Category: Kingdom Community

Fellowship and koinonia

discernment scales justice

Releasing God’s Spirit In The Body Of Christ Through Discernment – Part 2

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Over the years I have experienced impressions through others (and myself) that were clearly from God and helpful and others that weren’t from God. Using reliable principles of discernment has been very important even if there is a long learning curve. Last week we looked at the biblical idea of discernment and how discernment provides a safe place to release the Holy Spirit. This week we will look at some basic principles of discernment we can apply to hearing from God. In general, if a perception fits with the New Testament, especially the fruits of the Spirit, then we can consider if it might be from God. Otherwise, we shouldn’t consider it. This is probably the most basic principle of discernment. It is especially important to keep in mind the virtues that come from the Holy Spirit. Anything from God will reflect His good nature. Just because a perception is Continue Reading →

discernment scales justice

Releasing God’s Spirit In The Body Of Christ Through Discernment – Part 1

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One of the questions I ask people before I give spiritual direction is whether they are open to supernatural ministry. This is because I sometimes invite God to give them leadings in a direction session. The most common response is something to the effect that they are cautious but open as long as there is some discernment or wisdom applied to the situation. I suspect that the majority of Christians have this view and it is a good one. Scripture is clear that discernment should be exercised in spiritual matters, not just spiritual gifts. Phil 1:9 states: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” Thus, Paul desires that believers grow in discernment, presumably for every area of their spiritual life. I Cor. 2:14-15a further explains “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for Continue Reading →

city

Our Future Perfect Community

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Do you long for the perfect community where humans live in complete harmony and mutual support? One of the most fascinating passages in Scripture is Revelation 21:1 -22:5 where our destiny is explained. One part of this destiny is the idea that we will live in a city, the New Jerusalem. This will be our future community. God will dwell with us in this city: “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” Rev. 22:3b-4. And Rev. 21:3 emphasizes this by stating it three times! The New Jerusalem is also the Bride of Christ (Rev. 21:9). Thus, we have the mysterious description of the New Jerusalem as both the Bride and the dwelling place of the Bride and God! Perhaps these are two different ways of Continue Reading →

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The Reward Of Choosing Rejection In Our Society

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Pharoah’s daughter found the Jewish infant Moses and adopted him as her son. But when Moses grew up he chose to keep his Jewish identity rather than his Egyptian identity. Obviously, Moses’ life would have been much more prosperous and enjoyable if he had chosen to be related to the Pharaoh of Egypt. But something even better gripped his heart. He wanted to be part of the people of God. He was “choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” (Heb. 11:25, ESV) This is where Moses’ story becomes our story and guides us to Christian living in an unchristian culture. Moses believed that belonging to God and fellowshiping with His people had to be superior to belonging to Pharaoh and his people. But this was a dangerous idea. The Jewish people were oppressed and God called Moses to free Continue Reading →

poor broke pockets

Jesus Came To Make Us Good News For The Poor

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It is encouraging to remember that when Jesus came to earth we find comfort for the poor from the very  beginning of his life. In her song to God when she is pregnant with the Messiah, a song we call  the Magnificat, Mary proclaims “he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty” (Luke 1:53, ESV). We also see that at the beginning of his ministry Jesus proclaimed these words “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18 ESV) From these passages we know that the advent of blessings for the poor was an important part of the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus never promised to make the poor financially rich, but he did promise something better: to fill their hearts with spiritual wealth. More importantly, he Continue Reading →