As a teacher and coach, you cannot graduate leaders without giving them books to read. You cannot be a leader without reading.
There are many Christian pieces of literature you can read but one important book is the one titled “Prayer Power”; people have tried political power, financial power, economic power; let them try “Prayer Power”. It is a powerful weapon of a Christian.
For example, Australia once had a form of draught, all other powers could do nothing but a Christian entered the land and raised his voice and rain fell; the power of prayer (James 5:16).
James 4:3 – “… When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures …”.
We do not get results because we pray amiss. Prayer power is still the ultimate power.
Other books you can read are:
- 4 levels of Spiritual warfare,
- Elders at the gate,
- ultimate leadership.
Isaiah 28:6 “…And a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment and administers the law, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.”
For Christians to hold gates and be able to turn battles the gate they need fresh fire.
Matt. 3:11 “I indeed baptize you [a]in (with) water [b]because of repentance [that is, because of your [c]changing your minds for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins]. But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”
This description in Matthew 3 lays emphasis on 3 types of baptism.
The water, the Holy Spirit and fire; which Joshua said only Jesus can do. Only Jesus can baptise with fire. In this world, I do not think, a fireless, powerless and laidback Christian can take us far. We need powerful and courageous Christians in the world of today. For example, Ireland is casting votes on whether to legalize abortion or not. People in support of abortion are flying down to Ireland and doing a lot of campaigns but what are the Christians doing? Recently, it was told that by the Nigerian government that the Christians are killing more Muslims. This actually shows the extent of Muslims propaganda. Other “faiths” are passionate about what they believe in but in the Christendom, believers are laidback.
For example, In America, satanism and witchcraft are studied in Universities. Many people who serve the devil are not holding back. The Church is lacking in passionate worship and serving God; there is a need for a fresh fire. It is so bad that some church members will even ask you what will you do for me if I join your church? There is an element in the church now that was not in the early church. Christians need to tap into the anointing of fresh fire.
Matt. 16:18 “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock[a] I will build my church, and the gates of hell[b] shall not prevail against it …”
God is putting men at the gates
Psalm 127: 5b “…He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates…”
Genesis 24:60 “…let your seed possess the gate of those which hate them…”
These verses explain God’s blessing to the children of Israel. This prayer (i.e Genesis 24:60) was prayed for Rebecca.
Also, when God restored Job; It was at the gates. Places of authorities, power and influence are for Christians to move the kingdom forward and we all to be there. In recent times; CNN is being used to transmit ridiculous news about Christianity because Christians are not at the gates. Try this with Muslims and houses will burn.
It would be a wonderful thing if Christians are at other gates influencing policies and decisions for the propagation of the kingdom. Christians should not just be found at the church gate and live all other gates for the devil. When Obama was President of America, he went around Africa instigating that they should support same-sex marriage. If they disagree, America will retrieve funds and started blackmailing the non-supporters; this is because he was at the gate.
During the election of America, people did not want Trump. Although, he is not Pentecostal he is a Christian. This man in one year has implemented policies than Obama did in 8 years. A few days ago, America opened the first embassy in Jerusalem after the International Christian centre embassy.
We need more Christians at the gate. This is possible. For example, the present Prime Minister of United Kingdom is the daughter of a Minister. Theresa May decided she will be a prime minister at 8; when her father explained to her that certain things cannot be influenced except you are at the gate. When Margaret Thatcher became PM, she got angry and at the slightest opportunity, she took it. The present German Chancellor Angela Merkel; is also a daughter of a Minister and she is the longest serving Chancellor.
Martin Luther King Jr. also made a decision to make a difference in the world and got inspired by the church. God is ready to give fresh fire.
Luke 12:49 “I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled!…”
He didn’t come to start a religion but to baptise the world with fire. When you carry fire, you carry the manifestation. Exodus 19 depicts how God uses fire; He used it to protect the Children of Israel and also to show them the way.
Wherever God is, there must be fire. You need to wake up with fire to have a fulfilled day. Some people have been disconnected like Eli that needed Samuel to hear from God. I tell you, be encouraged. Go back and visit Jordan where John baptises. Let’s go back to Mount Camel and pick up the fire. Please do not go powerless, fireless, wait until you are induced with power from on high. So, every one of us will walk endued with power.
The Apostle was able to demonstrate the power of God having received the Pentecostal fire.
- Acts 3.. “Peter gave something more than money but healing…”
- Acts 5…” the shadow of the power he carried actually healed the sick…”
- Acts 19..” handkerchief from the pockets of apostles healed the sick..”
These are people who have gone ahead of us. We carry the same grace today; wait until you are endued with power from on high. When you are baptized in the Holy Ghost fire it takes you into the fullness of the spirit. You bring forth fruits when it is needed, word of knowledge and word of prophecy. Romans 8: notes that God understands better when you speak the language of the spirit. With the Holy Spirit, you become too hot for evil spirits; your passion will be induced by fire.
I discover that there is passion in the heart of your pastor for revival to break out which facilitates prophecy fulfilment.
A well was dug in 1906 at Wales, hoping that this well can be dug in Leeds for a revival break out when Christians come together. As Christians, we must passionately seek a reconnection. Many of your relatives have not given their lives to Christ because they cannot see the manifestation of God’s power in you. I implore you today; now is the time to get fresh fire; seek the face of the Lord and be rejuvenated.
Prayer: May the Lord grant me the fresh fire to move the kingdom forward in Jesus name.
The sermon, The Baptism of Fresh Fire, by Rev Mossy Madugba, the international director, was delivered on May 27, 2018.