One man changed the culture everywhere he went for nearly 3 1/2 years. It really didn't matter if he was in a boat on the Sea of Galilee or on a mountain side with a couple thousand hungry people. From speaking peace to storms to multiplying fishes and loaves, Jesus brought the culture of the Kingdom with him everywhere He went!
While seeking rest within the home of Peter in Capernaum Jesus encountered Peter's mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. I would say the atmosphere within Peter's house changed quickly once Jesus brought the culture of heaven to Peter's home. I would say the atmosphere in Bethany changed as well when Jesus brought life to Lazarus's dead body after it had laid in a tomb for four days, again enforcing the culture of His Kingdom!
Here's my point, men pressed into the Kingdom (saved, born again, redeemed) where the culture of heaven was being manifested. I truly believe soul winning will come with little or no effort where the culture of the Kingdom is being manifested. If it worked for Jesus it will work for us today. Take some time and consider the culture of heaven. What is it like? Is there love, grace, mercy, forgiveness? Is there limits, doubt, unbelief, or unforgiveness?
As we begin to manifest the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven in our daily lives, I truly believe we will see the harvest press into the Kingdom!
LUKE 16:16 The law and prophets were until John, since that time the Kingdom of God is preached and every man presses into it!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Cain
It is very interesting to note the circumstance of events that happened proceeding Adam's decision to declare independence from Heaven in Genesis chapter 3. Upon Adam's decision to declare independence from Heaven, the first significant account recorded in Scripture was a confirmation of the chaos that was now permeating the earth through its new governor, Satan.
Genesis 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
Today we still see his dark ways at work not only through physical murder but through spiritual murder as well. Think about it. Every time we speak evil of another person, believer or non-beliver, we are guilty of exemplifying the kingdom of darkness. Children of Light do not murder with their lips.
The most amazing piece surrounding Cain's action to me, was he targeted his brother! Such an action would be incomprehensible towards a neighbor let alone a brother. The point is not to bash Cain but to learn the lesson being emphasized here. The lesson is the first major event of one human to another, now under the control of the Kingdom of Darkness, was murder.
Lord, let our words and actions exemplify the Kingdom of Heaven! May we learn from the things that were written afore time for our learning and may each of us declare to every Cain: there is forgiveness with Christ! There is mercy with God for the repentant! May every professing believer of Christ exemplify the life of Christ in word and in deed. And finally Father take every Cain and convert them as you did the apostle Paul and others for your glory and use them to advance your kingdom.
Genesis 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
Today we still see his dark ways at work not only through physical murder but through spiritual murder as well. Think about it. Every time we speak evil of another person, believer or non-beliver, we are guilty of exemplifying the kingdom of darkness. Children of Light do not murder with their lips.
The most amazing piece surrounding Cain's action to me, was he targeted his brother! Such an action would be incomprehensible towards a neighbor let alone a brother. The point is not to bash Cain but to learn the lesson being emphasized here. The lesson is the first major event of one human to another, now under the control of the Kingdom of Darkness, was murder.
Lord, let our words and actions exemplify the Kingdom of Heaven! May we learn from the things that were written afore time for our learning and may each of us declare to every Cain: there is forgiveness with Christ! There is mercy with God for the repentant! May every professing believer of Christ exemplify the life of Christ in word and in deed. And finally Father take every Cain and convert them as you did the apostle Paul and others for your glory and use them to advance your kingdom.
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