Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts

Friday, May 22, 2015

Youth Are Leaving Churches That Do This

Pentecostal Giant George O. Wood: Youth Are Leaving Churches That Do This

George O. Wood, right, made some bold declarations at Empowered21. (Empowered21/Facebook)

It's not that young adults are leaving churches, it's that they're abandoning denominations that are forsaking the authority of God's Word, George O. Wood says.

"We (AG USA) have 3.1 million young people in the USA and 34 percent of them are under the age of 25," The Assemblies of God overseer said at Empowered 21. "... The young people that are moving away from traditional religious structures in the U.S. typically belong to churches which have abandoned a belief in the authority of Scripture and the uniqueness and centrality, and exclusiveness of Jesus Christ."

His comments reflect the same research that says the Presbyterian Church USA is dying on the vine after coming out in full support of gay marriage.

According to Barna research, a quarter of 18-to-29-year-olds are practicing Christians.

The migration of young adults away from the church is only a glimmer into how Christianity is on the decline nationally.

However, young adults are seeking authenticity in their churches, and those that produce it reap the fruits.

"I think churches thriving are those who say they want to take a more proactive role," says Barna's Vice President of Research Clint Jenkin. "Creative churches (can) establish themselves in their community, reach people because they are able to find certain ways to transcend disagreements. If churches are in position of arguing, then you're missing big piece of how you're going to build relationships with people."

Barna research shows that in order to engage young people in congregations, one must be totally transparent.

"More than one-third say their negative perceptions are a result of moral failures in church leadership (35 percent)," according to a Barna report. "And substantial majorities of millennials who don't go to church say they see Christians as judgmental (87 percent), hypocritical (85 percent), anti-homosexual (91 percent) and insensitive to others (70 percent)."

For Wood, though, it's about showing young adults that church is place where they can experience God, and showing them their value and roles within the church.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Why Are the Elders Following the Youth? - Michael Brown

Why Are the Elders Following the Youth?

youth group prayer — Why are the elders of the church looking to their youth? (Flickr/Creative Commons)

In the Line of Fire, by Michael Brown — Why are the elders of the church looking to their youth? (Flickr/Creative Commons)

I believe in today's young generation and I am deeply committed to this young generation, but I do not believe that the older generation should be following the younger generation. To the contrary, young people should be following their godly elders.

There is a reason that 25-year-olds cannot run for president.

There is a reason that 14-year-olds are not given driver's licenses.

There is a reason that the Scriptures call on the youth to submit to the elders rather than the elders to submit to the youth (see, for example, Lev. 19:32; 1 Pet. 5:1-6).

Of course, that doesn't mean that young people can't be wise, nor does it mean that young people don't have important perspectives on life, perspectives that their elders often miss.

That's why my ear is always open to young people, especially when it seems that there is a disconnect between the generations.

Wise elders not only lecture, they also listen.

A pastor recently commented to me that when my generation hears the word "homosexuality," they think of an issue; when the younger generation hears the word, they think of a person.

In this case, both perspectives are important, and if we don't take into consideration both the societal issues and the people involved, we will not have God's heart and mind in full.

At the same time, it is a terrible mistake to make our decisions or to make public policy based on how the younger generations feel.

Instead, it is our job to set godly examples for them, to learn to communicate effectively to them, and to do our best to shape their thinking and guide their conduct based on what is right and good.

It is true that the younger generation has more influence today than ever, and it is true that they are often the shakers and movers of our society. But that doesn't mean their perspectives are right or mature, nor does it mean that, rather than setting the path for them to follow, we should start following them. Whoever came up with such an idea?

To be clear, I'm talking as a leader in the church, where the Scriptures set the standards for us and where children are called to honor their parents and youth are called to honor their elders. I'm not expecting your average non-believer to show the older generation that respect (although, before the 1960s, your average young person was taught to show that respect). Yet even in the church, such respect is often lacking because of the over-exaltation of youth culture today.

To give you a case in point, a younger colleague of mine is good friends with a well-connected leader who hosts major conferences for young adults, and this colleague urged him to have a nationally known speaker address the conference. (The speaker was in his late 50s.) His friend replied, "That wouldn't work, because the speaker is too old. They'll hear it better from their peers."

Do we realize how wrong this is?

A good youth leader will inculcate a spirit of respect and honor for the older generation as well as for authority figures in general, to the point that they would consider it a special privilege to learn from an older man or woman of God rather than thinking, "What's that old geezer got to teach me?"

That kind of attitude is totally out of line, not to mention terribly destructive.

To repeat: I believe in this younger generation and I'm deeply committed to this younger generation, and I hold young people in high esteem.

Since 1983 (when I was pretty young myself), I've poured into college-age young people on an almost weekly basis and, to be honest, I'm with them so much and I feel so youthful in heart, mind and body that I'm always surprised when I look in the mirror and see how old I look. (Seriously.)

I'm in touch with young people day and night through social media, and I have plenty of open doors to minister to them, so in no way do I feel shut out or cut off. And I absolutely believe that young people can do mighty exploits for God.

One of my spiritual sons, Daniel Kolenda, who now heads up Christ for All Nations (which was founded by Reinhard Bonnke), led millions of people to faith in Jesus before he turned 30, and he is one of many being used by God at a young age. (Some are even younger.)

In that same spirit, Paul instructed Timothy to let no one despise his youth (perhaps he was in his 30s too) but to set an example for the body (see 1 Tim. 4:12).

The problem is the mentality of our culture, which has turned things upside down in a destructive and harmful way.

When our daughters were in their mid-teens (they're now in their mid-30s, each with two kids), they told my wife, Nancy, and I that we were too strict and that they didn't like our household rules. I told them, "I want you to make a list of everything we're doing wrong as parents and then to write out what the rules should be, and I want you to look at the list once you have your own kids."

We laugh about it today (their kids range from 14 to 8), since their list included things like, "No curfews and no restrictions."

That's why parents raise children rather than children raising parents, and that's why a few years ago, our older daughter said to Nancy, "I'm so glad you raised me the way you did."

Last week, I spoke to 2,000 teens and young adults at a conference in Singapore, and I asked them, "If it was up to you, would you have no mandatory school, classes and tests?" They responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!"

But of course. They're young people.

The fact is that the same generation of Christian young people that is much more "tolerant" about things like homosexuality is also dreadfully illiterate biblically, also having lower moral standards in general. (I fault the parents and pastors for this more than the kids.)

Why should we be following their lead?

To be sure, we should try to see the world through their eyes and be sensitive to the valid perspectives they have, especially when it comes to issues of social justice. But having done that, we should now help them integrate those perspectives into a biblical worldview.

When I was a hippie teenager, one of our mottos (spoken or unspoken) was, "Don't trust anyone over 30." You can see where that got us, and you can see how unbiblical that is. (For some excellent reflections on this, with important insights from the Scriptures, see "On the Value of Being Older" by cultural commentator Bill Muehlenberg.)

The fact is, our perspectives change over the years (in other words, it is not inevitable that the younger generation will hold to the same value system or worldview when it becomes the older generation), and a society that follows the counsel of the youth and scorns the wisdom of the elders is a society headed towards self-destruction (see 1 Kin. 12).

Thankfully, it's not too late to turn the tide in America and beyond, but that means that we of the older generation need to get our acts together and, with wisdom, maturity, sensitivity and compassion, live our lives worthy of the respect and honor of the youth, people who are called by God to be world-changers in the best sense of the word if we can help them find their way.

Michael Brown is the author of 25 books, including Can You Be Gay and Christian? and host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show "The Line of Fire." He is also president of FIRE School of Ministry and director of the Coalition of Conscience.

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Thursday, April 23, 2015

2015 - The Tipping Point (Prophetic Insights for Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, China, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and Canada) - by Mary Lindow

2015 - The Tipping Point

by Mary Lindow

Identity Network

Dear Lover of God's People,

For several months the Lord has been sharing with me either in night visions (dreams) or in prophetic impressions and scripture regarding Africa, Australia and China, The United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany and Canada.

I will share here in this message, only what the Lord impressed me with and will not attempt to interpret what the Lord has not shown to me. I only see in part and willingly submit these insights for others to pray over, inquire of the Lord over, and discern His heart in the matter.

In His Shadow,

Mary Lindow

Prophetic Insights Regarding Africa

Africa will be brought to the forefront of the media as continual savage and brutal guerrilla warriors and evil groups with blood lust in their hearts vie for political power and black market trade.

There are several tyrannical leaders who have continued to shake their fists at God who will be brought down in power due to health contradictions and loss of support. This will be a plot set forth by the hand of God.

"As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it." Job 4:8

The Father hears the tormented cries of the desperate hearts in intercession and will not withhold His hand of judgment and power. An exposing of blackmail, illegal trade and embezzlements, will begin to have a snowball effect in the nation while simultaneously a wave of hunger for purity and forgiveness from God will be escalated.

"You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge." Psalm 14:6

Signs and wonders in the area of healing, creative miracles, and supernal provision of food and water will become a floodgate for revival and deliverance as the favor of God is abundantly poured out. This abundant favor is due to the intercession of the saints in Africa and others hidden as well, in other nations who pray for Africa.

A fresh focus on mercy and grace will overtake the dictatorial and hierarchical form of church government in Africa. The Lord specifically says that those who have been paralyzed and dwarfed in their freedom to preach the gospel of the Kingdom in Africa due to religious control and restraints will have a supernatural deliverance out of this bondage.

"From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people." Psalm 3:8

Home gatherings and small intimate groups of hungry saints will begin to break out across the nation. Miracles will occur, worship will be a passionate feast and no longer time restricted.

I see in the spirit, large open field areas with African saints gathering in large groups simply raising hands in unashamed worship and adoration without time restraints. It sounds like one voice in unison before the Throne of God and the Light of God surrounds them in purity and joy as they cry out in praise and intercession for their nation.

"All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name." Psalm 86:9

Children in many regions of Africa will begin to have visions of heaven and of Jesus.

They will prophesy boldly and preach with an anointed fervor. This will cause a great fear of the Lord in the hearts of those who practice dark magic and witchcraft, and evil spirits will be driven out of bodies and minds as the Word of God is proclaimed.

It will be as if a large fist has come down from Heaven and has smashed and scattered the plots of the wicked only to open up and gently hold those near to the heart of God through humility.

"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?"Matthew 21:16

Prophetic Insights Regarding Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania

The Lord impressed me with a picture of large gatherings in denominational cathedrals filled with believers worshipping and praying. These people were of many colors and creeds, but were exhausted from religious exercises. They wanted unity.

A Ram's horn began to be shaped into a Shofar and someone was blowing it like an alarm over and over again!

The sound coming up from these people gathered in prayer becomes a roar of repentance and intercession. It grew louder and louder as believers were crying out to heaven for protection and wisdom.

The Lord would speak to Australia and says these words.

"Prayer is the only hedge of protection you actually have. You will tabernacle with me in the place of Prayer.

You must have a passion and flame inspired through unity in prayer as I increase your momentum in prayer for your nation and other nations."

"Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD." Psalm 27:6

"Repent for embracing false gods, eastern religious influences, and relaxed attitudes towards exploited pleasure and sexual freedoms.

Return to me Land of the Holy Spirit and I will cause the South winds to blow rain upon your crops, and Rain from Heaven's hands into your places of prayer."

Come back to simplicity and stalwart integrity.

Who has bewitched you into complacent action in purity of heart?

Cast off the garment of seduction and put on the garment of praise and begin to violently accost the powers of "spiritual hypnosis" through cleansing your hearts of hidden idols and pleasures. Replace them with grace, self-control, mercy, and loving kindness."

"They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them." Psalm 106:36

He in turn will water the seed of heartfelt prayer, expressed in unity and others will be drawn to the amazing results of prayer.

Australia will also have a backlash of premeditated Islamic uprisings from hidden irritants now well entrenched in the nation.

Believers must now make a decision for either tolerance or truth. Complacency will be addressed by the Lord through young fiery men and women of God who do not fear even death for the sake of the Power of the Cross and Resurrected Savior.

A Clash of cultures will bring about a wave of salvation and powerful demonstrations of the Holy Spirit.

Tasmania and New Zealand

You will have what appears to be in a spiritual sense, "Wildfires lit by the Hand of God." Young people praying day and night along side elderly humble saints, who have prayed for years that God would revisit them in power, will experience heavenly refreshing and fresh worship music will be released in these sacrificial gatherings of prayer.

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Acts 3:19

Australia! Let the Glory of the Lord Rise Among you!

Pray!

This is your heritage and richest export says the Spirit of God!

Prophetic Insights Regarding China

In a night vision I was shown an enormous rusty colored Dragon standing on its hind feet. The closer I was "zoomed in" to look at the dragon the bigger it appeared. The dragon had thousands of sharply pointed scales on it made of iron and the color of the dragon was derived from the color of rust on iron.

The dragon was extremely sophisticated and moved very sleekly and arrogantly as if it knew it was a huge, well-armored creature.

Standing at the base of the feet of the dragon a short distance away were men from leadership in different nations. They were all dressed in "Power" suits, (dark business suits, white shirts, subdued ties).

Each man was holding a large bow and arrow, and they were pulling tightly and were aimed at the dragon. On the shaft of each arrow the flag of the individual persons nation was hanging from it. I saw President Bush, a male German ruler, Switzerland, Brussels, France, and Britain all represented.

These powerful men with the bows and arrows were shooting the arrows at the Dragon only to have them pitifully bounce off of its iron armored scales.

Revelation 13:4 "Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?"

This amused the dragon!

It knew that it had risen in power and armament as well as knowledge and intelligence regarding it's relations with other "Power" countries, and was now laughing at the presumed attempt to control the Dragon.

After I woke from this dream I was also impressed by the Lord that there was going to be a big exposure of the abuse of slave-like labor practices in China. This will stir up the exposure of China's human rights abuses and startling and hideous practices of human experimentation and torture will be revealed.

The growth of the underground Chinese church will begin to sway the current lock down on Christians in worship.

There are going to be signs and wonders in the sky above China that will cause people to fall on their knees in either worship or terror as God begins to orchestrate a move of unsurpassed Redemption.

"Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; Tremble before him, all the earth."Psalm 96:9

"God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." Hebrews 2:4

The Lord has heard the cries of those martyred for His namesake and is coming with great power and exposure in China.

Governmental rulers who have stalked and tracked down preachers of the Gospel will be caught in the act of abuse and human trafficking.

"A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him." Proverbs 28:17

There will be a window of great opportunity in China for a season as the Lord draws the lost to His heart. Pray for Divine Protection, strength, and boldness among the saints in China!!

"Then I was told, You are to make a fresh prophecy concerning many peoples and races and nations, And languages and kings." Revelation 10:11

The United Kingdom

There will be a ROAR of prayer heard from desperate hearts in the UK. Prayer will be a way of life in many small Hamlets and Villages, and many homes will become chapels of healing and miracles.

Central London will have an epic move of God as He sends in intercessors in tandem with relevant and fiery Revivalists who will have such a strong presence of God with the Power of Holy Spirit, bringing conviction that even the hardest atheist observing it all will be made to run away in terror at the potent power of God falling upon the people.

Joel 2:25 "And I will restore or replace for you the years that the locust has eaten - the hopping locust, the stripping locust, and the crawling locust, my great army, which I sent among you."

Houses of hope and care will spring up in smaller surrounding areas, where these whom have once been bound will be cared for and restored.

"Brethren, if any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also." Galatians 6:1

Ireland

There are many hidden and faithful leaders who have weathered political and spiritual storms for decades who are now well prepared and ready for the Father's divine plan for their lives.

Ireland will begin to export teams of Apostolic and Prophetic missionaries into the USA and Europe.

These people will have a razor sharp ability to cast out religious spirits hindering moves of God. They will bring with them the fresh songs of praise and worship now ready for the hungry ears of the true worshiper.

The "cynical" Irishman will now become the grand believer declaring, "With God all things are possible"!

There will be a spotlight on Ireland with new technologies being developed and "mined" there. With it, doors will open for many to travel to Ireland and find Father and Mother mentors, ready to restore, train, and release.

France

The Father Once Again calls France, "A nation now in chaos." But as an underground stream flows swiftly and quietly, so do those who have determined to pray and intercede with heart wrenching pleas for the Father to move within their land.

A spiritual passivity will begin to be addressed and shaken off of the hearts of fearful and hidden believers.

There will begin to be a few strong and ethical governmental leaders rise up who will begin to risk addressing the rapidly encroaching militant attacks against the people of France and its outlying regions.

There will be community vigils of prayer in local churches and the repenting of passiveness and elitist thinking.

German and French believers will begin to view one another in a Kingdom perspective and join in prayer and service to one another, creating a groundswell of food pantries with farmers and dairies that will create CO-OPs.

The key to breaking the spiritual stagnation in France will be the humbling of hearts before the Throne of God, and reaching out beyond its own borders.

Ephesians 2:14 For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us.

Germany

Germany will have a large revolt and uprising from among the youth as the economy continues to stress and bend. Looting and the stealing and selling of automobiles will become a raging epidemic.

"For when the world with all its earthly wisdom failed to perceive and recognize and know God by means of its own philosophy, God in His wisdom was pleased through the foolishness of preaching [salvation, procured by Christ and to be had through Him], to save those who believed (who clung to and trusted in and relied on Him)." 1 Corinthians 1:21

Simultaneously, young street evangelists who have been well trained as well as well educated, will be commissioned to reach out to those rioting and manifesting.

Government leaders will not know what to do with the uproar, and sanctions against open religious expressions will be put in place.

Nevertheless, young Pauls and Silas's will not fear what man can do to them and will continue to flow in the power of Evangelism, seeing the hand of God spare the lives of many.

Jonah 3:2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach and cry out to it the preaching that I tell you."

Canada

Canada will experience one of its most prosperous seasons ever known, for a short season.

The Lord would have Canada know that they must deal fairly with the wealth that they will produce, and pay back the First Native families, and with Godly equity.

If this is not addressed with wisdom and integrity, Canada will have to pass through the sorrows of disobedience.

Canadian Intercessors are being awakened and called up to stand in the place of prayer for its leaders and tribes.

Now is not the time for silliness and laughter. It is a sober day, with a command for sober prayers.

A Scripture for Canada at this Time

"Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect)." 1 Thessalonians 5:6

"Get up! Stand UP! Be Purposeful!" says the Lord.

How do you not know that through your borders I can bring a North American Wave of Justice and Restoration?"

"So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed." 1 Peter 1:13

In Closing,

I bless you, the reader and listener of these prophetic insights, in the name of Jesus.

May His word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. 2 Peter 1:21

"Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, 'No, don't worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.'" - Revelation 19:10

Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Rapid Increase For Those New in Christ - Darren Canning

"Rapid Increase! Healers, Prophets, Dream Interpreters, Seers Receiving a Double Portion"

Darren Canning, Ontario, Canada

The Elijah List

Rapid Increase For Those New in Christ

In a recent dream, I saw that there is a new anointing rising in the earth in this hour in order to bring in the harvest. God is about to teach people to walk in the gifts in the spirit at a very rapid pace. I see people who are "new to Christ" learning to fly in the things of the spirit quickly, because they will be aligned to Godly mentors who will teach them quickly.

This will be like on-the-job training in the things of the spirit learning to operate in supernatural ways. God is going to bypass the normal learning cycle and even train people through dreams and visions.

This is the hour of Ezekiel 37 when the army of God is being resurrected from dry dead bones.

Those that are about to rise in the army are not even aware that the army exists, but arise they will into greater destiny than they ever imagined possible.

Let Them Join Our Flight

I saw in this dream that there was a young person that started to fly alongside of me. I was moving very quickly in the spirit, flying from city to city. I was operating by faith as I flew

between cities. The person next to me said that the gate to the city is not opened, so you will need to slow down, but in the spirit I knew we didn't have to slow down because the gate would open as we got near to it. (Photo via Pixabay)

We were flying side-by-side, and as we came to the city a glass door opened before us and we flew quickly into that city. We then began to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a way that I personally had not operated before. There was a young lady in that dream who was an aspiring actress. Because of disappointment she was not actually acting. She was living below her potential because depression came against her. She was far from Christ and banqueting at the world's table.

In my heart I was trying to get to as many people as I could in order to get the message of Christ to them. This young girl and those sitting with her, mocked the message of Christ when I approached them; but then I began to tell her things that only she and God knew, and as I did something shifted in her mindset. I told her that she would have been in the movies now if she had listened to the advice that one director had given to her a while back. She looked at me shocked and then began to listen to the message of Christ that we preached.

The person flying with me was learning as we walked together. I know that in this hour that many of us who have been in the things of the spirit for some time will be taking responsibility for training those that are young in the things of the spirit, but these ones will actually learn to fly by being with us. Those of us who have exercised our faith will have many people who will want to learn from us and we must let them join us in our flights.

We don't have to slow down for them. We don't even have to worry about them. They will keep up with us because the Holy Spirit is guiding them to us and teaching them to fly like us. All we have to do is be open to the possibility that God has them coming to us, and when they do just let them hangout and ask questions. There will be an impartation in the process of mentoring. (Photo of Darren Canning)

They will learn to fly in the same way we do. They will also have gifting that we don't have and will teach us a thing or two. God is uniting the army in this hour. Get ready for expansion on your left and right.

Expansion and Giant Steps For the Kingdom

Isaiah 54:2-3 says, "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities."

This is what the Lord is saying: Those of you who have ears to hear listen to what the Spirit is saying. Do not fear the finances, do not fear rejection, do not fear fear itself, because you are about to take giant steps for the Kingdom sake.

A few weeks ago I had another dream. This is a season where people are being upgraded into new anointings and mantles. Even with the passing of men and women who have gone before us, there is a transfer taking place between generations. People in their 20s and 30s are about to take their place in the Kingdom.

God is taking your old shoes and releasing new shoes in this hour. People will notice the increase of anointing upon your life. There will be an increase in the healing and prophetic anointing. You will walk in it with greater ease. (Photo via Pixabay)

The Lord showed me in that vision that He is releasing many spiritual blessings over those who are ready to be raised to the next level. This new season will be very exciting for those in-tune with the things of the Holy Spirit. Get ready for a double portion. Even as Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's anointing (2 Kings 2:9-16), the next generation of healers, prophets, dream interpreters and seers are receiving a double portion.

You will move like Philip did, releasing the good news to many places (Acts 8:39). You will be like the man from Macedonia who showed up in Paul's dream to tell him to come preach the Gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16:9). God is going to do this by His Spirit.

Isaiah 44:3-4: "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams."

Seek the greater gifts and you shall walk in them. Get ready for a new dimension of glory. Get ready for a new shift.

Even as we move between seasons in the natural we will be moving between seasons in the spirit. Watch for what occurs in the next number of months. With the abundant rains of spring will come a new thing in the earth in this hour.

Darren Canning
Ministry of Darren Canning

Email: darrencanning78@gmail.com
Website: darrencanning.org

Darren Canning is a revivalist preacher who travels throughout Canada, the United States, and the world. His heart is for revival and believes that God will touch lives deeply wherever he travels. He teaches on hearing the voice of God and experiencing the supernatural. Darren's life was touched powerfully through an encounter with God and he was transformed from an Atheistic lifestyle to a Believer in a moment. He has spent 14 years working for the government of Canada as an analyst specializing in transportation issues related to Aircraft Safety and Security. He is married to Lydia and is the father of 7 children. He believes that if others experience the God of the supernatural then they too will be changed forever.

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Friday, February 20, 2015

Today's Youth Want More of the Spirit by Lee Grady

Today's Youth Want More of the Spirit

by Lee Grady

Identity Network

Spiritual trend watchers have come up with terms like "nones" and "dones" to describe young people in the United States. "Nones" are those who don't categorize themselves as anything when asked about their religion, while "dones" are those who have quit church. The prevailing assumption is that today's youth are disillusioned with organized religion, spiritually apathetic and morally loose.

I refuse to believe these trends are irreversible. From what I've observed, there's a surprising level of spiritual hunger among younger Christians - yet many churches aren't prepared to respond to it.

This past week I spoke at a series of chapels at Emmanuel College, a small Christian school in north Georgia. At every service the students gathered around the altar during worship, and they lingered long after the services ended to ask for personal prayer. When I taught about the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Friday night, dozens came to the front to ask for a supernatural filling.

I've preached at Emmanuel before, but I've never seen this level of spiritual intensity there. I've noticed similar hunger among young people in other settings recently. My hunch is that the water level is rising and that we are going to see a wave of the Spirit hit the younger generation - similar to what happened in the 1970's when the Jesus Movement rescued so many college students and hippie dropouts from drug addiction and rebellion.

Leading to a Deeper Experience

Younger Christians want more of God, but they are savvy enough to smell counterfeits. If you want to lead youth and young adults into a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit, consider these guidelines:

Don't water it down. Some churches are so afraid of a youth service going overboard that they keep the emergency brake on at all times and never risk letting the Holy Spirit take over. Today's young people don't want to play it safe. Invite them to the deep end of God's river and trust Him to work in their lives. Explain what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is, tell your own testimony and then invite them to pray. God just might pour out a fresh Pentecost that transforms your entire church!

Don't put on a show. Nothing turns off kids faster than a celebrity minister who is trying to impress people with his fake preacher voice and look-at-me attitude. Today's youth see can see through our goofy mannerisms and religious terminology. If you want to introduce youth to the power of the Holy Spirit, talk in a normal voice and be yourself.

Demonstrate the real power. It's not enough to talk about prophecy, healing or the word of knowledge. Let people see the gifts of the Holy Spirit in action. When youth see the power of God demonstrated, they are ruined forever. They want it! And when you pray for people, don't wave your coat, push people to the floor or manipulate people to make them think you are God's man or woman of faith. Be humble, act normal and don't turn off people with your phony antics.

Invite questions and offer answers. In many churches the preacher delivers a sermon and then disappears behind the stage. He lectures; the people nod. Those days are over. Today's generation wants to interact. They want to have lunch or coffee with you. Don't be afraid of questions, and be willing to admit mistakes. They will respect you more if you take off your mask and invite a two-way conversation.

Empower them to lead. I've been doing a series of leadership events for young men and women for five years. This year I'm handing the microphone to some of the 20-somethings who have been working with me since 2010 - and they are going to preach in many of the sessions. One reason today's youth have not experienced the Holy Spirit's power is that we've never given them the car keys and let them drive.

Pour on the love. Youth today want relationships, and if you don't make yourself available as a mentor and friend they won't be as willing to test the deep waters of the Spirit with you. Don't be mechanical. If you pray with them, cry with them and hug them they will also let you confront them. And don't make everything about the intense Holy Ghost meeting; sometimes the most genuine spiritual moment of the night will be when you are sharing a pizza afterwards.

Perhaps one reason we've lost touch with the younger generation is that we didn't invite them to experience the raw power of God. Maybe we should ditch some of our scripted programs, strobe lights and fog machines and allow the Spirit to create a real wow factor that is not manufactured by us. I believe that's what youth today are waiting for.

Lee Grady

www.themordecaiproject.org