Are You A “Nice” Person?

I’m still amazed of the fact that some Christians seem to be asleep at the wheel.  Somewhere in our hearts, was sown the seed of  “being a nice person” which has resulted in a Church which is dry, dull and largely ineffective in extending the Kingdom of God. 

I’ve got some news for you. Becoming a Christian isn’t about “becoming a nice person”, its about being radically transformed from the core of your being.  Transformed people transform everything in their path.  Jesus gave the analogy of salt.  ”You are the salt of the earth, if salt loses its saltiness what is it good for?”.  Salt has both cleansing properties and preserving agents in it that allow it to treat wounds from infection and preserve various foods from spoiling and becoming rotten.  Salt will also sting.  The Dead Sea in Israel is dead because it has 33% salinity.  It is 8.6 times more salty than the ocean!  Because of this, if you swim in the Dead Sea you’ll find that if you have any open sores or cuts on your body, you’ll feel the sting, running to shore as fast as possible to get out. 

Thats how many Christians are.  When the Kingdom of God comes into contact with the kingdoms of darkness, there WILL be conflict.  There SHOULD be collision. We expect a confrontation.  Anywhere the Gospel of the Kingom is preached, there will be resistance…at first.  But the fact is we win. Unfortunatly, because we have been ill equipped and coddled so much, we tend to run to the shores of safety at the first sign of sting.  If the church continues to hide itself, holding on for safety what you will see is a socitey and culture that is spoiled rotten.

What the church needs to understand is that she is not only to engage culture, but to occupy and possess the “wealth of the nations”.  As I’ve mentioned in this blog before, the wealth of the nations are PEOPLE.  Jesus is interested in coming back for a church that is living victoriously as a bride that is dancing with tears in her eyes.  She is rejoicing over the return of her King, but weeping with compassion over those who have turned a deaf ear to the gospel.  There is more to the gospel than just becoming a “nice person”, God has no other plan than to use the church to demonstrate his manifold wisdom on display to the kingdoms of this world.

The Power of Church Networks

According to Barna Groups 2007 Church Technology report only 26% of churches are using social networking technology to connect the people in their churches. I’m sure those numbers are rising. Even so, it’s interesting to see the effect the internet has taken on our culture. We are officially in a global economy. Fifteen years ago to have a conversation with a believer in Uganda, Africa would have been almost impossible. Now, I can become friends with him on Facebook and establish a friendship.  The next move of God in the earth is to connect local churches to work together through networks.

The early church was not an explosion of isolated, autonomous house churches.  If you notice, you’ll see that they clearly felt a connection to the larger body of Christ, spread out together throughout the region.  They often came together in rented facilities or the temple courts, to worship, fellowship and hear from church leaders.  Mark Wilson from The Underground Church network in Chicago calls this the “Macro” layer of the church. The “Macro” layer of the church is the interconnected family of faith within a city or a region.  Consider this your “extended family” in Christ. Notice, in the Bible we don’t see Paul addressing letters to particular churches, we see him addressing his apostolic letters to cities. (“the church in Corinth” or “the church in Ephesus”)

Unfortunately, the church in a particular region is no longer interconnected. It is sad, but Sunday morning is STILL the most segregated, separated day of the week in our communities. We are guilty. We are guilty of building our own kingdoms, instead of building the kingdom of the King.  We are guilty of not paying attention to the “one another’s” in Scripture and instead selfishly trying to make a name for ourselves and our ministries.  Instead of working together to change the spiritual atmosphere of our regions, we work against each other in fear of losing sheep, control and position. Some statistics might even lead us to believe that there is a better chance that Muslims, Jews and other religions would attend joint meetings and work together on social service projects more often than evangelical Christian churches. It’s about time we remove the spirit of competition from our lives and replace it with a spirit of unity, where God will command the blessing. These connections can be accomplished by relational, apostolic networks.

We can accomplish much more together than we can by ourselves.

Apostolic networks should have three different characteristics. They must be regional, relational and rely on Christ alone.

Regional
There are several layers to a network. The internet has given us access to what is happening around the world.  The local church is still important. “Family” life is created within the context of a small, local community of believers. However, churches need to begin to think in terms of changing their city or region.  Apostolic networks should be established regionally to allow access for close proximity of ministry, resources and worship.  What good is it to have access to Eph. 4 ministry gifts that only visit 2 times a year because they are based in another part of the world?  How could an apostle truly lay any foundation in people’s lives only coming in contact with the people occasionally?  Regional ministry will bring greater impact and definition to local church life.

Relational
Apostolic networks should be more than just “ministry organizations” that one signs up for and pays a fee.  These networks should be without financial cost and should be based upon relationships that are built upon fellowship, love and supernatural joining. It seems popular now days to be a part of these so called “apostolic networks” where the members will “tithe” to a senior apostle or pay some kind of membership fee for access to teaching, ministry or materials. From a distance, it seems like a religious multi-level marketing scheme and we should stay away from models like this.  It’s important to know those that labor among you and that they are willing to build friendship, relationship and willing to be as servants in God’s house.

Rely on Jesus Christ alone
Networks should be centered on the supremacy of Jesus Christ as Lord and head of His church. Too often people seem to rally around a pet doctrine or denominational tie.  This seems the most difficult of the three because we are asking people to lay aside disputable matters that can be discussed, debated and made plain later.  I understand there is difference of opinion about what are considered essentials of the faith, but doctrine should not be a series of bricks that we build to keep people out, but instead more like springs on a coil that are flexible to bounce on.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. I would encourage you to consider being a part of a regional, relational team or network of people if you aren’t already that has its focus totally upon Jesus Christ alone.  God did not call you to become isolated and disjointed to the Body of Christ; He has called you to be fitly joined together with one another, with each joint supplying the next.

About A Burning Fire

I should notify those people connected to this blog or who stumble upon this blog that I have switched over to WordPress.org and am hosting our blog on a personal website. Of course I hate to leave the wordpress community here, but WordPress.org give me much more control over my blog. I’ve been blogging for several years now on subjects of faith, church and relationships. We must always take things to the next level! My own blogging platform will help me do just that.

We are in the midst of founding an apostolic and prophetic network in the Chicagoland area called About A Burning Fire. ABOUT A BURNING FIRE is a team of Christian ministries based in Chicago, Illinois. We are interested in raising up a prophetic generation over the next 20 years, burning with the mind (knowledge, wisdom and insight) and heart (love, compassion and zeal) of God. Among, other hallmarks, we value 5 fold ministry gifts in full operation and are part of an apostolic house church community located in Plainfield. As a team of ministries we work with multiple churches to build, provoke and equip them to become strong organic communities. We have a vision to see the Kingdom of God expanded throughout the Chicagoland area. Our goal is to make Jesus the center of our focus until he comes back again and to tell everyone we know about the wonderful message of His love and salvation.

Here is our link http://www.aboutaburningfire.com

Visit our blog…follow us on twitter or connect with us through Facebook to find out what we are up to! We love to hear from this next generation of leaders and world changers!

What is an Apostle?

Since we are in the vein of discussing the apostolic grace, I found this blog post by a friend named Yvette Nietzen from Fresh Wind Ministries. I found it to be very clear and concise as to describing the apostolic anointing…

What is an apostle?
Yvette Nietzen

There are many teachings regarding the Apostolic, and I would like to share what I have learned on this popular subject. My desire here is to make this simple and not complicated for all to understand.First of all I would like to make reference to GMRN where I received my training and where many of the these truths stem from. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I do my part to share the pattern that the Lord has revealed to the end times Apostles and Prophets.

Below are some signs to look for in an Apostle. Having these signs in your life does not make you an Apostle, that is for the Lord to decide.

An Apostle is a pioneer. They receive a plan/blueprint from the Lord, much like Moses did and they begin to execute that plan.

An Apostle is set apart and sent by God, unlike missionaries where they are sent by an organization. They receive a direct call from God and execute that plan. Many times he or she is a loner and viewed by many as odd, or off in the wrong path.

Romans 1:1 says Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God(NKJ)

An Apostle leaves the visible church system to receive training from God. We have the example of Jesus, King David, Moses and John the Baptist.

An Apostle builds the church. But what is the church? The church are the people, not a building. They begin by setting a new foundation in the hearts of the people, doing away with old mindsets and teaching them new truths and revelation from the word.

An Apostle can function in all the five fold ministries. They may have a stronger emphasis in two to three areas, but they are able to function in all five at any given moment as the Lord requires.

An Apostle faces death to the flesh constantly and to things that just don’t go right. They learn quickly to die already, and move on.

An Apostle is a servant and receives the call from the womb. We have Jesus as the example.

Galatians 1:15 – 16 says: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood

An Apostle does not build on other men’s foundation, they receive their own blueprint from the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Can anyone be an Apostle? The answer is no. I have written an article titled “Are you Called or Chosen” that answers this question. We need to understand that being called as an Apostle carries with it a heavy price.

Can women be Apostles? Yes, because the scripture does not give reference to gender when distributing the gifts of the spirit. The Lord is looking for willing vessels, ready to carry out His plan upon the earth. Colossians 3:11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (my personal conviction is that this scripture is referring to salvation in Christ.  A woman cannot be in the office of the apostle, being that Scripture teaches that women are not to have authority over men, also a woman cannot “father” as an apostle should. This is not to say a woman cannot be “apostolic” in the sense she is sent, or called as a co-laborer with apostles as many women are and where in the Bible.–Rusty)

An Apostle does not produce new scripture. So run fast from those that say otherwise.

Apostles are called to leadership, they are not followers.
Romans 11:13 Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I magnify mine office (KJV)

An Apostle will have a face to face relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and excellent communication.

This is just a very small overview of what being an Apostle is about. As the Lord leads, I will add new articles on this subject.

Hallmarks of an Apostle by Miguel Villareal

Apostle-
Brother Miguel Villareal

Can you update the apostle section with this content. Reading what Yvette wrote spurred me to make corrections and to add more to what i believe are many misconceptions about the call.

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren Rom 8:29”

JESUS himself was thee chief Apostle, so only being like Christ can constitute any grace gift as valid, but they are specific highlights of this particularly gift that can be discerned as earmarks of the gift. As noted above Rom 8:29 in context explains our sonship/adoption as children of GOD, but I believe it reveals a spiritual law that apostle carry within them and that is an cognitive-spiritual awareness of being selected from others to operate and function in this gift beforehand. When this person hears this call to apostleship it bears witness long before they understood what it is that would explain the “Foreknowing”.

The next piece would be an understanding that the image of JESUS CHRIST is the chief example or cornerstone in which this particular individual mimics there apostleship. When apostles the heart of an apostle is one who desires to see JESUS CHRIST modeled in the person or people they are called too, this is called duplication. A true apostle duplicates the image or character of JESUS CHRIST ” image of his son” in others. If discipleship is not an essence of one who says they are an apostle they must be guided to scriptures to embody exactly what JESUS was sent to do and that was to seek and save the lost by example. Another aspect of an apostle is the understanding of the“Firstborn” that entails being first not in a hierarchical matter as I am above, but contrary are you willing to be first to be last, are you willing to be first in dieing, are you willing to be first as an mocker in this world, are you willing to first in being a fool in this world, are you willing to be first in being the weaker even though you have revelation that would even inspire angels, are you willing to be first in being despised, are you willing to be first in being hungry so others can eat first, are you willing to be exposed naked first so all can see your sins and weakness so others can be made strong, are you willing to be first in being homeless this could mean that GOD will call you at any movement to pack your cloths and leave your home, attacked, reviled, persecuted, defamed, filth of the world, a reject? If you can see these characteristic in those who call themselves apostles, then they are worthy of double honor.

How To Become An Apostolic Church (part 1)

Miguel Villareal is a dear brother and emerging apostolic leader. He has done church planting in the UK for 5 years and has visited several nations including Czech Republic, France, Germany and South America. He has a mandate to plant organic house churches and currently is laboring in the NW Suburbs of Chicago. He and his wife, Mary and 2 girls live in Plainfield, Il.

Apostolic-Definitions of an Apostolic people.
Brother Miguel Villareal.

Without getting into a analogical argument of it’s meaning we must look into this subject with apprehension. The locus of it’s inception is spiritual and birth spiritually protected by death, and resurrected by HIS blood. It is a smudging of JESUS spirit upon a person or people, it defines the operation of the church and it’s function. To be apostolic is not merely an achievement but a cue that one has obtain fellowship with the saints. JESUS borrowed a Greek word to express what HE wanted HIS body to become. In these twelve men we see it’s cosmic definition prescribed by character, action smelted together breeding a clarion difference between Judaism and Apostolic. It forged away the old, carrying forward anew. Without it the people are perplexed even questioning themselves if they are true. It is a brand, a tattoo that we must not lose cause if this word loses it’s pungency then might it at work without HIS power.

Black Friday Reminder

While everyone is camping out in front of large malls and mega stores, I would encourage us to remember the poor and widows.  Its tempting this time of year to begin to focus all of our attention on what we get, gifts for family and friends, but forget the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. I remember as a kid growing up there seemed to be more of a sentiment of Christ in Christmas.  In my neighborhood, I remember seeing more nativity scenes and listening to Christmas carols and hymns focusing on Christ.  Remember the greatest gift of all, the one that was given from God to mankind wrapped in the form of a small babe, who far from pitching his tent in front of Best Buy, rested in a feeding troff for animals according to the scriptures. Was Jesus poor?  Not in the slightest bit!  He lived life full, abundant and with more than enough to give away to those in need, ultimately he gave all he had…his very life to rescue sinners from the pit of hell and eternal separation from God.  He gave the ultimate example of the Fathers love.  He gave.  And he didn’t give left overs and he wasn’t cheap!  He gave the best, the purest and the finest of himself.  I would encourage you, if you are reading this, to find some way to give to a family who is in need, a single mother who doesn’t have enough at the end of the month this year or to support a LOCAL charity.  Don’t give into the temptation to get wrapped up in “door buster sales” and the nativity scene of corporate consumerism.  Get wrapped up in creating value and depth in your relationships with others this year.

Interpreting the Bible

I discovered something interesting today in my Typeography class. Ever play the game Pictionary? What is the one thing you notice while playing the game…different pictures mean different things to various people. I could be drawing a square with four sticks around it and my team could shout out “cucumber”! The problem with visual media is that it leads things open to interpretation. Showing a video of a floating balloon to a group of people will result in many different emotions and feelings. However, if I add word captions to that visual, then I am able to communicate more exactly of what I mean when I’m showing you a floating balloon. So whats the point?

Words (in general) say exactly what the writer wants to communicate. God has not delivered to us pictures-He has delivered unto us the written word. He, for the most part, has said exactly what He means.

Who are you?

The written word leaves less open to interpretation. Yes, you must look at things like context, historical significance and genre to interpret. But if we can’t extract meaning from the written word, what can we then truly understand. God has not left us in the dark. He has revealed Himself, fully and completely in His Holy Word to us.

Ted Kennedy-The Changing of the Guard

People don’t like long paragraphs on the internet, so I’ll make this short and sweet. Over the past few months there has been an influx of death in the world. Of course we all know Michael Jackson (the dying star), Don Hewitt (60 minutes), Les Paul (guitar hero), Walter Cronkite and actress Farrah Fawcett to name a few. Now we hear the news of Senator Ted Kennedy passing away August 25th. It seems to me that in the recent years, there has been a changing of the guard. The torch of future endeavors is being passed on to another generation as political leaders, spiritual leaders and entertainment moguls leave this earth into eternity. It kind of puts things in perspective doesn’t it? The media spends hours a day covering the lives of these great men and women and the exploits and accomplishments they left us with.

But now the torch has been passed to you. What are you going to do with your life? Will you take the next steps needed to fulfill your purpose and destiny that God had for you even while you were not yet born? Or will you waste your live wallowing in worry, doubt, unbelief and small thinking? God has great plans for your life, find out what it is that he is calling you to do and begin today to decisively take action to make every day the best day of your life.