STEWARDING THE MANTLE OF FIRE

STEADWARDING THE MANTLE OF FIRE

Acts.  3:21:- Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

The mantle of fire marks the anointing of those whose callings usher in agendas that fulfill key prophecies and the release of accompanying moves of His Spirit.

There are also situations in which the Lord made allowance by covering ones with the shadow of His hand. Scripture then unveils a time of salvation, when supernaturally, God Himself will intervene to present the prophets, the saints and all who fear His Name, as faultless before the presence of His glory. (Jude 1:24-25 and Rev 11:18)

When God is sovereignly moving, “more of the same harder” will run into the ditch. It is a time to hold steady and move with faithful caution. Being alert and prepared incorporates the need to understand what is to be expected.

This new thing God is doing and the authority for the mantle of fire are tied to His holiness and power. It will be marked by the restoration of many ancient mysteries.
“Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads and look. Then ask for the ancient paths where the good way lies. Then walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” Jer 6:16

Being alert to the new and restored dimensions of what God is doing may stretch us beyond our comfort zones and require a fresh alignment of our hearts with His. Such an alignment is predicated on seeking Him with a pure and unencumbered heart.

Maintaining the Momentum. Between the turmoil and what God is releasing will be events that transpire fast. The potential to be overwhelmed must be resisted by a fervent focus giving priority to time in seeking the Lord. A word for this hour is that whatever sphere of influence we walk into, that we should immediately begin looking beyond it, lest it overwhelm us.

God’s antidote is the mantle of fire which employs only a pure holy fire.
“He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” John 7:18.

The times demand not just the pure fire, but the restoration of the holy process without the polluted add-ons. Daniel noted that in the time of the end many would be purified and refined, but that wickedness would increase and abound. The times upon us are bordering between the times of sorrow spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24 and the times of the end described by Daniel. Wickedness is on the increase and gaining root.

The Unstoppable Dynamic
The early church was seen by the world as “those who are turning the world upside down.” Their faith-response involved sacrifice and, as a people, THEY became the catalysts to releasing the Glory and Power. There’s nothing to compare with that complete exchange of His life for ours, within community, to actuate the maturity spoken of by Paul to the Ephesians.

True spiritual maturity leads. It is evidenced by those who take responsibility beyond their selves, face the fire, and penetrate the veil to reverse the bondages. The full knowledge of the Lord (Eph 4) is not a head-thing or the resolution of all our soulish issues; but rather an operational application of the mantle of fire.

We are in a time in which the wisdom and power that flowed in the early church is not just being restored. It will become the launch-pad for even greater levels of the release of His power and glory.

Those wielding the mantle of pure fire will pierce the extremes of darkness with God’s glory and power. The pure fire has always been tied to God’s presence and the consumption of darkness in its wake. The word to the church for this day is to reach for the fire, the pure fire.

“I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst. My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Then the nations will know that I, the LORD, sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst.”  Ezek 37:26-28.

The Five- Fold Ministry

FIVEFOLD MINISTRY FUNCTIONS
All Ministry comes from Jesus… In his seminal letter to the Ephesians the Apostle Paul introduces us to
THE FIVEFOLD MINISTRY
This is also known as “The Ascension Gift Ministries” because they were given when Christ Ascended into Heaven
Ephesians 4:7-16 (NKJV)
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” 9 (Now this, “He ascended”–what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ– 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Every person in the Body of Christ has received grace for some aspect of the 5 Ministry Giftings. We see this in the gift of prophecy and the Prophet. It also applies to the apostolic anointing and the Apostle, the pastoral anointing and the pastor, etc.
The key to understanding Fivefold Ministry is FUNCTION or PURPOSE and not title…
The title is there to describe the FUNCTION…

The Apostle Governs:
He is like the Heart revealing compassion & strategy for advancing the Kingdom
The Prophet Guides:
He is like the Mouth communicating guidance
The Teacher Grounds:
He has the Mind of Christ to bring wisdom and understanding
The Evangelist Gathers:
These are the Hands that are always reaching out to souls
The Pastor Guards:
These are the Feet leading the sheep to pasture and the paths of righteousness
Our hand serves as an example for the Fivefold Ministry too:
The Thumb represents the Apostle: This finger is the only one that touches all others and is the finger that enables us to grip.
The Forefinger represents the Prophet: It points…
The Middle finger represents the Evangelist: it is the furthest reaching
The Ring finger represents the Pastor: married to the sheep he is always with them
The Pinky represents the Teacher: this finger is the one that gives balance to the hand.
The 5 G’s of Ministry
Apostles and Prophets lay the foundation of the house. The Teacher builds on that foundation with the stones the Evangelist gathers and then, the Pastors cares for the house. Of course, the “house” means the people of God.
The Apostle “Governs” or oversees the House bringing vision, order and government. He/she develops leaders and raises up “sons in the Gospel”.
The Prophet “Guides” and administrates in the House. He/she declares and confirms vision for the house and facilities. They bring direction and counsel also.

The Teacher “Grounds” and equips the saints through their gifted teaching ability. They bring balance to the vision of the house.
The Evangelist “Gathers” by training workers/
witnesses in outreach into the community.
The Pastors “Guards” the House, caring for the people overseeing visitation, etc. They are concerned with the everyday aspects of the community of faith.
As such, we can see how the 5 Ascension Gift Ministries function together as a Team!
Here are some other functions of each Ministry:
The Apostle is to be “Godward” and minister to Him. As he/she does they receive vision and then they go and plow the ground.
The Prophet has what we would call a “watchman on the wall” or “crows nest” ministry.
The Teacher grounds as they reemphasize the vision of the House and balance it with the Word. They break up the fallow ground.
The Evangelist gathers and also sows seeds.
The Pastors guard by example leading the prayer and care ministries and harvests the crop.

Are all Ministries Equal?
Although each Ascension Gift Ministry is vital to the Church there is a “Governmental” aspect to ministry. We see this in the Fivefold Ministry in one of Pauls letters:
1 Corinthians 12:28 “And God hath set in the Church, firstly Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly Teachers, after that…”
The Apostle is primary, the Prophet secondary and the Teacher is third. All are equal in the fact that each one is a member in the Body of Christ but there is “order” and “government” in the ministries also. The Apostle is guarded by the other four because his anointing is the “primary” anointing.

The Believers Authority

                                         

                                         THE BELIEVERS’ AUTHORITY

Matthew 28:18-20  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore [you] go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

•• In the famous Great Commission, we see an impartation of authority from Jesus Christ to believers in Him. In some of His final words to His disciples before He ascended back to heaven, Jesus sends them forth into the world to preach, teach, baptize, and otherwise minister on His behalf — in essence, to teach the world "everything" (vs. 20) that Jesus had entrusted to His chosen disciples. The parallel Great Commission in Mark's Gospel (see next) confirms this transfer of heavenly authority to believers on earth.

Mark 16:15-20  [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

•• Here again, the Great Commission sender is Jesus. Those who are sent forth to minister in all the world are His disciples — "those who believe" (vs. 17). And we are not sent powerless. No! If we believe Jesus and His promises, we will heal the sick, speak in new tongues, cast out demons, and much more as we bring the Gospel to the far corners of the earth. How? Because Jesus, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18) has given us this commission and the authority to fulfill it — even with the confirmation of supernatural signs.

•• Unfortunately, in too many churches today the saints are not taught that they, not just the pastor, are called and empowered to do the work of the ministry. The antidote for this is for believers to see in Scripture that Jesus has given all of us the power and authority to accomplish His work on earth, consistent with His unique callings and the spiritual enablements given to each one of us.

Luke 9:1-2; 10:19  When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick... [and to 72 others He said, 10:19] I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

•• Not just to His apostles, but to a larger group of His followers (10:17) Jesus gave power and authority to proclaim the kingdom, to heal the sick, to cast out demons, and to overcome all the power of the enemy! And we have just seen (above) Jesus giving that same power and authority to believers to further the Great Commission in "all the world".That includes you and me!

John 14:12  Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

•• What works had Jesus been doing? Healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, casting out devils, proclaiming the kingdom of God, and more. Who else can do these works, and "even greater"? — the answer: "whoevever believes in [Jesus]". Not just His twelve apostles, not just pastors and church leaders, but whoever believes in Him! You can share the Gospel, confirmed with powerful signs, because Jesus has delegated this authority to believers. And the believer's authority is not restricted by our own natural limitations. Remember, it is God's authority given through Jesus to us.

Mark 13:34, KJV  For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

•• In the context above, Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the time between His first and second coming. He said He was going to "leave his house" — that is, return to heaven. And He gave to each of His servants on earth work to do and the authority to get it done. For this entire Church Age, Jesus has given spiritual authority to His servants on earth.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

•• The apostle Paul refused to depend on his natural abilities (as prodigious as those were!). Let this be a lesson to us. Instead, he intended that people's faith would rest, not on his human wisdom, but on a Gospel preached with a confirming "demonstration of the Spirit's power". Let's see now the source of that Holy Ghost power that Jesus has promised to us.

Acts 1:5, 8  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... [8] you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

•• We have seen that Jesus willingly gives authority to us, His followers. And the power to wield that authority effectively comes in the promised baptism with the Holy Spirit. That is where believers "will receive power" to fulfill the Lord's work on earth. The early Church needed to be filled with the Spirit, and so do we today.

•• Now let's look at some encouraging biblical examples of Christ's authority working effectively in the lives of believers.

1) Leading a soul to Jesus — John 4:28-30, 39  Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him... [39] Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”

•• This Samaritan woman was herself a brand-new believer. But there was already within her as a believer the ability to say to her townspeople, "Come and see. Could this be the Messiah?" And they did come and hear Jesus speak, and many became believers in Christ, in great measure "because of the woman's testimony". This woman, not knowing theology, simply shared what faith she had, and souls were gathered to Jesus. If she could do this, so can we. Why? Because Jesus Christ has given us power from God and the authority to minister for Him with that delegated power here on earth.

2) Leading someone into the baptism with the Holy Spirit — Acts 9:10, 17  In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” ... [17] Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

•• Ananias was simply "a disciple", a "devout man" (Acts 22:12, KJV), a believer in Jesus. Yet the Lord used him to heal Saul's blindness and to minister the baptism with the Holy Spirit to Saul (who later became the apostle Paul).

3) Cast out devils — Mark 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils.

•• "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). Jesus confirmed this promise in the Great Commission: "These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons" (Mark 16:17).

4) Healing the sick — Mark 16:17-18, KJV  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name ... [18] they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

•• It is the privilege of all believers ("them that believe") to lay hands on the sick and see them healed.the sick. Among them might very well be some with the Holy Spirit-given "gifts of healing" (1 Corinthians 12:9).

5) Have prayers answered — James 5:13a, 16b  Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray... [16b] The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

•• Remember, believers have authority given by Jesus, the possessor of all authority in heaven and on earth. This applies to our prayer lives as well, where we find that the prayer of "a righteous man" is powerful and effective. Be confident as you pray, come boldly to His throne of grace in your times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

6) Manifesting gifts of the Holy Spirit — Acts 21:8-9  ...we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. [Amplified: "who had the gift of prophecy"]

•• Four young ladies, each of whom had the gift of prophecy. This is consistent with Peter's great Pentecost sermon where, quoting the prophet Joel, he says, "...I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy..." (Acts 2:17).

-Not just pastors and five-fold ministers, but the members of the church  and laity broadly — born-again Christians, aware of the authority Jesus has given believers, and finding the source of spiritual power in the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 7:19-20  Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t wedrive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

•• Many Christians, like those disciples, may be thinking, "Why couldn't we...?" And Jesus replies quite simply that's it's a matter of faith.

• Do you believe that Jesus has given authority to His servants? (Mark 13:34)

• Do you believe that He gives us a large measure of divine power in the baptism with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 1:5, 8)

• Do you believe that, as you go forth with the Good News, He will confirm the word with supernatural signs? (Mark 16:20)

• Do you believe that those with faith in Jesus will do His works and "even greater"? (John 14:12)

•• Jesus told his doubting disciples that, if they had faith, they could "move mountains", and nothing would be impossible for them.

•• How can this be? Simply because our resurrected Savior, who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18-20) has chosen to impart authority to His servants, so that we might go forth in power to expand the kingdom of God on this earth. And you are one of those servants that our Lord has called and empowered to be effective ambassadors for Christ to this lost world.

Jesus did not leave behind a powerless church when He ascended back to heaven. To the contrary, He imparted divine authority to those who follow Him, along with Holy Spirit power to accomplish great works embedded in righteousness for Him on this earth.

Overcoming Strongholds

Discerning Ancient Strongholds

Ancient strongholds and evil paganism is warring against the Church of Christ, but Scripture declares you are well able to subdue the wicked. The Bible teaches, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” Strongholds include demonic paganism sourced from ancient spirits. Plato (429 BC) was a pagan philosopher that taught many subjects including that all things spirit was good and all things natural were evil. Some Christians in the middle ages were influenced by his mystical worldview and became “so heavenly minded they were no earthly good.” His teachings turned some away from the biblical responsibility to take dominion for Christ sake and gave dominion to the state. Plato was against individual liberty and viewed it as selfish. He wrote in the “Laws”: “In a word, he should teach his soul, by long habit, never to dream of acting independently, and to become utterly incapable of it. In this way, the life of all will be spent in total community. There is no law, nor will there ever be one, which is superior to this, or better and more effective in ensuring salvation and victory in war. And in times of peace, and from the earliest childhood on should it be fostered, this habit of ruling others, and of being ruled by others. And every trace of anarchy (independent liberty) should be utterly eradicated from all life of all the men, and even of the wild beasts which are subject to men.” Teachings such as that lead to a totalitarian warfare state. By rejecting the personal liberty and dominion expectation of God through righteousness opens a great door for the development of secular humanistic states and demonic authoritarian governments. In short the government of the wicked. Platonic statism and mystical spiritualism are being challenged today by the apostolic church. The apostolic church is a governing church with governing disciples of Christ. It consists of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, priest, and kings all working together to manifest the Kingdom of God on earth. It’s doubtful many understand the spiritual opposition that some ancients released against the Body of Christ. It’s not often you will read that ancient demon inspired Greek philosophers have caused some of the Church to withdraw themselves from obeying God, but in this, we will touch on the subject. This will help spiritual warriors like you follow Apostle Paul’s instruction to cast down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. FOR CHRIST’S GLORY Christ has given you power saying, “Whatsoever you bind on earth is bound in heaven.” This is the spiritual authority to say no. It is the power to bind, as with chains, demon powers and their teachings. It’s not power that the Christian seeks but rather power given by God to take dominion for Christ’s glory. Man was created in the image of God and commanded to take dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-27). Not only is man called to take dominion, but it is also in his nature to do so. The word dominion was first used by God, not man. God created man in his image and with his nature. The redeemed man is a vicegerent of Christ,2 one appointed by his ruler to subdue and govern on His behalf. On His behalf or in His stead with legal authority from his maker is important to remember. Since Adam’s treason, it is in the fallen nature of man to subdue and take dominion over the earth to fulfill selfish lusts and desires. The redeemed man, in contrast to the reprobate man, knows the differ¬ence and takes his charge of dominion as one with “delegated authority” who exercises dominion “under God.” In other words, dominion must always be on God’s terms. The antithesis of the Disciple of Christ is the reprobate man. In his fallen state man desires to be God. Man can never be God because there is only one Sovereign and that is God Almighty, the Creator. Christ stands outside his creation. This makes Him the sovereign of all things. Man can never be God. Saint Athanasius wrote, “God is not nature, all the constituents of which are mutually interdependent. Nor is He the totality of its parts; for He is not compounded of parts on which He depends, but is Himself the source of existence to all. To think of God as composing and putting together the universe out of matter is a Greek notion, and it is to represent Him as a workman rather than as a creator.” DELEGATED AUTHORITY Secular humanistic dominion is seen in the reprobate and corrupted actions of man. The corrupted man forgets where the power to get wealth comes from. Scripture confirms the delegated authority of man that is submitted to the lordship of Christ. Scripture says, “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Christ also made it clear that he was the source of authority declaring, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Power and dominion is not an end in itself. It’s not power that the Christian seeks nor is it dominion that the Christian seeks but rather power given by God to take dominion for Christ’s glory. He is risen! Christ taught to pray the Lord’s Prayer. “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2). This prayer confirms the Christian’s re¬sponsibility to advance the culture (laws, knowledge, values and expectations of Christ) of the Kingdom of God. Christ would not ask his disciples to pray “thy kingdom come” if it were not possible to achieve kingdom manifestation. Throughout history fallen man, in an effort to subdue and take dominion have murdered millions of innocents. Trillions are spent buying weapons and maintaining militaries that advance and secure the various desires of politicians, states, people groups, gangs, and dictators alike. Because of the brute force used by some to subdue and control some Christians refuse the concept of dominion and can even turn hostile to the idea. Regardless, Christ has commanded his Disciples to “occupy” till he comes (Luke 19:13). Occupy means to march aggressively into another’s territory with spiritual force for the purpose of conquest and occupation. One cannot bury his talents in the ground and expect a blessing from the Lord. Dominion requires labor and a subduing spirit.

Kingdom Synergy

Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of His friend."

I see many relationships that are now clashing, that will become flashing "two-edged" swords forged together by the Spirit to do exploits and bring great devastation to the camp of the enemy. I saw relationships that seemed totally against each other, being welded together as God's love was dealing a fatal blow to their egos and "the way I see things." God is forging them into 'two-edged' swords to sever roots of the strongholds of division over families, churches, cities, and nations!

Friction Between Opposing Relationships Will Create Synergy in the Kingdom This Year

Synergy: the interaction of two or more agents or forces, so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Synergy is the result of two people working out their differences together. Get ready—the person you don't like right now may become your best friend!

Through unparalleled troublesome times, many opposing relationships will be challenged to synergize together, forging relationships similar to "Jonathan and David" and "Ruth and Naomi" to experience covenant relationships that will affect the course of history. 

Those in clashing relationships who differ in their convictions like day and night but are willing to continue to walk together in love will ultimately be the ones who discover the many facets of truth in God's Word and learn what truly pleases the King of kings. I am not talking about what is clear-cut in the Word of God regarding sin. I am talking about those many gray areas that have been splitting churches and dividing friends forever.

Those who hang out with friends who seem to see eye to eye on everything and who never disagree, will not grow much this coming year. There is going to be a shaking and sharpening in all of us! Get ready—the person you don't like right now may become your best friend. The person you don't like may have the gift of healing for your sickness or affliction. As a result, the command to "love one another" will become a matter of life or death for some churches and individuals. 

Have you ever met a person who seems to have an edge to them? That means they are sharpening you. Again, Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

Iron Sharpens Iron, Stones Smooth Stones, and People Grind People

God may call the person who seems to grind you the wrong way to sharpen you. In reality, this person is your friend. He knows they are destined to help conform you into the image of Jesus Christ—God's goal for your life!

I sense the enemy has been working overtime trying to convince many that you no longer need the irritation and grinding of certain people in your life. Be careful, the Lord may still be sharpening you. The person who is least like you and sees things so differently, may be your best asset for your future purpose in God's kingdom.

The grinding may not take so long as your glaring differences clash and cut away at each other's views that are usually at best, a little off-centered from the Lord's perspective. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8-9).

Agree to Allow Each Other to Disagree Is a Major Step Towards Unity

In many conflicts, I have found that the longer I was willing to stick it out during disagreements and personality differences, the easier it became to understand the person and why they are the way they are. The grinding, slowly but surely, gave way to a binding in the Spirit, where God could actually use us together with our differences more than if we were left by ourselves and our own convictions.

Many relationships that are now straining are actually in training for future spiritual warfare.

"With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love" (Eph. 4:2, KJV). To "forbear" means to hold oneself up against; to put up with; endure; suffer. 

This picture of forbearing one another may look at first like two people who are standing up against each other in opposition. But they are actually holding themselves up against each other in order to hold each other up. Their body language is saying: "I'm not going to let you go. You are not getting away from me just because we disagree. Even though you may be causing me to suffer right now, I know God is somehow using you in my life to grind me and sharpen me for a purpose. I am going to keep putting up with you, and forgiving you until I find out God's purpose in all of this."

Have you ever wondered how long you have to put up with someone who strongly opposes your convictions and disagrees with most everything you believe? God clearly tells us how long. "Until we all come into the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13, MEV). That is just how long we need to forbear one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

Many in difficult relationships, who realize their straining is being used in training for reigning, will endure and become razor-sharp fatal weapons in spiritual warfare. 

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.....

Conquest And Affirmation

Spiritual Conquest and the Sons of God

Spiritual armor is for fighting. The war for dominion is on. It’s time to invade, occupy and influence this world for Christ. As part of the remnant you have been authorized for spiritual conquest and occupation. You are unstoppable having received a kingdom that cannot be moved. Christ has called you into the royal priesthood of disciples empowered to manifest the Kingdom of God on earth. In prayer one day the Holy Ghost said to me, “Only the sons of God walking in the Spirit can manifest the Kingdom.” Manifesting the Kingdom is found in the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer has been prayed by millions of believers yet how many believe they have a part to play in the process? Scripture says the entire earth is waiting for the manifesting of the sons of God. How much longer does the earth need to wait? The manifestation of the Kingdom of God is the responsibility of every disciple of Christ. Disciples of Christ are part of the Church at large. There is only one “church model” in the New Testament and that’s the apostolic church. No New Testament churches in the Bible were built by prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers; they were all built by apostles. Scripture says, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, govern-ments, diversities of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28). We must not discount Christ's words about building a church the gates of hell could not prevail against. This church, a governing church, has five ascension gifts with unique graces designed to empower you for victory. RULER OF RULERS Understanding the Apostolic Church model will help you understand the dominion mandate. An apostolic church model includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, priests, kings and rulers. Together they are citizens of Zion and a governing body of believers. Jesus said, ‘I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church Christ is building is a governing Church full of governing believers. Paul confirmed this writing, “Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Lord, Greek kurieuo, means ruler. Jesus is the “Ruler of rulers.” To understand the governing nature of every believer we need a solid definition of the word ruler. According to “Thayer’s Greek Lexicon” ruler means: 1) to be lord of, to rule, or have dominion over 2) of things and forces 3) to exercise influence upon, to have power over. “Strong’s Greek Lexicon” agrees. To rule: 1) have dominion over 2) lord, be lord of 3) exercise lordship over. Notice all of these are governing definitions such as lord, dominion and rule. The word dominion was first used by God, not man, when blessing Adam and Eve. They were commanded to rule (Genesis 1:26). So who are the kings and lords that Christ is the King and Ruler of? The answer is you, the born again believer and disciple of Christ. With these definitions in mind to rule means you have the right and responsibility to take dominion by influencing this world for Christ.