Ever gathered with others thinking it was for one reason, only to discover it was really for another? I have. One quick way to discern the origin of a spiritual battle is to ask, “Who is receiving the glory or praise?” God or mankind? It’s good to assess the motive behind our gatherings.
Read MoreIf humility is what keeps us from missing God, then pride is what keeps us from seeing Him. Are you seeing God? If not, look deep inside. Sin itself is a part of our spiritual battle, as God ‘opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.’ (James 4:6) Knowingly or unknowingly, through pride we give the devil access and hinder the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Read More“Mr. Frodo, I wonder what kind of tale we have fallen into?” Frodo’s traveling companion, young Sam, in The Lord of the Rings Series asked an important question. Can you relate? I’ve walked into rooms or cities and instantly felt a shift – a darkness and heaviness and knew something was taking place spiritually that wasn’t good.
Read MoreThe Last will be first is one of those many counterintuitive statements about the Kingdom of God, just like the greatest leader among you is the servant. God’s invitation to His end-time Kingdom Feast is secured for all nations through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. A place at the table has been prepared for everyone who understands this Good News and chooses to come to His great banquet. (Luke 14:16-24)
Read MoreIn God’s Kingdom, there is only one King but many followers. These followers are both Jew and Gentile from all the nations. Perhaps one of the best definitions of the church is given to us by Howard A. Synder from his book The Community of the King. He said we are most rightly identified as followers of Christ.
Read MoreWhen we enter another’s story, we begin to understand each other’s way of life. It is at this level that the Apostle Paul focused his efforts among the non-Jewish nations. Paul said it was not only his privilege to share the Gospel but also his life with others. (I Thess. 2:8) Too often we tend to emphasize teaching and training over serving and learning. Yet, it is in serving and learning that breakthroughs will come.
Read MoreHow is our witness for Christ? It’s important we know because this is why we were created. The passage in Acts 1:8 gives us our marching orders to be witnesses for Christ wherever we are in the world. It is this very area that the most intense spiritual warfare will take place. In the end, either we will be a witness for Jesus, another spirit or our own beliefs.
Read MoreTo walk in the favor of God and man is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Jesus is the original apostle or ‘sent one’ from God. (Heb. 3:1) God’s favor for ‘sent ones’ is multiplied by the ‘spirit of adoption.’ It says of Jesus that He grew in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52) Finding favor with people is being approved by them. This positions us with acceptance and influence at spiritual and heart levels.
Read MoreApostles are those who are sent by God. It’s important, then, to consider the ‘spirit in which we go and are sent.’ Are we bearing witness to the life and presence of Christ wherever we go? Our lives will be a witness; the question is a ‘witness for whom?’ We want people to receive and be impacted by the spirit of Christ in all that we do.
Read MoreDarkness flees in the very presence of light. John the Baptist knew this. He was a messenger of Jesus who ‘was not the light but a witness to that light.’ Jesus is the light of the world, and only His light overcomes darkness. (John 1:5) So, the essence of spiritual warfare is ‘bearing witness to the light of Christ.’ (John 8:12)
Read MoreGod has hidden His Son among the nations. His light is casting shadows in places where the revelation of Christ is yet to unfold. Do you see the shadows of Christ among your people? As Jesus is ‘lifted up’ He will draw all nations unto Himself. (John 12:32) The Good News is Jesus. He is the light of the world. (Luke 2:29-32)
Read MoreEat, drink and be merry! There’s truth in this phrase. How we dine impacts relationships with God and others. The Apostle Paul said our dining with others should not cause relational barriers for people or people groups to encounter Jesus. In the Old Testament (OT) food was an issue, but in the New Testament (NT) the significance of dietary laws has changed and allows us to encounter all people at the table.
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