Imagine a city constantly enveloped in prayer—where every street, every home, every heart is covered in the presence of God. In our fast-paced, modern world, it might seem improbable or unnecessary, even irrelevant. Yet, Scripture and history reveal the transformative power of unceasing prayer. It has the ability to shift atmospheres, break down spiritual strongholds, and usher in God's kingdom in ways beyond human efforts. Unceasing prayer isn’t just for the benefit of individuals or churches; it is essential for the life and well-being of entire cities. Here’s why.

When we pray, we invite God's presence into our midst. Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." This applies not just to houses of worship but to entire cities. No matter how much infrastructure or social programs a city has, it cannot flourish without the presence and favor of God. Through unceasing prayer, we create an atmosphere where God is constantly welcomed. We can sense it. Something is happening in our city. God’s presence is more readily felt and manifest even more than when we started 5 years ago. Just as the Israelites carried the Ark of the Covenant into battle, our prayers carry God's presence into the spiritual battles being waged over Tulsa.

Every city has its own unique challenges—whether it’s crime, poverty, addiction, or corruption. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:4 that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." Prayer is one of those weapons. Persistent, earnest, unceasing prayer breaks down spiritual strongholds that would hold Tulsa captive. We have seen this power of prayer lived out in measures of breakthrough in District 9 specifically in Hope Valley (61st and Peoria). As a holy experiment we have now fasted and prayed earnestly twice for breakthrough of the gospel and goodness of God in this area and we are seeing God’s hand on our labor to share the gospel and contribute in uplifting this community. Unceasing earnest prayer brings light into dark places and opens the way for God’s kingdom to advance. Cities that are steeped in prayer experience transformation at the spiritual root, which manifests in social and cultural reform.

One of the greatest challenges in any city and especially in Tulsa is division—whether it’s racial, economic, or denominational. As we pursue unceasing prayer, we aim to see its unique ability to unify believers across these divides. As we come together in prayer, we lay down our differences and focus on the common goal of ministry to the Lord and seeking His will for our city. When churches, ministries, and individuals from all backgrounds commit to continuous prayer, we reflect the unity the “oneness” Jesus prayed for in John 17:21: "that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You." This unity is powerful and attractive to a watching world.

Throughout history, every major revival has been preceded by unceasing prayer. The Welsh Revival, the Azusa Street Revival, and more recent movements of The Holy Spirit were all birthed out of a commitment to relentless, fervent, sustained prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are commanded to "pray without ceasing." This isn't just a suggestion but a divine strategy for shaking our city awake. When believers in a city are constantly interceding, asking God to move, they are filling to overflow the bowls of incense above our city, tilling the spiritual soil, and preparing the ground for a mighty outpouring of The Holy Spirit. I am convinced this will take place in Tulsa sooner than later as we cry out as one for God’s dream for Tulsa (Lk. 18:7-8). This will result in a great harvest (Matt. 9:35-38)!

Ezekiel 22:30 says, "I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land." Through unceasing prayer, we become spiritual watchmen over our cities. Just as physical walls protect a city from invaders, prayer establishes spiritual walls that guard against attacks from the enemy. It sets a protective covering over the city, shielding it from spiritual dangers and aligning it with God’s purposes. I personally believe God means to make Tulsa a city of refuge, not because of its social programs, but due to a unified praying church in the midst.

Leadership matters, and the Bible is clear that we are to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Unceasing prayer for city leaders—whether they are political, business, or community leaders—has the power to soften hearts, inspire godly decisions, and bring wisdom that benefits all citizens. When believers continually lift up those in power, they invite God’s influence into decision-making processes, resulting in justice, righteousness, and peace in the city.

When we commit to unceasing prayer for our city, God begins to change our hearts. We start to see Tulsa the way He does—with compassion and a desire to reach out. Unceasing prayer helps believers develop a heart for the lost, the broken, and the marginalized in their communities. This is the Isaiah 58 effect: The Holy Spirit will anoint every praying disciple and send us to the alleys, ruins, and cause us to embrace the thirsty, hungry, clothes-less. It stirs up a passion for mission and service, not just within the walls of the church but in the streets, neighborhoods, and workplaces. As we pray, God sends us as agents of His love and restoration into the very places we’ve been interceding for.

Unceasing prayer is not just an individual practice; it is a corporate calling to shape the destiny of our city. In the face of overwhelming challenges and darkness, unceasing prayer is our lifeline. It invites God's presence, breaks down strongholds, unifies the Body of Christ, and prepares the ground for revival. It establishes spiritual protection, changes leadership, and ignites mission.

If we want to see our cities transformed, we must first commit to relentless, continuous prayer. The call is clear: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), for in doing so, we open the door for God to move mightily in our midst. Let us not grow weary, but persevere, knowing that our prayers are powerful and effective, not just for ourselves, but for the well-being of our cities.

Over the last seven years the dream of building a house of prayers been a griping focus and sacred vision of my heart. This pursuit is rooted deeply in the desire to create a space where God's presence can dwell and where His people can gather to seek His face. It has never been just about constructing a physical building but about establishing a spiritual community given to prayer, worship, and missions is being offered up as a pure sacrifice day and night until Christ returns and makes Jerusalem a praise in the nations (Isa. 62:6-8). As we embark on this journey of building a physical space to house this reality, it's essential to remember that the success of this mission rests in the hands of a sovereign God, who not only guides our steps but also provides all that is needed to accomplish His purposes for and through His people (Deu. 8:17-18).

The Word of God is filled with passages that affirm God's sovereignty, reminding us that He is in control of all things. In Isaiah 46:9-10, God declares, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” This powerful statement encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that the vision He has placed in our hearts for a house of prayer is part of His divine will.

Similarly, Proverbs 21:1 tells us, “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” This verse reminds us that even the hearts of leaders and authorities are under God's control. As we seek to build and fund a house of prayer, we can trust that God will move the hearts of those who are in positions to help and support this vision, guiding them to contribute in ways that fulfill His purposes.

One of the significant challenges in building a house of prayer is securing the necessary resources. However, we have been encouraged by the narrative thus far that God is building His house.

Two years ago, we felt a strong prompting from the Lord to step out in faith and pursue a space of our own. We committed this vision to prayer, fully understanding that this move would not be accomplished by human wisdom or strength, but solely by the Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). A few months ago, we launched a fundraising campaign and identified the property above as the one we believe the Lord was leading us to. After prayerful negotiations, we reached an agreement.

The next step was securing the initial funds, and what followed was nothing short of miraculous. During a recent mission trip to Berlin, Germany, amidst all the amazing works God performed, Pastor Robert Kayanja made an unexpected and divinely inspired gesture. After a brief sharing on the pastors and leaders panel, Pastor Robert suddenly called me out and announced, "…Caleb…the Lord spoke to us, and we would like to sow $20,000 into your ministry." I was utterly astonished. No one was aware of our specific prayer before the Lord. Before the conference began, the Lord had assured me that He would confirm this building by providing the initial funds Himself. Friends, the Lord is indeed building His house!

We first shared this wonderful news during our Encounter Night on Friday. After announcing it and inviting everyone to join in the Lord’s work, several individuals stepped forward with pledges. We now have approximately an additional $20,000 in pledges to help build this house! Though we are in need of much more than this, we are encouraged that the Lord is with us in this endeavor.

We stand firm as the Word of God reassures us of His provision. In Psalm 135:6, it is written, “The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” This verse highlights God's unlimited power and resources, assuring us that He is more than capable of providing everything needed for the construction of His house.

In the Old Testament, we see several examples of how God provided for the building and restoration of His sacred spaces. When King David desired to build a temple for the Lord, he not only gave generously from his own wealth but also inspired others to do the same. 1 Chronicles 29:9 records that the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. This story encourages us to lead by example in giving and to trust that God will stir the hearts of others to contribute generously as well.

Similarly, during the restoration of the Temple under King Joash, a chest was placed outside the Temple for people to deposit their contributions. 2 Chronicles 24:10 tells us that the people responded gladly, filling the chest with their offerings. This joyful giving not only funded the restoration but also reflected a renewed commitment to God. As we seek to fund the house of prayer, we can take heart in knowing that when people catch the vision, their generosity will overflow, and God's provision will be abundant.

As we move forward in building the house of prayer, let us do so with full confidence in God's sovereignty and provision. We are not embarking on this journey alone; we are partnering with the Creator of the universe, who has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

This is a call to all who feel led to be part of this desire. Whether through prayer, financial contributions, or the sharing of talents and resources, your involvement is crucial in making this vision a reality. Just as the Israelites came together to build and restore God's house, so too can we join forces to create a place in Tulsa, OK where His presence is honored, and His people are united in prayer.

Let us step out in faith, knowing that the God who has called us to this task will also provide all that is necessary to accomplish it. Together, we can build a house of prayer that will stand as a testament to God's glory and a lighthouse for generations to come.

Dive deep into an Encounter Night experience, where moments of worship, prayer, fellowship, spiritual re-firing and growth await.

At its core, an Encounter Night is a gathering designed to foster a deeper pursuit of Jesus through prayer, worship, and reflection on Scripture through teaching. It's a specially curated evening that combines our normal prayer room practices, fellowship, and exploration of the knowledge of God in a safe and supportive environment. Our family in Christ gathers with open hearts, contending for a visitation with the Holy Spirit, a space to connect more deeply devotionally, and to grow in their walk with Christ.

Typically hosted by our prayer room teams and leaders, these nights are marked by an atmosphere of expectation and openness. Free and lively prayer and worship often plays a crucial role, setting the tone with extended times of ministry to the Lord ranging from meditative to vibrant. Beyond the worship experience, Encounter Nights provide a platform for testimonies, scriptural teachings, and personal ministry, creating a multifaceted experience.

The structure of an Encounter Night can greatly vary depending on what we perceive as a team from the Holy Spirit, but several elements remain vital. Worship and waiting on the Lord is always a central component. We start at 6:00-6:30p as a devotional time which leads into our time of corporate worship. Teaching segments offer deep dives into scriptural truths, aimed at equipping and encouraging the body of Christ.

Personal prayer and ministry time is another anchor, during which individuals can receive personal prophetic words, healing, or simply bask in the presence of God. Sharing testimony serves to bolster faith and foster community; showing the powerful ways in which individuals have experienced transformation throughout the week in the prayer room and in their personal walk with Christ.

Preparation for an Encounter Night begins with an open heart and mind. Reflect on your intentions: What are you seeking? Healing, spiritual growth, to offer yourself in worship and contend for more of God's power and presence in your life? Come willing to participate, not just to observe.

Physically, it might involve fasting or dedicating time to prayer in the days leading up to the gathering, creating a heightened sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Mentally, aligning your expectations with a posture of receptiveness rather than skepticism can profoundly impact your ability to receive whatever the Holy Spirit might have for us.

Finally, arrive for our devotional time to settle in, wash off your day, and focus in on the presence and plan of the Holy Spirit. The initial moments of an Encounter Night can be pivotal in setting the tone for your entire experience.

The journey doesn’t end when the night is over. Reflect on your experience. Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing any revelations, feelings, and commitments that emerged during the gathering.

Seek community with those who shared the experience. Many find that conversations post-Encounter Night can solidify and expand upon the insights gained. Accountability and fellowship can help translate these spiritual highs into sustainable growth and change.

Lastly, integrate what you've learned into your daily life. Whether it's a new spiritual discipline, a call to action, or a deeper understanding of a particular scripture, let the encounter night be a catalyst for lasting transformation.

Remember, every Encounter Night is a journey towards increasing in the knowledge of God, His plans, and spiritually growing in clarity on how to please Him. Let your experience be transformative.

God is GOD.
How can we keep from so quickly and easily forsaking this truth?

“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8)

I want to encourage us to remember our salvation — when we first had a true epiphany of who Christ is. Do you remember how you esteemed Him? Through time, we can become comfortable, familiar, or even grow numb and fall asleep in our revelation of who He actually and truly is: GOD! Yes, we believe as a community that we are doing well in this area of knowing Him… but who are we to say? Have you had enough of learning about this Christ, the Living God? Are you satisfied? I personally have felt the fear of the Lord in how I have often failed to prioritize merely sitting and gazing at His face with no other agenda but to know Him. I found myself day in and day out not only forgetting to, but also choosing not to carve out time to study the Word of God (reading the Bible for the sole purpose of knowing Him better, rather than gaining comfort or something to share in my next conversation or prayer set or social media post).

I’m afraid that we are becoming lulled to sleep by the cares of the world, by deafening desires, and by accumulated and unattended leaven in our hearts.

The One who formed us knows our works.  

“Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?” (Mark 12:24)

In international Christian populations, the Word of God is not taken lightly and it is of extreme value. While I was in a village in Mozambique, bibles were given away to a group of women that lived in a heavily oppressed area due to witchcraft involvement. When one of the women received a bible in her hands, she nearly fell backwards due to the power of the Word of God. Likewise — In the underground Iranian church, thousands of people carry a hidden torn piece of paper in their clothes that is the Word of God and will recite this throughout their day. They hold the Word of God like we would a thousand dollar check because they know the power that it holds.

Grievously, we toss it around like it’s just another collection of printed paper. I am referring to the posture of our hearts in regards to the very heart and power of God at our fingertips. We have the privilege of opening our mouths and shouting the very words of Our Creator! We have an abundance of revelation at our grasp for every single situation that we face! Yet if we were aware of the access we have, how much deeper could we go? How much more could we know the heart of God?

Do I love the scriptures like He loves them?

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking (reasoning), and their foolish (misguided) hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:21)

“But Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:15)

We can no longer dissect a passage of scripture so much that we are oblivious to what it is saying. We can no longer live under the teaching of our own thoughts. We can no longer look at the Word of God as optional, or valid only when we agree with it or when it makes us feel good. Where is His heart behind the law, behind the rebukes, behind the teachings? This book is to know His heart — the fullness of His love, the kindness and severity of God (Romans 11:22). This book is to walk out His ways — to be transformed into His image and renewed into His mind. It’s more than knowledge and ancient words. It’s much, much bigger. There is such vast beauty in this book! It ACTUALLY can feed, heal, and free us! It ACTUALLY is the truth! It ACTUALLY is life itself! Let’s slow down and experience the weight and glory of each phrase in this book, asking The Holy Spirit to help us eat it — fully taking it in and letting it dwell deeply within us. We have to approach His Word like children, without comfortability and with desperate need.

Likewise, we have to approach the presence of God in this same way. As we allow the Holy Spirit to wake us up to this reality, we allow the Holy Spirit to make us ready for His return. We allow the power of His Word and the power of His presence to remove any unattended leaven in our hearts, because holding onto leaven will only numb us to His revelation power.

Leaven in the church is mentioned in Luke 12 when Jesus warns His friends about the attitude and the perspective of the Pharisees and Sadducees, sharing that all will be uncovered and revealed (Luke 12:1-3). Galatians 5 states that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump,” sharing that something tiny has effects that can permeate everything (Galatians 5:9). Paul also addresses leaven by saying, “remove every trace of your leaven of compromise with sin so that you might become new and pure again. For indeed, you are clean because Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So now we can celebrate our continual feast, not with the old leaven, the yeast of wickedness or bitterness, but we will feast on the freshly baked bread of innocence and holiness” (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).

We know that we are tempted daily to add a little bit of leaven to our hearts, but the scripture above is proof that we are clean by the blood of the Lamb! His Word is a sword, living and active, piercing between soul and spirit, joint and marrow, which will remove and expose any leaven inside of us (Hebrews 4:12). Praise God! I want the sword of His Word and the light of His face to reveal in my life any bad attitude, compromise of sin, familiarity, or lack of truth.

I cannot lighten, nor lessen, the things of God. I cannot fall asleep to His existence around and in me. I want to know the depths of Him. I want to long for His words and His power.

Jesus is jealous for an awake and aware bride. I feel His enthusiasm for each and every one of us. . . He is not sleeping. He is not different behind closed doors or smaller crowds. He is not approaching The Father with pity or pride. He is eager, committed, and yearning for us.

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants who the master finds awake when He comes.” (Luke 12:35)

“—lest He come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all — stay awake.” (Mark 13:37)

We do not know the day nor the hour of the Coming of The Lord, as scripture many times warns us, but we are nearer today than we were yesterday. If He returns tomorrow, would He truly find us awake? How would He find us? Where would we be and what would we be filling our time with? What attitude might He catch us in? What conversation might He hear? Would we recognize Him? Are we ready? Are we going to be of the wise, or are we going to be of the foolish?

I want to encourage us to stay awake, ready, and completely bare before The Lord. He is not coming back for a sleepy bride. Let Him woo you to life again, Beloved. He is not coming back for a bride that is dragging her feet with disengagement or disappointment. Hear His invitation to “Come up here!” and receive the revelation of the scriptures again. He is not coming back for a bride that is stuffed with the indulgences of the flesh. We must remain sober, aware of His glorious presence with us at all times.

Let’s seek to earnestly recognize Him.
Let’s actively anticipate His return.


References:
(1 Thessalonians 5:5-8, Mark 12:24, Romans 1:21, Deuteronomy 32:15, Luke 12:1-3, Galatians 5:9, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Hebrews 4:12, Luke 12:35, Mark 13:37 // Isaiah 59:17, John 1:1-5, Revelation 1:1-3)

Two thousand years ago, our victorious and soon returning Messiah asked his disciples a simple question. Two thousand years later, our Messiah asks His disciples the same question. “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith in the earth?”  
As the story of the world rapidly progresses to the return of Christ and the New Age, it is imperative that the church of Christ is ready to above all “stand firm”¹ in the place of prayer. In a time where perversion is rampant, and the ideas of men often allure the church², the Bride must operate in the spirit of discernment and wisdom.
It is often said within christian culture that “a prayerless church is a powerless church.” The truth of this statement is profound and its consequences all encompassing. This phrase is usually applied at a random prayer meeting or perhaps a sunday morning to rouse the congregation to practice prayer on a more regular basis. The overwhelming majority of western Christians do not live a prayer centered lifestyle and the fruit of our lives often reflect that reality. Is there a model in which the believer can root their life in communal prayer? Surely, there is.
The house of prayer model is based on the model King David established for his tabernacle. In this model there was prayer day and night. People stood before God day and night making unceasing worship and prayer before heaven. The amount of resources dedicated to the tabernacle of David when converted to modern currency would astound even the most liberal spender. I am not saying the HOP (House of Prayer) is the only way to do “Church,” but I am offering it as an effective way to facilitate unceasing intercessory prayer and worship unto the Lord. This is a model that allows us to represent on the earth what is happening in heaven, unceasing worship unto God.³ According to Barna Research Group, a large portion of millennials and genzer’s are frustrated that that Church is only used for a few events a week. Why not center all of those events around unceasing intercessory prayer and worship?
As I reflect on the hour in which we live, I have come to the conclusion that in order to be in step with the will and heart of the Holy Spirit we must root our lives in prayer. It is in prayer where we are able to receive the plans of the Father and the strategy to complete it. Prayer is simply living with a keen awareness of His nearness and presence.
The days where His voice must be priority are now. The days where the Church must join our High Priest in intercession are now.⁴The days ahead are going to require the believer a knowledge of Jesus, a sensitivity to the sound of His voice, and in depth knowledge and understanding of the scriptures. In a day where the average christian struggles reading their bible, keeping a practice of prayer, the House of Prayer model enables the follower of Jesus to grow in their discipleship to Christ through the centrality of the Word of God and prayer. The end times narrative requires a praying church.
“When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith in the earth?”  This question comes on the heels of Jesus sharing a parable about a widow seeking justice. In Luke 18, Jesus goes into detail regarding the plight of a widow seeking justice. Day after day she pleads “give me justice against my adversary.” Day after day she is denied until one day she receives recompense. One day the unrighteous judge says, “yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice.” Jesus goes on to say, “will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.” Jesus links the manifestation of justice to unceasing prayer and worship. Surely, he will give justice to those who cry to him day and night. Surely, he will not delay long and surely he will deliver justice to them speedily.
The end times narrative requires a praying church because the end times are marked by grave injustice and wickedness. The end times narrative requires a praying church because lawlessness increases⁵ and who else but a praying church has learned to love his law?⁶ The end times narrative requires a praying church because the love of most grows cold, and who other than a praying church walks in the love of God? The end times narrative requires a praying church because the end times are marked by an increase of deception and who else but a praying church can be equipped to be the buttress of truth?⁷
When we return to God’s methods we will achieve God’s results. As a Church, it is imperative that we look to prayer and union with the Holy Spirit as the lifeline for the days ahead. Let us learn the ways of this persistent widow and cry to him day and night.
¹Ephesians 6:14
²Ephesians 4:14
³Isaiah 6:3
⁴Hebrews 7:25
⁵Matthew 24:12
⁶ Psalms 1:2
⁷1 Timothy 3:15

In the information age we are constantly bombarded by content. Information and especially the information we accept as truth shapes and leads our internal narrative. Generally (even historically), the news and now social media leads the internal narrative of our minds and worldview.  Arguably much of its content is not discernibly true or factual but by its sheer volume, consistency, and dopamine-driven nature it seeks access and acceptance within. In other words, due to the onslaught of information, it operates like an eroding drip of water on rock carving out a place within. This makes it difficult to weigh what is true versus what is deceptive, chipping away at our senses and ability to ascertain a clear vision of justice and righteousness. This difficulty impacts the human attempt at just and righteous responses.

As believers in the gospel of Christ, working out what it means to be made anew, living as the firstfruits of God’s inaugurated kingdom and of the eternal sabbath yet to come, we must be careful that we do not lose the spirit of our message (love and humility) and mission as we utilize secular tactics of self-ordaining our own voices (namely through sound bits on social media) which I’ve observed has resulted in exhausting our hearers with hasty and half-baked presentations of our gospel and scriptural hope.

In this and the next 4 articles, I will attempt to share my contemplations as I’ve prayerfully meditated on the Scriptures (and other biblically-informed scholarly works) concerning the following topics: the state of Christian missions, the impact of the historical American ethnic disparities, specifically statistics addressing a lack of the African Diaspora (from America) in global Christian missions and its current tokenization in many predominately Eurocentric Christian congregations and leadership structures.

More recently as I observe and pray for my spiritual brothers and sisters investing in what is being called “a generational shift” seeking to inspire, equip, train, and send the ethnically black Christian into the global missions movement; I have seen this noble pursuit attract criticism from other brothers and sisters in Christ who present a disagreement with the execution which in my opinion is a waste of time and nonessential. Particularly, the bad fruit of criticism is causing grief, division, and confusion among my spiritual family and has inspired me to make my notes available beyond a personal context. I write with a conviction that the Scriptures offer sufficient counsel and necessary answers to the prayerful seeker which are intended to teach us how to navigate these hard topics filled with grace and truth—without which the Scriptures can be (and often are) misused and weaponized.

My hope is to aid in a healthy and biblical reflection (with those who affirm the inspiration, authority, and inerrancy of the Scriptures) that begins from the center (Jesus, His message, and mission), and then proceeds to reach out to the edges where many of the conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion, Christian missions, and what the kingdom of God is and how namely, the people of God should be in the 21st century, its culture and how we are to contribute in our generation’s dialogue. My aim in sharing my own reflections is that it may help to spark compassionate and humble personal conversations as we seek to carefully handle what  Scripture offers regarding how this coming kingdom impacts us today and the anchoring hope of how it will be in its completion (the age to come).

Our Central Message

The Christian Church announces that the (historically) crucified and resurrected Jesus Christ, fulfilled the prophetic hope of the Jewish Scriptures, expressing the sacrificial love of God the Creator in Jesus’ death and subsequent resurrection and exaltation. Therefore divine grace flows through Him to anyone who through loving faith would be reconciled to God (and His design), justified (mercifully acquitted) by repentance, and spiritually renewed (presently and ultimately in the future).

As this is proclaimed to all generations, according to the Scriptures, God calls people to salvation from the inevitable and approaching judgment against idolatry, through undeserved grace. This is what leads us to repent (to receive the merciful acquittal) and put our hope in Jesus as the enthroned risen Lord (by trusting and following His scriptural and spiritual leadership).

Our message therefore is applicable to the genesis, evolution, and the end of our lives and the world. It makes sense of the scriptural narrative of the beginnings, it clarifies and indicates where we are as God’s people in God’s mission within the history of God’s world for the redemption of God’s creation (F.1), that is our eschatological hope of cosmic renewal and completion. This implies something beyond individualistic transformation— namely public ramifications for a disoriented world as observed in the New Testament (i.e. Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, teaching the poor and then His disciples, Jesus cleansing the temple, John the Baptist’s rebuke of Herod and consequential beheading, the stoning of Stephen, the capture of Jason, outcries at the temple of the goddess Artemis etc.).

The gospel of Jesus is not just merely personal benefits of Jesus’ crucifixion. The act of sacrificial love was not only couched deeply in the covenants of promise found in the Jewish Scriptures but also in a very specific announcement concerning the dawning of God’s redeeming kingdom, “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”(Mk. 1:15) This announcement came with a required response, a yoke of teaching, supernatural power, and a multitude of disciples.

Jesus expounding on this kingdom announcement makes sense of the messianic promises of God and His overthrowing of the enslaving spiritual powers and restoration of His covenant people. He offers parables to convey the nature, implications, and gradual development of the kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God Expounded Upon in Parables

Using the obvious fact that the same seed sown in different sorts of soil produces different harvests, Jesus conveys why the announcement of the Kingdom has different results among different people. I have found the observations of Shailer Mathews helpful in understanding this essential parable.

• As seed sown on hard, beaten ground brings forth no harvest, so the word of the Kingdom has no effect upon the minds that give it no attention.
• As seed sown on thin soil soon springs up and just as soon withers because of lack of soil, so certain persons hear the word of the Kingdom and immediately respond, but the same over-quick reaction leads them to abandon the word when persecution arises.  
• As seed sown in ground which is good but already preoccupied by thorns springs up but fails to come to fruitage because it is choked out by thorns, so the gospel in strong lives springs up but fails of real results because those lives are engrossed in business or other worldly concerns 
• Finally, as seed sown on good soil brings harvest but yet in some sort of proportion to the character of the soil, so the gospel in hearts that are ready to receive and follow it produce results although not always in the same measure.

Mathews sums up his observations by noting that, “If the proper attention is given the gospel its results come [naturally], but such results cannot come when it is made secondary to any other interest or is in any other way treated indifferently or lightly.” (F.2)

Jesus continues unfolding the mystery of the kingdom by another parable of weeds wickedly planted among wheat. In this story, Jesus demonstrates the other worldly wisdom of God. He announces that God has decided by His own counsel to delay the judgment and remove the enemies of the kingdom at the end of this age—that is the completion of the gospel mission. I offer three scriptural witnesses that reiterate this truth.

• The first is when John and James seeing how a village rejects Jesus’ gospel asked Him to execute judgment right then and there, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”]” (Lk. 9:54-56)
• The second witness is after Jesus' resurrection (before the ascension) when the disciples still hadn’t grasped this same truth in asking, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” Meaning the overthrow of the then present day Rome. Jesus’ response undoubtedly brings them back to the truths of this parable, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority.” (Acts 1:6-7)
• The third and last for this point is a prophetic witness we have in Revelation. John sees the martyrs, slain for the gospel and the testimony concerning Jesus, in the heavenly temple underneath the altar, “and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.” (Rev. 6:10-11) Here again God reaffirms the wisdom to delay His final condemnation of rebellion and idolatry that caused the murder of many who proclaimed this same news of Christ and His kingdom. 

Therefore, the announcement of God’s kingdom dawning implies a time for an intentional mission that will lead into and end with divine quintessential judgment, which will not be completed until this age has passed away, but will be the door through which we will all enter into the new age. I think it is noteworthy to acknowledge as this parable and the epistles reference, the condemnation is for the unrepentant but the gracious reward of eternal life (in the new age) will be afforded to those who appropriately respond to Christ’s announcement according to His requirement (repent and believe).

This is the antithesis of Christian impatience and paradoxically works in and against the grain of social reform in the normative sense. In this Christ calls us to resist the temptation to use worldly means to establish the kingdom, and execute justice and reform. However this does not permit social negligence. For wherever this message is being announced (and its mission performed) according to the Scriptures it carries intrinsic divine power unto societal transformation. Moreover, He warns us that our hopeful work is rooted in the knowledge that though God’s final judgment and reform is seemingly postponed, it is inevitable (and in the next parables we will see it is also progressive).

Again, it has been decided to await the end of the age when God Himself will establish His government and destroy whatever is antagonistic towards it, resulting in His triumph and consequently the triumph of the righteous by faith in Him. NOTE: Jesus ends the parable-oriented discussion reiterating this same truth in the parable of the net.

Which leads us to the other parables shedding more light concerning the kingdom mentioned in Christ’s gospel. Jesus uses the growth of a mustard seed into a tree to convey the progressive and invasive nature of God’s kingdom. Like the smallest of seed, Jesus helps His hearers to avoid dismay in God’s decision to start His cosmic revolution through a small and humble announcement and a few disciples. That the kingdom might be small in its inception but its triumph will be illimitable. The same truth is conveyed through the parable of yeast. No matter how small the beginning, or the heat and pressure of the social hostilities it may face (and still faces) this will only result (as we see historically) in tremendous growth, all culminating in the preordained end. The kingdom, though beginning small with a gospel to transform the human race (generation to generation) ultimately will fill the entire social and cosmic order with its principles and subject it to God’s authority in and through Christ.

Lastly, Jesus concludes with two parables (the hidden treasure and the costly pearl) to express the supreme value of God’s kingdom. The launch of this kingdom through an act of sacrificial love in its very nature appeals to a sacrificial response. The response is not only repentance (seeing that God’s ways are greater and turning to them) but an obedience characterized by self-sacrifice (namely as it pertains to the continued and pervasive culture of idolatry). Jesus doesn’t give reason for why the kingdom is supreme but glorifies its supremacy (which He equates to His Father’s supremacy) through His crucifixion. John’s gospel specifically captures this glory-oriented perspective of Jesus’ crucifixion. Surprisingly, it is not resurrection (and the power unto) that expresses the glory and supremacy of the kingdom but the crucifixion. Through means of His death, Christ demonstrates that God and His kingdom’s motivation stems from the purest and deepest of love. It is then fitting to take up and bear a spiritual cross of self-sacrifice not only as a responding love for God but as a continuing demonstration of His supreme love incarnate in our own lives. If we can justify the social custom of an indebted life, how much more those who receive this gospel on the basis of God's divine and dedicated love.
This is the Christian Church’s message and main contribution in the twenty-first century as in the first.. In my opinion, we must rediscover this glorious gospel, centralizing and stabilizing not only our conversations, but refocusing our mission which we will discuss in the upcoming articles. Too often do we offer a thin gospel capitalizing on the personal benefits without even attempting to reconcile the meta-narrative which Christ’s announcement does in truth.

As we go on this journey to reflect together on the conversations surrounding diversity (and inclusion) and missions, my hope is that you would take these observations and start first a prayerful meditation and New Testament reading on what this kingdom of God is according to Jesus and how this gospel should order and transform our lives, worldview, and work as those who aim to put our hope in it and endure with hope. We cannot have Jesus, the absolution of sin, and true spiritual prosperity without fully embracing Christ’s main claim of the dawning kingdom, its announcement, progressive nature, delay of final justice, inevitable end, and required response for inclusion (in said kingdom), expressed namely through merciful acquittal (justification), spiritual renewal (sanctification), and eternal reward (glorification). In the following article we will reflect on how this announcement came with a specific set of commands and teachings, supernatural power, and a co-mission that further orientates our lives and true work.

Footnote:
1. Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative (Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2006), p. 22.
2. Mathews, Shailer, The Biblical World , Jun., 1910, Vol. 35, No. 6 (Jun., 1910), pp. 420-427, The University of Chicago Press

With our hearts sprinkled clean of a bad conscience (Heb. 10:22; cf. see previous article) we aim to wait on the Lord together unto his glory manifesting among us. This is our agenda. Other than that there won’t be much teaching and there will be a lot of simple intentional choruses for us to sing together as we go before him in anticipation of his drawing near.

Many of our gatherings are centered around either the speaker, a theme, or the congregation. Our aim is for this gathering to be about Jesus, encountering Jesus (by the Spirit), and just loving and adoring Jesus alone. So here are some directives we perceive may be helpful in setting healthy expectations for Glory Nights:

WE WILL PRAISE HIM.

Like Ruth Ward Heflin taught, “Praise until the spirit of worship comes, worship until the glory comes, then stand in the glory.” This sums it up! This isn’t just a prophetic action plan but a biblical one. If we look at the tabernacle and later the temple we see the priests exercising this.

In the outer area the priest would offer sacrifices for guilt and sin before entering the tabernacle. However according to the New Covenant (in Christ and by the Spirit) we have no need to offer any physical sacrifices because of Jesus’ once and for all sacrifice on our behalf (Jn. 13-17; Eph. 2-3; Heb. 9-10). Therefore I think Psalm 100 helps us to know the proper way to enter in, “1 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.” This is a beautiful and simple command. As we draw near we ought to come before him joyfully shouting or singing! Everyone may not be able to sing like [insert your favorite vocal artist here], but we can all join the chorus with simple and joyful melodies and phrases.  

According to Psalm 100 this joyful shouting, singing, and glad service is inspired by knowing God. “3 Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” This is about our confidence in him as our Lord and God, as our Designer and not ourselves. This is a deep-seated trust as his people. We have entered the gate, that is through His Son, and are considered by him sheep of his pasture, those he has committed to protect, lead, guide, wash and help (Psa. 23; Jn. 10). This is a reason to be full of joy, serve gladly and come before him with happy singing!

Psalm 100 doesn’t stop there. It goes on to command that the joyful shouting, singing, and glad service are to be that of praise and thanks, “4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Praise for who He is (our Shepherd, the God and Creator of all things, our Redeemer), thanks for his attributes revealed in what he has done for us, “5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

The outer courts is an encounter with the Cross and how it informs us about God. This is a good time to practice remembrance, meditate on truths of scripture and ascribe glory to the Lord in any way we can offer. The appropriate response to those who have come to eternally benefit because Jesus and his sacrifice is to praise him and thank him, as we draw nearer still by him.

WE WILL WORSHIP HIM.

The tabernacle had only one entrance. Upon entering, a priest would be in the Holy Place, where there were three articles of furniture: the golden lampstand, the table for the bread of his presence, and the altar of incense. I like to see the Holy Place as an encounter with the Holy Spirit, his gifts, insight, and leadership in worshipping and waiting on the Lord.  A favorite of mine is when the Holy Spirit shepherds us with wisdom and understanding, helping us to respond appropriately to the word of the Lord, and guiding us through the three stations as we draw nearer still.

The first station is the golden lampstand. This may signify the seven workings of the Holy Spirit (Isa. 11:1-3). This is all available to us through Christ and we get to yield and readily obey him as he works all his gifts through us for the common good (1 Cor. 12:4-7). The golden lampstand stood as a permanent reminder that God is the giver of all life. I think this is apt considering what Paul states of the Spirit, “5…our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life…17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:5-6,17-18)

The second station is the table for the beard of his presence. I would say this works hand in hand with the golden lampstand. It is by the light and life of the Spirit that we are able to discern the presence of God in his Word. Over the last few years I’ve enjoyed stating, “The word of God is best read under candle light.” The beard of his presence symbolized God’s provision for His people in the wilderness. Jesus would state, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst... 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (Jn. 6:35, 47-51)

Jesus states that the bread that reminded the people of God’s provision was really about him and how through his atoning death God is providing salvation for all who would believe. By the Holy Spirit the atonement comes into focus. When we are in the Holy Place, I have seen the Lord often pour out great clarity and gratefulness for the cross and God’s offering of his Son so that we may draw near and know him intimately. Often time, if there is still any sin that we haven’t dealt with the Holy Spirit will mercifully enlighten our hearts to it and gently lead us through confession and repentance (Zec. 12:10;13:1) This is important as it leads us to the next station.

The last station is the altar of incense. From this station rose a scent that filled the air reminding the people that their prayers were heard by God. In Revelation there is a heavenly altar of incense and golden bowls offered to the Lord which are said to be filled with the “the prayers of the saints” (Rev. 5:8;8:3) David exclaims, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” (Psa. 141:2) I often can tell when we are at the altar of incense (so to speak) as The Holy Spirit leads us in prayerful worship. Usually most of the prayers are filled with affection and tend to focus on offering ourselves to him and asking the Lord to draw even closer and manifest himself to us even more. When we have come to this point before in previous gatherings, we've heard reports of those who smell a smoke or fragrance suddenly fill the air.

There is a curious fact about the altar of incense that I appreciate: the altar was considered a part of the holy of holies, however due to the constant upkeep it was placed just outside of where the glory dwelt. I appreciate it, because I have noticed when we are at the altar of incense the Holy Spirit rests on us while we pray and worship (often in my experiences like waves in ebbs and flows). The priorities of the Holy Spirit is sincere faith and instant obedience in the fear of the Lord. Do nothing to disrupt his leading and guidance. Do nothing to quench or grieve him. Do nothing to displease or insult him. Treat him and follow him carefully (Eph, 4:3.;1 Thess. 5:19; Heb. 10:29).

It is here we wait together in worship and prayer for the glory of the Lord to powerfully overtake and/or gently cover us. This is when the resting of the Spirit seems to settle and become like weighty blanket.

WE WILL SEEK TO GO IN TOGETHER

Unity is essential. It is important that we come together with one heart and focus. David song of an invitation to go before the Lord together, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” (Psa. 122:1 cf. Isa. 2:3; Mic. 4:2; Zec. 8:21). Psalm 133 witnesses to the Lord’s pleasure in unity, “1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Paul states that this looks like showing tolerance for another in love, bearing patiently with one another, with all humility and gentleness. When we do this we are “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3).

This is also a corporate time of seeking, praise, prayer and worship. It is our tendency to join and often times speculate or disconnect by doing our own devotional time. Many times we excuse ourselves from participation due to our personalities and comfort zone. However, the Scriptures do not consult our personalities and comfort zone when it commands us to express worship and praise by shouting and singing (Psa. 100), lifting our hands (Psa. 141:2), clapping hands (Psalm 47:1), bowing down (Psalm 95:6) kneeling (Psalm 95:6) and dancing (Psalm 149:3).

David sings about leading a procession into the house of God, “with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival” (Psa. 42:4). One of my favorite witnesses is at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, “11 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place…it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD ,and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God” (2 Chron. 5:11-14).

Therefore, with hope that through Christ we might draw near and encounter the Lord together, let us make it out duty to draw near in unison. Let us discard all other motives and agendas that would disrupt such oneness. This is not a time to seek to be seen or spectacular. Let us humble ourselves to serve the Lord and one another. Not seeking to take leadership or control but submitting to one another (1 Cor. 12:26-33). Let us set our hearts to diligently stay connected and engaged together in whatever moment we might find ourselves in, affectionately and filled with anticipation for the Spirit to lead us into the glory of the Lord. Let us seek to obey the Scriptures when it says, “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner” (1 Cor. 14:40).  

With our hearts sprinkled clean of a bad conscience (Heb. 10:22) we aim to wait on the Lord together unto his glory manifesting among us. This is our agenda. We will praise until the spirit of worship comes, we will worship until the glory comes, then we will stand, dance, kneel, or simply lay in his glory.

One of my favorite things to do is to come together with spiritual family and wait on the Lord. Specifically, wait for “all [His] goodness to pass” by (Exo. 33:19). This is deeply important to me and so essential for the body of the Christ in this hour. We must wait on the Lord.

It is a custom to do an end-of-year celebration. This is also a time when there is an ample amount of prophetic visions, predictions and admonishments for the upcoming year. I personally have taken on the task of resisting the temptation to feel cluttered, distracted and disconnected in the midst of it all. Instead, I’ve chosen to anchor my own heart before the Lord with no other expectations than to be with Him and behold His goodness. It’s in that place that things become clear and focused. In that place, my only goal is to do nothing that would disrupt our connection. It is in His presence where my resolves are surrendered, my worries cast off,  and my heart and ears attuned to His offers of wisdom and revelation.

As we prepare to come together for Glory Nights (Dec 30th and 31st) there are a few essentials I’d like to propose that we take time to prayerfully consider. What I have learned from the Scriptures and experientially in preparing to meet with the Lord (whether corporately or in my own private times) is the priority is consecration. This is a rarely heard or all together missing term in today’s culture. However, we must understand that the same emphasis the Scriptures applies to consecration, the same Spirit requires it for all who would draw near to God (Rom. 6:13-19; 12:1-2; 1 Thess. 4:7; 2 Cor. 7:1;  Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 2:9) .

A straight forward way to apply ourselves to consecration this week is to examine, confess, repent and make amends.

1. With a humble heart EXAMINE yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart (motives and choices). Ask him to reveal any thing said or acted upon that may be unpleasing to the Lord (Psa. 139:23-24; Psa. 26:2; Rev. 2:23).

A Practitioner’s Note: A helpful way to practice Examen, or self-assessment, is to slowly read the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20), or one of the exhortations in Paul’s epistle (Gal. 5:16-26; Eph. 5:1-21; Col. 3) and honestly ask and seek to answer by the Holy Spirit and your own conscience (whether good or bad): is this true of me? (i.e. “You shall not lie.” Is this true of me? Have I lied without repenting?)

Don’t be hasty to condemn or to acquit yourself. Mercy comes from the Lord (Ex. 34:6-7; Psa. 89:14; Micah 7:18-19). If you pinpoint a certain instance where you believe you may have walked in your own way and not the Lord’s, patiently take note of that and anything else as you read and pray. Then carry on to the next step.

2. With a contrite heart CONFESS anything that you may have a bad conscience about and acknowledge whatever the Holy Spirit reveals. The Scriptures also command us to confess our sins to one another and to pray for another. That may mean calling, texting, meeting up with someone that you love or a spiritual leader and share some time in confession and prayer together (Psa. 32:5; Psa. 38:18; Psa. 51; 1 Jn. 1:5-9; Jas. 5:16).

3. With a truthful heart REPENT. Acknowledge God’s ways are better, ask for forgivness, and ask him to teach and lead you in righteousness. Ask for His help as you abandon the old ways and commit to obedience to Him (Luk. 13:3; Acts 3:19; Rev. 2:5; Rev. 3:19; 2 Cor. 7:10).

4. With a merciful heart MAKE AMENDS. Just as we have been forgiven by the mercies of God, so must we forgive and seek to repair godly and peaceful relationship with one another. If you have done any wrong or any wrong was done to you as a gift of mercy release all debt and seek forgiveness of any debt held against you (Matt. 6:12,14-15; Mk. 11:25; Lk. 17:3-4; Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:8-13).

NOTE: The motive to forgive one another and pursue peace in relationship is ultimately to please and to be at peace with the Lord. We all have a tendency to seek to be vindicated. Let us give the work of vindication to the Lord (Isa. 50:5-9) and let us seek to live in peace with another (Rom. 12:18).

• Pray for help, seek advice and direction on how to go about it. 
• Humbly reach out and seek to have a healthy conversation. It is always helpful to state the end-goal of the conversation. Also seek to talk over the phone or meet in person if possible. IT IS NOT ADVISED TO ATTEMPT THIS OVER TEXT.
• Mutually share complaints, empathize, seek to take responsibility for what you may have said or done, ask for forgiveness, and offer to make amends (if there needs to be). If you perceive there may be a misunderstanding, gently offer explanation or ask the other to explain.

This gets sticky when we hold true to the perspective that our feelings and complaints are the only valid ones. I must stress the need to lower our defenses (the Lord is our defender), humbly listen and seek to understand and empathize, and gently respond with the intention of making peace.

“19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places [the presence of God] by the blood of Jesus…21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:19-23; cf. Jn. 10:9;14:6; 1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 2:18; 3:12;Tit. 3:5)

Some may even take a day of fasting as it shows Isaiah 58 to seek the Lord and attempt these spiritual exercises. When we do so God’s mercy prevails and partners to remove anything that would seek to cause us to stumble and hinder us from drawing near to him in confidence.