Bill Johnson is the pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California. A significant theme in his church, ministry and his life is that God wants to release things here on earth the way they are in heaven. The peace of heaven, justice of heaven, purity of heaven, healing of heaven and every aspect of heaven is to be prayed for, hoped for and lived for today. Jesus instructed His followers to pray for this, “here on earth as it is in heaven” and to promote this kingdom living.
In an article titled, “You’ve Got The Power!” (March 2012 Charisma) Bill Johnson writes, “While Jesus is eternally God, He emptied Himself of His divinity and became a man (see Phil. 2:7). It’s vital to note that He did all His miracles as a man, not as God.”
Johnson continues, “ If He did them as God, I would still be impressed. But because He did them as a man yielded to God, I am now unsatisfied with my life, being compelled to follow the example He has given us. Jesus is the only model for us to follow.”
I understand Jesus on earth was 100% God and 100% man. I always considered that miracles were beyond human ability because we do not have the 100% God part. I thought that the miracles done by anyone other than Jesus were extraordinary people. But, then I read passages like James 5:17 which says, “Elijah was a man justlike us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.”
Jesus told His disciples and included future followers that they would do greater things than He has done. I have concluded that Jesus really expected His disciples to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and proclaim the kingdom of God. Jesus really expects followers today to do the same.
Like Bill Johnson, I am compelled to follow Jesus’ example. It seems like a very high and difficult standard to follow. The strategy is simple.
Only do what the Father is doing.
How?
By being completed yielded to God.
What is your reaction to Bill Johnsons’ statements?
Comment here:
In an article titled, “You’ve Got The Power!” (March 2012 Charisma) Bill Johnson writes, “While Jesus is eternally God, He emptied Himself of His divinity and became a man (see Phil. 2:7). It’s vital to note that He did all His miracles as a man, not as God.”
Johnson continues, “ If He did them as God, I would still be impressed. But because He did them as a man yielded to God, I am now unsatisfied with my life, being compelled to follow the example He has given us. Jesus is the only model for us to follow.”
I understand Jesus on earth was 100% God and 100% man. I always considered that miracles were beyond human ability because we do not have the 100% God part. I thought that the miracles done by anyone other than Jesus were extraordinary people. But, then I read passages like James 5:17 which says, “Elijah was a man justlike us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.”
Jesus told His disciples and included future followers that they would do greater things than He has done. I have concluded that Jesus really expected His disciples to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and proclaim the kingdom of God. Jesus really expects followers today to do the same.
Like Bill Johnson, I am compelled to follow Jesus’ example. It seems like a very high and difficult standard to follow. The strategy is simple.
Only do what the Father is doing.
How?
By being completed yielded to God.
What is your reaction to Bill Johnsons’ statements?
Comment here:
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