This year we have been devoted to understanding the coming kingdom of God and the many ways in which we are preparing the way for the Lord by building a highway. This highway has been under construction since the church was born on the day the Lord walked the earth and began calling those who would follow Him. To perceive this highway, we must have an expansive vision. Once we begin to see it, we will see it almost everywhere and will be astonished at how great and expansive it is. This is the heart cry of Psalm 90:16-17:
 

The next “work of the flesh” noted in Galatians 5:20 is “sedition” (KJV). This word is also translated “rebellion” or “division.” Its implication is more than just resisting authority, but also to incite others to rebel or turn against authority. This is, of course, what all rebellion eventually does.

This week we will address a couple of basic principles on how we can make disciples of ethnic groups, and teach them to observe all that the Lord commanded. I will use the African ethnic group in what we address here, mostly because they are the ethnic group that I have a heart for, and have therefore studied the most. Even so, these principles could relate to any people.

         Last week we began to look at what it means to be a disciple. In biblical times, being the disciple of a noteworthy teacher was one of the highest honors one could receive. Because the quality of the disciples reflected directly upon the teacher, teachers would seek the very best and brightest as disciples, and most would only consider members of the nobility. Therefore, when the Lord commanded His disciples to go and make disciples, this was a truly remarkable commission.

     I want to especially thank all who have responded to these Special Bulletins about the National Health Care bill by writing and calling your representatives in Congress, and by attending their “town hall” meetings and other gatherings. Your voice is being heard.

        There is a saying that contains an important insight: “In Jerusalem, Christianity became a religion. In Greece, it became a philosophy. In Rome, it became an institution. In Britain, it became a tradition, and in America, it became an enterprise.”

Who Won

Everyone knows who won the election, but not everyone understands how big the win is concerning the impact that they can now have on the future of America. Their victory is huge, and Bush’s second term will be far more dynamic than his first. He does have a mandate now and will use it.

The Republican Party

         Continuing with the matter of understanding people, again we should not be surprised by how those who do not know the Lord put their trust in government. It is all they have to trust in. Even so, governments are failing and will continue to fail. The Great Commission is to offer the world a hope that will never disappoint.

        Why was it “the best of times and the worst of times?” We are living in precisely that situation now, and the best will get better, and the worst will get worse. Both are preparing this world for the age to come, and we are here to be the messengers, so we must understand our times.

     Many things bring life to a church, such as great preaching, prayer, worship, and fellowship. However, three things seem to bring the most life to the church—hearing from God, miracles, and new believers. In our local church, we have been blessed by an increase in each of these, which has come in waves. It seems that we may be in the first stages of yet another wave, which is creating a lot of excitement. A few weeks ago, I was also given a promise from the Lord—He said He is going to release a double portion of prophetic revelation to us.