THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

INTRODUCTION

Unfortunately, the introduction on this Blog was deliberately deleted by persons to suppress the truth.  It is to be noted that I write only about my own experiences and as I have said on many occasions this is to garner the spiritual lessons from these experiences and these lessons have mainly taught me how not to be a Christian.  For the most part my experience in the Church in North America and specifically in Canada has been contrary to the Bible.   This and a number of Blogs the introductions have been deleted I will have to go and redraft them.  My problem is not redrafting them it is just the time that I will have to use doing that I could be using doing a number of other things because I have a number of projects that I am doing and as soon as I complete one the Lord gives me another even in exile. This Blog topic came about because of the what I saw playing out in the church in the area of body ministry and the specific area of prophecy.

I Corinthians 14 verse 1 

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

 Hello all you lovely people out there as you can see this month we will be delving into the whole area of the prophetic.  This is not a topic for the uninitiated.  If you are reading this blog and you are not a Christian, then to you this is all information I Corinthians 2 verse 14

 ¹⁴ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

This is family business.  We are looking at why all the true prophets seem to have gone in hiding and where is the prophetic word in the church today.

REFLECTIONS

In October, I wrote about a specific prophecy that I had received.  However, as I was reflecting on this topic I cast my mind back to when I became a Christian (yes I know it seems like yesterday, in Daddy’s eyes it is just a few seconds).  I got saved in the peak of the charismatic renewal in Jamaica and at that time and there were prophets everywhere.  In fact, if you were not getting a prophetic word you thought there was something wrong with you. But as with all things spiritual if not watched over and guarded the devil will cause the plans and purposes of God to be distorted and abused.  Hence; we have the book of I Corinthians 14.  The Apostle Paul had to bring correction to the church.

The spiritual gifts are to be coveted especially the gift of prophecy.  It is a powerful spiritual gift.

WHAT IS PROPHECY?

Prophecy is for edification, exhortation and comfort I Corinthians 14 verse 3.

³ But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

Edification: The instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually short form to build up and not tear down.

Exhortation: An address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something or bring encouragement.

Comfort: The easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress to console.

Also in I Corinthians 14 verses 22 – 25 it is revealed that tongues are for a sign for believers but prophesy is for unbelievers

²² Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

²³ If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

²⁴ But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

²⁵ And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

THE TRUE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

http://letspleasegod.com/2014/03/3-kinds-of-prophets/

I remember the late Dr. Myles Munroe doing a sermon on my next scripture at that same Oceana Hotel in Jamaica another mind blower. Revelation 19 verse 10.

¹⁰ And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

All prophecy of God should testify of Jesus and be judged based on certain criteria:

·         Repentance from sin and restoration through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ

·         Strengthen the faith of the hearer in Jesus

·         Leads to the glorification of Jesus

OPERATIONS OF TRUE PROPHETS

·         Perfecting the saints to do the works of the ministry Ephesians 4 verse 11

·         Foretell of danger, blessing and direction Acts 11 verse 28 and II Chronicles 20 verses 14 – 17

·         Brings alignment I Kings 18 verse 39

·         Prophets are second to Apostles in the church of God I Corinthians 12 verse 28.

TYPES OF PROPHETS

Adapting from the very interesting teaching I found it had a unique way of looking at the different types of prophets in the body of Christ. The discussion looked at three (3) types of prophets.  In developing the discussion, we will look at several scriptures.  The first one being I Corinthians 12 verses 4 – 6

⁴ Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

⁵ And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

⁶ And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

This scripture points to different members of the Godhead distributing different abilities, callings and skills to each member of the Body of Christ

·         Holy Spirit: gifts or manifestations

·         Lord Jesus Christ: administration or offices

·         God the father: Operations or functions

Prophecy is to be found in all the groups.

MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In I Corinthians 12 verses 7 -11 it states

⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

⁸ For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

⁹ To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

¹⁰ To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

¹¹ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The Spirit shows himself in 9 different ways through every man as He wills one of these ways is prophecy.  

DIVERSITY OF OPERATIONS FROM THE FATHER

For this particular topic, we will look at Romans 12 verses 4 – 8 which states:

⁴ For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

⁵ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

⁷ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

⁸ Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Here is mentioned 7 different functions to all members of the Body of Christ.  One of these is prophecy.

DIFFERENT ADMINISTRATIONS FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

We will now look at Ephesians 4 verse 11which states

¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

We see that Jesus Christ sets up 5 different administrators in His Church one being the prophet. We normally look at an organization as having administrators.  An organization is a static entity. However, the church is not, it is a dynamic organism.  However, one still need systems in place whether spiritual or natural.  As I always say God has a way of doing His business.

THE THREE TYPES OF PROPHETS

1.      THE OCCASIONAL PROPHET

This person prophesies on occasion under the unction of the Holy spirit.  King Saul I Samuel 10 verses 10-11.  These prophecies are more of a personal nature for the encouragement and edification of individual saints.  Another illustration is Numbers 11 verse 25 -29.  We now all have the Holy Spirit we can all prophecy as the spirit gives us utterance.  Joel 2 verse 28.  This is a gift of the spirit that is activated as the Spirit wills.

2.      THE OPERATIONAL PROPHETS

Unlike the occasional prophet, the operational prophet flows in the gift always. They are called the office of the prophet. They are inspired speakers giving encouragement and edification for each member of the body. II Kings 5 verse 8. Such boldness.

3.      THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROPHET

This prophet has a great responsibility. Along with the abilities of the first two he watches over the other prophets and keeps them in line.  I Cor 14 verses 29-33. The administrative prophet helps oversee the church and the direction it is going.  He hears the heart of God and expresses how God feels.  He helps prepare God’s people for trials and tribulations on a grand scale.  You could call him the Shamar prophet one who keeps watch and preserve. When there is sin in the church and nothing is being done about it, this prophet is the one to expose it. He’ll call for repentance and restoration and in the worst case, remove such people. Jeremiah 1 verses 9 -10.  The prophets that mirror this image are the major prophets in the Old testament they were committed to God’s will in the face of adversity from their own kinsmen.

THE DUTIES OF A PROPHET

 There are similarities among true prophets

·         They are faithful, blameless and humble men Genesis 6 verse 9

·         Most were men but you also had women Acts 21 verse 9

·         Their prophecies were true.  They did not prophily. II Kings 7

·         Some performed signs and wonders II Kings 4 and I Kings 18 verse 36-38

·         God had some demonstrate how He felt Isaiah 20 verse 2

·         The spirit of jezebel hate the prophets of God I Kings 19 verse 2

·         Most people don’t like prophets because at times they should bring corrections Jeremiah 38 verse 4

·         Jesus said a’a prophet has no respect in his home town’ St. Matthew 13 verse 57

·         Most prophets were killed by false Christians St. Mark 6 verses 14 - 29

·         True prophets are able to call out false prophets Acts 13 verses 9-11 and I kings 18

·         They come to tear down, replace and build up things within God’s people Jeremiah 1 verse 10

 THE MESSAGE

·         God is merciful St. Matthew 4 verse 16

·         God abhors sin Psalm 5 verse 4

·         God is a jealous God and will not share His glory Isaiah 42 verse 8

·         God wants your faith and obedience in Him Philippians 3 verse 9

·         God is after a repentant heart Psalm 51 verse 17

·         God will make you victorious over Satan if you repent Revelation 3 verse 21

·         God is a God of justice Deuteronomy 32 verse 4

·         God wants us to care for the widows and orphans James 1 verse 27

·         God wants us to have no other God before Him Exodus 20 verse 3

·         God hates divorce and unequally yoked marriages St. Matthew 5 verse 32

·         God hate false ministers St. Matthew 7 verse 15

·         God hates arrogance St. Luke 18 verses 9 - 14

·         God hates witchcraft and rebellion I Samuel 15 verse 23

·         God desires holiness Corinthians 7 verse 1

CONCLUSION

In concluding the topic is vast and could not be covered in one Blog I will have to revisit the area at some future date.  However, my Brethren I would like to point you to some resources that you can explore for your own self development.

·         Prophets and Personal Prophecy – Dr. Bill Hamon He has been around for a long time

·         God Still Speaks – Apostle John Eckhardt

·         I will also insert this YouTube video from Apostle John Eckhardt just to whet your appetite

·         For the prophetic in action just tune in to Pastor E.A. Adeboye over there at Redeemed Christian Church of God Dove Tv, RCCG.org or Holy Ghost Service Tv

After saying all of that there are two prophetic stories that resonate with me.  The first one is the story out of I Kings 13.  To cut to the chase the prophet was given clear instructions by God. He fulfilled his assignment. The guy cause an altar to rent in twain and dried up a hand and restored it and on his return, was deceived by another prophet and ended up being killed. My take away, in the noise and dissonance you must be able to recognize the Shepherd’s voice.  My sheep hears my voice the voice of another they will not follow.

The other story is that of the prophet called Ahitophel over there in II Samuel.  The Bible says that Ahitophel was an oracle of God none of His words fell (II Samuel 16 verse 23) to the ground he was one of King David’s seer.  However, he betrayed King David and the king just said one thing ‘make the counsel of Ahitophel foolishness’ (II Samuel 15 verse 31).  The rest is history he ended up killing himself (II Samuel 17 verse 23) like King Saul before him and Judas after him. Touch not the Lord’s anointed do His prophets no harm.

I particularly wanted to address the laying of hands and the commissioning of people in the church as per Acts 6 vs 6 when they wanted people to wait on tables and in Acts 13 verses 1 – 3.  I ask myself has the pattern change. See why we need the prophets.

Any way people more anon

Once again this is me Raphleta, Lillene’s baby girl coming to you from the True North.  The weather is starting to get interesting.

À bientôt

THE WORKING OF FAITH IN THE LIFE OF MOSES - Hebrews 11 verses 23 -29

INTRODUCTION

Well people it is the seventh month since I have started blogging, before we go any further we want to thank the Lord in this the seventh month. Seven (7) being the number of perfection or completion. I was rereading the earlier blogs and I was getting so excited and my spirit was being ignited.  So I want to thank God that in the month of
April- We learnt about the UNCHANGING GOD through the life of the Jewish patriarch Abraham.
May - We learnt THE ATTITUDE TO BE through the Beatitudes of Jesus.
June -  We explored the whole area of prayer through TEACH US TO PRAY.
July - We learnt about the master key of master keys HOLINESS without which no man shall see God.
August - What a month of abundance we learnt THE LAWS OF PROSPERITY.  Please keep tithing people it is the least you can do.  It keeps you honest, faithful and accountable.  Just an aside here I cant get it out of my spirit.  You know how we looked at some of the billionaires in this post.  Here it is I was invited to Thanksgiving Dinner.  It was something that I had not planned because I have quite a few things to do and the invitation came just after I had put my weekend schedule together.  However I accepted since someone went to the trouble. I asked for the time of the dinner thinking I would just go in time and do the social thing and just get back to my schedule.  People, these are Jamaicans so I arrive at the appointed time only to be placed in front of the television CNN.  So I say I might as well relax and enjoy the moment.  I have not watched CNN (Constant Negative News I have heard it been described) in years.  As in Jamaica of a few months ago the new American soap opera was going on, the elections.  The Presidential debate was completed the night before so they were giving the highlights.  The clip of note to me, was the one in which Mr. Trump was defending his tax avoidance by carrying forward his business losses.  He stated that this was common among the rich and went on to call a few names one of them being Warren Buffet. Stay with me people I am coming down to my punch line.  Then another news clipping came up with the response from Mr. Buffet stating that he has his 72 tax filings and he has never carry forward anything.  He had a copy of his first tax filing from the age of 13 years old when he paid $7 in taxes (he was a slow starter).  You get it people at 13 years old this man was filing taxes and he said he was a slow starter.  This man is pure class. No wonder this man is a billionaire.  I call him the frugal billionaire. Oh by the way the food was good it was a Jamaican home after all what do you expect, oxtail, curried goat, turkey etc. etc. To get back on track in
September - We learnt about another master key THE PURPOSE OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP for this purpose we have been created.
May the Lord continue to glorify His name and take this blog in the direction He desires.
So here we are in October I hope you will continue to be blessed by reading these blogs, go ahead and write your sermons, share with your friends and spread the love and the word around.

THE BIRTH OF THE WORD

When the word came into my spirit to write about faith. I did not just want to write another post on faith and be part of the mass of material.  So I decided to use Moses as my scriptural illustration.  I can identify with his character like myself he is a "late bloomer". As I was meditating on the word and the life of Moses; I was reminded of a prophecy that I had received in the early days when we held church in a school room. I will not tell you the date because I do not want to date myself.  If you are that interested and you are not on my Face Book page you can google it.  I am surprised that I showed up on google.  I thought no one knew me.  We will not discuss my digital footprint.  It was in this school room that I learned about servant leadership by cleaning the school bathrooms. I also learnt about Submission in my bedroom listening to Pastor John Bevere.  I will share these insights with you as we journey together.
Anyway getting back to the prophecy, the name of the Minister was Pastor David Clemetson, powerful man of God. I mean in those days we had some strong men of the word. I had this prophecy for years just confessing over my life. He really went into me that day.  He left and returned  I remember one of the section of the prophecy was that "like Moses you would be in the wilderness for a season etc. etc." Now that I am writing about it I need to resurrect this prophecy because it is the most accurate prophecy I have had to date. By the way another late bloomer was Abraham he started at 75.  Genesis 12 verse 4
Another aside people I recently had someone tell me that they were retired and was at home watching television and reading the Bible. I said to myself does this person really read the Bible.  As Pastor E.A. Adeboye would say "God is a businessman" you are of no profit  (yes people profit) he kills you.  That is why I love God's retirement plan so much:
Jesus Christ - 33 years old crucified purpose complete - For this purpose was the Son of God manifest to destroy the works of the evil one
Enoch - You are too good for this Earth come home.
Elijah - You ran from Jezebel anoint Elisha and come home in blazing glory, chariots of fire.
Elisha - when he died his bones were still fulfilling purpose, leads us to wonder what we are doing with our living bones.
Aaron - Anoint Elazar and come home.
Paul - I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I am ready to be taken out.
John - In his old age wrote the book of Revelation.
Moses - Anoint Joshua and come let me kill you.

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

Faith - Hebrews 11 verse 1

'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.'

Simply put your faith is what will bring into being the unseen things you are hoping for.
Now let us look at the measure of faith that has been given to all of us. Romans 12 verse 3

'For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.' 

What you do with the measure that has been given to you is up to you.  A scripture I particularly like is James 1 verses 2 - 3

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

If you do not exercise your faith it will not grow. You cant pray over someone with cancer if you have not had the faith to believe Him for a headache.  That is why one of the significant things about worship is that the level of your worship will be dependent on your experience with this God. You cant worship God as your deliverer when the only major crisis you have had in your life is low battery in your TV remote or the lack of a smart phone for a few hours.
If you do not grow your faith this is what will happen.  The writer of Hebrews admonishing the Christians, Hebrews 5 verses 12 -14

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Out of the mouth of two (2) witnesses let everything be established you can also read I Corinthians 3 verses 1 - 3.

THE MAN OF THE MOMENT - MOSES

Hebrews 11 verses 23 - 29

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

Verse 23 - Before we examine the captioned scripture each verse represents a separate time period in the life of Moses. Persons normally gloss over the part played by Moses' parents Amram and Jochebed.  Most persons dont even know their names. But I put it to you it is obvious that Moses came from a household of faith and discernment.  Thank God for discerning and faithful parents.  Exodus 2 verse 2.
Another little gem out of the book of Exodus (there are so many of them; I was rebuked for reading Exodus 15 verses 1 - 11 in a prayer meeting, the head felt that it was not relevant and I read too long Lord help my Holy Ghost) Exodus 2 verse 9 God has a wry sense of humour.  He will get your enemy to pay to look after you and educate you so that you can demolish them.
Verses 24 - 26 - Choosing to be identified as a Jew was a pivotal decision in Moses' life.  He was second in line to the throne in the greatest nation in the known world at that time.  He had everything going for him. It must have been some struggle. He had it all.  What we are all striving after. It took him forty (40) years but he finally made the right decision. He had insight into something most of us dont, even though we have the Holy Spirit. When you partner with God it is a win-win situation. He was certainly being pulled between two (2) worlds, remember the Lord engineered it so that he was nurtured by his mother rather than the Egyptians.  So let us not be fooled he knew his heritage.
Verse 27 -  He certainly fled from Egypt for his life Hebrews says it is faith. Exodus 2 verses 14-15. However, in Acts 7 verses 22 - 25 this is how Stephen through the Holy Spirit interpreted the happenings:

22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

So Moses' was in his season but working things his way.  His brethren's were not quite up to speed. After forty (40) years in the wilderness God got Moses' attention with the burning bush experience. You all know it, the bush that was burning but was not being consumed Exodus 3 verses 1 -4. Then God reestablished his purpose Exodus 3 verse 10.  Purpose will keep you alive as the late Dr. Myles Munroe would say.
In Exodus 3 verse 14 we see God answering Moses' question about His name.  He said to tell the people that the I AM THAT I AM has sent him. Now you see why the blog is called THE I AM GOD.
We also have God giving Moses miracles to show the people.  Moses being human wants to be assured that if you are going to be threatened with stoning then you have to have a firm assurance of in whom you believe.
Moses was reticent at first, aren't we all Elijah called down fire from heaven and then ran from a woman's threat. However, once purpose kicked in there was no stopping him.  The rest is history as we would say.
Verse 28 - Covered under the blood. Moses had some ground breaking revelations he did things and went to places where no one had trodden before him.  The final show down in Egypt. The killing of the first born. The blood on the door post signifying the blood covering offered by our Lord Jesus Christ. My very best take away from this chapter though is Exodus 12 verse 36 where it said God gave the children of Israel favour with their neighbours and they spoiled the Egyptians. It is said to date the Egyptian economy has not recovered. Get ready for the coming wealth transfer. You need to prepare yourselves the nations of the world are in crisis.
Verse 29 - The crossing of the Red Sea.  I was listening to a teaching that said if Moses had prayed when they had come to the Red Sea with his stutter the Egyptians would have overtaken them before he had a chance to finish the prayer. Lord help my Holy Ghost. So he just followed God and lifted up the rod in faith.

The feats of Moses are they not written in the annals of history.
Aaron leading the people into idolatry Exodus 32 - now you see why he is not mentioned in the Hall of Faith Idolatry the first High Priest.  King Solomon also.
Moses breaking the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments in anger Exodus 32 verse 19.
Moses hitting the rock out of anger instead of speaking to it as commanded by God, resulting in him truncating his destiny and not entering the promise land Numbers 20 verses 8-12.
Doubt, fear and unbelief resulting in an entire nation (except for two (2) persons) dying in the wilderness. Numbers 13 verses 30-33; 14 verses 1 -11.
Leadership problems Numbers 16 - Rebellion against Moses' leadership.  Moses' prayer Numbers 16 verses 29 -30. Immediate answer Numbers 16 verses 31 -33. A serious man of God is a dangerous human being. Just in case you are saying this is Old Testament let me give you one of the New Testament examples Acts 13 verses 8-12.
One of my all time pearls (you wonder why I like precious stones, I am like my Daddy.  He uses them to make gate posts Revelation 21 vs 21) from the book of Numbers
This is what Daddy commanded Moses and Aaron to do.  It is a command!
Numbers 6 verses 22 - 26

22 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace

Skip over to the New Testament, that first century Jewish writer (you have gotten it yes, the Apostle Paul) I Thessalonians 5 verses 23 - 24

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

In the book of Jude 24-25

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Start ending church by blessing the people dont just send them away.

IN CONCLUDING

These few pages could not grasp the height and depth that is this man Moses.  I hope I have sufficiently titillated your appetite so that you can go and do your own study into at least one facet of his life. Remember no matter how great these men were they all had character flaws. Moses was a murderer, he had anger problems and he stuttered. Zipporah his wife also had to rebuke him.  This brings us back to the fundamental.  There is only one perfect sacrifice that is Jesus Christ no one else could have done what He accomplished. So remember always to keep your eyes on Him.

So until next month this is all from me Raphleta, Lillene's baby girl from up here in the true north.  You be blessed!!

À bientôt

    

THE PURPOSE OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP - Revelation 4 vs 11

INTRODUCTION

I will never forget that night at the Oceana Hotel when the late Dr. Myles Munroe moon walked across the stage singing the late Michael Jackson's "I Am Bad, I Am Bad" the moment was electrifying.  Then he stated "we have a generation that has gone bad and we are wondering why."  He then went on to outline the power of music.

Once again people, I am writing for my pleasure.  This is how I relax.  The research is challenging I get to know the Bible more and I also increase my knowledge of scriptures. Plus I get the next topic even before I have completed one blog.  So, come with me for the ride and enjoy yourselves even as I am enjoying myself. This is what you would call experiential application.  I am sure there is a term for that at Bible school. I will get there. Lord bless my Holy Ghost!!

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

Purpose (noun) is the reason for which something is done or created or for the existence of a thing.  

Abuse (noun) the abnormal use of a thing.

Music in its simplest form is an art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound and silence.  The major point we want to extract here is that the word is derived from the Greek mousike - "art of muses'.  The word muse as a verb means to consider something thoughtfully; synonym mull, mull over or meditate. One can safely say music causes you to meditate on what you have heard.  Ever heard yourself humming a song and wondering where it came from? It is the musing.

Praise (verb) to express warm approval or adoration of.   Synonym pay tribute to, speak highly of, eulogize. Elijah on Mount Carmel I Kings 18 verse 36 and Hannah I Samuel 2 verse 2.

Worship (noun) The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. Synonym exultation and veneration.  Revelation 4 verses 9-11.

GOD'S ORIGINAL WORSHIP PLAN

There were three archangels in heaven:
Gabriel the Communicator - He delivered the important messages. Daniel 8 verse 16, St. Luke 1 verse 26.
Michael the Warrior - He fought the major battles. Daniel 10 verse 13, Jude 1 verse 9.
Lucifer the Worship leader - He was expelled from heaven because he wanted the glory. This angel fell in love with himself.  Revelation 12 verse 7-9. The late Dr. Myles Munroe  used to say that there are 3 things you do not touch in the kingdom of God; the gold, the girls and the glory. Ezekiel 28 verses 12-18, Isaiah 14 verses 12-14 and St. Luke 10 verse 18.
So if Satan is no longer the worship leader in heaven who or what has taken his place?

WORKING WITH WHAT HE HAS

The Bible states that Satan is the Prince of the power of the air. Ephesians 2 verse 2

Let us look at how God has ordered His business

1. Everything and everyone in the temple should be anointed Exodus 40 verses 9-34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6vyCIiqNzs
2. Proper order I Chronicles 6 verses 31 -32.  The very thread that was used to sew the ephod of the priest  was specified.  Exodus 28 verses 6-14, I Chronicle 16 verses 4-7, 37-43. The Psalm of David I Chronicles 16 verses 8-36.  Every time I read this passage of scripture I have to read it in its entirety.  Another one is Exodus 15 verses 2 - 21 They are full of gems.
3. In the last days the Lord shall raise up the tabernacle of David - Amos 9 verse 11

¹¹ In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

THE SAYINGS OF JESUS

Let us look at Jesus' take on this whole area of worship. Remember He is the perfect example.  Jesus with the Samaritan woman by the well defining true worship.  St. John 4 verse 23 - 24.

²³ But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
²⁴ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 

This scripture is loaded suffice it to say that it is no longer about a location and you cant be a true worshipper of the living God if you have not confessed Him as your Lord and savior. This is how the Apostle Paul interpreted it - I Corinthians 6 verses 19-20

¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

The Apostle Peter - I Peter 2 verses 5-9

⁵ Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
⁶ Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
⁷ Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
⁸ And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
⁹ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-23-priority-true-worship-john-423-24

THE SEVEN LEVELS OF PRAISE

They will not manifest in any particular order just be aware that there are different levels to your praise.https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=seven+levels+of+praise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1OxpqJY_xI 

1. YAHDAH - Worshipping with extended hands. To lift hands to the Lord in absolute surrender. Psalm 9 verse 1 and Isaiah 12 verse 1.
2. TEHILLAH - To sing, to laud, a spontaneous new song, a prophetic praise..  It is unprepared, unrehearsed, singing directly to God. Psalm 22 verse 3 and 40 verse 3.
3. BARAK - To kneel, to bow, to show gratitude. Consciously giving place to God. Psalm 103 verses 1 - 5.
4. HALAL - This speaks to breakthrough praise and has its root in the word hallelujah.  To rejoice- act clamorously foolish.  I Chronicles 29 verse 13 and Nehemiah 12 verse 24.
5. TOWDAH - This is sacrificial praise, praise in anticipation before manifestation or reception.  Coming into alignment with the word of God (FAITH). Psalm 50 verse 23 and Jeremiah 17 verse 26.
6. ZAMAR - To praise God with the instruments. Psalm 150 and Psalm 92 verse 1.
7. SHABACH - This is a praise of dominion, proclamation with a loud voice, address in a loud tone, a loud adoration example shout unto the Lord.  Psalm 117 vs 1 and Psalm 63 verse 3-4. 

CONCLUSION

It's no accident that the longest book in the Bible, also with the longest chapter is the Psalms.  It is all about praising and worshipping God.  When we get to the end of the Bible, we see the saints and angels in heaven falling on their faces and worshipping God.  Revelation 4 verses 10-11, 5 verses 8-14, 7 verses 9-11.

¹⁰ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Since worship will be our ceaseless activity and greatest joy in heaven we ought to be proclaiming it now. In fact the Bible says this is the purpose for which we have been created.  There are Christians who are sincere but the worship is man-centred.  Sometimes it's patterned more after the entertainment world than after the Bible.  It draws attention to the performers and not the lord.  On the other hand some go through ancient liturgies without being submitted to God.  St Matthew 5 verse 18 Jesus states "The people honour me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me." We need to be careful not to be led astray. 

Let us come back to worshipping God again.

 à bientôt - see you next month be blessed