It's amazing how one revelation from the word of God, in the right setting, can lead to drastic change. A little more than 490 years ago, Martin Luther stumbled onto something that had been hiding in plain sight--We are saved by grace through faith, and not by our works. This insight was the turning point in Luther's spiritual life and led to an entire period of reformation in the church.
I believe we are in a period of history similar to that of the reformation where we are beginning to see rapid change in the church and surrounding culture. There are two revelations right now at work in the church--once again, basic scriptural facts that have been hidden in plain sight--that I believe have the potential to bring about a similar season of transformation and transition.
Kingdom Power "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." We are beginning to realize that God desires the normal reality of heaven to be the normal reality of earth. The Kingdom of heaven is near, in fact, it is within us. Our assignment is to release the power and glory of God that is in us through the Holy Spirit, bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth as Jesus did in his earthly ministry. Miracles begin to be common as we realize that God desires to have things his way on earth, just as he does in heaven. Indeed, already at a world-wide level, we are seeing unprecedented levels of miraculous and supernatural activity.
Christ-like Love: "Love one another as I have loved you". At face value, the call to love seems almost unremarkable and obvious. However, hidden within this is a mind-blowing revelation of the depths of God's love for us. When we are able to receive His love, we are then free to release love to others "as we have been loved.
This next "reformation" is not going to be about further dividing up the church--these things may have been necessary for a season, although many were avoidable. It is going to be about learning to receive and give the love of Jesus to one another within God's family "that the world may see that you sent me, and have loved them just as you loved me." (John 17:23)
Perfect Love
When Kingdom Power and Christ-like love come together in the Church, it is going to be dynamic. This weekend, we'll be focusing on the "Love" side of things, taking our time and laying firm foundations so that we can begin to live in Christ-like love for one another. Hope to see you there!
Location: 9 Dane St., Beverly MA (Parking in the church lot and on the streets)
Times: Friday, 7-9pm Saturday Sessions from 9:30-1pm, 2pm-5pm, and 7-9pm
Video: We will be streaming live at www.praytv.org
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