Church ministry and leadership, Church ministers and relationhip

TOWARDS THE REFORMING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP.

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MISSIONS AND THE CHURCH-18

 

Exposing spiritual pride

By Isaiah-Phillips Akintola

The bride of Christ is maturing in all dimensions of her faculties. The Spirit of Christ is now being allowed into those realms and positions he had been earlier refused access, and this is highly commendable.

However, the level of continual arrogance and pride manifest through some so-called, privileged access to some apostolic, ascended truth or revelation about the Father and his prophetic, kingdom realities by some brethren amongst us is a thing of great concern that should be addressed even though we’ve been talking about this for years now.

This is a day of light; this penetrating light is shining from a more brighter position of truth and wisdom that speaks to the issues of spiritual pride within us and in the body of Christ across communities.

No one can be close in his or her natural, human work with the Father than the privilege position Lucifer once enjoyed at the presence of the Father until iniquity was found in him.

Doing the things that prevents (lawlessness) iniquity to gain access into our hearts is one of the highest spiritual values and discipline we can attain in our relationship and various ministries.

In my work with God I’ve learned to discover that there’s just a fine line between truth and error; between light and darkness. It’s so easy to miss the primary things of the Spirit while we focus and fixative on secondary matters.

It’s so easy to lose focus and direction while trying to carry out what we believe is the heart of our assignment. Ministry and relationship are two unique, different things that we cannot afford the mistake of separating them or allowing one to overshadow the other.

One of the warnings the Lord echoed to the hearing of Cain was that sin lays at his doorsteps because of his wrong attitude towards his brother, and if he refused to gain mastery over it, it shall enter in and destroy him, and that was what eventually happened.

Ministry and our relationship with divine things are birth through a deep, close work with the Spirit of Christ as we saw manifest in the garden when Adam enjoyed a regular visitation of the Father in a time frame the scripture calls the ‘cool’ of the day.

This work of the Spirit which is both reformative and transformative by nature produces mobility to walk toward the direction of the formation of the Body ministry in a manner that is revealed through one’s testimony of the in-depth work of the cross of Christ.

The deeper we work in the ascended life of Christ produced by the cross, the close and more precise we can see the inner work of Christ in the lives of our brethren who may not be recognized or accepted by the blind multitudes.

Not being able to see or identify with the inner scar of the sacrificial work of the cross in the life of traveler of light with his unperishable bag of kingdom treasure that wax not old, is a clear reflection of such a person’s spiritual blindness and deficiency of apostolic life.

The truth is, What will eventually unite the various parts of the body of Christ on that mountain of confluence will certainly not be the degree of our revelation, or how we’ve been able to authenticate and articulate such revelation. What will begin to unify the broken, fragmented Body of Christ is going to be our ability to manifest before others, the fragrance of the sentence of our spiritual death at each season or junction of our call to migrate to a new spiritual position of life in Christ.

Many have romanced the loadable ministry of the unity of the body but have indeed invested very little or nothing in the divine call to die to their loftiness and sense of spiritual pride and ministry exclusivity.

It is highly essential and required that we are able to clearly articulate the ascended revelation of Christ and his kingdom as part of the reclaiming of our identity and culture as members and followers of the new nation in Christ.

However, our articulation of this identity must align with the in-depth formation of Christ in every sector of our human existence.

The reformation of our humanity is the only channel by which humans both saved, and nonsaved alike can see and appreciate the fruit of Christ and his kingdom lifestyle through us.

Revelation is for your personal reform in the journey while the participation of such revelation is your testimony of the new man you’ve become in Christ which then gives you the courage and boldness, but not in pride to express your authority of revelation to represent Christ to others.

If you keep saying what you’ve not genuinely become through the grace of spiritual process in redemption, you’re not better than a glorified, 21st century Pharisee.

Some I felt we need to consider or reconsider carefully. Pls, share this note to benefit others. Thank you.

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BEING SPIRITUALLY CARNAL

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BEING SPIRITUALLY CARNAL.

 

By Isaiah-Phillips Akintola

 

THE LAW OF THE LORD IS PERFECT, CONVERTING THE SOUL.

 

Part 1

 

Introduction.

In this latest article, I have sought to provide insight, answer, and direction to some of the most perplexing questions before the Body of Christ in relating to what has been erroneously defined and termed as spirituality or Church practice.

Several young and upcoming spiritual leaders today are confused, particularly in the area of determining the correct footing of what could be defined or described as an appropriate biblical practice of spiritual leadership. Jesus made a profound statement when he said, these people draw close to me with their mouth, but their heart is far from me.

This is one of the most deceptive characters highlighted regarding a spiritual relationship. The fact that we can vocalize all the right spiritual ‘things’, and still be spiritually disconnected and dysfunctional is a serious issue that should not be ignored or neglected.

The increase of sensual and demonic inspired leadership practice demands that we raise our prophetic discernment and biblical doctrine and spirituality such that everyone can easily identify false spiritual projections, particularly, in this season of increased darkness. We cannot fold our hands while charlatans continue to corrupt and misrepresent the prophetic intention of God for the Church and the nations.

We should engage these raised false altars and impression that has brought so much shame to the Body of Christ. I have tried to examine this highly interesting but complex subject through the eyes of the Spirit. It’s my prayer that you will take the time to carefully study and meditate on some of the points highlighted in the article. Please feel free to engage me in any area you may seek further expansion.

When we buy the lie…

one of the major lies we have accepted as humans but particularly a major part of today’s church is to believe that one part of human is spiritual while the other aspects are none spiritual. The truth is, every single aspect of man is intricately designed to be spiritual both in existence and function. The creation of man and its various complex functions are all reflection of a certain degree of spirituality that takes the spiritually inform and awakened to understand.

Being spiritual is an integration of who we are, what we represent, and how we function emotionally, intelligently, physically, and of course, spiritually. Let’s examine some simple but critical facts that can assist us in the understanding of how human beings get to be shaped, develop, and function in behavior. I am not an expert on human development but I can say that I have extensively read books and research materials that back my knowledge on this subject. Further still, my work in the matter of spiritual development and leadership has given me rear opportunity to glean certain biblical values that have enhanced my insight and understanding.

 

Development and knowledge

 

We’ve all had of what is known as early childhood development (ECD). Experts reckon that the first 1000 days in the life of a child is critical because that is the formative process period of a child’s interaction to life. In other words, this period determines how the child will see, view and interact with so many things we define to be behavior and intelligence.

Intelligence is shaped and enhanced through early exposure to the necessary information and nurturing the brain requires to effectively function. As this point of fact applies to the natural realm, so does it apply to the concept of the spiritual infancy development of man.

Meaning that environment, either physical or spiritual plays a significant role in shaping our idea of knowledge and how we interpret such knowledge, especially in the area of defining truth and its application to real life events. The development or better still, the none development of the soul, which is the residence of human attitude, character, and behavioral pattern control how the brain process information, and how humans react and respond to such information, regardless of the spiritual state or carnal tendencies of such a person.

The brain which is part of the faculty of the soul operates based on a particular system of data inflow, particularly when such data is released frequently on a systematic, repetitive format.

Research has proved that the brain does not recognize the difference between imagination and reality. Thus, whatever gets infused within the human brain cognitive character long enough, becomes by default, the very reality the brain projects to such a person — this a profound law that has enhanced or even weaken the developmental journey of humans throughout history.

 

 

The power of reinforcement

 

Repetition reinforces what the brain thinks, sees, believes, and accept as its reality. No wonder the word of God declares, “as a man thinks in his (mind) heart so he is.

Any form of thought pattern, good or bad, creates a profound sense of reality within the mind if they are not immediately dealt with correctly.

Whatever we believe and accept as spiritually correct becomes what our brain accepts and reinforce as the truth within the various faculties of our being as the truth.

If we, therefore, do not have a biblically set pattern of determining and measuring truth and spirituality, we can easily fall into any deceptive trap of the enemy, and in fact, this is what the enemy is busy with today to lure many into his den of destruction.

I’ll like these basic facts to be the footing of some of the principles I want us to examine through this article as we continue to find the divine pattern for our spiritual reformation, transformation, and ultimate restoration even as the battle of light and darkness continues.

 

 

Unveiling carnality within spirituality.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

 

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

To be carnally minded is death and but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. The term carnality is a berry broadened word that goes beyond a particular act of sin. The biblical definition of carnality is anything outside the standard order and functional state and value system of the Spirit of God.

I will frequently use this term on a broad definition that should help us make sense of what the Spirit of the Lord is emphasizing in this hour, even as we continue to witness the false impressions of spirituality all around us. To understand and thoroughly apply the perfected law of the Lord in its true essence is to begin to step into the journey of the conversation and transformation of the soul back to its ordained, original place and function in Christ.

There are several ascended truths and high values we can glean from this profound statement made under divine inspiration through David, centuries-long before Christ our Redeemer came to earth. It’s evident that the main focus of the Spirit in this season is the conversion of the human soul and its entire operational faculties.

The need to continue to unravel the character nature of the soul-man is necessary to begin preparing the Body of Christ for the next spiritual emphasis of kingdom lifestyle and its governmental expression. There are just too many assumptions flagging around today in the name of biblical spirituality, or in the name of some kingdom manifestation that is totally contradictory to God’s divine order and value pattern.

Many out of shared zeal in our time have sought to run with some kind of apostolic mandate or prophetic message without clear knowledge and insight into how the deceptive, operative influence of the unregenerate soul seeks to corrupt and disregard the advancement of kingdom assignment. I do not believe that we can fully enter the scope of the third day ascended ministry of the ecclesia without a clear, broadened, prophetic insight into every sphere of human faculty operational system.

It will be a great mistake to venture into the realm of high-level kingdom spiritual activity within the context of the humanist, New Age definition of spirituality without a well-balanced, matured sense of biblical spiritual wisdom and authority of engagement.

 

Removing the footing of assumption

 

Therefore, pressing into the realm of kingdom possibility in this hour necessitate that each one of us returns to the school of Christ, and be upgraded on how the soul-man seeks to manipulate and circumvent the divine protocol of accurate spiritual ministry lifestyle.

In my past articles, I have sought to deal with the concept of the soul and how the mind operates. In this article, however, my focus is slightly different in the sense that I am trying to unravel how the unregenerate soul-man can almost successfully camouflage in its operations as an authentic spiritual manifestation.

 

It is a known fact that is worth repeating that many of the acts of war, destructions, wickedness, enslavements, corruption, perversion, religious cultism, social abuse, and many other destructive tendencies we’ve witnessed in history till this very day, all emanate from the fruit of the rebellious, unregenerate souls of men. The soul faculties of man by the act of the fall is morally corrupt and continually wicked in its desire and aspirations. The unrefined behavioral patterns of men find their roots from the fallen, Adamic character of the soul.

Beyond this, the influence of illegitimate leadership power either from the viewpoint of political manipulation, socioeconomic degradations, or the abuse of spiritual authority, are all products of the fallen, dysfunctional character values within the human soul. When that which is defined to be spiritual and sacred becomes the very instrument of deception, perversion, corruption, then, such narrative of spirituality calls for significant concern, and this is what I am seeking to highlight through this note.

What worries me is, a significant part of today’s church is fast losing the true meaning and essence of spirituality to that which is soulish and carnally motivated. As I read and interact with folks, especially on social media platforms, I see how a vast number of church members; individuals we once thought have spiritual understanding, stand up in defense of criminals who call themselves men and women of God.

It baffles me to see how folks confront and criticize authentic followers of Christ who stands up in defense of the truth. It is surprising to see how so-called Christians today can rise in defense of that which is indefensible. These brethren seem not to know nor understand what is biblically deem heretic from what is spiritual and doctrinally correct. I cannot but wonder what in the world is going on within the mind frame of many of our church folks today.

YOUR GIFT IS NOT ENOUGH FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

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 By Isaiah-Phillips Akintola 

When a relationship that ought to effectively drive our corporate, assigned prophetic activity is merely built on the peripherals of some humanistic, civil, politically correct ideology, we can be rest assured that we are not ready to confluence as Christ regents in matters of kingdom civilization and engagement for the redemption of creation.

If Church leaders are afraid to speak truth to themselves, how can we corporately speak truth to the powers that be? While it is highly critical that we learn to be respectful and civil with each other, it is, however, more critical we learn of truth and to speak the truth openly and cautiously to each other so we can corporately grow in the unity of the faith according to sound, biblical injunction. The fear of being rejected for speaking truth to each other is a clear sign that our understanding of the input of the ministry of the Saints to each other is still very shallow and immature to say the least.

I am afraid to declare that such kind of relationship will never produce the in-depth, intended objective of the Spirit, regardless of how powerful we may individually move in our ministry gifts. Ministry gift is not what perfects the saints; it is of rather the experiential life and nature that shapes the wineskin that houses the gifts and their various functional capacities in the community. Gifts without the maturing of wineskin will do more damage to the construction and perfection of the ecclesia.

 

Jesus, at the age of 12 was already super gifted but had to submit to the life-process of maturing and perfecting the wineskin that will ultimately house and effectively express his gift. I have met many gifted folks who are yet to be matured in the quality of life that can carry and dispense what they’ve been gifted with.

To build a ministry or relationship from the standpoint of a powerful gift without the essential character quality lifestyle to regulate and dispense such a gift is a setup for the manifestation of the spirit of pride that will ultimately lead to destruction.

This is one of the reasons Paul warned Timothy not to commit spiritual things to [immature] novice. Being gifted without a refined character to carry and represent such gift is one of the most dangerous things than can happen to you as a Christian.

The need to go through seasons of spiritual development, coupled with real-life challenges is indeed helpful in shaping and imprinting the right character qualities needed in operating our gifts. I was a highly gifted person that was so obvious to many around me, but the Lord brought me to a place where he paralyzed that gift for a season because he needed to work on certain blind spots of my life that I could not see not accept even when I was shown by others.

A significant hindrance to our corporation as gifted leaders in the Body of Christ is center around pride and insecurity. When we are yet to learn, as ministers of the gospel the significance of the ministry of the Saints, we cannot effectively function in our individual ministries to the world and creation.

Our definition of ministry is entirely out of biblical order and priority. We judge and approve each other based on gifts, influence and material acquisition and not on the level of spiritual experience and maturity.

There are people I have met on my journey of spiritual apostolic transition, including young Millennials who are still in the thirty-fold reality of the understanding of spiritual things, who have tried to undermine my prophetic assignment because they cannot find around me those material things they’ve been asked to look for when a so-called ‘seasoned apostle or prophet’ stand to speak. In most cases when I feel like giving them a piece of my heart in rebuke, the Lord often correct me not to do so, because that would mean that I am subjecting myself to their ungodly, carnal opinion.

Our measuring standard and values of spiritual matters need to be drastically readjusted if we are ever going to enter the prophetic scope of divine engagement; the correction of sight must be a major priority for many of us particularly here in Africa. The condition of poverty propelled through the false gospel of mammon and materialism has almost destroyed the right footing and template of sound spiritual relationship and leadership in the Body of Christ.

There’s a company of individual’s heaven has prepared and sent that will help us embrace the process of the maturation of our gifts and wineskin, but we need humility and the spirit of mutual submission to awaken our hearts to see and embrace them. Regardless of how gifted you are in this season, you need to come to terms with the current emphasis of the Lord, which is, all gifts must be collapsed into the character lifestyle of the Spirit of Sonship.

This means that the Lord desires a corporate man in the earth that will function in the ascended power of the ascended Christ. Gifts were only given to the Body of Christ when Christ ascended on high.  Therefore, only those with the ascended character lifestyle of Christ can function in the full potential of their callings and gifts. The emphasis of the Lord for this hour is a lifestyle that is correctly configured to house not just our gifts but to understand the humanity of others even as we seek to connect with their spirituality for effective ministry.

This lesson will assist us to discern others, particularly leaders beyond just the operation of their gifts. The anointing is a seal of our calling and assignment, but to effectively function in the anointing, we also need to be developed in the Spirit of wisdom and understanding such that our insight and knowledge regarding other folks can tamper with matured ministry of mercy and grace. The ministry of mercy and grace are the trophies of our victory through the journey of accurate transition of our gift and callings. When we are able to finally see people the way the Lord sees them, then, we are able to relate and flow in the spirit of mercy and grace as we corporately share hearts and gifts together for the kingdom advancement.

To engage with a well matured, apostolic [value system] ministry on this third day, the church, especially, its leaders and the elders must learn the routine of handling necked truth with wisdom, mercy and grace without being ashamed of each other’s weakness of failure. One of the principal characters of truth is that it exposes the very core of our being, and when we are truly open to others and their gifts, we will not only see their ability, but we shall also see and share in their disabilities, and this is highly critical in the principle of relationship in administering our ascended ministry gifts.

If we are unable to effectively manage the weaknesses and exposures of each other’s blind spots and spiritual defects, we are merely playing church and peddling with things meant for mature elders, seers, prophets, and watchmen at the gate. It’s about time the church and its leadership leaves behind childish ways and thinking.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13: 11-12