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Discipleship

Are You Ready to Get the Hell Out of Your House?  How to Dedicate Your House to God.

We are entering some dark times, probably the darkest days that the Earth as ever seen. What we are presently seeing in the world today is only going to increase and get worse. As the Church, we should not be surprised or worried at this reality. The darker things get, the brighter your light will be in these dark times. So, what do you do in times like this? Think about it like this: before an airplane takes off, everyone receives a safety brief about what to do in case the cabin pressure drops. In this situation, masks will come down from the ceiling. Put your mask on YOURSELF FIRST, AND THEN help the person next to you. The cabin air pressure can happen so fast, if you don’t focus on getting yourself air, you can pass out trying to help the person next to you. As followers of Jesus Christ, we want to be there for others during a time of crisis, but what about you? You may have given your life to Jesus and dedicated your life to Him, but what about your home? Why would you not dedicate everything you have to God, including your home and/or your business? 

When we dedicate something to the Lord, we are declaring it holy and set apart to God. God cares about our homes. When we look at Deuteronomy 11:13-21, we can see how important our homes are, and what we do WITHIN our homes knowing they are in full view of God’s eyes. “And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil. And he will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full. Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the Lord is giving you. Could there be consequences happening around us because we have not dedicated our homes to the Lord, and served other gods in the home that the Lord has provided for us? Continuing to read the remainder of this verse, we see what God expects for us to do, “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.” Think about it. God wants us to write His teachings on the doorposts of our homes.  You can put a “Mezuzah” on the actual doorpost of your home, which has an actual scroll of the Old Testament from the book of Deuteronomy. This is obviously under the teachings of the Old Covenant. Jesus IS the Word of God, and when we put God’s Word on the doorpost of our homes, we also put God’s Word on the doorpost of our hearts.  

When one man decided to give his life and family fully to the Lord, he was shocked to find out that there were sudden unknown sounds taking place in his home in the middle of the night. His story will surely get your attention. As Ephesians 6:12 reveals, “for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Truth of the matter is, there are spirits that are all around us.  There are evil spirits. This is what Ephesians 6:12 is referring to. You can’t punch a spirit. You can’t stab a spirit. So, what do you do? We have to think about that which the Lord has given to us. If we have a business, or a family, or a home and we give our life to Jesus Christ, the light of Jesus comes INTO US. But, what about everything else? If we look at the life we lived before dedicating our lives to Jesus, our business, our home, our family wasn’t holy unto the Lord.  

When God gave specific instructions to Moses to build the Tabernacle and the specific items to be made and placed within the Tabernacle, He instructed Moses to ANOINT these items with oil. Exodus 40:9 highlights the specific instructions the Lord gave to Moses; “Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy.” For us, when we are anointing something, it represents the blood of Jesus Christ. When something is holy, it is no longer used for common things, it is set apart for the Lord. It’s no longer used for sinful purposes. We can decide to do this to businesses, to furniture, and to homes. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”. This same authority has been given to you as a believer to anoint your own home. You don’t have to call on a priest or a pastor to anoint your home. You need to be able to do this yourself. Not only did Jesus give us authority, but the things we declare with our mouths in the natural impact the spiritual realm as well. Matthew 18:18 points out, ”Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” You can deal with that environment by taking authority over it with the authority that Jesus has given us. You have authority over satan and ALL of the demonic realm through the Blood of Jesus Christ and THE AUTHORITY that Jesus Christ gave you as a follower of Him. Look at what Jesus specifically said in Mark 16:15-17, “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons…”. As believers, we have authority over every demon of hell. When we go into a place, we can tell demonic spirits to LEAVE! You might not have known that you had authority over your home, or over your business, BUT YOU DO IN JESUS CHRIST!  

This is the power that Jesus Christ has provided for us when He shed His blood on the Cross. Revelation 12:22 declares, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” There is power in the blood of Jesus and when we declare truth with our words. Don’t stop sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ just because you see demonic activity. There may be demonic activity happening because the church has stop teaching about the power of the blood of Jesus. When one man received a warning dream from the Lord regarding how a pastor was being spiritually attacked, it was the Blood of Jesus that overpowered this demonic attack and stopped the plans of the enemy. If we have given our lives to Jesus, we cannot continue to have open sin in our lives. If we do, the end result will be worse off than how it was before we gave our life to Jesus. This is what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 12:43-45, “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” We can’t play around with this reality. If we are really a disciple of Jesus, then we obey His teachings and follow His ways.  

Watch “Empty House, Open Doors” by Greg Lancaster.  This message address this very reality of what, why and how we should fill hearts and minds with the teachings of Jesus and to follow them.  

If you are at that point in your life deciding whether you are going to dedicate your home to the Lord, you need to decide. Either its yes, or its no. I’m going to dedicate my home to God. I’m going to dedicate my business to God. If so, it’s time to deal with things. If you decide to dedicate your home and/or business to the Lord, then it’s time to decide to also live your life in these places in a holy way before the Lord. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do if you are going to continue to live a sinful lifestyle, to live with open sin in your life, home and business. It’s not that we don’t sin and repent for it; it’s when we are choosing to openly choose to live a sinful lifestyle.  

If you have decided to dedicate your home and/or business to the Lord, the first thing to do is to check yourself; as 2 Corinthians 13:5 shares, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”  If you failed the test, you can pass the test by receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. How much more important are you than your house, or your business, or your property? If you want to give your life to Jesus and would like more information on how to do that, we have that information for you. Now that you have decided to dedicate your home and/or business to the Lord, we follow the leading of the Lord. God may show you that there are idols in your home that you previously didn’t even realize. Jonah 2:8 (NIV 1984) highlights, “Those who cling to worthless idols forsake the grace that could be there’s.” You may have stolen something before you gave your life to Jesus, or maybe you have furniture that sinful acts have been committed on before Jesus Christ came into your life. Whatever it may be, ask the Lord to show you, and He will. That doesn’t mean that you sell it at a pawn shop so that idol can end up in someone else’s home. It could be that the Lord directs you to completely destroy it. It could be music that worships the devil. It could be something on your hard drive. If we hold on to these items, we are giving satan and his demons access and authority in our lives. We do not want to forfeit the grace that God freely offers us.   

When you’ve decided to dedicate your home and/or business to the Lord, carry out what the Word of God says. Use a bottle of olive oil and anoint the different areas of your home or business. Walk through the different areas, doorways, hallways, and rooms, speaking out the Word of God in those places and speaking out the truth of what God says over them. If you’re not sure exactly what to say in each area, you can use the following blessing as a guide to lead you through that. As you do, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to pray over and speak out what He leads you to do.  

Here is a blessing you can speak over your home as you anoint it and dedicate it to the Lord:  

Blessing On A Home 

Anoint the door posts and top of door posts, symbolizing the covering of the Blood of Jesus.  

I pronounce that the (Name) family are overcomers by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.  

In the Bedroom: I pronounce blessings of restful sleep. Psalm 3:5 KJV “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”  Psalm 4:8 KJV “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” In the Bathroom: I pronounce promises of health. Exodus 15:26 KJV “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.”  

In the Kitchen: I pronounce God’s promises of provision and strength. Exodus 23:25 KJV “And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”  

In the Living Room, Great Room or Den:  Joshua 24:15 KJV “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” May singing and praise, and talking of God’s goodness and faithfulness be often heard in this room.  

In the Entry and Hall: God said, He will bless your goings out and your comings in and that if we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths.  

Act of Dedication  
Having been prospered by the good hand of the Lord and enabled by His grace and power to purchase and build this house to be used for the glory of His Name, we now dedicate this land and home:  

To Almighty God and to the glory of God our Father, from Whom cometh every good and perfect gift.  

To the honor of Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord and Savior.  

To the praise of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Source of Light and Life, to Thee we dedicate this house.  

Here shall the Word be loved and obeyed. Here shall direction and God’s will be learned and revealed. 

 Here may the inhabitants of this home and their relatives and friends enjoy supernatural peace and safety from all acts of violence, including break-ins, theft, fire and storm.  

Arise, O Lord, and enter into this house.  

Put Thy Name in this place. Let your eyes be open toward it. Harken unto the supplication of this family. Establish the work of their hands.  

In Christ’s Name, we ask it. 

Source of Blessing | JohnKilpatrick.org | Media | Downloads | Blessing on A Home  

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Discipleship Highlights Hope The Greg Lancaster Show

“People are Dying as they Live” How to Love People who are Grieving

This life moves so fast, that if we don’t stop to take account of the realities that we face every day, we are going to miss them, and suddenly find ourselves at the end of our lives. We may not be at the end of our lives, but we may have those in our lives who are at the end of theirs, and there also may be those whose lives have suddenly ended. In this encouraging and uplifting moment, Greg sits down with long time friend and brother in the Lord, Jack Hollis, who has walked more than 50 years with the Lord, to talk about these important truths about life. When talking with Jack, Greg recalls a close friend that ministers alongside Jack, Geno, who happens to work in Hospice.

Knowing that Geno witnesses grief and death everyday of his life, Greg shares how Geno responded to him when he asked him his perspective on the things that the was witnessed. “People die as they lived.” This is so incredibly profound. Jack has worked closely alongside Geno and he expresses Geno with these words, “Geno is the best grief teacher in the world”. As he points out some of the important teachings that Geno shares, “you really don’t get any kind of closure without grief”. One of the most common statements we hear, when someone has passed away is, “they’re in a better place”. As Jack recalls Geno’s teachings, he points out how this is the worst thing that we can say, especially to grieving spouses. As Jack continues, “he may be in a better place, but the point is, she’s still here. And that’s who needs ministry, not him. Wherever he is, his is over. But she is needing ministry. She needs the love. She needs the fellowship.”

It’s so important to recognize and realize that how we live our lives, is who we will be at the end of our lives. If we were bitter and resentful, that is how we will be in our final years. As Greg points out, “we can get bitter when it’s all about this life. You know, we’re not living for eternity.” Greg continues, “so many people that live for this world and they are just so miserable.” Jack quickly agrees with this important truth when he states, “there is nothing satisfying here. Nothing.” Jack recalls the years of drinking he underwent trying to find satisfaction in this life. As he points out, “it almost cost me my wife and my son”. These are the very moments that we can decide not to live for this life, but to live for eternity, for Jesus!

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Abiding Discipleship Highlights Hope Jesus Movement The Greg Lancaster Show

God Doesn’t Hide Our Dirty Laundry

In the 1970’s, the Lord carried out a powerful and sovereign move of His presence that swept the entire nation, that eventually reached the nations of the world, and it is continuing to bear fruit to this day. This move of the Holy Spirit was know as the Jesus Movement. The Lord recently revealed to Greg Lancaster, “It’s going to be the 1970’s again”. God is going to do it again. In a recent conversation, Greg Lancaster was able to sit down and share some unforgettable moments with longtime friend, and brother in the Lord, Jack Hollis, and talk about what God is about do again in America and in the nations of the world. It’s important to recognize what God is NOT talking about by recalling the 1970’s. It’s not about the clothes, or how the worship was done, or bringing about the styles of the 1970’s. No. Jack highlights what he believes the Lord is saying. “I want the same mentality that was in the 70’s.” There was such a freedom to worship the Lord and go so hard after the Lord with a sold-out, devoted heart, people didn’t care what others thought about them.

Greg can fully empathize with that reality when he had to embrace the reality of putting his name on the ministry. This was the LAST thing he wanted to do. BUT after his spiritual father, Ken Sumrall, had instructed him to do it, he decided reluctantly, to do so. Greg was fully in touch with where he was when the Lord found him. “Cause my history is like [Jack’s] history. You know, God saved me in the middle of the night because nobody else believed I could be saved.” This is what God does. He doesn’t hide who we are. In Jack’s book, “Odyssey in Preparation”, he writes about the days when people used to hang their laundry out to dry in the warm sunshine to dry, after being freshly washed. Many may not be familiar with this practice, as it’s not done in our present generation as it once was generations ago. In those days, you could drive past your neighbors and know a lot about them by simply seeing their laundry. The important truth to gather from this, is that this applies to the Lord too. When we look at Scripture we can see that God doesn’t hide anything.

It’s important know this. If you think that you have to be this perfect, polished person, you’re exhausted. As Jack points out, “it’s sad that people put on a show, that’s what it is. It really is exhausting, and it makes Christianity a real burden to them. It’s a personal burden to try and live like a Christian if you’re not one. It’s just really difficult.” It’s crucial that we connect with the reality that God loves each and everyone us right now, just the way that we are. Jack recalls a memorable moment when a young woman felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit drawing her heart towards Jesus. With both of her hands deep in her pockets, she said to the Lord, “Lord I want to give you everything I’ve got God, all the way down to the bottom of my pockets.” While her fingernails were going into the dirt and dust of the pockets, she pulled her hands out and her fingernails were full of that dirt and dust. She looked at the dirt under her fingernail and said to the Lord, “look at that, that’s all I’ve got”. God spoke to her heart immediately. “That’s what I want. I can handle that. I can take care of that. I want the worst you are inside of you”. Just as quickly as the Lord responded to her, she responded back to him just as openly. “I’m here to give the worst I am back to Him.”

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Abiding Discipleship Highlights Holy Spirit The Greg Lancaster Show

Throne Room of God Encounter, What happened and 20/20 hindsight

It has often been said that ‘hindsight is 20/20’. What does that mean? When we look back on our lives, and the decisions that we have made, we can often see things much clearer than how things were when life was being experienced in the moment. Can you imagine the tremendous wisdom of being able to learn from those who have lived the fullness of life, and having the priceless opportunity of being able to glean from their wisdom? This is that moment. In a recent conversation, Greg Lancaster shared some unforgettable moments with longtime friend, and brother in the Lord, Jack Hollis, and reminisce of their fruitful and memorable journeys walking with the Lord. In our present age, sometimes the name ‘Jesus’ has incorporated many other ‘activities’ and ‘events’. But truth be told, it’s not about those things at all. Greg and Jack highlight the one truth that this life is all about.

When talking with Greg, Jack underscores this important reality by stating this vital truth; “everything is about the Father”. Jack continues to talk about how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit always glorify one another. When he talks to people about praying, he reminds people to always pray to the Father. If we’re not praying to the Father, we’re wrong. “It’s wrong. Jesus Himself said you’re never going to ask me for anything again. Ask the Father in My authority and He’ll give it to you. He said, don’t ask me for anything. I’ve already given you everything.” This is why Jesus started off the Lord’s prayer with this important words in Matthew 6:9 “Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”” This is what Jesus has done for us. Jesus has provided us access to the Father. As John 14:6 reveals, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” As Jack describes in his own words, “Jesus has given us the entrance into the presence of the Father”. We’ve made it about everything BUT the Father. As a man who has walked this Earth more than 80 years, it’s incredibly wise to listen to the wisdom that one would share. Jack expresses the vital revelation that came to him only a few short years ago, “This thing is all about glorifying God. It’s not about any of that other stuff.”

If we leave Jesus out of the reality of this moment we call life, we will have seriously missed what everything is all about. Greg describes an encounter that he had with the Lord, given to him in a dream, that has forever marked him and impacted his life. ‘I was standing at the doorway, outside the Throne Room, and the door was opened, but not fully opened, and the presence and awesomeness of God, and the fear of the Lord filled the place’” Greg continues to talk about the indescribable reality of what it’s like to experience such a profound encounter. ‘It’s not like you can’t bring something up in God’s presence. [it’s like the Throne Room of God is so filled with God, and a thought or an idea takes up tangible space, and that there’s no room for something else other than Him.] Standing just outside the threshold of the Throne Room of God makes clear what Jesus did for us all and outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, can anyone enter into the presence of God. Nor would they want to. because Jesus gives us access to this awesome, holy, perfect, God.’ Greg jokes patting his pockets saying “where’s Jesus, I need Jesus” when sharing about this prophetic encounter, saying that is what you will be doing if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Encounters like this don’t simply leave you unchanged. Greg also briefly points out how, in a previous encounter with the Lord, he was shown the Lord on the Cross, and in another encounter, he was able to embrace and fully hug the Lord. What is immensely powerful to realize and truly connect with, is the fact that this awesome and holy God loves us and wants a relationship with us.

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Abiding Discipleship Faith Mountain Family Mountain Highlights Holy Spirit The Greg Lancaster Show

Did God Call Us to Organized Religion or Connected Family?

When we give our lives to the Lord, we so desperately want to serve the Lord with all of our hearts and imagine what it looks like to live a life completely devoted to the Lord. What does a life consumed with the love of Jesus Christ look like? Sitting down and having a conversation with Jack Hollis, a man who has been walking with the Lord for more than 50 years, reveals that encouraging life story. Greg Lancaster recently had the immense privilege of spending time with Jack and talking about some of the miraculous testimonies that the Lord did through Jack’s life. One of these moments was when Jack and wife Shelly would take time to spend weekends at a one-bedroom cabin to minister to people. One particular weekend, the cabin was filled with 30 people who were hungry just to learn about and grow in the things of the Lord. They would spend hours singing together and worshiping the Lord, and then Jack would share a message from Scripture.

Talking with Jack, Greg recalls that season of the 1970’s as a sovereign move of God as the Lord was drawing so many people to Himself through family. As he shares, ‘it seems like some sort of pattern in the 70’s were, were in this thing as a family, we are connected, the Holy Spirit just connected everybody as a family. There was no time limits. I love being with you. I love being with God. Were eating together. That was just the season.’ What a beautiful moment to recall and remember as the Lord was doing so many wonderful and awesome things amongst His people. It was during this time that Keith Green was building on raw land to have housing and disciple as many people as he could in the things of the Lord.

Isn’t that what is missing today? When people say they love the Lord, do they love the Church? Do they love those that are next to them? One minute the person who says they love God, is now the person that is crucifying you. How does that make sense? As Greg expresses, “if I love you, then I love Jesus. Then if you love me then you love Jesus and our love for God is measured by our love for each other.” If this is what God expects of us, and if this is what is written in Scripture, how did we get where we are today? Why is there so much religion absent of the presence and love of Jesus? We can’t walk in the love of Jesus without our hearts being broken for the things that breaks the Lord’s heart and seeing others and Jesus sees them. Greg recalls that moment when Ken Sumrall, his spiritual father in the Lord, was suddenly overcome with the Father’s heart for the pastors in his community. “I think he was preparing for the message the night before or something, and all of a sudden God just came down and broke his heart and He said you know, basically, ‘My Church is fatherless. All these pastors are fatherless.’ And it just shifted everything.” Think about this important truth. Of all the words to be used in language, God is described as our Father. We HAVE to tap into and connect with this reality. This is river of truth that every area and portion of our lives most flow from.

Jack underscores this important reality by stating this vital truth; “everything is about the Father”. Jack continues to talk about how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit always glorify one another. When he talks to people about praying, he reminds people to always pray to the Father. If we’re not praying to the Father, we’re wrong. “It’s wrong. Jesus Himself said you’re never going to ask me for anything again. Ask the Father in My authority and He’ll give it to you. He said, don’t ask me for anything. I’ve already given you everything.” This is why Jesus started off the Lord’s prayer with this important words in Matthew 6:9 “Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”” This is what Jesus has done for us. Jesus has provided us access to the Father. As John 14:6 reveals, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” As Jack describes in his own words, “Jesus has given us the entrance into the presence of the Father”. We’ve made it about everything BUT the Father. As a man who has walked this Earth more than 80 years, it’s incredibly wise to listen to the wisdom that one would share. Jack expresses the vital revelation that came to him only a few short years ago, “This thing is all about glorifying God. It’s not about any of that other stuff.”

If we leave Jesus out of the reality of this moment we call life, we will have seriously missed what everything is all about. Greg describes an encounter that he had with the Lord, given to him in a dream, that has forever marked him and impacted his life. “I was standing at the doorway, outside the Throne Room, and the door was opened, but not fully opened, and the presence and awesomeness of God, was just fearful.” Greg continues to talk about the indescribable reality of what it’s like to experience such a profound reality. “It’s not like you can’t bring something up in His presence. It’s like, there’s no room for something else other than Him. As I was standing there, the one thing I think about, you know cause it’s about accessing Him, like you said. I was like, ‘JESUS! I NEED TO FIND JESUS!’ Because Jesus gives us access to this awesome, holy, perfect, God.” Encounters like this don’t simply leave you unchanged. Greg also briefly points out how, in a previous encounter with the Lord, he was shown the Lord on the Cross, and in another encounter, he was able to embrace and fully hug the Lord. Now after experiencing the Throne Room of God, he says, “I’M TERRIFIED! That’s the whole thing. Jesus gave us access.” What is immensely powerful to realize and truly connect with, is the fact that this awesome and holy God loves us and wants a relationship with us.

Discipleship Faith Mountain GLM Highlights Holy Spirit The Greg Lancaster Show

Jack Hollis: The Impactful Life of Pastoring a City

It is such an encouraging breath of fresh air to have a conversation with those who are down to Earth and humble. Jack Hollis is one of these men and his life is a wonderful, joyful testimony of the faithfulness of the Lord. Greg Lancaster was recently honored to be able to sit down with Jack and take the time to talk about some of the wonderful miracles that the Lord has done through Jack’s life. It is such an honorable to recognizable moment when someone has the heart desire to pastor God’s flock, to care for them, and demonstrate the love of the Lord to each of them. Jack has been a pastor in his hometown of Marianna, FL for decades, and has had such an influence upon his community, as Greg shares, he has “one thing that the Lord has used you in and what you’ve been faithful to do is literally, pastor a city”. At his recent birthday celebration, Jack’s son Quinton recognized the profound impact that Jack has had upon his local community; “no matter who they were; no matter whether they went to your church or not, when crisis hit, you’d be the first one they’d call”. Even when Jack and wife Shelly were financially broke themselves, they did all they could in those moments of need for others to help them pay their utility bills or to help them with rent. What a beautiful moment demonstrating the love of Jesus to those around us!

As Greg continues to point out, Jack is a man who continually demonstrates his heart of gratitude to those around him, he doesn’t keep it in his heart. When Jack walks past a table of law enforcement officers, he makes sure to take the opportunity to express how grateful he is for them AND to pay for their entire meal. What may seem like a simple act of kindness and generosity has the potential of changing someone’s life. As a former law enforcement officer himself, Greg empathizes the profound influence of those actions. “Being former law enforcement…very few people do that…It was so depressing some of the things that we had to do in law enforcement, to have some kind words, or an extra helping of this, or ‘we appreciate you’, it just changed everything.” Not only did Jack continually love on his community around him, but also continually spoke at the local university for the Baptist Campus Ministries and Fellowship of Christian Athletes events.

Jack recalls one particular moment speaking at an event that he recalls many of those who were present “went to church”, but yet they had never given their lives to the Lord. He knew that being able to connect with them personally would have an impact on them. “If you want to talk to me about anything, here’s my phone number and just let me know..” After following the leading of the Lord and sharing a prophetic word for two young athletes who were present that day, they made sure to express to Jack that they had taken down his phone number and would be calling him. As Jack says, “that’s what it’s all about”. In those moments and years, his devoted wife, Shelly, would be faithfully ministering alongside him to all of those who were in need. There was such a hunger for the love of God, that Jack recalls being able to minister the Word of God for 9 hours straight and people would faithfully attentively listen.

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Jack Hollis: The Impactful Life of Pastoring a City

1970’s Calvary Chapel Chuck Smith Church History Discipleship Faith Glory Stories Hippies Holy Spirit Hope Jesus Movement Jesus People Jesus Revolution Kay Smith The Greg Lancaster Show

Those Saved in the Last 100 Years Can Be Traced Back to Azusa Street Revival! The Spiritual Heritage that Birthed the Jesus Movement

There was a mighty move of God’s Spirit that took the entire nation by surprise. It was as sovereign move of God that drew millions of hearts and souls to the Lord. It was so sudden, and so mighty, that even Time Magazine dedicated on their front page magazines to recognizing the “Jesus Revolution”. There was such a mighty presence of Lord’s Spirit, that people were simply aware of God and turning their hearts to Him overnight. This understanding brings us so much encouragement and hope when we realize the recent words the Lord recently made known to Greg Lancaster, “It’s going to be the 1970’s again!” What is incredibly impactful to realize, is the spiritual heritage of what took place BEFORE the Jesus Movement occurred.

When people share about the exciting miracles that took place in the Jesus Movement, it’s not long before someone brings up the name, Lonnie Frisbee, the hippie who was radically touched by God, who played a significant role during this move of God. Well, it was also Chuck and Kay Smith that were ministering the California area, who welcomed Lonnie Frisbee into their home to share the Gospel with him. Chuck and Kay Smith, the founders of Calvary Chapel, was impacted mightily by the ministry of Aimee Semple McPherson’s Four Square Church, which was birthed out of the Azusa Street Revival. This is so significant to note. When Bill Johnson and Lou Engle were recently talking about the miracles of the Jesus Movement, Bill Johnson shares this notable reality, “every move of God that we read of, around the world, since 1906, is somehow an offshoot of Azusa Street, if you track the people involved, if you track the manifestations, the display of power of the Jesus People Movement”. Bill Johnson continues to highlight the hallmark characteristics of what took place in the Azusa Street Revival, “the faith that was released, the gifts, the church growth, the conviction for sin, the manifestation of God’s presence”. Johnson culminates his point by stating, “missy-ologists trace the amount of people that have been saved in the last 100 years, so much of it is traced back to what was released in Azusa Street”. Think about the significance of this reality! To know this history, to know what God did, and to know that God has said that He is going to do it AGAIN, you can prepare now for this coming move of God’s presence. Can you imagine seeing an entire stadium filled with men who are on fire for the Lord.

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IT WAS LIKE AN EXPLOSION! The Jesus Revolution! Part 7

There was a mighty move of God’s Spirit that took the entire nation by surprise. It was as sovereign move of God that drew millions of heart and souls to the Lord. It was so sudden, and so mighty, that even Time Magazine dedicated on their front page magazines to recognizing the “Jesus Revolution”. There was such a mighty presence of Lord’s Spirit, that people were simply aware of God and turning their hearts to Him overnight. This understanding brings us so much encouragement and hope when we realize the recent words the Lord recently made known to Greg Lancaster, “It’s going to be the 1970’s again!”

When we look around at the things happening in the nation today, crazy decisions being made in leadership, while people rioting in the streets of America, this happened the same in the 1970s. Today it’s ANTIFA, but in the 1970’s it was the hippies filling the streets. When you remember the moments of what the Lord did, as chronicled in the Time Magazine article, young people proudly wore the words, “Jesus is my Lord”. Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel, is seen carrying a paralyzed man to be water baptized. Lonnie Frisbee, who was mightily touched by the Lord, can be seen going after the Lord. Lonnie Frisbee was the hippie that was welcomed into Chuck and Kay Smith’s house, was like a match head that sparked what the Lord did in the Jesus Movement. It was during the Jesus Movement that people witness a Charismatic move of God that was sweeping over Catholics as one image captures a Catholic being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Messianic Jews were coming to Christ. Athletes were gathered in the middle of a 50-yard line, on the field, to come together in prayer. People are demonstrating repentance, clothing themselves with sackcloth and ashes. One woman can be seen in a building that was previously a strip club. How powerful is that! These were the days when Jesus Christ Superstar was being released. In the same Time Magazine Article, the question is asked, “Would Jesus Carry a Draft Card?” Would you be surprised to know that the military draft is coming back again? Jim Bakker prophesied that he saw the draft coming back and many young people crying, not wanting to be drafted. Imagine this powerful moving of the Lord happening AGAIN! Imagine a sovereign move of God that just TAKES OVER with no barriers and no boundaries! When a flood comes, there’s no stopping the water. Wherever it can move, that’s what happens.

Considering this mighty move of the Lord’s Spirit, would you be surprised to know that much of the “church” actually rejected what the Lord was doing? There was so much going on that people didn’t what to make of it. God was doing such a radical new thing, many weren’t sure how to approach it. As Greg recalls, Jack Hayford commented to “the Church itself was losing its place in general”. You have to understand the unprecedent events that were unfolding during these days. As Greg explains, “people that were in the Church were called ‘The Charismatic Renewal Movement’, and people that were in the world called it “The Jesus Movement”, because of the hippie movement. But the reality is, it was just a sovereign move of God that was going on”. So many people were getting saved in these moments, the traditional church rejected them. This is why we are coming to you this very moment, because we want to prepare our hearts and not reject this coming move of God’s Spirit. It easy to look over someone that has beat you, bruised you, and burned down that which is important to you. Do they hate the country? Do they hate what America stands for? Sounds familiar. But, these are the people that Jesus loves. It’s incredibly crucial that we have the Lord’s heart for the lost. As Greg underscores this important truth, “you can be hurt and you can miss the call because you don’t believe that God can actually save those people that hurt you.” Be encouraged not to let your heart be hardened. Ask God now the soften your heart to that which the Lord’s heart burns and years for. Take the time now to prepare for this coming awesome sovereign move of God!

John Ruttke was another one of those men who personally witness and lived through the Jesus Movement. He was one of those hearts that was mightily and powerfully transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. As a man who has experience and wisdom in his voice, he cries out to those who want to be a part of this next coming move of God, how to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that his generation suffered and witnessed. “We’ve learned enough to go, ‘DON’T GO THAT WAY! GO OVER THERE! THAT TOOK TWO YEARS OF OUR LIVES!’” Ruttke continues to express what it was like when thousands upon thousands of people were coming to Christ. “In the Jesus Movement, if you read both the New Testament and the Old Testament, you were now the leader.” As people chuckle in response, he continues to recall the types of exchanges that people would seriously have; “Did you actually read the Book of Revelation? Okay, well then you’re an elder”. When Holy Spirit is fully present, things happen to simply work themselves out.

So many people have a deep heart cry to be a part of what God is doing. Imagine only have one gallon of gas in your car. How far would you go? Now imagine having ten gallons in your car. Imagine how much further you would go. If you know the Lord, you can hear His voice, and have given your life to learn about Jesus His commandments in His Word, you’re like the one with ten gallons of gas in his car! When we are the ones that have a history with walking with the Lord, we can help those don’t know Him yet. There are those who have to endure the pain of growing in their character. That’s a normal part of growing in maturity.

Think about this national sweeping, consuming, sovereign move of God happening AGAIN and you already know the Lord! How incredibly encouraging is this considering that one of Jesus’ last words to His disciples was to make disciples. As Matthew 28:19-20 reveals, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” So many people are going to be consumed with a hunger to know who Jesus is. If you are on who is walking with Jesus Christ today, you have answer within you right now and can be one of those leading people to Jesus and raising them up as disciples, just as Jesus commanded us all to do.

Helping to recall what it was like to find yourself in the middle of the Charismatic Renewal Movement, as Charles Simpson shares in his interview with Greg Lancaster, “it was like an explosion”. It’s so easy to have an opinion about something that we have never experienced. But, when we consider the words of those who have gone before us, and experienced such a sweet, sudden, outpouring of God’s presence, it helps us to shift outside of our limited mindsets of today. You don’t have to be caught by surprise when this coming move of God is here. Good surfers are always looking with expectancy that waves are coming, and when they see the wave coming, they start immediately paddling! Jesus said in John 8:31, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” If you find yourself in the middle of an explosion, all of your sensory perception goes out the window, and you simply rely on what you’ve been trained to do. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples. For those who found themselves in the middle of Charismatic Renewal Movement, like Charles Simpson, Ken Sumrall, and so many other, that’s what they began to do.

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The Church Isn’t a Compilation of Specialties; It’s Family

The Church Isn’t a Compilation of Specialties; It’s Family

Looking at the model of the Church today, there appears to be a collection of specialties. There those that focus on the children, the specialties for men and women, like we have specialties in medicine. We used to have one general practitioner for family medicine, and now we have all these differing specialists for all the specific body parts as if were not whole human beings. God designed us to be whole and to function as a whole. In a presentation at a TED Talk, Margaret Heffernan shares about a study conducted by MIT regarding an observation on teams and the productivity of those teams.

As Heffernan points out, “Companies don’t have ideas, only people do; and what motivates people are the bonds and loyalties, and trust they develop between each other. What matters is the mortar, not just the bricks.” Can you imagine being in an environment where the connectivity of relationships between you and the people around you is valued greater that the results of productivity at the end of the day? What help us to become more fruitful is the very relationships we have. When we look at Colossians 3:12-14, we can see how the Word of God speaks about this very truth. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” It’s a shocker to realize, but the mortar that actually binds us together, is love!

Bishop T.D. Jakes said this, “Lord, if I have to be lonely, please at least let me be alone”. How many people are surrounded by people all day long and are still consumed with being alone? Just because we have people around us, doesn’t mean that we have relationship. It’s hard to have value when you don’t have relationship. Simply taking the time to learn to know the person next to you, we are taking the time to know Jesus. If we don’t spend time with the people around us, why would be shocked to find out that they don’t feel valued?

We don’t “swipe right” or “swipe left” when we are looking for a Church family, or looking for relationship with God? Having friends in our lives is not about the number of followers on our Social Media platforms, it’s about the people in our lives that we are walking together, who we care about, who care about us. Relationship with other people is a choice that we have to make. As Rick Joyner with Morning Star Ministries said, “if you’re in depression, it’s because you’ve distanced yourself away from God because the closer you get to God’s presence, you’re not depressed”. Truth of the matter is that you’re not just showing up to a gathering for yourself, you’re showing up because of those that value and need that relationship with you! We’re not called to do this alone, we can’t walk this out alone. We’re only able to bear fruit when we’re walking with Jesus, walking with others. This is where the fruit happens.

To know that you have God’s family around you, to know that you are connected to God’s family is indescribable. Pat recalls his own journey of understanding that he can’t do this alone and how much it means to him to have true, authentic family in his life. “Its priceless. You can’t put a price on it, it’s so beautiful. Being around family, people that truly love you, that care about you, care about your family, care about what’s going on in your life”. You can recognize those surface level conversations and relationships. Family is not supposed to be that way. If you’ve never had that authentic relationship in your life, seek out relationship! It’s important to have relationships with people that you trust, not just anybody. Your heart matters, so entrust your heart to those that value you AND your heart! It takes time to build healthy relationships, and healthy family. However long it takes, IT’S WORTH IT! YOU MATTER TO GOD!

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WATCH! Why is President Obama on the side of a Building in Iran in 2014?; and Prophetic Words from John Paul Jackson

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Living in the Last Days: Are You Prepared? Difficult Days are Ahead, But So is the Harvest!

Can you imagine going to Iran and seeing an image of the President of the United States, Barack Obama, plastered across the side of a building? That’s exactly what CNN’s Anthony Bourdain witnessed when he traveled to the capital city of Iran, Tehran. It is imperative to remember and understand that Iran is the country that people were sentenced to a number of lashings because they were too happy. This is the same nation that America cut a deal with. Reportedly, it looks as if we gave them $400 million in exchange for captured journalists. With the simple explanation of a chalkboard, Glenn Beck compares what Iran asked for in the deal and what the U.S. asked for. It’s almost as if America is paying tribute to Iran. We must recognize that difficult days are ahead.

Imagine if, somehow, a military force ended up in the Gulf of Mexico. The Lord has shown to both Greg Lancaster and Brett Holderbaum, an aircraft carrier going down in the Gulf. An aircraft carrier is a sign of America’s strength. In addition, the Lord also showed Greg Lancaster that there was a sudden urgency with no time left. People in Florida were running to the Northern border hoping to get across. As the governor of Florida reached the border, he himself could only reach across, but he himself did not make it. Although, while reaching, he passed what appeared to be papers across the border. It was the constitutional papers of the state of Florida, its very sovereignty.

When we hear people voicing the idea of a “national police force” we must recognize that this is not in line with the original intent of America. A “State of Emergency” would cause a military general to be placed over America, which can also be understood as an interchangeable reality of “Martial Law”.

John Paul Jackson has continually sounded the warnings of the days that we are living in. The realities that we are witnessing in Venezuela are about to take place in America. As Jackson shares the headlines of what he was shown from the Lord, one of the headlines read, “Food Prices Lead Nation’s Escalating Inflation Woes” while another read, “Sysco and Kraft Considers Guards on Delivery Trucks as Food Nears 40% of the Family Budget”. It’s happening as we speak in Venezuela. Hundreds of thousands of people in Venezuela are rushing the border to seek food in neighboring countries only to realize that a month’s worth of wages will only buy 2 days-worth of food.

Today’s generation may not recognize that food take time to grow. We’ve gotten so caught up in technology and the instantaneous timelines of so many processes that we may have forgotten that cows do not come from McDonalds. It wasn’t that long ago that life meant hard work from dusk till dawn for the simple processes of food. Today, 2% of America’s population produces the food for the other 98% with the average distance of the food nearing 1,500 miles; and in some instancesover 2,00 miles. What we’re used to getting in a matter of seconds through a fast-food aisle, will take days, if not months to grow.

What we are about to see will cause people to coagulate together with a common goal of searching food for their families and loved ones. This is called a gang. When National Geographic released a fictional video called “After Armageddon” it portrayed a family’s response to a national economic crisis. One of the interesting statements made highlighted how people change based on their condition. “We’re nice mainly because we’re rich and comfortable; and when we’re no longer rich and comfortable, we won’t be as nice.” Not only did Jackson warn of coming hardships regarding food, but also riots.

When speaking on Joni Talk, he shared, “Riots are coming. Riots in the streets are coming; and if we’re not careful, shortly after the next Presidential Election, the anger will mount so much that we’ll end up having Martial Law declared. There are 6 cities in the United States, there may be more, but I have seen 6 cities where Martial Law was declared.” He was shown Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and an additional mystery city that he did not know the specifics of. Detroit has warned visitors to “Enter at Your Own Risk”.

In a time of worshiping the Lord, Brett Holderbaum was shown the patterns of a hurricane and felt a strong wind. When he asked the Lord what He was saying, God then showed him Washington D.C. God then said He is “tearing down the mountains and all the monuments that man has made. A fresh wind will blow through D.C.”

When Greg Lancaster was shown a vision from the Lord, America was being attacked from the East and the West. The number of this enemy was 666 and 67 was involved. BUT, the Church is going to multiply and defeat the advancing armies. The encouraging reminder is in the process of desiring a harvest. The hard soil must first be tilled up and softened, in order for the seeds to take root.

Though the enemies are many and advancing, our hope is in the Lord. It’s time to learn how to be the Church. Hearing the voice of God doesn’t just happen. We have to make the conscious decision to become disciples of Jesus Christ. We must spend time with Jesus Christ in the Word of God. The urgency of this matter can be seen when remembering a vision that the Lord gave to Dumitru Duduman. In this night vision, only 25% of the Christians that he was shown knew what to do with the Word of the Lord and fight against the attacks of the Devil while the other remaining 75% were all destroyed. Hear the full discussion of these important matters to understand the urgency of the hour that we are facing, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: Iran, Tehran, Malaysia airline, Governor Rick Scott, ValerieJarrett, CBS Morning News, National Geographic, Texas, prophetic warnings, Mark of the Beast, technology, EMP, Emmaus Road, and discipleship. Greg and John shared in this segment.

It’s Time to Be Prepared Spiritually for What Is Coming: Get Started on the Emmaus Road

It’s time that the Church be armed for the ensuing battle that we are about to face. The weapons to best fight this war is not with bullets, but with Scripture; The Word of the Lord. For those that want to know how to spend time with God, they can be unsure of how to get started, or what to do. But, there is a simple plan that you can start today. With this simple plan, you can begin abiding with the Lord, and start your journey on Emmaus Road as a disciple of Jesus Christ. You can begin your journey today. Greg and John shared in this segment.

Big Tent Revival in Burlington North Carolina!

Answered prayer is being realized in the town of Burlington, North Carolina as revival is being experienced! As CBN’s Mark Martin shares from Burlington, “The tent director of the Burlington Revival says they are averaging around 2,500 to 3,000 people each night.” Mark continues to share, “Earlier this month they held a youth night and more than 5,000 people showed up.”

When New Hope Baptist Church began a one-week revival on Mother’s Day, Pastor Hobbs believed that God wanted to do more. After outgrowing their normal gathering place, a local business man, Don Cox, offered up his property to house the accommodating tent where thousands of people would seek the presence of the Lord.

Cox shares about how this experience reminds him of what he had seen decades ago; “The last time I remember anything remotely similar to this happening was in August of 1951 where I went to a tent meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, where a young evangelist by the name of Billy Graham was speaking.” Reportedly, more than 400 people have given their lives to Jesus Christ. Be encouraged as you see the very testimonies of what God is doing, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: revival, Holy Spirit, and prayer. Greg and John shared in this segment.

Pensacola Uniting in PRAYER: Be There September 11, 2016 Pensacola Bay Center

In the coming days, the Church will be gathered at the Pensacola Bay Center on September 11^th, 2016 to come together, pray, and seek the face of the Lord for our city and our nation. Sixteen years ago, the Church all throughout Pensacola gathered upon the same location to pray for the city and the nation. Now we have the opportunity to do it again. Set your appointments today and be a part of what God is doing as you witness this exciting and memorable event. See Pastor Ken Sumrall pray for the ministers in the city, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: encouragement, prayer, and worship. Greg and John shared in this segment.

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WATCH! The Devil’s End Game: The Power to Define the Meaning of WORDS; Your One Vote Matters! Your Vote Can Make the Difference- 4% of People Vote in Local Elections

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The Devil’s End Game: The Power to Define the Meaning of WORDS

What is the end game of the devil and how do we respond to what he is doing? Lance Wallnau, speaking on The Jim Bakker Show, helps answer these questions. “The ultimate spoils of the culture of war is the power to define the meaning of words. (For example) What is a man, what is a woman, what is marriage, what is freedom? …When the devil gets control of the gates of influence, he can redefine the meaning of things. The wrecking ball that is released is going to wreck the progress of that agenda…I asked the Lord…what is the business with the wall all about…there has to be more than something to do with Mexico.” God gave him the scripture, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”(ESV) “America has become a nation that doesn’t have self-control. It has no fiscal control in Washington; it has no media control over truth, it has no moral control over sexuality. The prophetic imagery here is that, I’m(God) going to build walls and boundaries for the sake of putting back in self-government in America, so it doesn’t collapse.”

We need to go back and find the original intent in these things listed above and the issues that we face every day, and we can find them in the Bible. We can get a biblical worldview and come together as believers in whichever mountain of influence/culture God has us in. God has called us to be disciples of light in our daily lives and bring others into the Kingdom of God. You can find out more about discipleship and how to influence your mountain of culture at VFNKB. We want to hear from you! Also shared in this segment: President Donald Trump, Pastors, Tower of Babel, Babylon, Global, Freedom, Truth, Prison, Homosexuality, Biblical Worldview. Greg shared in this segment.

Your One Vote Matters! Your Vote Can Make the Difference- 4% of People Vote in Local Elections

How important is one vote in an election? Pastor George Pearsons, Bishop Keith Butler, and David Barton answer this question for us and help us gain a better perspective on how important our vote is. There are many times where one vote made the difference. Pastor Pearsons goes back in history where one vote made a huge difference. “In 1845 Texas was admitted to the States by one vote, 1868 Andrew Johnson was spared impeachment by one vote, in 1923, Adolf Hitler won the leadership of the Nazi party by one vote. In 1960, JFK won by one vote per precinct and Nixon lost by one vote per precinct. And so, one vote is extremely important.”

David Barton talks about Thomas Jefferson and how many people in recent times have wanted any memory of him removed because he was a slave owner. But he was not a slave owner by choice, and he tried to free his slaves but the state of Virginia at that time would not allow him to free them because of certain laws that were in place. He tried to have the law removed and to abolish slavery as soon as he started college at the University of Virginia, but he could not get it done. When elected to the Continental Congress he introduced a law to abolish slavery, and he lost by one vote! America missed ending slavery by only one vote. Even still he fought until the end of his life to abolish slavery.

When it comes to our current elections, many are focusing on the Presidential election or the bigger election when we should be focusing more on our local elections which is much more important. Bishop Butler shares how important the local vote is. “Local officials can determine where you live, how you live, what you can do, whether or not you can own a firearm…the entire local level is extremely, extraordinarily important. And in many ways have as much and in some cases have more impact on your life than the federal officials do.” David shares that, “31% of people (in America) have decided not to vote (in presidential elections).” When we decide not to vote, we decide to not have any influence at all in our city, and our country. He continues, “Only 4% of voters vote in local elections.”

We can focus on influencing people in our community who have the right values to run for office, and it is a high possibility that they will win because of the low percentage of people that actually vote in the local elections. Bishop Butler states that, “The City Council has the ability to select whether the Second Amendment will be applied or not…every election matters…the will of what the public really thinks is not being shown at the ballot box, then they say this is terrible why is this happening, but you didn’t go out and vote?” Bishop Butler is asked the question; As a pastor what do you do in your church to encourage people to vote? “Every pastor, anything you want them to do, you preach on it. You will have whatever you preach on… faith comes by hearing…the gospel system is speaking, hearing, and acting. If a pastor takes the time to walk through the Word of God about the matter, the people will vote.”

Voting is our responsibility as citizens of America and we can make sure the right person gets in office. As believers “it is a biblical duty to vote,” says David, “God has ordained the institution of civil government.” The scriptures tell us how to elect people for government, “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” This scripture points to each level of government that we vote for. When we choose not to vote the wrong people are put into leadership, but we can make the right choice and get out and vote! We want to hear from you. Also shared in this segment: elections, values, Second Amendment, preaching, Biblical World View, seeds, harvest, righteousness, faith, and abiding. Greg and Steve shared in this segment. See original article HERE.

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Charles Simpson Shares What He Learned in the Charismatic Renewal Movement

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During the 1960s, and into the 1970s, the Holy Spirit carried out an awesome move of God, which has been known as the Charismatic Renewal Movement. During that time, Charles Simson was one of the handful of men that found themselves in a deeply encouraging, yet also challenging movements of God’s Spirit. In these life experiences, we cannot help but learn precious lessons and wisdom along the way. In a recent conversation with VFNtv, Charles Simpson talked about some of these vital lessons that he gained along the way.

As man with tremendous life experience, Simpson’s words echo the very fragrance of wisdom. When speaking about what he learned from the Charismatic Renewal Movement, he shares these words, “It’s not just discipling and shepherding, and all that, it’s life itself.” Simpson continues to underscore the importance of paying close attention to the words of Jesus. “One thing that we all need to know is that Jesus commanded certain things, He didn’t suggest them. He commanded them. If you start out to obey His commands, not for salvation, but because He said, ‘do it’.” Even this wisdom points to the necessity of understanding where salvation begins. Simpson continues, “Salvation comes by faith in [Jesus], but to say that I’ve got faith in Him, but I don’t obey Him, I’m not sure that works.”

Remembering his own journey in his youth, he never felt that he measured up to the calling that God had on his life. Simpson’s father was a pastor, and he watched how his father ministered, and also how people responded his father’s leadership. Thinking back to conversations with his father about the ministry, he recalls a memorable exchange. “If they said to me what some of them say to you…I’d knock all their teeth out. He said, ‘well you don’t what you would do.’ And he was right, I didn’t. And when I finally committed my life to the ministry and walked through my own stuff, I had a lot to learn. And, I figure, I’ve got just as much to learn right now because there are layers, and layers, and layers of truth in one word; and you learn it on one dimension and then you learn it on another dimension.” As Simpson continues to point out, we never stop learning.

The important truth about life and always learning is the stark difference in our lives when we begin to attempt to do what Jesus has called and commanded us to do. “Nothing becomes real until you try it. Theories don’t produce character. Theories don’t produce triumph.” It is in these next words of truth that brings so much encouragement to the battles and seasons of life that we all go through. “I believe God delights more in the mistakes of those who try than the successes of those who don’t, or the ideas.” How often do we become more focused on our failures and mistakes and not on the wisdom that was learned during those choices and seasons in our lives?

As Simpson continues to focus on how we are to carry out and carry on what Jesus commanded us to do, he talks about discipleship. “The aim of discipleship is to mature them to friendship. Jesus said I no longer call you servants, but friends. My best friends are some of those that I discipled. But I don’t look at them as my disciples. I look at them as my friends.” With this understanding, Simpson humbly shares about the continuing fruit that is being born within those friends; “and they’ve taken whatever I’ve taught them places I could never take it”. Simpson continues, “Your prayer is, the people you influence are smarter than you are, learn from your mistakes, and take it to places you could never take it.”

The more we live in this life, the more we experience conflicts and disagreements. As Simpson continues to share priceless wisdom he has learned throughout his life, he reveals that we should not be surprised how people respond when they don’t agree with the choices that are made. ‘When people disagree with you, they will attack your motives, they won’t attack your processes, they will attack who you are, and not get bitter.’ It is our response in those moments that matter most. Simpson continues, “when that happens, you gotta love them.”

Considering the many different people and different situations that Simpson has encountered in his life, he reflects on Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:16, “You will recognize them by their fruits”, as he points out the importance of recognizing disciples by their fruit. “The thing: real disciples bear fruit. People that are just into knowledge listen, they become connoisseurs of good sermons, but they never bear fruit themselves, and that’s unfortunate because they have a lot to give.” The priceless exchange continues as Greg Lancaster how we are to respond when someone refuses to lay their life down for the next generation as was done for their life. Simpson’s response highlights the urgency of crisis in today’s Church. “Well I think part of it is the fault of the pulpit because we haven’t spelled out what is required. We say, ‘being a Christian requires a certain moral standing, maybe a certain giving standard, maybe a certain attendance standard, maybe a certain involvement in committees and programs standard’, all of that; but we don’t say, ‘well if you’re a real Christian, you’re going to produce another real Christian pretty soon…Everything else is part of church membership, but that is not.” It’s in this moment that Simpson underscores the important truth of understanding the difference between salvation and discipleship. “It isn’t just that we get somebody saved. Making disciples is a whole ‘nother thing. It’s a commitment, it’s like having a child, and it’s very much like having a child; and you get calls and you spend time.” Just as there are maturity levels in a child, so is there different maturity levels in disciples. Simpson continues, ‘there are levels of maturity, that one day, they’re going to have children, and they’re going to realize you were smarter than they thought you were. The thing is, when you get old, it’s your fruit that’s gonna take care of you’.

This is such a priceless exchange of wisdom and life’s truths that we must carry on into our generation and into our own lives. See the whole conversation with Charles Simpson and all the many different lessons he has learned in his 82 years of experience, and so much more. Also shared in this segment is leadership, Holy Spirit, submission, humility, trust, process, revelation, understanding, intellect, knowledge, problem-solving, Patriarchy, accusation, fruit, disciples, discipleship, pyramids, children, family, sacrifice, sowing, reaping, and ministry. Charles Simpson and Greg Lancaster shared in this segment.

Image courtesy of CSMPublishing.org

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