CLOSING COLD CASES

https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/5641512_shutterstock_1170657010.jpg?w=1280&r=16%3A9

I sent topics to Rivergate’s Conquering Prayer Team this week and, as I typed, the image of an old cardboard evidence box popped into my mind. It was taped shut, and tired hands were slowly forcing the lid off, in spite of the tape’s protests. Across the lid was written in black marker: “Cold Case.” I knew (as one knows things in visions and dreams without specific communication) that the boxes (there were multiples) contained old issues and attacks against God’s children, and that the hands opening the boxes belonged to the enemy’s harassment staff. I sensed this indicated a fresh wave of internal accusation coming against some of us. “Internal,” meaning the battle will likely be private, mental, and emotional, rather than public, legal, and relational. Now, I’ll be honest. When I got this, I was annoyed. I’m really not in the mood for harassment. It’s bad timing and an overall pain in the neck. Besides, I know the end of the story and we win! So, if you’re feeling the same, please keep reading. There’s good news, I promise!

I asked Papa, “How can the enemy do this?” He replied: “Well, son, the nature of a “cold case” is that it was never really settled in the first place. The truth didn’t fully come out. Final judgment wasn’t applied.” The words hit their mark. Sometimes, our issues go dormant without ever truly being dealt with. Imagine having an issue with a co-worker who gets transferred before you address it. True, you avoid confrontation, but you also avoid the growth it could have produced. Parts of you that God wanted to mature through the confrontation remain untouched. Our King is too committed to our Christlikeness to let pieces of our soul remain underdeveloped. A “cold case” in God’s eyes, is one where the sacrifice of Christ (judgment) has yet to be fully applied.

And that good news? What the Father said next was critical and beautiful: “I want to beat the enemy to the punch! If you’ll trust Me, I’ll drag those issues into the light before the harassers start pounding you in the dark. I’ll help you dig down to whatever guilt or weakness contributed to the issues and together, we’ll apply the Blood of Jesus. It’s gonna be great! The case will be closed. You’ll be free from this issue and ready to bear more fruit.” It’s exciting when God warns us about things He’s also committed to helping us overcome. Rather than groan at the prospect, I’m choosing to glory in the promise! 

So, if some old issue resurfaces in your soul, dismiss the condemnation and let God expand the Lordship of Christ to the space. Let Him confront within you whatever He wants to strengthen and mature. Not only will it change your life, but the lives of everyone you touch as well!

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta 

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@Rivergate.org




© 2019 Chris Liotta

THE "GO YE" CALL

"Go ye into all the world...." Famous words familiar to just about every church-goer out there. Let's set the stage. Jesus has lived, loved, and lifted the hearts of humanity. There have been countless challenges and transformations. The drafting of disciples and the drama of detractors. Miracles, messages, and multitudes. Rest for the weary, and then, boom! A RESURRECTION! [mic drop...pause for effect] Now, on the heels of all this excitement, we are given - wait for it...The Great Commission. Go, ye - everywhere. Wow. Tall order.  When we here those words, we can be understandably intimidated. Especially in our modern world, with trains, planes, and automobiles all primed and poised to take us anywhere on the planet we could possibly desire to go, and probably in less than a day.

Keep in mind, though, when Jesus spoke these words, that wasn't the case. Sandals, camels, ships, and carts were the mode of the day. I can imagine what I may have been thinking in their place. What? The whole world? What is this guy talking about? How are we supposed to do that? Why would we want to? I mean, I believe and all, and I'm sure grateful for the stuff, but 'go into the world?' That's a bit over the top, don't you think?  He knew this. Jesus knew how they'd hear this word. The impossible absurdity of it in their ears. But He wasn't trying to break the backs of their faith with a ridiculous task. He was inspiring a "think outside the box of yourself" perspective of His Kingdom.

Much like today's society, most of the people to whom Christ spoke were pretty wrapped up in their own survival. They were beggars, bakers, builders, and businessmen. They were teachers and tax collectors, farmers and fishermen. And they were looking for a better life for themselves and their families. Jesus offered hope, healing, and happiness. In His face were freedom and forgiveness. That's all they wanted. All anyone wants, right? As true as that may be, there's more. You see, as He addressed the crowd that day, Jesus wasn't a supernatural Santa, throwing trinkets and baubles from an ascending sleigh. He was (and is) the King of Kings, calling forth family members into His cause. "Go ye into all the world" wasn't so much a command to get our passports updated, as it was a call to think outside of our own needs. To stop fighting for our swing at God's impersonal piñata of provision and recognize our opportunity to actually partner with Papa Almighty in His blessing business. Answering the "go ye" call is about trusting Him enough to know that He cares for and will take care of us, and then loving Him enough to go and care for others. It's not as much about venturing out to the faceless foreigner as it is visiting your nearest neighbor. "Go ye" is our chance to traffick in the goodness of God - to be carriers and not just consumers. To advance even more than we absorb.

So, shrug off the intimidation and isolation. Trust, love, reach, and bless. And "go ye" into all the world right there where you are. Partner with Papa to live, love, and lift your neighborhood. That's all He wants. All He's ever wanted, right?

GULLIVER'S YEAR

Link to Image Source

Many of you have heard us refer to "Gulliver's Year" and have been asking, "where did that come from?" and "tell me what that means."  Well, here you go...Enjoy!

During one of our prayer gatherings in November, Mary McWilliams was stirred powerfully with the thought of the Church, especially here in America, "waking up" and "shaking herself" free from stupor and fear and complacency.  Dr. Stuart Quartemont immediately saw an image of Gulliver, strapped to the sand by the Lilliputians, rising easily and gently to his full height - not to harm the Lilliputians, mind you, but to literally come to their rescue.  All of us in attendance quickly confirmed the fun power behind this thought, and it has become an expectation and declaration for the new year.  Holy Spirit has helped me to fill in some gaps and create a short language for this word that is guiding my faith as I meditate on "Gulliver's Year."

 It is time for the Church to pick up the mantle of Christ more fully and rise to the rescue of the world.  Creation groans and cries out for us to be realized for who we are:  the safe and powerful children of the Most High God, called to bless the earth and its inhabitants into a supernatural movement in the direction of His will, to the glory of His Name!

2017:  "Gulliver's Year"

This will be a year of:

1. Shaking off slumber and sloth.
2. Shedding fears and insecurities.
3. Surrendering fully to the person and passions of Christ.
4. Standing tall and strong, confident in the Holy Spirit.
5. Stepping into our identity as our Daddy King's giants of faith and power.
6. Shouting out boldly our praise and prayers and proclamations of faith.
7. Supernaturally serving God's family and the lost around us with great love and care.

Check out these verses:  Isaiah 51:16-17, Ezra 10:4, and Isaiah 60.

Join us in rising from the sands of false bondage to function in the supernatural grace of God on behalf of His kingdom and His children - both the lost and the found.

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta 

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com




© 2017 Chris Liotta

HIS HOME

Link to Image Source

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, 

ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  

John 15:7

Test yourselves whether you are in the faith; prove yourselves.  Or do you not realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are disapproved? 

 2 Corinthians 13:5

Growing in His nature and going in His power are made possible as we increase our conscious awareness of and appreciation for His presence.  Knowing God is the key to "great exploits." (See Daniel 11:32.)  Saturating ourselves in His word will accomplish this better than berating ourselves for our failures to fulfill it.  When Paul tells us to test ourselves concerning our status in the faith, he isn't getting "in our faces" - he's trying to get in our heads.  To make us think differently.  The pathway to personal transformation is cleared by repentance; but it is traveled by recognizing and resting in His presence.  Personal transformation that is so severe that it spills over and transforms the people and circumstances around us, will be our experience to the degree that we realize our home in Christ, and His home in us.

That which we desire the most - true revival, complete with all it's passionate and powerful trimmings, leading to personal and regional transformation, will become real as we learn how to be His home - the home of God.  Oh, Lord, let us be for you a collection of humble, happy homes.

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta 

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com




© 2016 Chris Liotta

SUFFERING

Link to Image Source

My sons and I had the privilege of attending a talk at A&M University's Memorial Student Center, hosted by TAMU Hillel and featuring Mr. Max Glauben - a holocaust survivor.

..."Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have a peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us"...Romans 5:1-5

We listened to Mr. Glauben's story - real and painful and ugly, and yet, elegant and honest, humble and forgiving.  We were shocked by his generosity and tenacity.  He was concerned, and made intentional effort not to offend - to be sure we understood his hateless position.  He recalled horrific torture; the death of his father and countless others; painful, impossible natural conditions; starvation, dehydration, and humiliation.  At times, we chuckled with him as he made light of some irony or personal confession, and then went right back to shedding tears of sorrow and awe as the details of suffering unfolded like a filthy rag hiding humanity's dark secret.

Suffering.  It is altogether grueling and yet strangely beautiful.  Through it, we have the unique opportunity to become more like Christ.  To become that which Father created us to be. When suffering in innocence, we associate directly with Christ's human experience.  When suffering as the guilty, we can be purged and humbled and realigned.  We have been justified and have peace.  Our faith has given us access to His grace. His grace lifts us upright and promises a glory that causes joy to explode within us.  This is Messiah - the Fruit of Suffering.  And as we suffer with Him, in the minimal or monumental ways in which that occurs, we learn to persevere. And that perseverance strengthens the mettle of our souls.  And that integral strength births a hope that can not be quenched.  And that hope is indefatigable, being empowered by the very lavish love of God, apportioned directly into our very own hearts.

Friends, do not shrink back from and squander your sufferings on complaints.  Do not waste this precious resource.  Do not invite it, it will come on its own.  When it comes, accept and endure it for the sake of the glory it smuggles into your soul.  You don't have to enjoy it, but it should cause you to rejoice.  For when it has had its way - Messiah will have had His as well.  When it is finished and the moment passes, take a look in the mirror.  You may just look a little more like Jesus.

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta 

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com




© 2016 Chris Liotta

TRUE DOMINION

Link to Image Source

The subject of "dominion" has been broadly addressed in the Church.  For some, it is a side note to the creation story, perhaps even an antiquated expression lacking modern context.  For others, it is a key concept, maybe even a core doctrinal mandate, calling for a genuine modern movement.  Regardless of your position, understanding the word, as it was defined at its writing, is very important, if we are to form a timeless and accurate perspective of the idea of "dominion."  Let's take a look at the famous verse that introduces us to the idea.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."  

Genesis 1:28 (KJV)

The word “dominion” used in some English translations (in others – “rule”) is the Hebrew word “רָדָה” (râdâh), and it comes from the root word meaning “to tread down” or “to crumble” as one would if making wine from grapes, extracting olive oil from olives, or grinding flour from wheat berries.  In other words, when the Father granted to us dominion, He was essentially calling us to take creation, the raw materials of God's imagination, to its next levels of process, development, and increase.  In other words, He was saying, "You see all of this that I have made?  I am giving it to you; and I am giving it to you so that you can reflect My image by blessing it and helping it to advance into its next forms and functions."   It's not that what He made was incomplete or imperfect - it was all "GOOD!"  But the Father planned potential into the earth that He intended for His sons and daughters to bring to fruition.  This doesn't threaten His sovereignty or goodness - it manifests them!

This is confirmed in Romans 8:19-23, as creation itself groans and cries out for God's sons and daughters to be manifest, the fruit of which will be freedom from corruption and, presumably, into the destiny of plenty and perfection He has planned.  Friends, dominion is blessing, transforming, and advancing, or it is not dominion at all.  The perspective of "being in charge" or a "superior life form" limits the beauty of dominion to a hollow head trip.  Sure, the idea of "dominion" feels good to us humans.  Then you realize the responsibility that it carries - and you get the revelation that it is good...truly good.  So, step out today, in the confidence of dominion, and go BLESS something!

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta 

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com




© 2016 Chris Liotta

POWERED UP!

Link to Image Source

I love to do word study on "famous" verses.  I so often find fresh insights that just transform what I receive from the Word.  Ephesians 6:10 was one of those moments this week.

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (NLT)

We have some options with these words, so let's make some quick translation notes and then string them together to create one a "Kingdom Paraphrase"...

• FINAL WORD:  From a purely literary perspective, "finally" or "a final word" is a fine translation.  However, the primary meaning is "remaining" or "from now on."
• MY BROTHERS:  Next, there is a phrase missing from the NLT that should be in there:  "mou adelphon."  It means, "my brothers."  It was used to communicate non-retractable relationships in three main contexts: being born to the same parents, being committed to worshiping the same God, and being engaged in fighting alongside in the same battles.
• BE STRONG:  "Be strong" is "endunamoo" and means infused with explosive power.  We get the word "dynamite" from the root word "dunamis."
• IN THE LORD:  The word for "Lord" is "Kurios" and it means, literally, "the One to Whom I/we belong and Who is supreme."
• MIGHTY: In the original Greek, it isn't "mighty power," but the "power of His might".  This is important because it means that the word isn't merely an enhancing descriptor, but rather its own objective reality.  It is the word "ischus" and speaks of ability and forcefulness.
• POWER:  The Greek word "kratos."  Similar to "ischus" with regard to the sense of "force," "kratos" differs in that it leans toward the concept of the works themselves through the idea of dominion.  This reveals a focused, intentional, and strategic element to the word.

So, why is all this important?  Well, Paul introduces the concept of the "armor of God" with this phrase.  In other words, he is saying, "The armor is God is made available to certain people who have forever availed themselves to a certain experience with God."  Now, let's rewrite this in the Kingdom Paraphrase and see what we find.

Ephesians 6:10 -- "From now on - and I am speaking to my brothers and sisters here, who have forever broken forth with me from the same spiritual womb, abandoned themselves with me to worship in Spirit and truth, and actively engaged with me, shoulder to shoulder, in the same spiritual warfare - BE STRONG!  Be infused with explosive power by the virtue of the One to Whom we have given ourselves, Who alone is supreme.  He will infuse you with His strength, imparting to you the focused, intentional, and strategic force of His dominion that flows out of His personal cache of raw, limitless ability and vitality, so that you are fully enabled to accomplish the tasks associated with His will."

From this place and perspective, Paul goes on to write, we will find ourselves sinking into God's own wardrobe, fully prepared for any situation that arises.  David wouldn't wear Saul's armor.  It just wasn't working for him.  You and I have been offered a solution - assimilate ourselves to the nature and power of God and wear His armor, which will be for us a "perfect fit."  Come on, brothers and sisters, let's get POWERED UP and DRESSED OUT!  It's time to walk into our assigned battlefields and ballrooms in the strength and glory of the King we represent. 

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta 

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com




© 2016 Chris Liotta