GULLIVER'S YEAR

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

LOWEST PLACE

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Of all virtues to possess on the road to maturity, there is none so great as a genuine humility.

Humility opens the door for everything we need to possess that still needs to "descend" to us.  The degree to which we do not function in humility (our pride-quotient), is the degree to which we have elevated ourselves above the supernatural resources of our inheritance in Christ.  We are dependent upon those resources for maturity.  God gives grace (the gift of His influence by virtue of His imparted nature) to the humble, but He must take a definitive stand against those who elevate themselves (the proud) above His transforming influence.  Click here and check out a number of verses that express this same truth.

If we do not humble ourselves, the resources of our inheritance, which are realized and manifested though His nature, will settle in the valleys at the base of the mountains upon which we have perched ourselves, useless to us.  Ironically, those resources will actually become available to those we have reduced, devalued, and categorized as "less than ourselves" - those walking through the "valley of the shadow" so to speak.  We may miss out entirely on our next-level life, if we do not walk in genuine humility. As the song goes, "the river rushes to the lowest place."  If we want to be more, experience more, and fully mature in Christ, we must go lower, all the way...to the "Lowest Place."

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta 

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com




© 2016 Chris Liotta

HIS DELIGHT

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I love word studies. Digging into ancient languages and original meanings literally transforms my understanding in ways that just thrill me.  Today's topic is the result of one of those times.  Take a look at Psalm 147:10-11.

He does not delight in the strength of a horse or take pleasure in human might. No, the Lord ’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

The theme of these two verses is identifying that which brings pleasure and delight to God.  Though we'll focus on the word "fear" that appears later, we'll give a moment to the words for "pleasure" and "delight."  The Hebrew word for "delight" is "chaphets;" and its root meaning is "to move or bend down."  For "pleasure" ("ratsah") the root meaning is "to enjoy, express favor, and be satisfied."  In other words, our Father is not impressed or moved by the confidence we place in solutions that are premised in natural strength.  His deep joy and soul satisfaction come from something else, something that He can't help but express favor towards - those who fear Him and put their hope in His unfailing love.  Now, this word "fear" is the Hebrew "yare".  The letters that comprise it are: yod, resh, and aleph.  Their symbols are, respectively, the hand of surrender and worship, the head of man fixed in a gaze, and the ox, which is the letter of God the Father and symbolizes sacrificial leadership.  In other words, the fear of the Lord is not about cowering before the One who could turn you to ash in a nanosecond.  It is about the willing surrender of our affection, energy, and focus to the One to Whom we have entrusted our total welfare, being, and destiny.  "Fearing Him" means actively declaring that all of who we are not only appreciates His sacrifice, but is yielded to His leadership.  From this posture, we put all of our faith-based expectations in His omni-capable covenant love.  And it is that trust, that satisfies the soul of the Creator of the Universe.

When we, His kids, give up trying to earn His approval with our abilities, or save the day with our own strength and supplies, and simply surrender in faith and gratitude, placing all trust in the nature and character of His love - we light Him up!  The Latin and French derivations for "delight" are actually "to be allured and aroused."  Almighty God is romantically provoked when we, out of complete deference to His might and dependence on His love, fix our gaze on Him.

Take a look at your biggest problem today.  If you have been scrambling around, trying to deal with it through your natural strength and supply - STOP.  Take a breath.  Turn your hands and heart over to Papa.  Gaze at His beauty in worship and rest in His unfailing love.  Surrender to and put your hope in His sacrificial leadership.  Feel His temperature rise and make room for His passionate response.  Your trust is alluring to Him.  It inspires His creativity, His productivity.  Let Him have His way and He will make a way for you.  It's Who He is and how He moves.  It's His pleasure.  It's His delight.  

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta 

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com




© 2016 Chris Liotta