‘…by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.’ (Rom 15:19)

The Hunk and I are seeing God move in the lives of people around us—and we want to see much more.

Those of us on the team at David McCracken Ministries are seeing people saved, healed, set free, and receive breakthroughs when we minister—and we are reaching for even more.

Like us, you may desire to draw closer to God and see more of His power released to lead people to Jesus and transform lives.

Jesus Preached a ‘Now’ Message

When Jesus came on the scene He was not like anyone the people had seen or heard before. He had confidence, boldness and authority. He commanded people, demons and sicknesses to do something NOW. [1]

Jesus’ words brought transformation. Atmospheres changed, people responded, demons and sicknesses moved – instantly, at His command.

When Jesus taught, there was a ring of authority in His words. The people were amazed, ‘because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.’ (Mark 1:22)

• For years, they had listened the scribes and the teachers of the law as they reviewed God’s PAST instructions to Israel and taught the law of Moses.

• They were familiar with the prophets who spoke of the FUTURE coming of the Messiah.

Jesus, however, continually spoke words that impacted people’s lives in the PRESENT.

It was this dynamic, this immediacy, that set Jesus apart.

Not News as we Experience it Today

The Gospel is good news. [2]

When we think of ‘news’ we think of reporting. We sit down and watch reports on TV of what as been happening around the world, or we read headlines in the newspaper.

But that is not the kind of news that Jesus brings.

The Word of God is not merely a report of something that has happened.

When God speaks, something happens, something takes place, not only in the spiritual realm but also in the physical realm.

The God’s Word is alive, or as the writer to the Hebrews puts it, “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).

Jesus said in John 6:63, ‘The words I have spoken to you  are spirit and they are life.’

When Jesus spoke concerning the kingdom of God, His messages resulted in repentance, healing, miracles, and deliverance. Everything He spoke and did was sourced in God’s love for people.

This impact and immediacy of approach did not stop with Jesus’ ministry. [3]

On the day of Pentecost, Peter began to speak in the same way under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

• “Repent… be baptised (implied NOW, Acts 2:38)
• “The promise is for you” (v39)
• “Be saved! (v40)

There is both authority and immediacy in Peter’s words. And so it goes on throughout the book of Acts. (Acts 3:6-8, Acts 9:38, Acts 14:8-10)

A 3-Dimensional Gospel

The bottom line of the Gospel is simply, ‘There is salvation through Jesus Christ alone.’ (Acts 4:8)

But the broader message of the Gospel —the good news about Jesus—contains facets relating to past, present and future.

Each of these three is vital, and if we under-emphasize one, we lack balance and power.

For this reason, I believe the Holy Spirit is highlighting the ‘present’ aspect of the Gospel message to the church at this time.

Reviewing our Message

Following are some examples of past, present and future aspects relating to sharing the Gospel message.

Each is important.

I invite you to join me in making a prayerful and honest appraisal:

• What is my current emphasis on this aspect—in my own life and ministry, as well as in the context of sharing personally with others around me?

Pray and ask God for inspiration and courage to grow and speak out in the areas the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you.

1. Past (Looking back)

Valuing and sharing:

• The Bible’s account of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-8)
• What Jesus accomplished on our behalf on the cross: forgiveness of our sins and restoration to God (Col 1:20)
• Our own testimony of what God has done in our lives in the past—our past salvation experience and other encounters with God (Acts 26)

2. Future (Looking forward)

Valuing and sharing:

• The ongoing expectation of hope for God’s grace in our lives, and that of others, in the days and years ahead (Psalm 23)
• The hope of our future eternity with God (Rev 21:1-5)

3. Present

Valuing and sharing:

• Our current testimony of God’s goodness towards us (Phil 4:4)
• The Father’s intent right now for those we encounter in our everyday life and ministry (John 5:19)
• The Gospel message bearing fruit in people’s lives, including repentance, restoration, spiritual freedom and healing. (Luke 4:18)

This is not about focusing on where we are falling short, but on catching a vision for more of what God has for us.

The secret of the Gospel’s power is to share it like Jesus did.

Next week I will be considering the Year Of Jubilee—and how understanding its fulfillment in Jesus can help us understand the breadth of the gospel message.

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Notes:

[1] The first chapter of the Gospel of Mark particularly highlights this.

[2] ‘Gospel’ comes from the New Testament Greek word, euangelion, which is comprised of two words, ‘good message.’ The English word ‘Gospel’ comes from an old English direct translation of the Greek word, ‘God Spell,’ meaning good news. In the Bible, the word Gospel refers to the message of salvation through Jesus and it also refers to the four accounts of Jesus life by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

[3] Prophetic preaching and teaching is an example of this dynamic in action. For more information on this see my article, ‘What Is Prophetic Teaching?

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I am scratching the surface of a very big topic, and I would love to hear your thoughts, questions or examples relating to it. Leave a message in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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Related Posts:

The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today
You Don’t Need A Special Gift To Be A Supernatural Christian
How To Set Your Testimony On Fire Again

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© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

Advent is an important season in the Christian calendar. It consists of the weeks leading up to Christmas, which is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The word ‘Advent’ is derived from a Latin word, ‘adventus’ which means ‘coming.’ [1]

Advent is a season of preparation and expectation.

Christmas Advent Today

In our culture, it is easy to lose the wonder and anticipation of Christmas Advent.

For many of us, preparation means the pressure of buying gifts, planning menus and events, or tying up loose ends at work.

Expectation consists of mixed feelings as we anticipate the positives and negatives of having family with us—or absent from us.

If you can relate to this, I urge you to take some time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart.

The weeks leading up to Christmas can be busy and distracted.

I don’t want my life to be like the inn at Bethlehem—so busy accommodating everything and everyone else that I turn Jesus away at the door. [2]

The Challenge of the Original Advent

(Luke 1:5-38)

Zachariah was the father of John the Baptist. Mary was the mother of Jesus. Their lives, and many others at that time, were changed forever by the coming of Jesus.

Let’s take a few moments to consider what Advent meant to those involved in the birth of our Saviour—and what following Jesus Christ may also mean for us today.

Divine Interruption

For Zachariah, it was business as usual—performing his occasional duties as a priest in the temple.

Mary was a young woman whose life was already mapped out. She was going to be married to Joseph, a carpenter from her hometown of Nazareth, in Galilee.

But their ordinary lives were suddenly interrupted by a message from the throne of God, brought by the angel Gabriel.

Am I willing for God to interrupt my ordinary life? Am I open to hear what He has to say to me at this time?

‘Do not be Afraid’

As I muse over the Christmas narrative, I see the words ‘Do not be afraid’ mentioned many times—to Zachariah, to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds.

‘Do not be afraid’ encapsulates the Christmas message. It speaks hope and life into my present circumstances.

But it also deeply challenges me. It tells me that encountering God, and contemplating His demands upon my life will require something from me.

And that this ‘something’ will be so costly, and this encounter with Him so awe-inspiring, that the reaction of my soul will be fear.

Am I willing to encounter God, knowing that it will require something of me?

Life Change

The angel Gabriel’s announcement changed the landscape of Zechariah and Mary’s lives forever.

It marked a point of no return. Making room for the coming of Jesus would mean that their lives would never be the same again. It would bring both joy and sacrifice.

Am I willing to make room for Jesus in my life—even if it means moving or giving up other personal priorities?

Crisis of faith

When the angel Gabriel announced God’s plans, he received different responses from Zachariah and Mary.

Zachariah doubted.

Mary trusted.

Zachariah’s doubt cost him his voice for a season. But not even unbelief could halt the progress of God’s plans.

What is my personal response to God’s purpose for my life? Am I doubting—or trusting His word?

Participation in a Greater Plan

Zachariah and Mary were just two of a company of people whom God used to make way for the first coming of Jesus.

At the birth of his son John, Zachariah caught a glimpse of God’s purpose—the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ.

He prophesied:

‘And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.’ (Luke 1:76-79)

As we respond to the call of God to make room for Jesus in our lives, we too will become participants in God’s plan of salvation.

By making room for Jesus in our personal lives this Christmas and beyond, we are opening the door for our families, our friends, and those near and far to encounter the Good News of salvation.

Advent is a season of preparation and expectation.

Today, let’s pause from the busyness of our schedule and ask the question,

‘When it comes to my life of faith right now,

What am I preparing for?
And what am I expecting?’

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Do you have any experiences or questions to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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Notes:

[1] For more information on Advent, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent

[2] See Luke 2:7, Rev 3:20

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Related Posts:

Hunger For God: 6 Ways You Can Stir It Up

Angels Herald Jesus’ Birth And The Beginning Of A Supernatural Era

How To Recover The Wonder Of Hearing God’s Voice

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© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Who is the greatest Christian evangelist in the world today?

Do I hear someone say, ‘Billy Graham,’ or ‘Reinhard Bonnke?’

The greatest evangelist on earth today is the Holy Spirit, and He lives inside of you and me [1] (John 14:17).

The Fullness of the Holy Spirit

I want to know and experience the Holy Spirit in His fullness—not just in part. This means embracing all He is and everything He has come to do in and through me.

The Holy Spirit empowers us and aids us in living the Christian life. He provides spiritual gifts for ministry; He is our Comforter, Helper, Teacher and Guide.

However, the disciples did not only receive Him as Helper. They also received Him as the One who would empower them to witness—share the good news of salvation and lead people to Jesus (Acts 1:8).

When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, He announced His arrival with wind and fire… and with 3,000 people turning to faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:41)

Power From On High

It was October 1994, and I was reading Charles Finney’s book, ‘Power From On High.’ [2] In his commentary on the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1-2), Finney wrote:

‘We have the same promise that they had… Let us, then… accept the commission; fully consecrate ourselves, with all that we have, to the saving of souls as our great and our only life work. Let us go to the altar with all we have and are, and lie there and persist in prayer until we have received the enduement.’

I recorded in my journal:

‘I was greatly struck by Finney’s comment that our ‘life work’ is the saving of souls. Like so many others, I have considered this to be someone else’s lifework and not my own. If this IS true (and I believe it is), then there are great ramifications.

Have I accepted Christ’s commission as my own commission? Dare I?

If I have not accepted the appointing, how can I expect the anointing?

My reflections on Finney’s work coincided with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our church and upon us. At that time I was set free from three years of emotional and physical pain—but the impact of the Spirit’s visitation did not stop there.

The tangible Presence of the Spirit on our lives and in our home spilled over to our neighbourhood. The Hunk and I saw salvation and miracles happen in the lives of people around us as a result.

As I look back on this past year of 2010, I see the same pattern. An outpouring if the Spirit on our personal lives has resulted in the drawing of people around us to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit Loves and Leads People to Jesus

The Holy Spirit is intimately involved in the process of salvation.

In the same way that the Spirit hovered over the waters at creation, He is at work, moving unseen in the lives of those of people around us who do not yet know Jesus. (Gen 1:2; 2 Cor 5:17)

The heart of the Holy Spirit is that of Jesus, who came to ‘seek and save the lost’. (Luke 19:10)

The heart of the Spirit is that of the Father, whose desire that no person perish moved Him to send and sacrifice His Son. (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9)

The Spirit of God loves people passionately and indiscriminately.

4 Ways that the Holy Spirit Helps in Evangelism are:

1. By testifying to people of the Gospel’s truth (John 15:26, Acts 5:30-32)

2. By confirming the message of salvation through answers to prayer—signs, miracles and the operation of spiritual gifts (Heb 2:4, Rom 15:19)

3. By bringing conviction that leads people to repentance (1 Thess 5, John 16:8)

4. By empowering Christians to be witnesses (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:46-49)

The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary Christian believers to be witnesses, but He also directly impacts the hearts of people who need salvation, convincing them of their sin and need for a Saviour.

Our prayers, our faith, and our actions help determine whether or not the Spirit is released to do His work.

What if you are not Gifted in Evangelism?

Maybe, like me, you would say that you are not gifted in the area of evangelism.

It is true that there is a gift and an office of evangelist (Eph 4:11, 2 Tim 4:5). An evangelist is empowered and called to make evangelism a primary focus of their ministry, as well as to equip the church for evangelism.

Can someone who does not a have a spiritual gift of evangelism be an effective witness?

Here’s the ultimate test: can an introverted, prophetic-intercessor-type person like me lead people to Jesus?

Evangelism may not be my personal strength, but my Divine Partner, the Holy Spirit, is the greatest evangelist in the world today.

• I am also a part of a Christian community that shares my passion to bring people to Jesus.

I have discovered that my inability is not a handicap to the Holy Spirit. The pressure is off. Instead of striving, I need only focus on cooperating with the Spirit, as He loves and leads people to Jesus.

How can we Partner with the Holy Spirit in Evangelism?

Here are some keys that can help:

1. Be filled with the Spirit

If you have already been baptised in the Holy Spirit, pray for a fresh infilling (Acts 4:24-31)

2. Acknowledge the evangelistic role of the Holy Spirit and take time to reflect on what that can mean for you and the lives of people around you

3. Recommit to being a witness—sharing the good news about what Jesus has done for you with people around your life
4. Pray for those around you who don’t know Jesus and believe that the Spirit is at work in answer to your prayers

5. Watch out for Divine appointments. Look for what the Holy Spirit is doing in people around you and simply cooperate with Him.

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If you you have any thoughts or experiences to share on this topic, I would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment below. If the comments section is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

 

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Notes:

 

[1] This statement is made to my Christian readers who have been ‘born again by the Spirit of God.’ (See Titus 3:4-17) If you are not sure whether this relates to you, here is a great resource:

http://www.allaboutgod.com/become-a-christian.htm

[2] Power From On High, Charles Grandison Finney (1792-1875). The book can be viewed here:

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/finney/power.html

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Related Posts:

 

A Beginner’s Guide To Prophetic Evangelism Part 1

How You Can Have An Intimate Relationship With The Holy Spirit

You Don’t Need A Special Gift To Be A Supernatural Christian

Pentecost: How God Exploded My Box

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© Helen Calder  2010   Enliven Publishing http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

 

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries