7 Reasons Why Light Will Eventually Overcome Darkness

Isaiah 60:1-3 illustrates the principle that God sometimes displays His Glory the most amid the most challenging times in culture and society. Truly, those who understand God’s ways know that every challenge is an opportunity to elevate our capacity. John 1:1-7 gives seven reasons why light will eventually overcome all darkness. (In this context, we understand light to be a metaphor for God’s truth, and darkness is a metaphor for the distortion of truth through the evil one and his fallen systems of earthly governance.)

1. The Logos (truth, logic, wisdom, and language of God) is the foundation for all creation reality. 

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The word “beginning” (“Arche” in Greek) was a classical Greek term that referred to philosophers trying to define the “stuff” out of which emanated the material universe. In Greek, the “Word” is “Logos,” which in classical Philosophy referred to the wisdom, logic, and idea that underpins the cosmos. Scripture teaches us here that the origin of all living and nonliving things is Jesus, who is the Logos or wisdom of God. Hence, underpinning all reality is the knowledge and language of God, who spoke and created time and space. The Light will overcome the darkness because, as knowledge and learning increase, logic and reason will eventuate in the dissipation of atheistic evolution and the worldwide scientific embrace of the creator.

2. Creation reflects the glory of God whose complexities in design point to the creator (Psalms 19, Romans 1:19-23).

“He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). As scientific disciplines in the field of geology, anthropology, cosmology, biology, zoology, and so on get more acute and sophisticated, the complexities and beauty of the creative design will overthrow (anti-supernatural) materialistic presuppositions. This will result in a wave of scientists converting to a belief in intelligent design. Consequently, the light will overcome the darkness because new scientific findings will be broadcast, and it will awaken a new generation of God seekers.

3. All (biological and spiritual) life arises out of Christ. 

“In him was life…” (John 1:4). The Greek word for life is “Zoe,” which in Scripture refers not just to biological but to the (eternal) spiritual life that originates in Jesus. Spiritual here signifies not just conscious existence but connectivity to God out of which emanates power, purpose, and meaning. This ultimately points to and exists only in Jesus (which points back to when God breathed His spirit into man, and he became a living soul; see Genesis 2:7). Consequently, light will overcome the darkness because all who earnestly seek for deeper meaning and significance will find the Son (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

4. “The life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

Jesus is the light of all men, not just saved men. Hence, this points again to creation grace, or common grace, whose path leads to Christ. Consequently, creation grace is the divine gift that grants civilization the illumination needed for the laws of logic, public administration, economics, politics, the sciences, music, art, education, etc. The light will overcome the darkness because the laws of logic, natural law, and creation grace ultimately lead to Jesus since the created order doesn’t make sense without a wise Creator/Designer.

5. The essence and nature of light is greater than the essence of darkness.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t overcome it” (John 1:5). (“Katalambanō,” is a Greek word meaning: to lay hold of, win, attain; catch up with, seize; catch; understand, grasp, or overcome.) We know that, in its essence, light is, by nature, more powerful than darkness. This can be demonstrated by the fact that if you light a match in darkness, it easily pervades and pierces through it. The light will eventually fully overcome the darkness since darkness cannot fully grasp or attain the light; hence, the light is more sophisticated and greater than darkness.

6. The prophetic voice of people grounded in the light. 

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light but came to bear witness about the light” (John 1:6-8). John the Baptist represented the culmination of the Old Testament prophets and, as such, was the bridge to the Lord Jesus. John also represented all those who have had an experiential encounter with God to be a witness of Him (Acts 1:8). John, as the last of the Old Testament prophets, also represented the power and truth of the inspired words of these prophets as recorded in sacred Scripture. He even claimed to be the one Isaiah prophesied about as the voice crying out in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord. Thus, he had a high view of Scripture (Isaiah 40: 3-5).

So, included in this point is the amazing accuracy, profundity, and authority of the recorded Word of God (recognized by the historic Christian church as the sixty-six books included in the canon of Scripture). Peter calls Scripture the surer word of prophecy (2 Peter 1:19-21). The greatest proof of the bible is the impossibility of the contrary, which means it has the only world and life view that makes rational sense of human existence and the created order. The light will eventually overcome the darkness because the prophetic voice of the church grounded in the power and fidelity of the Scriptures will overcome all opposition to King Jesus.

7. “…That all might believe through him” (John 1:7).

John’s mission was that everyone who heard his preaching would believe in the Messiah. However, since He represented all of the Old Testament prophets and Scriptures, His mission also pointed to the meta-narrative of Scripture. It pointed to the consummation of human history when all things in heaven and earth will be aligned under Christ and when every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Ephesians 1:10, Philippians 2: 3-12). The Light will overcome darkness because one day there will be a groundswell of people believing and pointing to Christ who will restore all things spoken by the prophets (Acts 3:21).

Please check out the latest book from Joseph Mattera here!

Why We Wrote Our Statement on ‘NAR’ and Christian Nationalism

Last week, Dr. Joe Mattera and I released, “A Collective Statement on the ‘New Apostolic Reformation’ (NAR” and ‘Christian Nationalism’.” It was signed initially by 64 Christian leaders, some of them representing whole denominations or ministry networks, and the number of other leaders signing on is growing by the hour. But why we did write this statement in the first place? What were our motivations and what was our purpose?

I should state first that Dr. Mattera and I submitted the statement to a larger circle of leaders, including biblical scholars, theologians, pastors, leaders of apostolic and prophetic networks, and others. We listened to them carefully, revising and correcting and expanding the statement as best we could to reflect the important input we received. But in the end, we take responsibility for the statement, and comments and criticism should be directed to us.

As to why we penned the statement in the first place, there were two primary reasons.

First, we wanted to take the narrative into our own hands, sharing with both the Church and the world what we really believed and why we believed it.

What did we believe when it came to apostolic and prophetic ministry today? How did these ministries interface with local churches and local leaders? What were the abuses we rejected? What concerns did we have? And did we identify with what is widely called “NAR” today?

As for “Christian nationalism,” it can be a benign term, a beautiful term, or a very dangerous term.

How did we define it? What did we affirm was healthy (in terms of national identity and national security)? What did we consider unhealthy and even dangerous (in terms of marrying politics with the gospel or conflating national identity with the kingdom of God)? What connection, if any, exists between “NAR” and “Christian nationalism,” and where did we stand concerning this connection?

Second, we were acutely aware that, with the 2022 and then 2024 elections looming near, there would be growing concerns about alleged Christian dominionist movements. These concerns would come from the left-leaning media in particular, who would often group all conservative Christians involved in politics with those espousing an unhealthy dominion theology.

We expected that the world would paint with an increasingly broad (and, sometimes, reckless) brush, mingling together some genuinely dangerous, “Christian” rhetoric with the valid concerns of millions of conservative Christians. The statement was our way of setting the record straight for those who wanted to know the truth.

That being said, we did not think for a moment that we could stem the tide of unbalanced and, at times, hysterical secular reporting. And we fully embrace the reproach of the cross and the slander of the world when it comes to our biblically-based stands.

We recognize that to the extent we represent Jesus to the world, we will be treated as He was treated. And we consider it a high honor to be maligned and rejected for the sake of righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:24-25; John 15:18-20; Acts 5:41; 2 Timothy 3:12).

At the same time, we consider it shameful when the Church draws the mockery of the world because of scandals. Or because we have become the appendage (or tool) of a political party (or leader). Or because we have compromised our ethics for the sake of earthly power.

We also did not think for a moment that our statement would stem the tide of criticism from within the Body related to apostolic and prophetic ministry today. Just as Jesus and Paul had their critics, every leader in Church history has had his or her critics, especially those who were spiritual pioneers. So be it.

That criticism, too, is a badge of honor, as long it comes as the result of us affirming what is true and biblical and right.

At the same time, there are many valid criticisms of apostolic and prophetic abuses today, criticisms which we affirm and which we have spoken against for years as well.

Now, here in our own words, we have stated what we do believe and do not believe, thereby separating fact from fiction for those who want to know the truth.

Yet our statement was not a response to all critics, in which case we would have needed book-length refutations to expose some of the errors and exaggerations and misstatements and misconceptions.

But now, by looking at the names of those who signed on to the statement, everyone can see what we actually do and not believe on a number of critically important points of theology and practice.

As for leaders who did not sign on, it’s best to ask them directly why they chose not to.

In some cases, they represent large networks of leaders and do not make public statements on their own, since they cannot represent everyone in their network (or denomination). In other cases, they simply have policies not to sign public statements or because they have drawn up their own statements. In still other cases, people did not sign on because they did not agree.

That’s why it is best not to draw conclusions without inquiring directly as to why a given leader did not sign on. But for those who did sign on, we urge you to take them at their word. What they signed is what they believe.

As for Dr. Mattera and I, we unashamedly and unapologetically affirm what we affirmed and reject what we rejected. There are no punches pulled and no holds barred.

To read the statement or to add your signature as a leader, go here.

May the Lord bring about what is best for the Church and the nations!

9 Errors of the Gospel Of Self Fulfillment

Since the dawn of the “positive thinking” message of Norman Vincent Peale in the 20th century, there has been an avalanche of preachers teaching variations of this message. (The “health and wealth” prosperity gospel, “name it and claim it,” along with various modes of motivational types of preaching.) When the objective is “self fulfillment,” the message often reduces the gospel of Christ to appease the narcissistic dreams of half-baked Christians. 

The following are nine errors of the Gospel of self-fulfillment:

1. The cross of Christ is absent. 

I have read many motivational Christian and secular books from all genres and the one glaring truth missing is the cross of Christ. Jesus told His followers that they had to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16: 24). That is to say, we are called to appropriate the power of the finished work of Calvary to our self-centered desires so we can fulfill His will. (Read Galatians 2:19-20 to see how the Apostle Paul taught the church to apply the cross to their flesh.)

The cross is absent from the Gospel of self-fulfillment because it is antithetical to its essence. That is to say, the cross rebuts the notion of attempting to live without suffering as it contradicts the idea of living a life based on self-fulfillment. In reality, God calls us to do many things that we do not like and that do not grant us great happiness. 

Paul even said that he did not count his life of any value so that he may finish the ministry the Lord gave him (Acts 20:24).

2. It empowers egocentric dreams.

One of the famous mantras today is that “you can be anything you want to be ” or “all our dreams can come true.” However, the reality is that not all of our dreams and desires are God-given or grounded in reality. (Reality includes self-awareness regarding one’s natural ability and talent.) This kind of teaching makes people disillusioned if their desire is not rooted in God.

3. There is rarely a mention of sin.

I do not remember reading anything substantive about the consequences of sinful living in the dozens of motivational books I have read. These books and preachers only focus on “positive things” and rarely mention how the practice of conscious sin can derail a person’s calling. Unfortunately, this gives believers the impression that living a holy life is inconsequential to fulfilling their purpose. Of course, scripture teaches us that nothing can be further from the truth (1 Corinthians 10:6-14; Hebrews 3-4).

4. People are not taught to admit weakness. 

2 Corinthians 11-12 detail how the Apostle Paul had no issue bragging about his weaknesses. This grounded Paul and his readers in reality and helped them understand how believers need to depend upon the power of Christ to fulfill their calling. Unfortunately, many in the “self fulfillment” camp rarely admit their weaknesses in public because it goes against their public personification of perfection, personal victory, and success. 

5. It promotes the fallacy of no limitations.

I have learned the hard way that I have personal limitations. Understanding my natural and spiritual strengths, proclivities, and weaknesses helps me focus. I do not waste my time trying to walk outside the lane of my assignment and abilities. This flies in the face of those who take Paul out of context and cite, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” In this passage, Paul was not referring to accomplishing whatever he wanted but that he could fulfill God’s calling despite his financial challenges (Philippians 4:10-13).

6. Failure and pain are not part of the process.

Another life lesson I have learned is that I cannot avoid pain while fulfilling my purpose in Christ. Sometimes pain is self-inflicted and can be avoided, but often it is out of our control since it has to do with the deleterious actions of others. Also, sometimes we make the wrong decisions that cause us to fail in a particular endeavor. The only person who does not fail is the person who never attempts to do anything challenging. The key to success is not to avoid failure but to “fall forward” and learn from the experience. 

7. The goal is often happiness.

Many come to church seeking happiness, but happiness is not the top priority God has for us in this life. Our highest calling is to know God and obey Him, not to seek a life of self-fulfillment and pleasure (Philippians 3:3-12). The unhappiest people I know are the ones whose primary motivation in life is to be happy. However, the happiest people on earth are the ones who live to serve God and others. 

8. It is individualistic.

Another grave error of the gospel of self-fulfillment is that it is based upon individual fulfillment and destiny. In Scripture, there is no individual earthly vision, mission, purpose, and destiny. Everything we do is interrelated with other people because we are all part of the same body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Of course, the major exception is when every person stands before the Judgment Seat of Christ. There, we will stand as individuals without the ability to use another person or situation as a scapegoat (2 Corinthians 5:10).

9. It doesn’t teach the whole counsel of God.

The apostle Paul said that he was free from the blood of all men because he taught them the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27). When we only accentuate certain truths to the exclusion of other truths in the Bible, we are guilty of reflecting the wrong image of God and His Word. 

Many preachers of the Gospel of self-fulfillment focus on the goodness and love of God to the exclusion of His righteousness, holiness, and justice. Scripture teaches us that righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne (or rule); hence when we exclude this side of God, we are left without a divine foundation. 

In closing, whenever we expose ourselves to only one teaching genre, we become unbalanced and eventually find out our belief does not comport with real-life experience. 

7 Traits of the Sown Life 

Paul said he was a “drink offering”. This meant that he offered his very life, spirit, soul, and body, to the Lord and to His church as a “living sacrifice” (Numbers 15:4-10; 2 Timothy 4:6; Romans 12:1-2). He also said he not only “spent” but “was spent” for the gospel (2 Corinthians 12:15). When you spend, you donate discretionary resources. When you are spent, you give everything you have, even your life.

“The rich man is not one who is in possession of much, but one who gives much” (The Homilies of S. John Chrysostom on the Statues: Or, To the People of Antioch, p.42).

When a person is only partially committed to Christ, he is “half baked”.  It’s like a half baked  cake or something that is lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, like the Laodicean church (Hosea 7:8, Revelation 3:14-16). Jesus expects His disciples to count the cost and forsake all to follow Him (Luke 14:23-35). 

The following are seven signs you are living the sown life:

1.You fully surrender to the will of God every day without hesitation.

Every morning we need to start the day with a blank slate in our hearts, fully submissive to the Lord. We should echo the words of Jesus when He told the Father, “Not My will but Your will be done” (Matthew 26:39).

When we start the day with that submissive attitude, we allow Him the opportunity to fill us with His Spirit. Consequently, by waiting upon Him and practicing the spiritual disciplines (private or corporate prayer, worship, bible meditation, fellowship with other believers), it is easier to abide in His presence throughout the day and set the Lord before us (Psalm 16:8).

2.You live a life of peace that arises out of fully resolving to live for Christ.

When we acknowledge and submit to Christ in all our ways, we are at peace because we can trust that He’s directing our paths (Proverbs 3:5-7). By submitting to Him daily, we cast our cares upon the Lord and resist our anxious thoughts by prayer and supplication (Phillippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6).

3.You take up your cross daily.

While this is not a popular preaching theme in contemporary hyper-grace churches (who believe the gospels fall under the category of the Old Testament and do not apply to the church), taking up our cross is still a command for the church. Paul, the apostle, reconfirmed that this is still relevant to the church when he said he was crucified with Christ, and it was no longer he who lives but Christ who lives in him.

(Galatians 2:19-20). The historical cross was the gory method in which Jesus and thousands of others were put to death during the Roman empire (Matthew 27:37).

Jesus, anticipating His future execution, admonished His disciples to take up their cross. He explained what this meant when He said that if someone wants to preserve or protect his life, he will lose it. However, if someone loses his life (which means fully surrendering to God), he will find it (Mark 8:34-38). Hence, the cross has been used as a powerful symbol to refer to a person’s absolute surrender to God by crucifying ones self-will and sinful desires (Galatians 5:24).

“Whatever was done in the crucifixion of Christ, His burial, His resurrection on the third day, His ascension into heaven, His being seated at the Father’s right hand—all these things were done thus, that they might not only signify their mystical meanings, but also serve as a model for the Christian life which we lead here on the earth” (Augustine, 354-430; Enchiridion, 53). 

4.You live beyond the measure of your natural abilities. 

God was angry at His people in the first covenant because they limited Him (Psalm 78:41). One way we limit God is by disobeying Him when He requires us to do something beyond our natural abilities or resources (when Israel refused to conquer the promised land because they saw giants in the land – Numbers 13). When we surrender to God, we live a life of faith that fully trusts Him, which often requires us to live beyond the limits of our natural, rational world (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

5.You count not your life as dear to yourself. 

The apostle Paul said he was able to finish his divine assignment commensurate to his willingness not to count his life as dear to himself (Acts 20:22-24). This is due to not drawing back because of difficult circumstances, tests, trials, challenges, and inconveniences. Unfortunately, many Christians retreat from ministry and from serving Christ when things get difficult. It’s often because their love of self exceeds their love for God.

6.Your life is a witness, not merely your words.

Jesus told His disciples that the purpose of the coming power of the Spirit was so that they would be His witnesses (Acts 1:8-9). Thus, we should not separate our life from our words and beliefs in the Christian faith. When we are fully sown into the Lord, we become a living epistle, and people will be able to follow our life, not just our words (2 Corinthians 3:2-3, 2 Timothy 3:10-14).

7. You bear much fruit.

Jesus told us that those who continually abide in Him would bear much fruit since they are recipients of His life and virtue (John 15:1-7). Hence, one of the signs of a life entirely devoted to Him, the sown life, is the power, life, and ministry of Christ working through a person. In this context, fruit refers to both the fruits of the Spirit (the character of Christ shown in Galatians 5:22-23) and the works of the ministry of Christ (John 14:12).

In conclusion, I pray that all of us will be fully sown into the kingdom of God and not merely give God the leftovers of our discretionary time, talent, and treasures. 

Racism, Abortion, and the Implications of the “Sanctity of Human Life”

At the writing of this article, there has been another horrific mass shooting, this time in Buffalo, New York. I am convinced that one of the primary reasons for this deluge of mass shootings over the past decade is the generational desensitization of human life in general, especially with the legalization of abortion. After all, if a nation can legalize shedding the blood of the most innocent and vulnerable among us, this can subconsciously segue to the shedding of the post-birth blood of fully formed adult humans. (A nation’s conscience and boundaries are established by what it allows through its laws and ethics.) 

Since true Christ-followers believe that all humans were made in the very image of God, they have historically valued the sanctity of life (Genesis 1:27). The first divine act of establishing human government was centered around the moral implications of being made in the image of God as it related to the shedding of human blood (Genesis 9:6).

 According to a news report I saw on television, the shooter was allegedly a white supremacist who had a conversation with a black man the day before the shooting in the same parking lot of the supermarket where the shooting occurred. They spoke about race. The black man interviewed said he told him “there is only one race.” However, the young white man said, “there are many races.” This belief that there are many races goes along with the evolutionary perspective of Charles Darwin, who wrote “On the Origin of Species and the Preservation of Favored Races” (1859), which purported that some species of humanity evolved more than others. 

Future white supremacists like Adolf Hitler and abortion advocate, founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger, utilized this evolutionary theory of various races to justify discrimination against others. While Sanger attempted to use abortion as a legal way to exterminate the so-called “negro race,” Hitler utilized gas chambers to preserve his view of a pure breed of humanity. 

Biblically speaking, since all humans are made in the image of God, there is only one human race (Acts 17:26). Hence the biblical position of the imago Dei (image of God) is the most significant ideological position to hold against racism and all forms of human degradation, including abortion. 

Regarding abortion, one of the seven sins God abhors is the shedding of innocent blood because the (human) life is in the blood (Proverbs 6:17, Leviticus 17:14). Consequently, throughout church history, Christ-followers have always fought for and advocated for the sacredness of human life, including humanity in its “pre-birth” and “post-birth” stage of development. (This is why the church spoke out against abortion, infanticide, and slavery from the beginning of its existence. This is evidenced in documents like the first-century book, “The Didache,” as well as numerous other historical records of early church practice.) More importantly, biblical passages in Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139, and Luke 1:41 give the Hebraic perspective that human life begins in the womb.

Furthermore, in Exodus 21:22-23, we have an instance of biblical case law in which harming a child in the womb carries the same penalties as when harm is inflicted on a post-birth human. Ultrasound also gives incontrovertible scientific proof that a baby just a few weeks old in the womb already has a beating heart and all human biological features in its embryonic stage. (If every woman were required by law to view the ultrasound image of their baby in their womb before they had an abortion, this horrific practice of infanticide would rarely occur!) Thus, as already stated, when the United States legalized abortion in 1973, it desensitized people regarding the sanctity of life. Thus, having less cultural regard for the rights of the most vulnerable in society (a human baby) can easily project less value to all other humans. After all, if you justify killing an innocent human baby in the womb in the name of “women’s rights,” the overall regard for humanity quickly goes downhill like a domino effect. 

Hence, the equation goes like this: a culture with less regard for innocent unborn babies can equal less respect for all other humans. (This results in more post-birth racism, crime, murder, rape, and sexual harassment.) Therefore, this erosion of societal mores makes it easier for people to objectify one another for their ends (like a mother terminating her pregnancy for economic reasons or to avoid embarrassment).

Does this mean that a pro-life individual will never murder, sexually harass or abuse another individual? Of course not. Since all humans are born in sin, we are guilty of living duplicitous lives and compartmentalizing truth. However, a pro-life person who intentionally murders or harms another person is going against his core belief system, which should make it harder for them to act on their deviant impulse. Conversely, pro-choice people who are against the mistreatment of humans are inconsistent with their worldview since their ideological position fails to protect the most vulnerable humans. 

In conclusion, I believe that the current conversations regarding mass shootings, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, and slave labor should also lead us to dig down further and reexamine the abortion debate. All these issues are inexplicably connected through the implications of the imago Dei which should frame our view of the sanctity of human life, both pre-birth and post-birth. 

Historically, the people of God have always fared well amid adversity. The history of both Israel and the Church has demonstrated how safety and prosperity took away their zeal. This  resulted in them falling away from God (1 Kings, 2 Kings, Revelation 2:2-5, Revelation 3:17). As much as we don’t like to hear it, God often allows adversity in our lives to motivate us to cling to Him and seek Him. During these extremely difficult times as it  relates to the pandemic, global economic, and political unrest, we should trust God to reveal His glory greater than ever before! This biblical principle is shown in Isaiah when he prophesied that when darkness covers the earth, the glory of God will be seen upon his people (Isaiah 60:2). 

The following are the seven biblical models of kingdom advancement in adversity:

1. The Red Sea model of deliverance

When God led the children of Israel out of the bondage of slavery, they found themselves trapped between the army of Egypt and the Red Sea.

During this huge crisis of faith, God told Moses to “stand back and see the salvation of God” (Exodus 14:13). Consequently, God delivered them by parting the Red Sea so they could cross over on dry land and drowning the Egyptian army when they attempted to do the same thing. This great deliverance enabled the Jews to eventually cross into the promised land of their inheritance one generation later. Often, our greatest hardship allows God to demonstrate His mighty power for our deliverance and victory! 

2. The Abrahamic model of Liminality 

The first test of Abraham was one of liminality. Liminality is a state of transition between one stage and the next, especially between significant stages in one’s life when one transitions out of a place of comfort and stability to another place not yet manifested. God tested Abraham this way when He told him to leave his country and his family to a land God had yet to show him (Genesis 12:1, Hebrews 11:8). Of course, Abraham’s obedience to this strange command secured an inheritance in the promised land for his descendants (Genesis 17:5-8). Hence, Christ-followers should embrace stages in their life when they have to transition by faith from a place of comfort to a place not yet revealed before God can bring them into their inheritance.

3. The Noahic model of blind obedience

Noah spent decades building an ark after God warned him concerning events that were not yet possible in his contemporary ecosystem (a deluge of rain causing a universal flood). Consequently, he became a social outcast while constructing a boat to save his household (Hebrews 11:7). His blind obedience resulted in saving his whole household and becoming a sort of “second Adam”, called to bear fruit, multiply, and have dominion (Genesis 9:1-2). 

4. The Exodus/Acts model of multiplication in persecution

When the children of Israel multiplied in Egypt, Pharaoh responded by oppressing them. However, this devious scheme backfired because the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied (Exodus 1:8-14). Acts also illustrate this principle when the Church continued to expand and multiply despite great opposition and persecution (Acts 3-5, Acts 8:1-4).

We also witness in contemporary times how the Church is expanding during persecution in nations like China, Iran, India, and beyond. Thus, the persecuted Church often produces devoted Christ-followers willing to risk their lives for kingdom advancement and Gospel proliferation.

5. The David versus Goliath model 

When David defeated Goliath, David modeled the principle of trusting God for victory despite having a huge natural disadvantage (1 Samual 17).

Consequently, God curses those who trust in the arm of flesh and blesses those who trust in Him even in times of drought and natural adversity (Jeremiah 17: 5-8). In these days of hyperinflation, the prospect of World War III, and political polarity, God will honor the faith of those who put their trust in Him for ultimate victory

6. The Jesus model of death and Resurrection

Jesus taught His disciples that they had to lose their life to save it (Mark 8:35). 

He illustrated this attitude of self-denial when, in the garden of Gethsemane, He told His father, “not my will but your will be done” (Matthew 26:39). Consequently, after His execution by crucifixion, God demonstrated His greatest cosmic act of power when He abolished death and brought life and immortality to light by raising Jesus from the dead (2 Timothy 1: 10). The Apostle Paul also had to experience the sentence of death to learn how to trust God, who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:8-10).  

Thus, sometimes the Church experiences a victorious resurrection after what seems to be a great defeat or death of their ministry. 

7. The Pauline model of supernatural strength in weakness

As Paul matured in his faith, he learned to turn his natural weaknesses into a supernatural advantage through humility. He discovered that he could experience strength in Christ when he was weak. Therefore, he bragged about his weaknesses more than his natural strengths so that the power of Christ may rest upon him (2 Corinthians 11:30, 2 Corinthians 12:5). God actually allowed a messenger of Satan, “a thorn in the flesh,” to follow him around to buffet him (2 Corinthians 11:17-12:10). He stopped praying to God to remove this “thorn in the flesh” after Jesus revealed to him that His grace is made perfect through his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). Consequently, instead of complaining during hardship, Christ-followers should embrace suffering and opposition as an opportunity to manifest the power of God through their weakness. 

(I just released my latest book, The Purpose, Power, and Process of Prophetic Ministry. To purchase click here. )

Going into 2022, some of us sensed that this would be another very challenging year. Of course, most of us hoped that we would go back to some normalcy with the pandemic mainly behind us. However, the word I sensed the Lord gave me for 2022 was that the Church needed “perseverance and faithfulness in the midst of hardship.” This, of course, implied that it was going to be another challenging year.

That is now an understatement with the world on the precipice of World War III. In addition, we are seeing record inflation, which is raising prices and devaluing our money. In many regards, we are already in World War III with major superpowers pitted against one another along with all their subset allies. The only difference is we have not yet fired direct shots upon one another. That being said, I believe in the power of prayer that can alter the destiny of nations!

Historically we have also seen how the Lord can use one person to stem the tide of war and tilt it in favor of more righteous nations. (Intercessor Rees Howell was famous for praying until he broke through in the spirit for victory during WWII in England while his nation was under attack from Germany.) 

I Timothy 2:1-4 teaches us to pray for political leaders to have peace for the sake of the gospel. This shows us that prayer can alter the course of a nation and avert wars. Indeed, the Lord searches for people to stand in the gap and make up the hedge before he allows destruction to come upon a nation (Ezekiel 22:30). If there was ever a time that God is looking for watchmen on the wall to pray until His will is fulfilled, it is now (Isaiah 62:7).

The following are eight urgent prayer targets for the Church to engage in immediately to avert global catastrophe!

1. Pray that the Ukrainian people will not lose their democratic freedom.

Our hearts are broken as we look at the news and see all the civilians, including women and children, being mercilessly attacked. Whether we agree with the political and policy leanings of Ukraine or not, the truth of the matter is Russia attacked a democratically led sovereign nation. We need to pray that the Lord’s will be done in this matter. In the same way God gives humanity freedom of choice to live the way they choose, God doesn’t want autocratic leaders imposing their will on other people through violence or through any other means.

2. Pray that the infrastructure of Ukraine will not be obliterated.

Whatever happens, we need to pray that the infrastructure of Ukraine, which includes running water, electricity, the flow of gas, highways, hospitals, schools, and everything else needed to sustain a civilized society, remain intact during this invasion. During a war, the usual international rules of engagement are that civilians and vital infrastructures should not be attacked. Pray that Vladimir Putin changes course and stops attacking nonmilitary targets.  If he doesn’t, he will not have a stable people or a nation to rule over if he destroys the infrastructure, if he wins the war. 

3. Pray that the war will not escalate to include NATO nations.

We need to pray that Russia does not cross over into NATO nations. If it does, it will cause a direct conflict with the United States. Also, many are pressuring the US to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine, which would also mean NATO pilots will engage Russian aircraft in battle, leading to World War III.

4. Pray that Putin will not go nuclear to salvage the war.

Russia has stated that it has changed the rules of engagement regarding nuclear war. This opens a door for them to utilize low-grade atomic weapons to decimate Ukraine if conventional warfare is ineffective.

“Russia continues to reserve the right to use nuclear weapons to end conventional military conflicts.” 

The use of any nuclear weapons may trigger a nuclear response from the United States. Up until now, the policy of “mutually assured destruction” has stopped the world’s superpowers from engaging one another in battle. Please pray that Putin will not resort to utilizing nuclear weapons to save face because, thus far, they are losing the conventional war. 

5. Pray that China will not directly aid Russia.

If China gets involved militarily, it may cause an economic conflict with the USA. This will  eventually lead to a physical conflagration that will pit NATO nations against Russia, China and their allies.

6. Pray that the orthodox Church in Russia will not back the war.

“Russian Orthodox bishop Kirill, the Patriarch of Moscow, has endorsed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s narrative on Ukraine in a sermon Sunday.”

However, in Russia, nearly 300 Orthodox members of a group called Russian Priests for Peace signed a letter condemning the “murderous orders” carried out in Ukraine.

7. Pray that the pressure from within Russia to stop the war will prevail.

Thousands of protesters in Russia are going into the streets with the demand to stop the war! This is unprecedented in a totalitarian state like Russia. Pray that this movement either topples Putin’s government or forces him to withdraw from Ukraine.

8. Pray that Putin will think rationally. 

Some report that Putin is an egomaniac with a small inner circle who doesn’t listen to other people. Other reports show that he may even be physically sick, which can explain why he is in a hurry to annex Ukraine. Whatever the case may be, we need to pray that he thinks rationally and is not driven by his ego at the expense of global peace.

(I just released my latest book, The Purpose, Power, and Process of Prophetic Ministry. To purchase click here. )

We are presently witnessing a war in Ukraine. A historical cyclical pattern repeats itself as it relates to the emergence of a multi-polar global order (when there are at least three powerful nations in the world who compete for world dominance). 

In this article, uni-polar refers to a global order with only one world superpower, and bi-polar refers to two nations competing for global domination. 

The following are ten lessons we can learn:

1. Uni-polar powers do not have longevity.

We had a bi-polar world during the Cold War with two superpowers countenancing each other, the Soviet Union and the USA. After the iron curtain fell in 1991, it left the world with only one superpower, the USA. After about only three decades, we are now witnessing the emergence of a multi-polar world order with at least three superpowers vying for global economic/military control: America, Russia, and China.

2. Empires come and go while the kingdom of God continues to grow.

In the last several millennia, we have seen the vast empires of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Greece, Rome, Mongolia, and Britain come and go. However, the kingdom of God continues to develop and advance despite all opposition (Isaiah 9:6-7).

3. Past historical arrangements can determine our present and future.

More than 1000 years ago, Vladimir, leader of the Rus (modern-day Russia), summoned the whole city of Kiev to a river for a mass baptism. Consequently, the year 988 founded Russian Orthodox Christianity. This brand of Christianity would create a synthesis of nationalism and institutional religion held together by a love of the motherland. Vladimir was eventually considered a saint. Fast forward to 2022, and another Vladimir (Putin) is again motivated by political and religious history to unite and reclaim Kiev as part of the motherland. He will also likely demand that the Ukrainian orthodox patriarchy submits to the rule of the Russian orthodox church.

4. There can be an unholy alliance between the institutional church and civic government.

In this current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the orthodox churches in both nations are blessing each other’s armies. Many are confused by how a Christian church can bless an army attacking a sovereign nation. However, historically there has been examples of an unholy triune alliance between the dragon, the state, and the false prophet, as noted in Revelation 12-13. (The false prophet is an institutional church or religion that promotes the ideals of the dragon by propagating conformity to the secular culture and state.) We also saw the same thing in Nazi Germany when the so-called “Reich church” supported the genocidal bloodletting of Hitler during WWII. 

5. There is usually only a short window for revival and awakening, as we see in the Baltic states.

I was in Kiev ministering the gospel in 1980, 1987, and 2004. I saw extraordinary hunger and moves of God in that region, (Riga, Latvia, and Estonia). The revival movement seemed to wane in the past decade. Now, the window for religious freedom can be closed if the Russian orthodox church regains power in the region and suppresses religious liberty and evangelicalism.

6. Earthly riches and real estate cannot be our eternal anchor.

The Russian war in Ukraine threatens to topple democratically elected governments. This may also result in real estate and bank accounts being confiscated. Thus, for millions of people, their money, assets, and wealth, accumulated throughout a lifetime, may disappear overnight! Indeed, this teaches us that ultimately we need to focus on laying up our treasures in heaven where “no thieves can break in and steal.”

7. Peace and safety weakens the resolve of strong nations.

As we have seen in the history of great empires (IE. Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Rome, etc.), most superpowers get lazy and complacent during times of peace and prosperity, eventually losing their superpower (unipolar) status. 

8. We have officially entered into a new multi-polar world order.

The American abandonment of Afghanistan signaled that their sole superpower status was quickly waning. This explains Putin’s land grab in Ukraine. This will also likely result in China making a move to reclaim Taiwan and possibly Iran, further exerting its influence throughout the Middle East.

9. One man can determine the fate of millions of people.

Some news outlets have reported that Putin has isolated himself and lives in his ego-centric world. Even many of his people disapprove of his actions as thousands have been protesting against his attack on Ukraine. This is just another example (like Hitler) of the power one leader can exert over their nation and the entire world. 

On a positive note, we could also see how one man could positively impact millions of people. For example, Ukrainian president Zelensky’s heroic stand against Russia inspires billions of people worldwide. I would not be surprised if Time magazine called him the person of the year for 2022! 

10.There is a direct conflict between globalists and nationalists. 

Putin, like former American President Trump, is not a globalist. This explains why Putin doesn’t care about the opinion of the UN; even economic sanctions won’t change him as long as Russia is continuing to export oil for dollars. 

China is part of the global theatre whenever it benefits them economically. However, despite world opinion, they lay claim to the South China Sea, (where they are building military islands), and Taiwan. Both Russia and China espouse a form of nationalism in which they put the aspirations and benefits of their nation ahead of the needs of the rest of the world (as contrasted with Globalists who believe a one world alliance is the only road to a societal utopia). Also, in general, many American conservatives (like Donald Trump) espouse a form of nationalism, or “America first”. However, most of the Christian conservatives I know also have a great love for the whole world because of their evangelical impetus (John 3:16). 

Hence, in the background of this Russian aggression against Ukraine, a huge ideological and political chess match between the globalists and nationalists will determine the future world order. 

(I just released my latest book, The Purpose, Power, and Process of Prophetic Ministry. To purchase click here. )

7 Effective Lies the Devil Tells Believers

The Bible teaches us that there is such a thing as a doctrine of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). This implies that demons, under the direction of Satan, attempt to give instructions to people, including church going Christians. Jesus even called the devil a liar and the father of lies who cannot abide in the Truth (John 8:43-44). Paul, the apostle, taught that strongholds are thoughts, arguments, and imaginations that set themselves up against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Hence, the main tactic of the devil is to deceive people into believing a lie. ( A lie is any thought or concept that contradicts the Bible). 

The following are 7 effective lies the devil tells believers:

1. Keep things in the dark.

Satan operates in the dark. He doesn’t want his deeds exposed by the light. All temptation to sin starts in secret (Proverbs 9:17). For example, when a believer is offended or struggling with something and keeps it in the dark, he creates the perfect ecosystem for satanic deception. This is one reason why Jesus urged offended people to go to the offender instead of first going to others with their issue ((Matthew 18:15-18). I have found that most offenses and demonic activity can be stopped in a church if people follow this principle. Walking in the light exposes and renders useless the hidden agenda of Satan. It also enables Christians to enjoy genuine fellowship with each other and God (1 John 1:7). Satan greatly opposes this principle of walking in the light in order that his deceptive agenda can continue unimpeded in the dark.

2. Leave your shepherd.

God has assigned specific leaders in the church to oversee certain people.  They protect the sheep and care for their souls (Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17). Satan will do anything in his power to separate sheep from their divinely assigned earthly shepherd. The most common demonic method is unfounded accusations and slander against spiritual authority. If the devil can isolate the sheep and pull them away from their proper covering, then the wolves can come and devour them (John 10:12).

3. Leave your church family.

I have seen people come to a church, get saved, mature in the faith, and then get pulled out by demonic deception. Usually, their friends leave and get them to attend another church. Consequently, most of the time, they stop growing and may even fall away! It may also begin a habit pattern of instability. Instead of being established in the house of God, their tendency will be to leave a church without a good biblical reason. Even though there are many good churches to choose from, a church is a family, and when you leave the family assigned to you, it’s often difficult to fit in with another family. Satan does not want believers to be planted in the house of the Lord since he doesn’t want them to mature and bear much fruit (Psalm 92:13-14).  

4. Leave your spouse 

There is no perfect marriage and no perfect husband or wife. After the initial romantic feelings of love begin to wane, conflict in the marriage usually begins to manifest. This is where the covenant to the marriage vow should kick in. Instead of getting counseling and working things out, the devil attempts to connect a spouse with another person to ignite a romantic spark between them. Although there are a few biblical reasons for a divorce, in most cases, it is caused by breaking the sacred covenant due to an expression of selfish desire (Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:8-9, 1 Corinthians 7:15). Since God hates divorce, that’s a sure sign that Satan loves divorce and will promulgate it in the Church to destroy the nuclear family unit. 

5. Leave your ministry 

During the COVID pandemic, I heard of many instances of pastors either resigning or seeking other fields of work. When times get tough, the devil will tempt you to take the easy way out and quit your assignment. When Peter attempted to talk Jesus out of going to the cross, Jesus addressed him as Satan and rebuked him (Mark 8:33). Representing Christ in the ministry is very hard- just ask the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 4:7-12). However, as hard as it is to remain faithful in the ministry, it will be harder in the long run if you abandon your post- just ask Judas (Acts 1:15-20).

6. Isolate yourself.

When things get difficult, the Bible says to encourage one another lest we fall into the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12-13). Hence, we need even more to stay connected to the body of Christ when undergoing temptations and challenging times. Of course, the devil desires the opposite and will attempt to influence believers to separate and isolate themselves from the church under the guise of working out their issues alone. Isolation is the perfect environment for satanic deception since the possibility of receiving truth and encouragement from other Christians is cut off.

7. Quitting on yourself.

Finally, the word of God admonishes believers to look unto Jesus for endurance amid challenges and while resisting sin (Hebrews 12:1-4). If, and when, we experience failure, we will be tempted to give up on ourselves due to shame, self-doubt, and feelings of condemnation. The devil feeds off of condemnation and worldly sorrow that leads us to death and separation from God. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit brings conviction when we sin, which leads us back to God through repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). 

May this article expose the works of the devil so that we are no longer ignorant of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). 

(I just released my latest book, The Purpose, Power, and Process of Prophetic Ministry. To purchase click here. )