Pullman Foursquare Church

In Acts 12 we see one of the great spiritual confrontations of all time. On one side we have Herod who, from the world’s point of view holds all the advantages:

• Political Power: Herod is a third generation appointee of the Roman empire with dictatorial power over his area of the world.
• Military Might: With his position comes access to the great legions of soldiers, sixteen of whom have been detailed to personally guard Peter.
• Legal Advantage: A show trial has been arranged to make Peters execution a “fair and legal” process.
• Popular Opinion: Herod does all of this with the approval of the Jewish people who feel threatened by this little upstart faith.

On the other side we have the church which has several disadvantages going into this confrontation:

• James, a key leader of the movement has already been mudrered by Herod.
• Peter, the head of the church is now in chains and awaiting certain death.
• The Rest of the Twelve are in hiding and do not appear to have any significant influence in the outcome of this conflict.
• The Church has no polictical, legal, military, or financial power whatsoever and does not have popular opinion on her side.

But…“while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.” (Acts 12:5 NLT)

What was the outcome of this confrontation?

• Angels were summoned. Although the church had no authority over angels (see Hebrews 1-2) they did have the ear of God for whom the angels serve.
• Peter was miraculously set free, even while he slept, unaware that help was on its way.
• The Church, though it was praying for results, was amazed at the rapidity and profundity of God’s answer. They were shocked to find Peter free and knocking at the door.
• Herod was removed. First from the area (vs.19) and then permanently from the earth.
• Ministry was unleashed. By the end of the chapter the church was again growing rapidly and the first missionary team was being positioned to “Go into all the world….”

This confrontation in Acts 12 has profound implications for the church today. If we will unite our hearts in prayer there is nothing the Lord cannot and will not do to set people free, remove the power of the enemy, and unleash the church for ministry. We will be simply amazed at the results.

Let’s keep praying and never give up.

What is the goal of our 40 days of prayer? It is important to remember that the goal is increased faith not religion. What is the difference?

Religion builds walls. Walls of ritual, rules, roles, and routines. These walls create boundaries that classify people as insiders or outsiders. Religion builds a wall and then tries to herd everyone into its protective shadow.

Faith digs wells. Wells of the water of the Spirit. Wells of salvation. Wells that put people over process, relationship over rules, results over methods, and obedience over success.

• Abraham had the faith to follow God’s leading to a new place. He dug wells where none had yet existed.
• Isaac had the faith to reopen wells covered up by the enemies of his father.
• Jacob removed a stone from a well in order that the sheep could drink fresh water.
• Moses fought for the right to water the sheep at a well in the wilderness.

In Australia the “stations” are so large that there is no way to fence in the livestock. Instead they dig wells knowing that the herds will never wander too far away from fresh water.

Both building walls and digging wells takes a lot of hard work. But the results are dramatically different. As you pray, don’t get religious, get faithful.

Important Information

• Prayer will start on july 6th at 6PM with a special evening Prayer Launching Service and will go for 40 days and nights.
• Sign-up as individuals or groups on the giant sign-up sheets in the foyer of the Cordova. There are still spots available!
• The prayer room is located in the hallway upstairs. There are creative tables, prayer corners, and alcoves to pray, read the Bible, and worship.
• Night pray-ers will be given a combination number to get into the building.
• Snacks will be available.
• YOU WILL BE BLESSED!
• Need more info? Contact: js_watson@roadrunner.com

On Monday we went to a one day conference at Life Center (www.lifecenter.net) an heard a great teaching by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro on the Four Levels of Leadership. here is the summary:

1. Control Leadership

The first level depends on the manipulation of people using a variety of techniques including:

• Moods
• Threats
• Favoritism
• “God told me” trump card
• Marginalizing
• Anger

These methods work in the short run but ultimately are neither effective nor loving.

2. Corporate Leadership

This level focuses on resources and finances. Some of the characteristics are:

• Feast and famine vs. stewardship
• Best practices
• Comparison with others
• Image management
• If we have the money we will…

This is better than control leadership but is limited by money controlling obedience.

3. Character Based Leadership

This level looks beyond the externals to internal qualities. This level depends on:

• Trust
• Teamwork
• Camaraderie
• Personal Fulfillment
• Personal Strengths
• Affirmation

This is a superior form of leadership but is not distinctively Christian. Many non-believers can, and do excel at this level of leadership.

4. Christlike Leadership

This level of leadership imitates and represents the character of God. Like Christ it:

• Sees beyond what is seen (John 13:19)
• Hears beyond what is said (Isaiah 30:21)
• Operates in the gifts
• Requires that we lead ourselves (1 Timothy 4:7)

In order to lead at this level we mus have these things active in our lives:

• A Vibrant growing relationship with Christ
• A genuine and happy marriage
• A close and healthy family
• Physically in shape
• A creative soul
• Time to enjoy life with family and friends

This is just an overview of the training. If you would like to hear more you can purchase a CD of the training by contacting info@lifecenter.net