Good morning church, Praise the Lord! Jesus is on His throne!
Ready for a good news story! Here it is...the Gospel is true and it works! It works for those who will follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Luke 10 has inspired many Followers over the years, indeed, whole ministries have been launched using the model Jesus lays out here. Luke 9 starts out with Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to preach and demonstrate the Gospel, with similar instructions as in Luke 10 - be totally dependent on Jesus, walking in His power. Luke 9 shows us the flaws of the 12, but Luke 10 shows us the victory of the seventy (or seventy-two depending on the translation). The transition from chapter to chapter, is made by the exhortation to put Jesus first, and obey Him at any cost (Luke 9:57-62). And so, we have here in Luke 10, a picture of seventy followers who have counted the cost, followed and obeyed Jesus, and have amazing fruit and a great testimony to bring back to Jesus, that causes all to rejoice (Luke 10:17-21). This is quite a contrast from the last chapter, where the disciples seem to upset Jesus often; and here these disciples cause Jesus to be exceedingly joyful (v.21).
Luke 10 has been one of those core passages that has inspired me to continue serving Jesus...it is really the heart of Freedom House. When I first encountered Jesus and surrendered my life to Him, I was part of a small fellowship that lived out Luke 10. The pastors were passionate Jesus followers, recently out of "organized Christianity", operating in the power of Holy Spirit. I saw many signs and wonders, experienced incredible worship gatherings where all were operating in their gifts, and the small church was led solely by prayer, prophecy and the Holy Spirit. I experienced authentic community, and incredible fruit as I submitted to the leading of Jesus. Verses 18 and 19 are so powerful to me, and reflect what the Church is all about: satan falling, and followers overcoming! Friends, the world is in desperate need of a church that causes the enemy to fall, and walks in its authority over ALL the power of the enemy! Read it for yourself:
Luke 10:18 And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (NKJ)
Friends! This should be our testimony!!!: Luke 10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." I am so tired of seeing a powerless, weak, anemic church and christians. Is there anyone out there who wants to live the life Jesus called us to live???!!!
The name of Jesus is powerful---so powerful it destroys the work of the enemy! As a follower of Jesus, that has not succumbed to the trappings of Christianity, you can walk in power and authority, and see the fruit of walking with Jesus. You can go from victim to victor! Here is the secret: do it the way Jesus says to do it - leave all, follow Him! His method works, man's methods don't.
If you want to experience this for yourself, or need a "kickstart", come be part of the healing centre ministry. We minister in His authority and power and see results - the enemy defeated. We also go on the streets and pray for those "people of peace" God sends our way. I am desperately hungering for more...start with me Lord! I surrender to you!
Peace,
mike
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