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Philippians 3: 10-11. "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." The deep cry of the apostle Paul; “That I might know Him”, to know Jesus more and more. Leads to his second great desire; “The Power of His resurrection”.

We live in the information age. We now have more access to information than any generation in human history. Knowledge doubles every 5 years. We have sent men to moon, and had scientific breakthroughs. We have never had more knowledge. Yet in the last century we fought more wars than any time in history, more people on medication for anxiety, and stress. Knowledge has not been the answer.

Wouldn’t you love to be as familiar with God’s voice as you are with the voice of a family member or friend you know very well? Well, according to the Bible we can be. But hearing God’s voice is only half the story...

A powerful anointing came during one of our Breakthrough Hour of Power prayer meetings. The following week a number of people testified of breakthroughs they had after that meeting. One person prayed for a job, which they got the very next day. Someone else prayed for their house to sell and it was sold the next week. God is truly the “Lord of the breakthrough".

You don’t have to drive very far in Auckland, or most places, to see large bright signs inviting you to indulge in many kinds of enticing food. We love food! A lot of us eat too much, maybe food is our idol? Some think that rugby is New Zealand’s favorite pastime but I think eating takes the cake, if you know what I mean.

We have been looking at the incredible power of the blood of Jesus, and seeking to honor the blood, and give it, it’s rightful place. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Through the blood we have salvation, forgiveness, cleansing, protection, victory.

Over the years the blood of Jesus Christ has lost its place of centrality in the Christian faith. Some Pentecostal churches question the need to speak on the blood of Jesus. We have seen in past out-pourings of God, where the blood of Jesus came to a place of prominence and was a key factor in revival. We have atonement in the blood, our sins are covered, and we can be saved and forgiven, just as if we had never sinned.

When I finished preaching on the blood few years ago I felt the Holy Spirit say I had satisfied and released the heart of God. Over the years the blood of Jesus Christ has lost its place of central importance in Christianity, in preaching, in our faith, as a result I believe the church has been weakened and believers have lost out in the area of victory and protection.

Isn’t breakthrough an exciting word, it brings to mind things like life-saving medical breakthroughs, scientific breakthroughs and technological breakthroughs which are all so beneficial to the human race. Then there are things like breakthroughs in negotiations over hostages and breakthroughs in relationships. Breakthroughs often bring about good!

How you would feel if you had to walk around with a TV screen on your head broadcasting all your thoughts? What kind of pictures would come up on your screen? Which ones would most cause you to cringe with shame or embarrassment? Well, the good news is that you can keep those thoughts to yourself, at least as far as other people are concerned, but this little exercise highlights the major struggle we face as Christians, the struggle to maintain a thought life that is pleasing to God. We call it the battle for our mind.