"Jesus paid a price not just to get us into Heaven, but to get Heaven into us; so that we could become the Church and become the fullness of God." -Todd White
You may be wondering: "Who is Todd White?" I'm glad you asked, and I'd love to tell you. Todd White was a former drug addict and atheist for 22 years. At one point, he was even suicidal. Thanks to the mighty work of God and to the anointed members of Teen Challenge, he has been set free. Today, Todd is most commonly known as a "street evangelist." He believes that we should take Jesus everywhere we go, whether it be to Wal-Mart or a gas station. Todd believes that the keys to this Christian lifestyle are redemption and righteousness; two free gifts from God. Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are now able to live a life free from the bondage of sin and a life of right-standing with God.
Todd also believes in the power of Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit can work in and through us to help us portray the love of Christ and share it with those we come in contact with every day. Todd encourages Christians to live a "kingdom lifestyle." A life where we simply allow Jesus not only to live in us, but to flow through us and into others. A life that never stops loving and never stops giving. The kingdom of God is in us, and it wants to be released.
So, why am I telling you about this guy? Because I am totally and completely encouraged by him. Aside from Jesus Christ (and my favorite author and speaker, Angie Smith), Todd White is becoming a huge role model in my life. The more I listen to Holy Spirit speak through him and see God moving in his life, the more encouraged I am to live a life like this. . .not a life like Todd, but a life like Jesus.
I'll go ahead and warn you that Todd says and does some pretty radical stuff, but it's all biblical. Of course it's not normal, but was Jesus normal?
Todd not only prays for people, but he allows God to heal them through his faith and obedience in Jesus Christ.
Scripture tells us in Mark 10:7-8 (NIV), "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."
Mark 16:17-18 (NIV) says, "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
God has given us the opportunity to not only accept his free gift of salvation, but also to accept the spiritual gifts that follow. BUT, we don't have to do these things. We don't have to perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. We don't have to pray healing over a broken person so that Holy Spirit may heal them. We don't have to do any of these things. . .but, we get to if we so choose. It's our choice, because God has freely given.
The motive in everything we do as a Christian should always be to give love. Not to preach at people, argue with people, or judge people. . . simply to love. Todd White gives us a perfect example of this life. It's simple: When you have Jesus living in your heart, you have the kingdom in your heart. We are commanded by God to share that kingdom, that Jesus, that love with everyone we encounter. It should be a lifestyle. The Gospel of Christ is a "show and tell" gospel. You'd be amazed what you see when you allow God to have control.
Stop holding back. Stop being afraid. God told you that he would be with you (Matthew 28:20), so whether you feel him or not, I promise you He's there. It's not God's will for people to be hurting and broken. He wants everyone to be healed and free. If more people lived a kingdom lifestyle, we just might see more of that today. I challenge you to live a life like Christ, a life where you walk in the redemption and righteousness God has given you. Let Jesus be your role model. I also encourage you to look into Todd White. If you want more insight on what I've shared, look up Todd on YouTube. . .but, more importantly, check it with scripture and with God.
I don't expect anyone to take my word for anything. I want you to find it for yourself. Dive in, and allow God to show you what He can and wants to do in and through your life. And while you're at. . .be encourage by the life and ministry of Todd White. He's a pretty awesome guy!
