One of the main influences, if not the major influence on John Wimber’s life was an understanding of the kingdom of God. Learning about the kingdom of God gave John a new perspective. In his own words, his Christian life took on an entirely different meaning. Attending church was no longer a dreaded activity, but became, exciting gatherings in which the people of God are equipped to go and preach and demonstrate the gospel.

The kingdom of God gave John (and all of us who are a part of the Vineyard movement which he founded) our biblical and theological key for power evangelism and experiencing signs and wonders today. The kingdom of God has shaped our approach to ministry, and given us the basis and motivation for equipping the saints and joining the fight against Satan. Teaching about the kingdom of God has become a deeply ingrained practice in Vineyard churches.

We will reproduce a number of blog posts about the Kingdom of God in the coming days, that had been featured in discontinued NLV online site.

TOPICS
Ignore at your own peril!
Beginging to end: About restoration
Rejecting Jesus is rejecting the kingdom
The kingdom creates the Church
Kingdom authority
Sometimes heroes
Being filled with the Spirit
Overwhelming our personality

I guess our church theme this year could be called, “Will you go?”

How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone showing and telling them? Romans 10:14.

There is a call to go and gather, to show and tell others about what we know of Jesus Christ, the King and his Kingdom.

Taking our cue from John 4:35-38:

Do you not say, “Four months more and then the harvest?” I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying “One sows and another reaps” is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

Now, is the time to reach out, to bring hope. Not in another four months or in another season. Confident about reaping a harvest, because the really ”hard work’s done” by God. It is the grace of God.

And Romans 15:13 reminds me that, as you put your trust in God for the harvest, he shall fill you with all joy and peace, so that you overflow in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do you know that studies on effective gathering show that it could take up to 7 positive experiences before a person can make a meaningful decision about becoming a follower of Jesus Christ? Furthermore, it is often a friend of the person who helped show and tell.

It is helpful for us to see that gathering is a process or progression, from sowing to reaping as described by Jesus. And so in our showing and telling, we should intentionally be:

- Getting people to “know that God is good, and Christians are ok”. (Sowing 1)

- Getting people to “know the content of the gospel”. (Sowing 2)

- Getting people to “know the cost and benefit involved”, and leading them to “take the step of faith into the kingdom and accept Jesus”. (Reaping)

And so to carry out NLV’s theme for 2010, we should be organizing a series of events where friends can bring friends. Offer regular and progressive opportunities for all of us to show and tell, or sow and reap as described above.

As we roll out our plans for the year, will you go out of your comfort zone and routine and help with ideas, and more importantly with the work of championing and organizing the events?

Will you go out of your way and bring friends to our gathering events?

Will go with me, and show and tell others about what we know of Jesus Christ, the King and his Kingdom?

And you know what? Even as we go and gather, we shall grow, and we shall be enlarging the scope of our good works, and come into his promise of great fruitfulness!

A barren woman in that culture was not only unfulfilled, she was looked down upon, and even considered cursed since children were seen as blessings from God.

The situation is oppressive, the loss of self esteem, self condemnation, envy, bitterness – look what it drove Sarah to do with Hagar.

Look at what is expected of the barren woman.

Sing and shout for joy. And then, from singing, to making physical preparation. Building accomocations for the children to come. Do not hold back in your efforts!

I felt God saying, “You can expect, and order your life for, fruitfulness, in the face of a totally contradictory situation”.

There is simple theology here. God is not cruel. God declared that he is the barren woman’s husband. God is her lover, her saviour and redeemer. Nothing is impossible for the creator of man and all the earth. And it is so appropriate. God is her husband – and he is promising to satisfy a legitimate desire – give her children, make her fruitful!

And you know what? The promise is for you and for me, for everyone who believes in Jesus: Expect fruitfulness in the face of a totally contradictory situation.

Expect to receive in the face of a totally contradictionary experience to date.

The promise is also that a radical shift will take place. For the one who has previously not produced fruit, there is a sudden abundance that overtakes others who had been quite fruitful.

It may be that for you, the barrenness, the area in which you had no success before related to the use of a spiritual gift. In healing, in witnessing or evangelizing, in good works, and so on. No dualism here. It may be barrenness related to your business, your work in the marketplace, or in a particular relationship. Well, expect that to change.

As for many of us in NLV, it is exponential church growth!

I am thankful and grateful that though there is barrenness in some parts of my life, Jesus has finished the work that enables grace to abound to me, and enables me to exchange barrenness for fruitfulness.

I sing and shout for joy at the promise of a huge kingdom break through.

Moving forward by faith, fully trusting in the promises of God, nothing’s going to hold us back!

Have you not experienced seasons and a rhythm of ebb and flow or ups and downs in life? Have you not observed that most people have to labor for what they want. Have you asked yourself what is the purpose for all that hard work?

If I am not in the picture at all, you are just spinning wheels, like a hamster! I have made everything beautiful in its time. I have seen the ugliness, and I have fixed everything.

I have set eternity in the human heart, in your heart. That’s why you are always hoping that the future will turn out well. And that’s why you innately love great endings in stories. (Don’t you feel that the best endings are the ones where hope beyond hope, the principal character is transformed into the very thing he or she hoped for! Like the ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan. Cinderella, the ill treated poor step daughter becomes queen. Pinocchio becomes a real boy.)

Haven’t you felt your spirits soar when you see circumstances where justice, and good prevails against evil?

Everything will turn out well in your life only if you will see what I have done, and come to know me. Otherwise, work and life will continue to have no lasting meaning. You will have no lasting significance, and the ugliness will remain.

Because I am real and I am who I am, in Jesus Christ, You are not a cog in the machinery. You are not subject to ”the forces that be”.

On the contrary. Imagine enjoying your life, enjoying the fruits of your labor, and enjoying doing good works – it’s my gift to you!

What was lost? See the King and the kingdom which has come
The world is desperately longing and seeking hope. Yet they do not see that the rightful and righteous King and his kingdom, has come to restore what was ”lost”:

Purpose, significance and authority. Man was made to rule over the other living creatures. Genesis 1:28.

Needs provided for. Safety and security. Man was completely cared for by God. Genesis 1:29.

Belonging and fulfilling relationships. With God and with one another. God gave Eve to Adam. They were to multiply and start a community. It is not good for anyone to be alone or lonely! Genesis 2:18.

How can they see or believe if they have not heard or have not been shown what we know as Christians: God in the person of Jesus, through his life, death and resurrection, launched a divine invasion to overcome evil in the world, and establish his loving and powerful rule. The King and his kingdom has come to make things beautiful in your life!

Our high calling
As people who see, we have the high calling to show and speak or show and tell (desperately seeking) people the King and the Kingdom.

We are made for God’s purpose; In Jesus Christ we are significant. We have been given authority of a Priest and King.

No cog in the machinery. Not subject to the forces that be.

Show and tell people that they are now prince and princess in the God’s household. More than that, a beloved child of God. Hear God say to you, “I knew you even when you were being formed in your Mother’s womb. I was so full of glee knowing the destiny I have for you, and even now I delight in you!’’

On authority: Instead of promoting self interest or using it to oppress those who are weaker. Show and tell about an authority given to us to protect and prosper/bless the people you have authority over.

We are made for putting our trust in God; depending on him for all of our needs. Show and speak about the measure of God’s supply/provision. Out of the glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Look at the care taken to provide for the birds in the air, his concern for the little sparrow that falls to the ground. His amazing work to provide flowers for our enjoyment, even though they will wither and blow away. How much more care and concern he has for us since we are his beloved children. What a wonderful offer he makes to you: Exchanging beauty for ashes, singing for sighing, rejoicing for weeping, eternal life for death, and victory for defeat…

We are made for fulfilling relationships with God and with one another. Show and speak of acceptance and love instead of rejection, judgment and condemnation. Faithfulness and fidelity instead of betrayal!

New Life Vineyard
We invite you to our fellowship if you are curious about meeting and seeing a bunch of people who have gathered to live their lives in response to this high calling. Don’t expect us to be perfect all the time. We’re the first to admit we don’t know how to do that very well at times. But, we don’t think God has given us any alternative but to try.

What a spread prepared by our very own Chef!

Indonesia is known for their lush vegetation, plentiful rainforests, and exotic wildlife. This ecosystem is one of the most diverse in the world but it’s not only for aesthetics – the entire world benefits from the oxygen produced there. Many of the trees and plants are used daily to financially support villages and communities. Rubber, teak, and acacia trees are just three of the main types of timber planted, grown, and harvested for a living. Just one acre of 5 year old rubber trees can support a family of four, providing them approximately $150 per month!

With Christmas just around the corner, our Indonesian partners have initiated a project called, Trees for Lives, to help church planters reach rural communities by selling t-shirts and Christmas ornaments.

By purchasing a t-shirt and/or ornament a tree will be planted in your name and will help:
• Provide jobs so Indonesian church planters can hire local people to work planting the trees
• Build and enhance relationships between church planters and their new communities as they demonstrate care for the environment and their neighbors
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Helping parents to send their kids to school with new cloths & supplies
• Fund investments in new properties to continue building Communities of Hope
• Develop tree farms for long term employment harvesting rubber and other tree products.

These trees represent bringing new life to communities. They represent that there are still communities in the world who want to see growth by engaging and supporting win-win projects with other communities … such as Trees for Lives!

If you would like to participate in this project please contact:

Justin Campbell,
justinc@venntis.com
Office – 1.616.796.6773
Cell – 1.616.283.1398

There was the expected, like renewing connections with people we met previously. Spending quality time with others in this place where we are more or less confined as compared to our usual situations where we face a lot of distractions and have to handle a lot of obligations. And of course, making new acquaintances.

The worship was marvellous as you can imagine, the words exuberant and exhillarating comes to mind.

The messages were a combination of old and new. Like touching base with our movement’s core values and seeing how the building of communities of hope should involve the church, businesses and youths. The latter struck a cord and a stirring amongst the youths at the meeting was very evident.

Ministry time was lovely.

I came away feeling that this conference was an integral part of an ongoing process that God has been working in Susan and I, equipping us in our role as church planters. And also and more importantly, moulding us into the persons he has destined us to be.

Here are some images of the gathering.

1. STEP ONE: THE INTERVIEW (“Where does it hurt?”)
A. Conducted on two planes
1. Natural
a. Ask the person what they think is wrong, where it hurts, etc.
b. As they talk, try to read not only what they are saying but how they are saying it (facial expression, tone of voice and body posture).
c. Look the person in the eyes. Focus. Don’t be distracted by what’s going on around you. Listening is hard work!
d. Process what you see and hear according to all your past experience in working with people.

2. Supernatural
a. Dial down and tune into the Lord as you do the above.
b. Ask the Lord for the root cause. Listen for words of knowledge, words of wisdom and discerning of spirits.

B. This is not a medical interview.

C. The interview is over when you’ve reached a diagnostic decision (see below) and sense the Lord’s direction on how to proceed.

2. STEP TWO: DIAGNOSTIC DECISION (“What has caused this condition?”)
A. It could be caused by natural factors
1. Living in a fallen, sinful world (e.g., virus, accidents, etc.)

2. Sins
a. Sins they have committed (e.g., fornication leads to VD)
b. Sins committed against them (e.g., incest leaves emotional scars)
c. A combination of the above (e.g., cancer caused by bitterness against an alcoholic father)
d. Inherited sin traveling along family or social lines (e.g., failure to find work caused by being programmed to fail by their father)
e. NOTE: It is estimated by physicians that up to 80% of people’s physical problems have a psychosomatic root (e.g., ulcer caused by self-induced stress).

B. It could be caused by supernatural factors
1. Afflicting demons (e.g., bad dreams, sudden depression)

2. Controlling demons (e.g., chronic sickness, compulsive behavior)

3. Curses
a. Magic
b. Bloodline conditions visiting the 3rd and 4th generation
c. Pronouncements from authority figures (e.g., doctor’s diagnosis, parent’s opinions, etc.)

C. It could be caused by a combination of any of the above.

D. Diagnosing demons
1. Our general rule of thumb is not to cast anything out that isn’t talking to us or obviously manifesting. In our experience they usually use the person’s vocal cords but with a definite personality switch. We have heard of them speaking with different voices altogether. They will use loud, frontal behavior, vile language, speak in tongues, quote scripture, try to intimidate, etc. Don’t dialogue with them except to find out their function to help in leading the person in repentance.

2. Sometimes they won’t talk but will avoid eye contact by the eyes rolling back so all you see is white. Ask the person to look at you. If they can’t, it’s probably a demon trying to avoid confrontation with authority.

3. We have also seen the demons cause contortions in the body posture, bending it this way and that. We’ve heard them make animal noises, animal movements, and have smelled foul smells coming off the person.

4. With spirits whose assignment is to afflict in some way, the Lord will often give the gift of discernment and allow us to see them. We have seen faces, dark patches, and forms on people.

5. We do not want anything being dealt with as a spirit unless the manifestation or discernment is at this level. Suspecting there may be a demon isn’t enough to go on. Never go digging around.

3. STEP THREE: PRAYER SELECTION (“What kind of prayer do I pray?”)
A. Prayer directed toward God
1. Petition
a. Pray the Lord’s prayer. This is what it’s for!
b. Invite the Spirit to bring the ministry of Jesus
c. Ask for healing

2. Intercession
a. Pray for the person
b. Pray in the Spirit (i.e., pray in tongues if you have the gift)

B. Prayer from God
1. Command of faith

2. Pronouncement of faith

3. To devil/demons
a. Rebuke (“Silence !”)
b. Bind (“I break your power!”)
c. Expulse (“Out, in Jesus’ name!”)

4. STEP FOUR: PRAYER ENGAGEMENT (“How are you doing?”)
A. Pray your selected prayer(s). Pray with your eyes open. Look for indications of the Spirit’s presence. Ask the person if anything is happening. Take note of what’s happening in you.

B. Observed phenomena on the person being prayed for
1. Hot flashes in certain parts of the body

2. Tingling sensations

3. Tenderness and tears

4. Brokenness and sobs

5. Stiffness in certain parts of the body

6. Trembling and shaking

7. Falling down under the power of the Spirit

8. Being in a trance

9. Electrical current

10. Light-headed

11. Tired, weary

12. Radiance on the face

13. Ripples or movement on or under the skin

14. Laughter and joy

15. Deep peace

16. Heavy breathing

17. Moaning and groaning

C. Observed phenomena on the person(s) praying
1. Sensations of warmth, especially in the hands

2. Tingling, especially in the hands

3. Slight trembling of the hands

4. A sense of anointing, power

5. Quiet, objective knowing

6. An explosion of power/electricity coming out of your hands

7. A quiet sense of the Spirit’s presence

8. A sense of detachment as if you were a third party watching

9. Sometimes NOTHING AT ALL. This is where we operate out of who we are in Christ and the authority he gave us to forgive sins, heal the sick and expulse demons.

D. If you sense the Spirit’s presence, give Him the “Amen!” “Thank you, Lord, for being here!” “More Lord!”

E. When in doubt, ask questions
1. Some people are programmed to fail. You may have to do counseling here before you pray again (then or later).

2. Some people are so out of touch with their own bodies you might have to probe a bit.

F. If nothing happens, ask the Lord if you should try again.

G. Demons
1. Sometimes they resist talking, cooperating, or coming out.

2. Call the person back to consciousness and have them repent of any sin that relates to the demon or what you are getting from a word of knowledge. In our experience, the demon’s reluctance to come out is related to their right to be there. Often, when the root is taken care of, they just leave.

3. Sometimes when they come out, it can be messy (shrieking, coughing, writhing, throwing up etc.).

4. NOTE: Just because there is noise and mess does not mean there is a demon. Often when there is a loud release, it is the escape of bottled emotional pain.

H. When do you stop?
1. When they get healed!

2. When nothing seems to be happening.

3. When the Spirit tells you to.

4. When you, the team, or the person gets tired.

5. STEP FIVE: POST-PRAYER DIRECTION
A. Help the person process what just happened.

B. Share any encouragement, exhortation, or council the Spirit may have given you.

C. Direct them to follow through on repentance for any sin that the Spirit brought to light during ministry time (e.g., restitution with a family member).

D. If healing has not occurred or is incomplete, affirm and encourage them to keep seeking because God wants to heal.

E. Avoid the following problems
1. Don’t give personal advice.

2. Don’t condemn a person for not getting saved or healed

The mountains are moved by My spirit and by My power. So why is it
that you look at the mountain that blocks your path and you say to
yourself “I cannot move that”? Of course you can not! You were never
expected to. It is always My spirit that moves the mountains.

Do not look at the obstacles that lay before you. Look rather to Me,
for I am able to move all mountains and I am able to deal with all
obstacles. You cannot do it in your own strength, and you were never
expected to. So lean on Me and draw from My strength.

Watch Me and see how I will glorify My name in your situations. I have
permitted obstacles to come before some of My own. For others, I have
actually caused them to come, that they might be forced to put their
trust wholeheartedly in Me.

The bigger the obstacle, the larger the measure of faith that will be
granted to you, if you come to Me and ask Me for it. Dear child, I
desire to show you how capable I am. I desire to demonstrate to you
that I am trustworthy. And I want you to look to Me, not to your own
resources.

This is a time and a season where I am causing many of My children
to learn to walk by faith. That is why I am allowing the obstacles
to come before you.

I desire that you come to Me for direction, and I desire that you
wait on Me for My timing. My timing is not your timing. You almost
always want it NOW rather than in My timing. So change your way and
trust Me to know the times and seasons. Trust Me to work My glory in
each of your situations.

Child of Mine, My glory and transformation do not come without a price,
for I demand your complete commitment to Me. I expect total obedience.
I expect you to cooperate with Me as I work deep in your hearts and
souls to mold you into the image of My Son. But in return for giving
Me lordship in your life, you will see an increase in your ability to
hear My voice clearly. You will see an increase in My anointing upon
you. You will see yourself walking in a larger measure of My authority.
You will see the mountains that are before move into the sea, so that
they no longer be an obstacle before your path as you walk in My ways.

So, do not look to the mountains and do not look to the obstacles.
Look to Me! Then you will see Me glorify My name in your midst.

“Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit,” says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6