“The Kingdom of God is the foundation for the operation of God’s power.” Dr. Steve Hooper (Ph.D. Dallas Theological Seminary)

Seven music missionaries, one travelling pastor/teacher and two professional equippers visited this past weekend. We got stuffed! If you took advantage of the dynamic, spirit-led interactions you
know the quality of each event.

Here’s a picture of Lewy with Mary Kennedy, our Sunday night equipper/trainer for Cell Group leaders. She’s the one on the right. When we walked into the Roundback Cafe, Mary and Charles had turned it into a cacophony of colors and toys. We couldn’t believe the number of ways they were able to show us better leadership and teaching skills.

Dr. Hooper taught clear, Biblical understanding about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Key points were the meaning of the Kingdom of God as the “foundation for the operation of God’s power”, and when Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, the fire is what begins the process of cleansing what is a barrier to God in our lives. The baptism of the Spirit is given when asked for or someone prays for you with the laying on of hands. Sometimes, the effects are noticeable immediately. Some begin to speak in an unknown tongue. The evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the working out of God’s Kingdom in our lives, as the Holy Spirit develops the nine fruit of the Spirit in us.

CTI lived with some of us for two days and gave a concert on Friday night. Their worship style fit right in with ours. Their youthful and professional exuberance inspired. We loved their testimonies and the ministry of the Word of God they brought, as well. We’ll be praying for them as they travel across the Northeast this Spring and to different parts of the world this summer.