blazingfire

Pastor Russ Fochler helps us prepare to be part of the continuing story of the Book of Acts, experientially and practically.  Pastor Russ takes us back to what Jesus taught his disciples to expect of the Holy Spirit, who would enable them (and us) to truly be world changers!  To see the slides, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/rfochler/preparing-to-dive-in-to-the-book-of-acts

After a recent Elders' retreat, each of the Blazing Fire Pastors shares briefly on what they're sensing and excited about for the coming year. 

Bill Hernandez encourages us that the Kingdom of Heaven is near and that we are empowered to change our minds (metanoia) accordingly. Even if we've taken a wrong turn, the Kingdom of Heaven is always near and we can access it more easily than we think — as can those currently in the world. "Change your minds, for heaven’s realm is near" - Matt 4:17

Pastor Brent Lokker explores the authority Jesus endowed on his ekklesia (assembly), when He declared, “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19) Brent helps us understand the connection between intimacy and authority: our ability to bear much fruit depends on living in union with Jesus (John 15:5). Specific breakthroughs require specific keys, which can only be discerned through prayer and prophetic insight, again highlighting the importance of relationship over formulas and methods.  To see the slides, go to https://www.slideshare.net/rfochler/the-keys-of-authority-brent-lokker

Greg Simas, (founder and Senior Leader of Convergence House of Prayer, Fremont) brings us a powerful message on what Jesus had in mind when he told Peter, “and on this rock I will build my assembly (Greek:ekklēsia), and hades' gates shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18b, Darby).  Greg shows us how misleading and unfortunate it is when we accept the usual translation of ekklēsia as “church” and how imperative it is for us to understand what Jesus really said he will build, in order to be empowered to bring His kingdom rule into the places where we live and work (Isa 9:7, Matt 6:10, Matt 28:18-20).  To see the slides, click: https://www.slideshare.net/rfochler/ekklesia-foundation-message-one-greg-simas

Pastor Brent Lokker shares a message on the paradigm shift that is underway in the Church, from passive consumerism to a people passionately focussed on Jesus and able to represent Him to the extent that the world gets changed! Rather than passively admiring God's handiwork from a distance, Pastor Brent invites us to courageously take intentional steps towards the dreams God that has placed in our hearts. (Ephesians 2:10).  To see the slides click https://www.slideshare.net/rfochler/change-is-good-brent-lokker

Matthew Guillot shares a meditation on God’s intense (but non-controlling) jealousy for our fellowship and attention. The less we struggle to be sufficient before Him, the more he becomes our sufficiency! As we let go of our demands and seek His face and not His hand, intimacy between Christ (as Groom) and the church (as Bride) can grow to become a living reality of our daily walk.

Our 2018 Christmas service including four short messages from Blazing Fire's elders describing how Jesus is the present-day fulfillment of "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" in our lives (Isaiah 9:6). Suzanne Lokker concludes by sharing her experience of connecting with the tender kindness of Jesus this season.

Pastor Todd Lout unpacks the Hebrew word moed (מוֹעֵד), often translated as "appointed time." Rather than waiting for special holy days, we can enjoy a constant appointment with God. 

Pastor Brent encourages us to take further steps on our inward journey with Jesus, our Emmanuel. Susan Fochler also shares her recent experience of two-way intimacy with Jesus, including an awareness of being the focus of His attention!