FRANCIS FRANGIPANE MINISTRIES

Legal Protection
By Francis Frangipane

Approximately two thousand years ago a decree was issued at the judgment seat of Almighty God. It provided "legal" protection for the church against the devil. Indeed, when Jesus died for our sins, the "ruler of this world" was judged (John 16:11). Our debts were nailed to Christ's cross and canceled; principalities and powers were disarmed. In truth, because of Jesus, we have a legal right not only to be protected from our enemy but to triumph over him (Col. 2:13-15).

Having said that, we must also acknowledge that the church has only rarely walked in such victory since the first century. Why? At least in part, the answer is this: to attain the protection of Christ, the church must embrace the intercession of Christ. We must become a house of prayer.

Indeed, church history began with its leadership devoted to the Word of God and to prayer (Acts 2:42; 6:4). Every day the leaders gathered to pray and minister to the Lord (Acts 3:1). In this clarity of vision and simplicity of purpose, the church of Jesus Christ never had greater power or capacity to make true disciples.

Today, however, our qualifications for church leadership include almost everything but devotion to God's Word and prayer. Leaders are expected to be organizers, counselors, and individuals with winning personalities whose charms alone can draw people.

In Luke 18:8, Jesus challenges our modern traditions. He asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" His question is a warning to Christians who would limit the power of God at the end of the age. Jesus is calling us to resist the downward pull of our traditions; He is asking us individually, "Will I find faith in you?"

Before we respond, let us note that Jesus associates faith with "day and night" prayer (Luke 18:7). He is not asking, "Will I find correct doctrines in you?" The Lord's question does not so much concern itself with our head as with our heart. What we believe is important, but how we believe is vital in securing the help of God.

Indeed, procuring the supernatural help of God is exactly the point of Jesus' parable in Luke 18. His intent was to show that "at all times" we "ought to pray and not to lose heart" (v. 1). To illustrate the quality of faith He seeks, He followed His admonition with a parable about a certain widow who petitioned a hardened judge for "legal protection" (v. 3). Although the judge was initially unwilling, yet by her "continually coming" (v. 5) she gained what was legally hers.

Jesus concluded by asking, if an unrighteous judge will respond to a widow's persistence, "will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?" Jesus said, "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly" (vv. 7-8).

Understanding God's Delays
Our heavenly Judge will not "delay long" over His elect, but He will delay. In fact, God's definition of "quickly" and ours are not always synonymous. The Lord incorporates delays into His overall plan: delays work perseverance in us. So crucial is endurance to our character development that God is willing to delay even important answers to prayer to facilitate our transformation.

Thus, we should not interpret divine delays as signs of divine reluctance. Delays are tools to perfect our faith. Christ is looking to find a tenacity in our faith that prevails in spite of delays and setbacks. He seeks to create a perseverance within us that outlasts the test of time, a resolve that actually grows stronger during delays. When the Father sees this quality of persistence in our faith, it so touches His heart that He grants "legal protection" to His people.

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Adapted from Francis Frangipane's online training course, In Christ's Image Training as well as in his book, The Power of Covenant Prayer, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

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View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Power of Covenant Prayer

Gain the victory over the effect of curses. The section on persevering prayer is a must for anyone serious about attaining Christlikeness. The second part is the conclusion of a teaching on spiritual protection. Powerful insights on the nature of curses and how to walk in spiritual victory and freedom.

Book $8.74 (Retail $10.00)
Ebook $7.89 (Retail $10.00)

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In the Midst of Battle - Audio Series
Jesus prayed that his disciples would come out of conflict stronger, not that they would avoid conflict altogether. His prayer for us is that we become Christlike in our battles.

Messages titles:

The Enemy of Your Destiny | Discerning the Enemy | Maintaining Vision in Transition |
That your Dream May Live | The Accuser of the Brethren | Beyond Our Limits | Finding Christ in the Crisis | The Birth Pangs of Change

CD Audio Series $24.00 (Retail $32.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download $12.00 (Retail $16.00)

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Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

Vote For the Anointing
By Francis Frangipane

To obtain conformity to Christ means we are seeking to serve God with the very same character, purpose and empowerment (or "anointing") that was revealed in Jesus. Yet, Christlikeness is not something we mimic, but a life that flows to us from Christ Himself and is worked in us via the Holy Spirit (see Phil 3). This is why our primary focus is not upon the outer form or style of our worship, but upon the Person we worship. Yes, to be conformed to Jesus in all things is true worship perfected.

When we speak of conformity to God's Son, we mean that the very same anointing that rested upon Him, now rests upon us. In the Bible, when one was anointed, it denoted that an individual had been chosen and prepared by God to serve in a role of either priestly, prophetic or kingly authority. As Israel's Messiah, Christ was the perfect embodiment of these three functions of the anointing. This is not new teaching about Jesus Christ. If you are born again of the Holy Spirit, you have received a living power which is also working in you the manifest life - the anointed life - of Jesus Christ (see 2 Cor 4:7-11). God's goal is not just to bring us to Christ when we die, but to manifest Christ where we live.

Remember, the title Christ means "Anointed One." To truly know the Lord Jesus is to understand His Messianic identity as Israel's Anointed. To be conformed to Him, however, is to walk in His anointing (see 1 Jn 2:6). Thus, as we near the end of the age, the true church will be increasingly identified by Christ's three-fold anointing: we will be given to intercession as a priesthood of believers; we will be prophetic in our discernment and communication of God's word (whether the word comes to teach, comfort, evangelize or warn); and in all of life's spheres, we will walk in a holy, kingly anointing, as ambassadors of Christ and His kingship in heaven (see 2 Cor 5:20).

Christ's Fullness
Yet, this last arena, the transference of Christ's representative governmental authority to the church, has been resisted by many Christians. While most might accept the authority of Christ to help in their sphere of influence, even sincere believers question the legitimacy of godly leaders being called to serve in government. They ask for New Testament teaching to confirm this doctrine.

The very fact that Jesus Christ sits as king in heaven, and that His expressed will is that we be conformed to His image in all things (Rom 8:29), validates that He will have disciples who will manifest His governmental anointing on earth. For, "as He is, so also are we in this world" (1 John 4:17). You see, God has called His church to one goal: reveal the fullness of Christ.

We should learn from past mistakes, but not limit our potential because of them. Our birthright cannot be measured by the failures of our past, but against the stature of Christlikeness. Our confidence must abide in the Father's ability to fulfill what He has spoken concerning us. Therefore, let us forget for a moment our current limitations and consider with reverence our spiritual potential. And let us not be staggered by unbelief, but with faith pray, "be it done to me according to Your word" (Lk 1:38).

John writes,

"For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace" (Jn 1:16).

Paul states,

"The church . . . is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Eph 1:22-23).

Again, Paul says the height of our destiny is nothing less than "the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:13).

God's will is not that our growth be stunted halfway to full maturity, but that we know and walk in the full anointing of Christ! Consider: the proof that Elisha had truly received Elijah's anointing was that Elisha did the works of Elijah (2 Kings 2:8-15). Likewise, the anointing that rests upon us should, in time, produce the very same life that we see in Christ, our heavenly King (see Jn 14:12). Thus, when someone questions the validity of Christians serving in government, we have only to point them to the prayer Christ taught: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Indeed, every time we pray those words, someone is receiving grace to represent the character and interests of Christ in our governmental settings.

The Kingly Anointing
Again, the question arises, "But the realm of kingly or governmental authority is fraught with the corrupting influence of power. Why would God send His servants into secular leadership?"

Hebrews 11 tells us that God specifically sends His servants into world systems to transform them and lead nations toward heaven. Consider: From verse 22 through verse 34, each person given as an example of faith was an individual raised up by God to lead their nation. Who would like to inform the righteous kings of Judah, from David to Josiah, that it was not God's will for them to be in power? Whisper this idea that God does not anoint and send people into world leadership to Daniel and see if he concurs. You see, God has always had it in His heart to raise up men and women who serve Him in wisdom and righteousness, whom He uses to bring multitudes to Himself.

Consider God's word to Abraham:
"As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you" (Gen 17:4-6).

For over two thousand years, from Abraham to Christ, God worked primarily with Israel and its line of kings. However, His promise to Abraham was that he would be a father of "a multitude of nations." He never has abandoned Israel, yet three times in the above promise the Lord mentions that many nations would look upon Abraham as their father. He then adds, "and kings will come forth from you" (vs 6).

It has always been in God's heart to bring nations to Himself, but it wasn't until Christ came that the grace of God could truly spread worldwide. The fact is, you cannot bring nations to God without turning the government of those nations to God as well. So the Lord tells Abraham, "kings will come . . . from you." Kings exercise authority over nations. Paul speaks of this, in principle, in the New Testament when he urged "that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority" (1 Tim 2:1-2).

In the Lord's promise to Abraham, the Hebrew word for kings referred to "officials of many levels." This word, kings (Melek in Hebrew), was a "very common term for virtually any magistrate" (Zodhiates Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible). In other words, among those who were to come forth from Abraham would be a generation of godly leaders whose sphere of influence would be felt in every strata of secular authority.

Isaiah 60 also speaks of "nations" that would come to our light and "kings" to the brightness of our rising (Isa 60:1-3). Again, kings here is the same word that encompassed all levels of secular authority. This promise of God is not only for the millennium, but also for now, during the time when "darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples" (vs 2). Just because the cultural atmosphere is charged with demonic darkness, it does not mean the Almighty has abandoned society. God desires to raise up warring priests who intercede for mercy; He has prophets who call His people to repentance and vision; and He is preparing leaders who will rule righteously with wisdom and meekness.

The Gift of Democracy
Only in recent times has mankind been given a wonderful gift from God: democracy. For approximately 5700 years the entire world order was ruled by kings and tribal chiefs (except briefly in Athens). Even today, nearly half the world does not elect their government leaders.

With democracy, we do not have to wait for a king or dictator to die to hope that his heir will be more righteous. In America, every four years we are given the opportunity to pray and decide who shall guide our nation. This means that we can choose godly leaders to guide us. Of course, no one is perfect. We will always struggle with the apparent imperfections of any candidate; we will never stop needing the priestly role of intercession to redeem our leaders' errors. But in democracies, we have the opportunity to realize the anointing of Christ in governmental systems. It is a tremendous gift from God!

Am I saying that democracy is the same as heaven? No, absolutely not! Not until Jesus returns will we realize the fullness of God's kingdom. Remember, we said that our goal is not to see the church become political, but the political realm become spiritual, where the integrity, wisdom and justice of Christ - the anointing of the Messiah Himself - manifests in godly leadership.

People say, "The Lord will decide who is elected. I'm not voting." Excuse me, but in democracies God chooses to work through the voting system. We will always have to trust the Lord no matter who is elected, and we should pray that He "stir up" the spirits of godly people to vote, but He will not override the mechanics of our democratic nation. Thus, we must choose our officials with prayer and principled wisdom. We must also encourage others and work to see godly leaders positioned in government; and where godliness does not exist, we must pray for leaders that they might come to Christ.

How do we discern among candidates which individual is capable of receiving Christ's anointing for government? First, we must look beyond an individual's debating skills and ask, does this man or woman bow to Christ as their ruler? You see, to that leader, Jesus must be revealed as the King of kings. Not until a person genuinely bows before Christ, is he fit to rise and lead the people.

One last thing: No matter who is elected, God calls us to pray for our leaders with faith and mercy, trusting in God's goodness. I am not telling you for whom you should vote, but urging you to vote with vision and prayer. Which candidate do you feel can be most influenced by Christ to lead our nation? Vote for the individual who, as best as you can tell, is most open to the anointing of Christ the King.

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In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

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Strength for the Battle

Pursue holiness, engage in effective spiritual warfare, and find strength to stand against the enemy.

This balanced, biblical view of spiritual warfare will arm you with the discernment, wisdom, and insight you need for taking ground in your life and contending with unseen spiritual forces all around you.

180 daily readings to equip you for the battles you face.

Sample pages: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Hardcover book - $13.50 (Retail $15.00)
Ebook - $13.50 (Retail $15.00)



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Whom the Son Sets Free
- Audio/Video Series

What does true spiritual freedom look like? It is the life of Jesus Christ revealed through us, freeing us from our failures and limitations, establishing us as children of the living God. But the key that unlocks our destiny is discipleship. The truths in this series are liberating.

Message titles:

The Power of Forgetting | From Christian to Follower of Jesus | Satan’s Weapons of Mass Distraction | From Forgiveness to Redemption | The Quest for Reproduction

CD Audio Series $19.50 (Retail $26.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download $9.75 (Retail $13.00)

DVD Video Series - $30.00 (Retail $40.00)
MP4 Video Series Download - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

October 25, 2024
"I Don't Remember"
By Francis Frangipane

How little we understand of eternal redemption! How many times will God forgive you? If you have truly set your heart to follow Him, He will cancel your sins as often as you ask. Will He forgive you of the worst sin you can think of? Yes! You may have to live with the consequences of your misdeed, but God can use your repentance and newly found humility to inspire others. As for the sin itself, if you deeply and sincerely repent of it, not only will God forgive you, He will blot it out of His memory.

Let me share an experience. A certain man of God had been gifted with revelatory insight into people's lives. During an evening service he ministered to a Presbyterian pastor and his wife. By the gift of the Spirit, he revealed the couple's past, uncovered their present situation, and then disclosed to them what was to come. This work of God greatly impressed the couple, and as the prophecies were fulfilled, one month later the Presbyterian minister brought two other pastors, each with their wives, to another service for personal ministry.

The word of knowledge was exceptionally sure that night, and the second minister and his wife marveled at the accuracy and truth in the prophetic word. The third couple stepped forward for ministry, and again the word of knowledge was present. The prophet spoke to the husband, revealing his past, present, and insight into his future. Then the man of God turned to this third minister's wife. As he began to speak of her past, suddenly he paused. Then he said, "There was a very serious sin in your past." The woman, with her worst fear upon her, turned pale and closed her eyes. The congregation hushed and moved to the edge of their seats.

The prophet continued, "And I asked the Lord, 'What was this sin that she committed?' And the Lord answered, 'I do not remember!'"

The Lord had been faithful to His covenant promise: "I will not remember your sins" (Isa. 43:25). Although many times this minister's wife had asked for cleansing, still she could not believe the depth of God's forgiveness. Christ had placed her sin in the sea of His forgetfulness. He removed it "as far as the east is from the west" (Ps. 103:12). From everywhere but the prison of her own mind, her sin had been paid for and removed. And now, in His great mercy, He removed it from there as well!

Oh, what burdens we carry; what guilt and limitations surround us because we do not accept God's total and perfect forgiveness. In Isaiah we read, "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins" (Isa. 43:25).

How great is the God we serve. How wonderful is His love toward us. He is our Redeemer, our Savior! If you are willing to forgive others and will but ask Him to forgive you, He will pardon your debts as often as you contritely turn to Him. He promises He will remember your sins no more.

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

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Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God


This is the first book ever written by Pastor Francis. It came after three years of studying and repeatedly reading the Gospels. The thrust of these messages is geared towards those who desire the holy, powerful life of Jesus Christ. It is a penetrating study of the human heart and how God prepares it for His glory.


Book - $9.60 (Retail $12.00)
Ebook - $9.60 (Retail $12.00)

Audio Book on CD $12.00 (Retail 14.75)
Audio book on MP3 $6.00 (Retail $12.00)
Companion Teaching - CD Series $26.25 (Retail $35.00)
Companion Teaching - MP3 Series $13.13 (Retail $17.50)

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Whom the Son Sets Free
- Audio/Video Series

What does true spiritual freedom look like? It is the life of Jesus Christ revealed through us, freeing us from our failures and limitations, establishing us as children of the living God. But the key that unlocks our destiny is discipleship. The truths in this series are liberating.

Message titles:

The Power of Forgetting | From Christian to Follower of Jesus | Satan’s Weapons of Mass Distraction | From Forgiveness to Redemption | The Quest for Reproduction

CD Audio Series $19.50 (Retail $26.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download $9.75 (Retail $13.00)

DVD Video Series - $30.00 (Retail $40.00)
MP4 Video Series Download - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

October 18, 2024
Drawing Near to the Holy God
By Francis Frangipane

The Lord did not cease being holy when the New Testament began; His nature did not change. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with "Hallowed be Thy name." If we would truly know Him as He is, we need an Old Testament fear of the Lord combined with the New Testament experience of His grace.

Understanding God's Holiness

Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. The priests could not enter into the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord's house. All the sons of Israel, seeing the fire come down and the glory of the Lord upon the house, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the Lord. --2 Chronicles 7:1-3

What an unparalleled event in the history of man! After Solomon dedicated the temple, the glory of the Lord descended and filled His house. What was this glory? It was the light, the bursting forth into man's world, of the radiant holiness of God Eternal. It signified that the Lord's actual person had drawn near. So great was this appearance of glory that the priests could not enter the temple. After the fire fell and the Lord's glory filled the temple, we read, "Then the king and all the people offered sacrifice before the Lord. And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep" (2 Chron. 7:4-5).

Consider this: the king offered 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. They were not serving an invisible God by faith-- they were in the manifested presence of the Creator Himself! Solomon could have offered one million oxen, yet it would not have satisfied the demands of his eyes as he beheld the glory of God! It is only our fathomless ignorance of who the Lord truly is that suggests a limit on any sacrifice we bring Him.

As Solomon's offering reveals, the more we see God as He is, the more compelled we are to give Him our all. Yet herein lies a dilemma that every present-day Christian must face: though most know of God intellectually, few know Him in His glory. Our churches tend to be sanctuaries of formality, not of the Divine Presence.

If we are part of that sector of Christianity that has rejected ritualism, in its place we simply offer varying degrees of informality. But where is God? Where is His creative, unlimited power in our gatherings? When was the last time our pastors could not stand to minister because the glory of God overwhelmed them? Such was the revelation of God in the Old Testament.

The Hebrew people knew God was holy--that was both their virtue and their problem, for He was too holy for them, as sinful individuals, to face. They served Him without relating in love to Him. For a vast majority of the Jews, their offerings were not born out of an eagerness to seek God's presence as much as they were an effort to satisfy His unalterable justice (Heb. 2:1-2).

The common man never approached God Himself but brought his required offerings to the local priests. The priests, in turn, had a multitude of regulations and preparations that had to be fulfilled before they themselves could approach God. There were daily, weekly, and annual sacrifices, sin offerings, and sacrifices of praise for harvests, as well as assigned offerings for restored health. Whatever the need, when the priests approached the Almighty, they could not come near without the shedding of blood or the offering of grain. They had washings, the burning of incense, and the recitation of certain prayers, all which had to be fulfilled in precise detail with the most exacting adherence to the requirements of the ceremonial law.

To further illustrate the Old Testament perception of God, we are told in Leviticus that Aaron's priestly sons brought a "strange offering" to the Lord. When they did so, "fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord." In consoling Aaron, Moses said, "It is what the Lord spoke, saying, 'By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy.'" And the Scripture says, "So Aaron, therefore, kept silent" (Lev. 10:2-3). In Aaron's mind, the holiness of God justified the instant death of his unholy sons!

Ultimately, the relationship between God and the Hebrews was not one of fellowship; it was almost strictly a matter of proper ritual and obedience to the Law. Other than the prophets and a handful of kings, few lived in harmony with the higher ways of God.

As Christians, through the blood of Jesus, God has opened the way for us to enter the holy place of His presence (Heb. 10:19-22). For the Hebrews, however, only the high priest entered the holy place and then just once a year on the Day of Atonement. Before he entered, a rope was tied around his leg and small bells sewn into his clothing. Thus, in the event he suddenly died or collapsed while in the Holy of Holies, the quieted bells alerted his fellow priests, enabling them to pull him from the sacred room without violating the Law (Exod. 28:35).

What we perceive in the carefulness of the high priest characterizes the attitude of the Old Testament Jew: no one dared approach the holy, living presence of God without perfectly fulfilling the Law. Eventually the Jews stopped writing and speaking the sacred name of God. Even His name was too holy to be uttered in this world.

Understanding God's Grace
This very sense of God's holiness is one of the main reasons why the first-century church in Jerusalem was so powerful. As Jews, they knew the holiness of God's law. But as Christians, they possessed the knowledge of His grace; they knew personally the Lamb, the perfect sacrifice, who had come and fulfilled the requirements of the law. God, even He whom the Jews worshiped, had taken human form and given Himself for sin!

Many Christians the world over celebrate the forgiveness of sins in Christ, but they end their experience with God there. Jews, who knew historically the fearful justice of God, still lived outside the Divine Presence because they did not understand the forgiveness of sins in Christ. But it is the union of both truths that produces power in our lives and leads us into the reality of God.

Abraham was about to sacrifice to God his beloved son Isaac. (Remember, anyone who has seen God as He is willingly offers his all.) As they walked up the mountain, Abraham spoke prophetically. He said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb" (Gen. 22:8). While we must be willing to give to God our all, we must remember that our all is not good enough. God has provided His own Son, the perfect Lamb, as access to Himself.

There are many times when we feel unworthy, when we seek to escape from the person of God. In these times the last one we want to face is God in His holiness. But in the midst of our unworthiness, let us call upon the Lord. We can escape to God for forgiveness.

When John the Baptist looked at Jesus, he told his disciples, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The Lamb of God has taken away not just the sins of the world but your sins as well. Christ's sacrifice is much more than all the bulls and sheep ever offered throughout all of time; He perfectly satisfies the demand of God's holy justice. And while the high priest drew near with fear and terror, we can draw near with confidence through the blood of Christ--so great and complete is the sacrifice God has provided (Heb. 4:16)!

The justice of God's law is holy, but the sacrifice of the Son of God is holier still, for "mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13). The Lord who filled Solomon's temple with His presence will fill, and is filling, His people today. We have the inexhaustible sacrifice Himself seated upon the throne of grace--it is He who is calling us to boldly come before Him. Enter, therefore, into His glory by the blood of the Lamb. Let Jesus wash your heart of its sins. For our goal is to live in the presence of the very same holy God who appeared in His glory to the Hebrews!

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's newest book, Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God


This is the first book ever written by Pastor Francis. It came after three years of studying and repeatedly reading the Gospels. The thrust of these messages is geared towards those who desire the holy, powerful life of Jesus Christ. It is a penetrating study of the human heart and how God prepares it for His glory.


Book - $9.60 (Retail $12.00)
Ebook - $9.60 (Retail $12.00)

Audio Book on CD $12.00 (Retail 14.75)
Audio book on MP3 $6.00 (Retail $12.00)
Companion Teaching - CD Series $26.25 (Retail $35.00)
Companion Teaching - MP3 Series $13.13 (Retail $17.50)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
What Are You Becoming? - Audio Series

How do we conquer those areas of our soul that are not yet Christlike?

We must recognize that the little sins are what wants to pull us off the course of our destiny of becoming like Christ. Francis discusses how our hearts can deceive us in small ways to derail us into a different destiny in our spiritual journey, than we planned.

These timeless messages of truth are sure to stir your spirit for battle, to free your heart from the power of sin and fulfill your destiny. Sample audio

Message titles:
Be Angry and Sin Not | Spring Cleaning | Matters of the Heart | His Purpose Was Redemption

CD Audio Series $12.00 (Retail $16.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download $6.00 (Retail $8.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate

Blessed Are the Meek, Part 2
By Francis Frangipane

The Voice of the Holy Spirit
God speaks to His followers through the Holy Spirit, and our ability to hear His voice is evidence of our humility. Don't miss that important truth: our humility is measured by our capacity to hear His voice. And the way to hear God's voice, the process of coming into that, is acknowledging our need, repenting, and becoming pure in heart. As you continue to embrace that cleansing process, you will become more and more sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

True humility brings joy when we listen to His voice. His voice may not be audible. The fruit of meekness and humility allows a greater ability to hear the Spirit speaking. Jesus told His followers, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27, NIV). In Psalm 95:7–8 (NIV), David warned the people, "Today, if only you would hear His voice, ‘Do not harden your hearts as you did…in the wilderness.'" He is speaking the same words to us: "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Heb. 4:7, NIV). A person characterized by humility hears and responds to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

The opposite is also true: if we don't hear the voice of God, it is evidence that we have not embraced the changes God called us into. Eventually we become hypocrites or phony Christians. If we're not changing and going on in the things of God, then we're living with two faces. God wants us to have one face—the face of Christ. He wants us to have one heart—the heart of Christ. He doesn't want us to have duplicity. He wants us to have sincerity of heart, which is one focus, one heart.

A Matter of the Heart
The work of God in this stage of training is to break down areas of resistance. The end of that breaking will result in the characteristic of humility wherein we tremble when God speaks. Through Isaiah the Lord says this:

These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at My word. —Isaiah 66:2, NIV

We need hearts that tremble when God speaks, where, when He shows us an area of need, we don't attempt to fight with Him about it or turn away from His voice. In the example of Job, we see a godly man who feared the Lord and was turning away from evil. Of him the Lord said, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil" (Job 2:3).

Just as surely as Job turned away from evil, we can turn away from the voice of the Lord. When the Lord shows us an area of need, our carnal inner man can still turn away, move out of direct communication with God, and choose to do something that prevents us from responding. That's called hardening the heart. Solomon counseled us, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life" (Prov. 4:23).

God wants to purify our hearts so we can see Him and hear Him speaking to us. He seeks to get to our hearts so that the reality of His presence within can lead us, and He can be the eternal I Am through us. When God's glory returned to the temple in the day of Ezekiel, God spoke to the prophet and said, "Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of my feet" (Ezek. 43:7, NIV). Since the completed work of His Son, Jesus, God is able to dwell within the hearts and souls of man. But just as the Israelites hardened their hearts and turned away from His presence in the temple, we can harden our hearts toward God's voice. When you harden your heart toward God, you soften your heart toward the enemy. When you harden your heart to the voice of God, you are softening your heart to the wicked one.

The Trembling Heart of Humility
When God speaks today, He is looking for humility that trembles at the sound of His voice. When we hear His voice, we need to "in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls" (Jas. 1:21).

When the Word of God comes to us, we don't always immediately obey it. In the second stage of our training—"Blessed are those who mourn"—we learned that we are to work out what God is working in us. Remember, "it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Phil. 2:13, NIV). There's a time when the word is working in you to will. You haven't attained the goal or fulfilled the work yet, but it's working in you now to will. The enemy sometimes comes to condemn you because you are not fulfilling that word yet. That's when you need humility and to maintain your trembling before God. If we back up one verse, we see that the Word tells us to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12, NIV). This trembling is humility before the living God, not trembling before men.

Here is where you pray, "Dear Lord, help me to love my enemies, to be pure in spirit, to live free from fear, and in other areas work in me to be willing."

Humility is the initiation of every virtue, every glory, and every increase of Christ in you. You will never get into the future of God's promises without having the humility of God's provision and preparation today.

My friend, I believe with all my heart that you can be equipped. Everyone can pass through these changes to where we carry revival in our souls because God has done the work inside us. None of us is disqualified if we simply believe God and embrace the process of knowing our need, mourning over it, keeping those attitudes of heart, and becoming humble by choice.

Do Not Harden Your Heart
It is imperative that you do not harden your hearts at any point along this stairway to Christlikeness. Today you may hear His voice, but if you respond with hardness of heart, it will be harder to hear His voice from this day forward. At first, His voice sounds like one shouting in the wilderness, but if you continue to harden your heart, that voice will be just a whisper in the night until you no longer have the capacity even to hear Him speaking.

Don't harden your heart. God wants to lead you into His presence. The process of training may seem long and daunting, but the only way to Christlikeness is to take each step, one after another.

Think for a moment about the example of David. Samuel anointed David to be the king of Israel when he was just a young shepherd boy. He knew the promise of God for his future, but he was forced to live in the wilderness for years before it came to pass.

Many Christians live in a wilderness where the predators of fear, sin, and futility keep them in caves of darkness until they can embrace their destiny in God. Each of us begins our journey to Christlikeness from a point in the wilderness. As we climb the steps of our training in spiritual maturity, we start the journey from the cave of darkness to the glory of the presence of God. We must embrace this process of change from the inside out.

But until you give yourself over to God's process of change, you will continue to live in a cave of darkness on mountains meant for the presence of God that have been inhabited by the enemy. Guard against hardening your heart so you can progress to Christlikeness. On this third step of your training, God wants you to live a life of humility. You might pray, "O Lord, humble me"—and He can arrange that—but you must choose an attitude of humility through which He can work. These familiar words tell us:

If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. —2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV

You must choose to humble yourself when the voice of God speaks, when the stirring of God is in your inner man, and when He has His finger on some sin from which He wants you to repent. Humble your- self to His voice when you sense some prayer you are supposed to pray, some prophecy you are supposed to give, some dream you are supposed to share. Choose to humble yourself whenever you are supposed to do something.

Make a transition from just humbling yourself during times of adversity and difficulty to becoming a person humble by choice, one who walks with God and hears the voice of God speaking. "Be strong and very courageous.…Do not turn…to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go" (Josh 1:7, NIV).

The humility of heart that you choose now will awaken a hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ to be evident within you. Choose humility today.

Father God, work in me the meekness that trembles when You speak. Give me a trembling heart, a soft heart, a breaking heart. Train me to be sensitive to Your Spirit and to walk in humility before You.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's newest book, The Heart That Sees God available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEWEST BOOK by Francis Frangipane

The Heart that Sees God

What if everything you know about the Sermon on the Mount has only scratched the surface?

What if the Sermon on the Mount is the recipe for becoming who God created you to be?

Revisit Jesus’ teachings and discover the life-transforming truths hidden behind the words He shared as He led His followers that day on a journey from seeing their own needs to seeing God.

Known for messages that lead you straight to the heart of God and deepen your relationship with Him, Frangipane also reveals the true condition of your heart as he challenges you to embrace the process of change to live the authentic, fulfilling, intimate Christian life you’ve always wanted to live.

Book - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)
Ebook - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On the Arm of Our Beloved
– Audio Series

As we learn to rely on and trust in the Lord with an attitude of dependence and humility, our love for Him grows. Indeed, in the realm of the Spirit, we shrink into a greater place.

Audio sample

Message titles:
At the Feet of Christ | Imprisoned in Disobedience | A Life of Dependency | Leaning on Him | His Workmanship | Carrying the Cross | Oaks of Righteousness | The Elements of Weakness

CD Audio Series $21.00 (Retail $28.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $10.50 (Retail $14.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

October 4, 2024
Blessed Are the Meek, Part 1
By Francis Frangipane

In the kingdom, there are no great men or women of God, just humble people whom God has chosen to use greatly. How do we know when we are humble? When God speaks, we tremble. God is looking for men and women who tremble at His word. Such people will find the Spirit of God resting on them; they will become a dwelling place for the Almighty.

The divine pursuit begins with the humbling of self. Fleshly desires, soulish fears, and human ambitions try to rule us. Thus, when true meekness emerges in our hearts, it silences the clamor of our fleshly minds. The voice of our fears and inadequacies becomes a whisper. To humble our earthly perspectives and opinions, we must relegate them to a lower priority; they become mere background noise as our focus turns increasingly toward God. No pretense prevails; we come humbling ourselves. We bow on our faces before the holy gaze of God. And in His light, we finally perceive the darkness of our souls.

Thus humility, at its root, starts with honesty. The humbled heart is truly and deeply acquainted with its need, and in the beginning the awareness of one's need becomes the voice of prayer. This confession, "I have sinned," puts us on the side of God concerning it. We agree with our Father that our behavior is wrong. Thus the process of healing begins during this moment of self-discovery. We are working with God to defeat sin in our lives, and in this process of humbling ourselves the Lord grants us peace, covering, and transforming grace.

Yet with humility we not only acknowledge our need but also take full responsibility for it. We offer no defense to God for our fallen condition. We've come not to explain ourselves but to be cleansed.

The Word says, "Humble yourselves." This means we are choosing it rather than God doing it for us.

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].
—James 4:10, AMP

There are two ways to enter meekness: humble ourselves or be led through the wilderness. Either path is designed to ultimately lead to a condition of our hearts that will allow us to hear God.

Most of us have gone through times when life's circumstances humbled us. When faced with a difficult situation, we may be humbled, but like a cork in water, we rise back up to the surface, our pride returning when the issue resolves. God doesn't want our lives filled with pride that dissipates during intermittent periods of shame due to external circumstances or even sometimes painful experiences. He wants us to be humble by choice, humble because we want to be like Jesus.

Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:28–29, MEV). If we want to know the essence of Jesus, we must recognize that He is meek and lowly of heart. He identifies with the lowly. Jesus Christ is humble by choice, by nature. If we will be shaped and conformed to His image, then we too must choose the way of humility and meekness.

The Pattern of Meekness
In this process of spiritual training, God desires to create within us the necessary attitudes that will shape us and condition us to experience the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. As we become humble of heart, this step will qualify and prepare us to reach a purity of heart that enables us to see God, have fellowship with Him, and interact spiritually with Him. Then, when He speaks, we will be ready to change, "for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight" (Phil. 2:13, AMPC).

God explained this process to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 8:2–3 (NIV, emphasis added), where He says,

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

The purpose of the wilderness is not merely to adjust us to living in a place of oppression and scarcity; the purpose of the wilderness is to teach us that man does not live by bread alone. In other words, we don't live by our own efforts; the people of God live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

The goal of this stage of training, this development of the work of humility and meekness in us, is not to make us timid or fearful—it is to give us a humble spirit that can hear the voice of God and follow His leading. The sign of true humility is obedience, trying to live out every utterance, every whisper that comes from God's heart.

The successive stages of spiritual training—recognizing our need, coming through godly sorrow to deep repentance—bring us to true humility of heart and hearing the voice of God speaking to us. The process of God humbling us in the wilderness enables us to hear His voice and be genuinely led by Him.

The Israelites heard the audible voice of God speaking to them from Mount Horeb. The sound of His voice caused great fear in them, and they begged Moses: "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die" (Exod. 20:19, NIV). Fear is not an aspect of the process of humility that God is working in us in this third stage of training. If fear has awakened in your heart, like the Israelites', you might need more time in the wilderness. Fear or shyness might look like humility, but they are not. How do you know the difference? Fear trembles before men. Humility trembles before God. The process of meekness and humility will prepare you to hear and receive the word of God with joy and obedience.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's newest book, The Heart That Sees God available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEWEST BOOK by Francis Frangipane

The Heart that Sees God

What if everything you know about the Sermon on the Mount has only scratched the surface?

What if the Sermon on the Mount is the recipe for becoming who God created you to be?

Revisit Jesus’ teachings and discover the life-transforming truths hidden behind the words He shared as He led His followers that day on a journey from seeing their own needs to seeing God.

Known for messages that lead you straight to the heart of God and deepen your relationship with Him, Frangipane also reveals the true condition of your heart as he challenges you to embrace the process of change to live the authentic, fulfilling, intimate Christian life you’ve always wanted to live.

Book - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)
Ebook - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! – Faith that Moves Mountains
– Audio Series

Today we’re living in a time where we have so many fears concerning the future. So many hearts are fainting for fear, concerned about war, the economy or our family. These things capture our focus, drain us of faith and bring us to a place where we’re captured by fear. Faith is the antidote for fear. Faith gives us the perspective to look at our future through God’s eyes.

Audio sample

Message titles:

The Power of Faith | Faith takes Courage | Obedience to the Word | The Eye of the Storm | Fruit of the Word | Anything is Possible | Living in the Realm of Faith | Walk of Faith | Faith for These Times | More Precious than Gold | The Power of Covenant Prayer | The Path to Personal Fulfillmen

CD Audio Series - $36.00 (Retail $48.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $18.00 (Retail $24.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

Arise, Shine!

When I consider the darkness unfolding in the world - the wars and rumors of wars, the abounding iniquity, the failing of men’s hearts for fear, the rebellion against the Lord, etc. - it occurs to me that the staging of this backdrop of darkness is nearly in place. What I mean is that, according to Isaiah 60:1-3, it is during this very time of darkness that God is preparing His people for a baptism of light!

Beloved, God does not want us to despair but to prepare.

Are you prepared?

Begin your training today!

Short audio of Francis introducing the training.

Testimonies | Syllabus

More info on In Christ's Image Training here: www.icitc.org.



Questions? Email us at training@inchristsimage.org.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Embracing the Fight of Faith
By Francis Frangipane

In spite of worldwide conflicts, the Holy Spirit is guiding the church into its greatest season of transformation. We must not look at the pressures of our times as though they were obstacles set to restrict us. For in the hands of the Almighty, these are the very tools He is using to perfect us.

One of the problems of interpreting end time events is the tendency to focus only upon one set of conditions. If we only look at the fact that Satan will be raging or that there will be lawlessness, wars, earthquakes and famines, we might conclude that difficulties and darkness is all that we have awaiting us until the rapture.

Yet, the same Spirit that predicted the perilous conditions at the end of the age, also forecasts that, in spite of difficulties and battle, the gospel of the kingdom of heaven will be proclaimed worldwide to all nations (Matt. 24:14). The Lord also said that the "crop" of last days Christians will reach full stature (Mk. 4:29), and those who know their God will be strong, do exploits, shine like the stars and lead multitudes to righteousness (Dan. 11:32; 12:3).

Our focus must remain riveted upon becoming like Christ in all things. One might argue, "But the world around me is full of sin and wickedness - and it is getting worse!" Yes, but the Bible tells us that where sin abounds, the grace of God abounds more so (Rom. 5:20). We might be overwhelmed by the flood of evil storming against our societies. Yet, the promise of God is that, when the enemy comes in like a flood, God shall raise a standard against him (Isa. 59:19).

Is your focus upon the enemy's flood or are you aware of the standard God is raising up to counter the flood?

Do not forget, beloved, that even when darkness covers the earth and deep darkness the people, the promise of God is that His glory shall rise upon us and His presence shall be visibly seen through us! In spite of the appearance that darkness is never ending, the Lord promises that, at the end of the war between light and darkness, "nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Isa 60:1-3).

Indeed, nestled and unfolding in the midst of the panorama of end time events, God's word reveals that there will also be an ongoing "period of restoration" (see Acts 3:20-21). This does not mean that the world will be subdued by the church (as some erroneously teach), but that the true church will be fully subdued and transformed by Christ! This final display of grace will be consummated in a Christlike church, whose spiritual maturity shall manifest the person and passions of Jesus Christ Himself on earth.

I have written you by way of reminder that, though the battle seems to rage, God's word shall not return to Him void. Our fight is the fight of faith: do we believe what God has promised? Our war is against principalities and powers: do we believe the report that Christ shall "sprinkle (that is, cleanse, and bring forgiveness and transformation to) many nations" (Isa. 52:12-53:2)?

I, for one, believe the promises of God. God's word is not just a comfort to me in times of trouble, but a sword that I speak in times of spiritual war. I proclaim the reality of God's promises over my family, my church, my city and nation! Consider His proclamation:

"So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it" (see Isa. 55:9-11).

Consider also His commitment:

". . . I am watching over My word to perform it" (Jer. 1:12).

And His accessibility,

"Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down), or `Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)." But what does it say? "The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" -that is, the word of faith which we are preaching" (Rom. 10:6-8).

You see, we are not mere mortals stumbling blindly on earth, separated from God and isolated from His response to our needs. No! We are new creatures, born again from above, that have resident within us the Holy Spirit of Almighty God. And, He has given us His word, put it in our hearts and mouths and then He promises, "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed" (Rom. 10:11). The Lord does not want us worrying about the future, but to create it through the knowledge of His will, through the proclamation of His word, and our yieldedness to the power of the Holy Spirit.

God calls us to a "war mode" in our thinking, where we take up the "sword of the Spirit," which is the living "word of God" (Eph. 6:17). Yes, we labor and intercede, we repent for our sins and the sins of our nations, but the weight of our victory rests not upon how much we labor and groan, but upon how truly we believe what God has promised! Beloved, the sword God has given is nothing less than the echo of His voice in us!

So, do not just whine about negative conditions in the world or sigh prayers muttered in fear and unbelief - embrace the fight of faith! Pick up your Bible and speak audibly the promises of God's word. Pick any verse that I quoted above and speak it out loud, with faith and authority. I guarantee that, if you proclaim God's word with faith, it will release power in and through your spirit.

The greatest weapons in the universe are the promises God has inspired in His book. He assures us, "All things are possible to him who believes" (Mk. 9:23). Our call is not just to pray, but to take up the sword of the Spirit and embrace the fight of faith!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, This Day We Fight! available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This Day We Fight!
There is a time for peace and a time for war. We are in a war, and you better not put down your weapon or you will become captive to sin, fear or unbelief.

Francis tells us that the call of God is a call to war. Yet, the enemy uses human passivity to seduce God's warriors. This book is anointed to help the reader get their fire back. The Holy Spirit is ready to impart a fresh anointing to God's people - an anointing that will activate the "war mode" in the church.

Book - $12.00 (Retail $15.00)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! – Faith that Moves Mountains
– Audio Series

Today we’re living in a time where we have so many fears concerning the future. So many hearts are fainting for fear, concerned about war, the economy or our family. These things capture our focus, drain us of faith and bring us to a place where we’re captured by fear. Faith is the antidote for fear. Faith gives us the perspective to look at our future through God’s eyes.

Audio sample

Message titles:

The Power of Faith | Faith takes Courage | Obedience to the Word | The Eye of the Storm | Fruit of the Word | Anything is Possible | Living in the Realm of Faith | Walk of Faith | Faith for These Times | More Precious than Gold | The Power of Covenant Prayer | The Path to Personal Fulfillmen

CD Audio Series - $36.00 (Retail $48.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $18.00 (Retail $24.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

Breaking the Bondage of a Passive Spirit
By Francis Frangipane

The Spirit of God does not want us merely to tolerate oppression; He desires we conquer it. He has not called us to passivity; He has called us to war! God has anointed us with the power of His Holy Spirit and Jesus has given us His authority over all the power of the enemy (see Luke 10:19).

This authority of the Lord is not just for guard duty or defensive maneuvers. The Holy Spirit desires that, as we follow Christ, we take the battle to the enemy as well. When David sings in Psalm 18 that, under God’s anointing, he can "bend a bow of bronze," he also states: "I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and I did not turn back until they were consumed" (Psalm 18:37).

Let’s make this clear: David was first a worshiper of God. He did not pursue his enemies without first pursuing God. But when the Lord led him into war, he thoroughly defeated his foes.

I will tell you a solemn truth: Either we pursue our enemies or our enemies will pursue us. We must develop Christ’s attitude toward evil. He came "to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3 8). The Bible says, "Hate evil, you who love the Lord" (Psalm 97:10). The Holy Spirit is looking for determination in us so that, like David, we will pursue our enemies until they are consumed. It is, in fact, this aggressive attitude of heart that causes us to grow into mature Christlikeness.

Jesus could live with and forgive human failure, but He never allowed evil spirits to control Him. He was aggressive toward His spiritual enemies. There is no neutral ground. There is no room for a passive spirit in God’s army.

Attack and Counterattack
Let’s take a classic example of our need to act aggressively against our enemy: the battle for the mind. If you are frustrated repeatedly by fear, self-pity, anger, immoral thoughts or fleshly lusts, you know that these ideas and feelings will not go away by themselves. Your mind must be renewed through repentance and the knowledge of God’s Word. And if there is demonic activity exploiting your sin nature, that enemy must be confronted in the authority of Jesus’ name. Whether you are fighting fear, lust, anger or any other sin, you are in a war for your soul.

Some people respond to this by saying: "I don’t have a problem with an evil spirit; my battle is with the flesh." I agree. Frequent failure in a particular area might genuinely be rooted in the carnal attitudes of our old nature. But if you have repented repeatedly and still cannot find lasting freedom, perhaps the issue is a combination of sin and the devil’s manipulation of that sin. The real power behind recurring failure may well be demonic.

Yet, even if you confront that demonic entity in the authority of Christ, your fight is not over. The enemy will wait until you relax your guard and try to reenter your life. Recall Jesus’ warning: "Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’" (Matthew 12:43-44).

Jesus explains that even if you have had a genuine deliverance from the hand of God, a time may still come when that "unclean spirit" seeks to return to the "house from which" it came. The house it seeks to reenter is the darkness created in your soul by your pre-repentant thought-life. The way it seeks access is to masquerade as your own thoughts. Jesus warns that if the unclean spirit returns and finds your soul unguarded, it brings "seven other spirits more wicked than itself" (Matthew 12:45).

You must discern this counterattack. The enemy will try to infiltrate your mind, seeking to plant a thought or sow a sinful idea in your soul. Then he will attempt to water that seed with corresponding temptation. Beloved, we must capture those initial, invasive thoughts. We must be vigilant to recognize and conquer the oppression before it leads us back into sin. We must take authority over it before it can multiply. If we fail to use our authority, though, the enemy will attempt a full-scale invasion. Jesus says that "the last state of that man becomes worse than the first" (verse 45).

Thus, we must be aggressive in our prayers and actions! Satan will attack and counterattack. To win, in the midst of everything else we do, we must guard our hearts and minds. To do this we must exercise spiritual authority aggressively.

Present Attitudes and Future Victories
An Old Testament story captures well my concern with the effects of a passive spirit. Elisha the prophet was about to die and Joash, king of Israel, in an unusual show of affection, wept over the man of God. Yet a test remained. After promising victory to the king over Aram, Elisha told Joash to take the arrows and "strike the ground," but Joash struck the ground just three times and stopped. At this the prophet became angry and said, "You should have struck five or six times, then you would have struck Aram until you would have destroyed it. But now you shall strike Aram only three times" (2 Kings 13:18-19).

Elisha was angered by the passive spirit in King Joash. He saw that the king did not possess the perseverance to pursue his enemies until he fully conquered them.

What does this mean for us? The prophet’s anger actually mirrors the Lord’s displeasure toward the passiveness or laziness of His people today. Is it hard to believe that Jesus would actually be angry with His Church? Then consider the Lord’s word to the church in Laodicea, a church that was overly concerned with its own comfort and passive in its attitude toward spiritual realities. Jesus said, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were either cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16).

Jesus would rather we were hot or cold than lukewarm. Does He still love those He rebukes? Of course, but He calls us to change our attitudes. It is not that passivity or laziness is such terrible sin, like murder or adultery. It is simply that such attitudes create a psychological prison around believers that actually holds us hostage to our other sins.

The Lord is not pleased with the spiritual passivity and indifference so prevalent among His people. We are aware daily that terrorists could attack with massive destruction, or we watch the advance of perversion in our cultures, yet many Christians remain prayerless and inactive. This is in spite of the Lord’s promise that if we will come before Him, humbling ourselves in earnest prayer, He will empower us to pursue our enemies and defeat them. But instead of seeking God’s face on behalf of the lost, too many of us are immobilized by the grip of a passive spirit.

I am not talking about the level of energy in our bodies, but the level of fire in our obedience. Elisha could see that King Joash was a quitter by the passive way he struck the arrows. Beloved, God has given us authority and He has given us spiritual weapons of our warfare to help us, but we need to get up and fight. We need to repent of a passive spirit and stand with Christ’s authority in this day of battle. For if we fail to do either -- pray or act -- we might actually lose the soul of our nation. Our defeat might come, not because God’s help was not available but because we saw the advance of evil and did nothing.

For maximum benefit, pray this prayer out loud:
Lord God, I thank You that You have given me authority over all the power of the enemy. Forgive me for allowing my voice to remain silent and my will immobilized by a passive spirit. I realize that to be an overcomer I must pursue my enemy until he is consumed. You have given me authority over the plans and works of evil. You have created me to be a minister of Your righteousness. You have filled me with Your Holy Spirit and with fire. This day I confront, renounce and take authority over the power of the enemy. I break the bondage of a passive spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, This Day We Fight! available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

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This Day We Fight!
There is a time for peace and a time for war. We are in a war, and you better not put down your weapon or you will become captive to sin, fear or unbelief.

Francis tells us that the call of God is a call to war. Yet, the enemy uses human passivity to seduce God's warriors. This book is anointed to help the reader get their fire back. The Holy Spirit is ready to impart a fresh anointing to God's people - an anointing that will activate the "war mode" in the church.

Book - $12.00 (Retail $15.00)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Our Shield and Defender
- Audio/Video Series


Because of the violence, chaos, struggle and pain in the world today, millions of people are looking for a hiding place. Discover this place of rest, confidence and supernatural strength.

Sample audio

Message titles:

Deliver Me From Evil | Surrounded By God’s Thoughts | The Dwelling Place of God | Our Promised Land

CD Audio Series - $15.00 (Retail $20.00
MP3 Audio Series Download - $7.50 (Retail $10.00)

DVD Video Series - $22.50 (Retail $30.00)
MP4 Video Series Download - $11.25 (Retail $15.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

September 13, 2024
The House of Prayer
By Francis Frangipane

Jesus said His Father's house would be a "house of prayer for all the nations" (Mark 11:17). True intercessory prayer is born of love and comes in the midst of sin and need. It comes not to condemn, but to redeem. The truth is that all nations sin. All cultures have times of crises. Yet these times can become turning points if, in the time of distress, intercessors cry to God for mercy. Thus, prayer brings redemption from disaster.

We must understand: the church is created not to fulfill God's wrath but to complete His mercy. Remember, we are called to be a house of prayer for all nations. Consider passionately this phrase: "prayer for." Jesus taught us to "pray for" those who persecute and mistreat you. Paul tells us that God desires all men to be saved. Therefore, he urges that "entreaties and prayers . . . be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority" (1 Tim. 2:1–2). When Job "prayed for" his friends, God fully restored him (Job 42). We are to "pray for" the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6) and "pray for" each other, that we may be healed (James 5:16).

"But," you argue, "America is a modern manifestation of ancient Babylon." I disagree. But even if it was, when the Lord exiled Israel to Babylon, He said, "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you . . . and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare" (Jer. 29:7).

Over and over again the command is to pray for, not against; not vindictively, but mercifully; not with condemnation, but with compassionately, appealing to God to bring forgiveness and redemption. The problem is that too many Christians have become disciples of the news media rather than followers of Jesus Christ. We think conforming to our political party is the same as attaining the standards of God. It is not.

Study Isaiah 53. It reveals in wondrous detail the Savior's nature: Christ numbered Himself with sinners. He interceded for transgressors. He is "with" us and "for" us, even when He must reveal to us our iniquity.

But the world sees a church with rocks in its hands looking for adulterers and sinners. We have become the "church of the angry Christians." In the drama that is unfolding in America today, we must learn the role of Christ, but rather than that of the Pharisees. Let us drop the rocks from our hands, then lift our hands, without wrath, in prayer to God (1 Tim. 2:8) who desires all men to be saved, including kings and all in authority.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, When the Many Are Oneavailable at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When the Many Are One

In When the Many Are One, Francis Frangipane demonstrates how Christians of every color, culture, and denomination can work together to transform our communities.

Our best efforts will not stop the flood of problems in our cities if we remain isolated from each other. In a season when external forces are causing disunity and division, Francis Frangipane calls us back to oneness with Christ, and through Him oneness with other Christians. With the character and power of Christ in our midst, the Church can again bring transformation to our communities, our nation, and our world.

Book - $12.00 (Retail $15.00)
Ebook - $12.00 (Retail $15.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! - To Know the Ways of God
- Audio Series

It is our destiny to know God. If we know God and we have fellowship with God, then the revelation of God transfers that power, that comfort, that rest, that trust, into our soul and we can pass through this life as more than conquerors, through Him who loves us. There is no way to truly know Him completely. You might know an experience with God, you might have had an encounter, but to actually know His ways is to study to become a disciple, to actually penetrate into the heart of God. When we hear His voice, we know His ways, enter His rest. Audio sample

Message titles:

I Want to Know Your Ways | The Greatest of Thee is Love | The Way of Love | Gifts for the Common Good | Humble Yourself Before the Lord

CD Audio Series - $16.50 (Retail $22.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $8.25 (Retail $11.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

September 6, 2024
The Power of Honor; The Curse of Dishonor
By Francis Frangipane

Among all in his era, Noah was the most godly. He alone was considered by the Almighty, blameless. In a time when terrible wrath was about to unfurl, Noah alone found favor with the Lord. Consider this man Noah and what he experienced: Aware that the end of his world was at hand, he faithfully preached repentance for over one hundred years, yet his words converted no one. His eyes beheld the terrible descent of the wrath of God; his ears heard the terrifying cries, the final cries, of an entire civilization. His mind experienced the horrifying destruction of every man, woman and child outside the ark.

What burden does such an experience create upon the human soul? What nightmares? We don't know how Noah processed the catastrophic end of the world, but here's what we do know: After the flood, Noah began mankind's journey anew. He farmed and planted a vineyard. From the harvest he produced juice, which fermented into wine. We don't know if this was the first time he, or any man, tasted the effects of wine, but we do know that he drank it and it made him so drunk that he collapsed in his tent. The great man of God lay unconscious and naked, in a drunken stupor.

Here was a righteous preacher who, for whatever reason, had fallen short of his own high standards. Into this scene comes Ham, one of his three sons. Ham entered Noah's tent and saw the shameful state his father was in. Then, Ham reported the scene to his two brothers. Instead of silently, discreetly covering his father's shame, he sought to expose it. His brothers, Shem and Japheth, the Scriptures tell us, took raiment and walking backward with the sheet on their shoulders, they covered Noah with it. Keep this point in mind: Ham dishonored his father by seeking to expose his shame; Shem and Japheth honored their father by covering his weakness. Your future and the future of your children is attached to how well you understand the value of honor and the curse that follows a dishonoring spirit.

I want to talk to you about honor and dishonor. From our cultural inception, Americans have been a bold, and often defiant, people. Our founding fathers, reacting from the tyranny of kings and bishops, dreamed of making this land free of authoritarianism. The swing away from honor thrust us, however, into an opposite error: dishonor. Consequently, because we have learned to dishonor the civil and religious institutions of life, we have become the home of lawlessness and disorder; we are experiencing the breakdown of the family, the church, and society at large.

America has become one huge reaction to tradition; even wholesome traditions that provide peace, stability and respect to the human condition are considered enemies to our nature.

Recall: several early American state flags displayed a serpent coiled around a staff. The inscription read, "Don't tread on me." This brazen banner actually identified those who looked to it as a standard against any rule, even the rule of Christ Himself.

Most nations possess a singular focal point that epitomizes their culture. For the Asian nations, honor and respect preside over their societies; for Germanic nations, discipline and obedience set the standard. For America, the central theme would be freedom and rebellion to tradition. To express compliance or honor is considered a weakness.

Even among the early American Christians, there existed a strong independent heart attitude. Most of our first ancestors came from "Protestant" stock: they were "protest ants." Not only had they protested the errors of Catholicism, but during various eras, Protestant denominations persecuted and protested against themselves as well. Their legacy of visible, vocal dissent as a means of change has been structured into America's subconsciousness; this legacy defines much of our societal chemistry. For the secular individual, to protest was to walk a heroic, patriotic path. For the religious soul, to defy the edict of a king or pope was courageous and noble; it was to follow the righteous pattern of the Old Testament prophets.

Thus, confrontation emerged in America as a means through which change materialized. Certainly, there is virtue to be found in a heart that fearlessly speaks against evil. However, "confrontational spirituality" has been carried to an excessive extreme. It is mainstreamed as a legitimate American form of communication, both among the religious and non-religious alike. In America, our "right to protest" is not just a privilege, but a moral and even spiritual obligation; it is to be accomplished with zeal.

So, a true American is typified as one who is his own ruler; he is independent, and unafraid to speak his mind to anyone. Yet, to whatever degree this confrontational attitude is esteemed a virtue in our larger society, it is certainly not a living grace in the kingdom of God. The New Testament Scriptures, in fact, call us to the exact opposite approach in our relationships, where we honor and respect people. Here is what God's word commands:

"Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect. . ." (1 Pet 2:17 18a).

Honor all men? Honor the king? Servants be submissive with respect? Surely this apostolic leader is not speaking to the church in America! We want our rights! We are not afraid of any man, be he king or priest. Yes, but the issue is not whether we are afraid; it is whether we are capable of showing genuine honor.

There is something within us that grates at the idea of honoring people. We say, often quite righteously, we will only honor God. We feel it is our task to keep others humble lest their pride take over. In fact, it is our pride that has taken over, not theirs, and it is fueled by our jealousy of another's success.

God calls us to honor all men for the simple fact that He chose to give them life. Jesus lived and died so sinful men could be saved. People are precious to the Father; they are as valuable to Him as His Son. Yes, today the person standing before you may be a sinner, but by showing honor you tell that person that he or she is important to the Almighty.

Some, we are called to honor for their attainments; others, we honor for their intrinsic worth to God. Yet, the call of God is to honor all. Not that you honor the actions of sinners, but the humanity of sinners. We are not to worship people, as those who swoon over celebrities; but we are to show all men honor.

You cannot lead someone to Christ whom you have dishonored. You cannot sincerely communicate the love of God if you do not respect the person to whom you are speaking. Our tradition of dishonoring people has not come from God. In fact, the kingdom of God emerges with a completely opposite spirit. The kingdom is a culture graced with honor and respect for the dignity of all people.

Consider: within the body of Christ we are commanded to honor every member, actually giving to the "unseemly parts" more abundant honor. As stated, we are also called to "Honor all men" and also "honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). We are additionally required to honor the church elders (1 Timothy 5:17); and at work, we should honor and respect those who are our employers (1 Timothy 6:1). We are to honor widows (1 Timothy 5:3), spouses (1 Peter 3:7 & Ephesians 5:22), the unseemly (1 Corinthians 12:23 25) and the aged (Leviticus 19:32). In fact, when the gray haired enter a room we are told to stop talking, stand, and acknowledge with reverence the entrance of an older individual. When was the last time that happened in America?

The Lord himself bestows honor on people: John 12:26 says, "If anyone serves Me, ... the Father will honor him." And Psalm 91:14 15 say, "Because he has loved Me, ... I will rescue him and honor him." So if the Lord has no problem honoring people, considering His great glory, why are we so apt to dishonor each other?

The word honor in the Greek meant to fix valuation, esteem by implication and to revere. Picture a home where the children revere their parents and the husband and wife honor each other. We must esteem and fix value to each other. For honor creates a spiritual buffer against the enemy's attacks, which otherwise erode the quality of our lives.

Moreover, honor releases the power of God while dishonor greatly hinders its expression. Jesus taught, "'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, and in his own household.' And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief" (Matthew 13:57 58). The people of Jesus' hometown did not honor Him, and their lack of honor, Jesus called, "unbelief." In other words, when we dishonor a man or woman of God, we shut down the power.

The Ability to Advance
Paul reminds us of the fourth commandment. He writes, "Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you..." (Eph 6:2 3).

Let's return to the story about Noah. When Ham exposed his father, Noah cursed the son of Ham, Canaan. Why didn't Noah curse Ham instead of Ham's son? Noah knew that, as Ham had been to him, so Canaan would be to Ham. Noah's curse was actually profound. He said Canaan would be "a servant of servants" (Gen 9:25). Why? Because if you can't honor an imperfect leader, you will never advance in life. You will always be a slave.

You see, there are no leaders other than imperfect leaders. Your boss, your pastor or teacher or mayor or father or mother are all imperfect. When we expose them to humiliation or dishonor by telling others of their weaknesses, it brings their curse upon us. We will never advance in life with such an attitude.

To be successful, you need to be able to submit to leaders who are imperfect without dishonoring them. You say, "If I do that, I will feel like a hypocrite, a 'yes' man." If you don't show honor, you are already a hypocrite. For a true Christian esteems and respects people; you don't have to trust them, but you must honor and respect them.

Now this doesn't mean you shouldn't have concerns when you see a problem. You may indeed have good advice or even a revelation to share that can help your leader. But don't open the door to dishonoring leaders, especially in the church! If you see a problem, don't follow Ham's example. Don't go telling your brothers; instead, cover the situation in love. Follow the procedure Jesus gives us in Matthew 18, remaining respectful and humble as you seek to bring an end to sin in a person's life.

Perhaps you are poor and unable to advance in life. It is possible that you have a curse hindering you due to a dishonoring spirit you received from your parents. Today, that curse can be broken. Ask God to forgive you and your parents for not relating with honor to imperfect authority. Learn to pray for those over you, covering them with the blood of Christ, interceding that they will be protected from the enemy.

Remember, cursed is everyone who seeks to expose a leader's flaws! The generations of Ham became slaves. How you relate to the imperfections of your superiors determines not only your future, but also the future of your children and your children's children. Do they hear you complain about your boss? Do they listen when you criticize your pastor? Is a curse being passed on to them when they are forced by proximity to hear you bad mouth other leaders? Do you see this? You are actually teaching them how to NOT succeed in life. A dishonoring spirit will cause them to remain poor, frustrated and outside the realm of the blessed and prosperous.

Right now, your children are patterning their lives after you. From you they are learning how to deal with the imperfections of life. Will they become bitter and angry at life's structure of authority? Or will they be free to relate to imperfect authorities over them, and do so with honor? Are you breeding generations of slaves or generations of free men and women?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When the Many Are One

In When the Many Are One, Francis Frangipane demonstrates how Christians of every color, culture, and denomination can work together to transform our communities.

Our best efforts will not stop the flood of problems in our cities if we remain isolated from each other. In a season when external forces are causing disunity and division, Francis Frangipane calls us back to oneness with Christ, and through Him oneness with other Christians. With the character and power of Christ in our midst, the Church can again bring transformation to our communities, our nation, and our world.

Book - $12.00 (Retail $15.00)
Ebook - $12.00 (Retail $15.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! - To Know the Ways of God
- Audio Series

It is our destiny to know God. If we know God and we have fellowship with God, then the revelation of God transfers that power, that comfort, that rest, that trust, into our soul and we can pass through this life as more than conquerors, through Him who loves us. There is no way to truly know Him completely. You might know an experience with God, you might have had an encounter, but to actually know His ways is to study to become a disciple, to actually penetrate into the heart of God. When we hear His voice, we know His ways, enter His rest. Audio sample

Message titles:

I Want to Know Your Ways | The Greatest of Thee is Love | The Way of Love | Gifts for the Common Good | Humble Yourself Before the Lord

CD Audio Series - $16.50 (Retail $22.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $8.25 (Retail $11.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

The Pathway to Power
By Francis Frangipane

A new awakening is coming to the church. It will be birthed by prayer and sheltered by humility, but its power will emerge through compassion. The strength of this fresh move is the deep yearning of the Lord Himself. Yes, even in the midst of hellish conditions on earth He has promised, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion" (Rom. 9:15).

Common people, flooded and compelled by the burning compassions of God, shall be used mightily in the coming years: they shall transform multitudes. Christ's compassions shall be especially revealed where human suffering is unrelenting. Let us remember, the Lord is not aloof from the human condition; mankind's suffering exists in the thought-life of God. The book of Judges reveals an amazing quality about the relationship of God's heart to human sorrow. Scripture says, "He could bear the misery of Israel no longer" (Judges 10:16). As a result, He rescued His people from their enemies.

Today, the Holy Spirit says, "The more devastated the region, the greater My compassions shall flow." Yet, this move of divine compassion will not be limited to poorer nations. In select cities and communities in the West, the compassions of God will also flow. Indeed, even now the Lord is preparing Christians from all backgrounds, including believing Catholics, Presbyterians and Episcopalians. Some whom God will use most mightily will come from denominations many Christians consider dead or apostate.

Many influential, but hardened businessmen and women will be touched and transformed by the compassions of God. Governors, mayors and other civic leaders will experience life changing healings; attorneys, doctors and scientists will testify to undeniable miracles. Transformed gang leaders and criminals, some of whom are currently in jail, will be used by God to start powerful churches. Yes, once seemingly hopeless criminals will be used by God to bring hope to devastated neighborhoods.

The Key to Power: Divine Compassion
Because the taproot of this revival will be compassion, it is important to isolate it from other virtues and inspired ministry gifts. For one can be a skilled teacher who functions authentically in communication skills, but not have true compassion. A leader might possess effective administrative skills, yet also be void of compassion. Simply because one is a gifted psalmist and leads many in Christian music and arts, that does not mean he or she was empowered by compassion in their ministry. Yes, even the most stirring of prophets or apostles may himself be stirred by something other than compassion. All of these gifts and ministries can be truly inspired within the parameters of their functionality, but not carry at their core the deep pulse of God's compassion.

Compassion, according to its Greek definition, is "a yearning in the bowels." It is not a function of the intellect, but a deeper reality of the spirit. Thus, it is important we do not let religious intellectualism rule us. True compassion emerges from the compassions of God; the human channel of His compassions must be united with the yearnings of God. Because most of us have been exhausted by the limits of our compassions, we must submit again to the opening of our hearts. Trust God to help, for we must learn to surrender afresh to the fire of compassion's quest.

Consider also beloved, that this "yearning in the bowels," this "the innermost being," is the very region from which Jesus said rivers of living water shall flow. This new level of compassion will not exhaust us with impotent sympathy but will instead align our spirits with the power of Christ to heal, save and redeem.

Compassion is stronger than sympathy and more enduring than empathy: both of which are dimensions of vulnerability and identification – essential escorts that lead us to Christ's compassion. But compassion captures those feelings and transforms them into love-empowered actions.

Consider Christ as He healed the afflicted in the gospels:
"Moved with compassion, He stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing [to heal you]; be cleansed' " (Mk 1:41). Again, we read, "Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him (Matt 20:34). And again, "When He went ashore, He saw a great multitude, and felt compassion for them, and healed their sick" (Matt 14:14).

Jesus was moved with compassion; He felt it, and He "healed their sick." Do we feel compassion? Are we aware today of compassion's inner pushing? Can you list when you too were "moved with compassion"? Too often, instead of compassion, we are moved by ambition, self-interest and pride. We desire to be seen by men, to be admired for the size and scope of our ministries or talents. In our zeal to fulfill our passion, we miss compassion. May God deliver us! To many, the multitudes are symbols of power and success. Yet, when Jesus saw the crowds, He did not see them as a means to personal fulfillment. Rather, "He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd" (Matt 9:36).

The people had Pharisees, but not shepherds; they endured the influence of doctrinal experts, the "lawyers," but they had no one who truly cared for them. Christ felt compassion, was moved by compassion and let compassion find its fulfillment in the healing and comfort of the sick and afflicted.

I am not speaking of others, beloved. We ourselves have locked our compassions and restrained the yearnings of God within us. In this day it is not enough for us merely to be friendly or nice; we must allow the Spirit to unlock the bowels of our compassion. The Lord has promised, not only will He have mercy on many and lead them into forgiveness and salvation, but that He will also reveal His great compassion. Let me repeat His promised, irrevocable purpose: "I will have compassion on whom I have compassion" (Rom 9:15b).

The Lord is with us to fulfill His great yearning to save and heal. He has set His heart to reveal His compassion in this hour; we must allow His compassions to move us. We have learned how to have church, to produce Sunday morning events that stir and excite. Now, however, the Lord says, "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire compassion, and not sacrifice.'" He tells us to not look beyond the hardened or the hopeless. He reminds us, "for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matt 9:13). Compassion is the pathway to power.

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Seeing the Multitudes - Audio Series

The greatest spiritual awakening in man’s history was about to commence. In preparation, Jesus brought His disciples to Himself and revealed to them the qualities necessary to represent Heaven on earth. These messages unfold God’s work of developing Christlike maturity, and every church should have their leaders listen to them.

Message titles:

Discovering Your Need | Blessed Are Those Who Mourn | Blessed Are The Meek | Those Who Hunger | Blessed Are The Merciful | They Shall See God | Peacemakers | The Prophets Before You

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In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

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Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
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Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

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A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

August 23, 2024
The Great Prayer
By Francis Frangipane

If you believe in Christ, and believe He is the only begotten of the Father, then be assured, Jesus will have all His prayers answered. A time is coming, and now is, when both Heaven and earth shall respond to Jesus' prayer, "that they may all be one'' (John 17:21).

Jesus: The Same Forever
On the night before He died, the most somber night in Jesus' life, the Lord brought His most lofty request to God. He prayed for oneness in His church. Christ's prayer is both visionary and practical considering that, this same evening, an argument arose among His disciples as to which of them was the greatest (Luke 22:24). In spite of their immaturity, selfish ambitions and envy, Jesus harbored no second thoughts or unbelief when He prayed that they may all be one.

Even as the Son of God appealed for them, be assured He is praying for us now. "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday and today, yes and forever" (Heb 13:8). He will never lower His standards (see John 12:48), He will not modify His promises (Matt 24:35), and His intercession will remain unfailing until we attain His goal for us in God (see Rom 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

To know Christ is to know His heart toward His church. Once again, look at His relationship with His disciples that Passover night. If an observer compared the instructions of Christ with the responses of His disciples, he would have concluded that there was little communication between them. Jesus presented His vision of a church motivated by His love and humility. In contrast, His disciples dwelt in carnal desires and weaknesses. Consider that while Jesus prayed they would be "perfected in unity" (John 17:23), the only unity the disciples knew that night was a common fear and a collective abandonment of Christ. Consider this: Jesus told these soon-to-be leaders of the Jerusalem church that they would be known for their untiring agape love. But that night Christ's three closest friends could not remain awake with him even one hour while He agonized alone in prayer.

His disciples were deaf to His promises, blind to His sacrifice, and ignorant of His vision; they were without revelation, obedience or courage. Yet, in spite of themselves, Jesus told these very men, "...He who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do..." (John 14:12).

How could they ever attain His works? Oh, the grace and love of Jesus! They would do His works because He was about to "...go to the Father" (John 14:12), where He would ever live to make intercession for them!

There have always existed two realms in the definition of the church: one is the place of beginnings, the disciple's world, cluttered with human fears and worldly ambitions. The second reality is the place of destination, the eternal, glorious realm that Jesus died to give us. The Living Span bridging both is Christ's cross and intercession. Any time the church awakens to the promises of God, the way to holiness and power is already there.

The shallow, immature level of the church has never stopped Christ from praying for its perfection. He could no sooner stop praying than cease being the Son of God. Jesus is the Redeemer of mankind. Even in wrath, His motive is redemption!

Christ's Commitment to His Church
Jesus has always known the frailty of His church. He knows that when we commit our lives to Him, it is not a commitment that says, "I will never sin again, I will always be good." Try as we may, if we could keep such a resolution, we would not have needed Christ to save us!

Our salvation is not built upon what we do, but upon who Jesus becomes to us. Our commitment to Him is an acknowledgment that we have come to the end of ourselves: We need a savior. Having thus discovered no righteousness within us, we have entrusted both our condition and our future to Him. We commit ourselves to obey Him, but we frequently fail. We are required to know His word, but we barely understand it. We pledge ourselves to follow, but how often we find ourselves lost!

Our salvation is an abandonment to His ability to keep that which we have committed unto Him (2 Tim 1:12). He who thinks otherwise has never come face to face with his need for God. As the Lord's church, we must each discover the sustaining and renewing power of Christ's prayer. Without such knowledge, we will be overwhelmed by the many times we fail.

Peter discovered Christ's unchanging commitment that last night. Though others failed, Peter boasted of his commitment; he would not fail. However, Jesus told His upstart disciple how, that very night, he would deny His Lord three times. Not only did Peter fail, but all Christ's disciples deserted Him that night. What was the Lord's reaction? Did He chasten Peter, express His personal offense, or shame him? No. Although there are times when Christ must rebuke us, Jesus prayed that, though Peter would fail, his faith would continue and he would be a strength to his brothers (Luke 22:32).

Immediately after warning Peter of his impending denial, Jesus further comforted His disciples. He encouraged them, "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me'' (John 13:36-14:1). While this verse is suitable for calming any troubled heart, Jesus was speaking uniquely and compassionately to His disciples. Incredibly, it was Jesus, about to go to the cross, Who comforted the very disciples who were about to deny Him!

We do not truly know Christ until we have failed and find Him still our friend, drawn ever closer to us by our repentance and our need. What is true concerning His devotion to us as individuals is true concerning His commitment to a repentant citywide church as well. Our failings have not disqualified us from God's purposes. If we turn and trust Him again, we will find that the same Lord who requires we obey Him remained our Redeemer and Intercessor when we failed Him.

The Father's Unchanging Purpose
There are two things greater, more enduring than the failings of the church. According to Scripture, these two things are "the unchangeableness of [God's] purpose..." (Hebrews 6:17) and the permanent, priestly intercession of Christ (Heb 7:24-25).

Jesus, intimately familiar with the holy intentions of the Father, knows that it is not God's will for the church to be fearful, ambitious or jealous. Christ can pray with confidence for divine love, unity and glory to adorn His church, for these are God's will.

Jesus' prayers are always answered because He only prays for what is already in the Father's heart. The confidence of Christ's prayer is based upon His own, personal virtue, not that of the church. Through His sacrifice, "He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him'' (Hebrews 7:25). This same verse in the King James Version reads: "He is able to save them to the uttermost". Thus, the price has been paid, not only to bring us to heaven when we die, but to bring the life of heaven here where we live.

It seems that the Lord's disciples frequently carried the burden of wrong attitudes and aberrant concepts. Yet, in spite of their immaturity, Jesus unhesitantly prayed for the most holy of possibilities: that they would become the human abode for the Trinity of God--a promise that was almost blasphemous to an Old Testament mind (John 14:16-17,23)!

When we unite with Christ in His purpose and His prayer, eternal life is released for our need on earth. His prayer is the water that flows from the throne of God; He is the River of Life that sustains and directs every move of God. No soul is saved that He has not first died for; no relationship healed but what comes forth originally from His intervention.

What happens when we agree with Christ in prayer? As we persevere, a circuit of life is completed between heaven and earth. Christ's prayer carries us into the provision of God; our prayer, united with His, brings God's provision back to the need. The revivals and harvests we see emerging around the world, the collapse of communism, and the exodus of Jews back to Israel were all birthed as individuals agreed with the intercession of Christ and the plan of God.

Do we truly believe what God has provided for us in holiness, power and glory? If so, let us persevere with Christ in confidence, knowing that all the Father has given shall be brought to earth through prayer.

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The Power of Covenant Prayer

Gain the victory over the effect of curses. The section on persevering prayer is a must for anyone serious about attaining Christlikeness. The second part is the conclusion of a teaching on spiritual protection. Powerful insights on the nature of curses and how to walk in spiritual victory and freedom.

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House of Prayer - Audio series
This classic series from Francis Frangipane helps us to not only understand the power of redemptive intercession but to walk in it to the glory of God.

Message titles:

A House of Mercy | Zeal for God’s House | The Intercessor’s Vision | Standing Before God | Prayer Warrior | The Life of Vision | If My People will Pray | A Call to Prayer

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NEW! – Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement
- Audio Series

What is really happening when we cry out to God for mercy? Every time we pray instead of judge, we are revealing Christ and are being transformed from glory to glory in an imperfect world. We are being trained by the circumstances of life, to manifest the life of Christ and extend God’s mercy over judgement. Redeeming the offence creates an opportunity to bring Christ into that arena of our own soul. Audio sample

Message Titles:

Mercy Triumphs over Judgement | Delivered by the Blood | A Heart of Mercy | Jesus, the Most Powerful Gift, Part 1 | Jesus, the Most Powerful Gift, Part 2 | The Dialog of God | When Christ is Formed in You, Part 1 | When Christ is Formed in You, Part 2

CD Audio Series - $19.50 (Retail $26.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $9.75 (Retail $13.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive encouraging posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

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______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

August 16, 2024
Righteous Judgement
By Francis Frangipane

I have urged you, my friends and colleagues, to resist the trends of anger and bitter cynicism that exist in our world today. Instead, we must strive to possess the "higher . . . thoughts" of Christ (Isa. 55:9).

In truth, our calling is to serve God as ambassadors of Christ (Eph. 6:20). A true ambassador is not only pledged to represent his or her leader; the ambassador is one who knows what that ruler actually thinks and what he would say. He receives regular communication with that leader and is current on his leader’s short-term and long-term goals. Should the ambassador be ignorant of the ruler’s view, he is trained to not offer his own opinions; he is to wait until he hears from the one he represents. The world doesn’t want to know what we think. There are some seven billion opinions in the world today. What the nations need is not to hear our opinions but to hear the One we represent: our King, Jesus Christ.

I have also endeavored to put a roadblock in front of false discernment. We must avoid the self-righteous, religious approach of the Pharisees. When I urge people to not be judgmental, I am not saying, don’t discern. Spiritual discernment is an art form, while judging by outer appearance is an instinct of the flesh. I am saying we must learn how to wait, listen and, in meekness, discern the higher way of Christ.

Judgment That Is Righteous
Yet inevitably there are still questions. What about the Lord’s admonition calling us to "not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24)? What is righteous judgment?

In discussing this with others, I’ve noticed that the words righteous and judgment seem to be all that some read in the verse. However, the first part of the verse explains, at least partially, the second half: righteous judgment is that which is "not . . . according to appearance." Righteous judgment comes from another source, that which is higher than the instincts of the flesh.

You see, there is a difference between discerning a need that you are determined to pray for and, in comparison, simply finding fault, which often degrades into gossip and slander. God does not call a person into a "ministry of judging others" just because such a one has always been fearless to "tell it as it is." Faultfinding is not a gift of the Spirit.

If your judgment is truly from God, it will not be an isolated gift. You will have humility from God, love, and lowliness of mind as well.

Righteous judgment proves itself genuine by the virtues that support and present it.

All the virtues of the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, gentleness, etc. -- should be functionally evident in your character. If so, you will be known to be gentle, loving, lowly of mind and wise. When you bring a righteous judgment, your character affirms that your judgment is not an emotional reaction, but you come as one sent from God -- like Christ, you are typically full of grace and truth. You speak as an individual who is seriously concerned with bettering the life of others.

As John wrote,
"By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world" (1 John 4:17).

Yes, the day of judgment is coming. Our goal should be that "love is perfected with us." In the seasons of judgment, we are called to a life of perfect love, for "as He is, so also are we in this world."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book Spiritual Discernment and the Mind of Christ ebook available on Arrow Bookstore’s Specials page.

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Spiritual Discernment and the Mind of Christ
- Ebook

How can you defeat your enemy if you don’t know who or what you are fighting? Pastor Francis shares biblical insights on the gift of discernment and what it means to possess the mind of Christ. A few of the chapters are classics from Francis’ previously published books; they have been rewritten, updated, and included here as foundational to our understanding of spiritual discernment.

Ebook - $9.75 (Retail $12.85)

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NEW! – Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement
- Audio Series

What is really happening when we cry out to God for mercy? Every time we pray instead of judge, we are revealing Christ and are being transformed from glory to glory in an imperfect world. We are being trained by the circumstances of life, to manifest the life of Christ and extend God’s mercy over judgement. Redeeming the offence creates an opportunity to bring Christ into that arena of our own soul. Audio sample

Message Titles:

Mercy Triumphs over Judgement | Delivered by the Blood | A Heart of Mercy | Jesus, the Most Powerful Gift, Part 1 | Jesus, the Most Powerful Gift, Part 2 | The Dialog of God | When Christ is Formed in You, Part 1 | When Christ is Formed in You, Part 2

CD Audio Series - $19.50 (Retail $26.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $9.75 (Retail $13.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Discernment and the Mind of Christ -
Audio / Video series

So often in the church these days, criticism and judgment masquerade as spiritual discernment. True discernment however, is as simple, and as profound, as possessing the redemptive mind of Christ.

Message titles:

The Discernment We Need | The Mind of Christ The Holy Spirit’s Voice | Think Redemption

CD Audio Series - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $7.20 (Retail 10.00)
DVD Video Series - $22.50 (Retail $30.00)
MP4 Video Series Download - $11.25 (Retail $15.00)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.
Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

In the Furnace of God's Glory
By Francis Frangipane

God's word assures us that the Redeemer we see in the gospels is the same Lord Who enters our lives when we are born again. The same things Jesus did in the first century, He promises to do again for us today. Indeed, Scripture confirms that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever" (Heb 13:8). If the person we call "Jesus" is not as wonderful or powerful as Jesus of the gospels, we are serving the wrong one.

Thus, if we will truly know the real Jesus, we must re-acquaint ourselves with the reasons Jesus came. For His goals for our lives are the same as His goals in the first century.

Jesus often repeated one thought, one primary reason for His coming. He said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45). Whenever I am reminded of my flaws and failings, the Holy Spirit also reminds me: Jesus came to give His life a ransom for mine.

When we sin, guilt, fear and shame, like kidnappers, hold us hostage in a prison of condemnation. The very things we have done wrong entraps us in the consequences of our actions. We deserve the punishment we receive, yet Christ came to ransom from my own failings. He bore my sins. The chastisement for my well-being fell upon Him. In other words, He not only paid my bail: He destroyed the jail!

Sometimes, especially when I am in battle or trouble, I call the Lord by name "Ransom". When the devil shows me my debt, I show him what Christ paid. I agree, I deserve to die; but Christ died for me. I deserve curse after curse, but Christ became a curse for me. Jesus came to set the captives free -- people who were trapped in their failings and sins. This is the very reason Jesus came, to release us!

Your soul was ransomed. Your life was redeemed. No matter what battle you're facing or what hopeless situation surrounds you, there is a rescue party coming with the ransom for your freedom in their hand. You were redeemed by the Son of God Himself! This is an awesome truth. The fact that Christ died for us reveals our value to God. No one rescues a worthless person. No one pays so high a price as His own life for garbage. God sees you differently. His death for us says, "Your life is valuable to Me."

This is why the gospel is called "Good News". Other religions provide some form of moral code to which to adhere. But Jesus says, in essence, "My righteousness is the ransom for your sins." There is no greater news for the universe.

To Save the World
This truth, that Christ came to save sinners, is repeated again and again in the scriptures. He said in John 12:47, "…I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world." When we think of the terrible things that are done in the world, our immediate response is, "Lord, destroy these sinners." Yet, Jesus says that He didn't come to merely judge, but to save. In all that He does, His motive is to save.

Consider when the disciples were passing through Samaria and met resistance from the Samaritans. James and John asked "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" Jesus rebuked the saying, "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" (Luke 9:54-56).

I utterly love that truth; Jesus did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. No matter what I am going through: no matter what enemies are aligned to destroy me, Jesus is in the mix seeking to save me. Again, He reminds us that He came, "To seek and to save that which was lost".

Jesus does not want to destroy the lost; He's seeking to save them. When I was unsaved, I'm sure there were a few hardened Christians that thought the best thing God could do for the world was get rid of Francis. Yet, I clearly recall many of the ways Christ reached to me: Christians would walk past hundreds of people on a beach and talk to just one person: me; a sudden storm would force me to take shelter in a church and the one other person inside would talk to me about Christ. The Lord was in pursuit of my sinful, lost soul. Even when I resisted, He was not offended. He simply continued until I surrendered to His voice.

None of us finds Christ through some skill of our own. He drew us to Himself. He says that He calls His sheep by name. We think of ourselves as sinners, trapped in sin; He sees us as we will be when we are filled with His Spirit. We know that He came, not to condemn captives, but to set them free.

He Came That We'd Have Life in Abundance
Jesus does not just save us and then ask us "to hang in there" until we die. No, in John 10:10, Jesus says, "I came that they might have eternal life, and might have it abundantly." The reason He came was not only to keep us from hell, but to introduce us to heaven. David said his cup "overflowed". Forget the idea of just being "saved" in some doctrinal way. When you accepted Christ, heaven found its way to you. God's goal is to fill your whole life with the very same life that fills heaven.

Remember, Jesus compared the kingdom of God to leaven, a little yeast, which spreads throughout the dough and expands the entire lump. God wants your whole life "leavened with heaven". He desires to fill your dreams, financial needs, health and relationships with the substance of heaven. Over and over again, we see that Christ came to redeem, to save, to give life, to set at liberty and release. What a great God we serve!

To Cast Fire
Sometimes I feel, with all the troubles in the world, that part of my calling is to defend the goodness of God. I don't want us to ever lose this tremendous picture of God's goodness. Yet, having laid the foundation of God's great love for us, let us discuss one more reason why Jesus told us He came. He said, "I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!" (Luke 12:49).

When we consider the unlimited dimensions of God's goodness, we must also take into account that there are elements in us that resist the Lord. We are, in some ways, isolated from God by our attitudes and perceptions. So, Jesus says, in essence, that what our repentance could not change, God's fire will remove.

Remember, I am not saying that fire creates in us right standing with God; our peace with God comes freely through Christ's ransom. However, the fire establishes God-forged virtue within us. It burns off the limitations of culture; it removes the fear of man and creates, in our spirits, the holy fear of God.

You see, Christ's ransom secures not only our forgiveness, but our transformation as well. Forgiveness is but one track of our salvation experience; ongoing transformation is the other. Remember also Paul's confession that "we are [God's] workmanship" (Eph 2:10). If we could perfect ourselves, we would not need God.

The fire feels like an invasion from hell but, in the wonderful hands of God, it ultimately becomes access to heaven. Because Christ is within us, the fire we experience, though clearly ignited by hell, only destroys our old nature. In the ashes of our self-life, Christ manifests unscathed.

Anyone caught in the fire urgently, desperately prays for release. But there is no release or rescue from the fire of God. Such is divine fire: it comes upon us, brings suffering -- but it is a suffering that leads to glory. It falls upon us, but ultimately enters our hearts, where it abides within us. Its work cannot be duplicated by church services or bible study; its purification has no counterpart, not even in fasting nor prayer. You are sure it is the devil -- and it most often is, but somehow it brings you closer to God.

A person in the fire is a suffering person; they are confused and afraid they will die. Likewise, God's fire is designed to kill you. It's designed to kill some part of you that you couldn't remove yourself. Indeed, it hurts terribly, but it also heals. Everyone cries to be saved from the fire. Yet, if we will find the redemptive power within God's fire, we must resist the temptation to be quickly rescued. We must learn to pray, "Lord, do not deliver me from Your fire; rather deliver me from well-meaning friends who seek to save me from Your hand.

I have been talking all along of the reasons Christ came: to ransom us, to seek and save the lost, and that we might have life in abundance. Yet, He also came to fill us with His holy fire. The fire of God does what human efforts cannot do.

Beloved, today as Christians are looking to be rescued from tribulation via the rapture, I too, look forward to the day of Christ's return. But let us remember Paul's warning, that the Lord's "day… is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work" (1Cor 3:13). Before the rapture comes the "test" of fire. Let us, therefore, embrace the purifying of our hearts by the fire of God. Let us stand, like the three Hebrew children, alive in Nebuchadnezzar's fire. Our assurance, like theirs, is that our bonds shall be burned up. Indeed, as with them, the Lord will manifest Himself with us in the furnace of God's glory.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

Start today and go at your own pace.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! – To Love is to Live - Audio Series


Jesus taught that love does not take into account… Whose account do you still have open in the debt area? As we are a people who are honest about our need, God will to completely excavate our old nature and replace it with love. Love is a cry for oneness, a passion for oneness. He desires to prefect our love with one another and with Him. Audio sample

Message Titles:
Unconditional Love | Love Endures Forever | The Centerpiece of Christianity | Love Heals Our Soul

CD Audio Series - $12.00 (Retail $16.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $6.00 (Retail $8.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I Will Be Found By You
Perhaps this compilation of teachings from Francis Frangipane will become his most important book yet. The essence of I Will Be Found by You is a living promise from God. If we seek Him in earnest, He has purposed to reveal Himself in ways that will transform us and impact the world around us. In truth, when we consider the extent of impossible conflicts in our world, only one remedy exists: we must have more of God! If you desire more of God's presence in your life, more of God you shall certainly have.

Book - $11.80 (Retail $13.00)
Ebook - $11.80 (Retail $13.00)

Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

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______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

August 2, 2024
The Divine Pursuit: Stages of Seeking God
By Francis Frangipane

The divine pursuit begins with the humbling of self. Until we embrace humility, our natural mind displays itself as a god sitting in the temple of our thought-life. We are ruled by the tyranny of fleshly desires, soulish fears and human ambitions. To advance in God we must retreat from self.

Thus, when true meekness emerges in our hearts, it comes to silence the clamor of our fleshly minds. The volume on our self-righteousness mutes; the voice of our fears and inadequacies becomes a whisper. To humble our earthly perspectives and opinions, we must relegate them to a lower priority; they become mere background noise as our focus turns increasingly toward God. No pretense prevails; we come humbling ourselves. We bow on our face before the holy gaze of God. And in His light finally we perceive the darkness of our soul.

Thus, humility, at its root, starts with honesty. The humbled heart is truly and deeply acquainted with its need and, in the beginning, the awareness of one’s need becomes the voice of prayer. This confession, "I have sinned," puts us on the side of God concerning it. We agree with our Father that our behavior is wrong - we’re selfish, lustful and unloving. Thus, the process of healing begins during this moment of self-discovery. We are working together with God to defeat sin in our lives, and in this process of humbling ourselves the Lord grants us peace, covering, and transforming grace: the process of our healing has begun.

Yet, with humility we not only acknowledge our need, we take full responsibility for it. We offer no defense to God for our fallen condition. We’ve come, not to explain ourselves but to cleanse ourselves. Though we may have suffered injustice, we abandon self-justification or accusation toward others. We are consumed with the condition of just one soul, our own; and our quest is for mercy, not vengeance.

At some point, however, our humility toward God, if it is genuine, will regenerate and bloom again in our relationships with others. We will be able to laugh at ourselves; we will no longer take offense when challenged or accused. If we have been embittered by life, we now forgive. And, if we sinned against another, we humbly ask their forgiveness. We must deal with our offended heart. The Lord God may not require us to trust everyone, but He does call us to forgive (Matt. 18:21-35).

In a world where the heart of man is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" ( Jer. 17:9 KJV), in Heaven’s eyes, to tearfully acknowledge our need is a breakthrough.

A People of Prayer
The road to healing a society, whether it is a community, a church, or a family, begins with humbling ourselves to God and to one another. The Lord, who dwells "on a high and holy place," also dwells "with the contrite and lowly of spirit." It is the contrite and lowly the Lord promises to revive (Isa. 57:15).

Yet, humility is not our final goal. We must learn also to be a people of prayer. Prayer is the voice of our dependency. Strong, independent people do not pray; dependent people broken of self-will pray and look to God. Prayer is not a laser beam; it is a prism that accommodates variations of color and expression. Whether our cry is in supplication or silence, regardless if it is tearful or rejoicing, at its core, prayer is not just telling the Lord our needs; it is transferring those needs to God.

It should also be acknowledged that, especially in the beginning, prayer is often an expression of fear - fear concerning the threats and conditions of life, and fear that our sin or circumstances will overwhelm us or a loved one. Yet, we do not pray because we fear; we pray because we have a promise from God. He has said He will "hear from Heaven … and heal." Thus, at some point, fear must be displaced by faith; our prayer must be an expression of our growing trust in God. The world will remain a fearful place, but prayer empowered by faith can transform our world.

The Goal God Seeks
If we humble ourselves and pray, we will have ever increasing access to God. Yet, while we may experience degrees of breakthrough, our hope is to see God actually heal our land. It is encouraging to see that, today, the prayer movement has become a force in the earth. However, if we are honest, the depth of healing we have sought has not occurred. We have fasted and prayed, but the greatest breakthroughs have not come. Why? Perhaps we have sought God’s hand more than His face.

First, it is right to seek God’s hand. Indeed, Scripture asks, "To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" (Isa. 53:1). Jesus cast out demons by the "finger of God" (Luke 11:20). Seeking the arm or hand or finger of the Almighty certainly is of great value. But the Lord did not say, "Seek My hand." Rather, He calls us to seek His face. We must lift our prayers beyond the needs of our world, and let our highest prayer be to seek God for Himself.

"If My people … seek My face," He says. Until now, our pilgrimage has been about us coming to God with our needs. Now, it is about Him. In this shift of focus, beloved, is the power to turn nations. When we become true God-seekers - individuals whose delight is perpetually in the Lord - we will secure the full help of Heaven. And more, we will rise to meet the consummate reward of Heaven: to see the face of God (Rev. 22:3-4).

As a leader in the prayer movement, I confess that we have sought more the hand of God and not His face. We have prayer, holy causes, and feel outrage because of sin; we repeatedly humble ourselves and fast and weep. Yet, until we are obsessed with love for God, we will always fall short of the greatest fulfillment. It is time to rise higher.

In a parallel promise given by God to Jeremiah, the Lord spoke to a people in exile from their land. He assured them that His plan for them was for their welfare and not for calamity (Jer. 29:11). And again He brought their focus to seeking Him. He says, "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:12-13).

In the next verse, the Lord reinforces His promise, saying, "And I will be found by you" (v. 14).

The Spirit of God desires not only that we seek Him but that we actually find Him! The humbling of our soul and learning to pray - these are not simply spiritual disciplines or mechanical things we do for the sake of revival. They are heart preparations. The invitation from the Lord to seek His face is not to be taken lightly; indeed, it is staggering!

God desires intimacy with us. To seek His face is to behold the divine expression and to hear the tone of His voice. From this vantage point of His presence, we can truly turn away from evil. For to know His love is to know why we’ve been created.

God-seeker, do not doubt the outcome of your pursuit. He says with glad assurance, "And I will be found by you."

Oh God, my insides ache for You, to know You and walk in Your ways. You are my exceedingly great reward, the pearl of great price. I love You, Master. And I will seek You until I truly find You.

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, I Will Be Found By You, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

No more quarterly start dates. Enroll today and begin today.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I Will Be Found By You
Perhaps this compilation of teachings from Francis Frangipane will become his most important book yet. The essence of I Will Be Found by You is a living promise from God. If we seek Him in earnest, He has purposed to reveal Himself in ways that will transform us and impact the world around us. In truth, when we consider the extent of impossible conflicts in our world, only one remedy exists: we must have more of God! If you desire more of God's presence in your life, more of God you shall certainly have.

Book - $11.80 (Retail $13.00)
Ebook - $11.80 (Retail $13.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! – To Love is to Live - Audio Series

Jesus taught that love does not take into account… Whose account do you still have open in the debt area? As we are a people who are honest about our need, God will to completely excavate our old nature and replace it with love. Love is a cry for oneness, a passion for oneness. He desires to prefect our love with one another and with Him. Audio sample

Message Titles:
Unconditional Love | Love Endures Forever | The Centerpiece of Christianity | Love Heals Our Soul

CD Audio Series - $12.00 (Retail $16.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $6.00 (Retail $8.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

Tue, Jul 30 at 10:07 PM


To Represent Christ
By Francis Frangipane

"And Jesus was going about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. And the news about Him went out into all Syria: and they brought to Him all who were ill, taken with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them all. And great multitudes" (underscore this in your mind) great multitudes, not just a handful here, "great multitudes followed Him..." (Matt 4:23-25)

When Jesus is lifted up, great multitudes follow. By the thousands, people left their cities, their marketplaces and businesses. Great throngs of men, women and children eagerly left their homes and communities to be with Jesus in the wilderness. Such is the power of the Master.

Yet, seeing these multitudes, He departed and went up on a mountain, and after he sat down, His disciples came to Him. Keep this in mind: Not all the multitudes were disciples; only His disciples came to be trained by Him. The multitudes came to be healed and blessed. Some came to be delivered, while others to be encouraged or just loved. His disciples came to Him not merely to be touched, but transformed.

Dear one, not everybody who finds Jesus desires also to become like Him. Multitudes come to receive from Him, but only disciples come to give to Him, to give Him their lives and very life resources so that He can reduplicate his life through them.

To represent Him is His goal with His disciples. Let me rephrase that. We do not merely represent Him; we re-present Him. His living presence must be presented through us. We do more than teach about Him; He teaches through us. He calls us to a higher life than just knowing what He did, as awesome as that is; our call is to reveal who He is. Thus, He calls us His body.

The goal of the body is not merely to remember what the Head once did, but to manifest perfectly the intentions, thoughts and virtue of the Head. The actions of the body ought ultimately to be the living expressions of its Head.

Thus, Jesus saw the vast multitudes and went up on a mountain to begin training disciples. This is so important, my friends, because today Jesus again is seeing multitudes, and again is seeking to train His disciples. This is the reason we have come to Christ: to be trained personally by Him.

We say, "How will that happen?" The Holy Spirit animates Christ's teachings in the Scriptures and makes the words alive, as though Jesus Himself were speaking to us. The main purpose of the Holy Spirit is not to give us gifts, but to lead us into the spiritual presence of our Master, Jesus Christ. Indeed, even the fruit of the Spirit comes from our union with Christ.

Consider: Jesus said, "I have given them My joy . . . My peace." (See Jn 14:27 & 15:11) We do not come to Him with love; "we love, because He first loved us" (1Jn 4:19). He is the vine; we are the branches. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth; Jesus is the Truth.

There are "varieties of ministries, and the same Lord" (I Cor 12:5). All true ministry arises from a person's relationship with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does not just teach; He leads us into union with the Teacher, Christ. He transfers to us the living substance of the person, power and character of Christ.

So through the Holy Spirit, we have a living relationship with Jesus Christ. We are disciples that He desires to raise up, train and empower. He does not care whether you are a male or female, young or old, rich or poor. He is seeking more than your abilities and attainments; He desires your yieldedness and commitment to continue on with Him, even when you fail or when He tests your faith with the illusion of distance.

How does He train me? In a thousand ways, but one principal means is through His living word. When I take my Bible, as I seek to find the heart of God, I begin by kneeling before Him with the Scriptures I am to study open between us. But just because the Bible is open, that does not mean the understanding is open. So, I will pray, "Lord, open my mind to Your word." I may read for quite a while, until something God speaks leaps off the page and descends through my eyes into my heart.

At this point I realize that, through the Holy Spirit, Christ Himself is speaking to me. I am not just studying the Bible; Jesus Christ is training me. He is doing to me what He did with His first century disciples. Indeed, even as I write and contemplate what He reveals, I know He is not just looking at me when He speaks. He sees the multitudes. He is training me to represent Him.

Begin your training today!

Short audio of Francis introducing the training.

Testimonies | Syllabus

More info on In Christ's Image Training here: www.icitc.org.



Questions? Email us at training@inchristsimage.org.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

The Land Beneath Our Feet
By Francis Frangipane

I have been asked to unmask the "spiritual power" opposing the body of Christ in a region. City leaders and intercessors have even asked if I knew the "name" of the principle spirit that is resisting the church in their area.

"Do you want to know the name of the most powerful spirit opposing most Christians?" I ask. Eager faces respond affirmatively.

"It’s Yahweh."

My questioners, who suddenly look like a tree full of owls, are always bewildered by my answer. They are sure I misunderstood their question. Then, I explain. I remind them that, according to the Scriptures, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). So, if we are divided in our hearts from other churches, if we instinctively look down on other Christians or if we are at all self-promoting in attitude, we are walking in pride. As such, the Spirit that stands to resist our endeavors is not demonic; it’s God.

The Lord will not excuse our pride just because we sing three hymns on Sunday and consider ourselves "saved." God resisted Lucifer’s pride in heaven and He will oppose our pride on earth. What is most sad is, religious pride has been so homogenized into our Christian experience that we don’t even perceive it as being wrong. Yet it is without doubt the most offensive blight upon God’s people.

The Lord does not want the lost added to churches where they must assimilate the poison of pride at the same table as salvation.

The One Who Seeks and Judges
Jesus said of Himself, "I do not seek My glory." Yet, how many of our actions are expended doing the exact opposite of the nature of Christ! Our choice of clothes and cars, homes and roles in life so often have self-exaltation working in the background. Jesus continued, "there is One who seeks and judges" (John 8:50). Listen carefully to His words, for every time we seek to exalt ourselves we run face to face with God. One dimension of the Father’s heart is that He "seeks [glory] and judges" those who, through pride, exalt themselves. Indeed, my friends, consider with godly fear our American tradition of self-promotion. Though it is highly esteemed among men, it is actually "detestable in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15).

The Old Testament is replete with examples documenting the Almighty’s opposition to man’s pride. Time after time it was not Israel’s enemies that thwarted national prosperity; it was God. From generation to generation, the Lord allowed Israel’s adversaries to humble His people, to drive them toward desperation, humility and finally repentance. There, in brokenness and honesty, God could deal with their sins and finally lead them into national revival.

Listen how the Lord pleaded with Israel: "Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would quickly subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries" (Ps. 81:13–14).

So also with us. We need the might of God to be unleashed against our foes. For truly, terrible powers of darkness have invaded our land, and our adversary stalks our streets seeking whom he may devour. Our hope, however, is not merely in confronting the enemy, but in allowing God to confront us. Our victory over the enemy is directly attached to our full surrender to God.

If we truly learned of Him, we too would be "meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29 KJV). And God, who gives grace to the humble, would rescue us from the spiritual enemies of our nation.

Heal Our Land
The promise of the Lord is familiar. He says, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14). You say, But I’m humbling myself and praying. Yes, but our humility to God is not complete until we learn to humble ourselves to one another.

The fact is, because of pride, we have yet to accept what the Lord means in His words, "If My people." We still interpret His phrase "My people" to mean "our people"---our limited circle of friends, relatives and Christians whose culture or style of worship is, more or less, like our own.

However, when the Lord thinks of His people, He sees a more expansive group. He includes all who have been born again in a city. All of us who "are called by [His] name," though we are diverse in gifts and assignments, must find unity of spirit before Him. And this begins with an amazing strategy: we must humble ourselves.

I know this goes against the grain of our historic church relationships. Satan has not only divided us from others, he has made us proud that we are separate. We think being separate is a virtue. But consider: only one group of people consistently found the Lord confronting and resisting them in the New Testament: the Pharisees. Literally translated, the word "Pharisee" meant "the separate." Of all the religious groups in the first century, it is the pride of the Pharisees that, today, the church most resembles.

We pray, "Lord, heal our land." But the land He intends to heal first is that which exists beneath the feet of the humble. It is the world of the praying meek, who find the transforming power of God as their companion.

The Lord’s remedy for our society is hidden within the life-relationships of Christians. We are always so mindful of what others have done wrong to us, but where have we failed others? What can we do to heal the land that exists between us and those whom we have hurt?

You see, as we become those who "humble themselves and pray" about what we have done wrong, healing from God begins to flow. When white Christians humble themselves and ask for forgiveness from African and Native Americans, God begins to heal the land under their feet.

If God resists the proud, remember also, He gives grace to the humble. Grace is more than being covered; it is being cleansed and changed by the power of God. Grace is God’s transforming power doing in us what we cannot do for ourselves.

When we pray, "heal our land," it is the land beneath the feet of the humble that God promises to touch and restore to blessedness.

Let’s pray: Dear Father, You said the healing of our land begins with the humbling of ourselves. Master, reveal to my heart those with whom I am estranged. Grant me courage to forgive and honesty to see where I contributed to the strife. I long to be an ambassador of reconciliation. Therefore, lead me to bring healing to the relationships in our world, and so bring healing to the land in which I dwell. In Jesus’ name. Amen

This message is taken from our In Christ's Image Training course curriculum. For more info about enrolling, please see below.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

No more quarterly start dates. Enroll today and begin today.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! – The Making of a King- Audio Series

We all need the revelation that God is making us into kings and that we are called to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation. We are being trained to conquer difficult situations with godliness and integrity not by fleshly reaction. To become a king in the kingdom we must first pass through the injustices of life and become better on the other side than we were when we started. We don’t graduate from the wilderness until we worship God in the wilderness. It’s here in this world that we are creating the character that will rule the next. Sample audio

Message Titles:
The Making of a King, Part 1 | The Making of a King, Part 2 |Fueled by Compassion

CD Audio Series - $7.50 (Retail $10.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $3.75 (Retail 5.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

Prophet, Priest and King
By Francis Frangipane

The Anointing
We refer to our Lord as Jesus Christ, but His name, simply, was Jesus (or Yeshua in Hebrew). The term Christ comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for "Messiah," which meant "the Anointed One." Thus, it would be perfectly accurate to call our Savior, "Jesus, the Anointed One."

But where does the phrase "Anointed One" come from and how does it apply to the Lord? While anyone could anoint and refresh their head with oil (or anoint the dying for burial), only a special blend of spices and oils was used as "holy anointing oil," and then only in sacred ceremonies (Ex 30:22-31). It was copiously poured upon the consecrated individual, perhaps a liter or more flowing down upon his head, beard and garments (Ps. 133). It was an obvious outpouring of oil, not merely a dab on the forehead as might accompany our use of anointing oil today. It was done with solemn prayer and reverence, for it was through this ritual of anointing that Israel’s prophets, priests and kings were identified and then dedicated to God.

The act of anointing a chosen leader with oil was a ritual pregnant with the hope of divine fulfillment. Indeed, it was a foreshadowing of the ultimate prophet, priest and king to be unveiled in the ministry of the Messiah. His anointing would not be with oil, but with the reality the oil symbolized: the "Holy Spirit and . . . power" (Acts 10:38; Luke 4).

The Priest and Prophet
Throughout the Old Testament, only prophets, priests and kings received the rite of holy anointing. Likewise, for all the diversity we see in Jesus’ ministry, everything He accomplished was rooted in the soil of His prophetic, priestly and kingly roles.

Now, it is vital we understand the anointing upon God’s Son, for in seeing Him we peer into the destiny of the church. For the ascendant ministry of Jesus, the Anointed One, continues, even as the Holy Spirit transfers the fullness of Christ, as He is in heaven, into His people on earth. In other words, all that the Messiah was as prophet, priest and king is still alive and is still being released into our world through His true church. "For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace" (Jn 1:16). This means God desires that His church - the body of the Anointed One - would manifest in the earth in three distinct, yet interconnected, ministries: that of Christ the prophet, priest and king.

The priestly ministry of the Lord is one of intercession and redemptive sacrifice. The Messiah, as our great "High Priest" (Heb 3:1), rendered Himself as our "guilt offering" (Isa 53:10); He is the "Lamb standing, as if slain" before the throne of God (Rev 5:6). Yet, because we are created in His image, we also carry His priestly role of intercession. We become His living house, which is "a house of prayer." He calls us to be a "kingdom [of] priests" and a "royal priesthood" (Rev 1:6; I Pet 2:9).

As priests, we offer the sacrifice of His Son’s death, both for our sins and also for the world around us. The Messiah is our great High Priest living in heaven; the church reveals the intercessions of the Anointed One on earth. It is the same anointing. The ministry of the priest has been fulfilled by Jesus, and embraced and followed by us.

Jesus was also God’s prophet, and more: He was the Word of God made flesh (Jn 1:14). The Messiah understood God’s word, not merely in its skeletal form of doctrines, but as the union of the Father’s living consciousness with Jesus’ own thought-life. Thus, the Messiah viewed life on earth as God would perceive it. Jesus’ prophetic perception x-rayed into the secrets of men’s hearts. At the same time, He saw into, and understood, the deep mysteries of God’s heart.

His prophetic nature enabled Him to stand beyond the boundaries of time and pierce the enigma of ages past as well as herald the wonders of times still to come. Yet, as His priestly ministry is extended to His church, so His prophetic ministry is imparted to us as well. As it is written, He gave "some as prophets" who, though imperfect, also burn with the flaming sword of God’s word (Eph. 4:11; Lk 11:49;1 Cor. 14; Rev 11).

But Kings?
The church is learning, in varying degrees, how to serve Christ’s priestly and prophetic ministry. Yet His "kingly" or governmental authority, outside of church proper, has not been accepted by many Christians. The idea of being granted such authority - of seeking to serve God in positions of political influence - has been deferred either to the Millennium or it has been outright scorned as heretical, "kingdom now" theology. Yet, we have never suggested that "the world must be conquered by Christians before Jesus can return," which is "kingdom now" theology. Nor are we trying to reduce the spiritual reality of the church to a political entity. Our quest is not to see the church become political, but the political become spiritual, where the integrity, wisdom and justice of Christ Himself manifest in secular leadership.

For those of us who say Christ’s kingly anointing is reserved only for the age to come, let me remind you Christ is king right now and our call is to grow up "in all aspects" unto Him who is our head (Eph. 4:15). Right now, Jesus is seated as king on God’s throne; He has received "all authority . . . in heaven and on earth" (Matt 28:18). We are specifically told: "As He is, so also are we in this world" (1 John 4:17; see also Eph 1:18-23, Rev 17:14). These are "present tense" promises, not only Millennial. We must, therefore, measure the stature of the church by the dimensions of Christ: Is Jesus prophet, priest and king right now in heaven? Absolutely! Then it is God’s will that He should be revealed as prophet, priest and king on earth through the church. This is the very thing we ask each time we pray: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven!"

All that Christ is in heaven will, in varying measures, be manifested in the true church before Jesus returns. Will there be a greater fulfillment in the age to come? Of course. But, dear one, even as He has emerged in the church as priest and prophet, so there must also be some fulfillment of governmental authority in this present age as well.

You see, what our Father desires to reveal through the church is not about us; it is about the manifest destiny of Jesus His Son. Just as some of us are called to reveal Christ the intercessor and others are sent by God to manifest the life of Christ the prophet, so the unveiling of Christ’s governmental authority shall come forth in chosen leaders at the end of the age.

Our Goal: National Transformation
People argue, "If God is going to bring revival, He will do it through the church." Of course He will, but who says that the church cannot raise up men and women of integrity, honor and wisdom and support them in their call to serve God in secular leadership? Indeed, if Christians are in government, and we live in a nation where the priestly and prophetic role of the church is unfolding, we must recognize the potential for God to use imperfect people to reveal the threefold anointing of Christ. Where we see Christian political leaders, even those who have made mistakes, let us come alongside them in intercessory prayer and the voice of the prophetic and take faith for God to use them still.

Imagine the heavenly potential that is possible when, instead of dividing because of differences, the church honors the intercessory, prophetic and kingly nature of Christ. Imagine when these three streams of anointing converge and, in unity, serve God to bring justice, mercy and healing to their cultures!

We think of revival as something where people flop or hop, cry or run or dance as they experience an ecstatic, emotional release - and all that is fine. But personal revival is only the first step toward transforming a nation. We need godly people to serve in elected office. Indeed, there never was a revival in the Old Testament that did not come through the authority of the secular leader, the king!

Thus, we must have long-term plans, especially in democracies where officials are elected. We must recognize and cultivate the "kingly anointing," even when these future leaders are yet children. Again, when I speak of the kingly anointing, I am speaking of the principle of godly rule. Elected leaders must know how to govern with justice and pass laws with integrity. A president or governor cannot think of themself as a king, but he or she must rule with the humility, character and wisdom of Christ (Lk 22:25-26).

Each of us carries, in a certain measure, the Messiah’s anointing as prophet, priest and king within us. As we mature and deepen in our conformity to Christ, all three unveilings will be manifest through us in varying levels. But for most, there is a primary call that identifies our main strength. The naturalness we find in intercessory prayer indicates God is using us in the priestly role. The ease in unearthing revelatory truths from the Scriptures and the sense of clarity in discernment are evidences that your call is prophetic. The passion for justice, for divine order and righteous government indicates emerging in you is the anointing of Christ the king.

Let us identify those Christians who are currently serving in government or running for government, and let us pray for the unveiling of Christ in their lives. They do not need to be perfect, only yielded. They will make mistakes, but will make fewer errors as the other aspects of the Messiah’s anointing come alongside in both prayer and prophetic guidance.

Would you recognize true Christianity? It is identified by one reality: people becoming Christlike in prayer, the prophetic word and in governmental authority (Eph. 4:15). Where the true church is growing in maturity, it will be united in the priestly, prophetic and kingly anointing of Christ.

Lord, we pray for all who are in public offices, especially those who call upon Your name. Lord, help us to see the union of the prophetic, priestly and kingly anointings as key to transforming our nations. Rule, O Lord, in the midst of Your enemies. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, This Day We Fight! available at www.arrowbookstore.com.



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View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This Day We Fight!
There is a time for peace and a time for war. We are in a war, and you better not put down your weapon or you will become captive to sin, fear or unbelief.

Francis tells us that the call of God is a call to war. Yet, the enemy uses human passivity to seduce God's warriors. This book is anointed to help the reader get their fire back. The Holy Spirit is ready to impart a fresh anointing to God's people - an anointing that will activate the "war mode" in the church.

Book - $12.00 (Retail $15.00)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! – The Making of a King- Audio Series

We all need the revelation that God is making us into kings and that we are called to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation. We are being trained to conquer difficult situations with godliness and integrity not by fleshly reaction. To become a king in the kingdom we must first pass through the injustices of life and become better on the other side than we were when we started. We don’t graduate from the wilderness until we worship God in the wilderness. It’s here in this world that we are creating the character that will rule the next. Sample audio

Message Titles:
The Making of a King, Part 1 | The Making of a King, Part 2 |Fueled by Compassion

CD Audio Series - $7.50 (Retail $10.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $3.75 (Retail 5.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

No more quarterly start dates. Enroll today and begin today.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

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______________________

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______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
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Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

The Real Jesus
By Francis Frangipane

Get used to the idea that Jesus is seeking to perfect your faith (Heb. 12:2). Sooner or later, the real Jesus will require you to look straight in the eye of the impossible and believe God for His power.

Consider when the Lord sent His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. Later that night, Jesus comes to them walking on water (see Matt. 14:22-33). Contrary winds are causing the sea to churn with turbulent swells. Of course, Jesus could have waited for a calm day to walk on water. Or He simply could have arrived at the other side of the sea supernaturally. No, the Lord comes to the disciples with something in mind: a lesson on faith.

Please note that this is a violent storm. Jesus offers no preliminary instruction, no "Basic Water-Walking 101." He doesn't let them practice on puddles or wait until winter so they could walk on frozen water first. He waits for a storm to teach how to walk on water, which is by all accounts harder to do on rolling waves than on a placid sea. Then, on top of that, He does not come in daylight; He comes at night. So Jesus comes to the disciples in the middle of the sea, in the middle of a storm, in the middle of the night to teach them how to walk on water. If you are taking notes, write this down: Jesus doesn't make lessons in faith easy! But this is the real Jesus with His real disciples, who were both physically tired and more than a little fearful.

Scripture says that the sight of a figure walking on the water, coming out of the blowing wind and spray in the darkness of the night, turns the disciples' fear into terror. They cry out, "It is a ghost!"

As Jesus approaches the boat, He calls out, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

When Jesus says in the midst of your storm, "It is I," it is a call to faith. When He says, "Take courage," it is a call to action. For true faith is a verb, not a noun. Again, if you are taking notes, write this down: true faith will always, at some point, require courage.

Peter says, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."

This is wonderful, really. Here is an insight not only into the real Jesus but also into Peter's relationship with Christ. Ever since Peter has known Jesus, the Lord has required the disciples to do impossible things: heal the sick, feed multitudes with a lunch pail of food, raise the dead. Over and over Peter has seen Jesus work miracles; and then, over and over, Jesus has empowered Peter to do what he just saw Jesus do.

That night on the stormy sea, Peter has this amazing discernment, and this too is something you should underscore. He realizes that if it's really the Jesus he knows, in a moment He will tell him to do the impossible. And true to form, Jesus calls to Peter: "Come!"

Now Peter is not about to walk on the water, not really. When he steps out, Peter is walking on the Word of the Lord: Come.

Peter knows that the power to accomplish the impossible resides in obedience to Christ's word. It is this supernatural reality, the living Word of God upon which he steps.

You see, faith is all about trusting the integrity of Jesus Christ's command. Do you think Peter feels power when he steps on the water? I don't think he feels anything besides the storm. No goose bumps. No. Just obedience to the Lord’s Word. With the spray in his face, Peter sits on the topside rail of the rocking boat, then swings his legs over the churning water. Peering through the wind and rain, he looks at Jesus. Then he slips down and stands upright on the rolling sea!

Splash! One step. Splash! Then another and another until Peter walks right up to Jesus. This is no little walk. Admittedly, anyone can walk on water for the first step. It is the second step and beyond that is difficult. Peter walks until the waves grab his attention; he takes his eyes off Jesus, and then he begins to sink. Jesus saves him, of course, and when they get into the boat the wind stops.

Maybe we would expect the Lord to say, "Peter, you did it!" Maybe Peter was expecting praise for his short water-walking career, but no, Jesus lovingly rebukes him, saying, "Why did you doubt?"

Christ sees the beginning of something great within Peter, and He does not want it contaminated by religious pride or self-pity. Most of us want a medal every time we do something for God, but He is not about to let Peter or us build a monument to our accomplishments, especially when we are just beginning. If this miracle of Peter's were done by some of us here in America, in two weeks we would have tours, T-shirts and commemorative celebrations of the day we walked on water. But Jesus will allow none of that for His disciples. He sees greatness emerging in Peter, and He will not press His disciples toward anything other than conformity to His character.

Remember: God's goal is that we become Christlike. Therefore, the real Jesus is going to call us to do the impossible. Walking with God means that we will be called to do what we have never done before. You will see Jesus ahead of you, probably in some kind of storm, but it will be the beginning of a miracle that will change you and touch the world around you.

Lord, forgive me for seeking a safe life instead of a supernatural life. I want more of You.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, This Day We Fight! available at www.arrowbookstore.com.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This Day We Fight!
There is a time for peace and a time for war. We are in a war, and you better not put down your weapon or you will become captive to sin, fear or unbelief.

Francis tells us that the call of God is a call to war. Yet, the enemy uses human passivity to seduce God's warriors. This book is anointed to help the reader get their fire back. The Holy Spirit is ready to impart a fresh anointing to God's people - an anointing that will activate the "war mode" in the church.

Book - $12.00 (Retail $15.00)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The War Mode - Audio Series

The reason most people fail is not because God hasn't provided for them, it is because their spiritual life is lukewarm and passive. It is time to get your grit back! These messages will break the spell of passivity while helping you to develop a war-mode mentality. In this day of advancing evil, it is time to wake up and fight!

Message titles:
From Sheep to War Horse | You Have Authority *
Ready for Battle * | Without Fear | Love-motivated Prayer (*Note: These two messages are also included in the audio/video series titled Your Authority In Christ.)

CD Audio Series - $19.50 (Retail $26.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $9.75 (Retail 13.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

No more quarterly start dates. Enroll today and begin today.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

The Valley of Fruitfulness
By Francis Frangipane

The battles we face are often intense times of weakness, distress, and confusion. If the events of our lives were charted, these would be the lowest points. Yet God is no less with us during difficulties than at other times. In fact, these valleys are often as much the plan of God as our mountaintop experiences.

There is a story in the Bible that speaks plainly to this truth. Israel had recently defeated the Arameans in a mountain battle. In 1 Kings 20, we read:

Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, "Go, strengthen yourself and observe and see what you have to do; for at the turn of the year the king of Aram will come up against you." Now the servants of the king of Aram said to him, "Their gods are gods of the mountains, therefore they were stronger than we; but rather let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they." --1 Kings 20:22-23

The enemy said that the God of Israel was a god of the mountains, but if they fought the Jews in the valleys they would defeat them. We read in verse 28:

Then a man of God came near and spoke to the king of Israel and said, "Thus says the Lord, 'Because the Arameans have said, "The Lord is a god of the mountains, but He is not a god of the valleys," therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.'" --1 Kings 20:28

No matter what the enemy tries to tell you, Christ is God of the mountains and God of the valleys. He has not stopped being God because you happen to be in a valley. He is the God of glory as seen in His power and miracles. In the valleys He reveals Himself as faithful, loyally committed to us in difficulties and distresses. In and through all things He is our God.

When we are on the "mountaintops" of our Christian experience, we can see our future clearly. We have perspective and confidence. When we are in one of life's valleys, however, our vision is limited and our future seems hidden. Yet valleys are also the most fertile places on earth.

Valleys produce fruitfulness. You can expect there to be a harvest of virtue when God dwells with you in the valleys.

The Highway to Zion

How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion! Passing through the valley of Baca, they make it a spring. --Psalm 84:5-6

Baca means "weeping." Each of us has times of weeping when our hearts and hopes seem crushed. Because God has placed in our hearts "highways to Zion," however, we pass through valleys; we do not live in them.

"Passing through the valley of Baca…" Once we are on the other side of weeping, our Redeemer makes our valley experience into "a spring." The very things that overwhelmed us will, in time, refresh us with new life. Whether we are experiencing the height of success and power or are in a valley of weakness and despair, the Lord is our God continually!

Has the enemy isolated you, causing you to doubt God's love? Do not forget, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Even the hairs on your head are numbered. He cares. It is His love for us that redeems our hardships and not only brings good out of what was meant for evil, but also trains us to deliver others.

How did Jesus prepare to do wonderful works? Part of His training involved suffering. Christ was a man of sorrows. He was One who was acquainted with grief. Yet His suffering was the Father's means of acquainting Him with the actual feelings of mankind's need and pain. Because He suffered what we suffer, He is able to serve as a faithful high priest. If we yield to God's plan for Christ to be formed in us, God will take our sorrows to enlarge our hearts. Once we have been acquainted with grief, we then can be anointed with compassion to deliver others.

Joseph's Trials
Consider Joseph. He was the second youngest of Jacob's sons and his father's favorite. His walk with God began with dreams and visions. Joseph's life is a pattern for many who have had a genuine call from God. Our walk with God may also have begun with a "travel brochure" of dreams and visions where God gives us a picture of His destination for us. What we fail to see is the route to the fulfillment of God's promises.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and delivered up by them to die. He was unjustly accused when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him. He was imprisoned and forgotten by all except God who patiently watched and measured Joseph's reaction to difficulty.

Rich or poor, blessed or smitten, Joseph served God. He was being tested, but he continued to pass his tests. Joseph was on trial before men, but he was found innocent before God.

Finally, at the right moment, the Lord suddenly connected all the loose ends of Joseph's life. Everything that he went through, as unfair as each thing was, God used to shape him for Heaven’s purpose.

God alone sees the future and how the promises He gives us will unfold. Our task is to lay hold of Christ’s integrity and keep faith in what God has promised. Just as He allowed Joseph to go through many trials, so He allows us to go through great conflicts as well. For He knows that our lives, tested as they are, will help others find the shelter of the Most High in their lives.

"Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, 'For,' he said, 'God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household'" (Gen. 41:51). God caused Joseph to forget the difficulty and pain of his life. There is something wonderful about the Lord's capacity to cause all things to work for good. With Jesus in our lives, a time ultimately comes when God causes us to forget all the troubles of the past.

"He named the second Ephraim, 'For,' he said, 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction'" (Gen. 41:52).

God made Joseph fruitful in the very land of his affliction -- and in the land of your affliction, in your battle, is the place where God will make you fruitful. Ultimately, the Lord will touch many others with the substance of what you have gained. In a world that is superficial, Christ will produce something in you that is deep and living.

God has not promised to keep us from valleys and sufferings, but He has promised to make us fruitful in them. Without a doubt we each will pass through valleys before we reach our final goal in God. As we remain faithful to Him in trials, the character and nature of Christ Jesus will emerge in our lives.

Lord, You are God of the mountains and the valleys. I know that Your faithfulness is my shield and my bulwark. Thank You for redeeming the conflicts of my life; I praise You for healing me and causing me to forget all the trauma of my past. Now, Lord, help me to help others as well.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The preceding message is adapted from a chapter in Francis' best selling book, The Shelter of the Most High and available at www.arrowbookstore.com. This book unveils powerful, biblical dynamics that help renew the reader's consciousness so he or she can abide in the awareness of God.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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The Shelter of the Most High
As trouble escalates in the world, we are all looking for a place of immunity and protection. In The Shelter of the Most High, Francis Frangipane gives trustworthy, biblical evidence that in the midst of all our uncertainties and fears there is an available shelter from God to shield us. Once you’ve found this place, nothing you encounter can defeat you. From wherever you are, you can reach – and remain in – the shelter of God.

Book - $10.40 (Retail $13.00)
Ebook - $10.40 (Retail $13.00)

Also available:

The Shelter of the Most High Companion
Audio Teaching Series

Message titles:
Healing in Horeb | Opportunity in the Secret Place | The Lord Indeed is Good | Perpetual Rescue | Significant to God | Abiding in God’s Love | Check Your Attitude | Immunized from Assault | New Every Morning | Greater Immunity | A Thought Concerning Criticism | Christ in You | Identified with Heaven

CD Audio Series - $26.25 (Retail $35.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $13.13 (Retail 17.50)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

No more quarterly start dates. Enroll today and start today.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org

June 28, 2024
Unoffendable, Part 2: Expectations
By Francis Frangipane

"Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. . . . And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matt. 24:10-12 KJV).

The Sequence That Leads to Apostasy
In our last teaching we looked at offenses and examined the lethal effect an offended spirit could have upon our lives. We discussed how the only way to not be permanently offended was to attain the unoffendable heart of Jesus Christ.

Attaining Christ's heart is not a minor issue. Remember, Jesus warned that in the last days "many" would be offended.

A wounded spirit is not the same thing as an offended spirit. We may have experienced a cutting remark or slander from someone that wounds us. As the wave of this event rolls over our thoughts, it is right at this moment that we must determine the outcome, that with God's help we will make this work for us. It is at this juncture that we must process our wounds in a Christlike manner. If we fail to respond rightly we will begin to fake our Christianity.

Indeed, an offended spirit, left unattended and brooding in our minds, will soon manifest as betrayal, hatred and cold love. Jesus said offenses would be the ultimate cause that leads many to fall away from the faith. Listen well: in the above verse, Jesus linked the real cause of apostasy not only to wrong doctrines, but wrong reactions.

Isn't it important that our doctrines are correct? Of course, but we can have right information and still have a wrong response. Doctrinal information can always be upgraded and refined, but Proverbs warns that someone "offended is harder to be won than a strong city," and "contentions" between people "are like the bars of a castle" (Prov. 18:19). Yes, beware of false leaders, but more deceitful than false prophets or teachers are our own hearts when they are offended (Jer. 17:9).

Are you living with an offended heart? If so, you are gradually slipping away from true Christianity, which is known for its agape love.

Thus, dealing with an offended heart is vital in maintaining ongoing spiritual maturity. For this reason, we need to look again at the things that offend us.

Expectations
The unrealistic expectations we sometimes put on others will, at some point, cause people to fall short and offend us. For instance, I know married couples that expect their spouse will meet their every need -- and yes, they will meet some of our needs. However, at the deepest level, our souls were created to find security in God, not man. When the Almighty truly becomes our source of peace and provision, our well-being is defined by our awareness of God's love. As we put our confidence in God, we can live more comfortably with the people around us.

Still, the very strength of our expectations can choke out the sweetness of a personal relationship. Suppose that, instead of burdening people with our expectations, we simply learned to appreciate them for themselves -- no strings attached. What if we approach family and friends with gratitude for who they are rather than disappointment for what they failed to do?

Suppose that a husband, instead of expecting a full-course dinner from his wife each night, learned to appreciate whatever she was able to offer him? Then instead of his failed expectation degrading into an offense, there would be a living, sincere appreciation for the food his wife prepared. I know we have arrangements by common consent, but in reality, a wife is under no obligation to cook special meals or do housekeeping. You did not marry her to be your housekeeper, but to become one with her.

Or imagine a husband who works a long, tiring job. However, his wife expects that he will work another two hours at home or go shopping with her or listen attentively about her problems. What if instead she welcomed him at the door and sincerely thanked him for daily giving himself to support their family? What if she met him not with demands but with appreciation? Perhaps she might even massage his shoulders and, because of love, have his favorite meal prepared.

You see, expectations can seem like legitimate aspects of a relationship, but false or unrealistic expectations can also cause us to be disappointed and offended when people fall short. I have known situations in the past where my expectations actually blinded me to the efforts being made by a loved one. They were trying to improve in an area I was unaware of because my focus was preset upon a different expectation. I should have been grateful and encouraging, but instead all I thought about was having my expectation fulfilled.

Of course, today I discuss my expectations with those close to me. But the greatest expectation I have is that my heavenly Father will help me to respond like Christ to all situations. I put a premium upon enjoying the uniqueness of others, sincerely thanking God for their contribution to my life.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This vital message from Pastor Frangipane was adapted from a lesson in his online school, In Christ's Image Training. This course has touched and inspired thousands of believers from over one hundred twenty-one nations and territories and all fifty U.S. states. Learn more about In Christ's Image Training, at www.icitc.org.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

No more quarterly start dates. Enroll today and start today.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! - Mending Fences - audio series
Unresolved woundedness is the root of anger. Reconciliation was at the heart of Christ. Jesus taught that if we don’t deal with anger, life will deteriorate, transferring anger into others and a root of bitterness will spring up, leading to isolation and rejection, cutting us off from the rest of the people in the body of Christ.

In Matthew 18, Jesus says it’s more important that you go and be reconciled with your brethren, than for you to fulfill your religious obligation. Jesus desires to see each person set free from woundedness and unforgiveness that hold us back from our destiny. Sample audio

Message titles:

Seeing Christ in Others | Laying Hold of Greatness | How to Win Trust | Called to Honor | Obtaining Forgiveness | Go and Be Reconciled, Part 1 | Go and Be Reconciled, Part 2

CD Audio Series - $19.50 (Retail $26.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $9.75 (Retail 13.00)

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NEW BOOK - The Heart That Sees God
by Francis Frangipane

What if everything you know about the Sermon on the Mount has only scratched the surface?

What if the Sermon on the Mount is the recipe for becoming who God created you to be?

Revisit Jesus’ teachings and discover the life-transforming truths hidden behind the words He shared as He led His followers that day on a journey from seeing their own needs to seeing God.

Known for messages that lead you straight to the heart of God and deepen your relationship with Him, Frangipane also reveals the true condition of your heart as he challenges you to embrace the process of change to live the authentic, fulfilling, intimate Christian life you’ve always wanted to live.

Book - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
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A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB

Unoffendable, Part 1
By Francis Frangipane

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezek. 36:26).

God has a new heart for us that cannot be offended, an "unoffendable" heart. Beloved, possessing an unoffendable heart is not an option or a luxury; it's not a little thing. An offended heart is endanger of becoming a "heart of stone."

Consider: Jesus warns that, as we near the end of the age, a majority of people will be offended to such a degree that they fall away from the faith. Listen carefully to His warning:

"Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another . . . and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matt. 24:10-12 KJV).

"Many" will "be offended." The result? The love of "many" will grow cold. My prayer is that we will hear His words with holy fear.

When we allow an offense to remain in our hearts, it causes serious spiritual consequences. In the above verse Jesus named three dangerous results: betrayal, hatred and cold love. When we are offended with someone, even someone we care for, we must go to them. If we do not talk to them, we will begin to talk about them. We betray that relationship, whispering maliciously behind their back to others, exposing their weaknesses and sins. We may mask our betrayal by saying we are just looking for advice or counsel, but when we look back, we see we have spoken negatively to far too many people. Our real goal was not to get spiritual help for ourselves but to seek revenge toward the one who offended us. How is such action not a manifestation of hatred? For an offended soul, cold love, betrayal and hatred are a walk into darkness.

People don't stumble over boulders; they stumble over stones, relatively small things. It may be that the personality of someone in authority bothers us, and soon we are offended. Or, a friend or family member fails to meet our expectations, and we take an offense into our soul. Beloved, if we will "endure to the end," we will have to confront the things that bother us.

When Jesus warns that we need endurance, He is saying that it is easier to begin the race than finish it. Between now and the day you die, there will be major times of offense that you will need to overcome. You might be in such a time right now. Do not minimize the danger of harboring an offense!

No one plans on falling away; no one ever says, "Today, I think I'll try to develop a hardened heart of stone." Such things enter our souls through stealth. It is only naiveté that assumes it couldn't happen to us. I know many people who consistently become offended about one thing or another. Instead of dealing with the offenses, praying about them and turning the issue over to God, they carry the offense in their soul until its weight disables their walk with God. You may be doing fine today, but I guarantee you, tomorrow something will happen that will inevitably disappoint or wound you; some injustice will strike you, demanding you retaliate in the flesh. Will you find more love, and hence, continue your growth toward Christlikeness? Or will you allow that offense to consume your spiritual life?

The Root Of Offense
An offense can strike at our virtues or sins, our values or our pride. It can penetrate and wound any dimension of the soul, both good and evil. I once brought a series of messages about gossip. Most people saw their sin and repented, but a core group of gossips were greatly offended and ultimately left the church. When the Holy Spirit exposes sin in someone's soul, if we refuse the opportunity to repent, we often become offended at the person who brought the teaching. Instead of humbling our hearts, we are outraged at the person who exposed us. Truthfully, most of the time, I have no idea who specifically needs to hear what I'm teaching, but God knows.

Paul told Timothy to "reprove, rebuke, exhort" (see 2 Tim. 4:2). He didn't say, "exhort, exhort, exhort," but exhortation is what we receive in most churches. Certainly, we need to be encouraged, but there are also times, beloved, when we need to be reproved and rebuked. Today, there are preachers who are afraid to preach truth for fear people will react and leave the church. The end result is a church of easily offended people who cannot grow beyond their inability to accept correction.

People don't change by exhortation alone. There are areas in all of us that need to be confronted and disciplined. The pastor who refuses to discipline and correct those in sin is in disobedience to God. He is unable to lead people into any truly transforming changes in their lives; they will not "endure to the end" if they cannot be corrected (see Matt. 24).

We need to become a people who say, "Lord, show me what needs to change in me." I'm talking about growing up. A wise man will receive a rebuke and he will prosper. But a fool rejects his father's discipline (see Prov. 15:5).

Personal Offense
It is often our pride that suffers offense most easily. Pride leads us to expect more than we deserve. Pride is a form of self-worship. God must destroy our pride, and to do so, He will allow offenses to expose what we lack in humility. It is not wrong to expect encouragement for our good works, but we cannot be offended when it doesn't happen in the timing we are expecting.

Years ago when I was a young pastor, I attended a conference where the main leader decided to personally greet each minister and spouse. He greeted the couple on our right and then turned to his staff to ask a question. A moment later he returned, but passed us by and went to the couple on our left. Everyone around us saw we were bypassed. We were embarrassed and offended. But my wife wisely observed that we could allow this thing to hurt us or we could see it as an investment in sensitivity toward other people's feelings. The offense taught us how others feel when they are ignored. Do you see this? You must make that offense become an opportunity to become more Christlike.

The occasions for taking offense are practically endless. Indeed, we are daily given the opportunity to either be offended by something or to possess an unoffendable heart. The Lord's promise is that He's given us a new heart - a soft, entreatable heart that can be filled with His Spirit and abound with His love.

Lord, forgive me for being so easily offended and for carrying offenses. Father, my heart is foolish and weak. Grant me the unoffendable heart of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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This vital message from Pastor Frangipane was adapted from a lesson in his online school, In Christ's Image Training. This course has touched and inspired thousands of believers from over one hundred twenty-one nations and territories and all fifty U.S. states. Learn more about In Christ's Image Training, at www.icitc.org.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

No more quarterly start dates. Enroll today and start today.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! - Mending Fences - audio series
Unresolved woundedness is the root of anger. Reconciliation was at the heart of Christ. Jesus taught that if we don’t deal with anger, life will deteriorate, transferring anger into others and a root of bitterness will spring up, leading to isolation and rejection, cutting us off from the rest of the people in the body of Christ.

In Matthew 18, Jesus says it’s more important that you go and be reconciled with your brethren, than for you to fulfill your religious obligation. Jesus desires to see each person set free from woundedness and unforgiveness that hold us back from our destiny. Sample audio

Message titles:

Seeing Christ in Others | Laying Hold of Greatness | How to Win Trust | Called to Honor | Obtaining Forgiveness | Go and Be Reconciled, Part 1 | Go and Be Reconciled, Part 2

CD Audio Series - $19.50 (Retail $26.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $9.75 (Retail 13.00)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW BOOK - The Heart That Sees God
by Francis Frangipane

What if everything you know about the Sermon on the Mount has only scratched the surface?

What if the Sermon on the Mount is the recipe for becoming who God created you to be?

Revisit Jesus’ teachings and discover the life-transforming truths hidden behind the words He shared as He led His followers that day on a journey from seeing their own needs to seeing God.

Known for messages that lead you straight to the heart of God and deepen your relationship with Him, Frangipane also reveals the true condition of your heart as he challenges you to embrace the process of change to live the authentic, fulfilling, intimate Christian life you’ve always wanted to live.

Book - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

Where Is the Disciple's Cross?
By Francis Frangipane

In our modern era we have a different version of Christianity than that which Christ founded in the first century. Our version secures a hope in the afterlife but does little to change us in the present life. We are still as easily offended and as unloving as those who do not know Christ -- and we are certainly just as divisive.

Yes, we marvel at what Christ accomplished at Calvary, but we shrink from what He desires to fulfill in us. We desire His blessings but not His backbone. Because we have diluted the full purpose of Christianity, which is functional conformity to Christ (Eph. 4:24), the power to transform us is likewise diluted. As a result, our leaders fall, marriages fail, and the gospel is reduced to a course on ethics, which we can take or leave since God forgives us anyway.

As awesome as being forgiven is, the Son of God did not lay down His life only to secure our forgiveness; the eternal goal of His sacrifice was to secure our full transformation. Forgiveness is but the first stage of transformation.

Thus, when Paul writes of knowing the "power of [Christ's] resurrection," he unites resurrection power with "being conformed to [Christ's] death" (Phil. 3:10). Conformity to Christ's death is the purpose of the disciple's cross; it is the gateway into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

The Anthem of the Cross
Why do we not hear more messages about the disciple's cross? We hear much on inner healing; we know basically how to lead people to Christ. We have even adopted and adapted into our Christian theology terminology from modern psychology -- we know when something needs "closure" or the problems associated with "dysfunctional families."

But when will we discuss the power of Christ's cross? When will we rediscover the power of the crucified life?

It is not as though the symbol of the cross is absent from our culture; on the contrary. The cross sits majestically on top of our great cathedrals and it adorns our most humble worship centers. It embellishes Bible covers and religious books alike. Not only is it incorporated into the sacred emblem of our many ministries, it is also the insignia for numerous charitable foundations, hospitals, and relief agencies. Row upon row, it stands guard in our cemeteries. It has even become a popular jewelry item, worn by Christians and non-Christians alike.

Yet when was the last time you heard a sermon on the disciple's cross? Or asked the clerk at the Christian bookstore for the section on carrying the cross? Or when did you last participate in a worship service that included just one song about triumphantly bearing the cross? Apart from a hymn or two, the emphasis on the cross is missing.

Yes, we hear of faith, hope and love; we seek spiritual gifts, blessings and prosperity, but why is there so little emphasis on the disciple's cross? My goal today is not to expose what is lacking with Christian music or bookstores. From my heart I commend our psalmists for their majestic melodies; their worship songs truly communicate deep and intimate adoration of God. But where is the anthem of the cross? Where are the musical scores that centralize and exalt the very crest of Heaven, the triumphant sign of the Son of Man? When will we hear songs that, like banners, unfurl before the army of God, inspiring us to embrace the life and redemptive path of our crucified King?

In truth, we lack lyrics about the disciple's cross because we avoid teaching the disciple's cross. Our minstrels are only writing songs inspired by current theology. The fault lies in the pulpit and with those of us who are Christian leaders. Under the guise of compassion for the weak, we have presented a gospel that's weak. We present comfort, but not challenge and sympathy without standards.

My friends, let us not deny the weak their comfort nor the infirm their healing, but let us also press toward the full stature of Christ. Jesus said uncompromisingly to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). It is time to get serious with God, to pick up the cross and discover again the power that accompanies a crucified life. The cross is the power of God.

Lord Jesus, for too long I have lived in spiritual immaturity. I have sought to be coddled instead of crucified. With all my heart I desire to become like You, Jesus. Forgive me for being so easily distracted and so addicted to comfort. Hear my heart, O Lord, and restore me to true conformity to You in all things. Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Christ's Image Training
New self-paced online format.

In Christ's Image Training is an international online course developed by Francis Frangipane, designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ.

No more quarterly start dates. Enroll today and start today.

Consider facilitating a Level I group through the course for the lowest tuition using our Group Study Plan.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

Training also available in Spanish / Español

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
View this message in your browser.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW BOOK - The Heart That Sees God
by Francis Frangipane

What if everything you know about the Sermon on the Mount has only scratched the surface?

What if the Sermon on the Mount is the recipe for becoming who God created you to be?

Revisit Jesus’ teachings and discover the life-transforming truths hidden behind the words He shared as He led His followers that day on a journey from seeing their own needs to seeing God.

Known for messages that lead you straight to the heart of God and deepen your relationship with Him, Frangipane also reveals the true condition of your heart as he challenges you to embrace the process of change to live the authentic, fulfilling, intimate Christian life you’ve always wanted to live.

Book - $15.00 (Retail $20.00)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEW! - Christian Discipleship - audio series
We go through life as Christians but do we actually become disciples of Jesus Christ? Jesus taught the multitudes and then He taught the disciples. If we want to see the multitudes changed and our nation become a Christian nation we must become disciples of Jesus. The difference is whether we are only taught the doctrines, or we are being trained by Jesus. When we are taught, we have it in our head. When we are trained, it's who we are. Sample audio

Message titles:

Jesus, Our Mentor | Don't Look Back, Part 1 | Don't Look Back, Part 2 | For the Weary One | The Master's Apprentice

CD Audio Series - $13.50 (Retail $18.00)
MP3 Audio Series Download - $6.75 (Retail 9.00)

Visit Arrow Bookstore to order these and
other resources by Pastor Francis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Receive daily posts from Francis:

Follow Francis on Twitter

Follow Francis on Facebook

Follow Francis on Instagram
______________________

You can support Advancing Church Ministries at www.frangipane.org/donate
______________________

Comments and Questions
eword@frangipane.org
______________________

Mensajes en español

A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were
taken from the NASB.

From Called to Chosen
By Francis Frangipane

"But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance" (Luke 8:15).

Just because we have a dream or a calling from God (or, as the parable in Matt. 22 explains, an invitation), that does not mean we will automatically reach our destiny. There is a preparation we must embrace and life-changes we must take seriously. We will have spiritual battles, personal limitations and excuses inspired by our flesh to overcome.

There is a difference between being called by God and actually being chosen. Remember Jesus’ warning, that "many are called, but few are chosen" (Matt. 22). God is looking for something in our response to Him.

Yes, the Lord is patient and forgiving with us, but listen well: no one will arrive at his destiny who is drifting or unfocused concerning God's plan for their life. We must be serious about our personal transformation. If we stumble, we must repent and get back up; if we lose a round in our spiritual fight, we must rise again and prepare for the next (see Micah 7:7-8).

Personal Training
In Christ's Image Training (ICIT) is an online ministry developed by Pastor Frangipane specifically to help empower hungry Christians toward their destiny. The training focuses on attaining Christlikeness, deepening our level of humility, and transforming students into "unoffendable" prayer warriors. It then prepares believers to enjoy and defend Christ-centered unity with other believers.

Pastor Frangipane has said, "The ICIT materials represent those unique, priority truths that connect the human heart to the mechanisms of transformation. These are the truths I would require of a disciple if I were their personal mentor or spiritual father."

Short audio of Francis introducing the training.

Testimonies | Syllabus

More info on In Christ's Image Training here: www.icitc.org.



Questions? Email us at training@inchristsimage.org.

Learn more at www.icitc.org.

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A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc.
Copyright (c) 2024
All rights reserved.