Reflections of the Gospel “The Ramsey Discussions pt. 1: ‘How much Does it Cost?’”

The following 2 blogs recount particularly meaningful insights from Craig’s brother-in-law Ramsey Bell in response to significant questions I had during our latest visit to Lakeland Florida.  Ramsey’s insights were simple conceptionally and plain in their delivery, but upon further excavation they would prove to be fundamentally shaking, the vibrations traveling to the epicenter of where my beliefs mend with the person that I am.  These vibrations have had a considerable impact upon that epicenter and even to this day they have produced a remarkable alteration that will last for the remainder of my existence…

 I have experienced inexplicable growth and learned many things from Craig and the ministry of Awake International during my 5 month stay here in Moravian Falls.  Of the many things I have learned, a key realization that Craig has demonstrated repeatedly over the duration of my stay is that”the price has been paid” for us through the atonement of our sins by the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is something i have always believed, but in this environment I have seen it with a new aspect of profoundness, as it has taken a different meaning all together.  Healing, provision, the anointing, favor, wisdom, and various other spiritual gifts are “freely” given, that is to say they are readily accessible as a part of a Christian’s relationship with Jesus Christ (made possible by only through His death in our place for the remission of our sins).  In many meetings with Todd Bentley in Florida however, he often speaks of “paying the price” for the anointing.  I never was certain what that “payment” entailed, but tried my best to understand it as spending significant time in prayer, and having a hunger for God and His glorious presence, as this made the most sense to me.  I saw the validity in each and agreed with each vantage point, but was baffled at the thought of the two of them co-existing.  I brought this introspective inquiry before Ramsey casually one day as we were sitting in a baseball dugout.  He simply told me “…The price has been paid, but Christ still asks for everything.”

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