Article by Francis Frangipane
Last week we sent you the resolution presented to the House of Representatives by Congressman Tom DeLay, (R, TX). This initiative called for a national day of repentance and reconciliation across America, starting with the government. The stated goal was to "permit Members and Senators to come together voluntarily in private fellowship within the House Chamber to seek repentance and reconciliation for our nation. What we seek is an open climate of communal prayer and repentance."

Article by John Tisdale
In this article, you will learn how to do the spiritual limbo. Like the popular party game, it’s all about seeing how low can you go? Instead of winning party favors, the spiritual version is all about winning favor with God. What you will need is a desire to experience more of God in your life and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make that happen. The path isn’t for the faint-of-heart. But, if you’re willing to make the journey, the reward can be exceptional.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. Our attitude determines whether life is to us a place of blessedness or wretchedness and misery. Indeed, looking at the same rose bush, some people complain that the roses have thorns while others rejoice that some thorns have roses! It all depends on your perspective. This is the only life you will have before you enter eternity. If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness. Indeed, the one who is thankful for even a little enjoys much. But the unappreciative soul is always miserable, always complaining. He lives outside the stronghold of God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
If you have ever been through a church split, you are all too familiar with the terrible churning of emotions and the inconsolable distress that accompanies this descent into hell. If you are unfamiliar with the experience, expect that large factions of otherwise nice Christians will be pitted against one another. They will participate in slander, anger, deception, fear, bitterness, hatred, gossip, unforgiveness, strife, rebellion and pride.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Moses sent twelve spies to Canaan to bring back a report of the land. When they re turned, ten said that, though the land was good, Israel would surely be defeated by the inhabitants. Although Joshua and Caleb argued that Israel certainly could drive out their enemies, the people moaned, complained, and rebelled, even seeking to stone Joshua and Caleb and return with new leaders to Egypt. And again, the anger of the Lord was kindled against them and threatened to bring judgment (see Num 12 14).

Downloadable eBook by Charles Spurgeon
Using plain language and word pictures, Spurgeon shares insights for people seeking understanding about God's plan of salvation for the human race. It provides a clear description of why salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. This is a 67-page eBook that is a good read for those seeking to understand the message of faith in Jesus. It covers a wide variety of topics surrounding the issue of God's plan for the human race and our need for His salvation that was administered through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We live in unparalleled times. Not since the first century have more scriptures been fulfilled in a single generation. Each unfolding word brings down another mountain; it lifts another valley. In truth, the way is being prepared for our King's return into this world. The Great Revolt - The Lord forewarned that, during the end-time, "many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase" (Dan 12:4). Contrast our time with any other in history: Not only are we traveling farther and more frequently, but we do so in a world inundated with increasing knowledge. It has been our privilege to behold the prophetic return of Israel to its land (Jer 16:14-15), and our misfortune to live when "the earth is...polluted by its inhabitants..." (Is 24:5).

Article by Francis Frangipane
Whether or not we find God answering our presidential prayers as we expect; regardless if we must continue to deal with delays in our quest for revival, God remains our ally. Indeed, even in the most terrible of times, He still commands, "Ask of Me, and I will give the nations for thine inheritance." The Great Revolt - As though Jesus were reading a news summary of recent years, His prophecies of two thousand years ago clearly describe our times. He warned, "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars...in various places there will be famines and earthquakes...many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many...because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold" (Matt 24:6- 7,11-12).

Article by John Tisdale
It’s a good idea to periodically assess where you are at in your journey and evaluate whether you’re making the kind of decisions and progress needed to accomplish what’s most important. Amidst all the busyness and demands of life it becomes so easy to stop differentiating focus and purpose from distraction and busyness. I’m reminded of the football coach Vince Lombardi who upon realizing his team was missing the forest for the trees started a team meeting with, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” We all need to get back to the fundamentals regularly, lest we miss the point of it all.

Article by Francis Frangipane
It should be noted that most Christians understand the significance of Christ's crucifixion, and are bowed in thankful reverence toward it. Here, at the foot of the cross, our need meets God's provision. We find forgiveness, redemption and healing. These are well-known, established truths of the gospel. They are proclaimed and re-enacted for us in an variety of expressions, rituals, and celebrations. With trembling awe we gaze at the Lord of life dying on the cross; we are captured by God's grace.

Article by John Tisdale
This article discusses what happens when freedom and oppression collide. It does so through the lens of the Hollywood film Braveheart. It is something with which we are all intimately familiar. How we choose to respond to oppression determines the amount of life we will experience in its aftermath.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There will be an actual point in time when the salvation, power and kingdom of God, as well as the authority of Christ, is manifested in the earth. While we wait patiently for the final fulfillment of that glorious event at the return of Jesus Christ, the spirit of this reality can be possessed any time a people determine to walk free of criticism and faultfinding, and turn their sights toward love and prayer for each other. There are God-ordained procedures to initiate correction within a church. These corrections should be done by "you who are spiritual . . . in a spirit of gentleness . . . looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted." Your motive should not be to destroy, but to "restore such a one" (Gal. 6:1). Accusations against an elder, though, should not even be received except on the basis of two or three witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19). The "witnesses" spoken of here are eye -witnesses, not the intuitive "witness" or "sense" someone receives apart from hard and visible facts. All too often, these sense "witnesses" are sent by hell to destroy the harmony of a church with rumors and gossip.

Article by John Tisdale
This word sheds light on your ability to choose your own attitudes to life independent of the circumstances of your life. It discusses how our ability to celebrate life in the midst of the challenges is a key to responding to life instead of reacting to it. Our thoughts shape our words and our words shape our lives. We have the ability to transform our lives by coming into alignment with God's purposes at work happening in and around us.

Article by John Tisdale
This article discusses the opinion that Christians are nothing more than a bunch of hypocrites. It delves into numerous dynamics that must be considered to understand the real issues. It begins by exploring the objection and insights from the author's personal encounters on the subject. It seeks to cut through the religious facades and get to the heart of the issue of faith and spirituality.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night" (Rev. 12:10). We discussed last week that, while there will be an actual time when the salvation, power and kingdom of God are fully manifested when Christ returns, any time the accusing voice of Satan is exposed and renounced, we can possess a partial fulfillment of that future reality today!

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Lord is cleansing us for the distinct purpose of bringing His people into His glory. Yes, out of His desire to present a pure bride to His Son, the Father is purging the church of its sin. He is refusing to allow our inter-church relationships to continue without love. According to the Scriptures, before Jesus returns, the body of Christ will be holy and blameless (see Eph 5:27; Titus 2:14; I Thess 5:23; Col 1:22; Phil 2:15; etc.). Through new and successive levels of purification, the house of the Lord will again receive and display the glory of God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
As Christians, we spend too much time battling basic, elementary battles: "Am I truly saved?" "Am I really forgiven?" "Is there really a heaven?" God has so much more for us. He seeks to form in our thought-life the very mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit comes, not just to give us goose bumps and chills, but to restructure our attitudes and perceptions until we think with the thoughts of Jesus Himself.

Article by John Tisdale
This article explores how people are like diamonds. It lends us some valuable insights into the challenges and difficulties of life by making an assortment of comparisons between the process of diamonds forming and being processed and the circumstances we encountered regularly in life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray, so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols'' (Rev 2:20). You may challenge my using the above quote and addressing it to American churches. You may argue that not one of the pastors you know has anyone who openly instructs people to commit acts of immorality. I understand your sense of alarm. I agree that you probably know of no one who brazenly preaches that sexual lust and idolatry are not sins. When we speak of Jezebel, we are identifying the source in our society of obsessive sensuality, unbridled witchcraft and hatred for male authority.

Article by John Tisdale
The subject of religion is a controversial one. In this provocative article, the author discusses how religion is commonly misunderstood. He develops a line of thought that shows how differently we view religion from God. The author helps us understand that our definition of religion causes us to relate with God in wrong ways. If you are willing to have your views of religion and Jesus challenged, this is interesting exploration on the issue that may take you outside your current boxes.

Article by John Tisdale
This article walks the reader through a process of discovering the power bitterness has in robbing us of freedom and life. When we are trapped under its influence, we have difficulty finding lasting freedom. This journey takes you through some basic concepts of forgiveness and then walks you through practical steps to takes to find freedom from bitterness. It should help you get some handles on how to take steps out from under the heavy burden of unforgiveness on the road to inner healing and wholeness.

Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed as a brief introduction to the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding love as well as a practical guide to help you take steps forward in putting those teachings to practice in your life. By the time you finish, you will have a basic understanding of how to experience the unconditional love of God and to allow His love to change you and empower you to love others unconditionally. As this article is simply an introduction, it is intended to be a springboard that leads to additional studies and practical steps to bring His love into your everyday life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
To deal with witchcraft, we must discern its effects. Therefore, let's examine some of the characteristic symptoms that occur when witchcraft hits a Christian or a church. 1. When a Christian is under an assault of witchcraft and curses, he becomes increasingly disoriented or confused; he might even become clumsy. Satan wants to cloud his vision, thus stopping him from reaching his destiny in God. Thus, the individual under attack cannot connect with his spiritual vision; his motivation is either gone or lacking. 2. When one is targeted by curses, he will feel emotionally drained or debilitated. Those who have been the object of spiritual curses will carry a darkness, a cloud, in their countenance. The back of their neck is tight; a band of oppression around their head manifests as a headache. The person might assume he is sick, but it is not the flu. It is witchcraft.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Value of Brokenness - Up until the moment Christ enters our lives, surrounding our souls there exists a hard outer shell, a "survival nature," which protects us against life's harshest offenses. The shell is necessary while we are in the world, but becomes an enemy to our new life in Christ, where the nature of Christ becomes our shelter. Thus, as the shell of a seed, a nut or an egg must be broke before its inner life comes forth, so it is with us: the "shell" of our outer nature must also break in order to free the Spirit of Christ to arise in our hearts.

Teaching Video Featuring Mike Bickle
This video features Mike Bickle discussing our relationship with God and particularly the person of the Holy Spirit from the Passion for Jesus conference at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Terrorists have openly, defiantly proclaimed no city in America will be safe from their attacks. Our own government has warned that these attacks, whether through biological, chemical or nuclear warfare, are a "clear and present danger." We need God's mercy. The following message is an excerpt from the House of the Lord. In this article is an important revelation concerning the effect of extending mercy and it's consequential effect in releasing God's protection over a city.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Jesus warned His disciples about His impending crucifixion. "One of you will betray Me," He said. Yet, instead of turning to God in humble introspection, an argument actually arose among the disciples as to which one was the greatest. Jesus, who sees both the natural and spiritual realms, addressed Peter (who evidently "won" the argument): "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Lk 22: 31-32).

Teaching Video by Francis Frangipane
Author and teacher Francis Frangipane discusses how it can be hard to follow instructions sometimes, and stresses the importance of listening carefully to God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Now that the elections are over, we are compelled to return to what should be our first purpose: fulfilling the Great Commission. Indeed, as we draw closer to the Lord's return, His passions shall increasingly become our passions and to rescue the unsaved world is the epicenter of His heart. To understand the Lord's desire for the unsaved, we simply have to review Peter's discourse in Acts, chapter two. Remember, the disciples had been with Jesus for forty days after His resurrection. The words, which Peter took from Joel, conceivably might also have been spoken by Jesus Himself during this last intimate time with His disciples before the ascension.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Safe in the Word - The primary means through which we are kept and preserved by God is through obedience to His word. In the submission of our will to God, our soul finds protection from evil. Consider the apostle John's words to the young men of the first century church. He said, "I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one" (1 John 2:14). Abiding in the Word of God brought spiritual strength to the young men in John's day, enabling them to overcome the evil one. Is this not the reason many of us are defeated by the devil we do not abide in the Word? Christ's teaching guides us into the Presence of the Father; it is the Father's Presence that both empowers and protects us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The call was from a pastor I'd known for years. I had always appreciated his heart. Every Sunday during communion he would pray and gently lay his hands on each person's head. Now, however, his voice was troubled. He asked if we could meet at his church and I agreed. As we sat in his office he confessed, "I started smoking. No one knows, not even my wife. I only smoke when I'm by myself in the car." "Well, I've heard worse things," I answered, relieved that he wasn't confessing a real sin."

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Gift of Woundedness - The world and all it contains was created for one purpose: to showcase the grandeur of God's Son. In Jesus, the nature of God is magnificently and perfectly revealed; He is the expressed image of God. Yet, to gaze upon Christ is to also see God's pattern for man. As we seek to be like Him, we discover that our need was created for His sufficiency. We also see that, once the redemptive nature of Christ begins to triumph in our lives, mercy begins to triumph in the world around us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The motto In God We Trust was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase received many appeals from devout persons throughout the country, urging that the United States recognize the Deity on United States coins. From Treasury Department records, it appears that the first such appeal came in a letter dated November 13, 1861. It was written to Secretary Chase by Rev. M. R. Watkinson, Minister of the Gospel from Ridleyville, Penn., and read:

Teaching Video by Francis Frangipane
In this 4:12 minute video, Francis Frangipane offers a powerful teaching into the person of God and eternity in His presence in heaven. This video is an excerpt from the Heaven Within Our Reach Conference DVD.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Last week we discussed how Ham's sin of exposing the shame of his father, Noah, led to Noah's curse upon Ham's son, Canaan. Noah saw in Ham a character flaw that would be passed on to Ham's children. The specifics of this curse would be that, from generation to generation, Ham's descendants would become the "servants of servants." Why would they abide in this economic slavery? Simply because one who habitually disrespects, shames or exposes the weaknesses of those in authority over them simultaneously disables their ability to advance in life.

Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed for someone who is struggling with difficult circumstances and is losing hope. It is a simple message and yet a much needed one in challenging times. In addition to text, it includes stunning graphics to set the tone for the message.

Artciel by John Tisdale
Most people struggle with the idea that God is infinite (without beginning or ending). God is also purported to be everywhere at the same time. Supposedly, He can hear everyone's prayers in the same moment. These and other such concepts can be difficult to accept. This article takes you on a fascinating journey into the life of a movie character named Bob. By observing Bob, we begin to get some insights into the capabilities that God can have because He is not confined to our dimensions of space and time.

Article by Francis Frangipane
A Holy Man is a Humble Man - "Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29 KJV). The holiest, most powerful voice that ever spoke described Himself as "meek and lowly in heart." Why begin a message on holiness with a quote concerning humility? Simply because holiness is the product of grace, and God gives grace only to the humble. It is vital we understand that Jesus did not condemn sinners; He condemned hypocrites. A hypocrite is a person who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of another. He is not merely "two-faced," for even the best of us must work at single-mindedness in all instances. A hypocrite, therefore, is one who refuses to admit he is, at times, two-faced, thereby pretending a righteousness that he fails to live.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"'Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?' Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for He, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him" (John 6:70-71). To what was Jesus referring when He identified Judas Iscariot as "a devil?" Was He speaking figuratively or factually? Could a human being not only "have" a devil, but actually become one? Some believe that Judas had become so perfectly possessed by satan that he actually lost his humanity. Yet, consider: after this fallen apostle delivered Jesus up, he felt such remorse for betraying Christ that he committed suicide. Could a devil feel remorse for sin? I do not think so.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The disciples came to Him, saying, 'The place is desolate, and the time is already past; so send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.' But Jesus said to them, 'They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!' And they said to Him, 'We have here only five loaves and two fish'" (Matt 14:15-17).

Article by Francis Frangipane
Too many Christians serve a little, prepackaged god who, along with a hymnal and bulletin, was given to them at church years ago. Today, "little god" still sits in their minds, blocking their capacity to see the true God for who He is. "Little god" asks nothing of his followers except they try to be good, and he promises that everyone will go to heaven regardless of what they believe. "Little god" is harmless, nice and safe. Unfortunately, he is also an idol that dwells in the church and needs to be cleansed from our thought life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
A Word To Leaders: I am concerned about the leaders who have not dealt with their personal fears. I have a word for you: stop terrorizing the people under your influence. A number of ministries have submitted to the oppression caused by the terrorist attacks. As a result, they are speaking to their constituencies from a position of fear and trepidation. Leaders, please hear me: The people who are listening to you are already praying, fasting and repenting. Don't burden them with fear; empower them with vision and faith.

Downloadable eBook by Charles Spurgeon
For tens of thousands of Christians over the last century, Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Morning and Evening has been a daily devotional guide through life's ups and downs. New generations can once again enjoy Spurgeon's beautiful prose and elegant command of the English language. Morning and Evening offers readers the best of Spurgeon's insight and wise counsel on themes that are as relevant to our day as they were in his day. This is a length eBook (443 pages) that delves into numerous topics to help us gain a sound foundation about our relationship with God.

Article by Anita Tisdale
God-like-ness is a gift given by the One and Only Savior, Jesus Christ. He gives it to those He is in a relationship with, and it can’t be obtained any other way. Read more to broaden your understanding of godliness and what can be attained by living a godly life. This article provides an excellent launching point for a bible studio as it provides plenty of scripture references.

Article by John Tisdale
This is a word about depression and how you have the ability to regain control of your emotions, thoughts and thereby your life. No matter what has happened to you in the past, those things do not define you, your worth, or your future. It offers some simply ideas to challenge the way you think and how those thoughts affect your life and future.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Normally my Sunday sermon is prepared a few days in advance, but this week was different. All week the heavens seemed like bronze. Saturday morning came and still I was at a loss. Nothing seemed alive. It was now Saturday evening and I was pacing the floor seeking God. "Lord," I asked, "What is the message for tomorrow morning? What topic should I address?" A dozen ideas filed through my mind, loitered momentarily in my imagination, and left as unanointed as they had arrived. I went to bed praying. When I woke Sunday morning, my prayer was still on my lips.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The virtue of any institution is not so much in its doctrines or organization; rather its virtue resides in the quality of person it produces. A New And Fresh Anointing - Some of you have been struggling, not knowing what God has for you. You have been through a season in which the Lord has revealed your need of Him in very dramatic ways. Jesus Himself has been near to you; however, His closeness was not merely in the way of external blessings, but in the way of His cross. Yet, you have delighted in this, for the way of the cross has increasingly become the way of your life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
'Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?' Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for He, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him" (John 6:70-71). To what was Jesus referring when He identified Judas Iscariot as "a devil?" Was He speaking figuratively or factually? Could a human being not only "have" a devil, but actually become one? Some believe that Judas had become so perfectly possessed by satan that he actually lost his humanity. Yet, consider: after this fallen apostle delivered Jesus up, he felt such remorse for betraying Christ that he committed suicide. Could a devil feel remorse for sin? I do not think so.

This prayer asks God to bring you healing from the scars and wounds that you've suffered. If you have gone through a prolonged period of recovery from hurt (or are somehow on that journey now), this prayer will help take you to a new level of healing. It is a cry for God to break into your life and heart and bring His healing touch to mend the wounds and restore what you've lost.

This prayer seeks peace in the midst of difficult times. The person who is struggling with challenging circumstances will find this prayer helpful in seeking a peace that transcends all difficulties. It is a cry for God to be real and show up in your circumstances and deliver you out of a situation in which you are in over your head. It is a confession that we need move than our own strength and provision to meet our needs.

This is a prayer designed for the season in which you cannot find God. There are times and seasons when God reveals Himself easily and clearly and times when He hides Himself. In those time of hiddenness, our trust in His goodness is tested. It is also a season in which God tests our willing to trust in Him even when our emotions don't feel Him. It is an essential season, but we need lots of prayer during those seasons. This is just such a prayer.

This is a prayer asking God to bring you into a new place of relating to Him. If you are looking for deeper life, this is a good starting point. Pray this prayer to ask God to bring you into a new place of more abundant living. This is a cry to God to shorten your heart, release the anger inside and to begin the process of rebuilding and restoring your relationship with Him.

This prayer asks God to bring you healing from the scars and wounds that you've suffered. If you have gone through a prolonged period of recovery from hurt (or are somehow on that journey now), this prayer will help take you to a new level of healing. We tend to loose sight of the miraculous happening all around us every day. We need the veil lifted from our eyes. This is just such a prayer designed to help us see beyond the ordinary and rediscover the extraordinary happen in our midst.

Article by Francis Frangipane
In our rapidly changing times people are desperate to know the future. Barely do we adjust to the last changes, when totally new realities explode into our world. In answer to the common fears spawned by change, society has seen a plethora of occult and demonic sources--fortune tellers, astrologers and psychic hotlines-- all pretending to be able peek into the mystery of tomorrow. Indeed, how many otherwise intelligent individuals glimpse, at least occasionally, at their "astrological signs" trying to get an edge on knowing the future!

Article by Francis Frangipane
How do you handle criticism? How does one protect himself from the "scourge of the tongue" (Job 5:21)? Where is the stronghold from accusation? If you are going to be successful in the Lord's work, you must find God's hiding place from one of the most painful weapons in Satan's arsenal: the critical tongue. The fact is, for better or for worse, people are going to talk about you. You cannot do the will of God without causing changes, and changes will always cause some to stumble. In fact, Jesus said we were to beware when all men speak well of us. He said we cannot serve two masters; if we are to truly please Him, we cannot be distracted by trying to please everyone else.

Article by Francis Frangipane
In a most profound verse the apostle Paul unveils God's supreme plan for the church. He tells us we are called to nothing less than "the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:13). The Father's glorious intention is to exhibit through us all the attributes and power of Jesus Christ. He has purposed that, not only in eternity but here in the midst of our battles and temptations, we are to grow "in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (vs 15).

Article by John Tisdale
In this powerful article, the author takes a sober look at the dysfunctional and irrelevant condition of the Christian church in our culture. It makes a call for reformation to begin within each of us. It isn't critical in nature but designed to expose just how far we've move from the mission and calling of the New Testament church. If you have been disappointed by your experiences with church in our culture, this article will give you some language to define points of frustration as well as some calls-to-action to facilitate needed change in each of us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Many Christians debate whether the devil is on the earth or in hell; can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is, the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be. Preparing for Spiritual Warfare. For most, the term spiritual warfare introduces a new but not necessarily welcomed dimension in their Christian experience. The thought of facing evil spirits in battle is an unsettling concept, especially since we came to Jesus as lost sheep, not warriors. Ultimately, some of us may never actually initiate spiritual warfare, but all of us must face the fact that the devil has initiated warfare against us. Therefore, it is essential to our basic well being that we discern the areas of our nature which are unguarded and open to satanic assault.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There is no greater opportunity to become Christlike than in the midst of pain and injustice. When Satan is raging with evil, God is planning to turn it to good. If we maintain our integrity in battle; if we let love rise to its purest expression, we will touch the heart of God. Such is the path to God's power. I have set my heart to eliminate many of the vulnerabilities to, and effects of, church splits and other ungodly divisions. At the same time, I realize that we can do almost everything right as pastors and churches and still suffer divisions. For some of us, this may actually be part of God's greater plan for our lives--that we should endure rejection, conflict and slander as part of the process of truly becoming Christlike.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The sense of distance we often feel between Christ and ourselves is an illusion. As we enter the days prior to Christ's Second Coming, the Lord shall begin to remove that falsehood. Indeed, He promises, "In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you" (John 14:20). The Scriptures tell us that Christ is the vine, we are the branches; He is the head, we are His body; He is the Lord and we are His temple. From start to finish, the Bible declares the Lord not only has a dwelling in heaven, but that He also abides perpetually in redemptive union with His people. The ever-present focus of His activity is to guide us into oneness with Himself.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Two forces are increasing in the world: the power of life and the power of death. The Scriptures tell us that, before Christ returns, Satan will be cast down from the spirit realm to the earthly realm "having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time" (Rev 12:12). Jesus warns us in Matt 24:22 that,"...unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved." Prophecy after prophecy warns of these days. Satanic darkness is on the face of the earth, and where the devil is, death and destruction are soon to follow.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We cannot attain the approaching glory of God if we do not esteem the living glory that is here now. Indeed, many speak of the last great moving of God's glory. However, at this very moment the Presence of the Lord is accessible to each of us. Yet, our goal is not merely to know about God's glory, but to enter His Presence and abide with Him forever.

Article by John Tisdale
In this article, John defines the 4 primary stages of our spiritual journey. He provides insights to help define in which stage you are currently in, the characteristics of each stage and what typically causes someone to get stuck in one of those stages. We all start out in stage 1 along our journey. Most people get stuck along their journey in one of the first 3 stages. Few make it all the way to stage 4. This article will help you discover how to get unstuck in whichever stage you find yourslef and advance into the next stage of spiritual maturity.

Article by Francis Frangipane
When true holiness exists in a Christian's life, it produces a luminosity, a glow around that individual. Infants and little children, because their spirits are yet pure and undefiled, and because they are so close to the actual Presence of God, emanate this light as well. Their light is visible because their hearts are transparent and truthful. For us, the way to the bright lamp of holiness is this same way of transparency and truth. It is the way to the pure gold of the kingdom of God.

Teaching Video Featuring Mike Bickle
This video features Mike Bickle discussing the global worship movement that is beginning to emerge as part of the end-time movement at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We often will hear messages on sin and lawlessness, but the idea that the Lord will not only remove sinners from His kingdom, but specifically people who willfully cause others to stumble, needs to be addressed. This is no small issue with the Lord. Just as "dead flies make a perfumer's ointment stink," so a few stumbling blocks in a local church can cause an otherwise loving congregation to repel the unsaved, rather than draw them.

Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed to give you a high level overview of the dynamics at play in an addiction. It provides a foundation upon which other articles will build. It discusses some strategies to gaining victory over past addictive patterns that have robbed you of life. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, this may be a good starting point for understanding some of the keys involved.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"In the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it" (Isa. 2:2). Today, in the very context of our lives and times, the first stages of this Scripture are being fulfilled. Throughout the body of Christ, leaders and intercessors are uniting in unprecedented ways. Indeed, the house of the Lord is being established. How significant is this? In the history of the church there has never been a time when Christians from so many backgrounds came together as we do today. Our pattern has always been to divide and then criticize those with whom we once associated. Yet, today this trend is being reversed! God is establishing His house.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There is a war, a very ancient war, between the spirit of Elijah and the spirit of Jezebel. In this age-old battle, Elijah represents the voice of Heaven: the call to repentance and the return to God. Jezebel, on the other hand, embodies that unique principality whose purpose is to hinder and defeat the work of repentance. Its goal is to silence the prophetic call.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The spirit of Jezebel will target, and then seek to divide, the relationship between a pastor and the church intercessors. The antidote? Let the senior leader appreciate, communicate and support his intercessors and esteem their contribution, and let the intercessors set their prayer focus to first seek the spiritual fulfillment of the senior pastor's vision. Pastors are under siege. At every conference where I speak, various pastors approach and tell of terrible experiences with Jezebel-like battles in their churches. But I don't have to travel to be informed, for not a week passes where I do not hear from pastors from many places via phone, letters or emails; each desperate for specific prayer concerning the conflict in their churches. The war is over one thing: satan seeks to neutralize spiritual authority, and no enemy of hell does this more efficiently than the spirit of Jezebel.

Article by Francis Frangipane
As a speaker in citywide and regional prayer conferences, I am often asked to unmask the "spiritual power" opposing the body of Christ in the conference region. City leaders and intercessors have even asked if I knew the "name" of the principle spirit that is resisting the church in their area. "Do you want to know the name of the most powerful spirit opposing most Christians?" I ask. Eager faces respond affirmatively. "It's Yahweh."

Teaching Video by Francis Frangipane
In this 3:22 minute teaching, noted author, speaker and teacher Francis Frangipane discusses what matters most in our spiritual journey. It is taken from the Heaven Within Our Reach Conference DVD.

Article by John Tisdale
This very short article brings encouragement that you have the ability to control your life by working in conjunction with God's efforts. The strength and courage needed to break free is within your reach. It is designed to get your thinking about the power of life and death that is in your hands.

Downloadable eBook by E.M. Bounds
After twelve years of missionary work in the northeast province of what was the Belgian Congo building up a simple medical service civil war erupted with horrific effects. During the war Helen was brutally beaten and raped and left with no choice but to return to Britain this story is told in Give me this Mountain. She quickly returned to the Congo in 1966 to assist in the rebuilding of the nation. She helped establish a new medical school and hospital for the other hospitals that she built were destroyed and served there until 1973. In the eight years following the war despite endless frustrations again and again God showed his unfailing guidance and unstinted provision for her needs. This book is the story of the joys and adventures of reestablishing the medical work the church building program and the work of forgiveness necessary after the destruction of the civil war.

Downloadable eBook by Watchman Nee
This great Christian classic unfolds the theme of Christ our Life. Nee reveals the secret of spiritual strength and vitality that should be the normal experience of every Christian. His fresh spiritual insights on the cross and resurrection of Christ have proven a blessing to many. The Normal Christian Church Life is a record of messages given during conferences held in Shanghai and Hankow. Watchman Nee spoke to his fellow workers on the principles in the New Testament concerning the practical arrangement of the churches, the ministry, and the work. This classic work unfolds the path of faith and presents the eternal purpose of God in simple terms.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Two Types of Knowledge - There is a type of knowledge that is doctrinal, theological and instructive, and there is a type of knowledge that is born out of a revelation of God. Both are known as "truth," both produce a certain type of person, and both are accepted as "Christianity." You can be certain that God wants us to have right doctrines, but we must never content ourselves with merely the accumulation of correct knowledge. For this knowledge often remains just a file of religious facts; where the Word of God is viewed more as a museum than a power plant.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Among all in his era, Noah was the most godly. He alone was considered by the Almighty, blameless. In a time when terrible wrath was about to unfurl, Noah alone found favor with the Lord. Consider this man Noah and what he experienced: Aware that the end of his world was at hand, he faithfully preached repentance for over one hundred years, yet his words converted no one. His eyes beheld the terrible descent of the wrath of God; his ears heard the terrifying cries, the final cries, of an entire civilization. His mind experienced the horrifying destruction of every man, woman and child outside the ark.

Downloadable eBook by A.W. Tozer
In the muddle of day-to-day life, have you somehow forgotten that Christianity is a living, vibrant relationship with a personal God? In this classic bestseller and recipient of both the ECPA Gold and Platinum Book Awards, The Pursuit of God reminds and challenges you to renew your relationship with your loving God. In each of the 10 chapters, Tozer explains one aspect of hungering for God and ends with a prayer. During a train trip from Chicago in the late 1940s, A.W. Tozer began to work on The Pursuit of God. He wrote all night long, the words coming to him as fast as he could put them down. By the next morning, when the train pulled into McAllen, Texas, the rough draft was done. Although written in such a remarkably short period of time, the depth, clarity and completeness of Tozer's message has made The Pursuit of God an enduring favorite -- about 1.7 million copies in print in 15 languages. Prepare yourself for a deeply meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Teaching Video by Francis Frangipane
In this 2:35 minute video, noted author, speaker and teacher Francis Frangipane discusses how the reality of heaven operates and how it contrasts with this reality. This is an excerpt from the Heaven Within Our Reach Conference DVD.

Downloadable eBook by Mike Bickle
Fasting is a gift from God that goes much further than not eating; it is a means to experiencing the power and affections of God. Jesus promised us that we would be rewarded for fasting. Done in the right spirit, fasting increases our receptivity to God's voice and His Word. This book explores the rewards and delights that come to those who fast. Fasting. It sounds difficult. Fasting every week. That sounds impossible! Our society considers hunger among the worst of fates, but God calls fasting part of our faith. Hunger for God is not foreign to anyone who loves Jesus­. It is an ache within that makes us desperate for deeper measures of abundant life. What may be new to some people is that fasting is an avenue God has chosen to answer our hunger and to fuel our experience of Him. Fasting is essential because it answers our cry for more of God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
To live for God is to be nourished by the nectar of heaven. As the days unfold toward Christ's return, an ever increasing number of voices will clamor for our attention. There will be church programs and prayer strategies, activities and powerful movements. Signs and wonders will splatter the world, dazzling the religious mind of man. Remember also, the days ahead shall increase in pressure and troubles. Jesus warned that, because iniquity abounds, the love of many shall grow cold. Do we not know too many whose heart, once hungry for God, is now stricken dead with cold love? Angry Christians: the world is full of them. We must not assume it cannot happen to us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
What we define doctrinally as "salvation" is, in truth, the entrance, and then expansion, of Christ's Presence throughout our person. What we call salvation is, in truth, the beginning of God's glory in man. If you are a Christian, then Christ is in you; you are already in glory. You have been clothed with Christ, who is Himself the "radiance of [the Father's] glory" (Heb 1:3). The fact is, Satan knows you are a Christian, not simply because he heard you repeat a prayer at a church altar; the Devil sees what happened when you prayed: The glory of Christ entered your spirit!

Article by Francis Frangipane
To know Christ is to know His heart toward His church. Consider: On the night before Jesus died, the most somber night in His life, our Master presented His most lofty request to His Father. He prayed His disciples would be "perfected in unity" (Jn 17:23). Yet, the only unity the disciples knew that night was a common fear and a collective abandonment of Christ. Jesus told these soon-to-be leaders of the Jerusalem church that they would be known for their untiring agape love. But that night Christ's three closest friends could not remain awake with him even one hour while He agonized alone in prayer.

Article by Francis Frangipane
He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to his kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth" (Eph. 1:9-10). Paul tells us that the price Jesus paid has not only brought the church into salvation, but Christ's atonement will also redeem all of creation as well. The apostle explains that a unique season would occur at the end of the age. During the last years of this dispensation God would actually begin to gather "all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth.

Article by John Tisdale
This article focuses on a message of divine love. It is designed for the person who is struggling with understanding his/her needs for love and acceptance (and not feeling either). It goes below the surface of the obvious and considers some important principles about your real identity and worth.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The battles we face are often intense times of weakness, distress and confusion. If the events of our lives were charted upon a graph, these would be the lowest points. Yet, God is no less with us during difficulties than at other times. In fact, these valleys are often as much the plan of God as our mountaintop experiences. There is a story in the Bible which speaks plainly to this truth. Israel had recently defeated the Arameans in a mountain battle.

Teaching Video by Francis Frangipane
In this 4:31 minute video, Francis Frangipane asks probing questions about how much we are aligning our lives with the complete set of words of Jesus. This video is an exerpt from the  Heaven Within Our Reach Conference DVD.

Article by John Tisdale
This article introduces the concept that you have been given a false sense of worth from others. It is the starting point for exploring your true worth and beauty. It challenges you to step outside of the box and see your true self from a different and higher perspective - God's. It goes against the grain of common social thinking that bases worth and value on many transient but worthless things.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Covenant- Keeping God - Throughout the history of God's dealings with man, He has revealed Himself as a covenant-making God. The Almighty covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David; He renewed His Abrahamic covenant in His call to Isaac and Jacob. Each covenant initiated a new wave of redemptive power into the world and forever impacted the human condition. The word covenant means "to fetter" or chain together. It was the highest form of commitment that two individuals could share. Any of several rituals were employed to express the covenant partners' unity: A sword might be passed, signifying that the two would be united against the enemy as one. They might pass a sandal between themselves, which symbolized they would travel any distance to be at one another's side. Or, they might cut an animal in two and pass between its halves. As the two halves, though separated, were still one animal, so the two covenant partners would become as one individual.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The true church is a child in the womb of God; what the Almighty feels affects us. We absorb into our spiritual DNA the great loves of God; His passions become our passions. However, there are things that He also hates. Without becoming self-righteous, we must allow ourselves to feel the Lord's hatred for sin and injustice; we must receive into our spirits His attitude concerning violence, abuse and abortion.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The desire to be acknowledged and appreciated by others is basic to human nature. Jesus Himself seemed somewhat troubled that, after healing ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17). Yet, while the need to be occasionally appreciated is not sin, it can become sin when we begin seeking recognition. We must determine that our service to mankind is guided by a higher, more focused obedience to God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Of all virtues, Jesus elevated meekness above the others. Why? Humility is the door opener to grace: no virtue enters our lives except that humility requests it come. Without humility, we have no sense or attachment to our personal need; we see no reason to change or appropriate future grace.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Those who will be tomorrow's leaders will pay God's price today. Other Christians may seem to be enjoying the benefits of Christ's blessings while doing little to obtain them. You who have answered Jesus' command, "Follow Me," will find no easy path before you. Yet, it is written, if we "suffer with Him" we shall also be "glorified with Him"(Rom 8:17). How does a disciple actually suffer with Christ? At the core of our existence, we choose to let the way of Christ guide us rather than the way of man. The cross is the cost we pay so Christ's redemption will succeed.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We have three foundational standards in our home church, River of Life Ministries. One is to be a house of prayer. That means our hearts are positioned to stand in the gap in prayer between the judgment and the mercy of God. Our earnest goal is to manifest the intercession of Christ Himself, where redemption brings an end to sin rather than God using His wrath.

Article by Francis Frangipane
It was not a dream. It was simply a thought in the middle of the night, but it came into my mind with such clarity that it roused me from my sleep. It said, "He keeps two sets of books: one is exact and the other forgiving." I barely had time to wonder who it was that kept these mysterious two accounts when the parable of the wise, but wasteful, steward surfaced in my mind. The story, which comes from Luke, chapter 16, tells of a manager who was soon to be dismissed for squandering his employer's wealth.

Teaching Video by Francis Frangipane
This 3:13 minute video teaching by Francis Frangipane is from the Heaven Within Our Reach Conference DVD.

Teaching Video Featuring Mike Bickle
This video features Mike Bickle teaching about your self identity, your perception of God's identity and your perception of what God thinks about you at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri.