God calls us to close intimate relationship.
Many of us habitually and unconsciously avoid close intimate relationship.
This means that we will habitually and unconsciously avoid close intimate relationship with God.
Church is the institution many Christians turn to for their relationship with God.
Church is not God. Church was built by people who habitually and unconsciously avoid close intimate relationship with God.
This means that the church will systematically build in avoidance of close intimate relationship with God.
We will become addicted to church as a way of escape - a way of avoiding relationship with God.
An example: In our discussion about building community at Runnymede Baptist Church we were providing answers to the question: "How do we build a sense of community?" The question we avoided in that discussion was how do we become a real community.
Another example: At a live sports event men and women can be loud, emotional and expressive as they engage in the event. In 'worship' where we meet and submit to the one Who provides for us, Who created us and Who redeemed us from sin and invited us into a family covenant relationship, we are often quite unemotional, unengaged and not expressive.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Listening Prayer in the New Church Landscape
Prayer in the New Church Landscape does not look like it did in the church as we know it. In the church as we have known it 'prayer was good.' Since 'all prayer is good' in an unthinking 'religious duty' sense, then there were never any questions about our attitude in prayer, Biblical teaching on prayer, the Jesus example in healing, etc.
Mike Wilkins is a baptist pastor, the son of a Baptist pastor and, therefore, thinks like a baptist pastor. He never questions why he does things or whether they are effective. Prayer was one of these things. I would ask "have listened to God?" Do you have any 'word from above' as to how to pray? Has there been listening prayer? Is there any guiding vision, revelation or scripture to be the basis of prayer?
Wilkin's attitude is an unthinking religious "prayer is good" attitude. Mine is listening prayer. Don't just pray; listen! We need to ask "What is prayer?"
I explain in faith of the heart prayers why my approach is effective. Miracles, mike, are not based on head knowledge - see Head vs heart faith in faith of the heart prayer. The method of listening prayer is explained as How to do Listening Prayer.
When you enter the New Church Landscape you need to be kings and priests and not dependent on pastors like Mike. You take responsibility for your own Christian identity and you are responsible for learning how to pray effectively.
The secret is simple. Don't pray for everything. Pray as the Lord leads and how the Lord leads based on listening prayer. You may listen as a group as Daniel did with his companions in Daniel 2:17, 18.
My web site on Listening prayer is under construction. At the moment there are articles on:
Faith of the heart prayers, Head vs Heart Faith in faith of the heart prayer, How to do Healing Prayer, How to break a curse, What is listening prayer?, how to do listening prayer, How to pray for protection, prayer with the human spirit, types of prayer - intercessory prayer, What is prayer?, What is the power of prayer? How to do healing Prayer, Healing prayer for cancer.
Mike Wilkins is a baptist pastor, the son of a Baptist pastor and, therefore, thinks like a baptist pastor. He never questions why he does things or whether they are effective. Prayer was one of these things. I would ask "have listened to God?" Do you have any 'word from above' as to how to pray? Has there been listening prayer? Is there any guiding vision, revelation or scripture to be the basis of prayer?
Wilkin's attitude is an unthinking religious "prayer is good" attitude. Mine is listening prayer. Don't just pray; listen! We need to ask "What is prayer?"
I explain in faith of the heart prayers why my approach is effective. Miracles, mike, are not based on head knowledge - see Head vs heart faith in faith of the heart prayer. The method of listening prayer is explained as How to do Listening Prayer.
When you enter the New Church Landscape you need to be kings and priests and not dependent on pastors like Mike. You take responsibility for your own Christian identity and you are responsible for learning how to pray effectively.
The secret is simple. Don't pray for everything. Pray as the Lord leads and how the Lord leads based on listening prayer. You may listen as a group as Daniel did with his companions in Daniel 2:17, 18.
My web site on Listening prayer is under construction. At the moment there are articles on:
Faith of the heart prayers, Head vs Heart Faith in faith of the heart prayer, How to do Healing Prayer, How to break a curse, What is listening prayer?, how to do listening prayer, How to pray for protection, prayer with the human spirit, types of prayer - intercessory prayer, What is prayer?, What is the power of prayer? How to do healing Prayer, Healing prayer for cancer.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Do you go to church?
People ask: Where do you go to church?
How do you answer if you are the church?
You can't answer because you don't go to church if you are the church. The church gathers whenever 2 or 3 get together in the Spirit, Truth and Power of God.
Are words important? Is the issue of how you use the word "church" a non-issue?
Words are important because they reveal tradition and belief. They reinforce error or introduce truth. The truth will set us free.
Is the institution that calls itself "the church" really and truly the church - the Body of Christ - the Bride of Christ - the victorious, free, powerful, world transforming army of saints that have been given the kingdoms of this world?
To the extent that the above is NOT true; to that extent do NOT honour that which calls itself 'The Church' with the wrong name. If it is NOT the church, then do NOT call it the church. To do so would get you and others confused.
If truth is important then clear language is important.
The church is what Jesus is building not the institution that has grown up to perpetuate the religion of Christianity. The religion has openly suppressed healing and the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus open and blatantly confronted the religious establishment.
How do you answer if you are the church?
You can't answer because you don't go to church if you are the church. The church gathers whenever 2 or 3 get together in the Spirit, Truth and Power of God.
Are words important? Is the issue of how you use the word "church" a non-issue?
Words are important because they reveal tradition and belief. They reinforce error or introduce truth. The truth will set us free.
Is the institution that calls itself "the church" really and truly the church - the Body of Christ - the Bride of Christ - the victorious, free, powerful, world transforming army of saints that have been given the kingdoms of this world?
To the extent that the above is NOT true; to that extent do NOT honour that which calls itself 'The Church' with the wrong name. If it is NOT the church, then do NOT call it the church. To do so would get you and others confused.
If truth is important then clear language is important.
The church is what Jesus is building not the institution that has grown up to perpetuate the religion of Christianity. The religion has openly suppressed healing and the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus open and blatantly confronted the religious establishment.
Monday, April 21, 2008
War on behalf of the church
From Melbourne Australia I got a newsletter from David Orton about a gathering based on "a growing hunger for the reality of God’s manifest presence in the hearts of God’s people."
David Orton states that "a revolution must come;" in order to fulfill Christ's prayer 'that they all may be one.'
'The Gathering' – Melbourne is a declaration of war on behalf of a city – but not a war against any particular person or group. This is a war against the mindsets and human systems that have held God’s people captive for almost two millennia. It is a war for the supremacy of Christ over His church and, in fact, over the whole of creation.
These are strong words. They reflect strong feeling. Do they reflect God's words and God's feeling. Could God feel about the church that it calls itself the church but is not the church, as when Jesus spoke of Jews that called themselves Jews but were not Jews (Revelation Chap.2: Letter to Smyrna )?
I believe strongly that God could feel that way; that God is quite ready to spit out the lukewarm church. Ready to move on to let Jesus build His church in the New Landscape.
Are you ready to move on? Can you feel the wind of the Spirit? Are you more interested in the reality than the appearance? Ready to leave the institution for the gathering? Looking for what the gentle dove has landed?
You may be entering the New Landscape! Watch for the angels!
David Orton states that "a revolution must come;" in order to fulfill Christ's prayer 'that they all may be one.'
'The Gathering' – Melbourne is a declaration of war on behalf of a city – but not a war against any particular person or group. This is a war against the mindsets and human systems that have held God’s people captive for almost two millennia. It is a war for the supremacy of Christ over His church and, in fact, over the whole of creation.
These are strong words. They reflect strong feeling. Do they reflect God's words and God's feeling. Could God feel about the church that it calls itself the church but is not the church, as when Jesus spoke of Jews that called themselves Jews but were not Jews (Revelation Chap.2: Letter to Smyrna )?
I believe strongly that God could feel that way; that God is quite ready to spit out the lukewarm church. Ready to move on to let Jesus build His church in the New Landscape.
Are you ready to move on? Can you feel the wind of the Spirit? Are you more interested in the reality than the appearance? Ready to leave the institution for the gathering? Looking for what the gentle dove has landed?
You may be entering the New Landscape! Watch for the angels!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
When 'weakness' becomes strength
"Gandhi's Strength
In the published diaries of Joseph Goebbels, the infamous Nazi Propagandist, there are two or three references to Mahatma Gandhi. Goebbels believed that Gandhi was a fool and a fanatic. If Gandhi had the sense to organize militarily, Goebbels thought, he might hope to win the freedom of India. He was certain that Gandhi couldn’t succeed following a path of non-resistance and peaceful revolution. Yet as history played itself out, India peacefully won her independence while the Nazi military machine was destroyed. What Goebbels regarded as weakness actually turned out to be strength. What he thought of as strength turned out to be weakness." Kevin M. Pleas, Sufficient Grace
In this kingdom even our weakness, faults and sins come under the rule of King Jesus, if and only if we release them to the King. We are inclined to release our problems, addictions, faults to Jesus, if and only if we are prepared to give up control and the feeling of power that comes from autonomous control.
We are inclined to give up control if, and only if, we find within us the willingness to let go of Pride and live within Humility.
When one with problems with alcohol consumption says: "My drinking is out of control and I turn my alcohol addiction over to Christ the King," then the Kingdom of God begins to manifest within the alcohol addiction.
What area of your life would you like to turn over to Christ the King?
What 'weakness' would you like Christ the King to take over?
Prayer: "Jesus, I ask you to be Lord, Healer, Saviour and Deliverer of my ____(problem)____."
www.HealMyLife.com
"Gandhi's Strength
In the published diaries of Joseph Goebbels, the infamous Nazi Propagandist, there are two or three references to Mahatma Gandhi. Goebbels believed that Gandhi was a fool and a fanatic. If Gandhi had the sense to organize militarily, Goebbels thought, he might hope to win the freedom of India. He was certain that Gandhi couldn’t succeed following a path of non-resistance and peaceful revolution. Yet as history played itself out, India peacefully won her independence while the Nazi military machine was destroyed. What Goebbels regarded as weakness actually turned out to be strength. What he thought of as strength turned out to be weakness." Kevin M. Pleas, Sufficient Grace
In this kingdom even our weakness, faults and sins come under the rule of King Jesus, if and only if we release them to the King. We are inclined to release our problems, addictions, faults to Jesus, if and only if we are prepared to give up control and the feeling of power that comes from autonomous control.
We are inclined to give up control if, and only if, we find within us the willingness to let go of Pride and live within Humility.
When one with problems with alcohol consumption says: "My drinking is out of control and I turn my alcohol addiction over to Christ the King," then the Kingdom of God begins to manifest within the alcohol addiction.
What area of your life would you like to turn over to Christ the King?
What 'weakness' would you like Christ the King to take over?
Prayer: "Jesus, I ask you to be Lord, Healer, Saviour and Deliverer of my ____(problem)____."
www.HealMyLife.com
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Teaching from the Heart
Teaching from the heart (not the head)
Thanks for referencing my article on head/heart on www.HealMyLife.com.
You ask what it would be like to teach from the heart. I say it would be the most natural thing in the world.
You wouldn't be straining to get it right, thinking about how to do it right, trying hard to teach right, instead you would just be the teacher you are.
You would flow with what you know (head), what the situation at the moment is (be present), and who you are (being).
So you would be relaxed and confident about your skill but not trying too hard.
You would be very aware of the present moment and attentive to the student and the question of the moment.
You would be comfortable with being yourself and flowing in the moment with the your connection with divine wisdom - the mind of Christ. You maintain that connection by consciously turning to God in prayer and love through your day. You flow in the spirit of God love.
This comes with experience. All the best with what the Bible calls entering the rest - Paul's letter to the Hebrews 4:10.
Reference: Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
Thanks for referencing my article on head/heart on www.HealMyLife.com.
You ask what it would be like to teach from the heart. I say it would be the most natural thing in the world.
You wouldn't be straining to get it right, thinking about how to do it right, trying hard to teach right, instead you would just be the teacher you are.
You would flow with what you know (head), what the situation at the moment is (be present), and who you are (being).
So you would be relaxed and confident about your skill but not trying too hard.
You would be very aware of the present moment and attentive to the student and the question of the moment.
You would be comfortable with being yourself and flowing in the moment with the your connection with divine wisdom - the mind of Christ. You maintain that connection by consciously turning to God in prayer and love through your day. You flow in the spirit of God love.
This comes with experience. All the best with what the Bible calls entering the rest - Paul's letter to the Hebrews 4:10.
Reference: Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
Friday, November 03, 2006
To Hell with the DEVIL
Prayer is about focus. Focus your prayer power on the positive. Avoid energizing negative thoughts, bad goals or evil spirits with over much attention. For my fuller guidelines for safe 'spiritual warfare' prayer see: my discussion of Authority over Territorial Spirits in my articles on HealMyLife.com
So, "To Hell with the devil," focus on God and the good.
As in hand to hand combat using certan martial arts one can use the energy of your enemy against himself. Christians are ignorant of the enemies' strategy:
Jesus spoke of a house in relation to deliverance. There is no point casting out demons if the 'house' remains empty. In my experience the 'house' is empty if one lacks a strong spirit and a strong sense of your identity. Therefore, healing of the heart and spirit of the person takes priority over casting demons out of them. Premature battles with the demons result in a worse problem according to Jesus' discussion. The first job is rebuilding the walls of the personality and the spirit (identity) at the core of that personality.
Therefore, I refuse to give deliverance and demons high priority in Life Transformation. Inner healing comes first. Identity consolidation is imperative. Focus on the truth of who you are in Christ and to Hell with the demons.
My articles on prayer provide more information. They are listed under articles on www.HealMyLife.com. Also see my new web site on Christian Prayer listening-prayer.com
Prayer is about focus. Focus your prayer power on the positive. Avoid energizing negative thoughts, bad goals or evil spirits with over much attention. For my fuller guidelines for safe 'spiritual warfare' prayer see: my discussion of Authority over Territorial Spirits in my articles on HealMyLife.com
The Prayer Series
Learn how to pray effectively - 9 lessons.
1. Spiritual Warfare:
One of the most toxic practices in your life can be so called 'spiritual warfare." See: Guidelines for 12 principles for 'safe' spiritual warfare.
So, "To Hell with the devil," focus on God and the good.
As in hand to hand combat using certan martial arts one can use the energy of your enemy against himself. Christians are ignorant of the enemies' strategy:
- We get suckered into fighting when we should disengage.
- We encourage demons to be present with the amount of attention we feed them.
- We feed them attention when we bow our heads and pray against them.
- We feed them by naming demons in prayer rather than invoking God.
- We foolishly believe that because demons are present we have to 'bind' them.
- We focus our faith imagination on the problem rather than on God's promises.
- The enemy is successful if he can turn all the creative saving holiness of the presence of Christ in the believing Christian toward energizing demons and empowering problems.
Jesus spoke of a house in relation to deliverance. There is no point casting out demons if the 'house' remains empty. In my experience the 'house' is empty if one lacks a strong spirit and a strong sense of your identity. Therefore, healing of the heart and spirit of the person takes priority over casting demons out of them. Premature battles with the demons result in a worse problem according to Jesus' discussion. The first job is rebuilding the walls of the personality and the spirit (identity) at the core of that personality.
Therefore, I refuse to give deliverance and demons high priority in Life Transformation. Inner healing comes first. Identity consolidation is imperative. Focus on the truth of who you are in Christ and to Hell with the demons.
My articles on prayer provide more information. They are listed under articles on www.HealMyLife.com. Also see my new web site on Christian Prayer listening-prayer.com
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