Main Street Grace – Pt 2

The word Grace is used 127 times in context to the Grace of God, 89 of which occur in the letters of Paul.  The gospel is described as “the message of his grace” (Acts 14:3). The Scriptures are “the word of his grace” (Acts 20:32).  And Grace originated through Jesus… “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ.” (Jn 1:17)

Interestingly, Jesus introduced Grace to us 2000 years ago and it has always been available since then.  A few people seemed to ‘get it’… maybe one of the most notable was Martin Luther.  But by-and-large most people continued to live under a slightly new and improved bondage to the law of works… expressed in many levels of our lives.  This poor mindset has been so long entrenched into our basic fabric of Christianity that we’re having trouble understanding and coming to terms with Biblical Grace.  O, we’re familiar with the basic concept and verses supporting Grace but Grace hasn’t revolutionized our hearts.  (If we’re unsure of that last statement, just take listen to our internal self-talk and how sin-conscious we are.)  And to compound our lack of reality in Grace, along comes these peripheral beliefs and positions that say they are associated with Grace… only on opposite sides of Grace.  As a result of not being familiar with those peripheral doctrines, we’ve become tenuous in our embrace of Grace… and even our conversations about Grace.  The vociferous opposing sides have intimidated even the average believer… making us think we must yield our loyalty to one or the other of the sides.  

But now-a-days, God is causing a resurgence of Grace to flood many different streams across the church world.  Revelations of Grace are proliferating in many camps.  It’s like a wholesale grace for Grace is being poured out from Heaven upon the whole earth.

BTW, here’s some more good news, there are more than just two camps in this issue.  There is at least one more camp which I call ‘main street’ Grace.  It runs smack dab right down the radical middle of the whole business.  And it’s an awesome place to “live and move and have our being”! 

Here are some of the peripheral doctrines on either side of Grace.  Even though some of these doctrines or practices are without a doubt heretical, this is not to say that all of them are automatically bad.  The question of whether they can be associated with Grace is the issue.

Inclusionism
Universalism / ultimate reconciliation
No hell / graduated hell / annihilationism
No confession or repentance necessary
Emerging church – deconstruction of institutional church
Lawlessness/sin is OK
Social justice emphasis / social gospel
New lens – homosexuality OK

Libertinism Side

————————————————-
>>>  Main Street Grace  >>>  The Radical Middle >>>
————————————————-

Legalism side

Self discipline / spiritual disciplines
Saved by Grace plus works
Holiness/sanctification
Radical revivalism mindset only
Dietary laws
Ceremonial laws
Jewish roots/Messianic practices
Moral laws

Now, it may take 10 years for the ‘Grace-talks’ to expose the obvious theological errors on each side of ‘main street Grace’.  Of course, this will be fueled by those who love a good controversy… it just seems to charge their batteries.  And sadly, there’ll be lots of blood-letting and even some causalities as ‘missiles’ are shot from each side… right over the top of Grace’s ‘main street-ers’.  O, it will be a little disconcerting for a while when we hear the scream of ‘missiles’ overhead… especially if they’re fired from or land in close proximity to us.  But, we’ll just let ’em ‘duke it out’ because there WILL be spoils for those who keep their nose clean.  The truth will be distilled out of the fray.   

As for me, I see no need to embrace any peripheral doctrine as a prerequisite to enjoy this exceedingly-abundantly-above-all-you-can-ask-or-imagine Grace.  Grace has already begun revolutionizing my heart.  I found it in the Word of God… and I now have my own experience.  Everyday Grace is upgrading my reality.  It’s a good life.  It really is.  God is so much better than I ever thought… and so much better than I was taught.

In the meantime, for us ‘Main Street-ers’, it’s full steam ahead right down the Radical Middle of Grace!!!

 — MLH

See Main Street Grace – Pt 1

Main Street Grace – Pt 1

Without a doubt, Grace is making it’s unavoidable entrance into mainstream consciousness and dialog.  We’re at the door of a brand new Age and discovering that Grace is the ‘key’ that unlocks the door.  We must deal with Grace.

Lest we have a knee jerk reaction to the subject of Grace, we must realize that it is very much Biblical; “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (Jn 1:17).   Grace is actually the very bedrock upon which our New Testament salvation is established.  There is no salvation apart from Grace; “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8, 9).  So deal with it, we must.

Note: There are ages and there are greater riches of Grace, as declared in Eph 2:7, “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace…”  Fortunately, Grace is imposing itself upon us in this Age.  In fact, the face of Christianity is changing so radically that if we don’t move with the changes, our old mindset will shackle and tether us to the past Age.

Most believers would have to agree that our belief systems have been seriously tweaked in the last 5 or so years.  But if we’ve changed this radically in such a short time, what we will believe in 5 years from now?  I’m pretty sure that if we knew, we would likely call it heresy. (If that statement rattles us, consider what you believe now as compared to what you believed just a few years ago.)  Christianity is truly changing inside and out.  I believe that one of the central changes is that we’ll discover that God is much better than we ever thought.  His un… I mean, SO-believable love for us is going to transcend our heretofore highest theology and beliefs.

These radical changes will not be without growing stress and strain… and even, trauma on the body of Christ.  Just look at all the major dispensational changes throughout Biblical and modern history.  Each time, there were schisms and ‘jihads’ of all kinds.  In fact, in Matt 10:34 Jesus Himself said “I come not to bring peace, but to bring a sword….” and of course the “sword” is a metaphor for theological and ideological conflict.  Bill Johnson has said for most of 10 years, “The next huge controversy in the body of Christ is going to be over how good God is.”  And I don’t know any subject that highlights the goodness of God more than, His Grace.

Both sides of Grace want to include their pet doctrinal positions into the mainstream of Grace thinking.  And to be fair, both sides are establishing their positions on Biblical passages with ‘special’ verses.  Unfortunately, those opposing positions use Scriptures which seem to conflict with one another.  What we have to know is that those verses can’t possibly conflict… because they are in the inerrant Word of God.  So obviously, any conflict must be in the interpretation.  Thus the current hub-bub in the dialog over Grace.  

Here’s a little graphic to explain my take on what’s happening.  Imagine that on a frequently recurring trip you drive through a city whose name and main street you know quite well, but you are unfamiliar with the side streets and subdivisions on both sides.  Our current mission is to discover whether the side streets are going to be a part of our journey on ‘Main Street Grace’… or whether those side streets must be left to the ‘locals’.  

——–_________—–Liberal ‘side streets’
___|______Sin freely ________|__No hell_______
___|________Universalism ____|__Ultimate reconciliation_
___|_______Inclusionism_____|____________
___|_____________________|
___|_____________________|
=================================================
———————————— Main Street – Grace ———————————–—————————
=================================================
___|_____________________|
___|_____________________|
___|________Holiness – fast___|__Spiritual disciplines___
___|_______Laws – works ____|__Days of wk, dietary, etc___
___|_______Messianic _______|__ Jewish observances___
___________Conservative ‘side streets’

As we can easily see (and sometimes it’s painfully obvious) the encampments are entrenching themselves on both sides of Grace.  So what we must now come to terms with is the accurate Biblical definition of Grace.  What does Grace include and what does it not include?  How do the peripherals relate (or not relate) to Main Street Grace.  On-going dialog, cross-checking, writing and reading blogs (and the rebuttal comments) will help insure that we don’t get trapped in a tangent or in error.  In fact, I think it may take 5 – 10 years of dialog to let the dust settle, identify and define the Main Street of Grace… what it includes and what it doesn’t include.  Let’s just hope for as little collateral damage as possible.  But Christianity is changing and we must do due diligence to find out how God is changing.

Most humans don’t like change.  It scares us because we’ve let our god be our comfort and predictability.  We’ve become creatures of habit, thus change is our enemy.  And besides, most of our friends believe the same way that I do… and I’ve surround myself with like minded folks.  So I feel safe and happy.  If there is a disturbance ‘in the force’, then I get uncomfortable and rattled… and maybe even defensive.  And if I’m not careful I might lob a volley of mortar shells over to the other side…   O, my!

It is incumbent upon all believers to walk in unity as much as possible.  Some won’t, I know.  Fighters live and love to fight… cowards run and hide.  But Eph 4:3 declares, “Strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  This must be our fall-back position as we explore the implications and definitions of Grace.  We must keep the main things, the main things.  We don’t have to agree on the peripheral things… after all, the peripheral things are not essential to ‘being in the family of God’.  So keep your love on!

Happy exploring in the riches of Main Street Grace in this emerging Age!

–MLH

See Main Street Grace – Pt 2

Quote: How About A Little Sanity Over Grace?

With all the factional and aggressive knee-jerk reactions from both extremes of Grace, it gives new meaning to the secular pop song; ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’  Or Roberta Flack’s, ‘Where Is The Love’?   If we’re all in the same family makes you wonder, why all the fighting?  What happened to “love your enemies”… not to mention love your friends and family?  It’s crazy… as imperative and central as Grace is, even to our salvation, don’t you wish we could just enjoy and camp out on ‘Main Street’ Grace without all the angst?  This title; ‘The Quest for the Radical Middle’, (a book written about John Wimber’s Vineyard movement) says it pretty clearly for me.  Let’s major on the powerful central tenets of Grace that are immutable and life changing… and let Grace  have it’s epic transformational work in us.  

For more on the subject of the collateral damage of hard-line extremists and the importance of  ‘keeping our love on’, check my posts: The Dangers of Hardline Eschatology and ‘Main Street’ Grace.

— MLH

—————————————————-

From Jonathan Welton’s RogueTheologian.com

In October 2013, Pastor John MacArthur launched his new book, Strange Fire,with a kick-off conference by the same name.

I remember being at a close friend’s house when I was 15 years old and he showed me a copy of Charismatic Chaos by MacArthur. My friend then proceeded to tell me that it was because of MacArthur’s teachings that his family wasn’t Pentecostal like me, but he would still be my friend, “so long as I didn’t become like Benny Hinn!”

An interesting memory to be sure! Well, years later, I bought and read a copy ofCharismatic Chaos, which was MacArthur’s attack on the Charismatic church almost 30 years ago. I found it to be anecdotal, circumstantial and poorly argued, but apparently it was enough evidence for some people.

In response to John MacArthur’s recent attack on the Charismatic church, Dr. Michael Brown has written a large treatise entitled, Authentic Fire. I was very glad that Dr. Brown stepped up to address these unwarranted attacks from MacArthur. Yet at the same time, I am greatly saddened by what I have been seeing released in the American church in the last 12 months.

The Political Spirit

I believe that since the November 2012 elections, there has been a massively divisive strategy released into the government realm. This same divisive strategy was able to shut down the actual government itself for a time. The church has been lagging behind this government division, but as of November 2013, we have begun to see the same impact of division within the church, and we are dangerously heading toward a shutdown of our own.

What we are now seeing in the church is that the impact of our dividing over theological issues is revealing the cracks in our worldwide spiritual family.

Rather than reasonable and academic debate, we have allowed points of difference to create major division. Rather than honoring each other’s strengths, we have attacked each other’s weaknesses.

At this very moment, we have major leaders in the church which are teaching and preaching a “Grace Revolution” whereas there are books being released against the Grace Movement and calling it Hyper-Grace. There are even leaders going on National Christian platforms giving “warnings from God” about Grace being a major spiritual avalanche devastating the church!

Also there has been an outbreak of rabid arguments about eschatology. Yes, eschatology is important and I understand having discussions and debates about it. But when national leaders begin to use their platforms to call views that they don’t like, “False Teachings.” It doesn’t open the door to communication and understanding.

In light of the argumentation, the name calling, the cavalier dismissal of brothers and sisters as teaching “False Views.” It is time that we recognize that this behavior is (1) grieving the Holy Spirit and (2) destroying our witness to the unbelievers.

Yes, we must discuss and even passionately debate at times as “iron sharpening iron.” Yet, we must also maintain our respect and value for those we disagree with. Whether they are right or wrong, Jesus deemed them worthy of dying for and how can we treat them as anything less?

It can be very hard when people are not living up to their dignity and identity. I have my share of hater’s on the Internet blogs, even one that reads my blog each week and sends me the most insulting and inane comments. Yet for individuals like those, although they choose not to walk in dignity, honor, respect and love; I can still make that choice despite their choice. And maybe one day the love that I chose to walk in will bring us to a place of reconciliation.

Simply put, the strategy the Lord is recalling us to is that we bless those that curse us and not in an indignant way; but that we honestly and genuinely can bless them from the depths of our hearts because we see them as someone worth dying for.

The church has survived 2000 years through some very dark times and very bad teachings. It is not going to be improved by sudden vicious attacks against the things we disagree with. We must return to treating others with love and honor, and finding a way to open communication rather than closing it.

by Jonathan Welton –  Blog: RogueTheologian.com – Dec 18, 2013

http://roguetheologian.com/2013/12/18/prophetic-word-from-jonathan-welton/#comments  

Politics 2020: My views – last day

Nov 3 – election day 2020 is almost upon us.   This is quite likely the most crucial election in our nation’s history, thus far.  The opposite outcomes are so widely divergent that it’s not even a matter of argument or discussion at this point.  It’s almost like there is very little common ground.  In that case, I think it’s not prudent to engage in political matters with those who are strongly decided.  Proverbs says,

For the churning of milk produces butter, and twisting a nose draws blood, and stirring up anger produces strife. – Prov 30:33

So, I feel it’s important to rally voters who may not normally vote… and to put some insights out there that may help those who are undecided. 

Speaking of insights, here is a political platform comparison from the Family Research Council (FRC)  

Trump is untamed but fulfills his promises

Honestly, most if not all of us have been at times quite strongly offended at our President’s demeanor and words.  He can be a braggart, a bully, a name caller, and crass – to put it nicely.   But the substantial fruit of a man is likely more telltale than any of a man’s quirks or mannerisms.  Jesus said it this way.

What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’  “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.  “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.  “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.  For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. – Matt 21:28-32

Anyway, the point is that this President has done more for the Conservative sector than most presidents in modern time.  Sadly those attainments don’t get traction from the Main Stream Media because it is counter to their liberal agenda and objectives.

Pro-Life and SCOTUS 

One of the biggest ways that President Trump serves the Conservative/Religious right is in his laws and Supreme Court picks who are not Liberal activists, but rather respect the dignity of all life – born and unborn.  Each of his picks has a reputation of holding to the original intentions of our Constitution versus Liberal interpretation.  

The other side’s platform is more than troublesome… it blatantly smacks in the face of Biblical and moral values making it extremely difficult to understand how any Christian could vote for them.  One of the biggest issues is abortion.  Here’s what God says about it; “I hate… the hands that shed innocent blood.” – Prov 6:16-17.  How clear can it be… for the unborn and against voters who support it!?!?!  But I won’t even begin to itemize the problem areas here because of the shear number of areas.  Interestingly, there is a surprising groundswell of positive sentiment among voters.  Things like 96-mile-long ‘Trump trains’ and parades, boat flotillas with thousands of boats, and hundreds of tractors and combines parades… these are a phenomenon never seen before.  This speaks volumes of the loyalty and support his followers feel for him.    

Strong Christian influence around him

Our son Luke, and group in Oval Office praying for Trump

 

Something most people don’t know, President Trump has surrounded himself with seasoned and vibrant Christians.  Even before his presidency, he sought prayer.  Does he look like a saint?  No!  But I believe that he’s a man who is in the clutches of the Destiny of God.  He has been ‘apprehended’ by God (you may disagree, but his last election was something of a miracle by most people’s standards).  In the midst of this, God surrounded him with people like Paula White and Mike Pence who are vibrant Believers.  Trump doesn’t just tolerate Christian interest, he solicits Christian involvement at all levels.  Here are a couple pics of Trump being prayed for.

Riots versus normal life

A bothersome reality is that if the Biden wins tomorrow, America will likely settle down and gravitate toward normal on all counts; including covid and civility.  But if Trump wins tomorrow, there will likely be riots in the streets of many of the large cities of America.  I’m not bloviating; the mostly Democrat city of Washington DC has boarded up their stores in anticipation of riots.  What a troubling commentary on the stark difference in the character, agenda and values of each side.  The ‘gulf’ between them seems so wide that I’m not sure how the disparity can be reconciled without a miraculous God-type intervention.

But after tomorrow, if Biden wins, I will continue life as before with people of all persuasions… showing grace, courtesy and genuine friendship.   Fortunately, most Americans are the caliber of people who will still live in peace with their fellow countrymen if their candidate does not win.

Let’s set a record of epic proportions!  The US has over 230 million eligible voters.  Some say we may have 150 million voters in this election, a record.  If you’ve never voted before, this is the time to start!  Let’s break all expectations!

Be encouraged, God has a great plan for you and me and America!!!  We will be happy!

— MLH

Politics 2020: My views – day 4

Heroes!  Franklin and his family

Our great country is the envy of the world. America’s early history is full of visionary immigrants with courageous stories that reflect their overwhelming and compelling desire to come to a new land full of promise.  My daughter-in-love’s (Cheryl) father is a shining example of that monumental decision to uproot from his homeland in humble provincial Philippines.  Franklin worked in Hawaii for nearly 10 years to make enough money to bring the rest of his family.  What a sacrifice!  He was gripped with a dream that with enough sacrifice, he could change the trajectory of his family forever.  And it did!  Today their whole family lives better than anything he could have ever imagined.

Many exemplary and radical men and women made such a move to America?  Their brave spirit and deep character has been instrumental in fashioning the heart and the backbone of what we call home; the United States of America.

Today many peoples of the world dream of moving here, living here… or at least visiting here. English is the common language taught and spoken in many foreign countries.  America’s almost fantasy-like culture is imitated around the world.  The United States of America is one of the best trophies this world has to offer.

Our country’s forefathers were brilliant.  They didn’t create a democracy.  Rather, they created a republic with powerful checks and balances that would value each and every person’s rights and privileges without letting anyone subjugate the rights of others.

That system works well with God-fearing people of character.  And by far, the vast majority of Americans still have a place in their hearts for God and are still decent people of character.  But we have a very small minority who are increasing in volume and violence who want to force their lawlessness and godless values on the rest.  John Adams warned us well:

There can never be enough laws to govern every detail of a man’s devious mind if there is not an embedded law of decency and respect already in that heart.  It’s like the chasing of the wind… when every lawless whim of lust and desire is unleashed, it devises new schemes and pushes beyond well-structured boundaries.  When met with the consequences, it feigns insult.  Then, of course, denial of everything… no ownership, no responsibility.  There is no internal compunction of conscience to hold them in check.  Their moral scruples have been overridden too long and now their conscience is seared.

Our country is being buffeted by some of these strong contrary winds… winds with an expressed intention to destroy the traditional American culture; our families, our borders, our gender definitions, our legal systems.  This is real.  For the preservation of our amazing republic… for the sake of our own peace and safety… for the well being of our future generations, we must wake up, America.  And our adversaries are not from the outside… they are from within our very own walls.

“A general Dissolution of Principles & Manners will more surely overthrow the Liberties of America than the whole Force of the Common Enemy.” – Samuel Adams

Our forefathers realized the preciousness and uniqueness of their framework of these United States.  They all had some measure of the fear of God upon them as they fashioned a Constitution that has no equal.  Some considered it so sacred that they gladly gave their lives.

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Nathan Hale

And some realized that they were experiencing a miracle in mankind’s history.  They realized that this rare framework of a government had the capacity to not only establish peace and stability within its walls but promote peace in the world.

“Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands.  Miracles do not cluster, and what has happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, because if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world.” – Daniel Webster

The dream in the hearts of our forefathers has worked very well for nearly 250 years, as a tribute to them, a blessing to us and a testament to the world.  But that “experiment” is hanging in the balances.  Those balances could tip adversely.  If a few more ill winds blow over us, you and I could lose an invaluable gift that our fathers and God gave to us.

“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” – George Washington

In other words, in the end, our liberty and our Republic is in our hands. We can preserve it… or lose it.

Sadly, the democratic infrastructure of our republic has an inherent weakness.  When a substantial percentage of the population lose their ability to self-govern in areas of morals, responsibility, decency and respect, they start feeling entitled.  They soon realize they can vote themselves more and more ‘easy street’.  This new ‘ticket to free things’ ends up bankrupting our financial systems, our morale, our courage and our inheritance.

“Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.  There never was a democracy yet, that did not commit suicide.” – John Adams

Just like God giving us free will… He gave us the freedom to choose our own eternal destiny… a most wonderful gift that gives us access to the riches of His love and Heaven.  But it also gives us the liberty to not choose Him.  He made Himself vulnerable by giving us this freedom.  But this setup actually shows how much value and worth we are in God’s heart.  He gives us dignity and power to choose.  Our forefathers handed us a similar situation – freedom to choose our own destiny knowing we could win big… or lose it all.  Here’s a commentary on that dynamic.

“The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith; From spiritual faith to great courage; From courage to liberty; From liberty to abundance; From abundance to selfishness; From selfishness to complacency; From complacency to apathy; From apathy to dependence; From dependence back into bondage.” – commonly attributed to Alexander Fraser Tytler

Sobering!  Where do you think our country is in this cycle?  It’s not too late.  We can break the cycle!  Let’s do it!  America’s good people are going to rally and stop the tide.  God will help us!

The last few elections have been increasingly crucial, and the stakes have never been higher.  But here is good news: God loves America and He still performs miracles!!  And you know how much we all love great God-stories!  Go, God!

— MLH

Life and Immortality

Do we really have to die?   What if the requirement to die was already fulfilled?   What if we are perpetuating a powerless force that is only propagated because we believe it to be so?  What if ALL of the Curse was really accommodated and removed from us by Jesus’ comprehensive crucifixion on the Cross?  What if the timing to overcome the final enemy death, has always been waiting on our discovery of its “abolishment”?  Interested?

This is likely too big of a bite of steak to chew… not to mention, swallow.  So, let’s start with something more believable.

(About 4 years ago I published ‘What if we don’t have to die?’ To read that post click here.)

Time Magazine’s theme in February 2015 was emblazoned on the front cover, with a picture of a baby and the caption said, “This baby could live to be 142 years old.”  The premise is largely predicated upon the breakthroughs of science, medicine and our environment.  Lest we think this is just wishful thinking, consider that even in the last hundred years our life expectancy has increased from 50 to 80 years in North America.  That’s 30 more years of life to live… a 60% increase in just one century!  What would you have thought if someone had exclaimed, “I can lengthen your lifespan by 60%?”  Would you have believed them?  I doubt it.  And I doubt if anyone living in the early 1900s wouldn’t have believed.  But it happened!

Now, let’s take this long-life speculation and see if there is anything in Scripture to corroborate it.

“Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.” … “For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.” – Isa 65:20, 22

Hmmm.   So, it looks like the reality of living beyond 100 years of age is not just the figment of someone’s imagination, after all.  In addition to modern expectations, this longevity was prophesied several thousand years ago.  And it hasn’t happened yet!!  Which means, of course, that it can happen… and it WILL happen.   So, what are we waiting for?

Whittling this ‘steak’ down to bite size

So, what if it’s true, what do we need to know in order to open up this incredible possibility?  Let’s start with one of the instant kneejerk reactions, “But what about the verse that says…”

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…” – Heb 9:27

Seems like a pretty solid verse, but then what will we do with this verse?

“For you have died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” – Col 3:3

Did you notice that for the believer, you have ALREADY died… and your life is NOW hidden with Christ in God?  This reality is not waiting for your ‘ticker’ to stop.  It’s a current reality.  So, if we can believe it and embrace it, we have already accomplished Heb 9:27.

And just as an aside, if we’re going to be sticklers about men having to die (their ‘ticker’ stops) one time, then what are we going to do about people that you and I know who have died two or three times… and then been brought back to life by medical or supernatural means?  This will challenge our stickler perspective… and lets us know that there must be a broader meaning to this verse than we originally thought.

Death isn’t the door into eternal life, Jesus is! 

“I am the DOOR. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” – John 10:9

Did you catch that?  We can go IN and OUT through this Door.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:6

Here’s what Jesus did to break the ancient death syndrome?

 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it in all its fullness.” – John 10:10

“As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; (this is the pattern) and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so also shall we bear the likeness of the heavenly man.” – I Cor 15:48-49

“because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you FREE FROM the law of sin and DEATH.” – Roms 8:2

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Roms 6:23

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” – I Cor 15:53-55

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;” – Roms 8:29

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ…” – Roms 5:17

Since Adam, the inescapable consequence of death has reigned in all facets of humanity.  Even though Adam’s consequence was powerful… very powerful… this verse says that the abundance of grace we’ve received through Jesus is MUCH MORE powerful than the consequence of Adam’s offense!!  So how powerful was the sentence of death through Adam?  Almost no escapees!  Well, through Jesus the liberation unto LIFE is EVEN MORE powerful and pervasive!

“that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Roms 3:19

Think of it.  If we’re to be filled with ALL THE FULLNESS of God, then that must certainly include His immortality.  And how many other attributes of God are we still lacking in our experience? Hmmm.  Looks like we’ve accepted a subpar reality… way below God’s intentions for us!

Jesus’ strong statement against death

When confronted with Martha’s unbelief after Lazarus’ death, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”  John 11:25-26 NKJV

Look at the contrast: In the first sentence, Jesus acknowledges life AFTER death.  Then He states that those who “live (are alive… haven’t died) and believe, shall never die”!  And then, just to make sure that she really heard Him, He asked if she believed this.  It seems that He’s imploring her, “Please believe Me.  Partner with Me!  Whoever believes Me will not have to die.  We can break this death stronghold that has had its power over mankind for 4000 years!”

Consider this verse in the Old Testament in a couple different versions…

“In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.” – Prov 12:28 NIV
“In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death.” – Prov 12:28 NJKV

Does it get more clear than that?!

And now, take a deep breath before you read this…

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has ABOLISHED death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” – II Tim 1:10 NASB

Did you catch the magnitude of that passage?  Jesus “ABOLISHED death and brought life and immortality to light”.  Death is a goner!  It has been rendered toothless… powerless… banished!  There is no hiding of this truth because Jesus has shone a spotlight on life and immortality.  Now He’s waiting, hoping and eager for us to SEE it.  He hid this truth in plain sight!  It was given to us before time, then revealed through Jesus, and since then it’s been waiting… just waiting… just waiting for you and me to SEE it and believe it.

Even death itself will be destroyed!

“For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death…” – I Cor 15:25, 26

Death has been ABOLISHED and is now waiting to be destroyed… by us… by our faith in His word!  Remember Jesus’s question to Martha, “Do you believe this?”  The death of death itself will actualize when we believe!

So, when was death destroyed?  When Jesus put all of His enemies under His feet.  When was that?  At the Cross!  And now when does the death and abolishment of death begin to manifest in us… where does death begin to enter into its own death throes?  It starts in our faith-filled “believing” minds!!!  Jesus abolished death on the Cross and in His Resurrection… now the old constructs of our minds must be demolished so that His LIFE can be experienced.

So what if we’re trying to actualize something that is only meant to be spiritualized?

For certain, this immortality issue has a strong spiritualized application.  Living forever with our Lord has been the blessed hope of all saints throughout all time.  But if we say that everything has to be spiritualized, we’ll run into problems with other aspects of the conquering graces that we believe in.  For instance, should we spiritualize references in Scripture about healing?  Are those passages intended for us to believe that we’ll only be ‘healed’ after we die?  If that’s true, then there’s no hope for experiencing healing in our physical body now… and I don’t think any of us wants to go down that road.  But if we’re determined to only spiritualize immortality, we see how it could rob us of our treasured realities in other areas.

Don’t we have to be a ‘super saint’ to experience this? 

The truth is WE ARE something special!!!  If we weren’t so jaded with outdated tradition, devilish societal norms and erroneous mental constructs, we could break free.  If our eyes could only see the way God sees us.  You see, if any man be in Christ, he IS A NEW CREATION…. the old is past!

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he IS a new creature (he is of a new order): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – II Cor 5:17

“Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” – Roms 8:20-21

So why do people still die?

I believe that inside the cells of our DNA the outdated record of death (from Adam) still haunts us… it badgers us from inside our DNA.  Unrenewed memory patterns are like old ghosts of the past.  The ‘memory’ of the “abolished” law of death still lingers in the ‘memory banks’ of our body’s cells.  And in addition to the internal ‘haunting’, externally the long perpetuated but outdated realities of death scream unceasingly at us from every layer of our society.

Declare war on the record of death

Apprehending this revelation will require that we set ourselves to destroy our alliances with the record of death.  We must hunger for the Truth.  We must embrace upgrades from the Word of God.  We must tear down old strongholds in our mind and the faulty confessions of our mouth.  This requires diligence over our speech.  We must determine to speak only what the Word of God says about our identity and reality.

Everyone knows, our confession creates our ‘world’… and our confession comes from our inner world of thoughts.  Thus, it’s vital that we renew our minds and require that they conform to God’s Word.  Here it is, concise and straight forward.  How do we get transformed…?

“Be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” – Roms 12:2

Has anyone ever told you that the Greek origin of the word ‘transformed’ is the very same word that describes Jesus at His transfiguration?

“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” – Matt 17:2

Look it up in your Strong’s Concordance!  The word ‘transfigured’ in Matt 17:2, (transfigured – G3339 μεταμορφόω metamorphoō) is the exact same Greek word that is used for ‘transformed’ in Romans 12:2!  So now we can say with all boldness…

Be transfigured by the renewing of your mind!

Wow, that opens up a completely new dimension of possibility and reality, doesn’t it?

How about dealing another blow to our outdated understanding of “it’s appointed unto men to die once”?  Consider that there are at least two men who never died… even once!  Elijah and Enoch.  What are we going to do with our ‘die once’ belief now?  They didn’t even die once.  And these men were in the Old Covenant.  They didn’t have the work of the Cross and the Ascended Life available to them, like we do.  So how did they do it?  How did they escape death?  What would you say, if I told you that… your faith can keep you from dying?

“It was faith that kept Enoch from dying.  Instead, he was taken up to God, and nobody could find him, because God had taken him up.” – Heb 11:5

How’s that ‘chunk of steak’ coming along now?  Are we whittling it down to a manageable size to possibly begin to tolerate the idea of not dying… and who knows, maybe even desire to believe it?

Times and Seasons

Each of God’s ‘times and seasons’ have had specific emphasis’ and His intent was to usher the masses into the unique reality that He was highlighting.  Now one could say, that if the crowd isn’t experiencing it, then it must not be possible.  And yet there have always been individuals who didn’t let ‘times and seasons’ restrain them.  Actually, most breakthroughs in the natural and spiritual have come because of the desire and tenacity of some lone pioneers.

But is it Biblically allowable for individuals to experience a powerful reality of a facet of God that has not yet been revealed ‘wholesale’ to the world?  Yes!  I call these people ‘ahead of time’ people.  Here are a few examples…

“have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come” – Heb 6:5

Enoch never experienced death (An OT saint experienced immortality)

David experienced the New Covenant realities around the Ark, hundreds of years early

Abraham – “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” – John 8:56

Mary ushered Jesus into His first miracle at the Cana wedding ahead of time. – John 2:4

The Syrophoenician woman elicited a miracle from Jesus ahead of time – Matt 15:21-28

Jonah reluctantly preached to Ninevah and spared that city 800 years ahead of time of the Gentiles – Jonah

Have there been any radical new spiritual breakthroughs in our day?

Someone might say, “I thought everything God did was already done and made available back in the Bible days.   Can you show me where a major spiritual breakthrough has happened in modern history?”

Well, first you’re partially right.  Jesus accomplished everything on the Cross and definitely made it available to us.  God’s part was done.  The Bible says Jesus “sat down at the right hand of God”.  The symbolism of ‘sitting’ denotes that something has been completed and that one is resting from the matter.

But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.  Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.…” – Heb 10:12-14

What is Jesus waiting for?  I believe He’s waiting for you and me, His saints, to discover the grand-ness of what He accomplished for us.  As we discover it, our faith begins to rise to the occasion and we begin to ‘possess the land’ of that revelation.  Here are a few huge breakthroughs into the completed work of the Cross that occurred in just the last century.  By and large, these breakthroughs were not experienced (or even believed to be available) before the turn of 1900.  But because of a few tenacious saints, these realities in God became realities in man… and they are becoming more common each decade.

Assurance of Salvation – Prior to the 1900s (and currently still believed in some mainline Christian streams) one couldn’t be confident that they were saved and ‘going to heaven’.  Thanks to many who heralded the Truth in the middle 1900s, we now have a solid faith that a sincere believing heart and confession of faith will save us. (Roms 10:9-10)

Baptism of the Holy Spirit – Since Pentecost, very few people experienced and spoke in tongues.  But in 1905, a very large spiritual door was opened at Azuza Street in Los Angeles.  Now there is a common grace for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and many millions have experienced it.

Prophetic – Pre-1950s, evangelists were the only ones who prophesied.  In the 80s we began to understand that “you can all prophesy”.  Now it is more commonly believed and practiced by many.

Healing – Pre-1950s, only the ‘faith healers’ could heal.  But in the 80s we heard that we could all administer healing.  Now there is a common grace and faith for healing… many administer healing.

In each of these outpourings, awakened, desperate and impassioned hearts pressed hard into God for a breakthrough.   They secured and established a beachhead of new-found faith.  Now their successes are a matter of history that many of us enjoy and they’ve become so normal that we even take them for granted.

God’s people need an upgrade in mindset

God’s people have been invited into the ‘how much more’ dreams of our Father God.  We desperately need new mindsets to liberate us from antiquated… even devilish, strongholds.  For too long those old structures of thinking have held us in bondage… preventing the power of God’s word to be manifested in our lives.  The principles (principalities) of our faith in an inferior truth or mindset will keep us from entering in.  Erroneous faith will disempower our experience of the real Truth.  But the opposite is also equally true!

“According to your faith be it unto you.” – Matt 9:29

God, release the revelators!

God releases truth through the ‘revelators’ who frame-up theologically sound structures and then practice it for all to see so that others can repent (literally: change their way of thinking).  “Faith comes by hearing” and when what we hear is the Word of God, then we begin to build a Godly stronghold toward a better reality.

“Repent (Metanoia – change your mind, mindset) so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” – Acts 3:19

So, is it possible to not die a physical death?

If “Enoch did not die because of his faith”, and he didn’t have all the New Covenant realities of God available to him, then I think it is more than possible for us.  I don’t have any modern-day examples to point to yet, but since when did that become the litmus test from which we determine whether something is true or not.  I believe immortality has been clearly secured for us at the Cross and Resurrection and is now waiting for brave explorers to explore a brand-new world.  Millions and billions of people are waiting on our discoveries.  They’ll one day enjoy our breakthroughs and even take them for granted because the breakthrough realities have become so normal.  And even more than that, isn’t it an amazing statement of respect and appreciation to our Father, every time we receive and walk in all that He offers us?

As we begin to see that we’re living under the ravages of The Curse NEEDLESSLY, hopefully, our soul man begins to awaken.  Hopefully, a hunger begins to grip us even unto the level of a militance to “apprehend that for which I was apprehended” (Phil 3:12).

It’s time to have an ugly ‘breakup’ with death!!!

Let’s give death an ugly breakup!  Let’s give death a ‘Dear John’ letter and send him packin’.  Death has not been kind to us.  Death has not been our friend.  Death has only robbed us of our potential for Kingdom accomplishments.  Death deserves the most certain “Bye-bye” in no uncertain terms.

Death, we say, “We’re done with you.  You have been ABOLISHED.  Goodbye and good riddance!”

Now, let’s pray

Jesus, I affirm that it is in You that I live and move and have my being.  So, I present this body and my life to You to be upgraded by the New Covenant recoding into my New Creation being.  I rescind the confessions that I’ve made which formed alliances with death and dying.  I renounce the agreement that I have made with Adam’s fallen state and the resulting curses.  I renounce my old DNA and the record of death resulting from Adam that still resonates in the memory banks of my cells.  In light of Your word, and by faith, I appropriate Jesus’ powerful liberation from the law of sin and death… since it has been fully “abolished” by and through Jesus.  I put on new life that has lavishly been made available to me.  I expect to see and experience “life and life more abundantly”.  I expect that Life to manifest fully in my whole being.  I expect to live and not die!  I expect to live eternally even as Enoch who “by faith, did not die”.  I receive all that Jesus made available to me and all that He intentioned to be my reality and my portion.  I receive it, Lord!  I receive it!  I will be among those who destroy the final enemy, death!  By faith, this corruptible is putting on incorruptible and this mortal is putting on immortality!  I am living eternally!  Amen

If you prayed that prayer

It’s vital that we begin to be judicious… and even ruthless with our thoughts and confessions and everyday vocabulary.  Tell your brain that it’s not OK to mindlessly ally with society’s out-of-date mindsets and philosophies.  We must seek out others who are reaching for and experiencing the higher life… the Ascended life.  This will be a most fun adventurous process.  We have an invitation extended to us from our King and gracious Father Himself.  He’s more eager for us to inhabit our inheritance than we are.

Any takers?  Good!  Let’s enjoy the steak and live forever!!!

—  MLH

Note: I delete, block or unfriend…

Some have asked about my announcement, “Note: I delete, block or unfriend any comments that are contrary or oppositional.”  Let me explain…

Most people view Facebook as an interactive social platform, designed for conversing with one another.  And I agree.  But just as in face-to-face conversation, social freedoms leading to correction (especially public correction) need to be like salt… used sparingly… or maybe not at all, especially if you are a dinner guest at your friend’s house.  And it’s probably wise to refrain from recounting the defects you perceive about their house… especially when you’re in front of other guests.

On occasion, I’ve been invited to public debate on FB with people who’ve already said they disagree with my position.  In my opinion, to accept would be folly on my part.  The wrangling of loud voices in public is almost never enjoyable or constructive.  The minds of the main arbiters are rarely changed… and there is the high probability of long term residual offense.  But an even bigger problem is the collateral damage to all the innocent people who witnessed the impassioned venting.

This is not much different from parents bickering in front of their children.  The parents probably didn’t solve anything in their tangle, but the innocent children will undoubtedly carry the resulting wounding and scarring… possibly for years.  Respect says, take the dispute to an appropriate forum where the innocents don’t have to carry the hurtful consequence of the fray.

And closer to home: Spouses, what happens if we release a volley of uninvited opposition, correction or criticism?  How does that work out?  Okay, I think we’re starting to get the picture.

I always find it strange when a someone who has never commented on anything on my FB page, takes the liberty to correct me in their very first comment.  I just find that very interesting….  Maybe they could have at least tried using the ‘sandwich rule’: Start with one slice of commendation, then add a couple thin slices of correction, and finally, top it off with another slice of commendation.

Some have said that my policy is unfair and not “tolerant”.  Unfortunately, the one who initiates uninvited correction is often the one who is intolerant.  Just a cursory look at the spiralling social trends in our country in recent years, clearly reveals this sad fact.  The ones who protested so loudly for tolerance, are now overtly intolerant.  I wonder… is this a result of a short-term memory loss… or a character problem… or a faulty value system?

It’s possible that when I ask questions in my narratives, it may cause a little confusion.  People may wonder if I’m inviting a response.  But as we know, there are many ways to artfully present a point.  Asking questions is just one of many effective communication mediums.  Sometimes questions are intended to solicit dialog… and sometimes questions are meant to inspire thought.  In most of my writings, my questions are meant to inspire thought (as in the previous paragraph).

The way I see it, my Facebook page is my turf… my ‘real estate’.  When I present a topic, I want to stay on topic.  I am not willing for someone of the opposite opinion to determine the direction of my narrative.  Unfortunately, the self-appointed ‘PC police’ in our country are all too eager to shout down and rudely hijack all voices that they don’t agree with.  To be sure, I want them to enjoy the same 1st Amendment rights afforded to all of us… just do it on their own turf.

For the record:
1. In many of the venues where I speak, I pointedly solicit open dialog and response… even on an open mic.  If everyone remains respectful, this type of group interaction can be very effective.

2. I have never posted a contrary or oppositional idea on anyone else’s public Facebook page!  That would be extremely rude and a usurping of their turf, in an attempt to assert my own agenda.  But I have sent them a private message if I felt like the situation was serious enough for me to offer uninvited advice.  Even then, my communications employ some level of finesse and decorum… since I wasn’t invited.  I never assume that I have the right to invade another person’s turf with oppositional conversation… unless I do it privately.

Let’s look at this same principle in a completely different setting.

Let’s say that you live in a neighborhood where all your neighbors have come to respect your reputation and convictions.  You have served them, blessed them and won their favor.  Then one day I come to your street and post oppositional signs in your yard.  The signs say how much I disagree with your views, your values and your message…. how much you are misguided and wrong.  You would be absolutely incensed!!!  No one would be ok with my actions… or even tolerate them.  As soon as you realized what I had done, with a flourish of indignation, you would immediately yank out my sign.  And you would wonder why I hadn’t come speak to you privately.  Why would I take my confrontation of you and your values to the public forum without first imploring you privately… the respectful and Biblical way?

Further, wouldn’t it frustrate you that I felt freedom to impose my values upon your friends… friends with whom you’ve worked so hard to earn their respect?  They don’t even know me… but I’ve just asserted my currently trendy freedoms to use your ‘platform’ of influence to devalue you and to assert my values.  That can’t be good any way we look at it.

Further, if you had always been nothing but kind to me… you had always affirmed me and my family… and then my first public discourse with you was to oppose you and point out how wrong you were… Wouldn’t my offensive behavior be confusing for you, after you had been so kind to me?  I imagine that by now the reader understands….

Our society’s short-fused volatility incites even more angst because there seems to be no boundaries to how far one can go.  Public correction and dog-pile pile-on humiliation is as common as a fish drinks water, these days.  The bully pulpit seems to know no ethics.  Once the assailing has begun; accusation, amplitude, verbosity… and even lies… seem to have no limit until the target person gets shouted down… not unlike a pack of rabid hyenas.  Has anyone seen this in the public arena, recently?  Were any of us inspired?  Were we repulsed?  I going to guess that we felt the latter… even to the point of switching it off!

I think most people know… and if they don’t know, they innately feel… that arguing is wrong… and definitely out of place, in the public eye.

The one bullying and the one trying to present their conviction… both will often pay a high price when suckered into this kind of fray.  In reality, both participants will lose a portion of their reputation and the good will in the hearts and minds of those who know them.  Almost no one enjoys a combat-prone person.

Now, I want to give the benefit of the doubt, regarding this matter.  I’m confident that most people don’t mean to be disrespectful.  They’re good people for sure!  It’s more likely that they’re just gullibly following the world’s trend of edgy social acceptabilities… and they don’t realize how they’re coming across.  It is for this reason that I preempt potentially negative comments with my notice… (“Note: I delete….”) just to give people a heads-up.  Maybe people will think before they disrespect themselves… and the person they’re communicating to… and the innocent viewers who were happy with the original narrative.  Maybe together, we can help promote a “kinder and gentler” world.

So let me sum it up by saying that it gives me no pleasure to enforce my policy.  I much prefer that people would be respectful.  But simply put, I am not willing for my narrative, on my ‘real estate’, to be hijacked by someone else’s oppositional values.  Private message communication will always be acceptable for me… and I believe, it is the first approach in any respectful conversation that is going to be confrontational or oppositional.  I know it’s not the trendy way to do it, but then when did the world ever start setting the standards for respect and rightness?  Let’s have an honorable conversation like respectable grown-ups.  We can do this!

— MLH

DPM Update – 2014 October

Dear Friends

Leaders advance
Recently I was one of the guest speakers at a leader’s advance at Destiny Church in Rochester, MN.  As always, it was a great time of fellowship and fanning the flames… and maybe ‘pushing the envelope’ just a little bit.  🙂  Rod Marquette and Connie Marquette and their team are the best hosts of these quarterly Bethel Global Legacy meetings.  These meetings are always full of life, love and koinonia.  I love these leaders because they’re reaching for the freshest things in God and extend much liberty to explore outside the ‘normal’ box.  Lots of freedom and fondness in this group.

San Diego/LA trips

LA
Deb and I just spent a couple days with part of our Asian ‘family’ in Impact Harvest Church (Jack & Annie Lee-pastors) in Monrovia, CA.  They’ve adopted us as Mom and Pop for the last 7 or 8 years… and it’s been a great joy to walk with these young people as they become adults, get married and begin their own new families.  We’ve had some amazing God-times and many just good heart times… like the last (2) nights where we met for a no-agenda house church that had lots of participation, that included lots of laughter and some tears… and a mid-week worship evening that was easy, tender and so ‘homey’.  Paul said, “You have ten thousand teachers but not many fathers.” (I Cor 4:15)  We love our ‘job’… loving on Jesus and loving on His favorite people.  

SD / Area leaders
There has been much grace on our times in San Diego.  God has given our good friends Dave and Ann Clark, a gift for finding divine connections.  Over the last 6-8 years we’ve met many great leaders, but in the last 1-2 years a shift seems to have taken place in SD.  Several key area leaders are rising above the religious political system.  They’re freely crossing denominational boundaries and opening their churches to the free move of the Spirit despite their past denominational affiliations and potential ‘kickback’ from those who may not be supportive.  And it’s changing the spiritual climate of SD.  One group is reaching for a more New Testament blueprint of gatherings.  Another group is hosting midweek meetings where substantial miracles are common place.  Another group hosts a midweek meeting where the pastor says (somewhat facetiously), “My job is to be the person in control to make sure that nobody is in control.” I love that.  We’ve had amazing God-times in each of these places and with other out-of-the-box groups in SD.  It’s very rewarding to watch our friendships grow.

SD / family
This next week several of our family members (John & Cheryl and boys… and Chris & Lydia) will meet us in SD.  We’re going to be full time ‘on call’ to be about our father’s business.  Father’s business will quite likely take us to roof tops, night clubs, restaurants, on the streets, in house churches and formal churches.  Never a dull moment when you’re on the The Great Adventure.  It’ll be a blast to ‘do the stuff’ with the fam again.  (Check out John’s testimony about the last time he was in SD – below!)

Supernatural Provision book update
It’s been a most fun ride to live and write about a breakthrough of grace for ‘sweat-free’ provision.  We’ve fulfilled our contract with Destiny Image Publishers, by purchasing 5000 books since SP was published.almost 3 years ago.  Those books have all been given away (free or for the cost of shipping)… with the exception of less than 75 books remaining.  It’s been amazing to watch how each time we needed to make the next purchase, God miraculously created provision – nearly $25k (Read about a crazy provision miracle in this DPM Update).  We’re always amazed to hear the testimonies of bonafide and radical breakthroughs from people who’ve been impacted upon reading the book.  Each life changing story is another tribute to the power of this revelation.  

But now, we’re faced with another decision:

1)    Should we order a second pressing of Supernatural Provision?
2)    If so, how many should we print?

Your prayers are greatly appreciated… Like everything else in life, we need to hear what God’s heart is for the future of Supernatural Provision.

Cool Story – by Mark
Not long ago, a friend and I went to Bass Pro restaurant to have lunch.  We had been there about 1-2 years ago.  When we arrived, a waitress, who I didn’t recognize, walked up and energetically hugged us as we sat down.  She called us by name.  I exclaimed “How did you remember our names?”  She said that when we met her last, she was so impacted that she thought that we might have been angels… until she saw my buddy walk in a few times after that.  

She was very depressed that last time… I could see it in her eyes.  Then she told me the word I gave to her when we first met her.  I remembered what I had said… it was a word of hope for freedom from heavy and hurtful things that had happened to her.  Well, when she reminded me what I said last time, that led to something new for her this time.  I said, “Your eyes are brighter this time… like you’ve had a breakthrough and something has been lifted off of her since the last time.  She exclaimed, “You’re right.  I’m different.  I started going to a Bible study after you came last time.”  Then she kind of sheepishly asked, “Do you speak in tongues?”  We said, “For sure.”  She said, “I got baptized in the Holy Spirit, too.”  So cool!!!  

That led to a very heartfelt and free conversation over a bunch of stuff.  We were so proud of her and celebrated her personal breakthroughs.   Another waitress walked up and so we prayed for both of them; for healing, personal breakthrough and their children.  It was quite a God-moment!

When I paid the bill I knew I had to give her a ‘gem-bomb’ (A ‘bomb’ of over-the-top kindness).  I gave her $50 tip for a $30 dinner bill.  She looked at it and said, “Why did you do that?!   You will never know how much God that is!!!”  And she continued, “Just this morning, my son said, ‘Mom, I need $50 for my drama class.’”  She said, “Son, you’re killing me.  Where do you think I’m going to get that money?!”  She was incredulous and nearly cried several times during our conversation.  It was a very tender moment for us, too!  We exchanged contact info and she wants to come to something we’re doing soon.  Now ain’t that a cool story?

A Fun Story – by John Hendrickson… Sept 2014
Recently, on the last evening of my stay in San Diego, I was inspired to head out and play djembe in the downtown Gas Lamp Quarter.  I found a spot on the street across from Urban Outfitters.

I got situated in my position and started with about 3 min of ‘warm up’ patterns.  As I look to my side… about 25 ft away this homeless couple with their dogs, were already positioned to make some money and I noticed some possible frustration in their eyes.  I INSTANTLY assured them with my lips, “Any money I make right here will go directly to you!”  They seemed shocked and said, “Oh, sure keep playing dude.”

Five mins passed and I got my first $5.  While I’m still playing, I looked over at the homeless guy and say, “Come and get it.”  He’s again kinda stunned and takes it and goes back to his spot on the sidewalk.

I adjust the groove a bit and more money comes in.  A few guys start free-styling in front of me as I smile and interact rhythmically with their explicit-lyric-filled rhymes. They too hand me money.  I call my homeless friends over again, this time the guy sends the girl to get the money.  As she comes over I give her $8 and say, “Jesus is thinking about you tonight and He wants to bless you.”  She was very happy and went and sat back down.

I continued playing for a bit and his dogs start to sing with my drums.  Then more of his homeless buddies came over and he yells, “My dogs are singing with you dude, don’t stop, they love you.”  All 4 of these friends left smiling.

As I was feeling my grace was up for this area, this guy comes by and tells me, “There’s a guy down the street that can hear you and would really like to meet and play with you.”  So I thought, I guess that’s my cue. 

I moved to this new/busier location where this guy had 3 djembes, 2 chairs, a blanket with tarot cards laying out and singing bowls.  As he was finishing a tarot reading, I said to him, “Lets jam!”  He said, “You’re the guy from down there?”  I said, “Yeah, let’s do this.”  He said, “Right on!”… We played about 1 minute and someone walks up and drops 5 bucks in this guy’s hat!  He instantly was shocked cause he hadn’t gotten anything the last hour sitting out there!

I instantly thought, “I could use a little ‘show off my God’ right now.”  So I said, “I’ve got a deal… look at your watch and within 10 mins someone will drop money in the hat again.”  Sure enough 7 mins goes by and it happens.  I said to him again, “Look at your watch.  Within 5 mins more, money will be put in your hat.”  Bam MORE!  I said to him, “I’m showing you that this is all deeper than making money or telling peoples’ fortune.  Its about you being filled/happy and bringing happiness around you…”  This hippie dude is freaking out!  I told him again, “Look at your watch.  Within 4 minutes you’ll get more in your hat.”  Within 2 mins someone comes and asks him directions.  He precedes to direct him and the guy drops $5 in the hat… and this drummer guy looks at his watch and says, “That was 3:59 seconds!”

I said to him, “The God I know doesn’t need these cards, the bowls, or the crystals… All of this for you tonight was a kiss from Him… to let you know that He’s thinking about you and hasn’t forgot about you and that you are His friend.”  He was just losing it in such a good way, saying he’s been prophesying these things over others when all he ever wanted was somebody to tell him the same thing… He was in a zone of awww.

Then someone comes across the street and starts looking me up and down while he’s holding his guitar.  I soon motion him over and stand up eye level with him.  He says, “Do I know you?”  I said, “You look so familiar… but can’t place a name.”  Long story short, I didn’t know him.  This whole time we haven’t lost eye contact and so I said, “What’s your name?”  He answered “Inka.”  He asked my name and I responded, “John.”  He said, “My name means John.”  We still haven’t lost eye contact and I was thinking this guy is very unique!   

I’m going to jump out… I said, “John/Inka, you are a man that is changing lives and you’ve seen them changed.  People are never the same once they meet you.  You are different.  You are unique and John you have a destiny that’s bigger and better than you could ever imagine right now.  Lives will be changed because of you and what He (as I pointed up) will do through you.”  We never lost eye contact and in the middle I noticed his eyes starting to glisten over slightly.  I said, “You believe me don’t you?”  He shakes his head and says, “Yes, I do” (The hippie djembe guy is freaking out and saying, “Dude I’m getting goose-bumps ever since you came over here!”)  I said, “Tonight is your night and Jesus is reminding you that he hasn’t forgot about you.  You are His, He’s excited about you and wants to know you better!”  Stunned, dropped-mouth face… both of them.

I sit down for a second and he says, “Do you smoke or drink?”  I said, “I don’t smoke, but I did have 1 beer 3 hrs ago…(which I kinda felt like he was seeing my Christian level or something).  I instantly said, “Would it matter if I had 3 or 10?  After all, you just want the truth, which is exactly what I spoke to you.”  He said, “No, it doesn’t matter, I WILL believe anything you say, John!”  I could tell he was still watching me while I was talking to the hippie for a second and I said, “Inka, I want to hug you, not because I need it (he moved in for a hug) or cause you need it, but Jesus wants to give it to you tonight.”  After a semi-long hug and more encouragement in his ear, he then wanted to put money in the hat.  I said, “Keep your money, this is all for you tonight.”

By the end of a little over an hour that night, I made 6 new friends, encouraged the wits out of them and helped them make over 35 dollars… God had all of their phone numbers.

Norway trip in March
A year or two ago we became good friends with Oystein and Sigrid Hilleren,  a wonderful couple from Norway.  They have a house of prayer in Voss, Norway.  They’ve asked us to help guest lead a conference for them in March 2015.  In addition, it looks like we will be sharing in a bible school and several other places in Norway … and in Switzerland, on that trip.  More on this God-adventure soon!

Jesus Is Emmanuel – Music video
A very moving music video depicting Jesus involved with everyday people with everyday lives.  (approx. 4:18 mins)

Is the world better or worse than 100 years ago?
Here are 50 reasons why we’re living in the greatest period in world history

Lotsa love

Mark and Debbie
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Dwelling Place Ministries
Hendrickson
11011 Olive St
KC, MO 64131
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Web: www.dpmkc.org
Blog: www.marklhen.wordpress.com
Mark FB: www.facebook.com/marklhen
SP bk FB: www.facebook.com/spforu

Is True Grace Hyper?

True grace (I Pet 5:12) is so much better than we can comprehend.  In fact, New Testament grace is described as amazing grace, abundant grace, abounding grace, the gift of grace, exceeding grace, exceeding riches of grace, all grace, multiplied grace, grace according the measure of the gift of Christ and the manifold grace of God.  It just doesn’t seem like the Bible has any limits whatsoever on grace.  But could grace legitimately be called hyper?

Some have brandished the term ‘hyper-grace’ around in negative connotation, but exactly what they mean by this misleading label is hard to come by… and who they’re talking about is even harder.  It’s usually just “those people”.  Unfortunately, in some camps, this mislabeling has cast a negative stigma on the whole topic of grace.  The result is that a wet-blanket of confusion and intimidation has fallen over many conversations that mention the word grace.  This is unbelievably sad… even a travesty, because grace is the central and foundational underpinning of our salvation.

“For by grace are you saved through faith….” – Eph 2:8

There is no salvation without grace!  Nothing in all of Christianity makes any sense without the grace of God. 

Actually, we shouldn’t be surprised when accusing mortars sail over the bow of true grace preachers.  Martin Lloyd Jones, a very highly respected writer/elder statesman and main-line evangelical Bible scholar and preacher says this;

“If you are properly preaching the true gospel of salvation by grace alone, you will likely be misunderstood… don’t underestimate how radical God’s grace is.” – Martin Lloyd Jones

The fact is that the Bible itself describes grace as being ‘hyper’.  Consider this:

“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” – Romans 5:20

In the Greek, it reads like this; where sin abounded – pleonazo – grace did much more abound – huper-perisseuo.  The Greek prefix huper is used like our English words ‘super’ or ‘hyper’ which serve to heighten the impact of grace.  Thus, hyper abounding grace!!!

Now with that in mind, how does the aforementioned negative labeling of grace square with Scripture’s actual description of grace?  Inappropriately, to put it mildly.  It seems that it may be necessary to re-label the criticisms of what should really be called “perverted” (Jude :4) grace.

Sadly, in their discovery and exploration of grace, some Christians have perverted the grace of God into a license for sinning.  

They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (Jude :4 NIV)

But if cannon volleys are not defined when fired in a generalized way at some erroneous aspect of perverted grace, they create the distinct likelihood of cutting their own salvation off at the knees.  If the authors of these volleys are going to be respectful of true grace, which is so vital to salvation and Christianity in general, they should take great pains to affirm the solid preeminence of grace… and that “hyper abundant grace” is Biblical… and they should include sincere affirmations to all those who believe in and preach Biblical grace.

FYI – Despite the controversy over grace, did you know that it’s impossible to truly reign in life without an abundance of grace?

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” – Rms 5:17

God’s true grace goes way beyond any sin we could ever commit.  For sure, it addresses the sin issue, but it addresses a whole lot more… it’s vital for reigning in life.  You see if we don’t learn to live in hyper grace and the gift of righteousness, there will be no reigning. 

Grace is not a license to sin!  In fact, true grace compels a person into deeper devotion to Jesus.  Apostle Paul was the most prolific writer on grace and the contrast of his life (pre and post conversion) demonstrates the greatest example of this: from serial murderer… to the poster-child of a godly life.  Those who say grace is a license to sin do not understand true Grace… or they are living under some other gospel.  According to Jude this is “perverted” or distorted grace.  “Perverted” grace and ‘hyper-grace’ are not to be misunderstood… they are diametrically opposed to each other.  True grace trains our hearts into godliness.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11–12 NIV)

The two main enemies of the gospel of grace are; legalism (keep the Law) and libertinism (license to sin).  They have always been present since the Covenant of Grace began.  The book of Galatians was written to legalists—thus the strong emphasis on liberty, freedom, and grace.  James was written to libertines, those who presumed on the grace of God and turned it into a license to sin.  Thus the book of James is strong on obedience, faith that expresses itself in works, repentance (for the believer), and false faith (or presumption).  Legalism and libertinism are the two ditches on either side of true grace… and are always at war with grace.

So, according to Martin Lloyd Jones, if we’re preaching true grace and getting mislabeled and misunderstood… not to worry… that’s to be expected.  There’s a good likelihood that we’re onto something good.  Here’s a simple litmus test: if we think we’re preaching grace and immorality breaks out everywhere, then we’re not preaching grace… we’re preaching something else.  But if we and our listeners are discovering liberty and falling more in love with the Man who is grace (Jn 1:17), then it’s likely that we’re preaching true grace.

Take home points:               

~ We must better define the dialog of grace… and remedy the negative stigmatizing of true grace.
~ Those who use grace as a license to sin are perverting grace
~ True grace teaches us to not sin… and how to live godly lives.
~ Grace is central and foundational to salvation.  It’s so amazing… it’s even, HYPER. 
~ If you’re preaching true grace and you’re labeled ‘hyper’… wear the label confidently.

— MLH

Dangers of ‘Hard-line’ Eschatology

Note: this post is rather long.

The following is an excerpt of my response from an email dialog which occurred in fall 2011 between me and several people about eschatological issues.  My experience has been that those whose central message is eschatology are prone to creating division if they are not agreed with… as opposed to guarding and promoting the unity of the body of Christ.  The hard-line response I received afterward required that I ‘pull out’ of the dialog.  For those who are ‘fighters’, there is no letting up and no end to the contention until someone is subjugated… or worse… pit-bull style.  Unfortunately and historically, for the hard-line eschatology ‘fighters’, ‘blood flowing in the streets’ is of only minor concern… and in some cases it may be celebrated as a personal victory trophy.

This thread started as a random general email asking me for feedback about the differences between IHOP and Bethel.  I didn’t respond to the initial general inquiry as I feel that most wranglings of this kind are fruitless and only leave you forced to believe like the other person… or they leave you with a bruised or severed friendship.  I responded only after a personal email inquiry.

________________________________________
Dear friends,

We received your first general email on this topic and wondered if I should respond.  I hesitated because I never like to initiate a ‘crossing’ of someone else’s views.  But since you have specifically asked a second time, I’ll offer some ideas for your consideration.  I rarely share like this, because as I’ll explain, I value people hearts more than I need them to adopt my doctrines… especially if they are not doctrines essential for salvation.  So please read this as only my personal thoughts.  They are not binding on anyone else and nor does anyone need to believe the way I express herein.

I’ve been around forceful eschatology preaching from many national and international voices since the early 60s.  And one thing I’ve found is that dogmatic positions change about every 5 to 20 years… usually because of a new development on the world scene.  And unfortunately, when their positions change, very few hard-line preachers of eschatology go back to repair the resulting collateral damage of lives which occurred from their earlier strongly-proclaimed positions.  That is of little consequence to them because their amended, new-and-improved eschatology is now so gripping to them.

But really, it’s not hard to get people to buy into dogmatic forceful preaching, because most people are fearful of the future for many reasons… (the world decline of morals, the national decline of fiscal issues, and their own self condemnation about their lack of personal devotion to God which makes them feel they’ve got a lickin’ coming, etc….)  So subconsciously they feel that when they believe something very dogmatically it will somehow vicariously assuage their inner pain and discomfort with themselves.  As a result, for a forceful preacher to quickly find an amenable audience (and at the same time quickly draw ‘fire’ from an opposing view) is very easy.

Frankly, many eschatology views create even more fear… (seals, plagues, trumpets, the harlot, hiding in caves, judgments, the dragon, 1/3 of mankind being wiped off the face of the earth, destruction of the earth, etc…..)   An eschatology which creates a net effect of more faith and confidence to face the future is hard to come by.  Now I’m not saying that there aren’t some teachers of eschatology who have a faith-filled sense of the future, what I’m saying is that average John Q. Public who listens to eschatology is already fearful and ends up more fearful.  I say this as a result of my observations over the last 50 years… and if it is true, then I feel my ambition and commission is to try to find a way to create faith to face the future based in a relationship with a very good God who will not only just sustain the average believer but will help them to actually walk in kingship and rulership on this earth… even in the midst of troubled times. (see Isa 60)

This is my preferred message and dialog and approach over most of the common eschatology messages.   How can I instill faith, security and genuine devotion to Jesus in the hearts of His dear people… the ones whom He’d love to be single minded in their love for Him… even becoming as a little child in their devotion and walk with Him?

I find contending (not to mention wrangling) over doctrines of eschatology to be very taxing on my emotional capacity to love Jesus purely… especially if someone has an axe to grind about their favorite end time doctrine.  It leaves me not just weary, but my heart is somewhat bruised by the contention in the ‘air’ and knowing that someone has now pigeon-holed me in their ‘he-doesn’t-believe-like-me’ category.  There is now a weight on our relationship which clouds free flow of love and encouragement of the really important things (see points 1 and 2 below).  I believe that eschatology is NOT an ‘issue of salvation’… and so, I’d like to keep eschatology in the category of ‘subjects-talked-about-in-such-a-way-that-we-won’t-bruise-our-relationship’… and in the category of ‘it’s-not-important-that-we-agree-on-this’… and in the category of ‘I-know-these-issues-have-been-debated-by-the-very-best-theologians-for-millennia-and-it-is-still-a-hot-topic-that-changes-frequently’.  And anytime we talk about eschatology, I believe copious expressions of grace, kindness, gentleness and love must outweigh the weightiness of the end-times debate.

When the Jehovah Witnesses come to my door and want to talk eschatology (BTW – most people are more passionate over their eschatology than their own devotion to Jesus), I interrupt them and ask if they can help me in two very important areas today… and if so, I would LOVE to talk to them.  The questions are:

1. Can you help me fall more in love with Jesus today?
2. Can you help me have more consistent victory over sin today?

Of course they’re not prepared to help me in either department, so I tell them good-bye.

You see, both of these questions are to me, the bottom-line of our relationship with Jesus… and they sum up the First Commandment.  And yet at these very points is where most people experience failure… and need help!!  In my mind, these are MOST needed by all of humanity and I want to get good at helping them at this poignant need.  I believe Jesus is extremely grateful if I can help His bride fall in love with Him even more.  But if I forcefully impose the much debated and heated topic of eschatology on people and require them to agree with me, then the free-flow life-flow of our relationship is very quickly dampened.  And I doubt if we have to wonder what Jesus thinks of this, especially since this is not an issue central to salvation.

So what I’m looking for in any person or group or movement is not their eschatology (that would be near the last), it’s how much they’re genuinely in love with Jesus and whether they’re doing the works of Jesus and whether they are making disciples who think, walk and talk like Jesus and whether they are setting bound-up humanity free…. (in healings, miracles, etc) and whether they are set free with ‘Jesus-life’ being evidenced through their lives… OR whether their heads are top-heavy with doctrine.

As much as eschatology IS real and WILL happen in our lives… and as much as God knows exactly what we will experience in the ‘end-times’… the doctrines of eschatology have become a very unnecessary dividing issue for thousands of years.  How many innocent believers would have loved Jesus well, if it hadn’t been for someone’s overly-zealous dogmatic human interpretation of end-time scriptures?  Rather, those potential lovers of Jesus became collateral damage from the eschatology wars.  Now, they are sidelined into a life where their opinions and doctrines are more important than their devotion.  I wonder what Jesus thinks of that?

Now I’m not saying that you (or any leader that you or I may know) are gripped in any of the above hurtful mindsets or scenarios, but it is inarguable that the above problems associated with the preaching of hard-line eschatological views has been a sad reality since Jesus’ day (and even before).  I also believe that it is quite likely that most people listening to the dogmatic eschatological preaching from current leaders we know, very quickly adopt a position of compliant belief in order to conform to and thus be accepted by their leaders.  Either that or they will assume a hardened battle posture to defend their position… and distance themselves.  Neither is OK in my opinion.

It is my hope that anyone (myself included) who presents views of the end-times will also present a real and big and loving God in such an effective manner that it causes the hearers to voluntarily fall in love with Him and find Him as their Supreme obsession (over all other possible passions) and empowers them into relevant ways to overcome and walk above sin.

Here’s a great analogy I once heard which relates how we humans wrangle over non-salvation doctrines and experiences.  It’s like a bunch of pygmies arguing over which one of them is taller… when in the end they’re all still midgets.  You see, I truly doubt if anyone has totally correct theology and eschatology and when we draw lines over issues that are ‘non-salvation’ and difficult-if-not-impossible-to-be-completely-accurate doctrines, then we might want to just realize that we’re still ‘midgets’ and we only see in part.  This posture will reduce potential doctrinal contentions and will likely allow us to better love those around us.

I believe Mike and Bill have been EXTREMELY noble in NOT needlessly highlighting the differences between the two movements.  I TRULY appreciate this. It shows maturity and perspective… it also manifests their love for the body of Christ that is greater than for their doctrines.  Mike and Bill have been VERY honoring of each other.  I’ve heard Bill say several times, “Mike and Lou are the two most spiritual people in the world”.  I believe Bill is committed to walking in honor about any differences he may have with IHOP’s eschatology.  Again, I appreciate this very much… especially in a day when overt negative global events are so prevalent.  If we ‘feast’ on the news and media sources we could easily get sucked into a voluminous discourse of doom and gloom.  I believe Bill has chosen to believe the Word of God which says (despite what any negative world events might want us to believe) that the “increase of His kingdom and of His peace shall know no end”.  I love that view!!!  From God’s vantage point, the Kingdom is more powerful and real and available and effective NOW, than at any time in history.  That’s His word and it doesn’t lie.  I want to live more in this reality than in what my natural eyes see.  If someone is being accused, “You’re just turning a blind eye to the obvious woes of the world” then thank God maybe that person is becoming more conscious of the Kingdom realm than of this fallen realm.

Now all of that being said, Bethel has deep passion for Israel and for the Jewish people.  At the same time, they are committed to not let any passage of Scripture or promise of God not have a personal relevance in this current day in which we live.  As we know, the Holy Writ can have many levels of meaning and application.  That is the mystical and miraculous power and nature of the Word of God.  Bethel leaders are committed to live above the mousy Christianity that much of the Church experiences.  If someone calls this ‘Kingdom now’ theology, then so be it.  I believe that is how Jesus taught us to pray… Thy Kingdom come (now)… on earth…

The good part is that Bethel is experiencing a life-flow of God that is unusual and especially noteworthy… enough so, that some of our children are there and we’re very happy to see the life of God arising in their lives and being expressed through their lives.

I remember my father-in-law preaching on the seven ‘ones’ found in Eph 4:1-6.  It says,

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is 1)one body and 2)one Spirit, just as you were called in 3)one hope of your calling; 4)one Lord, 5)one faith, 6)one baptism; 7)one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

First, I like the “gentleness” and “lowliness” and “longsuffering” and “bearing with one another” part.  This will keep us from being overbearing or pressuring others with our views.

Second, I like “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.  Unless we’ve been convinced that the people who believe different than us are outside of the body of Christ, then we’re commanded to strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace / being peaceable / making peace.  (And even if they are not in the body of Christ, we’ll probably not win them by wrangling over doctrine.  We’ll most likely need to ask God for an entrance into their heart.)

Third, there are seven ‘ones’ which we seem to be commanded to rally around.  It also implies that it will require great effort: “strive to maintain unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  And so contrary to our normal tendency to major on our differences (which is unprofitable or worse yet, divisive) rather, those seven ‘ones’ should be our rally points.

For those who must press their points and draw lines of division in the body of Christ regarding non-salvation issues, Titus 3:9-11 has something to say about it,

“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”

Wow, there is even a church discipline for those people… even alluding to the possibility that their zeal may be an evidence of deeper sins issues… (possibly to cover sin, failure, inner pain or discomfort with themselves – just my commentary here).

Far from end time theology not being relevant to Bethel, I believe they have chosen to walk out their theology much more than they talk their theology… showing their “faith (beliefs) by their works” (Jms 2:18).  I think this posturing is less troublesome and more respectful to the Body of Christ.  And bottom-line, what if it’s discovered that Bethel doesn’t believe like IHOP?  What now?  Have we created greater unity in the Spirit?  Have we maintained the bond of peace?  Have we rallied around the seven ‘ones’?  Or have we drawn lines which separate?  And have we pressured all of our friends to choose sides now?

In summation: I think that as much gravitational pull as hard line eschatology has, it is extremely fraught with potential harm to the body of Christ.  As I’ve mentioned, historically most forceful voices are more concerned with their views than with respecting the Body of Christ.  Since most eschatology doctrine is not necessary to ‘get us to Heaven’, maybe you can see why I have the concerns expressed above.

So, I do not want to imply that you have to adopt my views… or even agree with them.  Our friendship will still be safe and secure.  But since you specifically asked, I have responded and hopefully given some profitable food for thought.

Love and blessing!!
Mark

— MLH