This is one of a series of posts about Together On A Mission – the newfrontiers conference

Terry, during his introduction, recommended the series on Ephesians by Lloyd-Jones which is now available in a reduced price paperback version. He also recommended the new volume released, Preach the Word, edited by Greg Haslam. I can add my recommendation to the first - it having been foundational in my life many years ago, and having listened to the audio from the conference on which the second is based, I have high hopes for it as well.

I will share somewhat shorter notes from this talk, largely because it was the kind of sermon that gives itself more to that � the talk is peppered with stories and illustrations, so it would be worth listening to it when it becomes available.

1 Samuel 14 - ". . . nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few . . ."

Three CONSEQUENCES of penetrating leadership:

1. It draws God into the battle. P. J. said, "someone radical, doing something radical, helped by another radical"- this is what attracts God's attention.
   
   
   
2. Chaos can result!
   
   
   
3. It opens up the other side. "To boldy go where no man has gone before" is a good definition of biblical leadership. For some of us, God needs to put the "Lead" back into our leadership.

P. J. then challenged prophets and preachers to be bolder in our proclamation, and to be expectant.

Three CHARACTERISTICS of penetrating leadership:

1. It is fueled by the promises of God � e.g. "I can do all things by God who strengthens me," or "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord like the waters cover the sea." Leadership decisions are tested � in this case his armour bearer.
   
   
   
2. You put God first in your life � you die to self.
   
   
   
3. You are content with the "maybes" - There is a bit of a RISK that occurs � I am not absolutely sure, but I think God is saying this.
   
   
   

Three RESPONSES of a penetrating leader:

1. A restrictive or religious response � Saul � form over substance - bound the army under an oath. Even to the point of killing his son!
   


2. A reasonable response � the soldiers � NEVER! God was in it, don�t kill him. Tozer: "Faith is not a once-done act; it is a continuous redirecting of our sight, getting ourselves out of focus and God into focus."
   


3. A radical response � verse 7 � armour bearer - he articulated his support. Agreement and unity brings God�s blessing. Followers complete leaders.
   

P. J. said, "Leadership is about leading," not "officers to the rear!" "It�s not just a name - it�s a function."