FACT

Matthew 24:12-13 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (KJV)

Fully Activated Courageous Teaching

            Conditions being what they are in the world it is increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction in the media. Advertising leaves heads spinning an image, according to one popular slogan, is everything; but where does that leave the people of God? We are called to be the “salt” and “light” in this world (Matthew 5:13 & 14). Looking at our lives, people should get a clear picture of “godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2). Are we fully activated or running on half power?

            The Apostle Paul warned Timothy about the sheer magnitude of godlessness that would exist in the last days, and I ask myself, “Are we there yet?” or “Can it get much worse?” The real truth is I don’t want those questions to be answered because I’m afraid it can get worse (2 Timothy 3:1-5). So, we need to address another question. What are we (the church) doing about the condition of the world? We basically have two responses: 1) complain or 2) get involved. Of the two responses, getting involved holds the most promise of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18)

            As a child, I was a T.V. addict and I always loved police dramas. Does anyone else remember “Dragnet”? One of the two main characters was Sgt. Friday. In order to get involved and address what we should be doing, please allow me to borrow his tag line. “Just the facts, ma’am.” We need to approach ministry in FACT — Fully Activated Courageous Teaching. (Acts 1:8)

            As the Body of Christ, we cannot afford to attempt to minister without the full power and anointing of His Holy Spirit. There is only one way to get that anointing and allow it to flow through our lives. It’s actually a simple two-step & one giant-leap process. Step one: (This is the easy part) Ask for it. Step two: (Here’s the HARD part.) Wait for it! And now for the giant-leap (Are you ready? This part is REALLY HARD!) Act on it! The promise is you WILL receive. (Luke 11:13)

            How long will it take? Just as long as it takes for us to fully yield to God. Here is my story — I’ll try to keep it short — But I am a preacher so hold on. I grew up in a Christian home, went to church almost all my life, and felt the call to preach at thirteen or fourteen. My family has always been involved in Full Gospel churches. By that I mean we are Holy Rollers, Tongue Talkers or whatever descriptive phrase you may call Pentecostal believers. From the time I asked Jesus into my heart I also asked for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Fast-forward a few years and I’m studying for the ministry — struggling with “Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?”. It was Thanksgiving week and I had not yet experienced the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. That is the deal breaker as far as I was concerned — You cannot be a Pentecostal ministry without it. I had sought the infilling and baptism for years and it was really weighing heavy on me to think I was about to throw away my life’s goal. (God must just laugh at my stupidity all the time.) On the drive home I learned it was all about yielding.

            Right there on the 55 Freeway in Irvine, California, God filled me and taught me a lesson.  Whatever you’ve heard about California drivers, it’s true and probably only half the story. This guy starts pulling into my lane and cutting me off and there is NOTHING to do and NOWHERE to go so I prayed, “God, what do I do now?” There was nothing I could do so I let go — not of the steering wheel but of my preconceived ideas about the infilling of the Holy Spirit. I prayed in tongues. God made room for a car where there was none and I learned the lesson of yielding to the Holy Spirit. FACT — Fully Activated Courageous Teaching. (Isaiah 30:21)

            Wherever the Spirit of God leads us we can go with courage. Being fully activated by faith strengthens our teaching. God lays out the facts. We only yield to His leading. The message may grow more and more unpopular as the wickedness of this world increases, but the power of sound biblical doctrine is never diminished. God will accomplish what He sets out to accomplish and He has given us His Spirit as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

            The Word of God has not lost its effectiveness. In most cases we simply stopped applying it to our lives. The time has come for us to be courageous teachers of biblical truth. We are commanded by scripture to be ready, always to “give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15). The answer we are offering is not based upon our feelings. It is the product of our faith. The faith that has the power to save is active. We must be ready to take the giant-leap and act on the leading of the Holy Spirit every time we have an opportunity. FACT — Fully Activated Courageous Teaching calls us first to study His Word and then to take action.

            When I was growing up, camping, boating, and water-skiing were big on the list of summer and weekend activities. My Dad taught my sisters and all my cousins how to water-ski. I was unable to learn because (Well let’s face it.) I have always been clumsy or sports challenged. The funny thing about my Dad’s ability to teach this skill is at that point, HE HAD NEVER been up on skis behind a boat in his life. He simply knew the principles and had confidence that it was possible. Applying that lesson spiritually, I realize many of the experiences recorded in the Bible; I personally have not had. However, I have confidence in their possibility and I fully accept their reality in principle.

            Courageous teaching means that we accept the Bible as fact, believe and teach sound doctrine. We will have access to just the right gift at just the right time as we hold up the biblical standard of conduct. As the people of God we have a responsibility not only to get involved but also to be the agents of change in this world. The pastoral epistles, First and Second Timothy and Titus, clearly explain what to teach. We must be examples of the grace of God. Are we dealing in FACT — Fully Activated Courageous Teaching? (Titus 2:11-12)

            Fully Activated Courageous Teaching relies upon the Holy Spirit to provide the power. Truth is the standard to be met every time. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free.” (John 8:32 KJV Emphasis added) The prerequisite is that we truly be His disciples. If we really hold to and apply His teachings to our lives, then we will freely share those teachings with others and we are His disciples. The end result is in His hands.

            Be encouraged today because Jesus also said, “everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40) He is our teacher and we can be like Him. According to scripture He went about doing good and healing anyone who came to Him. That, for us, takes some courageous teaching but it is possible when we minister in FACT — Fully Activated Courageous Teaching. Go in the power of the Holy Spirit. Speak the TRUTH in love. Witness the life-changing presence of God. Be courageous not foolhardy — walk in the gift of discernment. Continually be filled with His grace.

VOICE

                Valued

                Observations

                Identifying

                Christ-Like

                Enterprises

“To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, all I ask is to be like Him. All through life’s journey, from Earth to Glory, all I ask is to be like Him.” So says a chorus from my childhood and yet we seem to be suffering a chronic case of laryngitis – The church has lost its voice.

The message of Christ – awe-inspiring, compelling, life-changing – all on its own, without gimmicks, high-pressure tactics, or flashing lights. Are we facing a midlife crisis as the body of Christ?

The message to the church that lost its way in the book of Revelation was to remember the height from which it had fallen and to return to its first works. The work of LOVE! 

(Revelation chapter 2)

What do we really value?

“Lord You are more precious than silver. Lord You are more costly than gold. Lord You are more beautiful than Diamonds and nothing I desire compares with You.” We sing it. We proclaim it – But do we practice it?

We observe holidays, and celebrations, but do we observe and identify Christ-Likeness?

(Matthew 10:24-26)

Many people today see the church as a business. Christ-Like Enterprises have nothing to do with profit and loss on a financial balance sheet. If we are going to find our VOICE, we must involve ourselves in compassion not compromise – in goodness not greed.

(John 14:11-13)

Find your VOICE!

                                Valued

                                Observations

                                Identifying

                                Christ-Like

                                Enterprises

GROWTH

Psalm 71: 17-18 “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” (KJV)

GROWTH

Generations Reaching Our World Through Holiness

            There is a church that has adopted the name Generations and it should be understood, this message is not an advertisement for that church. It is a call that rings out from Heaven that we, the people of God should reach every generation with the truth of salvation and the power of the resurrection. God has done mighty works in our lives, miracles in our families, and delivered each of us from a life of sin. He has taught us His way and commanded that we teach others. Jesus is the bread of life! (John 6:32-33)

            He came to give life, teach holiness, and reconcile mankind’s relationship with God our Creator. The great commission is that we take His message to those who have never heard it. Jesus said, “… Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV) He is with us as we step out to teach every generation and church growth is the result.

            GROWTH — Generations Reaching Our World Through Holiness, depends on the divine power of God being manifest in our lives. That power offers anything we need for a life of righteousness and true holiness. It leads us into a life of integrity and purpose.  We live in a world that does not understand or accept our values. Many of us work in environments that push our spirituality, faith and patience past the point of human endurance to test and approve our call. It cannot be accomplished through our effort it must be the power of God.

            This year has been one of those testing years for me. It began with my father suffering a massive stroke. From there everything went from bad to worse as he, and the rest of the family, rode the roller coaster of personal care in and out of hospitals, skilled care facilities and back home — only to wind up back in the hospital. Add to that an ever changing secular work place and a full-time ministry that can only be fulfilled after the workday is completed — now you are beginning to appreciate my struggle. Teaching in a public junior high school, serving as Pastor in a home missions church, being a loving husband and devoted son all offer me countless opportunities for GROWTH. Yet, I often feel like a failure. Is your story much different?

            The purpose we strive to attain is shining with and for the glory of God no matter what the world sends our direction. Standing only in the strength of God’s grace allows us to reach out with compassion to those around us. We reach out to the world with the hope of salvation because God has given us great and precious promises — Not because we have attained perfection. Our struggle and our most dangerous downfall becomes attempting to reach His goals in our own strength. We all suffer the same temptations and none of us can experience spiritual GROWTH without God’s intervention. (1Corinthians 10:12-13)

            We have been offered an escape from the corruption that surrounds us. We share that offer with others as we live a life of righteousness. The world will notice the difference in us and be drawn to the presence of God, not our preaching. They will be drawn to the love of God, not our condemnation. Is it possible to be talking about two aspects of GROWTH at the same time? On one hand, we are addressing numeric growth, which is near and dear in the heart of every Pastor. On the other hand, we are discussing spiritual growth; both are vital to the life and health of the church. Generations cannot be busily Reaching Our World Through Holiness if there is an absence of personal spiritual growth within the individual believers who make up the church.

            Developing Godly character through the free exercise of faith, goodness, self-control, and kindness facilitates growth both spiritually and numerically. Possessing these qualities ensures our effectiveness and productivity within the Kingdom of God. Our personal relationship with Jesus prevents spiritual blindness if it is a living, active, and growing relationship. Our corporate involvement in the church prevents spiritual atrophy. Believers are equipped for every good work and every generation has the responsibility to reach our world through holiness. Our participation in the act of evangelism is the product of His power at work in us. (2Peter 1:3-11)

            We are all called to be productive members of the body of Christ. No matter how young or old we are there are people we can introduce to the Savior. We have been cleansed from our past sins for a single purpose. We must allow the truth of the Gospel to shine through us. This acrostic should speak to us the reality that everyone can minister to someone. Generations — every age group of people, Reaching — actively ministering to the needs of people, Our World — the place in time and space we occupy, Through Holiness — complete submission to the authority and righteousness of Christ.

            Effective ministry today will not look like the effective ministry of the past. Generations change, style, language, expectations, musical taste, they all evolve into a unique mix called culture. Ministry that inspires and cultivates GROWTH must address these issues. The only constant is the message of the cross and the offer of a vibrant relationship with the living God. Reaching people with the news of salvation can only be accomplished as we meet real needs in contemporary society. The outward appearance of holiness that has been promoted by the church has become a principal point of division when it should be the foundation of unification within the body of Christ.

            Holiness comes from the inside. It cannot be manufactured by strict adherence to an outdated list of rules and codes of conduct. The key is submission to the Lordship of Christ. Keeping our spiritual eyes focused upon Him guides us according to His light. Serving Him faithfully in every area develops holiness in us.  (Matthew 6:22-23)

             Exponential and explosive GROWTH happens as it always has through devotion, fellowship, and the presence of God. The New Testament Church experienced phenomenal growth for three reasons.  1) The disciples were devoted to the message. 2) The fellowship and identification as the family of God brought unity in their actions. 3) The presence of God was established by their praise and God’s power was evident through His demonstration of signs and wonders. (Act 2:42-47)

            Stepping back to examine GROWTH — Generations Reaching Our World Through Holiness, in the first century church, we notice three things. First, every believer was devoted to the teachings of the apostles. Those teachings are the New Testament as we have it today. So, they were devoted to the Word of God. That devotion took on a personality of its own and was demonstrated both corporately and individually.  Second, every believer was committed to fellowship. Their devotion to the Word of God developed a deep emotional bond with other believers. The familial bond between believers formed a sense of community. They shared everything with each other. We can understand the vast amount of love required for that level of commitment if we think back to our last holiday meal. Now imagine maintaining, or rather, extending that spirit of love and generosity daily. It would be impossible without the intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Third and final reason for explosive church growth during the Apostolic Age was the outpouring of God’s divine power. God’s power is part and parcel with His presence. The presence of God is established through praise; therefore, we can conclude the New Testament church was filled with praise directed toward God. Anytime the people of God employ praise and worship the presence of God descends and needs are supernaturally met. Because God is the same yesterday, today and forever, it is available to us even in our contemporary setting.

            Do you desire GROWTH in your personal life, church family, or professional experience? It all flows from your relationship and submission to Christ. Generations Reaching Our World Through Holiness begins with personal revival. Examine the three elements that led to explosive evangelism and exponential growth in the early church. How do we as a community of believers measure up? It is time to praise the Lord. Drawing His presence near through praise will infuse us with energy, devotion, and excitement for the things of God. It is time to re-establish unity and a sense of Christian community. It is time to demonstrate our devotion to the Word and will of God by exercising our ability to worship and serve. The power of God to supernaturally meet needs flows from His presence. His presence is easily recognized in an atmosphere of praise. GROWTH follows revival and revival is a deeply personal experience — Not a corporate emotional high generated by a dynamic speaker. Generations — every age group of people, Reaching — actively ministering to the needs of people, Our World — the place in time and space we occupy (contemporary society), Through Holiness —complete submission to the authority and righteousness of Christ. Answer the call to discipleship today and begin to experience phenomenal spiritual GROWTH. 

DREAM

Genesis 41:15-16 “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (KJV)

DREAM

Deliverance Revealing Eternal Arrangements Mysteriously

            God has used dreams to communicate His plans to mankind several times. One of the most dramatic examples we have is the story of Joseph. As a young man God gave Joseph two dreams. Those dreams revealed to Joseph God’s plan to elevate him to a powerful and extremely important position. Later, Joseph’s ability to trust God for the interpretation of dreams allowed him to be instrumental in the deliverance of both the children of Israel and the Egyptians. 

            Listening to the prophetic voice of Joel we come to the understanding that God is not abandoning the practice of revelation through dreams. In the “Last Days” God has promised to pour out His Spirit upon anyone — young, old, male, female, rich, or poor. The Holy Spirit is available to every believer. (Joel 2:28-29)

            There are a few truths we need to accept lest we venture too far out on the limb of insanity and leave conventional spirituality. Not all deliverance unfolds before us in the form of a dream, and not every dream is spiritual. Not every dream brings a revelation with it, but a God-given dream is powerful, revealing, and mysterious.  God-given dreams are powerful. We are shaken by these dreams and we arrive at a new level of awareness. God-given dreams are revealing. We see things more clearly and the heart of a matter is exposed beyond the confines of time and space. God-given dreams are mysterious; they show us the arrangements God has made in advance. They reveal an eternal purpose; so, we present this acrostic as a means of understanding: DREAM — Deliverance Revealing Eternal Arrangements Mysteriously.

            Deliverance and Revelation are both specialties where God is concerned. In the case of Jeremiah the Prophet, his life was threatened and without the direct revelation offer by the Holy Spirit he would have suffered the loss of his life. This passage does not specifically say the revelation took place in a dream; however, God has spoken many times to the Patriarchs through dreams and visions. (Jeremiah 11:18)

            There are, no doubt, even some reading this who can say with assurance, “God has spoken to me through a DREAM.” These dreams always lead us in a direction that defines the path for our lives. The Magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Joseph was warned in a dream to take Mary as his wife. God uses dreams.

            Probably none would argue Jacob’s personality and character had a few flaws — he needed a new direction — but how many of us would admit that we need a DREAM. We need a new direction. If we recall the story of Jacob, he tricked his brother out of his inheritance, tricked his father out of a blessing and was later tricked himself by his uncle who was also his father-in-law.

            When people begin to meddle in God’s plan things get more than a little confusing. You see, at Jacob’s birth, the plan of God was clearly revealed. He would inherit his father’s possessions and be blessed. But, Jacob, like many of us, just couldn’t wait for God’s plan to unfold. He started making his own arrangements and ended up with more than a few problems along the way.

            If we have caught ourselves in the same boat, meddling in God’s eternal arrangements, we need to stop. The truth is: God has a plan for our lives and He will work out all the details! Our life, once we have committed it to Him, is eternally set. The Bible teaches us our value in God’s eternal plan by these expressions of importance, “… I am fearfully and wonderfully made …” (Psalm 139:14 NIV), “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered …” (Luke 12:7 NIV), and “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart …” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV). Each of these passages allows us to understand that before we knew God He was interested in us. We became part of God’s Eternal plan through submission to His will. The Arrangements, in our lives, work best when they are left to God. Our salvation is only as secure as our submission.

            Some people get all tangled up in the mysterious aspect of dreams and others dismiss all dreams as the outcome of an upset stomach. Whatever we believe about dreams, God reveals Himself and His plan Mysteriously. God loves each of us deeply. He desires a personal relationship with us. He will reveal Himself and His plan. Are we willing to accept His revelation? (Genesis 31:11 & 13)

            In Jacob’s life the Mysterious leading of the Lord produced financial blessing, physical protection, and reconciliation with his estranged family. God is able and willing to do the same in the life of every believer. Follow the DREAM God gives you and it will get you where God desires to take you. God’s choice to work in our lives is not based on our wisdom, wealth, or position. He offers us a DREAM — Deliverance Revealing Eternal Arrangements Mysteriously, for two reasons — His righteousness and His desire to reveal Himself to us.

            Daniel was a child of God living in exile under the Babylonian King. He was dragged into exile in Babylon. His youth and intelligence marked him as a valuable asset to the Kingdom of Babylon, but it was his faithfulness to God even in exile, which promoted him to a position of leadership. During this process the King had a dream that troubled him and he commanded his wise men to tell him the dream. They could not produce the interpretation and were about to be put to death. Daniel asked the King for time; took the matter to prayer and was given the interpretation. (Daniel 2:19 & 30)

            Like Daniel, from time to time we are called upon to help others understand the DREAM they have been given. God is always faithful to bring the interpretation; however, it is with great care and reverence we wait for the revelation of the matter. DREAM — Deliverance Revealing Eternal Arrangements Mysteriously, God has deliverance of us. Yet, in today’s society we feel surrounded by Godless people who continually show their corruption. We see the truth of Psalm 14 everywhere we look, but we wait in hope and we rejoice as God gives us a dream to follow. We must remember to call upon Him and allow Him to become our refuge. (Psalm 14)

            The world experiences dismay, but the family of God lives in hope. The world is overrun with dread, but the company of the righteous enjoys the presence of the Lord. Our Deliverance is at hand. God is Revealing His plan. The eternal kingdom of His glory has been promised. The Arrangements for our participation in that Kingdom have been established. Mysteriously, God is working His wonders in our lives. Do not lose heart. Do not give up. Keep following the DREAM. Trust God’s plan. He knows why you’re here and He knows what He is doing. The prison was not comfortable for Joseph. The fiery furnace did not start as a “walk in the park” for the three Hebrew children. Our lives are filled with uncomfortable, tragic events, but our submission to God and our faith ensure ultimate victory. Believe in the God given DREAM.