I'm Hungry

So I am taking courses at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena campus. The class is Presbyterian Creeds and my original intention was to satisfy a church history requirement, but God’s intentions as usual superseded mine. From the moment arrived, I noticed I was, well, let’s just say different. I’m the only student from the Northern California Campus, the only student who is African American, and the only non Presbyterian. Immediately these differences manifested themselves in regards to doctrines of the trinity, being taught as if they were law since it was established at the Nicene Creed (interestingly enough this meeting was held in Nicaea, where we get the word Nike meaning victory) I mentioned that some would argue (whenever you have a contradictory point, keep it general by saying “Some would argue” even though the some maybe you, then the argument isn’t personal) that there is only one God who has manifested Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as opposed to 3 persons, which would lend itself to the notion that there are 3 God’s, besides never in scripture can you find the term “God the Son” and one if the primary teachings is that the Lord our God is one. I shared with the class that often Pentecostal believers are labeled charismatic, and are defined by their tongue speaking, clamorous worship and expression. As a result people will seek these signs instead of seeking the Holy Spirit that produces these signs. For the bible says, KJV Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. I reaffirmed that we don’t seek after signs, but signs seek after us!

With all of this said, I could have easily hid behind my denominational and doctrinal walls, but hiding behind walls doesn’t benefit anyone. The real Holy Spirit, doesn’t come to divide but rather unite. I lowered my walls and shared the how my theology and beliefs come from scripture and not from denomination or tradition. I have met amazing people especially my small group who have a love and passion for God. We had a guest speaker, The Reverend Robert Whitaker, who contradicted Presbyterian tradition by embracing the Pentecostal experience and received, punishment, criticism, and in some cases ostracism. He firmly believes in the power of the Holy Ghost, open to manifestations and demonstrations of the Spirit, and of course speaking in tongues. When asked what prompted him to go beyond his tradition and denominational stance, he said it was hunger, that there was something more, that he wanted what they had. I pray that God will never allow me to become complacent, but that I will always be hungry for more of God, His presence, and His power.

Another speaker named Dick Mills; a powerful man who has been on the 700 Club over 13 times, spoke and then began to give words of prophecy. Immediately, J Moss came on in my mind “Everybody Ain’t got a word” “Here we go, no parking lot prophets, no get rich in 30 days, and how much will the offering be?” Notice here that I almost shut down my ability to receive based on my assumption that I already knew. There is a danger in becoming familiar with God, because we can limit or miss Him, by expecting Him to be where He was, instead allowing our hunger to drive us to where He is! This man was powerful, and every prophecy he gave, he supported with scripture. The entire class was amazed by his accuracy, and notice all of the emotion and hype was bypassed and authenticity prevailed. He got to me and said “Gentleman in the back what is your name?” I responded “Christopher” He said “Do you have any children?” I said “No.” Thinking to myself maybe he ran out of accurate prophecies before he got to me. But he proceeded and told me that I will have a large Spiritual Family and many Spiritual Children. He said he that winneth souls is wise, and said I have the wisdom to win souls.” He then instructed the class to point their hands towards me and say in reference to winning souls “Go get em Tiger!” I was grateful that this prophecy had nothing to do with my immediate temporal situation, but with my intangible purpose on the earth. My prayer has been that God will give me a ministry that is so transparent, relevant, and powerful to reach anyone and everyone.

The scriptures he gave to support the word he gave me were:
KJV Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
KJV John 4:38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

Amidst learning about the Heidelberg Catechism, The Helvetic Confession, various doctrines and theologies, I did learn, allow nothing to satisfy your hunger for God. In a world where we measure progress, by fulfillment and completion, recognize the more you feed your appetite for God, the greater it will become. Now that I have relinquished my desire to complete my relationship with God and measure our relationship by man made benchmarks, I am falling in love with him all over again! Be relentless in your pursuit of God. KJV Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.