by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Apostolic Ministry

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

What apostles are not

Not head of a hierarchy, not denomination leader, not head leader, not an office, not a boss/ruler, not between God and man.

What apostles are/do

Evangelists- 1 Cor 9:14, Mark 16:15, 1 Cor 1:17

Elders- 1 Pet 5:1, 2 John 1:1, 3 John 1:1, 1 Tim 3:1-13

Equippers/prophet teachers- Eph 4:11-12, Acts 13:1-3 + 14:14 (prophet, teacher-apostles)

Foundation layers- 1 Cor 3:9b-11, Eph 2:19-20, 1 Cor 12:28

Espousers- 2 Cor 11:2

Master builders- 1 Cor 3:9-10 (architekton)

Wise Fathers- Matt 23:8-10, 1 Cor 4:14-16

Go means go

Go [poreuomai - to traverse, i.e. travel, to remove, depart, journey, walk] you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature… (Mark 16:15)

Apostolic ministry is not about building churches, it’s about extending the Kingdom out in the world.

Go to them, not them come to me…

Leave the local church (the saints) in the oversight of other elders (plural), not officially but relationally.

Who builds the church

Not leaders!

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love. (Eph 4:16)

Architects don’t build or own the building; they oversee its growth with blueprints in hand.

Apostolic strategy

*Apostolic mission to the Jews (for us, to the church) – reformation apostles

These twelve Jesus sent forth [apostello], and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter you not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy [Lydia, Aquila]; and there abide till you go out. 12 And when you come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. (Matt 10:5-14)

But he answered and said, I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matt 15:24) - “woman of Canaan” with “daughter is grievously vexed with a devil”.

Also Luke 10:1-11

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent [apostello] them two and two before his face into every city and place, where he himself would come. (Luke 10:1)

Also, James, Peter, John and Co at Jerusalem – Acts 1-8

*Sent from Antioch

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered [leitourgeo- serve, worship] to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they, being sent forth [ekpempo- dispatch] by the Holy Ghost, departed to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:1-4)

*Paul’s common practice from Acts 13 onwards

“as his manner was” (Acts 17:2)

First to the Jew then Gentiles- Salamis 13:5, Antioch in Pisidia 13:14, Iconium 14:1, Thessalonica 17:1, Berea 17:10, Athens 17:16, Corinth 18:1, Ephesus 18:19.

*Lydia and the prayer women

Philippi

And from there to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. 13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side [1], where prayer was supposed to be made; and we sat down, and spoke to the women which assembled there. 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. (Acts 16:12-15)

Acts 16:16-40 – Divination girl delivered, jail, earthquake, jailor saved and his whole house

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. (40)

Signs and Wonders

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant to your servants, that with all boldness they may speak your word, 30 By stretching forth Your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy child Jesus. 31 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. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (Acts 4:29-32)

Acts 14:8-20 didn’t work out too well “the gods are come down…” (Paul & Barnabas)

Farming strategies  

Be in prayer and community

Pick a field by the Holy Spirit

Water- Fervent prayer and fasting

Plow- Miracles, relationship (Lydia), fruit.

Sow- Preaching, fruit, tracts, other literature.

Water- Everyone

Reap- God’s chosen reaper. Baptize those who are born again.

Nurture- Disciple/espouse them and leave them with elders

[1] “(Acts 16:25-40). At this time, there was barely a Jewish community and no synagogue (Acts 16:13). Those Jews present did not seem to include any men and met by the river, a common meeting place in the absence of a synagogue.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippi

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

The Local Christ Community

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Who was and wasn’t sent?

Afterward he appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided [defame, taunt] them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said to them, Go [poreuomai - to traverse, i.e. travel, to remove, depart, journey, walk] you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:14-20)

Apostolic teams go/are sent to different areas; the saints go- to work and other places where they can shine the light. Leaders lead (go out first as an example); their going models for the local community how to have a go mentality and lifestyle, albeit primarily at home.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you [the eleven] always [pas- all, whole], even unto the end of the world [aion- age]. Amen. (Matt 28:16-20)

All aren’t goers but all are sowers

The Kingdom farming parables were for a great “multitude”, not just apostles:

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered to him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said to them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: (Mark 4:1-3)

While it is specifically apostolic teams that are sent with the gospel, the whole church is commissioned as spiritual farmers to reconcile people to God.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry [diakonia] of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:17-19)

How the local community increases

The Lord added to the local Christ communities which were simply living the Kingdom of Christ:

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

Local going

The local community of believers should also live out of a “go” mentality, spreading out through the community ‘as church [the called]’ rather than heaping together “a church”.

Now thanks be to God, which always causes [thriambeuo] us to triumph [thriambeuo- to make an acclamatory procession] in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every [pas] place. 15 For we are to God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life… (2 Cor 2:14-16)

Local farming strategy  

Work your local field

Water- Fervent prayer

Plow- Miracles, relationship, fruit.

Sow- Preaching, fruit, conversation, tracts, other literature.

Water- Everyone

Reap- God’s chosen reaper. Baptize those who are born again.

Nurture- Disciple them in community

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Reformation, Revival and Kingdom Increase

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Prayer produces church reformation and revival which then produce Kingdom increase

Revival

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud [sprout], that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (Is 55:10)

God rains on the dry church, so they bring forth and produce seed to be sown, so God can pour out on the world.
REVIVAL IS FOR THE CHURCH, THE EFFECTS ARE FOR THE WORLD

RE vival – back to life

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early [seed sown] and latter [harvest] rain. (Jas 5:7)

We need God’s rain at every step in every season

Pray in the rain in your region

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual [energeo] fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (Jas5:16- 18)

And Elijah said to Ahab, Get you up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, 43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. 44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there arises a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say to Ahab, Prepare your chariot, and get you down, that the rain stop you not. 45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.  (1 Kings 18:41-46)

God has prophetically promised us that He’ll rain His Spirit out upon all flesh but like Elijah we must petition God with His Word.

Elijah stood on this:

And it shall come to pass, if you shall hearken diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your corn, and your wine, and your oil. (Deut 11:13-14)

We can stand on this:

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (Joel 2:28)

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon your seed, and my blessing upon your offspring: 4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. (Is 44:3-4)

Why so little rain in the church?

And it shall come to pass, if you shall hearken diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your corn, and your wine, and your oil. 15 And I will send grass in your fields for your cattle, that you may eat and be full. 16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and you turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; 17 And then the LORD’S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest you perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD gives you. (Deut 11:13- 17)

Reformation (the chicken or the egg?)

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time [kairos] of reformation [diorthosis-  to straighten thoroughly; rectification]. 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (Heb 9:8-11)

* Reformation is rectification of the wineskin to celestial rather than hand made.

Baal worship dead in the church before any rain
1 Kin 18:17-42   Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long hesitate you between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.    

Historical moves of God

Jesus - – Jesus prays & preaches, God revives the remnant, reformation occurs, outpouring and Kingdom increase ensues

1^st Century – apostles & saints pray and preach, Acts 2 etc revival of God fearers, reformation, outpouring and Kingdom increase

All the great moves of God throughout church history were limited by lack of reform to biblical, celestial wineskins…

Finney n Nash, Azusa St, Welsh, Pentecostal, Latter Rain, Charismania…

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make know my words to you. (Prov 1:23)

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Discipleship, Nurturing the Crop

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Continue watering

…after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; (Eph 1:15- 16)

Plant them by rivers of water

Teach them to trust God and delight in God’s Word:

Ps 1:1-3

Jer 17:5-8

Teach them to pray -self watering

…the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19)

Sunshine

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. (Mark 4:16-17)

The very thing that could scorch & wither us is what will ultimately grow and mature us.

Don’t put new Christians into selfish, sunless, no depth of earth Christianity. Prep them for the real world.

The heat will come so they’ll need water. (Don’t let them get scorched)

Controlled lighting (church community)

And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. (Heb 10:24-25)

Church community is meant to be a shade cloth to hot house process; Teaching and exhorting people to grow through the heat of life.

Pruning

Help them to allow God to cut back the leaves/branches (works, outward actions) to bear more fruit

For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. (Rom 8:13)

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; (Col 3:1-10)

…created in Christ Jesus to good works, (Eph 2:10)

Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (John 15:2)

Reproducing

…brings forth his fruit in his season… (Ps 1:1-3)

New convert begins reproducing. (The cycle)

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (Mark 4:20)

Fruit should grow in maturity and taste every season.

Whereto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it grows up, and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Mark 4:30-32)

Sheep give birth to sheep.

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (Is 55:10)

Word’s purpose is two fold- 1.seed to sow    2. supply your needs

Picking

continued harvests

Picking is releasing people into ministry opportunities to bear seasonal fruit.

Matt 25:14-30   I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth:

Build ‘em in and up

Don’t plug them into a church to keep them living it – help them to hear God and hook up with koinonia and bread breaking community.

For we are labourers together with God: you are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building (oikodome - architecture, a structure, building, edify). According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise masterbuilder (architekton - a chief constructor, architect), I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed (apokalupto - to take off the cover) by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:9-16)

Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built (epoikodomeo) upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly-framed-together (sunarmologeo - to render close-jointed together, i.e. organize compactly) grows to an holy temple (naos) in the Lord: In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Eph 2:19-22)

Build crew on top of yourself into the building. Your highest can be their start; impart everything and put your whole life into it.

Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: (Matt 28:19-20)

Kingdom of God culture

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19)

Environment

…evil communications [companionship] corrupt good manners. (1 Cor 15:33)

Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Prov 27:17)

Produce a Godly atmosphere

Retraining their culture

Music, social stuff etc

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

The Gospel- God’s Sickle

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Harvest timing

John and Jesus preached “repent” to Israel, then-

Mark 16:15 Jesus said to “go into the world and preach the good news.” (God’s time)

But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Jesus spent His time on earth sowing conviction via the true law; it was now time to reap by preaching the good news of the grace of God.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are [being saved Amp] saved it is the power of God. (1Cor 1:17-18)

Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God [LAW/WORD]. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ to all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace [GOSPEL (24)] through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Rom 3:19-24)

When we know our utter foulness we can know His goodness-

…the goodness of God leads you to repentance (Rom 2:4)

Examples:

Acts 2:1-41 – Peter’s Pentecost preach. It was then harvest time.

It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (21) - Gospel

Acts 8:29-39 - Eunuch harvest. He was in the Word it was God’s perfect timing.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus. (35)

Fruit for harvest       

… sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. (Ps 107:35- 37)

…A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon… (Luke 13:6)

…When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putts in the sickle, because the harvest is come… (Mark 4:26- 29)

The first fruit - Repentance

…Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: (Matt 3:6-8) – John Bapo

The gospel (good news sickle) is not to go in until the fruit is born. The Kingdom will be growing on the inside of someone before they are “saved”.

…brings forth his fruit in his season… (Ps 1:3)

…first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. (Mark 4:28)

How to swing a sickle

It is the Lord that reaps in the Spirit; we merely do the follow up reaping on earth:

And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in your sickle, and reap: for the time is come for you to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. (Rev 14:15)

As we have seen, the gospel is the sickle that provides entrance into the Kingdom, in a spiritual sense, but it is upon us to be led by the Spirit in reaping fruit in a practical terrestrial sense.

The Kingdom is planted into us, it grows up and “God gives the increase” then we are planted into the Kingdom.

Altared calls

Altar call error – event evangelism

Sinners prayer is fabricated

For whosoever shall call [epikaleomai] upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom 10:13)

Vine’s – epikaleo – “to be called by a person’s name”; hence it is used of being declared to be dedicated to a person, as to the Lord. [1]

Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. (Matt 7:21-23)

Baptism – a symbol of repentance/ an illustration of new birth

If there is any occasion that could be construed as a physical act to seal the born again reality it would be baptism:

Now when they heard this, they were pricked [katanusso - to pierce thoroughly, to agitate violently] in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. […] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized… (Acts 2:37-41)

… began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus. […] they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all [holos – whole, complete] your heart, […] he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. […] and he baptized him… (Acts 8:29-39)

Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (Rom 6:3-5)

It is not essential for salvation (thief on the cross), neither is it being born again; however, it is a pertinent symbolic action representing the death of our self and subsequent life of “Christ in us” that is prerequisite to Kingdom entrance.

Repentance is proven in works

You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But will you know, O vain [kenos - empty] man, that faith without works is dead? (Jas 2:19-20)

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (26)

“Many early Christians were convinced that conversion began not so much at the level of belief but at the level of lifestyle. Only a person who was willing to change his life was ready for the gospel.”

                                   Alan Kreider

We are God’s garden; we bare fruit for the gardener to partake of.

We harvest the fruits of repentance on people’s life by picking it: giving them opportunity to use it for God’s pleasure. If you are really repentant, you will live for the Kingdom, your life will change from being your own to being about God’s purposes, “about my Father’s business”.

Used as God’s Reaper?

And he that reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit to life eternal: that both he that sows and he that reaps may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One sows, and another reaps. I sent you to reap that whereon you bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and you are entered into their labours. (John 4:36-38)

Are you ready to be used by God to reap fruit for the Kingdom?

End notes

[1] Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (p. 86)

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

We Know Not How

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

We know not how / God gives the increase

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase. (1Cor 3:6-7)

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. (John 12:32-33)   

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knows not how. For the earth brings forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putts in the sickle, because the harvest is come. (Mark 4:26-29)

The human spirit was created to reproduce the kingdom of God

Don’t pressure people into a decision when they’re not ready:

…stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. (Mark 4:16-17)

Remember it is a process not an event:

… Except a man be born again, he cannot see [seeing they may see Mark 4:12] the kingdom of God. […] Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5)

Seed- sperma

From conception to birth – process that God performs

* Erroneous to say that any event/ritual is being born again, ie: sinners prayer, baptism etc

The wind blows where it lists [wishes], and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell where it comes, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8)

Got trusts us with our job let’s trust Him to do His.

… a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. […]When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matt 19:23-26)

Regeneration

He came to his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:11-13)

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration (paliggenesia - (spiritual) rebirth, spiritual renovation; Messianic restoration,) and renewing (anakainosis - renovation) of the Holy Ghost; (Tit 3:5)

Our part in God’s part - Enduring faith

Faith – actively believe God can and will do His parts

That you be not slothful [nothros – sluggish, stupid, dull], but followers [mimetes] of them who through faith and patience [makrothumia – fortitude/endurance] inherit the promises. (Heb 6:12)

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Heb 11:13)

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: (V39)

Believe and say to the mountain (Mark 11:22-24) (don’t just sit back in apathy)

Is the harvest ripe?

Jesus was in a different season:

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then said he to his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (Matt 9:36- 38)  (The harvest was ripe)

The multitude was hungry for God & drawn toward Him.

…say not you, There are yet four months, and then comes harvest? Behold ,I say to you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (John 4:35)

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Planting Fruit

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Fruit yielding seed

… I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain… (John 15:16) Why?

…I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed… (Gen 1:29)   

The word is in the fruit - Actions speak louder than words!

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise. (Prov 11:30)

The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (Jas 3:18)

“Evangelize always using words only when necessary.”

                                                      St Francis

Gal 5:22-23 Fruit of the Spirit.

Love (agape), joy (chara-cheerfulness), Peace (eirene- rest), Longsuffering (makrothumia- patience), Gentleness (chrestotes- kindness), Goodness (agathosune- virtue), Faith (pistis- persuasion), Meekness (praiotes- humility), Temperance (egkrateia- self control).

How do I get spiritual fruit?

Walk in the spirit-

…they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Rom 8:1-6)

So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; (Rom 7:25)

Evidence - Fruit & light

The entrance of your Word gives light. (Ps 119:130)

Fruit is manifested as spiritual light:

For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (Eph 5:8)

…let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (Rom 13:12)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt 5:14-16)

Eph 5:11-14 Light exposes and brings conviction. (Smith Wigglesworth)

Fruit also opens and fertilizes the ground. (compost)

That you would be filled with the fruits of righteousness. (Phil 1:11)

Testifying actions

“The gospel is not a set of doctrines, but a redeemed lifestyle reflecting God’s qualities.”

                                  Wolfgang Simson

Only let your Conversation (behavior) be as it becomes the gospel of Christ. (Phil 1:27)

And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That you may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that you may have lack of nothing. (1Thess 4:11- 12)

Having your conversation [behavior] honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1Pet 2:12)

Eg:

Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation [behavior] of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. (1Pet 3:1- 2)

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (1 Pet 2:18)

Do all things without murmurings and disputings [debate, reasoning]: That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation[genea], among whom you shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life… (Phil 2:14- 16)

Doing life

To the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (Eph 3:10-11)

And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship [poiema-fabric], created in Christ Jesus unto good [agathos-beneficial] works [ergon-labour, toil], which God has before ordained that we should walk [peripateo-to tread all around, be occupied with] in them. (Eph 2:6-10)

2Chron 9:1-8 Queen of Sheeba was influenced by Solomon’s Wisdom not money.

And God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion… (Gen 1:28)

…has made us kings and priests to God and his Father… (Rev 1:6) (ruling and serving Him)

Word of mouth

Let people do the proclaiming for you.

Mark 5:27       When she had heard Jesus.

Luke 9:7          Heard of all that was done by him.

Mark 1:22-23  His fame spread throughout because of the many miracles.

Luke 7:22-23   Tell John what things you have seen.

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

The Incorruptable Seed

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

The ever living Word

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever. (1Pet 1:23)

Australian bush seeds that lie dormant for many years…

It’s best to sow into good ground but if not sow anyway. (not trying to get saved but allowing the Word)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Eccl 3:1)       

Preach the word; be instant in season [eukairos - well-timed, opportune:--convenient], out of season [akairos – inopportunely]; (2Tim 4:2)

Some seed will lie there till it rains    

So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Is 55:11)

The fowl of the air will steal some seed:

And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. - Satan comes immediately, and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. (Mark 4:4, 15)

…when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. (Gen 15:9-11)

For the word of God is quick [alive], and powerful [energes – powerfully operative], and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12)

A ready response (become an expert witness)

…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (Jas 1:19)

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man. (Col 4:5-6)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1Pet 3:15)

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Col 1:27-28)  

Get full of the Word

Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Tim 2:15)

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in your heart: And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them upon the posts of your house, and on your gates. (Deut 6:6-9)

No frills Word

…the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2 Cor 4:6b-7)

For Christ sent me […] to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect [keno - to make empty, neutralize, falsify, make void, be in vain]. (1 Cor 1:17)

Continued personal sowing

Continue to sow the Word in you

Salvation is an ongoing process…

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Sowing the Seed Pt 1- The Word

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

The seed is the Word

When he has made plain [level] the face thereof, does he not cast abroad the fitches and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principle wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place? (Is 28:25)

“Judge each day not by the harvest, but by the seeds you plant.”

There went out a sower to sow. (Mark 4:3)

The sower sows the word. (Mark 4:14)

Sowing the Word

I have planted… (1Cor 3:6)

A true spiritual awakening that endures is grounded deeply in well-thought-out biblical truth. Only when revival roots sink deep into the scriptures and draw their nourishment from God’s Word does revival last.                        

                                                                                                  Charles. G. Finney

Faith comes by the Word being preached (sown):

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias says, Lord, who has believed our report? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:14-17)

Our service is to reconcile; the Word is our apparatus for reconciliation:

… God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:18-19)

Sheep give birth to sheep, not pastors:

And he gave some […] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Eph 4:11-12)

…let every man take heed how he builds thereon… (1 Cor 3:10b)

And herein is that saying true, One sows, and another reaps. (John 4:37)

They must “receive the word” in order to “believe”:

…they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; (Acts 17:11-12)

All must receive the Word in order to “believe” and “be saved”:

… Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house. And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. (Acts 16:30-34)

What is the Word?

Commandment, prophecy, gospel, testimony, Jesus.

Commandment- Torah, new command.

Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom 3:19-20)

Two types of law we will examine: the Law of Moses, and the works of the law on Gentiles hearts.

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (Acts 26:22)

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. (Acts 28:23)

We are not limited to the Law of Moses in our preaching:

…the Gentiles, which have not the law, […] are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) (Rom 2:14-15)

Dr. Wilbur Smith said of the seven outstanding revivals in the Old Testament apart from the one under Jonah: “Each revival rested on the Word and most were the result of preaching and proclaiming God’s law with power.”

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; (1 Tim 1:8-10)

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: […] the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Ps 19:7-8)

Prophecy- The creative word.

Messianic - 330 prophecies fulfilled in incarnate Christ.

The modern science of probability:

8 prophecies fulfilled in one person- 1 in 1 times 10 to the 17^th power.

48 in one person- 1 in 1 times 10 to the 157^th power.

Eschatology – The end of the Jewish age according to Olivet discourse, Revelation and Flavius Josephus.

Governmental – Daniel’s visions and the like. E.g.: Dan 2:31-45 from Babylon to Messiah. (Dan 7:2-28 the four beasts on the sea and the everlasting kingdom)

Personal – Speaking the prophetic Word into people’s own lives; revealing to them what the Lord is saying. E.g.: Dan 5:1-31 -  “…I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.” (17)

Judgment – “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death…” (Rom 1:32) “…treasure up to yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (Rom 2:5)

The good news – general good news. E.g.: Covenant promises.

…whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come to you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit… (Col 1:5-6)

This is the word which by the gospel is preached to you. (1Pet 1:25)

We shall look more at ‘the gospel’ latter.

Testimony – proofs of His reality.

Witness (verb) – to see something happen

A witness has some kind of proof; they are a provider of evidence.

Personal testimony

You shall be witnesses to me. (Acts 1:8)

*“be witnesses” don’t do witnessing.

*“to me” evidence of Him?

… you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. (2 Cor 3:3)

We have seen and do testify that he Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1John 4:14)

Eyewitnesses

… he was seen of… (1Cor 15:5-8)

That which we have seen and heard declare we to you. (1John 1:3)

…were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2Pet 1:16)

Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (Rev 1:1-2)

We have seen and do testify (1John 4:14)

Creation a material witness

Use the awesomeness of creation in your preaching.

…The heavens declare the glory of God… (Ps 19:1-3)

… things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen… (Rom 1:19-20)

Forensic evidence

Literature scrutiny, archaeology, historical accuracy…

Incompetent witness- doesn’t count –either real close or controversial

Jesus is the Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. […] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,   (John 1:1, 14)

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. […] he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev 19:11-16)

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (1 John 5:6-8)

Speak about Jesus and you will be speaking the Word.

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Watering the Earth

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

The essentiality of water in farming

Any good farmer knows that to grow healthy plants you need lush moist soil.

And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they come to the pits, and found no water; they return with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads. Because the ground is chapt, (Chathath- To beat down, abolish, discourage) for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen (farmers) were ashamed, they covered their heads. (Jer 14:3-4)

Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall you say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. (Is 12:3-4)

What water do we have?

Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked of him, and he would have given you living water. 11 The woman said to him, Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from where then have you that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said to her, Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:10-14)

…when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19)

Where is the water released from?

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb… (Rev 22:1)

He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)

Dry grounds

Jer 17:5-8 / Ps 1:1-4

How do we water?

Prayer (communion with Him) is the conduit for the presence of God to be poured upon people’s hearts.

…praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ… (Col 4:3)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit […] And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Eph 6:18-19)

Manually - Individual prayer

…Apollos watered… (1Cor 3:6)

Irrigation system - Prayer network & prayer meetings

…if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt 18:19-20)

The river – His presence going out through us

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (Rev 22:1-5)

Ezek 47 – ankles, knees, waste, “could not pass over”.

Rain - Pray for a downpour

…He shall come to us as the rain, as the latter and former rain to the earth. (Hosea 6:3)      

…he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (Jas 5:16-18) - prophetic picture for us

…this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh. (Acts 2:16-17)

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon your seed, and my blessing upon your offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. (Is 44:3-4)

Soft and open

Coupled with plowing, watering (prayer) causes the hearts to become soft and open:

You visit the earth, and water it: You greatly enrich it with the river of God, which is full of water: You prepare them corn, when You have so provided for it. You water the ridges thereof abundantly: You settle the furrows thereof: You make it soft with showers: You bless the springing thereof. (Ps 65:9-10)

Finney and Nash

Brian praying for me

Water thyself

Before the great revival in Gallneukirchen broke out, Martin Boos spent hours and days and often nights in lonely agonies of intersession. Afterwards, when he preached, his words were as flame, and the hearts of the people as grass.         D.M. McIntyre, D.D.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. (Ps 23:5)

Wigglesworth – was soaked in God

John G. Lake – Christ consciousness

“Only the man who lives in fellowship with divine reality can be used to call people to God.” Frank Bartleman (Azusa Street p. 14)

…out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)

Leonard Ravenhill spoke against “Palsied, powerless preaching which is unmoving because it was born in a tomb instead of a womb, and nourished in a fireless, prayerless soul.” He said that “The word does not live unless the unction is upon the preacher.” 

Continued personal watering

Salvation continues till we die

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded. (Jas 4:8)

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. (Ps 27:4)

I want God to feel my presence!

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Plowing the Earth (a)

Plowing the Earth (b)

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Plow the earth

Does the plowman plow all day to sow? Does he open and break the clods of his ground? When he has made plain [level] the face thereof, does he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principle wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place? (Is 28:24-25)

What does a plow do? - Opens up the ground to make it ready to sow into.

The remedy for way side, stony, and other hard ground is to plow it.

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. (Hos 10:12)

“If we could make our hearers all willing, the battle would be accomplished.” (C.H. Spurgeon)

…brought him to Areopagus […] May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is… (Acts 17:19-22)  

Heart Breaking

The LORD is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite [dakka – lit. crushed to powder] spirit. (Ps 34:18)

Pray for people to fall on (surrender to) Christ and get broken so that He can be near to them:

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (Matt 21:44)

Entrance into the Kingdom, or rather, the Kingdom’s entrance into you:

Blessed are the poor [ptochos – beggar, pauper] in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Matt 5:3-4)

The gospel and it’s implications are for the poor and brokenhearted:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted… (Luke 4:18)

Naturally broken people can be more spiritually broken, but not always…

Godly sorrow is a necessary heart breaker:

For though I made you sorry [lupeo- to distress, be sad, grieve, be in heaviness] with a letter [1 Corinthians], I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle has made you sorry [lupeo], though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry [lupeo], but that you sorrowed [lupeo] to repentance: for you were made sorry [lupeo] after a godly manner, that you might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow [lupe- sadness, grief, heaviness] works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death. (2 Cor 7:8-10)

“…my hearing him preach gave me a heart wound; by God’s blessing my old foundation was broken up, and I saw that my righteousness would not save me”

              (Nathan Cole, on George Whitefield’s preaching) (1) (Emphasis mine)

Breaking the rich young ruler’s heart:

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said to him, Why call you me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour your father and your mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said to him, Yet lack you one thing: sell all [pas- everything] that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure [thesaurus- a deposit, wealth] in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful [perilupos- a derivative from lupe in 2 Cor 7]: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful [perilupos], he said, How hardly [duskolos- impracticably] shall they that have riches ENTER INTO the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to ENTER INTO the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke 18:18-27) (emphasis mine)

Jesus perceived that this ruler, although being open to God in some form, was not broken in heart/spirit, and therefore was not truly open to the Kingdom (the rule) of God in Christ.

How to break a heart

This is why the scriptures speak of our Kingdom employment as putting our hand to the plough. Working for the Kingdom begins with ploughing: it begins with us handing our hands (our action) over to Holy Spirit to be used to open people up to the Kingdom:

“And Jesus said to him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

“he that plows should plow in hope” (1 Cor 9:10)

Two ways to break a heart-

Piercing truth –

When Peter preached to the Jews and devout men on the day of Pentecost, he was unflinching and cutting in his truth based discourse to them:

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked [katanusso - to pierce thoroughly, i.e. (fig.) to agitate violently] in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38)

His clear cooperation with the ploughing operations of the “Spirit of truth” caused the hearers to be “pricked” (or as Strong’s puts it: pierced thoroughly) “in their heart”, which led them to ask “what shall we do” or, how can we repent and come to salvation?

Exposing light -

Not only do we, by the Holy Spirit, use piercing truth to plough, but we also allow His convicting light to shine on the empty darkness of people’s hearts, exposing their sin and subsequently their need to receive the Kingdom:

But all things that are reproved [elegcho- convict, tell a fault] are made manifest [phaneroo- to render apparent] BY HE LIGHT: for whatsoever does make manifest [phaneroo- to render apparent] is LIGHT. (Eph 5:13) (Emphasis mine)

We are not called to be the carnal, moral watchdogs of society, we are called to be “the light of the world” (Matt 5:14).

Real relevance

What relevance isn’t – Attracting people to God with fairy floss

We can either be Hollywood, formal or normal. I choose normal

… to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect [kenoo kenoo- make empty, neutralize, falsify, void]. (1 Cor 1:17)

Winning people’s hearts and gaining them, for the right to preach the gospel:

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins [laqach – seize, draw away] souls is wise. (Prov 11:30)       

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain [kerdaino – win] the more. And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain [win] the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain [win] them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain [win] them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain [win] the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake… (1Cor 9:19-23)

What relevance is - not drawing people to God but rather to not expel them from Him.

Normal person with amazing God, not amazing person with normal God

…Let every man abide [meno – remain] in the same calling wherein he was called… (1 Cor 7:17-22)

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without… (Col 4:5)

Signs and wonders

… An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: (Matt 12:39)

Man with an unclean spirit

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region… (Mark 1:23-28) 

Kenneth Hagin

“Healing is the dinner bell for salvation.”

A man sick of the palsy

But when the multitude saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power to men. (Matt 9:2-8)

Sorcerer - Barjesus - Blind for a season

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. (Acts 13:6-12)

The manifestation of the Spirit

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY man to profit withal. (1 Cor 12:4-7) (Emphasis mine)

Word of wisdom; word of knowledge; faith; healing; working of miracles; prophecy;   discerning of spirits; divers kinds of tongues; interpretation of tongues (1 Cor 12:7-11)

Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling, mercy (Rom 12:5-8)

Natural gifts eg: sport, music, arts etc

Biblical credibility

Apologetics - Josh McDowell etc

Creationists

Study!

Continued personal plowing

Again – salvation is not an event, it is a process which will continue at least until we leave the planet… It’s not that we keep getting saved… and unsaved, the Kingdom just continues to progress and develop in us (if we are obedient), hence the new garden

For this says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. (Jer 4:3)

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Jesus’ Evangelism Seminar

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

How does one get saved?

“As surely as the farmer follows the simple principles of sowing, cultivating and reaping and can hence expect nature to give him a crop, if proper revival “measures” are employed God will invariably grant a revival.” Charles G. Finney

Read Mark 4:1-12

And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sin should be forgiven them. (Mark 4:11-12)

If people see and perceive, hear and understand (the word) they will be converted, and their sin will be forgiven them.

Hearken; behold, there went out a sower to sow: (3) the word

And other  fell on good ground (peoples hearts), and did yield fruit (faith) that sprang up and increased; and brought forth (fruit), some thirty, and some sixty, and some hundred. (8)

…these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit… (20)

Word makes faith:

…The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. […] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:8-17)

By grace through faith:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph 2:8-9)

…we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand… (Rom 5:2)

Engrafted Word:

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and abundance of naughtiness, and receive [like in Mark 4:20] with meekness the engrafted [emphutos- implanted] word, which is able to save your souls. (Jas 1:21)

Seeing and perceiving, hearing and understanding the Word brings fourth faith, which is essential for one to be saved.

The on-growing Kingdom

Jesus taught that salvation is not an event but a process

Altar call hoax

The harvest was ripe

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then said he to his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; (Matt 9:35-37)

We have a new crop to tend.

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. […]  Howbeit certain men cleaved to him, and believed: (Acts 17:32-34)

Un- productive grounds

Mark 4:4-7, 15-19

Way side

some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. (4)

by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. (15)

- Farmers used to scatter the seed by hand and afterwards would plough it in. People who used a path through a field would make the ground hard.

Way side- Didn’t receive seed - The first part of the process is to receive the seed. (20)

- Preaching without groundwork

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost says, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. […] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Heb 3:7-19)

Hard hearts of unbelief are caused by sin

Stony ground

some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. (5-6)

on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. (16-17)

Stony ground- Received the seed but only shallowly and too quickly

- Preaching and “altar call” without groundwork

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. (Luke 14:26-30)

Although salvation continues to be by grace, we must continue in it:

…by faith into this grace wherein we stand [histemi – continue]… (Rom 5:2)

Finney never gave an evangelistic appeal until he felt the Holy Spirit had done His work completely & that the reaping time had come. …  He carefully instructed the seekers, urging them to guard against emotional extremes.

Among thorns

…some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. (7)

…among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (18-19)

Among thorns- Not weeded before and after the Kingdom sprouts

These three choke the Word and stop you being a disciple.

And whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:27)

- No repentance, evil communications

For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. (Jer 4:3)

Dry grounds

Jer 17:5-8 / Ps 1:1-4

- Preaching and “altar calls” in man’s system (carnal methods)

- No unction on the sowing

- Not discipled into the presence of God

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by David Orton

David Orton is a good friend and brother who is deeply grounded in the Word by the Spirit. Times I have spent in dialogue with him over biblical issues are invaluable. In this article he digs deeper than the veneer of pragmatic stewardship with finances into the heart of the matter and the heart of the reader. May you consider his wise words in the spirit of meekness by the Spirit of grace.

Bretto

The law of spiritual riches is a non-negotiable principle of the kingdom of God.

There is an unbreakable connection between our relationship to money and the release of the Spirit. If we have not been faithful in regard to natural wealth, how will God entrust to us spiritual riches?

Not about ‘stewardship’

Before we go any further, a warning. This is not about so-called ‘stewardship programs’ – your church giving, or support of a ministry.

‘Stewardship’ (Giving etc) has been domesticated for too long by reducing it to fund-raising for missions or the church. This is not to deny the primary purpose of giving as the support of apostolic ministry for the spread of the gospel. However, for this to happen in such proportions to bring the fullness of the kingdom to earth the invisible and insidious control of Mammon over believers must be exposed. No attempt to raise funds for missions or ministry will achieve world-changing dimensions without the subtle power of Mammon being exposed and broken. It is one of the major principalities ruling the world and the church, blocking a world-transforming move of God. In fact, it is at the root of the church’s chronic spiritual poverty.

The meaning and significance of the word ‘Mammon’ goes deeper into the human psyche than you may be willing to recognise. This is far more threatening than any spontaneous or planned giving, no matter how sincere, even if it is ten percent.

If therefore we are desirous of spiritual wealth, of entering the fullness of the kingdom we must understand what “faithfulness in unrighteous wealth (mammon)” is. Failure to recognise this law hinders true spiritual progress. Conversely, to recognise and obey it removes an invisible spiritual ceiling, resulting in an open heaven over our life.

What does it mean, therefore, to be “faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth (mammon)”?

Fussing in the basement of our soul

First, as just stated, we must understand that this is not primarily about good ‘stewardship’.

Rather than merely dealing with Christian finance principles, the full import of the word ‘Mammon’ delves into the human psyche, fussing deep into the basement of our soul, our sense of who we are, locating where we derive our significance and security.

To fully appreciate this we must understand the word Mammon. While ‘Mammon’ is used to refer to riches or wealth, it goes deeper, with the original root meaning ‘to be firm, reliable’. Mammon is therefore something reliable upon which we depend for our life. Thus, the workings of Mammon within us, rooted in self-reliance, may range from finding material and emotional sustenance in money, to status and reputation, to human systems, possessions, career success, or relationships; in fact any created thing. Deriving life from anything less than the uncreated God is ‘Mammon’, and by definition idolatry. In essence therefore Mammon is the rule of self. This then gives ground to the spiritual principality of Mammon.

And so, when Jesus declares that we cannot serve God and Mammon (Mtt 6:24) he is not placing a prohibition on money or wealth, rather, he is showing the impossibility of finding sustenance from God and self (Mammon) simultaneously – it is either one or the other. This brings us to the ‘deceitfulness of riches’.

Recognising the ‘deceitfulness of riches’

Secondly, if we are to obey the law of spiritual riches we will need to recognise the “deceitfulness of riches” (Mtt 13:22).

How are riches deceitful? In that we genuinely believe we are serving God, when in fact we are not – we are unwittingly serving Mammon.

How does this deception occur? Through the insidious intrusion of the ‘cares and anxieties of this life’ – the pressure of making our way in life, and the ‘desire for other things’, for more – the new model vehicle, better employment conditions, more influence for our ministry, greater success or the recognition of our peers. This way the seed of the kingdom is smothered (Mk 4:19). Even so, we maintain religious behaviours, believing that through these we maintain a relationship with God.

Thus, the difficulty, as Jesus underlined, for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God (Mk 10:23-25). The intrusion of anxiety and self-reliance prohibits us from authentic kingdom life – from experiencing “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17). We are found with a form of religion, but void of inner reality.

Rather than enjoying the deep internal resonance of the Father’s love with the assurance of his covenant fidelity and providential care, we are burdened by anxiety – by the cares of this world.

However, anxiety, if recognised, then serves as a barometer, warning us of change in the spiritual atmosphere of our lives.

Dealing with anxiety

Thirdly, to obey the law of spiritual riches requires our dealing with anxiety.

Anxiety either drives us to the Lord or to Mammon. It presents us with the clear choice of either finding comfort in Mammon or in God. Resolve and progress in the kingdom is only found by obeying the clear injunction to not be anxious. The choice is ours, to trust in the Lord or rely on our own understanding (Prv 3:5-6).

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?…

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Mt 6:25–34 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6–7 (NIV)

The rub

This is the rub in the law of spiritual riches.

Anxiety will either press us into the Lord or into relying on ourselves. By leaning on our own understanding, we rationalise our self-reliance, and thus find our own life. In contrast, trusting in the Lord requires that we lose our life:

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Mt 10:39 (NIV)

The word used for “life” here is psuche, referring to our soul life – our mind, will, and emotions. And so, to “lose our life” demands the laying down of our soul-realm – that is what we feel, think, or want in the face of life threatening circumstances. I warned you this would fuss with you in the basement of your soul! Compared to the sanitised teaching of the institutional church on stewardship Jesus’ call to follow him is deeply threatening.

“If the Lord wants us in Canada he’ll sell the home at the best price possible!”

I recall vividly Jenny and me as a young married couple hearing the call of God. We had just designed and built our first home. One of our pastors at the time suggested we attend a certain Bible College in Canada, my response being far from positive in that we had done college some years before – my pride was offended – we had already been in ministry and were beyond this. However, God didn’t leave it there. On our Christmas holidays I was visited by a dream, awakening the next morning knowing that Canada and Bible College were in the will of God for us. This meant selling our dream home to fund the call. So being the spiritual giant I was I responded, “OK, if the Lord wants us in Canada he’ll sell the home at the best price possible!” So on our return home the house went immediately onto the market at a top price. After many weeks without any serious lookers and the deadline for moving to Canada looming I was reviewing the situation with my pastor when he said, “David, what price have you put on the call of God?” Instantaneously, I knew the figure the house was meant to sell for – $67,500. Unfortunately, this was $10,000 less than our asking price! I immediately notified the agent of the new price and the very next day the house sold to a cash buyer. The sobering thing was I had unwittingly put a $10,000 value on the call of God. I had been willing to sell out for a few moth-eaten dollars!

The call of God is never convenient – it cuts across our ways and our thoughts – and so, human reasoning and pride must give way to God. I had to lay down my pride to return to Bible College – “Surely I was already a graduate with experience in ministry. How could this be God?” I was also required to lay down my natural reasoning that argued, “We are sons of the king – if this is God the house should sell for the best price!” I could have also argued, “Selling the home is irresponsible – doesn’t the bible say that those who don’t provide are worse than infidels?” You might also respond, “Well that’s OK for David, he has a call to ministry. God would never require me to do something like that.” Wouldn’t he? Are we not all ministers and disciples? No one is exempt from the call to follow Jesus and to sell all. Are we not also all sons of God? And so, cannot the Spirit of God lead us all? And if he leads you to some kind of radical obedience you too will enjoy the promise that any who forsake houses, lands, wives, husbands, or children for his sake and the gospels will receive a hundred-fold in this life, with sufferings (Mtt 19:28; Mk 10:29-30).

Breaking the strength of the natural man

The law of spiritual riches demands our soul – our psuche – what we want, feel, and think. It brings down pride and the false god of Mammon in obedience to the supremacy of God in Christ. Only as we allow God to break the strength of the natural (psuche) man, our soul-realm, is Mammon defeated and only then are we entrusted with spiritual wealth.

Our refusal to allow this process, by ‘toughing it out’, renders us impervious to the Spirit and the wisdom of God – the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit (1 Cor 2:14). As long as we cling to our tattered garments of self-reliance we can never be clothed with the riches of God’s power and wisdom – we disqualify ourselves from receiving greater revelation of God and withhold his visitation to the earth. As long as we settle for some castrated version of ‘stewardship’, fussing as to percentages and whether its before or after income tax, instead of radically abandoning ourselves to the Lord, we deceive ourselves that we are rich and visionary while in reality we are poor and blind.

Now is the time to recognise our plight and true condition. Only the poor in spirit are given the kingdom (Mtt 5:3). It is time to humble ourselves, and in due time we will be exalted. We have traded the majesty and terror of Christ the King demanding our soul and our all for our token  giving. He is standing at the door knocking, commanding the doors to Zion be swung open. As surely as we respond the king of glory shall enter and sup with us.

And we shall arise and rule with him if we overcome.

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.Rev 3:17-21 (NIV)

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

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Thank you.

Copyright © David Orton 2010
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by Brett Jacobsen

This twelve part video series is a call back to Jesus’ doctrine regarding the increase of His Kingdom. It is a re-examination of what the Bible teaches on evangelism and discipleship rather than man’s megre methods.

Introduction

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

This teaching is about the process of salvation and our involvement.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government [misrah] shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government [misrah – empire, kingdom] and peace there shall be no end [qets – border, finite], upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom [mamlakah - dominion, the estate (rule), king's, reign], to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Is 9:6-7)

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. (John 12:32-33)

Wherefore take to you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins [osphus -  procreative ability] girt about with truth, (Eph 6:13-14)

 Jesus teaching the Kingdom?

What Jesus taught in the boat - Evangelism seminar:

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow… (Mark 4:1-12)

Luke’s account was probably the same incident. If not, it is more than likely that He was teaching the same Kingdom parables.

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,2  And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.3  And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.4  Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught [catch].5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.6  And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.7  And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. (Luke 5:1-8)

Jesus gave a teaching then a visual on the same subject.

Three main analogies that Jesus used to teach evangelism - Farming, fishing & building

Luke 8 & Matt 13 are other instances where Jesus taught this; He taught this a lot.

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias;(1)and on this wise showed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, I go a fishing. They say to him, We also go with you. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, Children, have you any meat? They answered him, No. And he said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat to him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. (John 21:1-8)

(1) It is likely that this was the very same location (if not, very close by) that Jesus first taught them by the sea before telling them to “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a haul” (Luke 5, Mark 4). The sea of Galilee was also called ‘the Lake of Gennesaret’, ‘the Sea of Tiberias’, and ‘the sea of Chinnereth’. Perhaps Luke called it the lake of Gennesaret while John called it the sea of Tiberiasbecause in Luke’s account Jesus was near Gennesaret while John’s account had Him nearer to Tiberias (about ten klms apart). Or, more likely in my estimation, Luke and John, like many others in that time, were referring to the same body of water, each according to his own preferred name. Again, it is likely that Jesus met them at a similar location.

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by
Brett Jacobsen

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. (Luke 22:19-20 NRSV)

And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:24-25 NRSV)

Much of the first fruits church in the first century understood Jesus’ words when He said “do this”. They proceeded to follow His example by “breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46).

Upon Jesus’ last incarnate opportunity to instruct His closest disciples (the last supper) He surely would have imparted a major truth about His church and His Kingdom. If He wanted us to build church buildings, congregations and religious factions (denominations), He would have said so. If the aim was to focus on perfecting meetings He would have taken that opportunity to make it clear. He did not.

Instead He took the most basic everyday activity- eating and drinking a meal, and He set it as the rallying point of Christian community. He didn’t even provide a run sheet to go with it; He just said “do this”.

The modern church spends many hours and many dollars in trying to perfect meetings and build “churches”- organisations. We’ve got everything from church growth seminars to methods of how to have the best church service or outreach event. All of this is light years away from what Jesus prescribed, or rather commanded. The simplicity of breaking bread in the midst of a time of loving God and each other can be done by all believers, in all locations, all the time. This is unlike the professional stage shows that have become centre stage in Christianity.

These errant church paradigms have led to the production of generations of believers who do spectator Christianity. It has produced a large degree of spiritual retardation in holding Christians back from spirituality in every day life- the place where the lost linger.

There is much we could teach and discuss here about the orthopraxical out-workings of church life. Truth is though, even if we do not yet have a solid grasp on the ins and outs of church function, we can all find a handful of brothers and sisters in Him and begin to break bread regularly together. Yes teaching, equipping and oversight have an integral place, but until we have that flowing let’s get the heart of the issue right- let’s begin to daily break bread in remembrance of Christ. If we do that and remain open, the rest will follow.

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Thank you. www.christisall.org

Nudging Each Other Forward in Kingdom Truth

by
Brett Jacobsen

Our generation has an opportunity to bring real change throughout the church and subsequently the world around us. The security of yesterdays ‘less than biblical ways’ is becoming less appealing to true God fearers. Steadying the ark finally seems like a not so smart thing to do.

God is stirring His people to question and challenge the status quos of Dark Age doctrine and practice which is still widespread in the church. Although many will fight to “keep the peace” rather than obey the Prince of Peace, I’m convinced that many others will allow God to stir them to fight for truth in the Spirit of Love.

Jesus’ Love example

Much of modern Christianity has been robbed of a powerful Kingdom tool due to a misguided view of love. A modern humanistic bias has caused many to portray the God, who Himself is Love, as something He is not- a wussy, politically correct, conformist. Yes love is kind and gentle but it also can be forthright, stern and even chastening.

Despite the fact that we have many pages of scripture which show Jesus (who is Love) doing things that are apparently not so kind and gentle, we still struggle with the balance of Love. It is imperative that we find the equilibrium and remain open to the various ways in which God works… including the ones which are more direct and confrontational.

A case for forcefulness

Many may argue that we should just let everyone believe whatever they want: that we ought to “leave them alone”. While it is true that we can’t and should not try to force change on someone, we also see that there is a place for forcefulness in Christ’s Kingdom:

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers [biazo- to force or press] violence [biazo], and the violent [biastes- a forcer] take [harpazo- seize, pull] it by force [harpazo]. (Matt 11:12)

Jesus clearly stated that His Kingdom needs to be forcefully pressed into. There is nothing passive or weak about it.

Now of course I’m not suggesting that we force doctrinal views on people who clearly don’t want sharpening. What I am calling for is for us as individuals to forcefully press into Kingdom truth. In order to do that effectively we must regularly expose ourselves to contrary doctrines and thoughts than our present ones. We ought to always put our theological thoughts out on the table to be challenged, corrected and/or confirmed. Hiding behind denominational walls will not allow this to happen. However, even those who have fled human institutions can become dissociate and stagnant in their pursuit of clearer truth. It is high time we re-employ biblical tools like dialogue and disputation throughout the wider body of Christ.

Dialogue and disputation

The most part of the modern church is found hiding in its various denominational divisions and so is left to its diverse dogmatic delusions. Rather than opening up ongoing dialogue to allow iron to sharpen doctrinal iron we have, for the most part, stood apart from one another to hold our doctrinal ground.

We have all but lost that wonderful biblical tool of dialogue and disputation in love. Anything that resembles disputation is usually condemned as divisive and/or disrespectful. But could the opposite be true and does the Bible give us a different, more useful picture of biblical disputes?

Below we see a number of times the word dialegomai is used in the New Testament. Here is the Strong’s Concordance explanation of the word:

1256. dialegomai, dee-al-eg’-om-ahee; mid. from G1223 and G3004; to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation):–dispute, preach (unto), reason (with), speak.

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned [dialegomai] with them out of the scriptures, (Acts 17:2)

Therefore disputed [dialegomai] he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. (Acts 17:17)

And he reasoned [dialegomai] in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. (Acts 18:4)

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned [dialegomai] with the Jews. (Acts 18:19)

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing [dialegomai] and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (Acts19:8)

…disputing [dialegomai] daily in the school of one Tyrannus… (Acts 19:9-10)

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached [dialegomai] unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7)

…as Paul was long preaching [dialegomai]… (Acts 20:9)

And as he reasoned [dialegomai] of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts24:25)

For the most part Paul was speaking with God fearers who needed more pieces of the Kingdom puzzle. He would frequent the synagogues (= modern “churches”) and dialegomai, aka dispute and reason, with the Jews and then the Greeks also. From Acts thirteen onwards we see that they did not just sit back and listen passively. There were surely some intense disputations about the fullness of Christ’s Kingdom.

Paul took it upon himself (rather God called him) to go to those with differing beliefs and doctrines and “discuss (in argument or exhortation)” doctrine. Why is it then that we shy away from this type of useful activity? We make excuses to deflect any contrary thought rather than embrace the sharpening iron of diverse doctrine and opposing thoughts. We Christians have been experts in pushing our beliefs on the world but then cowering from the biblical challenge of a loving brother.

So surely a big step in the way forward for Christ’s Kingdom and church is to re-embrace the biblical concept of dialogue and disputation, albeit in a spirit of love. Let’s see more saints freed up to discuss the Word rather than being spoon fed pet lifestyle sermons. Let’s have more non-denominational gatherings where biblical elders and Word labourers discuss, dispute and even respectfully debate important issues in the church. Let’s re-employ a great gift from God that will sharpen the body in every area. Let’s get down to some disputation.

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by
Don Atkin

Don Atkin is a true father of fathers who doesn’t title himself in any such manner. He is one who continues to wrestle with the Lord, and others, in a quest for a greater knowledge and manifestation of Christ’s Kingdom rather than resting in yesterdays limited understandings. Often times when I read Don’s writings I feel resonance with His heart for Christ alone. This article addresses the importance of being content with the indwelling Christ rather than chasing things that pass with the wind.

Brett Jacobsen

Words of Caution, Written in Love

There is a growing appetite among many believers that is unhealthy, and potentially dangerous.  I can relate to Paul, and “borrow” his words, so that you may see my heart toward you:

We conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God. – II Corinthians 1:12

Now I, (Don), myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (II Corinthians 10:1a). 

I am prayerfully calling us to attention, not to look for something new, introduce some formula, or attempt to be prophetically provocative.  In all my years, I have never before seen or heard so many radical, even preposterous distractions from the simplicity that is in Christ.  I am greatly concerned.

I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. – II Corinthians 11:3

The drive for novelty and spiritual mysteries/ecstasies is somehow deeply embedded in the human psyche.  It often unknowingly partners with religious spirits that are eager to manifest.  It seems to thrust itself to the surface whenever and wherever there is an unfulfilled spiritual hunger, a lack of the reality of Jesus.  The enemy of our souls eagerly deceives and corrupts our minds, and – unless we have a viable standard of measure – we don’t even know that it is happening! 

Historical accounts of the early church (Acts), along with the apostolic instruction of the epistles, provide the only viable standard by which we are to measure.  Unfortunately, many hold their personal “experiences” above the New Covenant writings as their standard of measure, thus being subject to distraction and/or deception.

It is increasingly common for dear brethren with what I will call “prophetic tendencies” to resonate with one another much like folks in another day, who excitedly set out to build a tower to heaven.  In another historical setting, Jesus, spoke of the events that were soon to come upon Jerusalem:

“If anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ Do not believe it.  For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” – Matthew 24:23-24

Human nature has not changed since the days of Babylon or the days of Jerusalem.  The very void that only Jesus can fill is still a foothold for the serpent.  As believers, we know that Satan has no place within us unless we give him that place.  That human hankering for something beyond ourselves (as was the vulnerability of Eve) sets us up for the serpent’s deceiving “revelations.” Such temptations continue until  (1) our entire lives are solidly built upon the Rock, (2) we are rightly “hidden” in the midst of the body of Christ, and (3) we are living by the Spirit in the culture of the kingdom.

The earlier years of both the “prophetic movement” and the “apostolic reformation” brought extremes and excesses that are still affecting the body of Jesus.  Integrity would call us all into agreement that there are yet vast differences within the prophetic and apostolic communities.  “Repentance” must become a way of life for all of us who wish to go on into the fullness of Christ and all that He plans.

“The tendency to determine what is or is not prophetic, or who is or is not a prophet by charismatic endowment rather than inner alignment to kingdom truth is unfortunate, with tragic results.  The simplest definition of being prophetic is: Hearing God and doing what He says!” – Steve Crosby

The definition of being prophetic also applies to our worship of God.  The simplest definition of worship is:  Hearing God and doing what He says!   Worship “experiences” are meaningless without our faithful obedience.  Here is Jesus’ summary word on worship:

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me, and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” –  (The Apostle’s Doctrine!) – John 14:21

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22

• True and mature prophets hear God, and do what He says.
• Those who worship in Spirit and in truth hear God, and do what He says.

Much of the church of Jesus Christ, especially in the western world, has pulled away from these moorings and created a consumer-driven culture that has no New Covenant precedent, and is no longer continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.  Thus, she has made herself vulnerable to distraction and/or deception.  I cannot get away from the timeliness of Paul’s concern.  Let me repeat:

I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. – II Corinthians 11:3

The highest prophetic function is to make Jesus known, not “esoteric revelations.”  John, who did no miracles, was the best of the old order.  His message was:

            “Behold the Lamb!”

THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST

I was recently discussing with a friend, a genuine and mature prophet, the heartbreak of reading something written by a precious and godly man who is several years my senior.  He had come up with some “revelation” about an obscure phrase deeply buried in the Old Testament.  My friend’s response:

“It’s heart rending to be so far along in the faith, and side-tracked with this stuff.   There is a small amount of amazement in my heart as to why believers can’t be satisfied with the Lord in His person – in union with our hearts – living and loving Him there, and (loving) others by His grace.  Jesus – revealed and in our hearts by the Spirit – is the last Word of God to humanity.”

The foundational basis for serving God is:  “Jesus (who is God—who is Spirit) HAS returned, and abides in us by the power of the Holy Spirit (I John 2:20, 27).  Without Him we can do nothing; we can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us.  We are sons, led and empowered by His Spirit.”

For me, this is experiential, not only doctrinal.  I regularly find myself shedding His tears,

Feeling His pain over folks who are like sheep without a shepherd, marveling over the potential of His creation, anticipating His fullness.  I am convinced that “till He comes” can be an excuse to not move forward in faith.  Let me say it again:  “Jesus has not left us orphans, but HAS come to us.”  The world can’t see Him, but we should “see” Him (John 14:18-19). He IS in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).  

Walking by faith in the experiential presence of the Godhead keeps us fresh and up-to-date. Seeking signs and unique spiritual experiences and revelations causes us to walk in a cloud rather than on the clouds.

THE CHALLENGE FOR APOSTLES

Many genuine believers are being distracted and/or deceived in their search for spiritual reality.  We cannot lay the blame at the feet of the prophets.  Nor can we be critical of those who respond to the tantalizing delicacies of the mystics or their counterfeits.  Filling that void, laying the foundation – the simplicity that is in Christ – is an apostolic assignment.

• Apostles carry the presence of Jesus in a uniquely apostolic way.  (Prophets carry His presence in a uniquely prophetic way, etc.)  Ephesians 4:10 is the best explanation of Ephesians 4:11:  “. . . that He might fill all things.”
• Apostolic people, filling their assigned allotments, are the fruit of apostolic ministry.
• Apostolic fruit (manifested in apostolically equipped people) fills cities, regions, nations, and the world with Jesus’ presence.
• King Jesus’ presence in believers is to fill the earth with the glory of the Father.
• The glory of the Father is His kingdom – established by His sons through relationships.

It’s not about apostles.  It’s about people - sons of God - male and female - becoming apostolic in all arenas of life.  The sent ones are sent to impart Jesus.  (Jesus is the apostolic genius.)  We do so by living and communicating His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. The apostolic genius, the presence of Jesus, is contagious.
 
We don’t begin by organizing or by challenging organizations.  We begin by living the abundant life of Christ in us, and doing so in the midst of those to whom we are sent.  Life itself will demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit of Him who said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me.”

INCARNATIONAL AND MISSIONAL MANDATES

We are being transformed into His image, and sent forth to pass on this apostolic genius to others.  The early church model was all about discipleship and apostolic migration.  Christian faith is first incarnational, and then missional.

As He is (present tense), so are we (present tense) in this world. – I John 4:17b

Life in Christ, pursuing His mandates, will eventually deconstruct unrighteous foundations by reconstituting the righteous foundations.  Clearly, God intends the church of the New Covenant to be incarnational and missional (as contrasted with evangelical and attractional). We are to be discipled – then sent to disciple others – in the same way that Jesus discipled the twelve, who were then sent to do likewise.

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples seeking “deeper” truth?

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples pursuing mystical sensationalism?

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples looking for gemstones or gold dust?

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples prophesying to creation?

·         Do we see Jesus or His disciples making prophetic proclamations?

Do we see Paul doing any of these things? 

What are the New Testament examples of such pursuits?

Hear the heartbeat of our faith as expressed by Paul:

·         It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. – Galatians 2:20

·         Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Him we preach. – Colossians 1:28-28a

·         Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. – Colossians 2:18-19

• I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. – II Corinthians 11:3

“The Church is nothing which man can build by any resource in himself personally or collectively.” – T. Austin-Sparks

Apostles and prophets are to live in, and minister from, the realities of the New Covenant.  They are to build from a platform of internal ethics and accuracy of their lives, not from the exercise of their gift. 

Therefore I also, after hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

And you He made alive! – Ephesians 1:15 – 2:1a

P. S.  My heart is toward you, dear reader.  I share Paul’s prayer for you.  I believe in you because of the Christ who is in you.  Seek Him.  Seek His kingdom.  Seek His righteousness. 

Behold the Lamb!

“You Raise Me Up”

This article is from Don Atkin’s email subscription, you can email him at donatkin@kingdomquest.net to connect or subscribe to his posts.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

Faith In His Redemption

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Redemption from the curse

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: (Gal 3:13)

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so… (Ps 107:2)

Definitive, progressive, consummative.

13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons [huios] of God. 15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this [ho] present [nun- now] time [kairos] are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waits [apekdechomai- expect fully, look for] for the manifestation [apokalupsis] of the sons [huios] of God. 20 For the creation was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now [nun]. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit [Rev 14:4], even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting [apekdechomai- expect fully, look for] for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved [sozo] by hope [elpis- anticipate, expectation]: but hope [elpis] that is seen is not hope [elpis]: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope [elpis] for?

25 But if we hope [elpizo] for that we see not, then do we with patience wait [apekdechomai- expect fully, look for] for it. (Rom 8:13-25)

Faith for the Kingdom

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Heb 11:13)

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: (v39)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

Duplication and embedding of these videos and notes is permitted as long as they are complete and a link to www.christisall.org is included.

Thank you.

by Brett Jacobsen

The focus of this teaching is to promote the biblical truth that Christ’s Kingdom is active and increasing right now on this earth, in this age. Erroneous eschatology has detracted from this truth in many circles of the Christian faith.

All of the major eschatological (study of how things end) passages are covered but the end of the world is not the important issue and true eschatology is merely a means to an end- Christ Himself as King of kings. Though we will look at the glorious end of earthly history from time to time, we will more so continually use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures and arrive at the present victorious Kingdom of Christ.

For most Christians this teaching will challenge you deeply in your understanding of the New Covenant and Christ’s Kingdom as well as liberate you greatly in the truth of His Word.

The Kingdom Age in Parallels

Below are the notes from this teaching so you can read along:

Now all these things happened to them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition [warning], upon whom the ends [telos- conclusion] of the world [aion- age] are come. (1 Cor10:11)