Dear Praying Friends,
Strategic Time!
June 20, 150 Year Celebration of Statehood.- West Virginia Prayer Summit -
Above all else, this will be a prayer gathering - we will be praying - as our friend Steve Hawthorne says, "On site, with insight!"
2012- Chris Skeens- Jackson Co
Is praying together important?
One of many Old Testament examples of assembled prayer occurs as recorded in 1 Kings at the dedication of the Temple "And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive" (1Kings 8:30).
Belovedly recognized as the Lord's Prayer, the Gospel of Jesus Christ includes Jesus' prayer with the disciples (Matt. 6). Jesus' John 17 prayer colloquy with the Father is His implore to the Father for the Body of Christ to exist and function in oneness - That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (John 17:21).
Additionally, the New Testament letters resound with importance of united fervent prayer. The Apostle Paul admonishes Timothy - "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men" (I Tim. 2:1).
"Intercession is more than prayer, but it always starts as prayer. Christ's crucifixion was an act of intercession; His prayer, 'Father, forgive them,' (Luke 23:34) was perfectly united with his sacrificial action. God will give us intercessory actions that are the consequences of our intercessory prayer life." Pastor Francis Frangipane
In His Grace,
Pastor Chris Skeens
The Church of Jesus Christ at Ravenswood
Special thanks to the Church in the City for sharing in the email call
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Communion: Common-Union
COMMON-UNION
(That the World may Know...!)
Our sole objective is to get people to Jesus by making Him known. He does the working of transformation by transforming the human heart. This is the power of the Gospel which is to be demonstrated in all the world–and then the end shall come!
This is the central theme of Christ’s Departure Discourse: John 13:1-17:26. We must see this as a continuum and desperately reach out for its reality in our lives in this hour.
At the center of their gathering is the Table of the Lord - an altar! If we are to demonstrate the reality of our Living Lord in the earth we must begin here–there is no way around - no shortcuts. Our response to the drawing of the Father to the Son is worship–this is the only acceptable response. Romans12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (And we cannot crawl off the altar.)
For Christ Mary’s womb was an altar, the manger was an altar–the Cross was an altar toward which He was gazing.
See the causative effect of the altar in the relationship of Christ with His disciples - even the betrayer. John 13:3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. (Also: Philippians 2:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.)
The expediency of the altar and the subsequent deed serve to flush out the perpetrator. Unrighteousness cannot remain in this context–good and evil, light and darkness cannot coexist at the altar of the Lord. “Common-union” requires openness and transparency. (D.A. Carson - “Christian zeal divorced from transparent humility sounds hollow, even pathetic.”)
We evangelicals have something to learn from our liturgical brethren. The Table of the Lord - the Altar - is at the center of their worship. (We all have some form of liturgy.) For us the center of our worship is the pulpit - a man!
At an altar the blood is shed - the blood establishes (ratifies) the covenant. Luke 22:20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.
The altar itself is not the covenant–it is the basis for the covenant. Hebrews 9:16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.
Covenant is the heritage of this land. From 1680-88 18,000 Scottish Covenanters gave their lives for their belief. They were covenanted toward God with one another for the good of their land.
Dutch Sheets, “(We must) lay down our own agendas for the good of the region.” Each individual member or organ of the body does not exist to seek its own agenda, it only exists for the good of the whole–and their it finds its relevancy.
Leviticus 17:11 ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.’
The life is in the blood: covenant gives birth to the community - the Body of Christ!
1 Cor. 10:16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.
Josh McDowell - “All truth is taught (reveled) in the context of relationships–throughout all of biblical history.”
The Community/Body is the place of His Presence. It is where He dwells by His Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,...). It is also His House or the place He conducts His business. Luke 2:49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Or affairs; lit. in the things of My Father.)
“God is not just saving individuals and preparing them for heaven; rather, he is creating a people among whom he can live and who in their life together will reproduce God’s life and character.”1
The community is the witness in the world–to make Him known. Even to this extent: Eph. 3:10 “...in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.”
This is the way we - the church - will recapture relevance in our society - there is no other way. We must present truth in new (old) way. The way we are doing it in the Western Word is not working. Even 9-11 could not shock our hearts back to life. A blip appeared on the screen, but soon faded.
“The early believers did not have buildings called ‘churches’; they did not ‘go to church.’ They were the church, and at appointed times and places they assembled as the church (1 Cor. 11:18).”2
John 12:20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these therefore came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip *came and *told Andrew; Andrew and Philip *came, and they *told Jesus. 23 And Jesus *answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Gordon D. Fee, Paul, the Spirit and the People of God, Hendrickson, Peabody, MA, 1996, p. 66
(That the World may Know...!)
Our sole objective is to get people to Jesus by making Him known. He does the working of transformation by transforming the human heart. This is the power of the Gospel which is to be demonstrated in all the world–and then the end shall come!
This is the central theme of Christ’s Departure Discourse: John 13:1-17:26. We must see this as a continuum and desperately reach out for its reality in our lives in this hour.
At the center of their gathering is the Table of the Lord - an altar! If we are to demonstrate the reality of our Living Lord in the earth we must begin here–there is no way around - no shortcuts. Our response to the drawing of the Father to the Son is worship–this is the only acceptable response. Romans12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (And we cannot crawl off the altar.)
For Christ Mary’s womb was an altar, the manger was an altar–the Cross was an altar toward which He was gazing.
See the causative effect of the altar in the relationship of Christ with His disciples - even the betrayer. John 13:3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. (Also: Philippians 2:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.)
The expediency of the altar and the subsequent deed serve to flush out the perpetrator. Unrighteousness cannot remain in this context–good and evil, light and darkness cannot coexist at the altar of the Lord. “Common-union” requires openness and transparency. (D.A. Carson - “Christian zeal divorced from transparent humility sounds hollow, even pathetic.”)
We evangelicals have something to learn from our liturgical brethren. The Table of the Lord - the Altar - is at the center of their worship. (We all have some form of liturgy.) For us the center of our worship is the pulpit - a man!
At an altar the blood is shed - the blood establishes (ratifies) the covenant. Luke 22:20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.
The altar itself is not the covenant–it is the basis for the covenant. Hebrews 9:16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.
Covenant is the heritage of this land. From 1680-88 18,000 Scottish Covenanters gave their lives for their belief. They were covenanted toward God with one another for the good of their land.
Dutch Sheets, “(We must) lay down our own agendas for the good of the region.” Each individual member or organ of the body does not exist to seek its own agenda, it only exists for the good of the whole–and their it finds its relevancy.
Leviticus 17:11 ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.’
The life is in the blood: covenant gives birth to the community - the Body of Christ!
1 Cor. 10:16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.
Josh McDowell - “All truth is taught (reveled) in the context of relationships–throughout all of biblical history.”
The Community/Body is the place of His Presence. It is where He dwells by His Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,...). It is also His House or the place He conducts His business. Luke 2:49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Or affairs; lit. in the things of My Father.)
“God is not just saving individuals and preparing them for heaven; rather, he is creating a people among whom he can live and who in their life together will reproduce God’s life and character.”1
The community is the witness in the world–to make Him known. Even to this extent: Eph. 3:10 “...in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.”
This is the way we - the church - will recapture relevance in our society - there is no other way. We must present truth in new (old) way. The way we are doing it in the Western Word is not working. Even 9-11 could not shock our hearts back to life. A blip appeared on the screen, but soon faded.
“The early believers did not have buildings called ‘churches’; they did not ‘go to church.’ They were the church, and at appointed times and places they assembled as the church (1 Cor. 11:18).”2
John 12:20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these therefore came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip *came and *told Andrew; Andrew and Philip *came, and they *told Jesus. 23 And Jesus *answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Gordon D. Fee, Paul, the Spirit and the People of God, Hendrickson, Peabody, MA, 1996, p. 66
The Heart of Reconciliation
We Have To Win Our Brother!
“...and He has committed to us the Word (message) of Reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:19b
Genesis 42:8 But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him.
The one who takes the initiative in reconciliation is the one who recognizes his brothers–and sees their need. This is the beginning of justice.
Gen. 42:21 “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.”
Distress will come upon us when we hear, but fail to respond to the distress of our brother. This is injustice.
Genesis 45:1
1 Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, “Have everyone go out from me.” So there was no man with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. {Joseph had matured - The Word of God had refined him - Psalm 105:16-19.}
2 Cor. 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;
Genesis 45:2
2 He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it. {The spirit of Intercession had come up him–he was standing in the gap for his brothers and for the whole purpose of God. Reconciliation without intercession produces a hollow sound–and reconciliation may take many forms.}
Reconciliation produces a sound that will be heard throughout the land. Ezekiel 37:7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.
Genesis 45:3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed (terrified) at his presence.
Reconciliation brings an end to fear.
Gen 45:4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me. (Draw near to me.)” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. (Acts 7:13)
He revealed himself to them by the sign of the covenant that was cut in his own flesh. On our side of the cross the sign of the covenant is cut into our hearts. 2 Cor. 5:16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.
For we put no confidence in the flesh...only in the true circumcision. The false circumcision mutilates - castrates(eunuchs) - barrenness. The true circumcision cuts away - prunes - resulting in fruitfulness.
In the power of convenantal love all are on an equal footing: justice, one of the foundational principles of His government (Psalm 89:14, 97:2b).
Genesis 45:5 Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. (Joseph is recognizing the Godly characteristic of justice revealed in His own life.)
There is no inequity in covenant. Joseph is the great example of this. He prospered at the Hand of God, but so did his Father’s family. This is justice at work. Biblical prosperity is a fruit of justice and comes as the result of good stewardship. It should not be sought for itself alone. Many sincere advocates of prosperity have actually discovered the principle of justice, they just don’t realize it.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
No longer do we count trespasses against one another–all indebtedness (injustice) is forgiven.
Genesis 45:7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. {God will exalt the humble - especially those who have submitted to His humbling. “God blesses those who are gentle and lowly (humble), for the whole earth will belong to them.” Matt. 5:5 New Living} (Philippians 2:7 “He made himself nothing {He laid aside His mighty power and glory.}; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. 8 And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name,...” New Living)
2 Cor. 5:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Genesis 45:9 Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay.
2 Cor. 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
The Body (Israel) had to be reconciled to give birth to the nation! Even Joseph with all of his wealth and power was incomplete without his brothers. (Justice is ineffectual in a vacuum.) The Body of Christ must be reconciled to give birth to National Transformation.
Under the Old Covenant the covenant was cut in the flesh of the Hebrew males only.
The New Covenant has been cut once and for all in the flesh of the Messiah and it is applied to the heart of all who will receive - male or female, Jew or Greek, socio-economic status has no bearing. In His flesh every barrier has been broken down.
Genesis 45:11"There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, and you and your household and all that you have would be impoverished.”
Joseph fulfills his role of an intercessor in providing for his family. He saves his family–this is the day of their salvation!
2 Corinthians 6:2 for He says,
“At the acceptable time I listened to you,
And on the day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—
Genesis 45:12 Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you.
Joseph has provided a visible witness! There are no longer any barriers, all obstructions to fellowship have been removed. Joseph was one with them in every respect. (The playing field had become level.)
2 Cor. 5:21a “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf,...” (He became one with us in every respect.)
Genesis 45:13a “Now you must tell my father of all my splendor in Egypt, and all that you have seen;...”
2 Cor. 5:21b “...so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Genesis 45:13b “...and you must hurry and bring my father down here.”
2 Cor. 6:1 “And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—“
Relationship with the Father is restored–the family is made whole once again. The beginning and the end of reconciliation is the Fatherhood of God. (Righteousness and justice are reconciled.)
Genesis 45:14 “Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 He kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him.”
They enjoy the sweet common-union of the family of God!
Ephesians 4: 4 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”
Genesis 45:17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go to the land of Canaan, 18 and take your father and your households and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land.’”
Authentic reconciliation bears the nutritious fruit of justice (and righteousness).
Genesis 45:24 So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the journey.”
Genesis 45: 27 When they told him all the words of Joseph that he had spoken to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.
When Jacob saw the evidence of reconciliation, justice, he believed!
Genesis 45:28 Then Israel said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
The relationship between father and son that had been broken for many years would be restored.
Genesis 46:3 He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.”
The purposes of God for the nation would go forward unhindered.
“...and He has committed to us the Word (message) of Reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:19b
Genesis 42:8 But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him.
The one who takes the initiative in reconciliation is the one who recognizes his brothers–and sees their need. This is the beginning of justice.
Gen. 42:21 “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.”
Distress will come upon us when we hear, but fail to respond to the distress of our brother. This is injustice.
Genesis 45:1
1 Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, “Have everyone go out from me.” So there was no man with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. {Joseph had matured - The Word of God had refined him - Psalm 105:16-19.}
2 Cor. 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;
Genesis 45:2
2 He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it. {The spirit of Intercession had come up him–he was standing in the gap for his brothers and for the whole purpose of God. Reconciliation without intercession produces a hollow sound–and reconciliation may take many forms.}
Reconciliation produces a sound that will be heard throughout the land. Ezekiel 37:7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.
Genesis 45:3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed (terrified) at his presence.
Reconciliation brings an end to fear.
Gen 45:4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me. (Draw near to me.)” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. (Acts 7:13)
He revealed himself to them by the sign of the covenant that was cut in his own flesh. On our side of the cross the sign of the covenant is cut into our hearts. 2 Cor. 5:16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.
For we put no confidence in the flesh...only in the true circumcision. The false circumcision mutilates - castrates(eunuchs) - barrenness. The true circumcision cuts away - prunes - resulting in fruitfulness.
In the power of convenantal love all are on an equal footing: justice, one of the foundational principles of His government (Psalm 89:14, 97:2b).
Genesis 45:5 Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. (Joseph is recognizing the Godly characteristic of justice revealed in His own life.)
There is no inequity in covenant. Joseph is the great example of this. He prospered at the Hand of God, but so did his Father’s family. This is justice at work. Biblical prosperity is a fruit of justice and comes as the result of good stewardship. It should not be sought for itself alone. Many sincere advocates of prosperity have actually discovered the principle of justice, they just don’t realize it.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
No longer do we count trespasses against one another–all indebtedness (injustice) is forgiven.
Genesis 45:7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. {God will exalt the humble - especially those who have submitted to His humbling. “God blesses those who are gentle and lowly (humble), for the whole earth will belong to them.” Matt. 5:5 New Living} (Philippians 2:7 “He made himself nothing {He laid aside His mighty power and glory.}; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. 8 And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name,...” New Living)
2 Cor. 5:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Genesis 45:9 Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay.
2 Cor. 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
The Body (Israel) had to be reconciled to give birth to the nation! Even Joseph with all of his wealth and power was incomplete without his brothers. (Justice is ineffectual in a vacuum.) The Body of Christ must be reconciled to give birth to National Transformation.
Under the Old Covenant the covenant was cut in the flesh of the Hebrew males only.
The New Covenant has been cut once and for all in the flesh of the Messiah and it is applied to the heart of all who will receive - male or female, Jew or Greek, socio-economic status has no bearing. In His flesh every barrier has been broken down.
Genesis 45:11"There I will also provide for you, for there are still five years of famine to come, and you and your household and all that you have would be impoverished.”
Joseph fulfills his role of an intercessor in providing for his family. He saves his family–this is the day of their salvation!
2 Corinthians 6:2 for He says,
“At the acceptable time I listened to you,
And on the day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—
Genesis 45:12 Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you.
Joseph has provided a visible witness! There are no longer any barriers, all obstructions to fellowship have been removed. Joseph was one with them in every respect. (The playing field had become level.)
2 Cor. 5:21a “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf,...” (He became one with us in every respect.)
Genesis 45:13a “Now you must tell my father of all my splendor in Egypt, and all that you have seen;...”
2 Cor. 5:21b “...so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Genesis 45:13b “...and you must hurry and bring my father down here.”
2 Cor. 6:1 “And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—“
Relationship with the Father is restored–the family is made whole once again. The beginning and the end of reconciliation is the Fatherhood of God. (Righteousness and justice are reconciled.)
Genesis 45:14 “Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 He kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him.”
They enjoy the sweet common-union of the family of God!
Ephesians 4: 4 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”
Genesis 45:17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go to the land of Canaan, 18 and take your father and your households and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land.’”
Authentic reconciliation bears the nutritious fruit of justice (and righteousness).
Genesis 45:24 So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the journey.”
Genesis 45: 27 When they told him all the words of Joseph that he had spoken to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.
When Jacob saw the evidence of reconciliation, justice, he believed!
Genesis 45:28 Then Israel said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
The relationship between father and son that had been broken for many years would be restored.
Genesis 46:3 He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.”
The purposes of God for the nation would go forward unhindered.
Dwelling Together in Organic and Functional Symmetry
Principle or Program? Both!
(They Must Abide Together! Dwelling Together in Organic and Functional Symmetry.)
Devoid of principle, program is an exercise in futility. On the other hand however without program, principle is ineffective and may represent nothing more than an empty shell of idealism.
Principle precedes program and endures beyond it. (Principle is the alpha and omega.) Program is a manifestation or visible outworking of principle. (Program is the incarnation of principle.)
Principle is inviolate, program is flexible and must conform to needs. Principle is value based, program is built upon expediency.
We run the risk of stagnation when we view program as inviolate.
Principles may be rediscovered, but they are not recreated. Program must exist right on the very edge of creativity. Neither is static–both are energetic. Principle might be likened to the spirit of a man and program to his physical existence.
The principles of God are as immutable as His character. (Malachi 3:6a “For I, the Lord, do not change;...”) The program He inspires is as rich and varied as His creation.
Principle is communicated through relationship. “The man is the message!” The character or nature of the messenger validates the worth of the principle. 2 Corinthians 3:3 “...being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.”
The undergirding elements of transformation are principles, not programs: persevering leadership and fervent united prayer. Transformation breaks down when it is subjected to an attempt at programming. George Otis, Jr. says this is the pitfall of many who see the Transformation Videos - they then try to do “transformation.” You cannot do “transformation” for it is principle based. If it was programmatic it could be done–but it is not!
Principle plus program results in process. Transformation is a process. Process is the product for which we yearn. Process is definite forward motion that can be evaluated both as to quality and quantity.
Principle is the vine whose roots are firmly embedded in the rich soil, programs are the branches and results are the fruit. Fruit is the proof of the validity of the process. If there is no fruit we should evaluate the process–are principle and program in sync? If principle and program truly abide together then the natural and expected result will be produce (John 15:7-8). The Gardner is glorified and satisfied in all that He has done.
Program devoid of principle only causes dependency - one program must follow another. Principle liberates but must have means of expression or it will produce no definable results.
Program is wearisome. It is about maintenance and extracts a heavy price from its subjects. Principle is self-rejuvenating. It is about purpose and will propel its adherents along.
Program leads to grief, principle to joy!
(They Must Abide Together! Dwelling Together in Organic and Functional Symmetry.)
Devoid of principle, program is an exercise in futility. On the other hand however without program, principle is ineffective and may represent nothing more than an empty shell of idealism.
Principle precedes program and endures beyond it. (Principle is the alpha and omega.) Program is a manifestation or visible outworking of principle. (Program is the incarnation of principle.)
Principle is inviolate, program is flexible and must conform to needs. Principle is value based, program is built upon expediency.
We run the risk of stagnation when we view program as inviolate.
Principles may be rediscovered, but they are not recreated. Program must exist right on the very edge of creativity. Neither is static–both are energetic. Principle might be likened to the spirit of a man and program to his physical existence.
The principles of God are as immutable as His character. (Malachi 3:6a “For I, the Lord, do not change;...”) The program He inspires is as rich and varied as His creation.
Principle is communicated through relationship. “The man is the message!” The character or nature of the messenger validates the worth of the principle. 2 Corinthians 3:3 “...being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.”
The undergirding elements of transformation are principles, not programs: persevering leadership and fervent united prayer. Transformation breaks down when it is subjected to an attempt at programming. George Otis, Jr. says this is the pitfall of many who see the Transformation Videos - they then try to do “transformation.” You cannot do “transformation” for it is principle based. If it was programmatic it could be done–but it is not!
Principle plus program results in process. Transformation is a process. Process is the product for which we yearn. Process is definite forward motion that can be evaluated both as to quality and quantity.
Principle is the vine whose roots are firmly embedded in the rich soil, programs are the branches and results are the fruit. Fruit is the proof of the validity of the process. If there is no fruit we should evaluate the process–are principle and program in sync? If principle and program truly abide together then the natural and expected result will be produce (John 15:7-8). The Gardner is glorified and satisfied in all that He has done.
Program devoid of principle only causes dependency - one program must follow another. Principle liberates but must have means of expression or it will produce no definable results.
Program is wearisome. It is about maintenance and extracts a heavy price from its subjects. Principle is self-rejuvenating. It is about purpose and will propel its adherents along.
Program leads to grief, principle to joy!
The Role Of The Intercessor - God's design
The Role of the Intercessor in the fulfillment of God’s designs from the life of Reuben.
An intercessor stands in the gap between what is and what might be thus making the connection. God could do without intercession, but He has chosen to intervene in the affairs of man through intercession. The first and most basic requirement for effective intercession is a genuine relationship with the Father. We must know His heart and mind before we begin to pray. “We tell God what He has told us to tell Him!” Then the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of God and of His Christ. Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”
Ezekiel 22:28 Her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord has not spoken. (This is counterfeit intercession.)
29 The people of the land have practiced oppression and committed robbery, and they have wronged the poor and needy and have oppressed the sojourner without justice. (This is the way things were heading.)
30 I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. (God had another plan, one of mercy, but there was no intercessor to be found.)
31 Thus I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their way I have brought upon their heads,” declares the Lord God. (Thus, things continued the way they were going.)
Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn by Leah (Gen. 29:31-32).
His name means, “See, a son (or a man).” Because the Lord has seen my affliction, now my husband will love me. He was an intercessor from his mother’s womb - interceding between Leah and Jacob.
His mother saw in him a messianic quality, much as Eve had at the birth of her firstborn, Cain. (Gen. 4:1 - “I have gotten a man, the Lord.”
Reuben - an intercessor? Being the firstborn he has a sense of responsibility for his brothers. And his mother (Gen. 30:14). Intercession is driven by this sense of responsibility. This can become a pitfall if it devolves into a Messianic complex.
He lost his rights of the firstborn (Gen. 49:3-4; through infidelity (Gen. 35:22) with his father’s maid (maybe he was trying to comfort her), yet he never lost the sense of responsibility. (Intercessors, beware of this trap! An exaggerated sense of responsibility {mercy motivation, rescuer} is the bait.)
(Joseph - “God has taken away my reproach - barrenness.” Gen. 30:22-24)
1 Chronicles 5:1-2
1 Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. 2 Though Judah {ruler, administrator} prevailed over his brothers, and from him came the leader, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph {intercessor, provider, steward}), (The birthright or double-portion was given for the purpose of sustaining life - care.)
Reuben has a vested interest in Joseph for his birthright had passed to Joseph’s sons. His role as an intercessor had passed to Joseph, but the basic motivation never left him. {Motivations can still produces results or effect although the anointing has passed.}
Joseph was a watchman - Gen. 37:2.
Joseph was the closest to his Father’s heart and this caused misunderstanding between he and his brothers to the point they would not speak to him on friendly terms (Gen. 37:3-4).
Then God begins to reveal His destiny not only for Joseph, but for the nation. This results in further misunderstanding and ill-feeling possibly because of the inappropriateness of Joseph’s timing in delivering the message.
The message in Joseph had to be refined to bring it to maturity.
Psalm 105:17 He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.18 They afflicted his feet with fetters, He himself was laid in irons; 19 Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him.
His father sent him to inquire of the welfare of his brothers (Gen. 37:13-14).
Sometimes intercessors will wander around until they get direction (Gen. 37:15-17). It is easier to be directed when you are already in motion.
The blindness of the brothers’ jealousy causes them to plot the death of Joseph but Reuben stands in as his intercessor. Genesis 37:21 But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, “Let us not take his life.” 22 Reuben further said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father.
Reuben is utterly devastated when his plan of rescue seems to have gone awry. Genesis 37:29 Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments. 30 He returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is not there; as for me, where am I to go?” He is despondent over the failure of his mission.
From the rest of the story we know that Joseph’s gift makes way for him and Pharaoh sets him over all of the land of Egypt. An overseer is one who sees over–that is, the one who has vision. In this place of authority and responsibility he enters into a messianic role, an intercessor, not only for the people of Egypt, but to preserve his own people in whom was the hope of the ultimate Messiah.
Genesis 42:1b “Why are you staring at one another?” None of the brothers have vision, they only stare at one another.
When the brothers do come down to Egypt and stand before Joseph he recognizes them although they do not recognize him and he accuses them of being spies. This accusation could hardly be further from the truth for they have no vision.
When Joseph asks them to bring Benjamin down to Egypt also, for this is God’s plan to preserve the nation, they become fearful and remember what they had done to their brother (Gen. 42:21).
Reuben recalls his earlier plan to preserve Joseph alive. Gen. 42:22 “Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood.”
When they are dismayed at finding their money in the sacks of grain, Reuben’s motivation come to the fore once again. Genesis 42:37 Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “You may put my two sons to death if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my care, and I will return him to you.”
An intercessor stands in the gap between what is and what might be thus making the connection. God could do without intercession, but He has chosen to intervene in the affairs of man through intercession. The first and most basic requirement for effective intercession is a genuine relationship with the Father. We must know His heart and mind before we begin to pray. “We tell God what He has told us to tell Him!” Then the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of God and of His Christ. Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”
Ezekiel 22:28 Her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord has not spoken. (This is counterfeit intercession.)
29 The people of the land have practiced oppression and committed robbery, and they have wronged the poor and needy and have oppressed the sojourner without justice. (This is the way things were heading.)
30 I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. (God had another plan, one of mercy, but there was no intercessor to be found.)
31 Thus I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their way I have brought upon their heads,” declares the Lord God. (Thus, things continued the way they were going.)
Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn by Leah (Gen. 29:31-32).
His name means, “See, a son (or a man).” Because the Lord has seen my affliction, now my husband will love me. He was an intercessor from his mother’s womb - interceding between Leah and Jacob.
His mother saw in him a messianic quality, much as Eve had at the birth of her firstborn, Cain. (Gen. 4:1 - “I have gotten a man, the Lord.”
Reuben - an intercessor? Being the firstborn he has a sense of responsibility for his brothers. And his mother (Gen. 30:14). Intercession is driven by this sense of responsibility. This can become a pitfall if it devolves into a Messianic complex.
He lost his rights of the firstborn (Gen. 49:3-4; through infidelity (Gen. 35:22) with his father’s maid (maybe he was trying to comfort her), yet he never lost the sense of responsibility. (Intercessors, beware of this trap! An exaggerated sense of responsibility {mercy motivation, rescuer} is the bait.)
(Joseph - “God has taken away my reproach - barrenness.” Gen. 30:22-24)
1 Chronicles 5:1-2
1 Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. 2 Though Judah {ruler, administrator} prevailed over his brothers, and from him came the leader, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph {intercessor, provider, steward}), (The birthright or double-portion was given for the purpose of sustaining life - care.)
Reuben has a vested interest in Joseph for his birthright had passed to Joseph’s sons. His role as an intercessor had passed to Joseph, but the basic motivation never left him. {Motivations can still produces results or effect although the anointing has passed.}
Joseph was a watchman - Gen. 37:2.
Joseph was the closest to his Father’s heart and this caused misunderstanding between he and his brothers to the point they would not speak to him on friendly terms (Gen. 37:3-4).
Then God begins to reveal His destiny not only for Joseph, but for the nation. This results in further misunderstanding and ill-feeling possibly because of the inappropriateness of Joseph’s timing in delivering the message.
The message in Joseph had to be refined to bring it to maturity.
Psalm 105:17 He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.18 They afflicted his feet with fetters, He himself was laid in irons; 19 Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him.
His father sent him to inquire of the welfare of his brothers (Gen. 37:13-14).
Sometimes intercessors will wander around until they get direction (Gen. 37:15-17). It is easier to be directed when you are already in motion.
The blindness of the brothers’ jealousy causes them to plot the death of Joseph but Reuben stands in as his intercessor. Genesis 37:21 But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, “Let us not take his life.” 22 Reuben further said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father.
Reuben is utterly devastated when his plan of rescue seems to have gone awry. Genesis 37:29 Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments. 30 He returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is not there; as for me, where am I to go?” He is despondent over the failure of his mission.
From the rest of the story we know that Joseph’s gift makes way for him and Pharaoh sets him over all of the land of Egypt. An overseer is one who sees over–that is, the one who has vision. In this place of authority and responsibility he enters into a messianic role, an intercessor, not only for the people of Egypt, but to preserve his own people in whom was the hope of the ultimate Messiah.
Genesis 42:1b “Why are you staring at one another?” None of the brothers have vision, they only stare at one another.
When the brothers do come down to Egypt and stand before Joseph he recognizes them although they do not recognize him and he accuses them of being spies. This accusation could hardly be further from the truth for they have no vision.
When Joseph asks them to bring Benjamin down to Egypt also, for this is God’s plan to preserve the nation, they become fearful and remember what they had done to their brother (Gen. 42:21).
Reuben recalls his earlier plan to preserve Joseph alive. Gen. 42:22 “Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood.”
When they are dismayed at finding their money in the sacks of grain, Reuben’s motivation come to the fore once again. Genesis 42:37 Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “You may put my two sons to death if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my care, and I will return him to you.”
Believe In West Virginia
Believe in West Virginia
A letter from Executive Director John deBlecourt
Welcome to the Believe in West Virginia website! I am thankful that you have heard about our organization and are looking for more information. As you will see as you explore our site we are involved in many exciting programs. Our Vision is evidence of our passion for the great people of our state.
The Vision:
Uniting, supporting and empowering West Virginians to achieve their God given potential.
We are continually looking for new ways to impact our State and its people. Our Mission Statement lays out the areas we want to impact.
The Mission:
Believe in West Virginia Leadership Foundation is a Christ centered catalyst helping transform the economic, political, social and spiritual environment of West Virginia, thereby communicating hope and a brighter future for all.
Go to Believe In West Virginia Link for available resources
A letter from Executive Director John deBlecourt
Welcome to the Believe in West Virginia website! I am thankful that you have heard about our organization and are looking for more information. As you will see as you explore our site we are involved in many exciting programs. Our Vision is evidence of our passion for the great people of our state.
The Vision:
Uniting, supporting and empowering West Virginians to achieve their God given potential.
We are continually looking for new ways to impact our State and its people. Our Mission Statement lays out the areas we want to impact.
The Mission:
Believe in West Virginia Leadership Foundation is a Christ centered catalyst helping transform the economic, political, social and spiritual environment of West Virginia, thereby communicating hope and a brighter future for all.
Go to Believe In West Virginia Link for available resources
Adopt a Jesus Film - Charleston Gazette
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- It wasn't that long ago that street evangelist Brandt Russo was thrown out of Houston's Lakewood Church, the country's largest and arguably wealthiest house of worship.
Now, Russo is returning to Lakewood, to Houston and to other cities he's visited on a spiritual journey that has brought him to West Virginia.
Street evangelist Brandt Russo is on his way to Houston, New Orleans and Philadelphia to film a documentary about life on the streets.
Russo plans to travel from Houston to New Orleans, then to Philadelphia, traveling on a bus converted to run on used vegetable oil and staying on whatever streets he finds himself on during the journey.
"I'm just the tour guide," Russo said. "I think it's going to be an upward investigation from bad to good."
Russo planned to leave Aug. 8 on a trip that's expected to take about two weeks. Bob Wilkinson, a technician for West Virginia Public Television, will film the trip. He hopes to track their progress through his MySpace Web site, www.myspace.com/astraydogfilm.
Wilkinson, a friend of Russo, said he shares some of Russo's views.
"Politically and spiritually, we're pretty similar," Wilkinson said. "Really what we've been about is to work to try to get past differences between people and get back to the root of things."
An ordained minister, Russo found his long hair and tattoos didn't necessarily endear him to parishioners. He decided to give up his worldly goods and move to the streets, living and praying with the homeless.
Although he maintains a bank account to support his ministry, "I live my life with no money whatsoever," Russo said. His home, when he isn't on the streets or staying with friends, is a 1987 GMC school bus rigged to run on vegetable oil and outfitted with beds and its own kitchen. He hits up restaurants for used cooking oil, which owners are usually happy to let him have for free rather than pay to have the oil taken away.
Among the survival skills Russo picked up on the streets is the art of Dumpster diving, for which he relies on everything from furnishings to food.
"The United States, by itself, throws out $5 billion to $6 billion of food a year," he said.
By law, grocery stores and other shops that sell food can only keep food on their shelves for a certain period of time, after which they just throw it away. Russo said homeless shelters can't legally accept it, but that doesn't mean the food has to go to waste.
"That's how I've fed myself for the last year, and fed 10,000 or 15,000 homeless people I've had the pleasure of sharing time with," he said.
The trick is to go just after the stores close, before frozen food has a chance to thaw or other items have a chance to spoil. Russo knows when all the local stores close, and usually makes a circuit looking for food.
"It's better to go every night, because you know what was there the night before," he said.
Street evangelist Brandt Russo is on his way to Houston, New Orleans and Philadelphia to film a documentary about life on the streets.
Owners and store staff usually don't mind Russo picking through their garbage, especially once they know what he's doing with the food. Sometimes, they ask him if he's looking for anything specific and bring it to him.
"As long as you have respect for the property, I've never had a problem," Russo said.
Often, he said, the discarded food is good quality, expensive product.
"I've never eaten healthier in my life," Russo said. "A lot of what they have is stuff that didn't get bought. Who's going to buy a $13 block of cheese?"
Russo's journey eventually led him to West Virginia, where he came on a religious tour. People seemed to be more accepting of his lifestyle, so he decided to stay.
Wilkinson and Russo have a rough plan for the trip, but what actually happens will be up to the health of the bus, their reception along the way, and the hand of God.
"We have an idea where we're going to go and what we're going to do, but we're going to let the road take us wherever we end up," Wilkinson said.
Russo expects the journey to be inspirational.
"We as people have the power to change things through good will," he said.
Now, Russo is returning to Lakewood, to Houston and to other cities he's visited on a spiritual journey that has brought him to West Virginia.
Street evangelist Brandt Russo is on his way to Houston, New Orleans and Philadelphia to film a documentary about life on the streets.
Russo plans to travel from Houston to New Orleans, then to Philadelphia, traveling on a bus converted to run on used vegetable oil and staying on whatever streets he finds himself on during the journey.
"I'm just the tour guide," Russo said. "I think it's going to be an upward investigation from bad to good."
Russo planned to leave Aug. 8 on a trip that's expected to take about two weeks. Bob Wilkinson, a technician for West Virginia Public Television, will film the trip. He hopes to track their progress through his MySpace Web site, www.myspace.com/astraydogfilm.
Wilkinson, a friend of Russo, said he shares some of Russo's views.
"Politically and spiritually, we're pretty similar," Wilkinson said. "Really what we've been about is to work to try to get past differences between people and get back to the root of things."
An ordained minister, Russo found his long hair and tattoos didn't necessarily endear him to parishioners. He decided to give up his worldly goods and move to the streets, living and praying with the homeless.
Although he maintains a bank account to support his ministry, "I live my life with no money whatsoever," Russo said. His home, when he isn't on the streets or staying with friends, is a 1987 GMC school bus rigged to run on vegetable oil and outfitted with beds and its own kitchen. He hits up restaurants for used cooking oil, which owners are usually happy to let him have for free rather than pay to have the oil taken away.
Among the survival skills Russo picked up on the streets is the art of Dumpster diving, for which he relies on everything from furnishings to food.
"The United States, by itself, throws out $5 billion to $6 billion of food a year," he said.
By law, grocery stores and other shops that sell food can only keep food on their shelves for a certain period of time, after which they just throw it away. Russo said homeless shelters can't legally accept it, but that doesn't mean the food has to go to waste.
"That's how I've fed myself for the last year, and fed 10,000 or 15,000 homeless people I've had the pleasure of sharing time with," he said.
The trick is to go just after the stores close, before frozen food has a chance to thaw or other items have a chance to spoil. Russo knows when all the local stores close, and usually makes a circuit looking for food.
"It's better to go every night, because you know what was there the night before," he said.
Street evangelist Brandt Russo is on his way to Houston, New Orleans and Philadelphia to film a documentary about life on the streets.
Owners and store staff usually don't mind Russo picking through their garbage, especially once they know what he's doing with the food. Sometimes, they ask him if he's looking for anything specific and bring it to him.
"As long as you have respect for the property, I've never had a problem," Russo said.
Often, he said, the discarded food is good quality, expensive product.
"I've never eaten healthier in my life," Russo said. "A lot of what they have is stuff that didn't get bought. Who's going to buy a $13 block of cheese?"
Russo's journey eventually led him to West Virginia, where he came on a religious tour. People seemed to be more accepting of his lifestyle, so he decided to stay.
Wilkinson and Russo have a rough plan for the trip, but what actually happens will be up to the health of the bus, their reception along the way, and the hand of God.
"We have an idea where we're going to go and what we're going to do, but we're going to let the road take us wherever we end up," Wilkinson said.
Russo expects the journey to be inspirational.
"We as people have the power to change things through good will," he said.
WOW How Big Is Our God
Charessa Wilkinson on Friday, June 10, 2011
Wow! As some of you may know, we have been given a building for FREE in Ravenswood! A very good friend of mine, and local pastor, was given the keys to a building. He called me and said that if I was “in” then we would do this! Six years ago, this pastor called me often, just to encourage me after our family had been asked to leave our church. (That is another story). Anyway, out of that friendship and praying weekly with the local pastors for a year we started a ministry called “The Bridge”. (That is another story too).
The Bridge then spanned to Clarksburg, Parkersburg and Charleston within a couple years. We gave out free meals, free clothes, free rock shows and gave local artists a place to display their work. I had done something like this before in a warehouse on the west side of Charleston in the late nineties too, called Positrax.
When I decided to have another baby and concentrate on the “Adopt-A-Jesus” tour (which is in its third year of touring, yet another story) The Bridge, became dormant, kinda like a sleeping giant.
Two weeks before the brain aneurism was found, a high school friend called me, yelling at me, saying “The time is now Charessa, the time is now!” over and over again. She knew little if anything about my past or my present. (another awesome story)
So this brings me too yesterday. The building will not only house “the misfits” as I like to call it, but the Baptists, a local minority group and any other ministry in Jackson county that needs a roof. When this pastor introduced me to the other Baptist, he said, “This is Charessa, and she is against the institution, and this is Rob and he IS the institution.” How beautiful, the very thing I have been running from is now my partner.
We had a meeting last Thursday about how to repair this building. The Baptist man gathered volunteers to fix everything. Wow!! But during the meeting Baptist man said that we would need $5000 for supplies. Shoooo, I thought, I am not good at raising money, there has to be another way. Later that evening, someone walked up to my pastor friend and handed him an envelope full of cash. You probably guessed it, $5000!!!!
God is GOOD!!!!
Wow! As some of you may know, we have been given a building for FREE in Ravenswood! A very good friend of mine, and local pastor, was given the keys to a building. He called me and said that if I was “in” then we would do this! Six years ago, this pastor called me often, just to encourage me after our family had been asked to leave our church. (That is another story). Anyway, out of that friendship and praying weekly with the local pastors for a year we started a ministry called “The Bridge”. (That is another story too).
The Bridge then spanned to Clarksburg, Parkersburg and Charleston within a couple years. We gave out free meals, free clothes, free rock shows and gave local artists a place to display their work. I had done something like this before in a warehouse on the west side of Charleston in the late nineties too, called Positrax.
When I decided to have another baby and concentrate on the “Adopt-A-Jesus” tour (which is in its third year of touring, yet another story) The Bridge, became dormant, kinda like a sleeping giant.
Two weeks before the brain aneurism was found, a high school friend called me, yelling at me, saying “The time is now Charessa, the time is now!” over and over again. She knew little if anything about my past or my present. (another awesome story)
So this brings me too yesterday. The building will not only house “the misfits” as I like to call it, but the Baptists, a local minority group and any other ministry in Jackson county that needs a roof. When this pastor introduced me to the other Baptist, he said, “This is Charessa, and she is against the institution, and this is Rob and he IS the institution.” How beautiful, the very thing I have been running from is now my partner.
We had a meeting last Thursday about how to repair this building. The Baptist man gathered volunteers to fix everything. Wow!! But during the meeting Baptist man said that we would need $5000 for supplies. Shoooo, I thought, I am not good at raising money, there has to be another way. Later that evening, someone walked up to my pastor friend and handed him an envelope full of cash. You probably guessed it, $5000!!!!
God is GOOD!!!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Letter from Ron
Dear Praying West Virginians,
Our West Virginia Prayer Summit is quickly approaching - June 20 - West Virginia Day.
The Conference Center has asked us to give them a total number for lunch by June 10!
We are looking for as many as our Father stirs their hearts to come. We are especially looking for representation from each county. Some that we have heard from so far: Mingo, Wyoming, Greenbrier, Clay, Kanawha, Jackson, Jefferson, Cabell, Monongalia... Please forward this information throughout your relationship networks.
We hope to accomplish two objectives during this time:
(1) The first is to pray together in harmony. May many voices be heard, blending into one sound of intercession. May the resounding theme of that sound be a corporate cry for statewide transformation.
(2) The second objective is that we connect with one another. We need living relationships in the greater Body of Christ across our region. Organic unity will ignite unified prayer that attracts God’s Presence. We desire to see interaction between prayer ministries. As we relate with one another, we can intelligently pray with and for each another. Relational interaction will enable us to more clearly discern what the Lord is speaking to us as a community in the birth pangs of transformation.
Many blessings in Him,
Pastors/Wazee Ron & Nancy Thaxton
Our West Virginia Prayer Summit is quickly approaching - June 20 - West Virginia Day.
The Conference Center has asked us to give them a total number for lunch by June 10!
We are looking for as many as our Father stirs their hearts to come. We are especially looking for representation from each county. Some that we have heard from so far: Mingo, Wyoming, Greenbrier, Clay, Kanawha, Jackson, Jefferson, Cabell, Monongalia... Please forward this information throughout your relationship networks.
We hope to accomplish two objectives during this time:
(1) The first is to pray together in harmony. May many voices be heard, blending into one sound of intercession. May the resounding theme of that sound be a corporate cry for statewide transformation.
(2) The second objective is that we connect with one another. We need living relationships in the greater Body of Christ across our region. Organic unity will ignite unified prayer that attracts God’s Presence. We desire to see interaction between prayer ministries. As we relate with one another, we can intelligently pray with and for each another. Relational interaction will enable us to more clearly discern what the Lord is speaking to us as a community in the birth pangs of transformation.
Many blessings in Him,
Pastors/Wazee Ron & Nancy Thaxton
Sunday, June 5, 2011
From Our Archives- Introduction
Hi Friends,
I love the new technology of Facebook and Blogs. I have been able to connect with our friends all over the nation and chat everyday with our friends in Uganda E Africa. We get to rejoice in every wedding and the awesomeness of new born babies. We, and our friends have had some scary medical challenges which called on this invisible church to pray and be a part of miracle after miracle.
In prep for the timely PrayWV 2011 Prayer Summit in Flatwoods in a couple of weeks (June 20-WV Day) I began to re-visit the Words and Promises that God has made for our beautiful state. (Vol 1&2 "Prophetic Words for WV") I also began to dig out papers and stories of our past Prayer Summits we have had together.
We also have heard your stories about how God called you to unceasing prayers for your counties and your state.
So I'm re-posting some of these stories but I want to add your "Today Story"
We are hoping to meet old friends and new friends from every county in our State June 20
I love the new technology of Facebook and Blogs. I have been able to connect with our friends all over the nation and chat everyday with our friends in Uganda E Africa. We get to rejoice in every wedding and the awesomeness of new born babies. We, and our friends have had some scary medical challenges which called on this invisible church to pray and be a part of miracle after miracle.
In prep for the timely PrayWV 2011 Prayer Summit in Flatwoods in a couple of weeks (June 20-WV Day) I began to re-visit the Words and Promises that God has made for our beautiful state. (Vol 1&2 "Prophetic Words for WV") I also began to dig out papers and stories of our past Prayer Summits we have had together.
We also have heard your stories about how God called you to unceasing prayers for your counties and your state.
So I'm re-posting some of these stories but I want to add your "Today Story"
We are hoping to meet old friends and new friends from every county in our State June 20
From Our Archives -Transforming a City- Pastors
PASTORS ARE THE KEY TO GROWING A LOVING CITY-CHURCH CAPABLE OF TRANSFORMING A CITY.
Pastors collectively make up the highest spiritual authority–the GateKeepers--for any community or city - what they permit will be permitted and what they forbid will be forbidden.
God seems to be showing His Church worldwide that in any community, pastors collectively make up the highest spiritual authority for any community or city. They serve as the “elders of the city” sitting in its gates of authority as in Old Testament times. They have the most influence and authority over the most Christians in each congregation. God has entrusted them with most of the spiritual and material resources to transform people and cities. Collectively, they can lead, teach and mobilize the Body of Christ in a city better than anyone for Kingdom purposes.
Government: The exercise of delegated authority by a council of pastors in relationship with one another within a city functionally and organically represents citywide government.
Pastors are called to Pastor the City, not just the Church.
The flock and the fold are not one and the same. The flock is made up of the population of the city, the majority of whom are lost and spiritually hungry. The fold, much small-er, is occupied by those who are saved. When Jesus instructed Peter to feed His lambs, He was speaking primarily of those outside the fold, because they are the ones in greater need of feeding.
God is always inclusive and expansive when it comes to caring for the lost. The heart of the city in the New Testament times was the marketplace (more about that later), and that is where Paul and his associates concentrated their efforts in order to touch the city and the surrounding region.
Pastors can, by teaching and example, train the Body of Christ to love one an-other.
People imitate their pastors and generally follow their counsel. Pastors have more authority and opportunity to break down racial, cultural, denominational, sexist and generational barriers than anyone else in the city-church.
Pastors are the key to creating a city-church that loves other Christians within and among all the congregations. God will not use disobedient Christians to transform a city. They must love one another.
Relationships among pastors are the main key to transforming a city!
As every pastor knows, relationships among leaders are crucial to the spiritual vitality of any local congregation. God honors authority. If the leaders are living godly lives per-sonally and corporately, blessings accrue to that fellowship. If the leaders have sinful relationships among themselves, the Spirit of God is grieved and hindered in blessing that congregation, as He wants to. Every pastor knows this by painful experience!
This is exactly the case in the “city-church” of every city in the world, including The Church in City. Pastors here, as everywhere else, generally have relationships that are far from the biblical standard of agape love: preferring one another in honor, giving mutual service and encouragement to one another and bearing one another’s bur-dens. God commands those things for all Christians, especially for those commanded to be examples to the flock.
In almost every city on earth, most pastors relate to one another in a spirit of competition, selfish ambition, jealousy and pride. These pastors are generally very good Christians who want to obey God in every way but feel helpless to love other pastors as they know they should. This pattern is so strong that it can only be adequately described as a global spiritual stronghold of immense proportion among pastors. These dysfunctional, sinful relationships among pastors may constitute the single greatest obstacle to the health and growth of the Church worldwide. It is impossible for such pastors to ade-quately train their flocks to love one another when the pastor cannot love other pastors as God intends. This is the main obstacle to city transformation worldwide. Once pastors begin to love, serve, encourage and bear one another’s burdens, all heaven will break out and the city will be radically transformed! It is happening in cities around the world now! (See the video Transformations by George Otis for actual footage of this in four cities). Revival is coming to America. The intensity and duration of revival in any city depends more on the relationship of pastors than any other single factor.
Praying for pastors is the single greatest strategy to transform a city
As our city-church leaders, they must be spiritually healthy and obedient to God in order for them to effectively serve the Body of Christ in transforming the city.
As church leaders, they receive more attacks and temptations from the devil who loves to strike down the shepherds so that the sheep will be scattered. Pastors are falling in rec-ord numbers to sin and burnout already. Some Satanists actually pray and fast regularly against the marriages of pastors. The devil fears nothing more than a city-church united in prayer love and service to the city. That kind of Church is God’s ultimate plan to transform people. Pastors are the key to that kind of city-wide church.
Such prayer for pastors must be intense, massive, persistent and specific
Only God can build holy, obedient pastors. Only God can break this stronghold on the relationships among pastors. Only intercessory prayer will break this stranglehold on the Church in a city so that pastors can repent to God and each other for the lack of bibli-cal relationships among them.
In light of this a strategic partnership must be developed between the Pastors (GateKeepers - 2 Chron.23:19) and the Intercessors (Watchmen - Isaiah 62:6-7). In the past this relationship has been characterized by suspicion and mistrust. This must be replaced with genuine respect and appreciation.
Prayer Categories
God wants to mobilize thousands of Christians here and worldwide to pray for the pastors of The Church in the City. Here are the three main prayer categories to focus on as we pray for our pastors:
That they would be Personally Refreshed in their relationship with the Lord.
That they would be Corporately Reconciled with other pastors.
That they would be Visibly Reunited in small and large groups praying together for one another on a regular basis.
Prayer Strategies
Prayer Partners from the pastor’s own congregation
This involves helping a congregation commit to systematic and specific prayer for their pastor and his/her family. This is a movement rapidly spreading across America.
Pastor Prayer Fellowships
Pastors are forming small groups of pastors to pray together regularly for personal and professional needs. The trust and affection and mutual support that develops in these groups is the second most important foundation to building a healthy city-church. Out of such relationships, joint ministry to the city and the world can easily result, with magnified
Pastors collectively make up the highest spiritual authority–the GateKeepers--for any community or city - what they permit will be permitted and what they forbid will be forbidden.
God seems to be showing His Church worldwide that in any community, pastors collectively make up the highest spiritual authority for any community or city. They serve as the “elders of the city” sitting in its gates of authority as in Old Testament times. They have the most influence and authority over the most Christians in each congregation. God has entrusted them with most of the spiritual and material resources to transform people and cities. Collectively, they can lead, teach and mobilize the Body of Christ in a city better than anyone for Kingdom purposes.
Government: The exercise of delegated authority by a council of pastors in relationship with one another within a city functionally and organically represents citywide government.
Pastors are called to Pastor the City, not just the Church.
The flock and the fold are not one and the same. The flock is made up of the population of the city, the majority of whom are lost and spiritually hungry. The fold, much small-er, is occupied by those who are saved. When Jesus instructed Peter to feed His lambs, He was speaking primarily of those outside the fold, because they are the ones in greater need of feeding.
God is always inclusive and expansive when it comes to caring for the lost. The heart of the city in the New Testament times was the marketplace (more about that later), and that is where Paul and his associates concentrated their efforts in order to touch the city and the surrounding region.
Pastors can, by teaching and example, train the Body of Christ to love one an-other.
People imitate their pastors and generally follow their counsel. Pastors have more authority and opportunity to break down racial, cultural, denominational, sexist and generational barriers than anyone else in the city-church.
Pastors are the key to creating a city-church that loves other Christians within and among all the congregations. God will not use disobedient Christians to transform a city. They must love one another.
Relationships among pastors are the main key to transforming a city!
As every pastor knows, relationships among leaders are crucial to the spiritual vitality of any local congregation. God honors authority. If the leaders are living godly lives per-sonally and corporately, blessings accrue to that fellowship. If the leaders have sinful relationships among themselves, the Spirit of God is grieved and hindered in blessing that congregation, as He wants to. Every pastor knows this by painful experience!
This is exactly the case in the “city-church” of every city in the world, including The Church in City. Pastors here, as everywhere else, generally have relationships that are far from the biblical standard of agape love: preferring one another in honor, giving mutual service and encouragement to one another and bearing one another’s bur-dens. God commands those things for all Christians, especially for those commanded to be examples to the flock.
In almost every city on earth, most pastors relate to one another in a spirit of competition, selfish ambition, jealousy and pride. These pastors are generally very good Christians who want to obey God in every way but feel helpless to love other pastors as they know they should. This pattern is so strong that it can only be adequately described as a global spiritual stronghold of immense proportion among pastors. These dysfunctional, sinful relationships among pastors may constitute the single greatest obstacle to the health and growth of the Church worldwide. It is impossible for such pastors to ade-quately train their flocks to love one another when the pastor cannot love other pastors as God intends. This is the main obstacle to city transformation worldwide. Once pastors begin to love, serve, encourage and bear one another’s burdens, all heaven will break out and the city will be radically transformed! It is happening in cities around the world now! (See the video Transformations by George Otis for actual footage of this in four cities). Revival is coming to America. The intensity and duration of revival in any city depends more on the relationship of pastors than any other single factor.
Praying for pastors is the single greatest strategy to transform a city
As our city-church leaders, they must be spiritually healthy and obedient to God in order for them to effectively serve the Body of Christ in transforming the city.
As church leaders, they receive more attacks and temptations from the devil who loves to strike down the shepherds so that the sheep will be scattered. Pastors are falling in rec-ord numbers to sin and burnout already. Some Satanists actually pray and fast regularly against the marriages of pastors. The devil fears nothing more than a city-church united in prayer love and service to the city. That kind of Church is God’s ultimate plan to transform people. Pastors are the key to that kind of city-wide church.
Such prayer for pastors must be intense, massive, persistent and specific
Only God can build holy, obedient pastors. Only God can break this stronghold on the relationships among pastors. Only intercessory prayer will break this stranglehold on the Church in a city so that pastors can repent to God and each other for the lack of bibli-cal relationships among them.
In light of this a strategic partnership must be developed between the Pastors (GateKeepers - 2 Chron.23:19) and the Intercessors (Watchmen - Isaiah 62:6-7). In the past this relationship has been characterized by suspicion and mistrust. This must be replaced with genuine respect and appreciation.
Prayer Categories
God wants to mobilize thousands of Christians here and worldwide to pray for the pastors of The Church in the City. Here are the three main prayer categories to focus on as we pray for our pastors:
That they would be Personally Refreshed in their relationship with the Lord.
That they would be Corporately Reconciled with other pastors.
That they would be Visibly Reunited in small and large groups praying together for one another on a regular basis.
Prayer Strategies
Prayer Partners from the pastor’s own congregation
This involves helping a congregation commit to systematic and specific prayer for their pastor and his/her family. This is a movement rapidly spreading across America.
Pastor Prayer Fellowships
Pastors are forming small groups of pastors to pray together regularly for personal and professional needs. The trust and affection and mutual support that develops in these groups is the second most important foundation to building a healthy city-church. Out of such relationships, joint ministry to the city and the world can easily result, with magnified
From Our Archives -The Church In The City
Where is “The Church in the City!?”
What is it? Where is it going?
The Church in the City functions as a coalition of local Christian congregations and ministries within the scope of the influence of the state capital of West Virginia–Charleston. And as such a coalition we represent the clearest picture of the New Testament model of citywide church–that is, the visible and tangible representation of Christ’s Body in our community. The fabric of this coalition is composed of interwoven relationships which we describe as organic unity. This concept can most succinctly be undergirded by Ephesians 4:15 “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,...” (NASB). This tells us that as we develop loving, trusting relationships among ourselves, particularly as pastors and community leaders, we will present a viable witness before an inquiring world of the fullness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We also believe that the synergy created by a mutual understanding of our interdependency on one another will greatly enhance the effectiveness of “The Church in the City.” This occurs not only in the area of the sharing of physical resources, but also to a greater degree when cross-pollination occurs through the recognition and respect of the various gifts, callings and talents of the particular pastors, community leaders and local congregations.
We exist to enhance the winsomeness and validity of the church, not to violate or denigrate her integrity.
WITH THE FOREGOING IN MIND WE SEEK UNITY ALONG THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES AS THE CHURCH IN THE CITY:
(1) We will have fellowship, in all sincerity, with children of God in other Christian congregations, and will carefully avoid all disputes, respecting opinions and ceremonies peculiar to one or another Congregation. In this fellowship we will cooperate with other congregations in the support of public charities or Christian enterprises, which have a just claim upon us as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(2) We realize that it is the Lord's will that the Church of Jesus Christ should give evidence of and seek unity in Him with zeal and love. We see how such unity has been promised us and laid upon us as a charge. We recognize that through the grace of Christ the different denominations have received many gifts and that the Church of Jesus Christ may be enriched by these many and varied contributions. It is our desire that we may learn from one another and rejoice together in the riches of the love of Christ and the manifold wisdom of God. We welcome every step that brings us nearer the goal of unity in Him.
(3) We will avoid every appearance of endorsement of any organization whose ultimate aim it is to cause seeking humanity to put their trust in any other than the Lord Jesus Christ as their source and hope of eternal salvation. Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." (NASB)
(4) IN ESSENTIALS, UNITY - IN NON-ESSENTIALS, LIBERTY - IN ALL THINGS, LOVE
AS WE BELIEVE THAT HE HAS PLACED IN OUR HEARTS THE HOPE AND VISION OF A TRANSFORMED CITY, WE ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING TENETS FOR JUST SUCH A PURPOSE:
1. GOD’S GREATEST DESIRE IS TO TRANSFORM PEOPLE THROUGH HIS CHURCH
He wants Christians to love, serve and witness to others in every city on earth so that they can experience the abundant life Jesus came to bring them in this life and the next! Only God’s Church can do this. Changed cities require changed hearts, healed hearts, joyful hearts. Governments or other organizations cannot change people’s hearts enough to create safe, peaceful, healthy communities. Only God can, through His chosen instrument the Church.
2. THERE IS ONLY ONE CHURCH IN EACH CITY OF THE WORLD.
The bible clearly shows that God sees His Church primarily as regional bodies of Christians that He calls a Church---a “city-church”, if you will. God commends and corrects His people mainly as “city-churches” comprised of all the Christians living within the influence of that particular city or region (Rev. 1-3). Almost all Christians acknowledge that there is only one Body of Christ worldwide and one Body of Christ in each city regardless of the denominational labels or non-essential doctrinal distinc¬tives among the local congregations. God is again showing His people what it means to be a city-church. All over the world, local congregations are beginning to pray and act together as a city-church in order to love, serve and win that city to the Lord. The devil fears nothing more than a city-church united in prayer, love and service to the city.
3. THE CITY-CHURCH MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER TO TRANSFORM CITIES.
God’s greatest commands to His Church all center around loving Him, one another and our neighbors in need (Matthew 12:36-40). The bible makes it very clear that nothing we do will count with God or be effective in ministry unless we obey these foundational love commands (1 Cor. 13:13). God even says that we should question whether we really love Him if we don’t love our fellow Christian (1 John 4:20-21). All of God’s commands to love, serve, encourage one another were given to city-churches. God demands city-wide obedience to these commands within and among local congregations by all the Christians living in the city. A Congregation that doesn’t love other Christians is impotent to transform a city. God commands His blessing–Life forevermore!--where Christians dwell together in unity (Ps. 133). A lack of unity within or among local congregations disqualifies the Church in that city from God’s full blessing and that sin grieves His Spirit who alone can empower His Church to transform people and cities.
What is it? Where is it going?
The Church in the City functions as a coalition of local Christian congregations and ministries within the scope of the influence of the state capital of West Virginia–Charleston. And as such a coalition we represent the clearest picture of the New Testament model of citywide church–that is, the visible and tangible representation of Christ’s Body in our community. The fabric of this coalition is composed of interwoven relationships which we describe as organic unity. This concept can most succinctly be undergirded by Ephesians 4:15 “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,...” (NASB). This tells us that as we develop loving, trusting relationships among ourselves, particularly as pastors and community leaders, we will present a viable witness before an inquiring world of the fullness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We also believe that the synergy created by a mutual understanding of our interdependency on one another will greatly enhance the effectiveness of “The Church in the City.” This occurs not only in the area of the sharing of physical resources, but also to a greater degree when cross-pollination occurs through the recognition and respect of the various gifts, callings and talents of the particular pastors, community leaders and local congregations.
We exist to enhance the winsomeness and validity of the church, not to violate or denigrate her integrity.
WITH THE FOREGOING IN MIND WE SEEK UNITY ALONG THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES AS THE CHURCH IN THE CITY:
(1) We will have fellowship, in all sincerity, with children of God in other Christian congregations, and will carefully avoid all disputes, respecting opinions and ceremonies peculiar to one or another Congregation. In this fellowship we will cooperate with other congregations in the support of public charities or Christian enterprises, which have a just claim upon us as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(2) We realize that it is the Lord's will that the Church of Jesus Christ should give evidence of and seek unity in Him with zeal and love. We see how such unity has been promised us and laid upon us as a charge. We recognize that through the grace of Christ the different denominations have received many gifts and that the Church of Jesus Christ may be enriched by these many and varied contributions. It is our desire that we may learn from one another and rejoice together in the riches of the love of Christ and the manifold wisdom of God. We welcome every step that brings us nearer the goal of unity in Him.
(3) We will avoid every appearance of endorsement of any organization whose ultimate aim it is to cause seeking humanity to put their trust in any other than the Lord Jesus Christ as their source and hope of eternal salvation. Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." (NASB)
(4) IN ESSENTIALS, UNITY - IN NON-ESSENTIALS, LIBERTY - IN ALL THINGS, LOVE
AS WE BELIEVE THAT HE HAS PLACED IN OUR HEARTS THE HOPE AND VISION OF A TRANSFORMED CITY, WE ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING TENETS FOR JUST SUCH A PURPOSE:
1. GOD’S GREATEST DESIRE IS TO TRANSFORM PEOPLE THROUGH HIS CHURCH
He wants Christians to love, serve and witness to others in every city on earth so that they can experience the abundant life Jesus came to bring them in this life and the next! Only God’s Church can do this. Changed cities require changed hearts, healed hearts, joyful hearts. Governments or other organizations cannot change people’s hearts enough to create safe, peaceful, healthy communities. Only God can, through His chosen instrument the Church.
2. THERE IS ONLY ONE CHURCH IN EACH CITY OF THE WORLD.
The bible clearly shows that God sees His Church primarily as regional bodies of Christians that He calls a Church---a “city-church”, if you will. God commends and corrects His people mainly as “city-churches” comprised of all the Christians living within the influence of that particular city or region (Rev. 1-3). Almost all Christians acknowledge that there is only one Body of Christ worldwide and one Body of Christ in each city regardless of the denominational labels or non-essential doctrinal distinc¬tives among the local congregations. God is again showing His people what it means to be a city-church. All over the world, local congregations are beginning to pray and act together as a city-church in order to love, serve and win that city to the Lord. The devil fears nothing more than a city-church united in prayer, love and service to the city.
3. THE CITY-CHURCH MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER TO TRANSFORM CITIES.
God’s greatest commands to His Church all center around loving Him, one another and our neighbors in need (Matthew 12:36-40). The bible makes it very clear that nothing we do will count with God or be effective in ministry unless we obey these foundational love commands (1 Cor. 13:13). God even says that we should question whether we really love Him if we don’t love our fellow Christian (1 John 4:20-21). All of God’s commands to love, serve, encourage one another were given to city-churches. God demands city-wide obedience to these commands within and among local congregations by all the Christians living in the city. A Congregation that doesn’t love other Christians is impotent to transform a city. God commands His blessing–Life forevermore!--where Christians dwell together in unity (Ps. 133). A lack of unity within or among local congregations disqualifies the Church in that city from God’s full blessing and that sin grieves His Spirit who alone can empower His Church to transform people and cities.
From Our Archives- Prayer Strategy
The Pastor’s prayer fellowship met on June 20, 2000 (WV Day). God graced us with His presence in a significant way. He blessed us with a sweet experience of fellowship, both with Himself and with each other. We left this meeting with a renewed sense of vision and a fresh resolve to see this vision become reality.
We believe it is God’s desire to bring about a transformation in our community. Our consensus is that corporate intercession is intrinsic to this taking place. We must persevere with an intense corporate cry of intercession until the breakthrough comes.
In this meeting God directed us through the combined wisdom and plurality of gifting represented by those present. Surely, through the multitude of counselors there was wisdom. He directed us to target our prayers in seven specific areas. They are as follows. Pray for:
Passionate Devotion to Jesus.
Community Transformation – Revival
Unity – Humility
An Increase in Intercession.
The Spiritual Leadership of the Community.
The Gift of Repentance.
The Harvest – The Lost to be Saved.
The wisdom of this council suggested we join together in agreement on these points. We believe this is the prayer strategy God has given us at this time. We should continue in prayer concerning these matters. We should touch them in our private prayers, our corporate praying; and lead our people to pray them also. As we agree on these points, we will become many voices lifting one sound of intercession.
We believe it is God’s desire to bring about a transformation in our community. Our consensus is that corporate intercession is intrinsic to this taking place. We must persevere with an intense corporate cry of intercession until the breakthrough comes.
In this meeting God directed us through the combined wisdom and plurality of gifting represented by those present. Surely, through the multitude of counselors there was wisdom. He directed us to target our prayers in seven specific areas. They are as follows. Pray for:
Passionate Devotion to Jesus.
Community Transformation – Revival
Unity – Humility
An Increase in Intercession.
The Spiritual Leadership of the Community.
The Gift of Repentance.
The Harvest – The Lost to be Saved.
The wisdom of this council suggested we join together in agreement on these points. We believe this is the prayer strategy God has given us at this time. We should continue in prayer concerning these matters. We should touch them in our private prayers, our corporate praying; and lead our people to pray them also. As we agree on these points, we will become many voices lifting one sound of intercession.
From Our Archives -A Call to Charleston and Her Leaders
Greetings,
We are joined, by the nature of our call as pastors, intercessors and community leaders, to share the blessings and challenges of ministering in the Greater Charleston area. I desire to recognize and honor this God ordained partnership by extending to you this invitation.
Several area pastors and their congregations are setting aside three (3) days (72) hours for a corporate quest. Together we will seek the face of the Lord with prayer and fasting. We would be honored to have you join with us. We recognize the sacrifice this could represent for leaders and their congregations. However, we are convinced God will honor the corporate humility that is needed to complete this journey.
Sunday evening, January 7, 2001 at 6:00pm, there will be a corporate gathering at the Capitol Plaza Theater on Summers Street. The following three (3) days there will be three (3) meetings daily in congregations around the city. The last meeting of the third day will be completed with a corporate celebration in a Concert of Prayer format with fellowship afterward. So, from Sunday, January 7 at 6:00pm until Wednesday, January 10 at 6:00pm, Charleston will experience a multi-congregational, cross-denominational, Citywide Cry for Transformation!
We are urgently compelled to prayer by two factors:
(1) First of all, we are moved by what we see. When we look at our city, we are confronted with the Church’s limited effectiveness. Statistical indicators proclaim that we need a move of God. Our economic, educational and family situations reveal the gravity of our spiritual climate. These realities break our hearts, drive us to our knees and compel us to seek God.
(2) We are moved by what we see but we are more strongly motivated by what we long to see. God has initiated a burning desire in many to experience a sovereign break through. We long to see God transform our city. There are precedent cases in the Bible and in history of God arresting cities with His majestic Presence. In the depths of our beings, there is a cry that He would so glorify Himself in our midst.
John Wesley was reported to have said, "God does nothing apart from prayer." If this is true, then it must be God who initiates the prayer, graces us to pray, then answers the prayer He has given. We believe God is initiating prayer; as evidenced by our desperate condition without Him and our intense longing for Him.
We hope to accomplish two objectives during this time:
(1) The first is to pray together in harmony. May many voices be heard, blending into one sound of intercession. May the resounding theme of that sound be a corporate cry for citywide transformation.
(2) The second objective is that we connect with one another. We need living relationships in the greater Body of Christ across our region. Organic unity will ignite unified prayer that attracts God’s Presence. We desire to see interaction between prayer ministries. As we relate with one another, we can intelligently pray with and for each another. Relational interaction will enable us to more clearly discern what the Lord is speaking to us as a city in the birth pangs of transformation.
This gathering was initiated almost six months ago when God gave us a Prayer Strategy for our community.
My fellow-workers and I strongly believe that there must be an environment where those of like mind can come together. We recognize that there is the potential we could be viewed as being presumptuous. We quickly dissuade this notion. Our posture is simply to create a venue where intercession can be experienced on a citywide level.
We anticipate that these three days will be significant and hope they will be historic. We believe that the spiritual climate of our city will genuinely be altered. Our sincere desire is that you will join with us.
Respectfully, Pastor Dennis Chasteen
For: "The Church in the City!" & WV Prayer Summit
We are joined, by the nature of our call as pastors, intercessors and community leaders, to share the blessings and challenges of ministering in the Greater Charleston area. I desire to recognize and honor this God ordained partnership by extending to you this invitation.
Several area pastors and their congregations are setting aside three (3) days (72) hours for a corporate quest. Together we will seek the face of the Lord with prayer and fasting. We would be honored to have you join with us. We recognize the sacrifice this could represent for leaders and their congregations. However, we are convinced God will honor the corporate humility that is needed to complete this journey.
Sunday evening, January 7, 2001 at 6:00pm, there will be a corporate gathering at the Capitol Plaza Theater on Summers Street. The following three (3) days there will be three (3) meetings daily in congregations around the city. The last meeting of the third day will be completed with a corporate celebration in a Concert of Prayer format with fellowship afterward. So, from Sunday, January 7 at 6:00pm until Wednesday, January 10 at 6:00pm, Charleston will experience a multi-congregational, cross-denominational, Citywide Cry for Transformation!
We are urgently compelled to prayer by two factors:
(1) First of all, we are moved by what we see. When we look at our city, we are confronted with the Church’s limited effectiveness. Statistical indicators proclaim that we need a move of God. Our economic, educational and family situations reveal the gravity of our spiritual climate. These realities break our hearts, drive us to our knees and compel us to seek God.
(2) We are moved by what we see but we are more strongly motivated by what we long to see. God has initiated a burning desire in many to experience a sovereign break through. We long to see God transform our city. There are precedent cases in the Bible and in history of God arresting cities with His majestic Presence. In the depths of our beings, there is a cry that He would so glorify Himself in our midst.
John Wesley was reported to have said, "God does nothing apart from prayer." If this is true, then it must be God who initiates the prayer, graces us to pray, then answers the prayer He has given. We believe God is initiating prayer; as evidenced by our desperate condition without Him and our intense longing for Him.
We hope to accomplish two objectives during this time:
(1) The first is to pray together in harmony. May many voices be heard, blending into one sound of intercession. May the resounding theme of that sound be a corporate cry for citywide transformation.
(2) The second objective is that we connect with one another. We need living relationships in the greater Body of Christ across our region. Organic unity will ignite unified prayer that attracts God’s Presence. We desire to see interaction between prayer ministries. As we relate with one another, we can intelligently pray with and for each another. Relational interaction will enable us to more clearly discern what the Lord is speaking to us as a city in the birth pangs of transformation.
This gathering was initiated almost six months ago when God gave us a Prayer Strategy for our community.
My fellow-workers and I strongly believe that there must be an environment where those of like mind can come together. We recognize that there is the potential we could be viewed as being presumptuous. We quickly dissuade this notion. Our posture is simply to create a venue where intercession can be experienced on a citywide level.
We anticipate that these three days will be significant and hope they will be historic. We believe that the spiritual climate of our city will genuinely be altered. Our sincere desire is that you will join with us.
Respectfully, Pastor Dennis Chasteen
For: "The Church in the City!" & WV Prayer Summit
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