The Well of Pentecost

Some basic facts concerning Pentecostal churches:

• Almost all the world's largest churches are Pentecostal/Charismatic
• There are an estimated 500 million Pentecostal/Charismatic believers worldwide
• Almost 100% of revivals outside the US are Pentecostal/Charismatic in origin

Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere; in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Our Pentecostal roots are founded in Acts 1:8! This will be a surprise to many P/C (pentecostal/charismatics) as many would say we are based in Acts 2:4. Well, one of my favorite sayings is, "its not either or, its both and". Being P/C means much more than speaking in other tongues and the gifts of the spirit. It definitely includes these P/C distinctives but it also means so much more. I truly believe the "Well of Pentecost" must be re-dug in these modern times for the church to flourish. Maybe your not sure whether P/C is for you. I recently preached the ten sure signs being P/C is for you. Here they are:

1. you want to experience the power and presence of God!

Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you..."

2. you want to see many miracles, signs, and wonders!

Acts 2:43 "...there were many wonders and signs taking place..."

3. you want the whole church more devoted to spiritual things!

Acts 2:42 "...they were continually devoted to the Apostles teaching and to fellowship, to breaking of bread and to prayer..."

4. you want to see unprecedented unity in the church!

Acts 2:44 "...all the believers were together and had everything in common..."

Acts 4:32 "...all the believers were in one heart and mind..."

5. you want to be a person of great generosity!

Acts 2:45 "selling their possessions and goods they gave to everyone as he had needed..."

Acts 4:32 "...all believers...shared everything they had..."

6. you want to see people saved everyday!

Acts 2:47 "...and each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved"

7. you want to be part of some powerful prayer meetings!

Acts 4:31 "...after this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness"

8. you want a greater boldness to witness!

Acts 4:33 "...and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of god boldly..."

9. you want everyone to have their needs met!

Acts 4:34 "...there were no needy persons among them..."

10. you are open to everything God has for you, including fresh gifts and talents from the Holy Spirit!

May the Lord bless you and keep you and pour out His precious Holy Spirit upon you without measure!

The Well of Prayer

The series "Whats the Name of Your Well?" has been one my all time favorites! I love when a preaching series takes on a prophetic tone. God is opening and re-opening some fresh "wells" at Calvary. I introduced yesterday my prayer focus for Calvary Church. Please join me as we believe God for His very best for "the best is here now"!
I kings 8:27-31
"Can it be that god will actually move into our neighborhood? Why, the cosmos itself is not big enough to give you breathing room, let alone this Temple I've built. Even so, I'm bold to ask: Pay attention to these prayers, both intercessory and personal, O God, my God. Listen to my prayers, energetic and devout, that I'm setting before you right now. Keep your eyes open to this Temple night and day, this place of which you said, "my name will be honored there, and listen to the prayers that I (we) pray at this place." (the Message)
Eight times in Solomon's prayer of the dedication of the Temple he appeals to God to "listen to the prayers" offered from this place! In the same spirit, there are eight things that we are believing God for at Calvary Church:
1. For Calvary Church to be a place of Humility and Repentance!
(II Chron 7:14)
2. For Calvary Church to be a place of Healing and Repentance!
(Joel 2:25)
3. For Calvary Church to be a place for the Power and Presence of God!
(Acts 1:8)
4. For Calvary Church to be a place for the Ministry of Reconciliation!
(2 Cor 5:17, 18)
5. For Calvary Church to be a place of Multi-Generational Praise and Worship!
6. For Calvary Church to be a place to Reclaim the Prodigals!
7. For Calvary Church to be a place of unprecedented Wealth for Ministry & Missions!
8. For Calvary Church to be a Safe Place for Lost and Hurting People!
Amen!!!!!!!!!

I Still Believe in Miracles

Last night we had a guest speaker, Pastor Rick Shockley, whose testimony of healing from Leukemia was amazing. It reminded me of a message I preached a few months ago, "I Still Believe in Miracles". Admittedly, miracles seem to be few and far between at times. But we are not responsible for the when, we are only responsible to believe in the one who does all things well, Jesus! The following is the basic outline and abbreviated text from that message, "I Still Believe in Miracles":



2 Kings 3:9, 16-18

"So the King of Israel set out with the King of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or the animals with them...This is what the Lord says: make this valley full of ditches. For this is what the Lord says: you will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and other animals will drink. This is an easy thing for the Lord; He will also hand Moab over to you."



Five things we need to consider concerning Miracles:



1. Miracles are birthed out of need!

"...the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them..."

2. Miracles may require a specific act of obedience!

"...this is what the Lord says: make this valley full of ditches..."

3. Miracles are an easy thing for God!

"...this is an easy thing for the Lord..."

4. Miracles are based upon expectation and preparation!

"...the next morning...there it was-water flowing from every direction...and the land was filled with water..."

• note: "your expectation will determine the level of your preparation"

5. Miracles are a testimony to God's love, power, grace, mercy and kindness to His people, as well as a sign to unbelievers!