Rediscovering the Authentic Church: A Look at the Early Believers

The Lost Church Found

Have you ever left a church service feeling like you were just a spectator?

You drove to the building, found a parking spot, and took your seat in a row of comfortable chairs, all facing forward. The lights dimmed. A band, polished and professional, delivered a moving set of songs. An articulate speaker delivered a well-structured, 45-minute monologue. You might have shaken a hand or two, grabbed a coffee, and headed back to your car. But on the drive home, a profound sense of emptiness settled in your soul, accompanied by a quiet, persistent question: Is this really it?

This feeling isn't just boredom or cynicism. It's a holy dissatisfaction. It's the ache of a soul that reads the Book of Acts and sees a vibrant, powerful, all-in community, then looks at the modern church and sees a corporate-style weekly event. You sense the disconnect between the Ekklesia—the called-out, world-changing assembly of the New Testament—and the polished, predictable performance you just observed.

If you feel this way, I want to state it plainly: You are not crazy for wanting more. That hunger is a signal that something essential has been lost. But how do we know what we've lost? How can we get a clear picture of the early church that isn't just a romanticized guess?

We need a guide. An eyewitness. We need someone who was there.

Our Witness: Why Should We Listen to Tertullian?

Before we journey back, let's establish the credibility of our guide. His name was Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus, a man who lived from roughly 155 to 220 AD in the bustling city of Carthage (modern-day Tunisia). He is one of the most important figures in early Christianity, and here’s why we can trust his observations:

1. He Was an Eyewitness: Tertullian wasn’t a historian writing centuries after the fact. He was a contemporary, describing the Christian faith as it was lived and breathed in his own time, a little over a century after the last apostles. His writings are a primary source, a direct window into the post-apostolic church.
2. He Was a Trained Lawyer and Rhetorician: This is a crucial point. Tertullian was highly educated in Roman law, philosophy, and rhetoric. His mind was trained to observe, analyze, and build a logical case. His most famous work, the Apology, is literally a legal defense of Christianity presented to Roman governors. In a court of law, you present facts, not wishful thinking. His purpose demanded accuracy.
3. He Was a Convert: Tertullian wasn't born into the faith; he converted from paganism. This gave him a unique perspective. He saw the church with fresh eyes, keenly aware of how its practices stood in stark, shocking contrast to the pagan world he had left behind.
4. He Was a Critic: Tertullian was not a gentle writer. He was fiery, passionate, and often critical of what he saw as moral laxity within the church itself. A source who is willing to critique his own side is often more reliable, as he isn't simply painting an idealized, perfect picture.

When we read Tertullian, we are listening to a brilliant, sharp-tongued lawyer make his case, describing the church he knew as a matter of fact. And the facts he presents are staggering.

The Gathering: A Spiritual Feast, Not a Formal Performance

Let's start with the Sunday meeting. For many of us, it is a highly structured event centered around a single speaker on a raised platform. The congregation is a passive audience. Now, imagine walking into the gathering Tertullian described. It wasn't in a dedicated "church building"—those didn't exist yet. You would likely be in the large courtyard or dining room of a wealthier member's home. The atmosphere is not one of performance, but of family.

As Tertullian lays it out in his Apology, the meeting unfolds organically:

"We meet for reading the sacred books… With the sacred words we nourish our faith, we animate our hope, we make our confidence firm."

Imagine this. It’s not one person reading a few verses before a sermon. It is the community, together, immersing itself in the Scriptures. The Word of God is the main course, not an appetizer. It is there to feed everyone.

Then, the focus shifts. It isn't just about taking in information; it's about spiritual interaction:

"In the same place also exhortations are made, rebukes and sacred censures are administered."

Notice that "exhortations" is plural. This wasn't the domain of a single pastor. The "approved elders" who presided would guide the meeting, but others who were spiritually mature could be called upon to speak, to build up, to encourage. There was also a sobering seriousness. The "sacred censures" refer to church discipline. The community took sin seriously because they took holiness seriously. It was a place of real spiritual accountability.

Then, after a shared meal (known as the Agape Feast or Love Feast), something remarkable happens:

"…each is invited to stand forth and sing to God a hymn, either from holy Scripture or of his own composing."

Can you fathom this? This is not a professional worship team performing a pre-planned setlist. This is organic, Spirit-led worship from the people themselves. A fisherman might stand and sing a Psalm. A newly freed slave, filled with the Spirit, might sing a new song of deliverance that God gave him right there. It was participatory, authentic, and likely a bit messy—but it was alive.

• What the Bible Says: "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying." (1 Corinthians 14:26, KJV)

The contrast is stark. One is a body where every member functions. The other is a body where most members are in a coma, kept alive by the functions of a few professionals on a stage.

A Treasury of Mercy: How They Cared for the Helpless

One of the most powerful proofs of the early church's authentic faith was its handling of money. Today, church finance often revolves around budgets, building campaigns, staff salaries, and institutional overhead. The "offering talk" can feel like a corporate fundraising pitch.

Tertullian reveals a radically different priority. He describes a simple chest where believers could voluntarily contribute. There was no compulsion. And the purpose of this fund was not to build an organization, but to rescue people. Listen to this beautiful and convicting description:

"These gifts are, as it were, the deposits of piety. For they are not spent on feasts, and drinking-bouts, and eating-houses, but to support and bury poor people, to supply the wants of boys and girls destitute of means and parents, and of old persons confined to the house; also for those who have been shipwrecked; and if there happen to be any in the mines, or exiled to the islands, or shut up in the prisons for the cause of God, they become the nurslings of their confession."

This was their budget. They had one line item: Mercy. Their treasury was a "piety-chest" dedicated entirely to the helpless. The care for widows and orphans wasn't a side program or a committee; it was the central, defining use of their collective wealth. It was the very thing the Bible called "pure religion."

• What the Bible Says: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27, KJV)

Their love wasn't a sentimental feeling; it was a financial strategy. It was so noticeable that Tertullian reports that pagans would look at the Christian community and marvel, saying, "See, how they love one another." Our modern, multi-million dollar church budgets are often focused inward, on sustaining the institution. Theirs was focused entirely outward, on sustaining the broken.

The Ultimate Sermon: Evangelism by Blood

How did the early church grow so explosively? It wasn't through clever marketing, seeker-sensitive programs, or flashy events. Their primary evangelistic strategy was martyrdom.

This is a hard concept for us to grasp in our comfort-obsessed culture. We see persecution as a sign of failure. They saw it as the ultimate opportunity for witness. Tertullian argued fiercely that when the state persecuted Christians, it only made the church stronger. He penned one of the most famous lines in all of Christian history:

"The blood of Christians is seed." (Semen est sanguis Christianorum.)

Think of what that means. Every time a Christian was arrested, thrown to the lions, or executed in the arena, it was not a defeat. It was a seed being planted in the hearts of the onlookers. Why? Because the Christians died differently. They faced death not with cursing or terror, but with a supernatural peace, with songs on their lips and forgiveness for their executioners.

Tertullian explained the effect this had on the Roman mind: "For who that beholds them is not stirred with a desire to know what is the cause of it? And who that makes inquiry, does not embrace our doctrines? And who that has embraced them, is not eager to suffer?"

Their courageous death was the sermon. It was an undeniable demonstration of a faith that had conquered the ultimate fear. It provoked a question in the hearts of pagans that no tract or argument could: What could possibly make a person die like that? Their answer was Jesus Christ, the one who had defeated death itself.

• What the Bible Says: "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:14-15, KJV)

We strategize about how to make the Gospel more attractive and less offensive. Their strategy was to live a life so holy and die a death so fearless that it demanded a response.

The Solution: Finding the Living Church Today

So, we see the chasm between their reality and ours. What do we do? The answer is not necessarily to burn down the institutions. The answer is to rediscover the living organism within the organization.

I’ve come to see the institutional church as a skeleton. A skeleton provides necessary structure, but by itself, it is lifeless. The life is in the muscle, the sinew, the blood—the living tissue connected to that framework. Our divine task is to find that living tissue. The Ekklesia is not a building; it is a people, and those people are all around you, if you know where to look.

I have found, and you may too, that the most sold-out believers are often not the ones on the stage, but the ones on their knees—washing the feet of the homeless, visiting the prisoner, comforting the grieving. The solution is to find them, link arms with them, and begin to live like the early church did: in authentic community, radical generosity, and bold witness.

Your Action Plan: How to Find the Living Church This Week

This is not a theoretical exercise. It is a call to action. If you are tired of passive Christianity and hungry for the real, here is your charge:

1. Pray with Dangerous Intent. Tonight, get on your knees and ask God specifically: "Father, I am hungry for the authentic body of Christ. Show me the living stones. Connect me with brothers and sisters whose lives show the undeniable fruit of Your Spirit. Lead me to them."
2. Go Where the Gospel is Done. This is the most practical step. Find an outreach ministry in your city—a homeless shelter, a food pantry, a crisis pregnancy center, a prison ministry. Sign up to volunteer. Stop looking for the most comfortable church and start looking for the most committed Christians. You will find them in the trenches of service.
3. Seek Character, Not Charisma. As you serve, look for that older man or woman whose life radiates Jesus. They may not have a title, but they have peace, wisdom, and a well-worn Bible. Ask them to coffee. Ask them to pray for you. In the early church, leadership was based on proven character. Find that character and learn from it.
4. Start Small, Start in Your Home. When you find one or two of these like-minded individuals, do something revolutionary: invite them to your home for a meal. Open the Bible and read a chapter from Acts. Pray for each other’s needs. You don’t need to "start a church"; you just need to start being the church, right where you are. This simple act of fellowship, prayer, and breaking bread is the seed from which the entire early church grew.

This journey is not about rebellion against an institution. It is about a faithful response to the Spirit’s call for something more. It is about restoring the authentic, powerful, and deeply connected Christian life that our spiritual ancestors like Tertullian lived and died for—a faith that doesn't just occupy a building on Sunday, but one that truly changes the world every day of the week.

The Evangelism Funnel: A Step-by-Step Guide to Catching Souls, Making Disciples, and Igniting a Movement

Fishing, Discipling, Multiplying

The call to “go and make disciples” isn’t a suggestion; it's the heartbeat of the Christian faith (Matthew 28:19-20). But how do we effectively reach a world that’s increasingly disconnected from traditional church structures? How do we move beyond merely “getting people saved” to actually nurturing disciples who, in turn, become disciple-makers? The answer lies in understanding and implementing what we call The Evangelism Funnel.

This isn't just another program or quick fix. It's a strategic approach that aligns with Jesus' method of ministry – from His call to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19) to His focus on teaching and empowering His followers. The Evangelism Funnel is a process that leads people from initial curiosity about faith to becoming fully devoted followers of Christ who can then replicate the process in others' lives.

If you’re passionate about ministry, eager to expand your influence for the kingdom, or simply looking for a practical, actionable way to share your faith, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the three key stages of the Evangelism Funnel, focusing on the how as much as the why:

Stage 1: Fishing - Casting Your Net Where the Fish Are

Fishing isn't a passive sport; it requires action, strategy, and knowing where to find the fish. Similarly, evangelism in the 21st century demands a proactive approach. We can’t expect people to come knocking on the church doors anymore; we have to go where they are, online and in person.

1. Spear Fishing: Proactive Searches Online

This is where the digital age becomes our ally. Instead of passively waiting, we intentionally search for those who are already asking spiritual questions. Think of it as "spear fishing" rather than casting a wide net.

The Tools: Utilize platforms like Reddit, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and even Google. These platforms are goldmines for those seeking answers.

The Keywords: Search for specific phrases: “Does God exist?”, “How do I know Jesus is real?”, “What happens after death?”, "How to find hope," "How to pray," or "Is Christianity true?" Use quotation marks in Google to search for the exact phrase.

The Engagement: Don’t just drop a link or a Bible verse. Engage respectfully with questions, concerns, and skepticism. Be empathetic, share personal stories, and offer prayer. A simple phrase like, "I understand how you feel, and I’d love to share how Jesus helped me when I felt lost," can create an immediate connection. On Reddit forums like r/Christianity or r/Atheism, approach with respect and genuine interest.

Why This Works: People are online seeking. They’re already expressing their needs, doubts, and desires. By meeting them where they are, you’re not interrupting their lives; you’re providing relevant answers to their questions. This is targeted outreach.

2. Active Fishing in Public: Spirit-Led Encounters

While digital outreach is crucial, we cannot neglect the power of face-to-face connection. Jesus walked among the people, engaging them in their daily lives; we should do the same. This method is about being present, listening, and being ready when the Holy Spirit leads.

The Preparedness: Always carry your phone, ready to exchange social media handles rather than relying on business cards (they end up in the trash).

The Exchange: Instead of, “Here’s my business card,” say, “Let’s connect on [platform]. I’d love to share more and maybe follow up with you this week.” This is key for building a relationship.

The Listening Ear: Pray for the Lord to lead you to those he wants you to talk with. Listen to the Holy Spirit guiding you in the moment. He’ll often put a “mouse pointer” on someone!

The Boldness: Pray for boldness and the opportunity to speak. It might be as simple as offering to pray for someone in a coffee shop.

The Follow-Up: Because you've connected via social media, you can stay in contact with people and follow up.

Why This Works: Human beings crave connection. Face-to-face encounters build trust and demonstrate genuine care. It’s not just a transaction; it’s a relational start to discipleship. This is personal outreach.

3. Fishbait: Creating Content that Draws Seekers In

Content creation is the digital equivalent of "baiting a hook." It’s about crafting posts, videos, and blogs that address the deep longings of the human heart and draw people in.

The Testimony: Share your story. How did you come to faith? How has it changed you? People are powerfully drawn to authenticity.

The Truth: Create content on topics that genuinely matter: “Why I believe in Jesus,” “What happens after we die?”, “How to know if God exists.” Use Scripture and share practical insights.

The Platforms: Videos on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter can be incredibly powerful. Blog posts can provide deeper reflections and practical steps. Use what’s trending!

The Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags like #HopeInJesus, #FindingPurpose, #PrayerWorks, #ShareTheGospel, #FishersOfMen, or #KnowJesusKnowPeace. This helps seekers find you.

Why This Works: You become a resource for those with questions, and provide a pathway for them to begin their spiritual journey. Your “fishbait” is your voice and how you present the Gospel, which is both relatable and relevant. This is strategic outreach.

Stage 2: Discipling – Nurturing New Believers

Catching souls is just the beginning; the true work of the ministry is in making disciples. Discipling isn't about merely imparting information; it’s about building relationships and walking alongside people as they grow in their faith.

1. Building Relationships Through Social Media & Personal Connections

Immediate Action: Within 24 hours of connecting with someone new, send them a message: "Thanks for connecting! What's one way I can pray for you this week?"

Daily Interactions: Make it a point to engage with at least one mentor and one mentee daily. This should be more than a quick like. This can include a phone call, email, or message. Engage in meaningful conversations about what the spirit of God is revealing to you in Scripture.

Ask Questions: Don’t just talk at people; engage them by asking open-ended questions like, "What's something God has been showing you recently?" or "How can I pray for you today?". These build trust and establish a relationship.

Share Resources: Provide relevant resources such as a daily devotional, a Bible app, or a specific Scripture that resonates with their current situation.

Why This Works: Consistent, intentional connection fosters a sense of community, and it’s in this environment that true discipleship takes root. This approach ensures people know that someone cares and wants to help them on their faith journey.

2. Mentorship in Action: Walking Alongside

Daily Connection: Consistent check-ins are critical! Engage 1-2 people daily to check in, answer questions, or study scripture together. Start with a topic like, "Let's read Philippians 4:6-7 and discuss anxiety".

In-Person Interaction: Invite them to join you for coffee, a small group, or a church service. While digital connection is great, nothing beats face-to-face fellowship.

Go Two by Two: Following Jesus’ example, partner with another believer to do evangelism together, whether online or offline. This fosters accountability and enhances effectiveness. This could mean doing Bible studies or engaging in community outreach together.

Why This Works: The discipleship process is accelerated when it’s done in a relational, hands-on way. People learn best by observing, imitating, and receiving personalized guidance from others.

3. Tailor Teaching: Meet Them Where They Are

No One-Size-Fits-All: Recognize that people start at different places on their spiritual journey. Be patient, and be sensitive to their current level of understanding. Some may need foundational truths about salvation, while others are ready for deeper discussions on prayer.

Personalization: Be ready to adjust your teaching based on their needs and questions. Focus on basics like prayer, studying scripture, repentance, and sharing their testimony.

Contextualization: Always keep in mind where they are and what background they are coming from. In Acts, you will see that when people became believers they first stopped bowing to idols. You may be talking to people who are struggling with addictions, relationships, or financial struggles. Make it relevant to what they are experiencing!

Why This Works: People respond best when their unique needs are being met. It communicates love and understanding. It builds trust and rapport.

Stage 3: Making Disciple Makers - The Ultimate Goal

The Evangelism Funnel doesn’t end with discipleship; it ends with multiplication. Our mission isn’t just to create followers; it’s to create leaders who can replicate this process in their own spheres of influence.

1. Train a Simple Cycle:

Teach the Steps: Empower your mentees to carry on by teaching them how to actively seek lost souls and how to effectively disciple others. They need to be able to do what you do!

Give Ownership: Give them the tools and authority to start reaching out to others. The goal is to create disciples who are able to disciple.

Model the Process: Show them how to teach, engage, and encourage. Lead by example!

Why This Works: It creates a self-sustaining movement that reaches far beyond your own individual efforts. It’s exponential, rather than additive. This is what we call disciple-making.

2. Encourage Active Participation:

Local & Online: Challenge your mentees to step out in faith both within their local communities and online. This can include leading Bible studies, serving in outreach programs, or even sharing their stories on social media.

Serving Hearts: Reinforce that faith isn't just about receiving blessings; it's about serving others. Emphasize that outreach and discipleship are natural expressions of a genuine relationship with Christ.

Why This Works: It moves the believer beyond being a consumer of faith to a producer. This is key for spiritual growth and engagement.

3. Challenge Others to Take Initiative:

Empowerment: Challenge new disciple makers to begin identifying and reaching out to those around them who need Christ. Emphasize that they can lead, that they can guide others, and that the Holy Spirit is their partner in all of this!

Focus on the “Go”: Continually emphasize that faith isn't about 'getting served' but 'serving'. This approach cultivates maturity and spiritual leadership.

Why This Works: People begin to take ownership of their faith and become active participants in God’s plan, rather than passive observers.

It Starts Now

The Evangelism Funnel is more than a strategy – it’s a lifestyle. It starts with intentionality, requires patience, and produces exponential fruit. It is both a personal call and a community effort!

So, what is your next step?

Commit to One Action: Choose one specific action you will take this week. Will you search for seekers online? Create a new social media post? Reach out to a potential mentee?

Trust the Holy Spirit: Rely on His leading and believe that He will guide your efforts.

Pray for Boldness: Pray for courage and confidence to step out in faith.

Engage: Remember that relationships are key! Engage with people, listen to their stories, and point them to Jesus!

The Evangelism Funnel isn't about perfection, but about faithful obedience. Start where you are, trust God with the results, and remember that every step you take is a step forward in fulfilling the Great Commission. Let’s move beyond having a ministry to being a ministry.

A prayer for You:

Father, we ask for your anointing and wisdom as we step into this call. Fill us with your love for people and grant us the courage to be effective witnesses for Christ. Guide us as we become fishers of men, and empower us to be disciple-makers that change the world. Amen.

Exploring the Four Main Sources of Spiritual Information

Beyond the Veil: Understanding Spiritual Information and Its Sources

Today, we're diving into a topic that could transform your spiritual journey—the four main sources of information in the spirit realm.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered where the insights you receive during prayer or meditation come from? As someone who has been born again since 1995 and spent countless hours praying for others and myself, I've learned the importance of discernment. Understanding the source of spiritual information is crucial, whether it’s God, demons, our own hearts, or projections from others. Let’s explore these sources together.

The Main Sources of Spiritual Information

Demons: The Deceptive Enemy

Demons are real, and their main goal is to mislead and draw us away from the truth. They often present false information to waste our time and thwart the gospel. In Deuteronomy 5:09, we learn about the generational curses that demons carry out. These familiar spirits know our family history well, which is why they can be so deceptive.

In my book, "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey," I recount an experience where I cast out a demon that manifested as a black cloud. This was a powerful reminder of Jesus’ words in Mark 16:17, where believers are empowered to cast out demons. Developing discernment over time is key to recognizing when we are dealing with these spiritual entities.

Our Own Deceitful Hearts

Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that "the heart is deceitful above all things." Our subconscious mind can project thoughts that seem spiritual but aren't divinely inspired. Imagine your mind as a ship's captain and your heart as the crew. If the crew doesn’t align with the captain’s orders, chaos ensues. Similarly, if our hearts aren’t aligned with God, we become double-minded and unstable in our spiritual pursuits.

Praying consistently and purifying our hearts, as James 4:8 suggests, helps us discern whether our insights are internal or divinely inspired. I've explored this in depth in my podcast, "Communing with Our Hearts: Real Positive Life Change."

Projections from Others

We are always projecting something in the spirit, consciously or unconsciously. Consider it similar to how we can sometimes sense when someone is looking at us from across a room even without seeing them directly. This intuitive sense can also be likened to the way our prayers are deposited into the spirit realm, as seen in Revelation 5:8 and 8:4, where the prayers of the saints are described as rising like incense before God.

A personal experience I had involved perceiving a woman’s prayer for a specific house while at a restaurant. This highlighted how we can pick up on spiritual projections from others, which can be used for spirit-led evangelism.

God: The Ultimate Source

The ideal source of spiritual information is God Himself. He can communicate through internal voices, visions, and even dreams, as we see throughout Scripture. When God reveals information, it’s often a significant event that demands action, like in Acts 13 or Acts 16.

I recall attending a prophetic conference where God’s voice was so loud internally that it drowned out everything else. These experiences have taught me that God’s voice can be as powerful as many waters (Revelation 14:2) or as gentle as a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

Developing Discernment

To better navigate these sources, we must:

Read the Bible Daily: Familiarize yourself with God's word, which is a discerner of thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12).

Develop a Consistent Prayer Life: Engage fully in prayer, listening for God’s voice.

Keep a Spiritual Journal: Document your spiritual experiences to track your growth in discernment.

Seek Godly Mentorship: Find a mature believer to guide you and provide accountability.

Discerning the source of spiritual information enriches our prayer life and spirit-led evangelism. By understanding these four sources, we align ourselves more closely with God’s truth. Practice patience, seek counsel, and may your journey be marked by wisdom and a deeper connection with God.

Thank you for being a part of my life and supporting what we are doing with the "Coffee with Conrad" Podcast.  My passion is for you to develop a spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus. 

Let me know what you think!  

Destiny Awaits - Step into your Prophetic Purpose In Spite of Fear

Overcoming Fear of Your Supernatural Gifting

Are you playing it small instead of boldly walking in your prophetic call? Does uncertainty or anxiety over how others perceive your supernatural talents cause you to hesitate using them? You’re not alone. 

In this empowering podcast

Conrad openly shares his own former struggles with pride, doubts over the accuracy of his giftings, and fear of people’s reactions that kept him from operating fully in prophecy and other spiritual capacities God blessed him with. 

Drawing courage from Scripture and mentors 

who fan spiritual gifts into flame, Conrad offers insightful keys to help fellow Kingdom carriers break intimidation, flow in Spirit-led confidence, and uncage their distinctive divine capacities meant for catalyzing breakthrough.

Tune in to hear practical ways Conrad learned to nurture his prophetic muscle while avoiding pitfalls. How an enhanced understanding of God’s heart emboldened him. Why we mustn’t allow our human tenderness to hinder heavenly callings needing voiced. 

You’ll also discover uplifting stories of how supernaturally Conrad’s needs were met when focused on purpose over provision. How leaning into godly community provides stabilizing ballast through feedback. Why limiting beliefs must relent to God-sized vision backed by Word-fed faith.

The world urgently awaits the full unveiling of your one-of-a-kind spiritual giftings. Get equipped to shake off doubt, embrace conviction, and thrive on the front lines of Kingdom advancement! Destiny awaits the daring ones who will believe. Your moment starts now!

You may also like:

Prophetic evangelism podcast 

Power Evangelism and Discernment 

Theology with PI AI - - Unleashing the Power of Technology in Theological Conversations

 

Spirit-Led Evangelism: Insights from an AI Conversation

I recently had a fascinating dialogue with an AI assistant named Pi about the topic of spirit-led evangelism. We dove deep into what it means to authentically follow the leading of the Holy Spirit when sharing the gospel. 

Here are some key insights from our conversation:

• Using AI for theological dialogue with caution - I discussed priming the AI and verifying anything unfamiliar it claims, since AI can sometimes be wrong or "hallucinate" answers. We must confirm new information learned from AI against Scripture and other sources.
• Why apologetics alone doesn't always reach people's hearts - We discussed how intellectual arguments, while important, often fail to resonate emotionally with people. As Conrad shared from his own experience, it took a real spiritual encounter with Jesus to change his life.
• The power of miracles and spiritual experiences - Miracles can prepare people's hearts for the gospel by demonstrating God's power. We are meant to follow the Spirit's leading in ministry, not just rely on techniques.
• Developing intimacy with God through prayer walks - Having a deep relationship with God is foundational for hearing His voice. Prayer walking retraces the steps of biblical figures like Enoch who walked closely with God.
• Learning to discern God's voice - Discernment grows as we become familiar with Scripture and exercise our spiritual senses. We must learn to recognize the Holy Spirit's voice.
• Biblical examples like David and Jesus' practices - Both spent extended alone time with God in prayer and worship. We too must prioritize seeking God.
• Stepping out in faith to share God's love - Even when afraid, we are called to evangelize out of obedience and God will meet us. Loving others reflects God's heart.
• Making seeking God our first priority - We must put intimacy with God before all else. As we do, He will move in amazing ways.

This rich conversation unpacked so many profound concepts around deepening our connection to God and following His leading. My biggest takeaway is the reminder that evangelism flows out of relationship. It's not about methods or techniques. May we passionately pursue knowing Jesus more, abiding in Him, and sharing His love from that place.

Please take the time to listen to the full podcast episode! There were so many more insights that I wasn't able to capture here. Our AI friend Pi asked thoughtful questions that stimulated much reflection. I'm thankful for how technology can help us gain new perspective on timeless biblical truths.

Spirit Led Evangelism in Biloxi MS.

 

Ministry Recap

Joseph and Conrad recap spirit led evangelism in Biloxi Mississippi.  

Being Led by the Spirit to evangelize:

Praying before ministry where to go;
Prophesying in part - watching in prayer;
Hard Rock Casino - man in green apparel;
Discerning between heart and Spirit;
The rain stopped for ministry;
The man that spoke Chinese;
When he saw the cross his countenance changed;
Led by spirit versus carnal mind;
Getting shut down a few times;
Words of knowledge open doors;
Unforgiveness is very prevalent;
The time-waster at the bus station;
Three very receptive ladies;
Joseph gives out crosses;
Does Jesus know you? ;
Maybe we handled one lady wrong;
Praying for boldness;



Get Team Jesus shirts here: 

Power Evangelism and Discernment

While doing spirit-led evangelism

.. and praying in the spirit, there are different sources of information that arise. . I will be addressing some of the different sources today.

Power Evangelism and Discernment Notes:

These are pearls of spiritual evangelism;
The prophetic is a mess right now;
My new age background;
Eph 6:18 tells us to pray in the spirit for people;
Different sources of spiritual info;
Demons or familiar spirits;
Our heart can deceive us Jer 23:16 ;
We are to commune with our hearts Psalms 4:4;
Paul goes from flesh to spirit;
Discernment comes from use Heb 5:12-14;
The recipient projects in the spirit;
Law of attraction in scripture;
The Spirit of God;
God confirms - my example;
Principalities cause spiritual traffic;
It is useful even if it is from a bad source;
We need prophetic mentorship;
1 Cor 14 is a good example;
huddling after evangelism;

BOOK LINKS:

Prophetic Fishing: Evangelism in the Power of the Spirit

Read it free for trying Scribd
Listen free for trying Audible

Open Your Eyes Book

Presence Evangelism Podcast Series 

How to Walk After the Spirit

How does one Walk After the Spirit? 

I am picking up on a podcast series I began in 2015.  Sharing some of my examples and lots of scripture.  

Romas 8:14 led by spirit are sons of God;
Hebrews 4:12 Word of God is a discerner of Spirit;
Pneuma Spirit like the Wind;
Hebrews 11:6 Faith, Seek, be rewarded;
Jesus promises to manifest to the believer ;
John 16:13 Spirit shows things to come;
Developing a relationship and Knowing His voice;
Acts 16 example of Following the Spirit;
Spirit is like the wind; John 3:8;
Ronald prophesies from Pit to Palace;
Spirit-led to street preaching with a church;
Spirit-led to Jackson Radio Station;
Spirit-led to empty pier and people came;
Spirit-led to hospital and Bus Station;


Links
Presence Evangelism Youtube Series
Walking After the Spirit Youtube Series
Open Your Eyes - My Supernatural Journey BOOK
Facebook Post IN Spirit and In Truth
Facebook Post being Led by the Spirit

Words of Knowledge in Evangelism

Words of Knowledge

There is a moment in evangelism where we are talking to the person and seeking the Lord for wisdom on how to proceed.  Sometimes a word of knowledge is the key.  

xx

Words of Knowledge during Evangelism

SHOW NOTES:

Open our mouth and watch God work; 

Establish rapport in Evangelism;

Rapport removes rocks of offense; 

Banner blindness mentality in evangelism; 

Different sources for words of knowledge; 

Not everything in the spirit is from the Throne room of heaven; 

Our deceitful heart Jeremiah 14:13-14 and Ezekiel 13:2;

Demons and familiar spirits; 

The person projecting in the spirit; 

Nathaniel under fig tree or woman at the well; 

Heb 5:12-14 senses exercised by reason of use!; 

Heb 4:12 maturing in Word and Spirit for discernment; 

Developing a relationship with God in the green season; 

Discerning the source of supernatural knowledge; 

The farm smell example of recognition; 

Fort Hood shooting spirit of murder; 

Lady with elevated emotion over break up; 

Word of knowledge was a Divine Appointment; 

The Projection Game; 

2Ki 4:27 God hid word from Elisha; 

2Ki 6:11-12 God allows Elisha to hear across great distances; 

1 COR 14:39 earnestly covet to prophesy; 

Joh 16:13 Spirit of Truth shows us things to come; 

Word of Knowledge example in a restaurant; 

Romans 12:6 prophesying in accordance to faith; 

Gideon developed his relationship with God over time; 

Individual words are rare in scripture and have to do with God's plan; 

LINKS:

Enduring Tribulation

Podcast with Susan on spirit led evangelism;

Stephen Barret Prophetic Evangelism

Nick Serre Prophetic evangelism

Glynda Lomax Prophetic Evangelism

Word Of Knowledge Gift Play list 

Nick Serre - Prophetic Evangelism Interview

Continuing in the series "Prophetic Evangelism" I interview Nick Serre from Canada.

Show Notes:

Sola Scriptura and following the Spirit;
Don't need to be a prophet to prophesy;
Discerning God's voice through relationship;
Waiting on the Lord;
Being led by the Spirit during evangelism;
Treasure hunting approach;
Spending time in the prayer closet;
How to pray for healing;
Ignoring the prompting to pray for someone;
How to approach people;
Reasons we miss it - discernment;
Different sources of information in the spirit realm;
The Spirit empowers us to do His Will;
Evangelizing at a Marylin Manson concert;
Reading the book versus doing what the book says;
Authority is given for us to Go! ;
Dare to take the step of faith;
Huddling after spiritual encounters;
Nick prays for the listeners;






Nick On FaceBook
Nick's PayPal paypal.me/lordzone
Facebook Live Original Interview
Stephen Barrett Interview
Glynda Lomax Interview

Prophetic Evangelism - Stephen Barrett Interview

Interview with Stephen Barrett form Holy fire Japan about Prophetic Evangelism.

Show Notes:
Stephen and I met around 2010 on #Tworship;
Frustrated with no results and God told him to fast;
Many supernatural miracle healings ;
Living by faith;
Prophetic Evangelism is really spirit led evangelism;
A word about Treasure Hunting;
Words of knowledge about pain;
Evangelism does not have to be 'prophetic' ;
Initiating the conversation;
Scanning in the spirit;
Committing our way to the Lord so He will bring it to pass;
Establishing rapport;
Street evangelism and opening your mouth;
The boldness that comes;
Words of knowledge versus common knowledge;
Missing it ;
Stilling the thought life so you can hear in the Spirit;
Sources of information in the Spirit;
Prophetic mentoring;
Talking too much instead of listening;
Assembling the body together;
Doing it versus making excuses;
Stephen Prays us out;

Stephen Barrett on Facebook
Holy Fire Japan blog
https://www.paypal.me/holyfirejapan
Facebook Live Video

Glynda Lomax - Prophetic Evangelism Interview

Interview with Author Glynda Lomax about the nuts and bolts of prophetic evangelism. How does getting and delivering a prophetic word actually work? Find out in this Podcast interview.

Show Notes:
Glynda shares how a Prophetic word saved her;
How did her time in the occult impact the Christian Prophetic? ;
Is it really 'prophetic' or 'being led by the Spirit'?;
The 'busyness' that keeps us from hearing God;
Be still and know that I am God Psalm 46:10;
Take no thought what you will say beforehand Luke 12:11-12;
How do we know where the Lord wants us to go? ;
Glynda shares her first prophetic evangelism experience;
Glynda shares how she knew it was God leading her;
Senses exercised by reason of use Hebrews 5:14
Sharing a word of knowledge example in prison ministry;
Not remembering prophetic words given while being in the spirit;
God drew Glynda while she was backslidden;
Glynda shares a prophetic word for the podcast audience;
Praying it through - the 'deadly winter' word;
Discussing open visions versus words of knowledge;
How to initiate the conversation with a word of knowledge;
Words of knowledge have something only God and they know;
Making mistakes - don't add to or take away;
What happens when we don't share the prophetic word;
Prophetic mentoring in 1 Corinthians 14;
Sources of spiritual information;
God deceives prophets Ezek 14:9;
Step out in faith and deliver the word;
Glynda prays ;


Links:
The Wilderness Companion book
Glynda's VIDEO  Testimony from 2010
Glynd'as Author Page
Glynda Lomax on Youtube
Wings Of Prophecy blog

Charles Templeton - From Evangelist to Agnostic

A viewer sent me an article about Charles Templeton an Evangelist that became agnostic. Here is my Response.

This video was done as a response to a post about David Gass

David Gass was a 40-year-old Christian and 20-year pastor at the time he became an atheist. His Twitter account blew up and it made big waves in the Christian community. A friend of mine sent me a similar post about Charles Templeton. Pastors falling away from the faith is not a new thing.

Here's a short excerpt from the article about David Gass.

“Dave Gass, a former megachurch pastor who most recently led Grace Family Fellowship in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, has renounced his Christian faith as a system rife with abuse that caused him “mental and emotional breaks.”

A representative from his former church, however, has accused him of being an unrepentant adulterer.”

This begs the question. Did David Gass fall away from the faith, or was he running away because of an adulterous relationship? 

In any event, this is a black eye on the church and a symptom of a much deeper problem.

Who Was Charles Templeton? 

It may seem like pastors are dropping like flies in today's current climate however there was a famous apostate in the last century and his name was Charles Templeton. 

Charles Templeton was a Christian evangelist in 1936. He became an evangelist in 1941. He founded the Avenue Rd Church of the Nazarene in Toronto Canada. He played his part in an organization known as Youth for Christ which was founded in 1946. Billy Graham and Charles Templeton were friends.

From Wikipedia: “Charles Bradley Templeton (October 7, 1915 – June 7, 2001) was a Canadian media figure and a former Christian evangelist. Known in the 1940s and 1950s as a leading evangelist, he became an agnostic and later embraced atheism after struggling with doubt. Afterward, he worked at various times in journalism, radio, and writing.”

“After he quit his first job, Templeton became a mass evangelist. From 1936 to 1938, he toured the US and preached in 44 states. He was a top evangelist, internationally renowned. In 1941, Templeton started the Nazarene Avenue Road Church as its preacher, renting a building that formerly housed a Presbyterian church. In 1955, he became the Presbyterian Church in the United States's secretary of evangelism.

Wanting to learn more about Christianity, Templeton attended Princeton Theological Seminary in the 1940s, later receiving an honorary doctorate from Lafayette College.

He hosted the religious television show Look Up and Live.

Charles Templeton struggled with doubts about his religion. He eventually became an agnostic, causing a wide backlash from Christian communities.

Templeton was a close friend of, and shared billing with, fellow evangelist Billy Graham, with whom he co-founded (along with Torrey Johnson) Youth for Christ International. After Templeton converted to agnosticism, they remained friends but became more distant.”

Why Did Templeton Leave the Faith? 

Templeton’s apostasy began with a misunderstanding about the creation versus evolution argument.

From a Creation.com article:

“During a speaking trip to England, Professor John Rendle-Short (Chairman emeritus, Creation Ministries International Australia) told a group of pastors that if they rejected a literal Genesis in favor of evolutionary ideas (or even just millions of years), this would put them on a slippery slide of unbelief.”

Evolution versus Creationism kicked off the apostasy of Charles Templeton and many others.

From the article

“Following is the sad account of the life of a once prominent and successful evangelist, his slide into unbelief, and his rejection of Christianity. In 1996, the book Farewell to God was published for all the world to see the author, Charles Templeton, claim:

‘I oppose the Christian Church because, for all the good it sometimes does, it presumes to speak in the name of God and to propound and advocate beliefs that are outdated, demonstrably untrue, and often, in their various manifestations, deleterious to individuals and to society.’”

One Simply Cannot Figure God Out

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God…(Rom 8:7)

If you follow my podcast you know that I often talk about how this spirit of truth will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). However, many people want to study the Bible using the carnal mind never seeking the spirit of truth for guidance. This is a problem because the carnal mind fights God (Romans 8:7). The natural man cannot understand the things of the spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).  This is where I believe Charles Templeton and countless others miss it. 

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1Co 2:14)

When we start trying to figure God out without the spirit of truth, we're going to fall far short. Because the natural man simply cannot understand the things of the spirit. They seem like foolishness. Have you ever had a conversation about God with an atheist? They resort to things that they can see, taste, touch, hear, or feel. They think people that talk about spiritual things are delusional. 

Rationale is the Devil's Playground

… If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down… (Mat 4:6)

The devil likes to use rationale to get people to fall. Just like he did with Eve in the garden of Eden. The devil tries to get Jesus to fall using the “if-then”  rationale. He asked some tricky questions attempting to get Jesus to make a mistake. Notice the devil asked three ‘if’ questions in a row however Jesus responded with scripture each time. 

Jesus answers back with the word of God and defeats the devil.  But before that, He's driven by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4 and Luke 4 are examples for us to follow.   Not only are we to be intimate with the text of the word of God but also the spirit of the word of God.

The Spirit Wields the Sword

… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Eph 6:17)

The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God which means the spirit wields the sword.  Jesus was driven by the Holy Spirit specifically to be tempted by the devil.  Jesus was responding with scripture that the spirit gave Jesus.  The spirit gave the perfect scriptures to defeat that devil at that time.  

This is an example for us today. The spirit wields the sword.  We must have an intimate relationship with the spirit.  The Spirit will guide us in which scriptures to use for each situation. 

Apologetics is nice and all but…

I enjoy apologetics but one should not rest their entire faith on carnal reasoning. When atheists ask me a question like “How did Noah get all those animals on the ark?” I don't have the answer to that. All I know is that I had a spiritual experience with the biblical Jesus. That’s enough for me.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1Pe 3:15)

In apologetics, people think you should have an answer for absolutely everything there is under the sun based on 1 Peter 315. However, 1 Peter 3:15 talks about hope. The reason for the hope that we have.  This does not mean we have to have every answer under the sun for atheists and agnostics. We need to have the answer for the reason of the hope that is in us. This is different than having every answer under the sun. 

The demoniac (Matthew 8) when he was saved he didn't go out and study apologetics before he started telling people about Jesus. His life was radically changed. It was obvious. Everyone could see that. When Jesus changes your life you're gonna brag about him. The demoniac was delivered and became an instant evangelist.

When the woman at the well (John 4) encountered Jesus she didn't have all the answers but she brought people to Jesus.  Practically the whole town got saved because of her encounter with Jesus. 

Consider the blind man in John 9. He didn't have all the answers. All he knew is he was blind and because of Jesus, he got his vision. That is the reason for the hope that is in that blind man whose eyes were opened. 

False Converts

There's a book by ray comfort called “God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life”. He goes into amazing detail and uses lots of statistics on false converts. 9 out of 10 children raised in Christian homes leave the church. He talks about why 80 or 90% of those making decisions for Jesus fall away from the faith so quickly. Get the book here. 

It is possible that both David Gass and Charles Templeton were false converts. In the articles that I read there's not any mention of a spiritual relationship with Jesus.  There are no mentions of them having the Mark chapter 16 signs of a believer that Jesus guarantees.  However, there is a lot of discussion about intellectual wrangling.

Paul, which wrote 2/3 of our New Testament had many passages memorized before he met Jesus.  Paul's original theology appears to have been based on logic and following his teachers on what they thought scripture meant.  In Acts Chapter 9, on the road to Damascus, Paul met Jesus. In Galatians chapter one we can see that Paul developed his spiritual relationship with Jesus.  He writes about following the spirit constantly and mentions signs and wonders and the demonstration of the spirit and power. 

After his encounter with Jesus,  Paul then has the ‘signs of a believer’ that Jesus guarantees in Mark chapter 16. Notice when Paul was walking in logic, carnal reasoning, and the traditions of men, he did not operate in the signs of a believer. But after Paul met Jesus and was filled with the Holy Spirit he did have the signs of a believer.

Christianity is a supernatural religion.  

Jesus Manifests Himself to Believers

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Heb 6:4-6)

On everything that I've read about pastors that have fallen away from the faith. They don’t talk about having supernatural experiences with God. They have not tasted of the heavenly gift.  They don’t display the signs of a believer in Mark 16. 

When they say they believe in Jesus it's not from a relationship but intellectual assent. 

Jesus promises that He will manifest himself to those that keep his commandments and love Him. 

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (Joh 14:21)

I submit to you that keeping the commandments of Jesus is more than intellectual assent. If we read the sermon on the mount or pay attention to the commands of Jesus we can see that the church is far off track. It's no wonder that some evangelists and preachers fall away from the faith. They never had a spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus. 

links:
bit.ly/TempletonArticle
Farewell to God book 
Book - God has a wonderful Plan 
bit.ly/TempletonWiki

David Gass Article

Deliverance from the Highway to Hell: How Jesus Broke the Chains of Meth and Alcohol -Denise Richard Testimony

Have you ever felt like you were feeding a monster that you knew would eventually rule you? We’ve all been there in some way—trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing, numbing our pain, or chasing a "high" that never quite satisfies. Maybe for you, it’s not a needle or a bottle. Maybe it’s the approval of others, or a deep-seated fear that keeps you paralyzed. But the weight is the same. It’s a ball and chain that drags you further away from the life God intended for you.

I recently sat down for a cup of coffee—spiritually speaking—with my friend Denise Richard. Her story is one of the most raw, gut-wrenching, and ultimately glorious testimonies I’ve ever heard. She spent decades on what she calls the "highway to hell," a path paved with abusive marriages, crystal meth addiction, and the kind of heartbreak that would leave most people shattered beyond repair. She lived with aluminum foil on her windows and a hit out on her life, yet today she is a "star-catcher" for the Kingdom, walking in a supernatural boldness that many of us only dream of.

If you’re feeling broken, condemned by religious folks, or just plain exhausted from fighting a battle you can't seem to win, Denise’s story is for you. We’re going to look at how the Holy Spirit doesn't just "help" us manage our problems—He delivers us. We’re going to see how a simple act of obedience from a preacher in a motorhome can pivot a life toward destiny, and how Jesus is more interested in your heart than your current zip code or job title.

In this post, we’ll explore the difference between religious condemnation and true spiritual deliverance. You’ll learn how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in the middle of your daily business—even if that means interrupting a phone call in a park. Let’s get into Denise’s incredible journey from the needle to the Great Commission.

The Monster of People-Pleasing

Denise’s journey didn't start with meth; it started with a desire to belong. At the age of eleven, she became a people-pleaser. It started with cigarettes, then weed. By fifteen, she was looking for love in all the wrong places, leading to a pregnancy and a marriage that turned abusive within a week. Imagine the scene: a young woman, barely out of childhood herself, with a black eye on one side or the other every single weekend.

She told me she felt like those old Lucky Strikes commercials—"I’d rather fight than switch." Her father couldn't understand why she kept going back, but as she puts it now, her self-worth was absolutely gone. She was broken. When the soul is that fragmented, you look for anything to numb the pain. Her entry into the drug world was actually suggested by her abusive husband, who sent her to a "diet doctor" for pills.

She remembered feeling a quick rush of relief and motivation at first, like the pills helped her push through chores and keep going. But the cycle of diet pills required beer or Valium to come down so she could sleep. This is the trap the enemy sets—a seemingly harmless solution to a problem that eventually consumes the person entirely.

The First Rain of the Spirit

One night, Denise had escaped to a friend's house with her young daughter, Tasha. A friend came over with a Bible and shared his testimony. He spoke of how a man tried to rob him at a car window, and he simply lifted his Bible, and the man walked away. Denise didn't know much about Jesus—her Cajun Catholic upbringing was mostly in French, and she hadn't heard a personal testimony before.

As that man spoke, the Holy Spirit "rained" down on her. She described a sensation like electricity or rain lifting her off the bed and moving her to sit next to her sleeping daughter. She sat by a big bay window and watched the sunrise, and for the first time, everything looked different.

God delivered her from that abusive relationship that very night. He literally took the man out of her heart. "I didn't even know who he was," she told me. That is the power of the supernatural work of God. He can perform a "heart-ectomy" in an instant.

The Condemnation Trap

However, the path to freedom isn't always linear. Denise went to a church, felt the nudge to be baptized, and was ready to walk with God. But then, the "Teacher" on earth missed the mark. The pastor stood up and said, "You cannot work in a bar and love Jesus."

Denise was working in a bar to support her kids. That one sentence of condemnation drove her right back into the arms of the enemy. This is why I talk so much about the importance of being led by the Spirit rather than the traditions of men. If you want to know more about how to discern God's voice from the voices of religious tradition, just keep following my blog, podcast, and social media!

When Denise left that church, the "Seven Devils" returned. A black Eldorado Cadillac pulled up to her house, and the owner of the bar sat at her table and whipped out a spoon and a syringe. That was her entry into the "Highway to Hell"—crystal meth.

90 Pounds and a Hit Out on Her Life

For two years, meth ruled her life. She went from 120 pounds to 90 pounds. Her clothes were literally falling off her body. Her parents eventually had to take her children because she was too far gone to care for them. "Even when your children walk out of your house, and you wake up the next morning, you still use," she confessed. That is the level of bondage meth brings.

She was living in a trailer park, selling drugs, and keeping illegal guns. One night, the reality of her situation hit a breaking point. A "bad batch" had circulated, someone had died, and a "hit" was put out on Denise. She sat in her trailer, looking out the window into the field behind her, convinced the law was watching her from the tall grass.

A massive storm rolled in that night—the kind of rain that makes a trailer shake on its foundations. She had aluminum foil on the windows, living in total darkness and paranoia. She knew she was either going to prison or the grave.

The next morning, a motorhome pulled into that trailer park. It was a preacher selling Bibles. Denise had exactly twenty dollars to her name. The Bible cost forty. She told him, "I have twenty bucks. You can have it for that Bible."

The man took the money, looked at her—a 90-pound woman with sunken eyes and the stench of death on her—and said, "I was worried about how I was going to feed my family tonight. God provided through you." Denise never got the Bible, and she never got a bill. What she got was a rescue. Shortly after, friends from Florida came and plucked her out of that town.

The Angels with the Wet Bedsheets

Fast forward to 1993. Denise was living with a Spirit-filled friend in Atlanta. She was working in cosmetology but was still chained to cigarettes—a thirty-year habit. She asked God to take the desire away.

For two nights, she had a supernatural experience that defies carnal logic. She felt angels come into her room. They lifted her off the bed and began to "clean" her—her ears, her nose, her toes, her fingers. She would wake up with the bedsheets soaking wet, as if thirty years of nicotine were being physically purged from her pores. On Thanksgiving morning, she woke up and didn't even realize she was free until three days later.

"I look at my hand and I go, 'I don't smoke anymore!'"

This is the "easy yoke" Jesus talks about. When He delivers you, the "monkey" isn't just asleep—he's dead. If you’re struggling with spiritual attacks or demonic oppression, you might find my other book, Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave, very helpful in understanding how to apply spiritual authority.

The Car Wreck and the Bird Nest

God has a way of getting our attention when we start to drift. In 2001, Denise hit a brick building head-on at high speed with no seatbelt. She ended up in a wheelchair with a broken femur and a shattered hand.

She was alone, $50,000 in debt, facing bankruptcy and divorce. One day, she rolled her wheelchair out to the porch. There was a wreath on the door where some birds had nested. She watched the little birds hatch and felt a wave of despair—how was she going to take care of herself, let alone her children?

She opened her Bible, and her eyes landed on the words of Jesus: Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matthew 6:26 KJV).

"If I take care of the birds... why not you?" the Lord whispered to her heart. Within days, HUD opened up a spot for the first time in ten years. A church that "never pays rent twice" paid her rent again. For the next ten years, God provided a roof over her head while she went back to school, got her GED, and eventually a college degree.

The Ultimate Surrender

Even after all these miracles, Denise struggled with alcohol and painkillers. It wasn't until she was 57 years old that she finally hit the floor in total surrender. She realized she was still trying to "will" her way into sobriety.

"Jesus, I’m an addict. I cannot quit on my own. I need your help."

The love of God fell on her in that bedroom. All the voices—the "monkey" in her head that told her she needed a pill to get through the day—simply stopped. The anxiety vanished. The back pain she had been medicating disappeared. She walked to the toilet and flushed a brand-new, $300 prescription.

Personal Reflections

When I listen to Denise talk about her "Lucky Strike" mentality—the idea that she’d rather fight than switch—I see so many of us in that. We are stubborn. We think we can handle the abuse, the addiction, or the stress if we just "try harder." But Jesus isn't looking for a better version of your "self." He’s looking for the end of yourself.

There is something uniquely powerful about a "dried-out" soul finally getting a drink from the Well of Life. Denise realized that even after the drugs were gone, she had "character defects" that required the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

She told me about a recent day at the park. She saw a woman sitting in a Jeep, feet propped up, on a phone call. The Holy Spirit told Denise to go tell her that Jesus loved her. Denise argued—"God, she’s busy!" But she went. The woman burst into tears. She had just found out her husband was cheating. She needed a word from the Father right then and there.

That is "Spirit-led evangelism." It isn't a program; it's a relationship. It’s being a "co-laborer" with Christ. When we wear His yoke, we aren't pulling the weight alone. He is right there with us.

Biblical References

Denise’s life is a walking illustration of the Word. We see the principle of the "house being swept clean" in her story. If we don't fill that house with the Holy Spirit, the enemy returns with seven others worse than the first (Matthew 12:43-45 KJV). This is why the religious condemnation she faced at that first church was so deadly—it emptied her of hope but didn't fill her with the Spirit.

She also lives out the boldness of Joshua. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9 KJV). Whether it’s talking to people in the airport or a lady in a Jeep, she has moved from a "people-pleaser" to a "God-pleaser."

And of course, there is the beautiful reality of Psalm 23, which she memorized during her darkest years. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1 KJV). He led her through the valley of the shadow of death—literally, through a car wreck and a "hit" on her life—and she emerged with her cup running over.

Key Takeaways

• Relationship over Religion: Condemnation drives people back to addiction. The Holy Spirit drives them to Jesus.
• Total Surrender is the Key: Deliverance often begins the moment we admit, "I can't do this on my own."
• God is a Provider: If He takes care of the birds in a wreath, He will take care of your rent and your recovery.
• Spirit-Led Evangelism: God wants to use your testimony to heal others. Your mess becomes your message.
• The Voice of God is Recognizable: As we clear the "junk" out of our minds, His voice becomes clearer than the voices of our addictions.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Denise’s story is proof that no one is too far gone. From a 90-pound meth addict with aluminum foil on her windows to a bold evangelist sharing Jesus in the park, God has a plan for your life. He wants to take your "Highway to Hell" and turn it into a path of righteousness.

If you’re struggling today, I want to invite you to do what Denise did: lay it all down. Put down the pride, the shame, and the "willpower," and just ask Him for help.

I’d love to hear how this testimony impacted you. Please leave a comment below or share this post with someone who needs to know that Jesus can set them free. If you want to stay connected and get more deep-dives into the supernatural walk with Christ, be sure to subscribe to my blog and podcast at ConradRocks.net.

Until we meet again, dig deeper, go higher!

Action Items

• Humbly surrender: If you are struggling with an addiction (pornography, drugs, overeating, or even pride), find a quiet place today and say, "Jesus, I can't do this on my own. Help me."
• Memorize a "Safety Verse": Start with Psalm 23 or Joshua 1:9. Carry it in your heart so it’s there when the "monkey" starts talking.
• Listen for the Nudge: Next time you’re out in public, ask the Holy Spirit if there’s someone you need to encourage. Be willing to look "stupid" for the sake of a soul.
• Purge the Junk: Ask God to show you any "character defects" or numbing agents that are hindering your relationship with Him, and be obedient to let them go.