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The Journey and the Provision

When I began praying  about this message I felt the Lord was talking to me about how we are called to be Agents of Change in this world. I was thinking about the passage in Luke 10 where the seventy two were sent out, and I immediately started thinking about the THINGS  they were doing. But then, as I got quiet in the Spirit to start noticing all of the things that we might tend to overlook in this passage.

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I know a lot of people who are real prayer and worship people. Now, I LOVE worship, and I like to pray. But there are some people who long just to stay in the Lord’s presence. But to be honest with you, I tend to be more of a Martha than a Mary. I am all about doing the things that need to be done for Jesus and sometimes I get frustrated with the Mary like people who just sit at His feet. And to be honest, I have an unusual gift cluster in my life, so I frequently find myself appointed to some unusual tasks in the Body of Christ. The only problem with being a pioneer or a forerunner  or that person with a breaker anointing is that when you have those moments of weakness or discouragement you feel all alone. Look at Elijah in 1Ki 19. It was only hours after his single handed confrontation with 400 prophets of Baal and he was alone and in despair. But the Angel of the Lord came to him in the wilderness, bringing food, and saying Arise, eat, for the Journey is too great for you” After being refreshed, Elijah spent 40 days journeying to the mountain of God to meet with the Lord.

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So many of us want to be like Elijah and yet the truth is that like that great man of God, the Journey is too great for us also! Another way of saying it is that the Mission is TOO GREAT for us. Even while doing exploits in the Kingdom we have to refresh ourselves in the Lord, and sometimes take that 40 days off of what we had planned to do, and go meet with the Lord.

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In Elijah’s mind, he was the only one left for the Lord- He even said that in a complaint to God. But God’s provision was the opposite- Not only was Elijah NOT the only one left, but rather, he was sent to raise up his successor, who would have a double portion of what was on Elijah’s life. You see, there are two truths here: In the natural the Journey and Mission was too much even for Elijah, but in the Spirit there was a double portion provision for the work at hand, continuing into the next generation. You can see most things this way- what we see in the problem before us, and what we see In Christ and in His provision.

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So Back to Luke 10- Lets look at this passage in this same way and see what the scriptures say to us:

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Luke 10:1   After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.

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First, if you study the Greek here, the word translated “sent” is

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apostello, ap-os-tel’-lo; from Greek 575 (apo) and Greek 4724 (stello); set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly on a mission)

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These are the same words we get the term apostle from, which means “sent one” If you are from the camp that says that there were only 12 apostles, plus maybe Paul, this will mess with your theology.

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Looking at the Mission side of things, if we were part of the 72 in this verse most of us would focus that we were appointed by God to the mission. And certainly, we are called to be the Salt and light to this world. But the provision of God revealed here is that they were sent to go ahead where the Lord was about to Go.

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John 5:19     Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

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We get our eyes on the mission, but the secret provision is to go exactly where the Father is going.

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Luke 10 :2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

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If we look at the mission in this verse, we see the great harvest and we see that the workers are few. But Here is the provision: They were COMMANDED to pray that the Lord would send the workers into HIS field.

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Luke 10:3-7  Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. [4] Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.  [5] “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ [6] If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. [7] Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

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In the Natural we see in this verse that we are truly Sheep among wolves. Now, how many know what usually happens to sheep that are among wolves? And worse yet, they were told not to take a bunch of money or clothing! Just great! We are BROKE, Ill-Equipped sheep among wolves! But looking for the provision in this verse, what do we see?

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The Lord gave a portion of Peace for the Journey, and they had the ability to spread this peace into the households they entered, if the household would receive it. Instead of being ill equipped they would have a place to stay. And instead of having no money or food, with a wink the Lord says “Don’t worry about eating and drinking what they give you, for you are worth it! It’s almost as if he was telling them to not have the attitude of too little, but rather to not be surprised when there was more than enough!

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Luke 10: 8-15  “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you [9] Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’ [10] But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, [11] ‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ [12] I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. [13] “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. [15] And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.

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Now those who have our eyes on the mission know that much of the world will not receive us. But the Lord is saying- Keep working- When you find a place you are welcome speak that Kingdom Life- Pray over the sick, see them healed and delivered, have a meal with them. Bring the Life of the Kingdom to them.  And to those who don’t receive it- don’t be dismayed- for the Kingdom came there also, even if it was not received.
Jesus here names some of the places that had not received Him. The world will look back on the day of judgment and say “What were we thinking?”

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Luke 10: 16 “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

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This is a gentle reminder not to get too full of ourselves when we have success in ministry…It’s not that we are great, but rather the one whose message we carry is great. In the same way, we should not be devastated and destroyed when we have opposition or failure in our efforts, but rather know that it is not us who is rejected but He who sent us.

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Luke 10: 17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”     [18] He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. [19] I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. [20] However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

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I love the simple perspective Jesus has here on the whole Satan thing.

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Let me re-tell these scriptures in the Dave Translation, and see if it resonates with you:

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They are all amazed that the demons had to submit- But it’s like Jesus is saying to them “Guys, I was there watching when Satan fell from heaven like a bolt of lightning. Do you think I’m dismayed by Satan and his servants? No!  Do you think I am surprised that they try and oppose us here? When they were cast from Heaven, where else would they go? But in case you do come across them, remember that I have given you authority to drive them out.  But in doing so don’t let that go to your head- The important thing is not that they are cast far from me in defeat, but rather that you are to dwell close to me in new life.

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Those focused on the mission rejoice that the demons are driven out, but the true provision was that it was because of their dwelling in the Book of Life.

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Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

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When I think about this prayer, I am humbled. I am pretty well educated, and as a scientist type I am always trying to figure out and to strategize and to organize and to analyze and to energize and generally pulverize the problems before me until I cannot recognize them… at all!

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But instead, think of a little kid- “ I came here because my Daddy said to. If you touch me, my daddy will get you! And when I am tired, or scared, or hurt, I crawl up in His lap and it is all better.

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So look at verse 22: Jesus said  “Some Things have been committed to me by the Father” NOT!

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Luke 10:22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

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Friends, If you are the only Christian in your office, rest assured that the advancing to the Kingdom into that office is in Jesus hands. And He has made provision for you as His messenger there.  You can speak the peace of the Kingdom there, and some who receive it will find peace. Others will not. Pray also that other workers will be sent into the field. Pray this scripture as people get hired. Pray in more workers. And remember it is not entirely about open evangelism. Maybe you eat what is set before you. Have lunch with the people in your school, or your office. Just be who you are in Christ. The Lord can make divine appointments.  And if they don’t receive the message you bring, don’t worry about it. Your task may be to plant a seed that the next employee will water.

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Luke 10:23-24 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. [24] For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

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What an Honor we have! We are just like the seventy- We have the privilege of being part of the mission!

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Mark 16:15-18    He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

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But as prayer people, remember this- There is the mission, and there is a provision the Lord makes for the mission. You can choose to hurl your bodies at the mission, or you can dwell in the Lord like a little child and enjoy HIS supernatural provision for the mission.  We need to dwell in that secret place not only in our prayer closet, but to find the secret place of provision as we go about the mission in the world. We may look like sheep among wolves, but we have the provision that the Lord set aside for this work available to us. We are so blessed. Prophets and Kings longed to see what we are seeing in the Kingdom, and did not, but we have the Joy, the Honor and the Privilege of being Kingdom agents in these last days!

Kingdom Flame will be streaming this conference Live

Friday, Sept. 30 & Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011

For More Information or to register for the Web Stream
CLICK HERE.

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Conference Speakers/Worship Leaders:

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Damon Stuart-

Damon’s call to worship and ministry began when he was a child. His parents, who are pastors still today, played a large role in his passion for Christ and the church. Worship music and biblical teaching was a constant while growing up in his home and church. God has touched Damon’s life many times, revealing the Fathers heart, love and forgiveness that set him on a course for what God would have him accomplish for the kingdom.

Damon Stuart is a worship evangelist whose desire is to bring people into the deeper realms of God’s glory through heavenly worship. As Damon leads worship and ministers, an atmosphere for healing, prophetic anointing and for the manifested presence of God takes place.

Damon has hosted several conference in the Chicago land area over the past four years. He has led worship, preached the word of God and ministered with the anointed guest speakers he has brought in to release the power and healing presence of God into this region.

“Enthrone the King” is the second worship conference since the fall of 2009 that Damon is hosting where the focus is the bride, worshiping the King and coming into a deeper place of intimacy in Spirit and Truth!

Terry MacAlmon-

“Grace and anointing”… “Anointing and grace”.  These are the two things that are the mark of Terry MacAlmon’s life and ministry. Going all the way back to his birth when he was not expected to live past the first month of life, God’s grace was present. Raised in a Christian home, Terry was a child prodigy, playing the piano with amazing ability from the age of three.

The main event of Terry’s ministry career and international platform came after a long wilderness season and in 1998, Terry began what soon became known as “Lunch with the Lord”, a noon worship hour on Wednesday’s in Colorado Springs. People from all walks of life and church backgrounds began to fill the World Prayer Center’s chapel every week, often lining the walls to just spend an hour in the presence of Jehovah. Bodies were healed, relationships were reconciled, broken hearts were mended. Six years of these meetings, along with the annual Pikes Peak Worship Festival, hosted by Terry’s ministry, brought forth 10 different worship CDs with a rare capture of the anointing of God that is still touching hundreds of thousands around the world.

Terry has returned to traveling around the U.S and the world in pursuit of God’s presence through worship. There seems to be a sweeter touch than ever on his life and the mantle of psalmist is even greater than before.  Grace and anointing…. Anointing and grace… it’s still all about Jesus in the life and ministry of Terry MacAlmon.

Kingdom Flame is streaming the  Champions Released Encounter this week, featuring Theresa Phillips, Stacy Campbell,
Angela Greenig, Sharnael Wolverton and more!
Join us and receive your
impartation and blessing!!!

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To Join us, click HERE.

We will be streaming this conference LIVE!
on our Ministry’s Internet TV station
www.Kingdomflame.com

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To View the Live Web cast, CLICK HERE.

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Trouble connecting? Try our Overflow Mirror here.

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PMI Glory Institute 1519 East Main Street
St Charles IL 60174 630-377-5355

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Broadcast Schedule
January 6-9
Thursday Night 7 PM
Friday 10 Am 2 Pm 7 Pm
Sat 10 Am 2 Pm 7 Pm
Sunday 1030 Am
(possible 630 pm)
stay tuned

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Theresa Phillips Is an Ordained Apostle under Dr. Renny Mclean of Global Glory Ministries. She is Senior Pastor and founder of Praise Ministries International Glory Institute in St Charles, IL and has served there for 19 years.

Her ministry spans 23 years seeing many signs and wonders including 8 risen from the dead. She has authored 8 books, recorded 1 album, and is often commissioned to write poetry.

Her Knowledge of GOD’s Glory and His Ever Advancing Monarchy of Heaven is known by many. She is a regular contributor to the Elijah List and online publication of Prophetic Insights. She is also the editor of www.ChicagoPropheticVoice.net, an on line publication of Prophecy and Prophetic Glory. Theresa often moves in The Prophetic Gifts and Word of Knowledge. Her husband Sir Robert Phillips accompanies her with his Shofar and is often referred to as her rock. “When he blows the Shofar Angels enter in.” He serves at PMI as Co-Pastor and has recently been ordained under Dr. Renny McLean. Both Robert and Theresa are Ambassadors of the Atmosphere of Heaven Ministering Heaven to Earth. They have been given a Mandate from Jesus himself, with an Eye to Eye Conversation with His Majesty the King… to Advance the Monarchy of Heaven with Signs Wonders and Healings. Let’s Recieve Revelation for Revival!! is the Cry of their hearts.

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Steve Swanson

Stacy Campbell A personal note from Wesley & Stacey Campbell

Prayer and prophecy have been the foundational to us from the outset of our ministry. Soon after planting a conservative Baptist church in 1986, we experienced a dramatic move of the Holy Spirit, who released amongst us a powerful, ecstatic form of the gift of prophecy. At that time, God began to speak to us of the need for prayer, mercy, and justice. This deposit of the gift of prophecy revolutionized our understanding of both the nature and passions of God for His people on earth. To this day we value both the charge to prayer and the gift of prophecy (which, to us, means both the word of the Lord for us and the privilege of communing with Him). Watch for ongoing material on this area. Actual prophecies by Stacey Campbell, as well as prophetic postings by respected prophetic voices in the body of Christ will be highlighted. You will also be able to read about the latest on the exploding prayer movement worldwide.

Brian Lake

is known internationally as an anointed preacher, author, motivator, and entrepreneur with a desire to see the church come into a deeper relationship with Jesus. He is ordained and an associate Pastor at My Father’s House International Ministries.His ministry is fulfilling this vision through seminars, conferences, crusades, and media. Brian’s passion is to ignite the church to pursue holiness. He travels throughout America and other nations carrying a strong anointing for healing and miracles. His vision is also to help the poor and needy worldwide through humanitarian aid projects, orphanages and networking with ministries through Brian Lake Ministries missions outreach called the Esther Project.

Brian believes that world transformation flows out of intimacy with God. He is passionate to see individuals deepen their faith and discover the power to reach their potential with God. The favor followed Brian’s life from an early age. He started his own business at 19, and remains a successful businessperson to this day. Out of his marketplace anointing, he has a heart to help others to succeed and prosper in life.

The Lake family has an extensive global travel schedule that directs believer’s into a deeper passion and a hunger for true relationship and humility. Brian, his wife Pamela, and three children, Jordan, Molly, and Melanie and they reside in Needmore, PA.
www.BrianLake.org

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To View the Live Webcast, CLICK HERE.

Update: We streamed this conference  LIVE on our Internet TV Station, KingdomFlame.com

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We are just now uploading the videos. To watch one of the sessions, CLICK HERE.

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PMI Glory Institute 1519 East Main Street
St Charles IL 60174 630-377-5355
NOV 11-14 START THURSDAY NIGHT 7 PM
Friday 10 AM 2 PM and 7 PM
Sat 9 30 Am 2 AM 7 PM
Sunday 1030 Am 630 PM

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Purpose

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Did you know that Grace has realms?
Are you aware that Grace is present to Assist you in do the very things God has called you too?
This Encounter is destined to help you archive, that dimension
of the Holy Spirit
To Walk and Live in Grace as a way of life . GRACE is the actions of Gods Favor upon His People ! You are destined for Favor!
It is..unmerited Divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification We all have been facing days of uncertainty and some moments of fear may have crept in.
Therefor we have seen Gods grace come to us changing His people depositing more faith and more Assistance from above! This Encounter might just prove to be the very thing You need
Activation of Gods Grace shed abroad in our Hearts will be the focus in these Meetings Each speaker has been hand chosen by our Lord to promote HIS Agenda of” Great Grace” the sufficiency oflife ..These Speakers all carry a quality of Grace that will permit Holy Spirits Grace to Fall UPON YOU! Expect a deposit of this grace will be given freely By He who IS Grace

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Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

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Ephesians 4 :7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

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PMI Glory Institute 1519 East Main Street St Charles Il 60174

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Theresa Phillips Is an Ordained Apostle under Dr. Renny Mclean of Global Glory Ministries. She is Senior Pastor and founder of Praise Ministries International Glory Institute in St Charles, IL and has served there for 19 years. Her ministry spans 23 years seeing many signs and wonders including 8 risen from the dead. She has authored 8 books, recorded 1 album, and is often commissioned to write poetry. Her Knowledge of GOD’s Glory and His Ever Advancing Monarchy of Heaven is known by many. She is a regular contributor to the Elijah List and online publication of Prophetic Insights. She is also the editor of www.ChicagoPropheticVoice.net, an on line publication of Prophecy and Prophetic Glory. Theresa often moves in The Prophetic Gifts and Word of Knowledge. Her husband Sir Robert Phillips accompanies her with his Shofar and is often referred to as her rock. “When he blows the Shofar Angels enter in.” He serves at PMI as Co-Pastor and has recently been ordained under Dr. Renny McLean. Both Robert and Theresa are Ambassadors of the Atmosphere of Heaven Ministering Heaven to Earth. They have been given a Mandate from Jesus himself, with an Eye to Eye Conversation with His Majesty the King… to Advance the Monarchy of Heaven with Signs Wonders and Healings. Let’s Recieve Revelation for Revival!! is the Cry of their hearts.

Shawn Bolz, Director of Expression 58- Shawn’s passion is to influence Christians to take on their journey of intimacy with God wholeheartedly. He has used his prophetic ministry and his fresh Biblical perspective in his teaching/life coaching messages to help people come into a relational approach with God that is both organic and revelatory. Shawn has been in ministry since 1993, speaking at conferences, schools, and television programs, all with a heart for training and equipping people in their lives to further pursue God, and mentoring people in their spiritual development.

Shawn was involved in different types of leadership with Metro Christian Fellowship with Mike Bickle for eight years and then made the transition to the International House of Prayer in Kansas City for four years. While there he taught in the Bible School, ministered to thousands of leaders in the body of Christ from every Christian denomination, and mentored many people. He was also known as one of the prophetic voices in Kansas City where he was involved with Shiloh and prophetic leadership. He joined the leadership team of WhiteDove Ministries in January of 2003. In his participation with the WhiteDove, he developed a leadership training internship, and helped with the team to develop their training school, along with establishing the base of ministry in Foley, Alabama. He left the WhiteDove team in 2006 to pursue starting Expression58 Ministries.

In October 2006, he founded Expression58, a missions base and church focused on training and equipping, the creative arts, the poor, and loving people in the entertainment industry. The base is now located in Hollywood, California.

Shawn has written two books: The Throne Room Company, and Keys to Heavens Economy, An Angelic Visitation from the Minister of Finance. He has also written articles for Streams AWE Magazine, the Elijah List, Morning Star Journal, Voice of Today Magazine, and WhiteDove Ministries monthly online newsletter from 2003-2006, and many other Christian publications. He has traveled across denominations, cities, countries, and age gaps on thousands of destinations. The ministry has taken him throughout Europe, South America, Canada, and the United States. He has also made television appearances on Daystar, TBN, The Miracle Channel, Extreme Prophetic, and others.
Shawn has a burning heart to see the entertainment industry and the creative arts come into a revival and has been influencing believers who are in performing arts for many years. He is currently working on television and movie projects. He currently resides in Hollywood, California.

Mel Tari – “The Dutch missionaries brought us the “Black Book” and told us that the whole Bible was the Word of God and we were to believe it. So we believed it. And if we were stupid to do so, God used even our stupidity for His glory, for by His power he proved to us that His Word is true. I praise God that no matter what the scholars in America might say about some verses, we in Indonesia have experienced all the things in Mark 16 by the power of His Holy Spirit. God through His Holy Spirit continues His work on the island of Timor and throughout Indonesia.”

Johann Schonken is a Revivalist, Missionary, Educator, Father, Husband and Friend of GOD He moves often in the prophetic He is a Man who heart is for the poor He has outreach missions across the globe His Vision to establish radio in poor countries is being fulfilled He has traveled the world with signs wonders and many miracles ! He is a graduate of Fuller and hold a Dr Degree in Theology His Passion is to winthe soul set the captive free and proclaim the GOOD NEWS

Richard Hanson is a prophetic revivalist whose ministry is touching the lives of people across the world with Gods Glory. Many are experiencing Gods Miracle working Power. God is also using Richard to bring knowledge and understanding on living in the Supernatural and manifesting the Healing Power of God. Richard’s passion is leading believers into a deeper life of intimacy with Christ and leading the lost to salvation. Richard’s desire is to see an entire Generation raised up that openly displays the raw power of God to the world.

Richard grew up in a small town in Florida where he lived most of his life. Although raised in a Christian home, his heart was far from being totally surrendered to Christ. During his early teenage years, he was mixed up in a life, which he felt had no purpose. However, God had great plans in mind for Richard; a life filled with a future and a hope. Richard had an encounter with God and surrendered his life fully to Christ. God in His great mercy begin to draw Richard into extended times of being with Him. It was out of this season of waiting on Him that God begun to put a passion in his heart to reach the world with the Glory and knowledge of God.

Richard soon began to serve in his father’s church, His Fellowship in Lady Lake Florida, where he met his wife Jodi. He led worship there for several years and in 1999 became the youth Pastor. In 2003, he was called by God to Grandville, Michigan to study at Christian Life School of Theology. Where he became Associate Director of the Healing Rooms. In 2005, Richard began to intern and personally work beside Jeff Jansen (Global Fire Ministries) and was ordained by him in 2007 and sent out under his own ministry (Richard Hanson Ministries) as an Associate minister with Global Fire Ministries.
Richard, along with his wife Jodi and Daughter Emma live in Grand Rapids, MI.

Natasja Yonce- Worship

Natasja is a child of Africa born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She’s been in some form of ministry since the age of 5 and has a passion to see the world come to know the true, passionate Jesus.At the age of 21 she signed her first Christian record deal with the acclaimed record company “Brettian Productions” in South Africa and recorded several self-composed albums while touring the globe extensively, fulfilling her passion for reaching the nations of the earth with the message of His Kingdom that is at hand and His presence that is meant to be our habitation.
Her mission statement, a simple one: “To please the Father…”
She shares the true heart of the Father with intimacy and passion and ushers the presence of the Lord, while moving in a strong prophetic anointing and preaching a life of complete surrender to Christ and habitation with the Holy Spirit.

Natasja is co-founder of Releasing Glory Ministries International with her husband Hank Yonce based in DeLand, FL where they are raising their two firebrand children.
She is currently working on releasing the new sound the Lord has birthed in her through various albums with a message of soaking intimacy and living a Kingdom life where powerful miracles, signs and wonders follow those who truly live in Him.

Update: The Blest Fest 2010 Conference was streamed LIVE on our Internet TV station www.KingdomFlame.com on
October 28-31 2010.

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To watch a video from one of
the sessions, click HERE.

Antioch Tabernacle Ministries is proud to announce or new Internet Video Channel, KingdomFlame.com. The Inaugural kickoff for Kingdom Flame will be this weekend, as we stream the 2010 Blest Fest Conference LIVE.

Enter into a relaxed, festival type atmosphere where truth and joy blend with a revelation of the amazing grace available to us. God is calling a group of 777 to gather in Chicago to know the increase of His favor and blessing upon their lives. Come be part of this “intimate” time with some of God’s most anointed leaders.

Heidi Baker is a legend in our time. The history books have yet to be written telling all the God-stories and miracles that happen wherever she goes. Limbs grow. Blind see. Deaf hear. Autism leaves. Dead rise. Cancer dies. Aids viruses shrivel. You get the point: God likes to use her hand to do the amazing. She is feeding over 10,000 children per day. She has over 12,000 churches of new converts to Christianity. The stories go on and on, but the bottom line is that she wants to come to HUB so she can be with the 777 at Blest Fest. Be one of them!

Mahesh Chavda has seen it before. In fact, many times. Hundreds of thousands have been saved through him. Thousands have been healed, including the lame, deaf, and blind. Those with cancer or AIDS have even been healed. He has been used by God for a decade to do miracles…make that 2 decades….No, Mahesh has known well over 3 decades of experiencing the miraculous! Mahesh loves to proclaim Christ’s Kingdom with power, to equip you for ministry and to usher in revival. He moved his schedule just to be with the 777 at the HUB Blest Fest.Patricia King is the host of Extreme Prophetic Television. With over 25 years of background as a Christian minister, she brings new meaning to the phrase “walking in the authority of Christ.” Her reputation in the Christian community is world-renowned. You will find her to be sincere, generous, honest, and quite capable to handle accurately the Word of God in truth. Patricia King is an amazing woman of God and HUB is thrilled to welcome her back as she ministers to the 777 at Blest Fest.

Worship – Steve Mitchell has an incredible passion to see the beauty and Kingdom of God revealed on earth. His ministry is characterized by the song of the Lord with a relentless pursuit to make contact with God. He views every corporate worship setting as a window of opportunity for a divine encounter. The prophetic word that Steve sings spontaneously draws you into the presence of the Lord. Many are set free and healed as the Lord ministers through his song.
Nathan Lopez from Wasilla Alaska is also returning to HUB to lead worship. (Yes he is from the church where Sarah Palin was saved and grew in the prophetic). Luke Hendrickson, one of the finest musicians and Mark Jobe, one of the world’s best drummers are also both coming in. Expect worship to be uncontainable and off the charts!

Jim Paul is officially named and recognized as a Prophet by TACF, after serving there as Pastor, Prophet and Itinerant for over 20 years. A Baptist pastor for 13 years in Canada, he now serves as senior pastor of Metro Church in Hamilton, Ontario. God has been using Jim for over 16 years at HUB, but never have we seen anything like what is happening lately, including complete healing of cancer, fibroid tumors, IBS, fibromyalgia and even MS. We can hardly keep up with the testimonies of all the miracles in his recent HUB meetings. He will be giving prophetic words and praying for the 777 at Blest Fest.

Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian, founding leader of Willow Creek Community Church, one of the largest churches in America with over 23K weekly attendees. For several years it has been ranked as the most influential church in America. Dr. Bilezikian’s influence cannot be over estimated at the massive seeker-sensitive church, where senior pastor, Bill Hybels says, “There would be no Willow Creek without Gilbert Bilezikian.” Affectionately known as Dr. B (as the coffee shop still bears his name), he had opportunity to mentor and envision Hybels 35 years ago while teaching and mentoring Hybels at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Born in Paris, he is fluent in several languages, giving him occasion to teach 7 yrs. as Minister of Education at American Church Paris and over 20 yrs. faculty staff at Wheaton College. He has authored several books including the classic Community 101 which in 2001, the French version won the comparable American Book of The Year Award. It is an honor to have Dr. B return to HUB. Not many have influenced so many and he is coming to talk to 777 at Blest Fest.

Steve Sampson is back by popular demand! He skillfully weaves humor into his “spot-on” delivery of the Word of God. A senior pastor for many years, he now itinerates and authors numerous books, including his latest Discerning & Defeating the Ahab Spirit, which is the sequel to bestseller Confronting Jezebel. A favorite of mine is Don’t Talk To Me Now Lord, I’m Trying To Pray, which the title is indicative of his powerful ministry.

Kingdom Flame and Radio Antioch Christian Media, in cooperation with Hub ministries and all the guest speakers, are donating the camera crew and the Web Streaming bandwidth to bring this conference LIVE to you, as a fundraiser to help Heidi Baker and her orphan ministry. We ask that you prayerfully consider donating 5, 10 or 20 dollars to help Heidi with her mission. Just click the donation box on the broadcast page. All donations are Tax deductible in the United States. If you REALLY can’t donate at this time, please feel free to watch. Freely we have received, Freely we give. Enjoy!

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Schedule

Thursday October 28

7pm Session 1 – Patricia King

Friday October 29

10am Session 2 – Jim Paul

2pm Session 3 – Steve Sampson

7pm Session 4 – Mahesh Chavda

Saturday October 30

10am Session 5 – Steve Sampson

2pm Session 6 – Dr. Bilezikian

7pm Session 7 – Blast Fest at Blest Fest

Sunday, October 31

11am Session 8 – Jim Paul

5pm Session 9 – Heidi Baker

Don’t Let the Devil Steal the Identity of Your Church!

This sermon is part three in a series I am writing. Parts one and two were preached at our live Radio Antioch meetings. Any of you who are interesting in seeing what parts one and two are about can see the videos on our website. In these teachings, I was focused on how the devil tries to steal the identity of the Christian. Today we will focus on how the devil tries to steal the identity of the church.
The devil cannot directly oppose the moves of God. He does not have sufficient power to do so.

However, the devil does oppose the servants of God, those used of God to carry out His will upon the earth. I suppose you could say that the devil practices guerilla warfare. Instead of confronting the power and people of God directly, he tries to focus on one small area at a time, perhaps a single believer or a single church,  and then flee. One of the best ways to do that is to deceive or discourage us so that we forget who we are in Christ and forget what we have been called to do. Remember in Genesis, where the devil asked “Did God really say”?  He sows doubt and unbelief, or bad theology. If the devil can’t send you to Hell, we will at least try and make you miserable and ineffective.

One of the greatest places of deception in all time has been the attack to try and steal the identity of the church!

One of the first places where the devil tries to steal the identity of the church is the focus on buildings and divisions.  In our culture, when we talk about a church, we usually mean a building. If you asked 50 Americans what a church is, most would say a building where religious services take place. WRONG! How many know that as Christians, we are supposed to get our definitions, our “world view” out of the scripture? Today we commonly use the phrase “Church” to mean a building. But the word translated “Church” in the New Testament is ekklesia (ek-klay-see’-ah) which means “a calling out” or “congregation” or “assembly”. So when the New Testament speaks about the Church in Ephesus or Antioch or Corinth, it is speaking about the gathering of people there. Each gathering or assembly of believers has its own personality, its own strengths and weaknesses, and its own calling as part of the body and Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  By the biblical definition, the defining characteristic of a church can never be what its building is, but rather who are its people!.

The people make the church, not what building keeps the rain off of their heads! A common tactic of the devil to get us to focus on the so-called “church” where people go instead of on the church that the people are.

How many of you have visited the original Antioch church from the New Testament? What? No hands? In fact, I don’t think that there is any building in existence today associated with any of the New Testament churches. In fact, it was many years before the idea of dedicated church building caught on. Early churches met in people’s homes and in public places. But I would say to you that it was the first church in Antioch that sent out missionaries to the world, and that our churches today can be traced back to the fruit of their efforts.

Another Lie: Where is it in the Bible that Christianity is a Spectator Sport? But it was the Romans that had the Arenas. If the Church is about the people, then if the Church is Dead, then it’s YOUR fault!
If all the people are just sitting there to be entertained, then it might as well be “America’s Got Talent”! But consider what the ONE THING that we do in church now that we will also do when we get to heaven.  That one thing is to WORSHIP the Lord. Sure teaching is very important, for we need to be taught the principles of Christ. We all need to be taught the scriptures. And yes, we need to pray for the sick, as the scriptures command, having the elders lay hand on those who need healing. But the most important thing about church is to enter into the presence of God, and to commune with Him, and to Worship HIM. That communing, that worship, is the ONLY part of our worship experience that will continue in heaven. It seems to me that some of our churches should dare to practice more of it now!

Turn with me in your bibles to the book of churches chapter 11…
Why are you looking at me like that? Oh, yes, I’m really talking about the book of Acts, which is a shortened name for the “The Acts of the Apostles”. You see it is not about a building but rather about what the people did. It’s the acts of the apostles, not the acts of the churches.

Let me show you a second place where the devil tries to steal the identity of a church. In Matthew chapter 28, we were told to “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 observe all that I commanded you” In Mark 16:15 Jesus said to them to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Now, there are two common commands here: Can anyone tell me the first? The first is what to do:  GO! Don’t be only focused on your area. The second command is similar: WHO- Don’t be focused only on your little group, go to all the nations. One big place where the identity of the church gets stolen is the trap of ignoring or under emphasizing these two aspects of the great commission. The big temptation is to just minister to our 50 or 100 people in our local body of Christians. We just get inbred and only associate with our own kind, the believers. Worse yet, a lot of our denominations only associate with their own denomination, making them doubly inbred.  A lot of people really put the early church in Jerusalem up on a pedestal as the ideal new testament church. I believe they do this largely because the people gave sacrificially and took care of the needy. However, if you look, they only took care of Jews. They were not going to the nations. In fact, the whole reason that the office of the deacon in the church was created is because there were complaints that widows of  the Jews of Hellenistic origin were being overlooked in favor of the local widows. Not only did they only focus on Jews, but they also clearly were cliquish within their own people group. It was not until persecution broke out that this church was scattered, and the people began to carry out the Great Commission. In Acts chapter 7 and 8, you see the martyrdom of Stephen and the beginning of the persecution of the church by Saul. When this happened, the church was scattered. We see Phillip going to Samaria and proclaiming the Gospel to the hated Samaritans. After he begins to have success, Peter and John join him. In Acts 11:19 we see that some who were scattered from the persecution in Jerusalem made their way to Antioch. At first they preached to the Jews alone. But later, they began to preach to the Greeks also. Acts 11:21 says that the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number believed and turned to the Lord. Note that the scriptures say that the believers were first called Christians in Antioch. Whenever you see a name change in the scripture there is a deep spiritual significance. Like Jesus, this church was more focused on the Father’s plan than on their own agenda. And like Jesus, this church was more focused on who they were trying to save than their own needs.
Church, the devil would love to have us only focus on, and associate with, other Christians. The devil is perfectly happy when Christians go be separate to themselves and do nothing to be salt in light in the community. Those guys are all saved, so why spend  any effort on them? Instead, the devil would rather focus on dragging as many people outside of the church to hell as possible. We are supposed to be Salt and Light to the community! We are supposed to be bringing the nations into the knowledge of Jesus. And by nations I mean not only countries, but also those who live in our country of a different social or ethnic background. If we just focus on ourselves we are not a danger to the devil’s kingdom…The Devil has twisted the scripture in  2 Cor. 6:17 that says   “Therefore, come out from their midst and BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord.” To mean don’t associate with anyone outside the church. And honestly, in a large portion of the Christian community that is what we do. But look at the next verse:  “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. “ This section is about not being polluted by the things of this world. Now, when it says “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” that does imply that we should not enter into certain close relationships with unbelievers, for example I don’t think a believer should marry an unbeliever, or take on an unsaved business partner. Some relationships are so close that you can’t help but be affected by that person. However this section DOES NOT justify the church in general withdrawing from interaction with the world. Just don’t hold them so close as to be polluted by them.
Church- Do not let the devil steal your identity of Salt and Light. Do not let the Devil steal your identity as missionary to the nations!

A third place  where the devil has stolen identity in the church is in our leaders. Can anyone show me anywhere in the church where the head of a group of believers was required to be pastoral? I doubt it. If you look at the new testament churches, they usually have several leaders, with different giftings. One might be pastoral. Another might be a teacher or an apostle. Another might be prophetic.  We have this simple model where one man is the head of a local body, and his job is to meet the spiritual needs of all the flock, and to teach them, and to shepherd the direction of the church. We put such an unreal expectation on that poor sucker we call “the pastor” that there is almost no way he can prosper! Instead, what if we gave the freedom for our leaders to be who they are in Christ, and put others around them to help with the load. Instead of being judgmental of a man of God who has a great teaching gift but is not all that good with hospital visits and funerals, why not pair him up with an elder who is very pastoral. Maybe a church has a visionary leader but he needs a couple of good bible teachers to run the Sunday school.
The devil has tried very hard to steal the 5 fold ministry identity from the body.

Ephesians  4:11-13     It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

A really common lie the enemy has used to steal from our leaders is that after the early church, there are no more Apostles, Prophets or Teachers. Most denominations acknowledge the evangelist, and call the head guy at the church a Pastor. But what do we do with that guy who has a building, fathering, apostolic gift to build into people and plant churches or ministries? What do we do with the prophetic? Most churches literally ban them, or limit them to one expression, a tongue and interpretation. And unless our teachers who are grounded and mature in the word are on staff somehow, we don’t consider them as part of the ministry. But this scripture in Ephesians 4 clearly says that all 5 offices were given until the church attains the full measure of fullness in Christ. I don’t think any church in history has over gotten to that point, so I got news for you- the Apostles and the Prophets and the Teachers are still called to be working side by side with the pastor and the evangelist.

Acts 13:1    In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (Mon-ah-ane’) (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

Now, clearly at the church in Antioch, we had in the leadership team prophets and teachers. But now look what happens:

Acts 13:2-3  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” [3] So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

So look at what happened. Barnabas had been sent in Acts 11:22 to be the head of the church in Antioch, and he had recruited Paul to help him. But now the Holy Spirit was moving them into an apostolic ministry.  If the people in Antioch had refused to let go of those two, the much of what happened in the rest of the book of acts would have been different! The devil would love to have our pastors be worn out, expected to be all things to the body, and be kept in the box defined by their congregation. Instead, we need to surround our leaders with others whose giftings help balance the needs of the body, and actually have the courage to let our beloved leaders grow in their calling and walk with God as well.

This brings me to the fourth way that the devil tries to steal the identity of a church- By having it stay the same and not grow into the calling that God is leading it into.
Many of you understand this, but for clarity, let me spell out a concept to you- Local churches are like people, they have a birth, they grow in size and in maturity, in knowledge and capability, and eventually many die. From one season in life to another, a church grows and changes just like a person does. Look at this church in Antioch. Acts 11:26 says that Barnabas and Paul  met with the church and taught great numbers of people. It was during this time that they became disciples, and first became known as Christians. During this formative season in the Antioch church, the focus was entirely on making local converts and training them into disciples in the Lord. But now we see the Holy Spirit calling two of their beloved leaders into this apostolic call to the nations. At that point the leaders and people of the church in Antioch had an option- to be disobedient and keep Paul and Barnabas back, and ignore this trans-local call on the church, or to embrace this new season in the church’s identity, become the sending center to reach the nations, and release Paul and Barnabas to enter into their destinies as apostles. Thank God they did!

Now, you can bet that some in that church wanted to hold on to the way things were. What they did not understand that if through disobedience, the hand and favor of the Spirit was withdrawn, things would never be the same anyway. And yet a lot of churches miss their call to move into a place of regional and even international influence out of the desire of some to avoid change. And yet if you miss the move of God, change does come, and never for the better.
Church, I challenge you this day not to let the devil steal your identity. I challenge you not to become so caught up in buildings and programs that you forget that the real church is a group of PEOPLE and all the buildings and programs are but a servant to their needs, not the other way around.  I challenge you not to become inbred, focusing only on stealing Christians from the other churches, but rather to truly be Salt and Light in the community and bringing in the lost. I dare you to train up your people to be leaders in their schools, jobs and even in government. I dare you to become radically saved by having the courage to witness to the radically unsaved!

Let me say that again: I dare you to become radically saved by having the courage to witness to the radically unsaved!

Church, I challenge you to build leaders in a biblical pattern, raising up the 5 fold in our midst, and having the courage to release them as they grow into their destinies. And finally, church, I dare you to get on your face and seek God for what you are to be in this next season, and boldly allow the Holy Spirit to transform this body as it walks into its destiny. I dare You!

Radio Antioch will be streaming the 2010 Macedonian Call Conference Live next week.  David will be preaching Sunday Morning, with a number of speakers representing the 5-fold ministry speaking each night at 7 pm. For those of you in Northern Illinois and South-Eastern Wisconsin, the conference is in Waukegan. You can also watch each meeting live by clicking our  “Live Video” link above, or at  www.antiochtabernacle.org/blog/live/ We will also be posting the videos from each session on our blog, following the conference.

Broadcast  Times:
Sunday, August 15th, 11:00 a.m.
Monday- Friday, August 16-20 at 7:00 PM p.m. Each Night.
Enjoy!

Credits

A symbol of God’s promise

This teaching is Radio Antioch Podcast Episode 33. To watch, click on the player above. To download audio and video , click the Icons at the bottom of the post..

Philip. 1:3-6

I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

The Greek word translated being confident is peitho.  (Pay’- tho)  The perfect tense used here  indicates that Paul had not only already previously come to the conclusion that this was true, but was also still confident in it remaining true in the future.  The Greek word translated completion here is epiteleo.  (ep-ee-tel-eh’-o;) from Greek words epi,  ep-ee’ and teleo. ( tel-eh’-o).

epi,  ep-ee’; a primary preposition properly meaning superimposition of time, place or order.

teleo,  tel-eh’-o; to end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt) :- accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform.

So the Lord is able to to bring you to the time of the completion of your purposes, He is able to bring you to the Place of your release, and He is able to Order your life from now until the End!

So Paul reveals here his understanding of the Christian journey- The Lord began a good work in the Philippians as they came into Christ, but like all of us, they have not yet come into the full measure or stature of the promise and calling upon them as individuals and also as a church that is part of the body of Christ. But Paul also speaks of his confidence that the Lord is able to take them to the level of anointing, maturity and fruit in Christ that is their destiny.

But here is where many Christians, and even some churches get shipwrecked in the storms of life. They may have no doubt the the Lord BEGAN a good work in them. They were so full of faith when they began, so on-fire with the First Love of Christ so looking forward into their destiny and calling. But then the Storms come. Setbacks occur, and our situation looks hopeless. Sometimes mistakes or even sins are committed, and we feel disqualified. Many of us have lost the confidence that the Lord, who began the work in US is not only ABLE, but also still desires to bring to fruit the FULL PROMISE of our calling and destiny in Christ.  We claim to believe that God parted the Red Sea, but we lose faith about paying the rent. And we believe that God formed man out of the dust of the ground, and yet when we get in Sin and see how much dirt remains, we are unable to see past the failure ito the grace of God to take us where He wants to go.

Quite simply put, we lose faith in God’s ability to finish the work that He began in us!

Hosea 4:6    My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.

One reason that we become shipwrecked is that we don’t understand that accomplishment and success is a process.  That frequently we need to be refined before we can be used to accomplish God’s purposes.

Let’s talk about Joseph. He was gifted, prophetic young man, called to greatness as a prince of a nation that was just beginning. He had the favor of Israel his father, as the best among his brothers. And yet he was full of pride and arrogance. He had had dreams that he would move into an exalted place of leadership. But in his pride and arrogance, he announces his dreams to his brothers and parents, long before he has grown in stature, character and anointing to walk in that destiny.  Because he was trying to force God’s timing, he was rebuked by his parents and hated by his brothers. Many of you are familiar with the story. His brothers faked his death and sold him into slavery. He was taken to Egypt and became a slave in the household of Potiphar. But as Joseph began to grow in character, the enemy came against him. When Joseph rejected the adulterous advances of Potiphar’s wife, she falsely accused him of attempted rape, and Joseph was sent to prison. But even in the prison, God was maturing Joseph. In the Prison, God continued to refine Joseph’s prophetic gifting, and he was able to interpret troubling dreams of royal officials who had been sent there.  One of these officials was eventually release. One day, Pharaoh the King of Egypt had a troubling dream, and this official remembered Joseph. God had prepared Joseph, honed his gifting, and positioned him in just the place where he would impact a nation. Joseph interpreted Pharoh’s dream, so impressing him that he was made ruler of all of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.  Paharoh’s dream was about a great famine in the land. When the time of famine came, even Joseph’s family had to seek help from Egypt. As the wise steward of the nation, Joseph had prepared Egypt for the great time of trial, and he was also able to provide a sanctuary  for his family.

Psalm 105:16-22

He called down famine on the land  and destroyed all their supplies of food;  [17] and he sent a man before them–   Joseph, sold as a slave. [18] They bruised his feet with shackles,  his neck was put in irons,  [19] till what he foretold came to pass,  till the word of the Lord proved him true.  [20] The king sent and released him,  the ruler of peoples set him free.  [21] He made him master of his household,   ruler over all he possessed,   [22] to instruct his princes as he pleased  and teach his elders wisdom.

Notice that the dream that got Joseph in so much trouble came to pass. He was refined through many trials until he could handle God’s destiny. What was God’s purpose? To send Joseph before his brothers into Egypt, so that in the time of great trial, they would have a place of refuge for the family that was to become the nation of Israel.

The greed word translated as proved in Psalm 105:19 is

tsaraph,  tsaw-raf’; a primitive root; to fuse (metal), that is to refine (literally or figuratively)  cast, refine, as a goldsmith, to melt, and  purge away the dross and impurities.

So the scripture says here that until the full promise of God came true in Joseph’s life, that the promise was an instrument in refining Joseph and purging him of the things that would hold him back from fulfilling his destiny.

Let me give you a mental picture to help you understand. In our family, Grandma Compton lives in rural Ohio, and she would concerning the harvest that if the Corn was knee-high by the fourth of July, it would be a good year of harvest. Now, I’m no farmer, and I don’t know if the knee-high part is a good measure here in Illinois. But let me give you this picture:

A farmer plants a hundred acre field with corn. Suppose that on the evening of the fourth of July he walks out into the fields and raises his arms to the starry heavens and cries out in Anguish: “Oh God! Where are you? Have you forsaken me? I have labored! I have planted all of these acres, and spent all my money on the seed, and yet there is no harvest! Where ARE YOU GOD?

We would probably laugh at this picture. Because we know that knee-high corn does not produce much of a harvest. We would know that the season is not quite right for the coming huge harvest in the farmer’s life. If he tries to harvest early, or despairs and give up in caring for the field, he will miss out on the full promise of the harvest. We know this about the farmer, because experience has taught us about the seasons of the crops. And yet so many Christians despair in their lives because they have no understanding of the seasons and the process, even the very journey required to bring us into the full promise and harvest for our lives.

Another place where we lose faith in reaching our destiny is in places where we have failed a test, and feel that God has given up on us.

In Matthew 26  we find Jesus talking to the disciples just befor He went to the cross:

Matthew 26:31-35     Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ” ‘I will strike the shepherd,        and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ [32] But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”  [33] Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”   [34] “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”     [35] But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Now, the disciples got so focused on Jesus’ warning that they were all about to fall away for a season that they missed a key revelation:

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.

Not only did he tell them that He would Rise from the Dead, but He also promised them that they would meet again in Gallilee.

Of course, they all did fall away that night. Peter was so bold as to follow Jesus into the courtyard where He was being accused, but as prophesied, he denied Jesus three times.

But as the whole drama of the crucifixion and their falling away unfolded, Jesus message remained the same to his followers:

Matthew 28:8-10

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. [9] Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

In Mark Chapter 16, an agel appeared to Mary Magdalene after the crucifixion, saying:

Mark 16:6-7    ”Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. [7] But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”

The message- Don’t be afraid, I’m still in control, and I have a plan and a destiny for you. Meet me in Galilee. And in Mark, Peter is called out by name, even though he had denied Jesus publicly three times. You see, Jesus knew what trials and failures were needed to take the brash fisherman Peter and transform him into the Apostle he would become. He knew full well the failures that were coming along the way. Jesus was not  dismayed or disillusioned by Peter’s failings.

In John Chapter 21, the disciples had indeed gone ahead to Galilee. While waiting on Jesus, Peter decides to go out to fish, and they fish all night and catch nothing.  Jesus appears to them, calling out: “Do you have any fish?”  They when hearing that the experienced fisherman had nothing, tells them to cast the net on the right side of the boat.  Now this is silly in the natural. A net that could hold a hundred fish is huge, and it would make no difference what side of the boat you cast it from. Even so, they obey and net a huge catch.  But this sudden intervention of the supernatural into the natural reminded them that it was God himself they were dealing with. Peter recognized that it was Jesus, and leaving everything behind, dove into the water to swim to meet him. They found Jesus on the shore, with a hot breakfast cooked for them. They went from a night of striving with no fruit to a time of intimate fellowship with the lord with great fruit.

John 21:1-25

[15] When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” [16] Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  [17] The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”    Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. [18] I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” [19] Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”     [20] Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) [21] When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”     [22] Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

Jesus carefully restored Peter. For each time that Peter had denied, Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, them commissioned him to feed His sheep. For each time of failure and denial, there was a place of restoration. For each battle lost, there was a commissioning for victory after the time of refining was completed. There was even an example of supernatural provision given in a way as only a fisherman could truly appreciate. All Peter had to do was to have the faith to go forward.

Notice also that when Peter questioned Jesus about another Apostle, Jesus replied “what is that to You? Follow ME”  Sometimes when we are in that season before we come to the harvest, we ask, “why me, Lord” comparing ourselves to others. But the Lord reminds each of us to Follow Him, and that each person’s walk  with Him is unique.

Friends, the Lord has each of us on a journey. Don’t let the devil steal your identity by discouraging you. Don’t be the farmer on the fourth of July and despair before the season of Harvest. Don’t let your sins and failures cause you to not believe the things that God has promised you. He who began a good work in US is ABLE to bring it to fruit and completion.  All we have to do is encourage ourselves in the faith, repent if necessary  and have the faith in the Lord to complete

Credits

Dear Friends,

Jan and  I (and kids) have just returned from a week in a cabin up along the Black River in Wisconsin. We had a chance to take a canoe trip, hike a little, and generally de-stress. We have also taken a month off from our regular Radio Antioch meetings. We have used this time to rest and re-group, and also to seek the Lord.

I feel that the Lord is taking us in a slightly different direction. Two years ago we were instructed to begin the Radio Antioch podcast, with bi-monthly meetings. Pastor Jeff at the Christian Life Fellowship was gracious enough to lend us their building twice a month. We had some amazing times of worship and fellowship. What began as a simple internet blog and audio podcast grew to include video and live streaming broadcasts.  About a year ago, we felt that the Lord was showing us to take what we were doing and enable other ministries to do the same things. Radio Antioch began to morph as we signed contracts to augment our internet servers by tying into several much larger computer and content-delivery networks. We now are connected to servers in 23 cities on three continents. We also are enabling streaming ministry for several major ministries,  and lately a growing number of local churches.  A recent conference held by one of these ministries had over 6000 connections over the three-day event. At full capacity, the Radio Antioch systems can service over a million simultaneous viewers.

Recently, I have begun feeling that the Lord was nudging us in a new direction. I love the bi-monthly meetings, but I believe that the Lord is showing us that they have served their purpose in teaching us HOW to do this. Our next assignment is to take the things we have learned TO the Body of Christ. This has been difficult for me personally, as I love to teach and very much enjoy the teaching time, as well as the great worship and fellowship. In praying about this, I feel that the Lord will be opening doors for us to preach here and there, and for me to just trust Him with that aspect of the ministry. In letting go of the regular meetings, I have two Sunday invitations in the next month, so the Lord is already opening doors. I plan on continuing to put out a podcast once in a while, maybe once a month, using material recorded at these future meetings. These will appear on our regular blog and ministry Email as before.

I would like to take this time to thank all of the amazing volunteers that have made the Bi-monthly meetings possible. Your amazing and selfless service has blessed many and birthed a new ministry that will have global impact. We plan to do a thank-you fellowship for our volunteers sometime soon, stay tuned for details!

I would also ask each of you to keep us in prayer. I have begun taking steps to expand the Radio Antioch services and make it a truly powerful resource for the body of Christ. Thanks also for our faithful financial supporters. We encourage you to continue to support what we are doing. For the next few months, our costs will be going up as we focus on the new direction. We do expect the revenues from services to increase as new ministries work with us to get the Gospel out. Funds from our ministry clients have gone up dramatically in the last month, and we are now are receiving about 50% of the operating costs of the network from fees. The remaining expense is covered by our ministry budget and our faithful supporters. If you are not already one of our monthly supporters, please prayerfully consider becoming a monthly partner with us. You can click the “make a donation” button on our website or on any of our emails.

Let’s talk about Africa for a moment…With the help of a number of you, repairs and upgrades to the church in Wandago are now underway and nearing completion. Bishop Nicholas Ongamo has been sending us regular updates. We continue to pay the monthly salary of Pastor Patrick in Wandago as part of our missionary outreach. I am also praying about another trip to Africa. This is difficult as we move in new directions, but I am confident the Lord will show us the perfect timing.

Thanks again for all of your prayers and support.

In His Service,

Dave