March 22, 2014–Just another Spirit-led day…

March 21, 2014 By

Day 12: Acts 8:26-40

Ron and Nancy MillsFor today’s fascinating passage, I will mention important lesson points throughout the discussion.

We start with an angel giving Phillip directions: “Go south to the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza.” We aren’t told if Phillip saw the angel in a dream, vision, or in person. We should note, however, it is unlikely that Phillip would have gone where he was instructed on his own.

Phillip was an evangelist, and generally frequented the more populous locations in town. The location given by the angel was remote, leading into the desert. Once Phillip arrives, he sees an Ethiopian, and the Spirit says to Phillip, “Go and join this chariot.”

We have already been witness to two communications from the Lord to Phillip, each given in a different manner, but both very specific. Phillip did not debate the merit of his instructions.

Point 1. When the Lord speaks – Quick obedience saves time and energy.

Do you remember the parable of the lost sheep?

Point 2. God is as interested in the individual as He is the crowd.

The Ethiopian was reading Scripture, and Phillip quickly asked him if he understood what he was reading. Phillip knew he had been led there for a reason and he was looking for his window of opportunity.

Point 3. Be observant for the opportunities God will bring your way.

After hearing the message of Christ (and the cross), they came to water, and the Ethiopian inquired if Phillip was aware of any impediment that would prevent him from being baptized. Since there was none, the baptism took place.

Point 4. Spiritual hunger will quickly lead to spiritual progression. (Matthew 5:6)

Now the story takes quite an unexpected turn!  In verse 39 it says, “when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more…”

I wonder what that looked like! Did the Ethiopian see Phillip as he was carried away, or did Phillip suddenly disappear from sight?  All we can tell for certain is that it was a “sign” from heaven that gave credibility to everything that Phillip had just shared with the Ethiopian.

The necessary assignment for Phillip was apparently complete and so this grand finale I would think would have a huge impact on the newly baptized believer.

Point 5. God delights in signs and wonders.

How does this end for our Ethiopian friend? It says he “went on his way rejoicing.” His spiritual need and hunger had been filled, his questions answered, and he had a personal encounter with a resurrected Jesus.  There’s something about discovering truth that sets one free. This one man just a little earlier had many questions, but God has miraculously intervened and brought him the answers he needed.

And Phillip? Oh, he is about 30 miles down the road at a place called Azotus. (I’ve always wondered if he was wet when he arrived there!) But we find him preaching the gospel to all the towns on his way to Caesarea.  Just another day in the life of …

Let me finish with some background information. This episode fulfilled Psalm 68:31, a prophetic word that indicated Ethiopia would stretch her hands out to God. Bible scholars agree this incident introduced the gospel to Ethiopia and Africa. Phillip may have thought he ministered to only one man; but in reality that encounter impacted a nation and a continent. May I suggest we look once more at Point #1 and keep that in mind the next time God asks us to do something we don’t understand.

Filed Under: Ron Mills

March 21, 2014–The Harsh Reality of Walking in the Spirit

March 21, 2014 By

Day 11: Acts 7:54-8:25

Darren & LydiaPeter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” (Acts 8:20-23)

Can you hear the people around Peter saying, “Dude, settle down! The pour guy didn’t know what he was saying.”

Peter was very bold in this situation and those who don’t understand the things of the Spirit would listen to his words and judge what he says harshly.  You see most people do not discern the deeper matters of the Spirit.  They could not perceive that some of the things that were being said in that moment were not from the hearts of men, but from the heart of the devil.

Peter was sensing something deeper in this moment.  This man was a sorcerer of a greater power that had a hold of that region.  When Philip came in preaching the name of Jesus, he was confronting a power in that moment that did not like being displaced.  Simon the sorcerer was still in agreement with this power when he spoke to Peter about buying the Holy Spirit.

It is very normal in witchcraft circles to pay for potions and spells that will give control over people.  Witches are constantly buying and selling their magic.  In Simon’s mind he was bartering for a greater power.  The spirit within him understood this power and coveted it.

There are times when you walk in the Spirit that God will have you make declarations that seem strange to the minds of those who are hearing it.  Recently I was in a small town when the glory began to break out in our midst.  A glory dust was visible upon the hands of the people in that room.

Suddenly I heard an angel speak to me saying, “Someone is saying that you made that dust appear.”  I began to move toward the person who said it saying, “Who just said that I made that happen?”  The young man raised his hand.  I said “Put out your hands.  He dutifully put them out and there was glory dust on them.  I said, “Did I touch you or do anything for that to appear?”  He had to agree “no.”

But then his girlfriend began to come into agreement with the power of unbelief in that region and she began to say this wasn’t real.  She said, “This isn’t gold dust.  If it was, then why are you shining the light on it to make it appear?”

I understood in my heart that this was not a human voice speaking.  I rebuked it in front of the room and told it to be quiet.  I think many were stunned, but I knew if this spirit was allowed to speak, then the Holy Spirit would not be able to move in the lives of those in front of me.

This spirit operating in these young people was so strong I had to have them removed from the front of the church because healings could not take place in their presence.  It was mocking the work of God.  As soon as they were gone, three people got healed and a wave of peace washed over the front of the church.  One woman who had migraines for three weeks was instantly healed.

I believe Peter understood what was going on at a deeper level.  Fortunately Simon confessed his sin and repented.  That spirit was hopefully removed from his life.

We must do the same in our time or many lives will be in jeopardy simply because we fear rebuking the dark powers.

Filed Under: Pastor Darren Canning

March 20, 2014–Ever Resist Holy Spirit?

March 20, 2014 By

Day 10: Acts 7:17-53

Jeeva & Sulojana Woodvale March 2014Most of today’s passage reads more like a history lesson taught by Stephen to a group of leaders who would be very familiar with the facts. The bulk of his talk centers around the life of Moses. Stephen begins with Moses’ birth and works his way chronologically through significant episodes in his life, before and after assuming the mantle of leadership. 

However, the purpose behind this rehashing of a familiar story is to point out that Moses was rejected by his own people (vs. 35 & 38). Stephen then goes on to say that this was a familiar pattern in the history of the Jewish nation. The most recent example, of course, was their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. Listen to how he confronts them with this reality:

 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.” (vs 51-53).

Stephen lets them know that the consequence of their rejection went beyond simply rejecting the message and/or the messenger. They were actually resisting the Holy Spirit.

Would someone knowingly resist the Holy Spirit? Not likely, eh? But, Stephen says that in rejecting those whom God sent—be it Moses, a prophet or Jesus—they unwittingly resisted the Holy Spirit.

This is rather subtle, but it is something that should give us pause. Surely, none of us would resist the Holy Spirit, if we were aware that this is what we were doing. However, is it possible that in rejecting those through whom Holy Spirit works, we could be guilty of resisting Him unawares?

Perhaps the word they deliver hits us the wrong way.

Perhaps they interpret a passage of Scripture differently than we do.

Perhaps they do a prophetic act that shakes us up.

Perhaps it is signs and wonders which we have not seen before that startle us.

My friend Henry Nwaneri once made the statement: “It is easy for us to trust Holy Spirit by Himself, but not as easy to trust Holy Spirit in another person.” Isn’t this lack of trust one of the reasons why divisions come about in the Church? We expect Holy Spirit to show up in a particular way to which we are accustomed. When that does not happen, we suspect that it may not be really God or worse that it could be of the devil.

Yet, Jesus makes it very clear that Holy Spirit is like the wind which “blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.” (John 3:8). He can be unpredictable. He is certainly uncontrollable!

This is why in the passage we read two days ago, wise old Gamaliel issues this caution to the members of the Sanhedrin: “Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)

He did not want them to be guilty of resisting Holy Spirit. Yet, sadly, history proves that this is exactly what they did. As Stephen pointed out, they had quite an unenviable track record of doing this down through the ages.

So, dear friend, as you complete the first quarter of the Fast today, would you ask Holy Spirit to show you if you have in any way ended up resisting Him when you chose to reject one of His anointed ones? Repent. Forgive yourself. Ask their forgiveness, if possible. Receive forgiveness. And keep on advancing into your destiny.

Filed Under: Pastor Jeeva Sam

March 19, 2014–What Qualifies you to Minister

March 18, 2014 By

Day 6: Acts 6:1 – 7:16

Ron and Nancy MillsBy this point in our readings in Acts, we have come to the understanding that the early church is growing at a very healthy pace. This is because evangelism is taking place on a daily basis.

In our reading today I want to have a brief look at Stephen, the early church’s first fiscal administrator.

In the early part of chapter 6, we realize that the growth of the church has caused the emergence of other issues which was absorbing more of the apostles’ time than was expedient for the continued growth of the church. The solution was to look to others among them “of good reputation, full of the Spirit, and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”  Note that it was both natural and spiritual qualifications that were necessary.

Heading the list of successful candidates was Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” After this, there is no more mention of the complaints that had initiated this appointment of additional “leaders”.  Presumably these servant leaders performed their tasks well.

The next mention of Stephen is a mere two verses later in Acts 6:8: “Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.”  Before we go on, let me point out that being full of faith AUTOMATICALLY means full of power. It is faith that engages the power of God in our lives.

Wait a minute! Has Stephen forgotten his place? How did he get from “serving tables” to “signs and wonders”? Did a promotion come along that someone forgot to mention? Perhaps Stephen didn’t know that this kind of thing brings unwanted attention to the church, specifically from the local magistrates and religious leaders, who take a very dim view of it. Anyway, isn’t this somebody else’s job?

It seems that somewhere along the line, we started to get the notion that only a few elect were qualified to “minister”. According to the scriptural record, the qualifications for ministry were “of good reputation, full of the Spirit, and of wisdom”.

The reality is that we can only give out of what we have. If we are going to minister into the needs of another, we must have a source from which to draw. That source (if our ministry is going to be effective) must be Holy Spirit.  

A religious degree is not necessary for you to minister to the one near you that has a need. I do not suggest that education is a bad thing. I AM saying that our qualifications for ministry are found, not in the letters after our name, but in the person found in our spirit. Our education in the things of the Spirit come from Holy Spirit Himself, as we engage with Him to learn of Him.

Holy Spirit uses individuals who have been willingly infused with Him, to impart to others what they need. God can and will work through persons who will yield themselves to be conduits through which He can flow. We are not limited to our own abilities. We are limited to what we have, and what we have is an infinite, unlimited God who wants to partner with us.

Does this make sense to you? Can you understand that this was the purpose for creation in the first place. God wants to share who He is with us, His creation, that we might enjoy the fullness of Him.  That enjoyment of Him includes the opportunity to share the goodness of who He is with others who have not yet discovered Him. We need to be like Stephen, full of the spirit, faith, grace and power, and do signs and wonders among the people.

Filed Under: Ron Mills

March 18, 2014–If it is from God…

March 17, 2014 By

Day 8: Acts 5:17-41

Darren & Lydia“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I love proclaiming it.  There is such liberty and freedom in the message.  But you should now that in the time that I have been ministering for the Lord many people have tried to stop me from speaking.

I remember one time I was pulled into a room by a group of people I was ministering with.  They told me that I was a money hungry preacher who needed to repent because I was lying about the miracles that were taking place in my ministry for money.

These kinds of things happen and they have a way of throwing you off because you realize the people do not understand your heart at all.  In fact if the people truly knew my heart, they would realize that this is far from being the truth.

I have had people try to shut me down many times through the years.  I have been ignored, overlooked and under-rated.  I have had demon-possessed people show up at my meetings and make a display.  The enemy has tried to keep me out of cities.  I have countless times almost been in accidents while driving into towns and yet I am still here.   I have almost been shot and I have been in danger a number of times.  I have gone sleepless nights and days but I keep preaching the gospel, because I know that God is with me and signs and wonders will follow.

In fact God seems to increase the power every time I am opposed.

There are regions that are in my heart so firmly that I do not care about the opposition that I face in those regions, because I am determined that I will have a harvest there for the Lord.  I keep going into them even though they are dark, knowing breakthrough will surely come.

Men may oppose you, but don’t worry about it.  Just continue to preach the word and let God defend you.

Many of my decisions in ministry have been opposed by those around me, but I must follow the Lord’s lead and not man’s.  I leave my opposition in God’s hands for him to deal with.  I just figure that the people will realize that I am a servant of God when they see the signs and wonders and fruit of my ministry and if they do not that is their problem and not mine.

It is not about me that I make the decisions that I do, but my decisions are made in prayer with the leading of Christ.  He is the one my heart wishes to please and not man.

Just know that if this is also your heart then God will protect you and promote you in the earth.  Nothing in hell can rise against you and no man can stop you.  God will continuously bless you.  The scripture says that he will give you a table of food in the presence of your enemies.  They will see God operating through your life, so continue preaching for the gospel’s sake.

Filed Under: Pastor Darren Canning

March 17, 2014–Extreme Acts produce Extraordinary Results

March 17, 2014 By

Day 7: Acts 5:1-16

Jeeva & Sulojana Woodvale March 2014But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women. (Acts 5:13-14)

Just read these two verses a couple of times. Can you see the paradoxes that characterized the impact of the early church on the society surrounding them?

On the one hand, no one else dared to join them…not after witnessing both Ananias and his wife Sapphira drop dead when they lied to the apostles about how much they had made from the sale of their property. Luke sums up the response to their deaths this way: Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. (v.11). Can you blame them?

Yet all the people had high regard for them. You see, as scary as it was to see two people pay such a price for lying, the general population did not dismiss the Christians as extremists…instead their esteem for the church actually went up!

Not only that, but more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord. Their fear of what happened to Ananias and Sapphira did not prevent crowds of both men and women from believing in Jesus.

Some in the Church are afraid that what might appear to be “extreme” can potentially turn onlookers away from Jesus. Yes, that potential is always there. However, our experience has been that the exact opposite tends to happen more often than not. Case in point.

One evening, at our Miracles, Signs and Wonders Meeting a newcomer showed up in excruciating pain. He could not sit still in one spot. He had to keep on changing positions frequently. At one point, he even left the meeting for a while (to go stretch out in his car, as we discovered later).

The message that evening was actually based on verses 15-16 of today’s passage, about how Peter’s shadow healed the sick. I preached on the kind of expectancy people had to have to bring in their sick from the countryside on stretchers and line up the streets of Jerusalem…just so Peter’s shadow could fall on them when he walked by.

Then came ministry time. Normally we would ask those who came seeking a miracle or breakthrough to stand up, ask others in the congregation to gather around them and then minister.

Not this meeting, though. We invited those who answered the call to come and sit on the front row. Then we invited everyone else in the congregation to form a line and walk past them, so that our shadow could fall on them. After all, if Peter’s shadow released what overshadowed him, namely the Holy Spirit, so would ours!

I could see the raised eyebrows of one of our members at the back. This member had been quite concerned that extreme manifestations and ministry methods could turn off potential members.

We asked for progress reports after the first pass…there was some improvement in the gentleman with excruciating pain. He felt some warmth in his stomach area. That’s all.

We thanked God for what He was doing and did another walk-past. When we checked again, we discovered that the pain had subsided even more. Now he was sensing the presence of God in his chest. We continued to praise Jesus for the progress and did one more round of casting a Holy Spirit shadow.

This time the change in his body was nothing short of miraculous. He was smiling. He was walking without pain. Although his physical healing has not yet manifested completely, the healing he received in his spirit continues to impact his family and friends nearly a year later.

Dear friend, may you also be blessed to witness extreme acts of the Holy Spirit and experience the extraordinary results that follow.

Filed Under: Pastor Jeeva Sam

March 16, 2014–Would you believe…MORE Boldness?

March 15, 2014 By

Day 6: Acts 4: 23-37

Ron and Nancy MillsI find myself in awe at the simplicity of faith demonstrated in the early church. We have simple men, not educated, being brought before rulers and authority figures, threatened, beaten, threatened some more. Yet they are able to patiently endure, and respond in such a bold manner that the authorities were at a loss as to how to respond! Then, after their suffering, they returned to the body of believers to report all that had been done.

What did they do, then? Did they modify their outreach program to make the gospel more palatable? Did they endeavour to alter the doctrinal statements to ensure so no one would be offended? No! They lifted up their voice, in UNITY to Almighty God. They honoured Him as Creator, remembered the prophecies about persecution, and acknowledged that regardless of all else, God was still in control!

Then they come to one of my favourite passages in the entire scriptures–pardon me while I quote it.

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

Did I read that right? Did they REALLY just ask for MORE boldness? When being threatened about their faith activities, they requested God to intervene–not to protect them–but to grant that He would give them more boldness, and to lift up the name of Jesus even further through healings, signs, and wonders in that marvelous name.  When they finished praying, Scripture records that the place was shaken, and “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

Let me repeat that last part, it says they “spoke the word of God with boldness.” I want to bring your attention to that phrase. It has always been my opinion that the reason they were taken before the authorities was because they were speaking in boldness, certainly not fear! When they returned to their fellow believers and began to pray and ask God to grant them boldness–I thought THAT was bold! They requested an increase in what they were already doing, knowing fully well, it meant certain difficulties ahead.

Apparently God was pleased with their response, because He sent such a download of His presence that the physical building began to shake. That’s my interpretation. Some may say earthquake, but regardless, it was God-authored. This is another infilling of Holy Spirit. Some of these folks were at the first infilling. This passage says they were ALL filled with the Holy Ghost.

Can it be that one infilling may not be enough for us? Perhaps, from time to time, we need to be filled again, for the task at hand.

What was the result of that additional infilling? They spoke the word of God with boldness. Do you understand?

Q. What did they speak with boldness?   A. The word of God.  Now do you understand?

I believe we are looking at the passage in the Scriptures in which the prophetic unction was released to the early church to enable them not just to speak with boldness, and not just to walk in miracles, signs, and wonders, but now also to speak prophetically the word of God, with boldness, along with everything else God has given them.

That boldness implies a certainty in the saying. They KNEW that what they were speaking WAS the word of God.

This too is what we should be boldly praying for; that in spite of opposition, God would grant His servants, that we should speak boldly the word of God, and that He would stretch forth His hand to heal, and that signs, and wonders would be done in the holy name of Jesus.

Filed Under: Ron Mills

March 15, 2014–When you Speak in Jesus’ name…

March 15, 2014 By

Day 5: Acts 4:1-22

Darren & LydiaNow when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. (Acts 4:13-14)

I am certain that if you have been in charismatic circles long enough, you have heard this passage preached many times.

You know the story.  Peter and John are on their way to the temple when–bing, bang, boom–up rises a cripple from the ground when prayed for in the name of Jesus.  This simple declaration and prayer completely messes up the religious spirit in that place.  The leaders who just wanted a normal little church service now have to deal with some things.  Possibly they were bent over in pain not knowing how to proceed because of the mess the apostles had made.

A miracle had taken place.  This much was obvious.

Miracles and signs and wonders have a way of legitimizing the name of Jesus and the persons who preach in His name.  It is not about the person preaching, but about the Name. The person who is filled with the Spirit simply declares in the Name believing that things will take place and they do.

A lot of the times the message could seem hard to an audience.  People don’t want to hear about God’s grace or His mercy or how He creates from nothing, so He backs up the truth of what is being said with a sign and wonder.

When I get up to preach, I just open my mouth and speak.  I am not concerned if the audience before me likes what I am saying.  In fact many get up and walk out as I preach.  I find this funny because if they really knew me, they would like me.  I am a nice guy, but the words are too much for them.  It comes against their mindsets which are firm.  Many of them believe lies which have more power than God in their lives, so when confronted by the truth they run because the truth is too much for them.

People will tell you not to speak in that name.  They will tell you that you are too bold or you shouldn’t have said this or you should have been kinder with that, but the bottom line in our job as men and women of God is to say what God tells us to say.

The true preacher has a fear of God in them and will say what he/she says because they don’t want the people in front of them to walk away without knowing the truth.  There might be a little self-interest in this for the preacher.

The Lord often tells me to read Ezekiel 3:18, which says, “When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.”

When such a word is in your heart, you preach because while you might not understand the full implication of what it means to have blood on your hands and for these souls to be lost for eternity, you certainly do not want to be responsible for it.

I know this is a tough word, but you just need to preach.  It is not that I don’t feel fear, but rather I fear God more.

So I pray for you today and ask God to strengthen you and empower you to speak even when you feel fear. I also pray that signs and wonders will follow you when you do speak in Jesus’ name.

(Darren Canning is a prophetic revivalist who travels throughout Canada and the United States.  He has seen revival break out in many places with healing, deliverance and signs and wonders following the preaching of God’s word.  Darren is married to Lydia and they have 4 handsome sons.  He also has two beautiful daughters from his first marriage and is a proud grandfather of one.)

 

Filed Under: Pastor Darren Canning

March 14, 2014–Do You know What You have?

March 14, 2014 By

Day 4: Acts 3:1-26

Jeeva & Sulojana Woodvale March 2014Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6)

Remember when God called Moses to lead the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt? Moses was not at all convinced that his own people would see him as their leader. He protests: “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” (Exodus 4:1)

What does God do? No motivational speech here. He simply asks Moses to throw his staff on the ground. It becomes a snake. When he takes it by the tail, it turns back into a staff. Now God says: “Perform this sign…then they will believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.” (v. 5)

Then God teaches Moses yet another sign, in case the first one does not do the trick, you know, the one where he puts his hand inside his cloak once and it turns leprous. Repeat procedure. The hand’s back to normal.

Did God’s approach work? Moses performed the miraculous signs as they watched. Then the people of Israel were convinced that the Lord had sent Moses and Aaron (vs. 30-31).

Moses now knew what he had—it was more than a staff or merely a hand. It was the power of God Almighty Himself!

Contrast this with the scene at the Temple Gate called Beautiful where Peter and John meet a man who was born lame. It seems that this man was a familiar sight for worshippers who were used to seeing him day after day, begging for money. He looks at Peter and John as no more than two new prospective donors who could be persuaded to throw some coins his way as they walked into the Temple.

Watch the absolute ease and total confidence with which Peter tells him: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Having spent enough time with Jesus during His earthly tenure, having received His impartation of power and authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, cleanse the lepers and raise the dead…and having already exercised it on more than one mission trip, this was really no big deal for Peter and John.

They knew what they had. They did not need to be convinced as Moses needed to be.

Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. (vs. 7-8)

This one sign gets the attention of the crowd and gives Peter and John the opportunity to testify: “Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes.” (v. 16)

Dear friend, do you realize that you also have exactly what they had? You too have been baptized and anointed by the same Holy Spirit who rested on Jesus. As such, you too, like Jesus and the apostles, should “go about doing good and healing all who are oppressed of the devil, for God is with you.” (Acts 10:38). In Jesus’ name you “will cast out demons…you will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

When you step out knowing what you have, He will step in and let others know who He is.

C’mon now, what are you waiting for?

Filed Under: Pastor Jeeva Sam

March 13, 2014–Four Factors in Presenting Jesus

March 12, 2014 By

Day 3: Acts 2: 22-47

Ron and Nancy MillsToday’s passage tells us about the early church’s first effort at evangelism after the resurrection of Christ. They did not have any tracts, any 5 step plan to salvation, or the “Romans Road” to refer to. I’m not suggesting anything wrong with systems developed for sharing the gospel; I’m simply stating the fact that those tools did not exist when the church started.

There is something significant however that had occurred, as discussed in yesterday’s passage–the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the believers. This outpouring, or infilling as it is also described, triggered a change in the nature of the activity of the believers. From a place where they were passive and unnoticed in the Upper Room, they spilled out onto the streets in a quite an active and noticeable manner!

We see the Apostle Peter, the same one that just weeks before had denied Jesus, now publicly proclaiming to all that this Jesus they had crucified is truly Lord and Christ. It must have been quite a convincing sermon! Our passage describes the crowd as being pricked in their hearts. 3000 souls were baptized and became followers of Christ that day!

What was the trigger point that brought these into the church? Was it Peter’s oratory? Was it the phenomenon of people speaking in other languages they had not previously known? Was it the testimony of who Jesus was?

We should take note that Peter was quick to point out that the miracles, signs, and wonders in Jesus’ earthly ministry were evidence of God’s approval on Jesus’ life.  Now, the people present would have been familiar with the miraculous nature of the ministry of Jesus. It was the reason the multitudes followed Him. But now they have the opportunity to connect this new miracle before them today with those that Jesus had done previously.

Peter also used Scripture to validate the authenticity of his claims. He quoted a prophecy from Psalm 16, written by David, that referred to the resurrection, and pointed out how that applied to Jesus, and that the disciples and numerous followers were witnesses to the fact of Jesus’ resurrection.

So we have four factors combining to present a message that leads to conviction and repentance of the heart.  The early church, through evangelism, was birthed and established with these four active factors:

1)    Miracles, signs and wonders

2)    The Testimony of Jesus

3)    Scriptural validation of claims

4)    Personal testimony

May I suggest that in our efforts to reach people, the most effective way of doing so would be to follow the pattern that was established at the start. All of these steps are still available to us today, yes, every one of them! Although there is not space here to go into minute detail of each step, I assure you that the pattern for the early church is still the pattern for today. It worked then, it works today.

When we use another pattern, we discover that our success rate goes down!

My friend, if you want to have an impact on someone’s life spiritually, they will need to be convinced of the authenticity of what you have to offer.  Jesus Himself advised his disciples that He was going to send “another” like Him, to be their helper and comforter. This Holy Spirit is our source for success!

He empowers us to do the work of ministry, including miracles, signs, and wonders. He connects us to our spiritual elder brother Jesus and his testimony, provides enlightenment of the Holy Scriptures, and gives us a testimony of our own. All these were key elements in “the Lord adding to their number daily those who were being saved.”

May each of us today seek the power of Holy Spirit in our lives to live this way as a testimony to those around us.

(Ron and Nancy Mills are prophetic intercessors with a passion to see Christian believers rise to their calling and God-given destiny. Although they have ministered in many countries, their primary calling is to equip the saints in Canada through prayer, teaching, and prophetic ministry. Married 38 years, the Mills have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. They currently reside in St Thomas, Ontario.)

Filed Under: Ron Mills
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