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Can you minister to me and not be aware of it? In the story of the sheep and the goats, I commended the sheep for very specific actions. I said that they provided me with food and drink. They gave me clothing and visited me. They were perplexed at this approval, and asked, when did we do these things? I replied that when they did them unto the least of these they did them unto me, and the converse was true for the goats. Note that there is nothing about doctrine, faith, or belief in this story. So it is possible to be kind to me and not know it, but it is better to do it with awareness, to see me in the least of these and minister to them as you would to me. 

I have an extra special guest post today.  It’s from my dear old dad.  He doesn’t shy away from opportunities to confront difficult subjects and wrestle with God for answers.  He is one of the greatest deep thinkers I’ve ever been around and I believe God has rewarded his tenacity with revelation that stretches far beyond pat answers to difficult questions.  He was a pastor for 20 years and is now getting to do what he loved m

I said that a prophet is not without honor, except among his own family and countrymen. This principle may apply to you even if you are not a prophet. This is similar to the proverb that familiarity breeds contempt. I am doing a great work of spiritual transformation in your life, but those who have known you all along may not be prepared to acknowledge this growth. The work I am doing in you enables you to minister life to others, but they may not be able to receive it. It is not beneficial for you to fight this principle I declared. Rather ask how far you need to go to be effective in the ministry I have given you. 

You know that you are saved by faith rather than works. Yet you should not assume that faith and works are contradictory and opposing concepts. Does your faith lead you to take action? It should. Do you find that the actions you take in faith serve to make your faith stronger and more real to you? James made a good argument when he said show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works, for one without the other is dead. The Bible is a book of faith but it is also a book of action. Faith is the initiator, but it does not grow without closing the loop with action. 

Question: There seem to be a lot of articles and stories about people seeing angels lately. I know you teach that we should look for vision and see Jesus with us. Do you believe we should also be seeing angels?

Answer: That’s a great question. I am generally comfortable looking to see whatever the Bible says to be true. So yes, because the Bible clearly teaches angels are with us then that is something I would be open to seeing when I look for vision.

My daughter has received some outstanding revelation from the Lord on this, so I’ve also asked her to share her understanding of the place of angels in our lives. - Mark Virkler

Does it appear to you that churches target narrow audiences? Do you see a wide variety of demographics in most churches? People tend to associate with those like them and are more comfortable that way, so even churches with a wide membership base will organize internally around age-specific groups for instance. Have you noticed that such distinctions are erased when a church is in revival? A true move of God has appeal across demographic lines and attracts young and old. It is possible to confuse cause and effect, but if you want revival look for ways to be inclusive so you may be all together in one accord. 

Movies, television and novels provide an entertainment experience through stories. Are you careful about the content of the entertainment you partake of, knowing that stories can have an influence on you for good or evil? The author may have a deliberate intent for this influence or not, but either way the stories will either affirm or deny the principles of life that I taught in my own stories. Do you understand that you have a story of your own? Let the stories that entertain you reinforce righteousness that they may support the narrative of my redemptive work in your own life. 

Answer: “Western Christianity” has chosen to reduce Christianity to a reasoned, logical theology about a God who lives “up there.” Dreams aren’t rational or logical. Dreams constitute a direct encounter with the Living God (Acts 2:17). Therefore, dreams are ignored. The same goes for working miracles, casting out demons, speaking in tongues, angelic and heavenly encounters and every other spiritual experience recorded in Scripture. Why would the Church do this, and is there a way out of this mess? 

The rest of this answer will be released as an upcoming Kindle book…

Do you love yourself? This is the default condition of humanity as described in my word, that no man hates his own flesh, but nurtures and cares for it. Truly self-destructive people stand out as anomalies. I do not condemn you for loving yourself, yet many normal people feel guilty about doing it. My word just teaches you to love your neighbor as yourself, so that the same standard applies to all, including you. I taught that you should do unto others as you would have them to do unto you. Do you understand that you need to have grace and compassion for others, and do so? Then you don’t need to feel guilty about having grace and compassion for yourself.

Pornography is not a new thing.  Many books and many articles have been written about its dangers and overt immorality.  So before you roll your eyes at the notion of another article coming against what many consider to be porn for women note this:  Never before has pornography been promoted and publically accepted by the Christian community until the release of 50 Shades of Grey.  It’s a grievous milestone.