World Revival Network Blog

Gospel Of The Glory

2012-01-26T12:18:00.000-06:00

I've found that believers have a lot to say about the gospel. Their words often imbibe the intricacies of sin, redemption and hope for the future.

As I try to perk up my ears, I'm always amazed by all the nuances of the work of Christ.

Yet, I sense something more should be arising in our conversations. It's not that our words are wrong; they're just inadequate to fully describe what's transpiring.

I sense that others feel this way too.

In my desire to go beyond the constraints of religious discourse, I recently uncovered a unique biblical excerpt. Perhaps you will be as impacted by it as I was.

Paul writes of “...the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

In the end, I've found that the problem with most people's understanding of the gospel is that they leave out the glory.

Questions You Need to Consider

2012-01-12T22:32:00.000-06:00

When it comes to finding ways to develop your leadership and influence, I've discovered some relevant questions that you should consider.

Take a little time and consider what the answer of each of these questions will mean for you. Your future impact and influence may be depending on it.

Identity - Who Are We?

Purpose - What is the broader overarching goal?

Values - What are the beliefs that underline our actions?

Priorities - What are we focusing our energy and resources on?

Practices - What are the methods and approaches we are using to accomplish what we want to do?

Personnel - Who are we using to accomplish what we are being called to do?

Content - What is being communicated?

If you take the time to honestly ponder these questions, you have an excellent basis for growth and development in 2012.

What's In You Could Derail You

2012-01-06T00:29:00.000-06:00

Have you ever found yourself in a challenging situation? I certainly have.

Not long ago I inherited a demanding leadership responsibility. All of the sudden, I had to excel in something that I felt rather ill-equipped to accomplish.

To my dismay I allowed some wrong attitudes to arise.

Sooner or later, every leader faces a similar conflict within their heart. They must not only come to grips with their own constraints, they must also come to acknowledge their narrow approach to management.

So what did I do to overcome this problem?

In the midst of my struggle I was impacted by a passage that not only convicted me but gave me a distinct plan of action. I believe that this scripture could also help you when you face similar challenges.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure." (Philippians 2:14)

In this biblical verse the Apostle Paul tells us, first of all, to "do everything." It doesn't matter if you're ill-equipped or if you don't enjoy doing it. Leaders must find a way to do everything they are being asked to do. Paul is suggesting that people like you and me must stand and deliver.

Yet, with all that said, productivity in the face of opposition is simply not enough. You must not only put your hand to work in difficult circumstances. You must also find a way to accomplish this without "complaining or arguing." As a leader, you have a biblical responsibility to fulfill all your obligations with a righteous disposition.

Too often we give ourselves a free pass when it comes to our own attitudes and actions. We don't like the complaining we observe in others, but aren't bothered when same type of talk pours from our own mouth. We quickly excuse our own infractions while holding others to an impossibly high standard of behavior.

So, in this little Pauline passage we find an excellent plan of action; an effective way to overcome foolishness and pride. Since I've found this biblical strategy so helpful I thought that I might share it with you as well.

Remember, you must do everything that's necessary and do it with the right heart. This matters a great deal. In fact, your future capacity for leadership may be riding on this decision. So, it is not something I would play around with.

Three Things Ministry Leaders Often Overlook

2011-12-27T16:44:00.000-06:00

As I'veworked alongside churches and ministry organizations over the last severalyears, I've observed three things that strongly shape their receptivity and impact. They are: content, experiences and relationships.

Content

For me, contentrefers to quality of what's being shared. If the communicationlacks depth or application, listeners will quickly disengage. People simply willnot listen to things they don't receive value from. Growing ministries continuallyproduce desirable content in their teachings, literature and online media. Quality content certainly makes a difference.

Experiences
Whether youlike it or not, experiences are also an important part of modern-day engagement.I've found that individuals do whatever they can to avoid what is dull anddisengaging. Yet, dynamic encounters produce an entirely different response.People will adjust their schedule to participate in something new and exciting. Ministries that don't give people something worth attending willwatch as their pews empty. Influential churcheshave learned the importance of experiencing the work ofthe Holy Spirit regularly. Don't be mistaken experiences always matter.

Relationships
The third andmost important dynamic of a growing ministry is relationships. With so much alienation and conflict today, people desperately want to find an authentic expression of community. You've probably seen this too, but right now there's a deep longing for family permeating our nation. So, if people don't find meaningful connections in a local ministry, they simply won't remain associated. Churches who deliberately investin relationships now will be in a better position to expand in the coming years. Relational connections are truly essential.

Leaders are often looking at other areas of concern but I would urge them to consider these three dimensions. While there are many things affecting ministries, perhaps some of the most pivotal issues involve content, experiences, and relationships.

The question for leaders near and far is what are we going to do about this? How are we going to work to improve these areas of concern?

If our ministries don't have worthwhile content, experiences or relationships, then we don't have anything sustainable to offer.

Stop One Thing That Drains You And Your Ministry

2011-12-15T19:57:00.000-06:00

Ministry can be a rather difficult area to labor in. Whenever people try to serve the Body of Christ, they often experience obstacles and severe discord; things that they should not have to face from fellow Christians.

Many Spirit-filled leaders mistakenly believe they have to continually accept severe opposition and criticism. Out of some sense of ministerial duty, they keep taking the harsh phone calls and making room for people whose sole purpose in life is to obstruct the move of God.

I know they want to be loving, but leaders don’t have to keep taking that kind of abuse.

Sometimes they need to be reminded of some sound ministry protocols.

Addressing this difficult issue Paul told Titus, "Warn a quarrelsome person once or twice, but then be done with him. It's obvious that such a person is out of line, rebellious against God. By persisting in divisiveness he cuts himself off." (Titus 3:10-11 - Message)

Leaders would do well to learn from Paul.

Don’t keep engaging someone who continually causes problems. We have too many important things to accomplish to allow our time to be consumed by those who are rebellious against God.

Everyone deserves a chance but when they have been proven to be disruptive, don't engage them anymore.

Are You An Apostle?

2011-12-07T09:43:00.001-06:00

There are many discussions these days about the identity, role, and function of"apostles." Rarely a month goes by where I don't hear at least one heated debate about this. Many in the Church are continuing to wrestle with the five-fold ministry.

I've found that virtually everyaspect of this discussion elicits an explosion of emotions. As I try to tackleone aspect of this theological controversy, I do so knowing I'm basically entering a minefield.

In the following, I don't want toenter the quagmire of what the "apostolic"means for governing the local church. Isimply want to look at the background of the word "apostle" and what it might mean for us in the broader mission of the Church.

It would shock a lot of people tohear this but the term "apostle" didn't originate in the Church or in thepages of Scripture. Just like the words "church" (ecclesia) and "evangelize" (evangelizo), it was borrowed from broader usage in Roman society.

So, before defining and applying this word "apostle," shouldn't we ask how itwas originally used?

A brief background study shows that"apostle" was derived from the Greek word "apostolos." It had a ratherlengthy etymological and conceptual history before Paul borrowed it to affirman important aspect of ministry.

In its origins, "apostolos" was a military concept first utilized by the Phoenicians and later picked upby the Greeks and Romans. It referred to a special envoy sent with the unique jurisdiction and authority of the emperor.

To understand the meaning of thisword, one must also understand the growing problemsin this ancient period. Rome in particular, was dealing with a crisis ofoverpopulation and dwindling resources. Without additional territories for supplies and population redistribution, the social fabric could unravel.

In response to this mounting crisis, the emperor sentout fleets of ships to conquer neighboring territories. These were his "apostles."

While this entirenaval armada was called "apostolos" or the "sent outones," The term was particularly associated with the lead ship and itsadmiral.

In this perilous mission the admiral had an essential duty to accomplish. While each man in the company was commissioned to fight, he was there to ensure something else. You see, this "apostle" was commissioned to bring the civilization of Rome into this new territory. Transforming the legal, financial and educational systems, he made sure the new land was just like home.

We tend to make it a lot of other things, but at its core the apostle was simply a culture maker. He was there to make things look and feel like Rome. Through his labors, the new territory became a desirable outpost of the empire; a place even the emperor was comfortable visiting.

It is not difficult to see what the authors of the New Testament had in mind when they wrote about "apostles." They utilized elements in the Roman empire to illustrate an essential outworking of the Church. They wanted us to know that we are being commissioned to establish the culture of heaven right here on earth. This apostolic reality compels us to redefine our world - constructing the kind of place our King would find comfortable.

"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" now carries a much deeper meaning doesn't it?

Do You Misunderstand Worship?

2011-11-30T16:01:00.001-06:00

It seems that just about everyone has particular ideas about worship. Yet I'm not sure that our modern understanding always reflects its original meaning in Scripture and church history.

In this short blog post there isn't room to address all the biblical and historical foundations, but I would like to take a moment and make a brief exploration of the background of the word "worship."

In my extensive studies I've found that our word “worship” isactually derived from the Old-English word “worthship.” We obviously don't use this word in conversations much today but at that particular time "worthship" was tied to the idea that some things were truly worthy of honor and reverence.

So, in the broader English tradition the common people expressed “worth-ship” to a king, noble or a person of distinction. They understood worship to be an essential act of self-denial.

Today, when I hear people talking about worship, they usually speak about it in terms that are rather far removed from this understanding.

Although people certainly give lip-service to the importance of reverence and love in church, for most, worship is understood as singing nostalgic songs. Just hum a few bars of "Amazing Grace" and you have yourself a delightful little worship service.

While singing is certainly a valuable part of it's expression, whenever Christians make music all that worship is, something essential gets lost. Instead of trying to make ourselves feel good, we need to proclaim God's goodness.

Worship is about expressing worth. It's not just reading words off a hymnal, illuminated projector or screen; it's about giving Jesus all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

I don't know about you, but I think it's time to get back to the original meaning of worship.

Give Thanks Tomorrow Too...

2011-11-23T13:52:00.001-06:00

"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." (Ephesians 5:3-4)

Often church leaders spend a lot of time talking about what should be avoided. I understand that. Yet, it seems that we rarely get around to what we should actually be doing (except maybe once a year).

I know that Paul goes through an extensive list of sins in Ephesians 5 which we should stay away from. Believers should always be mindful of the problem of sin. Yet, as I read this passage I see that immorality, greed and the other vices were not his primary concern.

No, Paul's underlying focus was the importance of thanksgiving.

Yes, we need to stay away from some things, but there are other things we should be doing.

There is a power and strength that comes through thanksgiving. It is an attitude and characteristic that defines us as Christians. It is something that we must continually do.

Don't just give thanks today, be sure and give thanks tomorrow too.

Questions To Consider...

2011-11-16T16:00:00.001-06:00

When it comes to developing your leadership and working to grow a vibrant local ministry, I've found that it is good to try to ask a few strategic questions.

The kind of questions that you are willing to ask yourself says a lot about you and what you are trying to accomplish.

I'm sure that you have got your own set of questions, but I thought I would share some that I have found to be important.

Take a little time and consider what the answer of each of them will mean for you. Your future may be depending on it.

Identity - Who Are We?
Purpose - What is the broader overarching goal?
Values - What are the beliefs that underline our actions?
Priorities - What are we focusing our energy and resources on?
Practices - What are the methods and approaches we are using to accomplish what we want to do?
Personnel - Who are we using to accomplish what we are being called to do?

Content - What is being communicated?

So what do you have to say? I've found that answering penetrating questions places you in a better position to make a difference.

Waiting On The Glory?

2011-11-10T21:06:00.002-06:00

Spirit-filled believers are always talking about how the glory of God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Okay... So here we are waiting around for this day to happen. Anticipation builds as our Spirit-filled congregations quietly await a future affirmation.

The problem with this popular teaching is that it is not what Scripture actually says. Look at the originating text with me for a moment:

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14)

The scripture doesn't say the glory will one day fill the earth. It says that one day the knowledge of the glory will cover the whole earth.

This text is suggesting a truly radical idea: The glory of God already covers the earth. Just one day the knowledge of it will finally be everywhere.

If the glory is already subtly at work all over the planet, how does that change things for you? Might you feel the need to pray a little differently? Might you be ready to attack sickness and disease?

Maybe you are pushing back against this idea. That's okay, someday the knowledge of this truth will finally become clear to you and everybody else.

Goodness Is Arising

2011-11-03T20:58:00.001-05:00

There seems to be a lot of difficulty today. People are struggling with uncertain financial and relational futures. I suppose many feel like their fragile marriages and way of life are bending under an almost unbearable weight.

For them, what's over the horizon just doesn't seem as bright as it once was.

When challenges arise - and they always do - it's easy to get caught up in the throes of despair. After all, that is how the mass of humanity responds.

Nevertheless, Spirit-filled believers - people like you and me - should have an entirely different outlook.

Though troubles will certainly come, the clutches of darkness simply cannot not hold us (at least for very long). Evil talks a good talk, but ultimately isn't that powerful. I don't care what the T.V. preacher says, darkness will never completely overtake the earth.

With every passing day it's the goodness of God that transforms and defines the cosmos. We no longer have to be trapped under the suffocating thumb of darkness. A surpassing goodness is arising!

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good"(Romans 12:21). From this simple passage we see that believers don't have to submit to the darkness. No matter how strong evil appears to be, it doesn't have a chance before what is already at work in us.

Stand up and throw off the shackles of darkness. Goodness is arising!

Some Church Services Do More Harm Than Good

2011-10-27T20:44:00.003-05:00

Let me open this blog post by saying that I truly love church services. There's no question that Christians must keep meeting together. The continual gathering of the saints is, in fact, a strong biblical command. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing..." (Hebrews 10:25a)

Yet, with all that said, there is a particular issue that really needs to be addressed. The weekly meetings of some congregations undermine the grace of God.

Let me be clear, it's not the meetings - but wrong attitudes under-girding them that's causing trouble.

In time, careless believers find themselves entangled in quarreling and selfish ambition. Soon bitter attitudes and pride worm their way into once tranquil halls of worship.

Those who once came for deliverance now only find only darkness in the room.

The Apostle Paul dealt with a similar thing in the church in Corinth. Addressing this, he noted, "In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good" (1 Corinthians 11:17).

I think that we should always try to find good things to say about people and churches. Yet sometimes what's taking place in our gatherings is so hollow and uninspiring that it deserves no praise. Yes, sometimes our meetings do more harm than good.

How are you going to make sure that grace continues to be manifest in your church? This is an important question that needs to be considered.

What Are You Doing With Your Time?

2011-10-20T21:05:00.007-05:00

"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." (Luke 10:40)

Leaders are often a distracted people.

Many times it’s easy for them to get caught up in little things that seem momentarily important, but may not actually be of much value.

This is particularly true in the challenging areas of ministry and organizational oversight. Every day church leaders face a lot of different things that seem to have only marginal value.

Some of the examples of distractions that I am thinking of are in the areas that follow. Everyday, leaders face:

Random Questions
Personal Requests
General Phone Calls
Mundane Decisions
General Mail
General Emails
General Text Messages
Mid-Morning Snack
Facebook Updates
Twitter Updates
Blog Posts
Sales People
Drop-in Guests
Coffee Shop Appointments
Stacking and Reshuffling Papers

Yes, some things in life simply aren't that important. They can be likened to "chaff." Spending too much time on them keeps you from accomplishing the more substantive things. A ministry can easily get overwhelmed by things that are urgent, but unimportant.

So where should a leaders spend their time? I recommend some of the following priorities:

Your Personal Relationship With God
Your Spouse
Your Children
Prayer
Worship
Biblical Study
Ministry
Leadership Development
Outreach
Stewardship and Finances
Health
Job
Close Friends
Planning and Organization
Core Values

What do you think about this list? Do you have some other items that you would add? Why don't you get out a piece of paper and consider where you should place your time over the next few weeks. This little exercise could totally transform your future.

A Three-Fold Model of Ministry

2011-10-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." (Matthew 4:23)

A lot of people enjoy talking about effective models of ministry. How are we supposed to function as Spirit-led leaders? What is the appropriate approach? This is the kind of talk that often takes place at conferences and in numerous after-service conversations.

While no one can truly provide a definitive answer, there are some effective models that can be gained from the pages of Scripture - if you know where to look.

In particular, I have been recently struck with a model that is demonstrated in Matthew 4:23. In this particular passage, Jesus fleshes out an excellent three-fold model of ministry.

As He moved forth, He taught, He preached, and He healed.

It was a total package deal for Him. He brought all of these elements together for maximum ministerial impact.

While there are a lot of other things that should be considered, I think that this is an effective model of ministry for us to embrace in the present-day environment.

Four Questions Leaders Need To Ask

2011-10-06T14:01:00.003-05:00

In our ongoing work with Spirit-led leaders, World Revival Network has found it useful to encourage times of inquiry and reflection. Leaders really need to assess what's going on around them.

How are you going to move forward if you don't know where you actually stand?

In these significant moments of reflection, we've utilized a series of questions that help bring clarity and direction. I wanted to go over them with you below:

1. What’s Working?

While working to improve leadership, it's easy to start with the problems. Yet, that does not always serve a leader well. It's often better to start with the things that are actually working. Find the "bright spots." Where are you experiencing success in your leadership? What's actually bearing fruit? What would happen if you would pour a little more time and energy into those things?

2. What Isn’t Working?

Obviously, a leader cannot ignore problems. Moving from what's working to what's not is the next step. Make an honest assessment of what's going on and write it down. Where are the breakdowns? What is not being all that well received? Should it be redeveloped or stopped altogether? Ultimately problems have to be addressed.

3. What’s Confusing?

Leaders find rejection bewildering; particularly when they're doing what is honorable. They wonder how people could drag their feet when the goal is so obvious. The answer is likely related to confusion. People don't respond well to things they don't understand. Leaders who take the time to explain their organizational vision and practices fare much better than those who don't. Confused people are reluctant to respond, no matter how righteous the purpose is.

4. What’s Missing?

Leaders aren't only affected by actions, they are also affected by neglect. Organizations can be more hindered by what's missing than what's actually in operation. Leaders should not only take the time to assess what's being done. They should also carefully consider what's missing. Sometimes the best way to advance an organization is discover what's absent and try adding that to the equation.

Don't let the simplicity of these questions deceive you. As you honestly answer each of these questions, it will enable you to make a better assessment of where you are and how you can move forward.

Make Known Among The Nations What He Has done

2011-09-20T17:23:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, as people of faith, it’s easy to forget about those far from God.

On occasion we must be reminded there's a bleak world beyond the front door of the church populated with desperate, hurting people.

These are individuals with insecurities and heartbreaks. They're trapped in a story without a plot – a song without a rhythm. And we have something that provides meaning and direction.

How often do you think about them? In the midst of prayer do you ever intercede on their behalf? Is there ever a sadness in your heart as you think about the millions on their way to hell? Might you consider joining with the great 19th Century evangelist William Chalmers Burns declaring, "The sound of feet on the pathway to Hell is breaking my heart."

Yet, this isn’t just about the spiritual and natural horrors that unredeemed men face. What of the Lord and His honor? Shouldn’t the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering?

One way or another, we must concern ourselves with the great mission of God. In the end, I pray that we will be the generation who will fulfill the words of Isaiah when he declares, “Make known among the nations what He has done” (Isaiah 12:4).

God Separates Darkness From Light

2011-09-13T15:56:00.001-05:00

"God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:4)

When modern Christians discourse about God, they often talk about how He unifies and smooths out differences. They point out that He is gracious and generally accepting of everyone.

That's true...

Yet, this observation about Him shouldn't be stretched out of proportion. Yes, God is gracious. Yet, some things will never be reconciled because they're in direct opposition to His purposes.

Yes, God often brings restoration. Yet, there are occasions when He has no choice but division.

While it may be difficult to understand, there's often a need for separation.

From the very beginning of time, darkness must be separated from light.

5 Ways To Make a Difficult Decision

2011-09-08T21:13:00.001-05:00

One of the most difficult things leaders face is decision making. This is particularly true if the choices are related to crisis management or people. Many times there are no quick, clear answers to conflict.

What are they to do? How do leaders come to an effective decision in the midst of a difficult circumstance?

There's no simple answer. Obviously, deep prayer and biblical study are essential in occasions like this. Yet, are there other things that can be coupled with intercession and Scriptural reflection?

I believe there is.

While there is no formula for decision making, the following five items can help a leader in the process of making an effective choice.

1. Get The Facts - Quick!

Leaders need to be able to cut to the bottom line as fast as possible. What is really going on? What is the argument really about? Talk to all the relevant people and get the core facts as soon as possible.

2. Consider The Source

Leaders have to know from where and from whom their information is coming. Are the messengers and messages reliable? Could they be knowingly or unknowingly clouding facts because of a particular agenda? Not everyone's words have equal weight. Who else needs to be consulted in order to get a clearer picture of what is going on?

3. Seek Counsel

Leaders have a tendency to want to go it alone. That is a mistake. Leaders do well when they gain insight from other leaders. Learn from those who have done what you are about to do.

4. Pray For Wisdom And Revelation

We need the strength and wisdom of God to help us advance. If you don't pray, you are not going to gain understanding into what is going on.

5. Make A Choice

In the end, don't be afraid to apply your own Spirit-empowered experiences, knowledge and reasoning. In the end, a decision simply has to be made.

In The Day Of Thy Power

2011-09-01T21:06:00.002-05:00

All of humanity needs to experience the power of God. Yet, what does that look like on the ground? In the following post I would like to reflect on some passages that demonstrate what happens when God shows up.

In describing the manifest presence of God, the prophet Nahum declared, “The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it” (Nahum 1:5).

In a similar way God spoke through the Prophet Jeremiah exclaiming, “‘Should you not fear me?’ declares the LORD. ‘Should you not tremble in my presence?’ ” (Jeremiah 5:22).

The Lord quickened Ezekiel with the same truth; declaring through him, “All the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence” (Ezekiel 38:20).

We cannot overlook Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, who boldly exclaimed, “Who can stand when He appears?” (Malachi 3:2).

Wow! In reading all these passages it's clear that God's presence is overpowering. Whenever He shows up, virtually everything begins to tremble and fall to the ground.

This seems clear enough from the Bible, but some have taken issue - not only with my conclusion - but with my usage of Scripture. One detractor even asked why I didn't point out other passages that depict things like "joy" and "peace" coming from God's presence.

Let me be clear, there are certainly a number of different passages that depict different things that transpire in God's presence. I'm not trying to make an exhaustive argument here. I am only suggesting that there is a strong precedence in Scripture that when God shows up the natural order begins to tremble.

God's presence certainly brings different responses at different times and Scripture is good about showing that rich diversity. Let me be clear in saying I have no argument against joy and peace.

Moreover, I understand that some people don't like the idea that when God shows up people fall to the ground or shake violently. Yet, if that kind of response does not fit your religious sensibilities, which one does?

Don't criticize my Scriptural response to the manifest presence of God if you are unwilling to offer an alternative.

You must come to realize that the presence of God always brings some kind of response.

What Are We Supposed To Be Doing?

2011-08-24T23:58:00.001-05:00

In Christian circles it seems that there is a lot of attention placed on what should be said.

For example, there are seminars on how to share one's faith. Every year the Christian publishing industry releases hundreds of books on arguing the gospel. I guess, in many ways, we've made Christianity primarily about talking.

Let me be clear, words are important and believers have certainly been called proclaim the truth of the gospel. Yet, could there be more than just talk?

The Bible says that Jesus was "powerful in word and deed" (Luke 24:19). He didn't just make a proclamation, He made a demonstration as well. Jesus spoke and acted on behalf of gospel and I believe that He has called us to do likewise.

In this modern day, there is plenty of talk, but there is very little action. Many times words by‐themselves just don't go all that far. What the world really needs is an anointed, Spirit‐empowered people. It needs Christians who are powerful in word and deed.

Tell me, are you ready to embody this?

How To Receive Honor

2011-08-11T21:13:00.001-05:00

We don't seem to talk much about this in church today but honor is a rather essential matter in the Kingdom of God. It's an idea that literally permeated much of the Scriptures; coloring the way that worship, family and identity was formed.

What I am talking about here is honor.

In the ancient world honor was often more sought after than gold. Those who didn't have it would be willing to do almost anything to gain it.

In order to obtain it, they might attempt to accomplish some great exploit or go off to war. People weren't even opposed to spending their families inheritance in this pursuit. Every young man among the covenant people dreamed that one day his name would be made great.

While most everyone wanted to receive honor in the ancient near east, they knew no one was more worthy of honor than the Lord. As the scriptures declare, the Lord God of heaven was truly worthy of receiving the highest praise. All honor and renown belonged to Him alone.

Thus, in order to receive honor one had to be willing to give honor to those who deserved it. This is how the Kingdom of God operates. This truth becomes quite clear in the following:

“Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.” (1 Samuel 2:30).

While many have a deep desire to receive honor and fame, most are unaware that the only genuine path to this is through honoring the Lord. God firmly declares, "Those who honor me, I will honor..."

So what are you going to do?

Why The People Are Exasperated...

2011-08-06T00:36:00.006-05:00

Over the last number of years I've been around a lot of ministries and have seen much of what leaders are attempting to accomplish. During this time, I've watched as many great investments were made in various areas of concern.

Much of what I've observed has been good. I'm glad that preaching and evangelism continues to be emphasized in many churches. Yet, there are other aspects of leadership that are sorely lacking.

For the most part, leaders aren't equipping people in the church as well as they should. In many cases, people just aren't being fathered.

Drawing on this concern, the Apostle Paul noted the following, "Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

Many leaders are wondering why they have exasperated people. The answer is simple. A lack of training creates exasperation.

Four People That A Leader Needs

2011-07-28T13:00:00.002-05:00

I was thinking the other day about some of the problems leaders face. While a list of all these issues could be quite long, the one that has been sticking out to me lately is isolation. Many leaders simply feel alone.

While not every leader is in utter isolation, most are at least disconnected from relationships that feed and sustain them. Leaders need the right voices and support to help them move forward in their work.

While we could rightly talk about the importance of the leader's relationship with God, there are a number of lesser connections that also need to be considered. Yes, more conversations about God need to be had, but we can't forget that God made us to live and work in community. There needs to be more talk about the kind of relationships that need to be established in the day-to-day lives of leaders.

Although the list of significant relationships can be quite long, I've found four roles that have been extremely helpful in the lives of leaders. These include: coaches, models, partners and friends. Let's take a few moments and elaborate on them.

1. Coaches

No matter how good you "play the game," you probably still need a coach. Coaches are the kind of people who come along-side and actually help you improve your "technique" and "application." They speak with great authority and specificity into your life and help you regain a sense of direction. If you haven't found a good coach, you really need to find one.

2. Models

It is great to hear a teaching or learn about something from a book. But that is rarely what makes a significant impact on your life. If you are like most, then you are impacted by models and experiences - things you can actually see "embodied." You need people who are already walking out what you want to become. The more you see your future being fleshed out, that better you can grab hold of it.

3. Partners

Partners are those who faithfully work along side you 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 them. Who are your partners and how are you developing them?

4. Friends

Leaders desperately need to have 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 both establish and develop these relationships, a remarkable difference will be displayed in their leadership.

Are You Overlooking This Aspect of Ministry?

2011-07-18T23:23:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of different approaches and ideas about ministry. Many in our Spirit-filled tradition tend to make ministry about “anointing” or “biblical knowledge.”

For us, ministry is often about who has the most spiritual power.

I understand this kind of thinking. It certainly reflects some of the ways that the Lord works. Yet, there is an important aspect of ministry that we often overlook.

I’ve discovered that effective ministry, is often primarily about relationships—at least in its outworking.

I don’t care how anointed or smart you think you are, if you’re unable to effectively interact with people, you’ll soon be in trouble. It’s hard to sustain a dynamic ministry if they’re unable to build and maintain the right kind of relationships.

As leaders, we need to be continually reminded that relationships and people matter. If there are no people, there will be no ministry. I’m glad for all the focus on prayer and biblical knowledge. Yet I hope that we would be concerned about people as well.

Take the time to invest in people and you will watch the responses and effectiveness grow.

Little By Little

2011-07-06T19:32:00.004-05:00

It seems that we live in a world that wants everything at once. Open up a magazine or turn on the television and you'll find a lot of get rich quick schemes. Often diet programs will claim to enable the loss of 25 pounds or more in just a few days.

We gladly grab hold of all this because we want it all and we want it now.

The problem is that we often apply these unrealistic expectations to the Kingdom of God. We want to have everything God has to offer virtually overnight.

While God is certainly kind and generous, He wants to see greater growth and maturity in us - and that just doesn't happen overnight. It takes a little time.

I like what God said to Israel as they were about to take the Promise Land:

"I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land." (Exodus 23:29-30)

Rather than giving everything at once, He told them that they were going to obtain it little, by little. In the midst of all this, God was going to transform their character and position them to better reflect His glory.

This is how God operated 3500 years ago and largely how He still operates today.

The better we understand this challenging process, the better we will be able to truly advance in the things of God. Remember, that while we often want things instantaneously, God often does it little by little.

Are You Missing The Fuller Meaning of Grace?

2011-06-28T15:48:00.001-05:00

Based on a particular reading of the Apostle Paul, most Christians believe they understand “grace.” Of particular concern is the following passage: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith –and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

This passage has been typically read through centuries of Protestant theology. While most Evangelicals believe they understand this important concept; a careful examination of the original context can reveal much more about grace.

When Paul first encountered grace, it wasn’t directly associated with religious practice or theology. It was more tied to the prevailing social and economic concerns of the Greco-Roman culture of his day.

During Paul’s lifetime, most of the property, wealth, and power were concentrated in the hands of the few. In order for the “underprivileged” to gain access to the necessities of life, they often had to obtain “favors” or “grace” from the “patrons” of society.

For Paul and the people who lived during his time, grace referred to the willingness of a patron to grant a benefit to an undeserving “client.” Grace meant “favor,” in the sense of “favorable disposition.”

While it’s obvious to us that patrons provided grace for undeserving clients, it’s less obvious that meritless clients were compelled by a system of honor to respond to the patron’s generosity.

New Testament Scholar, David DeSilva, writes, “From many ancient witnesses we learn that there is no such thing as an isolated act of grace. An act of favor and its manifestation initiate a circle dance in which the recipients of favor and gifts must ‘return the favor,’ that is, give again to the giver…Only a gift requited is a gift well and nobly received. To fail to return the favor is, in effect, to break off the dance and destroy the beauty of the gracious act.”(David DeSilva; Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture; p. 106; Intervarsity Press; Downer’s Grove, Illinois; Copyright © 2000.)

This should be apparent, but Paul borrowed rather heavily from the broader Greco-Roman understanding of grace. In his writings, God’s grace wouldn’t have been all that different from the general expression of benevolence in Roman society. He understood that a life of good works was not offered to gain favor from God, but nevertheless must be offered in grateful response to God.

Since the whole New Testament assumes this understanding of grace, who are we to redefine it according to our present culture and theological concerns? I think it’s time to get back to what Paul intended when he said, “It is by grace you have been saved…”

First What It Meant For Them....

2011-06-10T19:01:00.004-05:00

Today, people seem to have a rather difficult time understanding the Scriptures. I suppose they see the Bible as a challenging book that only has minimal application to their lives.

In fact, many people who are in Pentecostal‐Charismatic circles would rather worship or pray than read their Bible. This unfolding reality is a real tragedy.

There are many reasons why people are struggling. With the internet and other digital mediums, people are distracted and certainly less interested in reading.

Yet, the Church doesn’t help matters much. With weak sermons and shallow Bible studies, people are rarely shown the true power and significance of the Scriptures.

One aspect of this problem is our unwillingness to allow the Bible to be first understood in its original context. It seems that we forget the power of particularly and context. We forget that the Hebraic worldview, while different from our own, can better inform who we are and what we do.

The more we can understand what the Scriptures meant for them, the better we can apply it to our own lives.

A Joke To Bring In The Weekend

2011-06-03T13:58:00.000-05:00

A happy couple was on their way to be married when they had a deadly car accident.

When they got up to heaven, they met Saint Peter at the Pearly Pates. He looked at them and said, "It's good to have you here. Is there anything that I can do for you?"

They said, "We know there's no marriage in heaven but we wanted to know if we could still go through the ceremony. It holds a lot of symbolic importance to us."

Saint Peter says, "Well, that's an unusual request, But I'll see what I can do. Why don't you come back in about an hour."

So they leave and come back a little later. As they re-approach Peter, he says, "I’m sorry, but we just can't do it today. Why don’t you come back tomorrow?" They say, "Okay, we'll see you tomorrow."

So they come back again and this time Peter says, "It still doesn't look good. You’d probably better give it a week or so." Though disappointed, they agreed.

Moreover, when they came back this time, they were given the same bad news. Disappointment continued each time they inquired about the possibility of the ceremony. Each rejection was met with graciousness and understanding. Yet, after so many hold ups, they finally decided to probe a little deeper.

The man said to Peter, "You know we keep coming back to you to fulfill this request about our marriage and you keep pushing it back. I don't understand what is going on here. Why can't we get married?"

Saint Peter quietly pauses and says, " I'm really sorry, but I've been all over heaven and I still haven't found a preacher to officiate it."

When Did God Stop Being King?

2011-05-24T18:18:00.002-05:00

Is God presently reigning as King?

Many Christians seem to believe that He will one day become King, but have a hard time believing He is King right now.

It's shame that many believe that way, because Scriptures strongly affirm the present Kingship of Yahweh.

Let’s look at a few examples:

“…everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

“The Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth.” (Psalm 47:2)

“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)

"O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.” (Isaiah 37:16)

“His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:34)

If one studies each verse, they will clearly reveal who God is. They confirm His present strength and overwhelming sphere of authority. They reveal a powerful God who is not a weak or unable to act.

People have often asked me whether I believe God is presently King and whether the Kingdom is presently among us. I don’t usually say this out loud, but I quietly think the question is ridiculous!

I really wish somebody would tell me when God ever stopped being King….

Have You Noticed This In Your Kid?

2011-05-18T16:30:00.005-05:00

Children are struggling.

In a survey of teenagers claiming to be “born again,” George Barna discovered one third do not believe the Bible is accurate. Approximately the same number don't believe in the reality of Satan. Perhaps most disturbing is that over half of them believed Jesus sinned when he walked on earth.

Josh McDowell teamed up with Barna and 13 denominations to conduct a similar survey. Surmising the unsettling findings, Barna declared that most Christian teens are “well-intentioned,” but have “misinformed faith perspectives that lead to bad choices and spiritual confusion.”*

This research lines up with my own experience.

While in Florida, I had an opportunity to minister in large Pentecostal congregation. The adults were open to the Spirit. Yet when encountering the kids, I met with something completely different. As the prayer ministry began, several manifested demonically. We prayed for as many as we could, but many didn't want prayer. They were satisfied with the darkness in their lives.

Unfortunately this story is not unique.

A large group of teenagers stopped at our church on their way back from a mission trip to Mexico. They had been evangelizing and helping missionaries with a variety of tasks. On this particular evening the prayer was intense. As our prayers soared, several grabbed their heads and screamed. As they continued to shriek, the ushers moved them to another room.

When our youth pastor checked on them, he was struck with the peculiarity of the situation.

Asking a couple of the youth what was wrong, one looked up with a sinister grin and said “There is a wrong spirit in the place.” Several others began to ask accusing questions. Making a condemning reference to our desire to bring salvation to Jews, one asked, “What is this about you trying to make the Jew 'jealous'?” Following that question was wicked laughter.

At that moment, we became convinced that many of the teenagers in this group were demonized.

We asked them if they would like to return to the sanctuary for prayer. They agreed. But as they entered the presence of God, three or four manifested demonically. One was growling and trying to bite people.

As we prayed for a young girl in the group, another raced in front to “protect her” from receiving prayer from us. In the midst of this difficult situation, we prayed for as many as we could. Yet, several refused. I think I am still struck by the fact that these kids had just come from a mission trip in Mexico.

I could go on and on with unsettling stories about children in church. There's clearly a problem that can no longer be ignored.

Before excluding your own children from this crisis, remember the kids I'm talking about were all considered Christians. They weren’t street kids bused in from downtown, or drug dealers from the wrong side of the tracks. Most of them were the children of pastors, deacons, worship leaders and Sunday school teachers.

I think that it is safe to say that churches have failed in their calling to children. We babysit and entertain them, but rarely challenge them. Puppet shows and lock-ins just aren’t going to cut it.

Yet, I think the responsibility really rests on parents. What is mom and dad doing for the transformation of their kids? How are they modeling faith and worship in the home?

The time has come for Spirit-filled parents to seriously consider the Spiritual development of their children. We need to put down the remote, shut down the internet and pay some attention to the condition of our kids. Many of them are hurting. Most are desperately crying out to be instructed. They need someone to direct them.

What is it going to take for Christian parents to awaken? What are we willing to do to save our children? Whatever it is, the time to act is now!

*George Barna; Teenagers' Beliefs Moving Farther From Biblical Perspectives; October 23, 2000; Barna Institute Ltd., 5528 Everglades Street, Ventura, CA 93003.

Why You Need To Understand Matthew 25:14-30

2011-05-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

“It will be like a man...who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.” (Matthew 25:14-15)

The parable of the "talents" from Matthew 25:14-30 has been widely referenced over the years. Its familiar wording often elicits some very particular ideas about leadership and productivity.

Many have used it as a way of comparing people and giftings. I've overheard leaders saying: "While she's only a two talent musician, I'd rather use him because he's a five talent one." With this particular understanding, we have to determine whether we're a one talent, two talent, or five talent Christian.

That way of looking at this passage certainly has its advantages, but there is another dynamic that should be explored.

I don't think this passage is really about how much you have. It's certainly not trying to make you envious of others with "greater giftings." After reading this passage, you're not supposed to say, "If I was only a five-talent Christian I could really do something for Jesus."

The passage is saying this: "It's not what you have; it's what's accomplished with what you have. You see, whether you only have one, two, or even five 'talents' - you must actually do something with what you have."

So the question that I have today is this, "What's in you hands?"

Why don't you stop complaining and despairing over what's missing. Yeah, you might only have a "one talent" ability, but that's really not the issue. The only problem with the "one talent guy" in this story was that he did not put that talent to work.

Like him, limited talent and ability is really not the problem. The only thing that will bring the Lord's displeasure is continuing inaction. It is not all that popular to affirm, but stagnation is a sin!

So what are you going to do? I think that it's time to take what's in your hands and put it to work!

The Problem With Failed Predictions

2011-05-05T21:24:00.008-05:00

I don't know if you've noticed lately but there's an awful lot of talk about the end-times. I know there's been much unrest and distress in the news, but I hope that modern prophecy teachers are extra careful about their assertions.

You see, teachers who held a similar eschatological outlook in previous generations were largely mistaken with their end-time declarations. They spoke with certainty about God's time-clock and often turned out to be wrong. I'd hate to see the same thing happen now.

Let me remind you of some of the things affirmed in the past.

During the First World War, the “Weekly Evangel,” boldly exclaimed, “The war preliminary to Armageddon, it seems, has commenced” (Weekly Evangel, 10; p. 3; April 1917). Similarly, in 1919, S. D. Gordon, a popular speaker and writer insisted that the end of the world would “occur in our generation. That is to say that the man of average age now living, and all younger, barring the usual accidents of sickness and death, [will] witness the tremendous climax and transition” (S.D. Gordon; Quiet Talks on the Deeper Meaning of War and Its Relation to the Lord’s Return; p. 69; Revell; New York; Copyright © 1919).

These mistaken beliefs were certainly not exclusive to the early 20th Century. In 1970, Hal Lindsey made a subtle prediction that the rapture would take place in 1981 - seven years before Israel's fortieth anniversary. Explaining his outlook Lindsey wrote:

"A generation in the Bible is something like forty years. If this is a correct deduction, then within forty years or so of 1948, all these things could take place. Many scholars who have studied Bible prophecy all their lives believe that this is so…The most important sign in Matthew has to be the restoration of the Jews to the land in the rebirth of Israel. Even the figure of speech 'fig tree' has been a historic symbol of national Israel. When the Jewish people, after nearly 2,000 years of exile, under relentless persecution, became a nation again on 14 May 1948 the 'fig tree' put forth its first leaves. Jesus said that this would indicate that He was 'at the door,' ready to return. Then He said, 'Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place' (Matthew 24:34, NASB). What generation? Obviously, in context, the generation that would see the signs-chief among them the rebirth of Israel" (Hal Lindsey, The Late Great Planet Earth; pp. 53-54; Zondervan; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Copyright © 1970).

In his book entitled, “88 Reasons Why the Rapture will be in 1988,” Edger Whisenant argued that, “Only if the Bible is in error am I wrong, and I say unequivocally. There is no way Biblically that I can be wrong; and I say that to every preacher in town” (Edger Whisenant quoted in Ralph Lyman; A Critique on the 1988 Rapture Theory; p. 2; Southwest Radio Church; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Copyright © 1988).

In the same year that Whisenant wrote his book, a Dallas Theological Seminary Professor named John Walvoord insisted that “in these closing years of the Twentieth Century, evidence is pointing to the fulfillment of end-time events leading up to the second coming of Christ”(John Walvoord; The Nations in Prophecy; p. xiv; Zondervan; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Copyright © 1988). Walvoord on many occasions insisted the rapture would “occur in his own lifetime” (John Walvoord; Armageddon, Oil and the Middle East; Zondervan; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Copyright © 1990). This was a belief that he affirmed right up to his passing in 2002.

There are other examples. While teaching on end-times in 1992, Jerry Falwell affirmed, "I do not believe there will be another millennium . . . or another century.” (Jerry Falwell; The Old Time Gospel Hour; December 27, 1992). More recently Grant Jeffrey was bold in asserting that “The year A.D. 2000 is a probable termination date for the last days”(Grant Jeffrey; Armageddon: Appointment With Destiny; p. 193; Frontier Research; Toronto, Canada; Copyright © 1988).

I know that many Christians don't like to talk about this, but failed end-time predictions have been rather widespread throughout the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries.

Whenever predictions don't come true, many prophecy teachers just make readjustments to account for new historical developments. Ongoing catastrophes and civil unrest are “exploited” to distract from errors in calculations. Just as soon as one date goes by, then another becomes important.

I believe those who have made failed predictions should be held accountable for their wrong interpretations. Yet, this is rather difficult to do.

In early 1977, when Lindsey was asked what he would do if he was wrong about his particular end-time predictions, he responded with the following,

“There is a split second’s difference between a hero and a bum. I didn’t ask to be a hero, but I guess I have become one in the Christian community. So I accept it. But if I am wrong about this, I guess I’ll become a bum.” (Hal Lindsey quoted in “Future Fact? Future Fiction?;” Christianity Today; p. 40; April 1977; Copyright © 1977).

Though blatantly wrong in his predictions about a rapture in the 1980's (and other subsequent eschatological events), Lindsey has still refrained from referring himself as a “bum.”

What do we say about all this? Is it possible that Lindsey and fellow Christians have been wrong in more than just date-setting? Maybe the Bible is actually affirming something different than what has been promulgated through the radio and newsprint over the last 150 years.

Could a fresh reading of Scripture affirm that God is up to something more than just darkness and catastrophe?

I honestly don't know if we'll ever change our outlook, but in the mean time we should be very careful. I'd really hate to see any more failed predictions.

Out Of The Overflow...

2011-04-28T16:18:00.002-05:00

Don’t be fooled - talk matters.

Today, many people spout off whatever comes to mind. Whether it’s an opinion on politics or the minutiae of theology, they can't keep quiet about all their opinions. Somebody told me that is what Facebook, Twitter and blog posts are for.

We are a talkative people, yet I wonder whether we consider the implications of our words?

While we are always arguing for the freedom of expression, Scripture actually warns us to be careful with our tongues.

Yeah, we relish speaking our mind, but the ancient biblical world understood the purpose of speech quite differently. For them, "speaking" was a unique reflection of one's position within in the tribe. It was not only a demonstration of character, but of status and honor. They believed that honorable people would speak honorably.

Certainly many passages in the Wisdom portion of the Bible demonstrate this outlook:

· “Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning” (Proverbs 10:13)

· “Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his lips” (Ecclesiastes 10:12).

· “Wicked men… whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways” (Proverbs 2:12-14).

Some don’t find these passages persuasive. Because of an aversion to the Old Testament or a concern about “works-righteousness,” these scriptures are written off. Yet, this sort of rejection is hard to sustain - particularly when the words of Jesus are considered.

He said,

“Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks…men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34b, 36-37)

Drawing from the same tradition as Solomon, Jesus reiterates that the tongue directly reflects the heart. Essentially He's arguing that people are the sum of their words. The manner and content of their speech mirrors the essence of their life.

A truth like that can be difficult to hear.

As you reflect on your life and ministry, it is important to carefully consider your tongue. What does it reveal about you?

Misunderstanding The Kingdom of God

2011-04-21T22:20:00.000-05:00

It seems that many people over the years have gotten off‐track in their understanding of the Kingdom of God.

One reason is because of a misunderstanding of Luke 17:21. Jesus told Pharisees, in the words of one of our English translations, “the kingdom of God is within you.”

Most Christians quickly grab hold of what that passage appears to be saying. They think that it equates the Kingdom of God with an inner experience of salvation or some other personal expression that affects them on the inside.

Based on this reading, they believe there is little personal responsibility and no external expression of God’s rule in the present. Everything is only happening “within you.”

Yet, if we take Jesus’ teaching seriously. We might not be so quick to read Luke 17:21 this way. First of all, why would Jesus tell selfish religious leaders that Kingdom is “within them?” Particularly when he told them elsewhere, “You belong to your father, the devil” (John 8:44).

Moreover, if you consider the footnote on this passage in the New International Version, you would find a very different reading. This one affirms the following, “The Kingdom of God is among you.” I think this variant reading of the Greek text changes things considerably and provides a clearer view of the Lord’s intent.

As Jesus was talking about the Kingdom “among you,” He was revealing Himself as the embodiment of the Kingdom. Jesus’ teaching, deliverance and His very person are the unique expressions of God’s rule breaking in. If you have Jesus, you have the Kingdom.

Quit looking for the Kingdom to be “hiding” inside of you and start looking for it to be manifest in the ongoing person of Jesus Christ. Then and now, He is still bringing forth the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Worthless Idols

2011-04-13T16:45:00.004-05:00

I was struck by an Old testament scripture that I read a little while back. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8).

First of all, this passage reminded me that there is a great grace and provision that the Lord has prepared. Just over the horizon lays vast goodness and strength that God has made available to us.

Yet, this simple text also suggests that we can forfeit this grace by our choices and worship.

If we continue to hold on to the “idols” and distractions of our world, it will surely keep us from embracing a glorious tomorrow.

Believers must stop clinging to corruptible things and learn to embrace the purposes of Lord! As long as we hold on worthless idols, our Spiritual inheritance will never be realized!

Why You Must Distinguish Between Weakness and Wickedness

2011-04-07T11:02:00.004-05:00

In ministry, it's always difficult to encounter breakdowns. Sometimes the people who receive the most, seem to behave the worst. I know first-hand how frustrating this can be.

In tense moments, it feels like there's not only a turning from you, but from the Lord. As you observe what's unfolding, you think to yourself, "Maybe I should pull back from them. Didn't the Apostle Paul talk about allowing an obstinate man to be turned over to Satan?"

Yet, before coming to an ultimate conclusion, you'll need to answer an important question. This is one that I have had to personally answer hundreds of times over the years.

Is this weakness or wickedness?

It's rather easy to get the two mixed up. On the surface, weakness and wickedness look the same. Both are unpleasant and disruptive. Yet, peering below the surface reveals a substantive difference.

While weak people often demonstrate foolishness and bad choices, you'll find a good heart under the mess. They may be terrible at expressing it, but they want righteousness and truth to prevail. The "weak" may not be right, but they sincerely want to be.

Now the wicked are fundamentally different. When you get down to the nitty gritty with them, you'll find selfishness and greed. They're more interested in defending themselves than embracing what's right.

While weakness can usually be dealt with - provided one gives enough time and prayer, wickedness seldom budges. It's not only rigid, it is subtly destructive - like a cancer spreading through the body.

It comes down to this. There should be much more grace for the weak than the wicked. While God can change any person or circumstance, leaders just can't allow wickedness to have an inch.

If the current problem you're facing isn't tied to weakness or human frailty, there's little question about what must be done. It must be stopped!

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you must determine whether it's weakness or wickedness. Once you've figured that out, you'll know how to advance.

Church Operations Seminar - Saturday, April 30

The Third Option

2011-03-31T17:01:00.005-05:00

I remember some options my father gave me one Saturday when I was a kid. He said, “Son, what’s it going to be, raking the leaves or cleaning the carport?" I remember thinking I don’t want either.

That isn't the only example, since my family was in ministry, many Sundays we ate in other people’s homes. It seems the “woman of the home” always prepared a casserole or “unique” culinary conglomeration. On one occasion, I remember having to decide between liver and onion casserole or cabbage stew.

With options like this, I learned to run my fork around on my plate to appear as if I'd tasted some of it. I’d also carefully hide things under mashed potatoes (it's amazing what all could fit under there). When really in trouble, I’d put place the questionable food inside a napkin and go to the bathroom. Then I’d flush it down the drain so that no one knew that I hadn't ate that dreadful food.

Now, let me ask you, "Have you ever been faced with undesirable options?" The obvious answer to this question is "Yes."

More and more, people are realizing that terrible choices are not just in the day-to-day life, they are also in the church.

On one hand we have something that could be likened to old fashioned Pentecostalism. It's driven by a concern for “right livin’” and the Word of God. Yet, while righteousness and Scripture is its unfailing pursuit, it's often rigid and obstinate to the present-day move of God.

Then on the other hand we have the Charismatics. These are a people who are ready to yell, pray and cast the demons out of anyone and anything. While they love worship and prayer, they're largely unconcerned with Bible reading or holiness.

In these options, one could be described as solid, but dead. The other is vibrant, but shifting with every wind of doctrine.

I’m not sure how you feel, but to me it seems that neither option is entirely ideal.

What do you do when you don’t like the options?

I think the answer to that is to pray that God will give us a third option.

I think that is what is happening in this hour.

I believe God is giving us a third option that neither compromises character or power. It is a brand new movement that is leading people into a more healthy expression of Christianity. It is your to have but it is going to cost you everything.

So what are you going to do? What option are you going to choose?

Church Operations Seminar - Saturday, April 30

Whatever You Do, Don’t Let Go Of It...

2011-03-22T18:06:00.003-05:00

The Little Cottage That Shook After Donald John Smith Prayed

In the closing months of 1949, a great revival began off the coast of Scotland, in the Hebrides Islands.

In the years prior to the revival many of the faithful had been interceding. In addition to the elders of the church, Peggy and Christine Smith, both well into their eightieth year, fervently sought the Lord.

In one of the cottage prayer meetings, a blacksmith named Donald John Smith read from the twenty-fourth Psalm. “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall stand in His holy Place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”

Looking to his companions, he exclaimed the following, “Brethren, it seems to me just so much sentimental humbug to be praying as we are praying, to be waiting as we are waiting here, if we ourselves are not right related to God.”

Feeling conviction, he began to cry out to the Lord and declared this simple prayer, “Are my hands clean, is my heart pure?” He got no further. The presence of God suddenly burst into the cottage and literally shook it off its foundations. Everyone collapsed to the ground as the fire of revival engulfed them. Thereafter, its fervor spread throughout the island.

Duncan Campbell, who later led the meetings, gave a stirring description of what was happening, “God was beginning to move, the heavens were opening, we were on our faces before God. Three o’clock in the morning came and God swept in. About a dozen men and women lay prostate on the floor speechless. Something had happened; we knew that the forces of darkness were going to be driven back, and men were going to be delivered. We left the cottage at 3 A. M. to discover men and women seeking God. I walked along a country road, and found men on their faces, crying to God for mercy. There was a light in every home, no one seemed to think of sleep.”

Several years after the revival ended, one man journeyed to the Hebrides in search of its spiritual history. He found himself fortunate enough to meet some of the “Fathers of the Revival.” As he talked with them, his heart was deeply stirred. Tears fell as he carefully listened to passionate stories and faith.

One of the elderly faithful noted the following to him, “There is six of us that fathered the revival who are still alive. We meet occasionally, when our wives are in bed. We sit down and talk about those days and we can’t stop crying.”

Continuing with piercing conviction, he declared, “The reason that the Hebriean Revival failed was this: The leadership didn’t know what to do with it. We didn’t know how to structure it. We didn’t know how to prepare a wineskin for what God was doing. And we faulted at that.”

Finally this elderly man reached up toward the younger man and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. He peered into his eyes and declared something that continues to resonate in the chambers of the heart, “Son, when you get it, whatever you do, don’t let go of it.”

Windbags...

2011-03-18T00:32:00.003-05:00

“God’s prophets are all windbags who don’t really speak for him. Let their predictions of disaster fall on themselves!’” (Jeremiah 5:13 NLT)

I don't know if you've noticed but a lot of religious people are talking about how bad it is. They're looking around and pointing out all the dire problems in the world. They are predicting more calamity and disaster.

They may be right.

Yet, I hope they're really listening to God when they speak and not just reflecting their own fears and uneasiness. I pray that they aren't just projecting anger and discontent onto people different from them. I suppose when people are frightened, it's easy for them to look for a "scapegoat." After all, surely those bad people out there are the source of our trouble.

However, God just might not think the same way about these matters as we do. Maybe we're all a bunch of windbags who make more about the sins of others than we do our own.

I honestly don't know whether there will be more calamity or not. But I do know that judgment will begin with the household of God.

Stewarding Space

2011-03-09T17:05:00.002-06:00

Stewarding buildings and environments is a leadership strategy that is seldom discussed in Pentecostal-Charismatic circles. Yet, it is very important.

Leaders must pay attention to environments because locations shape perceptions. Don't be fooled, the space, room size, and the general layout of the chairs can seriously affect the receptivity and impact of the service. As Marshall McLuhan so famously wrote, "The medium is the message."

Large room or a smaller room?

If a room seems too big, it exudes a tragic sense of distance. To offset the emptiness of a large room, you may want to take out chairs, put up dividers or move the “platform" to another location. This will certainly change the "feel" of the room. It is better to have a smaller room to begin with and then move to a larger venue as you grow.

Low or high ceiling?

A room with a higher ceiling gives the impression of space and expansion. This type of environment conveys transcendence. People gaze upward in worship instead of staring down the aisle. There are many advantages of a tall ceiling. However, it does have drawbacks. A taller room can make a small crowd appear smaller. It can also make one disengaged with the worship team or preacher. Thus, if you're looking for intimacy and relational engagement, you may want a lower ceiling in your sanctuary.

Straight lines or circles?

Take a moment and think about restaurants and coffee shops you’ve visited. There aren't many "straight lines" there. You'll see circular formations with people beside each other or around tables. In normal life, few want to sit in rigid rows. So why do you think church should be any different? I think that it is helpful for churches to curve their chairs and create a more semi-circle configuration. Obviously this could be a real problem if a church has pews. If possible, churches should get rid of pews and replace them with chairs. This allows the possibility of a number of different seating configurations.

Closeness of seating and the width of rows between the chairs?

While North Americans, with their individual mindset, prefer space, a “tighter seating arrangement" actually enables interaction and an increased sense of community. Although it seems counterintuitive, closer seating configurations encourages a greater spiritual vibrancy.

Does it matter who sits where?

The further back one is sitting, the more their worship experience is shaped by people in front of them. This is seldom discussed, but church attendees are often peering through "lukewarm" or "disengaged" people as they worship or hear the sermon. Like it or not, the positioning and proximity of people, impacts the worship. Over the last number of years, Pastor Steve Gray and his leadership team have been practicing what he called “Seating people for a move of God.” They learned that if you seat fiery, devoted people up front, it improves the quality and impact of the service.

There is certainly a whole lot more to talk about when exploring how to "steward space." Perhaps in later posts we could explore other aspects of this topic. Do you have any particular thoughts about this challenging concept that you would like to share?

Communicating to a “Rewired” Culture

2011-03-02T17:06:00.001-06:00

One of the difficult things that leaders are dealing with today is the fact that people just don’t learn and respond the way they used to. We are in the midst of a changing culture that is steadily being “rewired.”

Obviously the primary catalyst for this change is the sudden movement away from print‐based learning, to a more digital (or image) based approach. These abrupt changes can be quite difficult for those of us who were raised up on books.

In order to better reach the generations that are arising, we are going to have to learn some new approaches.

While we should never turn away from preaching and an emphasis on the Word of God, we must be willing to adjust some of our rigid approaches that seem to suit us and no one else.

So here is a simple teaching strategy that you might consider using in the years ahead. As anointed leaders, we can utilize:

I ‐ Images, which lead to...

C ‐ Conversations, which lead to...

E ‐ Experiences.

This approach doesn’t devalue preaching. In fact, if our preaching can be tied a little closer to a narrative and other concrete realities, people will actually experience it as an “image.”

The “ICE” approach encourages better engagement and draws people more into a real world experience.

In the days ahead people are no longer going to be satisfied with just a "doctrine" or an "idea." They are going to want to actually experience the truth they have been given.

This is good news for revivalists and people like us who are steadily pushing into the deeper realities of God. We are uniquely privileged to be able to take the truth of the Gospel to a whole new generation.

Calling, Character, and Competency

2011-02-22T16:41:00.000-06:00

A lot of people like to talk about the various components of leadership. There are literally hundreds of books and training materials that come out every year laying out significant aspects of establishing authority.

Without critiquing those approaches, I would like to clarify what I have learned while working with church leaders over the last twelve years.

I've learned that leadership is largely built on the intersection of: calling, character and competency.

Let me explore this a little more in detail below:

Calling
Leadership is truly a gift and calling from the Lord. If God hasn't called one to lead, no matter how much they desire to, they'll fall short. When it comes to leadership, one simply cannot minimalize the value and importance of calling.

Character
Another essential element of leadership is character. Leaders must not only model wise, moral behavior, they must continually exude trust if they ever hope to gain followers. Even if one has a number of gifts and abilities, they will not be able to sustain their leadership if they don't have character.

Competency
While calling and character are often discussed, there is another leadership characteristic that is seldom mentioned - competency. I've met many leaders who had the calling and the character to move forward, but they just didn't have the competency. They became content with what they already knew. They didn't develop new skill sets and gather the knowledge to grow. Dynamic leaders have to continually work on gaining competency.

Calling, character, and competency need to come together in one unique package if one ever hopes to become an effective leader.

What Leadership Really Is...

2011-02-16T22:14:00.002-06:00

Whether calling themselves this or not, most of the readers of this blog could be described as leaders. I think that's wonderful. World Revival Network wants to encourage people in understanding and applying what they are called to.

There are many different leadership definitions. Yet, at its core, leadership is about receiving and embracing responsibility. Rather than those who relish in titles or positions, it's the responsible ones who tend to actually shape outcomes.

There's a window into this truth in the experience of the early church. As conflict erupted, leaders were raised up to resolve a mounting challenge. Scripture affirms, "Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them'" (Acts 6:2-3).

While they were certainly gifted before, Phillip and the other "deacons" really only emerged as leaders after fully embracing the responsibility that was given them. As they so powerfully demonstrated - leadership is responsibility!

So, what about you? When are you going to take responsibility?

Little Patience For Kings...

2011-02-09T18:11:00.004-06:00

Contrary to popular opinion, America wasn’t populated by noble Europeans who were trying to escape oppression. For the most part our ancestors could have been described as “rebels” and “roughens.”

While I would love to believe that they came to our land for virtuous reasons, it seems that most came to escape the rule of law.

They were fiercely independent folk who just didn’t want to submit to the authority of the king – or anyone else for that matter.

Our national identity was forged by the "Declaration of Independence" and the vast Western expansion. Whenever our ancestors felt the pressure to comply with the authorities, they either moved away or put up an intense fight.

By the very nature of our identity and existence, we have little patience for kings.

While there is a familiarity with democratic, socialistic, parliamentary, communistic, and even a few anarchic systems of government, there are only a few kingdoms left. So it’s no wonder the meaning and value of a kingdom has largely escaped us.

Our fiercely independent posture makes it quite difficult to value authority - whether in the natural or the spiritual. This is such a tragedy!

Whether you like it or not, you're now being confronted with a Kingdom. However difficult it may be, it's time to embrace the Kingdom of God and all its glory. The time has come for the Lord to receive what is rightfully His! It's time for the subjects to humbly submit to their King!

Being A "Good" Minister

2011-02-01T10:05:00.002-06:00

Apparently people have some particular ideas about what a "good" minister is like. I've heard that they should be soft spoken; never uttering anything offensive. Also they should always be accommodating - no matter what's at stake. In this understanding - if you're an appropriate kind of leader - you'll never want to make any waves.

I understand that kind of thinking. Harsh Fundamentalists like Reverend Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist congregation turn multitudes away from the Gospel. Numerous individuals - including the author of this post - were deeply frustrated by the unbending, graceless religion of their parents. Rather than becoming the monster that is often depicted in newspapers, most preachers rightly want to be seen as generous and loving.

Yet, I'm concerned, that in our reaction against the terrible rigidity and harshness of others, we've forgotten another part of what it means to be a good minister. In his first letter to his protege Timothy, the Apostle Paul affirmed the following,

"If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed." (1 Timothy 4:6)

It may be kind of hard to swallow, but Paul is arguing that one is actually a good minister when they point out breakdowns and problems. Quite simply, being a good minister means exposing sin. That may seem counter-intuitive to some. It certainly doesn't fit our modern sensibilities and culture. Yet, that is what the text actually affirms.

While leaders must be totally inundated with the kindness and love of God, they must also be willing to boldly speak the truth of Scripture. While few would publicly acknowledge it, there's a desperate longing for "gracious vessels" who will pour out the wisdom and ways of God. What the world needs is loving people who are willing to bring a clarification and a challenge.

Are you prepared to sign up for this? Are you ready to be a "good" minister? For the sake of the gospel, I hope so.

Where is the Honor Due Me?

2011-01-27T01:10:00.001-06:00

"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty.” (Malachi 1:6)

You probably already know this but one often hears Christians talk about God as their father. This beloved patriarchal metaphor often shows up in our worship songs and Sunday morning sermons. Sometimes my fellow believers even pray sincere prayers exclaiming, "Abba, Father!" Times may be difficult but I've heard many gratefully express the joys and comfort that come from the hands of "Daddy God."

That is all well and good. Yet, there's a question that largely remains unanswered.

If God is truly our father, then where's the legitimate honor and respect for Him being displayed? Where is the genuine deference to His wondrous nature and character? At the bear minimum, isn't our Heavenly Father at least worthy of what is being given to our earthly fathers? Yes, your dad may have been truly kind and generous. He may have had many virtuous qualities, but he isn't anywhere as good as God.

If we're going to continue building our faith on the "patriarchal" motif, then we're going to have to finally learn the importance of honor and respect. There's no other way around it.

If God`is truly your Father, it's time to give Him what He deserves.

Confronting A Bad Idea About Church

2011-01-18T22:58:00.002-06:00

There's a lot of popular ideas about church that don't seem to pan out in real life. One of these is "congregational rule." A number of people think that voting about church matters is the best way to go.

Yet, the truth is "voting" seldom brings fruitfulness and effective mission. It's probably much more characteristic of "mob rule" than an effective approach of governance.

Some of the examples of congregational rule in the Bible are as follows:

While wandering in the wilderness, the children of Israel elected to fashion a golden calf. (Exodus 32:1-4)
Joseph's brothers voted to throw him down a dark cistern and sell him into slavery. (Genesis 37:17-27)
Israel voted to have a King named "Saul" rather than continuing to have a prophet. (1 Samuel 8:4-20)

I firmly believe that it's time that Christians learned to embrace a better way of governance and leadership. Anything with more than one head is a monster.

The Time Has Come!

2011-01-11T15:23:00.003-06:00

It seems that most Christians are deeply committed to “futurism.” While God desires to bring a move of God today, they’re eagerly awaiting another “golden age.” For them, everything that’s good and righteous is just over the horizon, and until then they’ll just have to stand around and wait.

I still recall one of the old camp meeting songs we sang in church when I was kid, “In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.” My little Pentecostal congregation understood those lyrics to mean that one day we’d see Jesus and everything would be good. Yet, until then, we’re to trudge through the difficulties of life and somehow hold on to our faith.

“In the sweet by and by…”

If you’ve been in church any number of years, you have probably noticed the same type of thing. What’s interesting is that, while most North American Christians are predisposed to the future, Scripture often expresses a different outlook.

One startling example is found in the Gospel of Mark. In this unique season, the Holy Spirit was beginning to move once again in Israel. The Messianic Age was breaking in and there would soon be a complete transformation of everything. In the midst of all of this, Jesus stood up and firmly declared, “The time has come!” (Mark 1:14)

You see, unlike many preachers today, Jesus wasn’t telling his audience that their breakthrough was “just around the corner.” He believed that it was now manifest. For Israel and the covenant people of God, something glorious had arrived. There could be no more waiting.

It’s funny, but the great breakthroughs of Jesus are still happening today. Salvation is now! Yet, we’re still eagerly awaiting another day. God’s glory and strength is here among us, and yet we’re still talking about “the sweet by and by.”

How would the impact of our preaching change, if the Church actually told people what they could experience today? If we would stop thinking so much about tomorrow, we might learn how to be fruitful today. The time has come!

A Horrible And Shocking Thing...

2011-01-05T17:59:00.008-06:00

“A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land; The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way.” (Jeremiah 5:30-31)

In today's world, it is not all that hard to imagine something horrible and shocking. It is all around us. Just open up the front door and look outside. All we have to do is turn on the television or unfold the newspaper and it can be plainly seen. If nothing else, the starched-up newscaster will make it clear on the evening broadcast.

In many ways, the same type of thing can be observed in church. Rigid preachers get up and denounce the false prophecies and the misguided authority of others. They bemoan the corruption and the wicked things in the Church. They firmly declare, "a horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land."

It is certainly true. All around us are things that could only be described as "horrible" and "shocking." Yes, fierce problems are now arising that threaten our families and our entire way of life. It's truly disturbing!

Yet, I want to suggest that, in the midst of our "dismay," we may have missed what's truly horrible and shocking.

You see, the real problem is not with the liberal agenda or even the false prophecies. The problem is that we're secretly satisfied with things the way they are. The issue is not the blatant corruption, but the fact that we love the corruption.

The Prophet Jeremiah declared, "...prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way.” (Jeremiah 5:31)

In this turbulent day and hour, Christians are basically getting what we want. We're paying for the kind religion that pleases us.

What is horrible and shocking is not the darkness; it's that we love the darkness.

A New Kind of “List” to Start This Year

2010-12-28T12:13:00.000-06:00

It’s the last week of December and the new year is almost upon us. During this time, it’s customary to get out a blank piece of paper and write down “resolutions.”

There is much value to be gained by planning and strategy. We definitely need to be forward‐minded and ever ready to gather resources for what God is calling us to do.

Yet, there is another kind of list I want to encourage you to make this year. This is the “Stop Doing List.”

Over time, if we’re not careful, numerous things get added to our list of busy activities. Often these things—at one time—provided real assistance and value. Yet, that time has passed. Although the current value is minimal, for some reason we keep doing it long after the "expiration date."

It seems every new year something is added to our project list without something being taken off. We keep adding more and more until everything gets sluggish and ineffective. We’ve got so many things going on that our lives become complicated and difficult to manage.

This year, I’m asking you to be bold. Instead of prioritizing what you are going to do, how about prioritizing what you’re going to stop doing? Why don’t you make a big list of stuff that no longer adds value. Get out the broom and sweep it away. Some things deserve a respectable death and burial.

I know it sounds reckless and maybe even a little dangerous, but if you actually do it, it might change everything.

Figure out what you need to stop doing today and go ahead and shut it down!

Awaiting the Unveiling of Grandeur

2010-12-22T10:05:00.004-06:00

It's hard to forget what the cold month of December was like as a child.

My mother would always take out the decorations and Christmas paraphernalia. One of the items she removed from the battered box was an elaborate "Advent calendar." Every day a little frayed cardboard "door" was opened to reveal the date and a little holiday scene.

As the month slowly progressed, a sense anticipation and excitement was building. It always seemed like Christmas would never get here.

Then, as the years progressed, that excitement was lost. It's like time quietly unraveled and I no longer had the great anticipation that I once had.

In conversations, I've learned that my experience is not unique. Others have shared a similar loss. When it comes to the holidays, multitudes have lost a sense of awe and mystery.

Yet, that is not the real tragedy.

What transpired at Christmas is also now manifest in the Church.

The faith journey begins with excitement and an expectation of great things. Yet, time goes on and something is lost. Faith wanes and we no longer await the unveiling of grandeur.

Many mourn what was lost at Christmas, but rarely despair over what has been lost in their faith.

I'm sorry that you don't feel what you used to feel at Christmas. Yet, I'm more distressed at the faded glory that I now see on your face.

Qualities of an Effective Minister

2010-12-16T11:19:00.000-06:00

Thom Rainer, an Evangelical researcher did a major study on two hundred ministers in the United States.

As he finished his research, he organized his findings around two basic groupings—”Effective” and “Comparison” ministers.

Effective ministers were those with growing churches and other "healthy things" taking place. The comparison ministers were those whose congregations were struggling.

A few of his findings that are worth considering are:

Pastors of effective churches sleep about six hours per day. While pastors of comparison churches sleep eight hours or more.
Effective church leaders spent only ten hours each week in pastoral care while comparison church leaders spent on average, thirty-three hours. (Pastoral care included counseling, hospital visits, weddings, and funerals.)
Comparison church leaders spend eight hours a week – more than an hour each day – performing custodial duties at the church. (The typical custodial duties included opening and closing the facilities, turning on and off the lights, and general cleaning of the building.)
Leaders of effective churches average over 22 hours a week in family activities. While the comparison church leaders spent 18 hours or less on family time each week.

First of all, let me clarify that these findings are skewed in favor of larger ministries, These leaders have a lot more control of their time and tasks than the smaller church leaders do. Nevertheless, the subtle trends should not be discounted.

Rainer suggests that the following is evidenced in less effective ministers: They like to sleep a lot, engage in small talk, get caught up in menial tasks and neglect their families.

In contrast, an effective minister is hard at work - but he or she works "smart." They don’t get overly caught up in “insignificant” matters. Then, when the day is done they engage their family and give them the proper attention they need.

Whether you are in a larger or smaller arena, you can apply these truths to your leadership context. With the grace and power of God, you can better position yourself to be an effective minister—even when you are in a difficult environment.

It is time to do what it takes to be effective.

What Wickedness Really Means

2010-12-07T16:26:00.006-06:00

I recently overheard two Christians having a conversation in a coffee shop. You could almost hear a slight agitation in their voices as they conversed about an unbeliever. With startling intensity, one of them said, "Let me tell you, they're wicked!"

I was right in the middle of taking the last drink of my mocha, but that last word caught my ear. "Wicked," what a visceral sound. For most people, it seems to have unique associations and a loaded meaning. That's certainly been true for me.

"Wickedness" is often closely identified with unbelievers and a "worldly" way of life. For people like us, it's a manifestation of darkness and sin. "Wickedness" is something "bad" people do (and thankfully that's not us).

Yet, is this the right way to think? Does this particular interpretation reflect a truly biblical understanding? While most would say "yes," one passage form Bible seems to provide a slightly different outlook.

"Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD." (1 Samuel 2:12)

It's quite interesting but this passage equates wickedness with a "lack of regard for God." Wickedness is usually defined as the treacherous actions of "nonbelievers," but in this context it refers to individuals who worked for God. They're wicked because they dishonored the God they knew and trusted - not because they had done bad things.

Rather than focusing on all the darkened things, wickedness could just as easily be described as disinterest and disengagement with God; attitudes that the Church is literally riddled with.

Its funny, but it's rather easy to sit around a simmering cup of coffee and talk about those "wicked" people out there. Rarely do we consider the "wickedness" that is in here.

How Long Are You Going to Mourn For Saul?

2010-11-30T16:41:00.003-06:00

Have you ever invested in something that didn't turn out so good?

One leader in the Bible certainly did. Just a few years after appointing Saul as the King of Israel, the Lord rescinded His decision. Now Samuel had to face the breakdown up close.

“…the word of the LORD came to Samuel: ‘I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.’ Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night.” (1 Samuel 15:10-11)

Imagine how Samuel must have felt. He placed a lot of time and effort into Saul. Saul appeared to be everything Israel had hoped for. The Scriptures say, “Kish had a son named Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others.” (1 Samuel 9:2)

Now, time had passed and Samuel was discovering things in Saul that he never expected.

Selfishness and pride. “There he has set up a monument in his own honor..." (1 Samuel 15:12)
Greed. “Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?" (1 Samuel 15:19)
Humanism and fear of men. “I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them.” (1 Samuel 15:24)

Although anointed and called of God, Saul turned away. And because of this, God ripped the kingdom from his hands. “As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore. Samuel said to him, ‘The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you.’” (1 Samuel 15:27-28)

This was something that had to be done, but it was still very demoralizing to Samuel. “Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him...” (1 Samuel 15:35)

I understand how Samuel felt and I suppose that you do as well. We often cry about the things God is finished with. We mourn over what "could have" and "should have been." In many ways this is understandable.

Yet, what does God have to say? Probably the same thing He said to Samuel:

‘How long will you mourn for Saul?’” (1 Samuel 16:1)

My friend, why are you crying? Don't you know that David is coming?

How Smith Wigglesworth’s Healing Ministry Began

2010-11-23T21:22:00.008-06:00

How do significant ministries begin? Smith Wigglesworth (1859—1946), is now remembered for his bold faith. Yet, how did he go from being a simple plumber to an international evangelist?

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, holiness groups arose throughout England; emphasizing differing expressions of the deeper life. Wigglesworth’s spiritual hunger brought him in contact with these groups.

Julian Wilson writes that “One day each week, Wigglesworth visited the city of Leeds, nine miles away from his hometown of Bradford, to purchase plumbing supplies and it was on one of his visits that he heard about divine healing meetings taking place at a mission called the Healing Home.”

Later, when the leaders of this Home made plans to attend the Keswick Convention, they asked Wigglesworth to fill in. Wilson recounts “The leaders of the home recognized Wigglesworth’s compassion for the sick and afflicted and when they all decided to attend that year’s Keswick Convention they were unanimous in concluding that he was the only person capable of conducting the services while they were away. Wigglesworth protested that he had no experience of leading a healing service, but they persisted and assured him that all he had to do was take charge of the meeting, leaving him to assume that someone else would do the preaching.”

Wigglesworth found the idea troubling. He tried to turn over the reigns to someone else but was unable to do so. With much fear and trembling, he reluctantly accepted responsibility.

When the service began that evening Wigglesworth exhorted the congregation. Immediately “…fifteen people with various infirmities rose from their seats and came forward to the altar of prayer. First up was a big Scotsman who hobbled slowly towards the platform on crutches. As Wigglesworth observed the man inching towards him, his heart sank at the prospecting having to pray for such an obvious case of infirmity. Faltering and with little confidence, he prayed, laying his hands on the man and was stunned to see him drop his crutches and leap up and down ecstatically, completely healed.”

With a sudden explosion of faith, the whole atmosphere changed. Shock-waves erupted throughout the building. Many of those assembled responded. Wilson writes, “Emboldened, the others now stepped forward for prayer and all were healed. ‘I am sure it was not my faith,’ said Wigglesworth later, reflecting on this momentous moment, ‘but it was God in His compassion coming to help me in that hour of need.”

As Wigglesworth’s first meeting came to a close, “there were several instantaneous healings, of kidney troubles, loss of voice, weak eyesight, rheumatics and deafness.” Although surprised by what transpired, he could no longer denounce his calling.

He returned to his hometown and held a healing meeting at the Bowland Street Mission. "Twelve people came forward and all were healed, including one with a badly bitten tongue and a woman with an ulcer on her ankle and a large discharging sore. More meetings and more miracles followed, until Wigglesworth became renowned in Bradford and its environs for possessing a divine healing ministry."

At 41 years of age, an inconspicuous plumber by the name of Smith Wigglesworth was suddenly thrust into a world-changing healing ministry. His unique story demonstrates the great calling can come upon unlikely people.

Whatever your gifting or position, may you be like Wigglesworth; obedient and receptive to the will of God.

(All references are from Julian Wilson; Wigglesworth: The Complete Story; Authentic Publishing; Milton Keynes, England; Copyright © 2002.)

The Testimony That Changed Everything...

2010-11-17T16:19:00.009-06:00

You’ll never know the power of a simple heart-felt testimony. Whether old or young, your words can make a difference.

I’d like to share a story from over one hundred and six years ago that illustrates this truth.

One crisp Sunday in early 1904, Joesph Jenkins, a pastor from New Quay, Cardiganshire in the nation of Wales, organized a prayer meeting for the youth in his church.

As the meeting commenced, he asked for testimonies of their faith in Christ. Few were willing to respond. Several tried to talk about other topics, but Pastor Jenkins kept redirecting them back to the subject of Jesus.

This tug-of-war continued for some time and Pastor Jenkins was growing frustrated. He wanted more than anything for the youth in his church to be changed. Yet, they seemed rather unbending.

Finally, in the midst of this tense moment, Florrie Evans, a teenager and recent convert, rose and spoke with a tremor in her voice, “If no one else will, then I must say that I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart.”

Her testimony was quite striking; melting the hearts of all who gathered.

In that single moment of time, a great revival erupted.

Reflecting on the power of Florrie’s testimony, W.T. Stead would later write, “The pathos and passion of the avowal acted like an electric shock upon the congregation. One after another rose and made the full surrender and the news spread like wildfire from place to place, that the revival had broken out, and that souls were being ingathered to the Lord.”

Imagine, an unassuming, sixteen year old started the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905! Later on, Evan Roberts and others would carry the fervor throughout Wales and other parts of Europe. Yet, in these beginning moments, it began with the words of a teenager.

It seems that we make everything too complicated. Remember, the world can be changed through the simple testimony of someone who is in love with Jesus.

Things That Accompany Salvation

2010-11-10T17:22:00.004-06:00

“Dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation.” (Hebrews 6:9)

People have often asked me, “How do you know if someone is saved?” That is a great question that seems to stump a lot of people. Yet, I really don't struggle with it at all.

Though some would disagree with me, I think the answer is rather easy.

You see, in true salvation, there are always plenty of things to see.

We don't talk about this a lot in church, but there should be things that accompany grace. If we are saved, we should actually see the work of God manifest in one way or another.

Somehow we've bought into the lie that says that there is no way of knowing if someone is saved or not. We're convinced grace is primarily a deep, inward experience. Yet, that way of thinking can be short-sighted.

When God is at work, it changes everything. His glory and truth invades every dimension of our human existence.

I know this may be difficult to hear but if I never see any reflection of Christ in your life, I seriously doubt that you're saved. Whether you like it or not, there are always things that accompany salvation.

Empty Suits

2010-11-02T15:31:00.001-05:00

There are a number of things churches are doing today in the name of "relevance."

Open up magazines or log on to the internet and you will find plans for using popular music and movie clips. Most churches are willing to do anything to be "accommodating" to unchurched visitors.

One woman told me her pastor quotes more from movies than the Scriptures. Churches defined by entertainment and leisure are truly popping up all over our nation.

There are certainly church leaders who reject Hollywood's influence. They say, "We refuse to be defined by popular culture and other trivial matters." They loathe pop culture and the American entertainment ethos. Nevertheless, many of these same people are willing to accommodate a different influence that may be just as threatening.

If it isn't Hollywood, it is often NASDAQ or the Silicon Valley. The same people criticizing the influence of popular culture, often have little problem incorporating the latest business models from the Wall Street Journal. Different externals, but same sense of hollowness.

Let me be clear in saying that I am not trying to be antagonistic toward Hollywood or any other business enterprise. Any wisdom and cultural insight has a measure of value. So don’t get the idea I am trying to be harsh.

You see, the problem is not that our churches engage the darkened world around us. The trouble is the absence of any real substance on the inside. We have become empty suits.

With the best of intentions, we have allowed our lives and ministries to be defined by the superficial values. Sure we can quote all the funniest movie lines and sing along with all the classic rock-n-roll songs. Yet, where is the underlying evidence of Spirit? Where is that demonstration of power working in our lives? Have we really allowed the truth of God’s Word to be planted in our hearts?

The Bible says, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to Spirit" (John 3:6). No matter how enjoyable or “relevant” something is, if it is not of the Spirit, it will not go far.

Only the things of God can bring life and strength. When we embrace His Spirit and truth, we find real meaning and hope.

God is moving through the Earth—transforming hearts and minds. If we would ever embrace this, we wouldn’t need any “fashionable” exteriors to win the world for Jesus.

Leadership is Seizing Opportunity

2010-10-26T16:48:00.002-05:00

So often, people think leadership is understanding a problem or clarifying a crisis. Both actions certainly have great importance, but are not the central tasks of the leader.

Just comprehending a problem changes very little. In fact, many others may already have awareness of the problem.

A leader may not be the first to recognize a problem. They may not even understand the problem as well as someone else. What makes one a leader is something else entirely.

True leadership is nearly always defined by action. Leaders are those who have the willingness and wherewithal to actually move things forward. Others may see and understand, but the leader acts and persuades others to go with them.

Typically a leader is the first to "jump in the water." They're the one who says “Let’s do something about this now.” A leader actually leads the way!

People can make leadership about a lot of different things and perhaps that's appropriate. Yet I've found that - in many cases - leadership is simply seizing the opportunity.

Jonathan Edwards, Revival and the Triumph of the Church

2010-10-19T13:29:00.004-05:00

Will the Church triumph in the earth prior to the resurrection? While many modern day Christians would say "No," countless believers of the past believed in the gospel's triumph.

One of the strongest proponents of victory was an Eighteenth Century pastor from Northampton, Connecticut, named Jonathan Edwards. Edwards wrote extensively about what he described as the "church's latter day glory." In these writings he persuasively argued for the worldwide expansion of Christianity.

While acknowledging that the church would encounter "conflicts and terrible convulsions, and many changes,…intermissions, and returns of dark clouds, and threatening appearances," he was nevertheless convinced of the far reaching impact of Christianity. He believed the Church ultimately "shall have subdued the world, and Christ's kingdom shall be every where established and settled in peace."

Edwards believed Kingdom advancement would transpire through "remarkable effusions at special seasons of mercy." He wrote that even in his own time God was causing "that vital religion, which is now so despised and laughed at in the world, to revive." Let me be clear, Jonathan Edwards didn't believe the Church would advance through human endeavor. He was convinced the Church would expand only one way - revival!

Rather than a privatized, inward work, revival was for "promoting the kingdom of Christ, and the salvation of souls, and propagating the gospel in the world." Edwards argued that true revival would enable men "to be glorious instruments of carrying on this work," filling them "with knowledge and wisdom, and fervent zeal."

Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the gospel would be "preached with abundantly greater clearness and power than had heretofore been." Rather than believing Christian victory would be manifest after the resurrection, Edwards was convinced that "these especially are the times." God is presently declaring "his firm decree that his Son shall reign on his holy hill of Zion."

While many now believe in the church's failure, some have followed in Edwards' footsteps embracing a hope that believers shall prevail in the earth prior to resurrection. Against dead religion and hopelessness, some are willing to proclaim, "Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."

All Jonathan Edwards quotations are from various books in the Complete Works of Jonathan Edwards (2 Volumes); Hendrickson Publishing; Peabody, Massachusetts; Copyright © 1998.

What Does It Mean to Be Spiritual?

2010-10-12T16:12:00.001-05:00

As a people who've been shaped by Greek thinking, we often misunderstand biblical faith. We see - not through the eyes of God - but through our own strained perspective.

It could be argued that we're so “heavenly minded” that we're little earthly good. When its time for prayer or singing, we close our eyes and try to “escape our bodies.” Money and marital intimacy become taboo topics never to be brought up in Church. With one concerned look at the external world around us, we make sure our “rapture bags” packed and ready.

Spirituality - for us - is an out-of-body experience.

To a first-century Jew, this kind of thinking would be strange. It may be hard to understand, but to a first-century Jew, life was not primarily focused on other-worldly concerns. Unlike Christians today, his faith was not internal, ethereal and without application. He saw God at work in his job, his family and His crops. He longed to see God glorified in all his life and relationships.

He believed that man was placed on earth and given a special covenant from God. Out of the overflow of this agreement, responsibilities arose to take care of the land, his body and his neighbor. Man was provided "divine rhythms" and was blessed as he danced to them. Spirituality was God invading the natural world and enabling wholeness in every arena.

We would do well to change our way of thinking and return to a more Covenantal approach to faith and life. There are many lessons we can learn from believers in the early biblical period. One of the most important is this: the "other world" is the reward, not the goal.

What Happens When You Don't Respond To Revival?

2010-10-06T16:00:00.003-05:00

On the eve of the Civil War a revival erupted in the United States. Popularly called the "Laymen's Prayer Revival of 1857- 1858," this stirring could have transformed everything but Americans were only willing to let it go so far.

The same thing happened later at the turn of the century. The great Pentecostal revival erupted and set out to transform the nation. America was careening toward the first World War and did not know it. That revival could have changed everything but people basically carried on like before.

God often sends revival while people are on the brink of calamity. Yet Christians always seem to respond the same way.

It has been no different in our own day. In the mid to late 1990s, God sent a revival that spread all over North America. There were stirrings in Canada, Florida and even a little town in Missouri. God sent revival to awaken the people of God. Yet, it only went so far. We were too caught up in our own way of doing things. Little did we know the terror that was on the horizon.

In this hour of revival, you simply can't be like those who've gone before. Hearts and minds must to be transformed. As we progress, a lot of mistakes may be made. Yet, the single worst thing you can do as you encounter revival is to remain unchanged.

Why Revival Is Important

2010-09-28T23:53:00.003-05:00

Revival's an important part of our story.

From Christianity's conception on the Day of Pentecost right up to the present, believers have truly been sustained by revival.

It would be difficult to find a generation who has not encountered God’s presence in their midst.

In the 1740’s, the Lord shook New England through George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards.

Then in 1801, the American frontier ignited through the Cane Ridge Camp Meeting.

Decades later, through Charles Grandison Finney, thousands turned to holiness and a true commitment to Jesus.

As the Twentieth Century dawned, revival burst forth like sunlight over a darkened horizon. Topeka, Kansas, Los Angeles, California, and the nation of Wales were swept into the majesty of its radiance.

In the 1960’s and 70’s, God brought forth a time of restoration to a self-entangled church. In this wondrous time of renewal, God brought forth healing and a restoration of the gifts of the Spirit.

Revival has impacted virtually every generation.

Whether it be quaint churches along the New-England country-side, campsites pitched against the vast wilderness, or store front churches on the wrong side of town, our history has been rich with fervor. God has breathed into history; weaving a redemptive story into the very fabric of our being.

In a time of great foolishness and fads, don't forget the importance of revivals. They've enabled the Church of Jesus Christ to not only survive, but prevail in a darkened world.

Open Up Your Eyes

2010-09-21T17:05:00.002-05:00

I’m sure that you know this, but people can be blind.

It seems they get so caught up with what’s in front of them they miss the greater reality. Present problems overshadow larger issues and steal the hope that lies ahead.

This is largely what happened in 2 Kings 6.

The misguided King of Aram was so angry with the Prophet Elisha that he sent an army to attack him. Overnight, while the prophet was resting, the enemy surrounded him.

“Then the King of Aram sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 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.” (2 Kings 6:14-15)

As morning broke, the servant of Elisha unexpectedly found himself in the middle of a crisis. it's likely that fear raced through his body as he saw the violent hordes standing at the gate.

This kind of thing happens all the time. People find themselves in a difficult situation and all they can see is the trouble in front of them.

Yet, Elisha would not allow his servant to see things this way. Yes, there was a great crisis; but there was something greater going on. The servant needed to open his eyes and see the greater reality of God.

“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.” (2 Kings 6:17)

In the midst of a great crisis, the servant of Elisha caught sight of the armies of God. He saw those who were with him were greater than those who were against him. When he finally opened his eyes, everything changed.

Don't let the current crisis define your life. it's not all that there is and its certainly not the end of the story.

You need to open your eyes and see the strength of God!

Do You Know Your Revival History?

2010-09-15T13:12:00.000-05:00

Find out how you can carry revival now - by taking a look at past revivals! Join us for the upcoming Revival History Training Seminar on October 2^nd at World Revival Church of Kansas City.

“If you’ve got a desire to see God move in your church, this seminar will help you know how to move forward in revival,” says J.D. King, International Director of World Revival Network. “Learning what revival looked like historically can help us understand how we should respond when God comes down in our own lives today.”

King is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to revival. He was a participant in the Smithton Outpouring when the “lightnings of God” first struck Pastor Steve and spread to the whole congregation. Plus, he’s been with revival during the transition to Kansas City in 2000 and the fresh upsurge of May 2, 2008 at World Revival Church.

Additionally, he’s visited most of the major historic sites of revival including Wales and the Hebrides Islands, with opportunities to interview people who were a part of these past moves of God. King’s library includes over 1,000 volumes on revival and he has himself written two books on this subject.

“You’re going to enjoy the great stories of revival,” King shares, “and you’ll be inspired by the faith of people that carried these historical moves of God!”

The Revival History Training Seminar is your chance to hear the stories and experience the sights, the sounds and the moments of revival history through a multi-media presentation. If you want to become a history maker… sign up today!

You Can't Give What You Don't Have

2010-09-14T23:16:00.000-05:00

Over the years, I’ve noticed what can only be described as a flaw among Christian leaders. Maybe you’ve noticed it too?

For some reason they are driven to prove something. They want you to think they have it all figured out. Nobody’s better at posturing and dropping names than they are.

I get books in the mail from people like this all the time. After the package is opened, the cover proudly affirms how they’re an expert in some area or another.

While they give you the impression that they have everything to offer, there’s usually not much there.

There is a simple biblical principle that I think they need to learn. I believe that it is one that will serve you and I as well.

The precept is this: “You can’t give what you don’t have.”

In a great moment of crisis and need, the Apostle Peter affirmed the following, “Silver and gold have I not, but such as I have I give unto you” (Acts 3:6). You see, he didn’t offer something that was outside his scope of experience. He offered something he knew very well - the power of the Lord.

I think there's a lot to learn from Peter. If we would only follow his example, there might be a lot less posturing and presumption. Maybe we would come to realize that first-hand experience is essential in matters of leadership and ministry.

Spirit of Antichrist

2010-09-07T21:53:00.009-05:00

It seems that there is a lot of talk about "legalism" in the church today. Don't misunderstand me, that is most certainly a problem that needs to be discussed.

Yet, my concern is that there's relative silence about a problem that's more widespread. The issue I'm talking about is lawlessness.

While most Christians don't seem all that concerned about this problem, warnings about it show up throughout the Bible.

For example, the book of Leviticus recounts the tragic story of Aaron’s sons who brought “unauthorized fire” before the Lord.

“Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord” (Leviticus 10:1-2).

What is interesting about this story is that what Nadab and Abihu carried was not “false fire.” They had the genuine article. The problem was that it was simply unauthorized - out of order.

This story is not unique. The Bible also recounts the tragic tale of Achan - one who hoarded items devoted to God.

“When Achan son of Zerah acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things, did not wrath come upon the whole community of Israel?." (Joshua 22:20)

As this account reveals - when lawlessness arises - it doesn't just touch the individual; it erodes the entire community.

Other biblical stories could easily be recounted, but it's safe to say that the Bible associates the very nature of sin with lawlessness and rebellion (“Sin is lawlessness” -1 John 3:4). Paul, reflecting on the "Spirit of Antichrist," wrote that "The secret power of lawlessness is already at work” (Thessalonians 2:7). Paul wanted us to know that lawlessness literally is the Spirit of Antichrist.

Mirroring the words of Paul, Peter adamantly warned his listeners about the danger of recklessness; writing: “Be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position” (2 Peter 3:17).

While Christians are often concerned about legalism, I think the greater concern today is lawlessness. For the most part, we are a reckless, cavalier people who have little regard for authority and order. We keep doing what is right in our own eyes and that is getting us nowhere.

My friend, I'm pleading with you to take seriously the importance of righteous authority. Having the "Spirit of Antichrist" is simply not option for you or for me!

Leadership Isn't Seeing Opportunity, It's Seizing Opportunity

2010-08-31T21:01:00.003-05:00

So often, people think that leadership is about coming to an understanding about a problem or clarifying a crisis.

These actions certainly have their value, but they are not the central task of the leader.

Just seeing or comprehending a problem changes very little. In fact, many people may already be aware of the problem.

A leader may not be the first person to recognize a problem. They may not even understand it as well as somebody else. What makes him or her a leader is something else.

Rather than other things, true leadership is always defined by action. The leaders are those who have the willingness and wherewithal to move things forward.

Others may see and understand, but the leader acts (and gets others to go with them).

Typically the leader is the first one to jump in the water. They are the one who says “Let’s do something about this now.”

Quite simply, leadership is seizing the opportunity.

People Often Reject What They Do Not Understand

2010-08-25T01:45:00.000-05:00

The things that happen in genuine revival can certainly stir up the passions of people. And sometimes those feelings manifest in unexpected ways.

I remember a number of years ago when a friend from Bible College called me up and told me that he heard I had fallen off the deep end.

He said, “J.D., I heard you had gotten yourself mixed up in one of those crazy revival movements. So let me get this straight, people are shaking, falling down, and spinning in circles?"

I could hear the condescension in his voice and I sat there for a moment not really knowing what to say.

Finally after a few moments, I began to speak to him about some of the things that happened in a genuine move of God. What I told him about revival phenomena in history and scripture, I would ultimately repeat a number of times in the years that would follow.

My friend was not the first one who was uncomfortable with the emotions and intensity of the revival meetings. Over the years I've met many others with similar concerns.

I once spoke to a Pentecostal pastor from Raymore, Missouri – a town just thirty minutes from our church. In the middle of our heated conversation, he told me that he believed that our church was demon possessed.

Astounded, I replied asking, “How can you believe that? You come from the same Spirit-filled tradition that we did. We both claim the Azusa Street Revival in our spiritual heritage. How can you say we are filled with the demonic? It just doesn’t make sense.”

In response he said, “You’re nothing like Azusa. Don’t be mistaken, young man, we have no commonalities.” He then told me how he believed that our church was hindering the work of the gospel and darkening the consciences of untold people in the Kansas City area.

Needless to say, I knew that I wasn’t getting anywhere in our conversation. I thanked him for his concern and told him that I’d pray that we could find some point of agreement in the future. He told that “God would never have him to be in agreement with deception.” So I tried to say something good about the Lord and then get out of the conversation as quickly as I could.

These and similar conversations have truly grieved me.

While revivals are longed for and deeply anticipated - when they actually show up people reject them because they didn’t come in a package that they wanted. Religious people are always quick to denounce what they do not understand.

My friend, I hope that you're not quick to dismiss a move of God - just because it did not come in a way that was comfortable for you.