L.A.W- Legalism at Work

According to the Hebrew Bible, Moses was the leader of early Israel out of Egypt and traditionally the author of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The law attributed to Moses, specifically the laws set out in Deuteronomy, as a consequence came to be considered supreme over all other sources of authority (the king and his officials), and the Levite priests were the guardians and interpreters of the law.

Content of the Law


The content of the Law is spread among the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, and then reiterated and added to in Deuteronomy (deutero-nomy is Latinised Greek for "Second reading of the Law"). This includes:
 the Ten Commandments
 Moral laws - on murder, theft, honesty, adultery, etc.
 Social laws - on property, inheritance, marriage and divorce,
 Food laws - on what is clean and unclean, on cooking and storing food.
 Purity laws - on menstruation, seminal emissions, skin disease and mildew, etc.
 Feasts - the Day of Atonement, Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks etc.
 Sacrifices and offerings - the sin offering, burnt offering, whole offering, heave offering, Passover sacrifice, meal offering, wave offering, peace offering, drink offering, thank offering, dough offering, incense offering, red heifer, scapegoat, first fruits, etc.
 Instructions for the priesthood and the high priest including tithes.
 Instructions regarding the Tabernacle, and which were later applied to the Temple in Jerusalem, including those concerning the Holy of Holies containing the Ark of the Covenant (in which were the tablets of the law, Aaron's rod, the manna). Instructions and for the construction of various altars.
 Forward looking instructions for time when Israel would demand a king.

A Heavy Burden

The Law was a heavy unbearable burden. In Acts 15:10 the question is asked:  “Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” And in Matthew 23:4  Jesus said of those who teach the law: “For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”

So many people have said that Jesus did away with the Law, but that is a false statement. Even Jesus, himself, stated in Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

He said that HE came to be the fulfillment of the Law-the Word. Jesus is the WORD. This we know and understand by reading John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” A study of the old covenant will reveal that JESUS is woven all through it.

Dwells in You

What was once a heavy weight meant for man to become righteous from the outside is now flipped over and has become like a life boat. We can “climb” into Jesus (the Word) and fulfill all with Him.
Since the Law was fulfilled in Christ Jesus and He dwells in us, we are now made righteous from the inside. Romans 8:10-11 says it this way: “And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 but if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

The Law is Perfect

David said in Psalms 19:7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
The Law of the Lord is perfect so therefore as John 3:16 begins: “For God so loved…” we can understand that because of this LOVE the Law cannot be thrown out or disregarded. It has now become all about love.

Love  vs Legalism

Jesus even gave a new commandment in John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  And this theme was even continued in John 13:35, John 15:12 and John 15:17
The L-A-W still requires action. It is not about legalism, but now that action is love.

LOVE AT WORK

Let us fulfill the Law through our love. Romans 13:8 “… for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”


Blessings,

Pastor Todd Lackey

“Third Day” Anointing

“Third Day” anointing

It’s been a little while since I have posted. Several things have been taking place. I can’t say I have all the answers but I do know that God is breaking open the heavens.

Over the last several weeks I have encountered much warfare and most of it has been odd, or different from other warfare I have experienced. Yes, I know the word of God tells us to recognize the tricks of the enemy but this was different.

I prayed and talked with a couple of our warriors I worked with, and continued to stand, yet there seemed to be no relief. Then boom God spoke! He showed me that we were stepping across the threshold into “Day 3”. He showed me that the warfare was from the threat we were becoming to the enemy.

Before I continue, I must make it clear, this isn’t about the church I pastor or just about the things I do. This is about a loving God that wants to use all of us to release his Glory on the Earth. This is about you, me and every other born again believer wanting to know Heaven on Earth.

Now that you realize, you are part of this also, let’s move on.

We are now entering a “Day 3” or “Third Day” anointing where the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead and dwells in you will begin to manifest Himself through you. Hosea 6:2 states: “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.” We can and will do just as Peter did while walking down the street and our shadows will heal the afflicted because He has revived us and raised us up!

So, we must spend time in the secret place of prayer – in solitude, silence, soaking and Scripture meditation, we then will be transformed into the image of Jesus. 2 Cor. 3:18 tells us: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” By spending time in the secret place of His presence not only will we under His protection (see Psalms 91) but His glory will shine upon us and in turn we will reflect that glory onto all we come in contact with.

Let’s talk about the warfare a little more. As I said it had been very intense yet it had nothing to do with people around me. It was completely against principalities and powers. Against spirits that have claimed “ground” that was not theirs. They had set up camp and claimed “squatter rights”. Yet nowhere in God’s Word does it mention giving back rights to the enemy after the CROSS. So we evict him, and all Heaven backs us and makes him move on.

Have you ever seen a dog pushed in a corner; the dog is more likely to be aggressive? This is what warfare is about. We have forced the enemy into a corner leaving him no room for escape. Not wanting to leave this land, he attacks, but don’t worry you are victorious.

1 Peter 5: 8-10 says it this way:  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

You see you are more than a conqueror and not alone. You can do all things through Christ whom strengthens you.

I am excited for you and me. This is what we have been waiting for. This is where our intimacy changes again. Unveiled and transformed! And we will grow deeper in the LOVE of God. This is the “Third Day”. It is going to come with some changes and warfare, but don’t worry it is well worth the fight as we to step into the land flowing with milk and honey.


Pastor Todd

Have we become too focused on our leadership?

1 Corinthians 3 says:

1 HOWEVER, BRETHREN, I could not talk to you as to spiritual [men],but as to non-spiritual [men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates],as to mere infants [in the new life] in Christ [ [a] unable to talk yet!]

2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough [to be ready for it]; but even yet you are not strong enough [to be ready for it],

3 For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men?

4 For when one says, I belong to Paul, and another, I belong to Apollos, are you not [proving yourselves] ordinary (unchanged) men?

5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Ministering servants [not heads of parties] through whom you believed, even as the Lord appointed to each his task:

6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase.

7 So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater.

          Have we become too focused on our leadership? Have we, as the body of Christ, become so focused on our pastors, our church, or a great evangelist that we have missed God? Yes. Yes we must be planted in a fellowship and have accountability, (Hebrews 10:25) but it never should become so important that we loose focus on the true point of our assembling together. The KJV states in verse 3 of 1 Corinthians that there is…” envying, strife, and division among you.”  If Christ becomes the focus of "christ"ians we will not nor should not have these problems. It’s not just about growing our churches,  (He will actually cause that to happen) but it’s about growing His kingdom as mature sons and daughters in Christ Jesus.

          I agree that we need accountability and leadership. 1 Corinthians 4:15 speaks of instructors and fathers. (see also Ephesians 4:11) We need people in our lives to keep us in check and bring accountability.

Romans 13:7 states: “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”  Still though, church leaders should never become our sole focus. Christ is still the only way, truth, and life giver. 1 Corinthians 3:6”…but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase.”

Acts 16:16-34 says:

“16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”

Some in the body of Christ have actually become as this woman. They follow a man or a church or even a “theology” and place them on a pedestal. Their intentions may have started out good, but became warped and mis-placed to the point that God receives no glory.

          In Joel 2 and Acts 2 He says "I" will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. He is the giver and that will NEVER change. We are vessels, carriers, ministers, and so much more, yet He is, and always shall be the only giver. 

          Do we want real revival in our churches, families or our personal lives? Do we really want to encounter the manifest presence of God in these areas? Do we want an “end times” outpouring? If we are to answer yes then we only have one option:  Let’s stop putting our churches, our pastors, or our ministers on a pedestal. That throne belongs to God alone and He will not share His glory with another. So, let us follow the instructions from Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…”


Be Blessed,


Pastor Todd Lackey

Awakening

Beginning in the early 1700s America has had what have become known as the “Awakenings”. Many truths were restored to the body of Christ during this times of “revival”. Walls of religion were broken down and numerous amounts of these truths and messages from those times are still used in most churches today.

“The First Awakening (or The Great Awakening) was a Christian revitalization movement that swept Protestant Europe and British America, and especially the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s, leaving a permanent impact on American religion. It resulted from powerful preaching that gave listeners a sense of personal revelation of their need of salvation by Jesus Christ. Pulling away from ritual and ceremony, the Great Awakening made Christianity intensely personal to the average person by fostering a deep sense of spiritual conviction and redemption, and by encouraging introspection and a commitment to a new standard of personal morality.” (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The Second Great Awakening was a Christian revival movement during the early 19th century in the United States. In July of 1799 the power of God manifested itself at a service in the Red River Church and the Gasper River Church in Logan County, Kentucky, at the Red River Meeting House near the present day community of Schochoh . When revival broke out, dozens of members in the congregations were 'slain in the spirit' as the Holy Spirit moved in the services. When the news spread around the countryside, anticipation for what might happen at the next meeting stirred the curiosity of everyone and interest soared. But, a cold winter caused larger meetings to be postponed in the overflowing churches. In June of 1800, several hundred devout Christians met for a communion service at the Red River Meeting House. The congregation was composed of three churches pastored by Methodist minister George Mcready. This revival become what was known as The Second Great Awakening

A much larger gathering was held at Cane Ridge, Kentucky, in 1801, attracting perhaps as many as 20,000 people. Numerous Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist ministers participated in the services. The camp meeting revival became a major mode of church expansion for such denominations as the Methodists and Baptists. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church emerged in Kentucky. Cane Ridge was also instrumental in fostering what became known as the Restoration Movement. This was made up of non-denominational churches committed to what they saw as the original, fundamental Christianity of the New Testament. They were committed to individuals' achieving a personal relationship with Christ.

Around the turn of the next century there come another outpouring. It touched many places. California, North Carolina, Wales, and many more. It also, as did the 1700s and 1800s moves, brought many new denominations. With this move also came the outpouring of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues as the initial evidence. Many healings and miracles began to appear once again in the body of Christ.

Now we have moved beyond the next century. We are twelve years into this marker. (Twelve being the governmental number) God is establishing something more this time around though. Each move or “Awaking” has been a reformation beyond the last. In this “Awaking” or revival He is bringing to this nation a fullness back into the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people I n their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4 leadership will become aligned with Christ as the head. Apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers who just like Jesus will lay down their lives to serve and raise up others.

This is the generation for the new Awaking, of alignment, maturity, and selflessness. This generation will not rely on a man or a church or a denomination, but will solely rely on Christ Jesus. We will...”Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Hebrews 12:2 says

Are you ready?


Be Blessed,


Pastor Todd Lackey

Just My Thoughts

 I keep hearing a lot about the rapture and the world ending coming soon. Sure, Jesus can come again any time the Father says “Go get your Bride”. That is God’s call though, not mine. Yet I do think we will see several changes before that happens.

I have read several books lately and even watched a movie or two about events that are supposed to happen in 2012. Thing is I have seen the same stuff and heard the same tales since the year 2000. Yes, disaster is coming, but the hand of God will stay it if we seek His face.

So, as to my thoughts I don’t expect Jesus to come really soon, but will my thoughts keep Him from coming? Definitely not! Again, that’s the Father’s call. But listen to me for just a moment. We have heard of a One World Government that is coming and of a leader saying “Peace peace”. If someone says that today we will laugh and think he is running for the president of the United States. (Yes, I pray for him) But if people are going to cling to a man saying peace, peace things must and will get worse before that. I’m not talking about the great tribulation, but of a time of hardship like we have never seen.



Then on the other hand, we as the Body of Christ must stand up. Rev 19 says He is coming after a bride that has made her-self ready. I know, again, I’m not God and His idea of “being ready” may not look like what you and I think, but at least we should outshine the early church. Let us do what they did and more.

I believe Isaiah 60 verse 2 gives us some light: “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee”. Only after the darkness, not before!

Then there is the story about those working in the last hour of the day and yet receiving the same pay as the ones that worked all day. They are a group that steps up and instantly sees it all happen in Jesus name. They don’t go to seminars for ten years to learn how to “religiously” ruin the truth. They hear from heaven and do what they hear. These breeds of believers are being called forth now.

Oh yes, and about the idea of Jesus coming to destroy the works of the devil…well then the disciples asked: “ what must we do to work the works of God?” Hmm, great question. Believing on God will get it. A Sampson Generation is coming forth, but they aren’t going to fall to the enemy’s trickery. They will stand strong.

I believe we will see all this soon, and then the time we are looking for will appear. Then it will all rap up. Then Jesus will come again. It’s about being a ready church. Let’s do our parts.

Blessings
Pastor Todd

The Nashville Outpouring

   In August of 2011 the Lord began to show me some small things that at the moment meant nothing to me. This continued over the course of several weeks. As I began to question Him on the meaning of each thing He was showing me He began to reveal new and greater parts of this to me.

What I am going to share here is the vision He is continuing to give me about what He has began to do in Nashville, and in many other cities around this earth.

This is named the Nashville Outpouring because that was the first words He gave me on this. Yes, but it is much greater than just Nashville. Nashville is the center city in the large region He showed me. He called this the Nashville region.

The original thing I saw was a large map. It was focused on a circle that wrapped all of Tennessee and reached into all the states bordering Tennessee. If you take a protractor on a map and open it to extend beyond North East TN by about forty miles and center it on Nashville and make a circle it will be what I saw.

As I began to question the Father said this is the Nashville region. I am doing something new here. It’s not about a man, or a single group of people. It’s about my body, the body of Christ becoming who I created them to be.

I must admit I was doubtful about some of this even though God was speaking them  to me. I questioned many aspects of why me, and what did all this really mean? He began to speak to me about the Reverberation of Revival. It’s a sound not heard by most even when they stand in the midst of it. God through Nashville is releasing a sound of revival into the world that will actually change the world! You can stand beneath the clouds and not see them if you don’t look up, yet everyone else sees it over your head. The church needs to begin to look around and see what is happening.

The first natural thing involved in this revival was the flood. In the natural it was devastating to many, yet shortly after it washed away and destroyed so much many things were renewed or built again. Some of Nashville’s worst homes were destroyed in the flood, yet afterwards brand new. It was a washing away of the old, so that the new could come. Then after this I saw the weather around the circle. It was bad. Many fires burning, many tornados, many devastating things going on, even earthquakes to both sides of the circle. Almost looked as if the Reverberation of Revival was forcing the weather away from Nashville.

Then the Lord began to show me the Revivals of the 40s and 50s. He said that He “began something that could have and should have continued to grow”. He then showed me the 60s, saying:  “I tried to release something very important here, but the church was afraid to receive it, so the Psychics and New Age movement grabbed it and counterfeited it”. Then into the 80s, wow, media was made available, and every church in town called it all evil. The River movement began and several others as well, yet most people either didn’t like it, or came against it in “Jesus” name not open enough to recognize it was from heaven.

Now here we are just beyond 20 more years on and God is doing it again. He is pouring out the greater still. We must take what He gives. I mentioned earlier about not seeing the cloud over our heads. Well the Muslim population is doing its part to run in under the cloud. They were standing on the outside and could see it well. This is our finest hour church! We must take what’s rightfully ours!

The last thing I have seen to date was this past week. I saw what God said to me were two “hot spots”. One of these are around Cleveland TN and the other by Portland TN. I believe we will see revival come from both of these areas very soon, and more will follow. Not bound by a church walls or denominations, but about men and women of God standing up and being the body. So, what is a hot spot?  I’m really not sure. Could be where the enemy tries to strike first, but we have the authority over the enemy, and can release heaven in the darkness.

As I watched the latest video from the “Transformation” series ( I encourage everyone to watch them) I saw what God did in the darkness. God is awesome!

 Do I have it all? No, definitely not, but as God shows me more I will continue to share it.

Do I believe Jesus will come back in 2012? Maybe, but I don’t think so. I have read Revelations 19:7 where He comes back after a bride that has made herself ready. Right now we are not made ready. We aren’t doing the greater works yet, but we are about to see it happen.

 Again, I want to let you know, this isn’t the only thing God is doing in this earth. He is raising up cities all over. Nashville region is just one of many.

Why Nashville? Because God has raised up many here to fan the flames. Some of these are James Goll of Encounters Network, Jeff Jansen of Global Fire, Jack and Lee Brown with a government prayer ministry, Olive Tree Connection in Madison, Grace Center in Franklin, Candy Christmas in Nashville, Sandy Powell. Also, God has given us at New Rivers International Ministry Center great favor to bring in many men and women of God to release and breakthrough in this region. Just this year we have had Randy Demain twice, Charlie Shamp several times, David Herzog, Munday Martin, Jason and Susan Marquez, Rob and Millie Radosti, Sherry White and ladies of Lydias house, Aglow International District Meeting with President Karen McNair and others.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Todd Lackey

NRIMC