A call from God's Spirit

Dear pastors:

I appreciate the reminder of the Means of Grace by the founder of Methodism, John Wesley.

In my spirit, I am expecting more from the VNC, from the present and future leadership; I am longing and expecting to see God moves mightily and freely among the VNC leaders, pastors and churches. I am praying that the Great Revival will come upon the Church of Jesus Christ in our lifetime.

I am looking forward to hearing an authentic, prophetic voice calling out in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord; The Baptizer of the Holy Spirit and of fire.

I am looking forward to hearing the Good News that Jesus is alive and well in the VNC churches and in the lives of the people; that the Spirit is able to move freely among His children and empower them to do God's will.

I am looking forward to not doing church as usual any longer. We can't afford to have our members just coming and going to church, but nothing really happens in their' lives. The Holy Spirit is there; the power is available but no one is activating faith to allow the Spirit to work. We can't be living defeated life, forgetting that in Christ we are more than conquerors.

I am looking forward to hearing afresh God's calling us to preach the Gospel to the poor, the downcast, outcast, and the lost with faithfulness with passion, conviction, with power and the anointing of God's Spirit, not just mere human words and worldly wisdom and seminary knowledge. Doctoral degrees can't save souls; church programs can't deliver a sick and haunted soul and spirit from the oppression of the enemy, Satan; and committee meetings can't set the captive free.

I am looking forward to hearing the powerful truth declared: "Silver and Gold I have none, but what I have I shall give you. In the name of Jesus, rise and walk..."

I am looking forward to receiving afresh God's Word for us today.

I am reminded to ask myself: Are we serious about preaching these means of grace like John Wesley did? Are we living it? Are we in prison visiting Jesus? Are we welcoming strangers to dwell with us? Are we caring for the poor, the orphans and the widows?

Are we healing the sick in the name of Jesus? Are we casting out demons and unclean spirits? Are we raising the dead? Are we still moved with compassion for those who are hurting and able to help those who are oppressed by the devil? How do we help those who are bound by addictions or oppressed by the devil? Jesus is telling us that we will do greater works...

Are we still teaching faithfully the Word of God helping people know how to receive the Holy Spirit's baptism and how to walk closely with God and to walk in His power? Are we still believing that God will use signs and wonders to confirm our preaching and teaching?

Are we raising up the next generation of Joshua and Calep who will tread on the territory of the enemy to fight for the lost souls of the young generation? How are we raising up new and young pastors like Timothy to take over the pastoral works and the ministries of the church?

Are we depending too much on church programs and human teachings or are we truly relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and His divine wisdom?

Yes, I am expecting a fresh movement, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in His Church and His indwelling presence.

The Holy Spirit is calling us back to Himself, to repentance from our dependency on self, on the human resources back to depending on God, His Holy Spirit and heavenly resources; to obedience on His Word and to glorify the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let all of us hearing the Spirit's voice calling today to respond: Here I am Lord, speak, your servants are listening.

Pastor Linh