Our new book, The Storms Have Only Just Begun, is now available on Amazon and other popular platforms. Its purpose is to encourage and enable Christians to become houses who will stand in the relentless storms of the decade. Houses that stand will serve as God’s refuge, encouragement, and wisdom for family, friends, and fellowships who have lost theirs.

When God encourages me to write on a particular subject, I normally just put it out there without too much pomp and circumstance. However, I feel I must declare emphatically and passionately: The truth you will find here will make you free from doubt and empower you to walk in the greater works Jesus has promised to all who believe.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:12-14

The spiritual depth and breadth of this passage cannot be overstated. It is kingdom mystery. As such, we must be careful to avoid interpreting away its very literal meaning. We do ourselves harm to not first take it at face value and simply ask, “How can this be true? How can I, or any other Christian, do greater works than Jesus?” For those who believe, God has a very reasonable answer:

A believer in Jesus Christ will do the same works, and greater works,
because, like Jesus, he is not doing the work in His own strength.

Before we move to the proof of this, please notice the occurrences of “will do” in this passage. Jesus did not say, “…he may do also” or “I may do it”. The expected product of our belief in Jesus Christ are the works He did, and greater works. Please do not miss this; it is a word for faith in the truth of Jesus’ promise.

Now, it seems we must first prove that Jesus did not do the works in His own strength. Three passages make this clear:

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 (RSV)

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” John 5:19

While maintaining His divinity, Christ emptied Himself of His power and privilege – now get this – to make Himself totally dependent on His Father for the life He would model to us while on the earth. He could do nothing of Himself. His Father did the works, just as He said:

Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. John 14:10

Did you know that Jesus called Himself “a Son of Man” almost four times more than “the Son of God”? He came to show us what was possible for a son of man (i.e., Adam) who becomes a son of God. He lived as a vessel and instrument of His Father, for His Father’s glory.

Perhaps we should pause here and allow this truth to challenge our thinking. Perhaps we should allow the Holy Spirit to renew our mind. Go ahead, ask Him; it will do you good.

Having now established that Jesus did not do the works in His own strength, let us look to what He said about us.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:5-8

As Jesus could do nothing of Himself, so He says the same about us. We are totally dependent on Him as He was totally dependent on His Father. We are commanded to live as Jesus lived.

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21

The promise of Jesus recorded in John 14:12-14 is not so daunting when we realize and believe that the grace and power active in His and our good and greater works come from the same source: our Father in heaven. This passage baffles only those who fail to understand that good and greater work is the Father’s work. Our strength versus Jesus’ strength is not at issue, for neither He nor we are doing the work.

The issue, of course, is our faith. Do we believe? Our prayer is that you have found here the word of God for faith in the greater-than life – that our Father in heaven would be glorified.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

God bless you with grace and courage for obedience to the faith He has so graciously given.

Have a strong day in the Lord,

Rob (#iamjustthepen)

Updates and Prayer Requests

The relaunch of our core mission – to encourage, edify, and equip Christian Workplace Leaders to become disciple makers and transformation agents – is progressing well. I am currently developing new facilitation and coaching skills and working with CBMC leadership to integrate the community transformation component of our mission into their peer advisory group model. We continue to covet your prayers for grace and courage to hear God’s perfect plan and pursue His purposes for this season – with supernatural passion.

As we mentioned above, The Storms Have Only Just Begun has published. Please pray for the marketing effort, that we would reach as many Christians as possible with this important word.

Please join me in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia, that this conflict would draw them closer to one another in Christ.

My heart continues to ache for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Please pray with me for their encouragement, protection, and faithfulness in the face of severe trial and tribulation. From my reading, I understand they are also praying for us.

Continue to pray for the workplace leaders you know – for their transformation into mighty men and women of God; that they would boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me know how I can help you minister to them (we have tons of resources for you to share).

I feel the urgency and certainty of God’s preparation for more impactful ministry. Know that your prayers have been effectual the last sixteen years of ministry here at inLight. Please keep praying for us as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Partnering with inLight Consulting

God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.

Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.

God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob