Jeff Ling

R.T. Kendall brought a stirring message to the Summit attendees last night, challenging us to be men and woman deeply devoted to the Word and abandoned to the power of the Holy Spirit. R.T. brings a unique perspective to those within the charismatic stream. He followed D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel in London, preaching there for 25 years. Upon his retirement, he returned to the states and God spoke to his heart that the next season of his life would be spent ministering to charismatics. He wasn’t happy about it but he obeyed.  Over the years, he has become a vital voice bringing the message that not until the church becomes aligned to both the Word and the Spirit will we see the great awakening that God longs to pour out upon the nations.

R.T.’s text was from Matthew 22:23-33.

In the passage, the Sadducees, a group smaller but more influential than the Pharisees are attempting to entrap Jesus in a controversy over the Law. The Sadducees were experts on the law but highly anti-supernatural. They denied the resurrection of the dead and the existence of angels.  There was no such thing as life after death as far as they were concerned. The question put to Jesus here is almost sarcastic and patronizing as they don’t believe the conflict the question presents is even possible. Jesus confronts them over their lack in both their understanding of the Word and the Spirit.

“But Jesus answered them, You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” v.29

R.T. challenged us to embrace both the Word of God and the Power of God. He had spent many years in the evangelical world witnessing a strong emphasis on the Word but a lack of spiritual power demonstrated in signs, wonders and the gifts of the Spirit. Having spent considerable time among charismatics he was dismayed to discover people who were a mile wide in gifts and manifestations but an inch deep in their knowledge of the Word. He solidly rebuked us in regard to Bible reading, understanding and memorization. The lack of sound doctrine was simply appalling. He’s right.

R.T. believes that we’ve seen precious little of the kind of revival that God wants to pour out but heaven is withholding that blessings until the church rightfully aligns to the Word and the Spirit.   We must recover both sides. An unbalanced and divided church will struggle on in it’s plea for God to restore the honor of His name and astonish the world until we do.

R.T. asked us the question “How well do we know our Bible?” several times.  On the other hand, he asked, “do we really care deeply to see the power of God.” We must know both!  He mentioned a dinner with John Wimber during which he gave a “word” to John. John had been known to say that the “reformers gave us the word” and now “we need to do the works.” Kendall said to John, “you’re speaking to Pharaohs who know not Joseph.”  (Exodus 1:8) In other words, you’re asking a generation who does’t know the Bible or sound doctrine to launch out into the supernatural.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” - John 14:26

For spiritual power to flow from our lives with integrity and wisdom it must have the foundation and borders of the Word

R.T. rebuked us for being impatient with Bible study, not to mention a lack of memorizing scripture? He asked: “What if the Spirit gives us a Sovereign visitation? Who will he use?”  The answer was that God will use those who have gone to the trouble to know the Word and their doctrine well. It is that preparation which enables an outpouring of power to be stewarded wisely.

There’s much more that could be reported here from his talk. Hopefully I can pick that up in a later post…