Tag Archives: Church

A Welcoming Spirit

When stepping into a church, the first impression often centers on warmth, love, and a welcoming spirit. Visitors are greeted with genuine affection, often marked by hugs and laughter, reminiscent of the hippie era that embraced casual authenticity and inclusiveness. Clothing styles reflect this atmosphere—whether dressed up or down, all are accepted, symbolizing a focus on people over appearances. This casual reverence aligns with Chuck Girard’s lyrics from “Little Country Church,” capturing the essence of unity and simplicity in worship.

A remarkable story illustrates the power of God’s love. A man, filled with despair and armed with a rifle, encountered a television program featuring testimonies of young hippies who had found Christ. Their radiant love contrasted sharply with the shallow notions of love popular at the time, leading him to a turning point. Such stories highlight the divine gift of the Spirit, accessible to anyone who simply asks in faith.

Transformation also occurred within the church community. Early Calvary fellowships grew rapidly, outgrowing building after building. The spirit of teamwork was evident as people—hippies and professionals alike—worked side by side to construct new spaces. The sight of their collaboration even caused passersby to pause and marvel. The community’s embrace of love, faith, and unity became a testimony in itself.

Through prayer and worship, believers experienced profound joy and restoration. For example, during a wedding where a once-separated couple reunited, the entire congregation was moved to tears, witnessing God’s ability to heal and restore. Such moments underscore the church’s focus on God’s active work in individuals’ lives, fostering an environment where the past is celebrated, but the present remains vibrant and alive with His Spirit.

The Work of the Spirit and the Power of Faith

The Spirit’s work manifests through believers as they testify to Christ’s Lordship. Genuine confession of faith is validated by submission to His will and a life transformed by His love. This principle—that true faith produces action—serves as a foundational tenet of the Christian life.

Scriptural insights emphasize the profound truths of God’s creation and Christ’s role in it. As Revelation describes, Jesus is the faithful witness and the original cause of creation. Through Him, all things were made, highlighting His divine authority and power. The anticipation of His return fuels hope amid a chaotic world under Satan’s temporary dominion.

Faith is further strengthened by the resurrection of Jesus, an event verified by numerous witnesses who willingly suffered and even died for their testimony. This historical truth bolsters confidence in God’s promises, motivating believers to live boldly in their faith. Jesus’ teaching about the widow’s offering reinforces that God values the heart over material wealth. The widow’s small but sacrificial gift exemplifies the essence of trust and devotion.

The Spirit also helps believers witness effectively, empowering them to share the gospel with love and conviction. This empowerment transcends human abilities, emphasizing reliance on God’s strength rather than personal brilliance or skill. By focusing on God’s work in their lives today, believers avoid stagnation, ensuring that faith remains dynamic and impactful for future generations.

Living with Eternal Hope and Purpose

Believers are marked by God’s seal of ownership through the Spirit, signifying their belonging to Him despite the incompleteness of their redemption. Just as merchants mark their goods for future claim, God’s Spirit assures believers of their eternal inheritance. This assurance fosters hope as they anticipate moving from their earthly “tent” into the eternal “mansion” prepared by Christ.

Paul’s teachings remind believers that earthly life is temporary and filled with groaning for the day when they will be united with the Lord. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, making the transition from mortal to immortal essential. This perspective transforms the fear of death into anticipation of eternal joy.

The church’s role in representing God’s love to the world remains paramount. As Israel was chosen to showcase God’s character, so too are believers called to embody His love and truth. Prayer plays a vital role in this mission, offering a direct line of communication with the Creator and enabling His work to flow through their lives.

However, the church must guard against relying solely on past glories. It’s vital to experience God’s fresh work personally, ensuring faith remains active and alive. Believers are reminded that they are heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory and purpose. This inheritance brings profound responsibility and joy, as they participate in God’s redemptive plan.

Through faith, hope, and love, believers overcome life’s challenges, including broken families and societal stigmas. Stories of redemption, like Greg Laurie’s journey from a fractured family to a life transformed by grace, illustrate God’s power to heal and restore. Ultimately, the Christian life is about living with eternal purpose, trusting in God’s promises, and sharing His love with the world.

Overcoming Trials: Faith, Prayer, and Community


Throughout history, believers have experienced divine movements that call for spiritual awakening and transformation. The Church has a pivotal role as prodigal fathers and mothers, with arms outstretched, ready to welcome back lost sons and daughters. This heart of restoration is echoed in revivals such as those led by Jonathan Edwards in Northampton and the powerful awakenings in Manchuria. These moments of revival reflect God’s desire to renew His people, pouring out His Spirit without measure.

In times of hardship and uncertainty, the Lord calls His people to look up, focus on His promises, and trust in His provision. Personal testimonies highlight the struggles and triumphs faced in these journeys. Stories of divine intervention, such as miraculous provisions and healings, demonstrate the faithfulness of God. The fiery trials faced by many are not meant to break them but to prepare them for greater glory. Revival often begins with a personal commitment to prayer, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As the Church aligns with God’s vision, the Spirit of the Lord moves powerfully, breaking barriers and transforming lives.


Trials, Faith, and Transformation
The journey of faith is often marked by trials that test and refine the believer’s trust in God. Stories of resilience abound, from missionaries navigating perilous conditions to believers facing personal loss and persecution. Through these challenges, God’s faithfulness shines as a beacon of hope. Testimonies reveal the power of prayer, the importance of standing firm in faith, and the miracles that result from unwavering trust.

The call to action is clear: believers must respond with courage and obedience, embracing the assignments God has placed in their hearts. The fog of confusion and despair that often clouds judgment is dispelled through praise and reliance on God’s Word. Revival begins with personal transformation and leads to community impact. The Spirit ignites passion, prompting spontaneous prayer, healing, and declarations of faith. As individuals yield to God’s leading, their lives become testimonies of His power and grace, inspiring others to seek His presence.


A New Era of Glory and Purpose
In this era, God is birthing new visions and assignments for His people. The foundations laid through prayer and obedience are now bearing fruit. Divine healing, provision, and restoration are being manifested in extraordinary ways, leading to flourishing communities and transformed lives. The Church is called to be a light, standing apart from worldly distractions and embracing its role as an agent of change.

Believers are urged to steward the gardens of blessing God has placed in their care, tending to them with humility and diligence. The Spirit’s work is evident in the revival of communities, the healing of relationships, and the empowerment of individuals to fulfill their divine purpose. The promises of God are not delayed but are manifesting suddenly, bringing hope and restoration to those who have waited in faith. The call is to prepare for the outpouring of God’s glory and to step into this new season with boldness, joy, and expectation.

The Power of the Word: Julie’s Journey as a Healing Evangelist

Julie stood before the church, a quiet hum in the air. The congregation waited. She had shared her story many times, but this one was special. Today, she wasn’t just telling them about her journey to becoming a healing evangelist. She would show them.

“I remember a woman testifying one time,” Julie began, holding the microphone steady. Her voice was calm but filled with purpose. “She looked like she should have died two weeks earlier when she first came to our healing school. Skin and bones, no strength left. But she stayed. Week after week, month after month, and she began to blossom like a flower in the sunshine.”

Julie paused, allowing the words to sink in. “Her color came back. She gained weight. And then one day, she stood up and testified.”

The congregation leaned in, hanging on her every word. “Everyone there knew a miracle had happened. You’d have to be blind not to see it.”

Julie stepped aside and nodded to the AV team. The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up with the video of the woman. In the video, the woman’s voice trembled but was full of joy.

“I guess I just got so full of the Word that there was no more room for the cancer,” the woman said. The room echoed with murmurs of awe as the woman in the video described her healing process.

Julie turned back to the crowd. “It’s not about how much Word you hear, but how much you receive. You have to let it in, let it work in you. The Lord will help you, but you have to stay with it.”

The pastor joined her on stage, nodding as he took the microphone.

Chapter 2: The Power of the Word

Pastor Joseph smiled warmly at the congregation. “Julie’s right,” he said. “You see, the Word is life. Proverbs says it’s life to those who find it and health to their flesh. The Word brings healing, but you have to receive it.”

He glanced at Julie, who gave a small nod of agreement. “Just like this woman in the video,” he continued, “you have to keep hearing and hearing. It’s not that healing takes a long time, but sometimes we don’t receive because of how we think. But if you’ll stay with it, if you’ll change your thinking, the healing will come.”

Julie smiled, remembering the days when she, too, struggled with doubt. “I used to think,” she said, “that healing was instant, like flipping a switch. But sometimes, it’s like planting a seed. You water it. You give it light. And it grows.”

Pastor Joseph picked up where Julie left off. “That’s right. It grows. And it blossoms, just like Julie said earlier. That’s the power of God’s Word.”

Chapter 3: Spiritual Exercise

Julie took the microphone again. “But it’s not just hearing the Word,” she said, pacing slowly across the stage. “You have to exercise your spirit. How do you exercise your body? You move it. How do you exercise your spirit? You confess. You speak God’s promises. You believe in your heart and say it with your mouth.”

The crowd murmured in agreement, and she continued. “Speaking in tongues, praising God, walking in love—these are all ways to exercise your spirit. I used to think that if you just fed your spirit with the Word and exercised it, you’d be strong. But then the Lord showed me something else.”

Pastor Joseph stepped in, looking thoughtful. “Drains,” he said simply.

Julie nodded. “Exactly. Drains. You can feed your spirit and exercise it, but if you’ve got drains, you’ll still be weak.”

The crowd was silent, absorbing the lesson. Pastor Joseph explained further, “Just like a bathtub with a drain, if you don’t close it, the water will keep flowing out. You can fill yourself up with the Word, but things like fear, worry, and strife will drain you.”

Chapter 4: Watch the Drains

“Fear will drain you,” Julie said, her voice firm now. “Worry will drain you. Too many involvements, things the Lord never asked you to do—those will drain you, too. You can be built up in a service, feel strong in your faith, and then get into strife or worry, and it’s like pulling the plug.”

Pastor Joseph added, “Strife is a big one. I’ve seen people get into arguments after a powerful service, and suddenly they’re weak again. Strife drains your spirit faster than anything.”

Julie nodded. “That’s why we must stay in love. Love isn’t a suggestion; it’s a commandment. Strife takes two people. But you can refuse to participate. When you choose love, you stay strong.”

The church listened intently. Julie could feel the atmosphere changing as they grasped this truth.

Chapter 5: Speak Life

“We’re going to act on this now,” Julie said, stepping forward with renewed energy. “Joel 3:10 says, ‘Let the weak say, I am strong.’ We’re going to speak life.”

She encouraged everyone to stand. The room buzzed with anticipation.

“Some of you have been feeling weak, in body or spirit,” she said. “But today, we’re going to declare strength. We’re going to say, ‘I am strong.’ And we’re not just saying words—we’re speaking God’s Word, words full of life.”

Julie led the congregation in declaring their strength. “I am strong,” they repeated after her, voices rising with each declaration.

Pastor Joseph closed his eyes, lifting his hands. “As you speak these words,” he said, “you’re releasing faith. Healing is being manifested.”

Julie smiled as she watched the people declare their strength, knowing that some were being healed even now.

“I’ve seen it before,” she said quietly to the pastor. “People who were bedfast, too weak to speak, now standing, shouting, and testifying. God’s Word is life.”

The service ended with a quiet reverence, the congregation transformed. As they left, Julie knew that many lives had been touched, not just by her words, but by the power of God’s truth.

Her journey as a healing evangelist had only just begun.