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Welcome To Keys 2 the Kingdom International Covenant Communion's Discussion Forum. The Pardigm shifting(or should I say have shifted)in the Body of Christ, wich is necessary for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Come on in and Join this apostolic gathering.
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Call No Man Father? -- Unknown, 01:21:07 07/25/06 Tue



Many Protestants claim that when Catholics address priests as "father," they are engaging in an unbiblical practice that Jesus forbade: "Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven" (Matt. 23:9).

In his tract 10 Reasons Why I Am Not a Roman Catholic, Fundamentalist anti-Catholic writer Donald Maconaghie quotes this passage as support for his charge that "the papacy is a hoax."

Bill Jackson, another Fundamentalist who runs a full-time anti-Catholic organization, says in his book Christian’s Guide To Roman Catholicism that a "study of Matthew 23:9 reveals that Jesus was talking about being called father as a title of religious superiority . . . [which is] the basis for the [Catholic] hierarchy" (53).

How should Catholics respond to such objections?


The Answer



To understand why the charge does not work, one must first understand the use of the word "father" in reference to our earthly fathers. No one would deny a little girl the opportunity to tell someone that she loves her father. Common sense tells us that Jesus wasn’t forbidding this type of use of the word "father."

In fact, to forbid it would rob the address "Father" of its meaning when applied to God, for there would no longer be any earthly counterpart for the analogy of divine Fatherhood. The concept of God’s role as Father would be meaningless if we obliterated the concept of earthly fatherhood.

But in the Bible the concept of fatherhood is not restricted to just our earthly fathers and God. It is used to refer to people other than biological or legal fathers, and is used as a sign of respect to those with whom we have a special relationship.

For example, Joseph tells his brothers of a special fatherly relationship God had given him with the king of Egypt: "So it was not you who sent me here, but God; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt" (Gen. 45:8).

Job indicates he played a fatherly role with the less fortunate: "I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know" (Job 29:16). And God himself declares that he will give a fatherly role to Eliakim, the steward of the house of David: "In that day I will call my servant Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah . . . and I will clothe him with [a] robe, and will bind [a] girdle on him, and will commit . . . authority to his hand; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah" (Is. 22:20E1).

This type of fatherhood not only applies to those who are wise counselors (like Joseph) or benefactors (like Job) or both (like Eliakim), it also applies to those who have a fatherly spiritual relationship with one. For example, Elisha cries, "My father, my father!" to Elijah as the latter is carried up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kgs. 2:12). Later, Elisha himself is called a father by the king of Israel (2 Kgs. 6:21).


A Change with the New Testament?



Some Fundamentalists argue that this usage changed with the New Testament—that while it may have been permissible to call certain men "father" in the Old Testament, since the time of Christ, it’s no longer allowed. This argument fails for several reasons.

First, as we’ve seen, the imperative "call no man father" does not apply to one’s biological father. It also doesn’t exclude calling one’s ancestors "father," as is shown in Acts 7:2, where Stephen refers to "our father Abraham," or in Romans 9:10, where Paul speaks of "our father Isaac."

Second, there are numerous examples in the New Testament of the term "father" being used as a form of address and reference, even for men who are not biologically related to the speaker. There are, in fact, so many uses of "father" in the New Testament, that the Fundamentalist interpretation of Matthew 23 (and the objection to Catholics calling priests "father") must be wrong, as we shall see.

Third, a careful examination of the context of Matthew 23 shows that Jesus didn’t intend for his words here to be understood literally. The whole passage reads, "But you are not to be called ‘rabbi,Efor you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called ‘masters,Efor you have one master, the Christ" (Matt. 23:8E0).

The first problem is that although Jesus seems to prohibit the use of the term "teacher," in Matthew 28:19E0, Christ himself appointed certain men to be teachers in his Church: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Paul speaks of his commission as a teacher: "For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle . . . a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth" (1 Tim. 2:7); "For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher" (2 Tim. 1:11). He also reminds us that the Church has an office of teacher: "God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers" (1 Cor. 12:28); and "his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers" (Eph. 4:11). There is no doubt that Paul was not violating Christ’s teaching in Matthew 23 by referring so often to others as "teachers."

Fundamentalists themselves slip up on this point by calling all sorts of people "doctor," for example, medical doctors, as well as professors and scientists who have Ph.D. degrees (i.e., doctorates). What they fail to realize is that "doctor" is simply the Latin word for "teacher." Even "Mister" and "Mistress" ("Mrs.") are forms of the word "master," also mentioned by Jesus. So if his words in Matthew 23 were meant to be taken literally, Fundamentalists would be just as guilty for using the word "teacher" and "doctor" and "mister" as Catholics for saying "father." But clearly, that would be a misunderstanding of Christ’s words.


So What Did Jesus Mean?



Jesus criticized Jewish leaders who love "the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the market places, and being called ‘rabbiEby men" (Matt. 23:6E). His admonition here is a response to the PhariseesEproud hearts and their grasping after marks of status and prestige.

He was using hyperbole (exaggeration to make a point) to show the scribes and Pharisees how sinful and proud they were for not looking humbly to God as the source of all authority and fatherhood and teaching, and instead setting themselves up as the ultimate authorities, father figures, and teachers.

Christ used hyperbole often, for example when he declared, "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell" (Matt. 5:29, cf. 18:9; Mark 9:47). Christ certainly did not intend this to be applied literally, for otherwise all Christians would be blind amputees! (cf. 1 John 1:8; 1 Tim. 1:15). We are all subject to "the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16).

Since Jesus is demonstrably using hyperbole when he says not to call anyone our father—else we would not be able to refer to our earthly fathers as such—we must read his words carefully and with sensitivity to the presence of hyperbole if we wish to understand what he is saying.

Jesus is not forbidding us to call men "fathers" who actually are such—either literally or spiritually. (See below on the apostolic example of spiritual fatherhood.) To refer to such people as fathers is only to acknowledge the truth, and Jesus is not against that. He is warning people against inaccurately attributing fatherhood—or a particular kind or degree of fatherhood—to those who do not have it.

As the apostolic example shows, some individuals genuinely do have a spiritual fatherhood, meaning that they can be referred to as spiritual fathers. What must not be done is to confuse their form of spiritual paternity with that of God. Ultimately, God is our supreme protector, provider, and instructor. Correspondingly, it is wrong to view any individual other than God as having these roles.

Throughout the world, some people have been tempted to look upon religious leaders who are mere mortals as if they were an individual’s supreme source of spiritual instruction, nourishment, and protection. The tendency to turn mere men into "gurus" is worldwide.

This was also a temptation in the Jewish world of JesusEday, when famous rabbinical leaders, especially those who founded important schools, such as Hillel and Shammai, were highly exalted by their disciples. It is this elevation of an individual man—the formation of a "cult of personality" around him—of which Jesus is speaking when he warns against attributing to someone an undue role as master, father, or teacher.

He is not forbidding the perfunctory use of honorifics nor forbidding us to recognize that the person does have a role as a spiritual father and teacher. The example of his own apostles shows us that.


The Apostles Show the Way



The New Testament is filled with examples of and references to spiritual father-son and father-child relationships. Many people are not aware just how common these are, so it is worth quoting some of them here.

Paul regularly referred to Timothy as his child: "Therefore I sent to you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ" (1 Cor. 4:17); "To Timothy, my true child in the faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" (1 Tim. 1:2); "To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" (2 Tim. 1:2).

He also referred to Timothy as his son: "This charge I commit to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophetic utterances which pointed to you, that inspired by them you may wage the good warfare" (1 Tim 1:18); "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:1); "But Timothy’s worth you know, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel" (Phil. 2:22).

Paul also referred to other of his converts in this way: "To Titus, my true child in a common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior" (Titus 1:4); "I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment" (Philem. 10). None of these men were Paul’s literal, biological sons. Rather, Paul is emphasizing his spiritual fatherhood with them.


Spiritual Fatherhood



Perhaps the most pointed New Testament reference to the theology of the spiritual fatherhood of priests is Paul’s statement, "I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (1 Cor. 4:14E5).

Peter followed the same custom, referring to Mark as his son: "She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark" (1 Pet. 5:13). The apostles sometimes referred to entire churches under their care as their children. Paul writes, "Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children" (2 Cor. 12:14); and, "My little children, with whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you!" (Gal. 4:19).

John said, "My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1); "No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth" (3 John 4). In fact, John also addresses men in his congregations as "fathers" (1 John 2:13E4).

By referring to these people as their spiritual sons and spiritual children, Peter, Paul, and John imply their own roles as spiritual fathers. Since the Bible frequently speaks of this spiritual fatherhood, we Catholics acknowledge it and follow the custom of the apostles by calling priests "father." Failure to acknowledge this is a failure to recognize and honor a great gift God has bestowed on the Church: the spiritual fatherhood of the priesthood.

Catholics know that as members of a parish, they have been committed to a priest’s spiritual care, thus they have great filial affection for priests and call them "father." Priests, in turn, follow the apostlesEbiblical example by referring to members of their flock as "my son" or "my child" (cf. Gal. 4:19; 1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:1; Philem. 10; 1 Pet. 5:13; 1 John 2:1; 3 John 4).

All of these passages were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and they express the infallibly recorded truth that Christ’s ministers do have a role as spiritual fathers. Jesus is not against acknowledging that. It is he who gave these men their role as spiritual fathers, and it is his Holy Spirit who recorded this role for us in the pages of Scripture. To acknowledge spiritual fatherhood is to acknowledge the truth, and no amount of anti-Catholic grumbling will change that fact.


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Concerning Spiritual Gifts -- David A. DePra, 23:29:50 07/24/06 Mon




As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes, but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Rom. 11:28-29)

Verse 29 carries a tremendous principle. It shows that what God gives is never withdrawn. Those He calls are never "uncalled." This statement actually shows the Truth of grace. How?
Well, think about it. If there is no possibility that God will ever take back His calling or gifts from us, then they don't depend on us, do they? Nope. Not even if we disobey God, turn from Him, or even desert Christ. His calling and gifts remain. The only possible way God's calling and gifts could be without repentance is if they
depend solely upon His Son.
We must get it settled once and for all: We have nothing to do with meriting what God gives us. Nothing. Our works, obedience, and even our willingness to believe are, if real, a product of God's calling, and not the qualifying traits which convinced Him to call us.
This puts to rest once and for all any question as to the Truth of the cliche "use it or lose it." It just isn't so. If you don't use a gift God have given you, you won't lose it. That doesn't mean you are right in neglecting the gift. It just means God never takes back what He gives by His grace.
This also explains some of the abuses in the church regarding the ministry and the gifts. While God's gifts and calling are without repentance, that alone does not insure that His gifts and calling will be valued by those He calls. There are many, even though they have received salvation and gifts from God, have used those things for their own purposes. Instead of using the gifts of the Holy
Spirit to God's glory and to the edification of the Body, they have used them for their own glory. Yet God allows them to do so. He doesn't take back what He has freely given.
We must distinguish between natural gifts and spiritual gifts. Sometimes we get them mixed up. If I can sing, or play the piano,or have some other talent, it is not a spiritual gift. It is a gift I have been blessed with through natural birth, and one which God did not
necessarily "give" me in the sense of adding it to me in a
supernatural way. These natural gifts are good and right, and should be used to God's glory.
Spiritual gifts, however, are not acquired through natural means. I cannot study to acquire a spiritual gift. I can't go to a seminary to acquire a spiritual gift. I cannot practice for hours to learn how to obtain a spiritual gift. A spiritual gift is not of me, or of this world. It is of the Holy Spirit.
None of this means we should belittle natural gifts. Indeed, it is possible that a spiritual gift of God could be expressed through a natural gift. But the two remain distinct. One is of this world, and the other isn't. Generally speaking, natural gifts are those I give to God -- offer to Him for His glory. Spiritual gifts are those God gives to me. They have nothing to do with merit or favor. They belong to God and are to glory Him and edify others.
It is, of course, possible to counterfeit any spiritual gift with a soulish counterpart. This happens all the time, and can come across as being incredibly real. These things can seem to work, and seem to be of the Holy Spirit. But when all is said and done, sooner or later, the counterfeit will glory man. They will, in one way or another, put the man, the movement, or the "gift" itself at center stage, instead of Jesus Christ.
In the final analysis, God is responsible for what He gives. We are, by the grace of God, responsible for what we become because of it. What we become once we have been enlightened by the grace of God will determine the basis of eternity for us.


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Old Testament Prophets vs N T Prophets -- babatunda Nawasini, 00:29:44 07/22/06 Sat

The mantle of the prophet rests upon the fundamental need for communication to take place between the Deity and the fallen family of humankind. The occult and the category of false prophets are two systems which have functioned throughout human history to deceive and to mislead the ignorant and the unwary away from genuine communications from God. On the other hand, God's communications systems—basically the mantle of the prophet is delineated clearly in the Scriptures (Num 12:6; Amos 3:7; Luke 1:70).

Four words (three Hebrew, one Greek) are used in the Scriptures to refer to the human instrument in this form of communication. Ro'eh (1 Sam 9:9; Isa 30:10) and the more common chozeh (2 Sam 24:11; Amos 7:12; 2 Kgs 17:13, et cetera) both relate to the concept of "sight" and are commonly translated "seer." The idea seems to be that God opens to the "eyes"—that is, to the understanding of the prophet—whatever information or messages He may wish to have transmitted to His people. The terms therefore emphasize the reception of a divine message by the prophet.

The meaning of the later and more commonly used word, nâbi' (1 Sam 9:9) and its Greek equivalent, prophetes, is best seen in the following usage:

And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet [nâbi']. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh. (Exod 7:1, 2)

And thou shalt speak unto him [Aaron], and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. (Exod 4:15, 16)

It is evident from these statements in which Moses and Aaron were to role-play as God and prophet respectively that the prophet (nâbi') was viewed as a divinely appointed spokesman for God. The LXX (Septuagint) term for nâbi' in this instance is prophetes, the term which appears in the NT and from which our English word prophet is derived.

Prophetess is a compound word composed of the preposition pro which carries the nuance of "before"—or "for" in this instance—and the verb phemi, "to speak." Thus, in a general sense, the "prophet" is a spokesman for another. But in the biblical setting, a true prophet is a spokesman or interpreter of God, that is, he is a divinely inspired revealer, interpreter, or spokesman for the Deity. So the terms nâbi'/ prophetes emphasize the transmission aspect of the prophet's role. The four words together depict a unique office or function: A prophet is one who receives communications from God and transmits their intent to His people.

As may be expected, speaking for God can shade off into preaching for God. Consequently, there are those who hold that in the NT the gift relates at times simply to expository preaching (Lenski, p. 760, on Rom 12:6). Some see it as a "gift of inspired preaching" (International Critical Commentary [ICC] on 1 Cor 13:2, p. 287), or "preaching the word with power" (ICC on 1 Cor 12:10, p. 266). However, from the context of 1 Corinthians 12E4 it is evident that although active "prophesying" may at times take the form of effective preaching (1 Cor 14:3), it was preaching based on divine revelation (1 Cor 14:30) and not upon the simple illumination of the Scriptures by the Spirit which may occur to any minister who speaks for God.

The NT maintains a difference between the simple ministry of the Word and the prophetic ministry, between the "teacher" and the "prophet" (Eph 4:11; 1 Cor 12:28). The preaching of Barnabas and Paul on the themes of salvation doubtless sounded much alike. But whereas one spoke by the authority of the written Word, the other spoke with the added authority of divine revelation (Gal 1:11, 12).

While some authorities hold that "prophesying" (propheteuo) in the NT refers at times to preaching, it is conceded that a category of persons who received and communicated direct and special revelations from God did function in the New Testament as prophets (Luke 1:25-38; Acts 11:27, 28; 13:1; 15:32; 21:9). What was their function?


The Role of Mantle of the Prophet in the NT

In the basic New Testament lists of spiritual gifts the "mantle of the prophet" is listed as second—between that of apostles (first) and that of teachers (third). See 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; Ephesians 4:11. The gift did not usurp the role of the apostles, but its function affected the apostles at times as well as the church membership in general. Some of the apostles were themselves endowed with an anointing to prophesy. The activities of persons so endowed in NT times may be summarized as follows:

1. They were commissioned at times to forewarn of coming difficulties (Acts 11:27-30; 20:23; 21:10-14). In the first instance (Acts 11) the warning of coming famine resulted in a brotherly bonding of the Gentile Christians in Antioch with the Jewish Christians in Judea. The former, contrary to ethnic customs, willingly sent relief to their Jewish brothers in Christ.

2. Through the gift the foreign mission outreach of the church was initiated (Acts 13:1, 2). It also had a part in directing where the early missionaries were to labor (Acts 16:6-10). In Paul's second missionary tour it is noted that he was accompanied by Silas, a prophet (Acts 16:40).

3. In a doctrinal crisis the gift functioned to encourage and to confirm the membership in the true doctrine. The crisis pertained to the relationship of the Jewish ritual to the salvation of Gentile Christians. A large church council made a decision in harmony with the Spirit's directive (Acts 15), although the decision was not inwardly accepted by all. The controversy had broken out in Antioch to which church the decision of the council was related by letter. Judas and Silas ministered for a time to this group: "And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted [parakaleo, appeal to, urge, exhort, encourage] the brethren with many words and strengthened [confirmed, KJV; episterizo, strengthen] them" (Acts 15:32, RSV).

4. The prophets built up, encouraged, and consoled the church. "He who prophesies speaks to men for their upbuilding, (oikodome, metaphorically, `building up the spiritual life') and encouragement [paraklesis, encouragement, exhortation] and consolation [paramuthia, encouragement, comfort, consolation]" (1 Cor 14:3, RSV).

5. The prophets tended (along with the other gifts) to unify the church in the true faith and to protect it from false doctrines. "And his gifts were . . . until we all attain to the unity of the faith . . . so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles" (Eph 4:11-15, RSV).

6. The prophets along with the apostles assisted in founding the church. "You are . . . built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" (Eph 2:20, RSV; cf. 3:5; 4:11).

"The couplet `apostles and prophets' may bring together the Old Testament (prophets) and New Testament (apostles) as the basis of the Church's teaching. But the inverted order of the words (not `prophets and apostles' but `apostles and prophets') suggests that probably New Testament prophets are meant. If so, their bracketing with the apostles as the Church's foundation is significant. The reference must again be to a small group of inspired teachers, associated with the apostles, who together bore witness to Christ and whose teaching was derived from revelation (Eph 3:5) and was foundational" (John R. W. Stott, God's New Society [Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979], 107. For a similar viewpoint, see The Expositor's Greek Testament, W. R. Nicoll, ed. [Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint 1961], 3:299, 300).


The Continuance of the Prophetic Gift

As we have already noted, the NT does set forth a doctrine of "spiritual gifts," or charismata, "gifts of grace" (1 Cor 12; Eph 4). These endowments by the Holy Spirit upon individual members of the church are to "equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Eph 4:12, RSV). "As each has received a gift," he is to employ it in the service of the church and thus assist in forwarding its work in the earth (1 Pet 4:10, 11, RSV; cf. Rom 12:6, 7).

Since the gifts are to be continuously bestowed as the Spirit sees fit "until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ . . ." (Eph 4:13, RSV), it is obvious that the gifts are intended to function until the church has completed its ministry and human probation has closed.

There is no evidence in Scripture that God ever intends to withdraw the prophetic gift or any of the other gifts this side of the Second Coming (cf. 1 Cor 13:8-12). There is, instead, the OT prophecy of Joel 2:28-32 which is repeated by Peter (Acts 2:16-21) foretelling an end-time outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a resultant activity of spiritual gifts. In that connection it is appropriate to note that false prophets will be active in the end-time as well (Mat 24:24).


The Bible Canon and Spiritual Gifts

The Holy Scriptures, composed of the Old and New Testaments, are themselves the product of the operation of the prophetic gift. Indirectly the Scriptures themselves indicate a closed canon of sacred writings. The limits and sections of the OT were already known and understood in Jesus' time. In Matthew 23:35, Jesus indirectly indicates its outer limits: Genesis to 2 Chronicles (the last book in the Hebrew Bible), and its three-part division in Luke 24:27, 44—the Law of Moses, the prophets, and the writings, the first of which was the Psalms.

Hebrews describes the unfolding revelation thus: "In many and various ways [literally, `In many portions and in many ways'] God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son" (Heb 1:1, 2, RSV). Starting with Moses (fifteenth century B.C.) the revelations from God begin to be recorded; over the centuries other prophets record the messages entrusted to them as God saw fit to further the understanding of His people. Finally, God chose to make His ultimate revelation through His Son. Jesus Christ has given the human family the greatest revelation of God possible for man to receive (John 1:18). The New Testament is the inspired apostolic witness and interpretation of Jesus Christ and His teaching. His is an unrepeatable life and disclosure; theirs is an unrepeatable attestation to Him. See sketch:



Since Christ's life on earth and the apostolic interpretation of it provide the ultimate revelation of God, no function of the prophetic gift (as one of the spiritual gifts) subsequent to the NT can equal, supersede, or be an addition to its unique witness. But rather, all claims to the prophetic gift must be tested by the Scriptures (1 Thess 5:19-21; 1 John 4:1-3; Matt 7:15-20).

The postcanonical function of the prophetic gift whenever it shall appear will be similar to its function in the time of the apostles and will carry with it the authority of the Spirit who speaks to the church through it. The function may be summarized as follows:

A postcanonical manifestation of the prophetic giftE

1. Will point back to Holy Scripture as the basis of faith and practice.
2. Will illumine and clarify teachings already present in Scripture.
3. Will apply the principles of Scripture to the daily life.
4. May be a catalyst to direct the church to carry out its commission as charged in the Scriptures.
5. May assist in establishing the church.
6. May reprove, warn, instruct, encourage, build up, and unify the church in the truths of Scripture.
7. May function to protect the church from false doctrine and to establish believers in the true.


End-Time Manifestation of the Gift

Joel 2:28-32. Living in the "last times" (from the OT perspective, 1 Pet 1:20; Heb 1:2) the apostle Peter saw a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy in the Pentecostal outpouring of the Spirit with the endowment of tongues (Acts 2). However, Pentecost seems to have been only a partial fulfillment, for Jesus places the signs in the sun and moon mentioned by Joel as coming after the Dark Ages of persecution and nearer the advent of "the great and the terrible day of the Lord" (Joel 2:31). Furthermore, Joel specifically refers to a manifestation of the gift of prophecy. Thus a complete fulfillment of Joel's ancient prediction would require an end-time manifestation of the prophetic gift.

Matthew 7:15-20; 24:24. Inasmuch as Jesus foretold the appearance of "false prophets" in the end-time, such a prediction is presumptive evidence of a true manifestation of the gift.

1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; et cetera. The New Testament doctrine of "spiritual gifts" (which includes the prophetic gift) has never been rescinded. If the past may give any indication of the future, we may note that the prophetic gift commonly functioned at periods of crisis or significance: Noah before the Flood; the major and minor prophets cluster around the critical periods of Israel's history when Assyria, Babylon, and Persia threaten or affect Israel's existence; John the Baptist before Christ's advent, et cetera. It would be reasonable to expect therefore, some kind of prophetic manifestation prior to the close of human probation and the Second Advent, the consummation of the Plan of Salvation.

Revelation 12:17; 19:10. While our pioneers emphasized the prediction of Joel 2 in defense of a legitimate manifestation of the prophetic gift, they were not unmindful of the implications of Revelation 12:17; 19:10. Writing in the Review and Herald of October 16, 1855, James White stated:

But let us look at Joel 2:32, and see where he locates the prophecy. "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call." It is the REMNANT that is to witness these things. It is the remnant (or last portion of the church) that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (which is the spirit of prophecy, Revelation 19:10) most certainly, that is to share this deliverance. "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord" in the time of trouble such as never was, will share that deliverance. "Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him . . . ?" Luke xvii, 1-8. This calling on the name of the Lord is also symbolized by the angel [Revelation 14:15] crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, "Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe."

God has ever manifested His power to His children according to their necessities and their work. And can we for a moment suppose that God's people will pass through the perils of the last days, and face the time of trouble such as never was, and He not manifest Himself to them through those gifts which He Himself has set in the Church? Nay, verily. God has by the prophet Joel promised to do great things for the REMNANT `before the great and the dreadful day of the Lord come.

1. The book of Revelation depicts two women: a pure woman clothed in light (Rev 12), and a fallen woman, designated "Babylon the great" (Rev 17). In a sense, both women symbolize the same entity: Christianity. Both have descendants (12:17; 17:5). Revelation 12 appears to be sketching the loyal followers of God and the course of their history; Revelation 17 symbolizes the development and course of Christian apostasy.

The pure woman hiding in the wilderness to escape persecution both by the dragon (12:17), and by the fallen woman (17:6), in essence, represents multiple loyal groups. These groups (while not necessarily doctrinally pure in every respect: compare the symbolized history of the church, Rev 2:3), maintained faith in God and loyalty to the Scriptures during the period of the Dark Ages. How then is the "remnant of her seed" ("the rest of her offspring," RSV) to be identified: Is it to be understood as an end-time remainder of Christianity in general? Or, is it to be delimited to a specific group of Christians?

2. The book of Revelation appears to describe the truehearted followers of God in the end-time under two different classifications: (a) "the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments of God" (12:17), and (b) "my [God's] people" who are in Babylon (18:4). This would imply—in a technical sense—that the group designated in Revelation 12 as "the remnant" do not constitute all genuine Christians in general, but is being delimited here to a specific group by certain characterizations: they keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.

Furthermore, it is reasonable to assume that the remnant or last phase of God's people spoken of in Revelation 12:17 will also preach God's last message. That last message is described in Revelation 14:9-12 as the "third angel." It is a specific message with definite points and involves the contents of the first two angels as well (see Rev 14:6-14). If those who compose the "remnant" of Revelation 12 are the propounders of the message of the third angel (Rev 14), then they would of necessity have to be a specific group of Christians, distinguished by the characteristics of that special message. Historically, Seventh-day Adventists have believed they were fulfilling the role of the third angel; hence, we have naturally seen our movement as also symbolized in 12:17.

3. "The testimony of Jesus" (12:17). The question here is whether this phrase denotes an end-time manifestation of the prophetic gift in the group delimited as "the remnant of her seed."
The expression "testimony of Jesus" occurs six times in the book of Revelation (1:2, 9; 12:17; 19:10; 20:4). The first problem which relates to the expression concerns translation. Two translations are grammatically possible:


a. The testimony (witness) about/concerning Jesus (objective genitive) = what Christians witness about Jesus; "who bear testimony to Jesus" (RSV).

b. The testimony (witness) from/by Jesus (subjective genitive) = messages from Jesus to the church.

The evidence from the use of this expression in the book of Revelation suggests that it should be understood as a subjective genitive (a testimony from or by Jesus), and that this testimony is given through prophetic revelation. A few exhibits:
a. Revelation 1:1, 2. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants . . . and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw."

In this context it is evident that "the Revelation of Jesus" designates a revelation from or by Jesus to John. John then bears record of this testimony/witness from Jesus. Both genitive expressions make the best sense in context as subjective genitives and agree with Christ's closing words in the book: "He which testifieth [witnesses] these things saith, Surely I come quickly" (Rev 22:20).

Commenting on the same phrase in Revelation 19:10, James Moffat writes.
The testimony of Jesus is practically equivalent to Jesus testifying (xxii, 20). It is the self-revelation of Jesus (according to i, l, due ultimately to God) which moves the Christian prophets. He forms at once the impulse and subject of their utterances. (The Expositor's Greek Testament, W. Robertson Nicoll, ed. [Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1961 reprint], 5:465)

b. A comparison of Revelation 19:10 and 22:9 links the testimony from Jesus with the prophetic function:

19:10Equot;You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you" (RSV) and

22:9Equot;You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you" (RSV) and

19:10Equot;your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus" (RSV)

22:9Equot;your brethren the prophets . . ." (RSV)

c. Revelation 19:10 defines the testimony from Jesus as "the spirit of prophecy." "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Although James Moffat regards the sentence as a gloss, he analyzes its meaning from the implications of a subjective genitive.

"For the testimony or witness of (i.e., borne by) Jesus is (i.e., constitutes) the spirit of prophecy." This . . . specifically defines the brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus as possessors of prophetic inspiration. (Ibid.)

4. The phrase "spirit of prophecy" may be understood in either of two senses:

a. It can refer to the Holy Spirit who indites or conveys the prophetic revelation. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Pet 1:21). Such expressions as the "Spirit of grace," the "Spirit of truth," et cetera, designate the Spirit who conveys grace or who conveys truth. So the testimony from Jesus may be equated or linked with the Spirit's function to inspire the prophet with a revelation from God (cf. 1:10). Such a revelation is, in effect, a testimony or witness from Jesus. This interpretation of the phrase is in keeping with 1 Peter 1:11 which notes that the OT prophets were inspired by "the Spirit of Christ" and thus bore a testimony from Him.

b. The phrase, "spirit of prophecy," may also be understood as the genius or distinctive essence of prophecy. Jesus bearing witness is the very genius or soul of prophecy. James White phrased it this way: "The spirit, soul, and substance of prophecy, is the testimony of Jesus Christ. Or, the voice of the prophets relative to the plan and work of human redemption, is the voice of the Redeemer" (Life Sketches [1880 ed.], 335-36, cited in SDA Encyclopedia, art., "Spirit of Prophecy").

5. In either case, the passage of 12:17 stresses that the remnant have (are having, present participle of echo) the prophetic testimony from Jesus. It is a possession which the remnant is described as having or holding onto as the dragon makes his final offensive against God's end-time people. (See Arndt and Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon on the use of marturia [witness/testimony in Revelation].)

6. If the "testimony of Jesus" is indeed the witness of Jesus to His church through the prophetic channel, then the question is whether the characterization of 12:17 is stressing the remnant's possession of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments or the possession of a postcanonical manifestation of spiritual gifts in the form of the prophetic gift. The former assertion seems too obvious a point for the prophetic writer to underscore; but a manifestation of the prophetic gift in an end-time setting would be significant.

This prophecy regarding the remnant's possession of the prophetic testimony from Jesus may be compared with the many references to the Messiah in the Davidic Psalms. A reader in OT times would have related many—if not all—of the statements in these psalms to David. Later—after Christ's life, atoning death, and resurrection—these statements are seen to have a greater and more perfect application to the Messiah, the Son of David. Just so, in the fulfillment of Revelation 12:17, together with the development of the movement of the third angel, we may now see what was not evident before that development: that the remnant's possession of the "testimony of Jesus" involves the heartwarming truth that Christ has chosen to speak once more through the prophetic gift to His people as they face the myriad challenges of the end-time and the close of human probation.


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Islam vs Muslin -- Abu Yusuf Daniel Masters, 00:20:12 07/22/06 Sat

The word "Islam" is an Arabic word which means "submission to the will of God". This word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "salam", which means "peace". As such, the religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law. The most important truth that God revealed to mankind is that there is nothing divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Almighty God, thus all human beings should submit to Him. The word "Muslim" means one who submits to the will of God, regardless of their race, nationality or ethnic background. Being a Muslim entails willful submission and active obedience to God, and living in accordance with His message. Some people mistakenly believe that Islam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth. Not only are there converts to Islam in every corner of the world, especially in England and America, but by taking a look at the Muslim World from Bosnia to Nigeria, and from Indonesia to Morocco, one can clearly see that Muslims come from many various races, ethnic groups and nationalities. It is also interesting to note that in actuality, more than 80% of all Muslims are not Arabs - there are more Muslims in Indonesia than in the whole Arab World! So though even though it is true that most Arabs are Muslims, the large majority of Muslims are not Arabs. However, anyone who submits completely to God and worships Him alone is a Muslim.

Continuity of the Message
Islam is not a new religion because "submission to the will of God", i.e. Islam, has always been the only acceptable religion in the sight of God. For this reason, Islam is the true "natural religion", and it is the same eternal message revealed through the ages to all of God's prophets and messengers. Muslims believe that all of God's prophets, which include Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, brought the same message of Pure Monotheism. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad was not the founder of a new religion, as many people mistakenly think, but he was the Final Prophet of Islam. By revealing His final message to Muhammad, which is an eternal and universal message for all of mankind, God finally fulfilled the covenant that He made with Abraham, who was one of the earliest and greatest prophets. Suffice it to say that the way of Islam is the same as the way of the prophet Abraham, because both the Bible and the Qur'an portray Abraham as a towering example of someone who submitted himself completely to God and worshipped Him without intermediaries. Once this is realized, it should be clear that Islam has the most continuous and universal message of any religion, because all prophets and messengers were "Muslims", i.e. those who submitted to God's will, and they preached "Islam", i.e. submission to the will of Almighty God.

The Oneness of God
The foundation of the Islamic faith is belief in the Oneness of Almighty God - the God of Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus. Islam teaches that a pure belief in One God is intuitive in human beings and thus fulfills the natural inclination of the soul. As such, Islam's concept of God is straightforward, unambiguous and easy to understand. Islam teaches that the hearts, minds and souls of human beings are fitting receptacles for clear divine revelation, and that God's revelations to man are not clouded by self-contradictory mysteries or irrational ideas. As such, Islam teaches that even though God cannot be fully comprehended and grasped by our finite human minds, He also does not expect us to accept absurd or demonstrably false beliefs about Him. According to the teachings of Islam, Almighty God is absolutely One and His Oneness should never be compromised by associating partners with Him - neither in worship nor in belief. Due to this, Muslims are required to maintain a direct relationship with God, and therefore all intermediaries are absolutely forbidden. From the Islamic standpoint, believing in the Oneness of God means to realize that all prayer and worship should be exclusively for God, and that He alone deserves such titles as "Lord" and "Savior". Some religions, even though they believe on "One God", do not make all of their worship and prayers for Him alone. Also, they also give the title of "Lord" to beings that are not All-Knowing, All-Powerful and Un-Changing - even according to their own scriptures. Suffice it to say that according to Islam, it is not enough that people believe that "God is One", but they must actualize this belief by proper conduct. In short, in the Islamic concept of God, which is completely based on Divine Revelation, there is no ambiguity in divinity - God is God and man is man. Since God is the only Creator and continual Sustainer of the Universe, He is transcendent above His creation - the Creator and the creature never mix. Islam teaches that God has a unique nature and that He is free from gender, human weaknesses and beyond anything which human beings can imagine. The Qur'an teaches that the signs and proofs of God's wisdom, power and existence are evident in the world around us. As such, God calls on man to ponder over the creation in order to build a better understanding of his Creator. Muslims believe that God is Loving, Compassionate and Merciful, and that He is concerned with the daily affairs of human beings. In this, Islam strikes a unique balance between false religious and philosophical extremes. Some religions and philosophies portray God as just an impersonal "Higher Power" who is uninterested, or unaware, of the life of each individual human. Other religions tend to give God human qualities and teach that He is present in His creation, by being incarnate in someone, something - or even everything. In Islam, however, Almighty God has clarified the truth by letting mankind know that He is "Compassionate", "Merciful", "Loving" and the "Answerer of Prayers". But He as also emphasized strongly that "there is nothing like unto Him", and that He is high above time, space and His creation. Finally, it should be mentioned that the God that Muslims worship is the same God that Jews and Christians worship - because there is only one God. It is unfortunate that some people mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians, and that "Allah" is just the "god of the Arabs". This myth, which has been propagated by the enemies of Islam, is completely false since the word "Allah" is simply the Arabic name for Almighty God. It is the same word for God which is used by Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians. However, it should be clarified that even though Muslims worship the same God as Jews and Christian, their concept of Him differs somewhat from the beliefs of other religions - mainly because it is based completely on Divine Revelation from God. For example, Muslims reject the Christian belief that God is a Trinity, not only becaue the Qur'an rejects it, but also because if this was God's true nature, He would have clearly revealed it to Abraham, Noah, Jesus and all of the other prophets.

The Qur'an
The Arabic world "Al-Qur'an" literally means "the recitation". When used in regards to Islam, the word Qur'an means God's final message to mankind that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Qu'ran, sometimes spelled Koran, is the literal the word of God - as it clearly says time and time again. Unlike other sacred scriptures, the Qur'an has been perfectly preserved in both its words and meaning in a living language. The Qu'ran is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is know to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. God's final revelation to mankind, the Qur'an, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Qur'an, in contrast to many other religious books, was always thought to be the Word of God by those who believed in it, i.e. it wasn't something decreed by a religious council many years after being written. Also, the Qu'ran was recited publicly in front of both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities during the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The entire Qur'an was also completely written down in lifetime of the Prophet, and numerous companions of the Prophet memorized the entire Qur'an word-for-word as it was revealed. So unlike other scriptures, the Qur'an was always in the hands of the common believers, it was always thought to be God's word and, due to wide-spread memorization, it was perfectly preserved. In regards to the teachings of the Qur'an - it is a universal scripture, and it is addressed to all of mankind, and not to a particular tribe or "chosen people". The message that it brings is nothing new, but the same message of all of the prophets - submit to Almighty God and worship Him alone. As such, God's revelation in the Qur'an focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Unity of God and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent. Additionally, the Qur'an contains the stories of the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus; as well as many commands and prohibitions from God. In modern times in which so many people are caught up in doubt, spiritual despair and "political correctness", the Qur'anic teachings offer solutions to the emptiness of our lives and the turmoil that is gripping the world today. In short, the Qur'an is the book of guidance par excellence.

The Prophet Muhammad(S)
Unlike the founders of many religious, the final prophet of Islam is a real documented and historical figure. He lived in the full light of history, and the most minute details of his life are known. Not only do Muslims have the complete text of God's words that were revealed to Muhammad, but they have also preserved his saying and teachings in what is called "hadith" literature. This having been said, it should be understood that Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad was only a man chosen by God, and that he is not divine in any way. In order to avoid the misguided wish to deify him, the Prophet Muhammad taught Muslims to refer to him as "God's Messenger and His Slave". The mission of the last and final prophet of God was to simply teach that "there is nothing divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Almighty God", as well as being a living example of God's revelation. In simple terms, God sent the revelation to Muhammad, who in turn taught it , preached it, lived it and put it into practice. In this way, Muhammad was more that just a "prophet" in the sense of many of the Biblical prophets, since he was also a statesman and ruler. He was a man who lived a humble life in the service of God, and established an all-encompassing religion and way of life by showing what it means to be an ideal friend, husband, teacher, ruler, warrior and judge. For this reason, Muslims follow him not for his own sake, but in obedience to God, because Muhammad not only showed us how to deal with our fellow human beings, but more importantly, he showed us how to relate to and worship God, worship Him in the only way pleasing to Him. Like other prophets, Muhammad faced a great deal of opposition and persecution during his mission. However, he was always patient and just, and he treated his enemies well. The results of his mission were very successful, and even though his mission started in one of the most backward and remotes places on earth, within a hundred years of the death of Muhammad, Islam had spread from Spain to China. The Prophet Muhammad was the greatest of all of God's prophets, not because he had new doctrines or greater miracles, but because the results of his mission have broght more human beings into the pure and proper belief in the One True God than any other prophet.

The Islamic Way of Life
In the Holy Qur'an, God teaches human beings that they were created in order to worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God-consciousness. Since the teachings of Islamic encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs. Islam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Law. As such, worship in Islam is not limited to religious rituals. The teachings of Islam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged. Additionally, Islam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness. The Islamic view of the nature of man is also realistic and well-balanced. Human beings are not believed to be inherently sinful, but are seen as equally capable of both good and evil. Islam also teaches that faith and action go hand-in-hand. God has given people free-will, and the measure of one's faith is one's deeds and actions. However, human beings have also been created weak and regularly fall into sin. This is the nature of the human being as created by God in His Wisdom, and it is not inherently "corrupt" or in need of repair. This is because the avenue of repentance of always open to all human beings, and Almighty God loves the repentant sinner more than one who does not sin at all. The true balance of an Islamic life is established by having a healthy fear of God as well as a sincere belief in His infinite Mercy. A life without fear of God leads to sin and disobedience, while believing that we have sinned so much that God will not possibly forgive us only leads to despair. In light of this, Islam teaches that: only the misguided despair of the Mercy of their Lord. Additionally, the Holy Qur'an, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, contains a great deal of teachings about the life hereafter and the Day of Judgment. Due to this, Muslims believe that all human beings will ultimately be judged by God for their beliefs and actions in their earthly lives. In judging human beings, Almighty God will be both Merciful and Just, and people will only be judged for what they were capable of. Suffice it to say that Islam teaches that life is a test, and that all human beings will be accountable before God. A sincere belief in the life hereafter is key to leading a well-balanced life and moral. Otherwise, life is viewed as an end in itself, which causes human beings to become more selfish, materialistic and immoral.

Islam for a Better Life
Islam teaches that true happiness can only being obtained by living a life full of God-consciousness and being satisfied with what God has given us. Additionally, true "freedom" is freedom from being controlled by our base human desires and being ruled by man-made ideologies. This stands in stark contrast to the view of many people in the modern world, who consider "freedom" to be the ability to satisfy all of their desires without inhibition. The clear and comprehensive guidance of Islam gives human-beings a well-defined purpose and direction in life. In addition to being members of the human-brotherhood of Islam, its well-balanced and practical teachings are a source of spiritual comfort, guidance and morality. A direct and clear relationship with Almighty God, as well as the sense of purpose and belonging that ones feels as a Muslim, frees a person from the many worries of everyday life. In short, the Islamic way of life is pure and wholesome. It builds self-discipline and self-control thought regular prayer and fasting, and frees human-beings from superstition and all sorts of racial, ethnic and national prejudices. By accepting to live a God-conscious life, and realizing that the only thing that distinguishes people in the sight of God is their consciousness of Him, a person's true human dignity is realized.


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Biblical Prophets -- David Noel Freedman, 00:12:03 07/22/06 Sat

The phenomenon of prophecy is a distinctive feature of biblical religion. In its fully developed character, it sets biblical religion apart from other religions of the ancient Near East. As in other related matters, such as worship, sacrifice, ethical principles, and practices, Israel shared much with its neighbors. But often, and specifically in matters of religion, the people of the Bible formed and forged something distinctive and different from all that came before or continued side by side. And this is particularly true of biblical prophecy.

With few exceptions the surviving materials of pagan antiquity command now only marginal academic interest—quaint reminders of a distant past—whereas the prophets of the Bible speak across the centuries with words, and out of experiences, that have direct bearing on modern lives and meaning for modern civilization.

Prophets in the Bible claim to be both foretellers and forth-tellers and base their claims upon their private access to the God of Israel, who is the ruler of history—past, present, and future. Prophecy as an essential part of Israel's theopolitical structure and the prophetic movement as an actual historical phenomenon had their beginnings with Samuel and his band of followers in the eleventh century B.C., at the point of transition from the era of the judges to the beginnings of the monarchy with the installation of Saul as royal head of the Israelite Confederation, or League of Tribes. Prophets, beginning with Samuel, played a significant, if not decisive, part in establishing but also censuring the monarchy and remained an integral part of Israelite society as long as the monarchy survived, and even beyond, when there was still thought or hope of restoring the kingship of the house of David. While God generally speaks to prophets through visions, auditions, and even dreams, with Moses he spoke face to face (Deut. 34) or mouth to mouth (Ex. 33). And whereas other prophets often only sense the presence of deity, Moses saw his actual form and person (Num. 12; cf. Ex. 33- 34).

From the biblical records of the prophets and their experiences, one can piece together a picture of prophets and their calling.

THE CALL. The divine call and commission mark the beginning of the prophet's career. In all recorded cases, the details are striking and distinctive; no two prophetic situations are exactly the same, although all share important elements. We have sufficient data for people like Moses, Samuel, Elisha (but not Elijah), and the great literary prophets such as Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel to fill out a composite picture. But we lack information about the call of such prophets as Nathan and Ahijah. Typically, the call is initiated by God and is often accompanied by one or more visions, along with some unusual or miraculous occurrence (e.g., the burning bush). It is the combination of circumstances that persuades the prophet (or prophetess) that he (or she) is not hallucinating but is having contact with the living God. (See Callings)

THE COMMISSION. The call is always accompanied by a commission. The purpose is to enlist or draft the prophet to carry out a mission or duty—to do something in response to the call. Some prophets are reluctant to take on such responsibility, and therefore make excuses or otherwise try to evade their calling (e.g., Moses, Jeremiah, and, above all, Jonah). Other prophets are eager to carry out their task and hasten to do so (e.g., Isaiah, Ezekiel, perhaps Hosea). The basic rules for the prophet—the marching orders, as it were—are given succinctly and eloquently in the book of Jeremiah: "Wherever I send you you shall go, and what I tell you, you shall say" (Jer. 1:7 [author translation]). In brief, the prophet is the ambassador or messenger of God, and his (or her) sole duty is to deliver the message as given.

THE MESSAGE. In most cases, the message is for others and especially for the nation, its leaders, and the people generally. Often it contains warnings and threats, sometimes promises and encouragement. Inevitably there is a predictive element, as messages are mostly oriented to the future but rooted in the past. For the most part, predictions are morally conditioned, based upon the covenant between God and Israel, offering the choice between life and death, with success as the result of obedience and failure as the consequence of disobedience and defiance. Occasionally the oracles are pronounced absolutely, guaranteeing the future, whether of destruction or restoration. Occasionally they are timebound—that is, within a specified period the events described will occur, but often no time frame is specified. Even when moral or temporal conditions are not articulated, they may be implied by the speaker or inferred by the hearers. A notable case is the flat prediction by Micah (Micah 3:12) that Jerusalem will be destroyed. A century later, Jeremiah quotes the passage not to show that the prophecy was unfulfilled (Jerusalem had not been destroyed and was still standing), or much less to indict Micah as a false prophet, but rather to argue that as a result of the prophecy, the king (Hezekiah) and the people repented, and hence Yahweh (Jehovah) forgave them and spared the city (Jer. 26:16-19). It was the prophet's message that produced the result, and therefore both he and his message were vindicated as coming from God.

THE PROPHET AS WONDER-WORKER. Miracles are clearly and strongly associated with prophets such as Moses, Samuel, and especially Elijah and Elisha—as well as Isaiah among the so-called writing prophets—but there are many prophets with little or no such connection (e.g., Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, etc.). Miracles seem to be attached to unusual charismatic individuals who were also prophets but not necessarily to the role or office of prophet. In the case of Moses, they were designed to strengthen and confirm his claims to have received an authentic and authoritative message from God, and they served to augment the function and purpose of visions and similar experiences of other prophets.

SUCCESS AND FAILURE. On the whole, the results of the prophetic experience are themselves unpredictable, and success or failure on the part of individual prophets hardly affects their status as true prophets of God. Prophets such as Samuel and Elisha are reported to have met with much success in carrying out their missions. With Elijah and perhaps Isaiah, the results are mixed, as also with Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Ultimately, they were all recognized as true prophets, not because the leaders and the people heeded their words (often they did not), but because they faithfully reported what they heard from the mouth of God, regardless of consequences for themselves or the people to whom they delivered the message. The survival of the nation was seen to be at stake, and it was of the greatest importance to distinguish true from false prophets. This was no mere academic exercise, but required the best judgment of leaders and people alike.

TESTS OF TRUE PROPHETS. The book of Deuteronomy offers rules of procedure to decide the issue of truth and falsehood. There are two basic principles, both practical and applicable: (1) if the prophet speaks in the name of, and delivers messages from, another God or other gods, then he is automatically condemned for apostasy and must be put to death (Deut. 13:1-5); (2) if the prophet makes a prediction and in due course the prediction is not fulfilled—that is, what is predicted does not come to pass—then the prophet is judged to be false and is to be executed (Deut. 18:20-22).

But the Deuteronomic rules will not work in many situations, and the jury is thrown back on other resources. In the end, the decision cannot wait until all the evidence is in, and must be based on other factors. The chief factor (after the basic test of orthodoxy: in the name of which God does the prophet speak?) must be the impact the prophet makes on his audience: his honesty, his courage, his reliability—the ability to make real to the listeners the experience of God and his messages to the prophet and through him to the people. Later there can be confirmation and vindication.

THE PROPHET AS CUSTODIAN OF COVENANT AND COMMUNITY. From beginning to end, the emphasis in prophetic utterance is on the ethical dimension of biblical religion and how it affects the well-being of the nation and its individual members. In contrast to the cultic concerns of the priests, the prophets stress the moral demands of deity and the ethical requirements of the covenant. The survival and success of the community depend more on the righteousness of the nation than on either the cultic activities of the priests or the military, political, social, and economic exploits of the king and his coterie. The battle against idolatry and apostasy was waged unremittingly through the whole biblical period, and the leaders in the struggle were the prophets. Second to that and equally difficult and important was the obligation to one's neighbor and to the community as a whole. On these two foundations, the prophetic message was constructed, and the prophets never ceased to propound the elementary and basic truths about biblical religion and the relationship of God to his people.

PROPHETS AND UNIVERSALISM. With the great prophets of the eighth and following centuries B.C., there was an important shift, although the basic truths remained untouched. The same requirements and the same standards were upheld and applied even more sharply to an Israel prone to defection and default. With the appearance of the great world powers—Assyria in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. and Babylonia toward the end of the seventh and on into the sixth—the question of the survival of the little kingdoms of Israel and Judah (and their neighbors) became acute. The prophets raise the issue sharply and in a new way for the first time since the time of the Patriarchs, with a larger perspective on the world scene and the role of Yahweh in ruling over the nations. The place of Israel and Judah in the larger picture is defined, and a theory of world order and time frame is foreshadowed. The implications of a single God ruling the universe but with special ties to one small nation (or two kingdoms) are developed. The danger and threats to the people of God are defined more sharply, but so also are the hopes and promises of the future. Ultimately, the God of the world, who is also the God of his particular way, and a restored and revealed Israel will take their place among the nations in a harmonious resolution of conflicts—to form the Peaceable Kingdom. The ultimate vision encompasses all nations and peoples, with a special place for Israel, still obligated by essential covenant stipulations, but a leader and model for all the others. Personal faith and morality are at the core of prophetic religion, but the implications and ramifications are social, national, and ultimately worldwide.

THE PROPHET AS SPOKESMAN FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD. Normally one thinks of the priests as offering up prayers and sacrifices to God in behalf of the people, and especially of the role of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. In the same manner, prophets may exercise the role of intercessor, but in a different context. Jeremiah mentions two intercessors, Moses and Samuel, while confirming that God himself has denied that role to Jeremiah. The most dramatic case is that of Moses in the episode of the golden calf (Ex. 32). Only Moses has the audacity and the closeness to God to demand a change of heart and mind on the part of the deity. Only Moses can command repentance on the part of God (but see JST, Ex. 32:14). And he succeeds, as the text reports. Israel is spared. A different poetic version of the same event is Psalm 90:13. It is not accidental or incidental that this is the only psalm in the Bible directly attributed to Moses.

Moses remains the unique model of a prophet of Israel because of his inspiration, his leadership, and ultimately his intercessory powers. The closing words of the book of Deuteronomy reflect this singularity: "Not has arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom God knew face to face" (Deut. 34:10 [author translation]; cf. Ex. 33:11). And Yahweh would talk to Moses face to face, as men and women talk to their companions (cf. also Num. 12:8): "Mouth to mouth I speak to himEnd the shape of Yahweh he beholds" (author translation).


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Using the Keys To The Kingdom -- Gary Larrabee (Submitted by Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda), 08:36:51 07/18/06 Tue

We have the power to change things around us by binding the forces of evil and releasing the forces of reighteousness.

Now is the time to take the keys to the kingdom and enter the kingdom of God. We are the chosen generation.

Matthew 11:12

12. And from the days of John the Baptist until the new kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

As the children of Israel fought their way into the promised land. We of this generation are to battle our way spiritually into the kingdom of God.

Jesus spoke unto Peter. Matthew 16:15-19.

15. He said unto him, But whom say, ye that I am?
16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.
17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, blessed art thou, Simon Bar Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven.
18. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The church is the body of Christ, and Jesus is speaking to the body of Christ today as an individual body all of one mind and accord. The body built upon the knowledge revealed to Peter. Peter said Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God.

The weapons to bring forth the Kind are the power and authority given to the body of Christ that abides in Christ, by submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We have three weapons that may be used as we are being led by the spirit of the Lord.

1. We have the power and the authority of the name of Jesus Christ.
2. We have the power and the authority of the blood of Jesus Christ.
3. We have the power and the authority of the word of God.

We have the power to bind specific events from happening, specific circumstances from happening, or we may change the results. We may speak and pronounce miracles and healing without any limits. All according to the will of God. The limit of the area an magnitude will be expanded according to the total power of all those praying of one accord in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 16:19

19. And I will give unto thee [the body of Christ] the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

After Jesus was tempted by the devil, He returned in the power of the spirit into Galilee. In Nazareth He went into the synagogue and began reading from the book of Isaiah.

Jesus preached good tidings and proclaimed liberty to the captives and opened the prison to them that are bound by passing all the power amd authority given to him by the father on to his body. The Branch that can do nothing without abiding in the vine.

JOHN 15:5

5. I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

But on the other hand being fully submitted to the Lord is power.

John 15:7

7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.

Now we will have a better understanding of the significance of what Jesus read in the 61st chapter of Isaiah and why he quit where he did.

Isaiah 61: The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to them that are bound;

2. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus then quit reading.

Luke 4:20,21

20. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21. And he began to say unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Jesus fulfilled the scripture that He read. Notice that Jesus quit reading in the middle of a sentence. The reason Jesus stopped where He did was because the rest of Isaiah chapter 61 will be fulfilled by the body of Jesus Christ empowered with the spirit of Jesus Christ. The spirit of Christ and the keys to the kingdom.

Isaiah 61 continues by describing the mission of the Branch in bringing forth the Kingdom of God. This will not be done personally by our efforts. But will be done as we allow Christ to operate through us as empty vessels, fully submitted to the Lord.

Now we will read the rest of the sentence in Isaiah 61:2.
2. ...the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.

We as the body of Christ, His Branch, are to bring forth the Kingdom of God through the anointing given to us as we become fully submitted and led by the spirit.

Isaiah 10:27

27. And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

Isaiah 11:1

And there shall come forth [Jesus] a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch, [believers with the keys to the kingdom] shall grow out of his [Jesus's} roots.

The power and the authority given by the anointing and the keys to the kingdom are described in Isaiah 11:2-5.

2. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon [the body, the branch] him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counse and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
3. And shall make him [Branch, body in one accord] of quick understanding, in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes neither reprove after the hearing of his ears.
4. But with righteousness shall he [Branch]judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he [Branch] shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
5. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

The Lord gave the power and authority to the body of Christ to Peter as the keys to the kingdom of heaven in Luke 16:18,19. He gave the anointing and power to his body, the Branch in Isaiah 10:27 and Isaiah 11:1-5. He confirmed it again in John 15:1-16. And he commissioned us for this work in John 17:18.

Before we can do this work the body of Christ must come into unity behind Jesus Christ. We all must be fully submitted. We must wait upon the Lord, and move only when and where he directs us to move. The power and authority are moving and acting under the direction, power, and authority of the one sending us. Then we all may say with authority, We come in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This work is the work of an army, the army of God. Each one of us need to be properly equipped under the anointing.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10. Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all stand.
14. Stand therefore, having your loins gird about with truth, and having on the breast plate of righteousness.
15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.
16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

We have the keys to the kingdom of heaven. We have the keys to bring forth the Kingdom of God upon the earth. The Lord is now revealing the mystery.

Ephesians 1:9,10.

9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself.
10. That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; even in him.

We as the body of Christ have power of the stone. To build the house of God stone by stone. As individual stones we are responsible, each one of us, to use the key God has given each one of us.

As you now read this next verse take this as a personal message and a calling to you giving you all the power and authority in heaven.

Matthew 16:19

19. Soon I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM REALLY ARE.

The Lord says I will give you the keys to the kingdom. Now the Lord explains the key and the power of the keys. The key is the power and the anointing given to each member of the body. The power to bind and loosen the powers on earth and the power of the principalities and the powers of heaven.

We have the keys to the kingdom. The power to bind or release all the powers of heaven or earth. This is not an individual power to bind all the powers upon earth or in heaven. This is power given to each person to bind or release the powers of his life and purpose in taking upon himself the anointing given to carry out his individual purpose, or calling, of God.

Believers all over the earth have these powers. This power is increased as people join together as groups pray and agree together.

The problem today is there are many individual groups separating themselves because of some label or specific doctrine that is emphasized. These divisions leave a lot of room for dissension and disputes that take away our prayer power because of disunity.

By coming together stone upon stone the spiritual temple is being structured and the corporate anointing to become God's Branch is taking place.
By Gary Larrabee,
International Branch of the Lion of Judah
Spokane, Washington USA
www.vinesbranch.com


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7 Principles of Present Truth in Apostles and Prophets -- Apostle Tim Early, 10:36:24 07/09/06 Sun

Apostles and Prophets are not alone gifting {s}, but spirits. {Ezra 5:1-2; 6:14} The spirit and nature of apostles were manifesting {Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, etc.} long before the ascension ministry and administration of apostles in the New Testament. In Moses, we see an apostle, a Mosaic or foundation apostle, as Joshua represents the warfare expression and strategic militant engagement dimension of the apostolic. Mosaic apostles are necessary for the release of front line apostles in strategic and global acquisition, strategic geographical breakthrough, and the launching of kingdom communities {local assemblies} as metrons throughout the regions. Mosaic apostles impart their spirit into Joshuaic apostles to engage the enemy and to possess the land. For in Joshua, you have a strategist and a militant passion for war, to dispossess the enemy, but in a mere hired soldier of fortune one is consumed with wages. Joshua 3:7-10



Moses also represents a foundation prophet to the Old and New Testaments. Moses gave the Pentateuch or the first five books, but Samuel began the line {lineage} or company of the prophets. Moses laid the foundation or the logos, but it was Samuel that caught the rhema revelation. Moses is not recorded for having some school for prophets, nor did his writings display a great deal on the developing of a prophetic people {He taught us about the priesthood, offerings, & our approach to God, etc.}. However, Samuel caught the revelation of a succession of prophets, which simply proves that one plant and another waters, but God gives the increase. He that plants and waters is one. 1 Co. 3:7-8



2 – Apostles and Prophets are the trailblazers and standard of the emerging and glorious church of the 3rd Day. Whenever the Lord wants to break forth something new in the earth, he sends forth apostles and prophets of present day truth to steer and to navigate the church into the alignment of the given assignments for their region, and also reactivating the DNA {Divine Nature Activated} of the saints in the strategic purpose and plan of God for planet earth. Apostles and Prophets are given to bring the church into the right configuration and mentality towards [WINDOWS-1252?]the kingdom as being God’s true agenda for in the nations. Here, the kingdom demands expression through the agency and operation of His eternal Spirit, and through the instrumentation, venue, and vehicle of the global saints. Matthew 5:13-16



3 – The Apostle and Prophet {in strategic given purpose, and in proton}, is the pioneering and steering mechanism for the local assemblies, not the traditionally viewed pastor of the dictates of the old paradigms. Over the course of the centuries and largely in the western world, pastors serve as the highest-ranking officials over local [WINDOWS-1252?]churches. In such mentality, we get “THE” {restrictive} pastor when in truth there is nothing in the word of God that even hint all senior ministers as being deemed pastors. Surely, pastors {shepherd} have a very delicate and critically important role in the life of the local church. But the truth is apostles and the ordaining of elders in every church and city were chiefly noted [WINDOWS-1252?]in the book of Acts and in Paul’s epistles of Titus 1:5. The reason for this present day system of pastors over most congregations is that tradition has re-written the scripture and relegated apostles and prophets to the primitive era of the early church. A theological slant known as Cessation {ism} and dispensationalism...



True, there are many fruitful and prolific ministries today, which flow in the ministry of pastor {shepherd}, but again, all senior ministries of emerging and growing assemblies are not pastors. If many are called to shepherd, it is not necessarily intended or divinely appointed over the entire burgeoning flock. We have often heard exclusively of [WINDOWS-1252?]pastor’s head of their flock, yet lacking present truth in acknowledging shepherds within the fold, multiple leaders in care ministries design. God never [WINDOWS-1252?]restricts leadership of HIS house to just “pastor” only. HE does honor his pastors {Jeremiah 3:15} but bear in mind, he also honors his order {Isaiah 9:7}. For Divine order equals divine presence.



In the New Testament there are more references of apostles than there are pastors. And, there is no reference in the [WINDOWS-1252?]book of “Acts” as the ministry gift “pastor” being the exclusive and only head {or lead} of a local church. It is permissible, and God can bring new meaning to pastors from ponds to apostolic rivers. God has his appointed pastors [WINDOWS-1252?]world over, but the Spirit of the Lord and global sound of “Kingdom, Kingdom, [WINDOWS-1252?]Kingdom” is arresting the hearts and attentions of leaders to press forward into [WINDOWS-1252?]God’s spiritual order for the local church, by view of what the Kingdom is and what the Kingdom does. It is lovingly encouraged for shepherds at large to be open and sensitive to the present frequencies of the apostolic and prophetic dimension, otherwise many set leaders will potentially lead their assemblies into a bias notion.



Again it is wonderful to have so many pastors in the local churches which, in their estimation, is the only means of leading the entire flock traditionally, but it is the pioneering ministries of apostles and prophets that leads the way as relational servant leaders in the stirring, stimulation, and steering of the global church into the present truth administration of the kingdom, restoring back to the church the government, headship, preeminence, Lordship, and centrality of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10; 2 Pet. 1:12. Without such proper foundation, great things can continue to happen for us in our local spheres and house, but what the Lord is intending for us to grasp and to move into may be slighted from our assemblies. All in part and parcel to the revealing truth that we ignorantly or openly disdain, refuse, or relegate apostles and prophets to a past and historical era. Without the foundation of apostles and prophets, and the functionalities of these proton ministries, the church at large will lack revelation, purpose, vision, and direction in the present and coming moves of God.



In the negative usage, Tradition, which [WINDOWS-1252?]some scholars say, has a numerical value of “666,” has made the word of God of no effect among many. Just go into most Christian bookstore and look for a complete catalog of books concerning the present administration of apostles and prophets. What you will find is rather surprising in that most bookstores will either highlight the other three ascension ministries, or make mention of the apostle and prophet as historically dismissed from today. In a number of evangelical circles you will find resources on the apostle and prophet, but in the context of false doctrine and application for today. A great number of these camps still believe that it is erroneous and aberrant theological practice to embrace apostles and prophets today. Two out of three Pentecostal theologians do not believe in the present restoration and recognition of apostles. What an indictment!



Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them shall slay and persecute. Luke 11:49



This segment is purposely given to bring an apostolic adjustment with prophetic perception and vision to many sincere [WINDOWS-1252?]assemblies whom embrace “pastor” {in the restricted usage} at the exclusion of the pioneering proton ministries.



4 – The Apostle and Prophet under gird the local churches, as the assemblies become the seal or proof of their apostleship. The foundation of the apostles and prophets is not a legislative infrastructure, nor some hierarchical form of voting and election. Apostles and Prophets are in part, an under girding ministry which is not designed to become so visible all the time or in some personality driven agenda; but it is to be more fruitful and somewhat more invisible to the optic nerve and external motivation of people. Let me explain...



People with idol imagination and gross expectations often affirm the success and prosperity of Sunday and Mid Week local church meetings in how visible an apostle is in that house. I know of several apostles who exclaimed that they could not be found missing from their assemblies too long as the success of apostleship depends on their regular presence now and years to come. It is believed in this genre and arena of thinking that a church meeting cannot be apostolic or prophetic unless there is an actual apostle and prophet present for it to work - in person and at all times. This is nothing more than the rehash of the old papal paradigm which insist that nothing can ever go on except 'THE"_______is present and perfuming in all meetings.



Well, I'm glad to be the bearer of Good News in that apostles and prophets are not to be the entire focus of the meetings Rather, the exalted Lordship of Christ as head of HIS body. In [WINDOWS-1252?]“Proton,” apostles and prophets are first in order, time, place, and importance, but we are not promoting some apostle's personal rank either over people, but again, servant leadership in conjunction to the [WINDOWS-1252?]primary importance of God’s purpose in his sent and set ministries which also launches mentalities into destiny and shifts our thinking from mere church to kingdom. Instead of viewing apostles and prophets as the head over everyone in the church and that no move can be made without them, see them as the legs, which support the body to move and to advance forward the corporate and local assemblages in the original intention and purpose for which God gave them to HIS body, and in the advancing of HIS kingdom. An apostle or prophet is to transfer the things of HIS kingdom into HIS people as the Spirit of the Lord transforms HIS people into the very purpose of which apostles and prophets have been set and sent for, unto the praises of HIS glory. There is nothing in the script which says we should magnify apostles and prophets as glory boys or glamour girls, but they are given servants of God to set the tone and pace for the development of the local church, the regional summoning of God for strategic vicinities, and in the advancing of the kingdom.



The true spirit of apostles and prophets is not contingent upon how often they are seen in the public view of the saints to ensure some guarantee and success of the meetings, but in what fruit the saints are producing and manifesting in the absence of apostles and prophets. If that local work is truly apostolic and prophetic, and aligned to mature apostolic and prophetic leadership, it is in part due to the foundation which has been strongly laid down, the divine relationships formed, the inner workings of the Spirit, and in the tailor-made purpose for which God has given that local expression. The local church, in all of the core dynamics mentioned here, is to become the outworking of the inner workings of the Lord on HIS sure foundation, When we travel the nation {s} we [WINDOWS-1252?]return to places where the radiant spirit of God’s proton ministries have taken shape, and formation, reformation, and transformation therein. Whatever area of ascension ministries one functions in, it is to be transferred into the corporate anointing. The oil ON Aarons beard must become oil FROM the beard unto the rest of the body. Psalms 133:1-3



I have no greater joy than to hear that my children {for the apostles are fathers} walk in the truth. 3 John 4 {also verses 2-4}



If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you, for the seal {proof} of my apostleship are you in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 9:2



5 – Apostles and Prophets are in accountability one to another; and here is a following example of such [WINDOWS-1252?]relationship, which precedes commitment…



Apostles speaks life into the prophets, [WINDOWS-1252?]imparts wisdom, direction, stability, and encouragement. The apostle’s counsel helps stabilize the prophets in many ways. One, prophets are very inspirational and subjective in nature. Their ministry requires a deep sensitivity in the Spirit, much intercession, and is often misunderstood by many. Two, prophets can be challenged by others at times for accuracy and timing in prophecy. For there is nothing quite discouraging to a prophet than to speak a prophetic word that [WINDOWS-1252?]apparently falls short of his and other’s expectations. At times, a prophet will experience rejection, but that is not the same as walking in rejection. Three, at times prophets can be esteemed highly for his or her ministry gift that could potentially open doors for him or her through much favor as well. Not forgetting, some prophets open the door to pride placing inordinate value and too much stock, merit, and esteem in gifting, and not the yielded life unto the Lord on a daily basis along with covenantal accountability and right relationships. This can result at times in a lack of accountability structures, ill-defined relationships versus well-defined relationships. Because of the potential pitfall of pride, it is important for prophets to be open to a [WINDOWS-1252?]seasoned apostle, particularly because of the apostle’s governmental grace, and fatherly wisdom.



Note: One of the chief and greatest enemies to apostles is the spirit of antichrist, instead of, against, or guise as Christ. Antichrist is not the political leader of the futurists text, but according to 1 John 2, they are those that were once the body, and had left from among us, the body. Antichrist hates the colonization and purposeful thrust of the apostles to help lead the corporate saints into destiny, the pioneering mission, and the method and mechanism of advancing the kingdom. In an antichrist mentality, you have lawlessness, anarchy, chaos, insurrection, and confusion. You have a wild untamed man, the beast nature, a man of sin of the carnal mind, a mind all unto its own. For antichrist is set against apostles to frustrate their purpose, and to war against the pioneering progression of apostles establishing the church as a city within a city, a nation within a nation, and a people within a people. Humanistic values that oppose God, his son, or any sense of developing the saints into corporate destiny are simply antichrist.



As 1 John 2 says, antichrist came from within the body, was once a part of the body, something which fell away and went into perdition, a mindset or mentality which is now is antibody, a free radical if you will. along with this contender of apostleship comes the god of Mammon, one which has attempted to slow and stagnate the apostolic dimension by stealing and diverting the resources to be laid at the feet or the walk and rhythm of the apostles for true kingdom usage. Such is experienced in seeker friendly churches, performanced based, man-centered, and needs oriented ministries today, which dare not risk the very idea of turning their world inside out due to an apostolic change and calibration. As long as everything is going okay, with minimal risk in true change, church as usual goes on, for the church has not embraced the revelation of the King and HIS Kingdom. Some have even stated in these words, "If it ain't broke, then don't fix it!"



Such 1st and 2nd day expression of thinking keeps the resources from the gathering and distribution of true apostolic ministry for releasing it into the spheres needed to advance the saints and the kingdom as a uniting principle. Or, the money and resources are diverted into pseudo expressions of the A & P which compounds and worsen the matter at hand, as a Jeroboam nature arises to blockade or stop and stifle others from coming into the glorious dimensions of God. O, but thank God, the apostles and prophets witness the demise of such Babylonian culture in Revelation 18:20. Though spiritual and economical in commerce, Babylon is fallen, and the apostles and [WINDOWS-1252?]prophets along with the saints rejoice! {Read John’s epistles and compare studies of the antibody, not the body, antichrist}...



Now, Prophets speaks life into apostles, gives prophetic direction, revelation, and encouragement, translating the word of God in the heavenlies into earthly endurance and divine expectation. [WINDOWS-1252?]The prophet’s counsel carries a depth and degree not often found in the general masses of church counseling. Prophets helps the apostle through prayer and intercession, word of knowledge, and a fresh and seasoned prophetic word {such as the case with Haggai and Zechariah with Zerrubabbel and Jeshua. Prophets helps stabilizes apostles, especially since the apostle has a potential of becoming too rigid, pragmatic, and too practical in governmental matters. Therefore, apostles needs fresh fire and waves of the Spirit to flow in his or her midst ever keeping their hearts open to the voice of the Lord, even in appointed others.



Apostles may sometimes struggle in the area of patience {2 Corinthians 12:12}. Because of their motivation towards government, divine and spiritual order, and pioneering revelation, apostles can potentially become a bit frustrated over others as the people fail to embrace and to walk out the apostolic revelation. If not put into check and balance, apostles can get locked in over various attitudes and aspects of corporate church life that could actually hurt many. A wrong attitude can potentially arise over the deep need to see governmental spiritual order, submission, and proper spiritual alignment. Therefore, prophets can assist apostles in helping them to steer their motivation to the glory of the Lord.



Note: Jezebel is perhaps the greatest enemy to the prophets. But with every Jezebel mentality, force, spirit, or mindset, there is an Ahab nearby, a weak leadership, a weak link, or passive leadership which permits Jezebel to flourish. Jezebel is married {but does not act like it}, for her name means {chaste}. She is a covenant breaker, and a Zidonian priestess. She carries an independence {which is dependence on her [WINDOWS-1252?]own}, and is a slayer of God’s prophets. She hates the Elijah ministry unto this present hour 1 Kings 19-21; Malachi 4:4-6



So, when you reject or refuse to embrace the revelation, restoration, and recognition, as well as the receiving, releasing, and the reward of the apostle and prophet {or apostolic and prophetic dimension}, you open the door for potential antichrist {substitute} and Jezebel values, beliefs, and mentalities which breed contempt, confusion, jealousy, strife, the works {of the flesh that is}, performance, competition, Diotrephes, and much more. When we reject the apostolic and [WINDOWS-1252?]prophetic spirit, or deny their place in the progression of God’s Kingdom and the Corporate Anointing, we become open for other possibilities or multiple personalities which can result in the intimidation, manipulation, and domination of many sincere people which sense a rekindling of HIS desire and acquire HIS fire, and the fresh voice of the Lord for HIS present administration.} 1 Samuel 8, Luke 11:49-52



6 – Apostles and Prophets are given to pioneer present truth frequencies of the Spirit relevant in our present language and culture. From doctrine {teaching} to demonstration, to the destiny of the saints, apostles and prophets flow out of the present truth dimension of the progressing and advancing kingdom, and the present position of the glorious church in saturating the nations into the governance and administration of HIS kingdom. Apostles and prophets bring to the table more than just right revelation, but the demonstration of the Spirit for the saints to walk in those dimensions. For as we travel the body at large, we sometime hear much rehash on the prophetic and apostolic with mixture of an eschatology of Scofieldian evacuation, a robbed hope and compromised future {or destiny} which has stripped many from becoming a people of militant passion and corporate destiny. We hear the lingo of the 3rd Day, and suddenly we hear messages of the great escape and the fearful apprehension of the enemy over [WINDOWS-1252?]God’s kingdom people as if the Lord has shut his mouth altogether concerning the end times. - such times which actually began thousands of years ago...



What I see is a growing increase and attraction to disembodied mentalities, fragmented and disgruntled beliefs in a number of prophetic and apostolic camps. It appears at times it is safe to [WINDOWS-1252?]preach the dominion mandate, but start tampering or addressing people’s church government and eschatology, and you may experience a warfare of a whole different kind.



According to Ephesians 2, one of the things which take place when we come together in HIM is that we are QUICKENED together with Christ. When we come together in the corporate anointing or corporate Christ, the many member son, there is a quickening of the Last Adam, the Second Man, and the Lord from Heaven. 1 Corinthians 15



Bear in mind that present truth frequencies of the Spirit is simply tuning into what the preceding word of the Lord is. It is a now and accurate word, a word in due season, and the word made FLESH {incarnate} dwelling among us. 2 Peter 1:12; John 1:14



It is in the present truth apostles and [WINDOWS-1252?]prophets that they unlock the mysteries of God’s kingdom within the global saints, and bring to light those things that were hidden for ages {it seems} in the depths of your being {Psalms 42:7; Deuteronomy 29:29. These pioneering dimensions {apostles and prophets} help stabilize the saints in the present truth, or what the Father is saying now with what he has already said and spoken. For though there is a relevantly important word for all times, each season has its own unique expression of HIS purpose and the means by which the Spirit of the Lord conveys HIS divine intentions.



In 1 John 2:7-8, John writes both and old and new commandment at the very same time. It is old because it is the word that we have heard from the beginning. And it is new in that the darkness is now past, and the true light now shines.



7 – Apostles and Prophets prepare the saints to invade the earth realm {becoming HIS coming through a people of HIS passion} as good stewards in the corporate territorial acquisition through global apostolic and world breakthrough. More than just mainstay church services and religious appearances, apostles and prophets help to dismantle and disrobe the image of Babylonian thinking that perverse and pervades many in their perception toward the {1} Revelation of God which produces {2} a Revelation of Man which produces {3} a Revelation of the Kingdom which produces {4} a Revelation of the Church which produces {5] a Revelation of the Destiny of the Nations. Genesis 1:26, 28



Therefore, a new level of apostles and prophets are being raised up to pierce, penetrate, and to pioneer new calibrations amid all of the 12 major world systems. There is a NOW WORD coming into play for Wall Street, and beyond. Economy did not begin with businessmen, but with God. In fact, economy began with the motive of the kingdom which is love and not money. Though there is economy, there is the hidden unseen force and driving mechanism that influences and empowers men to love and live for resources, while at the same time there is the mentality of the kingdom in others to advance forward into the eternal purpose for which man is created for and to thrust in their sickle and to reap.



Though we sometimes deem the economy as to what we see and is experiencing, there is the economy of the spirit that may [WINDOWS-1252?]very well be the first economy there is, which is the actual fiber of man’s existence, the very reason why man was given as a steward over the earth. Here, man is given dominion to rule with God, co-laborers, co-rulers, and co-administrators WITH God. We never work for God, you don't work for the Lord, rather, we work with him. Our methods are now beginning to line up with his motive of the KINGDOM, and together, we receive a mentality toward influencing the earth with the core values, core dynamics, and core stabilizations of the [WINDOWS-1252?]kingdom. Matthew 6 says, “Seek first the [WINDOWS-1252?]kingdom.” Seek first and foremost the King of the Kingdom, what the Kingdom is and what the Kingdom does. View the earth through the values of the KINGDOM {Matthew 5-7}. Acts 4:34-37; 2 Chronicles 20:20



This segment of impartation is for you, the corporate and glorious body of Christ, and may be distributed worldwide, so long as the content remains in tack and credit is given to the author of this work. You may post it on blogs, web sites, periodicals, journals, books, magazines, and share it in seminars, word-shops, conferences, conventions, and in local assemblages. If you desire to do so, just drop us a line that way we can refer and recommend others to your web site, and to share and celebrate together the Lord's provision in providing kingdom revelatory resources to you and yours...


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Our anger usually is not righteous anger -- Archbishop Kenneth D. Grimble, 07:48:32 07/08/06 Sat

Angry people usually justify their anger, saying it's someone else's fault they are angry. Yet the Bible repeatedly warns us against giving in to anger when we are upset by other people's words or actions.

There is such a thing as righteous anger. And sometimes we need to talk about problems or deal with dangerous situations. (Even at these times, we must exercise self-control.) Yet most of the time, our anger is not righteous. As James wrote, "Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:20).

When we give in to anger, we often focus on our own welfare, comfort or happiness. Instead, we should be primarily concerned about other people’s welfare and being a good witness for God.

As you can see in the following Scriptures, God does not want us to simply react emotionally to others' actions. Instead, we should respond with wisdom and a gentle spirit.

Verses warning us about anger
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:8).

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Proverbs 12:16).

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).

A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless (Proverbs 14:16

A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Proverbs 14:17).

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Proverbs 14:29).

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Proverbs 15:18).

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32).

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered (Proverbs 17:27).

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Proverbs 20:3).

Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you (Proverbs 20:22).

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (Proverbs 25:28).

Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger (Proverbs 29:8).

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Proverbs 29:22).

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment ... first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:21-24).

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions (Galatians 5:19-20).

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-7).

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5).

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (Colossians 3:8).

And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2 Timothy 2:24).

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19-20).

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).


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THE PREACHER'S MISSION -- ++His Grace Archbishop Dr Daniel Eleazer Eluwa, 13:32:15 07/07/06 Fri



Select from among you men of good family and education to preach the truth in my stead. In addition, let those men be invested with the robes of the preacher, let them enter into the abode of the Preacher, and occupy the pulpit of the preacher.

"The robe of the preacher is sublime forbearance and patience. The abode of the preacher is charity and love of all beings. The pulpit of the preacher is the comprehension of the good law in its abstract meaning as well as in its particular application.

"The preacher must propound the truth with unshrinking mind. He must have the power of persuasion rooted in virtue and in strict fidelity to his vows. The preacher must keep in his proper sphere and be steady in his course. He must not flatter his vanity by seeking the company of the great, nor must he keep company with persons who are frivolous and immoral. When in temptation, he should constantly think of the Lord and he will conquer. All who come to hear the doctrine, the preacher must receive with benevolence, and his sermon must be without invidiousness. The preacher must not be prone to carp at others, or to blame other preachers; nor speak scandal, nor propagate bitter words. He must not mention by name other disciples to vituperate them and reproach their demeanor.

"Clad in a clean robe, dyed with good color, with appropriate undergarments, he must ascend the pulpit with a mind free from blame and at peace with the whole world. He must not take delight in quarrelous disputations or engage in controversies, so as to show the superiority of his talents, but be calm and composed. No hostile feelings shall reside in his heart, and he must never abandon the disposition of charity toward all beings. His sole aim must be that all beings go to heaven. Let the preacher apply himself with zeal to his work, and the Lord will show to him the body of the holy law in its transcendent glory. He shall be honored as one whom the Lord has blessed. The Lord blesses the preacher and ,also those who reverently listen to him and joyfully accept the doctrine.

"All those who receive the truth will find perfect enlightenment. And, verily, such is the power of the doctrine that even by the reading of a single stanza, or by reciting, copying, and keeping in mind a single sentence of the good law, persons may be converted to the truth and enter the path of righteousness which leads to deliverance from evil. Creatures that are swayed by impure passions, when they listen to the voice, will be purified. The ignorant who are infatuated with the follies of the world will, when pondering on the profundity of the doctrine, acquire wisdom. Those who act under the impulse of hatred will, when taking refuge in the Lord, be filled with good-will and love.

"A preacher must be full of energy, and cheerful hope, never tiring and never despairing of final success. A preacher must be like a man in quest of water who digs a well in an arid tract of land. So long as he sees that the sand is dry and white, he knows that the water is still far off. However, let him not be troubled or give up the task as hopeless. The work of removing the dry sand must be done so that he can dig down deeper into the ground. And often the deeper he has to dig, the cooler and purer and more refreshing will the water be. When after some time of digging he sees that the sand be comes moist, he accepts it as a token that the water is near. So long as the people do not listen to the words of truth, the preacher knows that he has to dig deeper into their hearts; but when they begin to heed his words, he apprehends that they will soon attain enlightenment.

"Into your hands, O you men of good family and education who take the vow of preaching the words of the Lord, he transfers, entrusts, and commends the good law of truth. Receive the good law of truth, keep it, read and re-read it, fathom it, promulgate it, and preach it to all beings in all the quarters of the universe.

"The preacher is not avaricious, nor narrow-minded, and he is willing to impart the perfect Lord’s-knowledge unto all who are ready and willing to receive it. Do you be like him? Imitate him and follow his example in bounteously giving, showing, and bestowing the truth. Gather round you hearers who love to listen to the benign and comforting words of the law; rouse the unbelievers to accept the truth and fill them with delight and joy. Quicken them, edify them, and lift them higher and higher until they see the truth face to face in all its splendor and infinite glory."

"O thou who rejoicest in kindness having its source in compassion, thou great cloud of good qualities and of benevolent mind, thou quenchest the fire that vexeth living beings, thou pourest out nectar, the rain of the law! We shall do? What the Lord commands. We shall fulfill his behest; the Lord shall find us obedient to his words."
And this vow of the disciples resounded through the universe, and like an echo it came back from all the preachers who are to be and will come to preach the good law of Truth to future generations.

"The preacher is like unto a powerful king who rules his kingdom with righteousness, but being attacked by envious enemies goes out to wage war against his foes. When the Lord sees his soldiers fight he is delighted with their gallantry and will bestow upon them donations of all kinds. Ye are the soldiers of the Lord, while Satan, the Evil One, is the enemy who must be conquered. And the Lord will give to his soldiers the city of heaven, the great capital of the good law. And when the enemy is overcome, the Lord, the great king of truth, will bestow upon all his disciples the most precious crown, which jewel brings perfect enlightenment, supreme wisdom, and undisturbed peace."

Humbly Submitted from
The Ecclesiastical Office of:
++His Grace Archbishop Dr Daniel Eleazer Eluwa
The President, Primate of Universal Preachers Network(U.P N ).


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Nehemiah's Apostolic Building Plan -- Dr Tim & Early, 06:37:54 06/29/06 Thu

12 Important Progressions in Local Assemblies

Apostle Tim and Theresa Early

FAP International {Ephesians 2:20-22} and also F.A.P. Fathering Appointed People {1 Corinthians 4:15-21}

In review of the 12 {governmental} gates of Nehemiah, we find relevant important truth for our time, and for local assemblages abroad. Unlike rigid rules of the religious system, these principles are flexible, enabling you to work out these core values into the corporate dynamics of your local assembly, becoming a radiant expression of genuine kingdom community everywhere.

Each gate reveals present truth of a bold new configuration and advance towards rebuilding the habitations of God. And without delay, we shall continue further on in our discussion.

1 - The Sheep Gate: Nehemiah 3:1}... One of the most important developments in the maturing of the local assemblage is in the Sheep Gate. One of the most important things in establishing a new local kingdom community is in the building up of the sheep. In the early Acts pattern, the most profound thing that was discovered among them was not alone in the signs and wonders, and not merely in the numerical growth of the people, but in "RELATIONSHIPS." For in one sense, you do not market tapes and books as a sign of a growing ministry, nor do you place stock upon having the largest jet in town either.


Rather, you market {and I use this term lightly, so it's okay to smile}, promote, and esteem healthy structured, vibrant, loving, divinely appointed relationships, vertical and horizontal, unto the Lord {vertical} and one with another {horizontal}. Here, the local flock is edified before multiplied and true growth is not the same as swelling. Any church can swell as a sign of an infection, but real numerical growth comes through real edification on the inside, as confirmed in Acts 6:7, "And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly..." {Again, edification before multiplication}

2 - The Fish Gate: {Nehemiah 3:3}... The Fish Gate is the principle of leadership to instill within the saints to become "Fisher's of Men," a real sense of "go ye therefore", and a preparedness to reach out beyond the intimate community of the appointed assemblage. The Fish Gate is a revelation of launching out into the deep, casting forth your nets as recorded in Luke 5:4-11. It is a confirmation of becoming followers of Christ, and fisher's of men for the advancing of the kingdom. It teaches us the value of discipleship leading others into sonship. It is a revelation through analogy; how that God will use the very thing you are in the natural, to transfer its correlated movements into the [WINDOWS-1252?]spiritual. It also reveals that there are coins in the fish’s mouth, appointed support in the advancing of HIS kingdom. It teaches us to discern who we are to reach.

Without the Fish Gate, we will confine the kingdom to the inner circle per se, meaning, us. The church does not produce the kingdom, but the kingdom produces the church. Love is not merely love until it is shared. Therefore, the real meaning of the Fish Gate lies deeper than getting someone just to officially know Jesus, but to extend the kingdom into the lives of others.


Some fish swim in ponds, others in deep blue seas. Some fish are caught in streams and others in the vast oceans. With the catching of fish, there is respect to the methodology of fishing. Some ministries may only possess a little bait, a small stick, and a very thin string, while others, the full use of an elaborate reel. Regardless of your measure {metron} of rule, "Catch men, go fishing!"

3 - The Old Gate: {Nehemiah 3:6}...The Old Gate represents that which is growing old, lacking energy, becoming languid, without force and vitality. It is that which is becoming weak, and slow, with very little spirit. It could also mean that the old foundations of your walk with God, the blood, the re-birth, Holy Spirit baptism, and the first principles of Hebrews 6:1-2 have become a rather weak foundation perhaps taken for granted. Therefore, we need to empower the Old Gate, not letting it linger into weakness, nor losing its value and strength in our Third Day mentality. We must never lose the importance of what our old foundation once did for us and were we are to grow from here.


Whether we think we have arrived to Faith confession or Kingdom Now, Third Day or Apostolic Reformation, The Melchisedec order, or Manifested Sonship, the Old Gate is to be repaired, and is to remain fully functional in the core and corporate dynamics of the local saints. We need to empower the values of the kingdom beyond the initial re-birth, and rejoice in the foundational things which lead to a higher revelation and ascension into the Christ. For the highest skyscraper requires the deepest foundation. The higher you go, the stronger the foundation. As in Ezra 3:11, "And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid..".

4 - The Valley Gate: {Nehemiah 3:13}...Ah, the Valley Gate! This gate is an experience of passing through a narrow gorge, a deep narrow passage with steeply rocky sides, as between mountains. But that is just it, it is in the valley, not on the mountain, but down below in between the mountains. The Valley Gate is a part of the overall process of our development. The Valley Gate is a word picture of Psalms 23, walking through the valley of the shadow of death, with no fear of evil. Without the valley, how would you ever appreciate the mountain top? For the Valley Gate is not designed to do you in, but to bring you out into a lively hope, a place where we really come to know that the Lord is with us, even in the darkest and toughest of times. This is a key core kingdom value for the corporate saints.

Thus, the Valley Gate is to be restored and rebuilt into the corporate anointing. Intense trials and low valleys are not purposed and designed to undermine your progression in the kingdom. They are ordained of God for a specific time, place, and purpose, and for a strategic usage. Particularly, they help aid and to steer our thinking toward total trust in the Lord. As James 1:2 says, "Count it all JOY when you go through different temptations, tests, and trials, knowing that the trying of your faith is working patience and endurance in you." For there are only two kinds of tests in the earth, the test of prosperity and the test of adversity, as confirmed in Ecclesiastes 7:14. Both serve one another.

5 - The Dung Gate: {Nehemiah 3:14}...Every local assembly is to have a dung gate, a place built within it to excuse the waste and filth that builds up in its system. Now before you slap me, just think, that the local body parallels to the human body. Each human body needs food {fuel} to live. Each human body goes through a cycle of eating from 1 - appropriation, 2 - assimilation, and 3 - elimination. Each body must define its dietary modification and intake. And, each human body needs a gate to get rid of the waste matter. Further on, the dung of the human body is not to be kept for a rainy day, or for a sunny one. It is to be excreted from the blood, tissues, and organs for a healthier body.

The waste management is not to be a sign that something is wrong, but that something is right. A healthy local church is one that is cleansed through the word, thus, eliminating the waste matter in the thought process, producing healthy and vibrant souls. For when you eat well, your body will tell you so. And when the corporate glory of the saints are eating from greener pastures, the soul is restored through the process of elimination.

Just think, how that one of America's most revered and famous actors of the many years past, upon autopsy was discovered with about 40 pounds of fecal matter in his intestines. The weight of a little girl was found in his bowels, and what a statement, or an indictment...Some people's deliverance is not having a hand laid on their head by elders, but to simply eat properly and to be excused at the appointed time...Amen somebody...

6 - The Fountain Gate: {Nehemiah 3:15}...This gate or experience is defined in the Hebrew as "an eye, by analogy, a fountain {as the eye of the landscape}. " In Genesis 16:7, the word "Fountain" is used in connection with the Angel of the Lord finding Hagar by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. Here, we see a more expanded usage of the word, as Hagar was by the fountain, a place of refreshing in the wilderness.

Further meaning, the Fountain Gate, in its wider perspective, is a source of water, a reservoir or container of water, or in other modern terms, a jet or stream of water. From present truth and practical application, the Fountain Gate is the place where the water fountain springs forth, and it teaches us to recognize the things which produces a flowing fountain or stream in our midst, as oppose to the things which do not.


Meaning, we must discern what the fountain of life is in the midst of us, in minstrel, in message, and in ministry. And if there is no fountain of life, no flowing or springing forth, then two things can possibly happen. Either we need to adjust to the rhythm and flow of the Spirit for a true fountain and source to spring forth in the corporate anointing, or get rid of the thing that is not producing the fountain of LIFE and flowing stream of the Spirit. In most of the divinely appointed meetings the Holy Spirit has given us into, we witnessed virtually every belly released into the streams of His Manifest Presence, a true overflow...It's glorious...

As a local assembly challenge anything that is not becoming a fountain in the midst of you. Put a check to anything that is a dried up brook, and go to the fountain, the source of water of life in the midst of the corporate man. Don't let things go on because it's the way your tradition {or trade} tells you. Leaders, if it is not a flowing fountain, and if it does not cause a fountain to spring forth in the local body, deal with it. If it is stagnant and stifling, and if it does not move from a fountain to a river, then it may attempt to silence the Naba and the Nabiy within you, those rivers of living water, those prophetic streams, those gushing fountains of life {John 7:38; Ezekiel 47:1-10 {compare to the Fish Gate}, Revelation 22:1...Prophet, Priest, and King...Colossians 1:27; Psalms 46:4.

Let the fountains spring forth in every one of the local assemblages, and there you will find a flowing river. When each belly is unlocked to the mysteries of the kingdom, and the rivers of living water, it will produce a flow out of you, setting others free into a fresh new liberty. This too, is a prophetic word from the Lord!!!

7 - The Water Gate: {Nehemiah 3:26}...The Water Gate has a root meaning found throughout the entire Old Testament. In the overall, it is regarded as water and its needed usage for the physical body. Water purifies, refreshes, revives, rejuvenates, cleanses, and cools the body, even useful in the automotive radiator. If not, try driving without water, and say good bye to the radiator. Still, water is synonymous to life, as in the water of life. Every human body needs water, most plants require sufficient water. Animals need water, and the corporate saints need water, too. According to Proverbs 20:5, "the Heart of man is like deep water..." {Read also Psalms 42:7}

Some saints are liken to deep wells, and require a more far reaching affect then others. Some are like dried up wells, and need a fountain of life to arise from within them. But in any case, the Fountain and Water Gate are chiefly related, as without the fountain, there is no springing forth, and without the water itself, there is no life. Revelation 21:6; Ephesians 5:26; John 4:10: Isaiah 11:9; Hab. 2:14... Water from the belly, water from the temple, and water from the throne, prophet, priest, and king, or, righteousness, peace, and joy...

8 - The Horse Gate: {Nehemiah 3:28}...This gate or experience reveals the ability of the horse to support and hold, to haul and hoist, to ride and draw through the carrying of loads. The principle here is in the carrying of the loads. Here, the Lord is speaking to us as leaders to impart and to activate this progression of the kingdom into corporate believers a core dynamic of endurance, an ability and stabilizing influence to bear great load. It is the principle of relationship preceding to commitment and to the reciprocating vision of the house.


The Horse Gate is the dimension of the Spirit that recognizes the Horse in two fold description, with the ability to support and carry the load, and the ability to carry such load the long distance, the long haul, endurance to the end. On whatever level you care to discuss this, the Horse Gate must be repaired and restored in the local church, instilling a divine commitment in everyone to share the load together, and to have patient endurance for the longest of stretches and strides of corporate ministry...Acts 6:1-6; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Exodus 18:21; Numbers 27:18-20; Genesis 14:14; Acts 4:34-37

9 - The East Gate: {Nehemiah 3:29}...The East Gate is the dawning of a Brand New Day. It is the SON RISE in the midst of the saints, fresh new manna and revelation throughout the corporate life of the assembly. The East Gate is the beginning of a new day, fresh new vision, and new opportunities to be seized through the corporate glory and beauty of the saints. It is the SUN that arises in the East and sets in the west. It is the breaking forth of the SON. It is the radiant glory of the Lord, the mercies of God which are new every morning...Great is Thy Faithfulness...

Each visible local expression of grace is to have an East Gate, a bursting light of a new day, a glorious expression of a bold and brand new day. Not only is it the dawning and arising of a new day, but it reveals simultaneously the closure of a past time, a putting away of that from an old day as it makes room for the glory of the new!

Is there an East Gate in your local fellowship? Is the East Gate becoming a new day to the saints of light? Is the Day Star arising in the hearts of HIS people? Is yesteryear's revelation become today's darkness? Let us return and rebuild the East Gate, a revelatory dynamic which reveals there is a bold new {Sun} rise in our midst, something fresh and new daily.

10 - The Gate of Miphkad: {Nehemiah 3:31}...The Gate of Miphkad is defined in the original as "Assignment, appointment, mandate, and designated spot." It is the appointed place, with other meanings such as "oversee, charge, and oversight." In other translations, this scripture would read "The Inspection Gate." Here, the principle of the Gates of Nehemiah reveals the important character development of being assigned to a given task, and being in the appointed place.

This gate reveals in part the importance of Assignment, the Appointed Place, the Mandate, and the Designated Spot: the Gate of Miphkad, to oversee, give charge, oversight, and inspection. In such dimension everyone has a strategic and specific purpose in the corporate anointing. Nothing is vague, and there is no sloppy agape {smile} among them.

In the Gate of Miphkad or the Gate of Inspection you define the tasks and assign the tasks. Thank God for the Gate of Inspection, a key principle in faithful stewardship. It reveals in part, divine alignment producing divine assignment.

11 - The Gate of Ephraim: {Nehemiah 12:39}...The Gate of Ephraim is the meaning of "Doubly fruitful, and fruitfulness." It is the principle of bearing precious fruit, and is the first charge of the five-fold great commission in Genesis 1:28. Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph. Ephraim, in Nehemiah's progression, is to be rebuilt and repaired for each local flock to be fruitful in whatever it is strategically given for.

Each local fellowship is to define the mood of the Spirit for which they have been given for. Each is to recognize that Jesus is the one that desires fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. No matter how you approach this, you can not run circles around the irrevocable principle of bearing fruit, and at that being doubly fruitful.

Is your local church becoming fruitful in its assignment? Are there things in your midst that is choking out the fruit, becoming thorns and thistles, or tares among the wheat?

For those that receive seed upon good ground are those that hear {30} understand {60} and bear fruit {100} some 100 fold, some 60, and some 30. {Matthew 13th chapter}. Thus, a fruitful flock is fruitful in what is has been divinely purposed for, to bear fruit after HIS kind.

12 - The Prison Gate: {Nehemiah 12:39}...The Prison Gate reveals the principle of being a guard, closely watching. I liken this to the Cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden, with a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life...Genesis 3:24

Here, the Prison Gate becomes a profound experience in the maturing of the saints. By HIS manifest presence and appointed leadership the way {is guarded and garrisoned} from anyone and anything that makes boisterous attempts in eating of the tree of life, while nibbling away at the tree of independence FROM God. Here, there is a fresh new bold understanding of how the Lord protects that which is HIS own, and will not allow his preciousness to be defiled by any. The same with the Holy City, the mature bride, the New Jerusalem {which YOU ARE} coming into perfection and the fullness of His glory}, as outside the gates of HIS city are depraved elements which has no sincere and genuine interest nor earnest heed to becoming HIS habitation. {Revelation. 22:14-15}

This is likened also, to the qualification of the priesthood in Leviticus 21:22-23 which says...

He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy. Only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come near unto the altar, because he has a blemish; that he profanes not my sanctuaries; for I the Lord do Sanctify them.

In all of this, I see the Prison Gate, God's own protectiveness for that which is holy and undefiled. He is the KEEPER of the GATES.

Progressing into the fullness of Glory, moving from time into Eternity and eternity into time...We R HEAR 4 N with U!

Dr. Tim and Theresa Early


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SIN-MISSING THE MARK? -- Apostle Kenneth D. Grimble, 12:42:25 06/27/06 Tue

Have you even been exposed to this teaching about sin? The Preacher draws a bull's-eye target and then draws arrows all around it. Most of these arrows fall way short of the target completely. He may draw one or two hitting the target but missing the bull's-eye. He then explains that sin is missing the mark and falling short of God's glory. He then says that no matter how hard we try we will always miss the mark.

This is a total distortion of God's truth! The sinner misses the mark because he is purposely aiming in the opposite direction of the true target!! It is not that he tries to hit the bulls-eye and misses but it is that he knowingly and rebelliously shoots his arrows in the total opposite direction of the true target.

True sin is the aim and intent of the heart to totally disregard God and His love. It is the aim and the intent of the heart that determines if a person is holy or not. The sinner can aim and hit the true target but he refuses to do so.

It is not a criminal act to aim at a target and miss. People do not go to hell for simply missing. A sinner goes to hell because he is a criminal. The reason why the sinner is a criminal is because he has the ability to aim at the right target but he purposely aims in the opposite direction. He deliberately and defiantly has aimed his heart in total opposition to God. He is so stubborn and rebellious that even though he can turn around (repent) and aim in the right direction, he never will without the grace of God. This stubborn refusal is what sends the sinner to hell.

Every sinner has committed two evils. These are, forsaking God and building a system that tries to quench their spiritual thirst and desire. The sinner has not only refused God's right to rule over him but he has replaced the only true God with a false god.

Jer. 2:13 "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."

1 John 3:4 "Sin is lawlessness" i.e., breaking the law, a WILLFUL act.

Sin is a CHOICE to disregrad God and go ones own way.

Isa. 53:6a "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way."

God would never command or require repentance if man was truly unable to obey.

Acts 17:30 "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent."

The sinner's REAL problem is his REFUSAL to come to God when He attempts to draw him near.

Matthew 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

Every person has recieved light from Jesus Christ and no one has ANY EXCUSE for rejecting God.

John 1:9 "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"

Below are the various scriptural words used to describe sin. When the root words are analyzed in the original biblical languages, the overwhelming evidence is that man is a rebel, choosing to violate the known law.

* To act perversely, to twist and distort
* To be stubbornly disobedient
* To refuse to serve God
* To act treacherously or deceitfully
* To be rebellious
* To be lawless, to refuse to conform
* To be obstinate or uncompliant
* To deviate from the right
* To be ungodly, to act impiously
* To be unjust, to refuse to do right.

The Word of God does not describe sin as a simple miss or weakness but as rebellion.


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The Nature of Sin -- Apostle Kenneth D. Grimble, 12:14:00 06/27/06 Tue

The doctrine on the nature of SIN IS THE FOUNDATION for any type of theology. What sin is and how it is dealt with is the issue in the gospel ! Thus we must ensure that we understand it well if any of our theology is to be correct. There are 2 generally accepted possiblilities as to what the nature of sin can be. Either :

sin is a choice
sin is a nature.
Sin can not be both, if it is a nature then it excludes choice. We must however not get confused with the side issues (which most people do) when dicussing the nature of sin. It is well to explain them before we start any discussion so that we know what we are talking about. If sin is nature then most of these side issues dissipate rather quickly because they are all lumped together. If sin is a choice then we have various issues to address.

is the tendency to commit evil sin ?
what then is inherited from our parents (Adam included)
will we have any tendency to sin ?
There are probably a few others but they are of little consequence. Well obviously if sin is a choice then you can have all the cravings to sin and yet not sin (through the power of Christ). Point (3) is worth noting because the concept of "HOLY FLESH" exists whereby some believe that there is no evil in them ie that the flesh is holy in itself (New Age sort of stuff). Well what then do we inherit from our parents surely we inherit something, the bible says so. Well its very easy to work this one out, a brief study of genetics and biology will explain that what is inherited is tenencies, to some extent character, depravity, characteristics, the evil in our natures. You see having sin as choice does not mean that we don't have evil natures. Let me just claify here that when I use the word evil I am refering to things that are bad but not necessarily sin. Sin is a special type of bad, its when we choose to indulge in the bad thing. In other words to rebel against what is good. Accepting the biblical teaching that sin is choice does not go against the truth that we are born with depraved natures. The nature of this depravity (lust of the flesh) is so strong that NO MAN CAN OVERCOME it of himself. ONLY BY DEATH TO SELF and life through Christ can he overcome these tendencies.
Let me give you an example here, when a cat kills a bird; is that sin ? I don't think so, it has not broken any law, it is outside the law because it is not a free moral agent. Yet what it has done is not good it is evil. We are surrounded every where by evil but that evil in itself is not sin.

Another example if a heroin addict mother gives birth to a child that child is born a heroin addict, it has received the addiction, is that child guilty of being a drug addict ? You would have to be very unjust to say so yet the child has inherited the evil desires and tendancies of its mother. The law of hereditory has held in this case. Yet even though the childs body is filled with the cravings to indulge in evil, he is not reponsible and in that case guilty unless he chooses to indulge at which point it becomes sin.

Well I think thats enough general stuff lets address the issue more directly. To begin I what to point out the origins of the doctrine of Original Sin because it is important that we understand where it comes from.

This doctrine was incorporated into the Catholic church at the time of (St.) Augustine by himself.( A study of his personal life will explain why he introduced this doctrine, basically it was a good way to excuse his indulgences and his lusts) This was around the time that so many other pagan practices and teachings were becoming widely accepted in the church. The original source of this doctrine came from the PAGAN Greek concept that the body is evil and that no good can ever come of it, so that any good must be external to it due to its inherent evil (the use of evil in this case is different from my previous use).

Lets take this docrine and systematically examine where it leads, in fact this is very easy to do because the Catholic church has already done this for us. If we belive in Original sin then we need infant baptism (WHICH IS UNSCIRPTURAL) otherwise if the baby dies before it is baptised then it goes to hell, because its imputed guilt has not been removed. Jesus Christ can definitively not be born "according to the flesh" Rom 1:3, and so we need an immaculate conception (Which is unscript.) of course then how can the conception be immaculate if Mary was also under the condemnation of O.sin and so then we need the immaculate conception of Mary (which is unscrip.) Of course if Christ was born immaculately then He is not like us who are born under a curse so that He can not be our example (1 Pet 2:21). If we cannot follow His example then we can never overcome sin in our lives we can never overcome. (theres too many verses to cite here so I'll leave them out). Since you can't overcome sin then trying to is pointless at which point we fall into antinomianism and abolish the Law itself. If you want systematic theology then you will eventually have to become a R.Catholic unless you let go of the Doctrine of Or. Sin. Its interesting at this point that this is exactly what is happening, its called the Ecumenical movemnt (ever heard of it? -- the W.Council of Churches) Yes you see everybody now agrees that the reformers were all wrong we were all much better of with the inquisition.

On the other hand Reform is progressive, we do not just say "oh thats enough reforming" for a few hundred years. Lets look at the other systematic theology based on sin as choice. If sin is choice then you are guilty for your rebellion against God, we do not deny that we inheret evil tendencies corrupt natures but unless we indulge in that evil we are not guilty (JAMES 1:14,15) sin ONLY occurs after the evil that is in us is allowed to concieve, until that time yes there is evil in us but it is not sin. So that until a child is conscious of evil and CHOOSES to do it, it has not incurred condemnation or guilt. Christ can be born "accoring to the flesh" and He can be our examples because He was "in all points tempted such as we are" HEB 4:15 now how does James say we are tempted again ? Since He was tempted like us yet without sin then He can be our example so that we to can overcome in Him "even as He overcame" Rev 3:21 (one again theres too may verses to cite here) What is so defective about this That leads us to erroneous views,

regeneration is still required because man can not in himself do any good thing, only as Christ dwells in his heart can he even hope to overcome the evil that is in his heart.

Faith is unchanged, can only hope for this regeneration, and salvation FROM SIN (guilt is secondary) through faith in Jesus.

Repentance is only of any value now because now you repent from your sins which you commit, other wise what do you repent for; being born? or maybe you repent on the Lord's behalf because of the what He made you?

Sanctification only now becomes a reality because now you can be sanctified as Christ removes from your heart the evil desires and tendencies. Sanctification is not a 5 minute fix, it is the work of a life time. You say that salvation will become an act of the will, are you saying that salvation is independant of our will, or even against our will, yes you are right salvation is an act of the will none will be saved without makeing a conscience choice to be saved. Is this wrong? Divine grace will however still be the primary portion of salvation because it is only His grace that leads us to choose to be saved. I really feel you have been exposed to confused ideas about the concept of sin as choice. Tell me some of hideously erroneous views that arrise. When you say that man is innocent at birth what do you mean, do you mean he has "holy flesh" with not evil tendencies ? or are you refering to innocent as purley devoid of guilt ?


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Fatherhood-Relational Ministry -- Dr. Tim Early, 06:51:09 05/23/06 Tue

Apostolic Fatherhood and Sonship – Relational Kingdom Ministry


One of the joyful and rewarding benefits of the fathering dimension is that it produces the Spirit of sonship unto full maturity and spiritual inheritance of ministry in Love, Leadership, and Legacy through divinely appointed Lineage.



Spiritual – Ministry fatherhood leads the sons right back into the image of God {Galatians 4:19; Genesis 1:26}, back to Godhead -John 14}, back to the Father, the basis and foundation for all spiritual father – son ministry relationship.


It brings to light an important 5-fold unlocking of {1} Fatherhood of God which brings to light and life the revelation of {2} Man, Manhood, Marriage and the Family, of which comes a revelation of {3} The Kingdom, the kingdom which produces {4} The Church {global and local interactive covenant kingdom community} and from the revelation of the church produced by the kingdom comes a revelation and demonstration of {5} the Destiny of the Nations, global transformation, the meek inheriting the earth. All of this stems from the Fatherhood of God into fathering dimensions established in the earth through His word and Spirit, and in his divine appointing. This simply means that the true foundation and discovery for all kingdom ministry, is father son relationship, father – son spiritual order, the order of father and son, or simply the order of the kingdom of God. This takes us from Apostleship, Eldership, Discipleship, into SONSHIP, the image of God revealed through the manifested sons of God.


Fatherhood of the Spirit speaks to the seed sown - Zecharias who spoke into John at birth, who {A} named his seed, who {B} prophesied over and concerning his seed and {C} gives his seed an assignment - the son in seed form becoming a multiple harvest of manifested sons - Luke 1:57-80; Ro. 8:19}.


It establishes the basis for the son to receive inheritance {2 Samuel 20:1-2} and double - portion {2 Kings 2:9-10 - Passion of Elijah verses 1-14 now becomes the passion of Elisha}, to walk out the promise with doubly fruitfulness, to provide spiritual authority and priestly leadership {1 Samuel 2:35-36}, to bestow and to affirm the son through honor {Numbers 27:18-23} as the son honors the father through the "Becoming Dimension," power to become the sons of God. John 1:12


The glorious dimension of Fatherhood reveals that God is relational, and within the core values of God himself are key word mechanisms which reveals that God is a Father of {1} Family, {2} Lineage, {3} Foundations, {4} Habitations {5} Generations, {6} [WINDOWS-1252?]Inheritance, and {7} Destiny as in Isaiah 58:12 – In the mind [WINDOWS-1252?]of God, it is a Family Affair as the word ‘Son" in the basic Hebrew Definition reveals "The Builder of the Family name." The Lord is building and revealing a SON in the earth. Note further below the scriptural emphasis of God being a Father of begetting unto inheritance…

In these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things…being the brightness of His glory and express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power…For unto which of the angels said He at any time "You are my Son, This Day I have Begotten You? And again, I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son. Hebrews 1:2-3, 5


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant {plentiful} mercy has begotten us again unto a lively {living} hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4


The revelation of God is being revealed through the SON. And [WINDOWS-1252?]the order of the kingdom is the order of Father and Son…note below…


A - We are all sons of God and begotten of Him}...Vertically


And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have Dominion…Genesis 1:26



B – Sons of God are also begotten in the earthly sphere, through appointed apostolic fathers – divine covenant relationships appointed of the Lord – Horizontally


For though we have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be followers of me. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16


And say to Archippus, Take heed {be careful about} to the ministry which you have received of the Lord, that you fulfill it. Colossians 4:17



C – Sons {not a gender thing} become fathers in bringing forth many sons of His glory, multiplied seed, a good man leaving an inheritance for his children’s children. Proverbs 13:22


You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ. And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit {deposit} to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:1-2


Lift up your eyes round about and see; all they gather themselves together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Isaiah 60:4

Remember, Destiny Produces, and Legacy Re-Produces

Identity through Divine Relationships

But continue you in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them. 2 Timothy 3:14

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. Galatians 6:6

It is very important to know and understand who we are connected and related to with clear articulation, love, mutual respect, and open communication.

Identity is first noted in the simple truth that "We come from Father {God}, and we return to HIM." From here, the Lord takes us into a journey, a prepared place, a time of testing, maturation, proving, pruning, and development in which we are to engage our efforts according to His Will and purpose. In this delicate process, he appoints us in the right paths to dwell in, and connects us with those, in synergy, synthesis, and in synchronization towards our fulfillment of HIS purpose.



In God’s Kingdom and in the earthly sphere of His administration there is a set strategy and order of the kingdom to bring forth those born in identity unto God and His eternal purpose {Genesis 1:26} through appointed fathers of the Spirit. God the Father always has an appointed place for the developing of sonship, maturity, foundation, and the work of the ministry through godly, appointed, covenant, and divine relationships. This is HIS ordained strategy and implementation set forth to connect with those who are given the vision, direction, revelation, leadership, foundation, government, training, and launching of the city and regional church unto a fruitful harvest and inheritance unto the Lord.


Once the local assemblies in any given area or vicinity move from in-house vision only into corporate, regional revelation and vision, from teaching to training, from starting churches to establishing and launching kingdom communities, and from exhortation to equipping, then the government of God can impact and advance the kingdom in whole regions saturating the kingdom into the lives of the corporate anointing, as the Lord will take the church then from visitation to habitation. This can only come through His divine appointment, and not alone having gifting and great ointment only. It is one thing to have an anointing, and another to be in His divine appointing. Note below an important core dynamic of the kingdom and an apostolic strategy which [WINDOWS-1252?]affects regions and nations…


Two cannot walk together except they are agreed or [WINDOWS-1252?]appointed…Amos 3:3…The one outstanding feature and earmark of Elijah and Elisha in 1 and 2nd Kings is that they simply {A} Walked together, and {B} Talked together


And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained {initiated, to narrow, from a root word meaning to "discipline," the same word for "train up" a child in Proverbs 22:6} servants {in italics}, born {here's where the action is, they were born - from another root meaning "to beget, to show lineage, bear, birth, to bring forth} in his own house, three hundred and eighteen. Genesis 14:14.


Notice the words above in bold which reveals the shaping [WINDOWS-1252?]of sonship, character, and leadership into destiny and fulfilled purpose…Notice [WINDOWS-1252?]also that each one of Abram’s men were trained and begotten to go forth in the appointed time and season, liken unto the appointed time of re-relating and launching forth in the work of the ministry. Here, no one went out on their own witness which is a witness not true within itself. They were born and begotten, in the appointed place of the Lord for such a time as this.


This is why the Father places a premium on identity [WINDOWS-1252?]through divine relationships: consider the following…

We identify with those who labor among us...

And we beseech you, brethren, to KNOW them which labor {toil} among you, and are over you {principle of leading by example, precept, and demonstration} in the Lord, and admonish {to put in mind, to caution or reprove gently, calling attention to, warn} you. 1 Thessalonians 5:12

We identify with those who teach us in the word...

Let him that is taught in the word communicate {to share with others, distribute, be partaker} unto him that teaches in all good things. Galatians 6:6 {Also Philippians 4:15}\r

We identify with those as being the proof {or seal} of their apostleship in the Lord...


If I am not an apostle unto others, without a doubt I am to you: for the seal {or proof} of my apostleship are you in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 9:2


We identify with those who have begotten us through the gospel...


For though we have 10,000 instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15


Love, Leadership, Legacy, and Lineage continued…

In Deuteronomy 7:9, the Lord God is "The Faithful God," which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him, and keep his commandments to a thousand generations. Psalms 103:17; 128:6.

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6


From the scriptural witness above, we see that God wants his appointed fathers and sons to leave inheritance and legacy for now and unto the next generation. It is the Father’s heart to pass on value and honor, foundation and generation through the divine order apostolic pattern of kingdom ministry. If there is no preparation unto the next generation, or an ill-preparedness to pass on these apostolic foundations, then we would experience a robbed hope and a compromised future. God is a relational and generational God, and is reforming the foundations of our understanding unto global transformation. The church as we know it cannot continue solely on magnification of personal gifting only, but in the divinely appointed covenant relationships of the Spirit: a means for which the saints can come into their rightful inheritance through the apostolic fathers appointed to the apostolic sons for now and the next generation


As we stop we believe that a number of people will have questions to ask and more questions to be answered in time. Though this is just a synopsis of such all important things, suffice it to say that there shall be times ahead of intimate gatherings just like these as we build solid kingdom relationships and build line upon line, and precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little.


The one sole purpose of this session is to introduce to some, and to refresh with others, the purpose and importance of fatherhood and sonship as it reveals and produces HIS image and operation in the earth, and for the distinguished purpose in advancing the kingdom with a strong foundation for it.


In the current progression of the kingdom, there are powerful manifestations, paradigm and dimensional shiftings, and movements of the Spirit that are not left alone to an ethereal and ultra-nebula experience. But the Father would have these exciting features earmarked in great depth and profound degrees through the fathering Spirit, translated and transferred into a substance of shoe leather where we identity with those apostolic fathers who are given the vision, direction, revelation, leadership, foundation, government, and understanding of the regions coming into kingdom alignment, and to align ourselves in God’s fashioning together to bring forth the greater grace and glory of the Lord through love, leadership, legacy, lineage, and the navigational properties of apostolic fathers appointed unto one another in the Lord. For we are witnessing a powerful release from the High Priest and a Groan from HIS throne in the saints possessing the kingdom, and the saints releasing the kingdom unto a broken humanity.

Until then, Kingdom now!!!

Dr Tim and Theresa Early - FAP International - http://www.apostlesandprophets.net

May your region come together in the calling of HIS assembly, the regional summoning of the Lord, the Kahal Jehovah, the Calling of the Lord in your given region. Isaiah 60:1-11



Added kingdom emphasis on below...enjoy...

Strategy {the Science and Art of Military command for large scale combat operations} - When Paul the apostle spoke concerning Warfare, the Greek words which yields today's word "Strategy" came into being. Warfare in 2 Corinthians 10:4 and 1 Timothy 1:18 is defined in the Greek as "Strateia" from another root word meaning "Military service, apostolic career {as one of hardship and danger}. It is an apostolic campaign, an army, engaged in a strategy {warfare} and may appear to contend with the limited and carnal mentalities of men. In 1 Corinthians 9:7 the Greek word is "Strateuomai" based on another rendition of the word "to serve in a military campaign, to execute the apostolate {regions, territories, cities, provinces, nations} with its arduous duties and functions, to contend with carnal inclinations, a soldier}."


Other related words in the New Testament include definitions such as "a body of troops {G.A.D. a predestined troop coming forth, G.A.D. God's Army of Deliverance or God's Army of Destiny}. Continuing...a troop more or less extensive or systematic...army, soldier, man of war...Strategos - "a General, by implication or analogy a military, governor, chief of the Levitical temple, wardens, captain, magistrate..."


Words like "Stratiotes," warrior," Stratologeo, "gather {or select} as in a warrior, to enlist in an army," Stratopedarches, ruler of an army, captain of the guard, and finally, "Stratopedon, camping-ground, a body of troops."


The church of God is often seen as the bride, but it is also HIS son! It is a Bride in Union with Combat Boots on. It is not merely the family of God, but apostolically the Army of God. It is not alone a soldier but a warrior, a passion to engage the enemy and to establish the battle plan and tactics in seizing bold new territory for the advancing of the kingdom. If we are not positioned for possession in our progression and led into militancy for apostolic colonization, we move from apostolic acquisition and seizing to having corporate seizures.


So, what is your strategy for your region? What is your strategy and generalship for your vicinity? What is your stratagem of engagement? Who are the generals and tacticians for your region? Do you have apostolically a S.W.A.T. Team in your area, which is Strategic Weapons or Warriors and Apostolic Tactics or Teams? Who are the apostolic strategists for your area? Who are the Captains of the Lord of Hosts in your midst? Who carries the battle plan in launching and releasing the apostolic dimension in your region?

Now receive this and come together with leaders in your region for strategic generalship of the apostolic in your communities. Covenant in the Spirit with those who are hearing the sound of HIS manifest presence for regional apostolic breakthrough in your area. Identify with present truth apostolic leaders for your vicinity, in unity and not uniformity. Develop monthly assemblage with leaders and saints of the present reformation and release apostolic and prophetic decrees and strategies with tactical plans and kingdom operational designs over your region for the advancement of the kingdom and the destiny of your given region. This is not a one - man show, but a corporate man, a corporate anointing, a corporate glory in revelation and relationship, demonstration, and destiny...

TNT


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Elijah and Elisha Principal -- Apostle Richard Wright, 06:42:06 05/23/06 Tue

“NETWORKING REDEFINED IN PRESENT TRUTH - The Elijah/Elisha Principle"
I now fully believe that the day of the "apostolic network" as we have known it for the past 15 years or so is over. God used it for a season and now is indicating that He desires to do a "new thing" by taking father/son relationships to a new depth. I am going to call this "The Elijah/Elisha Principle". We will look at this biblical relationship for our example knowing that as we examine it, this will only be the beginning of seeing it in a new light. Revelation will continue to come and we will grow in God's will as we receive it. Please read 1 Kings 19 thru 2 Kings 2.

After Elisha accepted his calling, he immediately left his oxen, ran after Elijah and said that he would like to stay behind just a little while in order to make a feast. He wanted to say goodbye to his friends and his parents. Notice that it was Elisha that ran after Elijah and not the other way around. It was Elisha that pursued the relationship because he knew that it was of God. Elijah did not have to continually coax Elisha to keep up the relationship. In today's context, it will be the true sons that will be the Elishas to their fathers the Elijahs.

After Elisha's statement about staying behind awhile, Elijah's answer to him was, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" This was as much as saying to Elisha that he should settle the matter with God, not with Elijah. God is the one who chose Elisha, so whatever Elisha did about it was to be settled with God and not with his servant.

Elisha made a complete break with his past. He made a complete surrender to God and broke off all ties with the old life. He took the yoke of oxen he had been plowing with and slew them for the purposes of an offering before God and a feast for his friends. He made firewood out of the plow and the yokes. His friends and neighbors saw him burning all his bridges behind him, cutting off all connections with his former life and ownership of property.

After Elisha had provided a feast for the people and kissed his parents goodbye, he arose and went after Elijah. The older prophet became his spiritual father and Elisha took the humble place of being his servant. He served God in the serving of a man of God. We see this principle so many times in scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. One example is in Joshua 1:1-3:

"Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses."

"So the Lord said to Moses, Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation; and commission him in their sight. And you shall put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation of the sons of Israel may obey him."

A scripture that I am reminded of at this point is Luke 16:12, which says, "And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?"

True sonship is first being a true servant. Then, and only then, will you find yourself one day in the same place as your spiritual parents. Our problem in networking has been that the sons have expected the fathers to serve them. We have had this backwards as with many other things in the Church. I'm sure that we can think of many other examples, but I would now like to get back to finish this great story of Elijah and Elisha. Let's now examine the latter part of this father/son relationship as we look at 2 Kings 2:1-2.

"And it came about when the Lord was about to take up Elijah by a whirlwind to heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, Stay here please, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel. But Elisha said, As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel."

This was a test for Elisha (who may have thought by now that he would not need any more testings) and he passed it without even hesitating. This expression "as the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you" could be restated this way: "As sure as God lives in you and in me I will not leave you." This is an absolute and final statement. This is a choice in which there is no backing down.

"...so they went down to Bethel." "Bethel" means "house of God" or literally means "household of God". This again speaks loudly of the meaning of this relationship and we come into greater understanding of the meaning of "spiritual family" in our time.

Now, if we look at another passage, we will see even more the significance of the message to us through this great example of a father/son relationship.

2 Kings 2:4 says, "And Elijah said to him, Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho. But he said, As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho."

Again we see Elisha passing another test and they went to Jericho. "Jericho" represents the place of spiritual warfare, entering into activity against forces of evil in the heavenlies.

2 Kings 2:6 then says, "Then Elijah said to him, Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan. And he said, As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you. So the two of them went on."

For a third time, Elisha passes the test and they go on to Jordan. Jordan speaks of death. It represents death to the self-life. Jordan stands as the place of Israel's separation from the self-life in the desert to the life of warfare for the Lord in the land. This resounds loudly in the statement made by Jesus in Mark 8:34-35, which says, "And He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's shall save it."

Evidently Elisha was willing to follow Elijah anywhere at anytime the Lord directed him. Let's now look at the results of all this.

2 Kings 2:7-14 says, "Now fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood opposite them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle and folded it together and struck the waters, and they were divided here and there, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. Now it came about when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you. And Elisha said, Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me. And he said, You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so. Then it came about as they were going along and talking, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. And Elisha saw it and cried out, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen! And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan. And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and struck the waters and said, Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah? And when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha crossed over."

Notice that when Elijah departed, Elisha did not shout "my pastor, my pastor", or "my prophet, my prophet", but cried out, "my father, my father".

What did Elisha ask for when the offer came from this great prophet of God who was his mentor? He did not ask for fame or fortune, but for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah. He was not asking for twice as much faith and spiritual force as that which was characterized in his spiritual father. He was asking that he might be considered as Elijah's eldest son, the heir to his spirit, the successor to his work. It was all relational.

Elijah said, "if you see me when I am taken...". This means, if you are still with me when I go. In the past we have experienced spiritual "sons" who wanted to be sons for a season, and then desire a peer relationship with their fathers because they now see themselves as mature fathers. I will tell you a truth, a true father should desire his sons to carry greater anointings than they, but the sons must realize that even if this happens, they will always be the "son" to their spiritual father. Dad will always be dad no matter how great the son becomes. We really miss God when we stop sitting at the feet of our elders because we think we are now more anointed and mature than them. I personally know great apostolic fathers in the faith who have been "put out to pasture" and are scratching for provision because their sons in whom they invested much of their life and resources have left them and stopped honoring them with their support.

Deuteronomy 21:17 says: "But he shall acknowledge the first-born, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; to him belongs the right of the first-born."

This is what Elisha sought, and this is what he certainly obtained. What a powerful example of a father/son relationship we see through this story of the passing of a mantle.

Now is the time for all of us to check our motives and begin building everlasting covenant relationships with those whom God has placed us. All relationships that are entered into with the thought of divorce if things don't go our way will fail to bring fulfillment of the will of God into our lives and ministries. Many ministries begin to move in an anointing and believe that they have received a mantle. These are two different things. An anointing is just for a specific time or place or situation, but a mantle is that which one carries at all times, through all situations and circumstances. You must wait for a mantle to fall and then have the integrity of character that you have earned by keeping your relationship in Godly order so you may properly use it with a double anointing.

God is now "smiting the land with a curse" (Malachi 4) because the fathers and sons have not allowed the Lord to deal with their hearts to walk in close covenant relationship. Most "networks" are still more organizational rather than relational. Will you be counted among the true sons and daughters who walk closely with their spiritual fathers through the oncoming kingdom battles, or are you just doing your own thing while being accountable to no man?

In His covenant love,

Apostle Richard Wright


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The Advent of the Fourth Day Church -- Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda, 10:22:02 03/31/06 Fri

The Advent of the Fourth Day Church

Father, I thank you for a new day, a new season, a new year, a new people, a new Church, the light of the World, people of the sun of righteousness, that reflect His light on earth that shine as stars.

Father, I stand this day to declare to principalities and powers the advent of the 4th day Church a people of wisdom, power, honour, dignity and royalty. I bind the devils that hinder; I cast them out into outer darkness.

I prophesy a new season, a season of laughter, joyfulness, peace, happiness, prosperity. Your people shall put little effort and make more gain. Increase, expansion, advancement. Newness of life.

All those that have put yokes and heavy burdens on your people. I judge, let those yokes and heavy burdens ricochet back to them 10 (ten) times, may the whole of creation turn against them, until they repent and turn from their evil ways. May their wealth create wings and fly away. May the wicked find their thrones unbearable to rule until they change their evil ways.

I prophesy restoration to the people of the earth, Devil I command you to restore all that you have stolen from the nations restore seven-fold because you are a thief and you have been caught restore now! The earth is the Lord's... men govern its affairs.

I uproot all wicked leaders, I close the heavens over their head, I break the staff of their bread. I dry up their wells and springs. They shall see wealth but shall not partake of it. They shall beg in harvest and not have the 4th day Church, the people of power. Movers and shakers around the world. Discerners of the times and seasons. Rulers of all the realms, restorers, deliverers. A people with commanding power, aggressive, creative and fearless.

A people that God created and empowered to speak things into being. "Let there be... and it was so". Elijahs, Sons of God that creation have been waiting for.

The arrival of the 4th day church is characterized by purity and holiness. A people that show forth only during chaos, void, formlessness, decay. In creation the 4th day was characterized by lights that brings discernment from day & night, determines signs, seasons, days, years, lights that give light upon the earth, ruling over the day and night also dividing the light from darkness (doom, decay, evil, confusion, indecision, blindness)

The 4th day talks about Christ showing forth after Lazarus must have started decaying in the tomb as the resurrection and the life.

The 4th day Church is a four-faced people; Dominion (man), Boldness (Lion), Authority (Eagle) and strength (bull). People of mystery created by God to enforce His kingdom on earth.

The 4th day church is not the name of a group, a movement or an organization but a people released by God around the world to usher His return. The ecclesia of God, senators, a chosen people, a royal priesthood.

The 4th day church's heart cry is " Save the world " the peak of the save-the-this-and-that generation. Holy Apostles and prophets. Sons of Issachar; discerners of the times and seasons.

The 4th day church is a Partnership, Networking and Team building people. Together each achieves more.

The 4th day church recreates, redefines, rebirths, redesigns, restructures, restores, refines, rebukes, reminds, reforms, relieves, releases, rearranges all that concerns the kingdom of God. It is a relevant church of God.

They are not just like Solomon but Joseph, Daniel, Job and Stephen people that always remember their friends and are characterized by a life of love and forgiveness.

The 4th day church is about that fourth man in the fiery furnace with Daniel and his friends. When it's hottest He shows up Daniel 3:25

They are an army of people that awaits God lifting an ensign. They move swiftly, to seize their victims. They are Gods manifestation against wicked people Is. 5:1-

They are characterized by light, gladness, joy and honour. Esther 8:16.

The Number 4 is quote -symbolic Rev. 2:1

4 Angels stand on the 4 corners of the earth, holding the 4 winds of the earth. That the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

4 beasts Rev. 4: 6,7

Like a lion

Like a calf

A face as a man

Flying eagle

4th seal, opened by the 4th beast (sow a pale horse; and his name that sat on him was Death, and hell followed with Him. And power was given unto them over the 4th part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death and with the beasts of the earth Rev. 6:7,8

4 corners of gold altar - Rev. 9:13

4 Angels bound at the great river Euphrates. Released to kill a third of all humanity. Rev. 9:14

Attention: catch the spirit of the times not the euphoria of the figure or number 4. Just know that God is beginning a new thing by Himself to His own glory.
Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda
Vicar: Bethel Worship Centre,
Administrator: A.I.M. (Centre For World Rebirth)
A25T Jenta Adamu Street (New Jerusalem)P.O. Box 1229 Jos, Plateau State. Nigeria West Africa.
Web-site: www.ourchurch.com/member/a/api
Phone:+234 08028063695
E-mail: apostle1@walla.com
Centreforworldrebirth@yahoo.com


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Do we have rooms for Stealth Ministers? -- Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda, 09:46:00 03/31/06 Fri

Do we have rooms for Stealth Ministers? Or (Stealth Ministry)
Text: John 19:38.
“After this Joseph, who was from the town of Arimathea, asked Pilate if he could take Jesus’ body. (Joseph was a follower of Jesus, but in secret, because he was agraid of the Jewish authorities). Pilate told him he could have the body, so Joseph went and took it away.”
Defination: Stealth means secretly and quietly: doing things quietly and secretly.
You may be wondering the direction I am trying to take this message of mine.
One of the strongest illustrations on my mind is the B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber. It’s a strange looking aircraft in flight. It’s the latest in Stealth technology and can reach astounding Speeds. This aircraft costs $1.3 billion and can penetrate through the most sophisticated enemy defences. Its ability to remain undetected by enemy radar makes it a very great machine.
Another illustration is that of computers and GSM handsets, you can set them in Stealth mode so that the person you are communicating with will not see your I.P. (internet protocol) address or your SIM number on your handset.
Another prolific illustration is the OWL. They hunt by stealth, flying slowly, softly, silently to surprise their prey. They sit very still and quiet, listening and looking for movement then pounces on its prey.
Owls fly on large, silent wings, their feathers have a fine down all over, and the leading edges of the outer flight feathers are serated like a comb. This gives a soft, frayed fringe that deadens the noise of their wing beats so that prey don’t hear them coming. Owls are not particularly fast or agile fliers; they rely on surprises they float through the night.
Their feathers are in dull colors to camouflage them from possible predators in the day and from possible prey at night.
The snowy owl and other owls that live in the Arctic have no choice about daylight flying: in the summer the days are so long there is no night. Snowy owl’s white feathers camouflage it in snow. An owl can turn its head over 360o because it watches over itself, you may say a kind of a lone ranger huh?
Owls tend to be fairly secretive birds. They hide during the day because other birds might attack them, knowng that owls may kill them at night as they sleep.
Application
- The Bible recorded that Nicodemus went to our Lord Jesus by night (by stealth you may say).
- Joseph of Arimathea had been a Stealth follower of Jesus until that blessed day when he was bold enough to decare his allegiance to Jesus by providing his tomb. When other disciples fled from Christ then this man came forth in full loyalty to his Master and Lord.
- In 1998 the late pope, His Holiness pope John Paul (II) nominated 22 new cardinals. Two churchmen, whose identities were not disclosed, also were selected. Such secrecy regarding some nominations is employed to protect Cardinals from likely repercussions in the countries where they live.
Verdict:
Having said all these I wish to see more I.T. Stealth preachers, I.T. Monks, stealth Bishops, Archbishops, Cardinals, Friars, Lay Ministers, lay members. Most especially in the regions where Christianity suffers intense persecution or where the reformation is strongly opposed not forgeting the recent case in Afghanistan where their constitution is against a citizen’s open confession of accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It took the intervention of the international community to stop them from passing a Sharia Judgement on Mr. Abdul Rahman who has moved to Italy for asylum. If Joseph of Arimathea could have the singular honour of burying our Lord and Savior openly after a period of followership by stealth; Then there is a place for you as a stealth preacher. You can establish stealth churches, Ministries and Internet Monastries.
Operate your church in stealth mode by hiding your I.P. address. Even the underground churches in China and other Christian-persecuted areas operate as a stealth ministry.
If the stealth Bomber doesn’t make a point, the computer idea should or the GSM handset or may be a bird must have taught you more, if not the Pope or Joseph of Arimathea. If it has not blessed you then it must have amused you as you wait for the day you will be judged for not using your gift, talent and calling.

Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda
Vicar: Bethel Worship Centre,
Administrator: A.I.M. (Centre For World Rebirth)
A25T Jenta Adamu Street (New Jerusalem)P.O. Box 1229 Jos, Plateau State. Nigeria West Africa.
Web-site: www.ourchurch.com/member/a/api
Phone:+234 08028063695
E-mail: apostle1@walla.com
Centreforworldrebirth@yahoo.com


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[> A New Political Reform Idea -- Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda, 10:01:50 03/31/06 Fri

A New Political Reform Idea
Quotes:
“As dust outlasts iron, so Israel shall out last her oppressors. Some day our messiah will come, and once again we shall have a nation. Then we shall be truly free.”
- Bodie Thoene “The Gates of Zion”
“There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world; and that is an idea whose time has come.” - Anon
“The greatest risk is not taking one” - Anon
“… If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.” - Esther 6:13b
“I am not sure it collapsed because of its nature but rather was overtaken by modernity and interruption of our colonial masters.”
- Bishop Ibrahim Sangari, on the collapse of Kwararafa Kingdom.



“As a result of our activities Sir Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the other northern emirs asked us to suspend the Kwararafa congress issue to a later time i.e to keep it in abeyance and raise it at a subsequent time later. For the meantime let us join hands to struggle for self-defence from the southern domination. At that time the south was rushing to get independence from the British people… They asked us to please suspend our separate organisation and come together to fight collectively for northern people. They also gave us some concessions i.e that members of Kwararafa will fully participate in governance of the north. Aku Uka was automatically made a cabinet minister in the northern government. Peter Achumugu (Ida) was a minister so was Michael Audu Buba (Plateau), Abutu Bepa (Idoma) and J.C Obande, Late Mal. Tanko Jolly and myself were Parliamentary secretaries. In fact at that time the north was actually ruled by Kwararafa and Fulani. The Kwararafa stock is to be feard because of its historical background and also because of its experience in democratic administration, we are more civilized culturally and more civilized in administration”
- Bishop Ibrahim Sangari, The Atoshi of Kwararafa. In an interview with “Relics of Kwararafa.”
I didn’t just want to bore you with this quote. I want to write on a new political idea that is not really new but a continuation from where the KC(Kwararafa Congress) ideology stopped.
The need for a shift in paradigm is needed, now that I believe the time has finally come for us to finally cap up their idea with a very beautiful icing.
Before bad leaders “throw this country inside well” we have a mandate by God to restore her dignity considering the fact that Kwararafa Empire didn’t really die but shrunk into a petty state. The little smoking flask can still be revived.
The idea I am suggesting is purely my idea which can be criticized and corrected.
• The throne of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Shekarau A. Masa Ibi Kuvyon (II) should be elevated to that of a Parliamentary President of the Kwararafa Empire officially called Nigeria, operating or functioning as the Monarch like Her Majesty the Queen of England.
• Secondly, a Prince should be appointed from the dynasty of the Hwaye (Kwanseh) to assist in the administrative work. Such as the way it worked in the life and times of past Kwanseh and more visible with late Manu Agyo-Likita. While His Majesty’s office is De-Jure, the Prince’s office will be de-facto. The Hwanye Dynasty had played a very important role in the existence of the great Kwararafa Empire (Kingdom).
Casting our minds backward we find out that Manu Agyo Likita’s Father was a traditional Title Holder. Agyo-Likita worked with missionaries and with the Native Authority, which gave him the priviledge and honour of serving as an intermediary of some sort between the people and missionaries on one hand and between the colonial officers and the traditional authority on the other hand.
He built rental houses, organised local bank called Bam or Adashi. He also organised adult education classes to teach people how to read and write in Hausa. He was a famous historian. All these activities and services to humanity during his life time endeared him to people of different races, tribe religions and social background. To all people in the former Wukari Federation and beyond, Agyo-Likita’s house was home for them and he was a father to all.
I believe he was a Prince of some sort working while the Aku Uka was still active as De-Jure.
Recognizing the Hwaye (Kwanseh) dynasty will boost the pursuit for a new political reform.
• The government of Kwararafa should be a secular, sovereign and constitutional Monarchy.
The idea of annexing Nigeria, will make us christen (Kwararafa) as New Jerusalem. should be revisited and Kwararafa kingdom (Empire) should be superimposed over Nigeria. We will not say that there is an independence per se but a resurfacing of a kingdom that has been kept in abeyance since pre-independence era.
In case you don’t know, it is recorded in the anals of Northern Nigerian history that no king or Emir wishes to see when the great kwararafa Empire will regain her latent power to rule and govern. The rise of kwararafa Empire will spell doom to other Nationalities because they envy our style of leadership.
I see with my prophetic insight that only the administrative structure of Kwararafa Empire will be able to govern all the 4 quarters of Jerusalem and the world at large. A very sophisticated region of the world. Her unique style of running a confederated state is second to none. While other nations want to govern 100% the Kwararafa leadership philosophy still grant autonomy, isn’t that wonderful?
History has shown that anytime Kwararafa Empire is at a threshold or facing a dearth a Hwaye (Kwanse) man surfaces to play a very important role. I know that these “little” people hold the key to the future of the kwararafa kingdom (Empire) I learnt they are also known as Kpanji (wise counsellors).
These Hwaye’s have been running away from responsibilities within the court of the king. I guess it is because of the price involved in decision making. No time Hwaye man wants power but when he is appointed whether by man or should I say the gods? He wields such a great authority to the extent that the Hwaye priest never meets face to face with the Aku Uka. This shows how powerful the Hwaye priest is in Api (The Kwararafa Empire).
It is actually a dreaded office. Whenever the Hwaye priest is to enter Wukari from Donga, since he was regarded as a divine being he was greeted by the tutelary deity known as Akuma, and escorted into the town with the same reverence as is shown to the king by all the tutelary gods. “It is no doubt” wrote C.K. Meek, “due to the recognition of a common share in divinity that the Jukun king may not meet certain Jukun priests face to face. Nevertheless the king was regarded as the supreme pontiff and priests within his dominions looked upon him both as their temporal and their spiritual superior.” Dr. Meek further added that “as far as can be gathered from the local traditions, these peoples at no time occupied a position of political subservience to the Jukun king of Wukari or Kwararafa. They regarded him as their spiritual chief and the head of all Jukun-speaking peoples.”
Unfortunately, no Hwaye alive will dare do that now because they all love their lives. A Hwaye alive will prefer to die with the solution of a whole generation than dare to officially occupy the vacant office that earned him the Kwanseh. This is due to the fact that occupying such an office comes along with it serious spiritual attacks, only “Real Men” can occupy it.
My suggestion is that if we are waiting for “Real Men” to occupy that position. The hope of a new or reformed Api (Kwararafa Empire) may never be a reality.
Since we are living in a changing world we will need to redefine some paradigm in order to give Api (Kwararafa Empire) a new marching order. Even OAU has reformed to AU. So also is UN.
The late Manu Agyo Likita tried his possible best to reform so many things and many others too that came later on the scene did same.
I make bold to say that:
I. A new constitution for kwararafa Empire should be penned down.
II. Indiginous languages should be included as official language. Some have been well scripted down already.
III. The former Wukari federation will mark the territory of our New Jerusalem headquarter and Monarchical capital as Jerusalem Annex.
IV. The Territory of governance shall consist of the 6 senatorial zones of Nigeria.
V. Coat of Arms remains.
VI. Flag Remains
VII. National Anthem remains
VIII. The head of State shall be the Monarch.
IX. The Executive power: The National Government shall be headed by a Prime Minister.
X. Legislative power should include the senate, right of the members of Parliament.
XI. It should include law-making process.
XII. Following the old paradigm of Api, the new Api will uphold christianity as the official Religion everyone has the right to choose and practice his or her religion, creed, conscience, faith, confession, and belief, with the exception of any form of satanic or devil worship.
XIII. Right to Assemble and associate.
XIV. Right to found political parties.
XV. Freedom of profession
XVI. Freedom of research, science and Teaching
XVII. Freedom of Procreation and child bearing
XVIII. Equality
XIX. Prohibition of Discrimination and priviledges
XX. Granting of Nobility
XXI. Right of protection
XXII. Welfare rights
XXIII. Procedural rights
XXIV. General provisions (Admissible and special restrictions)
XXV. Duties (General duties, civil service)
XXVI. Burdens (taxation, mandatory insurance)
XXVII. State monopolies
XXVIII. Forfeiture of fundamental rights
XXIX. State organisation
XXX. state objective
XXXI. state defination
These are the kinds of texts that should be covered in such a constitution.
If you have been following my line of thoght in the previous editions you will understand what the content of the quote below means:
“… Christian Quarter. This place, too, was a minor political battle ground; each of the christian sects and nationalties argued over whose ground was the most sacred which was the proper mode of worship. Each claimed to have cornered the market on truth and righteousness and God. Ellie paused to stare up the street as a procession of incense-bearing priests passed by. To her left rose the towers of the church of the Holy sepulcher where Jesus was said to have died. Ellie wondered what He would have said if He could see Jerusalem now splintered into a hundred fragments, each block was a deadly time bomb of self-righteousness. And where is God in all this? Ellie wondered. If He was ever really here, she decided, surely He has given up on this contention and moved His headquarters somewhere else.”
Think about that! Even the executive president of our Great Country, Nigeria has this to say for your diet, “Everyone has a role to play. If everyone plays it well, Nigeria will be great again and soon. In my dreams I see a new Nigeria in the Hands of God. As I traverse all parts of Nigeria I feel a new Nigeria emerging.” As an excerpt from the forward written for NEEDS project book.
Many people have pointed their prophetic fingers to the North East as the possible solution of our political malady.
Geographically, when we move west ward we loss time but when we move eastward we gain time, favour and direction.
May God give us courage to change what we can change and wisom to know the difference.
- Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda
A.I.M (Centre for World Rebirth) is in full communion with Yeshua International UK.



What manner of Prime Minister do we need when we set up a parliamentary system of Government
“If there is truly to be a nation of Israel,” Moshe thought, “Surely this will be its Prime Minister. The old Man’s door was never closed, nor was his heart.”
- The gates of Zion, by Bodie Thoene.
“History surely will favour this nation; because I am going to write it.”
- Winston Churchill-British Prime Minister, 1940-1945, 1951-1955

“If he is not the most powerful man in Israel today, he is second only to Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Sharon covets Begin’s job. Arik (Sharon) will do everything and I mean everything, to get the Prime Minister’s Post.” – William E. Smith, Time Magazine 1982 when Ariel Sharon was Defence Minister.


The task of a Prime minister in a parliamentary system of Government is an enviable one. A very sensitive position indeed.
I don’t want of burden us with all those definition of this system of government. This is not a lecture but a discuss. So I expect you to do that on your own in case you don’t know.
1) I want you to take my discuss as far back as when Joseph was appointed to assist in running of the Kingdom of Egypt.
“The King said to Joseph, God has shown you all this, so it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else. I will put you in charge of my country, and and all my people will obey your orders. Your authority will be second only to mine. I now appoint yu governor oover all Egypt. The King removed from his finger the ring engraved with the royal seal and put it on Joseph’s finger. He put a fine linen robe on him, and placed a gold chain round his neck… The king said to him, ‘I am the King – and no one in all Egypt shall so much as lift a hand or a foot without your permission…’ Joseph was 30years old when he bagan to serve the King of Egypt. He left the Kings court and travelled all over the land.” Genesis 42:39-46.
Joseph was successful: “there was so much corn that Joseph stopped measuring it – it was like the sand of the sea… people came to Egypt from all over the world to buy corn from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere.” Gen 41:4,57 we need a Prime Minister like Joseph who can ensure food security and attract world attention.
2) Let’s look at the case of Mordecai:
“Modecai had the letters written in the name of King Xerxes, and he stamped them with the royal seal… These letters explained that the king would allow the Jews in every city to organize themselves for self-defence… Mordecai left the Palace, wearing royal robes of blue and white, a cloak of fine purple linen, and a magnificient gold crown. Then the streets of Susa rang with cheers and joyful shouts.” Esther 8:10, 15.
Mordecai was successful: “King Xerxes imposed forced labour on the people of the coastal regions of his empire as well as on those of the interior. All the great and wonderfull things he did, as well as the whole story of how he promoted Mordecai to high office, are recorded in the official records of the kings of persia and media. Mordecai the Jew was second in rank only to King Xerxes himself. He was honoured and well liked by his fellow-Jews. He worked for the good of his people and for the security of all their descendents.”
We need a Prime Minister that will work for the good of his descendents.
3) Next person is Daniel:
“Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many grat gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.” Daniel 2:48.
The commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concernig him, that he should be the third ruler in the Kingdom. Dan.5: 29
“Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in the the earth; peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he his Kingdom that which shall not destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worked signs and wonders in heaven and earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the persian.” Dan. 6:25-28
* We need a Prime Minister whose God is a God of signs and wonders, we also saw that Daniel was successful in his administration under three different kings.
4) Nehemiah:
“The emperor asked, “ what is it that you want? I prayed to the God of Heaven, and then I said to the emperor. “ I f your majesty is pleased with me and is willing to grant my request, let me go to the land of judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild the city… the emperor gave me all I asked for, because God was with me. The Emperor sent some army officers and a troop of horsemen with me…” Neh. 2:4, 5-9a.
We need a Prime Minister that has a burden for his people like Nehemiah was responsible for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem in his time and was instrumental for return of the exiles.
His success story was that he defied Tobiah and Sanballat until he finished his work.
Recent Cases
1. Patrice Lumumba: A first Prime Minister of the Congo. He was instrumental in the fight for the independence of Congo from Belgians. He was charismatic, bold and diplomatic.
This young man had so many forces to fight against both within the seceding groups of the Congo, the Belgians and the west.
He was a promising young man, but forgot that as an eagle he was also suppose to have the qualities of an owl in order to learn how to watch his rear even when alone.
He was butchered due to his over confidence. He had enemies from every quarter. Yet he had the guts of entering their territory unprotected.
We need a Prime Minister who will be fearless as well as be wary and have hindsight. A man who can smell trouble from afar, very active. Highly independentt. A man with a wide and determinate sphere of influence/interest. Highly complex behaviour, who is also aware and in control of self.
2. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the first indigenous government after independence.
He was born in 1912 to Alhaji Yakubu. He was not born of noble parents. He was born at Bauchi district of Gewawa with a people very backward in education.
His primary education in Bauchi fell between 1922 and 1928. Between 1928 and 1933 he attended Katsina Teacher’s Training College, from there he went to London University Institute of Education between 1945 and 1946.
He was a teacher in Bauchi Middle School and education assistant in Bauchi province. He was a member of the Northern Self-development Fund Committee and member of Bauchi Native Authority Council in 1946. In 1947 he became the Nigerian delegate to the African conference in London. In 1948 he became a Nigerian delegate to the common wealth parliamentry Association. In 1951 he was a Nigerian delegate to the Festival of Arts in Britain, in the same 1951 he was the deputy of Northern People’s congress. Between 1951 and 1954 he was the central minister of works and transport, and in 1955 he was member of the Governor General’s Privy Council.
From September 1959 to Dec. 1959 he became the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And in the election of December 1959 he was re-elected as the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He was known as the man with “the golden voice of Africa.” He gave many public speeches. Speeches like “meaning of independence” and “Liberty in Africa.”
The rigging of election in western Region and the riot and killing that ensued threw him off balance. He loved his friend Samuel Ladoke to a fault. He did not assess the seriousness of the affairs, instead he continued chairmaning the commonwealth conference in Lagos till the “khaki boys” took over the government in the early hours of 15th of January, 1966; Which was Led by Nzogwu snuffed life out of him.
His own flaw was that he was slow to take a fast action in the western riot. He did not respond with prompt action, which led to intervention by the khaki boys.
3. Rev. Dr. Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920): He achieved for the Netherlands what we’ve been discussing to the latter. He was a pastor, a theologian in the Calvinist tradition, a Christian philosopher, Christian politician, Christian educator. He even served as Prime Minister of his country.
His stimulation led to the establishment of a Christian educational system, a Full Fledged university, a Christian political party, a Christian press and led to the formation of a truly pluralistic state, in distinction from a secular one. It was one of his conscious aims to free the people from the common government, the state church and other forces. He placed such an imprint on his country that more than 70 years after his death one cannot write about his country without reference to Kuyper.
I end with this statement, saying that we need a Prime Minister that is relevant to his time.
- Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda.




>Apostle Genesis A. Dawuda
>Vicar: Bethel Worship Centre,
>Administrator: A.I.M. (Centre For World Rebirth)
>A25T Jenta Adamu Street (New Jerusalem)P.O. Box 1229
>Jos, Plateau State. Nigeria West Africa.
>Web-site: www.ourchurch.com/member/a/api
>Phone:+234 08028063695
>E-mail: apostle1@walla.com
>Centreforworldrebirth@yahoo.com


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Father God, we count this day -a day or restoration, a day where the shackles of religion has been destroyed, a day where the blind can now see, a day that the deaf can now hear, and a day where the lost can be found dwelling in your presence and doing their part in the will of God. May each participant in this forum be enlightened in you. It is so... so shall it be....
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