by Ptr. Gen Concepcion
Reading of the day: Ephesians 3:16
Year of increase!
Let’s work and not cease;
Daily we pray and labor,
Let’s go for forty-four!
This is the PMCC (4th Watch) of Toronto’s evangelistic rallying cry this year in response to Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol’s mandate that 2025 is going to be a year of increase. Forty-four is the total number of souls we want to win for God this year and we are taking this goal head on, believing that God will grant the desire of our heart. In your local church, how many souls are you aiming and praying for to lead to Christ this year?
I know all of us are desiring to win more souls this year, but we need to start with this truth: increase or growth is God’s work. He alone is the One able to make things grow. We do the planting and watering, but ultimately, it is God who brings about the increase.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow,” 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV).
But for God to grant us the increase, we need to sow and we need to water. Sowing is evangelism, or sharing the gospel; watering is discipleship, the work of teaching those who believe the gospel the ways and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostolic culture.
The apostolic culture encompasses four core facets: Authority Strong, Unity Driven, Growth Passionate, and Jesus Focused.
In our effort to win souls, we need to do it with authority. Won souls are souls released from the powerful hold of the devil, and this is not possible without the power and authority of God. We need, therefore, to be authority strong in order to see the increase we want this year.
First, we need to be strong in biblical authority, meaning the Word of God. We believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and is the sole authority for faith, life, and doctrine.
Simply put, we need to increase our intake of the Word, which includes listening to its preaching and spending time in personal reading and meditation. We also need to increase our knowledge of the church teachings and doctrines. Soul winning is a spiritual warfare, and God’s Word is our primary weapon. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). 1 Peter 3:15b also says, “Always be prepared to give and answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have.” Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
In practical terms, we need to attend services in person and we need to be consuming the Word privately. Thanks to the Spiritual Place Accord Planner we have a very engaging way to read our Bibles everyday. I have never been more inspired, challenged, and consistent in my Bible Reading until the SPA Planner came. I just love checking that little box everyday after reading the daily scheduled chapters. The Word of God is powerful and authoritative. To be authority strong, we need to increase in the Word of God.
Second, to be authority strong, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, for He is our Enabler. Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” Soul winning requires the deep conviction, wisdom, and power that only the Holy Spirit gives. He was sent to the church to guide, teach, and convict. We need to operate in the authority and power of the Holy Spirit if we want to see increase this year. The Holy Spirit is power and we need to avail His power. Sin is the greatest barrier to the power of the Holy Spirit, and so we need to live in holiness so that there is nothing that hinders the Holy Spirit from working in and through us. To be authority strong, we need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Third, to be authority strong, we need to pray because there is power and authority in prayer. But we should not only pray. We should pray authoritative prayers. The Bible says that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective,“ (James 5:16). This truth again touches on the need of living a holy and consecrated life. To be authority strong, we need to increase in our prayer life.
Last but not the least, to be authority strong, we need to make our partnership with our leaders, particularly our Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol, strong. There is power and authority in partnering with our leaders. They were sent by God with His authority. The power of the Holy Spirit given to them is the power given to us as well, and we tap more on that power when we strengthen our partnership with our leaders. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age,” (Mattthew 28:19-20). To increase this year, we need to see to it that we are connected with, one in spirit with, and having strong faith and trust in our leaders.
May we all see the increase we are praying for this year! This is the year of increase! Let us work and not cease! Praise God!
Reflection: What are you doing to increase in authority so that you may win souls this year for the Lord?
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