When Heaven Invades Earth Summary

Ok...So I got a bit behind on summarizing the key points of  the chapters I have been reading, so here they ALL are. It is crude and unfinished, but they are the key ideas that stood out to me. Though this is not the first time I have read this book, I have received new wisdom and revelation.

Chapter 10

“Pennies are not counterfeited because they are not worth the effort. In the same way, the devil only works to copy or distort those things in the Christian life that have the greatest potential  effect.”

The   devil sees the potential of powerful Christians that operate in the fullness of the kingdom. Lies that he has infiltrate into the church, and we believe, are things like; I am not righteous enough or I don’t have enough character. I am not ready. Notice the theme, the focus is on us not God. By taking the focus off our relationship and the fact that we are heirs to the kingdom of heaven with full privileges now, we have become caught up in focusing on who we are not and become powerless in the process.

(Focusing on what we are not disempowers us and keeps us from being the powerful people Christ died for)

Chapter 11

Miracles reveal the nature of God. Demonstrations of power are redemptive in nature.  Power exposes and forces people to make a decision. A power has an inherent ability to humble and lead to repentance. “faith moves heaven so that heaven will move earth.” Miracles remove influence of hell and establishes the presence of God. Without power, we rob God of the glory He is due. It isn’t a complete message without the demonstration of power. Many fear signs and wonders  thinking they will be misled. “signs have a purpose. They are not an end in themselves. They point to a greater reality. When we exit a building we don’t go though the exit sign. The sign is real but it points to a reality greater than itself.

Chapter 12

Encountering Godà demonstrations of power that break yokes. He is creative and unexpected and the supernatural requires taking risks. Our focus needs to remain on the God of power not the power of God.

Chapter 13

Focusing on our unworthiness denies  Christ of the honor of what was accomplished on the cross and keeps us from participating in the power given to us through it. “It is no longer a question of heaven or hell. It’s only a question of how much of hell’s thinking will allow into this heavenly mind of mine. Our agreement with lies can delay or avert promises.

Chapter 14

Spiritual warfare is real, but we should be approaching it from the offensive not the defensive. We have already won.  “Satan reveals his plans to put us on the defensive.” When we react with fear we are responding in the defensive.  When we refuse to fear our victory is complete. It sounds so simple. When we look at it from this perspective all we need to do to win EVERY battle is refuse to fall prey to fear and stand firm and confidant in who we are because of who Christ is.

Chapter 15

Revival and transformation will be recognized by those that need it the most. I love how this chapter points out how it was the tax collectors, prostitutes, demon possessed and outcasts that recognized Jesus as the messiah while the religious scholars missed Him. If we are looking for true signs of revival we should be seeing healing and restoration coming to the most needy. By not holding onto our own idea of what revival or transformation will look like we can help ourselves not miss it.

“Many revivalist had such significant breakthroughs that they  viewed the Lord’s return to be at hand. They failed to equip the Church to do what they were gifted to do. As a result they touched multitudes instead of nations and generations.

Chapter 16

We should be the leaven in world. Our lives should infect all those around us and bring us into places where we can change systems and nations. Daniel and Joseph are two people in scripture that were leaven. Though both had the right to be bitter they chose to be loyal and the “better person” in the situation they found themselves in and they both transformed kingdoms. I does not always mean high positions and we need to be reminded that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the servant.

Chapter 17

“Make room in your life for the risk takers that don’t bat a thousand. They will inspire you to the greatness available in serving a great God.” Christ is returning for a pure and spotless bride who knows who she is and is ready for her bridegroom.  He is not coming for a bride that is focused on what she is not. When we begin to focus on Christ and who we are in Him and operate in that power we will see a transformation in the Church that will prompt the return of Christ to the earth.