board. But all seemed to be enjoying the experience.
Many were on the floor shaking for long periods of time. Many were laughing, some crying, some screaming. I had some idea that Toronto looked a lot like this in 1994. I have never been in more electric atmosphere of revival. It is more then hard to describe, it is impossible!
Bill and Beni Johnson and John and Carol Arnott arrived as expected on Monday night. They were introduced and spoke briefly to the crowd. The same atmosphere was present. They simply observed what was happening. We were told that they would hold meetings with the IHOP leaders during the day. Bill Jonson was to address the gathering on Tuesday at a special meeting at 9 am, and John Arnott would speak on Wednesday at the same hour. In the evening meetings they were there to observe.
Bill and Beni Johnson didn't wait for an invitation to jump in and pray for people though, on that first night (Monday) they got off the platform at the first 'alter call' and prayed for anyone within reach. Being old hands at this stuff they seemed to enjoy diving into the crowd and getting right into the mix of the activity. I wanted to see this up close so I worked my way through the mass of humanity and watched the fun.
I have to use that word 'fun' because I can't think of a more traditionally acceptable word. I make no apology for it though, I have a good sense that God loves to bless His kids with a touch of love that expresses His joy over us in tangible ways.
Speaking of this 'tangible' touch of His love I have to include the physical and emotional healings that were taking place as well. Emotional healing seemingly the 'hallmark' of this particular awakening. The leadership called for testimonies throughout the meetings and person after person came up and told wonderful stories of how God had delivered them from addictions or depression, and even restored marriages. There were several remarkable physical healings too.
The overall message from the Holy Spirit to this group of people seemed to me to be JOY!
If I could express what I think the Lord was saying to IHOP I would declare 'lighten up people' to a organization known for its intensity. I could write a lot about this (see my article 'Grace vs. the Judgment of God' on the 'Articles' page of this website) but I think my opinions at this time would be inappropriate. Suffice it to say that I think the Lord loves His kids and loves to bless them.
I must include a mention of the historical importance of this meeting. There have been many prophetic 'words' seeing a joining of 'three streams of influence' needing to come together to take this worldwide revival to the next level. The prophets have seen the importance of the ministries of IHOP, represented by Mike Bickle, Bethel, represented by Bill Johnson, and Toronto, represented by John Arnott to come to a place of some unity as they represent three important elements in the heart of God. These men would be the first to admit that they are not the only places or people on earth where God is moving, but they do seem to speak for and represent three obvious things happening in the overall 'picture' of what God is doing upon the earth in the international renewal that is taking place. (And they have much they can learn from one another).
On Tuesday the 8th a prophetic declaration and prayer over these men and their wives occurred and I believe something powerful happened in the heavens. (watch iBetheltv's Sunday 13th am message by Bill Johnson for his take on this).
I was privileged to be there to witness this moment. I pray for an increase of the release of revival upon the earth. Open Heaven! And I pray that the gospel of God's grace and the message of faith-righteousness would somehow rise to the top of this outpouring. That the Love of our Heavenly Father and the finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ, and the joy of the Holy Spirit expressed in the grace of His 'touch' and 'Presence' would become the overriding expression of the Body of Christ to the people of the earth.
I would ask you to, again, consider donating to the RadicalGospel ministry by clicking on the 'Contact' button on the bottom of this page then clicking the DONATE button. Thanks!
When I first heard of it I felt that the Lord wanted me to go. I found out that Mike Bickle, the IHOP founder and leader, had called Bill Johnson and John Arnott to come and advise IHOP in stewarding the outpouring. They would be there December 7-9. I knew that that is when I wanted to be there. I had no way of getting there financially, and I didn't want to ask my supporters for funds for another trip, so I left it in the hands of God.
On Thursday the 3rd my friend David called from Kansas City and said I needed to get there, he bought me a ticket for Saturday the 5th and put me up in his apartment a mile from the IHOP center. Just in time to be there when Bill Johnson and John Arnott were coming.
I got off the plane and headed to the IHOP center where Wes Hall was leading the regular 'awakening' meeting. I was in for a unique experience and awesome privilege.
The room was alive with the energy and excitement of expectation. There seemed to be a predominately young crowd present, mostly students I assumed. With IHOP staff making up the rest. There was little room left for visitors such as I and we had waited in line for a long time just to get into the auditorium.
The worship was intermixed with prayers and exhortation from Wes Hall. The crowd danced, sang, shouted and prayed with an intensity I have rarely seen. Many crowded the front near the platform where everyone seemed to be praying and laying hands on one another. There did not appear to be a 'ministry team' doing all the laying on of hands, everyone seemed gifted to be able to 'minister' the spirit.
This was not confined to the front, all over the room people were praying for one another and everyone seemed full of the power of the Holy Spirit. Young people were especially having 'fun' with the power of the Spirit. Touching each other and saying 'fire' or 'more' or 'increase' and whoever they were touching were manifesting some physical response. People were falling over everywhere. Some were shaking, some jerking, some doubling over with a sort of bending I have heard called 'crunching'. One young man was shaking in a way I though was physically impossible, he was moving his head so fast I thought it might come off his shoulders.
People, especially the young, were walking around looking quite 'drunk'. Many appeared to have great difficulty walking as they 'crunched' up and down the isles like they kept getting whacked on the head by some invisible board. But all seemed to be enjoying the experience.
Many were on the floor shaking for long periods of time. Many were laughing, some crying, some screaming. I had some idea that Toronto looked a lot like this in 1994. I have never been in more electric atmosphere of revival. It is more then hard to describe, it is impossible!
Bill and Beni Johnson and John and Carol Arnott arrived as expected on Monday night. They were introduced and spoke briefly to the crowd. The same atmosphere was present. They simply observed what was happening. We were told that they would hold meetings with the IHOP leaders during the day. Bill Jonson was to address the gathering on Tuesday at a special meeting at 9 am, and John Arnott would speak on Wednesday at the same hour. In the evening meetings they were there to observe.
Bill and Beni Johnson didn't wait for an invitation to jump in and pray for people though, on that first night (Monday) they got off the platform at the first 'alter call' and prayed for anyone within reach. Being old hands at this stuff they seemed to enjoy diving into the crowd and getting right into the mix of the activity. I wanted to see this up close so I worked my way through the mass of humanity and watched the fun.
I have to use that word 'fun' because I can't think of a more traditionally acceptable word. I make no apology for it though, I have a good sense that God loves to bless His kids with a touch of love that expresses His joy over us in tangible ways.
Speaking of this 'tangible' touch of His love I have to include the physical and emotional healings that were taking place as well. Emotional healing seemingly the 'hallmark' of this particular awakening. The leadership called for testimonies throughout the meetings and person after person came up and told wonderful stories of how God had delivered them from addictions or depression, and even restored marriages. There were several remarkable physical healings too.
The overall message from the Holy Spirit to this group of people seemed to me to be JOY!
If I could express what I think the Lord was saying to IHOP I would declare 'lighten up people' to a organization known for its intensity. I could write a lot about this (see my article 'Grace vs. the Judgment of God' on the 'Articles' page of this website) but I think my opinions at this time would be inappropriate. Suffice it to say that I think the Lord loves His kids and loves to bless them.
I must include a mention of the historical importance of this meeting. There have been many prophetic 'words' seeing a joining of 'three streams of influence' needing to come together to take this worldwide revival to the next level. The prophets have seen the importance of the ministries of IHOP, represented by Mike Bickle, Bethel, represented by Bill Johnson, and Toronto, represented by John Arnott to come to a place of some unity as they represent three important elements in the heart of God. These men would be the first to admit that they are not the only places or people on earth where God is moving, but they do seem to speak for and represent three obvious things happening in the overall 'picture' of what God is doing upon the earth in the international renewal that is taking place. (And they have much they can learn from one another).
On Tuesday the 8th a prophetic declaration and prayer over these men and their wives occurred and I believe something powerful happened in the heavens. (watch iBetheltv's Sunday 13th am message by Bill Johnson for his take on this).
I was privileged to be there to witness this moment. I pray for an increase of the release of revival upon the earth. Open Heaven! And I pray that the gospel of God's grace and the message of faith-righteousness would somehow rise to the top of this outpouring. That the Love of our Heavenly Father and the finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ, and the joy of the Holy Spirit expressed in the grace of His 'touch' and 'Presence' would become the overriding expression of the Body of Christ to the people of the earth.
I would ask you to, again, consider donating to the RadicalGospel ministry by clicking on the 'Contact' button on the bottom of this page then clicking the DONATE button. Thanks!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Kingdom of Heaven
There were many in Israel who saw Jesus, a few saw Jesus Christ.
There were many in Israel who saw the power of God upon Him, few saw that the Kingdom of God had come unto them!
Teaser for my new Blog.
There were many in Israel who saw the power of God upon Him, few saw that the Kingdom of God had come unto them!
Teaser for my new Blog.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Out Of Brazil
I am amazed.
Since my return from Brazil I have been privileged to preach in five unique places, from churches to schools of the supernatural, and I am scheduled for more. In each venue the Holy Spirit 'shows up' in a way I did not experience before going to Brazil. I seem to have returned with a real impartation.
For those of you who do not know what an 'impartation' is, I must briefly explain (without developing the theological basis, for lack of space and time): an impartation is when a man or woman of God lays hands on you and 'imparts' a gift of the Holy Spirit to you. That's as brief as I can get.
I had some experience with this over the years, having noticed a change after someone prayed for me, I developed some supernatural manifestation. For example, when my friend Craig prayed for me a year ago, I began to experience my right hand emanating heat when I prayed for people. I know this sounds crazy to some of my friends, but I trust that you know that I do not lie about such things. The things of the Spirit are not something I am about to mess with.
In Brazil several of the Global Awakening team, including Randy Clark, prayed for all the people on the trip to receive an impartation. All of us experienced an immediate transference of gifting to lay hands on the sick and see healing. I believe that this gift is available to all who believe, "These signs shall follow..." Mk.16:17; but I am increasingly aware that these gifts can be stirred up, increased and imparted to us by the laying on of hands (Rom.1:11, 1Tim.4:14, 2Tim.1:6).
One of the things that appears to be a manifestation of impartation is the touch of the Holy Spirit on those who are prayed for. People respond in various ways to this 'touch', some laugh, some cry, some fall under the power (and peace) of the Spirit. Touched by the love of God. This happened alot to the people we prayed for in Brazil, and it is still happening to those I pray for here since my return.
This is the sign and wonder I am amazed at. I love the blessed joy of our Savior touching folk with tangible evidence of His Presence. There can be no greater joy for a preacher than the joy of seeing people loved on by the Holy Spirit. It is a great joy to have people respond to a message you preach, but it is nothing to compare with having people receive directly from God. He gets all the glory, and you get to watch Him use you. What a privilege!
The thing that I am equally amazed with is the fact that I am amazed at all. When I re-read my own Blogs from Brazil I found that I repeatedly expressed my amazement at God using us to perform signs and wonders in His name. In a way this is an expression of my own unbelief. I am not saying I doubt or lack faith, I am only saying that it should not surprise me that these things happen through us. I never want it to become so routine that I lose the 'wonder' of it all, but I do want to get to the point where I expect God to be God and assume His power is at work in all who believe.
I write this to encourage everyone who reads this to press in to all God has for you. To expect MORE. To abandon some of our preconceived God-concepts and seek Him for all He has for you.
I write this to tell you that I believe we are in the midst of the greatest move of God in church history; a revival, a reformation is taking place and we are all invited. Perhaps I write this for that very reason, consider this your invitation!
I will write more about this and maybe attempt to explain some of the things I am seeing from a theological foundation. But you already know this, if you know me; this is all about His absolute, unconditional grace. Jesus loves us and He loves to love on us in tangible ways.
The supernatural part of ministry should be as natural as it is 'super', we have an awesome God who desires to transcend our tangible and obvious reality (or should I say invade it) with His superior reality. I still have a limited experience with this but it is becoming 'normal' and that is exactly what I have desired for all my life. As I said in my Blog entry from October 4th; "I have found God (that I suspected existed) to be the God He said He was."
I believe that all of us desire to see God be as powerful on our behalf as He reveals Himself to be in His word. So I find this joy: I am not only able to bring the 'Good News' of His great love for us...God is demonstrating and backing up His 'word' with tangible evidence!
Our ministry is increasing, as I outlined at the beginning of this Blog entry; we are very busy doing the very thing He has called us to do. I am preaching more, teaching more, and continuing in the main body of my ministry, which has become writing about my own journey, encouraging others and meeting with many people. The entire family is involved in the same thing. We are all seeing supernatural elements added to whatever we do.
We live by your gifts offerings for our support. Though I receive an honorarium when I preach, my schedule is not such that it meets our financial needs. We are hoping that you will consider supporting this ministry and we have set up a way you can do this right here on this website.
We want to thank everyone who has supported this ministry over the last year (and all who have supported our ministry for many, many years), we are sincerely grateful to you all. I say this on behalf of Jan, Hannah, Ethan and Seth, who have a real part in the ministry we are now doing, and more as a family than ever before.
We have reestablished our non-profit covering for you to be able to make donations to our ministry with greater ease. Some of you will remember 'Testament', this is the name of our non-profit. You will find a new "DONATE" button on our 'Contact' page by clicking on the button at the bottom of each page of the website. It will guide you to the PayPal site where you can use the PayPal system or use a debit/credit card.
Thank you and bless you all!
Ray
Since my return from Brazil I have been privileged to preach in five unique places, from churches to schools of the supernatural, and I am scheduled for more. In each venue the Holy Spirit 'shows up' in a way I did not experience before going to Brazil. I seem to have returned with a real impartation.
For those of you who do not know what an 'impartation' is, I must briefly explain (without developing the theological basis, for lack of space and time): an impartation is when a man or woman of God lays hands on you and 'imparts' a gift of the Holy Spirit to you. That's as brief as I can get.
I had some experience with this over the years, having noticed a change after someone prayed for me, I developed some supernatural manifestation. For example, when my friend Craig prayed for me a year ago, I began to experience my right hand emanating heat when I prayed for people. I know this sounds crazy to some of my friends, but I trust that you know that I do not lie about such things. The things of the Spirit are not something I am about to mess with.
In Brazil several of the Global Awakening team, including Randy Clark, prayed for all the people on the trip to receive an impartation. All of us experienced an immediate transference of gifting to lay hands on the sick and see healing. I believe that this gift is available to all who believe, "These signs shall follow..." Mk.16:17; but I am increasingly aware that these gifts can be stirred up, increased and imparted to us by the laying on of hands (Rom.1:11, 1Tim.4:14, 2Tim.1:6).
One of the things that appears to be a manifestation of impartation is the touch of the Holy Spirit on those who are prayed for. People respond in various ways to this 'touch', some laugh, some cry, some fall under the power (and peace) of the Spirit. Touched by the love of God. This happened alot to the people we prayed for in Brazil, and it is still happening to those I pray for here since my return.
This is the sign and wonder I am amazed at. I love the blessed joy of our Savior touching folk with tangible evidence of His Presence. There can be no greater joy for a preacher than the joy of seeing people loved on by the Holy Spirit. It is a great joy to have people respond to a message you preach, but it is nothing to compare with having people receive directly from God. He gets all the glory, and you get to watch Him use you. What a privilege!
The thing that I am equally amazed with is the fact that I am amazed at all. When I re-read my own Blogs from Brazil I found that I repeatedly expressed my amazement at God using us to perform signs and wonders in His name. In a way this is an expression of my own unbelief. I am not saying I doubt or lack faith, I am only saying that it should not surprise me that these things happen through us. I never want it to become so routine that I lose the 'wonder' of it all, but I do want to get to the point where I expect God to be God and assume His power is at work in all who believe.
I write this to encourage everyone who reads this to press in to all God has for you. To expect MORE. To abandon some of our preconceived God-concepts and seek Him for all He has for you.
I write this to tell you that I believe we are in the midst of the greatest move of God in church history; a revival, a reformation is taking place and we are all invited. Perhaps I write this for that very reason, consider this your invitation!
I will write more about this and maybe attempt to explain some of the things I am seeing from a theological foundation. But you already know this, if you know me; this is all about His absolute, unconditional grace. Jesus loves us and He loves to love on us in tangible ways.
The supernatural part of ministry should be as natural as it is 'super', we have an awesome God who desires to transcend our tangible and obvious reality (or should I say invade it) with His superior reality. I still have a limited experience with this but it is becoming 'normal' and that is exactly what I have desired for all my life. As I said in my Blog entry from October 4th; "I have found God (that I suspected existed) to be the God He said He was."
I believe that all of us desire to see God be as powerful on our behalf as He reveals Himself to be in His word. So I find this joy: I am not only able to bring the 'Good News' of His great love for us...God is demonstrating and backing up His 'word' with tangible evidence!
Our ministry is increasing, as I outlined at the beginning of this Blog entry; we are very busy doing the very thing He has called us to do. I am preaching more, teaching more, and continuing in the main body of my ministry, which has become writing about my own journey, encouraging others and meeting with many people. The entire family is involved in the same thing. We are all seeing supernatural elements added to whatever we do.
We live by your gifts offerings for our support. Though I receive an honorarium when I preach, my schedule is not such that it meets our financial needs. We are hoping that you will consider supporting this ministry and we have set up a way you can do this right here on this website.
We want to thank everyone who has supported this ministry over the last year (and all who have supported our ministry for many, many years), we are sincerely grateful to you all. I say this on behalf of Jan, Hannah, Ethan and Seth, who have a real part in the ministry we are now doing, and more as a family than ever before.
We have reestablished our non-profit covering for you to be able to make donations to our ministry with greater ease. Some of you will remember 'Testament', this is the name of our non-profit. You will find a new "DONATE" button on our 'Contact' page by clicking on the button at the bottom of each page of the website. It will guide you to the PayPal site where you can use the PayPal system or use a debit/credit card.
Thank you and bless you all!
Ray
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