Many people have a strong sense of belonging—of “being” Rhema. Some Christians follow this ministry, love what they learn, and feel a level of connection. Others think it’s totally weird! That was me at one point.

My experience with Rhema was a roller coaster in the beginning, but I slowly figured it out. It is more than a church, training center, or Bible college. I discovered an international family, a worldwide movement, and a global mandate. I “became” Rhema!

Know Your Company

The Word of God gives us perspective and balance about the importance of belonging to something. In Acts chapter 4, after Peter and John were arrested, threatened, and released, “they went to their own company” (v. 23). They had a place to go during adversity. When pressure and threats mounted, they had their company—to pray together, be filled with the Holy Spirit, speak the Word, and receive boldness.

Man

There can be a false sense of belonging, however, if we are dependent on men. Paul addressed that behavior in believers at Corinth. They had taken sides with their favorite ministers. It caused division and prevented them from going deeper into the things of God. The apostle challenged them: “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:13). The Word of God is abundantly clear in this chapter—it is not about a man.

Rhema is not about a man. We are not “Haginites” or “Rhemanians.” It doesn’t matter if you are Evangelical, Charismatic, Baptist, Pentecostal, or “Bapticostal”! As long as you put your faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross, you are saved. You are a born-again believer and part of the Body of Christ. Those divisions should never be made because Christ is not divided!

Mandate

On the other hand, one division is important! Paul made the distinction in verse 17, “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach.” There are different callings in the Body of Christ. Jesus is not divided, but His mandates are. It is not about a man, but it is about a mandate. We should know our calling!

I describe mandates as that which is mandatory to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Knowing what you are called (and not called) to do determines your company. Your destination identifies the bunch you run with—where you go in times of trouble, gather to pray, gain vision, refresh motivation, and find strength.

Middle Ground

Why are we encouraged to buy books with the name, “Hagin,” or be at conferences? That’s where the middle ground comes in. Every mandate has leaders. Later in the same letter, Paul says, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1 MEV). It is good to follow godly people!

Remember your leaders (see Heb. 13:7, 17), and follow their faith! Honor the Word of God they have spoken. Keep an open heart and draw from those who lead your company. If you listen closely to what God has put on their hearts, your life will change. You will hear things that may be new to you, receive direction, and be refreshed.

When we come together as a “Rhema company,” we experience Acts chapter 4! Like the New Testament saints, the Holy Spirit fills us with boldness, and things begin to shake when we pray! We are in the right place at the right time to receive things we cannot get otherwise!

Together we are Rhema. Our mandate is the same that Jesus gave to Brother Hagin in 1950, “Go teach My people faith.” All the glory belongs to God. It is an honor to run with this bunch!

Hear the entire message! vimeo.com/rhema/alexharten

Join us February 16–21 for Winter Bible Seminar 2020! rhema.org/wbs