Disgracing Evil Patterns

       

Disgracing Evil Patterns

Evil patterns are negative cycles or destructive behaviours that repeat from generation to generation. These patterns can manifest in different forms—poverty, sickness, broken marriages, untimely death, and more.

The Bible addresses such issues as generational iniquities or curses that can affect a family line, but the good news is that through Jesus Christ, we can be delivered from these evil patterns.

UNDERSTANDING EVIL PATTERNS

a) What are Evil Patterns?

Evil patterns are recurring negative events that follow a predictable cycle, often seen within family lines or personal lives. These patterns can be financial struggles, health issues, or relational breakdowns that repeat across generations.

Sources of Evil Patterns:

Evil patterns often stem from ancestral curses, spiritual covenants, or unbroken iniquities that persist due to unconfessed sins or spiritual ignorance (Lamentations 5:7).

The Influence of Generational Curses:

The Bible speaks about the sins of the fathers visiting the children, indicating how patterns of iniquity can pass from one generation to another (Exodus 20:5). However, in Christ, we are given the power to break free from these curses.

Biblical Example: The Israelites suffered generational iniquities until they turned back to God for deliverance.

IDENTIFYING EVIL PATTERNS IN YOUR LIFE

a) Recurrent Failures:

Do you notice a pattern of failure in specific areas of your life—businesses failing at the same point, relationships breaking down in similar ways, or constant health problems?

b) Patterns in Family History:

Often, evil patterns are identifiable by looking at the family tree. Is there a history of untimely deaths, poverty, barrenness, or addiction that seems to affect multiple generations?

c) Spiritual Discernment and Prayer:

Seek the Holy Spirit’s help to discern if a particular issue in your life or family has its roots in spiritual bondage (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

Biblical Example: Gideon realized that his family had an evil pattern of idolatry, and God instructed him to tear down the altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-27).

BREAKING FREE FROM EVIL PATTERNS

a) Repentance and Confession:

One of the most powerful keys to breaking free from generational curses and evil patterns is genuine repentance. Confess your sins and the sins of your forefathers, seeking God’s mercy and deliverance (2 Chronicles 7:14).

b) The Power of the Blood of Jesus:

Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the curse of the law, giving believers authority to declare freedom from every generational curse and evil pattern (Galatians 3:13-14).

c) Prayer of Deliverance:

Intense, persistent prayer is needed to break free from spiritual strongholds. Pray specifically against the evil patterns you’ve identified, using the authority of God’s Word (Matthew 18:18).

Biblical Example: Jabez prayed a specific prayer for deliverance from the evil pattern of pain in his life, and God granted his request (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

4. MAINTAINING DELIVERANCE

a) Living a Righteous Life:

After breaking free from an evil pattern, it is important to walk in righteousness, staying close to God through prayer, studying His Word, and living in obedience (Isaiah 1:19).

b) Renouncing Evil Alliances and Agreements:

Many evil patterns persist because of covenants, oaths, or spiritual agreements made by previous generations. Renounce any ungodly ties to ancestral practices or spiritual connections that may keep these patterns alive (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

c) Spiritual Vigilance and Warfare:

Continue to engage in spiritual warfare through fasting, prayer, and declaring God’s promises over your life. The enemy will attempt to reintroduce old patterns, but through vigilance, you can maintain your victory (Ephesians 6:12-13).

Biblical Example: After being delivered from evil, the Israelites were commanded to avoid the practices of the nations they conquered, ensuring they did not fall back into old patterns (Deuteronomy 12:29-31).

- You must determine to change the pattern or enforce a change on the cycle or pattern e. g Jacob Matt 11-12.

You must break up from the habit you’ve gained from your Pedigree

​You must say it out that your case is different from the usual occurrence from your background.

-You must possess the spirit of a fighter I.e battle the matter in the place of prayer.

​you must fight to win and to break up your cycle. Isa 25: 3-4,Isa 10 :27

​when you make up your mind to be strong , God will be your refuge in the storm.

​when you are ready to fight the enemy,

God is ready to fight the enemy and he will supply strength to you.

-Engage the power of His Spirit to brake the cycle. Act 10:38, Rev 12:11, Zach 9:11 -Engage the power from the blood of Jesus

​Engage ​the power from the word of God -Involve the power of fasting Isa. 40:31

It is possible to be free as if the devil does not exist if you can fast and pray .

CONCLUSION:

Evil patterns are real, but they are no match for the power of God. Through the blood of Jesus, we have victory over every generational curse and evil pattern. Today, as we pray and declare God’s promises, every evil pattern in your life and family will be broken, and you will walk in the freedom Christ has given.

The Law of the Spirit of Life

 

                                                          The Law of the Spirit of Life

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬

The Spirit brings life. That is, the divine law imposed by the Spirit imparts life—an everlasting spiritual vitality. Jesus likened this to “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). We have truly been “made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, NKJV).

The love of God is like air for us. We need it to live and the Holy Spirit gives it to us.

God’s love inspires us to trust him, be our true selves, and tell others the good news. When the love of God captures your heart, you will no longer use words like “debt,” “duty,” and “responsibility” to describe your Christian walk. Living religiously is a drudge, but living righteously becomes easy when we are empowered by the Spirit of the Father’s grace.

When you were born again or put into Christ, you received his Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come. The Spirit of Christ poured out the Father’s love and set you free from the law of sin and of death.

• The law of the Spirit of life is liberating.

You can activate and function within this higher spiritual principle through three main practices:

Walk According to the Spirit: Habitually aligning your daily decisions, actions, and habits with the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than fleshly desires.

Set Your Mind on the Spirit: Focus your thoughts on spiritual things rather than worldly or carnal concerns, which naturally results in "life and peace".

Acknowledge Your Freedom: Rest in the finished work of Christ, recognizing that you are no longer under condemnation or the dictates of sin.

2 Corinthians 5:17 :- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Ezekiel 36:26 :- 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.

The law of the Spirit of life refers to the rule or influence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. As new creations, we get to live in union with the Spirit of Christ, and the main way his influence is felt is through the outpouring of the Father’s love in our hearts.

Walk and Work in the New Law by Love!

2023 Prophetic Perspective: Engr. Sam Ezeokoli

 Welcome to AD 2023: The Year of Total Victory

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

(I John 5:4-5)

Victory as it is defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary means to conquer, overcome, and prevail, and that is exactly what God wants in His children. From Genesis 3:15 to Revelation 15:2 God has promised that the Saints will prevail. Satan is destined for the Bottomless Pit and desires to take as many souls with him as is possible. We are in a battle for our very souls and the thing to be feared the most is not merely the death of our physical bodies, but the eternal damnation of our souls.

FOUR BASIC TRUTHS TO NOTE

1. Life is not a play ground but a battle field

2. Life is not a funfair, it is a warfare

3. Whether you are interested in fighting the battle or not, the battle is interested in you

4. It is a known fact that the Spiritual rules the Physical

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Let me share with you another mighty Scripture: "Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14). Think upon this verse for a moment - GOD ALWAYS CAUSES US TO TRIUMPH IN CHRIST! Not sometimes, but always! God has a complete and continual victory for us in Christ! Praise His name.

God has provided us with mighty spiritual weapons which, when used, will "pull down strongholds, imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (God's revealed will for us), and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). If we do not use these weapons that the Lord has given us, then WE will be brought into captivity. 

In Romans 8, Paul again reveals the complete victory which is ours through Jesus Christ. We can name anything we like; but he was persuaded that IN ALL THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH CHRIST THAT LOVED US - MORE THAN CONQUERORS! The strongest onslaught the enemy can bring against us, we are able to effectively conquer, with plenty in reserve! We are more than conquerors through Jesus Who loves us! This is the kind of victory that God has for those who love Him and who believe the promises of His Word. We cannot go under for going over!

In Romans 8, Paul again reveals the complete victory which is ours through Jesus Christ. We can name anything we like; but he was persuaded that IN ALL THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH CHRIST THAT LOVED US - MORE THAN CONQUERORS! The strongest onslaught the enemy can bring against us, we are able to effectively conquer, with plenty in reserve! We are more than conquerors through Jesus Who loves us! This is the kind of victory that God has for those who love Him and who believe the promises of His Word. We cannot go under for going over!

Irrespective of your situation, there is surely hope for you if you accept the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Appropriating the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ reverses all negative situations (Revelation 12:11, Isaiah 53:4-5).

Why would you remain in that situation when the Blood of Jesus Christ is readily available for you to appropriate? There is no situation in life beyond redemption by the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ. All you need to do is call on Jesus Christ right away in faith, accept Him into your life and begin to appropriate His Blood for your total victory.

Say this prayer genuinely from your heart… “Lord Jesus, I call on You today for help, I accept You into my heart as my Lord and Saviour, please forgive my sins, wash me in your Blood, break every yoke of the devil off my life by the Power in your Blood, and give me total victory in life in Jesus Name, Amen”.

Remember that in Egypt, the children of Israel were saved from death by the blood of goats and rams which was placed at the doorpost of their houses and when the destroyer came, he passed over their houses. All that the people needed to do to be free from death was to stay in the house. Jesus is that house and all you need to do today to be saved is to stay in Christ. 

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11 KJV

 Your salvation has the provisions of heaven for your victory over the adversary. God did not bring you out for you to fail, but to live a victorious life. It is easy to understand that we have been redeemed with the blood of the lamb. You must also have an understanding of the reality of the blood that makes you acceptable in the presence of the Lord.  Ephesians 1:7 declares: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (KJV).

 The blood of Jesus gave us redemption. We were bought back from the adversary; so, Satan has no right to accuse us of anything. The price has been paid in full with the blood. As a result of the victory which we have in Christ Jesus, we are supposed to live a life of ease. You must understand that the blood of Jesus has given you complete and total victory over every opposition that comes against you.

 Welcome to an Era of Possibilities and Total Victory! Please attend any Bible-believing and Holy Spirit-filled church near you to be deeply rooted in the Word of God to sustain your victories. Feel free to connect with us

Wake up the Remnants

Romans  11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.  11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Eight Earmarks of Remnant Believers

The Remnant are destined for dominion. Some are coming to the possibility that before the Second Coming of Christ this gospel of the Kingdom will be victorious throughout the entire world. We call these disciples the Remnant. The Remnant carries a subduing spirit as the scripture confirms. “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28). 1. The Remnant know they are destined for dominion. When building churches preachers come to a decision, they either draw the multitudes or the remnant. Today those that gather the multitudes water down their message refusing to address sin and idolatry. Many issues are not confronted such as homosexuality, pornography, adultery, and national influence of corrupted politicians, failure of the public school system, and worldly music that is impinging the Church. Regardless of the withdraw others stand boldly like John the Baptist as a voice of one crying in the wilderness make straight a highway for our God. These are the Remnant. The uncompromisable Gospel still convicts of sin and confronts the demonic powers of darkness. This Gospel of the Kingdom is a stumbling stone for some and the corner stone for others. In every generation, the Holy Spirit anoints remnant believers, for it is the remnant that goes first carrying the banner of Christ’s victory. After a grand house is carpeted there are a few pieces of carpet left. These left over pieces are known as the remnant. No one knows what to do with them because they don’t fit anywhere. Some are discarded and others placed at doorways. The remnant carpet sits at the doorway and used to clean the bottom of someone’s shoes before entering. Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit anywhere? The reason for that is because you really didn’t fit. You are probably part of the remnant. Remnant believers are different because they carry a different spirit. 2. The Remnant plays a major role in the restoration of all things (Acts 3:19-21). To them belong many “go first” apostolic opportunities because they carry a dominion spirit. A dominion spirit is one that is ready to take over for Christ. The Remnant rejects a fatalistic world view that Christ will rescue the Church right before the world is overrun by demon powers. They understand their apostolic call to build and restore. Scripture declares, “And they (the Remnant) shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations” (Isaiah 61:4). 3. The Remnant believes the spiritual man is strong in the Lord and the power of His might. To be a spiritual man means to be led by the Holy Spirit for it is written, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). . The Remnant are doers of the Word, not just hearers. James makes it plain, “But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:22-24). 5. The Remnant stand in the gap and make up the hedge. As “repairers of the breach” the Remnant carry the culture of the Kingdom of God into a dark world separated from the love of God. Every kingdom has a culture, so too the Kingdom of God. The Remnant understands their duty to carry the light of Christ’s truth into the world. As already said the Remnant make a highway for Christ. Scripture says, “And they (the Remnant) that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). 6, To the Remnant the devil is defeated. The Remnant believes the Word became flesh, was anointed by the Holy Ghost and was crucified for our sins, rose from the dead, defeated Satan and all his demon hoards. They see the devil subdued under their feet and sing, “O clap your hands all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us and the nations under our feet” (Psalms 47:1-3). 7. The Remnant believes they can overcome the world through faith. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith” (1 John 5:4). To overcome means to subdue. In the Genesis mandate is the blessing to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue and take dominion.  These are five blessings, expectations, empowerments and responsibilities. The word subdue in Hebrew is kabash meaning to tread down, subjugate, subdue or bring into subjection. In the New Testament, the Greek word is nikao meaning to subdue. The Remnant believes they are born of God and through faith subdue the world for Christ. These scriptures confirm this belief. Let’s read these scriptures exchanging the word overcome with the word subdue. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh (subdues) the world: and this is the victory that overcometh (subdues) the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4) “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome (subdued) the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome (subdued) the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:13-17) These verses are clear, Christ gave His disciples the power to subdue the earth and bring it into subjection to Christ. As you can see the Remnant are destined for dominion. Other promises include: PEACE “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome (subdued) the world.” (John 16:33) “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome (subdued) them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) TREE OF LIFE “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh (subdues) will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7) NO HARM IN THE SECOND DEATH “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh (subdues) shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Revelation 2:11) HIDDEN MANNA “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh (subdues) will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Revelation 2:17) POWER OVER NATIONS “And he that overcometh (subdues) and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” (Revelation 2:26) CLOTHED IN WHITE RAIMENT “He that overcometh (subdues), the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:5) PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD “Him that overcometh (subdues) will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Revelation 3:12) SIT WITH CHRIST ON HIS THRONE “To him that overcometh (subdues) will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame (subdued), and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Revelation 3:21) DEFEATED SATAN “And they overcame (subdued) him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11) VICTORY “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory (subdued) over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” (Revelation 15:2) 8. The Remnant understand their call to invade, influence, and subdue the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. St. Athanasius saw the Remnant ability to carry the Word of God into society and bring glorious change. “When the sun has come, darkness prevails no longer; any of it that may be left anywhere is driven away. So also, now that the Divine epiphany of the Word of God has taken place, the darkness of idols prevails no more, and all parts of the world in every direction are enlightened by His teaching.” The Church can only lose the battle to Satan when it is overcome with doubt and unbelief. How you see yourself determines how the devil sees you. “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33). The Remnant see themselves walking in victory. Like Caleb they see the enemy subdued and under their feet. “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30).

The Anointing of the Holy Spirit

The word Anointing is a Greek word called chrisma or khris’-mah. Figuratively, it is the special endowment of the Holy Spirit. It is also called unction. It is God with a man, empowering him/her to function in a specific office, gifts (Supenatural endowment) and assignment(s).

Acts 10:38 says,

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him”.

“And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room”. 1 Kings 19:16

ANOINTING IS MEASURABLE

One of the characteristics of the anointing is that it is measureable. When it comes to God giving His anointing to man, He gives it by measure. One and the only person God didn’t give anointing by measure was His son, Jesus Christ.

“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit (Anointing) by measure unto him.” John 3:34.

The Bible made us to understand that God deals with each of us in different measures in everything He gives to us, whether it is faith Anointing, Grace, Wealth, Revelations, Strength, Gifts, etc. it is all comes to us by measure.

“…. God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith”. Romans 12:3

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7

The scripture revealed in 2 Kings2:9, “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit (Anointing Upon Elijah) be upon me”.

“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life” 2 Corinthians 1:8

“But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto”. 2 Corinthians 10:13

MAJOR FACT ABOUT DOUBLE PORTION OF THE ANOINTING

1. IT ENABLES THE RECIPIENT TO ACHIEVE MORE THAN THE PREDECESSOR:

Elisha did what double of the exploits his master Elijah did.

Jesus desired that His disciples achieve more than He did while on the earth. In John 14:12 Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

In John 5:20, He also said: 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.

STEPS TO RECEIVING DOUBLE PORTION OF THE ANOINTING

In this subject, we are going to follow the steps of Elisha; because he was one and the only person that receive double portion of his masters anointing in the Bible.

1. ANSWER THE CALL TO FOLLOW:

“And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room”. 1 Kings 19:16

The above scripture was God’s instruction to prophet Elijah when he got discouraged in his ministry because of the threat from Queen Jezebel and he asked that God should take his life. Then, God asked him to anoint some persons which one of them was Elisha the son of Shaphat. God instructed Elijah to anoint him to be prophet in his room (stead).

It is crucial to understand that God’s purpose for anointing us is to be in an office. Anointing gives you not just an office but an identity. Anointing makes you TO BE….. It makes you to be an office.

Jehu was anointed to be king over his country Israel while Elisha was anointed to be prophet in the place of Elijah.

Again, God’s purpose for anointing is also to make replacement. When the scripture says that Elisha was anointed to be prophet in the place of Elijah, it means that he was anointed to replace Elijah.

After receiving that instruction, Elijah left and found Elisha plowing and he cast his prophetic mantle upon him which signifies that Elijah had fulfilled the instruction of God to him. Then, what was next? Followership!

Take note!

The anointing you don’t follow cannot follow you. That is to say, Elijah will never compel Elisha to follow the anointing that was cast on him but Elisha should willingly follow.

Here is what the scripture says:

“And Elias departing from thence, found Eliseus, the son of Saphat, ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen: and he was one of them that were ploughing with, twelve yoke of oxen: and when Elias came up to him, he cast his mantle upon him. And he forthwith left the oxen, and run after Elias, and said: Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said to him: Go, and return back: for that which was my part, I have done to thee. And returning back from him, he took a yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled the flesh with the plough of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate: and rising up, he went away, and followed Elias, and ministered to him”. 1 Kings 19:19-21 DRB

Until you learn to kiss some things good bye, you cannot become a good follower. Elisha had to kiss his parents good bye, kill his oxen and burn up the yokes to become a committed follower.

2. SERVE THE MASTER:

One thing is to follow the anointing but another is to serve the anointing while you are following it. The anointing you cannot serve, you cannot contact.

You cannot receive the double portion of the anointing when you follow and serve in disloyalty or for material things to get. Gehazi followed the anointing of Elisha; but he got double portion of leprosy (For him and his generations) all because; he served deceitfully and in disloyalty.

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. 

And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow”. 2 Kings 5:20-27 KJV

3. DON’T GIVE UP OR BE DESUADED TO GIVE UP:

One of the reasons why dissuaders don’t try out something is because; they sees impossibilities and waste of time to try it out and doesn’t want anyone who believes something is possible to attempt it. The sons of prophets in the time of Elisha are clear examples on this fact.

Elisha was a prophetic scholar that understood the moves of God. He knew too well that God was about taking his master away from him. Holding the memory of the prophetic encounter he had that converted him from being a farmer to being a prophet, not just being a prophet; but to be a prophet in place of Elijah his master. He understood that it requires Elijah’s anointing to be prophet in his stead and he had not gotten that yet.

In every city he went with his master, about five scores of the sons of prophets that were there would ask him according to the scriptures below:

“…. Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?….” 2 Kings 2:5

And here was Elisha’s reply:

“…And he (Elisha) answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”

What were the above scriptures saying?

Elisha was just saying, I knew what you were asking; so keep quiet. Get your mouths shut and don’t try to say anything more. In fact, I am not interested in that kind of doctrine, so hold on with your message. I have something important I am pursuing. So, don’t try to distract or dissuade me with those words, okay! Even my master wasn’t able to dissuade me from following him till the end, how much more you. The scripture revealed that he kept on following Elijah!

Here was what happened when Elisha got the double portion of the anointing:

“And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit (anointing) of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him”. 2 Kings 2:15

A man that got the anointing is a man men will come to and bow to. Elisha was that kind of man. You too can become such a man if you say no to distractions and dissuaders words; but become a focus minded and committed follower of the anointing you’re called to anointed with.

4. GO EXTRA MILE AND STICK WITH THE MASTER TILL THE END:

One of the demands of the anointing is sacrifice. Until you understand this fact, you will definitely fail the test of anointing, and when you fail its test, you can never receive it.

Gehazi failed the test of anointing through covetousness, impatience, dishonesty and disloyalty.

It is crucial to beware of the anointing you follow. This is because; the anointing you follows that you rubbish will eventually rubbish you. The anointing you follows that you fights will eventually fight and destroys you and even you generation and generation unborn. David understood this fact and he never laid his hands on anointed king Saul of Israel.

One sacrifice anointing will demand from you is your comfort or easy life. So, anointing will put up a test to see if you will truly win the test and receive the anointing or fail it and never receive it. Elisha understood this fact and never succumbs to easy-life or comfort in the name of obeying his master; but went extra-mile for the anointing.

5. ASK FOR THE ANOINTING:

Anointing you didn’t follow, sacrifice for, committed to and ask for you can never get.

Elisha followed Elijah’s anointing, served for it, sacrificed for it, was committed to it; but he couldn’t get it until he was instructed to ask for it.

The scripture says;

“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion (measure) of thy spirit (anointing) be upon me”. 2 Kings 2:9

What does it mean to ask for the anointing?

To ask for the anointing is to pray for it. When we ask, we are qualified to get; but when we fail to ask, we are not qualified to get.

Jesus taught His disciples this principle A. S. K;

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”. Matthew 7:7

James told his audience that the reason why they don’t have is because they don’t ask:

“… yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”James 4:2

The anointing you don’t

A – Ask, and it shall be given you

S – seek, and ye shall find

K – knock, and it shall be opened unto you

you cannot get it.

There is no measure of the anointing you ask that cannot be giving to you by God. Elisha asked for double measure of Elijah’s anointing and he got it.

Those who ask for the mantle (anointing) of the anointed they follows and walk in their faithful and godly steps predecessors will certainly experience the same grace upon their lives and double of their grace.

The Name of Jesus

                                           

                               

                                  

                                             THE WONDERFUL NAME OF JESUS

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches."(Proverbs 22:1)

A person's name is their identity. Protecting and defending a good name, or living up to one's name are still meaningful concepts in today's world. A person's name represents their reputation, their family, their business, their legacy. In some cultures, a name is the most valuable thing they own, and it is dishonorable when their name is tarnished.

Since the days of antiquity, people could speak or act 'in the name of' someone because the name represents authority and power. Decrees could be issued and oral messages delivered in the name of a king, for example. For Christians, the name of Jesus Christ is the most wonderful and most powerful name in existence. In Psalm 72, although King David was writing about his son, Solomon, he also speaks prophetically of Jesus Christ. Verse 17 says, "His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed."

Jesus Christ has given Christians the right and authority to use his name. This means that Christians have been given the power of attorney. Legally, power of attorney is the authority to act in another person's behalf, at their request. It is authorization given by one person (Jesus) permitting another (Christians) to take action on his (Jesus Christ's) behalf.

"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:13,14)

"Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23, 24)

The name of Jesus Christ is not a magic word. The power is not even in saying words, but in understanding and believing all that the name of Jesus Christ signifies. His name represents all of His finished work on the cross, fulfilling God's plan of redemption and salvation, victory over sin, death, and over the devil's entire realm. When the name of Jesus Christ is invoked, it carries all of the power and distinction God gave to it. God raised Jesus from the dead, elevated Him to His right hand, and gave Jesus a name above "every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come." (Ephesians 1:21).

Philippians declares, "God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth." (Philippians 2:9, 10) Hebrews states, regarding Jesus, "when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:3, 4)

On the day of Pentecost, the people were deeply moved after Peter's powerful sermon, and asked, "What do we do?" Peter answered, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38).

One day Peter and John were going into the temple, when a lame man asked for a donation. Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Later, when interrogated about this healing miracle, Peter was bold in defending the name of Jesus and all it stands for. "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. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 3:6, 4:10, 12)

It is by faith in this name above all names, the name of Jesus Christ, that people are saved, set free from bondage, healed of sicknesses and diseases, and made whole. There is no other name under heaven more powerful or more significant, and this is a dynamic reality that Christians can believe in and have complete confidence in.

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)

Jesus name reveal three main things about Him to us:

1. His presence – Mat18:20 Jesus guaranteed us his presence whenever we gather in his name.

2. His authority – Mat28:18-19, Phil2:9-11. The authority and power that a name carries depends on the bearer.

3. His achievement – Jesus is the saviour Acts 4:12, He is the Christ Mat16:13-16, Rom1:3-4.

In what area of life can we use the name of Jesus?

Jesus name can be used in :

1. Salvation – Mat1:21, Acts4:12, 10:42-43.

2. Prayer – Jn14:13-14, 16:23-24

3. Preaching – Acts4:17-18, 5:28, 9:29.

4. Instruction of command – 2Thess3:6

5. Healing and miracles – Acts3:6, 16, 4:10

6. Deliverance – Acts16:18, 19:13-17, Lk10:1, 17

7. Suffer persecution – Acts5:41-42, 9:14-16, 15:25-26

8.. Justified, Washed and Sanctified – 1Cor6:11

9. Thanksgiving – Eph5:20, Col3:17

10. Unity – 1Cor1:10, 5:4

11. Reward – Heb6:10

12. Doing all – Col3:17, Acts26:8-10

- By the authority of this Wonderful Name we get breakthrough for ourselves and for others.

- We do it because ’This Name’ has authority and we can share in it!

- We cannot afford to fear but to live in Faith. For fear is the opposite of Faith. Faith in the word and the efficacy of the blood and the Name of Jesus is the key.

Jesus has given us the legal right to use his name for victorious Christian living.....

DEEPER DIMENSIONS OF THE PROPHETIC

Deeper Prophetic Realms

I believe in the value of prophets to the present day church. The prophetic ministry is one of the most misunderstood ministries in the church. And, it is one of the most important. Why do I say that it is one of the most important? Because without a fully functional prophetic ministry in the church, we are a body of believers without eyes or ears.

In the natural, if someone lost both their hearing and seeing, we would call them disabled. Inother words, they have lost something significant to the quality of their life. For a person to lose either hearing or seeing, requires significant change in that person's life. But to lose both hearing and seeing, creates an almost impossible circumstance for the person and those who want to communicate with that person.

It is rare that someone can overcome all the challenges associated with being confronted by such a difficult circumstances. And, there are rare exceptions, like Helen Keller, who was able to overcome her inability to hear or see. But, today's church doesn't need to operate in the realm of disability that Helen Keller did in the natural. And, we don't need to confine ourselves to the natural. We can enter the supernatural.

God's supernatural realm is available to each one of us today. But, few of us actually enter into it on a regular basis. We occasionally move into the supernatural and think we are special because so few are functioning in that realm. Let me assure you, there is more available. God has opened the door for His church to enter into His domain - the supernatural.

Prophets are guides, as we enter into the supernatural realms of God. Prophets have "been there" and "done that". At least, this is what normal prophets should have had happen in their lives. God confirms his calling on prophets through supernatural circumstances that surround their lives. The supernatural is the very essence of the prophetic ministry. And, this is why we need prophets.

Prophets, who are ordained by God, have the privilege of guiding the church into this dimension of the supernatural realms of God. This is the deeper place of calling upon prophetic ministry. When prophets are fully functioning in their calling, they will easily guide those who hear them into this realm. This is why so many were attracted to the ministry of  John the Baptist. John opened heaven through his words even though he did no miracles.

The miracle ministry often flows hand in hand with the deeper realms of prophetic ministry. But, not always. Miracles follow believers. Signs prepare the way for the believer to move into the supernatural realms of God. Don't misunderstand the difference! Signs point us to the place of proper footing in the supernatural realm. We need them.

Wonders, on the other hand, come from the supernatural realm, as we have entered into it. When moving into the supernatural realms of God, don't be timid, but do be cautious. Not everyone who says they are prophets actually are. Not everything in the supernatural is from God. There are demons and demonic spirits. This is why we need to be cautious and use wisdom.

Satan comes as an angel of light to deceive and mislead those seeking entrance into the supernatural realms. But, he can do this only if we are not "wise as serpents" and "harmless as doves". Prophets help us avoid the pitfalls of seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. Prophets help us keep a proper perspective on the person of Jesus Christ.

True prophets will focus on the person of Christ; they will lead others to Christ. Any prophet who does not make Christ their primary focus will often become a casualty on the spiritual battlefield of life. Prophets become shipwrecked when they lose the compass of Christ. Don't lose your compass! Hold on to it; it is how you know where you are and where you need to go.

The Christian compass of Christ will guide us safely into the deeper realms of prophetic ministry. Knowing a prophet or prophetess who has learned how to use this compass will keep us on the path of life, as we enter the supernatural realms of God. We need life. We need power. We need purpose. All of these can be found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Don't lose this focus in your walk with God. It is essential to entering the deeper realms of God. God doesn't mind opening the heavens to us, as long as we are seeking to gaze upon His Son. Seeing Jesus and knowing Jesus is the primary purpose of deeper prophetic ministry.

The Spirit of Prophecy

There is a shallow end that all can safely use

“Everyone can prophesy” – 1 Cor 14:

This is inspirational prophecy with an aim to encourage, build up and comfort people

This is the most common form of prophetic utterance in the church

Called “Congregational Prophecy”

Consists of anointing of the Holy Spirit that enables people who are not prophets or who do not possess a prophetic gift to prophesy

Especially during a time of corporate worship

1 Corinthians 14:1, 5 – when Paul declared that he desired that all would prophesy – it was this level of prophecy he had in mind

it was not a general call for everyone to become a prophet or have a prophetic ministry

Rev 19:10 – “testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”

Every spirit filled believer can reach up into the spiritual atmosphere and receive from the Holy Spirit (who is present), a revelation for the group they are in at the moment.

The worship leaders are often the ones who lead the people into this place with the Lord – where the Spirit of the Lord is present

It will be a present thought of what God thinks and feels toward His children

Often consists of Scripture that are positive and flowing in the direction the worship and service is going

It may also be a spontaneous word from the Father’s heart

It may be a description of a picture the Lord is showing

then requires someone to intrepret and apply the picture so all may benefit

It will (must) be edifying, exhorting (encouraging) and comforting

seeks to bless people and glorify the Lord in simple terms

It is out of order to be directional, correcting or rebuking

Both in the context

and by who is giving the prophecy

It only takes a small amount of grace upon a person’s life to flow in this level of prophecy

Though ideal for the person to be living a commited and separated life unto the Lord

it is not as high a requirement as the other levels of prophetic

When this anointing falls upon a group of people, even backsliders have been known to prophesy with great inspiration – 1 Samuel 19:20 – 23

A person who prophesies in the Spirit of Prophecy may never do it again

Though they could if they will tune themselves and flow in the atmosphere

Prophecies in this area will not be as detailed and rarely include any foretelling

They will be edifying, exhortation and comforting – but will not tell of things to come

The Gift of Prophecy

A little bit deeper in the spirit

This is more than just everyone can prophesy as Paul states regarding the spirit of prophecy

This manifestation of prophecy is limited to a fewer number of people

This is a gifting grace from the Holy Spirit

1 Cor 12:4 – “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

 V.7  –“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

V. 10 – “to another prophecy”

The Spirit does not give to all – but to certain ones

Everyone can flow in the Spirit of prophecy, but “to some He gave the gift of prophecy”

The Holy Spirit did not give the gift to all!

We do not all have the same spiritual gifts

Different parts of the body to do different tasks and functions

These gifted ones are not dependent upon a spiritual atmosphere

They can move in the gift at any time under the moving of the HS

They can use the gift in any situation – not just in the assembly (spiritual atmosphere)

The gift of prophecy is a resident gift and can be utilized at any time by those who are developed in the gifting – Acts 21: 8– 11

Believers who regularly receive impressions, dreams, visions or other types of revelation

This group receives more regular prophetic information then the first group, yet substantially lacks clarity and understanding what it receives

They will edify, exhort and comfort

But will also contain other aspects of revelation from the Spirit

They should be given training and mentoring to grow in their use of the gift

Hearing the voice of God

Discerning the voice they hear

Decreasing their own content & increasing God’s content

Deal with the issues in the soul so as to not pollute the prophetic word as it passes through their soul

With practice, their senses can be trained –

 Heb 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

The leadership will begin to recognize the gift and allow some room in the assembly

Prophetic Ministry

In a swimming pool there is a middle section where the water gets progressively deeper

Likewise in prophecy there is a time when some people will push on in a gradually deeper expression of the heart of God

– note the dashed lines

Some will move deeper through desire, training and experience

Continual use of the gift of prophecy will begin to push us in the direction of the Ministry rather than just casual use of the gift

The leadership can usually count on this person to have something from the Lord

The leadership has learned the content value of their words to be high

Believers whose gifting has been recognized, nurtured and commissioned for regular ministry in the local church

They primarily operate in the sphere of the local church

A ministry function empowered by a strong anointing that rests upon an individual at all times

It exceeds the first two levels in commitment and calling

commitment – requires a lifestyle that is devoted to the prophetic

calling – oftentimes preparatory for those who will later function as mature prophets

It grows out of the gift of prophecy

It means getting into deeper waters in terms of our faith

Believing for more specific and revelation and words instead of the general inspirational type

It will broaden our use of the gift to include a wider range of people, situations and activities

We will need to consider a more extensive set of issues than just handling prophecy in the local church

We need the dual revelation

The general word of Scripture

Scripture can provide general guidelines and life principles on a multitude of things that pertain to our lives, relationships, fellowship with God, marriage, work, home, church and ministry

To be allied with the specific word or prophecy

– which supplies the fine and specific detail  to the general principles outlined in Scripture

Prophetic ministry is different from the gift of prophecy

There is increased

grace

faith

revelation

responsibility for the words they are giving

growing in character

accountability

yieldedness – brokenness

relationship with Holy Spirit

Prophetic ministry is concerned with the church

Prophetic ministry brings God’s perspective, releases vision and calling and undermines the enemy

It has one hand in the past and one in the future – but is able to bring both elements into the present to help make sense of what we are going through

The knowledge of both the past and God’s purposes for the future often bring a radically different perspective of current events

This is the main sphere of influence

The direction the church can take

Who will lead

How we will get to our destination

It is concerned to see the church fulfilling his call

It draws attention to the majesty and supremacy of God in times of trouble

This prophetic perspective gives  faith and hope and the energy to fight on and break through

The prophetic ministry will start to teach others how to move forward in their spiritual gift of prophecy

Will have those they are teaching/equip

Will have those they are mentoring

They will have earned the respect of the local leaders

Pastors will need to learn how to effectively nurture these prophetic ministries and incorporate them into the ministering life of the Church

Develop a working Protocol that is “upfront” and known by all

before there are difficulties and challenges

Those in the Ministry of Prophecy have learned how to work within the boundaries of the local church Prophetic protocol

Prophetic Mantle

This is a further progression of the gift from the Holy Spirit

Not everyone with gift of prophecy will move on

Though they could if they devoted themselves to it

This is the person who has been faithful with their gift and in the area given (little things)

Now the Lord begins to open a larger sphere of ministry and influence

Have been faithful in the “little” things so now flowing in “more”

They still are significant in the local church

Growing maturity and influence in the local church

Ministry begins to move out of the local church into areas of civil and community interests (not on national level)

The Lord starts to give them a voice for the larger community and region

Becomes influential in community affairs

Speak to community leaders, politicians

speaks with members of city council, editorials in newspaper

Write editorials to the local newspaper

Radio and TV get their reaction

They give warning to regions of things that are coming

They speak God’s mind and heart into decisions that are being made

Prophetic mantle will fall upon a person who was in close association with a prophet or group of prophets

 i.e. Elisha/Elijah – 1 Kings 19:19; 2 Kings 2:15

There is increasing

grace

faith

revelation

responsibility

growing in character

accountability

yieldedness/brokenness

relationship with Holy Spirit

experience

The Office of a Prophet

Note the solid line!

It is important to note the one does not merely grow into the office of a prophet

It is not through the development of a spiritual gift that one becomes a prophet

Ephesians 4:11 – 12 indicates that Office of a prophet is a special governmental gift given by Christ gift

This is a special calling by Christ the head of the church

not the development of a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit (gift-ministry-mantle)

The office of prophet – means that a person’s particular spiritual gift/office has been recognized by the church and that the person is authorized to engage in open ministry centered around that gift

Three issues in recognizing a person is in New Testament prophet:

certain level of supernatural giftedness

evidenced by regularly receiving divine information from the Holy Spirit

validity of this gift is proved over time

not an issue of having just one prophetic word regardless of how accurate or spectacular it seems

Godly character is an essential mark of a true prophet

Jesus said he would know true and false prophets by their fruit

the fruit Jesus is referring to includes the Holy Spirit’s presence and sanctifying work in the person’s life

there is a brokenness, a kindness, a selflessness and a compassion that have the mark of the Holy Spirit on them

these people diligently seek to cultivate holiness in a deep passion for Jesus in their lives

also, fruit of prophetic ministry includes the kind of impact is made on others

Matured wisdom of God has come through experience and relationship with the Holy Spirit

this wisdom enables the person to be an instrument of the prophetic knowledge and power of God in a way that builds up the people of God and the purpose of God

this wisdom is foundational to using the prophetic in a manner that will build up the local church

 Essential ingredients of development in prophetic ministry

The sovereign gifting and call,

the intense processing that leads to brokenness before God and

the discharging of the prophetic ministry

To possess this office, one is required to have a sovereign calling, extensive training and multiple encounters with the presence of God

Their credibility is established by their long proven track record of accurate prophecies

This doesn’t mean they are infallible, but rather their words are to be taken more seriously than others words

The prophet will continue along the same lines but go ever deeper into the supernatural realm of hearing God and being his mouthpiece

They are able to move in the spirit, gift, ministry and mantle – but more!

The prophet lives in the realm of forth telling, rebuke, affirmation, revelation, a limitation, divine utterance, prediction, encouragement, dreams, visions, exhortation, correction and ministry confirmation – Ephesians 2:20; 4:11 – 12; 1 Corinthians 12:28

They give lots of personal prophetic words

Prophet will see into the motives of people’s hearts, the secret things, bring out what the Lord is needing to show and call people to action

They can give direction, correction and rebuke to churches

In the process they will build up the Body of Christ

Methods of operation and the end product will be different between individual prophets

Some prophetic ministries are rooted in evangelistic and pastoral situations

Others use their gift to open up difficult issues because the prophetic ability is channeled through the word of knowledge

Some are clearly involved in forth telling – using Scripture messages to inspire congregations with a timely and relevant word

Others move particularly in revelatory prophecy in a predictive manner

Some move only in personal prophecy while others are more happy speaking corporately

One of the major things they will do is equip the other saints to move in the gifts of

Prophecy

Word of wisdom

Word of knowledge

They are able to teach and train others in how to do it

Not just do it themselves out of their own giftedness

A prophet is concerned with holiness and purity and is seeking to prepare the bride of Christ

They build the church and establish kingdom values and practices for Christ’s return

Eph 2:19 -20   “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but ellow-citizens ith God’s people and embers of God’s household, built on the foundation of the postles and prophets, with Christ esus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

They are one of the 2 offices from Christ that lay foundations for the church

The prophet operates in a governmental office – directing and correcting the church

They will invest the church with supernatural faith as they both forth tell the word of the Lord and foretell his purposes

Prophet has a kingdom perspective that will motivate the church universal towards a practical unity of the Spirit

A prophet will speak to churches, cities, regions and nations

They operate heavily in

Word of wisdom

Word of knowledge

Discerning of spirits

Their words will be heard by those in authority – church leaders, kings and governments

Jer 1:10 – “ See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

At other levels – build up, stir up and cheer up

But NOW

uproot, tear down,

destroy and overthrow

Then Build and Plant

Their words will be accompanied by signs and wonders in healing miracles and clear signs of the supernatural presence of the Lord and his hosts

The office of prophet is also a trans-local ministry

Not just centered in the local church

Will travel all over the world.

Important rule is to learn the specific sphere of influence

Knowing the boundaries is just as important as locating the territory

Influence and activity will expand to relationships and by development and opportunity

The Office of Apostle – as it relates to prophecy

Note the solid line

It is important to note the one does not merely grow into the office of a apostle

It is not through the development of a spiritual gift that one becomes an apostle

Ephesians 4:11 – 12 indicates that Office of an apostle is a special governmental gift given by Christ

This is a special calling by Christ the head of the church

not the development of a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit

There is another whole level of the prophetic that flows through apostles that is not there with prophets

The office of apostle – means that a person’s particular spiritual gift/office has been recognized by the church and that the person is authorized to engage in open ministry centered around that gift

Apostle – sent one who establishes and builds the church

They plant churches and ministries

They are the master builders – laying the foundations of Jesus Christ in the church

Also other functional, governmental and lifestyle foundations

Prophet is a messenger to the church and is recognized by the hearers as a divine Channel of fresh revelation

Fresh light brought upon biblical truth

Teacher explains and enforces Biblical truths

Apostles prophesy at a depth more than prophets or other prophetic people

See callings

See ministries

See areas of the world people are assigned to – spheres

They see destinies

They can see the next 20-30 years of God’s good plan for the person

They see the large picture

They prophecy to great depths and often in tremendous detail

While prophesying, they inter-weave signs, wonders, healing, miracles

All 9 of the gifts of the Spirit will be involved while prophesying

One of the major things they will do is equip the other saints to move in the gifts of

Prophecy

Word of wisdom

Word of knowledge

Gifts of healing

Working of miracles

All the other gifts of HS

They are able to teach and train others in how to do it

Not just do it themselves out of their own giftedness

Apostles

See other apostles and call them out

See other 5 fold ministries and call them out

more so than the other 4 fold ministers do

Call out and appoint elders in the local church

set other ministries in place in the local church

Impart spiritual gifts to the other 5 fold ministries to be able to do the calling

 Rom1:11- “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong”

Can also direct, correct, discipline, rebuke

Can tear down and build up

Jer 1:10 – “ See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

The importance of development

We must look at our prophetic ability and practices and plan to upgrade them

These things do not just happen

People need training in prophecy as much as they do in prayer, warfare, worship, sharing their faith and praying for the sick

When beginning in prophecy there is a large mixture of our thoughts/impressions/feelings competing with the mind of the Spirit

Most often prophecy is a mixture of our words and God’s words

Sometimes this yields a “mature” word that reflects ideally what God would like to communicate

Sometimes his word is communicated in a much less than ideal fashion, yielding a “weak” word of lesser value – but still not to be despised

There are no clear-cut standards for deciding if a person is at a certain level or exactly what the distinctions truly are

Some are not biblical distinctions – while others clearly are

These are simply categories that help us to communicate with each other more effectively

As we receive training, discipleship and opportunity to move in the gift – we develop our listening potential

We learn to filter out our own thoughts

Discern the voice of the enemy

To hold onto the word of the Lord

As we receive training, discipleship and opportunity to move in the gift – we develop our purity in delivering the word

Less flesh added

Proper emphasis in places the Lord puts the emphasis

In the realm of prophetic ministry there is less mixture

The person is growing into the gift and establishing credibility and a good track record

When tired or upset or other factors distracting us

Then the scale slides and the % of God and % of man shifts

more of man and less of God

This is a cautionary note to know when to quit

In congregations

Those with gift (ministry/mantle) or office of prophet should judge the prophecy given by those giving from the Spirit of Prophecy

Without adequate training, our gifting will not reach beyond a certain level

One of the main causes of difficulty in the prophetic realm today is the lack of development, training and discipleship

Without proper healing in the inner man from the wounds of sin and others

Our soul will color the Word of the Lord

Our emotions will entangle themselves

We will hurt people

We will speak more of our own words

As they move into the prophetic office

They come into a greater flow of revelatory anointing and responsibility

On the national and international scene

 We are called to weigh what is said – 1 Corinthians 14:29 – 30

Even prophetic office and office of apostle – still must weigh and test words

However good and reputable the prophets or prophecy may be

Including those occasions when an audible voice is heard from heaven as it were

1 Thessalonians 5:20 – 21 –“ do not despise prophecies.  Test all things; hold fast what is good”

If the prophetic utterance is from God, and the Holy Spirit will bring the words home to our hearts and give us an internal witness of the fact that it is indeed something God is saying to us

Important to see the differences between:

Poor prophecy

Weak prophecy

Average prophecy

Strong prophecy

These distinctions allow room for people to grow and develop

in character

in spiritual sensitivity

in protocol

These distinctions allow for the unique separate class the Bible calls “false prophet”