2nd WK – 21April24 – Prayer@The-Gates (P@G) COMPREHENSIVE Prayer GUIDELINES & Biblical perspective for the BELIEF Gate.
See Blog post Nr. 58 for summarized PRAYER POINTS.
“The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is supposed to be the conscience of the world bringing to light the purposes and the plans that God has for humanity. The church is currently sick. A torn and hurt church cannot heal hurt and a torn world. It is through a revival that the church will be restored to its central position of being a channel for the healing of all social ills. Dr. Elijah Mashanganyi ”
Greetings all P@G Partners NB : We share in part
A. WEEKLY PREPARATION guidelines. Please see last page of this document – (PREP)
B. INTRODUCTION: P@G – BELIEF GATE – Week 2 – WITNESS of TWO! (See also introduction from Week 1 : Deut 6:4 & Psalm 2)
“Revival in all spheres of society is needed now. The church should take the lead in this. Unfortunately, the church has grossly failed society in its assignments. Most of the organized church has become like the secular world, enticed by enmity for wealth, position, power, platforms, prestige, and politics in its corridors.” And yet God is building His church through it using ordinary people like us… @A.T.”
1st Key Scripture – The Great Commissioned given by Christ is clear –
Mat 28:18-20 (18) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
2nd Key Scripture – The Church is built on what it declares about Christ –
Mat 16:16-19 (16) Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17) Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. (18) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (19) And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
3rd Key Scripture – The Church is built on Christ, the Cornerstone –
Act 4:7-12 (7) “By what power or by what name have you done this?” (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: (10) let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. (11) This is the ‘Stone which was rejected by you builders, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.’ (12) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
C. Strategic comprehensive PRAYER GUIDELINES for Prayer@the-Gates
1. Thanksgiving, Praise & Adoration of our God, Creator, Father & Redeemer.
Rev 5:11-14 (11) Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,
12) saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (13) And every creature … I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (14) Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.
2. Welcome Father, our loving Father, Christ Jesus the Holy Lamb of God:
On Christ, Whom the 7 Spirits of the Holy Spirit reside upon. Isa 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
The 7 “I AM” statements of Christ. I AM – the BREAD of life (6:35), the LIGHT of the world (8:12), the DOOR (10:7), the GOOD SHEPHERD (10:11, 14), the RESURRECTION and THE LIFE (11:25), the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE (14:6) and the TRUE VINE (15:1).
3. Personal Repentance: Lead group in personal repentance & humbling.
(Ps24, 51, Jam 4:7) Rev 3:19-21 (19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous (have desire.1, fervent mind.2) and repent. (20) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (21) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (1-G2206,2-G2205)
Act 17:30-31 (30) Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, (31) because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
4. Communion: In remembrance of Christ’s perfect redemption for our sins.
-reconciling us back into the Father’s presence. His body broken. By the Blood we enter through the veil. (Mat26:26-29, Heb.9:11-12, Is53, Jhn12:1)
5. Prayer for the Protection of all praying for the Nation:
(Ps91,121, 68)
From Job 1:10, pray for God’s hedge of protection – yourself/prayer partners. Eph6:10-20; –Put on the whole armour of God; stand, keep on standing.
Week TWO – BELIEF GATE
“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven”
TWO speaks of two witnesses, communion in His divine presence, sent out 2 by 2…
Exo 25:22 And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.
2Co 13:1 “BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY WORD SHALL BE ESTABLISHED.” Mat18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Luk 10:1 … the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.
6. Identificational Repentance for the BELIEF GATE/sphere – “TURNING BACK TO GOD!”
2Ch 7:14-16 (14) (MSG)
[If] my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health. (15) From now on I’m alert day and night to the prayers offered at this place. (16) Believe me, I’ve chosen and sanctified this Temple that you have built: My Name is stamped on it forever; my eyes are on it and my heart in it always. (MSG)
We stand in the gap to do identificational REPENTANCE for the Church for where we HAVE FAILED:-
a) Society:
Church to SERVE this nation with God’s Gospel Bread!
Rom7:4, 8:6 Therefore,… 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.
1) Judging the world instead of reaching out to a lost & broken world. 2) Idolatrous worship of self, own agendas, earthly or carnally minded…. Acting like the world. 3) Not “GOING”, but stayed in the comfort as our own salvation that is secured…. not being Christ out there. Therefore, 4) Lack of faith & fearful to go out… to correct, serve, be an example. 5) Not being set apart but tempted by the world, looking like the world … 6) Lured by the lust of the flesh and eyes, the pride of life,.. 7) Not taking ownership of the conditions around us praying God’s plans into being – perhaps intimidated… backing off instead of standing our ground.
b) Body of Christ:
Church to TURN back to God – God’s Kingdom 1st!
Act 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Ez34, Heb4:17)
1) Lost our 1st Love-Ephesus, 2) Corrupt doctrines & corrupt worship, sexual immorality-Pergamum. 3) Spirit of Jezebel that seduces-Thyatira. 4) Hypocrisy: Dead works by the flesh-Sardis. 5) Lukewarm-Laodicea… 6) Not walked in love; 7) not bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Eph 5:2 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…
7. SCRIPTURE declarations on the Belief Gate – The Church / Body of Christ / His Bride
THANK God for:
Eph 1:22-23 Christ’s HEADSHIP over the church.
To Him all authority belongs. His Blood covenant and the redemption of all who chooses to accept Him as Lord & Savior… (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.
Act 2:46-47 The COMMUNITY of Believers. Unity in Him.
(Eph 2:11 – 22; 4:1-16, Jh17) (46) So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Eph 3:19-21 His LOVE, the FULNESS of God in us, His POWER, spiritual strength…. To arise!
(Ps68) (19) to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (20) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (21) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
1Co12:28 The GIFTS of Christ through the Holy Spirit/9 gifts of Holy spirit…
(Ef 4:11, 1Cor12 & 14) And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Eph 1-6 1) The spiritual blessings in Christ. 2) The greatness of His power. 3) For faith 4) Forgiveness of sin, 5) Salvation received through faith, by 6) the exceeding richness of His grace & kindness. 7) His manifold wisdom. 8) Equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. 9) New Life (by the newness by the Spirit, Rom7:6) . 10) His spiritual armour…
8. DECLARATIONS into the Belief Gate – “I am the Alpha & the Omega, the 1st & the Last”
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE HAPPENING in & through the church?:
[The organized church, the Body of Christ, the assembly of saints, voice in the street in the last days? (Rev1:11-b)]
UNITY of the Body over denominations:
Stop dividing quarrels over grey doctrinal areas, serve each other in Love, take hands & love over all spheres extended. To live in His Glory. (Joh17:11,21-23) Rev 5:9-10 (9) And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, (10) And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
FELLOWSHIP:
Having fellowship with the Father & Son through the Holy Spirit & one another (1Jn1:1-7).
GLORIFYING the FATHER in the Son:
Joh 14:12,13 (12) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. (13) And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
LABOUR for Christ’s Name sake:
Not became weary, had patience, hated those who were evil, tested the self-proclaimed apostles. (Rev2:Ephesus).
TO OVERCOME:
Be faithful until death & will be given the crown of life. He who overcomes will have eternal life. (Rev2:Smyrna)
Rev 12:10-11 (10)…”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. (11) 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.
GOD’S PROMISES fulfilled:
His Kingdom come, His will be done…The church/next generation to arise!
Mic 4:1-2 (1) BUT IN the latter days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains; and it shall be exalted above the hills, and peoples shall flow to it. (2) And many nations shall come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways, and we may walk in His paths. For the law shall go forth out of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
READY to meet Him at His 2nd coming:
Luk 12:35 “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning…; Luk 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching.
SEVEN SPIRITS: Prayer for all His sons & daughters to receive:
Isa 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD to become the foundational Spirit of God on which we build our relationship with God.
9. The Lord’s Prayer – All pray this together.
Leader led, pray it at a slow rhythmic pace. (Mat6:9-13)
10. Thanksgiving, Praise & Celebration – of Christ’s victory on the cross.
Release your testimony of what Christ did, who He is that seals the overcoming spirit of the Bride over all. (Rev12:10-11)
11.Shofar blast, anoint the streets with oil, salt… and last farewell Prayer
Pray for God’s Peace, Presence, Power, Protection to ENTER the GATES of TZANEEN. (Ps24)
12. Thank YOU for placing your STAKE of Faith in the soil Praying@The-Gates with us!
God keep, bless & guard you in His peace as you stand in the gap for our Nation in Prayer@The-Gates.
Additional INFO IN PREPARATION FOR PRAYER A@THE GATES
A. PREP: Strategic Preparation BEFORE we go praying at the gates:
Through the 7 weeks P@G, a 7-step strategy is rolled out building up to the 7th week for GOVERNMENTAL prayer. We therefore start by praying for the other areas/spheres first. We will therefore, have added focus per week on one of the 7 Gates/Spheres of Society as follows:
‘Gates’ here refer to entry points of towns and the 8 spheres of Society as we found it in the Bible.
At the Gates of the Cities everything happened. From betrothals, healings, councils, elder counsels, stoning/discipline, signing of contracts & here agreements were made for business, marriage… (Rev21)
Initial guidelines preparing ourselves for this time of Prayer in foundational positioning:
-The Armour of God. (Eph6, Ps91)
Before you leave for the time of prayer, clothe yourself, your family and those praying with you & the whole (P@G) initiative with the armour of God – to all areas of your life: relationships, house, vehicles, finances/business/job, health…
–Repentance. (Ps24, Ps51 & Is59:1-2)
As we repent, we take responsibility for our own thoughts, words, and actions and any known sin.
Ask God to show you specific sins that give demons the right to establish strongholds.
Involvement in Witchcraft & New Age may require fasting and declaring the Word as Jesus did in the wilderness. (C. Jacobs, 2006)
Each one of us needs to receive our own revelation & understanding of what Christ did for us on the Cross. WHAT a privilege then to gather together around the Communion Table to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to us.
WE NEED TO CHANGE
AS YOU COME to the Communion TABLE… something in you need to CHANGE. • Something in us needs to CHANGE and BREAK, that something can BREAK-THROUGH.
IF NOT – this can MOST LIKELY just become another ritual in our lives.
THE ELEMENTS on the Communion Table
ON this TABLE THERE ARE 3 MAIN ELEMENTS • THE BREAD represents Christ’s BODY broken… • THE WINE / GRAPE-SAP represents His Life & His BLOOD shed for us: • THE CROSS is AN ALTAR – representing A PLACE for the atonement work of Christ, a place of TRANSITION.
THE EXCHANGE at the Communion Table
THIS TABLE also SPEAKS of an ANCHOR-POINT of EXCHANGE!! • You bring your STUFF – put it on the table. • We bring our brokenness, disappointment, hurt, fears, challenges, flaws… our sins. We bring our needs, sicknesses and failures… and lay it down…
• In EXCHANGE we pick up the bread & the wine, the symbols of the victorious Christ… We EAT the elements. It becomes PART OF US as He now becomes part of our life.
Isa 53 :4-5
“4 Surely He has BORNE our griefs And carried our sorrows; … 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
Bible NKJV
PERSONALIZE THE CROSS
• As we REMEMBER Christ ; we ALSO come quickly to REPENT of sins… we FORGIVE passionately… & GET RID of every hindrance!! • We come with HUMBLE, penitent hearts. • What happens here is not a ritual, a custom or religious action… IT is real!! • WE do not only come to RECEIVE – BUT ALSO to ACCEPT it BY FAITH. • You have to PERSONALIZE the Cross for your own life… making this experience at the Communion Table real to your personal life…
THE BREAD
THE BREAD SPEAKS of His Body – BROKEN, BRUISED, BEATEN • We bring our BROKENNESS and LET GO… to receive something new from Him… • We RECEIVE His WHOLENESS in exchanged for our failures & distresses. • NOW we can step into RESTORATION by ACCEPTING His GIFT by FAITH.
THE BLOOD
THE BLOOD SPEAKS of LIFE, Forgiveness, Redemption, HIS Righteousness. It ANSWERS all the accusations of the evil one !!!
In Lev 17:11 it is written: “For the LIFE of the flesh is in the blood, and I (God) have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls.”
Bible NKJV
THE ALTAR – THE CROSS
• IN the O.T., the Blood of sacrifice – slaughtered, had to be sprinkled on the ALTAR… • If there was no blood shed – there was no atonement. • On the Via de la Rosa – the way to the Cross, and on the Cross itself, Christ’s Blood was TOSSED, SPRINKLED, SCATTERED and DISPERSED all over…. • It was done as God prescribed it… even in this extreme, harshest way. • God knew how DESTRUCTIVE the sins of this world would become. • God knew how much DEVASTATION our sins will cause to our lives… • Therefore the punishment was so severe… the ULTIMATE PRICE had to be paid FOR us.
AS YOU PARTAKE of COMMUNION
AS you COME… I want to ENCOURAGE you to… • ALLOW Him to touch, cleanse, heal you, set you free & bring you PEACE. • ASK God to wash you with His Blood: “GOD WASH me WHOLE with Your Blood”
Something needs to happen here … and so every time and when-ever we draw near to GOD… Christ said “IT is FINISHED” ; THIS IS IT… this is all you need!
COMMUNION – GOD’S LOVE FOR YOU DISPLAYED
The COMMUNION Table is the heightened symbol or display of God’s LOVE. • This is the EPITOME of WHO GOD IS and WHAT CHRIST did TO establish us into the NEW COVENANT with the Father. • A COVENANT of an ETERNAL RELATIONSHIP with the ONLY TUE God that is real in your life RIGHT NOW, TODAY.
• CHRIST is standing here… with His arms open wide: “My Child…The Father LOVES you… the SON… and the Holy Spirit LOVES you.”
CONCLUSION on my contemplation at The Communion Table
As you leave here today… receive and take hold of His Blood that speaks life to you & KNOW that Christ’s BLOOD WILL help you to overcome!
When thinking about being set apart for Joy that is found in God’s truth – in His reality, we need to ask ourselves some questions to get to a clear and transparent answer.
Are we perhaps sometimes finding ourselves in an unhappy state… because we (sometimes) live in untruth, not being completely honest with ourselves or others?
IN different situations, good or bad, what do we tell ourselves? Do we say it as God says it in His Word and as He sees it by His almighty power of possibility? Or do we keep on repeating the negative… the UNTRUTH according to our fleshly observation? Do we see and speak from the temporary realm on what our REALITY dictates and not what we SEE and know to discern in the spirit?
Do we measure things according to the truth or according to what we want to believe or want it to be…..Are we sometimes forced by our unbelief to speak along with our enemy?
Do we speak His truth into situations or tag along with the lie of the enemy ? Do we bring our flesh into subjection to the spirit or does the flesh dictates?
Do we live as being set apart or being subject to?
Flesh needs to come to the end of its temporal ability in order to start functioning by the ability of the all powerful Holy Spirit.
We have been SAVED, REDEEMED and SET APART by God for Himself to live for the Praise of His Name for an hour like this in the JOY of His Glory.
SET APART for Joy – for God
Rev 22:21 The grace (blessing and favor) of the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with all the saints (God’s holy people, those set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively His). Amen (so let it be)!
2Ti 2:21 So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences], will be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
Heb 3:1 SO THEN, brethren, consecrated and set apart for God, who share in the heavenly calling, [thoughtfully and attentively] consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest Whom we confessed [as ours when we embraced the Christian faith].
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice,
Eph 1:4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
Zep 1:7 [Hush!] Be silent before the Lord God, for the day [of the vengeance] of the Lord is near; for the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, and He has set apart [for His use] those who have accepted His invitation. [Hab. 2:20.]
Psa 4:3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and given distinction to] him who is godly [the man of loving-kindness]. The Lord listens and heeds when I call to Him.
HE HAS CHOSEN US – a HOUSE of SACRIFICE to be HOLY – For His NAME
2Ch 7:12-17
12 And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night and said to him: I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.
13 If I shut up heaven so no rain falls, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people. 14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer offered in this place.
16 For I have chosen and sanctified (set apart for holy use) this house, that My Name may be here forever, and My eyes and My heart will be here perpetually.
SET APART as HIS COVENANT PEOPLE – To Live in AWE
Deu 10:12-21
12 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but [reverently] to fear the Lord your God, [that is] to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being,
16 So circumcise the foreskin of your [minds and] hearts; be no longer stubborn and hardened.
20 You shall [reverently] fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and by His name and presence you shall swear.
21 He is your praise; He is your God, Who has done for you these great and terrible things which your eyes have seen.
SET APART FOR JOY – requires a BATTLE CRY
Psa 27:6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy ( A BATTLE CRY ) in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD
Psa 21:1 THE KING [David] shall joy in Your strength, O Lord; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Psa 21:6 For You make him to be blessed and a blessing forever; You make him exceedingly glad with the joy of Your presence.
1Ch 16:27 Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. – in your inner self
Neh 8:10 Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold
SET APART FOR JOY – REQUIERES FAITH – trusting him regardless
Hab 3:17-19
17 Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls,
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation!
19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!
Jer 33:9 And [Jerusalem] shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth that hear of all the good I do for it, and they shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the peace, prosperity, security, and stability I provide for it.
Psa 5:11 But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.
SET APART FOR JOY – BECAUSE OF HIS FAITHFULNESS
Psa 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Mal 4:2 But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy.
Joh 16:24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]. But now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.
Joh 17:13 And now I am coming to You. I say these things while I am still in the world, so that My joy may be made full and complete and perfect in them.[That they may experience My delight fulfilled in them.That My enjoyment may be perfected in their own souls, that they may have My gladness within them, filling their hearts].
Rom 15:13 May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.
Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. [Ps. 118:24.]
Jud 1:24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]–
STAND IN HIS JOY AND TRUTH
3Jn 1:4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living their lives in the Truth.
1Pe 4:12-14
12 Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange were befalling you.
‘Strange‘ : unusual and alien to you and your position
13 But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you,for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
1Pe 5:6-11
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care (DISTRACTION, DISUNITY, DIFFER) upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (TO DRINK DOWN, GULP ENTIRELY, DROWN, SWALLOW)
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
‘Resist ‘: STAND AGAINST, OPPOSE, WITHSTAND
RESIST is also TO STAND which also means to ABIDE, APPOINT, BRING ABOUT, CONTINUE. To stand in the authority by COVENANT, to ESTABLISH, to HOLD UP, to LAY. To PRESENT, SET (UP), STANCH, STAND (BY, FORTH, STILL, UP).
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
We are being set apart, consecrated and sanctified:-
1. Firstly by HIS EXTREME LOVE for US
IN this blog we are doing a brief study from scripture on the principles of being set apart, consecrated and sanctified. If we look at PALAH, the Hebrew word for being “set apart” the following descriptions are linked to this word. PALAH stands for ‘to be distinguished’, ‘to be shown to be marvelous’, ‘to be separated’, ‘severed’ and ‘to be made wonderfully‘.
Luk 15:7
(7) I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Luk 15:21-24
(21) And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
(22) “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe(anointing) and put it on him, and put a ring(covenant) on his hand and sandals(calling) on his feet.
(23) And bring the fatted calf(abundant provision) here and kill it (by Christ’s sacrifice), and let us eat and be merry(joy of the Lord-our strength);
(24) for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost(destroyed, perish, marred, die) and is found(find, get, obtain, perceive, see).’ And they began to be merry.
2Ch 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and for throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of thosewhose heart is loyal(full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect, quiet, whole, complete) to Him.
2. WE ARE SET APART TO FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSES AND PLAN; TO UNITE IN HIS PURPOSE
Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD has set apart (PALAH; to distinguish, show to be marvelous, separate, sever, make wonderfully) for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
Exo 28:3 So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate (KAWDASH; to be/pronounced/observed to be clean, purify, sanctify, keep holy, proclaim) him, that he may minister to Me as priest.
Jer 29:11-14
(11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of PEACE (well, safe, happy, friendly, favor, prosperity, safe at mind, full, wholly, welfare, rest, health, perfect, salute) and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
(12) Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
(13) And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
(14) I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.
Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Php 1:10-11
(10) that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,
(11) being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
3. WE ARE SET APART TO MINISTER UNTO THE LORD
WE come to the Lord to offer a sacrifice on the altar by fire. The offering we bring to the altar is ourselves. We are called by the Lord to bring ourselves as a living sacrifice. This means that we lay down our lives and this presents a sweet smell to the Lord. As the bread is pleasing to our pallets, just the same is our consecration a sweet smell to our Father.
Exo 28:41 So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests.
Lev 20:7 Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God.
Lev 21:6 They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.
Lev 21:8 Therefore you shall consecrate him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I the LORD, who sanctify you, am holy.
John Gill: “and the bread of their God do they offer; the shew-bread, which they set every week before the Lord on the shew-bread table, …, the “minchah”, which they continually offered along with the sacrifices: or the word “and”, being a supplement, may be left out; and so this clause is put by way of apposition, and as interpreting the fire offering to be the bread of their God, which being wholly burnt on the altar, and devoted to God, was his meat and food, and accepted by him, see Lev 3:11,” FOOD:(battle, overcome, make war, prevail)
Therefore they shall be holy; separate from all others, and abstain from all impurity both of flesh and spirit, from all uncleanness, moral and ceremonial; it being highly fit and proper that the bread of God should be offered by holy persons.
But God would not permit the blood, that made atonement, to be used as a common thing (Heb 10:29), nor will he allow us, though we have the comfort of the atonement made, to assume to ourselves any share in the honor of making it. He that glories, let him glory in the Lord, and to his praise let all the blood be poured out.
John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Lev 3:16 the priest shall burn them on the altar as food, offered by fire, for a sweet and satisfying fragrance. All the fat is the Lord’s.
1Ch 15:12 He said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark( presence) of the LORD God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it.
4. WE ARE SET APART TO PURIFY AND CONSECRATE ONE SELF
IN YOUR WOUNDEDNESS and AFFLICTION / SICKNESS & DISEASE
– An example of being set apart, consecration and sanctification is when A BABY BOY is being circumcised on the eight day
– A LADY AFTER CHILDBIRTH and IMPURITY has to sanctify herself
Exo 13:2 “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”
Exo 19:10 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes.
Jos 7:13 Get up, sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the LORD God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you.
5. WE ARE SET APART AND CONSECRATED FOR WAR AND AT SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Jdg 7:5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “Everyone who laps from the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set apart by himself; likewise everyone who gets down on his knees to drink.
Joe 2:13-17
13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.
14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him—A grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly;
16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room.
17 Let the priests, who minister to the LORD, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ”
Mic 4:13 “Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion; For I will make your horn iron, And I will make your hooves bronze; You shall beat in pieces many peoples; I will consecrate their gain to the LORD, And their substance to the Lord of the whole earth.”
Jos 3:5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
New King James Bible
6. GOD SANCTIFIES HIS OWN NAME and SETS US APART FOR HIS NAMES’ SAKE
I Will Put My Spirit Within You
Eze 36:22-27
22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went.
23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD,” says the Lord GOD, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.
24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.
25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.
7. JESUS’S PRAYER TO THE FATHER TO SANCTIFY US – FOR US TO BE ABLE TO MINISTER & LIVE BY HIM; WHO IS THE TRUTH
Joh 17:17-19
(17) Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
(18) As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
(19) And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
Heb 10:29Welcomed into His presence by the Blood
(29) Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
8. WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO START FULFILLING OUR LIFE’S PURPOSE BY LOVING GOD FIRST & OURSELVES IN ORDER THAT WE CAN LOVE OTHERS
Mat 22:37-40
(37) Jesus said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’
(38) This is the first and great commandment.
(39) And the second is like it: ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’
(40) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
9. WE ARE SET APART IN OUR OWN ‘DYING TO SELF’; TO RISE UP THROUGH REBIRTH IN FAITH UNTO LIFE
1Th 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heb 13:12-14
(12) Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
(13) Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
(14) For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.
10. WE ARE SET APART IN OUR DAILY MISSION
GO AND DO WHAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO DO TODAY. ONLY YOU CAN PERFORM THAT TASK
HEBREWS 13:15-16
(15) Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
(16) But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
:20-21
(20) Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(21) make you complete in every good workto do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
:19-24
(19) Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
(20) by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, (21) and having a High Priest over the house of God,
(22) let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
(23) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
(24) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.
1. HIS CONQUERING BLOOD ASSURES US RESURRECTION LIFE – That is to live an enfused SPIRIT-LED LIFE
LIVING AMONGST THE LIVING
IF….
IF LOVE covers a multitude of sins and …. and GOD IS LOVE – which HE IS!!!
If His MERCIES are NEW every morning… enabling us then to receive our Healing, Wisdom, Strength, Hope, Faith, Grace…. for each New Day afresh…
If the WORD is the TRUTH and ALIVE IN US…
2Jn 1:2 (2) Because of the Truth which lives and stays on in our hearts and will be with us forever:
IF….
If THANKSGIVING is the KEY to ENTER the Gates of His kingdom…
Psa 100:4 Enter into His gates with THANKSGIVING, And into His courts with PRAISE. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
If PRAISE gives me the AUTHORITY to stand in His Courts to execute His Will…
2Co 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
If GRACE abounds where sin increases… for us to be SAVED from Utter destruction BY GRACE….
Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
THEN SURELY HIS BLOOD has then…:
COMPLETED the UTMOST QUEST for LIFE!!!
Deu 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.
His Blood ANSWERED all the accusations
It reaches the deepest deep
It Satisfies all the charges that the enemy can ever bring into the courts against us
It places us in an unassailable bond with the Father
1Sa 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
It provides All provision needed to live this live IN Full, To His Glory!
2Co9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
HIS Blood has power to cover the most adverse of situations, sins, losses, failures, difficulties, trials, challenges… in people’s lives
HIS CONQUERING BLOOD ASSURES US RESURRECTION LIFE
Mar 5:41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Luk 8:54 …took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.”
ARISE CUMI – Hebrew H6965 qûm koom A primitive root; to rise : – abide, accomplish, confirm, continue, decree, endure, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, ordain, perform, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure (-ly), (be) up (-hold, -rising).
ARISE – Greek G1453 egeirō eg-i’-ro collecting one’s faculties; to waken, that is, rouse (literally from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence): – awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-) rise (again, up), stand, take up.
IT TRANSFORMS the LOWEST LOW to the HIGHEST HIGH
Rev 1:18 And the Ever-living One [I am living in the eternity of the eternities]. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore; and I possess the keys of death and Hades.
IT CONQUERS THE DARKEST DARK – Those who are hell-bound, sickness stricken can say
Isa 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
IT REVERSE & REBUILD, IT STRENGTHEN
Jer 33:7-8 (7) And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to be reversed and will rebuild them as they were at first. (8) And I will cleanse them from all the guilt and iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will forgive all their guilt and iniquities by which they have sinned and rebelled against Me.
IT CURES 12 years of unnecessary blood flow
Luk 8:43-48 (43) And a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, (44) Came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment, and immediately her flow of blood ceased. (45) And Jesus said, Who is it who touched Me? When all were denying it, Peter and those who were with him said, Master, the multitudes surround You and press You on every side! (46) But Jesus said, Someone did touch Me; for I perceived that [healing] power has gone forth from Me.
Christ knows when you draw near & trust Him; when you make Him your ONLY HELP to do something for you
(47) And when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came up trembling, and, falling down before Him, she declared in the presence of all the people for what reason she had touched Him and how she had been instantly cured. (48) And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your confidence and trust in Me) has made you well! Go (enter) into peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).
IT REMOVES THE BLINDNESS OF SIN ( mud) from our eyes
Nehemiah petitions God
Neh 1:6 please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned.
Our OWN STATE of Blindness (LACK of REVELATION)
Eph 4:18-22 (18) Their moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. [They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart [to the insensitiveness of their moral nature]. (19) In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand]. (20) But you did not so learn Christ! (21) Assuming that you have really heard Him and been taught by Him, as [all] Truth is in Jesus [embodied and personified in Him], (22) Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion;
ARISE!!!
THE VICTORIOUS BLOOD of the LAMB ENCOURAGES US TO ARISE
2. WHY DO YOU LOOK FOR THE LIVING AMONG DEAD?
Luk 24:1-7 (1) BUT ON the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had made ready. (2) And they found the stone rolled back from the tomb, (3) But when they went inside, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) And while they were perplexed and wondering what to do about this, behold, two men in dazzling raiment suddenly stood beside them. (5) And as [the women] were frightened and were bowing their faces to the ground, the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among [those who are] dead?
(6) He is not here, but has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee (7) That the Son of Man must be given over into the hands of sinful men (men whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God) and be crucified and on the third day rise [from death]. [Psa_16:10]
JESUS IS ASKING….
Why do we look for HIM among things that are worthless, stresssing about the things mortal and callous – (without the heart of God) – try to fill your lives with frivolity (superficial) & feeble things…
Why do you labour so hard at things of the spirit that is not spirit led…???
Why do you look for Christ – to experience Christ – amongst the things, programs, entertainment, pleasure, religious activities, things naturally discerned and seen or that is of the world…???
PRAYER TIME :
SHOW US LORD the things that we are wasting our time, energy, resources, talents, that is steering us away from your REAL PURPOSE for our lives • Personally • Church life • Society • Relationships • Careers
FOR HIS BLOOD LEAD US TO OVERCOME
Rev 12:11 And they have overcome (conquered) 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].
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
