Friday, June 19, 2015

Frank Viola Interview - 5 Powerful Hacks for Living a Victorious Christian Life

Frank Viola’s 5 Hacks to a Victorious Christian Life



Introduction:

As a follower of Christ, I'm always seeking ways to deepen my faith and live a more fulfilling spiritual life. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Frank Viola, a renowned Christian author and speaker. Frank shared some profound insights on what he calls "hacks to the victorious Christian life." Today, I'm excited to share these game-changing strategies with you.


1. Embrace Your Limitations

The first and perhaps most counterintuitive hack is to realize that we cannot live the Christian life on our own strength. Frank emphasized that this realization is crucial for spiritual growth. As Jesus Himself said, "Without me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). It's only when we acknowledge our limitations that we can truly rely on God's power.


2. Cultivate Christian Community

Frank's second hack underscores the importance of fellowship with other believers. The Christian journey was never meant to be a solo adventure. We need the support, encouragement, and accountability that comes from meaningful relationships with other Christians. This goes beyond merely attending church services; it's about fostering deep, authentic connections.


3. Seek Wisdom in Struggles

When facing challenges, our natural inclination is often to pray for God to remove them. However, Frank suggests a different approach: ask God to show you how to overcome these struggles. This shift in perspective aligns with James 1:5, which encourages us to ask God for wisdom. By doing so, we open ourselves to learning and growing through our difficulties.


4. Be Open to Diverse Sources of Truth

Frank's fourth hack challenges us to broaden our horizons. While staying rooted in Scripture, we shouldn't shy away from gleaning wisdom from non-Christian sources when appropriate. Truth is truth, regardless of its origin, and God can use various channels to speak to us and help us grow.


5. Prioritize Depth Over Popularity

In a world that often values what's trending over what's truly transformative, Frank urges us to seek depth in our spiritual journey. He draws a parallel to Jesus' parable of the sower, reminding us that without deep roots, our faith may wither when faced with life's challenges. This means investing time in substantive teachings and resources that will nourish our souls for the long haul.


Conclusion:

Implementing these five hacks can revolutionize our approach to Christian living. They remind us that the victorious life in Christ is not about perfection or self-reliance, but about continuous growth, community, wisdom-seeking, openness to truth, and pursuing depth in our faith.

I'm grateful for Frank Viola's insights and encourage you to explore more of his teachings. Remember, the journey to a victorious Christian life is ongoing, and it's never too late to start implementing these powerful strategies.

What are your thoughts on these hacks? Which one resonates with you the most? Share in the comments below, and let's continue this important conversation!




Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Spiritual Awakening in Challenging Times: A Deep Dive into Faith, Prophecy, and Revival

Spiritual Awakening in Challenging Times: Insights from a Man of Faith!



I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Vernon Mordecai, a man of profound faith and prophetic insight. Our conversation was a spiritual journey, delving deep into the realms of Christian prophecy, supernatural experiences, and the urgent need for revival in our modern world. What follows is an exploration of our discussion, which I believe holds crucial insights for believers navigating these challenging times.

The Current Spiritual Climate: Vernon shared a powerful vision he had recently experienced, one that speaks volumes about the spiritual battles we face today. He described seeing a flood of unclean spirits being released upon the world, affecting those who were not marked by God. This vivid imagery serves as a stark reminder of the importance of staying rooted in our faith and being vigilant in our spiritual lives.

INTERVIEW - PART 1

"I saw what looked like a dam bursting," Vernon explained, "but instead of water, it was a flood of unclean spirits. Those without the mark of God on their foreheads were overwhelmed by these entities." This vision troubled Vernon deeply, causing him to wake up weeping and seeking understanding from the Lord.

The Need for Authentic Christianity: One of the key points that emerged from our discussion was the critical need for Christians to move beyond simply hearing the Word to actively living it out. Vernon emphasized the importance of demonstrating the power of Christ through our actions, not just our words.

"We need to talk less and do more," Vernon stated emphatically. "We need to show the works of Christ. People are watching our actions."

He shared inspiring stories of revivals he had witnessed, where young people were passionate about prayer, fasting, and sharing the gospel - leading to miraculous healings and transformations. One particularly powerful account was of a revival in Smithton, Missouri, where teenagers were at the forefront of a movement that drew thousands to Christ.

"It wasn't the old folks like me," Vernon recalled with a smile. "It was the teenagers getting turned on to Jesus. When they went into their praise services, people were standing outside because they couldn't even get them into the church."

Challenges Facing the Modern Church: We discussed some of the challenges facing today's church, including the tendency towards large, impersonal congregations where true discipleship becomes difficult. Vernon shared his experiences with home churches and smaller fellowships, highlighting how these settings often allow for deeper relationships and more authentic expressions of faith.

"In some of these mega-churches, there's no way a pastor can truly shepherd 10,000 people," Vernon pointed out. "It becomes more about socializing than worshipping God. I call it the First Church of Socialite."


INTERVIEW - PART 2

Signs of the Times: Our conversation touched on various signs that many believe point to the end times - from increased natural disasters to societal changes. Vernon cautioned against simply sitting back and waiting for Christ's return. Instead, he emphasized the need for believers to be actively engaged in sharing the gospel and demonstrating God's love to a hurting world.

"We're seeing earthquakes in diverse places," Vernon noted. "Five years ago, who ever heard of an earthquake here in Oklahoma? Yet now we have more earthquakes than California. We're seeing strange weather patterns, potential famines... these are all signs mentioned in scripture."

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment: Vernon stressed the importance of spiritual discernment in these times, warning against false teachings and "seducing spirits" that can lead believers astray. He shared a powerful analogy of ministers needing to be like sheepdogs, protecting the flock from wolves.
"The Lord showed me in the spirit realm," Vernon explained, "He said, 'They are sheep and they are wolves. I need some sheepdogs.' As ministers, we are to be the guards to keep the wolves away from the sheep."

A Call to Revival: Despite the challenges we face, Vernon expressed his belief that we are on the cusp of a significant revival. He sees this as a time of separation - where those who truly seek God will experience a renewed outpouring of His Spirit, while others may fall away.

"I believe we're literally at the point right now where we're seeing the separation between the wheat and the chaff, the sheep and the goats," Vernon stated. "I believe the door of the Ark of Grace is literally closing upon mankind."

The Power of Small, Authentic Communities: Vernon shared his experiences with home churches and smaller fellowships, emphasizing how these settings often foster deeper relationships and more authentic expressions of faith. He recounted a personal story of starting a home church in New Mexico that grew into a thriving community of believers.

"Some of the greatest moments my wife and I had were in that home church," Vernon reminisced. "We started with Bible studies, and it grew. Eventually, the Lord provided a building that could seat about 120 people. That church is still going strong today."

The Supernatural in Everyday Life: Throughout our conversation, Vernon shared numerous accounts of supernatural experiences and divine interventions. From miraculous healings to prophetic dreams, these stories served as powerful reminders of God's active presence in the lives of believers.

"I remember a time when a nine-year-old boy prayed for his father who needed a kidney transplant," Vernon recounted. "I could literally feel the power of electricity as the Holy Spirit moved. It wasn't some great evangelist that did it - it was the childlike faith of that young boy that brought about the miracle."

The Importance of Worship and Prayer: Vernon emphasized the transformative power of genuine worship and prayer. He shared a particularly moving account of a time when a nearly empty church service turned into a powerful move of God's Spirit through sincere prayer and worship.

"We got so caught up in prayer," Vernon recalled, "that we didn't even notice the church had filled up with people. Next thing we knew, everybody was falling in the Spirit, laughing... it was just like in the book of Chronicles where you'd actually see the glory of the Lord fall."

Preparing for the Future: As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Vernon what believers should be doing to prepare for the times ahead. His response was simple yet profound: "Get ready. Harken unto the voice of the Lord."

He elaborated, explaining that this preparation isn't about stockpiling supplies or hiding away, but about deepening our relationship with God and being ready to move as He directs. "We need to be doers of the word, not just hearers," Vernon emphasized, echoing James 1:22.

Conclusion: As I reflected on my conversation with Vernon Mordecai, I was struck by the urgency and passion in his words. His insights remind us that we are living in critical times - times that call for a return to authentic, power-filled Christianity. Whether through home churches, passionate youth movements, or simply living out our faith in our daily lives, we are called to be light in an increasingly dark world.

The challenges we face are real and significant, but so is the power of our God. As believers, we are not called to fear the darkness, but to shine brightly within it. We are called to be vigilant, discerning, and above all, deeply rooted in our relationship with Christ.

Call to Action: I encourage you, dear reader, to reflect on your own spiritual walk. Are you merely a hearer of the Word, or are you actively demonstrating Christ's love and power in your life? Let's commit together to seek God more earnestly, to pray for revival in our hearts and our communities, and to be ready for whatever the future may hold.

As Vernon so powerfully reminded us, the time for passive Christianity is over. We are called to be active participants in God's work on earth, to be the "sheepdogs" protecting the flock, to be the light that pushes back the darkness. Let us rise to this call with courage, faith, and an unwavering commitment to the truth of God's Word.

May we be found faithful when Christ returns, having done all we can to spread His love and truth to a world in desperate need. Amen.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Michael Henderson Testimony for Jesus

A Conversation with Pastor Michael Henderson: Standing Firm in Faith



As the host of "Coffee with Conrad," I recently had the privilege of interviewing Pastor Michael Henderson, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Springfield, Illinois. Our conversation covered his inspiring testimony, his new book "The Sifted Generation," and his passion for apologetics. Here's a recap of our enlightening discussion.

An Unexpected Journey to Faith

Michael's story begins not in a Christian home, but at a small vacation Bible school in Kansas. There, he first encountered Jesus through a mural depicting Christ gathering children around Him. This image sparked a curiosity that would eventually lead to a life-changing encounter with God.

It wasn't until he was about 20 years old, working at a printing plant, that Michael had his true spiritual awakening. Feeling lost and searching for meaning, he went outside during a break and fell to his knees in prayer. "God, if you're real, please come into my life. I can't change myself, but I'll turn my heart completely over to you if you'll just touch me and give me hope," he prayed.

The response, as Michael described it, was immediate and overwhelming. The Holy Spirit hit him "like a ton of bricks." He started shaking and stuttering, overcome by the presence of God. This moment marked the beginning of his passionate pursuit of Christ, leading him to read the Bible through four times in just 90 days.

Standing Firm in the Workplace

Michael's newfound faith was soon put to the test in the workplace. One of his first challenges came when he was asked to print Playboy magazine at a printing company in Boulder, Colorado. Faced with this moral dilemma, Michael knew he had to take a stand for his beliefs, even if it meant risking his job.

He went to the back of his press, fell on his knees, and prayed for God's guidance. When he returned to the front of the press, his boss was waiting, demanding to know why the job wasn't running. With trembling voice but unwavering conviction, Michael quoted Acts 5:29: "We ought to obey God rather than men."

The confrontation that followed was intense. Michael was sent to the production manager's office, where he faced angry outbursts and the threat of being fired. But just when it seemed all hope was lost, God intervened in a miraculous way. A well-dressed man Michael had never seen before entered the office and, upon hearing the situation, calmly reassigned him to a different press.

This experience taught Michael a valuable lesson: when we stand firm in our faith, God will always come through for us, often in ways we least expect.

The Impact of a Faithful Witness

Michael's commitment to sharing the Gospel, even in hostile environments, had a ripple effect that he couldn't have imagined. Months after leaving one printing plant where he had consistently shared his faith, he received a call from a former coworker. The coworker told him that almost everyone on their shift had started attending church somewhere.

This revelation was both humbling and inspiring. It showed that our faithful witness, even when it seems unappreciated or ineffective, can plant seeds that God will nurture and grow in His perfect timing.

The Sifted Generation: Facing Modern Challenges

As a pastor in Springfield, Illinois, just blocks from the state capitol, Michael is on the front lines of the spiritual battle in our culture. He's witnessed firsthand the breakdown of families, the moral decay in our communities, and even the compromise within some churches.

These observations led him to write his book, "The Sifted Generation: Tested, Tried, and Found True." In it, he explores how God is allowing circumstances in our world that will prove the mettle of our faith. We're living in a time of great sifting, where believers are being called to make a stand for Christ in increasingly challenging situations.

From the redefinition of marriage to the erosion of religious liberties, Christians today face pressures that test the authenticity of their faith. But Michael believes these challenges are also opportunities for us to shine brightly for Christ and to demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel.

Equipping Believers for Spiritual Warfare

One of Michael's passions as a pastor is equipping believers with the tools they need to defend their faith. That's why he's implemented an "apologetical moment" in his Sunday services, where he provides a brief lecture or video that gives reasons for why we believe what we believe.

He's also created a free ebook called "25 Reasons to Believe," which offers solid, biblical arguments for the Christian faith. This resource has been downloaded over 20,000 times and is being used by missionaries, schools, and individuals around the world to strengthen their faith and share the Gospel effectively.

A Call to Stand Firm

As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Michael to pray for those facing trials and persecution for their faith. His prayer was a powerful reminder that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). He encouraged believers to hold fast to the promises of God, trusting that He will be with us and carry us through every challenge we face.

Michael's testimony and insights serve as a powerful call to all believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity. His new book, "The Sifted Generation," and his free ebook, "25 Reasons to Believe," are valuable resources for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and effectively share the Gospel in these challenging times.

To learn more about Pastor Michael Henderson and access these resources, visit his website at TruthInspires.Com. And don't forget to check out his latest book, "The Sifted Generation," for a deeper exploration of how we can remain faithful to Christ in these challenging times.

Remember, as believers, we are called to be the light of the world. Let's stand together, encouraging one another and shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.