Rogue Theologian

Recently, there has been a lot of talk in the air regarding Nephilim. This week I will address some of these ideas.

First allow me to clarify. I have always been fascinated by mysterious topics. I love thinking about dinosaurs, UFOs, deep-sea creatures, unsolved mysteries, Nephilim and the pre-Adamic race. I am not writing this blog to put down these topics.

Second, my highest respect is for the Word of God, not simply for what a favorite Bible preacher says. This requires me to be like a Berean (Acts 17:11) and do my own study.

Third, the word Nephilim appears in only two verses of the Bible:

• “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.” Genesis 6:4

• “We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” –Numbers 13:33

From these two verses we learn two things.

#1 The Nephilim are simply the race of giants from the Old Testament.

#2 These two verses tell us almost nothing, yet much speculation, extrapolation, and exaggeration has come from them.

Most of the modern preaching about Nephilim has been from a passage in the New Testament, which some say alludes to their return.

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸ For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; ³⁹ and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Here in Matthew 24:37-39, Jesus says that it will be as in the days of Noah. Some have used this passage to create wild fantasies about Nephilim Spirits from Genesis 6 returning to subvert the world system and bring about the End of the World. Yet Jesus, church history and respected Bible commentators for 1800 years of Christianity understood that the whole of Matthew 24 was Jesus speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem in this passage. Jesus was not talking about the end of the world, Jesus was talking about His “coming” to bring destruction upon the Holy City, Jerusalem in 70AD. (For more info read www.Raptureless.com)

He speaks of the time of the destruction as being like the days of Noah, in the sense that Noah preached to the culture around him and people did not repent of their evil ways, rather they perished in the flood. This is exactly the same as how over 1.1 million Jews did not heed the voice of the early church and perished in the destruction. Also Noah and his family were perfectly protected in the Ark, as well as “not one Christian died in the destruction of Jerusalem,” says Josephus, the Jewish historian of the first century.

Yet by not having a sound exegetical methodology, many are preaching the return of the Nephilim in our future (perhaps even in our present, depending on how paranoid the preacher). The modern preachers seem to have turned the original Nephilim (Giant people) into the Modern Nephilim (Some sort of breed of super-solider demon-force ushering in the end of the world!).

Here is my stance on Matthew 24:37, simply stated: Jesus was not predicting a return of the Nephilim. (Even if you disagree with my interpretation of Matthew 24, it is still sensible to agree that Jesus was not predicting the return of the Nephilim.)

I know that this may be hard for some to believe, but for all the wild, far out, and stretching things that I teach, I don’t believe that there is ANY validity to the modern Nephilim preachers. I teach about seeing in the spirit realm, the finished work of the cross and positive eschatology, yet I am careful to be respectful of Scripture. I am saddened when I see adults that have been in the ministry for decades that take a small handful of verses and speculate, extrapolate and exaggerate them to the point that they have no cultural/historical relevance to the original hearers. I adjure you my friend, don’t buy into the hype and paranoia. Jesus was NOT predicting super-solider demons in our future.

Thank you for reading and God Bless.

Jonathan Welton

There is much excitement found in declaring that something amazing is about to come. Also in telling people that they are lacking something which if they hungrily pursue they might find.

I have had an increasing frustration with such nonsense.

Yet it is not as popular or profitable to tell people that they already have what they need or that certain Scriptures have been fulfilled. If people have already been given what they need by the finished work of the Cross and if certain passages have been fulfilled, then the weight of responsibility is upon the shoulder of the hearer. They must rise up and do something with what they have already been given.

It is with this thought in mind that my next blogs will address a few silly teachings.

In this blog, I will address the idea of a future coming of the “Spirit of Elijah.” I have been hearing a lot about a coming movement of the Holy Spirit sometimes called the “Spirit of Elijah.” (For examples, simply type “the Spirit of Elijah” into Youtube.com)

This comes from a few passages, which have been plucked out of context and thrown a few thousand years resulting in a future prophecy for us. When preachers cherry-pick passages and don’t follow sound rules of Biblical interpretation, they can make exciting sermons but not healthy disciples. Healthy teaching produces healthy disciples.

This whole topic revolves mainly around a passage in Malachi, which says:  “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” -Malachi 4:5-6

The great and dreadful day, which this passage speaks of, is in reference to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD. At that time the Temple was utterly destroyed, the priesthood was annihilated, and 1.1 million apostate Jews were slaughtered.

John the Baptist was the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy. Even before he was born, an angel prophesied to Zechariah that his son, John the Baptist, would fulfill the prophecy from Malachi:

“And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17

When the disciples asked Jesus about the prophecy from Malachi regarding the Spirit of Elijah; Jesus said it had been fulfilled through John the Baptist:

And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” -Mark 9:11-13

The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” -Matthew 17:10-12

Jesus said it even more clearly in Matthew 11.

“For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” -Matthew 11:13-15

It is amazing to see how Jesus clarified this fulfilled prophecy. First He says, “if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.” Clearly Jesus knew that His first century listeners were going to have a hard time with His declaration that Malachi 4 was fulfilled. Even today there are many preachers that are not “willing to accept it.” Then He says that those that have “ears, let them hear.” Again there are many even today that do not have “ears to hear.”

Malachi 4 has been fulfilled and completed; there is no further fulfillment. The spirit of Elijah is not something we are looking for or waiting for. We have the privilege of living inside Christ, which is greater than Elijah. Or as Jesus put it, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” –Matthew 11:11

Now that is truly exciting!

Also that puts responsibility upon the hearer!!

It is time to show up the Old Testament Saints!!!

If Jesus was willing to die for me when I was a dirty-rotten-sinner, then why does God seem to have so little grace towards us once we become His children?

I have heard this question phrased a thousand different ways. The confusion comes from a few passages in the book of Hebrews. For example:

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,” Hebrews 10:26

Personally I have taught and have been taught for several years that the same Grace that God had toward me as a sinner, He continues to have toward me as a saint. That even if I am still stumbling as a saint, God still extends the same value to me, that I am still “Worth dying for.” I still believe this is true.

The issue is that these passages in Hebrews have not been put into their biblical context. Specifically Hebrews 8, 9, and 10, require an understanding without which we can easily end up with a God that is very judgmental towards His very own children that are stumbling.

CONTEXT

First of all, let’s get the context of these chapters. The book of Hebrews was written somewhere between 30AD and 70AD. During Jesus’ ministry He demonstrated that He was the King and He had brought down His Kingdom and established it in the earth to grow and take dominion over time (Mt 13:31-33). Then at the last supper Jesus announced the arrival of His New Covenant that would be established the following day by His death. So far we have a King, a kingdom and a New covenant, yet the old covenant continued to linger.

In 30AD, Jesus had declared (mt 24) that the Temple and the Holy City would be destroyed within a generation (40 years).  It happened exactly as He declared it would in 70AD, even in the timeframe in which He declared it.  Yet Hebrews was written before the 70AD destruction, which removed the Old Covenant.

That is why you have passages like Hebrews 8. In verses 8:1-12 it speaks of the New Covenant being nothing like the Old Covenant. The New being better and having better promises. Then the key verse jumps off the pages, verse 13 “By calling this covenant “new” He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”

Even though Jesus the King had come and established His Kingdom, had sealed a New Covenant in His blood and made the Old Covenant completely obsolete. The Old Covenant still clung to life. The apostate Jews continued animal sacrifice, they continued to follow the Sabbath, they continued to celebrate the feasts. Hebrews 8:13 is pointing to the fact that 70AD was coming and would soon remove the Old Covenant entirely. And it did, 1.1 million Jews were slaughtered, the Temple was destroyed to the ground and every single priest was put to death.

Then Hebrews 9:1-9 speaks of the Old Covenant tabernacle, then in verse 10 we find the key again: “They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings-external regulations applying until the time of the new order.” Again we find the author speaking of how the Old is only going to last until the time of the “new order.” The book of Hebrews constantly speaks of the transition from the Old Covenant to the New.

The rest of chapter nine goes on to show that the Blood of Jesus is the New Covenant, which replaces the blood of the goats and bulls of the Old Covenant.

In chapter ten the theme continues with Jesus as the high priest that replaces all the Old Covenant high priests. In verse 9 we find again “Then He said, ‘here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second.” The theme of the Old being replaced by the New is inescapable. Yet unfortunately there are many today that are trying to drag the Old into the New.

Well, chapter ten continues to speak of this amazing New Covenant until we get to verse 25. “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

This fascinating verse has been used by pastors for years to encourage people to keep going to church, but this is a false application.

The context here is that the early church was meeting house to house daily, then in 70AD, every one of their houses would have been burned to the ground in the destruction of Jerusalem. The “Day” that they saw “Approaching” was the destruction of Jerusalem. In fact, Jesus had instructed them in Matthew 24 and Luke 22 that when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies, His followers should flee to the mountains. They did flee and Josephus records that “not one Christian died in the destruction of Jerusalem.”

So following Hebrews 10:25 is verse 26 which we began this discussion about: “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,” Hebrews 10:26

So the context is how Jesus has delivered this amazing New Covenant to our doorstep and the Old lesser, outdated and obsolete covenant, the one that is nothing like the New one, the one that Jesus “set aside” is about to be destroyed and removed by the “approaching Day.” From Hebrews 10:26-39, the whole rest of the chapter speaks of those that go back from the New covenant to the Old covenant. How God is coming to “judge His people” (vs30). In verse 37 we find another time indicator. “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” This was not in reference to the Second Coming of the Lord (that is in our future), this was in reference to Jesus “Coming” to bring destruction upon Jerusalem. Throughout the Bible, “Coming” refers to God coming to bring judgment. For example:

A prophecy against Egypt: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear (Isaiah 19:1).

If we don’t put Hebrews 10:26 into its proper context, then it ends up contradicting other passages such as:

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1

I had been terrorized by the Hebrews 10:26-39 passage for years until I understood the context. This was about the Jews in the first century, which would not accept what Jesus’ blood did on our behalf as sufficient and thus trampled the Son of God under foot. If you sin, Jesus is your lawyer, He is on your side, He is your defender against the accuser of the brethren.

Be free.

Jonathan Welton

(Note also that 10:27 says “but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” This was in reference to the burning of Jerusalem, not a reference to hell. According to many theologians, hell doesn’t consume, it tortures but it does not consume. If that is true, then we can easily see that the consuming fire here has more in common with the burning to the ground of the Holy City in 70AD.)

I have been noticing a disconcerting trend in my age group and those younger, that trend being a growth in Bible ignorance. I am normally optimistic, and I am not changing my tone here, so rather than seeing this as a “sign of the times.” I would rather focus on addressing some foundational issues.

First of all, many people have no understanding of how to even approach the Bible. ie. Is it the Word of God? Is it a Holy Book? Is it really a living book? I believe that the answer to all these questions is an unequivocal yes, and amen.

Yet one of the questions that I seem to be hearing quite often from the younger generation is “How do I know that the Bible is complete?” The question is asked in many different contexts, for example, some want to eliminate the books of the Old Testament that seem to say offensive things such as remarks about homosexuality, tattoos, slavery, etc. Or on a similar thought there are those that want to leave the Canon of Scripture open ended, “Perhaps there are other writings that should be added to the Bible so that it is more relevant for modern culture?”

I have two responses.

#1 The main reason that you want to change the Bible is because you don’t understand the interpretation and context of what you are reading. If you understood the Bible better, you wouldn’t have a need to change it.

#2 There is absolutely no need to question if the 66 books that comprise the Bible are right. This is the point that I shall elaborate on further.

In the book of Revelation it is written that we should not add or take away from the writings, yet that alone is a shaky argument. It is shaky because the Apostle John was speaking of his letter, not necessarily of the entire New Testament, or the Bible. Although he may not have intended to say the following regarding the entire Bible, I believe that his words do in fact apply to the whole Bible.

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” Revelation 22:18-19

By the time that Matthew 1:1 begins, the Old Testament writings had already been completed for four hundred years. There is no real debate as to whether we have picked out the correct books to comprise the 39 books of the Old Testament. The main debate has raged regarding if the New Testament should have more, less or the same 27 books.

I believe that when the early church council determined in 325AD that 27 books comprise the whole NT, that they were completely correct. One of the main determining factors in their decision was that they pulled together the letters which people were specifically willing to be martyred for. Nobody up to that time was willing to die for the Apocryphal books, the Pseudopigrapha, or the Gnostic gospels (Google these is you are unfamiliar).  Also the Early Church knew the Old Testament much better than most modern Christians and used this as a backdrop, which helped them see that 66 books was the perfect number.

One verse that they would have been aware of, which many of us have probably sang at VBS or summer camp, would have been, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” -Psalm 119:105

The Word of God is a lamp, which in the context of Psalm 119 would have been reflective of the lampstand in the Tabernacle, which we read about in Exodus 37.

 “They made the lampstand of pure gold. They hammered out its base and shaft, and made its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. Six branches extended from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms were on one branch, three on the next branch and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. One bud was under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. The buds and the branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. They made its seven lamps, as well as its wick trimmers and trays, of pure gold. They made the lampstand and all its accessories from one talent of pure gold.” -Exodus 37:17-24

I know that this may seem like a long boring passage meant only for the artisan commissioned to create it, but actually there is amazing relevance for us. If you read this passage carefully you will find that the Lamp is made up of exactly 66 decorations. This corresponds to the 66 books, that make up our Lamp, the Bible, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Also the Lampstand is made of seven lamps. The middle lamp of the seven represents Christ and divides the three lamps on the left, which represent the OT from the three lamps on the right, which represent the NT. (Even as Jesus’ life divides the Old and New Covenants)

Also if you add up the decorations on the three lamps on the left plus the decorations on the middle lamp you arrive at 39 decorations representing the 39 books of the OT. Then if you add up the remaining three lamps on the right you arrive at 27 lamps representing the books of the NT.

I have recently heard a few other people explain the Exodus 37, Lampstand picture of the Bible and I am glad to hear others understanding it. I actually remember my mother explaining this picture to me many years ago. Thanks Mom!

Another amazing picture that the early church would have had in mind while compiling our Bible would have been the book of Isaiah, which in and of itself gives us a pattern for our Bible. (Although I learned this many years ago, rather than reinventing the wheel, I will quote another author here which states my point rather well.) The book of Isaiah is a picture of the Bible.

“In fact, the chapter structure of the two divisions is quite remarkable, possibly even providential. The first book (chapters 1-39) contains the same number of chapters as the Old Testament has books. The second book (chapters 40-66) contains 27 chapters, the same as the number of books in the New Testament. The New Testament portion begins with John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:1-5), just as the New Testament itself does, and ends with the new heavens and the new earth (Isaiah 65 and 66; compare Revelation 21 and 22).” (http://www.icr.org/article/4188/299/)

Even before the Bible was complete, it was prophesying to us what it would look like when it was finally complete. I guess the (Christian) cartoons I watched as a child were right; it is a “Super Book!”

Since I wrote my blog about Core Values on March 20th, I have been in a constant state of pondering mine. I have realized that one of them, Generosity, might be better represented by the word Investment.

My wife and I have always been very generous with our finances. We especially love supporting those that we are in relationship with to see them succeed (#3Relational/#5Empowering others). We have given to missions, outreach programs and ministries we believe in.

That is why I summarized this Core Value as Generosity.

The Lord has been speaking to me about making a switch from Generosity to Investing. The main difference is that Investing expects a return on investment, ie. Sowing and reaping. Investing is long term thinking, whereas Generosity can be spontaneous and then forgotten.

Generosity is wonderful and still a big part of who I am. Yet the Lord is moving my heart toward more Long-Term thinking. This impacts every aspect of life.

When I put food in my mouth, I am investing in my future, whether it be a fast-food cheeseburger which is rooted in short-term thinking or a wonderful salad which would be long-term thinking. Although the salad may sometimes cost more, the long-term health benefit will outweigh the immediate savings, ie. Heart transplants are expensive.

One of my mentors told me, “Buying Quality only hurts you once.” I love that saying and with the shift I have been going through, I have been living by this saying before I even heard it. For several years I have bought my dress shirts at Marshalls and Ross. Yet recently I have determined to buy only certain brands, even if I have to purchase them online where they are more affordable. I have grown tired of clothing that seems cost effective yet falls apart in an un-reasonably short period of time. Investing requires stepping out by faith and putting funds into something upfront, but in the long run you will be thankful for taking that step.

The one commodity that I hold as the highest is TIME. It is the UN-renewable resource. When I look at how I spend my time, ie. Building my relationships, studying, writing, etc. These are investing in wise long-term thinking. When I spend my time watching tv, movies, or doing other time wasting things, I am only thinking about short-term entertainment.You cannot go back and get what has been wasted. Money can be re-earned, relationships can be healed, but Time is ticking away, tick, tick, ticking away… (Yes, that is a subtle DC Talk reference, bravo if you noticed. Google it if you are too old or too young to recognize).

I guess I am just writing to say, Generosity is great, but an Investing mindset is better, broader, more strategic and long-term. I would encourage you to consider having an Investing mindset.

Bless you!

Jonathan Welton

CORE VALUES

Businesses aiming for excellence typically write a purpose statement. Many churches have taken the business model and created something similar which they call a Mission Statement (it sounds more “Churchy” that way). I personally prefer the model of “Leading from the Heart” which leans more on Core Values.

Core Values are the values held the highest in a person’s heart at the very core of their being; that is who they are. If fifty people were asked to describe you in one word, the main ones that are repeated are your Core Values.

I have been meditating recently on the question, “What are my Core Values?” As the Lord has been leading Karen and I to form a team ministry, I want to know my Core Values and share them with my team. I want to understand the Core Values of my team members and be sure that these form a solid base for working together.

I thought it would be helpful to some of my readers (and fellow leaders) to share my Core Values as I currently see them. Here are my Seven highest.

Biblical

Since I was a child, I have been raised with the highest value of respect for understanding and applying the Bible correctly. This has required me to change my thinking hundreds, perhaps thousands of time. To hold this as a value requires a commitment to constant growth and change.

Supernatural

To understand the Bible correctly and live according to it, I must have a high value for walking in the supernatural. To claim to have a high value for the Bible and not walk in the supernatural is one of the most bizarre forms of hypocrisy that exists.

Relational

I have pondered this core value for quite awhile. For me this one includes being transparent, vulnerable, valuing relationships, being on time, and standing up for people. To be a leader and not be relational is to leave a trail of orphans everywhere you go.

Character

It seems that we are currently in era of “Special Anointings” and “Crazy Grace” as well as evil humanism and demonic political agendas. I value character anchored in Biblical values. i.e. Homosexuality is a sin, Abortion is murder, Sex outside of marriage sinful and destructive. Just as much as I value character that acknowledges that sin is sin; I strongly value character that emphasizes expressing (at all times) the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.

Empowering others

My core value of empowering others drives the heart of my teaching ministry. I don’t want to be the “Man of God, holier than thou, the big one on the platform.” I believe that real Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are first and foremost Equippers and Foot-washers (Eph 4, John 13). My heart is to see you step into your New Creation Identity, fullness of freedom and walking out your calling.

Freedom

My freedom was worth dying for, so I value and guard it; I will not give it away thoughtlessly. At the core of everything I write, my desire is to share truth, which sets people free. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Where Jonathan is, I want there to be complete freedom.

Generosity

I believe in walking in freedom, rather than fear; empowering others rather than controlling them. This has led me to be generous with my finances, time, and encouragement. Generosity is a core value of heaven. The streets are paved with gold.

These are my Core Values. I hope that I have sparked your thinking. Whether you are a ministry leader, business leader, parent, or anything else, it is important to understand your Core Values and intentionally lead from your heart.

I have been noticing a lot of judgmental people recently. This could be because I have killed and BBQ’d their favorite Sacred Cow or because they have been stabbed one to many times in the back by “brothers & sisters” in the church. Jesus said that from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. So I know when I hear judgments that I am really hearing the intimate hurt piling up in another person’s heart.

One of the simple roots I have found is that “judged people judge people.” Typically speaking, those that have been given their total freedom, absolute self-control and are fully loved; don’t judge others. The one that judges others has been judged and mistreated, perhaps for decades.

Not only have many felt judgment by others, but also many have felt judgment from Father God. Whether from a spiritual leader or a natural parent, many have taken on the idea that God is a big judge that has nothing better to do than judge you. This warped view of God leads to the idea that God has judged you, so you end up judging yourself and then judging others.

Those that judge others are filled to the brim with interior judgments, which are judgments held against one’s self. These then overflow and judgment is poured on others.

I believe that the only way to truly change this cycle is to go back to the root and change your view of God the Father. Yes, others have messed up your view of Him and you will have to forgive them to move forward, but we must also wipe the mud from our glasses to see clearly.

What has God told us about Himself? I think the judgmental in heart need to hear three things about God that maybe they never learned rightly.

1. “God is Love.” Yeah, I know, you have heard this, but have you seen it? Have you known Him as a God of Love, literally a love God? That He ALWAYS acts in Love, He will never contradict this. You are safe with Him, He will never hurt you, He doesn’t hold your mistakes against you, He keeps no record of wrongs, He will never leave you lonely, confused or hopeless. (review 1 Cor 13, Jer 29:11)
2. “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” In God’s presence, you are completely free. You can mess up and He will never act in a controlling manner. You have total freedom. Most Christians have NEVER experienced an environment of total freedom. Most leaders live in fear of this level of freedom because of possible mistakes. God already died to pay for your mistakes, so that He could fully pour love on you. God wants you to be free more than you even want to be free. Many have avoided God because they want freedom and feel that He will be controlling. This is the message the church has preached, not the message of the Bible. God wants you epically freed to be yourself and to follow the identity He put in your DNA.
3. “The fruit of the Spirit is…Self-Control.” Many have described self-control as “the ability to say no to sin.” Under this definition, you will feel like a daily failure. Yet this definition of self-control is inherently flawed because of its narrowness. Self-control is not simply the ability to say no to sin. Self-control is better expressed as “being the only one who determines your responses in life.” God is not in control of you, He loves you perfectly; therefore He wanted you to have total freedom, so He gave you self-control. You get to decide what you are going to do. If you are going to love Him or reject Him. Whether you will love others or judge them. If you are going to love yourself as much as He loves you or judge yourself.

I know what I am talking about because I have been there. I used to have a lot of judgment in my heart. I saw God as a controller, I didn’t know Him as a God of Love, I didn’t understand that all He wanted was for me to be free and that the only person He wanted controlling me, is me!

God is described as Love, our advocate, comforter, provider, and healer. He is good, even though commonly misrepresented as judgmental.

Yes, one day in the future, God will have to judge evil, this is an important part of love and justice, but God IS love, that is his essence and identity, Judge is just something He will have to do one day. Judge is not who He is as a person.

Hey Jonathan

I would like to ask you what it was like for you a few years back, starting out with writing your books, setting up your ministry. It seems that you are really finding your calling and what you are good at so, what was it like a couple of years back? How was the process?

-Jesse

Dear Jesse,

I think back on my ministry beginnings and the main word that I think of is, “insecurity.” Honestly, as a first time author, before The School of the Seers came out, my constant thought was, “is anyone going to read this book I am writing?”

I worked so hard to communicate, to connect, to relate, in summary, I was a strong “self-promoter.” In the business realm this can be a benefit, but in the realm of ministry and the Kingdom, the more mature could easily smell the aroma of insecurity and works that I was emitting.

Fortunately, there were some older/wiser friends who guided me through those early years as I was developing. Although there were others that would have rather crushed me, I did make it through.

In looking back over my shoulder, I would strongly encourage any young person that has a desire for ministry to study the Word of God intensely, to trust God’s timing impeccably, and to serve humbly at every opportunity.

Here are the verses that have impacted my understanding of promotion.

1)   Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

2)   Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and in due time He will lift you up.

3)   Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men.

I made it through those shaky and insecure years and have planted much deeper roots of trust in the Lord. After the incredible success of my first book, I had to deal with the next level of fear that told me that I might simply be a “one-hit wonder.”

The Lord literally took a year of my life to deal deep in my heart regarding fear and insecurity. The year began with the Holy Spirit saying to me, “What would it be like to live life with no fear?” He whispered that question in my heart dozens and dozens of times that year as He strained out everything that was tainted. There are still moments that I recognize fear and spit it out, but in looking back at the start of my ministry until today, I think that biggest process or growth that I have seen is to trust the Lord, move slow, think long-term, and focus not on fear but on Love.

-Jonathan Welton