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Essential Principles for Upgrading the Church

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  • CROSSING OVER

    ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES FOR UPGRADING THE CHURCH

    A MANUAL BY NEL SEWRAJ

  • C R O S S I N G O V E R : E S S E N T I A L P R I N C I P L E S F O R U P G R A D I N G T H E C H U R C H

    Table of Contents

    CHAPTER 1

    The Original Purpose of the Church.. 1

    CHAPTER 2

    How to Measure the Church.. 5

    CHAPTER 3

    The Governing Church.. 12

    What is a Governing Church?....................................................... 12 The Characteristics of Governing Churches.... 15

    CHAPTER 4

    Fathers and Sons..... 17

    Why the Father-Son Model is the Proper Order in the Church.... 17 Why Pastors Dont Think About Raising Sons........ 19 Why It Is Important To Raise Sons..... 20

    How To Identify Potential Sons...... 21 How To Know When Sons Are Ready For Succession....... 22 Why We Need Spiritual Fathers.. 24 Authority in the Local Church.... 28

    CHAPTER 5

    Breakthrough Believers.. 29

  • T H E O R I G I N A L P U R P O S E O F T H E C H U R C H

    1

    The Original Purpose of

    the Church

    Why Does The Church Exist?.

    What We Generally Accept As The Purposes Of The Church

    any other things drive church nowadays: tradition, the denomination, finances,

    programmes-activities-events, buildings, seekers. Like Rick Warrens bestseller

    Purpose-Driven Church, many churches emphasize certain areas of ministry such as

    evangelism , fellowship, prayer, worship, ministry, discipleship. These are merely functions of

    the church not the purpose. Purpose is different from function. Purpose is where the church

    is supposed to go. Purpose is the original plan given by God for the church.

    The Original Purposes Of The Church

    1. To manifest the government of God in the earth

    The church is a glimpse of Gods government in the heavens. She makes Gods

    government and order in the heavens visible in the earth

    The church first establishes Gods government within the people and through

    them into every domain of society.

    Therefore society must see the church as regal & royal. They should admire our

    order, ranks & authority. There is no room for rebellion, lawlessness & anarchy in

    the church. Remember the whole world is full of disorder; there is breaking of

    ranks, dishonour. Therefore everything we do must be governed & ordered well: an

    ordered life, ordered family, ordered in the way we talk, move, speak, handle

    ourselves etc.

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    2. To reveal Christ as the standard and measure of all things

    Christ is the standard & measure of all things. All success must be measured

    against Christ. His standards are the only valid standards.

    His Body, the Church, is the standard for everything that takes place in the earth.

    The church is the standard-bearer for the non-Christian world (1Co 14:24-25 -

    But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of

    all, he is judged of allAnd thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down

    on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth ). When non-

    Christians look at our lives, families, how we manage & use our resources/ finances

    & so forth, they must feel deficient.

    3. To be the voice of God in the earth.

    The church is the conscience of society. Therefore we must speak up & throw

    light on everything happening around us.

    The church should never shrink back & barricade itself off & refrain to be a voice

    in society

    We must hear what the Lord is saying & go and tell them: "This is what the Lord

    told us". Tell the non-Christians too; they will come to God in this way. The

    church must be able to speak into people's lives at any time & in any place. After all

    God came to give life in abundance and not salvation only.

    4. To extend and expand Gods kingdom here on earth

    The church is called to invade every domain & penetrate every strata of society.

    Dan 2:34-35, 44 The stone that is cut out by the hand of God becomes a great

    mountain that fills all the earth. In the NT (1 Pet.2:6), the stone is Zion (the

    church) and Zion becomes a mountain (Kingdom) & fills the whole earth.

    Therefore Kingdom expansion is not limited to the confines of the church; it goes

    beyond our four walls. Our members must get out & change the world. Teach

    them to take over in their domains. Train them for education, business, politics etc.

    5. To manifest the manifold wisdom of God against

    principalities and powers

    Eph. 3:10 - to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the

    church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places

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    Eph.6:11 speaks of the schemes of the enemy; v.16 speaks about the fiery darts of the

    enemy. The wisdom that proceeds from the church must shut these schemes &

    extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy!

    Train the church to war in the spirit. They must learn to engage in the spirit not

    in the natural.

    They must take their problems to the spirit world & solve them there. Let them get

    an answer before coming to you for problem-solving techniques & counselling

    6. To become the dwelling place of God

    The church is not merely for gatherings & services; it is for God. Therefore He

    must descend when we gather. When we meet, He must manifest among us.

    God must leave the heavens and descend. The God-factor is essential. He must be

    there, else it is only us which is not enough.

    The church is Gods dwelling place. Dwelling means to make a place home; to

    live and express oneself freely & with no restrictions. We cannot put God under

    house arrest in His own house! Is He able to manifest in any form He wants to?

    Can He express Himself freely? In every gathering we must allow Him to take

    charge!

    7. To break dividing walls between peoples, tribes and nations.

    The church is not a melting pot of culture; it is the place where every culture is

    broken & only Kingdom culture prevails. Break everything that is outside

    heavenly culture. We cannot act like African, think like Europeans, Indians etc. The

    church cannot be dominated by one single culture.

    Eph.2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the

    middle wall of separation.

    Kingdom culture is the dominant culture and we must work towards that culture

    alone. We are not a multi-cultural or multi-racial church. We are a heavenly church.

    We cannot use the culture of the local environment to dominate anybody. Church

    is created by Him & He is heavenly. The culture in the house is therefore a

    heavenly culture (i.e. Kingdom culture)

    8. To fulfil the pledge of the Father to the Son.

    Acts 2:34-35 - The Fathers pledge to the Son was that He would make all His

    enemies His footstool (Sit at my right handuntil I make your enemies your footstool).

    The church (His body) is built to execute & fulfil this pledge and bring everything

    under total subjection to Jesus Christ.

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    So the purpose of the church is to complete & finish His final battles with His

    enemies (sin, sickness, satan, death). NB. The church can longer be preoccupied

    with fighting its own internal, domestic battles. Everyone must win all their

    personal battles so they can take on the enemies of God.

    9. To express the relationship of covenant between God & man.

    Abraham walked in covenant with God. God worked with Him as a friend of God

    (James 2:23; 2Chron.20:7; Isa.41:8). The church must manifest this dimension of

    covenant.

    God must attest to our covenant with Him with signs, wonders & miracles.

    Covenant with God must be manifestable cf. Elijah on Mt Carmel. Even

    witchdoctors manifest supernatural powers because they covenant with powers of

    darkness.

    10. To sum up all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth.

    Eph. 1:9-11 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure

    which He purposed in Himselfthat in the dispensation of the fullness of the

    times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in

    heaven and which are on earthin HimIn Him also we have obtained an

    inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to

    the counsel of His will.

    God has called the church to gather all things together in Christ. We must

    pursue this call & make it a reality.

    God will pull everything into alignment in Christ as the head of the Church. The

    church must be strong so that everything can be pulled together. This is Gods

    purpose in Jesus: The whole nation is to be changed & adjusted to the measure of

    Christ.

    CONCLUSION

    These are Gods original purposes for His church. It is the will of Father God for His

    church. Our meat must be to do the will of the Father & finish it. This is the church the

    Lord Jesus Christ is building. God will shift the dynamics of the entire city around this

    church. Become the leader of your community because you hold the authority. Are you

    ready to lead the city? Then build the house well.

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    How To Measure The

    Church

    How Can I Measure The Growth Of The Church?

    he common mistake we make when think about measuring the church is to think only

    in terms of the number members. The membership size is never a true reflection of

    the strength of any church. The ostrich is a very big bird too but it cannot fly. Ricardo

    Semler(author of the book Maverick) says: only two things grow for the sake of growth: businesses and

    tumours. It's not about the size of the dog in the fight, its about the size of the fight in the

    dog. Pastors must not measure themselves or the church wrongly. They must measure

    themselves with Gods measurement. They must do the same with their churches as well.

    How Should We Measure Church?

    1. The Size of God in the church

    The measure of His presence. How and in what measure does God manifest in your

    church?

    The supernatural attesting of God to confirm the message with signs and wonders

    (Act 2:22 - Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among

    you by miracles and wonders and signs).

    The grace to break natural limitations & touch the impossible.

    No obstacles, no opposition can stop you (government, crime, factors in the

    environment). No men can stand before you

    Our people are God-conscious wherever they are.

    An unfailing atmosphere of Gods supernatural grace and covering. Every battle is

    won is some supernatural way.

    The proceeding word is always readily available. No lack of Gods word

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    2. The Size of the Strength of the Church

    The inner strength of every believer = the spiritual strength of the house. True

    church growth occurs inside peoples lives when their spirit/inner man is strong.

    There is strength of character & maturity in the people (not natural maturity of age).

    The passionate drive and motivation of the people. They have zeal & inward drive.

    This is a healthy, growing church.

    The people are consistent and steady in pursuit of vision. There is oneness of

    mind, heart and soul for Gods purpose. The church is becoming a one-man company

    every day having one voice, one mind, one vision and purpose.

    The strength of interpersonal relationships amongst the people. There is corporate

    strength in accurate interpersonal relationships. Division in the house will break the

    spiritual energy & inner strength of the house.

    The members are empowered with gifts and graces. The more members carry gifts,

    graces, anointings & power, the stronger the church is. Teach them how to pray in

    the spirit, prophesy, lay hands on the sick etc.

    3. The Size of the Influence of the Church

    Our members are affected by the atmosphere in the church. They are changing &

    turning towards God without major force, effort or human coercion

    There is a steady stream of new vessels you can fill. Older members reduce your

    influence to what they want you to have/ hear. They settle & dont place a demand on

    the Spirit. Newer people allow you to influence them more.

    Our people are being positioned in the right places in the city. Their influence &

    stature is increasing in their places of vocation. Their positions in the marketplace is not

    only about a better life for them; its also about increasing our influence in the city

    We are preparing people to affect different domains of society e.g. politically, in

    education, in media, in the medical field, through the churches etc.

    Nonbelievers are recognizing our activities and work. They come to partner with &

    support us. They recommend us and create more opportunities for us. They call for our

    help, advice, assistance. The examples, patterns & efforts of our members are

    recognised by the non-Christian

    We are providing positive input into our society and its development. The church is

    resourcing the community with various initiatives, drives & projects (skills, HIV, poor

    etc.) She is also becoming the voice for her community.

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    4. The Size of the Infrastructure of your Church

    A facility to facilitate the progress and development of your own people. Buildings

    should only be to facilitate the work of God. It is not to impress others. The building is

    not the end. No building is built for the glory of God. Do not add any spirituality to

    brick and mortar. There is nothing spiritual about the building itself. We need space to

    make people, that is all we want ! Also, get a place that can grow according to future

    needs & expansion.

    You need competent men to extend the territory. Without workers nothing can be

    done. Train & skill your people in spiritual things so they will be competent

    We need technology to facilitate the administration. Technology is merely to make

    ministry more efficient. However, dont waste money on technology you dont need.

    The quality of the administration. Not only the number but the work quality.

    Training the trainers and training the people. The more people are trained in the

    church, the better it is. Start training them now! The senior pastor should release more

    & more of the things he does to others.

    Readily available resources for expansion. We need cash available readily. Raise &

    accrue resources in the church account for future needs.

    5. The Size of the Growth Structure within the Church

    1st = Church Health 2nd = Church Development 3rd = Church Growth

    Church growth is the result of church health.

    There must be a fresh word and move from the Holy Spirit within our church.

    Nothing can happen without a proceeding word. If anything is going to happen in the

    church its because of the proceeding Word (Isa 55:10-13)

    The Senior Pastor is rising to receive a stronger mandate for the house. The growth

    structure is built around the pastor. He is the vertebrae of the body. The pastor is taking

    his place, stations himself well, is always at the front line of the battlefield, prays strong.

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    The leadership base is maturing and is sufficiently preparing for expansion. God

    solves problems by using people not systems. What we lack is found in people not

    information, knowledge etc.

    1st = PEOPLE then SYSTEMS .and not vice versa!!!

    More volunteer lay-leadership is rising spontaneously. These are not paid but

    volunteers (not living off churchs finances). There is danger in trying to push

    everybody fulltime and pay them. Raise up more volunteers in the church who will give

    their services freely

    Healthy couples and marriages are modelled in the church, and these are available for

    home church leadership. Couples are among the best group leaders. They face the

    same problems, struggles etc. and can easily help others. They can run it like a home.

    Good homes stabilize the church. These couples must represent the senior pastor well.

    Financial resources, personnel, technology and expertise must be readily available in

    church. What do we want to be doing five years from now as a church? How far in the

    vision? we must reserve seed for the next season. Paul worked hard as a tentmaker so

    that he would not be a burden; many Christians/ pastors dont want to.

    6. The Size of Hope and Vision for the Future

    This always keeps the church strong, buoyant and energized

    A generation of young men & women are being trained & mentored. They are the

    carriers of our hope. They have captured our dreams & becoming the fulfilment of it.

    There is adequate succession in place for all areas and departments. We need to raise

    up standby members & teams for worship, ministry, pastoral, musicians & singers etc.

    Greater talents, skills & competencies in leaders, ministers & staff. They must

    become better every year, or else the church will overtake & override them.

    Venture into other domains of business, education, arts, media, communication,

    politics etc. All these sectors carry our hope so we must get our sons to enter & take-

    over all these sectors

    More community projects that are effective in city penetration. Have a goal for every

    initiative we undertake; it must carry the same hope.

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    Community leaders become part of the house. Learn to use your community leaders

    and politicians. Learn how to be seen with them & among them irrespective of their

    religious alliances.

    Training opportunities to reproduce strong leaders and labourers in, & for, other

    domains. The church must be seen as useful for - not only their own - but for the non-

    Christian world too. We cannot just raise up spiritual leaders but leaders in business &

    politics.

    7. The Size of the Word Content in the Church

    How much of Gods Word is in the house, in the lives of the people, how much of the Word is

    moving them, how much of the Word is governing their activities. Most churches dont have

    the Word; they have activities & programmes. Members are governed by programmes not by

    the Word.

    Isa 55:10-11 For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But

    water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud. Rain & snow comes sovereignly & not by

    human initiative. The rain comes and discovers the seed. A cycle starts. They are types of

    the Word. The Word does the same.

    When the church gathers it must be because of the Word. Every programme must be because

    of the Word. If theres no Word we shouldnt have the meeting! Our mistake: to have more

    activities & programmes with no Word! The Word is the most important thing. It takes priority!

    Is the proceeding word constantly and consistently in the house? Not just coming to

    you (pastor) but also to the members. Everybody must be capturing it. Every person

    must be hearing Gods voice. He must be speaking to their spirits and hearts all the

    time.

    o Isa 38:4-5- And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying, "Go and tell Hezekiah,

    'Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your

    tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. The Word came & cut short death on

    Hezekiahs life. The Word intercepts our lives with heavens life. The proceeding

    word must arrest decay and decline and bring us into life. Everyone who is on the

    go should be because they heard God. Let Gods word be the origin for every one

    of our movements.

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    The senior leader is the voice of God to the people. He must never reduce what God

    is saying in the heaven. What God is saying must be communicated and articulated

    accurately to the people, without being watered-down or diluted. The people must be

    allowed to touch the same frequency.

    Is your leadership base carrying out the Word? The effectiveness of the Word we

    speak is always killed by our leaders. If they struggle with it they will not be able to

    transfer it. Choose leaders - not on the basis of gifts, skills and talents. They must

    capture our heart & be able to represent us well. Make sure your leadership base

    captures the Word first. They must receive it before they can preach it. Our leaders

    must become our voice to the members!

    The youth must is established on the Word and not just the blessings of Egypt. Dont

    water down the Word for them. The young generation are seeking for more, they are

    longing for purpose & direction. Do not attack the young generation. They do not want

    to live like the adults they have seen failing, hurt, disappointed, oppressed.

    Redesigning the new community by the power of the Word. God designed the whole

    world by the Word (Heb. 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the

    word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.)

    8. The Size in Numbers of the Church

    It is not about how many children you have; its is about how many you raise up well. Its not

    about how many we bring to Christ; its about how much of Christ we put into them.

    Text references:

    Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them

    about three thousand souls/ Act 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the

    disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the

    faith./Act 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a

    murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily

    ministration./Act 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and

    turned unto the Lord.

    True growth is not measured by how many attend our main service on a Sunday; it is

    measured by:

    Those who attend our main services and other meetings too. They are committed to what

    God is doing in our midst. Types of Christians:

    i. Those who seek God daily: Committed Christians

    ii. Those who seek God weekly: Religious Christians

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    iii. Those who seek God occasionally: Moody Christians

    iv. Those who seek God seasonally: Festive Christians

    v. Those who seek God annually: Superstitious Christians

    vi. Those who sought God previously: Dead Christians

    vii. Those who seek God momentarily: Crisis Christians

    Those who are totally committed and connected in support of the house (not just the

    meetings ). They are supportive of what we are doing as a house (our vision)

    Those who are submitted to authority and work in accountability. The risky people in

    your church are those who have grown with you from the inception of the ministry because

    of familiarity. They have a problem with coming under your authority and being

    accountability to you. They are on their own. People who feel that they have a say are

    dangerous. One day they will rise and attack you. We cannot lower the standard and

    accommodate what is inaccurate, even though we value the support they gave us.

    Those whom you can depend on to carry what you carry. They have grown your life and

    message in their own lives. They are able to carry what you carry. When you go to war you

    must know whom you can count on & who will stand with you. They represent us well.

    They are like the other you in the congregation.

    Those who increase your influence by touching those they are connected to. They are not

    only carrying but use what they carry to increase YOUR influence everywhere they are

    connecting.

    o Andrew said: Come, see the Messiah! He didnt project himself, the focus was Jesus alone.

    Some members project their own gifts & run with their own agenda because they were

    never connected to the arrowhead leader. The arrowhead leadership must be accepted.

    No one in the church ever finds their place if they havent accepted the pastor!

    CONCLUSION

    Its time we measured church the way God would not the way man would. Be honest,

    how many in your church can carry your grace, your message, your accuracy, your

    spirit, your life, your DNA? Do not measure yourself wrongly. Measure yourself with

    Gods measurement. Do the same with your church

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    The Governing Church

    What Type Of Church Is God Building?

    od wants to invade cities & territories all across the nations of the earth God. He is raising

    up a new breeds of churches in the earth to become the gateways & bases through which

    He can take cities & nations. These churches are built on apostolic (Acts) blueprints. They

    are called to influence their regions & impact their nations with passion & power. These are

    governing territorial churches. They are not measured by numbers but by their stature

    What Is A Governing Church?

    1. A governing church is a strong local church

    The believers are maturing & spiritually healthy, vibrant & lively

    Members fulfil their role & functions well & are pursuing corporate destiny

    Acts 2:42-47 all NT ingredients for doing church are present & functioning in

    balance: Word/truth, fellowship, prayer, worship, evangelism, the prophetic, admin.

    Even church growth must result directly from church health.

    2. A governing church is a strong resource centre

    This church resources the region & beyond with the dimensions of the Word & Spirit.

    What God gives them overflows to others in their locality eg. their messages,

    music/songs, leaders & other resource materials

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    Gen.12:3 - And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. They have a global

    mentality to become a blessing in their region, nation & in the earth.

    This church benefits other churches; other churches grow at their expense

    3. A governing church is an apostolic church

    An apostolic church is a built according to the patterns found in the early church in

    the Book of Acts (i.e. Acts of the Apostles). It is built on foundation of the apostles &

    prophets. Its members are breakthrough believers in whom Christ has been formed.

    This church is also apostolic in function. It reproduces its grace, apostolic patterns, it

    dimensions & strategies into other local churches making them just like it. We are

    apostolic when we start to reproduce our lives into another available local church i.e.

    when they begin to use everything that we are channelling into their church. They begin

    to carry the same grace, passion, truth, & spirit dimensions as us.

    Acts 13 Paul & Barnabas raised the first apostolic church in Antioch. After building

    this apostolic model they were commissioned to export this model of church to other

    cities & nations.

    4. A governing church is the epicentre of divine activity

    Divine activity resonates & pulsates from here. Divine stirrings of revival and

    reformation are present. God manifests here in power & demonstration. The Word

    of the Lord & visions come in abundance. There is no lack of revelation knowledge and

    Spirit operations in this church. God tabernacles among them therefore they always

    have His fresh bread & hidden manna.

    They even become the entrance point for God to move in their region. The divine

    stirrings that began in this local church spreads into the surrounding areas. They

    become the gateway for revival & reformation in their region.

    5. A governing church is the government seat of God in the region

    Ps 110:1-2 The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your

    footstool (the Son is being positioned for ultimate conquest over all His enemies)The

    LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! (God is

    using the church (Zion) to execute His vengeance & judgement on His enemies).

    This church becomes the governing seat for God in that region and nation. They have the spiritual stature to rule with Christ in heavenly places (Eph.2:6). They have risen into the heavenly realm to dislodge the powers of the air & unseat demonic powers over that region.

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    6. A governing church extends the Kingdom by exercising dominion

    over the spiritual realm

    Because the church is an extension of the Lord Jesus in the heavens she possesses the

    keys of the Kingdom of heaven to operate on the earth. What she does on the earth will be

    backed by heaven(Matt.16:19 whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven).

    Some points about keys:

    i. Keys are entrusted to the mature. This is a church that has grown from childhood

    to maturity in Christ. They have moved from saints to sons

    ii. Keys give one freedom of access. She does not need to wait like the foolish

    virgins or knock for the door to open. She can enter at any time!

    iii. Keys are given to authorised persons only. She has been received prior approval

    from the Father to operate in authority

    This church is recognised in the spirit realm & she is feared by demonic spirits (Acts

    19:15 "Jesus I know, and Paul I know). They have Gods approval to execute His

    authority in the heavenlies (Luke 10:20 rejoice that your names are written in heaven). They

    represent Jesus fully in His Kingdom governance.

    Matt.6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be

    added to you . The Kingdom of God begins within the life of the believer (Lk.17:21) &

    proceeds outwards. Seeking the Kingdom is not doing church activities or spiritual

    work; it is about training our lives, hearts & minds to operate by the laws & principles

    of the Kingdom. When the Kingdom is properly positioned within the life of the

    believer then all these things i.e. the blessings of the Lord will overtake us. We will

    also rise & become an influence in the community because the Kingdom of God will

    swallow up all other kingdoms of this world! (Rev.11:15).

    7. A governing church keeps the heavens open for the moves of the

    Holy Spirit

    The governing church is called to police the heavens. They unseat principalities &

    powers of darkness in the heavenly places & open up the heavens to the moves of the

    Holy Spirit. In so doing they make it conducive for the Holy Spirit to breakout in that

    region. (Gen.28:11f)

    Acts 13:2 The church in Antioch open up the heavens for the Holy Spirit to come

    into the church & supernaturally commission Paul & Barnabas. The governing church

    aligns its activities with heaven allowing the Holy Spirit to manifest. When the Holy

    Spirit manifests Gods plans for our churches will unfold.

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    This church is led by the Holy Spirit:

    i. Acts 16:17-18 The possessed slave girl followed Paul & cried out for many days

    but he did not give her any attention. Why? Because the devil does not call us out to

    war/ battle. Jesus is the Lord of Hosts & the Captain of the Army. We must only

    respond to His command

    ii. Acts 16:25 Although Paul & Silas were thrown into prison in the early afternoon

    (v.16), they did not do anything until midnight. Co-ordinating with heaven

    requires sensitivity & spiritual maturity. God is looking for churches that will

    operate in this fashion. In fact this move of the Holy Spirit resulted in the

    establishing of the church at Philippi.

    Characteristics Of Governing Churches

    1. The governing church rises into the spirit to dislodge the powers

    of hell

    This church rises into the realm of the spirit and dislodges the powers of hell over that

    region

    This church repositions herself in the realm of spirit to rule & reign over that region

    2. The governing church repositions herself to become the stronger

    man

    This church become the stronger man over the city because she has overthrown

    the strongman of the city

    This church exercises a new spiritual position as the territorial spirit in that region

    3. The governing church exercises territorial control over the

    region

    This church exercises this territorial control & influence over that entire region

    This church becomes the gate or entrance point for God & His angelic host to

    reach into that city and region

    This church has the power to open & shut doors in that locality.

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    4. The governing church takes responsibility to keep the spiritual

    climate conducive

    This church makes the spiritual atmosphere conducive for God to move. She creates a

    holy habitation for God in the spirit realm over that region.

    She is responsible for keeping the heavens open in that locality

    5. The governing church is not measured by numerical figures

    This church cannot be measured by the number of members it has (those attending

    church services & those recorded on its membership register)

    This church is measured by the its spiritual stature, the authority it wields in the spirit,

    supernatural strength & power and such things.

    6. The governing church carries a clear gospel of the Kingdom

    message

    This church does not only preach the gospel of salvation (pertains only to salvation).

    It is more than a soul winning harbour consumed only with evangelizing the lost

    This church preaches the gospel of the Kingdom (pertains to the reconciliation of

    everything including every sector of society in Christ)

    The Kingdom message increases the maturity, calibre & stature of the saints. This

    results creates cycles of restoration, reformation & revival. It also builds generationally

    & fathers raises up succession (sons).

    7. The governing church reforms the nature of society

    This church reforms the very nature & foundation of the society she lives in.

    The positive effects of this church can be physically observed in society.

    This church raises up mature sons to exercise dominion in every domain of society.

    CONCLUSION

    God is raising up governing churches across the nations of the earth to influence entire regions.

    They are Gods battle-axes to execute His will & Word in their territories, cities & nations. They

    shatter the works of darkness and terrorize terror & frighten fear. The gates of hell will not be

    able to withstand or resist them! A force to be reckoned with!

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    Fathers and Sons

    Why Must Church Be Built On The Father-Son Model?

    Why The Father-Son Model Is The Proper Order For The

    House Of God

    1. God created Man to be His son

    Adam was made in the image of Christ, the patterned/perfect Son of God (Gen.1:26-

    27; cf. Col.1:15-16; 2 Cor.4:4; Heb.1:3)

    Adam was created to be a son of God (Luke.3:38)

    In the Scriptures the word son has no meaning in itself. It cannot stand alone. The

    son only has relevance when he was viewed in conjunction with or in relation to his

    father. A man was identified by his sonship his father [i.e. he was the son

    of](eg. Saul asked of David: Abner, whose son is this youth? 1 Sam.17:55)

    So this was Gods arrangement from the beginning: the Father was to be God & the

    son was Man. Gods relationship to Man, as Father to sons, is neither accidental or

    casual. It is a deliberate order that was foreordained by God

    In the Fall, Man separated himself from his Father. He continues to live in a state of

    perpetual fatherlessness and as an orphan in the earth. The prevailing culture in the

    world today is the culture of fatherlessness.

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    2. When Jesus the Son of God came to the earth, He came to

    restore Man as His son again (to relate to Him as Father again)

    Before Jesus came the culture of fatherlessness prevailed in the earth. In fact Gods people did not think of Him or relate to Him as Father. Consider that He was rarely called my Father in the OT. Their view of God was similar to Islams.

    This was the reason why God sent Jesus, His Son to live among human: through

    Jesus God wanted to provide an explicit template/model of the Father-Son

    relationship to the world

    Prior to the coming of Jesus to restore Man as Gods son, there were types and

    shadows in the Old Testament that mimicked the principle of the father-son

    relationship:

    1) Abraham (God) sacrifices the lamb (Jesus) to spare Isaac (Man) (Gen.22)

    2) The patriarchal order (Abraham-Isaac-Jacob)

    3) The principle of the firstborn & the transfer of legacy (covenants)

    4) The sons of the prophets

    3. The relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ the

    Son is the standard order even for the house of God.

    In Gods House Jesus is the firstborn among many brethren (Rom.8:29).

    Brethren (adelphos) speaks of those who have the same father, parents or who

    came from the same womb, brothers. In God House there are other sons who have

    entered- in through believing in the Prefect Son & His shed blood.

    The final OT prophecies regarding the restoration of Gods House brings up the issue

    of the restoration of the father-son relationship. (see Mal.4:5-6). John the Baptist was

    the spirit of Elijah. The angel Gabriel made this clear to Johns father Zacharias (Luke

    1:17) and Jesus confirmed this (Matt.11:11,14). John the Baptist marked the close of

    the old covenant and the commencement of the new i.e. the age of the church which

    is the season of the restoration of fathers and sons in Gods House.

    Lets understand the spirit of Elijah. Elijah had an understudy called Elisha who would become his successor. In 2 Kings 2:9f Elisha requested a double portion of Elijahs spirit. The double portion is what a father reserves for his firstborn only! The firstborn son was to maintain the fathers family and continue the fathers legacy. He who gets the double portion must perpetuate his fathers house. When Elisha made this request he was indirectly calling Elijah his father not his natural father but his spiritual father. He expressed this verbally when Elijah was being taken away with the words my father, my father!

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    Final Comments:

    When one is born again he is born into the family of God or Gods Household. However,

    although this person has been spiritually reconciled his soul remains unchanged. The

    culture of an orphan is still intact in his soul. As a saint he tries hard to relate to the Father

    however the spirit of fatherlessness has not departed from his soul.

    He needs to transition into the culture of a son. He must be tutored and disciplined in the

    culture of heaven (father-son culture). God has assigned this task to a spiritual father. The

    relationship of spiritual fathers and spiritual sons within Gods House is merely a tutoring

    tool, a rehearsal and practice-run to equip sons of God for the authentic relationship between

    God the Father and themselves. It is a foretaste and precursor of the real thing. A spiritual

    father is given as a gift to the spiritual son to reveal the nature of God the Father to sons of

    God.

    Why Pastors Dont Think About Raising Sons

    1. They have not found true sons

    Negative past experiences make them cautious

    2. They fear that successors may destroy their dream and legacy

    Because pastors value their God-given dreams, they keep it to themselves. They dont

    want to throw their pearls to swine

    3. They are afraid that successors may jeopardize the work

    Pastors find it difficult to surrender the church to inexperienced people. So they only

    give people minimal responsibility not the whole ministry

    4. They believe that only they can do the job well

    Most pastors believe that they are the only ones who can do the job properly; and

    most of the time they are right

    5. They know that the work is the hope of their future

    Pastors see the future & destiny of the church; members only look at their own

    ministries. Some do not share his hope for the future

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    Why It Is Important To Raise Sons

    1. Sons will continue the fathers legacy & will not change the

    course

    Abraham, Isaac & Jacob prove to us the legacy can be transferred & perpetuated

    properly through covenant father-son relationships

    2. Fathers can only be honoured and remembered through their

    sons

    The honour of fathers is to see their sons rise up. Jesse was honoured by Davids

    exploits. When David went to fight Goliath, Saul asked: whose son is this youth? (1

    Sam.17:55). In the achievements of the children the father is remembered

    3. Succession is inevitable

    The senior pastor cannot avoid or escape this reality (Eccl.2:18 - Then I hated all my

    labour in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after

    me.)

    4. Fathers have the opportunity to choose men carefully for

    succession

    Eccl.2:19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labour

    in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

    5. When a pastor does not choose his successors & reproduce

    himself, he will get replaced & misplaced in history

    The church is not about producing numbers; it is about producing sons i.e. those who

    want to finish the course. It is a father-son enterprise where fathers reproduce after

    their own kind for continuity. If there is no continuity the fathers legacy is

    squandered.

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    How To Identify Potential Sons

    1. Sons will be trainable material

    Acts 19:8-12 Not all members are not trainable. They become hardened in their

    hearts. They lose the capacity to be moulded. They resist change because they like the

    way they are. They become disobedient. They know the truth but dont do it. Non-

    practising believers. Hearing but never doing. They speak evil of the way the pastor is

    doing things. They are loose-mouthed & critical. They still have issues.

    Trainable ones do not contend with what the pastor speaks. They hear well & change

    accordingly.

    Separate the trainable from those who are not trainable. Our best ones must be

    allowed to move forward instead of being slowed down by everyone. Raise them to

    get out of the church & impact the city.

    2. Sons will be well spoken-off by others

    Pastors should avoid training Christians who have a bad testimony. A bad name will

    cut short a good ministry.

    Acts 15:36-41 - This was an important apostolic assignment to set doctrines right in

    the early churches. John Mark lacked character.

    Look for those whose hearts are clean and ways are pure. Preaching ability,

    educational competence, status in society or financial income are not qualifying factors

    3. Sons are willing to embrace change & a new walk of life

    Acts 16:1-4 - Timothy had to embrace a new change (circumcision)for the new walk &

    ministry. Similarly every son has to be raised up in a unique way to fit his/her call &

    the future demands.

    Elisha had to leave his father & his household without delay. Consider also the Rabbi-

    disciple relationship. Prospective sons embrace a new lifestyle

    Every son has to be raised up in a unique way. There are no stereotypes in raising

    sons. These are not different standards either. In war different soldiers train with

    different weapons. Parents know how to prepare each of their children because they

    are different.

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    4. Sons must have their foundations re-laid for the future

    What sons have at present may not be enough. Old foundations are insufficient for

    what needs to be built

    Acts 18:24-26 - Apollos only knew the past doctrines. He needed upgrading

    Sons must be updated & upgraded to the new. Even in technology there are

    advancements

    They must trained to keep moving forward & not stop as previous moves of God did

    5. Sons are carriers of all the father has & all he is

    Phil. 2:19-24 - Paul felt that only Timothy could represent him & his concerns

    accurately. A son must be a worthy replacement of his father

    Psalm 127:1-5 The church is built for war (speak with their enemies at the gates).

    Fathers must prepare arrows(sons) for battle. Arrows must be in the quiver & on the

    battlefield with the warrior - not in the armoury! Sons are ready to move with father &

    are available for him to use at anytime

    How To Know When Sons Are Ready For Succession

    Phil.2:19-24 - (19)But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be

    encouraged when I know your state. (20) For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for

    your state. (21) For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. (22) But you

    know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. (23) Therefore I

    hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. (24) But I trust in the Lord that I myself

    shall also come shortly

    1. Can the son fully & accurately represent the father?

    V.19 Paul sends Timothy as his representative

    He is a steward of the fathers reputation before the people (church, society) & at

    the gates of the city (work, official places)

    He is the fathers ambassador. He reveals the fathers life, nature & desires.

    Remember, even Jesus the Son came to reveal the Father; He made the Father known

    by manifesting the Fathers life in His own (John 5:19 The Son can do nothing of Himself

    but what He sees the Father do. For whatever things He does, these also the Son does likewise.)

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    2. Is the son capable of making identical prophetic assessments

    of situations like the father?

    V.19 Paul sends Timothy so that he could know your state

    He interprets & reads situations in the same prophetic dimensions as his father

    His perception is so fine-tuned that he can assess the nature of any problem

    They are precise in reporting giving the father a birds eye view of the situation

    He can even provide the needed counsel to redeem the situation

    3. Does the son possess the same passion & dimensions of the

    spirit as the father?

    V.20 For I have no one who is like-minded

    He possesses a kindred spirit with his father.

    He possesses the same spirit dimensions i.e. the same inner dynamics of the spirit life.

    He is NOT a clone of the father though; their spirit nature & drive are the same. He

    has different personality expression but carries the same spirit intensity.

    4. Is the son genuinely concerned about his fathers burden &

    concern?

    V.21 For all seek their own

    He carries the same burden & vision of the father

    He is concerned with the same issues & needs. He voluntarily chooses to do what

    is in the heart of his father

    He has tested the father & knows that his concerns are truly the concerns of the Lord

    5. Does the son seek after Christs interests for the house?

    V.21 seekthe things which are of Christ Jesus

    He has caught the heart of the Heavenly Father just like his spiritual father. He

    knows the passion God has for His people & the house

    He has been trained to follow the Spirit of Christ like his father

    He knows how to access the will & plans of Christ for His church because know the

    Builder & Maker of the house.

    6. Does the son understand that serving the father is truly serving

    God?

    V.22 Timothy served

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    Elisha fulfilled his call by serving Elijah and so received the mantle of Elijah. The

    covetous Gehazi served himself and so forfeited succession (2 Kings 5:20-27)

    Joshua was Moses servant (Josh1:1); later he became Moses successor

    Sons understand that the only way they can come into their own destiny is by

    serving the ones above them (Lk.16:12 - And if you have not been faithful in that which is

    another's, who shall give you that which is your own?)

    Why We Need Spiritual Fathers

    1. The Father-Son model is the only proper model for spiritual

    induction into ministry.

    In ancient times the concepts of seminary, bible college, mission school &

    theological qualifications was foreign. The men and women that were used to lead

    God's people were not nominated or elected by the people or church boards; neither

    were they appointed by a denomination or head-office. Ministry was not conferred by

    some high ranking official (bishop, overseer, superintendent) of the church or

    denomination.

    When we examine the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) we realize that succession

    in ministry had very little to do with the transfer of information; it had to do with the

    transfer of a legacy. It had nothing to do with competence; it had so much to do with

    covenant.

    In proceeding generations, the training of successors for ministry was via the model of

    the schools of the prophets (cf. Elijah & Elisha; also see 2 Kg.9:1 sons of the

    prophets). By the advent of Jesus a Rabbi-disciple relationship model [elaborate] was

    already in place. Thus, ministry competence was acquired by labouring and living with

    one's spiritual father.

    Jesus Himself commenced ministry after He was inducted and validated by His

    Father: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt.3:17)

    When did this model change? Today there are countless qualified and eloquent

    preachers who have been trained by institutes, ordained by their churches and have

    continued ministry for years; all this without a father! Having violated the divine order

    for ministry succession, can they legitimately represent God's purposes in the earth?

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    2. The blessings of fathers are highly esteemed and valued.

    God Himself protects & defends the inheritance conferred by

    fathers.

    Read 1 Kings 21:1f Naboths inherited his vineyard from his father (& forefathers

    since he uses the plural fathers). His fathers legacy was transferred to him.

    Ahab tried hard to hoodwink and dupe Naboth into surrendering this vineyard to

    him. Who was Ahab? Ahab was the 7th king to rule over Israel. He reigned from 919-

    896 BC. He represents leadership over Gods people. Ahab (ach-ab) the word

    ach means brother, relative, another. So Ahab means the fathers brother or

    relative; or another father. A pseudo-father! Here, Ahabs agenda is same as the

    devils i.e. to steal, kill and destroy. Finally, Ahab is married to Jezebel. She

    represents the spirit of manipulation, domination & control. This spirit has a deep

    hatred for spiritual authority & spiritual fathers. Jezebel is the spirit that kills Antipas

    [Father](Rev.2:13f) and wants to replace the father. Therefore she seeks to usurp the

    fathers blessings & destroy it altogether

    Jezebel has Naboth falsely accused, tried, and murdered (v. 8-14) for the sake of this

    vineyard, his fathers inheritance. After the murder of Naboth, Ahab goes to take the

    vineyard (v.15-16), a fathers inheritance to a son. At that very moment God

    intervenes because of the magnitude of the violation: someone had interfered

    with the transfer of a fathers blessings. The penalty for usurping the

    inheritance of a father is severe (v.17-19)

    What Blessings Are Conferred By Fathers:

    1. They unlock the sons true identity & destiny

    BENJAMIN (Gen 35:18) And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she

    called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

    Rachel inappropriately named Benjamin "benoni" (son of my sorrows). Names

    declare one's identity & speaks to one's grace/ function. Rachel represents a church

    system & old order. This systems gives us identity and function on the basis of its own

    experience which, in most cases, is a dying & self-preserving experience.

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    .

    Benjamin's father, however, named him "benjamin" (son of my right hand or son

    of my strength). Out of his father's prophetic utterance came the lineage of Saul, the

    first king to rule over Israel. Sons need fathers to speak into their destiny. It is a

    tragedy for sons to misalign themselves with pastors & churches that cannot speak to

    their destiny.

    In biblical times a son was identified by his association with his father. A son did not

    possess an identity of his own; his identity was locked up in his father. Saul asked of

    David: "Whose son is this?" (1 Sam.17:58). It was common for them to attribute

    stature & strength to ones father. Similarly spiritual stature & competence in ministry

    is attributed to spiritual covering.

    2. They unlock prosperity & resources for their sons

    Lot prospered because of Abraham. Read Gen 13:5 - Lot also, who went with

    Abram, had flocks and herds and tents.

    3. They bring sons to wholeness (spiritual, physical & emotional)

    The fathers wholeness overrides and defies the sons weaknesses and defects. It

    eliminates barrenness and inadequacy.

    David's feeble men became mighty men

    - 1 Sam 22:2 - And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who

    was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four

    hundred men with him.

    - 1 Chron. 11:10 - Now these were the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who

    strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, with all Israel, to make him king,

    according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

    4. They multiply the grace in sons & so accelerate them towards

    their destiny in God

    MOSES - Num 11:16-17 So the LORD said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders

    of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the

    tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you . "Then I will come down and talk with you

    there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them;

    and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.

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    o Moses spirit was imparted to 70 elders without diminishing Moses stature. It was

    not a separate spirit but the spirit of Moses. Moses spirit was duplicated in the

    elders. God positioned Moses as a father over Israel so God did not bypass Moses.

    The 70 elders became partakers of Moses' anointing, his giftings, his

    gracings, his burden, his legacy.

    o The spirit upon Moses came from God - it was sovereign. The spirit upon the

    elders came from Moses i.e. it was borrowed/delegated. The elders functioned in

    Moses' anointing.

    ELIJAH & ELISHA

    Elijah did 16 miracles; Elisha did 32

    5. They provide supernatural covering & protection for sons

    Fathers are our first line of defence, the access point to our lives. They ensure that

    our lives have a hedge of protection. With paternity comes protection.

    NOAH - Gen.6:7-10 So the LORD said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face

    of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made

    them."But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORDThis is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was

    a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with GodAnd Noah begot three sons: Shem,

    Ham, and Japheth.

    JOB - Job 1:2, 4-5 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him And his sons would

    go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to

    eat and drink with themSo it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would

    send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the

    number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their

    hearts." Thus Job did regularly.

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    Authority In The Local Church

    1. There is only one authority structure in any local church

    The authority flows from God to the senior pastor of the church. He is the source of

    divine authority in the local church.

    No ministry opportunity should be opened for a members who do not recognise or

    submit their lives to this structure of authority. Such persons minister without spiritual

    covering of protection & open themselves up to demonic infiltration.

    No one can exercise authority without first being under authority. If we do not submit

    to the authority of the senior pastor we cannot carry any spiritual authority in our own

    ministries.

    2. All other leaders in the local church derive their authority from

    the senior pastor

    Other leaders in the local church receive spiritual authority to function by first

    recognizing the headship role of the senior pastor over them.

    The senior pastor provides spiritual covering over others in leadership when they

    maintain godly relationship with him. When a leaders break their relationship with the

    senior pastor they remove themselves from his covering & open themselves up to

    demonic attacks, deception & disease.

    All other leaders in the local church receive only a measure of authority. This measure

    is delegated to them by the senior pastor. It is limited authority because it is restricted

    to the position or responsibility entrusted to them. Only the senior pastor carries

    complete authority over the whole church.

    3. Those who break the chain of command remove themselves

    from spiritual covering

    Even if the breaking is in the heart, the flow of spiritual authority gets cut off. The

    person may still be functioning in ministry. However there is no spiritual authority &

    backing from heaven because he/she has remove themselves from Gods chain of

    command.

    Such persons can bring their own lives as well as the church under a barrage of attacks

    because they are operating under another chain of authority.

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    Breakthrough Believers

    What Calibre Of Believers Comprise Governing Churches?

    he governing church is made up of a new breed of believers. They are unique & set apart

    from normal traditional church members. They are emerging in every nation of the world

    & are the hope of those nations.

    Revelation 12:1-6 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun (the glory of

    God being released upon the church), with the moon (symbol of Jesus will be turned to blood

    Calvary Rev.6:12. The church stands secure in Jesus finished work!) under her feet, and on her head a

    garland of twelve stars (this is a governing church). (2) Then being with child (breakthrough

    believers/sons of God), she cried out in labour and in pain to give birth. (3) And another sign appeared in

    heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. (4) His

    tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was

    ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. (5) She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations

    with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. (6) Then the woman fled into the

    wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty

    days.

    This male child is destined to rule all the nations of the earth (v.5). This unstoppable generation will impact cities & influence nations. This is the seed of Abraham in whom all the families of the earth will be blessed (Gen.12:3).

    This male child is caught up to God and His throne (v.5). Breakthrough believers are spiritually positioned in the heavenly places. They live under an open heaven & rule over the spirit realm

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    This male child is different from the rest of the womans offspring (v.17).

    The woman has other children who are still in the wilderness, immature & targets of the devil

    Acts 11:19-22

    1. Breakthrough believers pioneer the new move of God (v.20)

    These believers were not confined by the limitations & traditions of Judaism. They

    reached out to Gentile Greeks (v.20) although Jews have no dealings with Gentiles.

    They have the boldness to speak & do what others will not

    They have the grace to break into new territories. They penetrate the barriers of

    culture, race & other human limitations.

    They dont have many role models & examples. But they trust Gods leading.

    2. Breakthrough believers prevail in the face of much resistance

    These believers came from places of intense persecution & martyrdom (v.19).

    However it did not kill their momentum or diminish their zeal.

    They suffer the agony of loneliness because they are ahead of others

    They face the resistance & persecution of existing religious systems

    They face the pressures of self, sin & satanic onslaught.

    They encounter lots of crowd pressure but they dont sacrifice their obedience (1

    Sam.13:5f Saul lost his throne because he succumbed to crowd pressure. Also

    consider Moses he struck the rock

    3. Breakthrough believers do not compromise

    These believers stayed true to their convictions even though they had no leadership

    oversight (Barnabas & Paul only came to the Antioch church later on).

    Paul also commended the Philippian church; you have always obeyed, not as in my presence

    only, but now much more in my absence. (Phil.2:12)

    They dont turn back in times of difficulty. Unlike the sons of Ephraim (Ps.78:9-10)

    they will not abandon us in the day of battle but are ready in the quiver (Ps 127:5)

    They will not succumb to crowd pressure nor yield to the demands of the masses

    They retain the standards of truth they have learnt (the apostles doctrine). They

    neither compromise nor dilute the message of truth but live it out in their lives.

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    4. Breakthrough believers are recipients of present truth &

    revelation

    These believers reached out to the Greeks even though that was taboo in their day.

    They responded to present truth & revelation given by the Holy Spirit. As a result they

    moved the church from an ungodly tradition & made it relevant to the present.

    Acts 10 Peter was confronted with new truth in this vision. It broke his own cultural

    interpretation of Scripture. Present truth will cause us to break our own limitations

    They are taught by God; they hear His voice & move into what God is saying today

    They capture the proceeding Word & revelation when the pastor preaches it.

    5. Breakthrough believers subject themselves under spiritual

    authority

    They willingly submitted their lives to Barnabas when he came from Antioch (v.22-

    24). They did the same when Paul came over from Tarsus (Acts.11:25-26) & when

    prophets came over from Jerusalem (v.27-30). They knew how to yield to sent men.

    They understand the importance of working under authority & coming under

    leadership covering so that the church can go further

    They honour the spiritual father in the house and will not violate the chain of

    command that God has established in the house.

    They have dealt with & broken the spirit of rebellion & witchcraft in their lives.

    6. Breakthrough believers always place corporate destiny above

    their own interests

    These believers were the ones who sold their property & possessions in Jerusalem &

    shared with all who were in need (Acts 4:34-35). They were knitted together in

    fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer & teaching from house to house. They

    experience persecution together.

    Most believers act independently & pursue their own personal agendas in life; they

    gain strength from the church only to perform well in the world systems. Their

    worldly activities get top priority.

    Breakthrough believers make Gods Kingdom & His church their priority (Matt.6:33);

    they prosper by making time to be involved in the Fathers business (see Lk.2:49,52)

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    7. Breakthrough believers penetrate & impact their cities

    These believers caused a great stirring in Antioch (v.21-22). They were acting & living

    like Christ so much so that they were first called Christians(v.26) here, meaning

    Christ ones. Many Gentile-lives were impacted in the city of Antioch.

    They act and live as Christ; thus they create an impact on those around them and it

    ripples into the society. People observe their lives & become aware of Christ.

    Their example & testimony affects the faith of other believers & churches in the

    entire region. News of what was happening in Antioch reached the church in Jerusalem

    (v.22). They influence others everywhere & leave their mark in society.

    1 Thess. 1:7-8 you (church) became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia

    who believeFor from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and

    Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need

    to say anything.

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    CROSSING OVER

    E S S E N T I A L P R I N C I P L E S F O R U P G R A D I N G T H E C H U R C H

    Groundbreakers 10 Adam Park Garlicke Street Ballito 4420, KZN, South Africa

    Phone +27329463331 Mobile +2732829376891 Email. [email protected]

    Website: www.groundbreakerschurch.co.za