City On a Hill...

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

In the early 1630's John Winthrop studied this powerful passage while journeying to America. In the midst of prayer, he was convinced the Lord wanted to show His glory in this new nation. Winthrop believed that the eyes of the world would look and see the righteousness of God. He wrote,

"For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us; so that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall shame the faces of many of God's worthy servants, and cause their prayers to be turned into curses . . ."

In many ways, Winthrop's hope prevailed. In addition to justice and freedom, America became a nation where glory was manifest. From the Great Awakening of the Eighteenth Century to the wondrous outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the late Twentieth Century, America has been ablaze with His presence. Despite the numerous failures and misguided notions, America has still demonstrated a powerful hunger for the glory of God.

Years later, President Ronald Reagan would draw from Winthrop's overarching hope of America. On the eve of his election in November of 1980, he affirmed the following,

"Let us resolve tonight that young Americans will always ... find a city of hope in a country that is free.... And let us resolve they will say of our day and our generation, we did keep the faith with our God, that we did act worthy of ourselves, that we did protect and pass on lovingly that shining city on a hill."

He visited this imagery again as he prepared to leave office in January of 1989. Reagan noted,

"I've thought a bit of the `shining city upon a hill.' The phrase comes from John Winthrop, who wrote it to describe the America he imagined. What he imagined was important because he was an early Pilgrim, an early freedom man. He journeyed here on what today we'd call a little wooden boat; and like the other Pilgrims, he was looking for a home that would be free. I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, windswept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace… That's how I saw it, and see it still."

Even in turmoil and social unrest we cannot forget our purpose and calling. We are to shine the glorious light of Jesus!

Perhaps Winthrop and Reagan understood something easily overlooked in these trying times. Yes, there are great challenges and terror that threaten us. Anger and disappointment certainly mar the judgment of many. Yet, these things do not really matter. Though the darkness rises, we are still called to be a shining city on a hill.

In the Sweet Bye and Bye?

“...tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the coming age.” (Hebrews 6:5)

I grew up singing about some day in the sweet bye and bye when everything would finally be good. I remember how many of the people who attended church with me back then testified about another day. They cried as they shared about how wonderful it would be to cross over the Jordan and finally see the wonder and power of God.

Their futuristic sentiment was reflected in the lyrics of a hymn we sang virtually every Sunday:

"When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"1

I suppose that after Christ comes back at some time in the future, they believed that they would finally have a little joy in their hearts. But until then they were going to have to find a way to deal with all their bitterness and distractions. While the elusive future was always filled with hope, the present was always dark and challenging.

This is largely the same sentiment I get whenever I listen to contemporary Christian Music. Driving down the road the other day I heard a popular song on the local Christian station affirming:

Troubled soul don't lose your heart
Cause joy and peace He brings
And the beauty that's in store
Outweighs the hurt of life's sting

But I hold onto this hope
And the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day
When the burdens of this place Will be no more"2

Yes, there are many problems and issues that affect people and it will certainly be glorious to see Jesus face-to-face at some time in the future. Yet, why do Christians seem to have such an escapist outlook that only finds meaning and hope in the future.

The Word of God is clear in affirming that believers can experience the strength and glory of God now! The writer of Hebrews writes in 6:5 about a people who had already tasted of the "powers of the coming age." In other words the glory of the future was already breaking in on them now. If this couldn’t be experienced, the writer of Hebrews would never have framed it as an option.

Nobody seems to be telling believers that we can experience the "glory of the future" today.

I don't know about you, but I am ready to taste of the glory of the coming age now!

Notes

1. "How Great Thou Art" - Carl Gustav Boberg (1859–1940)

2. "There Will Be a Day" - Jeremy Camp

What is Wrong With Ishmael?

God promised the great Patriarch Abraham a son through whom all the nations would be blessed. You would think that when his first son was born, God might have used him to fulfill the promise. In fact, Abraham exclaimed, "if only Ishmael might live under your blessing!" (Genesis 17:18). But Ishmael was not the one promised.

You can really feel the strain in the story because Abraham loved Ishmael. After all - he was his first-born son. Nevertheless, this son was not the one to bless the world. I can almost hear Abraham asking, "What is wrong with Ishmael? He came from me. He's my son. Can't You bless him?"

The answer from God was, "No."

Ishmael - though loved of Abraham and God - was not the one to carry the blessing.

Ishmael came the natural way, but his second, son, Isaac was birthed supernaturally. In Galatians Paul writes that "the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit" (Galatians 4:29). This simple statement explains everything. What was wrong with Ishmael? Wasn't he a son of Abraham? Yes, but Ishmael was born in the flesh, not the Spirit.

I believe there is a similar strain among Christians today. We have many seemingly acceptable things born "in the flesh." we have programs and outreaches. Many of these things look good and appear to provide some assistance, but they were not birthed in the Spirit.

People ask, "Are you saying God will not work through what we already have? Is there something wrong with my church?"

The fact that there are admirable qualities in our congregations is not the point. What should be our concern is whether or not they have been birthed in the Spirit?

When we finally begin to experience that which has been birthed in the Spirit it will cause us to rise up and experience an advancement never anticipated. How I long to encounter congregations who have been conceived in the Spirit.

Height + Depth = Length

People often asked about the move of God taking place in our congregation. They want to know how we've experienced sustained revival over the last number of years. I often share with them what I am about to share with you.

World Revival Church has experienced an enduring move of God, by applying the following equation:

Height + Depth = Length

The "heights" are what most Spirit-filled believers are interested in. This is when the presence and power of God are manifest in a tangible way. God "shows up" and people are saved, healed and delivered from the devil. His soaring glory draws men and enables them to experience the wonders of His presence.

Yet, to see revival continue, people must experience more than height. Yes, people need to see God, but they must see who they are as well. While in the heights of revival, God shows you who He is. However, in the depths of revival, God shows you who you are. His depths reveal our selfishness and sin. We are challenged to fall on our faces and be changed.

Having a sustained move of God is not difficult if you understand both parts of this equation. We need to see God as well as ourselves. When you experience both the height and the depth, you will have the length.

Clarity

"How will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?" (1 Corinthians 14:7-8)

One of the single most important things that a leader can do today is bring clarity. Too many ministries have become rather "fuzzy" in their call to action. Congregations are used to hearing nice "flowery" messages but are unsure about what they should actually do. We would do well to remember that the goal isn't length or beauty of speech, it's clarity.

When you are communicating with people, are you making sure that your message is simple and clear? Are you emphasizing a strong call to action or are you just giving a lot of "good" ideas and platitudes.

Understand that anything less than precision will bring confusion and inaction to your ministry. You can't ask people to do three - or even two things. If you want to see anything happen, ask them to do one thing and one thing alone.

With such darkness and confusion, the church truly needs a greater sense of clarity.

Everything Should be Done...

"Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (1 Corinthians 14:40)

For some reason, it seems that a lot of "religious" people are worried about their church being out of order. They express concerns about public displays of prayer and other strong expressions of worship. I even heard one man say, "We can't have all that crazy, emotional stuff going on here. It just wouldn't be decently and in order."

But you know, before worrying about whether spiritual things are done in a way that fits our decorum and religious personalities, shouldn't we first be concerned whether they are being done at all.

It seems that people pass right over the first part of this verse, "Everything should be done..."

Before we get to our discussions of what is fitting and orderly, shouldn't we first make sure that everything that is supposed be done, actually gets done.

It is strange that we are often less concerned with "what," than we are with "how." When given the option of encountering something wonderful that conflicted with their religious sensibilities and continuing "safely" in "dead religion," many most would gladly chose the latter. Rather than being uncomfortable in glory, most would prefer that nothing happened in their church.

Let me be clear, I am not saying that methodology and practice doesn't matter. One always has to be sensitive to people and the environments they are ministering in. Some approaches are certainly in conflict with Scripture and should be rejected.

Yet, there is so much more to this than just form, style and cultural expression.

Whether it fits us or not, everything that is supposed to done, must be done.

Revival Refuses to Stand Still

Last weekend I went to the Brownsville Revival Reunion Conference in Pensacola, Florida. I met some wonderful people and stood side-by-side with them in heart-felt worship. I celebrated the great things that God did fourteen years ago at Brownsville Assembly of God.

Yet, as much as I enjoyed the meetings, I got a sense that many of the people there were still stuck in 1995. They wanted to hear the old songs, they longed for the old messages. They wanted to remember what it used to feel like it did when they first experienced God in the Pensacola Outpouring.

Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with remembering. It would really do us well to reflect on the good things that God has done in our lives.

Yet, God doesn't stand still. He moves; and if we do not move with Him, we will be left behind.

I remember the struggles that I felt when the flames of the Smithton Outpouring first began to wane. I was deeply touched in those meetings and could not imagine things being any different. I loved the songs, I loved the distinctive small church environment and tone. I had a hard time moving on to a new expression of spiritual awakening but somehow had to learn how to do so.

I had someone say, "That is a lot easier for you to say and do. Since May 2, of 2008 your congregation has experienced a wonderful new season of revival."

Yes, it is a lot easier to do when God is doing a new thing in your midst. But that is the point. God is wanting to do a new thing and for the most part few are willing to respond.

Understand whether you go on or whether you remain, revival refuses to stand still.

Ten Hindrances to Revival

What is keeping you from experiencing revival? At the last World Revival Network Conference in March, Pastor Steve Gray outlined ten reasons why local churches are not experiencing revival.

Providing strong biblical insight, a practical outlook and an insightful approach, Gray's insights were well-received by those that attended.

In the following, I will recap some of what he shared:

1. Revival is often hindered because we don't want it. People are more concerned with avoiding a disruption in their lives than experiencing the presence. "Much of our 'Christianity' is simply a cleaner carnality," Steve Gray said.
2. Revival is often hindered because we are just too culturally bound. Americans don't know how to give themselves to anything (but selfishness). We are unable to fully concentrate on the moments at hand. "People consume everything. They aren't ready to be consumed," he said.
3. Revival is often hindered because our religious practices are rooted in fear and control. History shows that Martin Luther used fear to gain the upper hand over the Catholics. The same thing is happening today. Fear and anxiety is literally driving our evangelism and worship.
4. Revival is often hindered because we have no understanding of the tension between the sovereignty of God and our own efforts. Revival is either beyond reach or something that is manufactured. Gray said, "God makes the first move but it is important that we respond."
   
5. Revival is often hindered because we refuse to be single-minded. Churches try to cover too many other things, rather than just concentrate on revival. "Church is a place where God comes down, not a place where we push political agendas," Gray said.
6. Revival is often hindered because we're under constant temptation to be "fleshly." it seems that a high level of worldliness is accepted in Christianity today. People need to decide whether to be "pulled by the world or the Holy Spirit."
7. Revival is often hindered because we fear "emotionalism." We need to understand that everything in the Bible affects our emotions! People are going to respond whenever they are touched by God. I think we should be afraid of services where people don't have any emotion.
   
8. Revival is often hindered because we have a rather weak value system. We love God, but we love everything else too. We love ice cream, the NFL and Jesus too. "Narrow all these multiple loves to what is really meaningful," Gray said.
9. Revival is often hindered because we don't re4ally know what we want. Oh we know what we don't want - being inconvenienced, unpopular, unappreciated. Yet, we have know idea what we would really like to see. "Ask a miserable person what he wants; he won't know," Gray said.
10. Revival is often hindered because we think that blessing means something for nothing. People seem to place a greater value on things when they've had to sacrifice. You have to do "whatever it takes to get a move of God," Gray said.

These ten items are quite helpful to consider whenever one is going for a move of God in their church.

Four People That a Leader Needs

I was thinking the other day about the serious problems leaders face. I began to reflect on the fact that leaders are often working in isolation. Oh, they might have a few people in their lives who are helping them. But usually they only bring part of what is needed. Most leaders need different people in their lives who bring different things to the table.

I think there are four kinds of people that a leader needs in their life. They need, coaches, models, partners and friends.

1. Coaches

Leaders need something of a father in the faith. You need someone to come along side you and help you better apply yourself and think much bigger. A mentor is needed who will speak into your life and provide purpose and direction. If you haven't found a good coach, you really need to find one.

2. Models

Leaders also need models. You need to find an individual who is really fleshing out the truth and begin to emulate them. Models can be people people you personally know or those you have watched from afar. They can be living or dead. What matters is that they have really lived out what you want to become. Who is your model?

3. Partners

Partners are the gifted leaders who work along side us in the local context. As fellow soldiers in the trenches, they help you carry the weight and faithfully execute everything that needs to be done. Leaders desperately need partners who will serve along side of them. Who are your partners and how are you developing them?

4. Friends

Leaders desperately need to have close personal friends in their life. You need those who will listen to your problems and give you a word of encouragement. You need those who will cut to the chase and ask you what the real issues are. Too many leaders do not have a friend. Who are your friends? Have you continued to utilize their influence in your life?

As I reflect on this, I realize that few leaders have all four of these people in their lives. They might have one or two, but seldom do I find anyone who has all four. If leaders can find a way to invest in these kinds of relationships, they will see a remarkable difference in their leadership. What are you waiting for?

No Margin

When I look around today, it seems that bank accounts are overdrawn, cars are running on empty, and the eight-hour workday is often carried on with less than four hours of sleep. Relationships and family life are now strained in ways that are unprecedented. Tensions are so wound up in the workplace that people are doing all they can to keep from exploding.

It is quite baffling that people with seemingly comfortable lives and well-paying jobs are experiencing such severe fatigue and overload, but they are. While one would think that they have every reason to be happy and hopeful, they are nevertheless gripped by stress, depression and exhaustion.

Why are these things happening? Obviously a significant part of this problem is spiritual. People are far from God. Yet, another area affecting lives is an increasing lack of margin. People are becoming so reckless and irresponsible that they don't leave much room to breathe. Things are so out of control, that people don’t make room for unforeseen problems. Quite simply, there is absolutely no margin.

Richard A. Swenson M.D. writes, “Margin is the space between our load and our limits. It is the amount allowed beyond what is needed. It is something held in reserve for contingencies or unanticipated situations. Margin is the gap between rest and exhaustion, the space between breathing freely and suffocating.” (Richard Swenson; Margin; P.69; NavPress; Copyright © 2004).

Clarifying this thought further, Swenson writes, “The formula for margin is: Power – Load = Margin. Power is made up of factors such as energy, skills, time, training, emotional and physical strength, faith, finances and social supports. Load is made up of such factors as work, problems, obligations and commitments, expectations, debt, deadlines, and impersonal conflicts. When our load is greater than our power, we enter into negative margin status.” (Richard Swenson; Margin; P.70; NavPress; Copyright © 2004).

Dr. Swenson effectively argues in his book that if a negative margin continues, it can create a severe breakdown in the lives of people.

Outside of spiritual growth, what we really need to do is to work toward creating more margin in our lives. We really need to take some time and slow down. Find a way to not rush through conversations and leave some room in our bank accounts for unforeseen problems. We desperately need more margin.

The One To Whom It Rightfully Belongs...

Churches often give Satan too much prominence. In fact, they are almost fixated on him.

Satan is not King. Although referred to as the “god of this world” by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:4b, Satan has never had full legal jurisdiction in the earth. Any “lordship” he has possessed comes from robbery or deception. He has no legal right to anything in God’s creation.

The Psalmist affirmed, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…” (Psalm 24:1). Likewise, the writer of Hebrews affirmed that Jesus was “appointed heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:1-2). Thus, one can clearly see that Satan has no legal right to Jesus’ inheritance.

That is not to say that the devil hasn’t caused trouble or done illegal things against humanity. Satan is a renegade who often takes things that he is not entitled to.

What the devil does is, in many ways, similar to what happened in a classic English story.

In the fourteenth century, Europe was in the midst of the Crusades and King Richard the Lionhearted of England ventured into battle. While away, an unjust man named Prince John, seized authority. Through corruption and greedy tactics, the English people were subjugated. Although John did not possess the authority to do these things, no one opposed him. Finally, Robin Hood and his merry men began a resistance movement. In the wonderful ending of the story, King Richard the Lionhearted returns to reestablish justice and peace. Prince John is removed from power and everything is made right!

In many ways, Satan is like Prince John. He is taking power and authority that he is not entitled to. Unfortunately, too many of us are just giving it to him.

I love what the prophet Ezekiel had to say about all of this.

“O profane and wicked prince of Israel, whose day has come, whose time of punishment has reached its climax, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Take off the turban, remove the crown. It will not be as it was: The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low. A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! It will not be restored until he comes to whom it rightfully belongs; to him I will give it’’’ (Ezekiel 21:25 – 27).

Satan, it is time to take off your crown. Jesus is the one to whom it rightfully belongs.

The Lordship of Jesus?

How important is repentance? It is disturbing, but some modern Christians have belittled repentance or any focus on the present Lordship of Christ. They say that all one needs to do is simply accept Jesus as savior – Lordship is not required.

For example, Charles Ryrie, the popular author of the Ryrie Study Bible, wrote, “…if only committed people are saved people, then where is there room for carnal Christians?” (Charles Ryrie; Balancing the Christian Life; p.170; Moody Press; Chicago, Illinois; Copyright © 1969.) Likewise, one of his ministry colleagues, Zane Hodges, wrote, “…God can use repentance to draw men to saving faith in Christ. But He does not need to.” (Zane Hodges; Absolutely Free! A Biblical Reply to Lordship Salvation; p. 156; Redencion Viva; Dallas, Texas; Copyright © 1989.)

There is some concern that these comments may be representative of a growing undercurrent within the Evangelical community. Others believe this type of thinking has been emerging for years.

Missionary evangelist James A. Stewart wrote in 1955 that he “noticed a gradual, subtle shift in the emphasis of the ‘gospel of the glory of Christ,’ which amounts to a complete perversion of the blessed evangel. The emphasis in our modern-day evangelism has shifted from that of the Lordship of Christ to easy ‘believism.’ This shifting of emphasis had led to an adulterated Gospel and changed the message and ministry of the Church.” (James A. Stewart; The Lordship of Christ, 3^rd edition; p. 11; Revival Literature; Ashville, North Carolina; Copyright © 1955.)

Like Stewart, I am concerned about these patterns in churches. We simply cannot move away from the importance of faith, repentance and total submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

With great Biblical insight, the late A. W. Tozer affirmed the following, “The Lord will not save those whom he cannot command. He will not divide His offices. You cannot believe on a half-Christ. We take Him for what He is – the anointed Savior and Lord who is King of kings and Lord of all lords! He would not be who He is if He saved us and called us and chose us without the understanding that He can also guide and control our lives.” (A.W. Tozer; I Call It Heresy; pp. 18-19; Christian Publications; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Copyright ©1974.)

When are we going to be bothered about churches that are "preaching a gospel without repentance, a new birth without conversion, a savior who is not lord, and justification without sanctification." (James A Stewart; The Lordship of Christ; 3rd Edition; p. 11; Revival Literature; Ashville, North Carolina; Copyright (C) 1955.

It is time that something be done!

Tips For Finding the Right Thing to Say in A Difficult Situation

In life, people will always encounter difficult situations. What could one say in these times of challenge? In the following, we are going to be looking at some strategies of what to say in a difficult situation.

1. Identify the real problem.

What is the real issue here - not the perceived one. What is the root concern here? The real problem is rarely stated so you may have to dig a little deeper.

2. Don’t assume that you know what’s going to happen next.

You just don't always know the outcome. People react to issues and questions a number of different ways. A different tactic from you, may cause an entirely different response.

3. Find the right questions to ask.

What questions would truly bring clarity in this situation? What inquiry could deescalate emotions and concerns. Sometimes we don't need better answers, we just need better questions.

4. Don’t react with judgment.

Be slow to make a judgment or condemnation of the other person. Make sure you have all facts before you make the final determination. A good leader never just reacts. he or she weighs everything.

5. Acknowledge other people's feelings.

When you have to say some hard things, you should consider other people's thoughts and feelings. You must factor that into all your interactions. Harsh people are rarely able to build anything.

6. Think about what you would actually like for them to do.

What are you wanting in this situation? What would be the ultimate outcome? What would success look like? How do you know whether you have won or not, if you don't know what the win is?

Apply these tips next time you find yourself in a challenging situation.

An Empty Way of Life?

"...you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers." (1 Peter 1:18b)

Whether one likes it or not, they are the product of their particular environment and life experiences. The pervasive influence of a personal history shapes the future in ways never anticipated.

While there is certainly some good that comes from the past, there are also many things that separate people far from God. Unfortunately, most of what has been handed down could be only described as an "empty way of life." Our families and churches have tendency to offer humanism and "hollow religion." They are full of good intentions but in the end offer little of real value.

The good news is that as we encounter the real presence and power of God, we are being redeemed from the empty way of life. Jesus' glory delivers us from the past and gives us a wondrous future. It is time that we embrace the new way of life that comes from an encounter with God. We simply cannot hold on to an empty way of life any more.

Lives Continue to Be Impacted in Kansas City

The revival services in Kansas City, Missouri continue to grow in impact and strength.

If you haven't yet made plans to come to the services at World Revival Church, I would recommend that you do so.

You can find out more by clicking here.