Equippers Network

Personal Accountability: Do You Have It?

2009-10-08T22:19:00.003-06:00

Acts 17:11
11 Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. AMP

To Whom or What are you accountable to? Ask your self these questions:

1. Do you read and study the Bible daily?

2. Do you apply the truth revealed to your life immediately?

3. Do you submit your life to both Jesus the Living Word and the Bible which is the

Written Word?

4. When the Word is preached, sung or portrayed in the Arts, such as skits or dramas is your heart softened and is it responsive with action and not just emotion?

5. When you see a need do you seek God about how it might be met or do you ignore it?

6. Are you careful to eagerly receive and then check out the message of a speaker by the Word?

Are you Accountable and if so to whom or what?

A Call to Spiritual Formation

2009-10-05T22:10:00.004-06:00

Throughout the centuries from the day of the resurrection of Jesus our Messiah to His father's side those who have followed Jesus and sought a life of total dedication to Him have been seen as mystics, saints and have even been martyred as they sought to live a life totally in God.

The material below is from the Renovare' site. If you want to live the 'In God Life' this ministry will provide you with awesome insight and materials.

Renovaré, is a nonprofit organization that advocates, encourages, and resources intentional living and spiritual formation. Drawing from the example of Jesus Christ and the historical Church, Renovaré encourages people to develop renewed, sustainable, and enriched spiritual lives. Find out more about this excellent ministry and learn how you can live the "in God Life."

Then go to the link and sign up to answer the call to transformed into His image and live your life in Him! http://acalltospiritualformation.info/ A Call to Spiritual Formation San Antonio, 2009

"Christian spiritual formation is the process of being shaped by the Spirit into the likeness of Christ, filled with love for God and the world."

God calls us all to become like Jesus. Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”* We experience this abundance of life – here and now – as our passions, character, understanding, and relationships are increasingly aligned with those of Christ. This lifelong transformation within and among us is the continual gift of God’s Spirit. We are called to be renewed into the likeness of Jesus – but we do not always fully embrace this calling. Sometimes we seem content to be known as “Christians” without intentionally engaging with this work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Other times we desperately long for a new way of life, wanting to grow in our walk with Jesus, but needing help and encouragement. We, therefore, commit to pursue passionately and to receive joyfully God’s grace to be more fully transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

John 7:37–39 *John 10:10 Romans 8:29 1 Corinthians 11:1 1 Corinthians 15:49 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 2 Corinthians 5:16–21 Galatians 4:19 Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 3:16–19 1 John 3:2 1 John 4:17

As we are rooted in Jesus and in the kingdom he proclaims, we are progressively transformed. Jesus is the center of all life and history, both the source and goal of all creation. God shaped this universe as a place where the love and life of Jesus Christ might flourish. Because we are formed in the divine image, we have the capacity to receive and express this life and love. Although human disobedience corrupts the divine image in us, God still forms a people able to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus makes this possible through his life, death, and resurrection. In him we experience a restored relationship of love with God and one another, and continual transformation into his likeness. We are becoming a reconciled and renewed community – which is both the goal and the substance of life in God’s kingdom. This is the good news we proclaim with joy to the whole world. Genesis 1:26–28 Genesis 3:1–7 Proverbs 8:22–31 Isaiah 42:5–9 Jeremiah 31:33–34 Mark12:28–34 John 1:1–18 John 13:34–35 Romans 5:9–11 Romans 8:1–11 Romans 8:19–23 Ephesians 2:11–22 Colossians 1:9–23 1 Thessalonians 5:23 1 John 2:7–11

Our engagement with God’s transforming grace is vital. Renewal into the image of Christ is not a human attainment; it is a gift of grace. God mercifully uses all our experiences, including our suffering and trials, to teach and transform us. Even so, transformation requires our involvement and effort. We need to make ourselves available to the Holy Spirit’s work in all our life experiences, particularly through intentional engagement with historical Christian disciplines, including Word and sacrament. These practices open us to the presence and grace of God. As a result, we become, through time and experience, the kind of persons who naturally express love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‐control. Matthew 5:43–48 Matthew 11:29–30 Luke 6:40 John 7:38 John 15:5–17 Romans 12:1–2 Galatians 5:16–25 Philippians 2:12–13 Philippians 3:12–16 Titus 2:11–14 Hebrews 5:13–6:1 Hebrews 12:7–13 James 4:7–8 1 Peter 2:2 1 Peter 4:1–2

Spiritual formation happens in community. As we long to know and follow Jesus and be formed into his likeness, we journey with those who share this longing. God is calling the church to be a place of transformation. Here we struggle to fulfill our calling to love. Here we learn to attend to the invitations of God’s Spirit. Here we follow the presence of God in our midst. Spiritual community is the catalyst for our transformation and a sending base for our mission of love to the world. Matthew 18:20 Luke 6:12–19 John 17:20–26 Acts 2:42–47 Romans 12:4–8 1 Corinthians 12:1–7 Galatians 6:1–2 Ephesians 4:1–16 Hebrews 10:23–25 1 Peter 2:4–10

Spiritual formation is, by its very nature, missional. As we are formed into the likeness of Christ, we increasingly share God’s infinitely tender love for others. We deepen in our compassion for the poor, the broken, and the lost. We ache and pray and labor for others in a new way, a selfless way, a joy‐filled way. Our hearts are enlarged toward all people and toward all of creation. Isaiah 60:1–4 Matthew 5:14–16 Matthew 28:18–20 John 3:16–21 John 20:21–23 2 Corinthians 5:20 Galatians 6:10 1 John 4:7–21

We invite all people, everywhere, to embrace with us this calling to become like Jesus. By God’s grace, we will seek to become lovers: lovers of God, lovers of people, and lovers of all creation. We will immerse ourselves in a lifestyle that is attentive and responsive to the gracious presence of God. We commit ourselves to the community of Christ’s beloved, the church, so that we can learn this way of love together.

We entreat you to join us. To Sign and/or download A Call to Spiritual Formation, go to http://ACallToSpiritualFormation.info Matthew 5:1–10 Matthew 13:44–46 Mark 1:15 Luke 9:23–24 Romans 12:1–2 2 Corinthians 6:1 1 Timothy 6:11–12 Revelation 21:2 Revelation 22:17

Where is Your Tribe

2009-09-20T22:58:00.009-06:00

If God has given you a Vision and calling Tribe strategies will help you build it!

The material below is from Tribe Strategies http://tribestrategies.ning.com/ and Seth Godin

TRIBE = A community built around a similar vision, philosophy or interest."

A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate." --Seth Godin in Tribes

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/

What is a tribe? (From Tribe Strategies Site)

A social community built around an idea, a vision, a goal, a common interest, a common problem, a unique product or service, to facilitate the sharing of experiences, education, support and encouragement.What do I do with a tribe?
Share your ideas
Expand your vision or dream
Make a positive impact on the world
Interact with others who have common interests, experiences or goals
Sell your product or service
Educate others interested in your subject
Add value to others’ lives
Create a movement

How do I build my tribe?
Social media strategy
Word of mouth
Business cards and email signatures with links to facebook,
LinkedIn, Twitter, and your website
Ezine articles leading back to your website
Amazon recommendations
Newsletters
Public talks/seminars/workshops

Blog An overview of the tribe process:
Find your tribe -- Determine your niche then spread the word about your tribe, online and in the real world
Gather your tribe -- Put your social web strategy in place and create a virtual meeting place (social website) so your tribe can communicate
Feed your tribe -- Offer free advice, research, ideas. Allow members to share with each other
Trade with your tribe -- Sell your services or products to tribe, exchange information

___________________________________________________________

Check this information out and let God connect you with the Tribe you are called to lead!

Empowering You for a Life of Passionate Particpation in God

2009-09-17T23:55:00.004-06:00

Abba's Glory, Inc

Empowering You for a Life of Passionate Particpation in God

1.Enjoying the Journey of a Life of Passionate Participation in God!

We seek to connect with (encourage and strengthen) those who desire to live a life of Passionate Participation in God and to enjoy the oneness Jesus has with the father as spoken of in John's gospel chapter 17 where Jesus asked His father to give those who believed in Him the glory and honor that He was given and to make them one in Him and in the father.

2. Empowering those who love Jesus but are unhappy with what church has become:

A. To Empower, and Raise Up a new generation of believers who will fully embrace the cry of

God's heart that we 'Live a Life of Passionate Participation in Him.'
B. To provide a connecting place for those who follow Jesus and are tired of church as a dead

institution and want to connect with those who are discovering a Passionate Life of

Participation in God.
C. To make available resources for those believers who are passionate about Jesus and all that

He began to do and teach.
D. To welcome those who have chosen to take up the mantle and towel of the King and fully

embrace His Kingdom.
E. To offer a social network for those want all that Jesus has for us in a Life of Passionate

Particpation in Him

We are in the process of developing:
A 'School of the Spirit and the Word' for those who want a life of Passionate Particpation in God:
1.( Becoming all that Jesus desires)

2.( Doing all that Jesus began to do and teach)
Look for our group on Faithbook, Facebook and Faith-Space.com

Company history
Abba's Glory was birthed out of a vision to see Jesus' words in John 17:22 come alive in everyone who believes in and wants the full measure of what Jesus has for them."I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one" AMP

"Struck by the growing number people who love Jesus and are urgently seeking more of his life in their own, who are desperate for a life of passionate participation in God and not the mere shadow of His promised life, Abba's Glory seeks to empower believers to take hold of both the promise and act upon the permission God has given us to discover all that Jesus began to do and teach!"

By The Mercy of God

2009-08-16T22:52:00.005-06:00

2 Cor 4:1-6

4:1 THEREFORE, SINCE we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion.
2 We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man's conscience.
3 But even if our Gospel (the glad tidings) also be hidden (obscured and covered up with a veil that hinders the knowledge of God), it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing and obscured [only] to those who are spiritually dying and veiled [only] to those who are lost.
4 For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers' minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.
5 For what we preach is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your servants (slaves) for Jesus' sake.
6 For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [Gen 1:3.] AMP

2 Cor 4:7-9

7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
8 We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;
9 We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; AMP

Church: Epicenter of God's Life Revealed

2009-08-10T23:00:00.000-06:00

I believe the body of Christ longs for more than stale bread and tales of yesterday's great adventures. People are desperate for true God life, desperate for a leader who is not attempting to do church by program or modeled after someone else's victory story.

When Jesus said 'He came to bring life and that more abundantly', He was not speaking about mere self gratification, material abundance or earthly popularity or power! He was speaking about Sodzo, a word for salvation in the NT that carries with it the idea of mending and making whole, which is a part of "What Jesus began to do and teach," Acts 1:1.

But it is much more, it carries within it the idea of being made whole = into what we were created to be, made in the image, or likeness of God. This has to do with our construction and design. We are Spirit beings, with a free will living in a body which is temporary. We were created with God's DNA so to speak. We have been given the ability to create as well as procreate. We have the ability to be in relationship with God the most high, and to align our lives in every way with Him and thus be unique vessels of Him and all that He is.

When we realize that He embraces us out of love and by His grace His power can work through and in us, then everything that is of Him in us brings honor to Him and that which is not of Him must die if He is to have His way in us. I am reminded of the parable of the vessels in 2 Timothy 2:14-26, some clay and some gold. The true value of our vessel is based on our willingness to submit to and align ourselves with Him, His ways, His Word and His Spirit. Our Character must become like that of Jesus. In Philippians 2:5-11 Jesus humbled Himself. Elsewhere in the NT we see that he became a man and He did the Fathers will by the Spirit's power.

Our walk with and life in God is both very practical and very spiritual. Each of us must align our lives with the Word and seek Him in a relationship that must become the most important thing in our lives. While we are living our life we must do so in a way that those around can both relate to God's work in us and know us as normal people with the supernatural God above all God's working in and through us.

The gifts we have been blessed with are just that, gifts. I long to see all of God's people walk in the wholeness, freedom and fulfillment that God has both designed and created them for!

I believe the local church (people of God) is meant to be the spiritual, relational and practical epicenter of God's Life for those who call upon His name. It is His Grace, Mercy, and Power working in us which produces His image or likeness.

When we look at what 'Jesus began to do and teach', we see that He sent the Holy Spirit that we might be living witnesses (those who see, experience and tell about) of His life working in and through us.

Christian will you be the Church: Epicenter of God's Life Revealed?

Vision Birthed From the Heart of God

2009-07-26T23:31:00.000-06:00

We talk a lot about Vision in the Church, in business, in day to day following Jesus and in politics today.

When you are around people with a clear vision they have certain qualities that are appealing to other people.

People with a clear Vision from God are focused on the Goals of God's heart, they are full of faith that the Vision will come to pass, they have hope even when things do not look the way they had hoped, they have a positive influence on those around them that the Vision is within reach and as a result others buy into the vision.

This comes not just from vision casting or sharing the vision but from the fruit or impact the Vision has on the vision bearer. When the Vision is fresh and alive it brings freshness and life. When the Vision is dim, contrived or is lacking in vitality it is hard for someone to follow it or the person bearing it. I have noticed that hope springs from vision and vision from faith or belief that what is not yet is what can be.

Faith is the key to vision. There are a lot of people who live in fear and doubt and who are always looking for or are wandering around seeking someone or something to give them hope. They are in need of a healthy relationship with God. He is the giver of life, a life that flows continually to those who are in an ongoing relationship with Him.

Today, we are tempted to have a fast food version of our relationship with God, when what we really need is a time of restful feeding on the green grass of His Word and of drinking from the still water of His Spirit, of letting Him minister to us by talking with us and calling us by name, and of letting him rub His healing ointment into the hurts and bruises we receive from everyday life. When we do this and do it again and again we find the life, hope and vision that inspire others to see in us a glimpse of Him. This glimpse of Him, what He is and wants to do, generates loyalty and passion for the Vision He has given us. People follow a vision when they can see hope and faith alive, not when it is a part of the latest promotion or idea, which gets pounded endlessly into their information pathways.

When they see vision which has come from faith and hope alive in someone it gives them a reason to seek God for themselves and in the building of their relationship with God they gain faith, hope and His vision for them.

The Bible uses the imagery of trees bearing fruit as an outward demonstration of His life flowing through us to produce the fruit of the Spirit, which is the true mark of His life within. Jesus in John 15 speaks about the need for the branches to stay connected to the vine if they are to have His life which produces vision. When we have a healthy ongoing relationship with Him we make it possible for people to get a glimpse of Him.

We have a choice; we can allow others to get a glimpse of Him which brings faith and leads to vision or a glimpse of us without Him, which will lead the people to not have hope or a purpose and then they will wander aimlessly.

Faith birthed in the revelation of God's desire and design is the key to vision. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of the things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” NASB revised version.

Free School of Supernatural Living Registration

2009-07-15T23:17:00.002-06:00

Hello followers of Jesus, Prayer Warriors, Revivalist and Faith Revolutionaries!

Please accept this invitation to Register for our 1st online class in our Abba's Glory School of Supernatural Living beginning August 3rd. Register at equipper@live.com.

This class will use facebook, Twitter, Instant messaging, email and my website and blogs to deliver content and to handle discussions.

'One:One' will explore what it means to live a Supernatural life with weekly class material, daily tweets, and weekly instant message discussions.

Today's 'One:One' Twitter concept. "A Life of Passionate Participation in God is the living and daily inheritance of each born again believer."

www.abbasglory.com
http://www.facebook.com/wayne.newcomb
http://twitter.com/Equipper
http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.com

Discovering the Kingdom of God

2009-06-30T23:21:00.002-06:00

I was suprised earlier this week when i was reading an article by an author I respect and he said, ' we should be focused on jesus and not the kingdom of God.' The first thought that came to me is 'What did Jesus himself say about the Kingdom of God and then if he is the king of the Kingdom how can we separate the two?'

So, like any good studentI began doing some research and was surprised by the number of books that deal with the Kingdom of God either partially or as their only topic. I say surprised because we hear so little teaching or preaching on the subject today.

But before I make any recommendations as to what books might be good to read or own you should do some self directed research, also known as personal Bible study.

The list below can be followed as steps in your study.

1. Set up a notebook to keep your research notes or printouts in. You can organize your notebook according to your own thinking. I would suggest using page tabs for the different sections.
2. Look up the words kingdom, kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven in the concordance in the back of your Bible.
3. Follow the cross references listed in your Bible.
4. Use an exhaustive concordance which is designed for use with the Bible translation you use the most to get a complete list of the references.
5. Use your notebook to write down the Greek and Hebrew reference numbers and use them to look up the definitions of the words used in the Old and New testaments for the references you find.
(If you are using a Bible software program, save the list to your word processing program and set a file for all of the materials you find related to your kingdom research.
6. Organize the scripture references by categories that match the usage of the words in some type of topical system that makes sense to you.
7. Look up the words you have found in your research in a word study tool, such as Vine's Expository Dictionary or one of the many other word study tools available at your local Christian book store, theological library or within your Bible software. This will add a greater understanding of the ways in which these words are used in scripture.
8. If you have a topical Bible tool this is where you will want to use it to compare what you have discovered with what the author has written concerning the Kingdom.
9. The next group of tools you will want to use are Bible Dictionaries, Bible handbooks and Bible encyclopedias. These will provide greater context historically and theologically. I will recommend which these will be most helpful and some additional resources in the next article.

By now you will have a good understanding of the usage of king, kingdom, kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven in the Bible. In the following three steps you may want to pick a color for each word and use it to mark your Bible as you read.

10. Read the Intertestimental books to discover more about what the Jewish people were expecting concerning the coming of the kingdom of God between the end of the Old testament and the beginning of the New testament.
11. Read the Gospels starting with Matthew to find out first hand what Jesus taught concerning the Kingdom or God or Kingdom of heaven. Remember Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets.
12. Read the rest of the New Testament to see how this teaching was dealt with by the New Testament Church. Even if not mentioned by name look to discover how the rule and reign of God was to be applied in the daily life of the believer.

HELPFUL IDEAS

1. Pray before, during and after your study that God would reveal the truth of His Word to you by His Holy Spirit!

2. Remember take good notes, review your notes after each new step to see what you have learned and how and if it fits together with the rest of what you are discovering.

3. Make room or even a distinct section in your notes for questions, observations, reflections and insights you have as you go through your study.

4. Ask God how to apply the things you are discovering.

5. Keep a record of the prayers you are praying as God reveals the truth about His Kingdom and how to live in it and share it with others as you are move along on your Kingdom quest.DO NOT GET LAZY
If you will follow the order given above you will have the joy of discovering God's Truth as the Holy Spirit reveals it to you. If you jump ahead to see what others have written you will deprive your self of the revelation you would gain by doing the work yourself.

APPLY AND SHARE WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING
Along with your study, prayer and meditation you will want to apply what you are learning in day to day life as well as discussing it with other believers.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY for we are pilgrims on the earth.

Heb 11:1010 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. NIV

Heb 11:1616 Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. NIV

Heb 12:26-28
26 Then [at Mount Sinai] His voice shook the earth, but now He has given a promise: Yet once more I will shake and make tremble not only the earth but also the [starry] heavens. [Hag 2:6.]
27 Now this expression, Yet once more, indicates the final removal and transformation of all [that can be] shaken — that is, of that which has been created — in order that what cannot be shaken may remain and continue. [Ps 102:26.]
28 Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe; AMP

Artwork by Graham Braddock
http://www.christian-artprints.com/GB%20ROAD.htm#picture%20jump

The Death of A Vision the Hope of A Calling

2009-06-28T22:26:00.001-06:00

Did you hear, a vision died today? What happened? Was it murdered, did it die a natural death, or was it aborted? Who was to blame? How did it happen? How many lives were affected? What will the people do now?

These seem like odd questions to ask about the death of a vision, but they are asked each time a Christian ministry, church or ministry program that sprang from God's heart dies. It might be helpful if we defined vision here as,' the hoped for outcome or expression of a current plan to fulfill the calling God has placed in a person or group of people to accomplish God’s work on the earth.

It could be said that these visions for ministry spring from a person's calling just as children do from their parents. It could also be said that the death of a vision causes the same emotional grieving process to take place that the death of a person might bring. This is true because visions for ministry are born out of our calling from God and thus are a creation of His work in us and through us.

You may have felt this grief or seen it others when they are seeking to blame someone for the pain felt when a vision ceases to exist or when the person who was instrumental for the vision moves on or passed away. We must learn that the death of one vision for ministry or the person instrumental for the vision is not the doorway to hopelessness and despair. The same God who created us in His image also creates in us fresh vision for accomplishing the same calling in new ways and sometimes in new places.

If God has called you to be a teacher it does not matter what your current ministry or job title is, you will seek and find a new way or vision to teach those God has placed around you. In Genesis 3:26 it says that we were created in God's image or likeness. One of the qualities of this likeness is that people are designed to create. This is more than the creation of physical life. Our gifts, talents, education and background cause each of us to have a different set of materials to draw from as God works His creative miracle though us to create new visions for ministry, which spring from the calling of God activating us to fulfill His call in our lives.

Walking through the death of a vision is a painful thing. Our relationship to a vision for ministry is much like a relationship with a person. The closer and more committed we are to the vision the greater the potential for deep grief and all its symptoms when the vision dies.

We must remember that God who has called us and who is responsible for our visions for ministry is the God of hope and that he will create in us a new vision or way to accomplish the calling he has placed in us. We must look to the author and finisher of our faith for fresh visions to carry out our calling for from His calling springs our hope. Hebrews 12:2.

The Things Jesus Began To Do and Teach

2009-06-11T16:59:00.000-06:00

In Acts 1:1 Luke reminds Theophilus that he had written him about everything Jesus began to do and teach. My next few articles will examine why Jesus came, for that is the foundation upon which all equipping is built and from which it must proceed.

Part One 4-27-05

I am convinced that if we want to find out about anything in the Bible, that we need to see if Jesus said or did anything that relates to the issue we are exploring. If we want to understand what is at the heart of or what the foundation of the exhortation to equip God’s people is, we will need to examine "the things that Jesus began to do and teach".

There is one concept that seems to be the focal point of all that Jesus did and taught. The "Kingdom of Heaven" or "Kingdom of God" is at the very heart of all Jesus did and said. In fact, you could say that His teaching was the proclamation and His actions or works were the doing or demonstration of the Kingdom of God. I shall use the term ‘Kingdom of God’ to refer to the both of these kingdoms, from this point on, unless there is a need to specify a unique quality the kingdom of heaven has. When we read the Gospels and the New Testament, we repeatedly see the terms "Kingdom of Heaven" used 32 times in Matthew and "Kingdom of God" used 70 times from Matthew to II Thessalonians.

This concept, more than any other, depicts the impact and purpose of Jesus’ coming. The Jewish people longed for Messiah to come and to restore Israel as an independent state with God ruling over His people. Throughout the period between the Old and New Testaments leaders rose up who had as their primary purpose to see Israel a free nation again. God, however, had another plan.

This plan was revealed in the Old Testament, but its true meaning was hidden from most. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said that he did not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them.

In Acts 28:23-30 Paul teaches about the Kingdom of God and Jesus from the five books of Moses and the prophets. We know that the Old Testament law, sacrifices, and prophecies are but a shadow of what Jesus the Messiah (or the Christ) came to do and teach. This Kingdom of God that Jesus came to proclaim was not what many expected; it was instead the completion or fulfillment of what they expected, and because of this, it was even greater than their expectations. Let’s look at few key verses in order to understand more about this Kingdom of God.

1. In Mk 1:15 we see Jesus telling us the time is fulfilled (there is no more waiting needed); the kingdom of God is near; turn from your sins and believe the good news (gospel).

2. In I Cor. 15:50 Paul tells those to whom he is writing that flesh and blood cannot inherit this kingdom because the flesh does not last forever.

3. In Acts 28:23-30 it says that if the people hear and obey the good news, they would be cured by God. He would cause them to be well again. This would be healing for the whole person; this would include the body, the soul, and the spirit. It is from this healing and cure concept that we see that the good news is about more than the forgiveness of sins, or as I like to say, "The Gospel is more than asbestos underwear for the soul."

It is about the restoration and freedom of people under the rule or reign of God as their savior and king or lord.

The Kingdom Vision Taste Test

2009-05-24T22:41:00.004-06:00

We talk a lot about Vision in the Church, in business and in politics today. When you are around people with a Kingdom vision they have the qualities of the King that are appealing to people.

People with a Kingdom Vision are focused on the giver of the Vision, they are full of faith that the Vision given by Him will come to pass, they have hope even when things do not look the way they had thought they would be, they have a positive influence on those around them that the King's Vision is within reach and as a result others believe in, and become a part of making the vision reality.

This comes not just from vision casting or sharing the King's vision but from the fruit or impact the Vision has on the vision bearer. When the Vision is fresh and alive it brings freshness and life. When the Vision is dim, contrived or is lacking in the vitality of the King it is hard for someone to follow it or the person bearing it. I have noticed that hope springs from vision and vision from faith or belief that what is not yet is what can be Hebrews 11:6.

Faith in the king and His Kingdom are the key to vision. There are a lot of people who live in fear and doubt and who are always looking for or are wandering around seeking someone or something to give them hope. They are in need of a healthy relationship with God. He is the giver of life, a life that flows continually to those who are in an ongoing relationship with Him.

Today, we are tempted to have a fast food version of our relationship with God, when what we really need is a time of restful feeding on the green grass of His Word and of drinking from the still water of His Spirit, of letting Him minister to us by talking with us and calling us by name, and of letting him rub His healing ointment into the hurts and bruises we receive from everyday life. When we do this and do it again and again we find the life, hope and vision that inspire others to see in us a glimpse of Him.

This glimpse of Him, what He is and wants to do, generates loyalty and passion for the Vision He has given us. People follow a vision when they can see hope and faith of the Kingdom alive in it, not when it is a part of the latest promotion or fashionable idea, which gets pounded endlessly into their information pathways.

When they see Kingdom vision which has come from faith and hope alive in someone it gives them a reason to seek God for themselves and in the building of their relationship with God they gain faith, hope and His vision for them.

The Bible uses the imagery of trees bearing fruit as an outward demonstration of His life flowing through us to produce the fruit of the Spirit, which is the true mark of His life within.
Jesus in John 15 speaks about the need for the branches to stay connected to the vine if they are to have His life which produces vision. When we have a healthy ongoing relationship with Him we make it possible for people to get a glimpse of Him. We have a choice; we can allow others to get a glimpse of the King which brings faith and leads to Kingdom vision or a glimpse of us without Him, which will lead the people to not have hope or a purpose and wander aimlessly.

Faith in the King is the key to vision. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of the things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” NASB revised version.

Kingdom Vision does not cause us to be DRIVEN; instead it leads and inspires us.
True Kingdom vision makes room for all who would agree with it. It does not need someone to constantly pound it into our heads and manipulate us into sacrifice so that some one else's vision of their kingdom can be realized. People will become a part of the Kings vision and freely participate in the cost of seeing God accomplish it when it carries the sweet aroma of a living sacrifice and not the stench of self and pride.

Kingdom Visions spring forth as children of the calling of the King in our lives. The more mature and healthy in Christ we are the more the birthed vision will demonstrate the Fathers heart and not our own!

Kingdom Taste Test
When someone taste of the vision you proclaim will they taste and see that the Lord is Good, or will they taste and see that bitter and impure water has been mixed with the river of life?
Or will they see that Jesus has save the best for release in His season?
John 2:9-11
9 When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now."

Artwork by Graham Braddoct's Road to the Cross http://www.christian-artprints.com/

A City Wide School of Supernatural Living & Ministry

2009-05-22T23:26:00.003-06:00

I am asking God for His Dream and Plan for a City Wide, Yes a Regional, School of Supernatural Living (Discipleship) and Supernatural Ministry with many churches participating and networking their schools together in the Denver area.

A School where this Revolutionary Generation can be Equipped for Passionate Participation in God!

Will you Dream God's Dream with me?

Send me your input!

The Kingdom Vision Taste Test

2009-05-20T23:36:00.000-06:00

We talk a lot about Vision in the Church, in business and in politics today. When you are around people with a Kingdom vision they have the qualities of the King that are appealing to people.

People with a Kingdom Vision are focused on the giver of the Vision, they are full of faith that the Vision given by Him will come to pass, they have hope even when things do not look the way they had thought they would be, they have a positive influence on those around them that the King's Vision is within reach and as a result others believe in, and become a part of making the vision reality.

This comes not just from vision casting or sharing the King's vision but from the fruit or impact the Vision has on the vision bearer. When the Vision is fresh and alive it brings freshness and life. When the Vision is dim, contrived or is lacking in the vitality of the King it is hard for someone to follow it or the person bearing it. I have noticed that hope springs from vision and vision from faith or belief that what is not yet is what can be Hebrews 11:6.

Faith in the king and His Kingdom are the key to vision. There are a lot of people who live in fear and doubt and who are always looking for or are wandering around seeking someone or something to give them hope. They are in need of a healthy relationship with God. He is the giver of life, a life that flows continually to those who are in an ongoing relationship with Him.

Today, we are tempted to have a fast food version of our relationship with God, when what we really need is a time of restful feeding on the green grass of His Word and of drinking from the still water of His Spirit, of letting Him minister to us by talking with us and calling us by name, and of letting him rub His healing ointment into the hurts and bruises we receive from everyday life. When we do this and do it again and again we find the life, hope and vision that inspire others to see in us a glimpse of Him.

This glimpse of Him, what He is and wants to do, generates loyalty and passion for the Vision He has given us. People follow a vision when they can see hope and faith of the Kingdom alive in it, not when it is a part of the latest promotion or fashionable idea, which gets pounded endlessly into their information pathways.

When they see Kingdom vision which has come from faith and hope alive in someone it gives them a reason to seek God for themselves and in the building of their relationship with God they gain faith, hope and His vision for them.

The Bible uses the imagery of trees bearing fruit as an outward demonstration of His life flowing through us to produce the fruit of the Spirit, which is the true mark of His life within.
Jesus in John 15 speaks about the need for the branches to stay connected to the vine if they are to have His life which produces vision. When we have a healthy ongoing relationship with Him we make it possible for people to get a glimpse of Him. We have a choice; we can allow others to get a glimpse of the King which brings faith and leads to Kingdom vision or a glimpse of us without Him, which will lead the people to not have hope or a purpose and wander aimlessly.

Faith in the King is the key to vision. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of the things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” NASB revised version.

Kingdom Vision does not cause us to be DRIVEN; instead it leads and inspires us.
True Kingdom vision makes room for all who would agree with it. It does not need someone to constantly pound it into our heads and manipulate us into sacrifice so that some one else's vision of their kingdom can be realized. People will become a part of the Kings vision and freely participate in the cost of seeing God accomplish it when it carries the sweet aroma of a living sacrifice and not the stench of self and pride.

Kingdom Visions spring forth as children of the calling of the King in our lives. The more mature and healthy in Christ we are the more the birthed vision will demonstrate the Fathers heart and not our own!

Kingdom Taste Test
When someone taste of the vision you proclaim will they taste and see that the Lord is Good, or will they taste and see that bitter and impure water has been mixed with the river of life?

Artwork by Graham Braddoct's Road to the Cross http://www.christian-artprints.com/

'What Does Success Look Like in Your Church?

2009-04-27T22:00:00.004-06:00

When you look at your church and its core values how would you define success?
How would you compare the success of your church values with the priorities of Jesus and the teachings of scripture? One place to evaluate success in the local church is to examine the priorities of Jesus and the New Testament writers.
Another way to evaluate Biblical success is to study the lives of people in the Old Testament who were considered pleasing and favored of God. Scripture points to two specific areas that make a person pleasing to God in the Old Testament.
1. The first is having 'a heart after God', 1 Sa 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command." NIV.
2. The second is obedience to God's Word. 1 Sam 15:22 Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. NIV

Jesus also came 'to do the will of the Father' powered by the Holy Spirit. In fact Phil 2:5-11 says that Jesus humbled or emptied Himself. 'Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NASU'

He operated by the Fathers authority and the Holy Spirit's power so that he would be the perfect model for us.
Jn 17:4 I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. NASU
Mt 3:16-17: 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." NIV

The next two places we need to look are the commands of Jesus and teachings of the Apostles.
1. First, to continue His work by making disciples of all nations. Mt 28:19-20, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."NIV
2. Second, to equip God's people. Eph 4:11-13, And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. NASU

If you evaluate what you are doing and compare it with these verses, how is your church doing?
1. Is the next generation of leaders flourishing among us or is it being driven away or held in captivity to our old ways of doing things?
2. Are we doing as we are commanded and making, equipping and releasing into leadership the next generation of disciples on a continual basis?
3. Are we following the model of Paul and continuing our relationship as partners and co-laborers with the next generation of leaders as we release them to lead and make disciples of all nations.
4. Are we willing to allow God to work among us in fresh and creative new ways?

What We Need To Do
1. Allow them their vision and their God inspired methods.
2. Remember that new wine needs new wineskins!
3. Cooperate with God as He raises up young Davids and Debras. They should be doing Great exploits for God and not be relegated to assignments that do not match their gifts and passion.
4. We should not be seeking to use old wineskins and worldviews to contain the new wine of the Spirit as God seeks to work in this multigenerational and multicultural world.

Can it be said of us that we are equipping the next generation to do great and mighty things and become men and women of valor as they do the will of the Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit in our world today?

IF WE CAN SAY YES, THAT IS SUCCESS!

For a brief list of resources click below:
http://equipperstoolbox.blogspot.com/

The Mystery of The Spirit and the People

2009-03-26T23:35:00.001-06:00

When God Mixes His Glory with Our Lives, Culture and Times When God's presence or the River of Life flows among people it does not do so in a vacuum, but flows into their time in history, culture and theological understandings.

It also embraces their gifts, talents and personalities in the process of forming the new wineskin or organic unit in and from which the glory of God flows out to the people of their day. These wine skins seem to have varying life spans, but all seem to follow similar patterns in their life cycle.

This pattern is seen throughout Church history. It is similar to the pattern in the book of Judges. It all starts when believers begin to call out to God for more of Him. They repent and humble themselves, God moves on them and they rediscover God’s power and supernatural work, and they see a biblical truth or truths that have been neglected or ignored, these new discoveries become a part of their core values or doctrines. They begin to spread this new life or renewal of God’s power and truths and grow in numbers.

The move of God among them needs defining and conceptualizing; there is also a need to organize as they continue forward with this fresh work of God. The people who have been leading organize things and form a recognized unit, terms are defined and doctrine established. It is at this point where the trouble usually shows up. There is an attempt to camp out or build tents at the point of renewal or revival. This is similar to Peter wanting to build three tents on the Mount of transfiguration. The people begin to get fixated on the unique things that happened or truths discovered and the hardening of the wine skin begins. All future fresh working or teaching from God must fit the new grid or it becomes unacceptable. God is grieved and begins to wait for His people to start the process again. It might be a different group in a different place at the same point in History or among the same group.

The other thing that occurs among those experiencing a fresh move of God is a tendency to retreat back to previously known ways and beliefs when the new move of God begins to fade and /or its teachings get to be a challenge to live with or walk out in daily life.

Evaluating what is or is not of God along with teaching others the proper way to express and operate in these gifts or according to these teachings has been a major challenge to those who experience a renewed work of God among them. This is particularly true if there is supernatural manifestations of God’s Spirit among them as was true in the book of Acts and as have been recorded throughout church history. We have a tendency to either abuse or deny anything new. We either become fixated on it or flee it and those associated with it. This seems to be just as true for justification by faith as it is for divine healing.

If you are familiar with molding clay, mixing concrete or even plaster you are aware that the mixture only has so long before it will set into some permanent form. This is somewhat true of the mixing of God’s living water into the lives, times and culture of people. Once you set the form it seems hard for us to change.

Wine skins are also limited in their durability. Although, it is true that with proper care they can last a long time it is also true that they have to be replaced from time to time. This knowledge requires of us that we care for the wineskin we are a part of so that it will accomplish all that God intends and last as long as He desires it to be useful.

Isa. 55:8-11 presents us with a truth that must be considered in our examination of God’s work among people. 8 "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.10 "The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

God knows what he sends His Spirit or River of life to accomplish and into the context which he sends it. He knows the strengths and weaknesses and the life span of His work among each time and people. This brings us to the awareness that God is constantly pouring out His presence or river of life to accomplish His work among the different peoples and in the different cultures and times. Although culture and times change, people's need for the life of God does not.

The question then arises; Can we change with the seasons and changes in culture to allow the River of Life to flow through us so that God’s purpose in the earth is accomplished on a continual basis? If we say yes, how will we do it?

With our different Wine skins we all are faced with accomplishing the same task, to fulfill the commands of Christ and to equip His people in accord with Ephesians 4:10-13.

If we are to see His ways and work continually out poured in the lives of people in the nations the Earth we must be willing to die to our self and our understanding of when and how He works His will among us!.

Have you seen Him working among the people and if so how?

Prayer Storm for Abba' Glory

2009-03-09T21:55:00.003-06:00

This coming week on Wednesday March 11th we would like to have a concentrated time of Prayer for break through for our new ministry, Abba's Glory. We are asking people to join us in Prayer where they are at all over the world during a 12 hour Prayer Storm, beginning Wednesday a 12: 00 noon mountain time and finishing up at midnight that day.

This is the time for break through, destroying the works of darkness and for raising up of the people of God to joyfully and boldly fulfill John 17:22. So that the Glory of the Most High God would sweep away the sleep and apathy from His people and the darkness from those who have not seen the light.
That there might be an open heaven and that God's people would be raised up to accomplish all that Jesus began to do and teach. "Let us put an end to God's people perishing for a lack of intimate knowledge of the most high and His ways."

Please let me know if you will be available join us during this 12 hour prayer storm as we seek to Spring into the fullness of God's will!. What is Abba's Glory and what is it's purpose? Abba's Glory is a ministry designed to fulfill John 17:22 22 I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one: AMP

Abba's Glory seeks to equip and provide resources for those believers who are desperate for more of God, who are passionate about being a part of all that Jesus began to do and teach, who will take up the mantle and towel of the King and fully Embrace His Kingdom!

We are in the process of developing (in Obedience to a prophetic Word God gave me over a one year ago.)
A School of Supernatural Living ( Becoming all that Jesus desires(discipleship) ) and
A School of Supernatural Ministry ( Doing all that Jesus began to do and Teach )(ministry Training for a new Day.)

PRAYER REQUEST That we have the will of God in all things.
Specifically:
1. Spiritual discernment and strategies to see the power of God released upon His people, that they might walk in the revelation of the fullness of the Glory Christ has given us.
2. Where and when we hold meetings and classes, including web classes.
3. Development of a web portal to communicate what we are doing and to link believers to other ministries and multimedia resources so that they might fulfill God's design for their life.
4. Right Relationships with those God desires for the accomplishment of the Vision 5. Resources to accomplish all that God desires according to His Time table.
6. Alignment with those who have a common Vision and who desire to see a mighty army raised up in this generation.

Encountering God

2009-02-04T21:09:00.004-07:00

This Biblical account lets us in on an encounter with the most high God by a man who was already serving God. We see personal accounts written about and hear people pray for a divine encounter with our creator, and spiritual father but few would measure up to this one.

Encountering the God of Glory should do more than give us a spiritual buzz! When you read this passage you will see there are several elements that bring the prophet to a new place of humility and availability to God.

Isa 6:1-96: 1 Isaiah's Vision In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called out to another and said," Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory." 4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. 5 Then I said," Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven." 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" NASU

The Elements of this encounter are:

1. Isaiah seeking God and crying out to him in a time of great need for himself and God's people.
2. The encounter with God and His heavenly angels which seems to occur in the temple.
3. Isaiah's awareness of God, God's majesty and holiness.
4. Isaiah's honest appraisal of His condition and the people’s condition compared to God's
majesty and holiness.
5. God's mercy toward Isaiah demonstrated by the angels’ act which caused Isaiah to be
cleansed.
6. Once cleansed Isaiah is allowed to hear the heavenly conversation between the members of
the God head (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
7. Isaiah responds to God's question, which he would not have felt qualified to do before this
encounter.

Today we live in the age of God's grace.
Rom 5:1717 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. NIV

We can come to Him freely and cry out abba father or my daddy. Because of the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we now are joint heirs with Christ and thus, His father is our father.

Gal 4:4-7 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father ." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. NIV
Rom 8:16-17 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. NIV

Scripture also says we have been grafted into the Vine (Israel) and thereby receive God's promises for those who serve Him by faith.

Rom 11:17-18 17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, NIV

The completed work of Jesus Christ and these resulting truths change how we interact with God today, and yet we would be wise to understand that he is still a holy and awesome God in whose presence we should not only rejoice in our freedom and His goodness toward us but also contemplate and be in awe struck wonder of His might and majesty!

THE NEW THING

2009-02-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

THE NEW THING (c) Morris E. Ruddick
"Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19 AMP

The time a generation takes to get it together with what God is doing, too often results in the "new thing" already becoming outmoded. However, times of dramatic change bring another dynamic into play. The tempo is accelerated. Cycles become more prominent and erratic. People adapt more quickly.

The rules have changed. Old models are falling short. Challenging times demand something more. The spiritual dynamics that Joseph the patriarch employed to turn crisis into opportunity in the world of his day, represent a parallel for the times at hand.

As the rules change, defining opportunity means operating beyond the ordinary. It means avoiding the status quo, the trendy and a herd-instinct that panics. It means restoring foundations proven to bridge turmoil. The enduring foundations are adrift. Historically, virtue and God-centeredness formed the basis for our liberty. Slippage from these fundamentals has opened the gates to disorder and the unexpected.

Yet despite the disorder, God is not only ahead of the power curve, He is re-establishing age-old foundations. These restored foundations will release a new thing. This "new thing" will be hidden to those whose bearings are outside the basis that God outlined for society. The new thing will reflect the principles Joseph employed to avert disaster. It will employ Kingdom principles Jesus imparted that will navigate a narrow pathway through the reversals and turbulence.

The shift to the new will be at a strategic level. It will not be based on past patterns of "success" defined by the world's standards.

Joseph's role with Pharaoh was not only prophetic in nature. It redefined the way things had been done. For centuries the Church has operated on the premise of the spiritual being the spiritual and the natural being the natural, without the two intersecting. While faith clearly changes things, our operational precepts and alignments have been such that they have yet to bring the level of societal change that we refer to as transformation. The foundation for the new thing must move deeper. It involves influence.

Within the spiritual arena influence is defined by spiritual or God-centered criteria. Within the natural or "secular" arena, influence is defined by success that most generally is based on wealth or extraordinary shrewdness.

The Process of Change
This foundation has got to change. It is the deception that subtly decries "we have to be like everyone else to be heard."

By understanding where we are heading, we can better discern the pathway defining how we need to be proceeding. Isaiah 60 describes the shift of all ages. Israel and God's chosen people, the Jews, are the pivot point. The change outlined in Isaiah 60 will result in "the wealth of the seas" being turned to Israel."Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising... Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you." Isaiah 60: 3, 5

The influence that has operated through the Jewish people over the ages will come full circle. Isaiah 60 indicates that the best or "the glory" of the nations will swing to Israel. Those resisting will perish. The rage and persecution from the nations described in Psalm 1 will pass and God's chosen people will enter their inheritance -- amid the nations of this world. "Although you have been despised and hated, I will make you the joy of all generations. You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts." Isaiah 60: 15, 16

God's people, as a people, will no longer be guided by "being like everyone else" or be molded by pathways defined by the world.

The Pathway to the New Thing
The pathway toward the Isaiah 60 shift will embrace the "new thing." The new thing will encompass a shift in dominion and influence. It will move God's people toward "being the head, rather than the tail." The standard that has defined influence and authority for the world will revert to the standard that the Jewish people have so tangibly brought to the world over the centuries.

As advisors to kings and merchants, the Jewish people have redefined civilization and the standards for the legal, moral, economic and governmental systems of the world.

While the premises for the change brought about by the Jews has been based on foundations found in the Jewish Torah, the world including the Church today, largely has failed to recognize the dynamics that have been the catalysts effecting that change. The Jewish people have the model. In practice, they are walking Torahs. Even among those considered as "non-observing" or the non-religious, righteous Jews apply with balance the key dynamics needed for the pathway ahead.

These dynamics are at the core of what Jesus referred to as "the Kingdom." These elements, with the pattern unchanged today, are why the Jewish community has been the brunt of the rage and hate of the world over the ages. The reason is that they not only have the answer, they operate according to the answer. It is an answer that spiritually goes against the grain. Against all odds they have and are achieving a dimension of influence and dominion that is far beyond the ordinary.

Once we as the Church, as God's spliced-in people, grasp this pathway, we too will wield the influence and dominion that have been evident over the centuries in the impact made by this extremely small, yet remarkable segment of the world's population. As we embrace these dynamics in traversing this path toward the Isaiah 60 shift, the Church will experience even more of the brunt of hate that has for so long followed the Jewish people.

Entering the Narrow Path
One of the first premises to traveling this pathway is that we are not like everyone else. The standard is not being nice people with high moral ethics who can achieve. That might be the by-product. The standard is the identity we embrace and uphold as being God's people.

As God's people then, we need to operate as a people. We need to reflect the unity that has long defined the Jewish community.

That unity will only manifest by fully embracing God's gift of community. Within pop Christian culture today, a strategy tied to influencing culture has been resurrected from the Charismatic renewal of the early 70s. It is a good, yet somewhat flawed strategy. It is now being referred to as the Seven Mountains of Influence. It incorporates believers penetrating and bringing influence to the spheres of religion, government, business, education, media, the arts and family.

A key area in which this paradigm falls short is that it either equates or replaces "community" with family. Community will incorporate family, but community is too pivotal a dynamic to be redefined by one its components. This is in no way to detract from the significance of family. However, family outside the community dimension designed by God will face unnecessary hurdles. Likewise, biblical community is watered down by relabeling it simply as "the social" area.

Defining the New-Old Thing
Community is one of the three keys to understanding the dynamic that has operated so uniquely through the Jewish people. The primary key is being God-centered. The final key is operating according to the "entrepreneurial" principle of increase that bleeds into business, technology, government, education, arts and the media. All three are meant to operate together, in balance.

So it is that God-centered community that brings increase is the foundation for influence and dominion. It is God-centered community that brings increase that is the pathway for the "new thing."

Joseph, as God's chosen, understood God-centered community that brought increase. Joseph was described by the non-believers around him as being successful in all that he did because God was with him. So it will be for the new generation of Josephs who are embedded in the infrastructures of the world's system. They will redefine and employ opportunity according to this "new," yet very old standard.

Jesus' central message was one of restoring this three-fold dynamic to God's original intentions. He went to everyday Jewish people and demonstrated how the principles of God's Kingdom rule operated. He explained in parables the people could understand, about the basic principles that incorporated the "God-centered community model that brought increase." This is the model established by Abraham.

Jesus came at a time in history when the rule and authority were in the hands of the Romans. The religious hierarchy operated with a misguided influence defined by zeal for their own comfort zones that aligned them with the Roman conquerors. Jesus sternly rejected the elitism, exclusiveness and privilege that were operating within their ranks. "Jesus said to them, surely tax collectors and harlots will enter the kingdom of God before you. Therefore, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people bearing the fruits of it. Woe to you, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in." Matthew 21: 28-44; 23:13-14

Today, when we define success by the worldly standards of wealth, power and cleverness, we short-circuit the model established by Abraham. When all we strive for is excellence according to the world's standards, whether in business, government, education, the arts, the media or family; we fail in bringing the societal change that Jesus' Kingdom message intended.

The Model for the New Thing
The model is God-centered community that brings increase. The foundation of "increase" is the entrepreneurial. God's DNA is to create, innovate, build and bring increase. Those elements are at the heart of entrepreneurship which, when God is at the center, brings purpose and balance to community.

Community. The world doesn't understand community in the unique way that the Jewish people do. The Church as a rule has only grasped community in part. God-centered community takes care of its own. Those who wield the greatest influence are the community's greatest benefactors. Community is the pathway, the overflow of which spills blessing and positive change into the realm of society around it. God-defined community will attract rather than have to convince. Community will also create discord and backlash from those aligned to the status quo.

God-Centered. Jesus defined the operating principles according to the paradoxes that drive God's Kingdom rule. We live by dying. We lead by serving. We gain by giving. Order comes from change. Wisdom comes from simplicity. In short, success is defined by humility and service. These are the practical mind-sets required as the community standard for God's rule and authority to prevail. They define and are the source of the incredible societal impact the Jewish people have had across the years.

Increase. Increase as God intended is to benefit the community. When the modern free-enterprise system began in America, it was God-centered and community-oriented. It had its foundations in the Jewish model. Yet over time, it has become increasingly perverted. God is no longer at the center; and community no longer reflects God's rule; but rather a watered-down hijacking based on what was at issue with the Tower of Babel. So it is that we have entered a time of cyclic turbulence. Yet, there is a pathway defined by God that will result in societal transformation. It is a pathway that will yield opportunity and increase, despite impossible odds of adversity.

Defining Opportunity in Times of Change
Defining opportunity in times of economic turmoil demands the avoidance of old mind-sets and practices, especially religious ones. Times of uncertainty must move beyond the fervor and contagion of the crowd. Piercing the veil calls for stepping outside the box of decisions that base the success of future opportunity on patterns and models of the past. The status quo will and must be challenged. Within the Christian sector, the model for the "new thing," must be based on wisdom and revelation from on high, as it was recognized in Joseph by Pharaoh. "Can we find such a one as this; a man in whom is the Spirit of God? Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as wise and discerning as you are." Genesis 41: 38-39

The new Joseph generation will know what to do in order to bring purposeful change. They will challenge rather than maintain the status quo as they turn adversity into opportunity. They will apply the new model that brings forth an alignment that releases the supernatural; and does not equate the supernatural with magic or the weird. AND they will penetrate the arenas that wield the authority and resources needed through the modern-day Pharaohs they collaborate with.

Throughout history, God's people have been at the forefront of resetting the default button in times of crisis and transition. The world is bearing the fruits of trying to operate without the One who created it all. We can no longer afford to be like everyone else. The time has come to embrace the "new-old thing" and restore the model of God-centered community that brings increase."Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him." Malachi 3:18
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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling" and "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets. Mr. Ruddick is also the founder of the Global Equippers Entrepreneurial Program, which imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. To schedule a speaking engagement, sponsor a workshop, make a donation or to get more information on how you can help, contact Global Initiatives at 303.741.9000. 2009

Copyright Morris Ruddick - response@strategic-initiatives.org Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis.

For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102430455839&e=001vFj0M6BCxKKrI-utYPkHhqb1UFXI16mpWQmkNMULT3UwkMP7u5NS4CpoAbN1EsjTWXFbk97UBfx3Z5NuCL7oLtwthJlaEvPB_XidUwvm0vR3b4KX6sTdNGS8Og9jX-Wo

God's Economy, Israel and the Nations
By Morris E Ruddick

Genesis 26 describes the dynamic of God's economy. It says: "there was famine in the land and the Lord appeared to Isaac and said, 'Dwell in this land and I will be with you and will bless you and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.'" God's economy operates against all odds, which is not an option for those living in lands of persecution and distress and it is emerging as a chief strategy for operating a business or ministry in this post-9/11 environment.
God's economy is based on God's Kingdom rule and embraces not only the realities of God's spiritual riches, but the community (social) and economic riches outlined throughout the Word of God. It is the reemergence of the ancient biblical principles of entrepreneurship, business and Kingdom wealth.

The Joseph-Daniel Calling
By Morris E Ruddick

Book Summary
In the face of political instabilities, economic reversals, fear, and uncertainty, Kingdom opportunities not obvious to the world are quietly on the rise. These Kingdom agendas reflect an interlinking of secular enterprises with overriding ministry objectives.
What is emerging is a move of God in the marketplace that will parallel the rise of the parachurch ministry movement of the early fifties. At the forefront of this movement is a group of men and women of God called in the same way as Joseph and Daniel of the Bible. Modern-day Josephs and Daniels will serve strategically as instruments of God’s purpose in secular positions of influence within seats of power of this world. This book addresses the dynamics of this calling, God’s economy, and the preparation, character, and challenges of these uniquely called Josephs and Daniels. Among other agendas, they will be facilitators of the release of the wealth of the wicked into Kingdom initiatives.

Author Profile
MORRIS E. RUDDICK is a business executive, consultant, entrepreneur, missionary, intercessor, conference speaker, board member, and writer. He is at the forefront of mobilizing a unique group of anointed marketplace leaders, referred to as modern-day Josephs and Daniels. As head of a market planning consulting firm serving an array of clients from Fortune 500 firms to respected ministries, his expertise includes business planning, forecasting emerging markets, developing business strategies, funding initiatives, modeling entrepreneurial bypass strategies, and applying principles of biblically based businesses. He was chief architect in two successful corporate turnarounds. His ministry activities target strengthening the brethren in locales ranging from Afghanistan to Israel. But the foundation of both his business and ministry activities is his role in leading a global intercession ministry known as SIGN (Strategic Intercession Global Network), which has as its purpose targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis.
Order Your Copies Today http://strategic-initiatives.org/

Becoming a Father Pleaser

2009-01-26T22:50:00.005-07:00

The notes below are a parts of the teaching from Bob Mumord as posted on Jim Goll's Web site.http://www.encountersnetwork.com/ as a part of the material from the Secrets from the Fathers Conference hosted by the Encounters network. It may be found under email newsletter archives

"John 8:29

And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him.

Father Pleaser Defined:The term Father-Pleaser should be understood in a governmental context and, consequently, defined as:
'A person whose ultimate desire and purpose is to preserve and maximize the sense of Father’s manifest Presence and approval.'
To walk in His favor at all times and under all circumstances
Reward: In You, I am well-pleased!

Progressive Growth
Seven clear and progressive steps for the ordinary believer, unless there is significant and insurmountable interruptions in the growth sequence:

These seven changes are precipitated by the Kingdom in three successive stages or spheres (see below).

Sphere One
Kingdom of Nature

Sphere Two
Kingdom of Grace

Sphere Three
Kingdom of Glory"

I encourage you to read the who teaching @ http://www.encountersnetwork.com/

Church As Jesus Began To Do And Teach

2008-12-17T22:28:00.008-07:00

The Church today seems to have a hard time communicating the Good News and then Equipping those who respond to that Good News by giving their lives to Jesus. There seems to be this battle that rages between being living witnesses and Spirit filled disciples in some churches today. One group wants to win the lost at all cost while another wants to equip people to do great and mighty things through God without a priority to win the lost, as if they were actually opposite objectives.

I would like to suggest that we all reread the Gospels and the other New Testament books to see that reaching the lost with the Good News and providing Discipleship opportunities and relationships are at the heart of all that Jesus began to do and teach. These opportunities which should be clearly designed for spiritual and personal growth can be made up of short term tracks which once each track is completed can provide the foundation for additional growth opportunity tracks designed to equip believers to be effective disciples of Jesus who can experience healthy growth in every part of their life, with God, at work, in their family, church and community.

The New Testament Church saw all that Jesus began to do and teach as their responsibility as they were directed by the teachings, commands and example of Jesus, as well as, the direction and power of the Holy Spirit!

No matter what the name or affiliation of your church are you doing all 'Jesus Began to Do and Teach?' If not you have work to do to be doing God the Father's will.

Call out to Him today! He desires to do a complete work in you, your family, your work, your community and your church!

Church That Equips and Understands Our Calling

2008-12-14T23:00:00.006-07:00

The Church That Equips must be built on an understanding of the Calling we who follow Jesus have.

Becoming an Equipped and Passionate Disciple and the Call of God in Your Life

Introduction:
Have you ever wondered what the call of God is, who are called of God and what that has to do with you and your life as a follower of Jesus?

I. Who are the called of God?

Is it only the giants of the faith?

Is it only a select few?

Is it only those who are called to the five offices listed in Eph. 4:11-14?

Is it only those who operate in the more visible gifts listed in I Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and elsewhere in the Bible?

"We can discover who the called of the Lord are if we will look into our Bibles with an open mind and heart."

1. The Call of God is for whom so ever … John 3:16-17 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

2. The Call is to those he has qualified Col 1:12-14 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. NIV

3. The Call is to those who have said yes to the Gospel 2 Thess 2:13-15 4 He called you to this through our gospel that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. NIV

4. The Call is to those that he predestined Rom 8:28-30 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. NIV

Informative note:
This predestination is based on the advanced knowledge of God. (This is the God who knows the beginning from the end and who sees all things. It is He knows the fact that on a certain day and at a certain time certain place we will accept the Lord Jesus as our savior and Lord.)

5. The Call of God is spoken of throughout the New Testament
Eph 1:17-23 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, NIV

Eph 4:1-13 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

2 Peter 1:10-11 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. NIV

2 Thess 1:11-12 11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. NIV

Heb 2:17 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess NIV

Informative Note
The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans which is briefly mentioned in Rev. 2:6. Jesus says the believers in Ephesus are to be commended because they hate the doctrine of this group. This group believed there were two groups of people in the Kingdom of God. Those who were more favored or anointed and therefore had special knowledge of the things of God and those who did not and were therefore not as called by God. This false doctrine is today seen in the separation between professional clergy and lay people in many churches. Although there are specific offices in the church to equip God's people; Ephesians 4:10 to 14, The people called to fill these offices have not been put in their office to lord it over God's people or deny the people of God a clear revelation of all that God has for them and the blessings which come from Him to all who call on His name.

II. What is the Call of God?

a. Is it to become a minister, missionary, evangelist, teacher or prophet?

b. Is it to do some weird thing like putting your underwear in the mud of a river bank and then bring them out and wave them around and tell everyone that this (these soiled underwear) represent how they and their sin appear before God as Ezekiel was called to do?

Answer

It is to recieve, become and particpate in all that God has for us in Him.

Ephesians 1-3 Read and be amazed. Below are more verses that give us insight.

1. To become fellow inheritors of God's mercy and power.
Rom 8:17, Eph 3:6

2. To be grafted in to the vine (Israel)

Jn 15
3. It is to become new creations in Jesus christ

2 Cor 5:17

As a Result of who and what we have become in Christ:

It is to do the things that Jesus began to do and teach,

Acts 1:1

1. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost,

Lk 19:10

2. Jesus came to set the captives free,

Lk 4:18

3. The Call is for us to be witnesses by the power of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8

4. We are to make disciples of all people groups and nations,

Matt 28:19-20
5. We are to be living letters or epistles to those around us concerning the Good news of Jesus.
6. We are to be Christ's Ambassadors or representatives, Ephesians 6:19-20.

It is to do what Jesus instructed us to do through the Apostles.

7. We are to go and make disciples of nations and people groups, teaching them to do all that I have commanded. Matthew 28:20

8. We are to do the work of the ministry, build up one another, and work on becoming mature in Christ Ephesians 4:10-14

Conclusion

1. Today as in Jesus’ day God is calling each of us to follow Jesus, to answer His call and do the things that Jesus began to do and teach. We are to be His disciples as He empowers our lives by His Spirit.

2. We need to give ourselves to Him completely, we also need to seek to build a relationship with Him and be available to be a living witness of His work in and through us.

3. We also need to continually seek to be equipped so that we will become mature in Him and then we can do more to help others walk out their calling!

Call to Action
Jesus wants to raise up a new generation of passionate disciples who will say yes to Him and be His voice and hands extended in this day and to this generation.

WILL YOUR SAY YES TO HIM TODAY?

I would like to ask you to check out what the Bible says for yourself and be Acts 17:11-12 Christians 11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth. NLT
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Artwork by Graham Braddock http://www.grahambraddock.co.nz/

HighCallingsBlogs.com

2008-12-11T23:41:00.009-07:00

TheHighCalling.org

I want to introduce you to a new resource that will assist you as you seek to be a believer who is Equipped and someone who is a part of a Church that Equips God's people.

With a vision to be the internet source for people seeking the high calling of their work and daily life, TheHighCalling.org seeks to connect people with the faith that undergirds and sustains all that we do.

That's why it is the high calling of our daily work. Daily work embraces all aspects and activities of daily life—including home, community, leisure, as well as occupation.

http://www.thehighcalling.org/

The Church That Equips

2008-12-09T23:23:00.003-07:00

A Church that Equips is a daily demonstration of Ephesians 4: 11-16 in everyday life.

When we say that the leadership that is called by God is given the assignment to Equip the People of God (the church) What are we saying? What might it look like and what might the values of an Equipping Church be? How might it function?

From the English Standard Translation.
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds [2] and teachers, [3] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, [4] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Eph 4:11-16 The Amplified Translation
11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.
12 His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church),
13[That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.
14 So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.
15 Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
16 For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.

1. What might it (the church that Equips) look like and what might the values of an Equipping Church be? How might it function?

A. It has a plan to make disciples who are passionate for all that God has for them. This plan is based in all that Jesus began to do and teach.

B. It adapts to and connects with current culture, technology and ideas to reach people with the life that God freely gives us in Jesus to be released in every layer of society.

C. People are focused on being not just doing.

D. Their individual gifts are explored and developed so that they may fulfill Ephesians 4:11-16.

E. Leaders are Equippers not Performers, Controllers or Do it all themselves people.

F. Each person ministers within their gifting and skills and a pathway is provided for continual growth.

G. Every person including leadership seeks to grow into the maturity of Christ which is a life long joy and process.

H. Building up one another is participated in with passion, it is not just a truth to agree with.

I. Doing the work of the ministry is embraced by all in every day life not just in the gathering of believers.

J. It is open to either owning or renting facilities and decides which to do on how to best accomplish its vision.

God so values people, which He has chosen to, create us in His image with His DNA. His people (the ones who have decided to give themselves to Him) are the means by which He unfolds or reveals Himself and His ways to all people and all of creation.

Church: Equipping God's People

2008-12-08T21:33:00.007-07:00

I recently attended a service where the Teaching Pastor compared what happens in many churches to a child's play at school, where everyone had rehearsed their part and then presented it for those in attendance to see how well they had performed, or memorized their lines. This made me laugh until I realized what a powerful truth she had revealed.

When we say that the leadership that is called by God is given the assignment to Equip the People of God (the church) What are we saying? What might it look like and what might the values of an Equipping Church be? How might it function?

To start we should review the passage in Ephesians 4: 11-16.

The passage below is from the ESV.

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds [2] and teachers, [3] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, [4] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Previously I have stated in other articles that the Church or people of God must continue all that Jesus began to do and teach through the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the will of the Father. The verses above give us insight and direction for the accomplishment of doing all that Jesus began to do and teach as He fulfilled both the Law and the Prophets.

1. The first observation from these verses is that this is about God's people not programs. Equipping God's people is not about pulling a program out of a box or copying what some other church or ministry is doing, but leadership serving as a catalyst, teacher, encourager and resource so that God's people will fulfill His plan through them.

Below I have provided definitions of these key words so that we might know with greater depth what we are saying. In my next article we will look deeper into being a Church that continues to do what Jesus began to do and teach by obeying the truths stated above in this passage.

According to Websters dictionary:
cat·a·lyst Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ləst\ Function: noun Date: 1902
1 : a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible
2 : an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action

To Teach:

Pronunciation: \ˈtēch\ Function: verb inflected Form(s):
taught \ˈtȯt\ ; teach·ing
Etymology:
Middle English techen to show, instruct, from Old English tǣcan; akin to Old English tācn sign — more at token
Date: before 12th century transitive verb

1 a: to cause to know something

b: to cause to know how

c: to accustom to some action or attitude

d: to cause to know the disagreeable consequences of some action

2: to guide the studies of

3: to impart the knowledge of

4 a: to instruct by precept, example, or experience

b: to make known and accepted

5: to conduct instruction regularly in intransitive verb: to provide instruction : act as a teacher

To En·cour·age
Pronunciation:
\in-ˈkər-ij, -ˈkə-rij, en-\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): en·cour·aged; en·cour·ag·ing
Etymology:
Middle English encoragen, from Anglo-French encorager, from en- + curage courage
Date:
15th century
1 a: to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : hearten b: to attempt to persuade : urge

2: to spur on : stimulate

3: to give help or patronage to : foster — en·cour·ag·er noun

Re·source
Pronunciation:
\ˈrē-ˌsȯrs, -ˌzȯrs, ri-ˈ\
Function: noun
Etymology:
French ressource, from Old French ressourse relief, resource, from resourdre to relieve, literally, to rise again, from Latin resurgere — more at resurrection
Date: circa 1611
1 a: a source of supply or support : an available means —usually used in plural b: a natural source of wealth or revenue —often used in plural c: a natural feature or phenomenon that enhances the quality of human life d: computable wealth —usually used in plural e: a source of information or expertise

2: something to which one has recourse in difficulty : expedient

3: a possibility of relief or recovery

4: a means of spending one's leisure time5: an ability to meet and handle a situation : resourcefulness