Can Grace cause too much rest?

All is well between you and the Lord. That is the essence of the ministry of reconciliation. You have been forgiven – now, receive forgiveness by putting faith in your Savior, Jesus. Now, you are justified before God; blameless and above reproach. That’s good news. Because of Jesus and His finished work, we are heirs to all the promises and have actually already been blessed with all spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3). Wow, it really is finished, which begs the question what is there left to do? Some would say “absolutely nothing! Just rest in the finished work!” ……..Well……. that brings me to this blog entry. I recently visited a church whose pastor told the congregation “It’s not our job to preach Grace to people. Only the Holy Spirit can give them that revelation.” I personally can not separate “grace” from the “gospel”  because it is the gospel. It puts the “good” in “good news.” I could have misunderstood what was being said, but to me he might as well have said, “It’s not our job to preach the gospel – It’s the Holy Spirit’s job.” I am writing this to address a “do little” attitude I am seeing develop in the crowd that’s receiving the True Gospel of Grace.

Pardon me pastor, but we have been commissioned to go into all the world. Hopefully, have received a second separate experience called the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to be effective (bold and powerful) witnesses of Jesus. It’s almost as if the Grace crowd is forgetting that we were saved by grace through faith. Faith is an action- it’s active. Faith, without corresponding works of faith, is dead/useless. Oh, if the body of Christ would just begin to do what it said it believed. Believing in healing or quoting healing scriptures is not the same as healing the sick. Hear that? I’ve just set off some people’s “works” alarm! Good, because there is work to be done – and those aren’t my words: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10). Some people do rightly to “pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest,” but never consider that perhaps they could be the laborer. Yes labor=work, I’ve done it again. Resting in the finished work does not mean literally resting and doing absolutely nothing. It means we stop trying to earn blessings/favor/right standing with God based on our works. It’s a motive changer. I understand that many have been burned out on ministry of any kind, and yes literal rest and doing nothing will be good for a while. But my question is: How much rest do you need? How long do we need to soak at the Master’s feet before we are compelled by the same force that compelled Him (God’s love) to spread the good news? You may say: “Well, I’m not going to do anything I don’t feel led to do.”

Ok, that’s fine, assuming you are in perfect tune with that still small voice of the Holy Spirit. Never missing even His most gentle nudging. The only problem with that is there are a lot of Christians who are quite carnal (ruled by their senses or emotions) and could easily mistake “feelings” for “not being led.” I’m not trying to pass judgment on anyone, or even motivate anyone. I’m just trying to remind us Gracer’s that you do – yes I said do, have to balance grace with faith. “Yes we know, it’s faith in the finished work.” That’s fine, but that doesn’t exclude us from acting on what we say we believe. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father (John 14:12). I’m all for sitting at the feet of Jesus, and always will, but lets interrupt those receiving sessions with some “such as I have I give you. In the Name of Jesus, rise up and walk” sessions. I know we don’t “have” to do anything. For example, we don’t “have” to give a certain percentage of our income to our church or else face a curse, but how can a person who has received the fullness of the gospel of God’s unconditional love and radical grace not become a partaker of the divine nature and share in what Paul called “the grace of giving”?

Paul bragged of the grace of giving that was bestowed on the churches of Macedonia. They were freely willing to give what they were able and beyond what they were able(sacrificial giving) and all this while in the mist of deep poverty(due to persecution). That doesn’t line up well with the “give because you’re blessed” slogan, unless of course we’re not talking about monetary blessings. Paul then tells the Corinthians to “see that they abound in this grace also” (2 Cor8:7). He then commends them for their desire to give, but he’s also stressing that there needs to be actions to accompany that desire. James gives the same principle :What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save(rescue) him?  If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,  and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Paul says in 2 Cor 10 that it is “to their advantage ” that they give. In Phil 4:17 he said “not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Mathematically speaking, in order for it to be “more blessed to give than to receive”(acts 20:35) there would have to be a multiplicative property to giving. I guess I’m one of the few Gracer’s who doesn’t have a problem telling people to expect a multiplied return on properly motivated giving.

This could open up many questions on stewardship, or sewing and reaping, but I’m out of time today. Now I will come clean as to one of the reason’s I’m writing this. I’m tired of seeing good churches go under because people are not giving any money at all. I hate seeing full-time pastors having to work secular jobs just to make ends meet. Paul was very clear on this whole matter in 1 Cor chapter 9. He uses words like “stewardship” and “sowing and reaping” which are becoming unpopular today. But in summary Pastors have a Biblical right to refrain from working. Paul chose not to exercise that right( unmarried – no kids), but concludes with “Even so the Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” I understand many pastors have abused this and hurt many people, but that doesn’t change the scripture. Yes, give as you purpose in your heart, but know this the Spirit of Christ on the inside of you is the biggest giver of all, and you, by your new nature are a giver as well. We are already blessed with all spiritual blessings, but that doesn’t do you any good in this life, on this earth until they are accessed by faith. And faith will always be an action – not a thought, belief, formula, or theory.

Video rebuttal to Pastor Hagin’s “this grace business” sermon Rhema

Here is the link to my response. In it, the mystery of 1 John 1:9 is revealed

http://t.co/hL9pZ7e

Grace Manifesto Pt 2

Here is the second part of the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSME2aD9u64

Grace Manifesto Pt 1

Here is a link to my You Tube video: Grace Manifesto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmqHjvFdgz0

Where’s the Cry of the Prophet?

You might be thinking: “Don’t worry, we cry out to God all the time at our church pleading for Him to pour out revival or at least be with us/show up at our next service.” The cry of the old Testament prophets were sincere, heart-felt and God inspired. They would get “burdens” on their hearts to intercede for groups of people in order to stay the wrath of the Lord. They could effectually “buy more time” for the people to stop their wicked ways to avoid judgment. The prophets were also used by God to convey a variety of messages or warnings to the people. You see, these people didn’t have a “main line” to the Father the way that we do, and needed a person that heard from Him to effectively communicate. The problem is that people still try to use Old Testament models to bring about change in the New Testament church.

The silliest thing to do, is to try to “pray in revival” as if it has been God who has been withholding anything from His children. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Rom 8:32) Knowing the heart and will of the Father will cut short a lot of these “all – night storm the gates of heaven” prayer sessions that people feel compelled to hold. The truth is that God has put all of heaven’s resources at our disposal. If only one single person in any prayer group would take the time to discover who they are in Christ, what they have, and be bold enough to use it, entire churches and cities would be transformed. There is so much untapped “revival” within every believer.

I understand the hearts of these misguided prayer warriors. They truly want to see a mighty move of God in their churches, but are mistaken as to how to bring it about. They will cry out to God from a position of an orphan instead of a son/daughter. An orphan has no sense of belonging within a family. When you have doubts and insecurities about the willingness of a father figure to bless you or just “be there” for you, you will timidly beg requests. You will feel quite blessed just to have the occasional visit from the father, but not expect a tangible healthy relationship. A son/daughter, however, is secure in their place in the family, and doesn’t doubt the willingness of the father to provide for them or “be there” for them. They have no problem running up and into the lap of their father and making demands on his love, goodness, or time(through fellowship). The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father” (Rom8:15). The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture. Gal 4:7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.  And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.(NLT)

We’ve been adopted! We are children of God- and if children, then heirs- heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ(see Rom 8:17). The great mystery of the ages has been revealed in us- which is: Christ in you! the hope of glory. We don’t have to beg God to revive the life-less parts of His body(the church). Don’t you think He wants see us walk in the fullness of our redemption that was purchased for such a high price at Calvary? Do you want to see a mighty move of God in your congregation? then MOVE! Our Father has equipped us and commissioned us with all the tools and anointing to do the exact same works as Jesus, and even greater works than those! Won’t someone believe that! That is the cry of the New Testament Prophet. We’ve been waiting on God, and all the while He’s been waiting on us. Nothing will build your confidence more than knowing that when you minister to people, you are acting in agreement with the Father’s heart, and manifesting His will, with His power. My cry is for the body of Christ to regain it’s identity as Sons of God. Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. Phillips translation: The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own.

When you speak the Word by following  the Bible- which is the Father’s plan, you can rest assured that the Holy Spirit will back you up with His power flowing through you. Establish your heart with God’s righteousness- which is righteousness by faith, and rest in the finished work of Jesus so that you can have confidence before God and man. Recognise and embrace your sonship with the God of Love, and stir yourself up knowing that every time you move, God moves. Become the “move of God” that everyone has been trying to pray in. Read John 14:12, believe it, and act on it- Sons and Daughters of God!

The Rogue Disciple

The church in America is often refered to as the “sleeping giant.” I’d have to agree, but bashing the church and pointing out flaws will by no means empower the church to rise to the level Christ intended. Our country is hooked on anti-depressants, our hospitals are full, and people are living in poverty. The preaching and teaching of the True Gospel with power is the answer to all our problems. If the church could get to the place where we absolutely expected signs and wonders to follow the preaching the Word, then our Gospel would rapidly spread to the ends of the earth. False gods and man-made religion would be ignored due to the undeniable contrast of a Living God flowing mightily through His people. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12).  People have yet to see the Church fully represent Jesus the way He walked on this earth. We have done a decent job modeling the good works that can be done in natural strength, but the time is at hand where we will walk as He did in His supernatural strength. How do I know? Because the Gospel of God’s unconditional love and Radical Grace is finally working its way into mainstream Christianity. It is only on a firm platform of faith-based righteousness that we can confidently expect to see consistent results. I believe the Church will get there, but until it does, thank God for the Rogue Disciples.

Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me.”  For he who is not against us is on our side (Mk 9:38-40). This gives us the picture of the Rogue Disciple. He’s a bit of a rebel- in that he operates just outside of the mainstream. Surely he was within earshot of Jesus as he expounded on the Kingdom of God. Surely he was close enough to watch Jesus perform the many mighty works. He had to have faith in that mighty Name to see demons cast out. However, he chose not to put his name on the “church roll.” Today’s Rogue Disciple could be described as someone who is doing the works of Jesus – fulfilling the Great Commission, but not plugged into the popular and accepted religious systems. He/she’d be a person that chooses not to follow in line with the “do-nothings” or “do-littles” who are always talking and forever waiting on God to do something. This Mark 9:38 man didn’t need acceptance or approval from any religious group. He didn’t wait to be commissioned from man, but rather put faith in the name of Jesus. Paul asks in 2Cor 3:1: “Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? He goes on to say, “Our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the New Covenant…” I’m not saying this man was right not to follow Jesus with the rest of the Disciples, but I can sure make a valid case for the modern-day Rogue Disciple.

Rom 3:4 says Let God be true but every man a liar. That scripture is supposed to be applied regardless of the size of the man’s church or reach of his ministry. Jer 17:5 Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. How many dead people have you heard about being raised back to life in America? Smith Wigglesworth from England was said to have raised over 20 people from the dead. Matt 10:17 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Could you see why a young person would find it unwise to go to the same school, follow the same instructors, and operate under the authority of a church/organization that has failed to produce the same results that Jesus produced and certainly hasn’t tapped into the even greater works? I know we shouldn’t forsake the assembling of ourselves together, and how important unity is among believers, but if the Church isn’t getting the job done….. Ideally, we can surround ourselves with like-minded believers or co-laborers, but this is not always the case in every town/city. My point is, we shouldn’t judge the small store-front churches with humble beginnings, because there’s a good chance some Rogue Disciple has stepped up and decided to boldly dare to believe the Word of God. These will be the ones that turn the religious community on its head, and allow God to flow through them with His truth, love, and mighty power. These “outcast”, “rag- tag” groups are growing with an understanding of who they are in Christ, what they have, and how to use it. This is the “Radical Grace ” crowd, folks. We’re not going away, and God is confirming the Word of His Grace with signs and wonders following. Judge us by our fruit.

Quit Drinking the Poison

Fear is like a poison, and once ingested, it affects your whole body. It can be found everywhere, and there are plenty of people who will try to make you drink the poison. The Bible says that fear is the opposite of faith; however, many of the tools the church uses to reach the world are based in fear. Therefore, I am not surprised that the results the modern-day church is getting, pales in comparison to the early church described in the New Testament. There is only one way to stop the destructive poisonous works of fear, and that is to receive the antidote. The love of God is the antidote to fear. 1 Jn 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” I’m sure we have all experienced the torment that comes from being fearful. Stress is just fear’s ugly sister, and certainly produces destructive forces in our physical bodies. Fear is the opposite of faith – the opposite of believing and trusting God. Jesus was an eye-witness to the effects of fear and was constantly saying, “Fear not,” or “Do not worry.” People can literally die early from the effects of fear, worry, doubt, or unbelief. God hates to see us living this way. Even David the Psalmist wrote: “I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears” (Ps 34:4). The good news is we can and should go through this life FEARLESS!

We should no longer let fear hold us back  from: witnessing, giving, stepping out in faith, or surrendering every area of our lives to God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim 1:7). I believe people withhold areas of their life from complete surrender to God because of a lack of close personal relationship with God. Why this lack of relationship? Because the church has been telling them God gets mad at them every time they mess up, and its up to them to recognize all their failures, sins, and shortcomings so that they can confess and beg forgiveness from each and every one – cue condemnation. How can a person have a real relationship with someone who they’ve been told is angry with them? We’ve got pastors telling people to: Fear the Lord! In Matt 4:10 Jesus was quoting OT scripture(Deut 10:20) and replaced “fear” with “worship.”  However, if you desire to manipulate people, it is advantageous to keep them in fear because fear and bondage go hand-in-hand. Rom 8:15 “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father.” For example, a pastor that tells his congregation, “If you don’t tithe, you’re cursed with a curse,” is using fear to keep people tithing – because he is afraid they would stop giving once fear of punishment is removed. These same pastors will say we have to “do good” to “get good,” and basically have to earn all of God’s blessings.

Man-made religion is bondage! It will hold you back and press you down. Shake off the chains of religion and get yourself free! Whom the Son sets free- is free indeed. Find yourself a place where the Spirit of the Lord has free reign, knowing that where the Spirit of the Lord is – There is Freedom!!! Life is to short to be forced/dread going to a dead, dried up church. There must be a basic understanding of the two Covenants, and of the fact that we are living in the New Covenant of God’s Grace. It is then, and only then that the Word of God can be rightly divided. My post: Does Your Church Make God Vomit explains this in detail. Remember we get rid of fear by receiving the antidote which is God’s love. Once you get a revelation of the true character and nature of God, you will never question His love for you. You will never question His promises to prosper you, or that He has healed you, forgiven you, and will never leave you or forsake you. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

God’s love for us is Agape – unconditional. Here is the best way I can explain this: When your spouse or friend is everything you think they should be – when they perform well- exceed all your expectations, we love them. In other words, we have no problem loving the lovely. That is how God sees us all the time! He sees us as perfect, holy, blameless, and above reproach in His sight (Col 1:22). He sees you covered in the  blood of Jesus; hidden in Him – seated in Heavenly places. As He is in Heaven, so are we in this world. His love for us doesn’t fluctuate with our performance. We don’t get what we deserve – we get what Jesus deserves.

We need to get this attitude: God, the Alpha and Omega; creator of the Heavens and the earth; the Almighty, all-knowing, all -powerful, One True God – loves me. He is well pleased with me because of my faith in His Son. So, who cares what anyone else thinks or says about me? If God be for you, who can be against you? There is no place for fear when you are full of God’s love for you. His Word never fails. He alone is worthy of praise. You can put all of your trust in Him- in His Word. Fear not! And don’t ever let fear keep you from stepping out in faith and doing what God has called you to do. He that called you is faithful and true. Fear not!

Become an Eye-Poker

Jesus was not the somber, serious, ultra religious and unrelatable figure that He is often portrayed. He was a friend to tax collectors( the lowest of the low j/k) and sinners, preferring their company to that of the religiously elite of his day. Although Jesus did leave us with a serious mandate; spreading His Gospel, He also left us with His joy. “These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn 15:11). I believe it is crucially important for all believers to make sure that we let nothing or no one steal our joy. I used to work in the construction industry (Iron worker), and despite all of the physical hardships the job entailed, we always knew how to have a good time. My “crew” laughed a lot, which was an effective tool we used to distract us from the fact we were walking thirty feet off the ground on a four-inch beam. I like to think Jesus and His motley crew of fishermen, tax collectors and such passed much of the day laughing and being joyful as well. The Bible says that Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness more than His companions (Ps. 45:7). Why was that? In the presence of the Lord there is fulness of joy! Jesus- the human side of Jesus, spent His time in communion with the Father – of course He was full of joy. Jesus is no stranger to this human condition. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15). He walked among us and is familiar with the challenges of this world; therefore, He desires for us to have joy, and not just joy, but fullness of joy. If you think about it, Christians are the only ones who really have anything to be joyful about!

Unlike joy, happiness is an emotion that comes and goes, and is usually tied to circumstances. In order to make sure your emotional state doesn’t fluctuate on temporary circumstances, don’t focus your mind on earthly things. Instead, keep your mind stayed on the Rock which is Jesus Christ. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a Christian, or what level of maturity you believe you have attained; everyone has equal opportunity to become depressed. How? By taking your eyes off of Jesus and magnifying your problems. This world is full of problems, and I bet we could all sit down and start a list of all the unfair or bad stuff that has happened to us, or all the things that are wrong with our spouses, bosses, in-laws etc. I seriously believe that anyone has the propensity to become severely depressed if they allow their mind to go there. This is why we are told to bring all of our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ(2 Cor 10:5). Phil 4:8 tells us to meditate on things that are true, noble, just , pure, lovely, virtuous, or praiseworthy. We’d do good to keep an eternal perspective on life and endeavour to see things the way God sees them. Don’t stress about the teeny tiny dot on the never-ending timeline of your existence. Recognize an attack to steal your joy, and the source of the attack. So why does the enemy want to steal your joy?

Because the joy of the Lord is your strength! Joy is one of the strongest weapons we have against the depression and discouragement. It is also an offensive weapon to use against the devil. Too many Christians take a passive-reactive approach to life instead of an offensive-aggressive one. Some times it’s fun to stick your finger in the devil’s eye to remind him you have power over him. Let me explain: Pride is what caused Satan’s original sin; he wanted to be like the Most High God. The one thing reserved for God alone is worship, and the devil has always sought that. If he can’t be the one to receive worship, then he tries to turn others away from giving true worship to God. He does this by trying to keep you down/depressed. He’ll use the same old tactic he used with Eve by telling you that God is withholding something from you- you lack something. Your t.v. will confirm this message telling you that you must have X,Y, or Z to be happy – to be complete.  “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,” and “we are complete in Him” (Col 2:9-10). We are in this world, but not of this world. Nothing in this world can compare to the excellence of the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. Our relationship with God is the most prized possession. The ability to enter into the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God, to come boldly to the throne of grace saying Abba Father- Daddy, Daddy – What on this stinkin’ cursed earth can compare with that? We lack nothing.

So every time we truly rejoice and praise and worship the Lord in the midst of trouble, you are basically twisting your finger in the devil’s eye. Keep giving God what the devil always desired- worship. Keep your focus where it belongs, and depression will never be named among you. Remember joy is a fruit of your born-again spirit, not something you must obtain. You can, at all times, remain full of joy. We must never let ourselves get too focused on the daily grind, and let the cares of this world choke out the Word in our lives. In the presence of the Lord there is fullness of joy- can anything that doesn’t belong in you or on you (depression or sickness) remain in His mighty presence?

From Superficial to Supernatural

As a Christian, your life should reflect the fact that you serve a living and powerful God. There ought to be a clear distinction between the results you get, and the results your heathen friends are experiencing. Paul put it best when he told the Corinthians that he could not speak to them as to spiritual people, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. He said he had to feed them with milk instead of solid food because they were still carnal and behaving like mere men (see 1Cor 3:1-3). If you are living life more focused on the natural: what you see, feel, taste, touch, or hear, instead of the spiritual realities – the truths of God’s Word, you are living like a mere man/woman. My purpose is not to condemn anyone, but to encourage everyone to live a life of supernatural results. If you’re life’s not supernatural, its superficial. Surely God has called us, and equipped us to walk this earth as vessels of His Spirit with divine purpose and power. Rom 8:6 “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Examine yourself – test yourself. Can you think of an area of your life that’s not experiencing life and peace? If so, chances are, you need to change your thinking to focus on spiritual truths in that area. It takes practice, and it is by reason of use that we are able to exalt the Word of God above every natural circumstance. Truly the shift from superficial to supernatural starts with renewing your mind.

Here’s my point: we’re never going to get to the “these signs shall follow those that believe..” or, “the works that I do, you will do…” of we don’t rise above this plain of natural thinking and reasoning that is based on our five senses. Really, it all boils down to truly believing the Word above personal experience, emotions, preachers (even the ones on t.v. in shiny suits appearing in coveted time slots), friends, family, or your own “stinkin thinkin.” Because of the finished work of Jesus, God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing (Eph1:3), and given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge if Him who called us (2Peter1:3). We need to believe that all of the blessings have been deposited into our new born-again spirits, and work them out into this natural realm by faith: thus, supernatural results. Someone needs to shatter the mold of what it means to be a “normal Christian.” I personally reject the status quo of what the church has been offering lately. We all have access to the same Book, revealed by the same Spirit. Who’s gonna believe it- all of it? Who’s going to take God at His Word and rise up? Have you read the Great Commission? Did you notice what’s attached to it? “And these signs shall follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mk 16:17-18). Guess what folks, “normal believers” should be getting supernatural results. How? By what power? Look at verse 20: The Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.

It must be noted that it is not until a believer is endued with the power from on high, by receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that they can walk in the fullness of His power. Jesus did not do any miracles before the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and remained upon Him( Jn 1:32). Although Jesus sent out the Disciples before the Holy Spirit was given, the Holy Spirit did not remain with them until after they had tarried in Jerusalem, and He fell on them all. This is what Jesus was talking about when He said, “but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (Jn 14:17). Those of you who have received (attention all tongue talkers) remind yourselves that “God does not give the Spirit by measure” (Jn3:34). That means you have received the fullness of His power. What kind of power is this? Resurrection Power! That means power over all forms of death; power to speak life into dead things – restorative, creative power. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph 3:20). Why would God give us raising-the-dead power? To fulfill the Great Commission. Shouldn’t we use the same tools Jesus and His disciples used? It doesn’t matter if you always “feel” like you have this power in you. If you have received the baptism, you have received power that does not come and go, but remains. When Peter and John came to the blind man at the temple, Peter said”Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Every Spirit-filled believer has the same power. Believe it, and act on it!

Finally, like any of the gifts, or anything supernatural, it must be motivated by love. Even faith works by love. We can and should be moved by the same compassion that Jesus was moved by. He wrought many miracles after being moved by compassion. Remember this: God’s compassion has resurrection power in it! Look how Jesus was moved with compassion and wept after seeing the effect Lazarus’ death had on his family. I believe He also wept just seeing what a horrible effect death had on the human race. So what did He do – He showed everyone what He meant when He said, “I Am The Resurrection And The Life! Let me end by quoting Paul: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” (Phil 3:10).

The Devil is a Loser!

Most Christians would agree with the title of this post in theory, but not in practice. My goal in writing this is to prove to the reader that our adversary is truly a pathetic loser. I once told an old retired denominational preacher that I liked to keep the devil where he belonged – under my foot! The preacher gasped and sucked half the air out of the room before he replied, “Be careful what you say, he was one of God’s most powerful angels!” He, like many people, has a false belief that the devil is a powerful enemy. My number one response to the devil nowadays is to simply laugh at him. I believe you will too once his weapons are exposed, and your authority in Jesus Christ is revealed.

At one time, Lucifer was a powerful anointed angel, his power did exceed that of a mere man. However, after iniquity was found in him (the fall of man), he fell from heaven like lightning, and said goodbye to his angelic powers. He was now referred to as Satan, and had successfully traded his angelic powers for what God had given Adam – authority and dominion over this earth. He used this new-found authority for a time, and was able to inflict misery upon God’s creation. I bet Satan was very proud of himself, knowing that God would not violate the integrity of His Word, and just “give” authority back to Adam. You’d think he’d realize that he couldn’t outsmart God, given his former occupation and his eyewitness to the glory and majesty of the Almighty God. However, He was blinded by pride. Well, God’s perfect plan for the redemption of mankind was already in motion, and God was making a way to restore the fellowship with man that He created us for, by removing the barrier of sin that kept our hearts far from Him. When Jesus came, He fulfilled the commandments and ordinances that were against us, and contrary to us, by taking them out of the way and nailing them to the cross (see Col 2:14). Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf, and made peace between God and man by bearing all of God’s wrath toward sin. He actually become sin for us, therefore made a legal way for Him to descend into hell. (Now for the good part)

While down there, Jesus whipped the devil’s butt (for lack of a better term). He threw him a beating like none other: “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Col 2:15). The devil was disarmed on two fronts: First Jesus took away his number one weapon which was condemnation over our inability to keep the 10 commandments, having fulfilled the law for us. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Secondly, what power he did have (namely the power to steal, kill, and destroy-look what he did to Job) was completely stripped. Heb 2:14…”that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Jesus basically pulled out all the teeth of the devil, so that now he walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The good news, is he can only devour those that are ignorant of God’s Word – especially to the truth that he has been disarmed- he’s toothless!

Even though the devil is a loser, the Bible warns us not to be ignorant of his devices. Now, his biggest tools are fear and deception – he’s a liar. Any time he tries to attack you, he basically has to “bluff.” He will wait to see if you know the truth of God’s word concerning the matter and “call his bluff,”  or if you are ignorant or have received false teaching, and accept his bluff. If you accept his bluff by claiming whatever form of death he brings against you (ex: oh no, I guess I have cancer/arthritis/diabetes… now), then he has stolen your authority. You see, the only power he has now, is when someone yields their authority to him by believing his lies. This is why it is so important to know the difference between a blessing and a curse. Read Deuteronomy chapter 28 and remember that the curses listed have nothing to do with you because Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us…that the blessings of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:13). Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you(James 4:7). You must know that the source of attack is not from God in order to actively resist the devil. You must also be sure to see past the people who are cooperating with the enemy, realizing that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places’ (Eph 6:12). Then remember that Jesus already disarmed them, and call their bluff!

Finally, take the shield of faith which will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one! Walk in love – because it never fails. Be bold, and don’t be afraid to swing the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The battle’s been fought and won. Now go enforce the victory with the mighty name of Jesus – who went about doing good, destroying the works of the devil! We have the Greater one on the inside of us – let’s believe it, and act accordingly!