By Francis Frangipane
Before we doubt whether we are
the caliber of the first disciples, here is a fact sheet compiled from
over 200 New Testament Scriptures concerning those whom Jesus first
called.
THE DISCIPLES... came to Christ, believed in Him, followed Him.
They...
dined with Him, often became hungry, often didn't have time to eat, twice fed the multitudes.
They...
received
special authority to heal and deliver, became Jesus' confidants, were
often rebuked and corrected, were entrusted with the mysteries of God's
Kingdom.
To Attain the Fullness of Christ
By Francis Frangipane
There is a new stirring from the Holy Spirit. The Lord's goal is for us is to abide in Jesus. John taught, "The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked" (1 John 2:6). If we truly abide in Him, we will walk even "as He walked."
The first-century saints had the words of Jesus and they had the Spirit of Jesus. In that simplicity the church enjoyed unsurpassed greatness and power. We also are becoming true disciples, seeking to walk even as Jesus walked. This is the singular essential requirement in unifying the church: we each desire for Christ's image to be established in our hearts.
There is a new stirring from the Holy Spirit. The Lord's goal is for us is to abide in Jesus. John taught, "The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked" (1 John 2:6). If we truly abide in Him, we will walk even "as He walked."
The first-century saints had the words of Jesus and they had the Spirit of Jesus. In that simplicity the church enjoyed unsurpassed greatness and power. We also are becoming true disciples, seeking to walk even as Jesus walked. This is the singular essential requirement in unifying the church: we each desire for Christ's image to be established in our hearts.
This Day We Fight!
By Francis Frangipane
Scripture says that the Lord left nations in the promised land "to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan); only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war" (Judg. 3:1-2).
To complete our spiritual maturity, the Lord must "test" us with enemies; like Israel, we must be "taught war."
I realize that most of us prefer peace. Yes, as much as it depends on us, we should live at peace with all men (Rom. 12:18). Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but we are in a worldwide conflict with principalities and powers (see Eph. 6:12). You see, there is a "time for war" (Eccl. 3:8). As Christians, we must accept and adjust to this truth.
Scripture says that the Lord left nations in the promised land "to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan); only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war" (Judg. 3:1-2).
To complete our spiritual maturity, the Lord must "test" us with enemies; like Israel, we must be "taught war."
I realize that most of us prefer peace. Yes, as much as it depends on us, we should live at peace with all men (Rom. 12:18). Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but we are in a worldwide conflict with principalities and powers (see Eph. 6:12). You see, there is a "time for war" (Eccl. 3:8). As Christians, we must accept and adjust to this truth.
A Life Prepared for God
By Francis Frangipane
I love the Word of God. I have a burning passion that my words, whether written or spoken, might be filled with the substance of God. I love comparing translations, researching commentaries and then using that holy information to prepare teachings. Several years ago, however, I found myself being corrected by the Lord. I had spent too much time preparing my message for a service. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit interrupted my study to recalibrate my focus. He said, "I have called you, not just to prepare sermons, but to prepare people."
This was a subtle, but profoundly significant correction. I was reminded of John the Baptist who was sent as a "forerunner before [the Messiah]." God had called John "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).
I love the Word of God. I have a burning passion that my words, whether written or spoken, might be filled with the substance of God. I love comparing translations, researching commentaries and then using that holy information to prepare teachings. Several years ago, however, I found myself being corrected by the Lord. I had spent too much time preparing my message for a service. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit interrupted my study to recalibrate my focus. He said, "I have called you, not just to prepare sermons, but to prepare people."
This was a subtle, but profoundly significant correction. I was reminded of John the Baptist who was sent as a "forerunner before [the Messiah]." God had called John "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).
Army of Worshipers
By Francis Frangipane
Not only is Jesus our Savior, He is also the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). Grab with both hands the thought that He is the "perfecter of our faith." The faith Christ started in you, He is now working to perfect.
The fact that Jesus is the "perfecter of our faith" is important because even if we seek to move in prayer and spiritual authority, even if we fearlessly continue to persevere, even if we continue forward with motives purified by love, it is the power of faith that undergirds all.
Not only is Jesus our Savior, He is also the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). Grab with both hands the thought that He is the "perfecter of our faith." The faith Christ started in you, He is now working to perfect.
The fact that Jesus is the "perfecter of our faith" is important because even if we seek to move in prayer and spiritual authority, even if we fearlessly continue to persevere, even if we continue forward with motives purified by love, it is the power of faith that undergirds all.
The Real Jesus
By Francis Frangipane
Not only is Jesus our Savior, He is also the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). Grab with both hands the thought that He is the "perfecter of our faith." The faith Christ started in you, He is now working to perfect.
The fact that Jesus is the "perfecter of our faith" is important because even if we seek to move in prayer and spiritual authority, even if we fearlessly continue to persevere, even if we continue forward with motives purified by love, it is the power of faith that undergirds all.
Not only is Jesus our Savior, He is also the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). Grab with both hands the thought that He is the "perfecter of our faith." The faith Christ started in you, He is now working to perfect.
The fact that Jesus is the "perfecter of our faith" is important because even if we seek to move in prayer and spiritual authority, even if we fearlessly continue to persevere, even if we continue forward with motives purified by love, it is the power of faith that undergirds all.
Satan's Domain: the Realm of Darkness
By Francis Frangipane
Many Christians debate whether the devil is on the earth or in hell; can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is, the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be.
Preparing for Spiritual Warfare
For most, the term spiritual warfare introduces a new but not necessarily welcomed dimension in their Christian experience. The thought of facing evil spirits in battle is an unsettling concept, especially since we came to Jesus as lost sheep, not warriors. Ultimately, some of us may never actually initiate spiritual warfare, but all of us must face the fact that the devil has initiated warfare against us. Therefore, it is essential to our basic well-being that we discern the areas of our nature that are unguarded and open to satanic assault.
Many Christians debate whether the devil is on the earth or in hell; can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is, the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be.
Preparing for Spiritual Warfare
For most, the term spiritual warfare introduces a new but not necessarily welcomed dimension in their Christian experience. The thought of facing evil spirits in battle is an unsettling concept, especially since we came to Jesus as lost sheep, not warriors. Ultimately, some of us may never actually initiate spiritual warfare, but all of us must face the fact that the devil has initiated warfare against us. Therefore, it is essential to our basic well-being that we discern the areas of our nature that are unguarded and open to satanic assault.
Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
By Francis Frangipane
I want to talk with you about spiritual warfare. Before we proceed, however, I have two concerns. The first is our need for wisdom. There is an old European proverb worth heeding. It reads: "Age and treachery will always defeat youth and zeal." Before we engage in spiritual warfare, we should know this about Satan: he is an ancient and extremely treacherous foe. On the other hand, the strength of most Christians lies primarily in idealism and untested fervor. It is not long, usually five to ten years in the ministry, and most zeal has waned. Without warning, the minister's call has deteriorated from a walk of vision to a mere job.
What occurred was that zeal, by itself, challenged the treachery of hell and lost. The brightness of youthful dreams dimmed under the dark cloud of relentless satanic assault. Under the weight of growing frustrations and discouragement, compromise increased, and with it came iniquity and spiritual bondage.
I want to talk with you about spiritual warfare. Before we proceed, however, I have two concerns. The first is our need for wisdom. There is an old European proverb worth heeding. It reads: "Age and treachery will always defeat youth and zeal." Before we engage in spiritual warfare, we should know this about Satan: he is an ancient and extremely treacherous foe. On the other hand, the strength of most Christians lies primarily in idealism and untested fervor. It is not long, usually five to ten years in the ministry, and most zeal has waned. Without warning, the minister's call has deteriorated from a walk of vision to a mere job.
What occurred was that zeal, by itself, challenged the treachery of hell and lost. The brightness of youthful dreams dimmed under the dark cloud of relentless satanic assault. Under the weight of growing frustrations and discouragement, compromise increased, and with it came iniquity and spiritual bondage.
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