Kings & Priests
________________________________________
Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work" (Eccl 4:9)
________________________________________
Some Pastors call all ministries outside the local Church as independent ministries. This is not correct. Individually all Christians must associate themselves in the worship and witness of local Churches, but there can be so many ministerial activities which may not be governed or administered by local Churches. Bible translation ministries, Bible societies, Relief agencies, medical ministries, pioneer missionary movements are some examples.
Whether it is a local Church ministry or a translocal ministry, if there's no accountability of ministers to one another, such independence is unscriptural. As far as local Churches are concerned, there can be no singular leadership. Pastors or elders or bishops or overseers are different names for the same office and they are always mentioned, in the New Testament, in the plural (e.g. Acts 20:17,28). Translocal ministries also must have plurality of leadership. Jesus sent His disciples two by two.
Independence in financial matters leads to corruption. Independence in message content leads to deception. Independence in ministerial methods leads to unscriptural practices. Independence in administration leads to misuse of power. Some independent ministers boast that they don't receive salaries but live in faith. Those who work in ministerial organizations also live in faith. They exercise "collective" or "corporate" faith that God would send in offerings from His people month after month for their needs.
We cannot accomplish much when we work independently. The ancient wisdom says, "Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labour" (Eccl 4:9). Independence may give us job satisfaction, but the Kingdom of God will not be benefitted much. Independent ministries result in duplication which wastes the Kingdom resources. Interdependence is the law of the Kingdom. All believers in Christ are "kings and priests," but no one should act like the King of kings or the High Priest who is above correction or accountability.
The observations I have made here, however, do not totally rule out the possibility of any minister of God functioning independently. There can be exceptions. Prophets may find organizational structures suffocating. Bible teachers may find denominational structures straitjacketing. Lions hate cages. However, it is safe for such ministers to voluntarily become accountable to senior and seasoned ministers of similar gifts.
Rabu, 18 Juni 2008
DOERS OF THE WILL OF GOD
Doers of the will of God [zoe ministries]
Dear Friends and Partners in the Kingdom of God,
This morning God spoke to me through Ezekiel 33:30 to 33.
Ezekiel 33:30-33 (NKJV)30 “As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’ 31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. 32 Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them. 33 And when this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
Faith as Entertainment
Pollsters repeatedly report that as many as one-third of the population of North America professes to believe in Christ. Yet numerous surveys show a steady decline in public morality, not just among the unchurched, but among the churched as well. What accounts for this apparent contradiction between faith and practice? Perhaps we can gain a clue from what God told Ezekiel about the people of his day who seemed to follow a similar pattern.
Ezekiel must have had quite a following, because when it appeared that the Lord was about to reveal something through him, news of the event raced through the community (Ezek. 33:30).
“As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’
His prophecies were like a performance, with his listeners hanging on every word (33:32).
Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.
But when the show was over, so was the people’s interest. They generally ignored the content of what the prophet had to say; only his presentation seemed to matter. To be sure, they talked as if their lives were going to exhibit genuine concern for others, but from day to day they lived only for their own self-interest (33:31).
So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain
On the whole, their curiosity about Ezekiel’s sermons amounted to little if any lives change.
The problem in Ezekiel’s day was not unlike a problem in our own day, in which “faith” is more entertainment than it is heart commitment. People become spectators rather than players. Their concern is more with what is the latest word from the Lord? Rather than what am I going to do with what God has said? As James put it, one becomes merely a hearer of the word rather than a doer—deceiving oneself in the process (James 1:22).
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
That is the worst thing about faith as entertainment—self-deception. True conversion means a changed will, not just an expanded knowledge about spiritual things or good feelings toward God. As Jesus pointed out, true love for God means living according to His will (John 14:15, 21, 23–24).
John 14:15 (NKJV) 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:21 (NKJV) 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
John 14:23-24 (NKJV) 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
My friends pray that the people who listen will listen well and become doers of the word of God.
We thank the Father for new doors that are opening up and for new relationships that are being formed and old relationships that are being strengthened.
At this moment my brother [Palan – A Pastor from Reservoir Garden Baptist Church] is arranging meetings for me in Portugal. We have friends who are also preparing for our ministry in UK. Vijaya and I have set aside the whole month of November and December 2008 for United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. Our mission is to travel to different cities and towns to start a “revolution” [change in mind set and action according to the Word of God] and to teach and train and activate ordinary members and leaders in the church to their full potential in Christ Jesus.
We have just come back [2nd June] from East Java [Indonesia] after ministering in Surabaya, Probolinggo, Jember and Malang for 4 weeks. Last week end we were ministering in our church camp up on Cameron Highlands [Malaysia].
We thank those who have supported us financially and through their prayers.
Please stand alongside us and pray for the coming meetings.
Malaysia
12/6/2008 Emmanuel Word Centre –Kulim
15/6/2008 GROW –Bukit Mertajam -Penang
1/7/2008 Market Place Ministries –YMCA Penang
17/7/2008 Emmanuel Word Centre –Kulim- Malaysia
14/9/2008 Emma Faith Naturing Centre –Penang
5/10/2008 Emma Faith Naturing Centre -Penang
India 4/8 to 30/8/2008 [Tiruvanthanathapuram / Kotayam / Cochin]
Sept 4/9 to 8/9 – 3rd Asian House Church Conference [Participant]
Sept 15/9 to 29/9 North Thailand
October -Indonesia [Timor and Surabaya]
November and December 2008 –United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal…
We are a faith ministry. When you are lead by the Lord to give, do send your check to
KRISHNASAMY A/L RAMASAMY
I/C Number -540303-07-5307
May Bank account number : 107125195025
Home Branch number 07125 -KAMPONG BHARU
Swift Code -MBBEMYKL
The Favor of God is upon the righteous ones.
In His Majesty’s Service
Christopher and Vijaya.K.
Dear Friends and Partners in the Kingdom of God,
This morning God spoke to me through Ezekiel 33:30 to 33.
Ezekiel 33:30-33 (NKJV)30 “As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’ 31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. 32 Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them. 33 And when this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
Faith as Entertainment
Pollsters repeatedly report that as many as one-third of the population of North America professes to believe in Christ. Yet numerous surveys show a steady decline in public morality, not just among the unchurched, but among the churched as well. What accounts for this apparent contradiction between faith and practice? Perhaps we can gain a clue from what God told Ezekiel about the people of his day who seemed to follow a similar pattern.
Ezekiel must have had quite a following, because when it appeared that the Lord was about to reveal something through him, news of the event raced through the community (Ezek. 33:30).
“As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’
His prophecies were like a performance, with his listeners hanging on every word (33:32).
Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.
But when the show was over, so was the people’s interest. They generally ignored the content of what the prophet had to say; only his presentation seemed to matter. To be sure, they talked as if their lives were going to exhibit genuine concern for others, but from day to day they lived only for their own self-interest (33:31).
So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain
On the whole, their curiosity about Ezekiel’s sermons amounted to little if any lives change.
The problem in Ezekiel’s day was not unlike a problem in our own day, in which “faith” is more entertainment than it is heart commitment. People become spectators rather than players. Their concern is more with what is the latest word from the Lord? Rather than what am I going to do with what God has said? As James put it, one becomes merely a hearer of the word rather than a doer—deceiving oneself in the process (James 1:22).
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
That is the worst thing about faith as entertainment—self-deception. True conversion means a changed will, not just an expanded knowledge about spiritual things or good feelings toward God. As Jesus pointed out, true love for God means living according to His will (John 14:15, 21, 23–24).
John 14:15 (NKJV) 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:21 (NKJV) 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
John 14:23-24 (NKJV) 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
My friends pray that the people who listen will listen well and become doers of the word of God.
We thank the Father for new doors that are opening up and for new relationships that are being formed and old relationships that are being strengthened.
At this moment my brother [Palan – A Pastor from Reservoir Garden Baptist Church] is arranging meetings for me in Portugal. We have friends who are also preparing for our ministry in UK. Vijaya and I have set aside the whole month of November and December 2008 for United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. Our mission is to travel to different cities and towns to start a “revolution” [change in mind set and action according to the Word of God] and to teach and train and activate ordinary members and leaders in the church to their full potential in Christ Jesus.
We have just come back [2nd June] from East Java [Indonesia] after ministering in Surabaya, Probolinggo, Jember and Malang for 4 weeks. Last week end we were ministering in our church camp up on Cameron Highlands [Malaysia].
We thank those who have supported us financially and through their prayers.
Please stand alongside us and pray for the coming meetings.
Malaysia
12/6/2008 Emmanuel Word Centre –Kulim
15/6/2008 GROW –Bukit Mertajam -Penang
1/7/2008 Market Place Ministries –YMCA Penang
17/7/2008 Emmanuel Word Centre –Kulim- Malaysia
14/9/2008 Emma Faith Naturing Centre –Penang
5/10/2008 Emma Faith Naturing Centre -Penang
India 4/8 to 30/8/2008 [Tiruvanthanathapuram / Kotayam / Cochin]
Sept 4/9 to 8/9 – 3rd Asian House Church Conference [Participant]
Sept 15/9 to 29/9 North Thailand
October -Indonesia [Timor and Surabaya]
November and December 2008 –United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal…
We are a faith ministry. When you are lead by the Lord to give, do send your check to
KRISHNASAMY A/L RAMASAMY
I/C Number -540303-07-5307
May Bank account number : 107125195025
Home Branch number 07125 -KAMPONG BHARU
Swift Code -MBBEMYKL
The Favor of God is upon the righteous ones.
In His Majesty’s Service
Christopher and Vijaya.K.
Selasa, 17 Juni 2008
ARISE AND SHINE
arise and shine
Isaiah 60:1-2 (NKJV) Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV) 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
We can be walking and going around doing our daily work and yet be a sleep.
For this reason, the Scripture says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Eph. 5:14). If we truly want Christ to "shine" upon us, we must arise from the distractions that entomb us in lethargy and spiritual darkness.
Arise from our passivity and experience HIS Glorious Presence and allow HIM to flow through us to refresh those who are around us and who are heavily burdened and oppressed.
Chris.K.
Isaiah 60:1-2 (NKJV) Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV) 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
We can be walking and going around doing our daily work and yet be a sleep.
For this reason, the Scripture says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Eph. 5:14). If we truly want Christ to "shine" upon us, we must arise from the distractions that entomb us in lethargy and spiritual darkness.
Arise from our passivity and experience HIS Glorious Presence and allow HIM to flow through us to refresh those who are around us and who are heavily burdened and oppressed.
Chris.K.
Kamis, 05 Juni 2008
AN APPEAL FOR UNITY IN A DIVISION SEASON
An Appeal for Unity in a Divisive Season
by Lee Grady www.themordecaiproject.com
The Lakeland Revival has created tensions over doctrine and ministry styles. To avoid a crippling rift in the church we need strong leadership, clear discernment and a lot of love.
Revival is messy. As much as we would love for it to come in a neat and orderly package, history teaches us that outbreaks of the Holy Spirit are often accompanied by holy chaos. There may be conversions and healings in one corner and demonic manifestations in the other. In seasons of revival you can have miracles and mayhem. Holiness and heresy can erupt simultaneously.
When we look at the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts, we tend to focus on the positives: Dead people were raised, whole villages were saved and prison doors were opened supernaturally. On the flip side, this same revival season was interrupted by riots, opposed by religious legalists and tainted by false prophets, greedy charlatans and demons masquerading as angels.
Why must revival movements be so muddled? Perhaps it is because imperfect people (as well as sinister devils) get involved. Strange things happen when God’s power touches a sinful earth.
When revival hit Wales in 1904, almost an entire nation bowed before Jesus within two years. Yet the weight of God’s presence drove the revival’s humble leader, Evan Roberts, into depression. Meanwhile author Jessie Penn-Lewis, writing in her book War on the Saints, suggested that fleshly manifestations in Welsh prayer meetings had snuffed out the Spirit’s power.
In our nation today thousands have been swept into the current of the Lakeland Revival in Florida, which began in early April in evangelist Todd Bentley’s meetings at Ignited Church. The fervor quickly spread because of God TV’s broadcasts, and today up to 10,000 gather nightly at a venue near the city’s airport. In recent days, people who were touched in Lakeland have started similar meetings in Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, N.C. and other cities. Bentley and his colleagues believe this is the beginning of a worldwide healing revival that will cover the globe.
But not everyone in the charismatic/Pentecostal community is convinced. Some say this is the last end-time revival while others maintain it is a demonic counterfeit. Cult-watchers and anti-heresy bloggers post Bentley’s comments on YouTube as evidence of a theological scandal. Revival advocates respond by posting documented evidence of healings. It all begins to resemble a childish competition.
Still others worry that Lakeland represents a questionable mixture of truth and error. Since the initial eruption of the revival, my inbox has been full of messages from charismatic leaders who are concerned about weighty issues as well as trivial ones: Everything from Bentley’s tattoos and body piercings to his claim that he once interviewed the apostle Paul in heaven.
When I wrote an article in mid-May calling for scrutiny of some aspects of the Lakeland Revival, I was labeled a Pharisee and a “religious policeman.” People who said they had been deeply impacted by the Holy Spirit in Lakeland used spiritual threats and harsh terms to tell me that I had become the enemy.
I refuse to go on the defensive, and if I need to retract any statement I’ve ever made about this revival I will. But what these nasty exchanges have shown me is that a divisive spirit is certainly at work in our midst—and we need urgent prayer to short-circuit what the devil wants to do.
When the early church was hit with the issue of Jewish legalism, Paul and Barnabas determined that the answer was to seek the counsel of “the apostles and elders” in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2, NASB). The church was being divided because the legalists were insisting that gentiles be circumcised. But when the elders looked into the matter, the apostle James settled the dispute by issuing this wise ruling:
“Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood” (v. 19-20). In other words, James affirmed the gentiles’ access to salvation and overturned the legalists’ bad doctrine.
Based on this biblical example, I am appealing to the elders in our movement. We need to hear from them in this hour. In a desperate moment we need older, seasoned veterans to release the counsel of the Lord.
Today the charismatic movement has become fractured, and opposing camps have formed. On one side there are those in the apostolic camp who tend to emphasize biblical order, proper church government, spiritual warfare and the reformation of society. On the other side are those in the prophetic camp who focus on miracles, healing, mystical experiences and the reclaiming of all the supernatural manifestations of the New Testament.
Both of these camps are contending for valid, biblical truths. We need the prophetic and the apostolic! We need miracles as much as we need healthy church growth and societal change. Yet if we do not have a holy intervention, we could bite and devour one another—and cancel out our collective impact.
A biblical council must include the leaders of both of these camps. And leaders must address all of the difficult issues triggered by the Lakeland Revival. Those include:
1. Biblical guidelines about angels. Some people in the prophetic camp speak of frequent visits to heaven, “third heaven revelations,” and long conversations with angels who use names such as Emma, Promise and Winds of Change. Are these indeed spirits sent from God, or agents of false light?
2. A proper theology of the dead. Some in the prophetic camp claim they have had conversations with dead Christians—including Paul the apostle. Is this within the bounds of Christian experience, or is it necromancy?
3. Pastoral guidance about exotic spiritual manifestations. In some circles in our movement, unusual signs and wonders have been reported in church services—including the sudden appearance of gold dust, feathers, gemstones and oil. At the same time, worshipers are vibrating on the floor, jerking uncontrollably and acting intoxicated. How can we protect people from the abuse of manifestations, and from demonic influence, while at the same time leaving room for genuine encounters with God?
4. Clear guidelines concerning the restoration of fallen ministers. The appearance of one prominent fallen evangelist, Paul Cain, at the Lakeland Revival in May unleashed strong reactions from many sectors of the church. Many people feel unprotected when they sense that church leaders have chosen not to enforce proper discipline for a minister’s unbiblical behavior. In this adulterous generation, how can we draw lines to protect congregations while at the same time offer healing and grace to a repentant preacher?
These are some of the crucial questions we face as a movement. May we proceed with a fresh gift of discernment, while at the same time laying hold of all the blessings that revival will bring us.
by Lee Grady www.themordecaiproject.com
The Lakeland Revival has created tensions over doctrine and ministry styles. To avoid a crippling rift in the church we need strong leadership, clear discernment and a lot of love.
Revival is messy. As much as we would love for it to come in a neat and orderly package, history teaches us that outbreaks of the Holy Spirit are often accompanied by holy chaos. There may be conversions and healings in one corner and demonic manifestations in the other. In seasons of revival you can have miracles and mayhem. Holiness and heresy can erupt simultaneously.
When we look at the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts, we tend to focus on the positives: Dead people were raised, whole villages were saved and prison doors were opened supernaturally. On the flip side, this same revival season was interrupted by riots, opposed by religious legalists and tainted by false prophets, greedy charlatans and demons masquerading as angels.
Why must revival movements be so muddled? Perhaps it is because imperfect people (as well as sinister devils) get involved. Strange things happen when God’s power touches a sinful earth.
When revival hit Wales in 1904, almost an entire nation bowed before Jesus within two years. Yet the weight of God’s presence drove the revival’s humble leader, Evan Roberts, into depression. Meanwhile author Jessie Penn-Lewis, writing in her book War on the Saints, suggested that fleshly manifestations in Welsh prayer meetings had snuffed out the Spirit’s power.
In our nation today thousands have been swept into the current of the Lakeland Revival in Florida, which began in early April in evangelist Todd Bentley’s meetings at Ignited Church. The fervor quickly spread because of God TV’s broadcasts, and today up to 10,000 gather nightly at a venue near the city’s airport. In recent days, people who were touched in Lakeland have started similar meetings in Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, N.C. and other cities. Bentley and his colleagues believe this is the beginning of a worldwide healing revival that will cover the globe.
But not everyone in the charismatic/Pentecostal community is convinced. Some say this is the last end-time revival while others maintain it is a demonic counterfeit. Cult-watchers and anti-heresy bloggers post Bentley’s comments on YouTube as evidence of a theological scandal. Revival advocates respond by posting documented evidence of healings. It all begins to resemble a childish competition.
Still others worry that Lakeland represents a questionable mixture of truth and error. Since the initial eruption of the revival, my inbox has been full of messages from charismatic leaders who are concerned about weighty issues as well as trivial ones: Everything from Bentley’s tattoos and body piercings to his claim that he once interviewed the apostle Paul in heaven.
When I wrote an article in mid-May calling for scrutiny of some aspects of the Lakeland Revival, I was labeled a Pharisee and a “religious policeman.” People who said they had been deeply impacted by the Holy Spirit in Lakeland used spiritual threats and harsh terms to tell me that I had become the enemy.
I refuse to go on the defensive, and if I need to retract any statement I’ve ever made about this revival I will. But what these nasty exchanges have shown me is that a divisive spirit is certainly at work in our midst—and we need urgent prayer to short-circuit what the devil wants to do.
When the early church was hit with the issue of Jewish legalism, Paul and Barnabas determined that the answer was to seek the counsel of “the apostles and elders” in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2, NASB). The church was being divided because the legalists were insisting that gentiles be circumcised. But when the elders looked into the matter, the apostle James settled the dispute by issuing this wise ruling:
“Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood” (v. 19-20). In other words, James affirmed the gentiles’ access to salvation and overturned the legalists’ bad doctrine.
Based on this biblical example, I am appealing to the elders in our movement. We need to hear from them in this hour. In a desperate moment we need older, seasoned veterans to release the counsel of the Lord.
Today the charismatic movement has become fractured, and opposing camps have formed. On one side there are those in the apostolic camp who tend to emphasize biblical order, proper church government, spiritual warfare and the reformation of society. On the other side are those in the prophetic camp who focus on miracles, healing, mystical experiences and the reclaiming of all the supernatural manifestations of the New Testament.
Both of these camps are contending for valid, biblical truths. We need the prophetic and the apostolic! We need miracles as much as we need healthy church growth and societal change. Yet if we do not have a holy intervention, we could bite and devour one another—and cancel out our collective impact.
A biblical council must include the leaders of both of these camps. And leaders must address all of the difficult issues triggered by the Lakeland Revival. Those include:
1. Biblical guidelines about angels. Some people in the prophetic camp speak of frequent visits to heaven, “third heaven revelations,” and long conversations with angels who use names such as Emma, Promise and Winds of Change. Are these indeed spirits sent from God, or agents of false light?
2. A proper theology of the dead. Some in the prophetic camp claim they have had conversations with dead Christians—including Paul the apostle. Is this within the bounds of Christian experience, or is it necromancy?
3. Pastoral guidance about exotic spiritual manifestations. In some circles in our movement, unusual signs and wonders have been reported in church services—including the sudden appearance of gold dust, feathers, gemstones and oil. At the same time, worshipers are vibrating on the floor, jerking uncontrollably and acting intoxicated. How can we protect people from the abuse of manifestations, and from demonic influence, while at the same time leaving room for genuine encounters with God?
4. Clear guidelines concerning the restoration of fallen ministers. The appearance of one prominent fallen evangelist, Paul Cain, at the Lakeland Revival in May unleashed strong reactions from many sectors of the church. Many people feel unprotected when they sense that church leaders have chosen not to enforce proper discipline for a minister’s unbiblical behavior. In this adulterous generation, how can we draw lines to protect congregations while at the same time offer healing and grace to a repentant preacher?
These are some of the crucial questions we face as a movement. May we proceed with a fresh gift of discernment, while at the same time laying hold of all the blessings that revival will bring us.
Rabu, 04 Juni 2008
WHEN KINGS GO OUT TO BATTLE
When Kings Go Out to Battle
By Francis Frangipane
Beware of a Passive Spirit
There are many examples of David's valor. As a young man, for instance, while others trembled, David was ready and eager to face Goliath. David is an example of one whom God chose, whose passions for God sustained him for most of his life.
Yet David also provides an example of what happens to good people when they go passive when they should be fighting. For there was an occasion when David did not pursue his enemies and the consequences were grave. It happened because he allowed a passive spirit to subdue his will.
"Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel , and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem " ( 2 Sam.11:1 ).
During a time of war, the king allowed a passive spirit to immobilize his soul. Soon we find this great warrior king almost helpless to resist the unfolding spiritual attack.
"Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance" ( 2 Sam. 11:2 ).
The woman was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. From the moment David accepted the influence of that passive spirit, his resistance was weakened; a paralysis of conscience occurred. Scripture says that "when evening came David arose from his bed." Perhaps it was customary to rest in the afternoon, but it strikes me as inconsistent for David to nap while his men fought. It is possible that this nap was not a response to a bodily need but an expression of the slumber that gripped his soul. He was in bed until "evening."
This heaviness of soul resting on David was actually part of a larger, synchronized spiritual attack. The other part of that battle was the quiet, inner prompting that stirred Bathsheba to bathe in a place where David could see her. Finally, unable to resist, and in defiance of his noble qualities, David "sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her" ( 2 Sam. 11:4 ).
Dear friend, remember: This terrible moral failure was not driven by David's lust or flagrant rebellion to God. A passive spirit introduced David to his sin! The problem was simply that, in a time when the kings went forth to war, David stayed at home.
We ourselves are in a time of war. The Spirit of God is calling us to fight for our souls as well as our families, cities and nations. Indeed, God's Word reveals that "The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies" ( Isa. 42:13 ).
Is that holy fight in you? Is there a war cry in your spirit? If you are born again, that cry is within you, even if it has been muted by lethargy.
We will never succeed as overcomers without carrying in our spirits the war cry of God. We must stop resisting the call to prayer; we must embrace the reality of spiritual warfare; and we must fight with the weapons of warfare that God has given us, both for our own progress and also on behalf of those we love.
Know, however, that the moment you accept a passive spirit, you should anticipate that a temptation appropriate to your weakness will soon follow. It may not be Bathsheba; it may be pornography on the Internet. Or it may be a coworker who begins to look attractive at a time when you and your spouse are struggling. Whatever the area of weakness in your life, Satan will attack that area. It will likely not be a bold frontal assault; if you first drop your guard and relax your fight, he will disarm you with a passive spirit. If the enemy succeeds in his assault, you will find yourself wrapped up in something that can devastate you and your loved ones.
One may argue, "I'm walking with God. I'm a bond-servant of the Lord. I'm not vulnerable." Remember what the Lord warned the church in Thyatira: "I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols" ( Rev. 2:20 ) .
Jesus was concerned, not only for the corrupting influence of Jezebel in the world; He was concerned that the leaders of the church had grown tolerant. More, her seductions not only targeted the wayward or new believers, but she led God's bond-servants astray.
Although it does not identify this seductive spirit by name, Proverbs warns of the temptations of the Jezebel spirit. Speaking of "the woman of folly," she calls out "to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight: Whoever is naive, let him turn in here" (see Prov. 9:14-18 ).
Who is this spirit after? Those "who are making their paths straight."
Beloved, it is springtime here in the northern hemisphere. It is that time of the year when seduction begins to call out "to those who pass by." Let us not become passive in a time of war. Rather, let us fight for our nation, our cities, our families and, especially, our own souls.
It is time for kings to go to war.
By Francis Frangipane
Beware of a Passive Spirit
There are many examples of David's valor. As a young man, for instance, while others trembled, David was ready and eager to face Goliath. David is an example of one whom God chose, whose passions for God sustained him for most of his life.
Yet David also provides an example of what happens to good people when they go passive when they should be fighting. For there was an occasion when David did not pursue his enemies and the consequences were grave. It happened because he allowed a passive spirit to subdue his will.
"Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel , and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem " ( 2 Sam.11:1 ).
During a time of war, the king allowed a passive spirit to immobilize his soul. Soon we find this great warrior king almost helpless to resist the unfolding spiritual attack.
"Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance" ( 2 Sam. 11:2 ).
The woman was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. From the moment David accepted the influence of that passive spirit, his resistance was weakened; a paralysis of conscience occurred. Scripture says that "when evening came David arose from his bed." Perhaps it was customary to rest in the afternoon, but it strikes me as inconsistent for David to nap while his men fought. It is possible that this nap was not a response to a bodily need but an expression of the slumber that gripped his soul. He was in bed until "evening."
This heaviness of soul resting on David was actually part of a larger, synchronized spiritual attack. The other part of that battle was the quiet, inner prompting that stirred Bathsheba to bathe in a place where David could see her. Finally, unable to resist, and in defiance of his noble qualities, David "sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her" ( 2 Sam. 11:4 ).
Dear friend, remember: This terrible moral failure was not driven by David's lust or flagrant rebellion to God. A passive spirit introduced David to his sin! The problem was simply that, in a time when the kings went forth to war, David stayed at home.
We ourselves are in a time of war. The Spirit of God is calling us to fight for our souls as well as our families, cities and nations. Indeed, God's Word reveals that "The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies" ( Isa. 42:13 ).
Is that holy fight in you? Is there a war cry in your spirit? If you are born again, that cry is within you, even if it has been muted by lethargy.
We will never succeed as overcomers without carrying in our spirits the war cry of God. We must stop resisting the call to prayer; we must embrace the reality of spiritual warfare; and we must fight with the weapons of warfare that God has given us, both for our own progress and also on behalf of those we love.
Know, however, that the moment you accept a passive spirit, you should anticipate that a temptation appropriate to your weakness will soon follow. It may not be Bathsheba; it may be pornography on the Internet. Or it may be a coworker who begins to look attractive at a time when you and your spouse are struggling. Whatever the area of weakness in your life, Satan will attack that area. It will likely not be a bold frontal assault; if you first drop your guard and relax your fight, he will disarm you with a passive spirit. If the enemy succeeds in his assault, you will find yourself wrapped up in something that can devastate you and your loved ones.
One may argue, "I'm walking with God. I'm a bond-servant of the Lord. I'm not vulnerable." Remember what the Lord warned the church in Thyatira: "I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols" ( Rev. 2:20 ) .
Jesus was concerned, not only for the corrupting influence of Jezebel in the world; He was concerned that the leaders of the church had grown tolerant. More, her seductions not only targeted the wayward or new believers, but she led God's bond-servants astray.
Although it does not identify this seductive spirit by name, Proverbs warns of the temptations of the Jezebel spirit. Speaking of "the woman of folly," she calls out "to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight: Whoever is naive, let him turn in here" (see Prov. 9:14-18 ).
Who is this spirit after? Those "who are making their paths straight."
Beloved, it is springtime here in the northern hemisphere. It is that time of the year when seduction begins to call out "to those who pass by." Let us not become passive in a time of war. Rather, let us fight for our nation, our cities, our families and, especially, our own souls.
It is time for kings to go to war.
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