Jan Winterburn talks about Memphis Exalts Jesus

 Exalting Jesus in Memphis: Hundreds of Churches Unite for Revival on April 4th

My heart has been deeply stirred to see a spiritual awakening in our city. I believe God wants to pour out His Spirit in a powerful way and bring transformation, healing and hope. That's why I'm so excited about the Exalt Jesus Memphis event happening this Saturday, April 4th at AutoZone Park. 

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Jan Winterburn, one of the key organizers, to learn more about the vision behind this city-wide gathering. Jan shared how the event was birthed out of a year of prayer, with pastors and churches coming together across denominational lines to seek God's heart for Memphis. The sole purpose is to lift up the name of Jesus in unity.

"We don't want to distract from the Lord," Jan explained. "Nobody's being identified by name or church. We only want Jesus to be exalted." That spirit of humility and hunger for more of God's presence is what makes this event so special. 

Throughout the 4-hour program from 1-5pm, there will be a powerful mix of worship, prayer, testimonies, and scripture - all designed to lead the body of Christ to actively participate in praising Jesus. With hundreds of churches involved and social media spreading the word, the impact is reaching far beyond Memphis. Over 100 countries are praying for a mighty move of God in our city!

As I've attended the prayer meetings leading up to April 4th, I've been blown away by the unity and expectancy. Pastors and believers from all backgrounds are coming together with one heart - to see Jesus lifted high and His Kingdom come in greater measure. There is a growing conviction that this event is not just a one-day gathering, but a divine appointment to spark city-wide revival.

The parallels to past revivals are stunning. Jan noted how the great spiritual awakenings in places like Fiji and Colombia all had two common denominators: united prayer and the unity of the body of Christ across racial, ethnic and denominational lines. That is exactly what God is orchestrating in Memphis. 

With the event falling on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death, I believe God wants to bring deep racial reconciliation and healing to our city. He is answering the prayers of so many who have cried out for restoration, redemption and revival. The light of Christ is piercing the darkness!

So I want to personally invite you to join us this Saturday at AutoZone Park. Come expecting God to show up in power as we exalt the matchless name of Jesus together. Bring your friends, family and fellow church members. Let's pack the stadium with praise!

The gates open at noon, so plan to arrive early to get a good seat. The event kicks off at 1pm and goes until 5pm. You can learn more and get your free tickets at exaltjesusmemphis.org. 

I'm praying this is just the beginning of a Great Awakening in Memphis that will turn the city upside down for Christ. Lord, pour out Your Spirit on Memphis and use us for Your glory! May revival fire spread from Memphis to the nations as we unite to lift up Your name.

Hope to see you at the Exalt Jesus Memphis event on April 4th. Let's believe God for the extraordinary!

Following the Spirit: The Key to Being a Child of God

Following the Spirit: Key to Sonship

I want to share with you the importance of following the Spirit in our walk with Christ. As Christians, we are called to be led by the Spirit, not by our flesh or worldly desires. The Apostle Paul makes this clear in Romans 8 when he says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 8:14)

Recently, my wife Susan and I moved to Memphis, following the leading of the Spirit. We believe God has called us here to be part of a move of God in this city. That's why I'm so excited about the upcoming "Exalt Jesus Memphis" event on April 4th. I truly believe that as we gather to lift up the name of Jesus, He will draw people to Himself and bring revival to this area.

But following the Spirit isn't always easy. Sometimes it means choosing to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His Word, like Mary did, instead of being distracted by all the things we think we need to do, like Martha. Jesus said, "one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42) That one needful thing is to hear from God and build our lives on His Word.

As we follow the Spirit, He guides us into all truth and builds us up in our faith. And the amazing thing is, the truths we learn from the Spirit stay with us eternally. They become part of who we are in Christ.

Following the Spirit also means putting to death the deeds of the flesh. As Paul said, "if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13) This isn't always pleasant. Sometimes it involves suffering, as we share in the sufferings of Christ. But we have this incredible promise: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16-17)

This is what it means to be a child of God - to be led by His Spirit, to build our lives on His Word, to put to death the deeds of the flesh, and to share in both the sufferings and glory of Christ. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it. 

So I encourage you today, seek the Lord with all your heart. Let His Spirit fill you and guide you. And come join us in Memphis on April 4th as we exalt the name of Jesus together. I believe God is going to do something powerful as we gather in His presence.

Is America Speeding Towards Destruction? A Call to Repentance

America's Reckless Race Towards Ruin

As I was reviewing some of my old podcast episodes recently, I came across one from 2008 that struck a chord with me. In it, I was discussing how America seems to be like a car speeding recklessly towards a cliff of destruction. 

So many of our political leaders swear an oath on the Bible to uphold the Constitution, only to then turn around and try to rewrite both the Bible and the Constitution. This is taking the Lord's name in vain. People are frustrated and hungering for righteousness, but the only One who can truly satisfy that hunger is Jesus Christ.

Sadly, it seems no one is listening to Jesus. God has spoken through miraculous signs, like splitting the pulpit at Christian Tabernacle in 1996 as a call for America to repent. But what did the church do? Put the pulpit back up and ignore the clear message. We continue in our wicked ways, becoming more hypocritical and powerless. Some churches are even rejecting God's definition of marriage!

There is a faithful remnant that is earnestly praying and fasting for revival. But as a whole, the American church is not walking in the supernatural power it should be. And as a result, our nation is losing its place of prominence. We're like passengers in that speeding car, bracing for impact rather than having the faith to jump out. 

Yes, fully submitting to Jesus as Lord will be painful. It will wound our pride and likely cost us relationships, finances and more. But the alternative is continuing on this destructive path and eventually being ground to powder when we face God's judgment. 

The Lord is merciful and gives us space to repent, as He did even for the prophetess Jezebel in Revelation. But that time is not indefinite. Many prophetic voices are urgently warning that the time to get right with God is now. 

I urge you to pray fervently for one another to have the courage to jump out of the speeding car that is this world system. Confess your sins to the Lord and to trusted brothers and sisters in Christ. Be watchful in prayer for the needs of the saints. 

Most of all, make Jesus your Lord in word AND deed. He is the only hope for America and for each one of us personally. The cliff is fast approaching - let's heed God's call to repentance before it's too late.