A very popular ad, by Apple Inc.
In case the video is not displayed on your browser, click here, to watch it from YouTube.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Think Different
A very popular ad, by Apple Inc.
In case the video is not displayed on your browser, click here, to watch it from YouTube.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friendship with God
by Bill Johnson
If the video is not displayed on your browser, please click here, to watch it from YouTube.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Being aware of His Presence
by Bill Johnson
In case the video is not displayed on your browser, please click here, to watch it from YouTube.
Friday, April 09, 2010
'Faith Muscles'
Note: This article will primarily speak to the believers who are familiar with the Word of Faith teachings.
Much is written and taught on the subject of faith to the point that faith is made into a nearly impossible goal to achieve. But is that the case? Is it really reserved only for the tenacious few?
FAITH MUSCLES
The Roman centurion had great faith for his servant's healing (Matt 8:5-13). The Syro-Phoenician woman was another person that Jesus referred to as having great faith (Matt 15:21-28).
Observing their great faith, we run around to build our 'faith muscles'. We learn about the 'authority' the centurion wielded. But we scratch our heads when we realize that the Syro-Phoenician woman was not part of an army. She did not possibly know about authority. Nevertheless, we move on to the next formula.
Quick question: What formula did we work to put our trust in Jesus? If salvation is an unearned gift, which it is (Ephe 2:8-9), why then would we assume that we have to earn the blessings that we already have in Christ Jesus (Ephe 1:3)? If one's 'tenacity' is the secret to deliverance, what is the answer to the person on the deathbed who cannot even think properly? How many scriptures should he confess to be healed? And no, I am not at all against confessing (agreeing with) the scriptures, which exercises its superhuman power when we believe. But I cringe when it is perceived as a technique to "move God".
ZERO FAITH
The epileptic boy, his father and Jesus' disciples whom Jesus gave the authority to heal, had no faith (Matt 17:14-18). And yet, Jesus cured the boy.
Peter walked on water effortlessly when His eyes were fastened on Jesus. But when he was distracted by the storm, he began to sink. But notice that Jesus did not let him drown because of his lack of faith. When Peter called upon the name of Jesus, he was instantly rescued by Jesus (Matt 14:25-31). Today's religion would have condemned him to death for his lack of faith!
Therefore, isn't it common sense to conclude that, our supposed faith level is not the answer? It does not matter if we have great faith, mid-level faith, low faith or no faith - Jesus is the answer. All things are possible to him who believes. it is easy to quote, preach or write that scripture when we are comfortably dependent on our five senses. When the storm hits, it is not really easy to believe (I did not say pretend) for the impossible. Jesus is the only person who can believe in all things. He is not fazed by the storms. The elements are subject to Him. All negative circumstances have no other choice, but to bow at His Name - when we believe in Him. Right now, He is in us. So instead of looking at our faith level, let us look unto Jesus, who is the author and perfector of faith (Heb 12:2 NASB).
HIS FAITH
Faith is not a mysterious thing that is often made out to be. We do not need to be ultra "spiritual" to understand faith. We do not need to learn Greek and Hebrew to have great faith. The Roman centurion and the Syro-Phoenician woman did not know that they had 'great faith'. Note that both of them were gentiles. In other words, they did not have a list of do's and don't's. They did not come to Jesus based on what they did. What they knew for sure was that their answer was in the person of Jesus. That, is faith.
24/7 FAITH
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). The 'word of God' is not merely a bunch of scriptures that we use to 'stand on'. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). So then, faith comes through Him. The lame man at the Temple Beautiful, was healed by this faith. "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16, NKJV). The disciples did not run after faith-building techniques. Their secret was that they were with Jesus (see Acts 4:13). Are we connected with Jesus who is with us 24/7 (Matt 28:20) or are we practicing the popular faith principle?
ALL AUTHORITY
The believer's authority is the presence of Jesus and His authority in us. I did not say we are powerless and unworthy worms. Our authority and power is the person of Jesus, and not something we muster up with our performance.
Jesus said: "...All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matt 28:18, NKJV). "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18, NKJV).
After His ascension, Jesus confirmed the word with accompanying signs - "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen." (Mark 16:20, NKJV)
The disciples were aware that they were yielded conduits of the real person who did the miracles. Listen to their prayer in Acts 4, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
CHILD-LIKE TRUST
The only thing that is required of us is a child-like trust. Jesus said, "...Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3, NKJV). A baby is helpless to do anything on his own. He has to depend on his parents for every little thing. Jesus said, "...without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NKJV). There are great many things we can do apart from depending on the life of Jesus, but in order to manifest His life, His deliverance and His fruit, we have to move out of the way (Phil 2:13). When we cast our cares to the Lord (1 Pet 5:7), He does the work exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to His power that works in us (Ephe 3:20). And that is not a life of idleness. We will do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13).
It really is all about Jesus.
Much is written and taught on the subject of faith to the point that faith is made into a nearly impossible goal to achieve. But is that the case? Is it really reserved only for the tenacious few?
FAITH MUSCLES
The Roman centurion had great faith for his servant's healing (Matt 8:5-13). The Syro-Phoenician woman was another person that Jesus referred to as having great faith (Matt 15:21-28).
Observing their great faith, we run around to build our 'faith muscles'. We learn about the 'authority' the centurion wielded. But we scratch our heads when we realize that the Syro-Phoenician woman was not part of an army. She did not possibly know about authority. Nevertheless, we move on to the next formula.
Quick question: What formula did we work to put our trust in Jesus? If salvation is an unearned gift, which it is (Ephe 2:8-9), why then would we assume that we have to earn the blessings that we already have in Christ Jesus (Ephe 1:3)? If one's 'tenacity' is the secret to deliverance, what is the answer to the person on the deathbed who cannot even think properly? How many scriptures should he confess to be healed? And no, I am not at all against confessing (agreeing with) the scriptures, which exercises its superhuman power when we believe. But I cringe when it is perceived as a technique to "move God".
ZERO FAITH
The epileptic boy, his father and Jesus' disciples whom Jesus gave the authority to heal, had no faith (Matt 17:14-18). And yet, Jesus cured the boy.
Peter walked on water effortlessly when His eyes were fastened on Jesus. But when he was distracted by the storm, he began to sink. But notice that Jesus did not let him drown because of his lack of faith. When Peter called upon the name of Jesus, he was instantly rescued by Jesus (Matt 14:25-31). Today's religion would have condemned him to death for his lack of faith!
Therefore, isn't it common sense to conclude that, our supposed faith level is not the answer? It does not matter if we have great faith, mid-level faith, low faith or no faith - Jesus is the answer. All things are possible to him who believes. it is easy to quote, preach or write that scripture when we are comfortably dependent on our five senses. When the storm hits, it is not really easy to believe (I did not say pretend) for the impossible. Jesus is the only person who can believe in all things. He is not fazed by the storms. The elements are subject to Him. All negative circumstances have no other choice, but to bow at His Name - when we believe in Him. Right now, He is in us. So instead of looking at our faith level, let us look unto Jesus, who is the author and perfector of faith (Heb 12:2 NASB).
HIS FAITH
Faith is not a mysterious thing that is often made out to be. We do not need to be ultra "spiritual" to understand faith. We do not need to learn Greek and Hebrew to have great faith. The Roman centurion and the Syro-Phoenician woman did not know that they had 'great faith'. Note that both of them were gentiles. In other words, they did not have a list of do's and don't's. They did not come to Jesus based on what they did. What they knew for sure was that their answer was in the person of Jesus. That, is faith.
24/7 FAITH
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). The 'word of God' is not merely a bunch of scriptures that we use to 'stand on'. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). So then, faith comes through Him. The lame man at the Temple Beautiful, was healed by this faith. "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16, NKJV). The disciples did not run after faith-building techniques. Their secret was that they were with Jesus (see Acts 4:13). Are we connected with Jesus who is with us 24/7 (Matt 28:20) or are we practicing the popular faith principle?
ALL AUTHORITY
The believer's authority is the presence of Jesus and His authority in us. I did not say we are powerless and unworthy worms. Our authority and power is the person of Jesus, and not something we muster up with our performance.
Jesus said: "...All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matt 28:18, NKJV). "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18, NKJV).
After His ascension, Jesus confirmed the word with accompanying signs - "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen." (Mark 16:20, NKJV)
The disciples were aware that they were yielded conduits of the real person who did the miracles. Listen to their prayer in Acts 4, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
CHILD-LIKE TRUST
The only thing that is required of us is a child-like trust. Jesus said, "...Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3, NKJV). A baby is helpless to do anything on his own. He has to depend on his parents for every little thing. Jesus said, "...without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NKJV). There are great many things we can do apart from depending on the life of Jesus, but in order to manifest His life, His deliverance and His fruit, we have to move out of the way (Phil 2:13). When we cast our cares to the Lord (1 Pet 5:7), He does the work exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to His power that works in us (Ephe 3:20). And that is not a life of idleness. We will do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13).
It really is all about Jesus.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Friday, April 02, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Jesus Quotes (Paraphrased)
"Follow me; not the theologies" - Jesus
"I died in vain if you think righteousness comes through your works" - Jesus (Gal 2:21, Ephe 2:8-9)
"My sacrifice was perfect. Be free from the religious mindset that tries to make you earn what you freely have, in me." - Jesus
"I died in vain when you trust in your prayer/fasting for your healing. You are already healed in me." - Jesus (1 Pet 2:24)
"Believe in me and love everyone. When you are grafted in me, my Life in you will enable you to love." - Jesus (1 John 3:23, John 15:5)
"It is easy to love your friend, but my Life in you will help you love your enemies." - Jesus (Matthew 5:43-44, John 15:5)
"Look unto me for answers; not the neo-legalistic principles." - Jesus
"I was not kidding when I said 'I am The Way, The Truth and The Life.'" - Jesus
"Bring me your so-called "impossibilities". I specialize in solving them. Your job is to trust me." - Jesus (Matt 19:26, Mark 9:23)
"The New Testament "works" is to believe in me." - Jesus (John 6:28-29)
"You do not need "more faith" than you already have. What you need is a revelation of my finished work on the cross." - Jesus
"It is not about what you "do", but what I DID on the cross. What you do is merely respond to what I did, by believing." - Jesus
"I do not need your rituals; I am after your heart." - Jesus
"If a message/writing makes you feel inadequate, then it is not my Gospel. You, my child, are complete in me." - Jesus
"I don't say 'Yes', 'No', 'Maybe'. All the promises in me are YES and Amen!" - Jesus (2 Cori 1:20)
"Eternal life starts right here, right now." - Jesus (John 17:3)
"If you are a "Word" preacher, you will preach me, for I am the Word." - Jesus (John 1:1, 14)
"I give you sickness to 'teach you a lesson'? What is it that you are smoking?" - Jesus (Acts 10:38)
"I did not place that brain in your head to fill the space. Think. Ask questions. Allow my Spirit to enlighten you." - Jesus
"'The Blessing' is me." - Jesus
"I AM the abundant Life." - Jesus
"Break that full length mirror that is attached to yourself and turn your attention to me." - Jesus
"The demented religion makes you jump hoops to reach me, but you, my precious, are in the palm of my hand. Know that." - Jesus
"I am just a thought or a breath away." - Jesus
"I am the treasure in you." - Jesus
"Please leave Elijah and Moses alone. Don't you remember what my Father said on the mount of transfiguration?" - Jesus
"Quit thinking that you do not have enough faith. I AM the author and finisher of your faith and I am in you." - Jesus (Heb 12:2)
"The centurion had "great faith", the epileptic boy's Dad and my disciples had no faith. Your faith level is not your answer; I AM." - Jesus
"I will build My church. Now if you could please move out of the way, that would be awesome!" - Jesus
"I died in vain if you think righteousness comes through your works" - Jesus (Gal 2:21, Ephe 2:8-9)
"My sacrifice was perfect. Be free from the religious mindset that tries to make you earn what you freely have, in me." - Jesus
"I died in vain when you trust in your prayer/fasting for your healing. You are already healed in me." - Jesus (1 Pet 2:24)
"Believe in me and love everyone. When you are grafted in me, my Life in you will enable you to love." - Jesus (1 John 3:23, John 15:5)
"It is easy to love your friend, but my Life in you will help you love your enemies." - Jesus (Matthew 5:43-44, John 15:5)
"Look unto me for answers; not the neo-legalistic principles." - Jesus
"I was not kidding when I said 'I am The Way, The Truth and The Life.'" - Jesus
"Bring me your so-called "impossibilities". I specialize in solving them. Your job is to trust me." - Jesus (Matt 19:26, Mark 9:23)
"The New Testament "works" is to believe in me." - Jesus (John 6:28-29)
"You do not need "more faith" than you already have. What you need is a revelation of my finished work on the cross." - Jesus
"It is not about what you "do", but what I DID on the cross. What you do is merely respond to what I did, by believing." - Jesus
"I do not need your rituals; I am after your heart." - Jesus
"If a message/writing makes you feel inadequate, then it is not my Gospel. You, my child, are complete in me." - Jesus
"I don't say 'Yes', 'No', 'Maybe'. All the promises in me are YES and Amen!" - Jesus (2 Cori 1:20)
"Eternal life starts right here, right now." - Jesus (John 17:3)
"If you are a "Word" preacher, you will preach me, for I am the Word." - Jesus (John 1:1, 14)
"I give you sickness to 'teach you a lesson'? What is it that you are smoking?" - Jesus (Acts 10:38)
"I did not place that brain in your head to fill the space. Think. Ask questions. Allow my Spirit to enlighten you." - Jesus
"'The Blessing' is me." - Jesus
"I AM the abundant Life." - Jesus
"Break that full length mirror that is attached to yourself and turn your attention to me." - Jesus
"The demented religion makes you jump hoops to reach me, but you, my precious, are in the palm of my hand. Know that." - Jesus
"I am just a thought or a breath away." - Jesus
"I am the treasure in you." - Jesus
"Please leave Elijah and Moses alone. Don't you remember what my Father said on the mount of transfiguration?" - Jesus
"Quit thinking that you do not have enough faith. I AM the author and finisher of your faith and I am in you." - Jesus (Heb 12:2)
"The centurion had "great faith", the epileptic boy's Dad and my disciples had no faith. Your faith level is not your answer; I AM." - Jesus
"I will build My church. Now if you could please move out of the way, that would be awesome!" - Jesus
Sunday, March 07, 2010
A Jesus Manifesto
If you could read only ONE post in this weblog, let it be this.
A Jesus Manifesto for the 21st Century Church
A Jesus Manifesto for the 21st Century Church
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Preach the Vine
A Plea:
With all due respect, I am happy that you are a "grace" preacher, "faith" preacher, "feel-good" preacher, or that you can levitate while preaching. But unless and until the people are connected to the person of Jesus, what they hear are mere "doctrines" that will feed their head and not The Gospel, which will set them FREE - free from condemnation, free from the futile self-effort, free from every imaginable physical or emotional bondage, free to be themselves in Christ Jesus, free to fulfill their destinies in Christ.
The supernatural changes happen as we behold the Son, not the preacher or his/her "10 principles" or the labels. Gospel is a person and His name is Jesus. Eternal life begins right here, right now. Listen to Jesus' definition of eternal life - "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3 NKJV). It is about an intimate walk with God. It is about plugging into The Life, for we can do nothing apart from depending on Him (John 15:5). There is no life for the branch apart from the Vine. Preach the Vine and not how the branch can survive on its own. It can't. Self-effort may appease one's ego, but the branch will soon wither and die. We were created to live from the Tree of Life (Jesus) alone.
Please, bring the Son and His finished work back to the center, for He is the embodiment of grace, faith, love, joy, wisdom, righteousness, healing, prosperity, miracles, deliverance, sanctification, redemption, peace and whatever it is that we are looking for in Him.
With all due respect, I am happy that you are a "grace" preacher, "faith" preacher, "feel-good" preacher, or that you can levitate while preaching. But unless and until the people are connected to the person of Jesus, what they hear are mere "doctrines" that will feed their head and not The Gospel, which will set them FREE - free from condemnation, free from the futile self-effort, free from every imaginable physical or emotional bondage, free to be themselves in Christ Jesus, free to fulfill their destinies in Christ.
The supernatural changes happen as we behold the Son, not the preacher or his/her "10 principles" or the labels. Gospel is a person and His name is Jesus. Eternal life begins right here, right now. Listen to Jesus' definition of eternal life - "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3 NKJV). It is about an intimate walk with God. It is about plugging into The Life, for we can do nothing apart from depending on Him (John 15:5). There is no life for the branch apart from the Vine. Preach the Vine and not how the branch can survive on its own. It can't. Self-effort may appease one's ego, but the branch will soon wither and die. We were created to live from the Tree of Life (Jesus) alone.
Please, bring the Son and His finished work back to the center, for He is the embodiment of grace, faith, love, joy, wisdom, righteousness, healing, prosperity, miracles, deliverance, sanctification, redemption, peace and whatever it is that we are looking for in Him.
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