The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.  Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me…?” John 18:19-21      The mind is a wonderful thing. It is part of God’s creative generosity in making us in his own image. But, like all gifts, it can be misused... Read more

Sunday, August 1, 2010 Who Are We? by Robert Ricciardelli Who are we? We are not what we do nor are we what others say about us. The Spirit of God in us reveals our true identities. As God’s beloved, freedom has come to us from the bondage of worldly success, fame, or power. Christ restores us from slavery to relationship as a highly favored child of God.  All who are guided by the Spirit of God are children of... Read more

When moving from point A to point B, we sometimes feel trapped in between. Trust God to guide you to your destination. A few months ago I passed through the tiny community of Between, Ga. With a population of only 148, the place is not much to write home about. (And besides, it doesn’t even have its own zip code). The town got its name because it’s halfway between Atlanta and Athens, Ga. But as I passed the local convenience... Read more

Who are we? We are not what we do nor are we what others say about us. The Spirit of God in us reveals our true identities. As God’s beloved, freedom has come to us from the bondage of worldly success, fame, or power. Christ restores us from slavery to relationship as a highly favored child of God.  All who are guided by the Spirit of God are children of God. Who are we? We are God’s beloved sons and... Read more

Al  final de los tiempos  habrá dos tipos de cristianos: aquellos quienes alaban en el atrio interior y aquellos fuera del lugar de intimidad. “Entonces me fue dada una caña semejante a una vara de medir, y se me dijo: Levántate, y mide el templo de Dios, y el altar, y a los que adoran en él. Pero el patio que está fuera del templo déjalo aparte, y no lo midas, porque ha sido entregado a los gentiles; y ellos... Read more

At the end of the age there will be two types of Christians: those who worship in the inner court and those outside the place of intimacy. Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, “Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations”... Read more

The Spirit of God gives us voice when we are nervous or intimidated based on context or audience. By living in the Spirit, we don’t have to worry about what to say. God empowers us to deliver a word fitly spoken when the need arises. We can waste much time anxiously preparing and then not relying on Spirit. Declare the truth that God speaks to you, speaks through you, and powerfully transforms the hearers of His word. Read more

Everyone wants the power of God. Humanity’s power controls, manipulates, and demands. This is often done in the name of God and yet it is not Him. God’s power heals, reconciles, and unites in freedom, all done for His glory and not the glory of a man. It is this power of His Spirit that God wants to give us to become healers. When we are filled with His Spirit, we cannot be anything other than lovers and healers. Read more

When we put ourselves down, we avoid the fullness of both honor and pain of a Christ-like life. But the Spirit Himself guides us, and joins us to bear witness that we are children of God. We are therefore heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. When we start living according to this truth, our lives will be radically transformed. If we are willing to share in Christ’s suffering, we also will share in his glory. Read more

Religion is a challenge for contemporary society. The world is waiting to hear God’s voice, yet those who have been called to speak forth the Word have been found wanting, confused, and weak in faith. The voice of the Lord is powerful and full of glory. Religion has diffused this power and concealed His glory. There is an awakening of God’s people that will unleash His power and reveal His glory on earth. Read more