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Revival and Reformation, Part 5 Introduction Thanks to those of you who voted Tuesday, who prayed regarding the elections, and a special thanks to those who worked to support righteous efforts and candidates. Many of you responded to our appeal to partner with My Faith Votes. No righteous effort is ever a waste of time, even when it doesn’t produce the outcome we desired.  I’ll probably say more about Tuesday’s election results in the coming days. (I didn’t comment on them at all in yesterday’s post because the 15s must be written and recorded the day before their release. Thus yesterday’s was prepared on Election Day.) My only purpose for commenting on the results briefly in today’s post is to encourage you. This was not a referendum on President Trump and the changes being made in America. Most, if not all, of the losses by conservatives were in very liberal states. In no way were they upsets; the upsets would have been had they won. We are making progress in the turning of this nation and will continue to do so. My hope for our salvation as a nation is not in elections or a political party, as critical as government is. Spiritual breakthroughs are what enable righteous leaders to accomplish their roles in restoring a nation. A Third Great Awakening will save America, not the Republican Party. Keep your faith focused heavenward, and continue to pray according to God’s promises. America shall be saved! This is good timing for Part 5 of the posts on revival and reformation. Today’s post deals with the devastating outcome of fulfilling the Great Commission found in the gospel of Mark (preaching the gospel and restoring people to God’s family), without accomplishing Matthew’s commission of discipling nations. For the sake of time, I will not read the review today. I am including it in the written version of the post, however, for those who would like to refresh their memory. In Review We have been looking at the concepts of revival and reformation, and the fact that they are linked to Yahweh’s assignments to Adam and Eve - and therefore all of us. Today’s post is the fifth teaching in this series ( Part 1 [entitled: In The Beginning… ], Part 2 , Part 3 , and Part 4 ). Each post builds on the next, so if you haven’t listened to or read the first four, please consider doing so. In Genesis 1:26-28, Adam and Eve were told to: 1) multiply His family, and 2) govern/manage His earth. Christ re-commissioned the church to these assignments in Mark 16:15-20 and Matthew 28:18-20. In Mark’s gospel, He told us to “preach the gospel” in order to see people saved, i.e., multiply His family. When this happens with great momentum and a large number of people coming to Christ, we refer to it as revival . In Matthew’s commission, Christ instructed us to teach His commandments in order to disciple nations—that is, to steward/manage/govern the earth. When this occurs on a broad scale, we call it reformation.  We have analyzed the differences involved in these assignments.  And Now for Today The Charismatic and Jesus People movements of the late 1960s through the early 80s saw millions of people in America and tens of millions around the world come to Christ. It was a wonderful example of Christ’s commission in Mark 16:15-20 occurring with great momentum, truly a significant revival. However, there was a deficient understanding of our calling to fulfill His commission of discipling nations in Matthew 28:18-20. For the most part, the minimal awareness of discipling that existed was limited to discipling individuals who came to Christ, rather than also discipling nations, societies, and cultures. Discipling nations involves teaching, modeling, and implementing God’s ways in all spheres of society, including family, religion, government, business, education, arts/entertainment, and media. It is NOT dictating or forcing God’s laws upon people and nations, as we are accused of by some who misrepresent our words, but rather teaching and modeling His ways and principles in every sector of society. Salvation, the new birth, opens the human heart and will to being discipled, which is why revival must occur first. When a person is born again, Holy Spirit writes God’s laws in their heart (Hebrews 8:10), making them hungry for His Word and truth. Also, their conscience becomes alive, active, and desirous of pleasing God (Hebrews 9:14). When a nation experiences significant revival, the portion of the populace affected by it does not have to be forced  to obey God’s laws and walk in His ways; they desire to do His will, obeying Him (Psalm 40:8). New believers must be taught these ways, however - retrained - as must their children. If this training and discipling do not occur, satan attempts - and often succeeds - in counteracting a revival by infusing wrong thinking, ideas, and philosophies, etc., into the culture.  As we stated, during the Jesus People/Charismatic movements of the ‘70s, Christians concerned themselves only with Mark 16. In an incredibly oxymoronic turn of events, while millions of people were coming to Christ, humanists, secularists, and atheists were busy doing their version of Matthew 28. We  saved individuals ; they discipled a nation.  We preached the gospel; unbelievers taught dogmas and doctrines. We went to church once a week; they indoctrinated us in our schools and universities five days a week. We enjoyed our new, small niche of Christian TV; they made hundreds of movies and programs, increasing their hold on the industry. We sang and worshipped at church; they took over the airwaves and discipled a generation 24/7 with their music. We created a few radio and TV stations; they captured technology, developed social media, and dominated the communication platforms. The results: America experienced one of the greatest revivals in history…AND LOST THE NEXT GENERATION TO DEMONIC INFLUENCE!  This is almost incomprehensible! The irony is beyond belief, the tragedy beyond words. But it happened.  Adding to the devastation, the generation discipled by humanists, secularists, and atheists has been in charge of our nation for years - governing, teaching, entertaining, etc. AND, they have been grooming the next generation, our kids. Sadly, today, social media and the entertainment industry have a far greater influence on the minds of our children than parents. This is the fruit of revival (Mark 16) without reformation (Matthew 28). And it’s how you lose a nation. Had the church obeyed the commission of Matthew 28:18-20, we would not have lost 60 million babies to abortion. Our children would not be confused as to their gender, some going so far as to mutilate their bodies. And marriage would still be a sacred covenant between one man and one woman as the law of the land.  Had we obeyed this commission, we would not have an anti-law enforcement movement, cities burning, thousands of criminals roaming our streets, socialists in high positions of government, antichrist religions ruling entire regions of America, and an element of our nation calling for the eradication of Jews. We would not have 42 million Americans on food stamps, and millions of Americans who can’t read, write, or do basic math. We would not have had a senile president controlled by a shadow government, and 20 million illegals in our nation, many of whom are supported with our taxpayer dollars. America would not be $37 trillion in debt. We would not have a lukewarm church, half of whom don’t believe in a literal Holy Spirit, the virgin birth, or the inerrancy of the Word of God. We must not make this mistake again. There is another powerful outpouring of Holy Spirit beginning that will produce an even greater revival than the charismatic and Jesus People movements. In this outpouring, the body of Christ, His Ekklesia, must accomplish both commissions. If we do so, it will reverse these failures and produce the greatest transformation of nations in earth’s history.  Pray with me: Father, You created Your family in Genesis 1, assigning them the responsibility of multiplying the family, and commissioning them to manage their home, planet earth. Although this was temporarily stalled, Your plan has been revived. Jesus restored it, and said He would build an Ekklesia, a governing family, the gates/government of hell would not be able to overcome. Then He recommissioned them to multiply Your family and steward the earth for You. We embrace these commissions! We see this two-fold plan of Christ’s gaining momentum. His bride is growing in numbers, and the Ekklesia’s revelation of its authority is also growing. Release another wind that increases this growth even more. Cause the greatest season of revival and reformation in earth’s history to occur - Mark 16 and Matthew 28 simultaneously. Release the greatest wind of evangelism the world has ever experienced, and fully reveal Christ among the nations.  Encourage Your people, Father, after Tuesday’s election results. Allow no “hope deferred” to overtake them, especially the intercessors (Proverbs 13:12). Help them to remain anchored in their faith and to focus on Christ as the Author and Finisher of this faith (Hebrews 12:2). We will not grow weary or lose heart - we will persevere (Galatians 6:9). We love You, Father, and pray these things in the name of Your glorious Son, Jesus. Amen. Our decree: We decree that the two Great Commissions of Christ WILL be fulfilled by His family and co-laborers, the church. Previous posts in this series: In the Beginning… Revival and Reformation, Part 2 Revival and Reformation, Part 3  Revival and Reformation, Part 4 Click on the link below to watch the full video.

Revival and Reformation, Part 4 In Review We have been looking at the concepts of revival and reformation, and the fact that they are linked to Yahweh’s assignments to Adam and Eve–and therefore all of us. Each post builds on the next, so if you haven’t listened to or read the first three, please consider doing so. In Genesis 1:26-28, Adam and Eve were told to: 1) multiply His family, and 2) govern/manage His earth. Christ re-commissioned the church to these assignments in Mark 16:15-20 and Matthew 28:18-20. In Mark’s gospel, He told us to “preach the gospel” in order to see people saved, i.e., multiply His family. When this happens with great momentum and a large number of people coming to Christ, we refer to it as a revival . In Matthew’s commission, Christ instructed us to teach His commandments in order to disciple nations–that is, steward/manage/govern the earth. When this occurs on a broad scale, we call it reformation.  The fact that we did not focus on BOTH commissions in the charismatic/Jesus People movements caused us to lose much of the fruit and was devastating to America’s well-being. I’ll discuss this in tomorrow’s post. Yesterday, I pointed out some of the differences in our goals regarding revival (Mark 16) and reformation (Matthew 28). I want to make several more comparisons between the two today, looking at their differences regarding messages and activities.  Messages It stands to reason that with different goals regarding revival (Mark 16) and reformation (Matthew 28), the messages  would also be different; they are, as is the method  of delivery.  In Mark 16, Jesus told us to “preach the gospel,” which is the good news of Christ’s redemption; in Matthew 28, He told us to “teach”  what He “commanded.”  The difference between preaching and teaching is more than style and volume. The New Testament word for preaching means to announce or proclaim a message, whereas teaching means to explain, expound, instruct, etc. We announce the good news of Christ’s saving work; we teach His ways, precepts, desires, and the principles of His Kingdom. (Obviously, Mark’s commission must occur before Matthew’s can be accomplished. Only those who have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, desiring to obey Him, can be taught and discipled according to His ways. Without this change of heart, they could only be coerced and forced, which is never God’s plan.) In revival, we emphasize the provision  of Christ–His Cross, mercy, and grace; in reformation, we teach the principles  of Christ–His Word, justice, righteousness, and truth.  When we enter God’s family, the result of Mark 16, the emphasis is on our inheritance and rights  as joint heirs with Christ; as we are discipled and mature, the result of Matthew 28, the focus expands to our assignment from Christ and our responsibility  as citizens of His Kingdom. As a person matures, naturally speaking, she or he should take on more personal responsibility and require less from others. They should serve more, be served less. Otherwise, they become narcissistic, believing life is all about their needs and desires. The same is true spiritually. As we grow in Christ, our focus should become more and more on serving the needs of others, and on the cause of Christ. The American church is filled with narcissistic believers who have been taught that the goal of a church service should be to meet their needs and satisfy their desires. Never having been taught otherwise, everything revolves around them: the worship, the sermon, the fellowship–it’s all for them. It rarely crosses their minds to ask, “Where/how can I serve?” What does God need and want from me today? I don’t mean to criticize those in the pews; these believers are simply living what they have been taught. Activities And lastly, the church’s activities  are different when accomplishing Christ’s two commissions.  In the family mandate of Mark’s gospel, we serve the needs of people: feeding, protecting, and nurturing our spiritual family; in Matthew’s, mandate, we serve the purposes of God,  ministering our gift, sacrificing, accepting risk, laying down our lives for His cause.  To fulfill Mark’s commission, we gather to worship, be fed, filled, and empowered; we receive . To accomplish Matthew’s, we also gather, but to become trained, commissioned, and sent; we represent.  In revival (Mark 16), we release the power of Holy Spirit for signs, wonders, and miracles - performing the works  of God; in reformation (Matthew 28), we speak and teach truth, doctrine, wisdom, and revelation in order to transform minds, the culture, government, laws and systems, aligning them with the ways  of God. As God’s family (Mark 16), our prayers are priestly –petitions, requests, and intercession offered heavenward; as the Ekklesia (Matthew 28), our prayers are kingly  - decrees and declarations released earthward from our position with Christ.  To accomplish Mark 16, multiplying and nurturing God’s family, Christ’s ministry gifts of pastor, evangelist, and  teacher are most active; to function as the Ekklesia (Matthew 28), producing the transformation and reformation of nations, Christ’s ministry gifts of apostle, prophet, and teacher are most needed.  In the Charismatic/Jesus People movements, the church failed to accomplish Matthew’s commission. We did not adequately disciple converts to Christ, and we most certainly did not disciple nations. Tomorrow we will examine the tragic results. Pray with me:  Father, we have been entrusted with preaching “the glorious gospel” of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 1:11). You trust us to announce the good news of Christ’s provision and blessings. You want Your family - and those not yet in the family - to know the gifts and inheritance You made available through Jesus. In the growing revival, cause an increase in the anointings required to announce these blessings with clarity and power. Increase the strength and scope of this revival.  And as we harvest these new family members, enable the church to properly mature them into givers, not just takers. May every convert become a responsible citizen of Your Kingdom, employing the gifts You placed within them for heaven’s great cause. Raise up powerful reformers in all of the mountains of culture: family, religion, government, business, education, arts/entertainment, and media. Give them wise and brilliant strategies with which to transform. As You did for Daniel and his colleagues, make them wiser than those who do not know You (Daniel 1:20).  Send the greatest revival and reformations the world has ever seen or experienced. All of this we ask in Yeshua’s name. Amen. Our decree: We decree that anointed revivalists and wise, skilled reformers are arising throughout the earth. Previous posts in this series: In the Beginning… Revival and Reformation, Part 2 Revival and Reformation, Part 3 Click on the link below to watch the full video.

Revival and Reformation, Part 3 We have been looking at the concepts of revival and reformation, and the fact that they are linked to Yahweh’s assignments to Adam and Eve - and therefore all of us ( Part 1 [entitled: In The Beginning… ] and Part 2 ). Each post builds on the next, so if you haven’t listened to or read the first two, please consider doing so. In Genesis 1:26-28, Adam and Eve were told to 1) multiply His family, and 2) govern/manage His earth. Christ re-commissioned the church to these assignments in Mark 16:15-20 and Matthew 28:18-20. In Mark’s gospel, He told us to “preach the gospel” in order to see people saved, i.e., multiply His family. When this happens with great momentum and large numbers of people coming to Christ, we refer to it as revival . In Matthew’s commission, Christ instructed us to teach His commandments in order to disciple nations - that is, steward/manage/govern the earth. When this occurs on a broad scale, we call it reformation. The fact that we did not focus on BOTH commissions in the charismatic/Jesus People movements caused us to lose much of the fruit and was devastating to America’s well-being. I’ll discuss this in Thursday’s post. In yesterday’s post , I listed a few comparisons between revival (Mark 16) and reformation (Matthew 28) to help us understand the differences. I want to give several more today and tomorrow, breaking down the differences into three categories: our goals, our messages,  and our activities. Today, we’ll look at the differences regarding the goals: The goals of Mark’s and Matthew’s commissions are different: The goal of Mark’s commission is to impact and save people, individuals;  the goal of Matthew’s is to impact and save  cities and nations.  Mark’s goal is to  birth spiritual children; Matthew’s goal is to mature, train  them as citizens of God’s Kingdom, and commission  them as Kingdom soldiers, ambassadors, and legislators.  Through Mark’s commission, people receive  God’s life and nature; through Matthew’s commission, they are trained to  release His life and nature. The fulfillment of Mark’s commission brings wholeness to and shapes individuals ; the fulfillment of Matthew’s brings wholeness to and shapes   cultures,   societies,  and nations .  Mark’s commission is intended to  deliver people  from demons and sin; Matthew’s is designed to deliver nations  from principalities and powers, philosophies, laws, unrighteous systems, humanism, racism, and more.  In Mark’s commission, the fruit is  internal,  within believers and the body of Christ; in Matthew’s commission, the fruit is external, manifesting in societies and nations.  Mark’s assignment is to transform the heart , our nature; the discipling of Matthew’s is to transform  the mind , our thinking. Mark’s commission will heal individuals  of brokenness, diseases, oppression, etc.; Matthew’s will heal nations of poverty, hunger, violence, and other evils.  The salvation released through Mark’s message fills individuals with Holy Spirit; Matthew’s teaching is intended to fill the atmospheres,  the spiritual realm of regions and nations with Holy Spirit’s presence and peace.  In Mark, Holy Spirit is poured out ; in Matthew, the Word and truth are taught.   Mark’s  is an outpouring ; Matthew’s is an outworking.  Through Mark’s commission,  personal destinies  are awakened and accomplished; through Matthew’s, national destinies are awakened and accomplished.  Mark’s commission produces the  family  of God, the bride  of Christ, worshippers;  Matthew’s commission produces the Ekklesia,   ambassadors and warriors of Christ.  The fact that many in the church have not fully understood what each of Christ’s commissions was meant to accomplish has greatly hindered our mission. A mission must be clearly defined  in order to be fully accomplished . There must be a target to hit, a mark to press toward. Tomorrow, we will define this more, looking at the messages  associated with each commission, as well as the different activities . We’ll see when to emphasize the provision  of Christ, and when to teach the principles  of Christ; we’ll look at our inheritance  in Christ, versus our assignment  from Christ. I’m confident it will be beneficial to you. Pray with me: Father, we thank You for Your heart to redeem and save. Thank You for the power of the gospel, of the name of Jesus, and of Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Word, which transforms, instructs, and teaches us Your ways. And we thank You for Your promise that America shall be saved and revival will impact the earth. We will partner with You in these endeavors, as Your Word instructs us. We will preach the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. We will baptize those who believe, lay hands on the sick and see them recover, and cast out demons. This will produce the revival  You speak of. We will also teach Your Word, Your commandments and ways, discipling individuals and nations. We will do so with Your authority, as You instructed us in Matthew 28. This will produce the reformation  You have spoken of. So, Father, we boldly and passionately ask You for the fullness of this revival and reformation. Let Your power and outpouring be such that they cannot be ignored. Awaken the church, save unbelievers, and transform nations. And all of this we ask for in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen. Our decree: We declare that the greatest revival in history has begun, and this will lead to reformation throughout the world. And please remember to vote today!  It’s important that we put feet to our prayers. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

Revival and Reformation, Part 2 Last Thursday I began discussing the concepts of revival and reformation, and paused the series on Friday to honor Reformation Day. I stated last week that these two phenomena relate to Christ’s great commissions of Mark 16:15-18 and Matthew 28:18-20. I also pointed out that each of these commissions corresponds to one of the two mandates God gave humankind through Adam and Eve, in Genesis 1:26-28. The first of these assignments was to be fruitful and multiply: “Give Me more kids,” God said. The second was to steward, manage, or govern the earth. “You will represent My Kingdom’s government on this outpost of the Kingdom,” He told them. If you did not watch or read Thursday’s post, I strongly recommend that you do so. You can find it here . Both of these assignments were interrupted at the Fall. God temporarily lost 1) His family and 2) His ambassadors on the earth. Jesus, of course, was sent to recover and restore both. Regarding the first, He said in Matthew 16:18-19, “I will build My Church.”  The word “build” is oikodomeo , (1)  which means to build a family  or household . In choosing this word, Christ was saying, “I’ve come to get the family back!”  He followed this in Matthew 16 by calling this family His “church,” where the concept is mentioned and introduced for the first time in Scripture. “Church” is the word ekklesia, which means “called out from.” (2)  It was not a building, worship service, or organization; at that time in history, ekklesia  was not even a religious term. It referred to an assembly or group of people “called out” from the overall population in order to govern. Study.com says an ekklesia/ecclesia “played a central role in the political life of the city [Athens]. The Ecclesia had the power to nominate and elect magistrates, who were responsible for administering the city’s affairs and carrying out the decisions of the assembly. The Ecclesia also had the authority to pass laws and to decide on issues related to foreign policy, defense, and the administration of justice.  “In addition to its legislative powers, the Ecclesia also participated in the judicial process in Athens. The Ecclesia members would try cases involving serious crimes, such as murder, and they could impose punishments. This made it an important institution for ensuring justice and upholding their rule of law in the city. The Ecclesia’s powers and importance varied over time, but it remained an important part of the political landscape of Athens throughout the classical period and into the Hellenistic era.” (3) By choosing this well known secular word, ekklesia , Jesus was saying, “I have come to recover My family and reestablish them as My spiritual government, My ambassadors on earth.” His other comments in this passage amplified and explained this further. Jesus said that this ekklesia would be given the keys (authority) of His Kingdom, through which they would bind and loose (lock and unlock, forbid and allow), and that the gates (government) of hell would not overpower them. (In those times, city councils often met at the gates of their cities because, in their thinking, the gates were a picture of government. Why? Gates determined what could enter the city physically , government did so legally . Jesus was clearly stating that the spiritual authority He would give His family would enable them to ambassadorially represent His Kingdom here on earth (see also 2 Corinthians 5:20), and they would not be overcome by the government of hell.) The Recommissioning   After reversing the setbacks of the Fall through the Cross and reestablishing God’s two-fold plan, Jesus re-commissioned us in Mark 16:15-18 and Matthew 28:18-20. In Mark’s gospel, He told us to go and preach the good news that people could be restored to God’s family: saved, delivered, healed, and filled with Holy Spirit. In other words, He told them to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28)! When this occurs in mass, we refer to it as a revival . In Matthew 28, however, Jesus re-commissioned His Ekklesia regarding management of the earth, telling us to “disciple nations” according to His teachings. “As My Ekklesia, You have My authority. In My name, instruct and disciple nations back to the ways of My Kingdom,” He instructed us. When this occurs with groups and nations, it is a reformation . Obedience to BOTH of these mandates is absolutely essential. I will highlight the differences between them more fully in tomorrow’s post, but here are a few comparisons and differences:l of revival and reformation: Revival brings people into God’s family; Reformation teaches them His ways. Revival births them spiritually; Reformation trains them practically. Revival transforms the human heart (our nature); Reformation transforms the human mind (our thinking). Revival’s fruit is internal, produced within us; Reformation’s fruit is external, released from us.  Revival is accomplished through “preaching” (Mark 16:15); Reformation takes place through “teaching” (Matthew 28:20). Revival creates converts; Reformation creates disciples. Revival restores God’s life to individuals; Reformation restores understanding of His laws, principles, and ways to cities and nations.  Revival produces God’s bride, family, and worshippers; Reformation produces God’s Ekklesia, those who represent His Kingdom authority and rule. In most revivals, believers have thought primarily of getting people saved/born again, ready for heaven (Mark 16). This, of course, is essential and must be the starting point - birthing obviously precedes training. But if Matthew 28, the reforming and discipling of individuals and nations, doesn’t occur, the long-term fruit will be minimal…and can even be lost! Pray with me: Father, You have said that revival and reformation have begun. As Your voices on earth we declare that: all nations will experience outpourings of Holy Spirit. As the waters cover the sea, so shall God’s glory cover the earth. Even as sin abounds, grace and glory will abound more! The Spirit of deliverance will deliver many this year. Entire regions will be delivered and see the light of the gospel. Strongholds will melt under God’s fiery wrath. Youth will see His light and become volunteers in this day of His power. They will run with endurance, war with strength, speak with prophetic insight, and build with apostolic depth. They will evangelize millions and reform nations. They will wear their passion on their sleeve, manifesting love for God everywhere they go. They will be the Amos 9:13 generation: plowmen will overtake reapers. They will run with fathers and mothers, demonstrate humility, and walk in the fear of the Lord. They will heal the sick, open blind eyes, see extraordinary miracles, set oppressed people free, and raise the dead. They will be fearless, bold, more than conquerors, and not for sale. We declare these things by the inspiration of Holy Spirit and in the authority of Christ! Amen. And Father, we pray for those who are being impacted by the government shutdown. We know many are not being paid; others aren’t receiving the assistance they need. Please help them get through this situation. Give food banks the needed resources to provide additional meals. Please move upon enough Senators to vote for the reopening. And we ask that You use this closing to further expose the willingness of many in our government to prioritize power and politics over American citizens.  All of this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.  Our decree: We decree that we will experience the rain of revival and the reformation of nations in this season of time. Click on the link below to watch the full video. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. nos. 3618 and 3624. Ibid., ref. no. 1577. https://study.com/academy/lesson/ecclesia-ancient-greece-history-facts.html

Reformation Day Today’s post is in some ways a pause in the teaching I began yesterday on awakening and reformation; it is, however, most certainly related. Today’s date is significant. While many celebrate Halloween, others like myself will be celebrating a far more important day in history, Reformation Day. Many believers give it little or no thought, most actually do not even know of its existence, but it is a monumental day in world history. The Great Reformation was a major 16th‑century movement that transformed Western Christendom, politics, and society. It began in 1517, traditionally marked by Martin Luther’s Ninety‑Five Theses, and unfolded through a mix of religious critique, doctrinal debate, political change, and cultural upheaval that reshaped the Christian church in Europe and beyond. It is often referred to as the Protestant reformation. The Cause God caused the Great Reformation, but there were several natural causes that He used. Leading into the 16th century, many Christians criticized the sale of indulgences—claims that one could reduce punishment for sins by monetary payment. This practice, along with other perceived abuses in monastic and papal authority, sparked widespread dissatisfaction. Leaders of the Renaissance emphasized returning to original sources. Scholars urged reform based on a more direct study of Scripture and the Church Fathers, challenging medieval scholastic methods and some papal traditions. The church’s wealth and temporal power created resentment among some nations and cities, fueling the desire for greater independence from papal control. The invention of the printing press facilitated rapid dissemination of these reformist ideas, while rising nationalism encouraged rulers to curb papal influence. Then along came Martin Luther and his theses in Germany. A monk and theology professor, Luther argued that salvation came through faith alone and that Scripture alone should be the ultimate authority, not papal decrees. He also contended that the Bible should be translated into vernacular languages, making it accessible to common believers. Reformers like Luther questioned the number and administration of sacraments, the role of tradition, and the authority of the Pope. Different reforming groups developed their own doctrinal positions. Translations of the Bible into German, English, and other languages empowered laypeople to read and interpret Scripture, diminishing the monopoly of clergy over doctrine. The Reformation led to the creation of numerous Protestant denominations. It also stimulated literacy, education, and literacy campaigns as people sought to read the Bible. And it influenced art, music, philosophy, and science, contributing to a broader shift in European civilization. Ligonier.org says of Martin Luther’s nailing of his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door on October 31, 1517:  “…This law student turned Augustinian monk became the center of a great controversy after his theses were copied and distributed throughout Europe. Initially protesting the pope’s attempt to sell salvation, Luther’s study of Scripture soon led him to oppose the church of Rome on issues including the primacy of the Bible over church tradition and the means by which we are found righteous in the sight of God. “Luther recaptured the biblical view of the priesthood of all believers, showing all people that their work had purpose and dignity because in it they can serve their Creator. (1) GotQuestions.org says, “The impact of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation has been enormous on global Christianity. In contrast to the extra-biblical traditions and works-based practices of Roman Catholicism, Luther called the Church back to the good news of salvation by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). “Luther believed the Word of God was the supreme authority for the Christian faith, rather than tradition or papal decrees. In the process of bringing the Scriptures to the common person, Luther translated the Bible into German, published numerous books and sermons of biblical teachings, and composed numerous hymns based on biblical themes. Many of his hymns are still sung today.” (2) The Impact It would be impossible to overstate the impact of the Great Reformation, not only on Christianity, but the entire world. The revelation of the priesthood of all believers meant that we no longer had to connect with God through another person, other than our High Priest, Jesus Christ. He is our only go-between. Rediscovering salvation by grace through faith meant that we no longer had to work our way to heaven, conforming to religious systems and the traditions of men. These revelations freed us to have a personal relationship with God as our Father, and allowed us to draw near with full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22). Our prayers could now be offered “boldly” to Father God (Hebrews 4:16; Matthew 6:9). We could worship Him in spirit and truth, knowing that He was actually seeking such worshippers (John 4:23), and we could read the scriptures for ourselves, feeding on them as our daily bread (Matthew 4:4; 6:11). The Great Reformation unlocked the door of revelation to believers, allowing us to hear from Holy Spirit personally (Ephesians 1:17-18). We now know we can be led directionally by Holy Spirit, not a human go-between (Romans 8:14). Our once fallen souls can now connect to the One we were made to know and love (Song of Songs 3:1-2). We will jump back into the teaching on revival and reformation on Monday. Take some time today and celebrate these blessings, then ask God to reform our nation through another great revival of historic proportions. And ask Him to spread this great awakening to the entire earth. Let’s ask for this now. Pray with me: Father, we thank You for Jesus, our great High Priest. We come directly to You today through Him alone, approaching Your throne of grace boldly. Thank You for His mediation and advocacy, and for restoring us to Your family. As Your sons and daughters, entrusted with Christ’s authority, we partake now of His priestly ministry of intercession, asking on behalf of others. Send revival to our land. Deliver, save, and draw many to You in this season, showing them Your heart and nature, enabling them to find the fulfillment that can only come from You. Deliver them from lying teachings and philosophies of men, from deceptions regarding who they really are and what they were made to be. Bring an explosion of truth in our homes, schools, and institutions, freeing people from addictions, perversions, wounds, and all that controls them. And we ask for this in other nations as well. Open the eyes of the masses who worship other gods and follow teachings that do not lead to You. Send the light of revelation You spoke of in Isaiah and elsewhere. Break the power of principalities over regions, ending the control of these spirits. Release great revival. Spare millions of innocent lives from the destruction that the kingdom of darkness desires to bring.  We ask all of these things in the name of Yeshua. Amen. Our decree: We declare that Jesus is our Savior, High Priest, and King. He has bestowed upon us His priestly and kingly role, and we will walk in the fullness of this calling. Click on the link below to watch the full video.  1.) https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-reformation-day-all-about   2.)  https://www.gotquestions.org/Reformation-Day.html

In The Beginning . . .  The Charismatic and Jesus People Movements occurred simultaneously. I have always considered them as two parts of one revival. Recently, I have been sharing a few posts highlighting some of the weaknesses of these movements to help us avoid the same mistakes in the coming revival. Today, I’m going to begin discussing another mistake we made. This weakness involved short-term thinking, and was caused by poor theology. It will take me two or three posts to cover this subject; I am going to take my time because I consider the teaching to be critically important. Just before He left for heaven, Jesus gave two commissions to His church: “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name, they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’” (Mark 16:15-18 NASB) “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”’  (Matthew 28:18-20 NASB) The “Great Commission” in Mark 16 is the restoration of people back to God’s family– salvation . The “Great Commission” of Matthew 28 is the restoration of a people’s thinking back to the ways of God– discipleship . The first (Mark 16) changes people’s nature—who they are—transforming their spirit. The latter (Matthew 28) changes people’s thoughts and actions–how they live–transforming their soul (mind, emotions, and will). God not only wants kids; He wants them to become mature sons and daughters who know His ways and think His thoughts, enabling them to represent Him. When Mark’s commission occurs in mass, resulting in the salvation of many people, we call this a revival ; when Matthew’s commission occurs in mass, resulting in societal change—government, laws, morals, education, culture, etc.—we call it a reformation . In the Charismatic/Jesus People revivals, we worked toward Mark 16; the Matthew 28 commission, not so much. I will cover the result of this later. But first, let’s make sure we understand these commissions. These two commissions will never be fully understood without a clea r grasp of Genesis 1, for they are actually re commissions of what took place then. Jesus came to re store– re start, re birth,  re vive, re deem, re cover, re form, re fill, and re commission. It is only logical, therefore, that we must go back to the beginning in order to understand what he is RE-storing and RE-commissioning us to. In The Beginning. . . In the first chapter of Genesis, God worked on a planet in His universal kingdom: Earth. It would become home for the family He was soon to create. For five days, He transformed this home. I love the glimpses of His heart as He progressed. After each day’s work, God said the progress was “good.” Why would He say this? The Lord certainly wasn’t bragging, patting Himself on the back for a job well done. Nor was He surprised–“Wow, this is turning out really well.” No, Yahweh was expressing His pleasure—His satisfaction with what was occurring—just as an expectant mom and dad might when preparing their nursery. Abba’s pleasure increased to its highest level, however, on the sixth day after creating His human family. In His sixth pronouncement that what He had created was good, the Architect added a word: “This is very  good” (Genesis 1:31). His plan was coming together, and like a proud parent standing over a newborn baby, Papa God was savoring the moment. The Creator made this family in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). The Hebrew word for ‘image’ is tselem , which involves the concept of a shadow , a phantom , or an illusion. (1)  An illusion is something you think you see, but on closer observation, discover that your eyes have tricked you. When the rest of creation saw Adam or Eve, they must have done a double-take, thinking: For a moment, I thought it was God, but it’s only Adam. The Hebrew word  demuwth , translated as “likeness” in Genesis 1:26, comes from the root word damah, meaning “to compare.” (2)  Adam and Eve, at creation, were very much  like  God, filled with His life, nature, and Spirit. They were His family. He who had innumerable angels serving Him was not satisfied. God desired sons and daughters; He also wanted companions for His Son. To satisfy these desires, He created a new “species,” in His image and likeness, far different than the angels.  Then came two commissions or mandates to this new family. Commission One: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth”  (Genesis 1:28). God was saying, “Reproduce! I have placed in you the ability to multiply My image and likeness. And I want a big family!” Just let that sink in: God gave humans the ability to reproduce and multiply eternal images and likenesses of Himself! Astounding! What a privilege and what a responsibility. Then came Commission Two: “Rule over…all the earth…over every living thing that moves on the Earth”  (Genesis 1:26-28). Psalm 8:6 restates the mandate, “Thou doest make him to rule over the works of thy hands, Thou hast put all things under his feet.” Each of the above passages uses a different Hebrew word for “rule” (translated as “dominion” in other versions of the Scriptures). The Genesis verses use radah, (3)  Psalm 8 uses mashal . (4)  Both words convey the concept of management, government, or rule. Adam and Eve were commissioned to govern or manage  earth, their home, for themselves and Creator God. They did not “own” earth; they were delegated stewardship  and governance  for the Owner and Creator, Yahweh. Obviously, they were to do so under His headship and rule, implementing the principles of His Kingdom, not according to their own dictates. Obviously, this plan was interrupted at the fall. When Adam sinned, he lost the image, likeness, and Spirit of God; he also lost his dominion, the delegated authority to manage the earth. And God lost His family. (God did NOT lose ownership of the Earth, for He had never given that to Adam, nor did He lose HIS personal authority over the Earth; we humans lost OUR delegated authority, which had now been transferred to satan.) These two losses are what Jesus came to restore: 1) God’s family, and 2) their lost governance and stewardship of the earth. We will pick up here tomorrow, see how this all relates to the last revival, and what will change in the coming great awakening. Pray with me: Father, we know revival has begun. It is in its beginning stages here in America, though in some parts of the world, multitudes are already coming to You. Increase it here and around the world. Save a billion souls. We thank You for the increase that has come this year. Now, we ask that You unleash the full-force power of the gospel and confirm it with signs, wonders, and miracles. You have said reformation has also begun, stating that the ekklesia, the church, is prepared and ready. You said angels have been dispatched to assist us, that the impossible will occur, and the unchangeable will change. So we ask You for this. Revive and reform. Teach us what reformation looks like, so that we can partner with You at higher levels and see lasting fruit. Cause this revival to break out over the entire world. We declare the coming of Your Kingdom, and the accomplishing of Your will here and throughout the earth, as it is in heaven. Multiplied power, multiplied deliverances, multiplied salvations–bring them forth. In Yeshua’s name, amen. Our decree: We decree that we have moved into revival and reformation, and will see the great billion soul harvest. Click on the link below to watch the full video. Spiros Zodhiates, Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible - New American Standard  (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1984; revised edition, 1990), p. 1768. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. No. 1819. Ibid., ref. no. 7287. Ibid., ref. no. 4910.

The Importance of Running Together The Jesus People movement occurred in the late 1960s and throughout much of the 1970s, impacting North America, Europe, Central America, Australia, and New Zealand before it subsided. It coincided with a significant breach between the younger and older generations, commonly known as the “generation gap.” This division was not a single, uniform phenomenon, but encompassed political beliefs, cultural tastes, social norms, and expectations about authority, education, and personal freedom. Sadly, the generation gap negatively influenced the Jesus People movement in some ways. Before we address this, let’s briefly recap this “generation gap.” It was caused by several overlapping phenomena: Postwar affluence : As economies grew, more young people enjoyed disposable income and time for education and leisure. This created a distinct youth culture with new priorities and ambitions separate from parental routines and activities.  Educational expansion : College attendance surged in the 1960s and beyond. Known for radical ideas in philosophy, sociology, and political science, campuses became hotbeds of challenges to established norms about race, gender, class, morality, religion, and authority. Civil rights and anti-war movements : Many young people began questioning the legitimacy of older generations’ hierarchical structures and national decisions. This led to great disillusionment in the youth. Cultural revolutions : Popular music, art, literature, and media celebrated experimentation, sexual liberation, and nonconformity. The rise of rock and roll, folk revival, and the drug culture offered new identities and ways to resist conformity. Changing gender expectations : Women increasingly challenged traditional roles at home and in the workplace, which impacted the family unit. Technological and media shifts : Television, film, and the mass availability of information allowed younger audiences to encounter diverse viewpoints and lifestyles, creating a sense of global connectedness and generational difference. Authority and traditional values came under scrutiny : Many parents and authority figures had grown up in more hierarchical, economically stable times. As their children embraced alternative lifestyles, dissent, and political activism, this generated distrust, conflicts over authority and discipline, and division. What were some of the outcomes of this era? What did the generation gap produce? Cultural transformation : The era reshaped popular culture—music, fashion, literature, and media—leading to more permissive attitudes toward sexuality, the challenging of authority, and the celebration of individual expression. This left a lasting imprint on societal norms. Political polarization and discourse : Debates around war, poverty, and social justice created lasting generational divisions. Political movements often blurred into a sense of “us vs. them” between younger reformists and older traditionalists. Educational changes : Schools and universities became spaces for indoctrination and activism.  Long-term shifts in family dynamics : Shifts toward the family structure, feminism, reproductive rights, marriage, and contraception contributed to new family models and gender roles. Along with this, the idea that youth could and should define their own paths became a more accepted norm. In summary, the 1960s and 1970s were a very tumultuous period, and the generation gap became very significant. It arose from a convergence of diverse issues affecting family, education, politics, and culture. Younger people questioned established authority, challenged social hierarchies, rebelled from past standards, and demanded more freedom. The era reshaped culture, intensified political discourse, and redefined family.  How This Influenced the Jesus People Movement When the Jesus People movement emerged, multitudes of youth were saved, but this did not heal all the division, distrust, and significant generational separation. The young people who came to Christ brought with them their different music, dress, free-spiritedness, many of their political ideals, and more. Some of this was actually good and helped break down the existing religious boxes in the church built solely on tradition and preference, not on Scripture. A lot of the older folks did not like this, however, and were resistant to the change, wanting the status quo. Traditions, especially religious traditions, are not easily changed.  The youth also brought some of their distrust toward the older generation in the church. And, of course, this lack of trust was reciprocated by many of the older folks. Each wanted the other to change. The truth was that both generations needed to do so. Instead, the generation gap was brought right into this move of God. This was disastrous. Malachi 4:6 speaks of a curse associated with division between parents and children. I realize many translations use “fathers,” not “parents,” but I believe the warning includes both fathers and mothers, as do several other translations. The verse states: “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” KJV “He will return the fathers’ hearts to their children and the children’s hearts to their fathers so that I can come and bless and not strike the land with a curse.”  TPT The charismatic and Jesus People movements experienced the fruit of this curse Malachi spoke of, along with the rest of America. The wisdom of age and the zeal of youthfulness were unable to partner and produce the wonderful fruit God intended through generational synergy. The experience of the older generation didn’t help channel the passion of the young, and the elders’ passivity wasn’t offset by the fire of the sons and daughters.  Many Joshuas couldn’t find their Moseses, Elishas their Elijahs, and Timothys their Pauls. And vice versa. Many of the old grew stagnant, becoming old wine skins, unable to receive the new wine; many of the youth were captured by false doctrines and built ministries on weak foundations. And much potential fruit for the Kingdom of God was lost. The Third Great Awakening I have hope in my heart that this breach will not exist in the coming revival. I believe God has done a work of joining fathers and mothers to sons and daughters, turning the hearts of each toward the other. And I believe this will create a much greater stability, power, and productivity in the new move of God. I also believe it will produce the longevity that comes from generational connection. In the next awakening, we will not be divided, but instead, will run together. Let’s ask for this now.  Pray with me: Father, You call us to walk in unity with one another, including unity between generations. Sons and daughters, fathers and mothers must run together. We know that when they are in agreement, it releases synergistic power.  In the coming revival, we want to see Joshuas leading with the strength of their Moseses, Elishas moving in the double portion of their Elijahs, Timothy’s building with the wisdom received from their Pauls. You said Joshua had the spirit of wisdom because Moses laid his hands on him (Deuteronomy 34:9). You said Elisha received the mantle of Elijah (2 Kings 2:13). You told us that Paul laid hands on Timothy and gave him spiritual gifts (2 Timothy 1:6). Do these things many times over in our day. No more generation gaps; those days are over.  And we pray that the young people who come to Christ in this great awakening would grow quickly. Break off any and all mindsets that would hold them back or cause them to stumble. Free them from all addictions, gender confusion, deceptions, and wrong ways of thinking. Cause them to be truly Christ-like, demonstrating the fruit of Your Spirit in abundance, and be the greatest generation ever. All of this we pray in Jesus’ name.  Our decree: We decree that the hearts of the fathers and mothers have turned to the sons and daughters, and the sons and daughters have turned their hearts to the fathers and mothers. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

Sensationalism Without Substance The last few days, I taught about the danger of building churches and ministries on gifts and charisma rather than on God’s heart, His wisdom, and sound biblical truths. This was a serious flaw in the most recent national revivals, the Charismatic and Jesus People movements. Today, I want to address another mistake made in those revivals. As I have said previously, I’m doing so that we might guard against repeating these mistakes in the coming awakening. The weakness I’m addressing today is building churches and ministries on hype, sensationalism, innovation, etc., rather than on God’s presence, Word, power, and anointing. Revelation 3:1&2 says of the church at Sardis, “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die.” This church had obviously been alive and well at one point. And to the average observer, it continued to have the reputation of being alive. God, however, looked into the heart of the church and saw its true condition. The fact that Sardis was still considered spiritually healthy tells us that they continued to do all the right things. People were impressed. Jesus, however, said Sardis was dead. Yes, their presentation was polished, their methods seemingly effective, but it was all outward show. Inwardly, they had serious heart issues. This problem in the church comes from attempting to build, not on the anointing of Holy Spirit, but on formulas, hype, sensationalism, big names, miracles, the gifts of the Spirit, innovation—anything that breeds excitement. It usually takes place because it is quicker and easier to build this way.  Innovation is prioritized over the anointing. Man-made ideas are implemented to achieve growth. In our generation, there is no shortage of creative ways to produce a movement. Just as King David attempted to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel on his “new cart,” we have produced thousands of “new carts” in our efforts to restore God’s glory in the church. These “carts” come disguised in many forms, from church growth seminars to the most innovative and technologically brilliant schemes imaginable. E.M. Bounds said it well, “We are constantly on a stretch, if not a strain, to devise new methods, new plans, new organizations to advance the church and secure enlargement and efficiency for the gospel.” (1) I sometimes hear promotions of mighty services only to find hype and sensationalism when I arrive. A few years back, I heard of one well-known evangelistic team’s “great crusade” where more than 2,000 young people were supposedly won to Christ in a single week. A few months later, I checked the results and was told that only one of the “converts” had become a true follower of Christ. Great crusade? I don’t think so. I wasn’t surprised—their entire approach was hype and entertainment. This approach to generate growth leads to what I call “placebo Christianity.” The outside looks real, but the inside lacks substance. It looks alive, but is dead. Perhaps most alarming is that it standardizes mediocrity . The church of America has done this. The Samson Effect Those who read my books and these Give Him 15 posts know I want the body of Christ to see a resurgence of the miraculous. But an overemphasis on power, miracles, and especially emotional stirrings leads to sensationalism and, ultimately, a decrease  in power. Like the church at Sardis, the power and anointing can die, while the church’s reputation lives on. As with Samson, this can happen without our even realizing it. After having lost his power, he said, “‘I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him”  (Judges 16:20). Sensationalism ultimately leads to cynicism in the world and disillusionment in the body of Christ. I have watched several churches and ministries built using these methods. There was great initial excitement, Christians transferred from other, less exciting churches, and these congregations became the latest “fastest-growing, cutting-edge, overnight sensations.” The interviewers came, articles were written, television shows were produced, and money was made. Many of the churches are now dead or mortally wounded. Others still have a name that they’re alive, but are basically dead. Heaven weeps…while someone goes and repeats the process somewhere else, creating another overnight sensation, playing the Kingdom success game, striving for greatness. What has been the fruit of this approach to church growth? Our cities and nation were not changed—no, that's not actually true. They grew worse! Christians grew more disillusioned, the world more cynical. Genuine Greatness I don’t think the average American–believer or unbeliever–understands greatness these days. Most Christians will be totally confused at the awards ceremony in heaven. I can assure you that it won’t look like ours. I do know some truly great people, but you’ve not heard of most of them. They are not “gifted” enough. They’re simply great moms and dads…hard workers…faithful servants. My grandfather, Bill Henkel, lived to be 90. He didn’t leave his family any money; it wasn’t there to leave. He lived in the same small house for 60 years, in a small town. Grandpa never preached a sermon, but his life continues to preach. So does his offspring. Known for his integrity, my grandfather’s handshake and his word were enough for anyone who knew him, including his bank. My brother Tim once saw him get a loan at the bank without even a signature! “We’ll do the paperwork later, Bill. Your word is enough for now,” the banker said. He was a humble man. When Grandpa was saved, he was so convicted that he crawled to the altar. He was in church every Sunday, most Wednesdays, and served in various capacities. He tithed, gave offerings, and helped many needy people, though he had to work three and sometimes four jobs to survive. Grandpa only had an elementary school education.  But while Grandpa didn’t leave his family any money, he left a great legacy. His children love God; his grandchildren preach the gospel. Bill Henkel was a great man! Heaven celebrated his arrival. When he moved there, I wept and rejoiced at the legacy he left me, worth far more than money. The world around us is looking for true greatness, not sensationalism. Understanding sensation and hype far better than we in the church do, they are unimpressed with ours. We will never reach unbelievers using their own methods. They need substance from us. Truth. Depth. A proud, be-number-one, claw-your-way-to-the-top generation will be defenseless against genuine humility, servanthood, agape  love, and genuine power. Let’s show them what this looks like. Pray with me: Father, sometimes we deceive others, we even at times deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive You. You look straight into the heart, not at the outward flare and flash. You did so for the church at Sardis and told them they were flatlining, that they had to wake up and strengthen the good that remained. In their weak state Your heart was not to condemn them, but to awaken them from their slumber.  We know You have come to the church in America to do the same. You have challenged us to wake up and strengthen the good within us. We believe that many believers have done so - not all, but many. And You have always been willing to use a remnant to repent, intercede, and prepare the way for others. We have done so, and will continue to do so. We ask You to enable us to fully awaken the American church and impact our nation.  We ask You for signs, wonders, and great power, but not so we can grow our churches and promote our ministries. We want to make Jesus known, not ourselves. We want those who are hurting to be touched by Your power so they can be free from oppression and suffering, not so that we can be famous. Show us any hidden areas of our lives where the need for self-promotion hides. Cleanse us from any and all pride. Get us ready to be used for the great outpouring of Your Spirit that is building. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Our decree: We declare that we will not yield to sensationalism and self promotion, but will walk in humility and glorify God with our lives. Click on the link below to watch the full video. E.M. Bounds, Power Through Prayer  (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1977), p. 5.

What Stage Are You In? In Friday’s post, I spoke of leaders in past revivals and awakenings sometimes being released into ministry prematurely. The following teaching helps identify the various stages of spiritual growth and development.  There are several Greek words for a child or children. Though each can be translated as “child,” they typically indicate a specific age range or stage of a child’s development. And these different words of physical growth and development are sometimes used to describe our spiritual stages of growth and maturity. First, I’ll list them, then make comments. Nepios (1)  means “no speech” and refers to an infant or baby. (1 Corinthians 3:1: “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.”  Hebrews 5:13:  “For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.” )
 Paidion (2) often refers to a toddler or young child. (Matthew 18:4:  “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Ephesians 5:1:  “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” ) Pais (3)   is a word for child that can include a broad age range; it is sometimes even translated as “boy” or “girl.”
(Matthew 2:16; 8:6-13; Luke 8:54) A  teknon (4)  is a child, up to and including a teenager or young adult. (Galatians 4:19: “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.”  1 John 5:21: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols. ) These stages of growth obviously require different approaches in parenting. Nepioses or babies can’t be fed the same food as adolescents and teenagers. Likewise, Paul told the Corinthians that he couldn’t speak to (feed) them as spiritual men, but as babes or infants in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1). And just as one obviously cannot give a baby authority or responsibility, one should not do so with a spiritual newborn. We love babies, feed them, burp them, change their diapers, let them rest, and repeat the process.  Where toddlers and young children ( paidion ) are concerned, we begin to expect more from them, even giving them responsibilities such as putting away their toys, taking out the trash, etc. We teach them to begin doing things for themselves—eating, dressing, etc.—and send them to school. We might give them an allowance and begin teaching them to earn and manage small amounts of money. And in this stage, we begin disciplining them. It is a tremendous stage of growth and learning, but we don’t yet give them authority. The same should be true spiritually. When children become teenagers ( teknons ), we give them increased responsibility, supervised authority, and more freedom: we hand them the car keys, but tell them when to be home; we allow them to hang out with their friends, but we want to know who those friends are and where they’ll be. Their gifts are being realized and blossoming, and we love seeing this manifest. But we should not give them unsupervised authority and freedom, even though this is a stage of life when such liberties begin to be strongly desired. Dreaming begins, and should be encouraged, but chasing the dream must be carefully supervised. It is a stage of life when the desire for freedom to spread one’s wings greatly outpaces wisdom and knowledge. This is a very dangerous phase. The same is true spiritually. Spiritual gifts are often recognized at this point, dreams and visions are forming, and consequently, authority is often delegated prematurely. There are many  teknons serving as senior pastors or leading their own ministries who should actually still be under the authority of an older, wiser leader.  After these phases comes a significant and poorly understood phase of development mentioned in Scripture. A huios (5) is a fully matured “son.” Spiritually speaking, huios is not gender-based; just as a male can be part of Christ’s “bride,” females can be a fully mature “son.” And this is not the same as adulthood in general. In Christ’s day, sonship was a term connected to authority. When a child matured and had been adequately trained, a public ceremony called a huiothesia (6)   was held. This word literally means “placed as a son.” It was different from a bar mitzvah ceremony. The father of the child would invite members of the community to this event, as it was a public announcement that the “child” was now a fully mature “son,” and therefore, entrusted with full authority to represent the family name, business, etc. During the ceremony, the father would announce, “This is my beloved son ( huios ), in whom I am well pleased.” (Sometimes they would add something along the lines of, “I bestow upon him all my riches, power, and authority so that he might act on my behalf.”) This is why Father God spoke these words at Christ’s baptism (Mark 1:11); He was declaring that Jesus was fully authorized to speak for Him and conduct His business. It was Christ’s huiothesia. Huiothesia  is usually translated “adoption as sons” in the New Testament. However, when used, it isn’t speaking of us being adopted into God’s family. It refers to the above process, meaning that “children,” already in God’s family, are being positioned or placed into “sonship,” just as occurred with the Jews. God’s plan is to mature us from spiritual babies to mature sons and daughters, qualified to fully represent Him. This knowledge is critical to understanding Romans 8. The chapter tells us that as God’s “children,” regardless of our maturity level, we have all the rights, blessings, and privileges of being in His family.  “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children (teknon) of God, and if children (teknon), heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him”  (Romans 8:16-17 NASB). However, the passage makes an important distinction between children and sons: “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons ( huios ) of God”  (Romans 8:14 NASB). Many of God’s children are not yet led by Holy Spirit. Though they have access to His blessings, they are not mature enough to recognize His voice and know His ways. Some actually never grow to this point. So, all of God’s “children” have rights and benefits; His “sons” possess representational authority. The passage in Romans chapter 8 goes on to say that creation is groaning and travailing, waiting –NOT for God’s children–but for the revealing of His “sons” (verse 19). “Children” of God cannot bring healing to the earth; only mature “sons and daughters,” those led by Holy Spirit, can do so. (This healing of the earth is not speaking of God’s ultimate restoration of the planet. Obviously, a time of complete healing and restoration will one day come to earth [Revelation 21], just as a full manifestation of our sonship will one day occur. But as Christ’s Ekklesia, we are to manifest a level of this sonship now, representing His spiritual authority and releasing His healing to a groaning earth.) I am confident that God has matured a company of believers throughout the earth into their “sonship” stage. They have grown in wisdom and knowledge. No longer spiritual babies or children, these believers have matured to a point where they can be trusted with a high level of Christ’s authority. As mature sons and daughters, they will bring salvation, healing, and restoration to impoverished nations, enabling them to prosper. They’ll help transform governments, education systems, economies, medicine, farming, and more. They will be healers of decimated cities and nations (Isaiah 58:12), deliverers of the oppressed and downtrodden (Luke 4:18-19). This is all part of the discipling of nations we were commissioned to in Matthew 28:18-20, and will manifest in the emerging revival. Pray with me: Father, we are a people called for such a time as this. You intend for and have prepared the Ekklesia to accomplish Your purposes on earth. Keep us reminded that we are equipped for this, not through our own strengths and gifts, but because of the Greater One in us, and Christ’s authority upon us. We ask that a higher level of revelation be released in Your people, awakening us to our calling and equipping. Make this revelation as powerful for us as it was for Peter, who, only weeks after denying Christ, stepped into his apostleship and authority. Bring revelation to the church of Holy Spirit’s transforming power, of the incredible reality that He resides within us. Through His holy presence in us, we truly ARE more than conquerors, and CAN do all things through Christ. Pour out Your Spirit. Awaken Your spiritual army. Cause us, Your sons and daughters, to realize our full authority and position in Christ. Infuse us with new levels of humility, love, faith, boldness, wisdom, and discernment. Do these things with such strength that we, like the early Ekklesia, turn our world upside down, which is actually “right side up.” Our decree: We decree that mature sons and daughters of the Most High God will arise in this hour and be used by God to heal individuals and nations. Click on the link below to watch the full video. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible  (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 3516. Ibid. Ref. no. 3813. Ibid. Ref. no. 3816. Ibid. Ref. no. 5043. Ibid. Ref. no. 5207. Ibid. Ref. no. 5206.

Speed vs. Wisdom On Wednesday of this week, the GH15 post  addressed one of the weaknesses of the Charismatic/Jesus People movements. This weakness was ministry born of personal ambition and gifts, rather than of God’s heart. I brought the teaching, not to critique those movements, but to help us learn from the past so we don’t repeat its mistakes. I received a lot of positive feedback regarding that post, which I appreciate. Today, I want to mention another of our weaknesses in those revivals, and will probably share a few more in the coming days. Again, I share these so we can learn and grow. On Wednesday, I used the biblical account of a very gifted runner, a messenger named Ahimaaz, from 2 Samuel 18; he was very fast but ran for his own pleasure and fulfillment, not with a pure heart to serve the king. Today, I’m going to mention another speedster by the name of Asahel. In 2 Samuel 2, David was made king over Judah. He had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king over all of Israel, but this had not yet occurred. When King Saul died, his son, Ishbosheth, took over the throne of Israel; David, at this point, ruled only Judah, doing so from Hebron. This, of course, meant there was a great breach in Israel, with one tribe following David, the other 11 following Saul’s son. Tensions between the two factions were high, and war broke out, with friends and acquaintances now pitted against one another. David’s army was led by a general named Joab; Ishbosheth’s (Israel’s) military leader was Abner. David’s army prevailed: “That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David”  (2 Samuel 2:17 NASB). As Abner’s army scattered, a young soldier serving in David’s army - who was actually a younger brother to David’s general - decided to pursue Ishbosheth’s seasoned general and kill him. It didn’t go well for the young man. Here is a portion of the passage: “Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles that is in the field. Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner. “Then Abner looked behind himself and said, ‘Is that you, Asahel?’  “And he said, ‘It is I!’  “So Abner said to him, ‘Turn aside for your own good to your right or to your left, and take hold of one of the young men for yourself, and take for yourself his spoils.’  “But Asahel was unwilling to turn aside from following him. “Then Abner repeated again to Asahel, ‘Turn aside for your own good from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother, Joab?’  “However, he refused to turn aside; so Abner struck him in the belly with the butt end of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died on the spot. And it happened that all who came thereafter to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.” (2 Samuel 2:18-23 NASB) Whereas Ahimaaz ( in Wednesday’s post ) represents running with wrong motives, Asahel’s weakness speaks to our maturity level: training, preparation, wisdom, and understanding. So far as we know, Asahel’s motives weren’t the problem. He simply didn’t have the necessary wisdom for the battle. Ahimaaz ran for the wrong reasons ; Asahel ran prematurely.  His lack of wisdom and, ironically, his speed, got him killed. In running the spiritual race of life, zeal and speed are not enough, nor are good intentions - it’s not just the thought that counts. Contrary to popular belief, ignorance is not bliss. A great vision, talent, gifts, abilities, speed - none are sufficient for promotion and high levels of leadership. The charismatic movement, despite its strengths and blessings, in many ways glorified the wrong requirements for our running. Much of the error was directly related to impatience - “now-ism.” Speed and gifting, not wisdom and character, were the measuring criteria for success. The following tendencies manifested themselves in the movement: Knowledge was glorified over wisdom. Revelation was exalted over sound doctrine. Story-telling replaced teaching, and feel-good messages replaced theology. Training was neglected in favor of speed. Formulas and how-tos replaced waiting on God.  Reaping was desired without sowing. The works of God replaced the ways of God. Gifts and charisma took precedence over experience and understanding. The need for instant gratification replaced endurance. Numerical growth and success seminars replaced prayer meetings and prayer watches. Action was more important than accountability - the end began to justify the means. Fathers who didn’t seem to have enough fire and speed were rejected—along with their wisdom—and our peers became our counselors. Fire counseled fire! The results? Fireworks! And after a few bright flashes, it was all over. The movements died.  Speed and size spelled success. An instant-gratification, buy-now/pay-later, live-for-today world succeeded in conforming much of the Church to its ways. Phrases such as “fastest growing” and “one of the largest” became absolute curses to the Body of Christ, curses which continue to operate. Born of immaturity, inherent in these phrases are wrong motivation, a deficient understanding of God, the wounding of others, and the propagating of a competitive spirit. Nowhere in the Scriptures will you find speed or size to be the criteria for success or greatness. Yet they have taken center stage in American Christian culture. This has done much more damage than most realize. When the standard for success is distorted, the efforts to achieve it also invariably go amiss. Enough time has passed that it is now possible to judge the fruit of this distortion of God’s ways. I’m not aware of a city in America that has experienced a genuine revival as a result of one of the “fastest-growing” or “largest” churches. Despite our supposed growth and the many megachurches that were created, the percentage of Americans attending church did not increase from 1980 through 2000. Ninety percent (90%) of reported church growth in America was from people moving to a new congregation, not from conversions. We created megachurches through a mega transfer movement! And this hasn’t changed; since the turn of the century through 2020, church attendance actually declined. Only recently has this begun to change. Because our emphasis was on speed—without depth and wisdom—the church has underemphasized character and built ministries without sufficient foundations to support the structures. We have broken the rules, but still want to win the war. Instead, many, like Asahel, have been speared by the enemy. Casualties abound.  In the coming awakening, we must correct this, marrying wisdom and revelation, preaching and teaching, how-tos and theology, prayer and action, revival and reformation, grace and truth, power and humility, gifts and maturity, and youth and age. Holy Spirit is preparing us for this. Listen and obey. Pray with me: Father, as we look back, we can see that You have matured the body of Christ in America over the past few decades. We ask that this continue, that You keep us from aborting Your plans and our destinies through immaturity and ignorance. Our human tendencies are to focus on gifts and sensationalism, not Your heart and ways. We don’t like to wait. Give us grace to overcome this in our lives.  Our desire is that the coming great awakening bears the greatest possible amount of fruit, and that the fruit remains. We want no delays, and we want no crop failures. With the incredible amount of harvest on the horizon, we will need to function at a very high level of maturity to reap it and disciple the large numbers of salvations. Give us the appropriate balance of gifts, power, grace, mercy, discipline, teaching, and all of the other manifestations of Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask all of this in Yeshua’s name. Our decree: We decree that as we war, we will do so with wisdom. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

A Time-Sensitive Request God wasted no time before introducing the all-important concept of government in Scripture, doing so in the very first chapter: Genesis 1:26-28. Government is vital. Whether it be in a home, city, nation, or any other grouping of people, God’s intent for government was that it serve people by providing protection (covering), instruction, justice, appropriate and loving discipline, peace, and more (Luke 13:34; 19:44; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Romans 13:1-4). Righteous rule (government) is God’s primary method of releasing these necessary actions and outcomes on earth. Proverbs 29:2 tells us that this brings joy to people; when it does not occur,  the result is mourning. No wonder He told us to pray first for those in government! (1 Timothy 2:1-4) The Hebrew word used for “mourn” in Proverbs 29:2, which occurs when the wicked rule, is a strong word. Anach  means not only to mourn, but to do so by moaning, even gasping. (1)  Proverbs 14:34 adds that the sin these unrighteous rulers produce causes shame and disgrace to a nation.  The ungodly element in America’s government has brought disgrace and mourning by believing it has the right to:  Kill babies in the womb  Approve the selling of the aborted babies’ body parts (are you gasping yet?) Allow babies born alive during failed abortions to lie unattended until they die   Redefine what it means to be male and female Reject the first covenant God established on earth, marriage, and redefine it using activities He forbade (and celebrate this rebellion with cheering, flags, nudity, and lit-up government buildings) Take ownership of children from their parents; they indoctrinate them using pornography and drag queens, even to the point of encouraging the children to be sterilized by drugs or castration (are you mourning yet?)  And much more And here is something else that makes me mourn: the American church could easily change all of this, but doesn’t. The reason? Approximately half of evangelicals aren’t registered to vote, and half of those who are still don’t vote.   This is mind-boggling. It is an accepted fact that if all evangelical Christians voted and did so according to biblical values, we could control every national election and position godly, Bible-believing leaders in office. This means that in one election cycle, we could begin reversing every evil I just listed. Every one. In America, “We the People” have the amazing freedom to choose who we want to rule over us, and “we the believers” have the numbers to ensure they’ll be leaders who possess God’s biblical values. The church could save the lives of babies, the reproductive future of children, God's plan for marriage and the family, and America’s freedoms - almost overnight, if we all voted. Today, I want to focus on making a difference in the great state of Virginia, the covenant root of our nation. At Cape Henry in 1607, Robert Hunt read a covenant that prophesied America’s destiny of sending the gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world.  Virginia became a battleground over parental rights in the gubernatorial election of 2021. Parents were being persecuted for involving themselves in their children’s school curriculum and activities. The Democrat candidate essentially said parents have no right to determine these issues, while candidate Glenn Youngkin stood up for parents, as did Lieutenant Governor candidate Winsome Sears. Both Youngkin and Sears won, with Winsome Sears becoming the first woman of color to hold a statewide office in Virginia. Both are strong believers. This year, Governor Youngkin must step down because of term limits in Virginia, and Lt. Governor Winsome Sears is running for the Governor’s seat. Her opponent, Abigail Spanberger, is a liberal who wants to roll back the clock, allowing schools to once again let boys in girls’ sports - and locker rooms, of course - along with other left-leaning positions. Sears, obviously, does not. Regardless of whether or not we live in Virginia, we can help stop this from occurring in this all-important state. Election day is right around the corner, Tuesday, November 4, and they need our help to keep righteous leadership in this Governor’s seat. MyFaithVotes.org   is an informative website that has done the work for you! It is a wonderful one-stop-shop website where you, the Christian voter, can be educated, informed, prepared, and ready to go to the polls. There, you can find information concerning upcoming elections, articles about upcoming bills in Congress you need to be aware of, and much more. If you follow their prompts, you can even find out if you are registered to vote, info on absentee voting, and where to vote near you (state by state). If you are NOT yet registered to vote, their links will take you directly to the right link in YOUR state where you can register to vote online, right then! Additionally, they provide simple ways to engage with those who represent us in our State and U.S. Congresses.  You can do all of this from home! And they have a simple, yet very impactful method to influence conservatives who aren’t actively participating in important elections. This campaign is called Write Now 2025 . Many of our followers here at Give Him 15 have worked with them successfully in the past. My Faith Votes  has the current names/addresses of thousands of registered voters who are pro-life, pro-traditional family, who either don’t vote, or are inconsistent in doing so. If you’d like to help change this, you can go to this link on their website: myfaithvotes.org/startwriting . They will supply a free digital packet with complete, easy-to-follow information, including a letter they have written. You will supply the printing of the letter, envelope, and stamp; that’s it. They also provide a return address to use in order to maintain your privacy.  Records show that 30% or more of those who receive these letters are motivated to vote. You will have a positive effect on 30-50% of the recipients of the letters you send. Nationally, My Faith Votes  has helped generate thousands of biblically motivated votes, helping turn elections. Think about it - with a couple of hours of your time and a few dollars, you can help elect godly, righteous leaders. With election day just around the corner, please consider getting behind this today! Pray with me: Father, in Christ’s name, we thank You for the awakening we see beginning in the church. The sleeping giant is stirring. Cause the alarm clock to become louder and louder. Make it impossible for Christians in America to silence the alarm or override it with other activities and thoughts.  Our hearts, though breaking over many issues, are also filled with faith that You are changing things dramatically. The conscience of a nation is being brought back to life. The heart of a complacent and passive church is being and will continue to be, awakened. Thank You for Your grace and Your mercy.  And Father, as believers awaken from complacency and lethargy, motivate them to vote. Give organizations like My Faith Votes great success and participation as they implement Your creative ideas. I ask You to lead many people to participate in their efforts. Give Winsome Sears and other true believers success in their elections. Thank You for turning this nation around. We are very grateful that You did not give up on America. And since You didn’t, we won’t. Your verdict has been rendered: America shall be saved! So be it. And we, Your family, will do our part to see this occur. In Christ’s name, we pray this. Amen. Our decree: We declare that we, the church, will involve ourselves at every level and in all facets of government, releasing the authority and blessing of God into the earth through our prayers and actions. You can learn more about how you can help with My Faith Votes’  letter-writing campaign by clicking here:  Write Now 2025  Click on the link below to watch the full video. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 584.

Capturing God’s Heart Second Samuel 18 is a sad chapter. King David’s traitorous son, Absalom, is killed and his coup overthrown. A “runner,” as they called them back then, needs to run with the bitter-sweet news to David: “The rebellion is over, but your son is dead.” A fast, gifted runner named Ahimaaz wanted to carry the news, but David’s general chose an unnamed Cushite, and off he went. Ahimaaz, however, was not to be denied: “ Please let me also run ” (v. 22). The general finally said ok. ay, and Ahimaaz took off. He was so fast that he eventually passed the Cushite and proudly delivered the message to David that the coup was over. “Speed” had won…or had it? When David then asked about his rebellious son Absalom, Ahimaaz answered with embarrassment that he didn’t know. He hadn’t cared enough to find out about David’s son! The Cushite then arrived and gave David the rest of the sad news: “Your son is dead.” Ahimaaz didn’t have the complete message because his motive for running was not for the King; it was for himself. David had not only defeated an enemy, he had also lost a son whom he still loved. Ahimaaz eventually stepped aside in ignorance, insignificance, and embarrassment, as a nameless individual took center stage and delivered the complete message. This is such a poignant warning for us, especially as we move into revival. Our message will always be deficient if it isn’t connected to the King’s heart. I’m speaking, of course, of God, our King. His passions, purposes, and heart of love must be the ultimate goal of our running. In Philippians 3:14, Paul said, “I press toward the mark”  (KJV). His goal, or “mark” as he called it, was clear. In verse 12 (NASB), he said, “I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” The Gift Mentality The charismatic/Jesus People movements were wonderful, but were unfortunately often tainted by a gift mentality . Leaders ran on the strength of their gifts. This often led to a performance mentality : running to set records, to be first, to be the best, to be the biggest. “Build ‘em big and build ‘em fast!” became the mindset of many in these movements. Overnight sensations were, and in some ways still are, the order of the day. There is nothing biblical about this mindset!  Persistent, long-term building should receive more honor than something produced quickly. Sadly, it does not. Far more character is needed to build a work or ministry over a long period of time than to lead something that springs up quickly. These past movements’ overall weaknesses in this regard led to many Christians believing that giftedness qualified one for ministry. Character and God’s heart were replaced by other priorities and motivations, which inevitably led many to build personal kingdoms. A cooperative heart was superseded by a competitive heart. Travailing, agonizing prayer was replaced with the strength of our gifts. Last, and probably most tragically, success was measured not by how well we knew the Father but by how well-known we were. Speed, fueled by ignorance, raced forward out of control and with deficient messages. Ahimaaz passed the Cushite, and  the King wept. We were in desperate need of an alignment; our fast-moving, state-of-the-art churches were pulling hard to the right and left. God has been correcting this. One of the basic problems with this unbiblical philosophy of success, aside from its inherent pride and self-exaltation, is that if any part of our vision, which becomes the goal of running, is born of personal ambition rather than God’s heart,  we are soon running for ourselves,  not the King. Zeal that was originally intended to do something for God, can  easily become a zeal to remain successful.  This change can be so subtle that it often happens without our even realizing it. The church in America has many ambitious Ahimaazes - individuals running for their own success rather than to satisfy God’s heart.  A great vision must not be our starting place. Vision,  born of God’s heart,  must be our starting place. The questions we must continually ask ourselves are: How well do I understand and relate to the King’s heart in this matter? Is that and that alone my motive for running, for building? Was His heart the birthplace of my vision? Our speed or giftedness NEVER validates our running. Holy Hubert Hubert Lindsay, a gentleman greatly used by God in the early days of the charismatic movement, exemplifies a ministry born of God’s heart. Mr. Lindsay was part of “The Jesus People Movement.” This outpouring was used by God to bring thousands of drug-addicted, sexually perverted, disillusioned, and rebellious young people into the Kingdom of God. Hubert Lindsay eventually became known as “Holy Hubert.”  Like King David, who was not called by his father to join the “Potential King Line-up” (see 1 Samuel 16), nothing about Holy Hubert’s appearance or personality made him stand out.  But, like David, he possessed something more important: God’s heart. I once had the privilege of hearing Mr. Lindsay speak. He spoke of his calling to minister at the University of California at Berkeley and mentioned the miracles and salvations. He mixed in some humor, and we all laughed, cheered, and applauded. What impacted me most, however, was a passing comment Holy Hubert made about how his ministry at Berkeley had been birthed. “I became so burdened for this generation,” Mr. Lindsay said, “that I would walk the streets of the campus - sometimes all night long - weeping and interceding for those lost kids. I pleaded with God to save those young people.” God had given this man His heart for a lost generation. The Lord answered Hubert’s cry - because it came from Him - and gave Him a revival. Church historians agree that the Jesus movement was incredibly significant in the entire renewal of the ‘60s and ‘70s. And when tracing the roots of The Jesus Movement, one invariably ends up at Berkeley with Holy Hubert Lindsay. Lindsay’s burden cost him dearly, however. His broken heart led to broken bones - not to a large salary or a huge congregation. Lindsay and his wife were beaten on numerous occasions, stabbed, mocked, and ridiculed as they preached the gospel on campus. His wife eventually suffered brain damage from this, and Holy Hubert lost his sight due to the beatings. They bore on their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus (see Galatians 6:17). The Lindsays picture for us the principle of running with the heart of God, allowing that to become our passion and th e motivation for ministry. This heart releases pure revival, keeping it free from the debris of pride and selfish motivation. Pray with me: Father, like an automobile traveling down a well-worn road, the potholes of undealt-with ambition and desire for success can knock us out of alignment. Before we know it, like Ahimaaz, we are running for our own fulfillment, not Yours, speeding down life’s highway in search of self-worth and success. Passion for You will correct this. We believe this has begun. As it continues, our hearts will burn for You, not for our own fulfillment and building our personal kingdoms. Religion will be replaced by relationship; intimacy with You will be our desire and the fuel for our activities. Give us Your heart for lost and hurting people. Give us Your heart for the broken, wounded, and confused. Give us Your heart, even for the rebel. Break our hearts for them - give us many who will walk the streets, weeping for those who are so lost. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Our decree: We decree that the heart of God is being imparted to the church, making us nameless, faceless, and powerful. Click on the link below to watch the full video.