For Michelle and I, it is a privilege to be part of what God is doing in the nations. We look back and are so very grateful to what God has done. But we look forward to the continuing building of the Kingdom of God together with His people according to His Word, for His Glory.
Jesus said, “I will build my church and the gates of hades will not will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18. We are instruments in His hands and when we build, according to God’s Word, things last. Some key ingredients to build this way are purpose, passion and unity. To build this way, there needs to be something of a similar vision and similar values. We obviously need to be rooted and established in Christ. There would also need to be a firm, secure, strong foundation with a high priority on relationships as we are all part of God’s family.
What are we to be:
A Kingdom People: Romans 14:17-18 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.”
What are we do do:
Serve God’s purposes: Acts 13:36a “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation…”
This would require preaching the gospel with a servant-hearted attitude, and learning to be led by the Holy Spirit. Once people are saved it would require us to develop the priesthood – discipling people so they can grow into mature Christians. From there it is imperative that leaders are raised and releasing to plant churches so that the Kingdom and be advanced and the Bride of Christ prepared.
Our focus needs to remain Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Only that which is done out of love for Jesus Christ, in accordance with the word, in dependence of the Holy Spirit and His power, and motivated out of a place of prayer and revelation will last.
Our expectation and faith lies in God:
•Isaiah 40:30-31 “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
•Hebrews 11:11 “And by faith Abraham, even although he was past age – and Sarah herself was barren – was enabled to become a father because he considered Him faithful who had made the promise.”
•Romans 4:21 “…being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Our Promise – The Lord’s favor and word to us:
•Isaiah 54:1-3 “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”
•Isaiah 60:1-2 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.”
•Isaiah 61:1-6 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.”
To bring it all together, we would love to see strong churches raised up, that are radically biblical in their values, global in their vision, and apostolic in their ventures, accurately reflecting the Kingdom of God. To that end, we are trusting God to raise up a people who are passionate for Jesus, anointed with the Holy spirit, and who would display the splendor and glory of God to the neighbors, neighborhoods, nations and to the next generation.
Together, let us grow with love, passion, purpose and unity for Jesus our King so we can build according to God’s Word for His Glory.