New Hallmarks of Christianity in the Kingdom Age

For many reasons we believe that we’re currently crossing an epic historical threshold into a new Biblical age.  So, what does this newly emerging age hold for us?

In a pointed prophetic word, God said, “I will change the understanding and expression of Christianity on earth in one generation” (Mike Bickle – 1982).  If you believe this to be a true word, what could possibly be substantial enough to make people have a different ‘understanding and expression’ of Christianity?  It has to be more than polished preachers, glitzier media, shorter or longer meetings… OR even more prayer, healings, miracles and a few more resurrections from the dead.  Here are just a few inspiring possibilities which would definitely change everyone’s perceptions of Christianity!

1. Our corporate gatherings meet in Heavenly places – with open-eyed engaging with Heavenly surroundings.
   a.     The first corporate ascension: “Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity… they saw Him, and they ate and drank.” – Ex 24:9-11
   b.     Other passages: Isa 2:2-3, Mic 4:1-2, Lk 9:28-35, Heb 12:23-23

2. Our corporate gatherings physically travel with Holy Spirit across the earth
   a.     “Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” – Jn 6:21
   b.     Ladies of the Gold – whole intercessory group ‘left’ for days and came back with artifacts

3. Participation of the saints in manifested form in our gatherings – guest speaking, encouraging, exhorting
   a.     Jesus the Pattern Son, modeled this with Elijah & Moses on the Mt of Transfiguration – Lk 9:28-31-35  – Jesus, Peter, James and John started the meeting and Heavenly guests began speaking
   b.     Paul is present among the Corinthians – I Cor 5:3,4
   c.     Sadhu Sundar Singh reports in ‘The Mystery of the Maharishi of Mt Kalish‘ that a 300-year-old Christian saint visits and intercedes for people around the world
   d.    Chris Reed prophesied in 11/21 – “John the Revelator is alive in Turkey and will help people understand his book of Revelations.” (see video)
   e.     Consider this possible church announcement: “Next week Abraham will be speaking to our gathering.”

4. Participation of angels manifested among us – with our open-eyed awareness
   a.     “Large army of angels” (stratia – Greek) appeared to the Shepherds heralding that “a Savior is born in Bethlehem” – Lk 2:8-15
   b.     Consider atypical angelic manifestations – wind, fire, horses, chariots: Heb 1:7, Acts 2:2-3, II Kng 2:11, II Kng 6:17, Zech 6:8
   c.     “There were many lamps (possibly angels) in the upper room where they were gathered together.” – Acts 20:8
   d.     There are nearly 300 mentions of angels in Scripture… overwhelming evidence deserving of our attention.
5. Transfiguration – Clothed in visible glory-light (Rms 12:2 and II Cor 3:16 – Greek word – metamorphoo)
   a.     Jesus – “His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.” – Matt 17:2
   b.     “Arise shine for your light has come… and the kings of the earth will come running…” – Isa 60:1-22
   c.     Moses’ face shone – Ex 34:29-35 – Stephan’s face looked like the face of an angel – Acts 6:15
6. Victory over death the final enemy… immortality of the saints (I Cor 15:26)
   a.     “And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel… “ – II Tim 1:10
   b.     “For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” – 1 Cor 15:53-55
   c.     “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life.” – Rms 2:7

Ready for a mind bender?

Many POWERFUL revelations have been restored to the body of Christ in just the last century or so.  Here are some highlights.

Rediscovery of ‘the just shall live by faith’ – 1517
Baptism of the Holy Spirit – 1905 approx
Assurance of salvation by faith – 19xxs
Healing by ‘faith healers’ — 1940-50s
Prophets/Evangelists give words of knowledge – 1950-60s
Shepherds/Pastors find their voice again – 1960s
Teachers made the Word come alive – 1970s
Everyone can heal – 1970-80s
Everyone can prophesy – 1980-90s
Apostles reemerge in the earth – 1990s
Supernatural provision available – 2000s
The revelation of the Kingdom of God – 20xxs
Church begins functioning outside of the building – 2000s
God’s good identity is better than we thought – 2010s
Our new Kainos identity is better than we thought – 2010s
Learning to enter rest and have the faith OF God – 2010s
Access to the Heavenly realm – including angels and many other Heavenly realities!! – 20xxs

Can you believe this?  These are powerful!!!!  Jesus secured ALL of these at the Cross… and they were believed and practiced in the Early Church.  Sadly, we ‘lost’ them over the last 2000 years.  BUT they are being restored – IN OUR DAY!! Thank You, Lord!!

So what makes us think that this amazing restoration process would stop now?  Have we exhausted the full scope of Biblical realities that there are to rediscover?  Now that we’ve come this far, is this where God stops opening up the things we lost?  Hmm.

So, what’s left to be restored?  Well, there are still many realities, but here’s one to bend your mind.

Let’s go way back to the Cross where Jesus secured the possibility and right for us to rediscover and experience all of the previous points.  Well, another biggie is that He also conquered death at the Cross!  So, is it possible that just like the saints contended for each of the items in the list above, God is now waiting for believers to contend for victory over death and the full manifestation of everlasting life IN THE BODY!?

For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” – 1 Cor 15:53-55

O boy!  Now that seed has been sown, we’ll have wait for Holy Spirit to do His work!  This is SO much fun.

Think about it, we’re living in a day where ‘Life and Life more abundantly’ is more real than at any other time in ALL of history!!  And it’s only going to get better and better!  Wow, Wow, Wow!!  What a God!!!

For more on this topic.

–MLH