A. PREPARE YOUR HEART – COMMUNION Ps 24, 51, Mat 5:22-24, Mat7:3-5, Ps29:1-11 B. GIVE HIM PRAISE – Ps 99:5 Exalt the LORD our God, …worship at His footstool— He is holy. C. PRAYER for the 8 SECTORS OF SOCIETY: Isaiah 62:6-7, Ps 91, 121
8 SECTORS OF SOCIETY
1. FAMILY – Godly MARRIAGE values – Property – Healthy society – All PEOPLES
2. FAITH/ BELIEF – The END-TIME MANDATE of the CHURCH-All Faith Leaders – Churches. Ef4
3. GOVERNMENT/GOVERNANCE/LEADERSHIP:
3.1 Government and all governmental leaders.
President, All Political parties for wisdom, council of God,
EXPOSING of all wickedness, corruption, fraudulent activities, incompetent appointees.
RE-APPOINTING of GOD intervened governmental & Social Leaders
3.2 Specific prayer for our local government/leaders: Mayor,…
Psa 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Jer 29:7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.
3.3 Legislative system & judges, Courts & legal processes
7. MEDIA – HONEST reporting, Truth to prevail, Lies to be uncovered
8. ARTS, SPORT & CULTURE – God’s uprooting & nullifying of demonic influences…
SCRIPTURE: Isa 54:7-17
7. “For a mere moment I have forsaken you, But with great mercies I will gather you. 8 … But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” Says the LORD, your Redeemer. 9 “For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. 10 For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
14 In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. 15 Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. 16 “Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. 17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.
21 03 FEB Mediclinic Prayer – SCRIPTURES:
PRAYER
Eph_6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Php_1:4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, Php_1:19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Php_4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Col_4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Jas_5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Jas_5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
LEADERS:
Isa_9:16 For the LEADERS of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed. Jer_25:34 “Wail, shepherds, and cry! Roll about in the ashes, You leaders of the flock! For the days of your slaughter and your dispersions are fulfilled; You shall fall like a precious vessel. Jer_25:35 And the shepherds will have no way to flee, Nor the leaders of the flock to escape. Jer_25:36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, And a wailing of the leaders to the flock will be heard. For the LORD has plundered their pasture, Mat_15:14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” Luk_19:47 And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him,
BODY of CHRIST:
Eph 1:17-23
(17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, (18) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (19) and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (20) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (21) far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (22) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.[for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
Eph 2:4-10
(4) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him (by grace you have been saved)(delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation), (6) and raised us up together[giving us joint seating with Him], and made us sit together in the heavenly places [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus, (7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding, immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His grace(His unmerited favor) in His kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace you have been saved through (your)faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, (Law’s demands) lest anyone should boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for (those)good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:20-22
(20) You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone. (21) In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. (22) In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit.
Eph 3:10-14
10 [The purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere. Eph 3:11-12 (11) This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord, (12) In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).
Eph 3:14 For this reason [seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:16-19
(16) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, (17) that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— (19) to know(practial experience) the love of Christ which (sur)passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.[may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
Eph 3:20-21
(20) Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– (21) To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
Eph 4
Eph 4:1 I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service, Eph 4:3-8 (3). endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;(5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism;(6) one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.(7) But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (8)Therefore He says: “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.”
Eph 4:11-13 (11) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (13) till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Eph 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
Eph 5
Eph 5:1-2 (1) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (2) And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Eph 5:8-10 (8) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (9) (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), (10) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
Eph 5:14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
Eph 6:10-18
(10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
(14) Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (15) and having shod your feet with the preparation[to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the gospel of peace; (16) above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (18) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Eph 6:23-24
(23) Peace be to the brethren, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). (24) Grace (God’s undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be).
“For His DIVINE POWER has bestowed upon us ALL THINGS that pertain to LIFE and (A SPIRIT‐LED‐LIFE) GODLINESS (reverence, piety, holiness) through the FULL, PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF HIM, Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (His virtue).”
WE ARE TO BE ACCOUNTED in HIM – to be DEFINED in HIM! All things WILL BE GLORIOUS unto HIM !
1. We HUMBLY PURSUE YOU in this late hour.
Father, You have given us ALL THINGS that can help us to live a godly and Holy Spirit‐led LIFE. We realize THIS is only possible through a “FULL, PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE of YOU” We repent for NOT taking THIS SERIOUS ‐ often living a “lackadaisy” FAITH‐LIFE. Mixing up the PURSUIT of YOU & YOUR GLORY with our own ‘more urgent or important’ STUFF We aught to be ACCOUNTED in YOU; NOT in our flesh‐life striving. We COME to WANT to KNOW YOU more!
PRAYER POINT TWO
(2) Exo 33:7 COME MEET WITH GOD!
” Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the TABERNACLE OF MEETING. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the LORD, WENT OUT to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp.”
2a. Father, we PURPOSEFULLY DRAW NEAR TO ENCOUNTER YOUR GREATNESS
Our PRAYER today is that the BODY of CHRIST: Will RISE UP IN FAITH as we SEEK You daily, by Your Spirit ‐ not through our fleshly anguish or reasoning. (Rom 8)
Will SEPERATE themselves from worldly councils to pursue YOU’RE YOUR WILL & purpose. Will pursue being SET‐APART for You.
Psa 63:1-5
1. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. 2. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. 3. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. 4. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
2b. Father, as we SEEK Your Face
Our PRAYER today is that the BODY of CHRIST: Will RECEIVE Your DIVINE HEALING in SOUL & BODY through the Spirit; TO ENTER YOUR PEACE.
Will TRUST in Your Protection, Wisdom, Provision & HS Guidance TO RECEIVE Your GLORIOUS REST in this late season. Will SEEK YOUR FACE NOW for our lives; our Towns, Churches, this Nation, Your Kingdom… Will be STRENGTHENED TO GO and PREACH the GOOD NEWS; to GO & make disciples!!
PRAYER POINT THREE
(3) Exo 33:9‐11 A DISPLAY of GOD’S GLORY!!
“And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.
All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and ALL the people ROSE and WORSHIPED, each man in his tent door. (taking ownership)
So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend…”
3a. Father, we Repent of DISTRACTIONS
We REPENT & strip ourselves today of all that DISTRACTS from Your GLORY & pre‐eminence. We REGRET for allowing FEAR, DOUBT, UNBELIEF ‐ in all forms, to drive us after WORLDLY wisdom, securities, sensation, carnal comfort & significance… We BIND all FAMILIARITY (familiar spirits); that debase and demean Your NAME, Holiness, Judgement, Grace, Justice & SOVEREIGNTY! We HUMBLY YIELD to WORSHIP You ALONE!
3b. Father, we Repent of all IDOLS
For running after so many other things in seeking meaning and purpose for this life: the lusts of the world & power (1 Jh 2:16) our own carnal desires that provokes to jealousy, strife.. (Ez 8:3) Idols: ‐ idolatry of self, own worth, fame, significance, prestige, position, wealth, things, public status… (2 Pet 1:4) For placing our daily issues; the pride of life, the temporary things 1st‐ in Your stead!
PRAYER POINT FOUR
(4) Exo 33:13‐15 A GLOBAL NEED for GOD’S GLORY!!
“Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may KNOW YOU and that I may find grace in Your sight…
And God said, “MY PRESENCE WILL GO WITH YOU, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.”
Then Moses said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. (4…) Exo 33:17‐18
So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; • for you have found grace in My sight, • and I know you by name.“
4. Father, we have A GLOBAL NEED for Your GLORY to MANIFEST !!
We Pray for Your MERCY, COMPASSION & GRACE in CHRIST as we enter into 2021. Tofind grace in Your sight;BY the Son’s Blood. Toshow us YOUR WAY, not to take our own. ThatYou may KNOW US BY NAME. (Rev1:5‐8) That the Holy Spirit will INVADE the Earthly realm to strengthen and REFRESH the
“ I will MAKE all My GOODNESS pass before you, I will PROCLAIM the NAME of the LORD before you. I will be GRACIOUS to whom I will be gracious, and I will have COMPASSION on whom I will have compassion.”
(5)b. Exo 34:2 BE PERSISTANT in FAITH!!
So BE READY in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself to Me there on the top of the mountain.
5. Father, we need Your GRACE to KEEP us IN FAITH & REMAIN STANDING in YOUR TRUTH ALONE
We will SEEK You EARLY, and seek You as the 1st MOST important thing in our life. We will go up ‘higher’ to seek You out amongst all the other things that life calls for. We PRAY in REVERENCE of Your Holy Name.
PRAYER POINT SIX
(6)a. Rev 2:2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil…
(6)b. Rev 12:11 Look at our mandate IN Christ…
And they OVERCAME him (Satan, EVIL) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. SELAH in this!
Let’s look at what GOD SAYS about evil!
(6)c. Psa 97:10 You who love the LORD, hate evil!He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. (6)d. Pro 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. (6)e. Amos 5:15 Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
6. Father, We STAND in the GAP by the POWER of the Blood to REPENT for SIN & EVIL
We take responsibility for ourselves, our Families, Churches, Towns & Nation; TO STAND in the GAP. We repent for all the sin, evil & bloodshed, rivalry, discord & injustice… lack of love, LIES, greed, apostasy to Your Sovereignty. We pray Your Glory will manifest to ROOT OUT sin, expose corruption & the works in darkness; AS YOU GO BEFORE us… We pray for God‐fearing LEADERS!
PRAYER POINT SEVEN
(7) Rev 2:3 …and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My Name’s sake and have not become weary.
We THANK You God, for all the SERVANTS of GOD in this House; praying in all humility.
7. Father, We PRAY for the SERVANTS of God in this house
We Pray for PROTECTION, Strength, Perseverance, Servanthood & Godly Unity to prevail. We Pray for REVELATION, Council, Wisdom, Strategy, Plans, Influence, Favour, PEACE & Your REST in all areas. We pray that Your Kingdom GLORY will CHANGE this area also through us; For Your NAME’S SAKE!
PRAYER POINT EIGHT
(8) Rev 2:4‐5 LET it BE about GOD!!!
Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
8. Father, TODAY! We COME back to YOU, our 1st LOVE
We repent, LORD, of our personal & corporate decline allowing pride, lethargy, weariness, laziness, sluggishness to numb and tempt us away from sincere, truthful REVERENTIAL AWE & HOLY LOVE for YOU. We repent for loosing our fervent zeal & standard of LOVING YOU 1st and MOST of all! – To love You FOREMOST. (Mrk12:30)
Open our eyes TO SEE!: ‐ in the MIRROR of Your Word where we are tempted to go astray. We ask forgiveness for taking Your honour and making it about us. We repent for IGNORING YOUR HOLY SPIRIT; We regret our stubbornness in NOT adhering to Your lead & wise council BUT following our own will.
We ASK ‐ in YIELDING to Your Spirit, for leading us to PURITY, FERVENT DEVOTION, HOLY OBEDIENCE & REVERENTIAL AWE. We humbly come to seek YOUR PRESENCE to REVEAL Your GLORY here in this PLACE!
BLESSING
Rom 5:1‐2,5
YET, BY GRACE WE can REJOICE in THE HOPE of HIS GLORY
Therefore, having been JUSTIFIED by faith, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through Whom also we have ACCESS by faith into this GRACE in which we STAND, TO REJOICE in HOPE of the GLORY of God.
Now HOPE does not disappoint, because the LOVE of God has been POURED OUT in our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT Who was given to us.
Considerations on Spiritual LEADERSHIP after the Global Lockdown – In the Newness of the Spirit
Serving God In the Newness of the Spirit
IN the Newness of the Spirit. We look at the now, much needed, new Spiritual Leadership after Lockdown. This need to originateFrom BEFORE GOD’S FACE -For HIS KINGDOM’S GLORY.
FOOD for THOUGHT: “From BEFORE HIS FACE – For HIS KINGDOM’S GLORY“
As we consider spiritual leadership after lockdown, we envisage
A NEW FACE OF THE TEMPLE THE CHURCH – THE INDIVIDUAL MOBILIZED
a. ABSTRACT:
The current global scenario that we all are subject to, now creates an obvious & opportune time for RENEWING PERSONAL & CORPORATE VISIONS – in this divine Kairos season; to introduce Spiritual leadership in the “Newness of the Spirit”
“The NEW FACE OF THE TEMPLE THE CHURCH Powerful – Through Every Believer THE INDIVIDUAL MOBILIZED.”
b. INTRODUCTION:
Christ’s Kingdom’s Glory (a) need to be on the forefront of the believer’s now-end-time mission; individually & corporately. The presumptuous disruption of our lives, the utter disordering from life as we know it and the way we’ve ‘done life & church’ in the past, now asks for – and presents a very natural occasion towards – refreshing current views & visions. This is a great opportunistic time – to be fully embraced in seizing the moment; for looking at things from a complete new, unfamiliar, decisive & experiential perspective.
c. RECITATION for CONSIDERATION
ORIGIN OF RECITATION – this recitation originated from:
Specific scriptures bringing conclusive insight and forming part of the backdrop of this dissertation. Academic studies and its literature on ‘revised’ or ‘refined’ visions. This script is also grounded in & founded on a Christ-Kingdom inspired search, for some answers to the Mandate of the Church’s End-Time Impact – for Kingdom Glory, through manifested Kingdom Glory, yet to be released.
IN the NEWNESS of the SPIRIT – FROM BEFORE HIS FACE – FOR HIS KINGDOM GLORY
CONTENT
1. LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
2. PRE-LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES & STRENGTHS
A) IN the Newness of the Spirit – SPIRITUAL MATURITY B) IN the Newness of the Spirit – Biblical SOUND DOCTRINE to be embraced
3. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WAY FORWARD AFTER LOCKDOWN
3.1 New WINE skins ask for New Wine – GOD’S AGENDA for the Church
C) IN the Newness of the Spirit – A New Resilient FAITH CULTURE D) IN the Newness of the Spirit – NEW WINE can BRING BREAKTHROUGH E) IN the Newness of the Spirit – SEEK HIM TOGETHER – in a new way F) IN the Newness of the Spirit – Determine the HEARTBEAT of the CORPORATE BODY
3.2 New CHRISTIAN IMPACT – In His GLORY Presence
G) IN the Newness of His Spirit – His MANIFESTED GLORY H) IN the Newness of His Spirit – His DYNAMIC POWER IN DIVERSITY I) IN the Newness of His Spirit – LETTING GO make way for RELEVANCE J) IN the Newness of His Spirit – It’s time to MOVE ON
3.3 VISION must translate into SPECIFIC STRATEGIES.
K) IN the Newness of the Spirit – INCLUSIVE, TRANSPARENT & OPEN DISCUSSIONS L) IN the Newness of the Spirit – A STRATEGY FOR NOW
3.4 A NEW BRAND of MARCHING SAINTS
M) “IN the Newness of the Spirit – Every Believer embracing His mandate; TO COMPLETE THE WHOLE”
4. CONCLUSION: NOW IS THE TIME FOR HIS GLORY TO MANIFEST
5. FINAL APPRAISAL – SUMMARY – SCRIPTURES – COMMENTARIES- COMMENTS(Strongs)
RECITATION :
IN the NEWNESS of the SPIRIT
From BEFORE HIS FACE – For His KINGDOME GLORY
Rom 7:4, 6 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
1. LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
Through all spheres of life, our reality has for ever been changed into a new unknown special consideration that requires new-wine; updated spiritual leadership. The known has been shaken & has been freed up from conformity to nominal perceptions of our existence and stale beliefs.
As individual believers and the Body of Christ in general, we need to look upon the mission ahead in a new fresh way – KAINOS. This is needed in order to accommodate, facilitate & maximize the current opportunity of the changed world.
This is now the moment – maybe the last we might have – to seize the opportunity to change the status quo of redundant scenarios. To invoke the NEW WINE on a civilization, desperate in need for something new & real! Even, if the old, set & faithful methods still work; is it what God is initiating now? Is this really what the Father has birthed through His Spirit for this moment? Or are we settling for 2nd best, that which is safe?
ARE WE WILLING to seize this new hour with an adventurous trust IN GOD? CAN we WAIT in FAITH on HIM to SHOW HIMSELF CREDIBLE in the very late BUT BRAND NEW hour ?
2. PRE-LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES & STRENGTHS
The Church has been preached to, trained, taught & equipped for years. We have been pew warmers for centuries. Spiritual leadership has always been of utmost importance. Yet now it is more important than ever before.
REVIVAL in the CHURCH will start with the revived spirit of every Believer that has made a daily encounter with God by His Spirit, revealing His Word, their default – NOT settling for anything less!!
REVIVAL in the STREETS will start when the fire of the Holy Spirit burns so bright, even harsh. Through the lives & testimonies of the saints the very shadow of Him living inside of us will convict to repentance & draw all men to His unsurpassed grace.
Because Christ’s true love is displayed through us.
A) IN the Newness of the Spirit – SPIRITUAL MATURITY
As long as we keep people dependent by feeding mainly from outer-court menus, appeased with sight-seeing passivity, comfortable programs and non-challenging examples, the need for maturing (hearing, knowing, doing for yourself) will not be stimulated.
Dependency leaves the Believer’s own call to ‘feed’ others & evangelize the lost, even further behind as part of God’s mission for them.
Unless, we are challenged to step into that place of spiritual maturity; and take responsibility for our own personal faith-walk, people will keep on ‘passing the buck’. Or keep on believing that they are incapable to perform their commission.
• This is contrary to the scriptures: (b) “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
B) IN the Newness of the Spirit – Biblical SOUND DOCTRINE to be embraced.
To NOT-share the relevance of hardships, trials & challenges of our faith walk, is not presenting to the Believer a Biblically sound doctrine and an all compassing theology. Such messages that neglect the above, presents a mediocre comfortable faith journey..
A seeker sensitive mentoring; lacking the truths about God’s judgement, wrath, righteousness, justice & grace…, do not help the believer in his/her own faith pursuit in their real-time challenges. (b. Psa 89:14)
• This soon has to change & will be a sudden shock to those who sit under erroneous preaching that mainly populate the pews by pleasing the ears; leading many astray in the process through defiled & compromised spiritual leadership.
Is the church maybe guilty of keeping babes in the pews? Have the mega-church concepts & grandeur individual pursuits been for too long, too much on the forefront?
• Being stuck in monotonous & repetitive religious rituals are the same as being under the spell of witchcraft & bondage of the Law of old. (c. Rom 7:4,6)
3. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WAY FORWARD AFTER LOCKDOWN
We should now go & fulfil the End Time mandate for maximum CHURCH-IMPACT through His many new & different creative ways; by serving & to influence this world in the ‘Newness of the Holy Spirit’ being led in His authentic ways. This happens as we come before His face; when our sole focus for ‘doing church’ is for His Kingdom Glory.
• IF, His Kingdom GLORY – to do the Father’s will (a) – was the ONLY AUTHORIZED mandatory mission; would our End Time Faith Activities have looked different from the previous Faith Business Pursuits? (see annexure B & C below)
3.1 New WINE skins ask for New Wine – GOD’S AGENDA for the Church “In the Newness of the Spirit – What is on God’s Agenda”
“WHAT will we hear as we come before Him, before His face, in the beauty of His Presence about His glory to be made renown !?”
Another read : “THE VOICE of the CHURCH has been SILENCED”
NOW is the TIME to LISTEN to WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING!
Superficial faith menus leave people unfulfilled & dissatisfied with the doctrine of the church; it frustrates. Anything not shared genuine from the heart falls flat…
For the Spirit inside us cries out, deep unto deep, for the more of the ‘newness of the Spirit’. One taste of the New Wine poured out deep into our spirit – the power and presence of the Holy Spirit – leaves us cold for anything that it is not.
Now is the TIME to QUIET OURSELES DOWN for INSIGHT & REVELATION.
We have to hear, see and observe; – so to speak ‘WITH WHAT’ & ‘WHERE’ God is busy. All Believers need to discern where His Holy Spirit is moving & what is now highlighted on His agenda.
• This won’t be found in the previous ways or by following past formats or formulas. The times have now truly & actually changed into more variations of the speedily changing world. The last ‘order of the world’ has become a greater reality and is closer at hand. It is not politics, business, church and life as in the past.
• A Familiar view, past successful programs & strategies; same old, same old ways can blur our vision & hamper our pursuit of a fresh new approach – in most areas. Before us are many, very new & challenging uncertainties that create diverse and new requirements for the present and future time.
C) IN the Newness of the Spirit – a New Resilient FAITH CULTURE
In many ways, people are now faced with the very real, fast changing dynamics of a very uncertain ‘present’ & vague future. It is an opportunistic, global, antagonizing and a constant in our lives. Believers need to become further acquainted and aware of a living God, actively guiding them, by His Spirit. The reality thereof and with greater intensity.
Personal challenges & struggles should be met with a resilient FAITH CULTURE. This is a personal, real & practical FAITH culture that will be introducing the dimension of God’s real time truths to be personified.
A NEW FAITH CULTURE- NEW wine is introduced for the new wineskins :
• It is crucial that hands-on, practical & on-the-run operational guidance & guidelines need to be introduced. This will enable the individual believer to be combat-ready, able to address & confront each personal challenge him/herself with resilient faith; in the newness of the Spirit. (b. Eph. 4:11-16)
• In-service Spirit training is the best way of learning & earning stripes under your belt; resulting in mature, relevant and practical Believers, trained in experiential faith by the Spirit.
• It’s time to throw the ball back into the hands of the believer & all members of the Christian faith.
The Assembly to assemble around His Spirit’s voice, individually received & acknowledged – as in the Upper Room – for the movement of the Church into the new, to come alive, together – form the Fulness of Christ – His Full 5 Fold.
D) IN the Newness of the Spirit – NEW WINE can BRING BREAKTHROUGH
New wine in new wineskins can break through the frontier of the unknown and step up, step out & create a new unique identity to meet the requirements of the new… Maybe now is the time to let go… to embrace faith afresh ” in the newness of the Spirit”
‘Let my people go’, to believe in themselves, to believe in God alone, to be able to fulfil the great commission; their great mission; confident to be led by my Spirit. Man made principles need to be founded on the solid Rock of the Word.
• It is the duty of the Leaders & Elders of this age to equip & commission the Body of Believers into their harvest fields; NOW even in a more resilient new way. (b. Eph. 4:11-16)
E) IN the Newness of the Spirit – SEEK HIM TOGETHER – in a new way
CORPORATELY A FEW NEW APPROACHES NEED TO BE TAKEN FOR THIS TO HAPPEN
In a corporate community we have to pursue God together to find “the new” that accommodates & is inclusive of most in the communal heart… to find the communal heart; His heart in all.
Church life has to break in & break through
The uniqueness of each individual’s faith convictions should be harnessed to enrich the faith experience of the corporate Body. This being wide-ranging, yet inclusive to encourage involvement and facilitate self-realization.
In finding the Lord’s fresh new agenda & direction for the diverse areas of church life, it could be inevitably to seek a completely new approach. This can be done by bringing new wine into new wine skins through overhauling & remodelling some of the current programs, styles & rescheduling some.
In most areas of faith life, we should not default to “as we’ve done it in the past”. The previous approach will most probably not accommodate the current systemic scenario in the much-needed new & relevant way. It will also not be able to facilitate progress towards the new wine, unless this is & stays dynamic in the current NEW demanding situation.
F) IN the Newness of the Spirit – Determine the HEARTBEAT of the CORPORATE BODY
Seeking God’s face as a congregation and participate in transparent leadership is crucial for the church to stay dynamic.
In order to discern where our Father is ‘moving’ & ‘touching the hearts’ of members in the Body, we need to determine the heartbeat of the corporate body.
HOW DO WE FIND THE CONCEPT OF THE CORPORATE HEARTBEAT?
• By encouraging open discussions, people’s dispositions, needs and personal faith quests, will be crystalized and brought into clarity. Through each member’s personal revelation of God & desired progress in their salvation process, this insight will bring revelation.
• While encouraging ownership of the individual pursuit, this needs to join together in the corporate setting. To come to the full picture of our Father’s heart. Through this we will discover His current involvement in the lives of His saints and discern where He is taking the Body as a whole.
• The voice of the sheep gives the shepherd a clearer idea of where they are and what their needs are; to meet just that. This, a paradox, but in this new season the shepherds’ may need to listen for the sheep’s cries. Let this stir up a new direction – leading from ‘behind’.
3.2 The New CHRISTIAN IMPACT – In His GLORY PRESENCE
G) IN the Newness of His Spirit – His MANIFESTED GLORY
Let us look at the scriptures:
“This, the first of His signs (miracles, wonderworks), Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory [by it He displayed His greatness and His power openly], and His disciples believed in Him [adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him]”. (e) Joh 2:11
PEOPLE NEED TO BELIEVE “AGAIN”
Through the signs & wonders that Christ performed, His glory was manifest & His greatness and power became openly known. These miracles become evident of His presence; there manifesting in this dimension “on earth as it is in heaven”.
People started to believe in Him. This was something displayed through ‘Someone’; unlike anything they have ever experienced before. He had a completely New Impact in their lives.
• It is time that this must happen again. Surely, God would want show Himself strong in this moment in time; through a people that truly believe in the power given to them through the risen Christ; and them acting on it.
THE WORLD IS IN DIRE STRAITS – AWAITING SUCH A MOVE NOW:
• The dynamics of the entire social, financial, relational and operative environment in & around our socio-existence has changed.
WE need to demonstrate the PRESENCE & GLORY of God through A NEW HEIGHT of HIS SPIRIT’s INTENSITY and MANIFESTATION; NOT THROUGH more excitement & entertainment.
BY my spirit within me, I will seek you early
H) IN the Newness of His Spirit – His DYNAMIC POWER IN DIVERSITY
In order to stay relevant, we need to spent time and have open ears to find new ways of introducing a DYNAMIC POWERFUL GOD into people’s realities.
For this to happen we have to give God the mandate on OUR TIME & give the Holy Spirit our UNDIVIDED CAPTIVATION and worship of Him. Through sitting & abiding in His presence we will discover His DYNAMIC POWER in HIS DIVERSITY. This is crucial to lead the way.
As we look at Him the Holy Spirit show us His ways and lead us into all truth we will discover how He wants to manifest Himself in the “current world scenario” in this hour through HIS manifold ways.
The EVANGELISTIC Christian Ministry & Faith Life Push
The current global state of affairs should be used to the benefit of a NEW VISION. To stimulate the last leg of the EVANGELISTIC Christian Ministry & Faith Life Push.
This could result in a powerful & dynamic revival stimulus as people “start to believe” again.
• With all the diverse new challenges we may have to target a few areas where we find ourselves able to change & introduce diversity to make a difference in a new way and use this as a guideline & inspiration to change.
I) IN the Newness of His Spirit – LETTING GO make way for RELEVANCE
• The New Christian Impact now needs to make a large footprint. Out in the mission field of our everyday life, in business, the workplace, social & suburban life –
• It asks for a measure of ‘letting go & leaving’ of the occasional stagnation of the old. To introduce out of the box, new, wider & more free Christian life approaches that will meet people where they at.
J) IN the Newness of His Spirit – It’s time to MOVE ON
Most Believers have “moved on”. Christians have had enough of the rigidity of religiously; and ‘toeing the line’ to something that is not relevant to their real-time lives. These includemany who are serious in their faith. The backslidden and even potential new souls. People want to see the risen Christ now manifested in this dimension!
• In order to stay relevant in the irrevocably changed society of the 11th hour; finding new innovative evangelical ideas, mandates & encouraging new bold patterns will have to become a faith community’s pursuit.
This can ensure change to the faith life of the believer & to match the demand and need of the current late hour.
3.3 VISION must translate into SPECIFIC STRATEGIES.
K) IN the Newness of the Spirit – INCLUSIVE, TRANSPARENT & OPENLY
In order to steer the ship with inclusiveness, strategies will have to be freely discussed & openly debated by the greater part of the faith community.
This approach may keep at least the majority interested; being part of the plan through an incorporated vision, mission, goals & introducing actions steps for all to employ with vigour. Therefore, being motivated by an inclusive vision development; MORE BELIEVERS will be released to be the new face of the church – the individual mobilized.
“THE CHURCH WILL GO NOWHERE NEW, UNLESS WE ALL GO TOGETHER”
:-“God quote” Jhn 14 & 17
IF NOT implementing comprehensive vision building & INCLUSIVE VISIONARY LEADERSHIP, the falling away- from the corporate setting; of even the elect, will take place sooner than later.
In the light of the current global scenario – that has brought in much confusion – more individual VOICES are NEEDED; and need to be heard. We need the voice of the church to make the End Time Statement of the church drastic; to be broad & far reaching. This is essential, especially pertaining to the relevant direction for the church in its end time dynamic purpose.
L) IN the Newness of the Spirit – A STRATEGY for NOW
The ‘New Normal’ needs to be conceptualised within a strategy for now:
‘Not knowing exactly what just happened; where we are; where we are goin; what we are facing; what is next and what to prepare for; accumulate into a new compendium – to be incorporated in our reasoning processes for the way forward.
These scenarios of global proportions, playing off in the minds of most, are now very much in our face. Where previously it was just a vague possibility in the back of one’s mind.
Much & many things have changed. Most people don’t have an idea of what exactly has changed. Neither can we factually appreciate what is really going on. And what is really at stake here.
DISCERNING THE TRUTH FROM THE LIE
The uncertainty of who are now calling the shots in governments; is of great concern.
The agenda of those key role players that socially influence our lives – even readily planning that of the next generations – is highly questionable and even suspiciously looked at. Thereis much reason to discern what the ‘truth’ sounds likeandto seriously determine the church’s new function in a societythat is stillshaking in aftershock. Nowadays, the integrity of the many voices, bellowingover the amplified media waves, is highly questionable.
It is one thing to have a plan & direction.
We are all fully aware that something of apocalyptical nature is going on! But what this entails or will amount to still need to be revealed; and it will…! BUT will we see it for what it is!?
People don’t know to what the world has changed to & what it is developing into. Most people are greatly confused, and therefore even dysfunctional after this much unsettling time. Even to the point of becoming depressed and lethargic.
This current condition applies to our personal, corporate & even spiritual settings. There where we find the plan (path and direction) is not attend to in a fresh new way and left to the “silent groaning of the uncertainties” more confusion & disengagement will set in. ‘Someone’ needs to hear God’s voice in the newness of the Spirit for new direction in this season. All of us need to discern His truth from the voice of the lie.
The CHURCH needs to find that new setting to adapt their plans, strategies & spiritual leadership approach.
• We need to keep all parties involved to be part of a new way of thinking. This is crucial for faith building & a solid faith stance. • Leaders should lead from the back at times, to accommodate & appreciate the reality of current dynamics in people’s lives; for an inclusive and dynamic new vision.
3.4 A NEW BRAND of MARCHING SAINTS
In providing diverse & creative planning opportunities, collaboration on the things that we are sure of from His Word;
The CHURCH could harness a New Brand of Marching Saints into ‘The Last Commission March’ for HIS Glory Mission.
To keep the faith community relevant, active, encouraged and energetic; in doing what the hour requires, asks for a revised, fresh, unfamiliar & dynamic new VISION. This vision should translate through strong spiritual leadership & in collaboration with all who need to buy in and ‘sell the product’ of their faith; out in a very real and uncertain world.
THE LAST BANQUET
Every generation had their years of international & national mayhem, war, confusion & instability. Yet, now we are for sure closer to the end… We are closer to a fierce enemy with a devious plan, which needs to be negotiated.
Crucial new strategies have to be developed; – in order not to fall away from the original Mission of the Church – MAKE disciples and take them with you. And not to miss out on the glorious harvest prepared for our Saviour’s last banquet feast.
M) IN the Newness of the Spirit – Every Believer embracing His MANDATE TO COMPLETE THE WHOLE
4. CONCLUSION:
NOW IS THE TIME FOR HIS GLORY TO MANIFEST
As human intervention almost ‘step to the side’ in submission; we allow the GLORY OF HIS PRESENCE break the fallow ground in the believer’s life – in a NEWNESS of the Spirit-way.
As every believer is encouraged; become bold and daring to step into the flow of His Glory River, the church will come together in unison – as we all walk in the frontline, together.
FOR THE GREATER GLORY
We are in the Father’s GRACE TIME season of realizing purpose FOR THE GREATER GLORY; where every Believer will find his/her own voice in context of the Kingdom Voice & Spirit Call.
As the Godhead is ONE, we are to manifest the many facets of Christ’s glory in unison. Becoming relevant in these last days with New Wine in New wine skins. The FIVEFOLD Minisrty Fulness of Christ must be revived into action. This need to happern by equipping through guidance and revelation of the Holy SPirit in the moment; releasing the voice of the Father into one relevant voice by revelation. (e) Joh 2:5
‘His kingdom has to come’ through each Believer’s life – living from a place of experiential faith & glory.
• HIs Kingdom should & will manifest when His glory presence flow in & through us; becoming evident with signs & miracles. A daily, supernatural manifestation of His power & presence for the world to see & believe His majestic honour & glory. THIS can only COME from HIS PRESENCE… from Him…
TO pray from the Secret Place; from before His face.
Please watch this following video of Kevin Zadai’s experience in heaven. Encouraging us to enter into the secret place through prayer.
• For God to show forth His greatness; the greater works of Christ should be PERFORMED. There where man has no pretence, no human conceived plan and no agenda of His own. This will happen when man step aside & God’s glory manifests; by Him bringing His own right arm into action. To perform His greater works, even through us.
• This happens when our Father finds a vessel through whom He can freely manifest His almighty power & glory, according to His council & perfect will; knowing His glory will reach Heaven’s throne & His accolades will be hailed, throughout the heavens and the earth. (e) Joh 2:11
All of creation will join in song for the Church has been mobilized for the honor & glory of his Kingdom to manifest.
His Glory will manifest as the corporate church “allow the believer to believe in God” through the lives of ALL and He will receive the hnour & praise. No man, no individual, no church, no denomination. We will be led by His Spirit and He will seize His own praise. He will not share His glory with no man.
A whole new era needs to be hauled in. Where the systems, calendars, plans, works and performances of man will truly subject itself, consciously, to serve God & His people “in the newness of the Spirit” (c)
The church in this late hour is crying out for Strong & mature spiritual leadership in the Newness of the Spirit
From: The Monograph – A Biblical Theology of Leadership
I quote:
“If we think of success in terms of leader-greatness, we are on faulty ground. Success is to be measured by the greatness of the people of God, not just the leaders”
5. FINAL APPRAISAL:
CHRIST wants to be glorified!
The Father’s glory was and still is Christ’s mission! Now through us, even more! HIS IS the Kingdom, the ONLY kingdom, the only kingdom to build. He ALONE is the POWER & the GLORY; to receive ALL the honour.
I humbly contemplate; might the church in general, have missed it at times… We are “flesh unto flesh”, yet we should be spirit unto Spirit. The human nature, craving for honour and selfrealiasation is much tempted to make it about ourselves.
So many HUMAN PURSUITS; instead of making this life about God…, about His Glory to manifest through our lives and testimonies.
OUR God builds His church
We are ever thankful, for Him not leaving us to our own end. God is still building His Church!!
God is building His church regardless and in spite of our neglected failures and imperfections. Which include our failure to do regular retrospective “Word-Mirror” spot checks., to toe the line with the Word.
Our neglect, that has eroded gospel priorities, has rather often highlighted man’s packaged suggestions, of a Church look alike.
Are we building the church with God or apart from HIm?
HONOUR is due – SAINTS & STEWARDS of His grace
To His Priesthood, who continues relentless in the enormous responsibility of leadership; leading the church of His Christ in His wisdom, truth & Godly ways.
Many of God’s Servants are walking in the frontline, even when own weaknesses, trails & failures temp to lure to despair.”
LASTLY, Through this dissertation,
I also want to bring honour to the past & previous Giants of Faith. Those who led the Church so diligently by the call of His Spirit in previous eras.
They achieved much by spreading Christ’s Kingdom Glory through His Great Commission and played their best role in this diverse, compelling mission of the Christ Story.
They have layed the foundations for the now-generation, to fulfil and write the last pages of this novel Narrative.
Are we ready to build the Last Arc Together!
Heb 11:7
(7) By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen; moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
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These are my humble, ‘own-mirror’ reflective contemplations; a modest submission, KNOWING that it is only SHARING IN PART.
Let us all be encouraged to use this ‘New WINE Season’ to make right and keep going for the Good Lord’s Eternal Glorious Honour.
In His Righteousness alone Alna Terblanche 28/05/2020
SUMMARY
The following themes are relevant to this recitation:
Summary with acknowledgement of Dr. Emeka Ezenwugo
At PRE-Lockdown, the global Church was engaged in many ‘clever’, yet man driven initiatives. Many were not necessarily Spirit led.
What we call the church has created a class of ‘dependent” devotees who have little or no one-on-one encounter with the Lord and lack discernment.
There is a need for a tangible demonstration of God’s power and glory. This is needed both to awaken the Church and to harvest the souls in the world.
The 5 fold ministry of Christ; especially the PROPHETIC, are needed at a time like this to be in sync with what the Lord is doing globally as we approach the end of the ages.
Annexure A: SCRIPTURES – Let the Scriptures Be the Light to Our Path
(a) THE GLORY OF THE FATHER & OF HIS CHRIST – ON EARTH – IS A GOD OBJECTIVE
Key verse to consider for our core aspiration & foundational consideration:
Joh 7:18 (Ampl)
(18) He who speaks on his own authority seeks to win honor for himself. [He whose teaching originates with himself seeks his own glory.] But He Who seeks the glory and is eager for the honor of Him Who sent Him, He is true; and there is no unrighteousness or falsehood or deception in Him. (NKJV) (18) He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
(See Annexure B; for commentary perspective)
2Co 4:5 – 7
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Treasure in Jars of Clay
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Joh 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son
Joh 17:1
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,
Joh 17:4-6
(4) I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. (5) And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. (6) “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.
Joh 17:22-24
(22) And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: (23) I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (24) “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
(b) BELIEVERS MATURE UP!
Psa 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.
2Co 3:18
And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
Heb. 5:12 , 14
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
1Jnn 2:27 – The believer needs to know how to ABIDE IN HIM & draw from HIS anointing But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
Eph 4:11-16
(11) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (13) till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (14) that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, (15) but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— (16) from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
(c) THE MESSENGER OF THE NEW COVENANT IS SENT TO SERVE BY THE SPIRIT
Mal 3:1
1 “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the LORD of hosts.
Rom 7:4, 6
4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
Ampl. VersionRom 7:4, 6 …So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness [of life].
Joh 20:21-23
(21) So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (22) And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Mar 16:19 (19) So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
(d) TO DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER
Joh 4:34-35
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
Heb 13:21 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Joh 7:16-17
16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.
(e) SIGNS WILL MANIFEST HIS GLORY
Joh 2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Joh 2:11 This, the first of His signs (miracles, wonderworks), Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory [by it He displayed His greatness and His power openly], and His disciples believed in Him [adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him].
Annexure B: COMMENTARIES EXTRACTS
Matthew Henry Commentary’s depicts:
(A) Comment on John 7:18
See here the character of a deceiver: he seeketh his own glory, which is a sign that he speaks of himself, as the false Christs and false prophets did. Here is the description of the cheat; they speak of themselves, and have no commission, nor instructions from God. No warrant but their own will, no inspiration but their own imagination, their own policy and artifice.
(B) Comment on John 7:16-17
Christ himself, was willing to have his doctrine enquired into, whether it were of God or not. Therefore much more should his ministers; and we are concerned to examine what grounds we go upon, for, if we be deceived, we are miserably deceived. Secondly, who are likely to succeed in this search: those that do the will of God, at least are desirous to do it.
Now see,
Who they are that will do the will of God? They are such as are impartial in their enquiries concerning the will of God, and are not biassed by any lust or interest, and such as are resolved by the grace of God, when they find out what the will of God is, to conform to it. They are such as have an honest principle of regard to God, and are truly desirous to glorify and please him.
Annexure C: Revelatory COMMENTS through Biblical context (Strongs)
• “ In the Newness of the Spirit G2538 Kainotes kahee-not’-ace : renewal G2537 kainos : kahee-nos’ – freshness G2643 katallage kat-al-lag-ay’ : exchange (figuratively adjustment), restoration to (the divine) favor: – atonement, reconciliation (-ing).
• “Before the Face of God “ G2714 katenōpion kat-en-o’-pee-on From G2596(katah) and G1799; directly in front of: – before (the presence of), in the sight of. G1799 in the face of ; 3700 optomai ; To gaze, To look at, Perceive, Regard, Take Heed, To know, To understand, To see, To visit, To behold, To discern, To consider
I release these words as God reveals His heart. I believe He wants to encourages us all, to PRAY & TO BELIEVE that He IS VERY PRESENT in our CURRENT, VERY interesting SEASON.
PRAYER RELEASES THE POWER OF GOD
Psa 85:6-9
(6) Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?
(7) Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your salvation.
(8) I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly.
(9) Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.
WHAT HAPPENS AS WE PRAY !?
SEED NATURE TRANSFORMATION
Every seed is created by God to change the nature of that seed into something completely different as it is PLANTED or SUBMITTED. It becomes a living organism and of a “different nature”. It changes from strength, phase, stature, appearance, purpose, destiny & in effect.
God has DESIGNED THAT SEED to react to HIS NATURE – SUPERTNATURAL POWER
As we pray, putting our faith out there in audible words, we create something very powerful, life changing, atmosphere changing by releasing our faith into the God realm.
These faith-released ‘SEEDS’ change completely from nature as prayer turns words & sound into actions. These PRAYERS are to be executed by a different kind – the angel-kind, and released into another realm to execute, to manifest here on earth as it is in heaven.
PRAYERS RELEASE THE SUPERNATURAL
These prayers are directed into the spiritual realm to create something supernatural and of a wonderworking type. The heavens react to the words & doings of God’s saints, His warrior bride. Angels are sent into action. Daemons are set to flight and heaven touches earth.
Do we understand the authority & power we exude as we utter & demonstrate words, prophetic actions, gestures, songs and even groanings & sounds of weeping, praise or joy by faith?
Our faith and authority do not lie in the words, method or strategy BUT in the power of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; – as the word so clearly state.
BELEIVE IN GOD OR NOT
As we PRAY, we have a choice to believe that something will happen as we have brought the matter before the Father’s Throne of grace. We also have an option to see by the spirit, our Lord, the Chief Intercessor, seated at the Right Hand of the Father, interceding for us, or we can look with the natural eye and see ourselves trying to do this life by our own natural ability…
When we employ our faith in an ALMIGHTY GOD through our PRAYERS, we can extend our spirit-hearts to take hold of the HOPE and even ETERNAL JOY; to actively RECEIVE the PEACE that we have in our Lord, HIS COMPLETE SHALOM. OR we will be guilty of being a doubting Thomas. There are no grey areas when it comes to faith in God.
We either believe in God or we don’t; in His goodness, faithfulness, wisdom, justice and kindness… to name but a few of His characteristics. If the Word of God states over and over that God is good … His mercies endures forever, then we have to make the choice, even TODAY, to believe, that is WHO He says He is – NOW & for ever more.
When circumstances changes … God does not change with it!!!
FAITH COMES ALIVE AS IT HEARS THE WORD OF GOD !
The Word says that God has given us all a measure of faith. This faith comes alive and goes into action as it HEARS the LIVING Word of God. Even more so when we utter or demonstrate this ourselves by the filling our minds, heart and mouth with great measures of the Word.
LET us therefore go INTO ACTION with our PRAYERS, filled with WORDS of WORD-FAITH! And let us look, to see & wait in expectancy what God is doing on our behalf, in this life that He has blessed us with. If you are also one of those doubting if this present situation is a blessing… I don’t blame you… surely, we are all wondering where this is going.
But one thing will never change and that is :
Joh 14:13-14
(13) And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
(14) If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
Luk 18:7-8
(7) And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
(8) I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
TRUE WORSHIP UNTO GOD RESTORES RAIN and HIS BLESSINGSTO A NATION
True Worship Unto GOD restores all things back to HIS purposes and plans. This applies to all of us and to all of our lives. We are all called to worship God. Even Satan still falls under that command. All of creation is called to worship the one true God.
IF ANY WANTS TO SERVE THIS NATION IN TRUE WORSHIP UNTO GOD – MAKE RIGHT WITH the TRUE GOD
IF you BELEVE it or NOT. You are a creation of the One true GOD. You can choose to believe what ever you want – this one fact cannot be changed according to your believe or liking. You are created by the ONE true God – that LOVES you and He created you OUT OF LOVE & FROM HIS SPIRIT. You look like Him – amazing or freeky – it still stays a fact & the only truth there is.
True Worship unto God – the only true God restores a Nation to enter into His REST. Such a people who trusts in God also receive to enjoy His protection & Covenant Blessings according to His Promises; by default!
– ONLY SHARING IN PART –
The Lord has laid a deep concern in my heart; imprinting that the current DROUGHT has a GOD PRINCIPLE implicating. This is not solely the reason, yet it links up our Government and the Presidency, as the responsible entity in office, the head of State – the head of this South African NATION.
IF ANY WANTS TO SERVE THIS NATION IN TRUE WORSHIP UNTO GOD – PRAY FOR OBEDIENCE TO HIS COMMANDS.
Such, has ‘cut’ PEACE connections with Israel in bowing to humanistic, political, economic and cultural pressures. This decision is in clear opposite to OBEDIENCE to the Word of God and the Worship of the ONLY ONE TRUE GOD.
A logical result from this action taken by our Government – a COLLECTIVE Governmental LEADERSHIP, who takes RESPONSIBILITY for this Nation and makes the final decisions – is the consequential REFRAINING from TRUE WORSHIP to the ONE TRUE GOD.
This resulting in South Africa to stand in DISFAVOUR, AS A WHOLE NATION, before the CREATOR; and therefore, (in part) closed up for the blessings and favour of God Eternal.
HE ALONE is the giver of ALL LIFE; which includes the BLESSING of LIFE GIVING RAIN on our NATION (see scriptures below). HE demands true worship unto God, unto Himself for He has set His laws in place to bless the Nations who will abide in His blessed ways.
◇ SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVE AND TERMINOLOGY:
Therefore, as we interpret this from a Scriptural perspective, our Government, and specifically the king/our President, as the head and responsible person (see Ps 21) can’t be a blessing to the nation… and we can’t walk in the blessings of God as a nation.
Blessings, which include the blessing of rain, financial prosperity, social and governmental stability.
IF ANYONE WANTS TO SERVE THIS NATION – TAKE UP YOUR GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY
Again, this applies to all citizens of this nation.
◇ OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
A.▪ THE CHRIST BELIEVING CITIZEN’S RESPONSIBILITY:
Let us then STAND in the GAP and REPENT for the sins of this nation’s Government and PRAY for the peoples.
Let us pray for their hearts to open up to God’s wisdom and council.
B.▪ A CALL TO PRAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES:
Let the BELIEVING CITIZENS of this Nation CALL UPON our GOVERNMENTAL LEADERS to:
REPENT of their HOSTILITY towards Israel and REFRAINING OF ACKNOWLEDGING YAHWEH, the Great I am, as the One True God;
Let us PRAY for RESTORATION of such RELATIONS and the PROTECTION of FREE WORSHIP to the GOD of Israel; – REPENT for ALL FORMS of unrighteous BLOODSHED
Let us PRAY for the RESTORATION of such laws & the re-instating of the protection of ALL LIFE of man and all things created.
REPENT for ALLOWING the VIOLATION of the SANCTITY of THE BRIDE; MARRIAGE and ALL RELATIONSHIPS RELATING TO FAMILY;
Let us PRAY for the RESTORATION and employment of all legislation for the PROTECTION of the ENTTITY of the FAMILY; as GOD designed it.
REPENT for neglecting SERVICES to the citizens of this Nations, purely because of the DISOBEDIENCE to God’s STATUTES, PRINCIPLES and (WISE) COUNCIL to the king; resulting in a lawless, greedy, disrespectful, corrupt, truth-less and a selfish society;
Let us PRAY for the conviction of the hearts in our Leaders, by the power of the Holy Spirit to return to the One True God.
C.▪ THE BODY OF CHRIST:
IF ANONE WANTS TO SERVE THIS NATION – Let the BODY OF CHRIST UNITE IN TRUE WORSHIP OF THE ONE TRUE GOD,
the MESSIAH, the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to save the world.
He also came to die for the SALVATION OF THIS NATION, TODAY. (Hebr 2 to 4)
there is NO OTHER God
IF ANONE WANTS TO SERVE THIS NATION -Let us UNITE IN PRAYER:
TO BRING HONOUR TO HIM ALONE; for HE said there are no other gods like Him.
TO REFRAIN FROM OUR OWN STUBBORNNESS, cultural, humanistic and church-political deviations and divisions; TO Worship God in Unison.
TO RETURN TO THE WORSHIP OF GOD, the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit within.
TO REPENT for the sad and compromising state of affairs in the Body of Christ and the CHURCH establishment.
TO PRAY for ALL who call themselves Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, to return to the TRUTH and sound doctrine in His WORD.
◇ CONCLUSION:
Yet, God, the God of the Whole Universe, STILL KEEPS US IN HIS MERCY and GRACE; for our God has not forsaken us completely,… There are still Prayers going up to His Throne. There are still believing, trusting hearts in His faithfulness over us.
GOD IS A SOVEREIGN GOD… HE HAS the SOUTH AFRICAN Nation as part of His End Time plan to be a SAFE HAVEN for the World.
Let us PRAY this into being!
THE SACRIFICE Christ paid has completely removed our separation from God, in order for us to freely come…; and AS WE willingly RETURN TO HIM. Let this NATION RETURN to the Living God in TRUE WORSHIP and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of HIS SOVEREIGNTY over us. LET US ARISE IN HIS GRACE; RIGHTEOUSNESS, JOY, PEACE, HOPE, TRUST and FAITH in our GOD. FOR HE HAS OVERCOME sin and death, He IS ADVANCING with the Hosts of Heaven on our behalf.
He is coming as THE ETERNAL SAVIOUR of the World… also for RSA.
◇ SCRIPTURE references:
Zechariah 14:17
And it shall be that whoso of the families of the earth shall not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, upon them there shall be no rain.
Psalm 21:1 – 3 , 5 – 7
THE KING [David] shall joy in Your strength, O Lord; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah For You send blessings of good things to meet him; You set a crown of pure gold on his head. His glory is great because of Your aid; splendor and majesty You bestow upon him. For You make him to be blessed and a blessing forever; You make him exceedingly glad with the joy of Your presence. For the king trusts, relies on, and is confident in the Lord, and through the mercy and steadfast love of the Most High he will never be moved.
Hebrews 3: 12 – 13 , 15 , 19 Ampl
[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God. But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him]. Then while it is [still] called Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion [in the desert, when the people provoked and irritated and embittered God against them]. [Ps. 95 :7, 8.] So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [unbelief had shut them out].
HOW DO WE MAKE SENSE OF BAD THINGS HAPPENING TO GOOD PEOPLE?
Sickness, desease, brokenness, disaster, death, wickedness, all evil, unrighteous living and any form of sin… are definitely not God’s will for us or form part of His Covenantal blessing for us. But, we live in a fallen world and are therefore subject to it.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Sin came through a choice that man made, in the freedom God gave him to choose. God in His desire to have a relationship with us created us with a free will, enabling us to make our own choices.
He gave man a choice to choose to Love Him and to choose that by his free will. He did not enforce it on us… therefore, He gave man by default also the choice to reject Him and to sin. LOVE is a choice; no enforcement can apply.
AUTHORITY LOST AND GAINED
Adam chose to disobey God’s instruction and through His choice, all of creation became subject to that choice, which plunged all of mankind into a fallen and sinful state. From our birth we are received into this fallen, sinful world.
In the Garden of Eden man also lost his authority. At that point this was handed over to satan. When God send His Only Son to earth – for the redemption of mankind back to the heart of the Father, God gave ALL AUTHORITY back to Christ.
Therefore, as we step into God’s redemptive option to choose Christ, to be IN Him and to receive the New Covenant Position that He attained for us, we also regain our place of authority; but this time it is only as we are In Him.
(Again, we are sharing IN PART)
THERE ARE 2 PARTS TO THIS STORY
a. OUR PART
The word says: ‘Because of a lack of knowledge (of God) my people perish… that calls for all areas of our lives to be subjected to the knowledge of God.
Hos 4:6 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge,...
COMMENTARY ON THIS SCRIPTURE ; Mathhew Henry’s Commentary
“The people strove with the priests that should have taught them the knowledge of God; justly therefore were they destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hos_4:6. Note, Those that rebel against the light can expect no other than to perish in the dark. This can also serve as a charge upon the priests, who should have been still teaching the people knowledge (Ecc_12:9). …so there was no knowledge of God in the land; and because there was no vision, or none to any purpose, the people perished…” Pro_29:18.
In application to the context of the title to this exposition re. “…Life’s Quest in Trials…” we now come to “The knowledge of God”:
The knowledge of GOD for victorious living
As Christ fills ALL things with Himself, we desperately need His knowledge of Himself to be revealed to us in the different situations and areas of our lives, enabling us to live our lives in the full knowledge and revelation of WHO HE is FOR US in every trial, situation and quest.
Pro 29:18 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.
As the crown of God’s creation, we should constantly be looking at our Creator for wisdom and guidance in everything pertaining to this life He granted us. Yet, we have rejected Him, and often are still not interested in learning from God, His ways.
Man would rather follow his own discretion and human acquired knowledge – through his God given intellect, than to yield to our Creator’s Manuel & obediently submit to His statutes and Holy Spirit – within us – for guidance & His ULTIMATE wisdom.
Most of us suffer from a severe plague of pride, stubbornness and self righteousness. Even when earthly wisdom comes our way, from any avenue but our own preferred place of submission, we would get severely aggrivated or self righteous. We would rather stay in rebellious stubborness than to humble ourselves & follow good advice. Funny enough this happens mostly on the topics of health, relationships, finance and faith; where life’s biggest challenges also lie.
Knowledge of God through Spirit Revelation
We can sought out God’s REVELATORY WISDOM and also gather intellectual KNOW-HOW and knowledge on any given area of FAITH & LIFE in general. Such to help us in this physical life as well as in the “working out of our salvation”.
The knowledge of God, sought out in His presence through the Holy Spirit’s help – bring His wisdom & His revelation for every situation and quest we face in life. This will lead us steadily through the many processes in life towards the reward of eternal life.
GOD IS LOVE and because of that LOVE, He created man to have fellowship with us, eternally. He gave us life to love us & be loved by us and to fascilitate His rule and reign here on earth. Surely He would not have created us with thie mission at hand just to leave us stranded in our own weaknesses, without help or ability to live this life to the full. He also gave us life to LIVE for the honour and glory of His Name and therefore grants us His wise council on creation and our quest. See Ps 139:13-17
Psa 139:13-17
13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Apart from our own choices, only God knows why one would become a king and another a pauper… why we are who we are, and why things befall us…
OUR SON-SHIP IDENTITY
Our Tongues play a VERY NB part in our IDENTITY, WELLBEING and DESTINY. God created by words/sound. He has given us the same ability to create in the power of Jesus’s Name.
The demonic forces and workers of evil, iniquity and unrighteousness, have the same ability to design & create through their evil exploits. Therefore our words of life – in agreement with what God says about us and our circumstances need to replace and be actively part of our desitiny.
Our lack of understanding our position as SONS (dual gender) of the MOST HIGH GOD, restrains us from taking up our authority and to step into reigning with Christ. This position of reigning and living through His authority in us, can only happen as we STAY ABIDING and HIDDEN IN Him. We often move out of His boundary of GRACE, BLESSING and AUTHORITY through our ignorant choices, rebellion – that is as witchcraft – and sin; as well as our lack of the knowledge of God.
In our Son-ship identity we need to know God (to know God is eternal life), and to know our position in Christ – which is a mystery, NOW REVEALED to us through the Holy Spirit ( Col 2 to 3 ).
This knowledge of God enables us to stand and live by our new identity IN HIS FINISHED work on the cross and IN Him; where we are seated at the Right Hand of the Father, hidden IN Christ.
When we move outside this hidden SANCTUARY of God’s knowledge, strength, wisdom & grace, our lives are exposed to the radar of the enemy.
As Christ was loved by the Father, we are loved and covered in EXACTLY the same love of the Father… (Jhn17). Everything He provided Christ with – to live His purpose – is at our disposal. We ought to embrace this in a Father-Childlike relationship; to experience the Father’s love here on earth in preperation of our eternal abode. We can and should then also extend it to others.
OUR Son-SHIP IDENTITY has been secured in the LOVE of the Father. Just as HE loved Christ, He loves us. He therefore redeemed, sanctified & glorified us to a SON-SHIP position; of which Christ is the first-born.
b. GOD’S PART
CHRIST came to earth to restore mankind back into a relationship with the Father. , through a New Covenant.
HIS REDEMPTIVE WORK is PERFECT.
He suffered. He conquered sin and death. He rose and ascended.
He now intercedes constantly for us. He is our Advocate in the Heavenly Courts.
His bountiful grace is helping us through this life. He suffered on earth; we will also have part in His sufferings…
Dying was the HIGHLIGHT of His ‘CAREER’… Dying to self – that comes through all these trials that we experience – HELPS US towards that place of salvation from self, towards salvation in Christ, and towards eternal life; then eternally with Him.
Because of His love for us, knowing our frailty & sinful nature, God also tests us to see what is in our hearts, in order to present us one day tested & standing firm in His own righteousness. ( See Eccl 7 below)
ALL THINGS FOR THE GOOD
Rom 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Yet, our disobedience does hamper the process; but as we choose Christ, the END-END result is a secured VICTORY by the Blood of the Lamb.
Everything works out for the good of those who love God and are called for His purposes. As we endure, overcome,learning obedience through suffering, as CHRIST did – and keep on STANDING IN HIM, who fills all things with Himself, we mature towards the full stature of Christ within; until Jesus comes.
As we choose HIM DAILY… we will ‘make it’, to receive the price.
Ecc 7:11-14 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, And profitable to those who see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. 13 Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked? 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other,
So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
AS we draw wisdom from the Almighty and gain insight and guidance through His ways, laws and statutes, our lives become subject to His council on straight and narrow paths; following the prompting of Holy Spirit, to lead us unto life & life in abundance.
This is our quest to follow after His Holy Spirit within us, towards wise living.
c. THE GREATEST REWARDS
The greatest reward will also be to help others towards salvation, encourage all to endure together and to give hope and ENCOURAGEMENT – for all to KEEP ON STANDING.
Our privilege, as His Bride, is also to take HANDS in CREATING SPACE and AN OPPORTUNITY for GOD TO SHOW HIMSELF GREAT, CREDIBLE, FAITHFUL and FULL of LOVE to all of mankind.
Sometimes our misery is the stage for that to happen… it’s not our choice.
d. THE GOOD NEWS
While spreading the GOOD NEWS of the GLORIOUS ETERNAL SALVATION that awaits all, who have died in Him – is that sickness, disease, hardship and suffering is not God’s will for us. God promises to be there by our side in and through it all. (Math10) He promises to be there and take us THROUGH THE VALLEY of the SHADOW of death. The word says that the enemy is LIKE a roaring lion… he is not one… he only SOUNDS like one! These difficulties that befall us from time to time are part of our fallen creation. A creation that cries out to be redeemed back to the Glory of God and for the sons & daughters of God to be revealed.
e. TO OVERCOME
They have OVERCOME him by the BLOOD of the Lamb, the WORD of their TESTIMONY..
and they did not love their lives… Rev.12v11
HERE in the latter part… lies another KEY answer in HOW we perceive LIFE’S QUESTS.
How much do we ‘cling’ to our lives? Have we given our lives back into HIS HANDS and do we ENTRUST it completely INTO HIS ALL-KNOWING, ALL-WISE and LOVING CARE ?
Will we therefore follow His instructions; to receive life… in abundance?
What is life in abundance then?
Is it maybe just to live in the reality & experiential place of His CONSTANT PRESENCE & PEACE in ALL things; – THAT PEACE that surpasses all understanding.
f. GRACE! GRACE!
Not one of us can do this in our own strength or wisdom…. Therefore, we should STAND, STAY and ABIDE in HOPE, COURAGE and FAITH to progressively ENTER by GRACE, His place of REST for our lives, through all these trials.
FOR it is TRULY ONLY BY GRACE that we live and have our being…
“This Jesus God raised up, and of that all we [His disciples] are witnesses.
JESUS ASCENDED
“Being therefore lifted high by and to the right hand of God,
HOLY SPIRIT POURED OUT
“And having received from the Father the promised [blessing which is the] Holy Spirit,
He has made this outpouring which you yourselves both see and hear.”
CHRIST’S TESTIMONY (on earth) COMPLETED
“Therefore let the whole house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt and acknowledge assuredly that God has made Him both LORD and CHRIST (the Messiah)–this Jesus Whom you crucified.
My TESTIMONY :
(Part1)
“Now when they heard this they were stung (cut) to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,
Brethren, what shall we do?
And Peter answered them,… “
My TESTIMONY STARTS WITH THIS :
■ “REPENT- CHANGE your VIEWS and PURPOSE to
■ ACCEPT the WILL of GOD
in your inner selves INSTEAD of REJECTING it”
WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD?
– A Part of it… is to ACCEPT Him to be all-knowing, all-powerful, omnipresent..
therefore to STOP SELF preservation…
■ EMBRACE His PROCESS and Divine WAYS to REDEEM your life and KEEP you CLOSE and ABLE to STAND in all areas (Ef6)
■ Be BAPTIZED,
– into a NEW WAY of THINKING and LIVING…
■ SUBMERGE yourself in HIS WORD and WONDER- BE IN AWE OF HIM
” EVERY ONE of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the FORGIVENESS of and RELEASE from your sins; and
■ YOU shall RECEIVE the GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT. ”
HOLY-SPIRIT-LIVING IS FOR US ALL,
(Rom8)
TODAY
and FOR ALL WHO WILL RECEIVE and ANSWER HIS CALL
“For the PROMISE [of the HOLY SPIRIT] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, [even] to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself.
WE NEED the PEACE, PRESENCE, POWER, GUIDANCE and direct INPUT… of the HOLY SPIRIT to make this life” WORK
What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]
Psa 103:2-5
2 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits–
3 Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;
5 Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]! [Isa. 40:31.]
4.2 Sowing His Body To Reap a Body for His Glory
REAPING COMMUNION BENEFITS 2
EXHORTATION
CHRIST SOWED HIS BODY…. AS A SEED THAT DIED IN THE GROUND
THE HARVEST HE DESIRED TO REAP FROM HIS SACRIFICIAL “SOWING”, IS A BODY FOR HIM TO INDWELL – BOTH INDIVIDUAL & CORPORATE
HIS DESIRE FOR THIS BODY / THESE BODIES
IS THAT IT WILL BE A “SERVANT” FOR HIS GLORY:
A SERVANT TO SERVE THIS WORLD WITH HIS
LOVE, TRUTH, GRACE, POWER & GLORY
COMMUNION SCRIPTURE READING
Heb 10:1-39
1 FOR SINCE the Law has merely a rude outline (foreshadowing) of the good things to come…
4 Because the blood of bulls and goats is powerless to take sins away.
5 Hence, when He [Christ] entered into the world, He said, Sacrifices and offerings You have not desired, but instead You have made ready a body for Me [to offer];
9 …Behold, [here] I am, coming to do Your will.
Thus He does away with and annuls the first (former) order [as a means of expiating sin] so that He might inaugurate and establish the second (latter) order. [Ps. 40:6-8.]
10 And in accordance with this will [of God],
we have been made holy (consecrated and sanctified) through the offering made once for all of the body of Jesus Christ (the Anointed One).
12 Whereas this One [Christ], after He had offered a single sacrifice for our sins [that shall avail] for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 Then to wait until His enemies should be made a stool beneath His feet. [Ps. 110:1.]
14 For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.
Communion2 Summary:
As YOU CELEBRATE HIS BODY broken for you and His blood that was shed for you, remember that He has done it for you as an individual person… FOR YOU ‘ALONE’ on that cross He died…
He wants to share the communion meal with you, as one of His children with whom He shares your Life-time with – explaining through His Holy Spirit deep into your heart His personal LOVE DECLARATION to you.
No matter where you are in your life right now…
HE has it covered… IN HIS BLOOD and BODY – HIS BODILY SACRIFICE – SERVING YOU with HIS ULIMATE LOVE ANNOUNCEMENT… to quicken Body, Soul & Spirit – TO LIFE!
ALLOW Him to LOVE you to the FULL measure of His DIVINE INTENT.
??????????
SOUTH AFRICA: DEAR CITIZEN AND BELIEVER IN JESUS CHRIST
PLEASE PRAY THIS PROPHETIC PRAYER DECLARATION OUT LOUD
??????????
SOUTH AFRICA AS A CORPORATE BODY
We declare and PRAY in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST of NAZARETH in
THIS DAY and HOUR THAT
■The EARS of SOUTH AFRICA will be unblocked to the voice of our SHEPHERD and KING
■The EYES of South Africa will be opened to SEE their ONE SINGULAR SAVIOUR, THE ONLY SON OF GOD.
■The MIND of South Africa will be UNVEILED BY THE SPIRIT OF OUR LORD to GAIN GREAT UNDERSTANDING and RECOGNITION OF THE ONLY ONE TRUE GOD Who is the only ETERNALLY, CONCLUSIVE ANSWER to the problems of this NATION
■The FEET of this NATION WILL START walking in the FOOTSTEPS of THE GOD of TRUTH
■ That CHRIST’S FOOTSTEPS WILL BECOME our PATHWAYS in the Legislative, Public, Governmental and Social arenas
■ The HEART of this NATION WILL be softened and HEALED BY THE TRUE LOVE OF OUR FATHER
■ The HANDS and ARMS of this NATION WILL REACH OUT to those IN NEED, LOST and BROKEN
■ The KNEES of every CREATED being will NOW BOW TO THE ONLY ONE GOD – JEHOVAH ELOHIM and WORSHIP HIM ALONE
■ The MOUTH and VOICE of S.A. will DECLARE UTTERANCES OF LIFE and BLESSING 》》
AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE ONLY ONE BOOK OF LIFE
SOUTH AFRICA AS A GLOBAL AND INTERGALACTIC ENVIRONMENT – CELESTIAL, TERRESTRIAL AND TELESTIAL
■The WATERS of this nation will be HEALED through the CLEANSING BLOOD OF THE LAMB poured in, TO EXPELLE ALL demonic powers therin:
ALL OTHER VOICES; WRITTEN or AUDIBLE WILL BE SILENCED BY THE GREAT I AM, HE WHO SPEAKS AND IT IS ESTABLISHED.
ALL OTHER STRATEGIES AND PLANS; OUTSUDE HIS PERFECT AND PERMISSIVE WILL TO BE ANNULLED AND CANCELLED BY HIS POWER AND MIGHT, BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD.
■The SKIES above will be CLEANSED BY THE SOUND OF MANY WATERS from the VOICE of the King of kings,
■The SOIL and EARTH below will be CLEANSED from its belly, to vomit out any demonic agreement between the moon, the sun and the earth.
■The SECOND HEAVEN above South AFRICA to be WELCOMING THE ARMY OF THE HOSTS OF HEAVEN to do our BIDDING.
■The CAPTAIN of the HOSTS, of THE HEAVENLY GUARD, JESUS CHRIST, THE PERFECT LAMB- TO BE EXTOLLED WITH THE PRAISE OF MANY VOICES in UNISON WITH HEAVEN’S CLOUD OF WITNESSES.
The FIRE FROM HIS EYES TO CLEANSE AND SEIZE THIS NATION BY HIS CONSUMING FIRE UNTO GLORY AND HONOUR OF CHRIST ALONE
We are COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY, NOT TO LOVE OUR LIVES TILL DEATH
IN JESUS NAME
WE HUMBLY PRAY
AMEN.
Alna Terblanche
18.5.30
? SCRIPTURE:
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come,
for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
Revelation 12:10-12 NKJV
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVE AND TRUTH
?????
As I was busy with COMMUNION, I asked the Father to reveal to me His perspective on Worship. He took me into A VISION :
COMMUNION
“I saw us on top of the mountain… partaking the Bread of Communion”.
As the BREAD became part of our bodies, it also became part of the Body of Christ…. as we understand it; in the context of Believers united in Christ.
AS WE PARTAKE in COMMUNION – EAT THE BREAD & DRINK THE BLOOD of CHRIST – HIS BODY becomes part of ours & His Blood starts to cleans us.
The effect of PARTAKING the Bread, released springs of LIFE; a river of LIVING WATER – to flow from our bellies.
He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. (See below Joh 7:38)
“I saw the River of Life – The living Water of the Holy Spirit – starting to flow through us in 5 different streams down the mountain.”
“The 5 STREAMS flowed THROUGH HIS HOLY FIRE (to purge our worship from self, idolatry, self righteousness, fear and sin… ) the Fire turned the STREAMS (Worship) into Blood.”
WHY FIVE streams?
FIVE is the NUMBER of GRACE.
I believe our Father just wanted to emphasize again that His ABUNDANT GRACE is the very thing that KEEPS us… for NOTHING of self, our OWN efforts can help us.
THE POWER OF THE BREAD and THE BLOOD
The power of the Blood enables True Worship to reach the Destiny that the Living Word; the Bread was meant for.
The BREAD that we eat turns into streams of living water, flowing from our bellies; which in turn brings us life & therefore FOOD, nourishment – the BREAD; JESUS CHRIST to flow through us to the people HE has destined us to touch with HIs love….
“For My flesh is true and genuine food, and My blood is true and genuine drink.” (See Below John 6:55)
“I saw the Blood flow into the sea … water… Holy Spirit… the water evaporates… meaning THE HOLY SPIRIT rises up and nourish us with the RAIN… ALSO a symbol of Life; LIFE for ever more.”
“I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts”
The Complete circle of the Water & the Fire (heat) & the Blood…
SEA speak of souls… the people He has destined – before the begiining of time – for us to reach, influence & lead to Christ
WHY WAS THE 1ST MIRACLE OF JESUS THE WATER TURNED TO WINE?
JESUS CHRIST is The Bread…. He was there with them at the WEDDING (UNION between God & us)…
BUT His Blood had not yet flown…
The Wine was a typo of His Blood still to be shed… His Blood IN ABUNDANCE, enough Blood for the redemption of all of creation… and it was THE BEST Wine kept For last… to redeem man back to God… through the Holy Spirit
RESPOND TO HIS LOVE DECLARATION
The only thing that we should be doing, the only actions that we actually can perform in this whole REDEMPTION GIFT DISPLAY from our Father; is to EMBRACE it & RESPOND back with LOVE BECAUSE of His FIRST LOVE INITIATION ACT.
We CANNOT INNITIATE anything… HE IS the ALPHA & the OMEGA. HE IS the begiining & the End of ALL things.
WE SHOULD ONLY RESPOND to this amazing LOVE DECLARATION from CHRIST… ENRAVED on a TREE… WRITTEN IN BLOOD
Hebrews 12:4, 18-18, 22, 24 NKJV
You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest,
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,
TO Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant,
and
TO the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
Vision : PRAYER MOUNTAIN – The GIFT of REPENTANCE
30/08/2017
Mat_3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Joh 4:13 Jesus answered her, All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. Joh 4:14 But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.
Joh 7:38-39 38 He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. 39 But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).
Joh_19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out
Rev_21:6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
Isa_48:18 Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Isa_66: For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees
Rev 22:1-3 1 THEN HE showed me the river whose waters give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 Through the middle of the broadway of the city; also, on either side of the river was the tree of life with its twelve varieties of fruit, yielding each month its fresh crop; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing and the restoration of the nations. [Gen. 2:9.] 3 There shall no longer exist there anything that is accursed (detestable, foul, offensive, impure, hateful, or horrible). But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall worship Him [pay divine honors to Him and do Him holy service]. [Zech. 14:21.]
Joh 6:51-56 51 I [Myself] am this Living Bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever; and also the Bread that I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh (body). 52 Then the Jews angrily contended with one another, saying, How is He able to give us His flesh to eat? 53 And Jesus said to them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you cannot have any life in you unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood [unless you appropriate His life and the saving merit of His blood]. 54 He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has (possesses now) eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day. 55 For My flesh is true and genuine food, and My blood is true and genuine drink. 56 He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood dwells continually in Me, and I [in like manner dwell continually] in him.
Dan_12:7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.
NOW IS THE TIME TO CORRECT THIS GRIEVOUS SIN AGAINST THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!
THE CHURCH CANNOT EFFECTIVELY RISE UP WITH ONE VOICE AND BOLD AUTHORITY AGAINST CRIME, MURDER AND ANARCHY; EVEN OUR TESTIMONIES ARE BEING SILENCED. HEALING from sickness and disease are diminished in the physical & spirit BECAUSE THE BODY IS DIVIDED AND TOOTHLESS… THE REASON BE…
the testimony of christ
THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST HAS BEEN THWARTED by the very vehicle GOD Instituted to release it.
This is done in exchange for human abilities, human wisdom and fleshly councils, carnal experiences, insight and the satisfying of carnal minded, soul dimension demands and human good ideas can be voiced.
■ IF WE REJECT THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST WE ALSO REJECT THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY. THEREFORE WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RELEASE THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY; WHO is CHRIST HIMSELF!
DON’T NOT BE FOOLED.
IF THE 5 FOLD IS NOT OPERATIONAL IN our CORPORATE FAITH EXPERIENCE, CHURCH, MINISTRY then we HAVE NOT YET EMBRACED THE FULL TESTIMONY OF CHRIST.
The church and His people are therefore loosing out and are compromised in their understanding of Who Christ is and how He designed the church to function.
We are therefore experiencing a DISABLED CHRIST TESTIMONY and are a DIS-FUNCTIONAL Body. WE ARE then TEACHING HALF THE TRUTH.
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the prophetic voice
Is the prophetic voice in SA paralyzed?
Is it kept in this state, along with Prophetic callings being assassinated in the spirit, by the spirit of Jezebel? Or is it kept in this place by controlling spirits functioning through the religious spirit under the banner of order, excellence and/or effective leadership?
“The leading of the Holy Spirit has NO chance”; seeing that we apparently don’t need Him most of the time. We are so effective on our own in serving Him, which we then do on His behalf. In our ZEAL for God, jam-packed, full of ideas and self we run into the trap of the religious spirit. This spirit motivates our actions through the satisfaction of doing things right and gratifies by the ticking of boxes and well done stickers, instead of just following the Holy Spirit’s lead.
The time is now, that we should have a look at the church – under the demonic influence of Jezebel – afresh. Where the church functions under the spirit of a smothering control, we should understand the full impact of our decisions, attitudes and behavior. This spirit has the paralysis of the EFFECTIVE VOICE of the church in its agenda, using God fearing people.
We need CHRIST’S TESTIMONY to be released through the Holy Spirit only.
The church’s VOICE is SILENT and ineffective because of self idolatry and narrow vision… THEREFORE it is SHALLOW AND WITHOUT AUTHORITY.
We often rely on fleshly achievements and do not operate & serve God’s people in the authoritative power of the Holy Spirit’s sent missions in and for His glory by His Spirit.
THE CHRISTIAN GIANT
The churches should be leading the way in each town and in different spheres of society.
The Christian Giant should now rise up and make a stand and take the lead and create the future of this nation. This is done by our Words of Prophetic Vision, Insight and Revelation through the weapons of His Blood and Spirit authority.
WE CANNOT DENY HALF OF CHRIST.
As long as we cling to our own thrones, crowns and narrow platforms, we cannot embrace the 5 FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS of JESUS CHRIST; WHO IS CHRIST IN EARTHLY VESSELS.
The church are heading for burned down, empty “temples” and a Bride that has sinned by missing her calling in preparing for her BRIDEGROOM.
A Bride defiled and robbed of Divine impartation. Who has violated her purpose and aborted her mission because she REJECTED Christ in ALL that He is and therefore is WITHOUT HIS DIVINE STRENGTH in HIS DIVINE MISSION.
The churches are full of tired “temples” without VISION or HOPE because the VOICE of our HOLY SPIRIT LORD – The “RUACH” of our GOD, has been replaced by human voices. This is then A BRIDE without her beauty and glory.
THE EARTH CRIES OUT
The whole earth cries out for the release of the sons & daughters of the Most High God – El Elyon.
Our King is coming and we are still rejecting the 5 Fold fullness of Christ’s Redemptive perfect structure for the church. We are still quarreling over selfish and self centered opinions.
The testimony of Christ is the spirit of prophecy.
The Prophetic voice is the Holy Spirit’s Testimony of Christ.
Anything else could be our own, mere human carnal mind and words, covered up in white religious, pretentious paint. Without revelation we are merely running a religious carnally glamoured institution.
Woe to us!
Woe to the one who misleads any of these… His children
Woe to a failing church because of lust after power, coveting, pride, earthly honor, position and the power to control…..
Prayer Sanctification and Transformation in my life – to OVERCOME through PRAYER
Intro: What is PRAYER?
GOD gave me a vision OF A MOUNTAIN as a symbol of PRAYER
See attached
We start ascending the MOUNTAIN OF PRAYER at the lowest point… at the feet of the mountain; on our knees.
ENTRY POINT
We look for best place to enter into prayer (where to start the ascend into prayer); where we humble ourselves before an almighty God and FATHER and repent for our sinfulness…
Rom 3:23-24
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
YET EMBRACING THE WONDERFUL GIFT OF HIS FORGIVENESS THROUGH THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
1ST LANDING
Now we work our way up (our faith-life to go up); around bends & at times by moving a few stones/rocks(sin, idols, self-life, self-centred goals & passions) out of the way.
FINDING A COMFORTABLE FAITH LEDGE
At times we sit on a ledge (we rest, we quiet our soul down) & give the Holy Spirit time to speak, reveal and unveil His heart to me. Here we repent and receive HIS LOVE, forgiveness & we change towards the renewal of our understanding of our GOD.
REACHING PRAYERS SUMMIT IN HIS PRESENCE
On the last section of the mountain, where it is much higher up, there it is sometimes lonely in PRAYER & ice cold because of the ELEVATION. Here we take out our ICE-AXE; to thrust it into the ice face of the mountain. Now is the moment in our faith walk to make sure of our hold; to STAND & to KEEP ON STANDING, in order to be OVERCOMMERS.
The ICE-AXE is our testimony, utterances and words of FAITH. Also where we start to understand what it means in this text(Rev12v11) : ” not loving our life”
ON top of the MOUNTAIN of prayer we are lifted up by the Holy Spirit INTO REVELATION…HERE We CAN SEE VERY FAR…HERE we see, hear, taste, smell & and know(feel) that God is GOOD & very close to us. He is as near as my next breath. He is already in the next moment, hour & season of my life
THE FAMILIAR SPIRIT in PRAYER
We do so often just start to run up the mountain in prayer because we maybe think we know this place, we have been training for so long, we know the way up to the top of the MOUNTAIN of PRAYER; therefore we easily get familiar with the environment here.
We often will even think that we know how to do this… we know our “prayer rhymes” by heart… WE KNOW HOW to pray.
This is dangerous for intimacy, authentic prayer & transparency where His Holy Spirit’s voice must rather lead and show us the way into the FATHER’S PRESENCE!!
The closer I get to the Father, the more I realize how small, sinful & unworthy I am in myself… & the more I realize what Christ did for me on the cross and how much I need Him to lead the way into the FATHER’S HEART
Then the question is rather… what is prayer to us?
Are we here to perform a ritual, to follow a default very good habit, to do our duty… to follow a program… and even to be seen… or to impress God & our fellow man with our ability to pray….???
GOAL: Our sole PURPOSE of THIS PRAYER TIME is to MEET with the Father because of the Son through Holy Spirit
If we do not touch His heart with our prayer… if we have not been in His presence… it can be equated to the 8 woes that Christ announced over the Pharisees & Sadducees… just a lot of impressive words, works & hypocrisy or to do our duty!!!
After we’ve been in His presence we are then infused to go out and to do what God told us to do; to influence & change the lost & broken world & every person we meet, with the Father’s love
1. PREPARE OUR HEARTS
Psa 24:3-5
(3) Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place?
(4) He who has clean hands and a pure heart,… (no falsehood allowed)
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
(5) He shall receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
1.1. EXAMINE OURSELVES
2Co_13:5 Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith are equaled to :
G4102 (truth itself: – assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity(-loyalty, faithfulness, trustworthiness, agreement, conformity, towing the line to Christs truth.)
G3982 (to be content, obey, trust, yield.)
Gal_6:4 But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work.
He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without boastful comparison with his neighbour and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves 1not Christ].
1.2. REPENTANCE
2Co_7:10For godly grief and the pain God is permitted to direct, produce a repentance that leads and contributes to salvation and deliverance from evil, and it never brings regret;
2Co_3:16 But whenever a person turns [in repentance] to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away.
2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2Co 3:18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
Act_3:19 So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshingmay come from the presence of the Lord;
1.3 HUMBLE OURSELVES IN REVERENTIAL FEAR & AWE
Mat 3:11a
(11) I indeed baptize you in (with) water because of repentance [that is, because of yourchanging your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins].
Mat 3:11b – 12
But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry;
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit (7 fold Holy Spirit of God – Is11v2)
and with fire.(Sanctification OF a refining fire)
So does the Spirit make the soul holy like itself, and its tendency is heaven-ward. Christ says: I am come to send fire, Luk_12:49.
(12) His winnowing fan (shovel, fork) is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out and clean His threshing floor ( THE visible CHURCH) and gather and store His wheat in His barn, but the chaff He will burn up with fire that cannot be put out.
Heb_12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
1.4 SO WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE US?
Rom_5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2. POSITION OURSELVES IN HIS LOVE
We can do this by praying out loud THREE BEAUTIFUL INTIMATE WORDS:
“ GOOD MORNING FATHER “
Eph 2:4 But God–so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,
Eph 2:6-7
(6) And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us N1joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
(7) He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: for each person to be open to receive this PURSUING love of the Father
” THANK YOU JESUS “
Vision of Christ on the Cross : I am thirsty
His thirst became a symbol of the everlasting living-water supply of His love. He thirsted IN ORDER TO BECOME THE RIVER OF LIFE UNTO US…
Joh 7:38 He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.
” HOLY SPIRIT HELP ME “ – To complete this race; to overcome
Rev_2:7
To him who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant to eat [of the fruit] of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Rev_2:17
To him who overcomes (conquers), I will give to eat of the manna that is hidden, and I will give him a white stone with a new name engraved on the stone, which no one knows or understands except he who receives it.
Rev_2:26
And he who overcomes (is victorious) and who obeys My commands to the [very] end [doing the works that please Me], I will give him authority and power over the nations;
Rev_3:12 He who overcomes (is victorious),
I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God; he shall never be put out of it or go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God out of heaven, and My own new name.
Rev_3:21He who overcomes I will grant him to sit beside Me on My throne, as I Myself overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne.
3. HOW will we overcome?
3.1 BY CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS
Jas_3:18 And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
3.2 BY FLEEING FROM BABYLON
Rev 18:4 I then heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out from her, my people, so that you may not share in her sins, neither participate in her plagues. [Isa_48:20; Jer_50:8]
Jer 50:8 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans; and be as the he-goats [who serve as examples and as leaders in the flight] before the flocks
3.3 BY THE BLOOD & OUR TESTIMONY & selfless lives
Rev 12:11 And they have overcome him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life
even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].
3.4 BY CALLING UPON HOLY SPIRIT TO BREATHE ON US
Eze 37:9-10
(9) Then said He to me, Prophesy to the breath and spirit, son of man, and say to the breath and spirit, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath and spirit, and breathe upon these slain that they may live.
(10) So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath and spirit came into [the bones], and they lived and stood up upon their feet, an exceedingly great host. [Rev_11:11]
PRAYER POINTS:
Ask & receive forgiveness & extend this grace to others
Examine our own selves – if we are still in the faith (truth, trusting, trustworthy, loyal, towing the line In Christ)
Humble ourselves – in the understanding Who we are dealing with
Position ourselves IN HIS LOVE :
FATHER : Good morning Father
SON : Thank you, Jesus – Arise to HIS righteousness
HOLY SPIRIT : Abiding in to Overcome
In His righteousness
By fleeing from Babylon
By the Blood & the Word of our testimony
By the power of the Holy Spirit : Breathe on us, Oh Holy Breath of God
