Rick Joyner Rick Joyner has authored more than fifty books, including The Final Quest Trilogy, There Were Two Trees in the Garden, The Path, and Army of the Dawn. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of MorningStar Ministries, a multi-faceted mission organization which includes Heritage International Ministries, MorningStar University, MorningStar Fellowship of Churches and Ministries. Click here to take a look at Rick's latest Rant #ricksrants

The Army of God Mobilizes, Part 14

Churches, ministries, or organizations that only minister to large groups will tend to be more shallow in their messages and the equipping of their people. However, churches that only minister to small groups can be deeper, but they, too, can become imbalanced and prideful if they are not joined in some way to a larger group to gather with at times. The healthiest churches tend to be those that have a large gathering for all, yet have a vital small group ministry as well.

Taking the Land, Part 102

As we have previously discussed, it is likely that some of the greatest Christian leaders and missionaries to have ever lived are alive and serving now. Even so, as much as 90 to 95 percent of Christian missions are either ineffective or counterproductive—sometimes being negative witnesses for the gospel. There are various reasons for this, but most of these missionaries are good Christians, devoted to their work, and would be appalled at the thought that their work could actually be counterproductive to the cause of Christ.

Taking the Land, Part 48

Man exists for God. Government exists for man, and this includes the government of God. Government is the servant, not the master. Because fallen man is basically selfish and self-centered, stronger government is needed to keep order and provide justice in this fallen world. No earthly government has been perfect at this, or will be. Most governments degenerate into using people for their own interests rather than serving the interests of their people, and this includes church governments. This is when governments fall and begin to fail in their basic purpose.

Another New Beginning- The Greatest Christian Life

         We’ve come again to the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. As we read the creation story, we see the importance God placed on giving us seasons. Each calendar year, it’s like He wanted us to have a chance for a fresh start—a marker from which we look backward and forward. What did we accomplish last year? Did we accomplish our goals? Do we need to set a new direction or goals? Such periodic evaluations keep us fresh, giving us a new beginning every year.

Bold New Vision for MorningStar University

     Because “change is good,” 2010 may be the best year we have had to date. Radical new changes at MorningStar University have enabled us to move into areas we’ve been hoping to for years, such as adding accredited degree programs from Associates through Doctorates, church planting courses, and a diversity of new mission opportunities around the world. The entire basic structure of MSU has been transformed into what we are confident will be more effective than ever in preparing high-impact Christians to fulfill their purposes in our times.

Three in One

     Beginning this fall, MSU will be three schools in one. The word “university” comes from the words “unity-in-diversity,” which is truly what the school will be. This increased definition and specialization will enable a much greater advancement and effectiveness of each program and MSU as a whole. We are told in Ecclesiastes 4:12, “a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Each will be stronger with a more clearly defined relationship with the other two. The following are the three schools and a brief description of their

The Foundation - The Great Commission, Part 26

        The foundation of a biblical worldview is the first four words in The Bible—“In the beginning God….” That God is, and made all that is, is our foundational understanding. From this, all other truth springs.

         The first implication of this is that the world is the Lord’s, and we are His. He created us for a purpose, and to find and fulfill that purpose is the only path to a truly successful human life. As Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-40:   

The First Test of Wisdom

The life and death of Terri Schiavo was a remarkable and important prophetic event that captured the attention of not only the entire nation, but much of the world. The issues raised by this sad tragedy are some of the most basic issues related to both righteousness and justice, which can affect us all. If the church is to be “the light of the world” then we must address the important events of our time with the light of God’s truth, which is clearly established in the Scriptures.