Image Progressions

I think it’s very important to know the progressive image of God in the different areas of our life, so there be no misunderstandings. Because altogether, there are several types of progression the Lord is moving in, and we should be going from Glory to Glory in each of them, at the same time:

1. Historic Progression. That’s the progression of God’s image in each and every move of God that we examined briefly. The way to progress in this type of God’s image is to examine closely the moves of God, be open to hear the Lord’s voice through His progressive leaders and pioneers, and upgrade in the present truth that the Lord is restoring. A very precious knowledge in this area can be gained from the books of pioneers, leaders and authors like: Peter Wagner, Bill Hamon, John Eckhardt, Jonathan David, and Kevin Conner, to name just a few.
2. Ecclesiastical Progression. That’s the progression of restoring the 5-fold ministries and several other ministries, like the ministry of Praise and worship, prayer and intercession, spiritual warfare, marketplace ministry, so that the Church (From Greek- God’s Ecclesia) can acquire the fullness of God’s image. The way to progress in this image of God is to learn to be a servant to the man or woman of God above you. In other words, learn to walk under authority and accountability. Then, you will receive from the spirit, grace and anointing of your father or leader.
3. Global Economic / Governmental Progression. That’s the progression of the world around us as a whole, according to the images revealed to us predominantly in the books of Daniel and Revelation. Of course, there are many demonic influences as the world is progressing, but also, the Lord is above all, and He is in control, leading the world to a place of consummation of all things and the salvation and restoration of the Earth. The way to progress in this area is to follow closely the events happening in the world, passing them through Biblical perspective. In this way we will always be adequate in the world we are living in, because we can not be effective witnesses to a fast moving world with old mentality and methods.
4. Character Progression. That’s the personal growing in maturity in God’s image for our life, until we become what the Bible calls: “of full age”, so we can enter into our inheritance in every area of our life – spiritually, mentally, emotionally, bodily, socially, politically, economically, etc. The way to progress in this image of God is to always seek and obey the Lord, pray, fast, read the Bible, go to Church and be actively involved in ministry, listen to wise counsel, surround ourselves with positive people, full of faith, moving forward in God, and so many other things that will help our personal growth.
5. Charismatic Progression. That’s the progressive development of the gifts and talents the Lord has placed in our lives. The Lord has deposited creative gifts, abilities, and talents in us, and we are required to produce with them. That’s why; we must grow every investment the Lord has done in us. The way to progress in this image of God is to never be passive, lazy or apathetic. Always use everything the Lord has given you to develop it, increase it, grow it, distribute it, and prosper it. Then, you will be given more.
6. Church Structure Progression. That’s the progression towards the understanding that we all are One Body of Christ, that must be functioning just like a physical body is functioning – each member and each cell contributing to the life of the Body and not staying separated as an inactive part, just going to Church and keeping the chair warm. The way to progress in this image of God is to start understanding the incredible responsibility each and every one of us is having, for the common good of the whole body. The inactive parts of any human body are only the paralyzed parts. May we all be alive, understanding the cell concept!
7. Revival, Reformation and Transformation Progression. This image progression shows the process of God’s work in and through us. We must always strive for more of His life, His love, His character, His power, His purification, His circumcising, His order, His commandments, His standards, His values, His righteousness, His holiness and His building Himself in us.

So, in order that we be vessels of honor, fit for the Master’s use, and well equipped for every good work, we must always strive to progress in each of the above image progressions. We must develop each of these image areas in parallel (at the same time). Even when we are reading our Bibles, we must read them in the context of what the Lord is doing in us and our world today, because only in this way we will always be up-to-date, and will not be deceived. Because surely the devil will offer his imitations in each area, but the ones …

“…which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4)