Don Atkin

If there is to be a permanent revolution, the dramatic transformation which many believe is needed; there will first need to be a rediscovery of the essence, integrity, and interactions of these two vital parts of God's intention-the church and the work.For us to rightly embrace the purpose of this writing we must first come to grips with the core issues that we face. They are buried in thousands of years of the church's history and tradition. Most people are completely unaware of what will be presented herein.We cannot seek together for the solution until we first agree that there is a problem It will take a few chapters to make us ready for "21st Century Zerubbabels."

God's delegate on earth, the body of Christ, has been mandated with the ministry of reconciliation to the nations. With this ambassadorial role, the people of God are destined to carry His government of peace to the peoples of earth. But how will this occur as long as heaven's diplomatic corps is out of sorts with its own government? Instead of representing God's government to the world it demonstrates human autonomy. From denominational and movement growth agendas through to the all-too-often rejection of spiritual authority within the organic expressions of the church, human rebellion is manifest. Independence, personal agendas and selfish ambition prevail. Both church and culture have been infected with the same virus.

We affirm "separation of church and state," the first amendment to the U. S. Constitution, wanting to keep the state out of the business of the church. However, we conveniently forget that separation so that the church may involve itself in the business of the state.We wrongly continue to see ourselves as American citizens who are now Christians. Many go through life without ever graduating to the status of Christians who happen to live in America. Such a transition should be the fruit of being transformed by the renewing of our minds

Where do present-day terror realities fit in the purpose of God?The church should not react to circumstances, but should respond with context for kingdom advancement. The prophets, who are primarily charged with bringing understanding to the church, have a wide-open opportunity to respond with definitive explanations concerning the hour in which we are living.

We are all on a journey. This could be the greatest season in the history of the church, if we will open our hearts and minds to embrace new insights into why we exist-why are we here?This is a 21st century apostolic revelation and application of what was clearly delineated through Paul twenty centuries earlier. He had an understanding of why the church existed, then and now.

As an apostle of love, Don Atkin, shows how love is the most powerfully authentic and eloquent apology (defense) for the faith. God's people and their leaders, by loving one another and their world, will be the living proof that the true God has come to earth and is manifest in the flesh.

There are those who use God's people to promote their own agendas and success, rather than asking God to use them to encourage and nurture the success of people.An equally serious problem is found at the other end of the pendulum swing: people who walk in a spirit of independence. While much of the world has respect for authority and honor built into their culture, "doing your own thing" is popular in the Western world. The independent spirit of this age is not compatible with the full realization of Christ's kingdom on earth.

Woody Allen has said, "I'm not afraid of death. I just don't want to be there when it happens." Cute. And, he undoubtedly speaks for many people.Not all believers have have settled the issues concerning death. I want to help people (1) live prepared to die, and (2) prepare to live by dying (to self). These are keys to overcoming in life.

Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind.The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.This book is about the fine art of abandonment to His life in us.