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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

How Should the Church Respond in Perilous Times? - KYNAN BRIDGES CHARISMA MAGAZINE

In these perilous times, let us immerse ourselves in the things of God.

In these perilous times, let us immerse ourselves in the things of God. (Lightstock )

How Should the Church Respond in Perilous Times?


Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing his reflections and practical insights as a ministry leader on Greenelines, a new podcast from Charisma. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

There is no doubt that you and I live in perilous times. Wars and rumors of wars, global economic crises, challenging foreign relations, racial tension, and the recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and Paris are a few indicators of the times in which we live.
The question remains: how should the church respond? The apostle Paul was no stranger to peril. He wrote in the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians:
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58, KJV).
Instead of allowing the storms to sway us, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ needs to stand firm more than ever before. We need to unite! We need to pray, and we need to spread the gospel of Jesus.
There will be a great temptation in this season to quit; many will be inoculated by the spirit of apathy. We must be awake, aware, and sensitive to the voice of God. It is very important to remember that God is still on the throne. He is still in control! There is no social campaign, terrorist attack, or Supreme Court ruling that can overthrow His power.  
God knows exactly what is going on and we need not fear. The more we abide in His presence and His Word, the more we will be able to stand strong and resist the onslaughts of the evil one. May I remind you that homosexuality, racism, terror, and fear did not just arrive on the scene; they have been here for quite some times. These things only provide a greater opportunity for the church to arise and be what God has called us to be.  
Unfortunately, the answers we are looking for in this season will not come from any presidential candidate or political figure; they will only come from the Word of God. We have been called to shine brighter and brighter in the midst of increasing darkness.
God has called us to walk boldly and to fear not. I recently wrote an article about miracles, signs, and wonders breaking out in Israel. This is simply another indicator that Satan is not the only one who is busy in this season; the Spirit of the Lord is moving mightily. This is further proof that where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.
Don't be moved in this season. Don't fret the work of evildoers; hold on to the promises of God. Stand on the authority of His Word and ultimately we will prevail. I heard someone say that "the government is going to take away all of our rights!" Remember, the government did not give you your rights as a believer—those rights come from God! 
Is the government more powerful than God? No! Many of the things going on are simply the trial of our faith, but if we will persevere and keep the right perspective in the midst of the fire; we are guaranteed to come out as pure gold.  
Kynan Bridges is the senior pastor of Grace & Peace Global Fellowship in Tampa, Florida, where he lives with his wife, Gloria, and their three children. He is the best-selling author of Possessing Your Healing and the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Prophetic Prayer.  
For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!
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My heart yearns for the glory of the Lord Jesus to be revealed in the earth, touching the hearts and souls of men, women and children in each and every nation. As we see the days become darker, we believe that the Lord God of Israel will show Himself strong, and prove that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, as He says He is. I wrote this book for you who also long to walk in strong faith, courage and commitment to the end, for whatever the Lord has planned and purposed for you and I. 

Together, as the Body of Christ, and the glorious Bride that we will become, we will one day see His Kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. The Gospel, the Good News of salvation, will be declared, and that which is just and good will for all eternity overcome the evil one. I sincerely believe we are living in the end of days, as prophetic words have been rapidly fulfilled since the re-birth of Israel in 1948. Jesus Himself had said that when we see the fig tree budding, we know that the time is near. 

This book, my 10th published in the last three years (all between 2013-2015) and before my 61st birthday, is very special to me. I sense it is something the Lord put on my heart to do several months ago, giving it that “urgency of getting it done and out there” feel as I wrote. Originally these chapters were Now Think On This messages. It was amazing to me how many were done in September and October of 2015 alone, as the Holy Spirit would speak a word or sentence to me, and I would write soon after. I am truly grateful for His impartation, and acknowledge Jesus (Yeshua), my Lord and Savior, above all. 

The photos I have included in the book are primarily ones I took (exceptions noted), both to document history and to share another way the Lord also speaks to His Body. Capturing moments of the Holy Spirit action, especially in the two “fire” photos, were exciting. In both cases I wasn’t even aware of it until they were “developed”. 

I trust this book will both encourage you and cause you to re-commit yourself - to know the Lord’s will for your life, do all you can to allow Him to direct your steps, and be the light in these dark days we desperately need and have been called upon by the Lord to be. I am with you, arm in arm! Ahava (love in Hebrew) and shalom (peace),

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People

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Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your head from the Lord Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach.

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People
Charlotte, NC USA