By Francis Frangipane
There is a new stirring from the Holy Spirit. The Lord's goal is for us is to abide in Jesus. John taught, "The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked" (1 John 2:6). If we truly abide in Him, we will walk even "as He walked."
The first-century saints had the words of Jesus and they had the Spirit of Jesus. In that simplicity the church enjoyed unsurpassed greatness and power. We also are becoming true disciples, seeking to walk even as Jesus walked. This is the singular essential requirement in unifying the church: we each desire for Christ's image to be established in our hearts.
The Upward Call
By Francis Frangipane
Many challenge the idea that, as mere humans, we can actually perceive the Lord's thoughts. We have too often heard those who proclaimed that "God told" them such and such when it wasn't true. Still, because others fail to hear clearly should that disqualify us from reaching for the potential stated in Scripture? Let not the failures of others stop our pursuit of Christ's likeness. Others argue, even using Scripture, "Who has known the mind of the Lord?" (1 Cor. 2:16).
Yes, certainly, the Lord has His pocket full of awesome surprises. I am not saying we can "figure out" all there is to the divine nature. I am stating only that we do not have to sleepwalk or float through life; we can be led by a true, living word from God that is directed personally to us.
Possessing the Mind of Christ
By Francis Frangipane
To See as Jesus Sees
"He who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:15-16).
This is one of the most staggering statements made in the New Testament. Paul says that it is actually possible to be free of our carnal, jealous, fearful, unbelieving thought-life and, in its place, possess "the mind of Christ"!
This promise is wonderfully profound. Indeed, it is one thing to be taught edifying principles and truths about the Lord, yet quite another to actually possess the very thought-life of Christ! Listen to what Paul says,
To See as Jesus Sees
"He who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:15-16).
This is one of the most staggering statements made in the New Testament. Paul says that it is actually possible to be free of our carnal, jealous, fearful, unbelieving thought-life and, in its place, possess "the mind of Christ"!
This promise is wonderfully profound. Indeed, it is one thing to be taught edifying principles and truths about the Lord, yet quite another to actually possess the very thought-life of Christ! Listen to what Paul says,
The Power of a Transcendent Life, Part 2
By Francis Frangipane
In our last message, we stated that the destiny of every Christian, according to Paul, is to be conformed "to the image of [God’s] Son" (Rom 8:29). Typically, when I remind people that our core destiny is Christlikeness, most people just nod, affirming the general truthfulness of my statement. However, they really do not believe that it is true. Indeed, when people think of their destiny, they first think of something they will do for God, something that involves the visible demonstration of a unique gifting or ministry calling. But neither our gifts nor a specific calling represent the core reality of our destiny.
So, let me state it again: Our destiny is to be Christlike. Our responsibilities and gifts may be as varied as the seasons of our lives, but our enduring destiny is that part of us that becomes Christlike in nature. God wants us to develop our gifts and, of course, He has created us to fulfill certain tasks or ministries, but we must never lose sight of the main purpose of our existence, which is to become like Jesus in all things.
The Power of a Transcendent Life
By Francis Frangipane
There are a great many books written today about developing our spiritual gifts or discovering our purpose, most of them are absolutely worthy of our attention. Recognizing our gifts and being trained to serve God in our individual calling is part of doing His will. Yet, there is a deeper, more essential goal -- an objective that is ultimately far more valuable both to God and ourselves. I am talking about the genuine quest to possess the likeness of Christ.
We marvel at the life of Paul. Here was a man who wrote Scriptures, who led many thousands to Christ; he founded churches and was proficient in all the spiritual gifts. Yet, what compelled him forward in life was not his calling, but his passion to be like Christ. He articulates this profoundly in Phil. 3:10. He wrote,
"that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death."
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