Thoughts for Life: #29 Can We Identify With This?

C. Peter Wagner: "Some at this point may
be reasoning that Jesus was able to engage
in such a power encounter because He is God, ...

Since none of us is God, we therefore cannot identify with this kind of spiritual warfare.

This is such a crucial issue that I am going to get theological and discuss the relationship of the two natures of Christ.

Let me say up front that I believe a key to understanding how our ministry today reflects or does not reflect the ministry of Jesus is understanding what systematic theologian Colin Brown calls 'Spirit Christology' and what I have referred to as 'incarnation theology.'

I explain this in some detail in my book, How to Have a Healing Ministry (Regal), so I will only summarize it here.

My theological premise is the following: 'The Holy Spirit was the source of all of Jesus' power during His earthly ministry.

Jesus exercised no power of or by Himself. We today can expect to do the same or greater things than Jesus did because we have been given access to the same power source.'

While holding firm to the fact that at all times Jesus was totally God and totally human during His earthly ministry, it's clear from His own words, 'the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do' (John 5:19).

According to Philippians 2, Jesus voluntarily became obedient to the Father during His incarnation on earth (see Phil. 2:5-8).

All of His miraculous works were done by the Holy Spirit operating through him. (see Matt. 12:28; Acts 10:38; Luke 4:1, 14; 5:17) Colin Brown therefore calls this 'Spirit Christology.'

This is why, when Jesus was ready to leave the Earth, He could truthfully tell His disciples it would be to their advantage for Him to go (see John 16:7).

Only after He left could He send them the Holy Spirit to be their Paraclete (John 16:14).

Jesus said, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to My Father' (John 14:12).

Warfare Prayer

#29 Can We Identify With This?
By C. Peter Wagner

(pgs. 54 -55) Regal Books

(Google image and emphasis added)

Scripture-Based Prayers to Pray for your Pastor by Terry Teykl:

"Fear of God. Lord, keep my pastor in the fear of You. Bind the fear of failure and people. Give my pastor boldness to confront sin and other threats to the church. Enable_________to remain confident even when others resist the gospel or his/her vision. Honor _________'s stand for You, and come to the rescue when others oppose him/her (Prov. 19:23; Jn 14:1; Heb. 12:3; Psalm 35)

Pray with me:

Father, I know that all of Christ's miraculous works were done by the Holy Spirit operating through Him.

I also realize that the same power is
available to us today, and I ask that the
Holy Spirit have His way in me, too.

Today, we can expect to do the same or greater things than Jesus did, so, in Jesus' name, I ask for You to move in me and my friends to accomplish Your will among us here in our area. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 68:28 "Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou has wrought for us."

Today’s quote: Dr. Charles F. Stanley "Let Jesus motivate you to live in purity. He abides within every believer through His indwelling Holy Spirit. That means selfish and sinful thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions have no place in our lives. Be mindful that He is always with you, and let Him direct your choices and purify your life."

Some thoughts today: We're clothed with Christ's perfect righteousness.

- Hope is the soil we put our faith in. Don't allow fear and disappointment stop your obeying what God has revealed to you through His Word.

- You have gifts from God, and the devil will try to dismiss them through trials and disappointments. Be on guard, and don't let him. Read Debbie McEwen's post yesterday,With God, All Things Are Possible, for encouragement.

1/1st- Thursday’s post: #30 The Meaning of Jesus' Temptation
C. Peter Wagner

3rd- Saturday's post: Rooted In Love
Joe Stowell

4th- Sunday evening's post: What About You?
Jean Oathout

6th- Tuesday's post: #31 How Far Should We Go?
C. Peter Wagner

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