LAYING ON OF HANDS - Hebrews 6 verse 1 – 2

INTRODUCTION

Oooo La La it is that time of the month again people fresh manna from the throne.  As I have said I am dealing with the fundamentals of our Christian walk and you can’t get more basic than this. However, it is the little foxes that spoil the vines. If the foundations be destroyed what will the righteous do?

Laying on of hands is one of the six fundamental principles of the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ listed in Hebrews 6 verse 1-2:

 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

² Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

I am very concerned for the unwary sheep like myself.

We will now listen to a video done by Pastor Kenneth Hagin.

APPRECIATION

I forgot to thank this Pastor last month.  How could I?

·         Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo from over there at Kingsway International Christian Centre in England NO LIMITS/LINE CROSSER/BARRIER BREAKER/ IDENTITY – 31 Insights into Prayer, (we are the only army that marches forward on our knees), 30 Reasons Why Christians Should have a Business, 50 Blessings and 80 Reasons Why You Should Give Thanks to the Lord – As Dr. Otabil says when these guys interpret the Bible you wonder if it is the same book you are reading.

I pray the Lord will continue to increase him.

REFLECTIONS

I have been very concerned about what I see taking place as I visit churches in this country.  Having come from a deliverance background I am aware of the dangers that can happen if there is no control in this area.  I remember my Pastor in Jamaica would warn people not to go around and allow people to lay hands on them arbitrarily.  They should know the lives of people before allowing them to lay hands.

So, people if you see me ignoring your prayer lines been there done that.  It is self-preservation.  If you lay empty hands on empty heads all you get is empty. Zero times zero is zero. Hence, the reason the Apostle Paul admonished Timothy not to lay hands on anyone suddenly I Timothy 5 verse 22.

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

In Christianity, the laying on of hands (Greek: cheirotonia - χειροτονία, literally, "laying-on of hands") is both a symbolic and formal method of invoking the Holy Spirit primarily during baptisms and confirmations, healing services, blessings, and ordination of priests, ministers, elders, deacons, and other church officers, along with a variety of other church sacraments and holy ceremonies.

We will now look at the ministry of laying on of hands throughout the scriptures beginning at the book of Genesis. In the garden of Eden there was no need for the laying on of hands because God and man were at one.  Then Adam violated the relationship, hence we now have to lay hands and do all the other things that we call church to invoke the presence.

THE MINISTRY OF LAYING ON OF HANDS

1.      The Laying on of Hands for Blessings

Abraham did not have to bless Isaac because he was the covenant child. He sent away his other children with gifts Ishmael and the six others Genesis 25. However, Isaac had twins and we encountered intrigue with these two boys one loved by the mother and one by the father.  The elder Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage (be careful what you are selling your destiny for) to his younger brother and then suddenly developed amnesia when it was blessing time.  So, by sleight of hand and ingenuity Jacob and his mother engineered it so that the younger got the blessing. Let me recommend here Buy the Future a sermon on the subject by Dr. Mensa Otabil.

In Genesis 27 we see Isaac blessing Jacob and declaring that he would rule over his sibling. In verses 32 to 40 one realizes how important the blessing is because when Isaac realized that Jacob had gotten the blessing instead of Esau he ‘trembled very exceedingly’ and when Esau realized that he had missed out he cried.

Having established the significance of the blessing Let us jump over to Genesis 48.  This is Israel (Jacob) blessing his grandsons, Joseph’s sons.  The man was ready to give up the ghost (may you live until you die) so he was blessing some and getting back at some for sleeping with his concubine and for breaking covenant.  Don’t wait until you are dying to vent on your children is the lesson here. Genesis 48 vs 13-20 We see how Israel was deliberate about the blessing and how he was guided by the Lord and how he invoked the blessings of the lineage from Abraham. Ephraim did become greater than Manasseh in a short time. I Chronicles 12 vs 30

Jesus and the little children

In the book of St. Mark 10 vs 15-16 Jesus suffered the little children to come unto Him and blessed them by laying His hands on them.

2.      Succession Planning

Just a note here God is the original Management Guru he was doing the things that we are now discovering from before the foundations of the Earth. Succession Planning is all over the book. We all know our ultimate destiny.  If you are not sure read the Book of Revelation it is stated quite clearly. All categories are taken care of Revelation 21 vs 7-8. Just in case you are having degrees to sin. God has one degree sin.

Let us hop over to the book of Deuteronomy and look at the operations of that great man of God Pastor Moses.

Numbers 27:18-23King James Version (KJV)

¹⁸ And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

¹⁹ And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.

²⁰ And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

²¹ And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

²² And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:

²³ And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

The Lord had Moses to impart not only honour unto Joshua but also wisdom. Let us now look at Deuteronomy 34:9King James Version (KJV)

⁹ And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.
Of course Joshua laid hands on no one so we have in the book of Judges Anarchy in Israel

3.      Victory

This illustration that I am going to use Dr. Mensa Otabil has a fantastic sermon on it called Don't Hold Back.  The Story is in II Kings 13 verses 14-19 you are going to have to fight but I will guide you. The laying of hands of the prophet speaks to transference of anointing and guidance 2 Kings 13:14-19King James Version (KJV).

¹⁴ Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

¹⁵ And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.

¹⁶ And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.

¹⁷ And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the Lord's deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.

¹⁸ And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.

¹⁹ And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.

4.      Healing/ Miraculous Power

The laying on of hands characterizes Jesus’ Ministry we see this in St. Luke 4 vs 40 and St. Mark 6 vs 5-6. In the latter scripture, we see that doubt and unbelief can hinder the ministry. The gospels are replete with instances where Jesus laid His hands and wrought healings and mighty miracles.

In Acts 28 vs 8 Paul laid his hands on a sick man and he was healed and immediately opened a healing school on the island of Malta.  This came about because in verse 5 of the same chapter Paul had shook off in the fire a deadly snake that bit him and under the observation of everyone who was expecting him to die nothing happened. There will be many snake bites in life, it is not unto death, it is only for the glory of God. Just shake off the serpent and move along. Gene J always nullify gene S.

5.      Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The book of Acts has many instances of this occurring.  This was a common feature of the apostle’s ministry in the book of Acts so much so that one man wanted to buy the power.  This took place in Acts 8 14 -20.

Also in Acts 19 vs 1 - 6, the disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit.  The Holy spirit can also be received without the laying on of hands as in Acts 2 the upper room and Acts 10 the house of the gentile Cornelius.

6.      Set Apart for Ministry

We will look at two instances of this in the Bible the instance in Acts 13 vs 3. As it was in Acts 6 the Apostles fasted and prayed before laying on of hands.  You can’t lay empty hands on empty heads, one should always seek the direction of the Holy Spirit before laying on of hands. After all it is His show not ours.

No dissertation on this subject would be complete without looking at the instance with the young man called Timothy. Paul had to admonish the little young fellow not to be intimidated. In modern day parlance, we would say ‘Timothy don’t watch nuh face. Do your thing Brother.’ I Timothy 4 verse 14.

¹⁴ Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery

Let us watch this video done by Pastor Benny Hinn to cement the new concepts that we have learnt.

In the Old Testament hands are imposed on sacrificial animals in order to set them apart for special purposes (; Leviticus 4:4 Leviticus 16:21; 2 Chron 29:3 ). The notion of separation for an uncommon purpose also lies behind the imposition of hands on the Levites during their ceremony of consecration ( Num 8:5-15)

CONCLUSION

 In concluding, let me repeat that we must be very deliberate about what we are doing.  As Pastor E.A. Adeboye would say ‘God is not a talkative’.  There are reasons why He does the things He does, in the way that He does them. It is beneficial to us. We have to trust His heart. In addition, if we do not get the fundamentals right what sort of a structure can we build.

The organization of the church is right there in the Bible for all to see.  There needs to be no experimenting, if you are interested in order and transparency.  King David was very careful with king Solomon he kept saying see that you do everything according to the plan.  Likewise, Moses in the wilderness. Church Organization is for another Blog. Success leaves clues (Tony Robbins) no need to reinvent the wheel pattern those who are successful. Hence, the need for spiritual fathers.

I have been reflecting in recent weeks and thinking to myself that you can leave a job or they fire you. Having had many firings, myself.  You can steal some money and you go to prison and serve your sentence. But in the Church Leadership if you mess up this is what you get St Matthew 18 verse 6.

But whoso shall cause one of these little ones who believe in Me to fall, it were better for him that a millstone were hung about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

The mafia calls it ‘sleeping with the fishes’.  I was wondering where they got the terminology. Next month I will tell you about Mario Puzo's "The Godfather' fantastic book. I am winding down no more new material.

You might not be serious about God’s business but He is very serious about His business so don’t touch it if you are interested in pleasing men above God.

Once again, this is me Lillene’s baby girl coming to you from up here in the true north.

À bientôt!

POWER AND AUTHORITY St. Luke 4 verse 36

INTRODUCTION

Well people it is that most exciting time of the month, the time that you have all been waiting for the monthly blog post of the “I AM GOD”.

However, before we proceed any further, I need to give a word of caution about that Ephesians 1 verses 15 – 23 prayer especially verse 17 all that jazz about ‘the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation and eyes being opened etc. Shared in last month’s blog post.  First, let me bring to your attention something that Joseph said to pharaoh in Genesis 41 verse 32 – ‘The dream was doubled because the thing was established by God…’ In like manner, a version of the Ephesians 1 prayer is also repeated in Colossians 1 verse 9-23.  As Joseph said the thing is established.  If we agree to invite the Holy spirit in our midst he will come. Ooo la la, the question is what will be our reaction to His presence?  Will we allow Him to have His way? or will we want to continue our Agenda?  When He turns up He changes things. I have found two basic reactions in these scenarios:

·         Persons are not sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit.  They are sticking to their agenda irrespective.

·         In other environments, you will hear words such as arrogance and ‘big words’ being bandied about. As the late Dr. Myles Munroe, would say ‘It is not arrogance it is confidence.’  Pastor Paul Enenche puts it this way ‘Your invironment is affecting the environment.’

In these circumstances, I would say take Jesus’ advise to His disciples the people reject you, dust your feet off and move along.  Especially, if you are like Raphleta and God is reminding you daily that you are redeeming time and you don’t any to waste.

Let me leave you with a little anecdote.  I was in this prayer meeting one Saturday morning. As usual I was not a part of anybody’s group (follow the prophets of old, people had to go looking for them, when God turned up for Isaiah read what he said in Isaiah 6).  I detected that a lot of gossiping was going on in the body. To say that I was nonsensical would have been an understatement.  I just went straight for the jugular. After going through the first part of the prayer (hallowed be Your name etc.). ‘I said Father in the name of Jesus cut off the Pastor’s wife from itchy ears.’ I was not very diplomatic in those days.

You know I became persona non-grata faster than the Cuban Ambassador under the Seaga administration of the eighties.  The corollary to that would be the Muslim Ambassadors under the Trump administration, personas non-grata.  The Bible said Jesus learnt obedience by the things He suffered, I have learnt my lesson.

Let us get to the matter at hand! It is the twelfth (12) month of blogging.  It seems like yesterday night I took up a book read it and started.  It has been challenging but fun, I have learnt some new skills along the way and still have a far way to go.  It is a continuum once you are alive you will continue to learn when you stop learning you are ready to die.

I can’t forget those nights when I was at the Library typing, and I would type for thirty (30) minutes and be so caught up in what I was doing only to realize that I have lost thirty (30) minutes worth of typing when the computer automatically rebooted,. I can’t count the number of times this has happened to me. That was before Blogger automatically saved as you type.

How can I forget the month of May when I typed everything, pressed a button and voilà seven (7) hours of typing just disappeared.  The Librarians must be glad they are not seeing me very often these days they had to be escorting me out of the Library.  I am leaving they are shutting the door or they are opening the door to let me out.  Dr. Cindy Trimm would say “Compete against yourself and win.”  The future is very glorious and very bright.

APPRECIATION

I would also like to thank some men of God who have made this blog as interesting as it is and who have changed my life in one way or another.

·         Pastor E. A. Adeboye from over there at Redeemed Christian Church of God in Nigeria HOLINESS – The Master Key of Master Keys

·         Dr. Myles Munroe (Deceased) – Bahamas Faith Ministries International – PURPOSE/KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP/IDENTITY/VISION – Purpose the original intent for which a thing is made.

·         Dr. Mensa Otabil – International Central Gospel Church in Ghana – IDENTITY/PROPHETIC PRAYING – It is not about the oil and handkerchief it is about understanding the season you are in. The inheritance of Judah. Understandeth thou what thou readest?

·         Pastor Kenneth Copeland – Kenneth Copeland Ministries – THE BLESSING OF THE LORD/LAWS OF PROSPERITY – Laws of Prosperity I think is my signature blog to date because, people were shock at the information contained therein and the presentation.

For all those who I have drawn on their resources the Lord will bless you and I pray you will all grow from strength to strength.  As I grow in grace I will be calling on you in the future.

THE NUMBER 12

The number 12 is the number of government.  Twelve (12) can be found in one hundred and eighty-seven (187) places in God’s word. Revelation alone has twenty-two (22) occurrences of the number. The meaning of twelve (12) which is considered a perfect number, is that it symbolizes God’s power and authority, as well as serving as a perfect governmental foundation. For example, Jacob (Israel) had twelve (12) sons, each of which represented a tribe begun by a prince, for twelve (12) princes total.  Ishmael also had twelve (12) princes.

Christ called and chose twelve (12) men to bear witness to what he did and to spread the good news of the gospel to the entire world.

There were one hundred and twenty (120) people in the upper room on the day of Pentecost Acts 1 verse 15.

Christ’s bride in Revelation 12, the Church wears a crown containing twelve (12) stars.

The New Jerusalem, which is made in heaven and brought to the Earth by God himself, contains twelve (12) gates made of pearl which are each manned by an angel. The twelfth blog is on Power and Authority by divine appointment.

REFLECTIONS

As per usual, I like to give you an insight into why I choose my topics.  I was listening to a man of God who mentioned the subject.  He was not teaching on the topic but stated that all believers in order, to live a victorious Christian life needs to know the difference between Power and Authority.  Then he used those two (2) Greek words dunamis and exousia suffice it to say I concurred with the gentleman and decided to revise my knowledge. 

Here is the reason why?

In the early Charismatic Movement, there were some basic doctrinal teaching. You were exposed to certain Greek words such as charismata meaning gifts.  Hence, the word charismatic because of the emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Then there was pneuma – breath the word used for God breathing on Adam.  The three (3) different types of love agape, eros and fileo (in fact I am going to do a blog on this topic just to keep focus.  In addition, I had my list with the different names for God walked around with it for years.  I had sixteen (16) different names on my list; Jehovah Shammah, Nissi, Rohi, Elohim, El Shaddai etc. Dr. Cindy Trimm added a new one in recent times Jehovah Gibbor.  So, you thought because it rolled off my tongue so easily it is just overnight.  Sorry people I was confessing these scriptures while I was speaking to myself in the mirror for years. Still do. As King David said to Solomon you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart. Then of course, we had dunamis and exousia, power and authority. As per usual it does not seem to be a very popular topic.  I am saying if the foundations be destroyed what will the

righteous do. Before we go any further let us listen to this clip by the late Dr. Myles Munroe on the subject..

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

I am going to be detailed in these definitions because I want to emphasize the all-encompassing nature of the words. We are into the big times as I have said in a previous blog I am not yet steeped into Hebrew and Greek but, for these words I have to make an exception.  There are too many cowboys and lone rangers. The church has become the wild, wild church. We need to return to order.

Power – The Greek word for power in the Bible is dunamis (doo’na-mis) and is used one hundred and twenty (120) times in the New Testament.  The word refers to strength, power or ability.  It is the root word of our English words dynamite, dynamo and dynamic.

Strong’s #1411 dunamis – (doo’na-mis)

From 1410- force (literally or figuratively), specially, miraculous power (visually by implication, a miracle itself), ability, abundance, meaning might (-ily, -y, deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work

We will look at the meaning in the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

1.      Strength, power, ability

1a. Inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person exerts and puts forth

1b. Power for performing miracles

1c. Moral power and excellence of soul

1d. The power and influence which belong to riches and wealth

1e. Power and resources arising from numbers

1f.  Power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

Authority- Exousia used one hundred and four (104) times in the New Testament.

Authority is the Greek word exousia. It is especially used in terms of moral influence. Exousia can also be thought of in terms of jurisdiction or dominion over a certain realm, right, privilege or ability.

Strong’s #1849 – Exousia (ex-oo-see’-ah)

From 1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery /concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control, delegated influence: -authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

Exousia in the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon

1.      Power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases

1a. Leave or permission

2.      Physical or mental problem

2a. The ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises

3.      The power of authority (influence) and of night (privilege)

4.      The power of rule or government (the power of him whose will must be submitted to by others or obeyed

4a. universally

4a1 authority over mankind

4b. specifically

4b1 the power of judicial decisions

4b2 of authority to manage domestic affairs

4c. metonymically

4c1 a thing subject to authority or rule

4c2 one who possesses authority

4c2a a ruler, a human magistrate

4c2b the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man, spiritual potentates

4d. A sign of the husband’s authority over his wife

4d1 the veil with which propriety required a woman to cover herself

4e  the sign of regal authority, a crown.  

We will look at another video on power and authority.

EXPLANATION OF POWER AND AUTHORITY

The biblical description of power relates primarily to God and man. Power is an inherent characteristic of God ( Rom 1:20 ). It is the result of his nature. 

The power of God is seen in his creation ( Psalm 19 ; 150:1 ; Jeremiah 10:12 ).

God’s inexplicable power is the only explanation for the virgin birth of Jesus ( Luke 1:35 ). 

Power is always a derived characteristic for man, who receive power from God ( Deuteronomy 8:18 ; Isaiah 40:29 ; Micah 3:8 ; Matthew 22:29 ; 1 Cor 2:4 ; Ephesians 3:7 ), from political position ( Esther 1:3 ; Luke 20:20 ), from armies ( 1 Chronicles 20:1 ), and from other structures that provide advantage over others.

 When humans perceive that their power is intrinsic to themselves, they are self-deceived ( Lev 26:19 ; Deuteronomy 8:17-18 ; Hosea 2:7-9 ; John 19:10-11 ).

Jesus as the God-Man demonstrated both the intrinsic and derived aspects of power.

Jesus proclaimed His power and authority derived from the Father ( John 5:27 ; 17:2 ; 5:16-23 ). Jesus demonstrated that his power was derived from his authority as the Son of Man and that the two were an inseparable testimony to his divine nature ( Matt 9:6-7 ; Luke 4:36 ; 9:1 ).

Power in the New Testament is used to describe the unseen world. The angelic realm is described as "powers" or "authorities" ( Romans 8:38 ; Ephesians 3:10 ; 6:12 ; Col 1:16 ; Colossians 2:10 Colossians 2:16 ).

Jesus exercised power over the unseen world through his exorcism of demons ( Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1 ).

The Apostle Paul speaks to the living of the Christian life as an empowerment from God. The believer's union with Christ delivers him or her from the power of sin (cf. Rom. 6-8) and introduces him or her to the "power of Christ's resurrection" ( Philippians 3:10 ).

Salvation and holy living provide the Christian with a spirit of power for witness (2 Timothy 1:7-8 ).

The Apostle Paul's view of the gospel itself is imaged as power ( Romans 1:16 ).

 "Power" in Romans 1:16 renders the Greek word dunamis [duvnami"]. It is often noted that the gospel is the "dynamite of God" because the English word "dynamite" is derived from dunamis [duvnami"]. Such an observation, however, is not a valid use of etymology. Dynamite was not in existence during the Apostle Paul's time. He had no such image in his mind. For the Apostle Paul, the gospel dunamis [duvnami"] was the dynamic of God's power conveyed through God's message. When presented to the world, the gospel dynamically works salvation in those who believe. The Apostle Paul develops the motif of divine power as the key to Christian living by noting that unless the believer is empowered, it is impossible to please God (Rom. 6-8; 1 Cor 15:56-57 ).

The Apostle Peter also utilizes the concept of power to image the Christian life as an empowerment from God. Second Peter 1:3 states that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness." The context views this power as channeled through knowledge and virtue. The apostle Peter does not view this power as passive, but as the foundation and motivation to pursue a circle of virtues ( 1:5-9 ) that produce and evidence productive Christian living.

The concept of authority seldom appears in the Old Testament. It is used predominantly in the New Testament, where the word exousia [ejxousiva] functions in at least four ways.

First, authority is the freedom to decide or a right to act without hindrance. He sits in the heavens and does as He pleases Psalm 115 verse 3.  All such authority begins with God, for there is no authority except from God ( Romans 13:1 ). God has the right to mold the clay as he wishes ( Romans  9:21 ) and to set times and dates ( Acts 1:7 ).

God gave the Apostle Paul the right to preach the gospel ( 1 Co 9:18 ).

Believers have the right to become children of God ( John 1:12 ), and they have freedom with respect to the law ( 1 Co 8:9 ).

While authority is valueless without the power to make it effective, we can make a fine distinction between the two concepts. This first understanding of authority, then, is distinct from power and refers primarily to a prerogative.

Second, the concept of authority refers to the power, ability, or capability to complete an action. Jesus was given the authority to forgive sins ( Matthew 9:6-8 ) and to drive out spirits ( Mark 6:7 ). Jesus gave seventy-two disciples the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions ( Luke 10:19 ). Simon sought power to grant the Holy Spirit ( Acts 8:19 ).

Satan has authority to function within the parameters established by God ( Acts 26:18 ).

Third, the word "authority" is used with reference to delegated authority in the form of a warrant, license, or authorization to perform.

Jesus was asked by whose authorization he taught ( Matthew 21:23 ).

He was granted authority for his ministry from God the Father ( John 10:18 ).

Saul was sent to Damascus to persecute Christians by warrant of the priests ( Acts 26:12 ).

 God gave the apostles license to build up the church ( 2 Corinthians 10:8 ).

Fourth, by a natural extension of meaning, exousia [ejxousiva] sometimes denotes the sphere in which authority is exercised. God has established spheres of authority in the world, such as civil government.

Jesus was handed over to the official power of the governor ( Luke 20:20 ).

When Pilate learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction or authority, the governor sent him to Herod ( Luke 23:7 ).

Rulers and kings have their spheres of influence ( Romans 13:1 ), as does Satan ( Colossians 1:13 ), but Christ has been placed above all realms of authority ( Ephesians 1:21 ).

More often exousia [ejxousiva] refers to the power employed by rulers or others in high positions by virtue of their office, such as civil magistrates ( Titus 3:1 ). This use of authority indicates a social relation between at least two individuals where one is the ruler. The subordinate in the relationship accepts the ruler's orders, not by external constraint but out of the conviction that the ruler is entitled to give orders and that it is the duty of the subject to obey and recognize the authenticity of the ruler's position and orders.

From a theological perspective the fourth use of authority is most significant. The question of authority is a fundamental issue facing every person, especially the believer. Its significance cannot be overestimated. Every person has an authority in life that he or she submits to as a subordinate, not by constraint but by conviction. Furthermore, God has created human beings to live under his authority. When they choose to live under a different rule, that of self or an idol, they sin. This is, in a simple summary, the teaching of Genesis 1-3. That portion of Scripture illustrates the human tendency, moved by pride, to seek independence from external authority and to establish self as the final authority in life.

The testimony of Scripture is that God has established three fundamental spheres of authority within which he delegates authority to individuals. These spheres are civil government, the home, and the church. The believer is obliged to obey those holding authority in those realms. Citizens are to submit to the governing authorities ( 1 Peter 2:13-14 ).

Children are to obey parents ( Ephesians 6:1-2 ). Believers were to honor spiritual authorities such as apostles who demanded compliance on the basis of their commission from the Lord. There are exceptions. When a person in authority violates the trust granted by God, the source of all authority, the subordinate is free, indeed mandated, "to obey God rather than man" ( Acts 5:29 ). The apostle Peter provides the clearest example of what is called civil disobedience. In his epistle he encourages disciples of Christ to submit to governing authorities ( 1 Peter 2:13 ). In the book of Acts, however, when the governing authorities commanded Peter to cease preaching, he disobeyed ( Acts 5:29 ).

The issue facing contemporary Christians is how God exercises his authority in the spiritual realm, that is, the church. In the Old Testament, the answer was clear. God exercised his authority through prophets, priests, and kings. At the time of Christ, the disciples submitted to the lordship of God the Father through obedience to Jesus. Christ, then, delegated authority to the apostles, who directed the affairs of the primitive church. When Christ comes again, he will reign from a new throne in the new city.

 Evangelical theology appeals to the authority of Scripture because it views the Bible as the written Word of God, pointing beyond itself to the absolute authority, the living and transcendent Word of God. God exercises authority over the church through the Scriptures, which impart authoritative truth. The Bible issues definitive directives. It offers an authoritative norm by which all doctrine and principles must be shaped for both individual believers and the church. The Bible is a record and explanation of divine revelation that is both complete (sufficient) and comprehensible (perspicuous); meaning, it contains all that the church needs to know in this world for its guidance in the way of salvation and service.

CONCLUSION

In concluding, it is clear that, the gifts and callings of God are without repentance Romans 11 verse 29 but one wonders what could lead to a scenario like that expounded in St. Matthew 7 verses 21 -  23.

²¹ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The entire chapter speaks to relationship.  Takes us back to the fact that we should keep The Sermon on the Mount very close to our heart.  In fact, we should do a ‘Sermon on the Mount ‘check at least once per month.  St. Matthew 7 concluded with the people being astonished by Jesus’ doctrine for He taught with authority not like the religious fellows of the days.

Of course, the Centurion was another person who understood this authority, he just told Jesus send the word and his servant would be healed St. Matthew 8 verse 8. Satan is a legalist and this is clearly shown in the story of the seven (7) sons of Sceva in the book of Acts 19 verse 13 – 15.  Jesus and Paul are hooked up but who are you hooked up to?

Seek after power but seek to exercise that power with the right authority.  Before you seek the gifts get to know the GIVER of the gifts.  God is after relationships…

Once again, this is me Lillene’s baby girl coming to you from up here in the true north.

À bientôt!

REVELATION KNOWLEDGE Ephesians 1 verse 17

My people, my people, it is that time of the month again this is my 11^th post.

Can you believe it next month will be one year since I have started blogging?

Next month we will be sure to have a celebration in like manner as the 7^th month. Yes people, the topic “REVELATION KNOWLEDGE’

REFLECTIONS

The Apostle Paul says follow me as I follow Christ. We have to move on La Royaume de Dieu has suffered violence and it is only the violent that will take it by force. We have to move on can’t afford to become static. His mercies are new every morning.

One of my favourite prayer in the Bible is found in the book of Ephesians, Ephesians 1 vs 15 - 23.  I mean every church prayer meeting I have attended as a true charismatic I pray this prayer personalizing it to the specific fellowship, as I was taught in my early years.

However, as I was meditating in my most favourite place on the floor early in the morning (for I know Raphleta says the Lord) Ephesians 1 verse 17

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

I said to myself  Daddy, what is this ‘revelation knowledge’.  As per usual I seem to have chosen a topic that very people seem to be interested in. Hence, we will have to do our own analysis.  Pastor Chris Oyakhilome did a series which was passable.  However, we don’t want to get into too much complex teaching.  I am trying to master French, the Greek and Hebrew is for another season. Though the vision tarry… We want to keep it sweet and simple (KISS). Pastor Sam Adeyemi would say that is our major problem as Christians too much complex thinking.  Some other scriptures I have been meditating on are Colossians 1 verse 27, Colossians 2 verse 9, I Corinthians 5 verse 17 you will see how all these scriptures tie in as we go along.

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

I plugged the two words ‘revelation knowledge’ into the Blue Letter Bible (google it) only two (2) passages came up with the sequence of words Ephesians 1 verse 17 and Colossians 2 verse 9.

Revelation: A surprising and previously, unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way.  There are synonyms such as disclosure, announcement and report.

The book of Revelation being the final book of the Bible, is not only a report but also an announcement. It testifies to the Lord Jesus Christ and it also reports what will be taking place in the future in a most dramatic manner. It is the source of some good movies and more to come when the church takes over the film industry.

Knowledge:

1.      Facts, information and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.  This speaks to one’s intellectual ability.

2.      Awareness or familiarity geared by experience of a fact or situation. This speaks to spiritual awareness or feelings as some would say intuition.  We have synonyms such as consciousness and perception.

DISCERNING THE HEART OF GOD

There is a distinct characteristic between the first Adam and the second Adam, they both had intimacy with God.

In Genesis 2 verse 19:

¹⁹ And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

Highlighting the statement in the verse ‘and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof ‘, God and man in partnership from the very beginning. A beautiful happening.

We now go over to Genesis 3 verses 8-9 after man sinned and see what takes place when fellowship is broken, man begins to hide from God. God is still waiting for us.

Looking unto Jesus, the second Adam who was able to finish the course. This is His posture St John 5 verses 19-20.

¹⁹ Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

²⁰ For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

He also reiterated this theme in St. John 8 verse 28:

²⁸ Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

Israel Rejected God as Head

This story more than all other signifies to me the heart of God towards man. It was the request of Israel for a king.  When the Prophet Samuel tried to dissuade them, they would not listen.  However, this was what God said about the matter in I Samuel 8 verse 7 ‘for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.’

THE TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE

As the definition of knowledge indicates we garner knowledge by the things we learn and also by our experiences.  Jesus learnt obedience by the things He suffered. Hebrews 5 verse 8.  But there is also that knowledge through the heart or the Spirit of a man. They that have clean hands and pure heart shall see God.  St.  Matthew 5 verse 8 and Psalm 24 verses 3 and 4.

Our educational knowledge is progressive we start at kindergarten and move into university stopping at different levels along the way based on circumstances and individual desires.  One thing is certain when you stop learning you are ready to die.  It is a lifelong process. However, there is no knowledge like experiential knowledge.  The school of hard knocks.  In my network marketing days, the guys used to say you bring me your argumentation and I will bring you my results.  This advertisement comes to mind by Muhammad Ali ‘Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee.  The great smell of Brut and the punch of Ali.  If it was not for the grace of god these punches would have taken us out.  But we are still here praise the Lord!!

Looking at some men in the Bible who we thought would have been out for the count, but God.

Joseph learnt the art of rationing by being in Potiphar’s house and being in charge of the prison. Hence, he was ready for the promotion when it came.  Dr. Cindy Trimm prays ‘Father I thank you for the problem because heaven is getting a message over to me that I am about to be promoted.  So father I thank you for the problem and I thank you for the promotion’.

King David learnt the art of war (there is a book by that title) by living in caves and hiding all over the country side from his enemies. God knew that Israel had a lot of enemies, King David had to know a lot of battle strategies.

Moses learnt to recognize the voice of God in the backside of the desert.  You want to know if you are going to be stoned, in whom you have believed.  The children of Israel loved to stone people.

The Apostle Paul went through it all.  In fact his commissioning statement was ‘For I will show how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake’. Acts 9 verse 16.  In my opinion that is enough to turn off anybody.

One man of God said God does not use anything that He has not tested. Even Jesus had to have His wilderness experience.

I just finished reading a book ‘The Power of positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale”.  One statement in the book has been imprinted on my mind. It was from a sermon by a Pastor, it goes like this ‘Don’t discount another man’s experience. He experienced it!

An extension of this is that you are not to begrudge another man’s anointing you don’t know the price they had to pay for it.

PROGRESSIVE NATURE OF BIBLICAL REVELATION

The nature of revelation is also seen to be progressive.  We can clearly see this illustrated in the Bible. The Bible states that Jesus Christ it is that filleth all in all Ephesians 1 verse 23.

I Timothy 3 verse 16 – The mystery of Godliness

Colossians 2 verse 9 – In Him dwelleth the fullness of the Godhead bodily

Colossians 1 verses 26-27 – The mystery made manifest, Christ in us the hope of glory

Ephesians 3 verses 14-20 – That we will have knowledge that passeth understanding

II Corinthians 5 verse 17 – If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creation

The first book of the Bible is thought to be Job not Genesis and the authorship attributed to Moses.  We must be careful where we get out revelations in the Bible. There is the issue of pre-text what has gone before, post text what comes after and context the present situation.

Job in Job 1 verse 21 said ‘the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away’.  However, in Job 42 verses 3 and 5 at the end of the book ‘Therefore have I uttered that I understand not; things too wonderful for me; which I knew not… I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.’

In our dispensation, it is John 10 verse 10: Hence the reason I started out with Jesus, He is the only perfect example everybody else is commentary.

¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The Old Testament we have come to realize points to Jesus in every way.  The Patriarchs and the Prophets knew in part and prophesied in part.  We also have to be mindful of prophecies that are specific to the nation of Israel, under the old covenant in our analysis of scriptures; for example, Daniel 9 – Daniel understood by the Book of Jeremiah that the Jews should be in captivity for 70 years and started interceding on the behalf of his nation Israel. Video of  Pastor Benny Hinn on the subject

 OFFICIAL TRANSFERENCE OF THE MANTLE

We want to look at a very high level meeting that took place on Mount Hermon and is recorded in the books of St. Matthew 17 verse 1 – 8, St. Mark 9 verse 2-8, and St. Luke 9 verses 28 – 36 called the Transfiguration.

Jesus took His inner circle Peter, James and John up into the mountain and His personal appearance was changed into a glorified form and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about His death. Peter in shock and amazement and being very fearful offered to put up 3 shelters (we are still trying to build monuments to men, instead of continuing the movement, Jesus is saying whose inscription is on these ministries) for them. Peter was desiring to stay in that place when a cloud enveloped them, a voice said, ‘This is My son, whom I have chosen, whom I love, listen to him!  The cloud lifted, Moses and Elijah had disappeared and Jesus was alone with His disciples who were still very much afraid.  Jesus warned them not to tell anyone what they have seen until after the resurrection.

The purpose of the Transfiguration was to give the inner circle an insight into the deity of Christ.  It gave them an opportunity to behold His glory.

However, symbolically the appearance of Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets.  God’s voice from Heaven – “Listen to Him’ – clearly showed that the Law and the Prophets must give way to Jesus.  The one who is new and living way in replacing the old.  He (Jesus) is the fulfillment of the law and the countless prophecies in the Old Testament.

Also, in His glorified form they saw a preview of his coming glorification and enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords.

John wrote about the experience in St John 1 verse 14

¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

and Peter in 2 Peter 1 verses 16 -18   

¹⁶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

¹⁷ For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

¹⁸ And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

HOW TO RECEIVE REVELATION KNOWLEDGE

There is no one way that God speaks to everybody, you have to be disciplined. The secrets of God are for His friends.  He spoke to Elijah in a small voice, to Daniel through the scriptures, in dreams to Joseph, Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, in visions to the Apostle Paul, He threw Jonah off a boat, he knocked Saul off a horse, He used a donkey to talk to Balaam and by the Spirit through Jesus and the 120 in the upper room. The two persons that shew the greatest faith in the gospels were the Centurion and the Syro Phoenician woman by discernment. You have to get close to God and be intentional about His business.  

Method of Meditation

1.      Be washed by Jesus’ blood I John 1 verse 6

2.      Have a teachable attitude James 4 verse 6

3.      Pray ‘Lord, show me’ Romans 12 verses 1- 2 and Proverbs 3 verses 5 – 7

4.      Slow down, ponder, muse Psalm 119 verse 18

5.      Combine anointed reason, flowing pictures, music and speech St John 7 verses 37 – 39

6.      Read with focused purpose St. Matthew 5 verse 6

7.      Glorify God for insights Ephesians 3 verse 21

CONCLUSION

Here is to your continued growth in wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of God.  It has been God’s desire to communicate with man on a very personal level from the beginning of creation and it has not changed.  He gave man an identity, made in His image and likeness, He gave man authority- have dominion, He blessed man and gave him a purpose Be fruitful multiply and replenish the earth.

As I go let me close with this quotation by Derek Prince from Blessing or Curse pages 90, 91

‘To put human ability in the place of divine grace is to exalt the carnal above the spiritual. The effect will be manifested in many different areas. For example

      Theology will be exalted above revelation

      Intellectual education above character building

      Psychology above discernment

      Program above the leading of the Holy Spirit

      Eloquence above supernatural power

      Reasoning above the walk of faith

      Laws above love.

All of these errors are different manifestations of one great basic error, putting man in a place God has reserved solely for the Lord Jesus Christ’. Revelation vs Reasoned Knowledge

He who hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

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

À bientôt