FC’s mission is to culture like Christ, and our vision is Jesus. Previously we learned how the
religious leaders could not and would not identify Jesus as the Messiah, but the demons could. Also we understand that we need to represent Him well. This week Pastor Josiah directed us to Matthew 10 where Jesus called His disciples and “gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” Matthew 10:1 (NLT).
“Give-Grk. didomi-To grant, to furnish, to entrust, endue, to commission”
“Authority-Grk. exousia-power/authority” “Commission is the act of passing a responsibility to someone else.”( vocabulary.com )
The Paramount Point is “Authority comes in the commissioning, power comes in the
encounter,” stated Bill Johnson. He’s never going to call you to something that He first
won’t equip you to accomplish. However, you may not realize that He has equipped you, and
you may doubt yourself. For example, God called Moses to speak to Pharaoh to let His people go. But Moses said he had a stuttering problem. Then God gave him Aaron. The Lord is with you and never will leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
Jesus sent His disciples
“with these instructions:’Don’t go to the Gentiles or the
Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel-God’s lost
sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of
Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with
leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have
received.’” Matthew 10:5-7 (NLT)
Authority and power go hand in hand, and Jesus gave the disciples both. He gives it to us Christ followers too. When He gives us the power and authority, what do we do with them? Do we doubt His gift? Do we doubt our abilities and success? “Your success is when you stand up and step out,” explained Pastor Josiah. Freely you’ve received; freely give it away.
Pastor reminded us of the two fold task: the proclamation of the Gospel and the demonstration of the kingdom. If we only talk and do not do, we are missing out. If we act with no proclamation, the message is not spoken. The two go together to be the full package.
Additionally the Lord instructed the disciples,
“Don’t take any money in your money belts-no gold, silver,
or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a
change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick.
Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work
deserve to be fed.” Matthew 10:9-10 (NLT)
The Lord is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. We do not have to doubt His generosity.
He is our Abba Father. Take care of the mission. He’ll take care of your needs. While on
vacation this past week, Pastor Josiah and friends participated in a Family Feud game. For forty five minutes, he sat at the same table with a lady who asked him if he was a pastor? From there they talked, shared, and he prayed for her. This divine appointment only proved to Pastor Josiah how detailed the Lord is. He orders our steps.
Finally, Jesus told His disciples when they went to a town or city to
“inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out.
And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household
is worthy, let your peace comer upon it. But if it is not
worthy, let your peace return to you.” Matthew 10:11-13 (NKJV)
It is important to speak to the people who will listen and treasure it. So the big question is to
what message will you listen? Choose to listen to Truth. Jesus said,”I am the way, the truth
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV) He is the way
to life and life abundantly.
Also choose to act with passion, for the Lord will spew out/vomit the lukewarm person. Pastor Josiah implored us to “fight for your marriage; fight for your kids.” Don’t just let things happen but fight the good fight.
Again the Paramount Point is “Authority comes in the commissioning, power comes in the
encounter,” stated Bill Johnson. The power and authority are reflected in the proclaiming of the gospel and demonstrating of the Kingdom of God. “What does it profit, my brethren, if
someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” James 2:14
(NKJV)
May we proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate the Kingdom of Heaven. In that way may we be salt and light in this troubled world.
Calendar:
12/6-LB potluck, worship, and caroling-6:00 in the Activity Center
12/7-Women’s Christmas tea 11:00-1:00. Have your registered yet? Please do so, so that
we can plan the food.
Submitted by
Larry and Annette Linthicum
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