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The Kingdom Is Not Meat Or Drink -- By Robert Ricciardelli
by Robert Ricciardelli
Nov 1, 2005
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November
1, 2005
The Kingdom Is
Not Meat Or Drink -- By Robert Ricciardelli
Vision to Advance
www.vision2advance.com
Robert@vision2advance.com
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 "For
the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness,
peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way
is pleasing to God and approved by men." -- Romans 14:17-18
The Kingdom of God is not meat or drink. It is not what
we do or what we say. The Kingdom of God is within us. It is His presence -- His
divine nature, allowed to reign within us and expressed outwardly. The Kingdom of
God ever wants to be expressed as salt and light to the world THROUGH US.
What an honor, what a privilege, and what a responsibility
we carry within us. His yolk is easy and His burden is light when, and only when,
we continue to die to ourselves. Then the life we begin to manifest is Kingdom life
-- Christ's life, living through us and radiating righteousness, peace, and joy
wherever we go.
"For it is the God who commanded
light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this
treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and
not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed,
but not in despair." -- 2 Corinthians 4: 6-8
What a treasure we carry, beloved, and when we can understand
more fully that the Spirit of the Living God and His Kingdom is within us, we can
manifest His grace and unleash His glory upon the earth. As we allow Christ to reign
through our earthly vessels, we will not be crushed or drown in despair. We will
not stop in our love and pursuit of Him and our love and service to others.
Meat and drink can also represent personal choices we make in many areas of life.
As we walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit, many choices we make have neither a
positive nor negative influence upon our spiritual lives. I am referring to styles
and tastes and not to choices that lead to sin in us or others.
A good example might be the music we like to listen to.
I have seen Native Americans worship with drums and flutes in such a unique way.
I appreciate the worship so much, and yet, others may not. It might be the clothes
we wear, or even the preaching styles we care to listen to. These are all preferences
that are neither good nor bad, as we walk in obedience to His word.
One Kingdom
Many difficulties in the church occur because we sometimes turn our preferences
into doctrines. We really would like others to prefer what we prefer because it
makes us feel better. The mind justifies what the heart has chosen; so in the choosing,
out jumps a new rule, a new doctrine, and in a group setting, a new denomination.
It is sad to hear the latest fact that we now have 30,000
denominations expressing something just a little bit different and choosing to distinguish
their differences. Denominations and non-denominations, many times, can become abominations
to the ONE Kingdom God wants us to be ruled by.
There will always be different expressions of believers based on culture, preference,
and tradition. I believe that any denomination or structure that does not seek the
unity of God's people is in, or will be in, a great shaking of their paradigms and
foundations. Any Kingdom that is being built as their own and not His is going to
have to reckon with the fire of a jealous God who will not tolerate forever any
rival gods or kingdoms. It is amazing how longsuffering and full of grace our God
is.
God is calling us to blur the lines of our preferences, so that all we see is brethren
in Christ who are all called to minister and influence a dark world with the light
of the gospel. He desires us to see one race: the human race. He desires us to see
one church: His church. He desires to build one Kingdom: His Kingdom, which is both
now and soon coming. The more we are able to view all expressions of righteous worship
to the Lord as pleasing to Him, the more we can truly begin to work together. As
Christ and the essentials of His Word become the only common ground we need, the
differences become blurred.
We must spur each other on to good works through relationships that express love
and good will towards one another. Part of our kingdom worldview is to appreciate
our differences. To see tremendous value in the wonder of God's created people.
As Kingdom dwellers around the world begin to adjust their worldview towards how
God sees it, they will have infectious influence that will break unhealthy paradigms.
Rise Up In Authority
When you see the Kingdom of God for what it is, it becomes priceless, and you will
give all to attain it. Unfortunately, many leaders of the organized church fear
what it could cost them to allow His Kingdom to rule. The fear is so great that
through control, they try and hold on to the way things are or the way things were.
There are many within the walls of these systems that, through evolving revelation,
have become frustrated. The frustration mounts and often causes a desire to walk
away from their perceived prisons.
I am not a proponent of mass exodus from the institutional churches, as some may
suggest. Many leave without the leading of His Spirit because of offenses that the
Lord wanted to bring them through. I would rather encourage revolutionary men and
women to rise up in His authority and by the power of the Holy Spirit, to begin
to transform those institutions.
These revolutionary people know that they do not wrestle
against flesh and blood. They do not seek to overthrow but seek to persevere in
strategic prayer and loving service to these leaders. They also know that unless
the Lord builds the house, or reconstructs it, they labor in vain. There are times
the Lord will move them out, but may they hear from Him and not their own reasoning
before they move on.
If these organizations do not begin to "Let His People Go," to walk freely in Jesus,
they will indeed experience desolation. If they continue to reject the cry of the
people of God within those walls who are tired of playing church, having received
the revelation of their kingly priesthood, they will be shaken. As leaders, they
must acknowledge the kingly-priesthood of all believers as they are called to train,
raise up, and release His people to ministry.
And finally, may they come to the realization that it is
Christ Jesus, who is the author and finisher of their faith, and not the doctrines
of man that can save them and transform society.
As bad as it seems in many of these systems, I am encouraged because I am watching
God work, even within the boundaries of many of these denominations. I am watching
Him divinely work in His people and into the marketplace, regardless of what system
or structure they call home. When we all begin living the lifestyle of His Spirit,
transformation will take place in every jurisdiction. The power of God through the
people of God may also realize transformation, even within the walls of those systems.
The Kingdom of God can operate in and through His Kingdomized people. Kingdom folks
can operate and bring His presence into the walls of any structure or system, whether
secular, religious, or both.
I disagree that His people need to leave churches because
things are not going well within them. They might be the very person or part of
the divine strategy God may use to change the climate within. God has His people
dispersed in all of the religious systems because they are a big part of the harvest
to come.
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Hear His Voice
If we are called to the marketplace to transform nations, we can also believe that
we can change systems and paradigms by the power of His Spirit. Jesus said, "My
sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
The key is to be one with Him and hear His voice. We must
hear Him and obey Him and not rely on our own wisdom or the wisdom of man. If He
says to go here, then GO! If He says to do this, then DO! And if He tells you to
speak, then SPEAK! Obedience warms the heart of our God, and His pleasure in us
will reveal His glory.
Pray with me that the Lord will have His way in us. It is easy to throw stones at
the systems and their leaders, but let's judge ourselves first and then begin to
pray. May we change our hearts towards a life of obedience, pleasing to our Father;
then His joy will be our strength. May the Lord cause the hearts of these denominational
(and non denominational) leaders to see Jesus in His fullness, so that all Antichrist,
religious behavior and bondages can be broken. We must pray for the fire of God
to consume all the chaff within the walls of these structures.
Beloved, may we all be so close to our Lord that He captures every phase of our
life so that we can live and move and have our being in Him and Him alone. We can
then walk in His love and in His authority and take dominion over all that He desires.
I love all of you,
Robert Ricciardelli
Vision to Advance
www.vision2advance.com
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Robert's Upcoming Itinerary:
November 17-20, 2005
Winter Glory Conference
The Quality Inn Creekside Resort
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
www.vision2advance.com
December 1-4, 2005
International Coalition of Apostles
Dallas, Texas
www.vision2advance.com
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"Oil"
by Russ Rosen Band
$15.49
?Music CD
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Their debut album as the Russ Rosen Band, draws on the cultural mosaic of Canada
and produces an eclectic blend of Celtic/folk/rock flavors. Most of these
"spiritual" songs were inspired in diverse spots around the country.
Prophetic, evangelistic and celebrative, "Oil" is an eclectic blend of musical
forms.
Since his first worship recordings with Rise Up in 1988, '90, '91 and '93 Russ
has recorded 3 CDs of street songs with Upstream and the March for Jesus
Canadian sound track in 1999 and 2000, 'Jesus, Lord of Life'. Russ and Sandy
Rosen's compelling songs and Kathleen Nisbet's passionate fiddle playing have
been combined to produce an album of songs for our time; a call for people to
return to God.
Prophetic, evangelistic and celebrative, "Oil" is an eclectic blend of musical
forms, much of which was honed during Upstream's 5 year cross-Canada tour.
Headed by the outstanding producing talent of Alan Shacklock (The Alarm, Graham
Kendrick, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Phil Keaggy, Paul Oakley), this is the first
release that will appear under the name of 'Russ Rosen Band'.
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Track Listing
- Watchmen?
mp3
wma
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- Oil
- Stand?
mp3
wma
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- Warriors
- Somethin's Rattlin;
- Down to the River
- Mercy of God
- Courts of the King
- Through the Curtain
- Radiant Beauty
Christian Musician Magazine
By Shawn McLaughlin
Talk about surprises! This Canadian band
condenses many influences into a unique and vital stew on "Oil," sounding a call
for action to believers everywhere with lyrics that eloquently, yet simply speak
of an authentic adoration and love for Christ. Vocalist/Guitarist Russ Rosen,
with wife Sandy on keyboards, and fiddler extraordinaire (and darn fine vocalist
to boot) Kathleen Nisbet, seamlessly meld Celtic, English folk and American
roots styles into a brew that represents Rosen's worship oriented songs with
passion and style. The cuts, "WatchmenËś and "WarriorsËś are rollicking,
ramshackle romps of joy that exhort believers to a renewed level of commitment
to their savior and His call to harvest new souls. Both tracks feature stunning
drumming, reminiscent of Larry Mullen Jr.'s martial style and the cacophonous
beauty of Keith Moon's work with The Who. Both of the aforementioned band's
vocalists are reflected in Rosen's alternately gruff (Daltrey) and sensitive
(Townshend) delivery. The production, by noted knob twiddler Alan Shacklock is
revelatory. Shacklock buttresses -- the arrangements with emotional and muscular
guitar playing and appropriately atmospheric and subtle electronic touches that
result in each cut adding a unique tapestry to the projects compelling whole. In
short: This is one of the finest discs of original, worshipful rock & roll to be
released in the last decade. It is that good.
Christianity Today
By Russ Breimeier
Oil greets the listener with thunderous drums that
echo in your speakers, leading into the rousing Celtic-flavored alternative
roots rock of Watchmen. It's a fitting start to this excellently made project
from the Russ Rosen Band, showcasing their blend of folk styles from America,
Canada, and Ireland (think Ceili Rain) with folk and alternative rock leanings.
Russ has worked for years in various youth ministries and worship events; he
leads the band as primary songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and harmonica player.
The band proper is rounded out by his wife, Sandy, on vocals and keyboards, and
Kathleen Nisbet on vocals and fiddle. Joined by a backing band of studio
musicians, this project is equally revelatory of the talents of producer Alan
Shacklock (Phil Keaggy, Shaded Red, Graham Kendrick). It's purely coincidental
that I've featured this guy in back-to-back independent artist features (Rev 21
last time), but it does amaze me that this guy doesn't get more prominent work
in the Christian music industry. He can make a band like this one rock with
joyful bombast on one track, and then shift them to delicate and beautiful pop
the next in other words, he's absolutely amazing on this album. Stand, for
example, features Sandy's vocals on an Irish-flavored track reminiscent of
Enigmas modern New Age sound. This is followed by the loud and rousing Celtic
rock of Warriors, which is like some crazy blend of The Chieftans, Dave Matthews
Band, and The Who. Russ vocals sound like Randy Stonehill when he's soft, and
Dave Matthews when he belts out his strong growl. Later, Kathleen takes the lead
vocals on the bluesy gospel of Down to the River. Lyrically, Russ presents a
wide array of worship styles that range from inspirational and modern worship to
southern gospel and traditional church. The songs are consistently interesting
as the album progresses, thanks to the intriguing blend of styles, the strong
musicianship, and the stunning production. I dare anyone who says modern worship
lacks creativity and originality to come away from Oil unimpressed.
"Oil is a fresh fusion of sounds ... lyrics and
music are stirring to the mind and spirit"
- Worship
Leader Magazine
BIOGRAPHY
 This
collection of musicians hail from British Columbia, Canada. The group's leader
and namesake, Russ Rosen, spearheads the group's songwriting and musical
composition. The band is an assortment of talented musicians that have been
developing in the rich creative soil of the musical community of the Vancouver,
BC area - its three core members being, violin/fiddle player, Kathleen Nisbet
and Russ (acoustic guitar) and Sandy Rosen (keyboards). These three have been
together some 15 years, with different groups, doing music in outreach,
discipleship and worship settings and have done numerous independent projects.
Their music springs from a heart to see a musical expression that challenges the
people of God to boldness and touches those 'yet-to-believe' with an declaration
of love and hope that pulls them towards the Creator.
The progression of music indelibly linked with outreach came from many years in
camping ministry where hundreds of young people were responding to God. The
music became the way that the students could carry home discipleship lessons in
song - the truths about God left literally on the tips of their tongues. It
spawned a youth discipleship ministry, Rise Up, where the focus was music and
the getting to know Jesus.
They have lived on the streets - living 'on the road' in camper vans and motor
homes (full-time for 5 years) across the nation of Canada, taking along their
own mobile theatre with a team of artists, evangelists, actors and musicians
under the covering of Upstream Christian Initiatives Society. Additionally, over
the last couple of years, their heart for the people of the French-speaking
world has taken them to Rwanda on a mission for reconciliation, to Guadeloupe to
join with French worship leaders, and to the French of Canada.
Husband/wife team, Sandy and Russ Rosen, have been full-time in ministry for
many years and live in Langley, BC. Kathleen Nisbet works in a women's shelter,
when not off on ministry treks, and has worked with youth in the inner city of
Camden, NJ. From her residence in White Rock, BC she has played on other
projects for such artists as Brian Doerksen, Andy Park, Graham Ord, Lianna
Klassen, Perry and the Poorboys, Jonathan Anderson and French group, EXO.
Amongst their musical efforts are albums for Rise Up, Upstream, the Canadian
March For Jesus, and their current new release "Oil" (they've produced the
latter two albums in French as well). The 'Oil' album represents a creative
journey which has been about stirring a unique musical expression that is not
solely for those who know God, though it is a cry from the heart of the
worshiper; that does not pull back from blatantly expressing the truths of God,
though it is culturally attuned; that boldly professes testimony of God's
goodness and blessing, but seeks to care for the broken; that unashamedly
responds in extravagant worship to the Author of Love and pulls everyone into
the celebration. Its sound draws on the unique cultural mosaic of Canada and
produces an eclectic blend of Celtic/folk/rock flavors.
In the days of old, the prophets were told to go be a force for change. They
said, "How can we go unless your Spirit will flow -- flow through and pour down
like rain?" (from the song, 'Oil' by Russ Rosen).
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Feel free to
order online
OR by phone (1-8.6.6-354-5245)
http://www.elijahshopper.com/detail.aspx?ID=2211
Are you from
outside of the United States? Purchase here:
http://theelijahlist.safeshopper.com/170/9050.htm?930
? |
Need a quick delivery? UPS and FedEx
now available! We can UPS (or FedEx) overnight, in most cases.
For UPS or FedEx call
1-8.6.6-354-5245 |
|
"Bending
to Hear the Secrets You Breath"
by Kelanie Gloeckler
$15.00
Music
CD
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 Kelanie
Gloeckler's brand new worship CD, Bending to Hear the Secrets You Breathe,
is a collection of original worship songs, ranging in style from modern rock to
intimate acoustic worship. Many of the songs, such as Pressing On and
Awake Oh Sleeper, were written during her time at Morningstar Ministries,
while other songs found their beginning in moments of intimate, personal
worship.
The listener is taken on a journey through a wide
variety of aural textures…driving electric guitars, lyrical piano, warm acoustic
tones, and swells of orchestral strings. Bending to Hear the Secrets You
Breathe demonstrates a balance between the musical quality and creativity of
a studio project, and the energy and prophetic flow of a live worship setting.
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 "Today's
another day to obey and surrender / bending to hear the secrets You breathe /
and You delight to see how I respond to each new revelation…"
"To know the intimate secrets of God's heart, we have to
allow Him to bend us, break us, and change us. As we bend in surrender, the
Father can reveal more of Himself to us. Each song on this project is my
response of language and melody to something Jesus has shown me about Himself.
And that is what our worship is...a response of the heart to His love, His
nature, His presence. Jesus is drawing us closer and closer to Himself, and the
closer we get to Him, the more we see Him and the more we are transformed into
His likeness." - Kelanie Gloeckler |
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Track Listing
- Pressing On
- The Blaze in Your Gaze
- Sign and a Wonder
mp3
wma
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- The Love of God
mp3
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- You Make All Things New
- Serenade
- Invitation
- Awake Oh Sleeper
- Emmanuel
- Wonderful Mystery
- Responding
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Kelanie Gloeckler is a prophetic worship leader /
songwriter / worshiper of God who enjoys leading the Body of Christ into deeper
encounters with Jesus through passionate songs and creative sounds. A graduate
of Morningstar School of Ministry, Kelanie has ministered in churches and at
conferences both in the United States and oversees. She traveled with Ray Hughes
and the Selah Project for two years, leading worship and teaching others how to
flow in prophetic song. Her heart is to train and release next generation
worshipers, helping them to find freedom in their own creative expressions to
the Lord. Kelanie is currently a worship leader and songwriter at New Life
Christian Fellowship Church in Jacksonville, Florida. |
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Feel free to
order online
OR by phone (1-8.6.6-354-5245)
http://www.elijahshopper.com/detail.aspx?ID=2239
Are you from outside of the United States? Purchase here:
http://theelijahlist.safeshopper.com/170/9082.htm?930
? |
Need a quick delivery? UPS and FedEx
now available! We can UPS (or FedEx) overnight, in most cases.
For UPS or FedEx call
1-8.6.6-354-5245 |
|
"Purifying
the Prophetic"
by R. Loren Sanford
$12.99
Book
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The Church's Sure Foundation: Are We Watching it Crumble?
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The Western Church is slowly slipping away from her
biblical moorings, warns prophetic pastor Loren Sandford. And by doing so she is
sinking into a culture repelled by the demands of biblical truth.
- Genuine spiritual experience is being displaced by the
need for ongoing excitement.
- Selfless life and ministry are shifting into a personal
prosperity gospel.
- The prophetic voice too often caters to the perceived
needs of the people
God planned a different culture for His people, explains
Sandford, one that lives the message of Jesus and His cross. Join those who
embrace a vision for cleansing the prophetic stream; who are rediscovering
miracles, healings and demonstrations of power; and who are rebuilding a firm
foundation.
?
Feel free to
order online OR
by phone (1-8.6.6-354-5245)
http://www.elijahshopper.com/detail.aspx?ID=2236
Are you from outside of the United
States? Purchase here:
http://theelijahlist.safeshopper.com/170/9081.htm?930
? |
Need a quick delivery? UPS and FedEx
now available! We can UPS (or FedEx) overnight, in most cases.
For UPS or FedEx call
1-8.6.6-354-5245 |
|
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