Dumbed Down Gospel

The word "Gospel" means "the too good to be true news." Let's take a look at what that news is:

Jesus, apart from his works, became sin so that we, apart from our works, would be righteous in Him.

Jesus took all authority and dominion the devil had gained from the fall and returned it to us in Him.

All sin, sickness, transgression, infirmity, iniquity, hell, death, and the grave have been overcome through Him.

He demonstrated what one man filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit could do. Remember, Jesus left all divinity and equality with God behind, making Himself nothing (Phillipians 2:6-8).

We have been given access to the Kingdom of God- on earth as it is in heaven- through His Holy Spirit to do the works He did (miracles, signs, wonders, etc.) and greater.

In Mark 16:15-20, Jesus commissioned His disciples (this includes all believers) to go into all the world... and everywhere they went, they preached the Kingdom of God with signs and wonders confirming the Word preached. Those who believe will cast out demons, speak with new tongues, and heal the sick. Did you realize that Jesus never commissioned anyone to preach without healing the sick? Good sermons are a dime a dozen and eloquent speakers can be trained. An eloquent, convincing, and confident speaker does not make everything spoken true. Truth is a person. Look at His life and you'll see that He demonstrated the Kingdom and will of God for us to re-present to the world.

Is this hard to believe? Most churches think so. It's too good to really be true. So what happens? The Gospel is dumbed down and replaced with good sermons, games, contests, light shows, and a bunch of hype that leaves people powerless. If Jesus died to send His Holy Spirit for our empowerment, then maybe we should consider the cost of what Christ did and embrace it rather than dumbing down the Gospel. Replacing the power of God removes the power of grace and robs lives of an opportunity to live a life overflowing with the Spirit of God. It isn't selfish because the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for serving others.

The church (Body of Christ/Bride of Christ) should be a launching pad, not a clique. Church is a training ground to practice what is to be applied in a natural world supernaturally. Cliques create containment and offer a normal, comfortable life. The church creates grounds for expanding vision and equips believers to be sent to the nations. When the church becomes a clique, we have allowed selfishness to win over our call by means of neglecting to love the world.

The Holy Spirit isn't the Comforter to make us comfortable. Many will say that speaking in tongues makes them uncomfortable. Try going on the streets to minister. You may get very uncomfortable. But as you go, principalities over entire regions fall. If we limit ourselves to our comfort level, nothing will get done.

What grows the church (in numbers) will be what keeps people coming. Is the foundation built on Truth, or has the Truth been forsaken for unity. If you're a pastor or church leader and are held back, restricted, forbidden or forbid others from talking about the power of God, the gifts of the Spirit, healing the sick, casting out demons, speaking in tongues and dare not equip believers to eagerly seek the gifts that are freely given, then you may want to rethink your motives.

If your definition of "love" includes tolerance, it's time to recalibrate what love is. Jesus was not tolerant. It's because of His intolerance for anything less than the Kingdom of God that He did what He saw the Father do. Anything done without faith is sin and doesn't please God. What risks are you taking? Where are you putting your faith? Is your faith in what you can do? Or is it in what He has already done? The Kingdom isn't about striving and can't come with prayer alone. Prayer is necessary but obedience can never be replaced by prayer.

Jesus had a church of 12. Making disciples takes time and isn't a quantitative process. Numbers can never replace fruit. What do I mean by fruit? Fruit is a good return for what is sown. When people were strung out on drugs and addictions for years and, in an instant, the power of God frees them. When despair and depression reigns in someone's life and they are filled with joy from the Holy Spirit. When cancer or tumors disappear supernaturally because of the power of Christ. We have seen it happen. It isn't a formula we've created or a process that takes careful planning. It is simply removing our attention from the games that keep students returning to creating an expectancy for God to move powerfully and tangibly. That is when the hungry return to be fed more.

First Year Married

Today, July 31st, 2011, marks our one year anniversary. Many want to tell you bad things about marriage... that the first year is the hardest or that it gets worse the older you get. Keeli and I share a heart to see others excel. Our vision, our work, and our ministry is to help effectively position others to succeed and live an abundant life, both in the home, school, and workplace.

One of the key principles we live by is Matthew 6:10: Your kingdom come, your will be done... on earth as it is in heaven.

In heaven, there isn't a recession, lack, poverty, sickness, pain, or depression. We seek to go from glory to glory, together with the Holy Spirit and with each other. Our heart is for the nations to know Jesus Christ through a demonstration of His abundant love and tangible power. Because we have said, "Yes!" to Jesus, He is opening doors for us to go from great to greater.

Proverbs 18:22: A man who finds a wife has found a good thing and receives favor from God.
A year ago, I was unemployed. Today, I work for an amazing non-profit organization that aids people around the world with disasters. When we had no insurance for Keeli's pregnancy, the insurance came in a promotion that took affect soon after. He is the God who is more than enough. God's plan covers us and His will for our lives is good. Saying, "Yes," to Jesus positions you for blessing as you go where He sends you.

The last place we know Jesus told us to be was at Appalachian State to plant Immersion Church. This is where we will be until Jesus says to move elsewhere.

I take my vows to Keeli seriously. I love her to no end and she loves me. I never doubt it, nor do I fear that her words aren't to be trusted. The fruit we have seen in one year is for God's glory as we search out the treasures he has for us together.

We didn't move in with out parents (Never do that when getting married!) and we didn't have but a little money saved from working for the 2010 Census. Most of our savings went towards our honeymoon and deposits for our "cute" round home by the river. But God opens doors that no man can close and, in doing so, we had some amazing experiences...

-Honeymoon in Charleston, a cruise from Tampa, FL to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, ending with a night in Savannah, GA.
-Moved into our first home.
-Continued equipping students of Immersion Church on Appalachian State's campus.
-We received wonderful jobs we enjoy.
-Keeli's first NFL game (Carolina Panthers vs. the San Fransisco 49ers) which happened to be one of two victories the Panthers had that season.
-Our first NHL game (Nashville Predators vs. St. Louis Blues).
-Our first holidays and birthdays together were full of traveling and great people.
-Ignite Ivy Conference at the C.S. Lewis College in Northfield, MA. This was the beginning of something friends who had poured into Boston for over 20 years had never seen: Ivy League students from several schools baptized in the Holy Spirit and united in Christ's love and power.
-Closer Conference in Boston, MA with Rolland and Heidi Baker, Bob Johnson, Kris Valloton, and Lance Wallnau.
-Disneyland in Anaheim, CA is where we rode our first roller coaster married... Space Mountain.
-San Diego Zoo and the Pacific Ocean.
-Promotion to full time with benefits
-Moved into our second home... an upgrade from the first!
-Montego Bay, Jamaica to equip a team from Georgia for evangelism and ministered in the nation to people in the streets, disabled children in an orphanage, and a local church.
-Of all the amazing things, the most exciting news of our lives was May 27, 2011 when we learned we were going to be parents!

When you're with someone you love unconditionally and you share a vision, the Lord will see it through. Saying, "Yes," to Jesus and Keeli was the best thing I ever did!

Jamaica - Breakthrough

Midweek at 2:00am, I woke up to a nasty fever, violent shivering, a throbbing headache, pain in my right ear and a sore throat. I didn't sleep well and had numerous nightmares. With a sleepless night of tossing, turning, moaning, groaning, and incoherent babbling, I had no choice but to stay in bed for the duration of the day as I rested, took medicine, and prayed my way back to health while the team ventured into Jamaica. I insisted that Keeli, being with child, go with the group and stay clear of the risk of falling victim to sickness. With tears in both our eyes, she did, but I asked her to keep record of everything that happened.

The team went on their second treasure hunt. Their first stop was Mega-Mart. Three people, including a worker, received salvation after the team ministered to them. After leaving Mega-Mart, the team drove through the city, searching for clues and seeing the parts of Montego Bay that aren't advertised to tourists. After eating at Island Grill (the Jamaican fast food chain), the team ministered to a woman outside the restaurant. She, too, received salvation in Christ.

A few of the team members believed that the Lord was directing them to Margaritaville. A man selling bracelets was led to the Lord. In the midst of ministering, a large loading truck with men were parked, staring down the team. This is a prime example of how praying with your eyes open is a smart way to practice caution when ministering in suspicious or dangerous areas. The men eventually drove away and all were accounted for as the team continued to encourage and pray for other Christian believers they were meeting.

Midday, the team arrived where we were staying. Keeli brought me food and nourishment while the girls led their housekeeper to the Lord in their hotel bathroom. Ocane, a worker at the towel hut on the beach, also received Jesus as Lord when Phoenix and William ministered to him. (Cain/cane was a clue from the day before.)

The team departed for the church service at Sandy Bay Baptist. One young girl had a knot in her throat. Kermit prayed for the knot to be healed and it was significantly smaller. She always wanted to sing and was offered the microphone. As the girl was timid to sing, Sarah encouraged her by sharing her testimony. When she was built up, the little girl sang "Jesus Loves Me."

Caity heard the Lord speak that someone had a problem with his temple. She prayed for the person. Later, she was praying for a man and heard the Lord say that if the man called upon the name of Jesus, he would be healed. He mumbled, "Jesus."
"Say His name louder!" Caity said.
"Jesus," he replied in an average volume.
"Louder! JESUS!" she yelled passionately.
As everyone watched, wide-eyed and startled, as Caity operated in the gift of faith, the man yelled the name of Jesus at the top of his lungs.

The team was released in words of knowledge. Many were "clues" from the treasure hunt describing people in attendance perfectly, including names, ailments, and shirt colors. Phoenix asked for the microphone and broke the hesitancy in the room, challenging people to come forward, not to worry about who is around them, only to focus on Jesus. Freedom prevailed and many were ministered to that night.

William, Kermit, J.J. and David prayed for a gentleman with spine issues. He couldn't lift his foot when walking but could when they finished praying. Jonathan and Michelle prayed for many, as did Keeli who led three in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Six were born again and multiple kids were asking for Bibles that the team handed out.

Not only did breakthrough for my healing come that day, but breakthrough had come to the team from Georgia. We had no preconceived notions of the team before this mission except that they were hungry and teachable. Little to our knowledge, few had ever prophesied or led anyone to the Lord. None of them, before this week, had seen signs, wonders, miracles, and healing as a normal part of Christianity. Now, without these confirmations, it will never be normal again.

Jonathan

Jamaica - Treasure Hunt

What better way to spend the day on a Caribbean island than to have a treasure hunt? Unlike pirates, it began with communion and praying in the Spirit together. With our pen and paper in front of us, the clues were jotted as quickly as they would come. This demonstrated the uncanny clarity of the Lord's voice and the simplicity of what He sounds like. Every color, name, place, or item that we felt the Lord show us was written. As we shared the clues, we ventured to a nearby park.

Upon our arrival, a man named Alan immediately approached us and asked for our names to announce on the loudspeaker. Some of the clues that the team had were: Nike, horizontal zipper, red circle/spinning, Big Apple (as in NY), spine/vertebrate, fingers and earring. This gentleman was wearing Nike shoes, shorts with a horizontal zipper, a red watch with the NY Yankees logo in the center and red hands (the spinning in circles), an earring in his left ear, a minor limp and a short middle finger. After the initial shock, J.J. and I approached him with other members of the team. J.J. led him to the Lord and I prayed for healing in his back while J.J. prayed for Alan's finger and shoulders. The Lord healed his back and shoulders. We continue to believe for a creative miracle for his middle finger.

Different clues continued to arise throughout our time. One gentleman approached us asking if we were with a ministry. The fact that we came to a beach park without swimwear must have given us away. At first he said he was not a Christian. Kermit, after leading a training session with the students earlier, showed the simplicity of giving assurance of salvation according to Romans 10:9-10. His love for people was evident and it turns out he is a believer in Christ. He attended Church on the Rock. "Rock" was a clue J.J. had earlier.

Angel, a man getting his beard braided, was wearing Nike shoes and had a jolly roger (skull and crossbones) on his shirt. J.J. and I spoke with him and asked about his relationship with Jesus. He had a rough past but fell into grace when he met Jesus. He was a newlywed and he allowed us to pray for him and bless his marriage.

Later, at night, we went to Pastor Dailey's church, Sandy Bay Baptist. Kermit, William, Keeli and I ministered on the Kingdom of God. We were able to pray for others at the end for healing. William reached to shake the hand of a young man. The boy's hand was pulled in tight to his chest and he reached with his left to shake. After asking if he was left handed, the boy explained how he broke his wrist and had his arm in a cast for a week. Obviously, it was still paining him. William prayed, the boy's right hand began to shake as the Lord healed, and before he left, he could shake William's hand firmly with no pain.

One love is Jesus.

Jonathan

Jamaica - Orphanage

After our travel day, we ventured to an orphanage in the mountains outside of Montego Bay. We didn't know how many children were housed, the size of the facility, or the extent of what we would be doing. It left quite an impression on all who came.

I told the team that I felt there was going to be a young boy in a wheelchair. I asked Keeli if she had a word of knowledge about our destination. She said, "Purple shirt."

The van (driven nicely by William on the left side of the road) was packed with clothes, candy, and toys. One man riding his bicycle through traffic recognized us. He worked at the resort we were staying at and offered to show us the way. After he parked his bike, I opened the van door and he jumped in next to me. His name was Steve and he showed us exactly where to go, asking for a tip. We were happy to accommodate since we didn't have a map.

We followed Pastor Dailey (a local minister and friend of Kermit's) through the windy mountain roads. There was rarely a smooth area of pavement. Potholes littered the road and cars sped around curves, missing us by little.

Upon our arrival, I saw the sign: Westhaven Orphanage for Disabled Children. My first words: We hit the jackpot! As we entered the gate, a boy in a purple shirt sat in his wheelchair. This was where Holy Spirit was directing me.

We arrived at lunchtime. The orphanage's volunteers and employees gave us the opportunity to serve lunch to the children. Because so many were in wheelchairs, all were mentally handicapped, and many couldn't speak or hear, we had to feed them with a bowl and spoon, ward off flies and wipe their mouths while fending their food from other children who would attempt to take a bite. I fed the young boy in a purple shirt. His name is Ronaldo, he's 12 years old and is a victim of cerebral palsy. He couldn't speak. I would tell him I was ready to offer the next bite when he was. I would talk to him because I believe he could hear and understand me. Beyond that, I believe his spirit-man could hear me.

After feeding Ronaldo, I just sat with him and gave him company. 79 children fill the beds and cottages in the orphanage but I believe the Lord wanted me to stop for this one. I shared testimonies about a friend who was healed of cerebral palsy and how Jesus loved him so much. I challenged him to say the name Jesus. Many who have uttered the Name have been delivered from dumb in their speech.

J.J., a new friend from Douglasville, brought his guitar. He began playing and singing worship songs and the children began to sing and dance. Lifeless eyes greeted us but the Holy Spirit had sparked new life in these children by the time we departed. Whenever I approached Ronaldo, a big smile would grace his countenance. I was able to make children laugh who didn't laugh on a regular basis. Playing with kids can make a difference.

One young man named Keno was in a wheelchair and had twisted fingers. As we were leaving, Kermit asked if he could pray for his fingers. Keno's comprehension level was somewhat higher than most in the orphanage, so he agreed, let Kermit pray, and tested in the ways Kermit asked him to. Sure enough, his fingers were much, much straighter. He was excited that God touched him. We thanked the caregivers and left these children on the verge of tears in our eyes.

Today was overwhelming and emotional. We gave the kids what they needed: Love. It's hard to shake an experience like this. I believe the Holy Spirit will heal every single child because Christ in us made a visit today.

Jonathan

Jamaica - Prep

Keeli, her parents, Becky and Kermit, and myself trekked to Douglasville, GA to prepare for our departure to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Montego Bay? Isn't that the luxury spot on the island where tourists travel for fun? Yes. Tourists need Jesus. The people in the resorts need Jesus. The people outside of the resorts need Jesus. The common trait among all, rich and poor, is the need for Christ and His love. It's okay to share and demonstrate the Gospel in fun locations. It's this acceptance that led to dozens coming to know Christ in Disneyland when Bethel Church (based in Redding, CA) took students from their school of ministry to reveal the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to visitors of the popular theme park. (Click to see what happens when God lands in Disneyland.)

Our friend, William, is leading a team from Believers Church in Douglasville, GA. This is the church's first overseas mission. Kermit, my father-in-law who is a veteran of ministry in Jamaica, has been asked to help train the team. At our first meeting together, he shared practical information, but not without stirring others with testimonies of Jamaicans being healed, delivered, saved, and baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Mark 16:15-20 says that as we go, signs and wonders should confirm the Word that is preached. William, who had back pain for years, was totally healed as the Kingdom of God was demonstrated to the soon-to-be missionaries. More were healed after William. It was made plain and simple... the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven is made possible by the finished work of the cross and manifested by the Holy Spirit.

See you on the island!
-Jonathan

Knowing Jesus vs. Understanding Principles

Many may grasp a strong understanding of kingdom principles. They may know the power of the name of Jesus. Even the demons understand the power of His Name. But understanding Jesus and kingdom principles is not the same as knowing Jesus. To those who understand but do not know, He will say, “Depart.”

How do we know Jesus? We worship Him, declaring His goodness. Worshipping a God who we believe chooses to do good and bad in the name of sovereignty is not Jesus. The “Gospel” is translated: the too good to be true news. Believe it or not, God is good all the time despite what some people think. He doesn’t shift with our opinions and isn’t moved by our theology.

Another way we can know Jesus is by love. Without Jesus, we don’t know love. Love is a cycle of loving others as you love yourself. Unhindered, unselfish, persistent, unconditional love. Jesus is the source of love that we tap into. From that love, power flows out. Out of our love for Jesus we are quick to receive what He has for us.

What if God rejected our best? How insulting! We can be so quick to insult the Lord by refusing to accept, whether by stubbornness, shame, religion, or ungodly beliefs, the gifts that God has for those who love Him. Be thankful, receive, and when you feel nothing but disgust with personal encounters with others and discomfort in your circumstance, go back to love. Love is more than feeling and emotion. It is beyond your senses. Love is Jesus. Against all odds, love never fails.

In the Soup

The finished work of the cross did not manifest on the day of Jesus’ death, nor did it come into fruition on the day of His resurrection. The finished work launched on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came. Jesus said it was expedient for Him to leave so that He could send what the Father promised. Enter Holy Spirit. He could not have sent Holy Spirit without His death and resurrection.

To have a God who is so slow to anger, we can be so quick to insult Him by substituting His Holy Spirit with programs, events, strategies, or seeker friendly methods for growing His church. In this place of comfort, religion, and man made authenticity, the church has been receiving its affirmation from man rather than from God.

“Why do I need the gifts?” some may ask.

To serve people and to show them that Jesus loves them.

“I don’t need supernatural healing. There’s medicine for that. I don’t need to speak in tongues. God can hear my prayers in my language.”

As true as that may be, it is the ministry of a believer to speak with new tongues and to heal the sick. We cannot limit God to our state of natural because when we do, we lose a generation to hell. The baptism of the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with your salvation, but it may have everything to do with someone else’s.

What happens when you’re in the soup? In trouble? When there are no natural means necessary and it’s either going to take a miracle or bust. Many cross a situation of this kind, leaving their true character exposed. What is revealed is often very ugly as ungodly beliefs make their way to the surface. Ungodly beliefs were not produced by these events, but they were revealed. This is why we must build ourselves up in our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in the love of God.

One man, Jason Westerfield, founder of Kingdom Reality Ministries in New Haven, CT, is a believer who loves Jesus with His whole being. He is married with three children, two sons and a daughter. On his oldest son’s fifth birthday, his youngest son drowned. It was a time where flesh cannot overcome Spirit, where doubt cannot overtake faith, and where death cannot steal life. An emotional time of speaking life, praying in the Spirit, and believing the Word of God says that we, as sons and daughters of God, can raise the dead with the authority of Jesus Christ. His son was raised from the dead. When the unexpected hits, we are to be ready in season and out of season. We need to be equipped to believe that nothing is impossible with God. We do this by living a Spirit-filled life where know the Word of God, believe it’s Truth, train our ears to listen to God, pray in tongues, and respond to what He says.

Think about this. Jesus' disciple Luke was a doctor. How many times did Jesus look at Luke and say, "What do you think this guy's condition is? Do you think you can sow him up? What kind of treatment does he need?" Of course not! Jesus gave Luke power and authority to heal all sicknesses and to cast out demons! Not by natural means but by imparting that supernatural power and later by baptizing Luke in the Holy Spirit! Luke not only wrote the "Gospel of Luke" but also the Book of Acts! God's Supernatural > Natural and Luke knew it.

Relationships, Marriage, and Simple Advice

Everybody wants companionship. Those who deny it are in denial of a God given desire. Adam was made in the image of God. Then Eve hit the scene. When they became one flesh, they had returned to the full image of God. We too have a desire to return to the full image of God by becoming one with our spouse. In this (different) blog, I am going to get to the heart of the matter and answer some questions that have kept many humans awake at night.

Is there such a thing as “the one”? Yes. His name is Jesus. In context to this topic, outside of marriage, I don’t believe so. When you enter into a marriage covenant, then, yes, that person is the only one. Sound strange? Maybe. But once you're in it, you're in it. There is no plan B. Make sure you love the person and understand this bit of revelation: You will spend the rest of your life with them and must reconcile your differences-oh my!

Too many couples are miserable in their first year of marriage. Here are some things to help avoid misery.

Move out of your parents’ house. Husbands, sacrifice some things you love in order to spend more time with your wife. Wives, leave the parents out of the picture so your husband can get to know you. Fly far, far away from the nest if that’s what it takes.

Budget effectively. There’s no formula to this but wisdom is required in order to budget successfully. As you budget, give your first fruits, tithes and offerings unto God. He will multiply it back.

Don’t leave the other person behind. If you travel, or have a ministry, do it together. Recognize, nurture, protect, defend, and charge the call of God on your spouse’s life if it’s the death of you. Too many ministers travel abroad as half a person.

Date and rest together. Do not ware yourselves out, even if it is doing the Lord’s work. Set an example for younger generations to see that you cannot exhaust yourself with ministry.

Keeli and I hosted the worship team at our house every Tuesday night. Being a college student means late nights, no curfew, and countless energy. Late one worship night, I approached my friend and said,

“When I married Keeli, certain things changed. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

I didn’t say it out of rudeness but out of love. Not just love for my wife, but for the students. They will have spouse of their own one day and need to see a husband set a good example of purposing to spend time with his wife. Such standards get ingrained and woven into their desires for good mates. Ever since, our friend has kept a close eye on the clock and, before the hour gets too late, he’ll begin packing everyone’s instruments and gear. With everyone’s attention, he cheerfully reminds them,

“When Keeli and Jonathan got married, things changed. It’s time for us to go!”

I have heard the tired tale of wanting to stay single so that one day they can be martyred for the Lord. While this can spark a new topic on the purposes of God and His desire for us to have life in abundance, long and fruitful, He said it was not good for man to be alone.

An instant deposit of favor is given to a man who finds a wife. A man who finds a wife finds a good thing. Since being married, greater opportunities and more open doors have been presented before us. It’s favor from Jesus!

In closing, one item that I want to be addressed is mixing the prophetic and relationships. I have seen the prophetic abused too often when dealing with relationships. The root of this is idolatry. When people pray and see that special person’s face they tend to believe the Lord is speaking to them. It can end in heartache when the discovery is made that the person does not feel the same way. Remember, love between two people is what it is… between two people. Effective love is not a one way street. Love towards one person that is not returned hurts and God’s heart is for ours not to be broken.

God loves marriage and we want to see fruitful marriages that multiply the kingdom of God around the world!

Love (Not Religious Duty)

Religion is easy. Go to church once or twice a week. Sing some songs. Listen to a man speak an eloquent message. Smile through your teeth at people. Go home and put the Bible back on the shelf. As I said before, religion is easy.

Many Christians are influenced too greatly by a spirit they don’t know exists. We call it the spirit of religion. When religion, or the traditions of men, gains authority over an audience, not only is church boring, predictable and repetitive, but identity is lost and the power of God is made null and void. Without the power of God, why?

One man telling people what to believe will bring in theology that is created by man’s standard rather than God’s. If you want perfect theology, look at Jesus’ life. What He did is what He commissioned us to do. His commission to us was not out of harshness to stir guilt or to contrive striving out of self-worthlessness. It was out of love to stir love for others. The magnitude of our task cannot be driven by motives of guilt, shame, or heaviness, but out of love, compassion and faith.

Anything we can do in our own strength is not God. What God does is beyond our ability. However, He wants to use us. He has to use us. No more Ark of the Covenant. No more Jesus on earth. Now, the Holy Spirit is here. He seals your salvation and baptizes you with fire to draw people to Him through the signs, wonders, miracles, supernatural healing. This is God’s design to reach mankind with the knowledge of salvation in Jesus.

A church that is saturated with the culture of ordinary and natural, whether by appearance or sustained limitations, is nothing short of absent of the Holy Spirit’s power and the love of Christ. An emphasis on man to deliver an eloquent message can leave listeners in a state of misguided opinions and terrible theology. Our God is not ordinary. He is extraordinary. He is not natural. He is supernatural. We are not here to suffer for His glory but instead we are to bring the kingdom of God on earth by revealing the love of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, we’re playing church. We’re playing games.