Is There a Strong Man in the Church Today?

Encountering Jesus Beyond the Church Walls: My Vision for a Renewed Faith

Hey everyone, it's Conrad here. I wanted to share some thoughts on my mind lately, as well as some exciting events coming up in the Christian community.

First off, mark your calendars for April 4th, 2015 from 1pm to 5pm. There's going to be a huge gathering of believers in Memphis to worship Jesus at Redbird Stadium (AutoZone Park). It's called "Memphis Exalts Jesus" and you can learn more at ExaltJesusMemphis.org. I'm pumped for this opportunity for the body of Christ to come together and lift up the name of Jesus. 

I'm also looking forward to Camp Pentecost, where we'll celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit from Acts chapter 2. God is pouring out revelation all over the world right now through the internet and churches. People are getting excited about God! At the same time, there's a spiritual void and hunger. As Psalm 42:1 says, we are thirsting for God like a deer pants for water. I believe God wants to fill that void and hunger in this generation.

However, while this revelation is being poured out, the devil is also attacking people in various ways - from car trouble to suicide attempts. This is the reality of spiritual warfare that Ephesians 6:12 talks about. The enemy gets furious when he sees God about to move. But God is greater!

I also want to address something that's been heavy on my heart. I know many people, probably many of you listening, are frustrated with the institutional church system. I get it. God can and does use it, but it has many shortfalls. The early church in Acts met daily and used spiritual gifts to minister to each other. It wasn't about just attending a service once a week. 

But rather than attack the church, we need to humbly pray for God to fix what's broken. Only He can. I believe in presence evangelism - that as we simply worship Jesus, people will encounter His presence like Paul did in Acts 9 and the woman at the well did in John 4. Their lives were radically changed by meeting Jesus. That's what will transform individuals and the church.

Recently, my wife Susan and I were praying at a lake. I had a vision of a strong arm with strings controlling churches, like a puppet master. I believe this represents a strongman of denominationalism and religious control that hinders the Holy Spirit from moving freely in believers' lives. 

Leaders and denominations often put extra biblical rules and limitations on people that hold them back from following the Holy Spirit. Movements often end up in error when they are led by forceful leaders who reject the new things God is doing. We have to stop putting God in our denominational and theological boxes!

The very purpose of the prophetic ministry is to bring fresh revelation to guide us. Prophets were sent to Israel and the church when they weren't hearing a word from God on their own. We can't expect prophetic ministry to operate within restrictive religious structures. It's contrary to its purpose.

Well, I've rambled on long enough. I just want to encourage you to keep seeking God for yourself. Be humble and don't attack others. Let's get back to the book of Acts and make Jesus' name great! I'm excited to see what God is going to do in our generation. Until next time, dig deeper and go higher in God!