Not Living Up to the Level of Our Beliefs - Stupid Things Christians Do Part 3

-3 Not Living Up to the Level of Our Beliefs - Healing, creative miracles, salvation, power over demons and other supernatural abilities are ours - well if we believe. I know it sounds a bit like Peter Pan.

Why is it that we know what God can do, yet we do not pursue the type of relationship with Him that produces Kingdom results?

The fruit of the kingdom of God is power. I am not talking about the fruit of the spirit outlined so eloquently by Paul in Galatians 5:22. The substance of God's kingdom is power manifest in you and in me. The Gospel message is about becoming a disciple of Jesus, not merely a follower. Those that are disciples do what Jesus did, that includes the miraculous. They are not robots waiting for their ticket to the heavenlies when the rapture comes. The violent take the Kingdom by force. (Matthew 11:12)

The Bible says that signs and wonders will follow them that believe. Are they following you? If not, why not? If you are truly born again and full of the Spirit of God, then the job is to advance the kingdom one loving act a time. If you read chapters 12 through 14 of the first book of Corinthians, you will see the complete package. In 12 you will see the power, in 13 you will understand how love and gifting co-mingle in the heart producing supernatural works by your hand. In chapter 14 you will see its outworking in the community of believers.

Do you know what you believe? Maybe it's time to make a checklist.

- Salvation
- Blessing on your family for keeping your priorities
- A return on your tithe
- Spiritual gifting to support your call from on high
- Help in times of trouble
- Interpreting dreams
- Healing
- Power over demons
- Revelation
- Wisdom
- The dead raised

As Christians it is easy to give lip service to the things of God. A quick reflection of our prayer life should reveal what you can expect from God. Are you praying for healing? Most of us can pray for help in times of trouble, but what about interpreting a dream, or for revelation regarding a friends situation?

John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Do not be cheated by Satan, it is by your testimony and the power of God that the Kingdom of God expands and lives are changed.

Revelation 12:11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.

Isn't it time to pray at your belief level?

Mad Libs: An Unforgettable Church Service

Hopefully you have heard of Mad Libs (R) ! They are stories that you blindly fill in the blanks for articles of grammar and then read the completed story. Since I was a kid, these have always been a hoot. I decided to make up my own. Just fill in the blanks next time you are at small group and then read it back. It is sure to shake up a few religious spirits. An Unforgettable Church Service We arrived at _________ ( time of day ) at the Church of the Holy _________ ( noun ). It was ___________ ( day of week ) and we got out of the _________ ( mode of transportation ). We were dressed in our __________ ( day of week ) best. We all held _________ ( plural body part ) as we crossed the street. Today was special because it was ___________ (holiday) and the kids look forward to receiving _________ ( noun ) as part of the celebration. Pastor _________ ( name ) was there to greet us and shake our ________ ( body part ). He welcomed my __________ ( family member ) with a big _________ ( bodil...

God is Great, Beer is Good, and People are Crazy

There was a discussion on Facebook today about how some people think Christians are "whack jobs." Regardless, God is still great. I don't really know much about beer. I haven't had one in just about 30 years. There are a lot of folks that consider themselves to be Christian. Some because they do good, and others because they have faith in God or are born again-- and others because they grew up in a Christian denomination. Far be it from me to decide who is in, and who is out. Some say we'll be surprised at who is going to be there, and others say who think they are in will be surprised when they are rejected at the Pearly Gates. Hmmm... But let's say you are a real Christian who is feeling passionate about doing something for God. You know something beyond throwing a few bucks in the offering plate and trying to be a good person. The church calls it service or ministry, which could include such things as: reading scriptures on Sunday morning, planning a harves...

5 1/2 The Home Group Experience

For years I have attended small groups, or home fellowships as they are sometimes called. They are an interesting blend of intimacy, arm chair theology and the real Jesus. Here is my take on the anatomy of a home or small group meeting -1 Worship: This is the time when we tell the Lord how much we love him in song. We praise him as the wight of the world lifts off our shoulders and we come into the presence of Almighty God. Err - get something to drink, take a large handful of chocolate covered pretzels because we skipped dinner, and make a plan for the soft couch instead of the miniature folding chairs from kids church. -2 Unofficial Potty Break: On the 15th chorus of I Could Sing of Your Love Forever (how come no one dances to that song?) it's a good time to beat the rush. Beware, once someone gets up, it is a sign for others to make their moves for the coffee pot, the peanut dish and the brownies. It is a li...

Andrea York said…

I believe your post can be summed up by one word - identity. If we understood who we are in Christ, nothing would stop the church.

A few weeks ago, I had a marvelous vision while worshipping - I saw myself as the heavenlies see me. I was huge, tall and erect, commanding authority and wearing a gorgeous purple cloak. Evil spirits tremble at the sight of me.

Then I was reminded of a time when we used to dog sit. We have a jack russell (small dog with a big dog personality) and we would dog sit a chocolate lab. When I'd go for a walk with the two of them, our dog would stand underneath the lab and bark at all the other dogs walking by. That's where my power and ability comes from. I'm the small dog, under the big dog (Jesus), talking smack to the unholy spirits, having full confidence because I'm covered.

My goal is to teach others to know what their identity is in Christ. David, you take the East Coast, I'll do the West Coast and we'll meet somewhere in the middle. :)

June 15, 2011 at 10:40 AM

David-FireAndGrace said…

@Andrea - sounds like a plan. I am hopeful to get out to Redding one of these days, but other than that, I am pretty committed here on the East Coast.

Thanks for all that you do in the Kingdom! - Now if I could just get you to stop rooting for the Canucks!! ;)

June 15, 2011 at 10:55 AM

photogr said…

In my faith I have witnessed God's powers and His grace.Yet still I am reluctant to reach out and grasp which is available to me in the gifts.

Why I am that way? I don't know, yet I have experienced myself performing some of the gifts with success. Maybe it is fear of bringing attention to my self or not exalting God.

June 15, 2011 at 7:01 PM

Tony C said…

I read this in the...ahem...reading room and couldn't comment when you posted.

I've bookmarked this one for future reference. Near future. I have a few questions for the church leadership where I attend church.

June 16, 2011 at 4:42 PM

@Larry - well, the increase comes when we just love others.

@Tony - yeah, all you do is say "where do we stand in this?" Those are good questions.

June 16, 2011 at 4:51 PM

Apostle David Johndrow - Fire And Grace

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