What Does It Take to Knock Down Idols? Let's Talk About It.

Knocking Down Idols

Today we're diving into something really significant, something that's been on my heart for a while now. It all started with a simple question: What does it take to knock down idols?

This isn't just some abstract theological debate; it's a question with real-world implications for our spiritual lives and our walk with Jesus. I've been studying the scriptures, and a particular passage in 2 Kings chapter 18 has really jumped out at me. It talks about King Hezekiah, and his story is incredibly relevant to us today. So, let's unpack it together and see if we have what it takes to break down the idols, the groves, and the high places in our own lives and in the broader church.

 Hezekiah: A King Who Dared to Demolish Idols

The passage begins by telling us about Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, who became king of Judah. The Bible says he "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did." That's a powerful statement! But what exactly did he do that was so right? Well, verse 4 tells us: "He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made."

Think about that for a moment. Hezekiah, a political king, took decisive action against idolatry. He didn't just pay lip service to the idea of worshipping the one true God; he physically removed the places where false gods were being honored. He broke the images, cut down the groves (which were often sites of pagan worship and even sexual immorality – something we still see echoes of today, even on college campuses under different names), and here's the kicker – he even destroyed the bronze serpent that Moses had made!

Now, that last one might seem a bit shocking. The bronze serpent was originally created by Moses at God's command as a means of healing for the Israelites who were bitten by fiery serpents in the wilderness (Numbers 21). It was a symbol of God's provision and healing. But over time, the children of Israel had started burning incense to it, essentially turning a tool God had used into an idol. Hezekiah recognized this. He even gave it a derogatory name, "Nehushtan," which basically meant "a piece of brass." He was saying, "Look, this isn't some magical object; it's just bronze. We've elevated it to a place it doesn't belong."

This resonates deeply with me. How often do we, even with the best intentions, take something God has used or blessed and turn it into an idol? It could be a past move of God, a particular ministry, a tradition, even a certain way of doing church. We hold onto it so tightly that it becomes more important than our living, breathing relationship with Jesus.

 The Biblical Mandate Against Idolatry

This wasn't just Hezekiah's personal preference; it was in line with God's clear commands. As we read further in 2 Kings 18, it says Hezekiah "trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him." He clave to the Lord and didn't depart from following Him. He kept His commandments. And the result? "The Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth."

This brings us to a crucial point. God has always been vehemently against idolatry. In Numbers 33:52, God commands the children of Israel, when they enter the land of Canaan, to "drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places." This wasn't a suggestion; it was a direct command.

And it wasn't just about physical idols. In Leviticus 26:30, God says, "And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your groves, and your images, and cast your carcasses upon the carcasses of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you." Strong words! God calls idolatry spiritual adultery. It's a betrayal of our covenant relationship with Him.

It's striking to note that while many other kings in the Bible walked after the Lord in some ways, they often failed to remove the high places. And each time, the scriptures point this out as a significant failing. Hezekiah stands out precisely because he took this radical step.

Modern-Day High Places: Idolatry in the Church Today?

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. We don't have literal high places and groves in the same way today. But the principle remains. Idolatry isn't just about bowing down to statues. It's about anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and lives.

Think about it. What are the "high places" in our modern context? Could it be our obsession with social media, where we seek validation and worth from likes and followers instead of from our identity in Christ? Could it be our pursuit of wealth and material possessions, where we place our trust in earthly riches rather than in God's provision? Could it be our adherence to traditions and rituals that have lost their original meaning and become empty forms?

This past year has been interesting in this regard. We saw the continued trend of many churches focusing on Easter while seemingly overlooking Passover, the very feast that Jesus Himself celebrated and that foreshadows His sacrifice. Easter, with its roots in pagan fertility festivals and its association with the goddess Ishtar, has become so ingrained in our culture that many don't even question its origins. The King James Version even uses the word "Easter" in one instance where every other translation correctly uses "Passover" (Acts 12:4). It makes you wonder why this discrepancy exists.

Similarly, Christmas, while a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, has become heavily commercialized and intertwined with pagan winter solstice traditions. While the sentiment of giving and celebrating with family is good, we need to be mindful of the true focus: Jesus.

I'm not saying we should boycott these holidays, but we need to approach them with discernment, ensuring that our focus remains on Christ and not on the cultural baggage that comes with them. Repentance isn't just about acknowledging a mistake; it's about turning away from it and aligning ourselves with the truth. Jesus said in Revelation 18:4, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." We are called to be separate, to be holy. Pointing these things out can sometimes lead to backlash, but we must speak the truth in love.

From Brass Serpent to Medical Symbol: Understanding God's Moves

The story of the bronze serpent is particularly insightful. God used it for a specific purpose at a specific time. But when it became an object of worship, it had to be destroyed. This teaches us that even things that were once a move of God can become idols if we hold onto them beyond their intended purpose or elevate them above our relationship with Him.

It's natural for us, as humans, to want to create tangible reminders of supernatural encounters or past blessings. But we need to be careful not to worship the memory of the move rather than the God who moved.

Interestingly, the serpent on the pole in Numbers 21 is also a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As Jesus Himself said in John 3:14-15, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." The very symbol that once brought physical healing now points to the ultimate healing and salvation found in Christ. It's a powerful connection, but it also underscores the danger of fixating on the symbol rather than the reality it represents.

The Danger of Carnality: Making Idols of Movements and Leaders

This tendency to create idols often stems from our carnal nature. In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, who were experiencing a powerful move of God with signs and wonders yet were still acting like spiritual infants. He says, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ."

Paul emphasizes the difference between being spiritual and being carnal. The carnal mind cannot understand the things of God (Romans 8:7). Spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Corinthians were dividing themselves based on who they followed – Paul, Apollos, Cephas. Paul rebukes them, saying, "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" (1 Corinthians 3:4).

Divisions and denominations, while sometimes arising from genuine theological differences, can also become idols if we prioritize our affiliation with a particular group over our unity in Christ. I've seen this firsthand. While out on the streets sharing the love of Jesus, I've encountered groups of Christians who seemed more interested in debating denominational differences than in reaching the lost. It's a stark reminder that we need to knock down these idols of division and focus on the core message of the Gospel.

Breaking Down Our Own Idols: A Personal Journey

So, what does it take for us, individually and collectively, to knock down the idols in our lives? It starts with recognizing them. We need to honestly assess where our hearts truly lie, what we prioritize, and where we place our trust.

For me, this is an ongoing process. I constantly have to check myself. Am I more concerned with the number of views on my videos or the depth of my connection with Jesus? Am I holding onto past experiences or successes as a measure of my worth, or am I pressing forward into what God has for me today?

The first step, as Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, is to "cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5). We need to deal with our own idols first. This requires self-sanctification, a conscious effort to align our lives with God's Word and His Spirit.

I believe the Lord is moving me more and more into the arena of faith, and as I step out in faith, I have to be constantly aware of the temptation to create idols out of past victories or to rely on my own understanding rather than on God's supernatural guidance.

Supporting the Kingdom: The Example of Holy Fire Japan

Speaking of stepping out in faith, I want to take a moment to mention a friend of mine, Stephen Barrett, an American Christian Missionary in Japan. His blog is called Holy Fire Japan, and I encourage you to check it out. Stephen is doing incredible work, especially right now in the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Japan. He's providing food, water, shelter, and clothing to people who haven't been reached by government aid.

In a country where only about 1% of the population is Christian, Stephen is on the front lines, showing the love of Christ in a tangible way. His blog offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Japan and the challenges and triumphs of being a missionary there. It's a powerful reminder that our faith is meant to be lived out, not just talked about. You can follow him on Facebook if you'd like to learn more or see how you can support his efforts. This is what it looks like to live out the spiritual life in a real and impactful way.

It's Time to Knock Down the Idols

So, going back to our original question: What does it take to knock down idols? It takes a heart that is truly devoted to Jesus, a willingness to confront the "high places" in our own lives and in the church, and the courage to break down anything that stands between us and a pure, unadulterated relationship with our Lord.

It might mean standing alone at times, just like the prophets of old. It might mean going against the cultural grain. But the promise is clear: when we trust in the Lord with all our heart and follow His commands, He will be with us, and we will prosper in all that we do.

I encourage you to dig deeper into these scriptures, to pray for discernment, and to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any idols that might be lurking in your heart. Let's be like Hezekiah, a generation that dares to demolish the idols and wholeheartedly follow Jesus.

Kevin Riordan on Healing and Equipping the Saints

Uncovering the Secrets of Street Healing with Kevin Riordan 

Boy oh boy, do I have an exciting one for you today! You know my passion – it’s all about igniting that fire for Jesus, stoking the flames of revival in our hearts and communities. And in this latest installment of Coffee with Conrad, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with a truly inspiring individual, Kevin Riordan.  

I stumbled upon Kevin’s ministry through a series of divine connections on social media, starting with a tweet that led me to Jay from Strategic Fathering Ministries. Jay, recognizing our shared passion, insisted I connect with Kevin. Let me tell you, after scrolling through Kevin’s Facebook timeline, I was completely hooked. This man is doing the very thing we are called to do – equipping believers for the work of the ministry! As a healing evangelist, Kevin is on the front lines, demonstrating the power of Jesus in a tangible way.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this conversation is going to blow your socks off! So grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready to be incredibly encouraged and challenged. You’re going to want to bookmark this, share it with your friends and family, because the message Kevin shares is something the world desperately needs to hear.

Diving Deep with Kevin Riordan: A Healing Evangelist's Journey

I was absolutely thrilled to finally connect with Kevin via Skype. From the moment we started talking, his genuine heart for Jesus and his passion for people were evident. I jumped right in, asking him to share what he does and, more importantly, why he does it.

Kevin’s story is powerful. He openly shared his past struggles, a time when he was broken, suicidal, and filled with self-hatred. He even spent time in a psychiatric ward. But then, Jesus stepped into his life and, in his words, “changed me… like really in the blink of an eye.” The night he was saved, he experienced deliverance from so much and was instantly filled with love and a burning desire to tell others about Jesus.

Sixteen years ago, with no formal training or deep biblical knowledge beyond the love of Christ he had encountered, Kevin started sharing his faith on the streets of Poughkeepsie, New York. This raw, authentic encounter with the supernatural power of God fueled a lifelong mission. Over time, the Lord added a healing gift to his ministry. Now, Kevin ministers everywhere he goes – grocery stores, lines, you name it. He strikes up conversations, asks people if they’re experiencing any pain, offers to pray, and God heals them. This opens the door to share the Gospel, and Kevin has seen countless people come to faith through these encounters. It's a testament to the fact that God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent **Jesus** to heal the sick.

The Genesis of a Healing Ministry: Prophecy and a Broken Knee

I was particularly interested in how Kevin’s healing ministry began. He shared a fascinating story about a prophecy spoken over him as a child by a Honduran pastor visiting his church. The pastor declared that Kevin would have a power ministry. Even during his years away from Christ, those words lingered, a “rope tied around my waist,” a reminder that God had a plan for him.

When Kevin returned to Christ, he heard the same prophetic word repeated by different people. He began to earnestly seek God for this, longing to see the promise fulfilled. The turning point came at a conference focused on equipping believers for evangelism. After being prayed for, Kevin experienced a shift.

He recounted the first significant healing he witnessed after this impartation. He was at a work meeting with a man named Vince who had a shattered kneecap for eight years. Vince was in immense pain, had recently lost his wife, and was struggling to care for his son. Kevin, his heart filled with compassion, felt compelled to offer prayer.

What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. As Kevin laid hands on Vince’s knee and commanded it to be healed in the name of Jesus, he could physically feel the knee moving and popping. Vince, who hadn't been able to put weight on his leg, stood up and started jumping! This tangible demonstration of God’s power opened the door for Kevin to share the Gospel with Vince, who, despite initial skepticism, accepted Christ as his Savior. This experience ignited a fire in Kevin, leading to countless other **healings**.

The Gift of Healing: For the Few or For All?

This naturally led us to the question of the gift of healing. Is it reserved for a select few, or is it something all believers can access? Kevin’s perspective, grounded in Scripture, is incredibly encouraging. He referenced Mark 16:17-18, which states that signs, including laying hands on the sick and seeing them recover, will follow those who believe in Jesus’ name.

While Kevin acknowledges that some individuals may function at a higher level in certain gifts, like his own healing gift, he firmly believes that every believer can operate in it at some level. He shared his conviction that God gives every believer the gift needed for the specific need of the moment.

Interestingly, while Kevin operates powerfully in healing, he doesn’t consider himself to have a particularly strong prophetic gift. However, he acknowledges that there are times when he does prophesy, highlighting the fluid nature of the spiritual gifts.

Kevin emphasized a powerful movement he sees happening today, echoing Randy Clark’s term, “the little old ladies.” He’s witnessing every day, unexpected people – grandmothers, construction workers, teenagers, housewives – functioning in healing gifts. He believes that we are in a unique time in history where God is pouring out His Spirit on the church, empowering and equipping believers for the final great harvest. So, while not everyone has the gift of healing as a primary calling, we can all participate in healing the sick through the Spirit of God within us.

This resonates deeply with me. It’s not about being a superstar evangelist; it’s about ordinary people stepping out in faith and allowing God to work through them. Just as Jesus accessed whatever gift was needed at any given time, we too can be vessels for His supernatural power.

The Mystery of Healing: Inside vs. Outside the Church

One of the most intriguing points Kevin raised was the observation that it often seems easier for people to get healed outside the church building than inside. This is a “big mystery” that Kevin doesn’t fully understand. However, he pointed to the scriptural principle that miracles, signs, and wonders are often for the unbeliever, to reveal God’s presence and power to those who don’t yet know Him.

While God certainly heals believers, Kevin admitted that if he had to choose, he’d rather pray for a room full of unbelievers, simply because he often sees a greater response. This isn't to say God doesn't heal within the church, but it highlights the dynamic of faith and expectation. Perhaps, as I thought aloud during our conversation, it could be related to the unbelief Jesus encountered in his own synagogue, where He “could do not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Mark 6:5-6). Sometimes, religious familiarity can hinder the supernatural.

Overcoming the Fear Factor: Practical Steps to Sharing Jesus

Knowing that many people feel intimidated about sharing their faith, I asked Kevin for his advice on overcoming that initial fear of approaching someone about Jesus. His answer was incredibly practical and encouraging.

He emphasized that the way you approach someone is crucial. As for the fear itself, Kevin, despite 16 years of regular street ministry, still feels his heart thump with nervousness sometimes. But he makes a conscious decision to push past that fear. He described it as a “wall of fear” that he chooses to step through. It’s a decision of the will.

His approach to starting conversations is brilliant. He rarely begins by talking about God, Jesus, church, heaven, or hell. Instead, he looks for something relatable on the person – a rock band t-shirt, a shared interest – anything to strike up a natural conversation. By asking questions and genuinely engaging with the person, he builds a sense of comfort and connection. Once that rapport is established, he might casually mention he’s from a local church and ask if they have any pain he could pray about.

This approach disarms people, showing them that you’re not a “crazy person” or a “freak.” When God’s power shows up through healing, it naturally leads to conversations about Jesus and the love He has for them. As Kevin aptly put it, “That’s Fishers of Men right there.”

He summarized his method in a few simple steps:

1.  Push fear aside.

2.  Find something to start a conversation.

3.  Talk to them naturally.

4.  Ask if they have any pain.

5.  Pray for them.

It’s about building a bridge of connection before diving into the deeper spiritual matters.

The Interplay of Sin, Sickness, and Forgiveness: A Powerful Testimony

Our conversation then turned to the relationship between sin, sickness, and healing. Kevin shared a profound experience that illustrated this connection beautifully.

He recounted praying multiple times for a woman with severe arthritis who was using a walker. Despite his prayers, she experienced no change. Sensing there was more to the situation, Kevin felt the Lord prompt him with the word “unforgiveness.”

He gently asked the woman if there was anyone she needed to forgive. She confessed deep hatred for her ex-husband, blaming him for her physical condition due to years of abuse. Initially, she was unwilling to forgive him. Kevin patiently explained the true nature of forgiveness – not a feeling, but a decision of the will. He shared scriptures about how unforgiveness can block our relationship with God, hinder healing, and even make us sick. He emphasized that unforgiveness hurts the person holding onto it more than the offender.

Finally, the woman agreed to choose to forgive her ex-husband if it meant physical and emotional healing. As Kevin led her in a prayer of forgiveness, she struggled to get the words out, as if a demonic presence was resisting. But through clenched teeth, she spoke the words of forgiveness. Immediately, a release occurred. She began to shake, experiencing deliverance. After Kevin commanded the negative forces to leave and prayed for her healing, the pain vanished. She was able to bend over, touch her toes, and do things she couldn’t do before. This led to her accepting Christ, and she walked away without her walker, completely healed!

This powerful testimony underscores the spiritual roots that can sometimes underlie physical ailments. Kevin also mentioned how certain sins, like smoking, can directly cause illnesses like COPD or cancer. In such cases, he explains the connection and leads people in prayers of repentance, often seeing healing follow. Unforgiveness, he emphasized, is a major obstacle to healing.

A New Wave of Healing Ministries: Equipping the Saints

I then asked Kevin about the resurgence of healing ministries. We reminisced about the wave of powerful evangelists in the 1950s, like Oral Roberts and Jack Coe, and how that seemed to have waned. I wanted to know if he felt God was bringing another wave.

Kevin’s response was an emphatic yes! He sees a significant shift happening. For a long time, the focus was on “Rockstar evangelists” who held large meetings and prayed for everyone. While acknowledging their important role in paving the way, Kevin pointed out that a key downfall was a lack of equipping others to do the work.

He highlighted that the primary role of the five-fold ministry is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Now, he sees a rise in equipping ministries, focused on empowering ordinary believers to step into their God-given authority and minister effectively.

Kevin shared that his own life’s calling is to give away what God has given him, to empower others to go out and do the work of healing and evangelism. He finds immense joy in seeing people he has ministered to go on to pray for others and witness supernatural encounters. He recounted recent meetings where he prayed for people to receive healing gifts and the subsequent messages he received about them seeing healings happen firsthand.

He reiterated that this new wave is different. It’s not just about a few prominent figures; it’s about average, ordinary people – who are anything but average and ordinary in Christ – doing the work.

Final Thoughts 

Wow! What an incredible conversation with Kevin Riordan. I am so encouraged by his story, his passion, and his unwavering faith in the power of Jesus to heal and transform lives. It’s a powerful reminder that God is still in the business of miracles and that He wants to use ordinary people like us to demonstrate His love and power to the world.

I want to encourage you today to take Kevin’s words to heart. Don’t let fear hold you back from sharing the love of Jesus with those around you. Look for opportunities to connect, to show compassion, and to offer prayer. You never know what God might do through you.

Be sure to check follow Kevin on Facebook!  

Hearing God's Voice in the Wilderness: Jay Cookingham's Supernatural Journey from Abuse to Sonship

From Abuse to Sonship. Jay's Testimony for Jesus

Have you ever wrestled with understanding God as a loving Father? Maybe your earthly father wound has cast a shadow on your perception of our Heavenly Father. Perhaps you've even felt distant from Him, questioning His love and presence in the midst of your trials. I know I have been there. That's why I was so incredibly moved and inspired by my conversation with Jay Cookingham from Strategic Fathering Ministries.

I recently had the profound privilege of interviewing Jay, and his testimony is nothing short of miraculous. His journey from unimaginable abuse to discovering his identity as a beloved son of God will absolutely rock you. Jay's story isn't just a story of survival; it's a testament to the raw, redemptive power of Jesus and the life-transforming truth of sonship.

A Childhood Defined by Darkness

Jay’s early life was steeped in darkness. Imagine growing up thinking the name of Jesus Christ was a swear word. That was Jay’s reality. Raised in an abusive home, both physically and verbally, Jay endured horrors no child should ever face. The abuse began at age seven and tragically included sexual abuse. Love was a foreign concept, replaced by constant verbal assaults that chipped away at his very sense of self-worth. He was told he was hated, unwanted, a waste of money – words that became his perceived identity.

Yet, in the midst of this storm, at the tender age of seven, Jay encountered Jesus. Invited to a kids’ crusade by a kind neighbor, Jay stepped into a church for the first time, bewildered by the happiness and genuine warmth he experienced. He heard about a Jesus who loved him, a radical concept that sparked a flicker of hope in his young heart. He even imagined meeting Jesus in the next room, eagerly anticipating the embrace of this promised love.

Jay gave his heart to Jesus that day, a pivotal moment. But as he candidly shares, his journey was far from instantly easier. The abuse intensified. This stark reality highlights a crucial truth: accepting Jesus doesn't magically erase our trials, but it does equip us to walk through them with supernatural strength and unwavering hope. Even as a child, Jay understood forgiveness and God’s acceptance, even amidst his confusion and pain. This childlike faith became the anchor in his turbulent sea.

Drifting and Despair: Hearing God's "No"

As Jay entered his teenage years, the weight of the ongoing abuse and unanswered questions led him to drift from God. Projecting his earthly father’s abusive image onto God, he saw Him as distant, even mean – a God who allowed his suffering. At just twelve years old, he turned to alcohol, then drugs at thirteen. This became his escape, a desperate attempt to numb the unbearable pain.

The verbal abuse was relentless, eroding his spirit. He recounts, "For years I thought my name was you worthless piece of fill in the blank." The constant barrage of negativity took its toll, driving him to a breaking point. At 17, consumed by despair, Jay made a suicide tape and ventured into the woods with a hunting knife, intending to end his life.

This is where the supernatural intervention of God breaks through in a powerful way. Standing on a rock, knife to his wrist, ready to bleed out in isolation, Jay heard a voice – an audible voice. Twice, clear as day, the word echoed: “No. No.” In the silence of the woods, miles from anyone, it was undeniably God speaking.

Jay was shaken to his core. He couldn’t deny what he heard. He abandoned his suicide plan, rattled and profoundly impacted. But even this direct encounter wasn't enough for a complete turnaround. Shortly after, in the same woods, lost in a haze of alcohol, Jay collapsed, feeling life slipping away. Again, the voice pierced through – “Is this the way that you wanted to end, Jay?”

This time, the question resonated deeply. "No, Father, no!" he cried out. He woke the next morning, miraculously without a hangover, and walked into church. The sermon? The Prodigal Son. Talk about a God-incidence! At 17, Jay returned to the Lord, recognizing he had been blaming God for the very pain He longed to heal.

The Miracle of Forgiveness and Stepping into Sonship

Jay’s journey took another dramatic turn when, home from college, he was ambushed by his father’s physical and verbal attack. At the top of the stairs, his father’s vile accusations reached a new low, sparking a rage in Jay that he had never experienced before. He turned, fist clenched, ready to strike back with years of pent-up fury.

But in that pivotal moment, something supernatural happened. “It was almost like I was watching myself in slow motion,” Jay recounts. His fist transformed into a pointing finger, and instead of the angry words he intended, he heard himself say, “Dad, I forgive you, and God loves you.” Words not of his own making, words divinely placed on his lips.

His father stopped. Silence. A miracle. Jay walked away, bewildered, asking God, “What just happened?” That moment of supernatural forgiveness became the turning point. It was, as Jay describes, stepping out of the prison of abuse and into the identity of a son of God. Forgiveness became the key that unlocked his chains.

Strategic Fathering Ministries: Revealing the Father's Heart

This powerful testimony fuels Jay’s ministry, Strategic Fathering Ministries. For 20 years, Jay has been dedicated to helping men understand the profound love of Father God. It began with practical outreach to children in need, evolving into a ministry focused on sonship. Jay realized that true transformation for men begins with understanding how strategically and deeply the Father loves them.

“Strategic Fathering…is all about knowing how strategically the Father loves us,” Jay explains. “If I can get men to understand how much they're loved by Father God, how much he sees them as sons, their lives start to change from that moment on.”

Jay travels, speaking to men’s groups, sharing his story and emphasizing the core message of sonship. He highlights that many Christian men, while believing in salvation, struggle to grasp the intimate relationship with God as Father. Father wounds create distance and hinder true connection. Jay’s ministry aims to bridge this gap, revealing the Father’s heart and restoring men’s identities as beloved sons.

Sonship: The Foundation of Freedom

Understanding our sonship is not just a theological concept; it’s the bedrock of vibrant Christianity. As Jay emphasizes, embracing our identity as sons of God unleashes freedom in every area of our lives. It's about recognizing the depth of God's love, a love that heals, restores, and empowers us to live out our divine purpose.

Jesus Himself modeled this intimate Father-son relationship, using the term “Abba Father,” a term of deep intimacy unheard of at the time. He revealed God not as a distant, untouchable deity, but as a loving, approachable Father who desires close relationship with His children.

Jay’s testimony and ministry powerfully underscore this truth. Healing from father wounds, understanding our sonship, and experiencing the Father's love are not optional extras in our faith journey. They are foundational. They are the keys to unlocking our true potential and walking in the fullness of who God created us to be.

Embrace Your Sonship, Embrace Freedom

Jay Cookingham’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest valleys, God’s voice can break through. His journey from abuse to sonship is a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and the unwavering love of Father God.

Are you ready to embrace your identity as a son or daughter of the Most High God? Are you ready to experience the freedom and healing that comes from truly knowing the Father’s heart?

I encourage you to watch my full interview with Jay Cookingham  and delve deeper into this life-changing message. Visit StrategicFathering.net to learn more about Jay's incredible ministry.

Don't just read this story – let it ignite a fire in your own heart for deeper sonship with Father God. Share this blog post, leave a comment below, and let’s journey together into a richer, more empowered spiritual life!

Blessings,

Conrad