Jesus Culture by Banning Liebscher

Author:Banning Liebscher [Liebscher, Banning]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-7684-9660-4
Publisher: Destiny Image, Inc.
Published: 2009-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

REVELATION BEYOND INFORMATION

The apostle Paul prayed that we would “know the love of Christ which passes knowledge …” (Eph. 3:19). The verse concludes: “that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Experience is the key to fullness because it brings revelation. Without the revelation knowledge that comes by experience, we are limited to operating with only information. Most Christians have the correct information. In the majority of churches, if I were to ask, “Do you believe Jesus loves you?” I’m certain that 99 percent of the congregation would respond with a sincere yes. The mere fact that you are reading this book tells me that you probably believe Jesus loves you. But are you responding out of information or revelation?

When Evander Holyfield, the former heavyweight boxing champion, was in his prime, I loved to watch his fights. After seeing just a few of his fights, it became obvious to me that he hits hard. My observation was reinforced as I read the articles about his fights, listened to commentators talk about his boxing style, and heard other fighters being interviewed about their experiences with Holyfield in the ring. If you were to ask me, “Does Evander Holyfield punch hard?” I would say with conviction, “Yes. Evander Holyfield hits hard.” But as strong and true an answer as that is, it is completely based in the realm of information. It doesn’t actually become a personal revelation until I lace up the boxing shoes, slip on the boxing gloves, and step into the ring with Holyfield himself. About five seconds into the first round, when Holyfield’s fist connects with my jaw and my knees buckle and little birdies begin to circle around my head, it’s in that moment that revelation impacts me: “Evander Holyfield hits hard!” It’s the exact same response as I would have given before, but now it’s revelation—not purely information. I wouldn’t only have read about how hard he punches; I would have experienced it for myself!

Too many people are content to live a life of information rather than revelation. But knowledge alone will never inflame a sustained blaze in you to love Jesus passionately. Only revelation will do that. Remember, Ephesians 3:19 says that the revelation that comes by experience is the key to fullness. That Greek word translated “fullness” refers to a ship that is filled with merchandise and sailors. A ship can be seaworthy and a destination decided and underway, but if you don’t have the cargo on board or the manpower to sail the ship you are not going anywhere. The same is true for us if we only have information without revelation and the reality of experience that brings God’s fullness into our lives.

The revelation of His extravagant love will propel you deeper into God’s heart because you will long to be with Him. E.M. Bounds, talking about those who have encountered the Father’s love, says, “They spend much time in prayer, not because they watch the shadow on the

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.