LEADERSHIP

Were You "Sent" or "Just Went" Into Ministry?

* By Joseph Mattera
* Published 03/27/2010
* Christian Leadership
* Rating: Unrated

Joseph Mattera

Joseph Mattera has been in full-time ministry since 1980 and is currently the overseeing Bishop of Resurrection Church in New York.

Known as “a leader’s leader,” Joseph is also a virtuoso on the guitar. He has received formal education in Kingsborough Community College, Elohim Bible Institute, received ministerial training from The International Christian Center, and has received an honorary diploma from Zion Bible Institute. Joseph earned a Doctor of Divinity from the Christian Leadership Seminary, participated in BILD (Biblical Institute for Leadership Development), successfully completed a one-year certificate program with the Wilberforce Forum, and has earned a Doctor of Ministry from Bakke Graduate University, with a concentration in Biblical Worldview and Urban Ministry.
Joseph and his wife Joyce founded Resurrection Church in 1984. A multi ethnic congregation of 40 nationalities, Resurrection Church has developed and sent out high-impact leadership and numerous non-profit corporations that have greatly impacted nations and the New York region, such as Children of the City (COC regularly ministers to more than 2,000 at-risk children with counseling, after school programs, tutoring, mentoring, and other holistic ministries) and The Ekklesia Leadership Institute (which held intensive monthly seminars and week-long summits with a focus of raising up the next generation of leadership with a Christian world and life view).Joseph also has hosted his own radio show “Light Your City” and a weekly cable television programs “The Ekklesia.” He is a regular contributor to Christian newspapers, and through the years has given numerous radio and television interviews and press conferences, including guest appearances on TBN. His first published book Ruling in the Gates was released in April 2003 and has already had international acclaim.

In recognition of his years of faithful service and significant influence, numerous local and national bishops and apostolic leaders consecrated Joseph to the Office of Bishop on April 29, 2006.

Joseph, his wife, Joyce and their five children live in Brooklyn, New York.
View all articles by Joseph Mattera
Spiritual Authority, Church Government, Special Anointing and Grace


Today there are many people in the independent Evangelical and Pentecostal movements who start churches merely because they feel led to do so.

If there were a way to statistically track the outcomes of these self-ordained pastors, my educated guess, based on years of experience, is that most of these churches and/or ministries fail to last more than a few years.

In our American culture we glorify independence and self-determination. These values are great when it comes to our entrepreneurial spirit, which is why our nation will probably always take the lead in creativity and wealth creation and our economy will continue to rebound in spite of what the federal government does to us. But when it comes to functioning properly in the body of Christ these values can be harmful.

Unfortunately, the way many of our brothers and sisters have “called themselves” to start churches or launch ministries mimics Hollywood movies more than biblical protocol! I am thinking of movies that depict independent fundamentalist evangelicals like “The Apostle” (staring Robert Duvall) and “Elmer Gantry” (staring Burt Lancaster).

The former highlights a man who baptizes himself and calls himself an apostle, while the latter features a man who conducts tent crusades without any ministerial training or affiliation to a church, association, or denomination.

A telling scene in “Elmer Gantry” involves a group of pastors and a newspaper reporter asking evangelist Elmer Gantry and a lady evangelist a simple question: Who trained and ordained you? Their response: “God” did.

These movies demonstrate that even secularists understand there is something wrong with this way of doing ministry. It is as ridiculous as sending yourself to Afghanistan to fight Islamic terrorists without the covering, protection, training, or the strategy of the U.S. military. I have had experiences in my own church in which a person left the church without proper training, communication, or protocol with plans to start a church in their home. My primary question to people such as these is “Who sent you?”

I tell our church members that when they meet a minister or pastor for the first time, the number one question they should ask is “Who sent you?” or “Who do you submit to?” If the minister or pastor says “God” then run from them as fast as you can! Many have started local churches for the same reason some entrepreneurs start their own small businesses instead of working for a larger company: they simply don’t want to submit to anyone else or have someone over them telling them what to do!

One of the greatest chapters in the Bible is the priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 in which Jesus is praying to the Father before His crucifixion. In this prayer Jesus constantly refers to the fact that He was “sent” or “given” things to Him by His Father to do the work He gave Him to do. This shows He never called Himself to minister; Jesus needed to be sent or given ministry by someone higher than Himself for His ministry to be legitimate, even though He is God the Son (John 17:2-4, 6-9, 11-12, 18, 21, 23-25).

If the Son of God didn’t call Himself into ministry then others who feel called ought to pattern themselves after His protocol for confirming the timing of a genuine call into ministry. Furthermore, the Bible tells us in Hebrews 5:1, 3-6 that Jesus didn’t call Himself into the priesthood; he waited until the Father called Him. This was patterned after the Old Covenant in which a person could only serve as a priest if his physical father was a priest of the tribe of Levi from the priestly line of Aaron (Exodus 28:1). Thus, if we don’t have a father who ordained us into the ministry (in the New Covenant this includes spiritual fathers) then we have a “bastard” ministry and have no biblical legitimacy to fulfill our calling.

The early church also functioned with this concept of sending as a methodological background. For example, even though Saul and Barnabas had already felt called by God into ministry they didn’t dare send themselves until the leaders of the church in Antioch also received a confirming word from the Lord to send them. (Read Acts 13:1-2, in which the tense of the original Greek wording shows that God had already called Saul into the ministry before the leaders of the church received the confirming word.)

In another instance, Paul the apostle submitted the gospel of grace he was preaching (to the Gentiles) to the leading apostles of the Jerusalem Church (Peter and John) for fear his work was in vain (Galatians 2:2, 9). This shows even Paul, the great apostle, needed the right hand of apostolic blessing to be considered legitimate.

Paul also shows it was part of the protocol of the early church that a person wouldn’t preach or minister unless they were officially sent and, by implication, sanctioned by the church. (Read Romans 10:15 which says “How shall they preach unless they are sent?”)

In spite of this biblical precedent, many ministers I meet have started their churches from no more than a subjective “leading of the Lord” without the training, blessing, or sending of a local church body. If a person cannot go through the grid of submitting to a process of biblical training, character development, and theological and ministerial training in the context of a local church, then how can they be properly prepared to shepherd a flock under God? Most of the time when someone has no personal submission to spiritual authority it illustrates a deeper issue within them of rebellion against God! Jesus said that if we receive the one He sent then we receive Him. Conversely, by rejecting the spiritual authority He sent then we reject Him (Mathew 10:40)!

I have experienced everything I have written in this article the hard way! For example, when I first received a calling from the Lord to enter full-time ministry (in October 1980) the first thing I did was submit my revelation to my pastor, Benjamin Crandall. Even though I felt called to start a church I submitted to his counsel which included sitting under his tutelage for several years until he licensed me for ministry. It was four whole years of preaching in my community before he finally came to me and told me it was time to start a church, which I did in 1984.

I believe that, because I submitted to his spiritual authority as my spiritual father, our church has been blessed with having no church splits in 26 years and unity amongst all of our elders and pastors. Also, I sense a special anointing and grace upon me to teach on spiritual authority and church government. Conversely, some I know who started churches about the same time as me have experienced multiple church splits because they didn’t submit to the biblical process involved in a ministerial calling. This includes training, ordination, and submission to spiritual authority in the context of a local church or ministry.

Furthermore, when some bishops in my city approached me in 2005 about consecrating me as a bishop, the first thing I did before allowing such a consecration was to have them call several local and national bishops who knew me well to obtain feedback before we continued. If those leaders didn’t agree that I was already functioning as a bishop then I didn’t want to proceed! (They received confirmation from several bishops which then began a one-year process in which I submitted to a rigorous grid in which they interviewed apostolic leaders, my elders, and my family to verify the legitimacy of my calling as a bishop.)

In spite of the above, I believe there are exceptions to these protocols especially in certain places in the world where there are no local churches or apostolic leaders, or where there are no spiritual fathers willing to process and release younger ministers into the ministry. But, in this nation it is very easy to find someone willing to mentor, train, and release a person into the ministry.

The first place to look is in your own local church. Most times there is a biblical process that is either structured or informal that a person can go through to be sent out into full-time church ministry. However, if you want to start a church, you should first prove yourself by either running a successful home group that rapidly multiplies or oversee a ministry in your local church that successfully nurtures and trains leaders. If you cannot prove your pastoral calling with the blessing of a senior pastor in your local church then that is a good sign you will not be successful as the founding pastor of a new local church.

Joseph Mattera
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I Will Survive - Comeback Stories of a Corporate Warrior

* By Sunil Robert
* Published 12/7/2009
* Christian Leadership
* Rating: Unrated

Sunil Robert

Sunil Robert, a published author, is also a corporate communications expert whose roots can be traced back to Hyderabad. He holds a degree in Journalism, is an MBA and has worked in sales, advertising and communications field. In 2006 Sunil Robert was awarded the Stevie International Award in honour of exemplary accomplishments and contributions made to companies and businesses. Sunil currently lives with his wife Prafulla and son Aman in Edison, New Jersey. Sunil Robert has a strong love for Hyderabad and is incredibly passionate about India. He is increasingly convinced that India is going to the giant of the future. The key catalyst in reshaping India's future will be the youth of India.
View all articles by Sunil Robert
An Inspiration To Young People Everywhere
The real-life story narrated in Sunil Robert's book 'I Will Survive: Comeback Stories of a Corporate Warrior' proves that anyone can rise against the odds. Easy to identify with and simple to read, Robert's story takes you on a journey from his harsh childhood, where he battles poverty everyday and bears the responsibility of supporting a family of six, to becoming a journalist, an MBA professional, a published author, and most importantly, a world renowned award-winning communicator. The true incidents and experiences recounted in this book are intensely felt and deeply inspiring for those in search of the vital qualities of life's journey.

'I Will Survive: Comeback Stories of a Corporate Warrior' is Sunil Robert's first book. It was published by Westland Limited and released globally in July 2009.

I Will Survive - Sunil Robert

ISBN 13:9788189975982
ISBN 10: 8189975986
Publisher: Westland
Category: Biography & Autobiography
Format: Paperback



About the Book 'I Will Survive: Comeback Stories of a Corporate Warrior'

What does it mean to overcome adversities and to live boldly? This inspiring story takes you on a journey from Sunil Robert's childhood of battling poverty to support a family of six, to his becoming a global, award-winning communicator. Rich and intensely felt, the experiences are also the raw material based on which Sunil Robert identifies the qualities vital for life's journey. Candid and endearingly personal, Robert bares his conflicts, struggles, triumphs and yearnings, making a compelling case for faith, hope, and diligence.

I Will Survive invites you to pay closer attention to your life, to give yourself what you truly need and to know that you, too, can choose in that moment, to live fearlessly by your own rules.



PRAISE FOR I WILL SURVIVE:

"This book will serve as an inspiration to young people everywhere seeking to achieve something in their lives."
- Ratan N. Tata

"His book is not just about the road 'from penury to prosperity,' but about the greater journey to a life of purpose."
- Joseph P. Kennedy II

Sunil is an outstanding example of how an individual can, through passion and diligence, realize his dream, overcoming the inevitable obstacles."
- Dr. Kiran Karnik

"Grippingly written, here is a book that will inspire our young people to aim higher, while also providing practical tips based on Sunil's own life regarding how actually to do so."
- Prof. Prabhu Guptara

"I am delighted that he overcame so many odds since his childhood to succeed at a global level."
- Rajesh Hukku

"Sunil's life story is heartwarming. His style is conversational and he shares his personal struggles and triumphs with candour. It is hard not to get inspired by such real life values not to get inspired by such real life valour. I gladly commend his effort to reach the youth of India."
- S. Ramadorai

Westland Limited Publisher's Quote:

"Sunil's life resonates a lot with a wide range of people. This is an authentic, homegrown story that is completely anchored in true-life. I am confident that the readers will gain insights from his narrative."
- Gautam Padmanabhan, CEO, Westland Ltd



Foreward

I would like to share with you a few insights from my experience which I hope will be beneficial to you. In these pages, I will discuss ideas and influences that shaped and fashioned me and also experiences that defined me - both as an individual and a professional. I will share the lessons I have learnt in various areas of my life, be it family, relationships and self-development, you can gain some insights into my journey so far.

I am a corporate communications professional. I work for one of India's biggest brands - Tata Consultancy Services - ranked among the top 10 IT companies globally. If you are an executive or someone who aspires to make a living in the corporate world, then we have much in common. If you are someone who is constantly battling to move ahead in your career, then we have much to talk about as well.

I am fortunate to be an Indian living in the US as both these countries share a deep connection and share some very similar values.

In the past five years, I have lived in the Europe and US and am increasingly convinced that India is going to the giant of the future. The key catalyst in reshaping India's future will be the youth of India.

"If you have heard a similar story of someone achieving much in life after initial struggles, please share their story with me. I would like to highlight them here. My aim is to make my site a rallying point for people who can inspire others." There are wealth makers, social change agents, artists and writers, thinkers, sportspersons, business and political leaders who will stand head-to head with their peers from around the world, unapologetic and fiercely compelling. And I am not simply being parochial or jingoistic by saying this. The current geo-political dynamics and socio-economic factors have changed the way Indians are perceived around the world. This is just the beginning.

If you are thinking of buying my book, go ahead and give yourself a chance to read about my journey and the lessons learnt on the way. You are welcome to share your thoughts about me and my experiences.

I also want you to share this story with others who go through similar struggles. Kindle hope in them and energise them to keep faith and persevere and never surrender. After all, nothing significant is achieved without a strong effort.

I want to use my site as a forum to learn from you as well. If you have learnt certain lessons from a difficult experience, please write to me. I look forward to hearing from you, soon.

Warmest regards,
Sunil



Excerpts from 'I Will Survive: Comeback Stories of a Corporate Warrior'

In Andhra Pradesh, the seventh grade board exams are the first milestone in a student's life. In my case, they turned out to be a particularly memorable event, teeming with high drama. A few days before the exams, much to my horror, the Principal of the school notified my family that if they did not pay the arrears of school fees for the entire year, I would not be allowed to sit for the board exam. It was a nightmare! While the rest of the class was putting in long hours of study I was anxiously pacing the floor, waiting to hear if my parents, through some miracle, had been able to raise or borrow the money to pay the fees.

All too soon it was the first day of the exams … and the fees had still not been paid. While I was getting ready to go to school I wondered what I would do if the authorities barred me from entering the classroom. My future looked bleak and uncertain, but I tagged along with my parents while they made a last-ditch attempt to rustle up the money. We knocked on the doors of some relatives and friends, but in vain. They either couldn't or wouldn't give us the money; and my desperate pleas for help went unanswered. I started crying, and curious onlookers looked askance at me. They were probably wondering why a big boy was walking along with his parents, sobbing uncontrollably, when there were no other schoolchildren anywhere in sight.

It was unthinkable that I would not be able to write the exams. It meant that I'd have to repeat the seventh grade with my juniors, or drop out of school altogether. I had always been among the top five students in class, and was all set to write the exams. Why was I being punished for something that was no fault of mine? Eventually, my parents decided to take a chance, plead our case in school, and beg the Sisters for a reprieve.

Unknown to me, a different drama was unfolding in school. That year, ours was the first school on the list of roll numbers. So there was a distinct likelihood of officials from the Education Department coming to inspect the arrangements that had been made there. Also, there was the possibility of the Education Inspectors quizzing the school authorities about the conspicuous absence of a student in the very first row of the very first class in the very first school that they visited. (My roll no, 5E, was somewhere at the top of the list, which meant that my seat would have been in the first row.)



Why did I write the book?

I have faced several struggles in my academic and professional life. As a young person in a small town, I had very limited people who I could approach and speak about life's dilemmas and making decisions that can potentially alter the course of life. I had to learn most of my lessons through trial and error. There were times when I was on the verge of giving up. But I didn't. And that's what I want to tell our youngsters today. There will be times when things will look too dark. But the cliché about there being a light at the end of a tunnel is true.

I want my book to be a guide to you. I want you to feel optimistic after reading the book. Just like life, there are some dark moments in the book. There are some hard settings in the book, particularly in my relationship with my father.

Read on though, and you will find that I get humbled and learn many lessons.

The book recounts some ugly and some downright embarrassing moments of my life. I wish there was some way I could have changed these parts of the book. But I can't. These are true stories. The good, bad, ugly, and the embarrassing, together form a part of our lives.

Just as I come through strongly in some areas, there are areas where I have failed. It is this aspect that I would like you to bear in mind. I am just like you. Still struggling, but always persevering.

My book is also a tribute to my father and an act of gratitude for my family. They are as much strong survivors as I struggled to cope with life's vicissitudes. There are many who supported me and this is my way of saying Thank You. Because of your help, I survived.

I shall endeavor to return the favour. Publishing this book is my expression of gratitude and a promise to guide young people to always retain faith in their abilities and themselves.

Writing

The trigger for this book came shortly after a trip back to India in 2006. The publication of the book is a culmination of three years of hard work and I can now personally vouch that publishing book is a harrowing experience. But the wait has been worth it as finally I can share my life lessons with you and hope that I help someone to draw strength from my experiences.

Someone once told me that writing a book is the closest experience that compares to giving birth to a child. I couldn't agree more. During the writing process, I had to dig deep into the recesses of my memories. Often, a lot of painful memories would flood my mind and then I would find sleep difficult with my mind recalling all the vivid details.

Once an idea for the book took root in my mind, it would take me several days to turn my attention towards a new topic. Sometimes, I would be so engrossed in my thoughts that I would miss exits on the freeway while driving or forget my wife's grocery instructions and give wrong answers to my son while helping him with his homework.

The great thing about the book is that the project kept me energised. I am used to adrenaline bursts in my day job and writing the book filled my spare time with adrenaline too!

I Will Survive - Sunil Robert



ISBN 13:9788189975982
ISBN 10: 8189975986
Publisher: Westland
Category: Biography & Autobiography
Format: Paperback

For more information on 'I Will Survive: Comeback Stories of a Corporate Warrior,' please click here to Sunil Robert website.


Book Review of Sunil Robert's Book "I Will Survive"

* By Dr. J.N. Manokaran
* Published 12/3/2009
* Christian Leadership
* Rating: ratingfullratingfullratingfullratingfullratingfull Unrated

Dr. J.N. Manokaran

Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran is a civil engineer by profession and has served the Tamil Nadu Government. In 1985 he heard God's call and went as missionary to Haryana and served as cross cultural missionary for eleven years. Since 1997, he has been based in Chennai and is involved in mission mobilization, training, teaching, research and writing. He recently authored the book Christ and Cities, which was published in July 2005.
View all articles by Dr. J.N. Manokaran
Dreaming BIG for God
Name of Book: I Will Survive: Comeback Stories Of A Corporate Warrior

Author: Sunil Robert



Website: Sunil Robert - I Will Survive: Comeback Stories Of A Corporate Warrior

Publisher: Westland Ind, Chennai

Year of Publication: 2009

Number of Pages: 191

Reviewed by: Dr. J.N. Manokaran

Sunil Robert has written his own story which could inspire thousands of young people to dream big, tap their inner potential and accomplish great things. Sunil who had to face adverse circumstances overcomes those circumstances and emerges victorious. As he journeys in life, he learns lessons from ‘school of life’ and move forward. The condensed version of life lessons are put in boxes in each chapter that are very helpful. The book is transparent bringing in the struggles as well as victories, fears and faith, defeats and success.

The Author Provides Four Tips To Beat The Odds.



1. If Life Throws Lemon, Don’t Rant And Rave. Make Lemonade, Set Up Lemonade Stand, And Write About It.

2. Find Innovative Ways Of Turning Your Weakness To Strengths.

3. Or Camouflage Your Weakness By Highlighting Your Strengths.

4. Learn To Find A Glimmer Of Humour In Every Situation.

He writes these from his own experience. He turns his ‘left’ handed to his advantage, turns chores into fun and get place in team for remembering the rules of the games rather than playing well.

It Is Essential For Each Person To Discover His/Her Potential. He Suggests Three Steps:



1. Go Back To Your Past And Plot Your Future. Our Personality Is Pretty Much Scripted In Childhood. So, Child Hood Experiences Are The Key.

2. The Inherent Talent, What Comes Natural Or What Gives Adrenaline Rush. What Other People Say As Compliment Or Complaint Again And Again.

3. Reach And Make More Friends. When More People Are Included In Person’s Life He/She Grows More. The More A Person Shares, More He/She Will Have.

Sunil’s father lost his job as the office was relocated. The family of four children and home maker mother had to bear the brunt. They had to change houses as they could not afford rent, children had to face the management of school as they were not able to pay fees, things in the house were sold for the sake of food for children. One time Sunil got Rs. 200 for buying a cricket bat but his mother decided to buy food for family instead. His favourite radio was also sold.

He Provides Six Steps To Face Adversity:



1. Choose Your Attitude;

2. Delay Gratification;

3. Keep Your Goal In Mind – No Excuses, Only Creative Solutions;

4. Get All Help You Can Get;

5. Keep Dreaming and

6. Aim High But Be Realistic.

As Sunil grew up, he was able to take tuitions for children and add to family resources. When we are deprived of essentials, he says two things make us suffer. First, we do not have what we need, which creates a void. Second, we compare ourselves with others and have resentment. His father did not want to take any job that would mean lesser salary. So, the family continued to suffer. He always wore dress that was altered or with a patch; so his friends named him ‘alter’.

He Provides Tips For Getting Ahead From Being Behind.



1. Always Remember The Cardinal Rule – Life Can Get Unfair. But You Have To Live It Anyway, So You Might Well Give It Your Best Shot.

2. If You Fight Adversity, It Becomes Your Friend.

3. You Can Either Prepare Kids For The Road Or Prepare The Road For The Kids.

4. Focus On Changing Yourself To Cope Effectively With The Situation. Do Not Try To Change Others Even If They Are Reason For The Problems You Face.

5. Set Clear Goals For Yourself.

6. Life Has A Script Of Its Own. Never Underestimate Anyone, Or Assume Anything.

As young man, Sunil got into company of few bad friends. Though warned, he did not heed. He was craving for attention and love and did things which revealed that he was a rebel. He was living like Jekyll and Hyde life.

He was always clear that he wanted to become a postgraduate.

Sunil Robert Provides Tips For Making Dreams Come True.



1. When Life Is Hard (Even If It Is Not) Reject The Status Quo And Aim Higher.

2. Dream Your Dream, Chalk Out A Plan Of Action, And Just Get Going.

3. Live As If Your Dreams Are Coming True And They Almost Always Will. Follow Your Passion And Believe In Your Dreams.

4. Build Your Contacts And Turn Them As Your Friends.

Taking responsibility for our own life and helping others is the turning point of one’s life. Chances and opportunities do not come with flashing neon lights, but camouflaged as problem. Life gives us chances. It is essential to think positive and find those chances. Keeping eyes open to recognize those chances. Then there is a need for courage to reach out to those chances. Commitment plus hard work equals to success.

Sunil Robert Provides Four Steps To Build Network.



1. Know What Constitutes Your ‘Universe’ Or Area Of Operation.

2. Find The ‘Rendezvous Points’ Of Your Target. Trail The Person In Whom You Are Interested In.

3. Build Your Elevator Bridge – Who Are You And Why Are You Interested In That Person.

4. Follow Up On Your Meeting. Call Or Email Him. Keep The Heat On.

A Person Has To Reinvent Himself Many Times In Life. Sunil Robert Provides Some Tips For That.



1. Stop Whining, Start Winning.

2. Life Is Full Of Chances, Wake And Grab Them.

3. Choose Your Friends Wisely.

4. Find A Good Role Model; Then Be One Yourself.

5. Find A Larger-Than-Life Mission.

6. Go The Extra Mile.

Someone said; ‘There is no traffic jams on the extra mile.” Life is like kite flying. There are two important aspects: Feel the wind and harness it. Know the strength of the bamboo spine.

Sunil Robert Calls The Readers To Paint Their Own Silver Lining.



1. When Life Gives You Lemons, Don’t Just Make Lemonade. Put Up A Lemonade Stand, Then Write A Book And Give Lectures On How To Make Great Lemonade!.

2. Whatever You Do, Be Motivated, Enthusiastic, And Passionate About It.

3. Start Building Your Skills, When You Are Young, And Cover A Wide Spectrum – Sport, Drama, Art, Social Work, Writing, Whatever…

4. Learn Rules Of The Game. Then Master The Rules Enough, To Start Bending Them. If There Are No Clear Rules, Help Write Them.

5. Accumulate Little Trophies; They Add Up To The Big Ones.

6. Scrap The Safe Options. Often They Inhibit You. Be A ‘Positive Rebel’.

7. Learn To Ask For Help And Get All The Help You Can.

8. When You Are In Trouble – You Can Go Under Or Settle For Solution That Keep Your Head Above Quicksand Or Stare Trouble In The Eye And Don’t Give In. Choose The Third Option.

9. Don’t Let Your Comfort Zone Become A Death Trap.

10. Build A Large Circle Of Friends.

11. Don’t Decide Without Considering The Trade-Offs.

Author comes to a place of fruitfulness and writes: “After years of humiliation, rejection and alienation for reasons beyond my control, I was now able to enjoy who I was, without being apologetic, about my background.” (p.131)

One Of The Keys Of Sunil Roberts Success Was His Network Of Relationships. He Provides Twenty Tips To Build Great Relationships.



1. Be Genuine.

2. Be Friendly.

3. Disclose, Do Not Overwhelm.

4. Ask The Right Questions.

5. Take The Initiative To Reach Out.

6. Find Common Interests.

7. Remember Names And Facts.

8. Build Relationships, Then You’ll Get What You Want.

9. Ask For Help: The Ones Who Move Ahead Gracefully Are Those Who Offer Help And Receive Help Equally Liberally.

10. Offer Help.

11. Build Several Touch Points. Read, Research, Ask Questions About The People Whom You Want To Get To Know.

12. Appreciate And Then Appreciate Again.

13. Network Furiously And Discreetly. - Life Can Be Lived To The Fullest If You Make As Many People As Possible Feel Good, And Allow Them To Be Part Of Your Life.

14. Connect The Dots.

15. Use Technology To Stay Connected.

16. Sharpen Your Vision And Expand Your Outlook.

17. You Can Never Own What You Do Not Give Away.

18. Pick Yourself Up When You Are Dumped.

19. Always Apologize When The Need Arises.

20. Think Flowers, Not Fists.

How To Climb To The Summit?



1. Decide On Your Goal. Michelangelo Said: The Greatest Danger For Most Of Us Is Not That Our Aim Is Too High And We Miss It, But That It Is Too Low And We Reach It.

2. It’s Not About Earning; It’s About Yearning.

3. Get Busy Now, Wherever You Are.

4. Grab Every Opportunity That Comes Your Way.

5. Make Friends Everywhere, All The Time.

6. Never Take No For An Answer.

7. Find Inspiring Role Models.

8. Think Of Each Crisis As An Opportunity. – Don’t Stop At Solving The Crisis. See If You Can Reap Any Positive Benefits From It For Yourself And For Your Organization.

In the last section Sunil Robert writes a letter to his son. In that, he has several truths. Some of them are: Conflicts are inevitable, what matters is are we open to work through it. You can only run as far as your shadow. I cannot change my past, my identity and my roots and my nationality. So embrace it. Choice has consequences. Based on prodigal stone parable Sunil writes to his son: Every young man, I believe has to go through a journey of discovery away from home to find out who he really is, to test who his friends really are, and to uncover the love and legacy of a father.

This book is fabulous with lot of lessons for young people. My wish is that every young person in India should read this book. It would change a person drastically, dramatically and decisively.

Book Review by Dr. J.N. Manokaran


Honor God and People

* By Joseph Mattera
* Published 12/2/2009
* Christian Leadership
* Rating: Unrated

Joseph Mattera

Joseph Mattera has been in full-time ministry since 1980 and is currently the overseeing Bishop of Resurrection Church in New York.

Known as “a leader’s leader,” Joseph is also a virtuoso on the guitar. He has received formal education in Kingsborough Community College, Elohim Bible Institute, received ministerial training from The International Christian Center, and has received an honorary diploma from Zion Bible Institute. Joseph earned a Doctor of Divinity from the Christian Leadership Seminary, participated in BILD (Biblical Institute for Leadership Development), successfully completed a one-year certificate program with the Wilberforce Forum, and has earned a Doctor of Ministry from Bakke Graduate University, with a concentration in Biblical Worldview and Urban Ministry.
Joseph and his wife Joyce founded Resurrection Church in 1984. A multi ethnic congregation of 40 nationalities, Resurrection Church has developed and sent out high-impact leadership and numerous non-profit corporations that have greatly impacted nations and the New York region, such as Children of the City (COC regularly ministers to more than 2,000 at-risk children with counseling, after school programs, tutoring, mentoring, and other holistic ministries) and The Ekklesia Leadership Institute (which held intensive monthly seminars and week-long summits with a focus of raising up the next generation of leadership with a Christian world and life view).Joseph also has hosted his own radio show “Light Your City” and a weekly cable television programs “The Ekklesia.” He is a regular contributor to Christian newspapers, and through the years has given numerous radio and television interviews and press conferences, including guest appearances on TBN. His first published book Ruling in the Gates was released in April 2003 and has already had international acclaim.

In recognition of his years of faithful service and significant influence, numerous local and national bishops and apostolic leaders consecrated Joseph to the Office of Bishop on April 29, 2006.

Joseph, his wife, Joyce and their five children live in Brooklyn, New York.
View all articles by Joseph Mattera
Understanding and Cultivating Honor
As I was fasting and praying while speaking at a conference in Argentina the Lord began to drop into my spirit this teaching on honor. Also, recently I was in a conference listening to a pastor by the name of Emory Goodman say that understanding this concept revolutionized his life and ministry. Immediately I knew I was supposed to delve into this as well. As of the writing of this article I have not yet read or listened to any teachings on this subject. Thus, any overlap with other teachers is due to having the same Holy Spirit teaching us.

What Honor Is

Honor in this context has to do with recognizing what a person is worth, celebrating who they are and what they have accomplished, and making room for them according to the God-given honor they deserve. Honor is an offshoot of worship. The greatest example of worship is when a person worships God as their Creator in song, words, actions, and in having no other god before the one and true God. Biblical examples for this are found in the Book of Revelation, when the elders and living creatures come before the throne of God and worship the Lamb of God (in Rev. 4:6-11 the inhabitants of heaven worship God by giving Him glory and honor and praise).

Since humans are created and are not the Creator they should never be worshipped. But since they are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:28) they should be honored as God’s image-bearers and the crown of His creation (Psalm 8:3-4).

Since honor is not exactly the same as worship but a symptom of worship, in the same way heat is not the sun but an offshoot of the sun, it is not a violation of the first of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:3 to honor a human being. Worship is the highest and most powerful expression of honor, but honoring worthy humans for certain characteristics is absolutely vital to release kingdom harmony, synergy, and power on the earth. As a matter of fact, God even bestows His glory upon those who follow Him faithfully (read Isaiah 60:2) and Jesus told us in His kingdom prayer that He gives the church the glory that the Father bestowed upon Him (John 17:22).

Many pastors and leaders are frustrated because they do not sense the power and presence of God in their churches. Also, many people in the church are frustrated because they do not feel appreciated and released into their kingdom destiny. We think this will come automatically with prayer, fasting, healings, and great preaching. But, if pastors would help create a culture of honor in their churches and if members would learn how to respect and honor spiritual authority there would be an incredible release of the glory of God in our midst!

Honoring God Properly

We honor God first and foremost by ascribing to Him the glory due His name by having no other gods before Him. That is to say in our lives, affections, goals and purpose we should fully surrender to His will for our lives and His kingdom. Paul described living like this as the “one thing” that he lives for: to know Christ and be conformed to His resurrection and His death (Philippians 3:7-10).

Furthermore, since honor is based on worth and worth determines how much we financially give to someone or something, one of the primary signs God is honored in our life is by how much we sacrifice to give financially to His kingdom. Proverbs 3:9 connects financial giving with honoring the Lord. In another place in the Pentateuch it teaches us not to appear before the Lord empty-handed (meaning every time you assemble with God’s people to worship the Lord you should bring an offering or a gift). In the strictest meaning of finances and honor this means we don’t only give to a person because they are in financial need; we give to a person because it is a way we honor them for who they are and what they have done. (First Kings 10 teaches us that the kings and queens of the earth that came to hear the wisdom of Solomon honored him for his wisdom by lavishing him with gifts even though he was already the richest person on the face of the earth!)

Principles for Honoring People

I. Honoring Parents—The Fifth Commandment

Exodus 20:12 teaches us to honor our fathers and mothers so that it will go well with us in the land the Lord has given us. Because the honor of parents is the only one of the Ten Commandments that commands honor, we know that the bedrock of honoring fellow human beings starts first and foremost with honoring both physical and spiritual parents. If we cannot honor our parents we will not be able to honor anyone else adequately because our parents are the bedrock of our childhood emotions, and spiritual parents are the foundation of our spiritual growth.

Honoring parents also has to do with spiritual fathers and mothers in the Hebrew culture. The 1960’s released upon the earth--through England and the United States--a spirit of rebellion that was the worst since the French Revolution which attempted to overthrow all religion and belief in God. Western culture went from honoring old people for their wisdom and life experience to hating everyone over 30 and creating a so-called “generation gap” in which parents were taught to expect their children to mess up and grow emotionally apart from them until they were able to find themselves and come back home. Our culture has never recovered from this spirit of rebellion. Now all over the world the media and advertisers glorify youth, strength, beauty and sexual ability as the highest ideals, while old people are looked at as a nuisance to be discarded by their children and put in old-age homes.

Even though the Bible says that having grey hair is a crown of wisdom, now even older people are getting face lifts, shooting themselves with botox, dying their hair and injecting their bodies with HGH all in an attempt to look young to keep up with what’s acceptable in our culture.

Thus, as we interpret all of this we understand in principle the following:

• Honoring your parents has to do with respecting their wisdom, experience and accomplishments by learning from their mistakes and successes and building upon them to go to a higher level. Those who have only unforgiveness toward their parents because of their failures do not honor their parents and, consequently, will not go to another level because they are not free in their emotions from the sin of unforgiveness. \

• Honoring our fathers and mothers protects us from rebellion to authority which is like the sin of witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23). While honoring does not always mean to obey, it has to do with having a spirit of submission in which we weigh carefully what our biological parents say and respond to them with the utmost respect and humility.

• Honoring authority means to pray for our parents and believe for their latter years to be spent in peace watching their children grow to become greater than they are.

• Honoring our parents means supporting them financially when they retire.

• Honoring our parents means caring for them when they are sick.

II. Spiritual Authority (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 13)

• Honoring spiritual authority has to do with allowing those in authority to speak into our lives and give us counsel.

• Honoring spiritual authority has to do with allowing them to speak prophetically over our lives.

• Honoring spiritual authority has to do with allowing them to hold us personally accountable when we make mistakes.

• Honoring spiritual authority has to do with allowing them to place us properly in the kingdom of God and the church. Don’t presumptuously attempt to place yourself and ordain yourself in the kingdom or church.

• Honoring spiritually authority has to do with respecting the decisions they make in the church.

• Honoring spiritual authority has to do with receiving and walking in love with the other spiritual children of your spiritual parents.

• Honoring our spiritual and biological parents has to do with not uncovering them to others when we discover sin in their lives (read Genesis 9:20-28).

• Honoring spiritual authority has to do with celebrating their godly legacy and building our lives upon it while at the same time retaining our own call and identity.

• Supporting the corporate vision of the local church founded by our spiritual fathers and mothers.

III. Honoring One Another

We desperately need to create a culture of honor in our churches and organizations. As we learn to practice honor with those around us we will truly release the glory of God in our churches and organizations. The following are general principles in honoring one another. We honor one another when we:

• Respect every human being as an image-bearer of God. (I love addressing homeless men as “sir” when I stop my car to ask for directions. I enjoy seeing them feel respected and their eyes lighting up wanting to do anything possible to give me the proper instructions.)

• Put other people before ourselves according to the attitude of Christ shown in Philippians 2:3-12.

• Recognize and celebrate one another’s unique gifts, personality and calling.

• Highly regard one another with our words when we are not with others personally.

• Understand someone’s particular challenges and how the Lord is processing them to maturity towards their unique calling. (Knowing a person’s context helps us honor them properly.)

• Defer to one another and make room for one another’s gifts. (Jealousy is the opposite spirit of honor because it breeds insecurity and limits our ability to accept a person’s calling, ability and place in the kingdom.)

• Recognize the true value of each person’s contributions and speak it to them and to others.

• Give a person monetary gifts or public praise and recognition equal to the quality, sacrifice and kind of work they have accomplished.

• Do all we can do in our prayers, acts of kindness and team work to aid those around us to accomplish their calling in the kingdom.

• Use our gifts to serve and protect other people.

• Trust a person’s word we give them honor and respect.

• Keep our word to a person we honor them and show them respect.

• When husbands love their wives they overlook their weaknesses and commit themselves to their spouse’s success.

• When wives respect their husbands in spite of their shortcomings they release them to love and protect and provide for them and their family.

IV. The Blessings of Honoring Other People

• When you honor someone you release them to trust you.

• When you honor someone you release them to bless you.

• When you honor someone you release them to serve you.

• When you honor someone you release them to honor and celebrate you in return.

• When you honor a person you encourage them to remain true to their calling to serve God and become the best they can be.

V. Characteristics of an Honorable Person

• First and foremost, they honor God with the highest glory.

• They are principle-centered people who act based on their responsibility, not based on how they feel.

• They are people of humility who recognize the value and worth of others besides themselves.

• They are people who display excellence in their lives.

• They don’t take their lives or gifts of God for granted but are always grateful for what they have been blessed with.

• They don’t flatter others for advantage.

• They are unimpressed with fleeting treasures, pleasures and power.

VI. Biblical Examples of Honorable People

• Joseph when he didn’t divorce Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus (Matthew 1:19-20).

• David when he spared King Saul’s life (1 Samuel 24).

• Joseph when he refused to lie with Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:7-10).

• Job when he refused to curse God (Job 2:9-10).

• The life of the excellent woman in Proverbs 31.

• Jesus who died on the cross for the joy that was set before Him of obeying His Father’s will (Hebrews 12:1-3).

VII. Biblical Examples of Dishonorable Men

• Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

• Demas who forsook Paul when he was in his darkest hour (2 Timothy 4:9).

• Onan who refused to raise up seed for his brother.

• King Ahab who allowed his wife Jezebel to kill Naboth for his vineyard (1 Kings 21).

• Jacob’s sons who left Joseph their brother to die because of jealousy.

• Cain who murdered his brother Abel because of jealousy (Genesis 4).

• King Saul who attempted to kill David because of jealousy (1 Samuel 18-30).

• Peter who denied three times that he knew Jesus.

• Peter when he denied he knew Gentile believers for fear of Jewish believers (Galatians 2).

The question arises: how do we treat those who act dishonorably in the midst of us? Of course, this teaching doesn’t do away with the need to correct others, discipline the saints or even terminate a person’s employment or dis-fellowshipping a person from a church because of inappropriate behavior damaging to a church, family or organization.

Matthew 18:15-17 gives us guidelines on what to do in these instances. When we don’t correct dishonorable behavior we actually lower the standards of honor for everyone else and hurt our organizations. But, even in these instances, we need to make sure we don’t go too far in uncovering people, that we attempt to restore them in a spirit of meekness (Galatians 6:1-4) and that we do not allow ourselves to harbor bitterness or unforgiveness towards them.

Whenever I am greatly challenged by a person acting dishonorably towards me and I reach an impasse with them because they are not willing to change or repent, I go into my default position in which I honor the work of the blood of Christ, forgiving them just as God in Christ forgave me (read Ephesians 4:32-5:1).

Finally, if we want the glory of God to fall on our churches and organizations we need to honor one another in the same way that Jesus bestows on us the glory He received from His Father.

Dr. Joseph Mattera
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Getting To New Places

* By Dr. Samuel R. Chand
* Published 10/16/2009
* Christian Leadership
* Rating: Unrated

Dr. Samuel R. Chand

As a Dream Releaser, Dr. Samuel R. Chand serves Pastors, ministries and businesses as a Leadership Architect and Change Strategist. Dr. Chand has served as senior Pastor, college President, Chancellor and President Emeritus. He personally consults, mentors and coaches some of the country's largest church Pastors, speaks regularly at leadership conferences, churches, corporations, Leadership Roundtables, Minister's Conferences, seminars and other leadership development opportunities. He was named in the top-30 global leadership Gurus list. His singular vision for his life is to Help Others Succeed. Dr. Chand develops leaders through Leadership Consultations, Leadership Resources, books/CDs and Leadership Speaking. Leaders are using Dr. Chand's books as handbooks worldwide in leadership development. Being raised in a pastor's home in India has uniquely equipped Dr. Chand to share his passion that of mentoring, developing and inspiring leaders to break all limits in ministry and the marketplace. Dr. Samuel R. Chand website http://www.samchand.com
View all articles by Dr. Samuel R. Chand
Disengage With Activities And People Not Headed In That Direction
No leader is immune to the shifting circumstances and events that can challenge or stymie their professional or organizational progress. Advance warning of these oncoming storms, together with adequate preparation, can mean the difference between disaster and success.


It's a leader's nature to seek out and journey to new places. In order to reach these new places, a few things are required. We must:

* Develop a clear vision of our destination

* Disengage with activities and people not headed in that direction

* Connect with others who are already at your desired destination

Having a clear vision is a necessity. Once your destination is clear, you're more inclined to find the resources that can take you where you want to go. For instance, if your vision is growing a business that develops web sites that offer safe on-line shopping, that goal drives your thinking and your activities. You won't allow yourself to be sidetracked by seminars for video-game developers or industry associations for shoe salesmen. I'm finding that more and more leaders are getting clearer about their destinations. They're defining where they want to go and investing the resources that will take them there. Unfortunately, a clear vision is not the only requirement for reaching your destination. Some leaders know that they want to go west, for example, but they're still lingering at the eastern seaboard. Occasionally, they gaze at the westbound train that's headed toward the frontier that they're dreaming about. No amount of wishing, dreaming and visioning is ever going to get them where they want to go.



Reaching our destination requires that we disengage from the place we're at and the people we're with before we can catch the train headed in the right direction. How important is disengaging? For Intel, disengaging is probably what maintained the company's profitability and possibly their existence in the extremely competitive chip market. In the early 1980s, most of Intel's top executives didn't see the need to change a thing. At the time, Intel was probably the leading provider of memory chips and was making about $1 billion a year. Andy Grove, who was president of Intel, and CEO Gordon Moore, knew the industry was about to undergo drastic changes. Japanese firms were starting to make the same chips available so cheaply that they would soon become commodities. By 1984, Intel's profits fell below $2 million.



Don't think that disengaging is easy. In his book, Only the Paranoid Survive, Grove says that he knew that Intel had to exit that market but had trouble even getting the words out of his mouth. Over time, he was able to take the necessary, painful action of disengaging from a market that Intel had virtually created so they could move forward. Disengaging was painful all around for Intel. It meant layoffs for thousands of employees and the company's first loss since their startup days.



Was it worth it? Let's answer one question with another one: Does the slogan, Intel Inside mean anything to you? Disengaging from the memory chip market is what enabled Intel to focus on the microprocessor and led to them being selected as the chip that powered IBM new personal computer. The rest as they say is history. But the first step in getting there was disengaging. You cannot remain static if you want to be moving. You have to become part of something that is moving and associate with people who are moving. If your church, company or organization is going somewhere, you'll find that people will want to be connected with you so that they can go somewhere too. In addition to connecting yourself to people and organizations that are moving, it's important to identify, connect and seek help from people who are already at your destination. Talking with people who are where you want to go helps you to develop a much clearer vision of your destination.

(Taken in part from: What's Shakin' Your Ladder by Dr. Sam Chand)

If you enjoyed this article you should strongly consider the following book "What's Shakin' Your Ladder?" as it expounds fully on this area of Leadership.

Dr. Sam Chand website
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IN THIS WICKED GENERATION MANY THINK THEY CAN DICTATE TO GOD, YET THEY ARE FOOLS, FOR GOD WILL NEVER BE RULED OVER BY MEN.

I speak unto thee and I say that men think in this wicked and perverse generation that they may dictate what I may do and what I may not do, and what I have done, and what I have not done, and what I will do, and what I will not do. But I say that they are blinded fools. I say that I the Living God do not come under the dictatorship of any man. For I say that I am sovereign, and I say that I rule supreme. I say that I will not allow men to bear rule over me. I say that when men think they bear rule over me, they are stupid. I say that I make fools of them again, and again, and again. I say while they go around and they issue their judgments as to what I am able to do, I say then I go around and bring forth my judgments and they see what I can do. I say that I am sovereign.

I speak unto thee this day I say do not try to box me in, do not try to dictate what I may do. But I say simply follow me. For I say that men are not meant to be in a seat of preeminence above me, but I say that they are meant to be submitted unto me, and I say that they are meant to follow me. I say they are meant to be subject unto me, I say they are meant to be subject to my rule, subject to my mastery, subject to my sovereignty. I say when men think they may usurp the position that is mine, and mine alone, I say then are they interfering with that which I have intended. I say truly they bring darkness unto their souls.

I say that men are not meant to take that which belongs to me. But I say they are meant to be respective of me as their God. They are meant to walk in obedience before me. I say that if my people would walk in obedience so should they see that I the Living God am well in control. But I say because of their own disobedience, because of their own attempts to dictate unto me, I say they get themselves in a scramble and a confused mess, and they know not where they go. But I say that if my people who are called by my name would look unto me, would cling to me, would walk in me, I say that they would be kept. For it is me the Living God who would keep them, it is me the Living God who would direct them, and it is me the Living God who would instruct them day by day, by day.

I say that it is not a difficult thing for me the Living God to instruct my people, to uplift them, to guide them, to direct them in the way. I say that I have intended that my people would walk in the light, walk in the strength, walk in the glory, I say that I have intended that my people would come forth in the truth. I say that if my own people will walk in my intentions, I say that I the Living God will guide them smoothly. I say that they will know that it is me who is with them, and it is me who does direct them, and instruct them. I say that I desire that my people would learn what it is to abide in me, and to rejoice in me, and to be glad in me. But I say when men through their high mindedness and through their false authority do rise up and think that they must appoint themselves as those who know everything about everything that pertains to me, I say that they only expose their own foolishness and their own problems.

I say that there is no man who knows everything about me and I say there is no man who knows how to dictate what I can do. For I say such a man is a fool who is blinded by pride and I say the end of such a man will be ruination and destruction. For I say that he is taking himself along the course that is not the way of life, but is merely a way that will dead end into his own destruction. I say there are multitudes of them in this generation, they think that they have the handle on me and what I can do and what I cannot do, and what I have done and what I have not done. But I say they are so dull, they are so insensitive to my Spirit, they are so thick for I say that it is only their own selves they desire to promote and all of their so called knowledge. I say that their knowledge is darkness and stupidity, it is blindness, for I say that it is not according to my word, and it is not according to my instruction. I say that it is merely the conjecture of their own vain minds and I say that they are filthy dreamers for I say that their dreams will put them upon the seat of authority, and put themselves in the place of kingship, then I say that they will dictate. I say what are they dictating except deadness, and dullness, stupidity, and darkness?

I say this day do not look for those who say that they know so much, but I say simply look for me. For I say that it is not in proud men that you shall find the way of the Kingdom, but it is in those who are meek and lowly, it is in those who desire me, it is in those who will find that I am the life, the strength, the power, the glory. I say that you may come unto me and I will meet thee, and I will teach thee, and I will direct thee. For I say that it is a pleasure unto me when my people will be yielded over unto me, and yielded to the light that I desire to bring.

I say when men through their own proud imaginations think they have the complete handle on what I am and who I am, and what I do, and what I don’t do, I say such men are leading others into a ditch. I speak unto thee and I say that I have never called thee to end in a ditch, but I have called thee to come forth in the truth, and I have called thee to come forth in light, and I have called thee to come forth in power. Therefore I say be releasing thyself unto me for I am the one who does care for thee, and I am the one who will uplift thee and bring thee forth. I say when you will be released unto me, I say that you shall live for I the Living God will give thee the abundance of life of who I am. And I say that you cannot help but be glad, and give me thanks and praise that I am the source that is available unto thee.

I say there are so many in this hour who love to put long titles after their names as though they had achieved some great thing. But I say that they are going in the wrong direction for it is not me that they seek, it is not me that they long for, it is not me that they serve, though they use my name. I say they are simply getting a name for their selves through their so-called knowledge about me. But I say that their knowledge is confusion and it is delusion, for it does not lead men unto righteousness, and it does not lead men unto glory, and it does not lead men into the humility place that I desire for them to be in. But I say instead it only puffs men up as they are puffed up and they are all in the confusion of pride, and the delusion of pride and there they are bound.

I say that it is silly in this generation the number who raise themselves up and toot their own horns as though they are great teachers and scholars, and oh, so knowledgeable. But I say what good is all of their knowledge if they refuse to know me? I say what good is all of their knowledge if they refuse to humble themselves before me? For I say they have missed the most important part and I say they are not striving to enter into my Kingdom, but I say they are striving to build their own kingdoms over which they may set as lords enthroned. I say what a shame, a sorrow, a grief that is unto me the Living God. For I say that I desire a people who will be humble before me, I desire a people who will be lowly before me, I say that I desire a people who will hunger and thirst after me. I say that I would fill them with all righteousness and I would guide them by my instruction and I would direct them in my way.

But I say that men in this hour are full of pride and arrogance, they are full of conceit, and they are desiring that others would worship them. Therefore I say they set themselves up as great experts, they set themselves as dictators and I say they set themselves up as fools. For I say indeed that I the Living God find no pleasure in such ones, no not at all, for I say they are not moving according to my Kingdom, but I say that they are moving according to their own imaginations which are wicked. I say do not follow after vain janglers who are merely tooting their own horns, drawing attention to themselves, bragging of their great knowledge when really they know nothing for they are fools. I say do not follow after them but I say seek for me, for I am the Living God triumphant and it is me who desires thee, and it is me who will instruct thee and guide thee if you will but humble yourself before me. I say that it is a blessed thing to come forth in me, to receive of me, to know that I am well able. It is a blessed thing to come forth in that which I the Living God have intended for thee. Therefore I say be glad that you are privileged to be mine, be glad that you are privileged to come forth in my truth, be glad that you are privileged to come forth in my light.

It is me the Living God who will give the truth unto thee again, and again, and again. It is me the Living God who will direct thee, instruct thee, uplift thee and guide thee, in the way that I have purposed for thee. Therefore I say do not doubt me but believe me, and trust in me for my way is perfect. You do not have to know everything that you think you have to know about me in the sense of what I can and cannot do. I say that is not up to you to discern or decide for I say that I am infinite and I shall do according to my own desire. Be glad that ye are mine, that ye are privileged to be serving me, that you are privileged to be coming forth in the light that I give, that you are privileged to come forth in the truth. For I say that it is me the Living God who does give the life unto thee, who does direct thee and instruct thee, who does guide thee in the way. I say thank me and praise me that you may look to me, and believe in me, and know that I am well able.

For I say indeed it is a blessed and a beautiful thing to come forth in the truth, come forth in the light, come forth in the glory. For I am the infinite and the endless God and I do remain, I say thank me and praise that you are privileged to walk in me, that you are privileged to believe in me, that you are privileged to partake of me. For I say that it is me the Living God who is thy King, who is thy source, who is thy Lord. It is me the Living God who desires thee brought forth in truth. I say thank me and praise me even this day that you can receive of my light, receive of my truth, receive of my glory. Thank me and praise me that you can come forth in me, for it is me the Living God who is the truth everlasting, it is me the Living God who is the strength enduring, it is me the Living God desires you to walk in me.

I say do not be as the fools following after those who are blowing their own horns, those who are drawing attention unto themselves for their great knowledge about me. But I say rather follow after me and know me for I am the Living God and I say that I will reveal myself and I am the limitless God, I say that there is no end to me. I say thank me and praise me that it is me the Living God who does desire thee to come forth in the truth, who does desire thee to come forth in light, who does desire thee to come forth in my goodness.

I say there are many in this generation who shall find themselves desolate even though they may have acquired great knowledge or so they thought. I say in the end they will be empty and void, for I say that it is not the knowledge of me that they have attained. I say that it is the knowledge according to their own understanding that makes them think that they are so great, so grand, so glorious in the eyes of men. But I say when they stand desolated before me, I say they shall weep, howl, and moan, for I say that they are blinded fools. I say be not as they are but I say gain the true light, I say gain the true knowledge, I say gain the true life, I say follow after me and learn of my ways and I say that I will keep thee.

HAVE YOU BEEN SAVED? JESUS IS REAL!! PRAY LIKE THIS.

Dear Jesus, I come to you with all the sins I've committed and I beg you to forgive me. Rescue me from eternal damnation in Hellfire. I confess that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. Don't let me die in my sins. Please cleanse my body, soul and spirit with your precious blood. I need your help and I ask you to come and live in my heart. I want to serve you, obey your commands and do what is right. I want to live for you everyday and receive everlasting life. Please lead and guide me by your Spirit into righteousness. Help me live a clean and holy life that is pleasing unto God. Thank you Jesus for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen! Read the BIBLE!

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or write to us:

AGGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY
HR 60, Box 11,