a Study on God’s Dominion: Session 1

January 18, 2013 Merlin Gonzales Backyard Missions, KIOM, Message, Ministry

Here’s a free bee for your my friends. The pilot class starts 1/21 6:30p-8p onsite at the FHL offices located at 8383 Craig St Ste 335 Indianapolis IN 46250 USA. I am also offering the life-transforming class online through AnyMeeting. RSVP by tomorrow, 1/19 for more info about this 4-session class. The Kingdom in Our Midst book is a required reading.

“Many are the Christian casualties in the spiritual realm because they take Christianity casually here in our world.” – Merlin Gonzales

A Study on Living in God’s Dominion Here on Earth

Wk. 1: What does the Kingdom of God look like?

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men and women. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doings of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle.” ~ John F. Kennedy

Read KIOM Pg. 1-55 and answer the questions on Pg. 56-59

What is the “Kingdom”

It is more of the ______________ of the King rather than a _______________:

King’s _________, God’s realm, a world ruled by ______, not by _________

(Psalm 9:8-9; Zechariah 9:9-11; Matt 2:6; Eph 1:20-23)

God’s way of doing things that reflect His __________ and ______________

(Matthew Chapters 5-7)

In harmony with God’s _______________
- Goodness (Psalm 100:5; Matt 7:11; Heb 12:10)
- Love (1 John 4:8; John 3:16; Rom 5:8; Matt 22:37-38)
- Holiness (Psalm 99:9; Lev. 19:2; Heb 12:10)
- Righteousness or Justice (Deut 32:4; Is 45:19)

Pick 2 questions on pgs. 8-9 KIOM and state your answers.

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Read Gen. 28:10-22. How does our consciousness and awareness of the promises of

God affect our lives and our approach towards others?

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The Creative Power within us: The Holy Spirit

Define bestow and endow

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Kingdom living: Does your life reflect your faith? Your Testimony

Miracles: ________________________________________________________________

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Signs: ________________________________________________________________

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Wonders: ________________________________________________________________

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God Encounters: ________________________________________________________________

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Practical steps that believers can take to increase their awareness of the Kingdom:

________________________________________________________________

Based on our discussion, what’s one thing that you would do this week to help ignite your passion to live a life characterized by your relationship with and by your faith in God?

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Miracles in Our Midst

December 20, 2012 Merlin Gonzales Backyard Missions, FHL Indiana, Testimony

Last week, I had lunch with one of our ministry partners at a restaurant in Castleton in Indianapolis, IN. At our table, we were greeted by a high-energy waiter; he smiled and asked for our orders. After a few minutes, he came back with our delicious food. Just before he left our table, I asked him if we can pray for him. The question caught him off guard and suddenly, he got quiet. It took him almost a minute before he look at me and with a couple of deep breath, he asked to pray for his marriage. He left immediately so my friend & I prayed for his marriage and blessed our food.

During the course of our stay in the restaurant, our waiter visited our table a few times thanking us for praying for him. Just as we were about ready to leave, he gave me a card with a note, “Thank you soo much for the prayer, you have no idea what it means to me!”

This morning, one of our ministry leaders, Bill & I visited one of our volunteers who was hospitalized 4 weeks ago. The operation restricted her to move around. At the end of our visit. We prayed for her. Nehemiah 8:10 came to mind, “for the joy in the Lord is your strength.” and I shared it with her.

Suddenly, she stood up quickly as if she was fully recovered. She walked rapidly towards her piano, cleared the bench and looked for a hymnal. I did not know what was happening. To my surprise, she played, “Joy to the World.” I was floored to hear how she played it with passion. A simple words of encouragement lifted her faith and changed the spiritual atmosphere in her residence.

These 2 stories of simple acts of kindness and encouraging words can be the miracle that people are waiting for this Christmas season. As we are getting close to Christmas Day, keep in mind that God can use you mightily in someone’s life…the best gift that you can give. The reality of the Kingdom begins within you.

The 10/40 Window in our own backyards

December 4, 2012 Merlin Gonzales Backyard Missions, FHL Indiana

I had mentioned in my previous Blog that I will be writing more about the origin of the 10/40 window in our midst. Here’s an excerpt from my book, The Kingdom in our Midst:

In 1990, Luis Bush coined the phrase “10/40 window,” which refers to the section of the world that is least reached by the Gospel. These regions have roughly two-thirds of the world’s population. Many governments in these countries formally or informally prohibit Christian teachings. Thus, the term “window” was used because of the window of opportunity to evangelize these countries.

According to Wikipedia, approximately 77% of the U.S. population was Christians in 2009, down from 86% in 1990. This should not surprise us since the U.S. has become too secularized in its approach to life. The country that has the motto “In God We Trust” on its currency is now divided in its approach to Christianity. If the trend continues at its current rate, Christians could be the minority in the decades to come. We may be looking at the next 10/40 window right in our own backyard.

My recent conversations with a few local Christian denominational leaders revealed that about 10%-20% of the congregations tithe and are active in the works of the church. This means that about 85% of Christians are church-goers (I heard someone referred to them as half-baked Christians or part-time Christians), but are not actively involved in sharing the Gospel and are not being discipled. In general, who are the Christians in this country? Do they reflect Christ in their lives? Can we easily distinguish a Christian in a crowd? Or is it getting harder and harder to identify them?

In my next Blog, I will share more excerpts from my book relating to the same topic with a view from the Old Testament.

PS/ You order my book at www.amazon.com www.createspace.com on the 12th OR you can pre order it now at www.merlingonzales.com

Sunday, Dec. 12 Speaking Engagement: Victory Christian Center

December 3, 2010 Merlin Gonzales Speaking Engagements

Sunday, December 12th I will be speaking at the Victory Christian on the Seven Cultural Mountains. Please invite your family and friends to this service. I look forward to seeing you there.

When: Worship service begins at 10am. Bible Study is at 9am

Where: 1703 East 30th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46218-2604
(317) 926-0578 (map)

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” -Revelation 11:15b

God bless you,

Merlin

FHL Week 2010:Merlin’s Audio Post – “A Children’s Hospital Outreach, A House Painted, and A Food Pantry”

July 30, 2010 Merlin Gonzales FHL Week