Have you ever heard the nursery rhyme that goes like this—‘Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the doors and see all the people’?
Is the Church Age about church buildings, or is it about people? In the Bible’s New Testament books after the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the ‘Church’ always refers to the people who believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Son of God.
Just as the Old Testament was instruction for the people who lived back in those times on how to walk in God’s purposes, and the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John show us how Jesus lived according to God’s plan, the New Testament books after the Gospels now instruct us today on how to do the same.
Seek God First
Colossians 3:1–2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Spend some time every morning praying and just enjoying the presence of God, speaking to Him and letting Him speak to you.
Add Value to the World Around You
Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Do meaningful work. Gain knowledge and learn valuable skills. Help and serve others around you in real ways that meet real needs.
Do Hard Things Without Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Don’t ever be afraid of hard work or of doing hard things. God loves you and has already given you great strength and courage.
Fight Darkness with Light
Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Stand up, speak up, and show up. Dispel the darkness around you by shining forth God’s love and light.
The You Miracle
Always remember that you are a miracle, and that God’s plan includes you in His family and household. See yourself as God sees you: His beautiful child.
Plug into God’s purposes and plan, and your life will be an exciting adventure as a co-worker with the Creator of the universe!
Next, we’ll start our journey into understanding heaven, hell, and the end of the world.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is Part 4, the final part, in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
Over the years, as we reflect on the greatest principles to attribute our successes in life, our gratitude should go out to a strong faith in God, and unabashed prayer in the spirit. Hands down, developing the discipline of prayer in the spirit will be one of the most rewarding crafts we’ve mastered.
Much of life is about timing. It is about where we are, who we meet, and if we are prepared to embrace the opportunities that avail themselves—at that very point in time. Most of us have skills enabling us to walk through doors of opportunity— we just need those doors to open. Prayer in the spirit is that door opener. It corrects your timing errors. It synchronizes the gears in the machinery of your life. Then you too, like others of us, can say: “all things are working together for good.” (Romans 8:28). Sure, there are several principles fundamental to success—but this is one you really do not want to miss.
In closing, I encourage you to identify reminders that will help you to “S.I.T.” much. Find what works for you: posters, notes, watch alarms, etc. Sometimes the crazier, the more memorable! Associate routines, places, colors, even people! Have fun with it, and it will reward you.
Practice speaking out loud to expand your fluency, and then do it for a minimum duration every day. Then, learn to speak silently in your mind for extended periods. Enjoy the discipline: you will be proud of yourself when you see the rewards flowing into your life!
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is Part 3 in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
Ephesians expands on the greater works that we are now enabled to do, according to this new power that works in us:
Ephesians 3:20, 21a: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto Him be glory in the church…
God is able to empower us in great works: works that exceed above all that any of us could possibly conceive. But, it is according to the power that we must work within us. The theme of Ephesians 3:20 is this: “God’s limitless ability is released according to the measure we operate His power in us.” It is you—your release of the power of the holy spirit within you that determines the amount of God’s working in your life. He is able. He is willing. If you are willing to learn to walk by the spirit, you enable Him to respond exceedingly abundantly.
The other morning as I awoke, I had a “dream” regarding one of the young men who frequents our fellowships. In the picture, his girlfriend was weeping, saying that he had disappeared with no notice at all, and no one had any information. Opening my eyes, I knew this was of God.
Upon arising, I contacted my friend and invited him over. His response? “Crazy, I was just thinkin’ about ya, man!” The spirit of God was working in both of us simultaneously, by my believing. By expecting the spirit of God to work, I was available to God. If we do not anticipate hearing from the spirit of God, then we limit our revelation, and it will not be a daily part of our lives.
He is limited only “according to the power that works in us.” What is this power that works within us? It is the power of the holy spirit, (Acts 1:8a). How, then, can we manifest the holy spirit’s power into the senses realm? I Corinthians 12:6ff lists the nine operations by which the power of the holy spirit may be brought forth through the believer. There are nine and nine only—no more, and no less. Of the nine, speaking in tongues is the most fundamental, foundational manifestation, and usually the first one with which a new believer becomes skilled.
Ephesians 3:20 illustrates that as we operate the spirit, by tongues or the other manifestations, God’s ability is released into this world. But look at just how much: not merely all the things we ask, but above all that we can even think! Of course, it is above all that we can think, because SIT supersedes our thinking.
But wait, there’s more: “abundantly above”—in fact—“exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think!” Tongues opens doors to unclaimed, uncharted wealth!
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Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the Part 2 in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
John 14:12: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Can’t you just hear the squawking when you begin broadcasting you can do greater works? “What—you think you can do greater works than Jesus Christ?!” Yet, that is exactly what the Word of God declares.
So, every Christian in modern times must ask himself this question: “What are these greater works that God would have me to perform?” The evidence is found in Mark 16. Here, Jesus Christ foretold specifically of tongues: it was to be a sign of the future believers. It would be a sign simply because it would be a uniquely new work—one not yet available until after Christ’s ascension:
Mark 16:12: And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name…they will speak with new tongues. So, what then qualifies tongues as truly a greater work? Because when we speak, we bring to pass multiple accomplishments simultaneously. By means of tongues, God was able to incorporate into one work nearly all of the greatest works a man can do for God—and perform them perfectly, and simultaneously! For example:
praying perfectly,
making intercession for others,
receiving the mysteries of God,
praising and worshipping Him,
bonding with Him,
acquiring confirmation that you are a son of God…
…and this summarizes only some of the benefits. These are the greatest works believers perform before God. A single work of this magnitude was previously unachievable.
If Jesus Christ called it a “greater work”, wouldn’t that infer that he wished speaking in tongues were available in his day? And why wouldn’t he? Yet, it could not become available until he himself made the ultimate sacrifice.
Take a moment to recall some of what we would think are the super-cinematic “20th Century Fox” greatest works of Jesus Christ: raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, commanding devils out. Water into wine. Walking on water. Yet, above all these, Jesus Christ prized speaking in tongues as a “greater work.” Either we have not yet risen up to realize the raw power of tongues, or just perhaps our value scale of “greatness” is skewed.
But this we know to be certain—looking ahead to the coming of speaking in tongues, Jesus Christ foresaw its impact to be of such enormity that it was to be a “game changer” for the Church. Does it not seem astonishing to you how that which Jesus Christ so highly esteemed, his ministers today have made least significant?
But now, God has preserved this for our time, your tool to rely on throughout life’s travels. Analogous to the revolutionary cellular and internet technologies of recent decades, tongues is a convenience and a time-saver, which as you familiarize yourself with it, becomes easier and more dependable. It is truly a spiritual technological advancement. And like all newer and greater technologies, its purpose is to carry out a greater work.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the first part in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
The Prayer of the Prophets
“Greater works than these he will do…”
Now, here is a challenging subject to ponder: Today we have tongues as a tool to pray for unforeseeable matters in advance.
But, how did Jesus Christ and the prophets before him make intercession for future events that were beyond their sense knowledge to know anything about? The answer is apparent: they had to rely on revelation, as speaking in tongues became available only after Christ’s ascension. Until that time, when God requested prayer for matters beyond a believer’s senses perception, He had to reveal it with word of knowledge and word of wisdom.
Once details were made known to the believer, prayers could be offered via the understanding. So, before Pentecost, prayer for the unknown was limited by the recipients’ ability to first believe to receive the revelation.
Not so today. Praying by the spirit makes prayer as easy as prayer can be, and yet still be called “prayer!” Now we can pray with the same accuracy and precision that Christ and the prophets were able to achieve by revelation, yet accomplish it “passively” in tongues. This is because the “Christ in you” is actively originating the prayer, and is aware of all needs. As accurate as Christ’s revelation is, so is your prayer in tongues. Likewise, unless your revelation receptivity rivals that of the prophets, speaking in tongues might be the choice for you! Let the spirit obtain the guidance—we need only to speak in tongues with faith for perfect intercession to be successfully made!
Why couldn’t Jesus Christ nor the greatest of Old Testament prophets ever speak in tongues? Because it was simply not available. Only after Jesus Christ was seated at God’s right hand—and we with him—did speaking in tongues become available to the church. Foreseeing this, Jesus Christ declared specifically that we today would do even greater works than he himself was able to perform—a claim that would be censured as blasphemous today, if Christ had not said it himself!
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the second part in a new series on prayer called ‘Supplication In The Spirit’ by Steve Sann.
So, we are to use our minds while we speak in tongues to generally direct and enhance our prayer faith. Furthermore, Philippians 4 lays out for us a veritable supplication success formula, detailing the mindset and attitude in which to effectively offer supplication: Philippians 4:6,7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Already in Ephesians 6 we were instructed to offer these supplications in the spirit. But, here we are exhorted specifically regarding our mindset when we pray. First, we select the specific requests that we desire to make known to God. Here we are told we should be offering these petitions for “everything.” Indeed, whatever is triggering within you feelings of anxiety, wouldn’t those matters be encompassed by this term “everything”? God wishes you to bring Him those very petitions, leaving nothing to be anxious about.
Now that is a mindset that would serve all of us well to master. At the very moment an anxiety steals its way into your heart or mind, stop and speak in tongues, lifting that specific supplication to God. Should it return, we repeat as necessary, until our hearts are guarded by peace.
Secondly, we are to pray “with thanksgiving” to God for promising to take care of our requests. Believing with expectation our needs will be fulfilled, we can already at this time offer thanksgiving—as though we had already received His answer in the senses realm.
Thirdly, we are to make our requests “known unto God.” God already knows our requests. Rather, here we declare our petitions as one would before a court of justice. We claim them, as one would his legal rights. Although God knows our every supplication ahead of time, He now requests for us to claim those petitions before Him as rightfully ours.
And then, finally, with this prayer attitude firmly in place, “the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds” from the anxieties and worries that defeat. This peace of God surpasses all understanding, in that it is built upon the foundation of confidence in the principles of the Word, not of the senses reasoning. Hence, although it is supremely logical to trust in God, it surpasses the understanding of the natural man. It subsists by the third fruit of the spirit, “peace,” Galatians 5:22.
So, although speaking in tongues bypasses the understanding, God allows us to lift our specific needs to Him by the spirit when we focus our minds on the subject of our supplication. Speaking in tongues for that specific need gives us confidence that He has heard perfectly all that He needs to act on your behalf.
As we picture the specific needs of ourselves and others being met by God, while praying in the spirit, we are both praying in the spirit and in our understanding simultaneously. And, we are concurrently believing to bring it to pass. No more powerful form of prayer can be made. It follows then that, as a result, the peace of God protects the hearts of those who pray with supplication in the spirit.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the second part in a new series on prayer called ‘Supplication In The Spirit’ by Steve Sann.
1 Timothy 2:1: Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.
This commandment is clear. And, notably, supplication heads the list of the first of four critically needed types of prayer. Why are four different types of prayer listed in this exhortation? Because all four are different, all four must be practiced.
Generally, when a person speaks to God, we call that “prayer.” However, prayer comes in a variety of forms. Prayer that centers on the needs rather than on God Himself is called a supplication. In contrast, when we emphasize God, glorifying Him as the giver, that is prayer. Intercession is to stand before God in prayer in place of another. And, giving of thanks returns to the Father much deserved gratitude and recognition. All four of these forms of prayer are to be practiced in our private prayer life.
“Supplications,” as used in the Old Testament scriptures and even in the secular literature of that day, are literally this: the written requests and petitions— humbly, yet earnestly—brought before one of higher authority, as one would when making a plea before a ruler, a court or a judge. When the word “supplication” is used, it is to emphasize the person’s need for help, rather than accentuating God’s great ability to provide. When the scripture orders us to pray with supplications, it is telling us to call attention to our needs before God. God wants this. It enables Him to provide for us. So, supplications are those specific requests we claim before God to supply, whether for ourselves or for others.
God wants us to offer these supplications “in the spirit”—aka: tongues. How is this to be accomplished? By focusing individually on the people and the needs from our prayer list, we simultaneously pray with the spirit. While speaking in tongues, we center our mind’s attention on each issue of prayer at hand. Like we do when we “pray with our understanding,” we mentally picture the subject or issue of prayer; only now we speak in tongues simultaneously. The spirit then prays to God the details for each of the issues, the specifics of which we are usually unaware.
For example, I know to pray for my family. Nonetheless, I have little idea of the needed details. So, I make supplication via the spirit. In this way, specific prayer is offered for specific people. Supplication in the spirit is truly a blend of praying with your understanding and praying in the spirit—simultaneously: “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.” As Ephesians 6 emphasizes, we are to be, “watchful to this end with all perseverance”—not only for ourselves, but for “all the saints.” But, most importantly, He wants us to do this “always”—and He desires it via “in the spirit”; that is, praying in tongues. Day after day, He wants us passing the needs of the saints before Him via tongues.
For those “watching”, so becoming spiritually sensitive, often God will stir our hearts with an “awareness” to pray. Some call this a “burden of prayer.” At the time, the details are often not known, only that a certain someone or something somewhere requires prayer. Directing our thoughts to the subject of alert, we pray in the spirit covering the details, allowing God to intervene.
To develop this sensitivity, when praying with others, occasionally pray as God directs your hearts by revelation. Each can call out and describe the need as God guides. You will find that God graciously gives revelation to those who are willing to serve Him in prayer. Often God will make known only the topic, expecting that your prayer by the spirit will handle the details.
When God calls on us unexpectedly to make supplication, it is our responsibility to focus with faith. If you need to, pull your car over or excuse yourself from the room. Just like Jesus requested the urgent prayers of his disciples in his last hours at Gethsemane, we likewise are to “be watchful” and “persevere” during these critical moments, Matthew 26:40-41.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the first part in a new series on prayer called ‘Supplication In The Spirit’ by Steve Sann.
Praying for the Specifics
While working at home late one evening, in my early ministry years, I picked up the phone to be startled by the panicked voice of one of our youth leaders. In the background were the uncontrollable screams of his wife. Whatever launched her into hysterics, it was clear she was beyond reasoning, incommunicative.
Staggered and dazed, I didn’t know what to do. The man was pleading with me to take charge, “cast out the spirits or whatever,” and then thrust the phone to his wife. On the other end was the voice of a young woman in unreserved confusion. Trying to calm the situation was futile, as she would have none of that! Yet, through the melee that followed, a half-hour later, we were able to finally disconnect in some semblance of peace. I fell back into my office, shaken and perplexed.
Not long afterward, my wife appeared at the door, returning home from an event across state. Foregoing the usual courtesies, studying my face, she quizzed me: “Is there something strange going on here?” She explained: “While on the highway home, a picture of our house flashed into my mind. Suddenly I saw up on the side of the house the reflection of flashing red emergency lights! I began praying in the spirit like ‘a house-a-fire’ for whatever the situation was here at home!” She sighed, “I didn’t stop until a half-hour later when I sensed the emergency had passed.”
“Supplication” is exactly that: coming before God with a specific list of needs for ourselves and others. It may be that God gives you the specifics, expecting you to pray for another. Or, you may be listing to God for the needs of which you are already aware. Either way, when we bring specific needs before God in tongues, we are fulfilling, by definition, “supplication in the spirit.”
In today’s prayer publications, seldom a word is mentioned regarding supplication in tongues. Yet, as you may recall, in Ephesians 6, it was reinforced to make unfailing supplication in the spirit: Ephesians 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Twice in this one verse are we told to supplicate, always and with all perseverance, for all the saints. If supplication is this important, God confirming it with repeated absolutes, we can be confident we know what and how to carry it out effectively.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the fourth and final part in a new series on prayer called ‘Cease Not To Pray’ by Steve Sann.
Conceivably, there are countless matters around the world for which God would have us to pray, about most of which we are abysmally ignorant. Admittedly, at any time—even in our own lives—critical issues go neglected because we are woefully unaware. How could we possibly know all the events of tomorrow that yearn for prayer today? Unmistakably, this is our greatest prayer weakness. But now God has enabled us to articulate these critical prayers that we, heretofore, were powerless to utter. Bypassing the limitations of our senses, we can now lift to God the burdens that He Himself would have us pray for.
Watch as Romans 8:26-28 unfolds these very truths: Romans 8:26: Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses [literally, “weakness” – being singular in the text]. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself [or, “itself” in KJV] makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Our weakness places us at a distinct disadvantage: we do not know what to pray for “as we ought”— or, literally “as we must.” Why must we know what to pray for? Because, if you don’t know what to pray for, you can’t pray for it—right? So, praying solely with our understanding leaves scores of specific needs unaddressed.
For example, how would you possibly know that a financial crisis is looming only months ahead that could downsize your industry and devalue your profession, sending thousands of unemployed into the streets? Wouldn’t you want God working on your situation far in advance? Even perhaps opening the door into a more secure income stream long before?
Or, how could you possibly know to pray today to protect your loved ones from a freeway winter storm pile-up that threatens to kill or injure dozens of motorists? They need to not be on the freeway at that moment—but who’s going to make that intercession? Or, would you like the right people at just the right time to notice your talents, elevating you to new opportunities? Who better than God knows exactly when those “right times” really are?
These are prayers best prayed in the spirit. Romans 8: 27: Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Verse 27 hammers home that the spirit enables us to intercede not only for ourselves, but for God’s people the world over. By the spirit you will be praying for the specific needs of specific people. You may not know them, but rest assured the Father does, and He is the one giving you the words. Moreover, the spirit intercedes for the saints literally “according to God”—with God’s actual words, as the spirit’s function is to speak verbatim that which has been received, (John 16:13).
Do you see why the centerpiece of the Church, the responsibility which is bedrock to all others, is that of the intercessor? These are the warriors upon which all church achievement is reliant. Without the intercessors calling in God’s involvement, the wheels of church advancement rumble to a standstill. Armed with SIT, a basic, critical component to the armor of God, these prayer warriors clear the way for God’s ministers to enter into the fray, (Ephesians 6:13-20).
Do you seek to find your calling in the church? God is looking for men and women right now who can pick up the calling to become intercessors for His people. There is not a single, more vital, more urgent job within the church. Romans 8:28 follows on the heels of verse 27 continuing in this context of prayer and intercession by the spirit: Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
To obtain a promise from God that all things will work together for good would certainly be exhilarating for anybody. Yet, have we understood this promise in its actual context? The “good” received in verse 28 is a result of the “intercession” in the spirit given in verse 27! Of course—that makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Good things just don’t happen to good people. For it is only by our intercession for all things in life do all things work together for our good. Speaking in tongues is what makes that kind of global intercession available at your fingertips.
Furthermore, verse 28 points out that those whose love for God are those who are called—and subsequently answering the call by walking—according to His purpose. Again, in regards to intercessory prayer, the context immediately preceding clearly states God’s purpose for us.
For those of us who live this prayer lifestyle, this verse promises that, in the end result, we will prosper. In my life, each road to success is fraught with the hazards of the unexpected. Nonetheless, in the very end, I always believe God’s good is mine to obtain. That is precisely the promise. You see if you are confident that the war is yours to win, would you let battles lost along the way discourage you? No—lost battles are often just “the cost of doing business.” And, my friend, you must be willing to pay the cost of doing business. It’s the persistent folk in life who reap the rewards—armed with prayer in the spirit, coupled with the wisdom of life and sheer determination.
