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Joseph A. KALAWI
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- I'm a young minister of the gospel, looking for partnership for the spreading and espanding of the kingdom of our God.
I will like to meet christian missionaries and organizations, individual christians, ministers and pastors for partnership for the purpose of reaching out to the lost and expanding the kingdom of our heavenly father.
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- It was 1992, before then my sister was a christian; and I use to make moquery of her. one faithful day, she friendly invited me to their church meeting. I acceted to go with, but not to become one of them, but to know more about them, and make more jocks of the them. But to my suprise, when the pastor came up to preach, he was preaching like he knew me before; he was talking about all my evil dids and it was like someone have gave him the report of my life, and I think my sister somehow have talk to him about me. When we return to our house, i was very angry and told her to never talk to me about their Church or about Christ any more. But to my own confusion or suprise, on the nest meeting day, no body invited me, but something just lead to the church and I was not understanding what was really hapening; and it hapen like that for many times; and then it has become my costum. On one faithful day, the pastor preached on a message title READYNESS FOR THE FINAL ROLE CALL, and I was deeply thouched, my like was exposed and revael to me; and I start sheading tears, seeing the miserable and hopelesness of my like with Chris. And then I have no option or other choice than to surender my life to Christ. So I did. Today i'am not just a christian, but a christian leader. And from then on my only passion and burning desire is to help and make others to know the Lord and serve him. This is my vison and mission in life. Praise God, Amen!
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You can read about her on the internet. Her name is Sharon Husselman, she is a university graduate, she has a Bsc(Science) HED Diploma, (a university degree (She is qualified to teach both mathematic and science) MBA
She gave this up to surrender her life to the Lord I cannot lie to you, but I promise this girl has tremendous spiritual strength and knowledge for someone who has been with the Lord for two years, and all you need to do is to look for her in this website, on my website which she initiated, http://elumnae.ning.com/forum/topics/what-practical-teaching-advice.
What practical, teaching, advice for the backslidden Christian?
• Posted by Sharon Hüsselman on September 7, 2009 at 9:13pm in Salvation and The Kingdom
• View Discussions
I am currently running a course for youths off drugs/alcohol etc, who have completed our 3 month Restoration Course gone back into the world and fallen (back into sin). They are equipped with all knowledge eg God’s salvation plan, their new identity in Christ, the need to do the will of the Father ( forsaking their own pleasure). But knowledge is not the key to overcoming serious problems with sin. The only thing that “works” is having an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus and own experience of the resurrection (new) life.
But these are two things/experiences that we, as teachers, cannot give others – it is something they have to establish for themselves and find on their own. But where does that leave me as a “teacher”? How do I help others firstly to desire a “spiritual life ” ( ie to give up their personal desires), and secondly to find the spiritual path?
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Permalink Reply by Wessel Wessels on September 8, 2009 at 12:28am
Sharon, Firstly I would say the important key is to work on the guilty conscience aspect and get the person stabilized in the word of God, showing him or her that it doesn't matter whether they have so called “backslidden" for it can never take away the fact of the love which God had for us even while we were still sinners, what difference will it make now if I cant add anything to what He already gave me and how He really feels about me. If a person finds out that it is not through his own efforts that he can please God and that there is absolutely nothing no one can add to what Jesus had already accomplished on mans behalf then a whole new world opens up spontaneously without any effort from the individual but it is then that God steps in, we need to remember faith is something that happens to you through the hearing of the truth about what God did in Jesus, the easiest way to win someone back for Jesus is to stay as close to what happened at the cross in Christ as possible, you know what was so liberating for me was the mere fact that God took all my human effort and strife away and liberated me from my performance in order to please God. He through the knowledge of the truth diminished all my old ways of traditional thinking, even the things that I held dear as only a faithful Pentecostal could. It was when I found out that Jesus gave me my rebirth as a free gift 2000 years ago through his accomplishment, that I realized I only come to the knowledge now of what already happened then,(1 Pet 1:3) and that I was included in His death and resurrection (Hos 6:2) (2 Cor 5:14, 15) I realized then here is something much bigger than what I could ever have imagined, when I saw that everything was His effort in Christ and that I had sweet all to do with it (2 Tim 1:9) I then knew that this was God’s Grace. The message bible blessed me tremendously with this verse as well (Rom 5:20) “All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down.”
This following verse is what we all aim for in a person that recommits his or her life to God….
NOW REVEALED AMPLIFIED VERSION - TRANSLATION
“Joh 8:32 And indeed therefore have the knowledge and be sure of it to understand that the knowledge of this truth can liberate and deliver you and make you as a person free from all moral, ceremonial or mortal liabilities to enable you to go at pleasure as a citizen and not as a slave, while you are exempted from all obligations or liabilities to go as a free man at liberty to yourselves in other words answering to no one but your own self while being entrusted by Him to look after yourself.”
All the best with the precious souls that God placed in your care my sister!!
► Reply to This
Permalink Reply by Sharon Hüsselman on September 8, 2009 at 8:30pm
Hi Wessel
Truly thanks for that! It will be next week's lesson.
Warm regards
Here she humbles herself to learn as well as to teach
What does it mean to receive the Kingdom of God like a little child ? (Luke 18:17)
• Posted by Sharon Hüsselman on August 6, 2009 at 11:42pm in Salvation and The Kingdom
• View Discussions
Throughout the New Testament, we are told to accept the Kingdom as a little child (babe), else we WILL NOT have access to it: Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it." (Luke 18:17) This is a very decisive statement! So we had better understand what QUALITIES we ought to have to be considered “like a child” in God's eyes - to ensure that we, as believers, are not excluded from the Kingdom.
Based on Scripture, these seem to be the fundamentals:
Humility
Children are free and lead simples lives. They are not yet burdened by society’s expectations of them. They have no worldly identity, and have not yet latched on to society’s need for status and position. They do not discriminate against others, and consider all (beings) equal.
Christians that have this “youthful” quality are those that have established a self-less identity, and live a surrendered life: Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. They have freed themselves of their concerns for mans’ opinion of them. Worldly standards and judgment have become irrelevant in their lives. Their only concern is to live in the world for the Kingdom’s sake ( to save souls) and not to find pleasure in the world, [God’s grace] has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness and worldly desires, to live discreet , upright, devout lives in the present world ( Titus 2:12)
They face rejection and persecution, for righteousness’ sake, by the world - including the “religious” community, 2 Timothy 3:11-12 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. ALL those that live righteously in Christ Jesus, and not by their own self-righteousness, shall suffer persecution. They are not recognized by the world for their accomplishments, for theirs are in the spiritual realm (Supernatural ) and not visible/ apparent to the world. They seek recognition (and eternal rewards) from the Father in the afterlife and not from man in this life time, (2 Timothy 2:12) If we endure, we will also reign with him…Therefore their contribution to God’s Kingdom often goes unseen and unheard by the world. They invariably do not hold key “positions” in religious institution /bodies and their contribution is in a (spiritual) supportive capacity. They seek the well-being of souls, and expansion of God’s Kingdom, above the need for positions of authority and recognition for their works, (2 Timothy 2:4) No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
Jesus even went as far as to be rejected and despised by men that knew Him (in the flesh) e.g. by the Nazarenes who were His countrymen (Mark 6:2, 3). God could have made Him a successful business person, learned scholar, religious leader (Pharisee), but instead made Him a person that worked with his hands for a living and was not highly esteemed by society ( Mark 6:1-6). They made derogatory remarks towards Him. And even though they were astounded by His teaching, wisdom, and works of power, they could not get past seeing His lowly status by worldly measures (including religious measures).
The Son of God was marked out in power according to the Spirit (Rom. 1:4). Similarly, people that are accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven are those that are free from society dictates and free to live, and minister, according to the dictates of God’s own Spirit in them.
Purity
Children are pure in that the world has not yet contaminated them. They are the way God created them. In light of the Scripture, Luke 18:17, they are the Christians that live by their new-born and renewed nature. (Titus 1:15) Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They no longer have an identity, life, outside Christ. Their identity is established in Christ ie selflessness 2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
They have received God’s mercy, through which their sins were removed, and they accept His perfect plan for them – His grace within them – and walk in that plan. They are free from all the world’s contamination and corruption as they walk in the Spirit and see themselves as God sees them, and live according to His will for them, “ Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10) They have not need to fend for themselves and establish financial and other security in their lives.
They take refuge in the Lord. He is faithful, and protects them in their spiritual battles against sin and self righteousness: And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. (2 Timothy 4:18).
Faithfulness
Children are loyal and trusting. And in terms of being accepted into the Kingdom of God, we need to receive God’s mercy and the living person of Christ, as the Spirit, within us (ie His grace) by faith - Refer Rom 10:15 and 11:5. And it is through His grace, the Holy Spirit working inside of us, that we are able to accomplish what would otherwise be accomplishable for us (Eph 3:16;6:10). We have to receive the Kingdom on faith to enter into it, and live the faith walk to experience and live in it, Mat 12:28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
People who lose their faith in the power of the complete work of the cross that they have within themselves, to help overcome every weakness, miss out on a spiritual walk (in the Kingdom). Instead they settle for a path of self-righteousness which focuses on what they should and must do and overcome, and are empowered by doctrine and theology (knowledge). The Scriptures say that they are “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it” (2 Tim 1:7; 3:4, 5). Instead of focusing inwards to access the power ( God’s grace) within that will give them the victory over all illnesses and iniquities, their focus is on what they can/must do to overcome the flesh. They do not have the faith (patience) to leave it up to the Spirit of Christ, which already has the victory over all evils in our lives, to overcome the flesh. This is why God told Paul to trust in Him ( the Lord) for his problem with his flesh : He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.( 2Corinthians 12:9)
God has the power to instantly remove all our physical /emotional dysfunctions, but He does not – even with Paul (above) He didn’t. He removes some/most, but leaves us with some area of weakness (i.e. our old man) to deal with because this is what keeps us not-perfect, humble and on our knees before Him. It is our weaknesses (iniquities and illnesses) that lead us to search for and access the power of Christ, and Kingdom of God, within. Our weakness is the motivation behind our inward-searching, spiritual, journey of increasing understanding of the mercy and working of the Father. This is how the Kingdom comes upon us (Matthew 12:28) – through our inward struggles, not through our outward deeds and actions. Our weaknesses present us with opportunities for spiritual growth, and for the Lord’s name to be glorified – not our own: “…I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2Corithians 12:10. That is the Lord’s plan and purpose for our lives – our testimonies of His grace.
Innocence
Faithless Christians are those that try and take matters into their own hands. They deny the Lord the opportunity to work miraculously in their lives and/or take them on a journey within that will empower them spiritually, and enable them to experience His Kingdom. These Christians are under the spell of the devil because they unwittingly reject God’s grace (the power within). In Galatians 3:1 Paul refers to this as “witchcraft”: Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified? because it affects Christians who are earnest, dedicated in the Body, and would otherwise have been powerful in the Lord’s ministry. These are people who do not succumb to their bodily passions, but are lured away and prevented from living a spiritual life through Satan’s cunning plan, which binds them in legalism, and leads them to live according to their self-righteousness ( knowledge of good and evil), and not by grace. Therefore their lives are stressful, and their churches ineffective and lacking in power – if not cursed! (Jeremiah 17:6)
Therefore we need to remain uncorrupted by the devil and the world, and not be robbed of God’s grace in our lives. We need to retain our innocence and dependency on the Lord who is our faithful, living, God. Through His Spirit we will receive/have the victory over all our troubles and weaknesses, but it will be in His time and according to His plan and path set out for us – to become spiritual and be part of His Kingdom. All we have to do is abide in Him, love Him, as devoted children, because His power in us (His grace) is fuelled by our love for Him: Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Ephesians 6:24
Curiosity
John 4:13-14 tells us that we have to have an eagerness to know the Spirit, and search the Word, as one thirsting to drink deeply of the water of life to receive the Kingdom of God: Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
As Christians we must not be content with just ordinary reading of the Word, and familiarising ourselves with theology and doctrines. We need to take our learning to the next level – the Spiritual level. To do this we need to seek knowledge and understanding that comes through grace, which is God’s Spirit wrought within us. We need to be fully reliant on the Spirit to give fresh insight and revelation, relevant to where we are and the situation(s) we find ourselves in.
Whilst familiarity with the Word ( ie the Spirit’s working) helps us to avoid spiritual pitfalls and traps in life, it does not foster a spiritual life which is necessary for Kingdom living. A spiritual life develops on the basis of intimacy and personal relationship with The Father. Christians that receive the Kingdom are those that seek after God’s face ie His presence in their lives (Rev 22:4). Because they seek Him above all else, they receive Him – through special revelation:At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.( Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21)
Its is only this kind of knowing, as opposed to religious instruction, that can help exalt Christians above, and out of, their carnal existence: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and mak eth flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.(Jeremiah 17:5)
Besides knowledge, Christians (as children) need to add obedience to their learning ( i.e. be trainable). Carrying knowledge in the head does not empower them for work in the Kingdom – revelation must reside in their hearts and motivate them to action. This leads to a purpose-filled and purpose-driven life in the Kingdom. The outward evidence of Christians’ training, by the Spirit of God, is their work being done in the harvest and as fishers of men ( ie saving souls). Timothy confirms , in 2 Tim 2:13-19, that the true knowledge we receive, via the Spirit, leads to a life that is free of sin ( 2 Tim 2:19), and beneficial for mans’ salvation (2 Tim 2:15) and one that is not entangled in religious debates and discussions.
Conclusion
Christians maintain their child-like innocence by allowing their decisions and actions to be initiated by the Spirit. They live under grace, and are free of judgment. They do not allow Satan to displace the cross from the centre of their lives (and churches). Jesus remains the Head over all things in their lives; therefore they do not degenerate to religious (non spiritual) people.
They therefore do not seek recognition and approval from man, and don’t pride themselves in their religious “posts” and theological knowledge – because this would be at the expense of God’s favour and blessings. The world often looks down on these Christians. They stand firm for righteousness’ sake (grace) and are rejected and despised, as Jesus was – often by the religious community. But they are empty of self and do not have own agendas/goals except to be used by the Father for His purpose. Therefore they are the ones that are used mightily in God’s Kingdom, and get to receive the Kingdom, whilst many/most Christians don’t.
The qualities of faithfulness, love and devotion are found in Christians whose hearts have not departed from the Lord – despite tremendous temptation from the world towards idolatry. They do not place their trust/faith in man, and don’t make their flesh (natural ability) their strength. The Lord is the source of their strength and ability. They seek to live righteously and overcome their flesh through the grace of God Almighty. He is the One glorified through their weaknesses.
Included in God’s grace ( Spirit of God ), received when being born-again, is the quest and search for knowledge that comes from, and is wrought, within. We are to hunger and thirst for knowledge, as children, and allow the Spirit in us to reveal and unlock the source of all knowledge for us. When this special knowledge (revelation) leads to action a supernatural life and ministry (ie Kingdom life) becomes possible for us as Christians.
Christians become pure, like children, by emptying themselves of their self (old man) and being filled with His grace. Grace is the Spirit of Christ, within, that empowers us and enables us to accomplish what would not otherwise have been accomplishable i.e. to walk in the Supernatural.
(ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: “Blessings and Curses” by Derek Price pages 81-87; “Keep in Step with the Spirit” by J Packer pages 17-260; e-SWORD )
I am so glad. I was discussing your needs with my daughter she has been with me for 2 years at this ministry and I don’t think that I will se the end of this year through with my cancer and I was telling my daughter of your desire to have someone there and my daughter said that if someone could sponsor her there with the airfare, accommodation, food and transport, she would be willing to go there and help you. She is a real gem. She is the one who got me into his website.
You can read about her on the internet. Her name is Sharon Husselman, she is a university graduate, she has a Bsc(Science) HED Diploma, (a university degree (She is qualified to teach both mathematic and science) MBA
She gave this up to surrender her life to the Lord At the moment she teaches at Bible School and has studied full time for 2 full years, she has just finished her second year recently. She also initiated and set up my website, I wanted a place where my work could still continue even while I am in my spirtual garments.
I cannot lie to you, but I promise this girl has tremendous spiritual strength and knowledge for someone who has been with the Lord for two years, and all you need to do is to look for her in this website, on my website which she initiated, http://elumnae.ning.com/forum/topics/what-practical-teaching-advice.
What practical, teaching, advice for the backslidden Christian?
• Posted by Sharon Hüsselman on September 7, 2009 at 9:13pm in Salvation and The Kingdom
• View Discussions
I am currently running a course for youths off drugs/alcohol etc, who have completed our 3 month Restoration Course gone back into the world and fallen (back into sin). They are equipped with all knowledge eg God’s salvation plan, their new identity in Christ, the need to do the will of the Father ( forsaking their own pleasure). But knowledge is not the key to overcoming serious problems with sin. The only thing that “works” is having an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus and own experience of the resurrection (new) life.
But these are two things/experiences that we, as teachers, cannot give others – it is something they have to establish for themselves and find on their own. But where does that leave me as a “teacher”? How do I help others firstly to desire a “spiritual life ” ( ie to give up their personal desires), and secondly to find the spiritual path?
Share
► Reply to This
Replies to This Discussion
Permalink Reply by Wessel Wessels on September 8, 2009 at 12:28am
Sharon, Firstly I would say the important key is to work on the guilty conscience aspect and get the person stabilized in the word of God, showing him or her that it doesn't matter whether they have so called “backslidden" for it can never take away the fact of the love which God had for us even while we were still sinners, what difference will it make now if I cant add anything to what He already gave me and how He really feels about me. If a person finds out that it is not through his own efforts that he can please God and that there is absolutely nothing no one can add to what Jesus had already accomplished on mans behalf then a whole new world opens up spontaneously without any effort from the individual but it is then that God steps in, we need to remember faith is something that happens to you through the hearing of the truth about what God did in Jesus, the easiest way to win someone back for Jesus is to stay as close to what happened at the cross in Christ as possible, you know what was so liberating for me was the mere fact that God took all my human effort and strife away and liberated me from my performance in order to please God. He through the knowledge of the truth diminished all my old ways of traditional thinking, even the things that I held dear as only a faithful Pentecostal could. It was when I found out that Jesus gave me my rebirth as a free gift 2000 years ago through his accomplishment, that I realized I only come to the knowledge now of what already happened then,(1 Pet 1:3) and that I was included in His death and resurrection (Hos 6:2) (2 Cor 5:14, 15) I realized then here is something much bigger than what I could ever have imagined, when I saw that everything was His effort in Christ and that I had sweet all to do with it (2 Tim 1:9) I then knew that this was God’s Grace. The message bible blessed me tremendously with this verse as well (Rom 5:20) “All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down.”
This following verse is what we all aim for in a person that recommits his or her life to God….
NOW REVEALED AMPLIFIED VERSION - TRANSLATION
“Joh 8:32 And indeed therefore have the knowledge and be sure of it to understand that the knowledge of this truth can liberate and deliver you and make you as a person free from all moral, ceremonial or mortal liabilities to enable you to go at pleasure as a citizen and not as a slave, while you are exempted from all obligations or liabilities to go as a free man at liberty to yourselves in other words answering to no one but your own self while being entrusted by Him to look after yourself.”
All the best with the precious souls that God placed in your care my sister!!
► Reply to This
Permalink Reply by Sharon Hüsselman on September 8, 2009 at 8:30pm
Hi Wessel
Truly thanks for that! It will be next week's lesson.
Warm regards
Here she humbles herself to learn as well as to teach
What does it mean to receive the Kingdom of God like a little child ? (Luke 18:17)
• Posted by Sharon Hüsselman on August 6, 2009 at 11:42pm in Salvation and The Kingdom
• View Discussions
Throughout the New Testament, we are told to accept the Kingdom as a little child (babe), else we WILL NOT have access to it: Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it." (Luke 18:17) This is a very decisive statement! So we had better understand what QUALITIES we ought to have to be considered “like a child” in God's eyes - to ensure that we, as believers, are not excluded from the Kingdom.
Based on Scripture, these seem to be the fundamentals:
Humility
Children are free and lead simples lives. They are not yet burdened by society’s expectations of them. They have no worldly identity, and have not yet latched on to society’s need for status and position. They do not discriminate against others, and consider all (beings) equal.
Christians that have this “youthful” quality are those that have established a self-less identity, and live a surrendered life: Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. They have freed themselves of their concerns for mans’ opinion of them. Worldly standards and judgment have become irrelevant in their lives. Their only concern is to live in the world for the Kingdom’s sake ( to save souls) and not to find pleasure in the world, [God’s grace] has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness and worldly desires, to live discreet , upright, devout lives in the present world ( Titus 2:12)
They face rejection and persecution, for righteousness’ sake, by the world - including the “religious” community, 2 Timothy 3:11-12 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. ALL those that live righteously in Christ Jesus, and not by their own self-righteousness, shall suffer persecution. They are not recognized by the world for their accomplishments, for theirs are in the spiritual realm (Supernatural ) and not visible/ apparent to the world. They seek recognition (and eternal rewards) from the Father in the afterlife and not from man in this life time, (2 Timothy 2:12) If we endure, we will also reign with him…Therefore their contribution to God’s Kingdom often goes unseen and unheard by the world. They invariably do not hold key “positions” in religious institution /bodies and their contribution is in a (spiritual) supportive capacity. They seek the well-being of souls, and expansion of God’s Kingdom, above the need for positions of authority and recognition for their works, (2 Timothy 2:4) No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
Jesus even went as far as to be rejected and despised by men that knew Him (in the flesh) e.g. by the Nazarenes who were His countrymen (Mark 6:2, 3). God could have made Him a successful business person, learned scholar, religious leader (Pharisee), but instead made Him a person that worked with his hands for a living and was not highly esteemed by society ( Mark 6:1-6). They made derogatory remarks towards Him. And even though they were astounded by His teaching, wisdom, and works of power, they could not get past seeing His lowly status by worldly measures (including religious measures).
The Son of God was marked out in power according to the Spirit (Rom. 1:4). Similarly, people that are accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven are those that are free from society dictates and free to live, and minister, according to the dictates of God’s own Spirit in them.
Purity
Children are pure in that the world has not yet contaminated them. They are the way God created them. In light of the Scripture, Luke 18:17, they are the Christians that live by their new-born and renewed nature. (Titus 1:15) Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They no longer have an identity, life, outside Christ. Their identity is established in Christ ie selflessness 2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
They have received God’s mercy, through which their sins were removed, and they accept His perfect plan for them – His grace within them – and walk in that plan. They are free from all the world’s contamination and corruption as they walk in the Spirit and see themselves as God sees them, and live according to His will for them, “ Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10) They have not need to fend for themselves and establish financial and other security in their lives.
They take refuge in the Lord. He is faithful, and protects them in their spiritual battles against sin and self righteousness: And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. (2 Timothy 4:18).
Faithfulness
Children are loyal and trusting. And in terms of being accepted into the Kingdom of God, we need to receive God’s mercy and the living person of Christ, as the Spirit, within us (ie His grace) by faith - Refer Rom 10:15 and 11:5. And it is through His grace, the Holy Spirit working inside of us, that we are able to accomplish what would otherwise be accomplishable for us (Eph 3:16;6:10). We have to receive the Kingdom on faith to enter into it, and live the faith walk to experience and live in it, Mat 12:28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
People who lose their faith in the power of the complete work of the cross that they have within themselves, to help overcome every weakness, miss out on a spiritual walk (in the Kingdom). Instead they settle for a path of self-righteousness which focuses on what they should and must do and overcome, and are empowered by doctrine and theology (knowledge). The Scriptures say that they are “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it” (2 Tim 1:7; 3:4, 5). Instead of focusing inwards to access the power ( God’s grace) within that will give them the victory over all illnesses and iniquities, their focus is on what they can/must do to overcome the flesh. They do not have the faith (patience) to leave it up to the Spirit of Christ, which already has the victory over all evils in our lives, to overcome the flesh. This is why God told Paul to trust in Him ( the Lord) for his problem with his flesh : He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.( 2Corinthians 12:9)
God has the power to instantly remove all our physical /emotional dysfunctions, but He does not – even with Paul (above) He didn’t. He removes some/most, but leaves us with some area of weakness (i.e. our old man) to deal with because this is what keeps us not-perfect, humble and on our knees before Him. It is our weaknesses (iniquities and illnesses) that lead us to search for and access the power of Christ, and Kingdom of God, within. Our weakness is the motivation behind our inward-searching, spiritual, journey of increasing understanding of the mercy and working of the Father. This is how the Kingdom comes upon us (Matthew 12:28) – through our inward struggles, not through our outward deeds and actions. Our weaknesses present us with opportunities for spiritual growth, and for the Lord’s name to be glorified – not our own: “…I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2Corithians 12:10. That is the Lord’s plan and purpose for our lives – our testimonies of His grace.
Innocence
Faithless Christians are those that try and take matters into their own hands. They deny the Lord the opportunity to work miraculously in their lives and/or take them on a journey within that will empower them spiritually, and enable them to experience His Kingdom. These Christians are under the spell of the devil because they unwittingly reject God’s grace (the power within). In Galatians 3:1 Paul refers to this as “witchcraft”: Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified? because it affects Christians who are earnest, dedicated in the Body, and would otherwise have been powerful in the Lord’s ministry. These are people who do not succumb to their bodily passions, but are lured away and prevented from living a spiritual life through Satan’s cunning plan, which binds them in legalism, and leads them to live according to their self-righteousness ( knowledge of good and evil), and not by grace. Therefore their lives are stressful, and their churches ineffective and lacking in power – if not cursed! (Jeremiah 17:6)
Therefore we need to remain uncorrupted by the devil and the world, and not be robbed of God’s grace in our lives. We need to retain our innocence and dependency on the Lord who is our faithful, living, God. Through His Spirit we will receive/have the victory over all our troubles and weaknesses, but it will be in His time and according to His plan and path set out for us – to become spiritual and be part of His Kingdom. All we have to do is abide in Him, love Him, as devoted children, because His power in us (His grace) is fuelled by our love for Him: Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Ephesians 6:24
Curiosity
John 4:13-14 tells us that we have to have an eagerness to know the Spirit, and search the Word, as one thirsting to drink deeply of the water of life to receive the Kingdom of God: Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
As Christians we must not be content with just ordinary reading of the Word, and familiarising ourselves with theology and doctrines. We need to take our learning to the next level – the Spiritual level. To do this we need to seek knowledge and understanding that comes through grace, which is God’s Spirit wrought within us. We need to be fully reliant on the Spirit to give fresh insight and revelation, relevant to where we are and the situation(s) we find ourselves in.
Whilst familiarity with the Word ( ie the Spirit’s working) helps us to avoid spiritual pitfalls and traps in life, it does not foster a spiritual life which is necessary for Kingdom living. A spiritual life develops on the basis of intimacy and personal relationship with The Father. Christians that receive the Kingdom are those that seek after God’s face ie His presence in their lives (Rev 22:4). Because they seek Him above all else, they receive Him – through special revelation:At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.( Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21)
Its is only this kind of knowing, as opposed to religious instruction, that can help exalt Christians above, and out of, their carnal existence: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and mak eth flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.(Jeremiah 17:5)
Besides knowledge, Christians (as children) need to add obedience to their learning ( i.e. be trainable). Carrying knowledge in the head does not empower them for work in the Kingdom – revelation must reside in their hearts and motivate them to action. This leads to a purpose-filled and purpose-driven life in the Kingdom. The outward evidence of Christians’ training, by the Spirit of God, is their work being done in the harvest and as fishers of men ( ie saving souls). Timothy confirms , in 2 Tim 2:13-19, that the true knowledge we receive, via the Spirit, leads to a life that is free of sin ( 2 Tim 2:19), and beneficial for mans’ salvation (2 Tim 2:15) and one that is not entangled in religious debates and discussions.
Conclusion
Christians maintain their child-like innocence by allowing their decisions and actions to be initiated by the Spirit. They live under grace, and are free of judgment. They do not allow Satan to displace the cross from the centre of their lives (and churches). Jesus remains the Head over all things in their lives; therefore they do not degenerate to religious (non spiritual) people.
They therefore do not seek recognition and approval from man, and don’t pride themselves in their religious “posts” and theological knowledge – because this would be at the expense of God’s favour and blessings. The world often looks down on these Christians. They stand firm for righteousness’ sake (grace) and are rejected and despised, as Jesus was – often by the religious community. But they are empty of self and do not have own agendas/goals except to be used by the Father for His purpose. Therefore they are the ones that are used mightily in God’s Kingdom, and get to receive the Kingdom, whilst many/most Christians don’t.
The qualities of faithfulness, love and devotion are found in Christians whose hearts have not departed from the Lord – despite tremendous temptation from the world towards idolatry. They do not place their trust/faith in man, and don’t make their flesh (natural ability) their strength. The Lord is the source of their strength and ability. They seek to live righteously and overcome their flesh through the grace of God Almighty. He is the One glorified through their weaknesses.
Included in God’s grace ( Spirit of God ), received when being born-again, is the quest and search for knowledge that comes from, and is wrought, within. We are to hunger and thirst for knowledge, as children, and allow the Spirit in us to reveal and unlock the source of all knowledge for us. When this special knowledge (revelation) leads to action a supernatural life and ministry (ie Kingdom life) becomes possible for us as Christians.
Christians become pure, like children, by emptying themselves of their self (old man) and being filled with His grace. Grace is the Spirit of Christ, within, that empowers us and enables us to accomplish what would not otherwise have been accomplishable i.e. to walk in the Supernatural.
(ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: “Blessings and Curses” by Derek Price pages 81-87; “Keep in Step with the Spirit” by J Packer pages 17-260; e-SWORD )
Prayon this as she is doing.
And be blessed in whatever you decide.
JohnI
Here is what I do in my ministry, and this changes hard hearted gangsters into lambs. listen to me nicely, this works. God is powerful where Satan is, and Satan is powerful where God is, so know that you are not defeated, you have the victory through the cross of Jesus Christ. You pray as I told you, now as you pray for salvation you pray that God will heal the hardened hearts that Satan has given the non-believers, you pray that He will remove the blindfold and the deafness. You then send out a message to the people that those who want to be saved and to know their Lord Jesus as their personal saviour to come forward. When they come forward you do not put them through the sinners prayer, instead you tell them to go out into a private place and to confess their sins to God, ask him for forgive ness and to enable their sins to be crucified in Jesus, and for him to come live in them so that they might become like him. Now in this act they must cry and have an earnest desire to know their Lord Jesus. They immediately must return to you and by the countenance on their faces you will know that they are born again. Their faces light up and there will be a joy in their heart, if it is not so, send them back until you see that.
There is another way in your praise and worship gatherings, the songs you sing must be worship songs, loving songs, songs that you sing to your sweetheart. Songs that tells God you love him, songs that bring tears to your eyes. We first pray for revival before the service, and ask God for the salvation of the unsaved, then you must tell those who want a miracle in their lives that night that they must hold up their hands to Jesus. They must show Satan that they are finished with him, and they must denounce all the works he has done in their lives, and tell him that they are now finished with him and are now surrendering their lives to Jesus and at that moment they ask God for forgiveness and for Jesus to take their sins upon his cross and to come live with them. At that moment their faces will light up. They are now born again and the spirit has been lit, you will see the darkness disappear immediately..
Now you are the shepherd and you must look after them. Daily they must come for praise and worship, and the same love songs must be sung, it is always love songs, and now instead of pleading for help we must start praising God and having faith that not that he can change the country but will change the country, and reading of the Word
I pray every Friday from 1 to 2p.m. for revival, so I suggest you and anyone else wanting to join us do the same, for the whole world needs revival and not just your country.
Have faith, believe and be strong, that is what it is all about. Greater is He who is in us than in the world. So be brave my brother you do not need evangelists to help you when you have God, he will give you the words that are needed. Try what I tell you and let me know, there is one thing you need and that is gospel music, songs of worship. Come back to me on this.