Francis Frangipane: Stop Thinking of Ourselves Merely as "Church People" - We Are a "Society of Redeemers"

From the desk of Steve Shultz:

This to-the-point word to the Body of Christ does not need an eloquent introduction. Let it suffice here to use a quote from within this article by Francis Frangipane:

Yes, even as I see darkness spreading, advancing and covering the earth, and deep darkness covering the people, I remain encouraged. For it is in this very context that the Spirit assures us: "But the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you" (Isaiah 60:2).

Enjoy!

Steve Shultz 

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Before we discuss a number of ways we can develop our powers of discernment, let us acknowledge that our world is under a great, multidimensional assault. Hell is advancing and its goal is to swallow civilizations in darkness. I've seen the demonic legions, strident in their rebellion, shaking their fists toward Heaven as they lay claim to our open and foolishly naive cultures.

I have even known, on a rare occasion or two, the intimidation of the prince of darkness. I've felt the weight of his confidence as he gloats at how unprepared the Church is – how divided and carnal. Satan does not doubt he will fulfill his intention to rule this world.

However, Jesus declared plainly that, "Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35). No word spoken by God can return to Him void; every Word spoken by the Almighty will accomplish its divinely appointed purpose (Isaiah 55:11). Thus, the immutable Word declares it will be the Kingdom of the Most High that expands worldwide, not the kingdom of darkness. As it is written of God's Kingdom, "There will be no end to [its] increase" (Isaiah 9:7).

Again, God's Word says that "in the last days the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains...and all the nations will stream to it" (Isaiah 2:2). Yes, even as I see darkness spreading, advancing and covering the earth, and deep darkness covering the people, I remain encouraged. For it is in this very context that the Spirit assures us: "But the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you" (Isaiah 60:2). As a result, the Most High pledges that "nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising!" (Isaiah 60:3).

And yes, we know the world will enter the period of the antichrist, the Rapture and the tribulation. Yet rage as he will, even satan will ultimately realize his defeat. The prince of darkness will bow his knee and with his tongue acknowledge that "Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11; Romans 14:11).

Therefore let us not surrender to fear or unbelief. If satan has legions of demons, God has an army of redeemers. In truth, as each of us matures, we must stop thinking of ourselves merely as "church people" and more as a society of redeemers, for that is what we become as we are conformed to the heart of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-29).

Transforming Our Anger

Yes, there are times when I feel completely outraged by what the devil is doing to people, especially children. I burn inwardly with anger at the injustice and heartache I see in the world. But I know that my anger, by itself, cannot attain the righteousness of God (James 1:20). I must gather my passions and submit them to the Holy Spirit that they may regenerate into a redemptive response, even one that empowers my conformity to Christ.

I know many believe redemption on a citywide or larger scale is not possible in our day – that all that awaits us is the Rapture. Let us not minimize the great hope promised by God in the Rapture of the Church! If the Rapture happens today, I will certainly be prepared. But what if it does not occur for another twenty years or more? I don't want to be found looking up at the skies when there remains a great work to be done on earth.

Therefore, let's arm ourselves with discernment and wisdom, and reach in faith to possess the mind of Christ. Jesus said, "This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

The world has seen Christianity; let us now reveal Christ as He manifests Himself through a society of redeemers.

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, Spiritual Discernment and the Mind of Christ.

Francis Frangipane
Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Email: francis1@frangipane.org
Website: frangipane.org

Francis Frangipane is the founder of River of Life Ministries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and has traveled throughout the world ministering to thousands of pastors and intercessors from many backgrounds. Francis' heartfelt prayer is to see established in every city Christlike pastors and intercessors, united before God, revealing the love of Christ to their communities. Since 1985, he has written fourteen books, plus a number of study booklets. Over the past decades, Francis has served on a number of other ministry boards. However, in recent years he has gradually resigned from these various boards. As of June 2009, he has also retired from his position as senior pastor of River of Life Ministries. In this more simplified life, Frangipane is devoting himself to prayer and the ministry of God's Word.