The Corporate expression, Acts 1:8 "...you shall be witnesses unto me..."There is distinct work that God Himself does in each available heart which identifies the indwelling, active presence of the Holy Spirit; He thunders, emboldens, and impassions us for the lost, for the weary, for the wayward. By others it may not be heard and cannot be estimated but like Paul on the road to Damascus, we are catapulted into a need to know Him and to make Him known.
We are constantly thankful for the Word that comes from the pulpit; from a fellowshipping believer and from the divine provocations--when one can only refer to God's doing or allowing; but how much more we are confident when we are awaken and our ears have been opened by His voice (Isaiah 50:4, 5); then preacher, prophet or priest need not confirm but having been exercised in His gracious calling we say, "Speak Lord, for your servant hears" (I Sam. 3:10). That's every Christian's incredible privilege and ammunition against the confederacy of the air and the conspiracy of cosmic darkness. And we have more with the Corporate Body of Christ, the Church.
Jesus did not detach Peter's confession from the power and authority of the Church--they are never exclusive to one another (Matthew 16:13-19). Having been called to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel, this understanding is the greatest and the most foundational principle: my personal rhemas are never at conflict or contrary to the general and specific vision of the Church to which we are individually called, as led by the Word and the Holy Spirit...that is absolutely glorious to me. Then I have two witnesses, the inner man of the heart and the Body of Christ...prone to wander, this keeps us accountable and focused. That is the faith and overcoming victory we experience (I John 5:4) -- that's the believer's authority in the sending power of the Church. I love it!
Here are some pictures and our reflections on recent trips to Puerto Rico and St. Lucia, enjoy and continue to pray for the team...
We are constantly thankful for the Word that comes from the pulpit; from a fellowshipping believer and from the divine provocations--when one can only refer to God's doing or allowing; but how much more we are confident when we are awaken and our ears have been opened by His voice (Isaiah 50:4, 5); then preacher, prophet or priest need not confirm but having been exercised in His gracious calling we say, "Speak Lord, for your servant hears" (I Sam. 3:10). That's every Christian's incredible privilege and ammunition against the confederacy of the air and the conspiracy of cosmic darkness. And we have more with the Corporate Body of Christ, the Church.
Jesus did not detach Peter's confession from the power and authority of the Church--they are never exclusive to one another (Matthew 16:13-19). Having been called to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel, this understanding is the greatest and the most foundational principle: my personal rhemas are never at conflict or contrary to the general and specific vision of the Church to which we are individually called, as led by the Word and the Holy Spirit...that is absolutely glorious to me. Then I have two witnesses, the inner man of the heart and the Body of Christ...prone to wander, this keeps us accountable and focused. That is the faith and overcoming victory we experience (I John 5:4) -- that's the believer's authority in the sending power of the Church. I love it!
Here are some pictures and our reflections on recent trips to Puerto Rico and St. Lucia, enjoy and continue to pray for the team...
This too is spiritual: it is an Acts 3:19b moment: a time of refreshing from the Lord...
I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord...
Lord did you say go into the highways? cause this is really high! Luke 14:23
"Its like this ma'am, you must be born again."
4 comments:
Great photo's, and words of life (Jn 6:63). Praise the Lord! The Lord of the harvest has responded to the prayers of His people and is sending more laborers into His harvest field. We'll work the field of souls, together you and I. Truly, the harvest is great and the laborers are few.
Keep up the "grace work."
pduke
Wow, great pictures!! We are so blessed to watch your lives as your entire family follows in God's Call to echo Pst. Schibelli. See you soon.
Great pictures, great faith and faithfulness in pursuit of God's call. Thanks for sharing.
J.
Can't wait for you guys to get back and update with news and pics from the latest trip! Hope to see you soon.
-Andrew
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