It seems today that most of the media, both right and left, are consumed with mud slinging and word fights that only cause more consternation and anger among the general populace. Literally, just 22% of voters believe that Congress has any chance to solve the myriad of problems that we face. From nuclear proliferation in Iran to the health care debate at home, our government seems clueless as to the wishes of the American people and our future dreams and aspirations.
Yes, we need a revolution to bring things back in line, but apart from a revolution at the ballot box in November, there is a much greater revolution that must take place if America is to be saved; I am talking about a spiritual revolution that begins in the heart and spreads to the conscience and spirit of a people desperate for answers.
As Christians, if we truly believe that Jesus is the answer to the ills of this nation and our culture, then it is time for a 'NEW REVOLUTION' spreading from the pulpits and pews of our churches into mainstream America challenging this nation again to spiritual greatness.But just where do we begin?
Paul told the church in II. Corinthians 4 that," light has shined out of darkness into our hearts filling our earthly vessels with God's treasure." Wow! What a powerful statement! Out of the dark vastness of an eternal universe, Divine light has burst forth into the hearts of mankind depositing the very essence of God within us! Paul goes on to say in Romans 8:9, that because of that deposit, we no longer are simply mortal but now dwell in a new supernatural spiritual realm!
Let me make it very simple; what are you doing with that deposit invested in you? Are you now walking as one filled with His spirit, or is life, "business as usual?" Shortly after Easter, a Revolution took place in Jerusalem that has shaken the world for 2010 years! A small band of believers who had followed the greatest revolutionary of all, Jesus Christ, within 200 years conquered the greatest empire that had existed to that time-namely Rome. And guess what? They did it not with armies armed with sophisticated weapons but with people filled with supernatural power which had been deposited within them at Pentecost. So, you might ask, what does that have to do with me?
When Jesus told his disciples that he had to leave so that the "comforter' the Holy Spirit could come and fill them, He had something even greater in mind. He went on to tell them in John that it was to their benefit that He leave so that they could be filled with radical power to accomplish even greater things than they had accomplished in those 3 short years. Well again, guess what? That word "disciple" has as much to do with you and me as it did with those early disciples. So my question is this: are you sitting on your giftings ? Have you surrendered to some hurt or fear that has put you on the sidelines? Have you decided that it is 'safer' to hide out in the back of the church than sit on the front row getting involved and serving ?
Maybe you need to get acquainted with the Holy Spirit again, or maybe even seek a deeper walk and baptism in Him. Whatever the case, God is looking for "a few good men and women." He is looking for a whole new generation of radical warriors, willing to spread Revolution spiritually to every corner of this planet known to man. He is looking for a new generation of Revolutionaries, who will carry the cross of Christ to the ends of the earth, beginning in our own neighborhoods.
How about you? Paul Revere is riding again, only this time the message is spiritual. The enemy is at our doorstep, but our weapons, fashioned in the spirit, are far greater; we only need warriors willing to pick them up.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
We need a Revolution!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Living Supernaturally Naturally
The Easter Season can mean a lot of things to different people. For students, it can mean a break from the rigors of studying and classes. For others it coincides with the annual pilgrimage to the American version of Mecca, namely Myrtle Beach. For many, it's just another day in the calendar where businesses try to make a quick buck. But for followers of Jesus Christ, who see Him much more than just a "holiday experience," Easter has a totally different meaning. Because of this day, and an empty tomb to back it up, believers have been given the opportunity to live each and every day with the conviction that in their grasp is the power to live" Supernaturally Naturally." Let me explain it by painting this simple picture.
Every waking moment we are presented with the possibility of making a difference in someone's life; the question is are we aware of the opportunities surrounding us, or just as important, are we even looking to be used in making a difference? What it boils down to is a basic understanding of why we exist and the power present to pull it off. It also is a matter of the heart, as to whether my "rebirth" experience in Jesus has led to a repositioning of my priorities away from what I can get to how I can be His hands and feet. From 40 years of experience as a believer, I can assure you that when a person has a true experience with Jesus and not just a fleeting emotional one, the vision to reach the whole world takes on a whole new dimension. I'm not saying that one automatically becomes an evangelist, but what I do know is that "relational evangelism"-extending" Jesus love" to anyone who will listen and then following up words with action, takes center stage.
The Apostle Paul put it this way in Romans 8:11. "The Spirit of God, who raised Christ Jesus from the dead lives in you, and just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He will give life to to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Wow! God wants to place supernatural power into the lives of those who believe in Him. If that is true, shouldn't supernatural living be a natural bi-product of simply living life? I believe the answer is definitely yes but the application is a bit of a problem for most believers. Let me illustrate.
Six months ago, I came to the realization that my life was ceasing to be as productive as it had once been. I always seemed to have a knack for "Divine Appointment" type experiences. From the streets of Southern California to the back woods of Armenia, God has always had adventures waiting for me in meeting all sorts of people who were seeking to know Him. But something seemed different; Divine Appointments were far and few between and with that said, excitement and joy seemed to be a thing of the past.
I had all sorts of reasoning's; maybe my evangelical fervor was being channeled in other directions, and even worse, maybe that part of my life was just over. It all came to a head one Sunday morning when a young lady from our youth group asked me to meet one of her friends from high school visiting for the first time. When I didn't do it and worse than that had no desire to, I became very fearful of just where I was at. After all, a pastor who doesn't want to be around people is a problem indeed; for me , it was an issue that I had never faced as a believer.
But thankfully, we serve a God of second chances, because the following week the young man returned, and his faithful friend gave me no chance to miss a second opportunity. As she escorted me to the back of the church to meet him, I suddenly began to shake all over. Then ever so clearly, in my spirit, I heard these very simple words; "You asked me if I was done using you...I never left you...I have always been there waiting for you...Now I have set before you someone if you will pour your life into, I will use him to shake the nations..."
The past six months have been as spiritually rich as the past year had been as dry as a desert. Suddenly, I began to flow again in authority and power. As I became obedient to that soft still voice that had my knees knocking, divine encounters have taken place in the craziest of places and many have come to know Jesus again, including that young man.
Practically speaking, we all go through seasons where nothing seems to be happening let alone supernatural encounters. But what I learned, I want to conclude by sharing with you, that you might again flow in the power that is rightfully yours. First of all, never take for granted your giftings and God's desire to teach you new things, no matter how long you've been a believer, because there are times when He wants to get our attention and revive us. Secondly, recognize when your focus turns within, it will effectively cut off any discernment with those around you. I know now that I was struggling with mild depression which was a culmination of any number of things, and that depression blocked my spirit from seeing the needs around me. Thirdly, always be listening to others words that your response and comments might build bridges of communication, trust, and relationship. Pray for openings. I believe that relational evangelism is the key in reaching this generation which is fatherless, in many ways hopeless, and desperate for love.
We should be living lives filled with supernatural excitement that are a natural by-product of the God who lives inside of us. If you are a believer and are bored with life, then you must get reconnected to the source of power and be willing to use it passionately. Only then can you fulfill the reason for which you were made; LIVING SUPERNATURALLY NATURALLY!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Balance is the Key to Everything Spiritual
Recently, while in Armenia, I visited a pastor who lived deep in the forest outside of Vanadzor, where our sister church is located. The beauty was breathtaking, with emerald green mountains rising on either side of his small wooden home to meet the turquoise blue sky high above. The simplicity of he and his family's life being lived out before me brought to my mind what America must have been like 150 years ago.
After we had been blessed with a wonderful dinner of I'm not sure what, the pastor took me into his small office which was the size of most American bathrooms. There, he pulled out his prize possession- a small satellite dish which, he claimed could pick up American Christian programming from all across the USA. My first reaction was one of thankfulness, until he began to tune in various channels. It was then that I began to get a very sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I quickly recognized a variety of evangelists, teachers, and speakers, whose messages left me with some feelings of anger and dismay. It almost seemed like many of the programs, at the very least, were espousing some different doctrine or beliefs that were counter to Historic Christian Belief, and at the very worst some of the programming was down right heretical.
My first reaction to all of this was what should I say, if anything. I didn't want to attack my fellow American teachers and leaders, but at the same time, I didn't want my dear friend to be "taken in " by the latest spiritual fad sweeping the church landscape. After all, I had, first hand, experienced the destructive and divisive nature of 'unbalanced teaching' when it takes hold in a church body, leading people away from the purity of Christ and into false teaching and manipulation, as well as personality cults. Before I could say anything, my friend responded with the wisdom of a spiritual father and mature leader. As he flipped through the channels, he looked me directly in the eye and responded in a very gentle way. "Pastor Chuck, I watch a lot of speakers on tv, from your country and around the world, but I don't believe everything that I hear."
To the say the least, I was overwhelmed with a sense of peace, knowing the he moved in the gift of discernment and had the wisdom to know the truth and not be swayed by fancy words, emotional appeals, and doctrines not found in God's word.
Sometime ago, while interviewing a pastor on television, I listened with deep interest as he shared his particular view of "health, wealth, and prosperity. " After a period of time, I asked him a simple question. "Pastor, of course you have taught this same teaching in the poor and developing nations of Asia and Africa, right? How did they recive your teaching and did it bring forth fruit?" Well, that was simple enough, but as he stumbled over his response, it only revealed something very wrong in what he was teaching.
We immediately went to a song break after his weak response, and it took him no more than 5 seconds to express his extreme displeasure with my very direct question. "What are you trying to do to me, he shouted?" With no more than 3 minutes before we were to be back live, I had to respond quickly, as well as very simple. " Pastor, I began, if your teaching cannot be applied in those countries as you teach it here, then it is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
The American church is facing a dilemma. It is facing a "down sizing" of the truth, as Historic Doctrine is taking a beating from those who are taking liberty with Scripture and coming up with all sorts of abherrant teaching that emotionally inflames our passions but leaves us bankrupt spiritually. Of course, I believe in Faith.I believe in God's desire to prosper His saints and bring healing to our mind ,soul, and bodies. I believe in prayer and prayer summits and gatherings. But when each of these areas of our spiritual walk or any other area becomes unbalanced in focus and purpose, error, confusion, and salvation by works result.
Let me illustrate. God had a very special love for His people Israel. All that He ever desired was to have an intimate relationship with them. But Israel repeated the same mistake over and over again; a mistake that the church in America is making today. Israel repeatedly left that simplistic first love which they had with God for other idols; other teachings and false gods which aroused their emotions but led them astray. From the "golden calf" to acceptance and compromise with false foreign gods, Israel always seemed to be looking for a new spiritual high that would excite their spiritual appetites.
Let me be very direct. I have lived long enough to see many doctrinally "unbalanced" waves hit the church at large. While their leaders mostly have right motives, the directions which they seek to lead the church are dead wrong. I don't care whether it is any of the aforementioned spiritual dogmas or others not mentioned, when we take a specific aspect of faith and doctrine and raise it out of context and make it central instead of supportative to the Love of God, we are out of balance.
Jesus gave us 2 commands, which were to love the Lord God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourself. That is pretty simple, and I might add direct. Lifting any other movement, thought, doctrine, faith venture, or new spiritual fad above love, is out of balance.
Why do we Christians make believing in Jesus so difficult? We are losing this generation which is seeking truth that is relevant but instead often sees the church as irrevelant. Why do we confuse new believers with a litany of rules, regulations, and strange twists on doctrine which are not Biblical and certainly not conducive to growth? I have to confess that sometimes I see people coming to Jesus despite the believers surrounding them who should be there to encourage them in love but seemingly are all too ready to espouse some spiritual fad that is here today and gone tomorrow. For reference, consider all of the "revivals" that have broken out across America and Canada this past decade which in a few short months burned out like a Fourth of July rocket. True Revival has lasting power and brings about true growth.
When we stop preaching Jesus and His love, when we cease to relationally build bridges to the lost, and finally when our focus becomes centered upon one aspect of faith, no matter how valid, we cease to be the hands and feet of Jesus and sink into the swamp of spiritual imbalance and misdirected focus, pleading the newest spiritual abberation and not being the light of the world Jesus called us to be.
Leia Mais…
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Becoming a son of Issachar
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem...May they prosper who love you...May peace be within your walls and prosperity within your palaces..." Those words of David have been lifted in prayer countless times but never has this prayer become more relevant and important than it has become this morning.
I say this in response to what has happened the last 24 hours in the Islamic Republic of Iran. While hard core government supporters are celebrating the 31st anniversary of the overthrow of the shah and the establishment of an Islamic Dictatorship, the heart of Iran, those who truly desire freedom and are tired of despotism, are battling them in the streets of Tehran with loss of life and many arrested.
But the demonstrations are only a small part of what happened in Iran today. Iran's dictator, said a few days ago that his country had a great surprise for the west that would be delivered February 10th. That surprise was delivered in a simple statement: Iran is now officially a nuclear nation. While that may not mean much to you, it is simply a warning to Israel that before long, we will fulfill our promise, and you will cease to exist. Iran has reached a uranium enrichment level of 20%, and while it will take a level of 90% to produce a nuclear bomb, the message is simple: we have defied the world, and we have won.
While the Bush administration, as well as the present administration, have stood by and done nothing to halt this global threat,Israel is left with few alternatives. Either they respond militarily and risk world War III or be destroyed.
Yesterday morning, the world changed forever and most of us reading our morning newspapers or venturing out to Starbucks, don't have any idea how close Armageddon could be.
I. Chronicles 12:32 tells us the kind of people that we must become. It says,"And of the sons of Issachar, they were men who understood the times and the knowledge of what Israel should do..." They were men and women who didn't bury their heads in the sand but sought to know the voice of the Lord in troubled times so that they could respond in a Biblical way.
In the 1950's, the church, for the most part, abdicated it's rightful position in bringing influence to our culture by teaching that politics were dirty and the church should not be involved. Well, those brilliant teachings have given us abortion and the murder of 44 million innocents, along with the removal of prayer and most every symbol of faith from our schools and government edifices.
God ,where are the "sons of Issachar" who will rise up with God's wisdom, His mantle of Authority, speaking truth and clear direction? It is not too late, and even though Bible Prophesy is being fulfilled before our eyes every day, we must re -focus away from our own situations, no longer buried in the sands of self interest, and realize that Jesus is coming and we have a job to do.We need to be like the "Sons of Issachar," confronting our hedonistic culture with the wisdom and truth of Jesus' words. We can make a difference if we stand as the Church of Jesus Christ and invade our culture with the Gospel Message, first by living it.
Pray for the church in Iran and those courageous freedom fighters, who, if successful in overthrowing their ruthless government, could in fact hold off a nuclear confrontation that is sure to come if Iran's present government has it's way.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
History Maker II Revival Europe 2010
I will never forget that crisp autumn fall night. I had never been to Paris and now I was about to climb the Eiffel Tower; something that I had only seen in pictures. As we began to climb, each step brought about a clearer view of the size and beauty that is Paris. One thing that I immediately took note of was the fact that the climb was a bit more difficult than all of the movies portrayed and my rubber legs proved it!
As we reached the observation deck, arrayed before me was a canopy of light that extended in every direction. I guess that one would see the same thing at the top of the Empire State building on any moonlit eve. As I stood in amazement at the grandeur and beauty laid out before me, something gripped my very soul, that left me speechless. It wasn't just the Paris skyline, with so many lighted architectural wonders that got my attention, but the seemingly hundreds of green lights dotting the landscape. If they would have been decorative lights or left over Christmas lighting, that would have been one thing, but they weren't; for what seemed like every mile or so was a bright green light sitting atop a tall minaret attached to a Muslim mosque below. I had read that the ethnic and religious demographics of Europe were changing, but I had no idea that it was happening so quickly.
When you add this amazing fact with some sobering statistics, it makes one realize just how vitally important the GREAT COMMISSION that Jesus spoke of really is at this time in history. Let me share what I observed and have studied about the continent of Europe and it's movement away from it's historic Christian roots. No more than 2% of Europeans attend an organized church. It may differ and fluctuate somewhat from country to country, but the basic truth is that most of Europe has been post Christian for a good number of years. I witnessed huge cathedrals almost totally empty for worship services, except for a few senior citizens well into their 70's and 80's. I have seen churches being turned into Mosques and other centers of worship totally alien to Europe just 50 short years ago.
What has happened to the Europe that has given us Calvin and Luther, the Protestant Reformation and the Great Awakening, as well as missionaries world wide and Revival? I believe the answer lies somewhere between the toll that two world wars has taken and a "spirit" of skepticism and disillusionment that has swept the continent. Europe has a giant hole in the midst of her soul, and the Holy Spirit is crying out for those willing to be part of bringing a new "GREAT AWAKENING" to the continent; men and women willing to take the Gospel back to Europe in such an Authentic and Relational way that spirit starved souls will not have to look to witchcraft and other religions forms to find answers to their heart's longings. God is looking for men and women who are willing to rise up in this generation and be TRUE HISTORY MAKERS.
In July 2002, we held a conference on the island of Cyprus, where we brought together Israeli and Arab youth from 8 different nations. History Maker I was a tremendous success in that it built bridges between believing youth who previously did not like one another because of politics. A letter from a young man from Jordan sums up best the success of HMI. "Pastor Chuck, because of History Maker, I no longer hate Jews!"
All of this brings me to the heart of this blog. Many of you, scattered all over this country and around the world, who have been a part of High Mill either by attending or by prayer, have an opportunity to be a part of making history and bringing true and authentic revival to the continent of Europe. You may be thinking that you have enough to do here and Europe is 4,000 miles away;why should I care? Let me dispel that lie from hell right now. First of all, what happens in Europe ends up in America, and secondly, spiritual isolationism is the quickest way to spiritual despotism and death.
June 2010, youth leaders from 15-20 nations are coming together in Vanadzor, Armenia to develop a strategy to come along side of European believers who are praying for REVIVAL that is AUTHENTIC and lasting. Our goal is to develop across Europe living, vibrant, joyful, and exciting houses of worship that will draw, through the power of the Holy Spirit, those who have given up on church and Jesus. We want to present personal models of His love, grace, and peace and let those searching for answers know that," That there truly is life in Jesus' Name."
I believe with all of my soul and heart that, if High Mill was created for nothing else, other than helping to bring HMII about, then it will all have been worth it.
How you can help is this: if you have been one of those who down through the years have offered your services from afar, still feel a part of our vision and dreams, or are catching the vision for HMII, then go to your circle of friends, church, or family and share the vision that we can make a difference. We can prepare the way for this great end time's harvest, even in Europe!
We have young people in need of sponsorship from Europe, Scandinavia, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, Honduras, Ukraine, and untold other countries.$175.00 covers food, lodging and land travel for the 4 day conference. Of course, THERE ARE MANY YOUNG LEADERS THAT EITHER HAVE PARTIAL OR NO FUNDS FOR AIRFARE which will range from 400.00 to 700.00 per person.
If you want to be part of an Adventure far bigger than any of us; if you want to sow good seed into reaching a whole continent for Jesus, and if you want to be a part of MAKING HISTORY, contact us at 330-8068432 and ask for Margaret or go to www.highmill.net. Any amount will help fulfill this challenge.
Thank you my spiritual family, friends, and co laborers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May He richly bless you as you Bless Europe!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Finding Peace in Difficult Circumstances
Friday was a very difficult day for me, because I did the funeral of a close friend and member of our church. It wasn't only the death but the way in which it happened. My friend committed suicide. Since then my mind has raced in so many directions.Why didn't I realize the mental state in which he was in? If we would have just connected that last Sunday in church when he walked in, maybe the tragedy could have been averted. The circumstances which led up to his death are rather complex and not my focus here. I only mention this, because it reminded me of a recent question that a young friend asked me concerning life in general. He simply asked," How can I find peace in my circumstances when living life is so difficult?
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:11, lays the groundwork for God's answer to conflict. The writer begins by saying that," God has planted eternity in the human heart, yet God's ultimate plan for us cannot be readily seen." In other words, God has planted a seed of destiny within us that cannot be satisfied by any other human source, because we have been created in God's image. We have a spiritual thirst and eternal value and nothing but the eternal God can satisfy us.
God has built within us a restless yearning for the kind of perfect world that can only be found in His perfect rule. When Colossians 3;15 tells us to, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,"the writer is addressing that very thought. Like an umpire who brings order out of chaos in a sporting event, the rule of Christ's authority brings peace to our hearts.
Since 3600 B.C. , according to a recent study, 14,351 wars have been fought accounting for the killing of 3.64 billion people at the cost of a gold filled belt stretching around the world 97.2 miles wide and 33 feet thick! How then can I find peace in the midst of such chaos personally, let alone politically?
The answer is very simple."True peace is not just the absence of conflict but dwelling in a place where conflict no longer has any rule." I'm talking about dwelling in another kingdom, a secret place where only those who know Him are privileged to enter. In John 14:27, Jesus said to His fearful disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, do I give to you...Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
The word for "peace" used here is far more than just a simple greeting as where the word is found in other New Testament passages. Here, "peace" carries a much heavier meaning. It is talking about a supernatural peace that only Christ can offer; a peace that is continuous and can be found nowhere else. It is a supernatural dwelling place reserved for those who love Him and seek His face.
This same Greek word is used for peace in John 16:33 where Jesus told His disciples," These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but take courage, for I have overcome the world."
Allow that "seed of destiny", planted in your heart at birth to germinate and grow into a pure faith in Him and on Eagle's Wings, He will carry you to a place of safety where His kingdom Rule has abolished conflict.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Can You See What Is Happening?
Have you ever believed and waited for something to happen when there is no evidence that it will ever come to pass?