By Francis Frangipane
Whether we realize it or not, most Christians of Protestant lineage carry in their doctrinal heritage the revelation of Martin Luther, that "the just shall live by faith." For whatever flaws may have otherwise been in Luther's life, his contribution remains a living revelation in the consciousness of the modern Church.
Today, we know we are saved by grace and justified by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ. The Lord's grace remains a consistent, liberating power in our lives. If I fall, grace does not retreat; rather, it lifts me up. If I become virtuous, I know virtue is truly the result of grace working in me.
We must never forget that salvation is the gift of God. As it is written, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).
On Earth as It Is in Heaven!
By Francis Frangipane
We recite it in private and pray it in unison; we have even sung it in reverence on select Sunday mornings. It's been a familiar prayer at somber cultural events, such as memorials or funerals. Yet I wonder if we really grasp what was in Jesus' heart when He taught His disciples the Lord's Prayer.
The disciples asked Him, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). In response, the Lord gave them a prayer, not just to help them cope but something that was militant in nature. This was more than a prayer -- it was a proclamation of war (Rev. 11:15; Dan. 2:44).
For centuries the holy realities of the Lord's Prayer have been obscured by traditions of religious unbelief -- as though ritualistic repetition of this prayer would provide special blessings in the afterlife. The deception was that Jesus spoke only in terms of eternity, as though this prayer was disbarred from affecting conditions on earth now. In recent years, however, the Spirit of Truth is again opening our eyes to the boundless possibilities of this prayer in this current dispensation as well: "Thy will be done on Earth!" This is cry is rapidly becoming the anthem of the righteous, a prayer for now as well as eternity!
We recite it in private and pray it in unison; we have even sung it in reverence on select Sunday mornings. It's been a familiar prayer at somber cultural events, such as memorials or funerals. Yet I wonder if we really grasp what was in Jesus' heart when He taught His disciples the Lord's Prayer.
The disciples asked Him, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). In response, the Lord gave them a prayer, not just to help them cope but something that was militant in nature. This was more than a prayer -- it was a proclamation of war (Rev. 11:15; Dan. 2:44).
For centuries the holy realities of the Lord's Prayer have been obscured by traditions of religious unbelief -- as though ritualistic repetition of this prayer would provide special blessings in the afterlife. The deception was that Jesus spoke only in terms of eternity, as though this prayer was disbarred from affecting conditions on earth now. In recent years, however, the Spirit of Truth is again opening our eyes to the boundless possibilities of this prayer in this current dispensation as well: "Thy will be done on Earth!" This is cry is rapidly becoming the anthem of the righteous, a prayer for now as well as eternity!
The Year of Release
By Francis Frangipane
In spite of increasing tensions around the world, the Holy Spirit says, for many, this next year will be a year of release. While we must absolutely intercede for our nations, we also must refuse to become fearful or restrained by the pressures of the world around us. The constrictions experienced by this age are not death throes, but birth pangs; they are not part of what restricts us, but releases us.
"Do not focus on the fearful things around you, the threats of terrorism or the portent of economic collapse; focus steadfastly upon your transformation!" God is doing a quick and deep work, and this world is the perfect setting in which to manifest Christlikeness. Darkness provides the perfect contrast to the rising glory of the Lord within us. "So, look for My release," says the Lord. "For this year it shall come powerfully and suddenly."
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