[image]
Less
More
Trim
Untrim
« Older
Home
Loading
Newer »

Archive for the 'Holy Spirit' Category

What Happens When You Make Salvation Important

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on July 2, 2008
in Christianity, Holy Spirit, Prophesy, Revival, Testimony, The Mission and salvation
. 2 Comments

We had our first salvation at our second preview service.

I have this theory that every person represents a people group.  If you touch a person with the Gospel, it is possible to touch their whole realm of influence.  So when someone gets saved, we encourage them to immediately begin to work out their testimony and start inviting people to The Mission.

With Marcela, we went a step farther.

Marcella was a polite girl who seemed to be attentive during the word.  In all outward appearances, her life was really good.  But like everyone who is away from God, things were not so great beneath the service.  During the ministry time I walked up to her and asked if she was ready to get saved.  She responded and got free of something.  I did not know what.

Since Marcella was only connected to the person who invited her to The Mission, I know she had a realm of influence that had not been touched.  She was having a little trouble getting any of her friends to come to our meetings so we decided to bring the meeting to them.  We decided to made her baptism an outreach.  We had the baptism at her house and she invited her friends to “support” her at her.

We had a time of worship (above) then she gave her testimony.  Marcela told her family, friends, and new church family about her battle with sin, depression, and an eating disorder.  Through her tears she told about how her friend invited her to church and immediately she knew she was supposed to go.

She told about how at the end of the preview service, during the ministry time, she cried out to God and told Him, “I know you brought me here for a reason, please bring it to me.”  That very moment is when I walked up to her and challenged her with the Gospel.  The anointing was so thick in the room and there was barley a dry eye in the place.

After that I got up and shared the Gospel.  I preached about a risen Savior who forgives sin and fills with power.  I then gave an altar call right there in the living room.  I asked who was ready to give their life to Jesus and go down in the waters of baptism as a public declaration of faith.  One of her friends came forward.

We went out to the pool and I added him to those getting dunked.  I spent a few minutes with him and he shared how God had been preparing him for that moment.

The last person I baptized was Marcela.  She gladly affirmed that she had accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and proclaimed to all in attendance that she was going to follow Him.  After she came up out of the water, I made one last invitation to those in attendance for salvation.  That is when I spotted her.

Marissa is Marcela’s sister.  Her face was bright red and she was crying her eyes out.  Right before our eyes she was being convicted of her need of a Savior.  She could barely contain herself.  Her heart was being rent for the Lord.  It was not because I am a great preacher or anything else in the natural.  The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters of baptism and people were being touched.  This girl needed Jesus and she happened to be where He was.  When the lost get around the anointing they cannot help but see their need for forgiveness.

She came into the pool and I talked to her for a few minutes, lead her in a prayer of salvation and declared the forgiveness of sins.  She was crying, and I wanted to run around the block and rejoice.

I prayed for her, laid hands on her, did a little housecleaning and dunked her in the waters.  When she came up I asked how she was feeling.  She said, “I feel free!”

Glory to God.

I talked to her a little bit and asked her sister to come back into the pool.  I prayed for them together and at the same time, they both got baptized in the Holy Ghost! Glory to God!

I hate to say it but a baptism in the middle of your Sunday morning or Wednesday evening service is not a public declaration.  Take people to their hood, gather their friends, let them declare the good things God has done.  Then take the risk of putting yourself out there and have an altar call.  You may be supprised how many people have been praying for God to bring an answer to them.

Popularity: 28% [?]

What Lakeland Tells Me About the Church #1 Most Ministers Cannot See Beyond Their Call

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on June 19, 2008
in Church Planting, Links, News, Prophesy and Revival
. 6 Comments

Is what is happening in Lakeland a revival? There seems to be one clear way to answer that question.  If Lakeland is producing what you want for your ministry, then it is revival.  If it is not producing the fruit you want in your ministry then it is something else.  How far Lakeland diverges from your vision determines how far it deviates from biblical Christianity.

It is that simple.

Lakeland has really polarized the Church, at least the “Spirit-Filled” branch of it.

Some believe that revival brings sinners to repentance on a city wide scale.  Others think that revival should reawaken the dead church and bring the reality of the Return to the forefront.  Others think that revival is any time that the manifest presence of God is poured out on a congregation over an extended period.

In that last definition Lakeland is certainly a revival.  Under the classic awakening type definition it clearly is not.  But why are people debating an extra biblical term?  Are ministers vying for maintaining the purity of the “Revival” tag?  Most would agree that revival is the pinnacle of Pentecostalism.  But many make the mistake that those who experience it in their ministries have reached ministerial nirvana.

So many want to say that this is not revival because in their hierarchical mindset that would make Todd “above” them and thus their ministry and gifts on a lower level.  It might even mean that they have been contending in the wrong direction for years.  Most cannot fathom either one so instead of re-evaluating their corporate mindsets, they attack the move.

Popularity: 29% [?]

Second Mission Baptism

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on June 14, 2008
in Church Planting, Holy Spirit, Revival, Testimony, The Mission and salvation
. 0 Comments

Had another little baptism at The Mission last week Good news is we are having another this coming Saturday. I will give more details about that later.

We do baptisms a little different at The Mission. See, we believe that water baptism is a means of grace in the Church. That means if someone gets baptized in faith, and the person baptizing them is doing it in faith, something should happen. Don’t tell me it’s just a symbol. To mush of what the Church has been doing is mere motion and not enough faith.

So when we baptize we are in the pool till the Holy Ghost comes and we minister till He shows up to baptize. With that in mind:

This page contained an embedded video. Click here to view it.

Popularity: 30% [?]

Cardboard Testimonies Meme

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on June 11, 2008
in Christianity, Holy Spirit, Salvation Story and salvation
. 7 Comments

Ok… here is the deal.

I have created a multi-step meme.

1. Watch the video at the end of this post.

2. Try to stop crying.

3. Post these instructions followed by your Cardboard Testimony.

4. Link back to this post and comment your testimony.

5. Tag 5 other people to do the same.

My Cardboard Testimony?

Pervertor of Women - Corrupter of Men (side 1)

Faithful Husband - Church Father (Side 2)

What’s yours? I tag these 5. If you are not tagged, go ahead and list your cardboard testimony in the comments or do yuor own post and link back here.

Patsy from Rahabs Place Roy from Free Donuts John Baw from Wild Ox Gilbraltar Will Riddle from Church Revolution Wesley from Global Revival (maybe this will get him blogging again)

ht chris reeder

Popularity: 40% [?]

Theological Response to Lakeland Critics

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on June 9, 2008
in Christianity, Deliverance, Doctrine, Florida Outpouring, Healing, Holy Spirit, Prophesy, Revival, Tongues, Tongues and interpretation, interpretation, prayer, todd bentley and visions
. 4 Comments

This was forwarded by Randy Clark. It is a 55 page defense of the activities of the Lakeland outpouring. Here is a selection from page 5:

Normative New Testament evangelism is accompanied by God’s power

A simple perusal of the following passages shows that true biblical revival always involved word and deed, the preaching of the gospel alongside people ministering and experiencing (not just talking about) God’s healing and miraculous power: Matt. 4:23; 9:35-36; 10:1, 7-8; 11:5; 12:15, 18; 15:30; 19:2 (cf. Mk. 10:1); 21:14 (cf. Lk. 21:37); Mk. 1: 38-39; 2:2, 11; 3:14-15; 6:12-13; 10:1 (cf. Mat. 19:2); Lk. 4:18; 5:17, 24; 6:6-11, 17-18; 7:22; 9:1-2; 10:9, 13; 13:10-13, 22, 32; 14:4, 7ff.; 21:37 (cf. Mat. 21:14); 16:15-18, 20; Jn. 3:2; 7:14-15, 21-23, 31, 38; 10:25, 32, 38; 12:37, 49; 14:10, 12; Acts 1:1; 2:22; 3:6, 12; 4:29-30; 5:12-16, 20-21, 28, 42; 6:8, 10; 8:4-7, 12; 9:17-18 (cf. 22:13), 34-35; 10:38; 14:3, 8-10, 15ff.; 15:12, 36; 18:5, 11 (cf. 2 Cor. 12:12; 1 Cor. 2:4-5); 19:8-12; Rom. 15:18-19; 1 Cor. 2:4-5; 11:1; 12:1-11, 28-31; 14:22-25; 2 Cor. 12:12; Gal. 3:5; Phil. 4:9; 1 Thes. 1:5-6; Heb. 2:3-4; 6:1-2; Jas. 5:13-16.

Indeed Paul said in Romans 15:18-19 that only the proclamation of the gospel that is accompanied by healing, signs and wonders, that display the power of the risen Lord, represents a full proclamation of the gospel: Rom. 15:18-19 (NIV)— I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. [italics and boldface mine]

Read and be blessed.

The suggested donation is $3-$5 to be paid to Fresh Fire to finance the work in Lakeland.

Popularity: 42% [?]

Random Thoughts From the Lakeland Outpouring

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on June 8, 2008
in Christianity, Healing, Holy Spirit, Prophesy, Revival, The Mission and todd bentley
. 9 Comments
Lakeland OutpouringIf you don’t like your feet dirty don’t wear sandals. The parking lot is full of dirt. There are far less freaks then the last time I went when the meetings were still at Ignited. You can’t bring food or drinks onto the grounds so eat in the car. Not sure if this is a full-blown revival or if Todd has been super anointed. Worship is good. The presence of God is there, but when Todd gets the mic the atmosphere in the room shift dramatically. You do not have to get there early to get a seat. There were at least a thousand empty ones. You have to get there early to get a good seat. There are two large tents butted up side by side. Sit in the one that has the stage, even if you have to sit way on the side. At the far end from the stage there is a huge area that you can be alone. There were at least a dozen kids playing a form of soccer/football/kill the man with the ball/keepaway for at least 5 hours (my son included) In the same area were girls playing ring around the rosey and chasing bubbles (my daughter included) Far from the stage is safe for kids. If you have small ones, bring a pillow and blanket. They can knock out on the floor. If you are a pastor, check in at the minister’s desk between 5 and 6:30 or you are excluded from any pastor type prayer. If you worship, press in, are humble and hungry you will “get some.” Sit back and cross your arms and this is much a do about nothing. If you need a healing, don’t sit in the back and wait for a word from the stage. Be almost belligerent about getting prayer and stay posted near the stage. There are lots of people looking for someone to pray for. Not all of the prayer staff is anointed. The a/c really works there. Bring a jacket. If you want to worship near the altar, get to the altar way before worship. If you see a young black guy with crazy hair named Joshua who looks like he’s high, tell him I said hi, and give him money. The dude is odd but called and anointed. God is there. I hear God.  I preach.  I see revival in my meetings.  I know what the anointing is.  I am anointed.  Many of my people are anointed.  In the 15 hours before I went to Lakeland I preached down the Glory, led a girl to Christ, cast the devil out of 2 people, baptized three people in water and prophesied the Word of the Lord (I am not exaggerating.  I literally did these things).  I did not need to be revived, renewed nor awakened before going to Lakeland.  Yet I have a hunger for God that I did not have 24 hours ago.  I will definitely go back.

Popularity: 33% [?]

Tuesday Morning Meeting

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on June 3, 2008
in Christianity, Church Planting, Doctrine, Holy Spirit, Revival, The Mission and Tongues
. 3 Comments

Nathan and CarlEvery Tuesday morning for several months now I have had a breakfast meeting with Nathan from Independence Church. I first met him when the Holy Ghost led me to attend their launch.

Every Tuesday we meet outside a bagel shop for a blueberry bagel, lightly toasted with cream cheese, a cranberry bagel, non-toasted with cream cheese, and two large coffees.

We discuss all things Christianity. Here is the funny thing. Nathan is one of those latte coffee serving pastors that is hosting something between the tonight show and a college brainstorming session. (admin note: Please note that this was meant tongue in cheek.  They do preach the gospel.)  I don’t feel like I have had church if I am not soaked in sweat and without a voice at the end of the night. A few bodies twitchin on the floor is a given.

I think he should get all his people praying in tongues for 15 minutes or so before service. He thinks I should prepare my messages more than a day before the meeting (btw, I already know what I am preachin Friday!).

Yet we are able to put aside methodology because in the end we both want to reach our respective communities for Jesus. I wish more of the heretic police would try to focus on Jesus more. It really makes life more enjoyable.

Our only problem lies in communication. When Nathan has issues, it is my job to rebuke and challenge as needed. When I struggle, I want him to commiserate, yet he rebukes and challenges me.

As a church planter, if you don’t have this, pray that God makes a way.

Popularity: 31% [?]

The Mission Baptism

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on May 28, 2008
in Christianity, Church Planting, Holy Spirit, Prophesy, Revival, The Mission and Tongues
. 4 Comments

We had our third preview service Friday night. We were planning on that being our last but we still do not have a location so please keep that in prayer. We had lots of visitors and one girl got baptized in the Holy Ghost. Almost all of the issues we wanted to work out got worked out so I really feel like we are ready to launch.

The next day (Saturday) we had our first baptism. We were planning on baptizing three people. A girl who got saved and baptized in the Holy Ghost at The Mission. A guy who wanted to rededicate himself and my son.

I have seen kids baptized at four and I can’t comment against that but I decided that I would baptize my son when he asked to get baptized. I told him we were having a baptism and he said he wanted to get baptized. Some would question if you can be saved at seven. The boy is baptized in the Holy Ghost. If that ain’t evidence enough I don’t know what would be.

In any event, I had a little bible study before the baptism and a girl who came to watch got saved and was the second one baptized! Jesus truly is alive. Here is a little video of the events.

This page contained an embedded video. Click here to view it.

Popularity: 31% [?]

Florida Revival on TBN

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on May 13, 2008
in Florida Outpouring, Healing, Revival and todd bentley
. 0 Comments

Here is the piece that CBN did on the outpouring. I personally know one of the women that were interviewed in this piece. I visited her in the hospital and had a word of knowledge about fibromyalgia. She was later diagnosed with the ailment. That was about five years ago. I have never seen her move like she is moving in the video.

Popularity: 42% [?]

Cool Testimony from a Pastor Visiting Lakeland

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on May 10, 2008
in Florida Outpouring, Holy Spirit, Revival and todd bentley
. 3 Comments

This is a really good post about Lakeland.  Patsy got sent to Lakeland by her folks and tells her tale.  What I really like about the testimony is that she did not say that Lakeland is a Panacea for all things ministry.  Instead, she knew God was moving and she prepared herself to not try to receive from Todd, but instead receive from God what He is doing there.  Here is a quote:

During the service, I went out an shared with the vendors who were working the food stands in the stadium. I was amazed at how open they were. I just shared the love of Jesus with them and invited them to come and experience Him for themselves. The amazing thing to me was how open the people in Lakeland are to the gospel. I talked to one girl there who has led over 1,000 people to the Lord since April 2. ONE THOUSAND SOULS! If that doesn’t excite you, you need to get saved.

Yes, there were miracles. Yes, people got out of wheelchairs. Yes, it was amazing. The response of the crowd, though, was to the presence of the Lord. The stuff was great, but what was the most awesome was the fact that the Lord was there in such intimacy. He was showing His great love to people by healing their diseases.

Read the whole post here.

Popularity: 43% [?]

Why Doesn’t Todd Bentley Take it to the Streets?

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on May 9, 2008
in Healing, Holy Spirit, Prophesy, Revival, interpretation, prayer and todd bentley
. 6 Comments

I have heard people ask why Todd does not take his gift out of the church and into the streets. I have seen it written that he only sees these manifestations where he has whipped the crowd into a frenzy and there is some sort of mass trance.

You gotta love youtube!

This page contained an embedded video. Click here to view it.

more here.

hattip free donuts

Popularity: 49% [?]

Lakeland Healing Revival : What I would like to see

Published
by
Carl Thomas
on May 9, 2008
in Florida Outpouring, Healing, Revival and todd bentley
. 11 Comments

Here is what I would like to see at the Florida Healing Revival with Todd Bentley in Lakeland:

Misty Edwards singing “Only a Shadow“ Kari Jobe, Klaus Khuehn, and Rick Pino leading worship together one night culminating with Rick singing Mighty Warrior. Reinhart Bonnke preaching one Saturday service at the airport with a mass evangelistic call culminating in him releasing evangelists into the harvest. Heidi Baker to bring a team of Mozambican children to preach to really offend the religious. Todd to leg drop any big name TBN preacher for the same reason. Jentezen Franklin preach “The Spirit of Python” Me calling down fire.

Anything you want to see?

note: This is not a place for critics of the revival. Your posts will not be published.

Popularity: 46% [?]

You are viewing a mobilized version of this site...
View original page here

Mobilized by Mowser Mowser