Promise of the Father
Raised in Power
Terry R. Baughman
“Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city [m]of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:47–49 NKJ).
Jesus left the followers with a promise! Prior to His ascension He assured the disciples and other believers that they would be the recipients of the Father’s promise. It would be a powerful promise, as Jesus declared, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8 NKJ). 
The reception of the Spirit was vital for His followers to accomplish the commission with which He charged them. “He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father,” and Jesus declared, “You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4–5 NKJ). So, the promise of the Father was both a gift and an essential endowment of power. 
The gift and promise was intended for more than the twelve disciples or the 120 gathered in the Upper Room at Pentecost. This was evidenced in the overflow of the Spirit that filled 3,000 that gathered around Solomon’s porch to witness the dramatic display of the Holy Spirit upon those who were the first recipients of the promise. Acts 2 describes the scene, “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2–4 NKJ).
The critics gathered as well as the curious. Some mocked them as drunks and disorderly. Others were amazed and questioned, “Whatever could this mean?” Acts 2:12). Peter provided the response for their questions and observations. He referenced the prophet Joel to explain the phenomenon, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 1:17). He also quoted David from the prophecies of the Psalms to declare the resurrection and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ, “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” (Acts 2:32–33).
The Spirit of Pentecost was the Holy Spirit of God, the one Spirit which had been prefaced as the promise of the Father. Peter went on to outline what our response should be to the Gospel story and the revelation of the resurrection. He said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The gift and the promise was for all who attended to the message of truth and responded in faith to this revealed Word. Peter observed, “The promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). 
The voice of the Spirit is still calling. The message delivered on the Day of Pentecost reverberates through the centuries to the present. People are still receiving and responding to this powerful promise. 


Theme passage:
“We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 NKJ).

Buried with Christ
Raised in Power
Terry R. Baughman
“Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12 NKJ).
The simple explanation of the Gospel is that it is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ applied to our lives. It is good news that Jesus Christ provided a way of salvation to free us from the grip of sin and bring us into a right relationship with God. For that reason the gospel is frequently related as good news.
In the application of the Gospel, identification with Christ is front and center. In repentance we are identified with His death. Our grace-inspired initiative to turn away from sin and surrender our lives to God is a sign of death to the old desires of the flesh and a commitment to follow Jesus and become His disciple. Our identification continues in our obedience to water baptism, “In the Name of Jesus Christ!” Baptism is a most meaningful experience, especially when identified with the burial of Jesus. The blood of Jesus Christ was shed on the cross for our sins, and our identity with Him in baptism provides remission of our sins as we acknowledge the blood of Jesus Christ and its personal atonement for us. 
Luke recorded his version of the commission when Jesus said, “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47 NKJ). Luke’s narrative continues in the Book of Acts where he quoted Peter on the Day of Pentecost giving the command, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38 NKJ). There is an apparent connection of remission with baptism in the name of Jesus. Faith is essential to all our spiritual experience, but obedience to the Word is evidence of our faith in Christ. When we come to faith we will embrace the teaching of the Scripture and follow in obedience to the words of Christ. 
The personal identity with Christ is a powerful expression of the Gospel. After identifying with His death (through repentance) and burial (through baptism) then comes the identity with His authority. We are to rise in newness of life! The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us life and is promised to those who put their trust in Him. The Holy Spirit is the resurrection power that fills our lives. 
Faith in Christ is inspired and enabled by grace. Paul said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 NKJ). That grace leads us to repentance. (See Romans 2:4.) Grace enables a willing heart to obey the invitation to baptism and surrenders to the path of discipleship. 
We are buried with Him that we might live with Him. We are identified with His death so that we might experience His resurrection. There’s nothing like it. God has given us His life-giving power. Paul wrote of the power of the resurrection when he said, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54–57 NKJ).
We are victorious in Christ. We were buried with Him, and now we live the victorious life through Him!


Theme passage:
“We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 NKJ).

Sown in Weakness
Raised in Power
Terry R. Baughman

“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42–44 NIV).

Before a resurrection there must be a death. Before a new beginning must be an ending. Even the Good News began with a tragic story. In the midst of the narrative one must trust the Author and the Finisher to plan the plot and write the conclusion of the sacred drama. 

The Cross of Christ is the symbol of suffering as well as the celebration of victory over sin and death. Jesus humbled Himself to the role of a servant as He surrendered to death and poured out His life. (See Philippians 2:7–8.) Jesus saw the ultimate positive outcome of such a humiliating death and willingly submitted to its painful suffering. The writer of Hebrews said, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). The joy of the cross was not its pain, but rather the victory that would be achieved by His sacrifice. He knows the end from the beginning and the conclusion of every story. 

The Gospel is more than a tale of sorrow and the ability to prevail and rise above the suffering; it is a story of redemption from the curse of sin, of the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse from every iniquity, and the hope of everlasting life given to all who put their trust in Jesus. The Gospel is the good news of salvation for the lost world and the promise of a born again experience. Christ’s promise is more than life hereafter, it is the promise of new life in the here and now!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just a historical tale, it is a reality to every believer who finds the source of power in a message of sacrifice. It is more than believing that Jesus died, was buried, and in three days He rose again to life. It is a tale of application. We too are challenged to follow in His steps. We identify with Christ in every way. We die to sin as we repent of our error and surrender our lives to follow the Master. Our baptism is a personal identification with the burial of Jesus as we call on His name in baptism. We rise to walk in new life through the power of the resurrection as we receive His Holy Spirit!

Recognizing our sins and our failure is an important step to being reconciled to God. Luke said, “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47 NKJ). That was also the conclusion of Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38 NKJ). Strength comes from weakness, and forgiveness follows repentance.

Paul wrote about the resurrection power and likened the process to a seed that is sown in the ground. As the seed dies new life springs forth and the miracle of growth stems from the burial of a dry seed. Our bodies are sown unto a more glorious eternal resurrection, “The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. … it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:42–43 NKJ).
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Theme passage:
“We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 NKJ).

The Reward 
RELEASE — equipped to serve
Terry R. Baughman
“The greatest one among you will live as one called to serve others without honor. The greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one who has a servant heart. The leaders who are served are the most important in your eyes, but in the kingdom, it is the servants who lead” (Luke 22:26–27 TPT).
Aggressive and domineering leaders are often recognized for their leadership qualities. They may be respected for their decisive and assertive measures taken to execute their authority, however that respect may spring more from fear than from admiration. Fear is a poor model for leadership. Tyrants and dictators use fear and intimidation to rule, but that should not be identified as qualities to pursue in leadership, either in business or in ministry settings. Fear is closely akin to hate and at some point hate becomes stronger and those who lead in fear are rejected and replaced. 
Jesus spoke about the patterns of leadership so prevalent in the world, He said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:42 NIV). Jesus took the leadership model and turned it upside down. The greatest is the least, and the servant becomes the leader. 
Jesus said, “The greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one who has a servant heart” (Luke 22:26 TPT). Servant leadership is rewarded in the Kingdom of God. His ways are much higher than ours. (See Isaiah 55:9.) 
Jesus taught that humility is the way to promotion, “Remember this: everyone with a lofty opinion of who he is and who seeks to raise himself up will be publicly humbled. And everyone with a modest opinion of who he is and chooses to humble himself will be raised up before all” (Luke 14:11 TPT). The principle of Scripture is clear, “‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5–6 NIV).
Seeking to serve in the Kingdom is the best way to find fulfillment in our personal lives, and it is the way to experience growth and promotion in God’s Kingdom. The premium reward is reserved for those who give of themselves in the service of others. While some seek the places of prominence for the acclaim and accolades, Jesus gave value to those who placed others first and sought to give them the best. That is the preferred pattern according to His teaching. Jesus said, “The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone” (Mark 10:44 TPT).
What really matters is the ultimate outcome when we shall all stand before the Lord at the end of days. Judgment will be passed and rewards will be given. Nothing will be said about who had the largest congregation, or who gave the most to missions. There is no indication that we will be rewarded for offices held, awards received, or recognition for the greatest number of followers on social media. Primarily, there is one statement Jesus reserves for those who have learned His leadership methods. He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV).
Theme passage:
“Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).
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The Sacrifice 
RELEASE — equipped to serve
Terry R. Baughman
“For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends” (John 15:13 TPT).
The greatest gift is self-sacrifice. When we are willing to do without or give up something that is valuable to us so that another may receive the benefit or the blessing, that is a true act of love and the picture of sacrifice. The ultimate depiction of love is to care enough to give of ourselves so that others may experience joy, blessing, and grace. 
Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NIV). He reiterated the concept on numerous occasions. (See John 15:12, 17; 1 John 3:11, 4:7, 11–12.) He must have truly meant it, Love one another! 
When we love enough, we love enough to care and to give to others. The ministry of Jesus was an example to His followers. They learned to love like Christ. They saw His willingness to sacrifice comfort for other’s healing, rest for their recovery, and His very life for the salvation of the world. 
The road of discipleship is marked by ruts carved in the dirt by a heavy cross. The timbers chaff on the shoulder of the one bearing the load. But the words of the Savior ring clearly, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV). Yes, daily discipleship. Not just Sunday and Wednesday; not just special events, Easter, and Christmas … daily. The cross is our companion, our course corrector, and our constant reminder of the commitment to His purpose. 
We are being equipped for greater discipleship and to help us help others along the path. Our willingness to serve comes out in our many ways as we reflect the Spirit of Jesus in our conversation, our character, and our conduct. 
Some sacrifices are not difficult. It’s easy to cast off loneliness for connection and rejection for embrace. It may not be so easy to rid ourselves of carnality and lustful thoughts, but if we can see the value of the outcome we are much more willing to try. Whatever we give up we find a greater reward to take its place. The gift of Christ promises to bring, “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 NIV).  
Jesus made it clear that the reward in the kingdom will far exceed the extent of the sacrifice. He said, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29 NIV). Even in the face of persecution or in the depravation of loss, Jesus said, “Rejoice!” “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Luke 6:23 NIV). 
Walking with Jesus makes sacrifice a natural response as we learn to love others. It’s an endorsement of His calling imprinted on our hearts. It’s the seal of His Spirit living within. The proof and the preparation is revealed in our service. Paul said, “Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you” (2 Timothy 3:17 TPT).


Theme passage:
“Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).

The Gift
RELEASE — equipped to serve
Terry R. Baughman

“The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price for the salvation of many” (Mark 10:44–45 TPT).

The greatest gift was given by Jesus Christ. John said, “God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16). God gave Himself, and Jesus came to give. He came with purpose; not to be served, but to serve, not to receive, but to give His life as a ransom for sin and give us salvation instead of condemnation. 
The greatest gift is God’s gift of salvation. The provision of eternal life exceeds our greatest expectation. God has provided an avenue for change and the hope of new life in Christ. He has given us the gift of reconciliation and the promise of transformation. The good news He has provided is a path to renewal, radical regeneration from sin unto salvation. 

We have come to follow Christ and live by His example. However, we cannot provide salvation because Jesus has already done that, so what are we to do. Our approach is to show the power of Jesus in our lives becoming His disciples. As we live to serve, we live out the gospel. We become an illustration of the power of His salvation. We show His love and reveal His purpose. 

Mark said, “The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone” (Mark 10:44 TPT). To follow Christ’s example is to adopt the servant’s heart and look for ways to, “serve everyone.” The path to promotion is not a road to fame or fortune. The promotion that comes from above is measured quite differently. The greatest becomes a servant. The least likely finds advancement in the kingdom, as the humble is exalted and the slave takes the lead. 

While the one who does not seek promotion finds it traveling the backroads of availability, the one who drives the expressway of convenience on the paths of least resistance never finds the ultimate destination they desire. God’s ways are far above ours and His gifts are perfect. James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17 NKJ).

We are a gift to the world. This is not an arrogant statement of self-exaltation. Rather, it is a realization of God’s purpose in those who follow Him. As Christ-followers we are here to serve. Following the lead of our Lord we understand that God has a greater purpose for us than merely to learn of Him; we must serve like Him. We were not saved because of our goodness or our abilities, but solely by His grace. Our gift to the world is just an extension of that grace. Any good thing we can accomplish is only through the mercy of God. 

Talents and abilities may be used for God’s purpose as long as we continually recognize the source of those skills and the purpose for which we have received them. In the parable of the talents it was made clear that they are not to hide or save, but rather to invest in humanity and seek the incredible return on investment that God will bless. The reward came to those who wisely invested at the conclusion when the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21 NKJ). When we seek to serve and give our best in service to God, we can expect the blessing of the Lord and hear His words of welcome. 
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Theme passage:
“Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).

The Calling
RELEASE — equipped to serve
Terry R. Baughman
“You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest, then live as one called to serve others. The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone” (Mark 10:43–44 TPT).
To those who receive a “calling” it sounds like a promotion. To some it appears to be a badge of honor, a source of pride, a distinguishing position of elevation. Whenever God touches a life and places His claim on a person it is an honor, but not in the way of worldly notoriety. God’s calling is the call to serve in His Kingdom. It is an invitation down the path of humility. 
While that description may sound less glamorous and even repulsive to our carnal nature, the biblical trajectory to success leads us in different paths. The greatest calling is the call to serve and then to prepare others to do the same. The commission mandate is not an invitation to prominence, but the invitation to greater service. 
On one occasion Jesus took a child in His arms when the disciples tried to keep the children away. He forbade them from restricting the children and welcomed them saying, “For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest” (Luke 9:48 NIV). In this statement He established a principle of the Kingdom. It is the principle of opposites: the least is the greatest; to go up, one must go down; the way to promotion is through humiliation; servitude will result in leadership. You won’t find these chapters in a leadership book. Conventional wisdom doesn’t match up with kingdom principles. However, it remains a truth of Scripture. 
Jesus is our greatest example of servant leadership. He was the Son of God who became the Son of man. Paul wrote, “He existed in the form of God, yet he gave no thought to seizing equality with God as his supreme prize. Instead he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient” (Philippians 2:6–8 TPT). He showed us how to live and lead. He showed us how to serve.
This is the purpose and intent of the church. It is a place for discipleship to happen. A place for teaching and modeling Christ’s principles. The church is a place for fellowship in God’s community; a place to fulfill our greatest potential. 
The reward of servitude is exaltation. Promotion will come, but it will not be on our own terms and in our time. It will only occur in God’s timing. It is the end result of a life of faithful service. Jesus received the greatest accolades after His great example of obedience. Paul continued, “Because of that obedience, God exalted him and multiplied his greatness! He has now been given the greatest of all names!” (Philippians 2:9 TPT). This was the perfect pattern for a life of discipleship and our model for leadership. In Jesus’ words from the text above He said, “You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest, then live as one called to serve others” (Mark 10:43–44 TPT). That is our calling!
Theme passage:
“Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).

Preparation for Launch
RELEASE — empowered to rise
Terry R. Baughman

“‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV).

The moment comes when it is time to stop preparing and get to the business for which we have prepared. Great architecture is not built on the designer’s computer, but realized when dirt is removed, forms set, and foundations are poured. The planning ceases when the permits are approved and the construction begins. 

Someone said that a fisherman’s job is to fish, not to teach seminars on the most effective methods, write books on the subject, or spend their days at the cafe telling stories of great trips and the incredible catches of the past. A fisherman gets out on the water, sometimes in the early morning or late in the evening, and casts the line into the place where fish are most likely to be found. A fisherman fishes.

We have been called to become “fishers of men.” Our job is to cast the line, make the connection, draw others close in friendship, and introduce them to the greatest story ever told. While we want to learn effective methods of evangelism and be inspired with other’s stories of great conversions, our greatest successes will come when we engage in the process of attraction, discipleship, and witness the power of the Gospel in spiritual conversions. We can’t just talk about it; we must get busy doing it.

The hot air balloon (also called the envelope) is filling with air. The fires that warm the air provide the lift. The gondola (or basket) is stocked with supplies. The necessary equipment is secured in place. The tethers are holding the hot-air balloon to the ground as the tension increases. The moment is now. It’s time to launch. It’s time to go. 

All of the preparations were necessary, but once it is time to launch there is no more need for preparations. It is time to quit prepping and get started. The moment arrives to get onboard, load up and leave. Initiate the launch sequence. Loosen the ropes. Release the tethers. Allow the upward lift the freedom to expand. Turn up the fire and experience release from gravity. Upward, upward let your spirits climb with the rising vessel. 

This analogy illustrates where we are as a church and as a movement. We have implemented a lot of preparation, training, policy and procedures, but there comes a time to launch our mission. The time arrives when we need to put the training to the test. The preparation has equipped us to face any unknown challenge that may come. Arise. Seize the moment and embrace the task. 

The final requirement is trust. We must believe in the designer; be confident in the vessel and its ability to complete the mission. Others have launched before us. The message stood the test of time. The Gospel and the blood of Jesus is more than enough for every challenge. We must believe that God is able to keep those we have committed unto Him. 

This is our moment. This is our day. The pioneers of the past have delivered the commission intact. The plan is flawless. The purpose is clear. Embrace the calling. Step into your destiny and believe that God has made you for this. Now it is time for the launch. It is time for … RELEASE!
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Theme passage:
“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

Ready the Crew
RELEASE — empowered to rise
Terry R. Baughman

“It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 2:17 NKJ).

Most great feats were not accomplished alone. Many laborers working together create architectural wonders and magnificent monuments of artistry. Collaboration results in works of collective wisdom. The joint efforts of a multitude of people produce freeway systems, grand canals, or spanning bridges over great waters. United efforts have put astronauts on the moon and launched space exploration to distant planets. While some incredible things have been done by a single person, the cooperation between many produces exponentially more than anyone can do alone. 

Solomon wrote, “A triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT). He indicated the strength of unity and the value of being knit together in harmony. Jesus taught, “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” (Matthew 18:19 NLT). God has respect for those who will join together in agreement for a greater cause. 

The power of unity was displayed in the Upper Room after the ascension of Jesus. Luke wrote, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1, 4 NKJ). Peter stood up “with the eleven” to address their questions and explain the phenomena (Acts 2:14). Even the ministry of Peter became more powerful when delivered in unity with the other apostles and the complement of the Holy Spirit. It was God’s desire and purpose that the church be unified, that all believers become one with the Father. Jesus’ prayer was that we all may be one, “Just as you and I are one” (John 17:21 NLT). 

The mission of the church was never intended to be limited to just a few outstanding Christians to lead the masses, but rather a self-replicating organism that embraces and empowers each one with the same potential to become filled with the purpose of God. In Christ every believer becomes a disciple who becomes a “discipler!” The commission was Jesus’ directive, “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19 NLT).

Jesus initiated the plan, “I will build my church,” but it was not birthed in isolation. The church emerged from an Upper Room in a crowd of 120, out into the public square where thousands embraced the Gospel, and thousands more were added within days. This massive multiplication is Christ’s pattern and plan for world expansion of His kingdom. The incredible end-time revival will not be limited to a single location or awarded to isolated individuals, but will burst forth with spontaneous generation in a million places. 

God is bringing us together. He would have us be one. God is calling true Christ-followers to unite, to set aside personal differences and embrace the mission of Jesus. It is time to get together for the cause of revival. Assemble the volunteers. Ready the crew. Prepare the believers. Everyone must be on the same page and united for a singular purpose. We are ready for a launch like we’ve never seen before.

A holy passion stirs within our hearts and a united vision brings us together to be the church of latter day revival. At the appropriate time there will be a united release, a forward lurch into a glorious revelation of spiritual renewal. Get ready for the release!
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Theme passage:
“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

Spiritual Preparation
RELEASE — empowered to rise
Terry R. Baughman

“If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives” (Galatians 5:25 TPT).

Many books and training programs are designed to help people improve their lives. Most are built on motivational techniques, developing self-discipline, or holding ourselves accountable to someone else. An exhaustive self-help genre has emerged to categorize these materials. Podcasts and programs exist to coach individuals to become the person they desire to become. 

In some ways church attendance and religious materials may be viewed in much the same way as the self-help genre. However, the major distinction is that for the believer it is less about self-help and more about God-help! There are similarities: Preaching and teaching can qualify as motivational. The gifts of the Spirit equip us for self-control which may be seen as the same as self-discipline. Choosing accountability partners is encouraged to overcome sin and resist temptation. In these and other tools there are practices for improving our Christian living. 

Spiritual preparation is different than natural training techniques. It is, well, spiritual! Though the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and Bible reading are certainly aides for Spiritual preparation, some qualities only develop by spending time in God’s presence and learning the grace and practice of a Spirit-led life. 

How do we spend time in His presence? Certainly, we can be drawn into a spiritual place when we attend services, listen to worship music, or find ourselves engrossed in the Word of God. Seeking those special times can be rewarding experiences and help develop more sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit. 

Other times come in unexpected moments. Driving toward a sunset or walking in a park can usher you into a spiritual oasis. Just the right song, a recorded testimony, or a statement in passing can suddenly speak to your spirit in such a way as to awaken something deep inside. 

As we experience God’s Spirit in everyday life and in spiritual worship we are developing an ear to receive God’s instruction. Numerous times in Scripture we are challenged, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7 and more, NIV). One of the prophets identified His Spirit manifested as a “still small voice” or a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12 NKJ and NIV). Whether God speaks in quiet tones and gentle nudges or in bright lights and bold voices, we may receive insight and the direction of the Spirit. 

The first step to a Spirit-led life is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus has promised His Spirit to every believer, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8 NKJ). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a guide for life. Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13 NKJ). Revelation of His Word and the fulness of truth comes as we embrace the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

As we prepare for the year ahead and the special calling God has designed for our lives let us prepare ourselves in the Spirit to answer the call. Regardless of our growth and experiences we will never outgrow our dependence on the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides into marvelous paths of further experiences. He knows the future and He knows our abilities. Prepare for the unknown as we make Him known! 
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Theme passage:
“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).