Kingdom Greetings to our beloved KNCI Family!
To God be the Glory! Our KNCI Kingdom Summit 2016, “We Are Better Together,” was an historical and prophetic move of God – beginning opening night with dynamic praise and worship; an awe-inspiring message from Pastor Delia Knox; Greetings and Proclamation from our Honorable Mayor of the City of Mobile, Mr. Sandy Stimpson, and the keynote message from our very own Archbishop Kirby Clements. On Friday evening, a Sovereign, prophetic move of God took place during my time of sharing – See and Believe!
Our Leadership Mastery Session on Friday morning addressed the Church’s role in influencing the Seven Mountains of Society; Saturday morning followed with an excellent teaching on Character by Pastor Bruce Hooks; and presentations from a distinguished panel of government and city leaders on “Applying the Kingdom world view in today’s Culture” to their particular sphere of influence. So many hearts were encouraged, new relationships forged and a bonding so intimate as we closed out the Summit with communion. “For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
I wanted to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to all our KNCI Pastors for your loving support, contribution, and participation in helping to make this year’s Summit a huge success! A major paradigm shift is occurring in the body of Christ as religious mindsets are pulled down and the Church moves toward compassionate Kingdom covenant relationships. This dynamic shift will quickly lead the Church into proper alignment as each member of the body begins to flow from a base of mutual respect and purpose, rather than the cold heart of religious power and tradition. The door leading into the emerging destiny of each member of the Church is unlocked with the keys of compassionate, authentic Kingdom covenant relationships.
We are living in a time when the world so desperately need a living demonstration of real covenant. The word “covenant” in the Hebrew is beriyth, which means “to cut where blood flows.” In biblical times, people cut covenant by killing an animal, usually cutting it in half and walking between the pieces. This demonstrated a blood bond unto death for a common purpose. Sometimes they cut themselves, comingling their own blood to signify, by promise and by cutting, their life and loyalty unto death. Those covenant bonds were considered stronger than natural bonds.
In the new covenant, Jesus is our covenant sacrifice, the Lamb of God. Our covenant in Christ and His unchanging love forms the foundation of our lives. It becomes an anchor of hope at all times, and the basis for all enduring relationships. So many promising relationships have been aborted because of lack of knowledge. I really believe that true covenant relationships originated in the heart of God before the foundation of the world. He planned for them to fulfill a specific purpose and destiny in the earth.
During our KNCI Summit, we witnessed the Spirit of the Lord moving on the hearts of pastors, leaders and saints who are set on fulfilling Kingdom destiny – knitting and weaving them together in a seamless joining. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit is calling for a return to a lifestyle of covenant in order that we may discover and fulfill our individual and corporate destinies in Christ.
The story of Ruth and Naomi beautifully portrays laying down one’s life for another. Ruth had a revelation of an authentic covenant heart, and displayed such a commitment to be faithful and loyal to Naomi, that she ultimately reached her destiny. She was willing to “bleed” to meet the need of the one with whom she was joined in covenant. God’s plan for Ruth and Naomi to be divinely connected affected not only their present generation, but also successive generations right down to our own. Everyone need authentic covenant relationships that will unlock their God-given purpose and destiny. Joshua needed Moses; David, Jonathan; Elisha, Elijah; Ruth, Naomi; Mary, Elizabeth; John, Jesus; Timothy, Paul; and the list goes on. Having the proper understanding and appreciation for those who the Lord has joined you to will unlock destiny in your life.
There is a call from the Spirit of God to return to true relationship and covenant. Because Ruth kept her covenant with Naomi, she realized hopes and dreams beyond her wildest imagination. Naomi also found fulfilment and new life. I believe in this hour authentic Kingdom relationships will enable the Church to be able to nurse a generation back into healthy relationship with each other and with the King of Glory.
Our vision at KNCI is to see the Church model a Kingdom Covenant Community, having a passion for Christ and compassion for people; restoring lives and demonstrating the Kingdom of God through covenant relationships. We seek to build true covenant relationships and make the ministry of the Kingdom of God available to all He sends our way. We function to bring people into a relationship with Jesus Christ and one another, promoting unity, reconciliation, and spiritual maturity in the body of Christ. Our aim is to bring God’s rule into every sphere of life. The journey we are on in the mind and plan of God is already finished but in our heart, it has just begun. The Lord our God is a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. He is Sovereign and delights to do the extraordinary in our lives.
My beloved KNCI Pastors, each one of you have a vital part and contribution to Father’s purpose in this awesome time in which we live. We recognize covenant as an essential ingredient for reaching our Kingdom destiny. You are the generation that will see the manifestation of the Kingdom of God and that will be through relationships. Remember, all ministry flows out of relationship. You are my joints; my strength comes from you. We are family. “We Are Better Together,” and together we are making a Kingdom difference in the world. To our better future…
In Christ’s Love & for His Kingdom Purpose,
Bishop Levy H. Knox
Living Word Christian Center International Ministries
Kingdom Network of Churches International