by Kayla Kennada
I work with Dr. Johnnie Blount who is the founder of Be the Word Ministry. His favorite tagline is “Be the Word!” and with good reason. The term “the Word” refers to Jesus Christ, who John said in 1:1 was the Word and the Word was God. He goes on to say in verse 14 that the Word became flesh. Jesus was the physical manifestation of God the Father in the earth. Since He died and was resurrected and ascended to heaven, we now accept His Spirit into our hearts. Jesus said in John 14:12 that we will do the works that He did and even greater because He will go to the Father. The Apostle Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to be imitators of him as He imitated Christ.
There are far too many Christians who believe the Word, but aren’t actively being the Word. What I mean by this is that they believe Jesus died and rose again to forgive them of their sins. They are heaven bound. But that’s where they stop. Some reasons could be because they are comfortable where they are or fear doing anything else. Another cause could be because they know that salvation is the most important aspect of being a Christian and to them that is all that matters. However, that is not the case at all!
On the contrary, it is good to believe the Word, but it is life changing to be the Word!
Beyond Head Knowledge to Heart Knowledge
To believe the Word means to accept the core values and morals of the Word of God as truth. It is in the mind, or having the head knowledge of God. Many Christians religiously attend church because they believe that makes them a Christian. They have a form of godliness, yet deny the power of God (2 Tim. 3:5). Their focus is on the natural side of life rather than on the spiritual realm. Because they received Jesus as their Savior, they have entered the Kingdom of God, but do not operate in it or it’s supernatural power. Many are spectators who are satisfied with not getting involved. Their concern is mostly with themselves.
Being the Word goes beyond head knowledge into heart knowledge. Those who desire to be the Word live it out in their lives and choose to minister to others as unto Jesus. They enthusiastically represent Christ and become involved in what they believe. Not just hearers of the Word only, they are doers of the Word (James 1:22). This requires a higher level of commitment and going deeper into the things of God. Their spirit is made alive to the spiritual realm and supernatural aspect of God. Having not only entered into the Kingdom of God, they operate in its power making an impact in the lives of those around them.
The Kingdom Demonstrated
In looking at the life of Jesus, He clearly demonstrated how to walk or function in the Kingdom of God. After gathering followers He began training them to go into the cities to do the work of the ministry. Most churches do not train the people to go out to minister. This could be because statistics say that only 20% of the people in church volunteer. That leaves 80% who are pew sitters while the world is lost and needs to be ministered to. Jesus taught His disciples to attend to the needs of the people as He did. To do this they needed the power of God operating through them.
After Jesus had suffered on the cross before He was resurrected He spent forty days with the disciples instructing them about the Kingdom of God. While He was assembled with them in Acts 1, He told them to wait for the promise and they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and they shall receive power. Acts 2:4 tells us the evidence they were baptized with the Holy Spirit was that they spoke with other tongues. Jesus Himself did no miracles until after the Holy Spirit came upon and remained on Him (John 1:32).
There Is So Much More
There is so much to tap into beyond salvation. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit gives us the power to use the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. As we allow ourselves to minister using these gifts we can lay hands on people and see them recover. We can speak to the storm and it will obey us. We can do what Jesus did as He said we would. Jesus instructed us in Mark 11:24 to speak to our mountain to be removed.
So, you can see that those who do not have this promise are missing out on the key to solving many concerns in their life and the lives of others. Not receiving this promise Jesus made that He would send us a Helper (Holy Spirit) can be detrimental when trouble strikes.
Benefits of Being the Word
There is nothing like ministering to a person in need. It is so rewarding and fulfilling to know that you’ve rescued someone. The Good Samaritan in the parable Jesus told in Luke 10:25-37 paid to help someone in need. Jesus knew that when we minister to another we are also ministering to ourselves. Jesus said in verse 37 for us to go and do likewise.
Every person needs to discover the reason they are put on this earth. When they use their gifts and talents for God’s purpose they will find true contentment.
Ask Yourself This Question
We are on this earth to be an answer to someone else’s prayer. Jesus was the answer to many people’s prayers. Because of this many followed Him. When you take care of others, they will follow you. The question to ask yourself is “Who is following me?.” Remember one of the examples Jesus gave us was to make disciples.
For more information about growing in the spiritual gifts, visit Be the Word Kingdom Academy for our online courses.
For more inspiring content from Kayla’s ministry Power and Praise visit facebook.com/Kayla4God