MyDevotions.today The God of Heaven “He answered, I am a Hebrew and I worship The LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land” Jonah 1:9. REFLECTION Jonah recognized the God of heaven as the Creator. When God made the cosmos there was no existing material then, from which He could have fashioned the things that we now see. He conceived the marvellous idea of what a Universe would look like, what laws would govern it and how the entire system would relate, one part to the other. When God conceives of something He does it on a grand scale. How does God go about building stuff? He has two methods. He either speaks it into being by the Word of power or He uses the material He has created to fashion say, a man. Then He can use, say, a rib from the man and make a woman. God does not have a power problem. Creation is not a product of chance, but the product of the all-wise and all-powerful God. We look at a suspension bridge and we have no difficulty believing that it has a builder. We look at a huge ocean-liner or at a nuclear plant or a spacecraft and conclude that they were built by someone. Is it not strange that when we cast our eyes heavenward and look at the vast array of stars and galaxies we suddenly have brain damage and say they came into being by chance? No, way! “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.’’ Hebrew 4:3. It is God, Jonah insists, that made the sea with its vast array of potential to sustain the creatures that inhabit it. God made the land too and all its creatures and the wherewithal to sustain the lives of its creatures. Everything we see around has design and purpose. It did not happen by chance. God made them all. PRAYER Lord, help me to thank You daily. Amen WISDOM Creation makes it plain that there is a Creator. Devotion For January 1st 2019 By Winston Wilson
inside EDITORIAL 4 FEATURE ARTICLES The Order & Timing of God 6 Can we truly trust the Holy Spirit to lead the Church? My Husband is also King 8 How to approach a Holy God by grace and still maintain reverence for Him. Clash of Two Kingdoms 10 Warning: The Kingdom of light & The kingdom of Darkness is at war! God’s House 12 Using natural metaphors to understand God’s spiritual house. An Audience of One Is the concept of the worship leader a misnomer?
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Is there Such a Thing as Balance? 16 Getting priorities right. Scriptural Pattern of the New Covenant Church 18 A critique of the correctness of current leadership structures.
TESTIMONY 20 From Secret Service to Kingdom Service. REFLECTIONS
#youthSHARE 22 Is contemporary worship and Gospel music compatible with the worship described in Scripture? Maintaining Balance 24 Back to Acts: Pentecostal power & Koinonia. World in View The Dragon Awakes.
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The Story Teller A Tale of kings.
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On Whose Authority? 30 The challenge of being sons and subjects of God at the same time. In Praise Of Hymn 32 Reviewing Great Christian Hymns: – For I’m Building a People of Power.
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Poem: Order! Order! Order! 33 By Angela Slack Note to Self By Angela Slack
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2019 EDITORIAL
Order - God’s Idea First
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Order, was God’s idea first, He is a God of Order, the universe is in perfect order according to God’s plan, design and purpose for it. As an aspect of the character/nature of God, order is phenomenal in that it is dynamic and multidimensional. In other words, order though a small word is pithy in meaning; it is and is occurring at the same time, it is both a noun and a verb and has many layers of meaning. According to the google online dictionary order is “The arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method.”
God’s exclusive rule over the affairs and systems of the world chaos, corruption and evil exists.
So, order is God at work, His way of operating and so God is order, much like God is love. Were it not for the fallen state of humanity which has cast its shadow upon creation there would be no need to address the subject of order, as order would prevail naturally and a phrase such as “Divine Order” would be considered a contradiction, as all we would ever know was order.
So, God is building His household and He’s also planning a city, from which to govern His Kingdom. There is nothing random in God; everything God does is done in order. So it stands to reason that He has very clear plans for this building. This building is of ‘lively stones’ or in other words, His people, a household of faith, not an organization or bricks and mortar but a family of faithful sons and daughters, who will have the nature of Jesus Christ who is the pattern or exemplary Son.
If there was no rebellion or contradiction against what God has put in place the dichotomy of divine order and human chaos would not exist. In the absence of 4
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God’s plan to restore order “Order! Order! Order!” We are most likely familiar with this phrase in a courtroom as the Judge calls for silence or the observance of the prescribed procedures or by someone in charge of a meeting/ legislative assembly, etc. This is only one expression of order that reveals that something has gone wrong and needs correcting.
“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 (KJV)
We are intended to grow up into the fullness of the measure of Christ not just
January - March 2019
SHARE|MAGAZINE Volume 7 - Issue 1
About Us
SHARE MAGAZINE is a FREE Christian quarterly that deals with challenging Christian topics that have been mostly ignored or left unanswered. The magazine includes written articles, poems and thoughts etc. Read our online version at www. TheShareMagazine.com where you can go to our blog to discuss articles or order a printed version. If you would like to submit articles, join our writers group, or to get involved in any other way kindly email us. SHARE MAGAZINE is produced by Select Arrow, the publishing arm of United In Christ charity number 1140448.
Disclaimer
Throughout this magazine the editor & contributors seek to present a balanced and accurate view of Scripture’s teaching. We are all on a journey of studying and understanding God’s Word. Because of this, all we can offer is as balanced an understanding as the Holy Spirit has offered us at this time. The views or opinions represented in this publication are personal to each of our contributors and may not fully represent those of any other contributor or editor. Be aware that some articles may use UK spelling while others may use US spelling.
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live an aimless, arbitrary life. We have a purpose and a function and a destiny for which we were created and to realise it we must come into alignment with God’s order. Our future’s so important to God that He sent His Holy Spirit to ensure that we are built up properly, according to the order God determined for us. Scripture says, the steps of the righteous are ordered of God. We are not abandoned or left to our own devices we are instructed and supervised by a wise Master Builder who knows the plans and blueprint of God written into our DNA codes and is faithfully overseeing our lives towards this purpose, called “the perfecting of the saints.”
QA &
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God is the Creator and He like any of us who makes anything, has a purpose for it. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 NASB He designed us for His good pleasure, to fellowship with Him and worship Him. When our lives align with His divine order then our being continually worships Him. All that we do is worship. The way we relate to God and our fellow humans is all worship. Worship is our lifestyle. You see, our lives should daily reflect the Lord Jesus Christ who died for us and whose Spirit now lives in us and whose mind we have. Singing songs, playing music and dancing before our God is an important part of our worship to God but even this part of our
Why All the Chaos? Our best is our worst, we simply do not have a clue without God. The problem is not on God’s part, He’s put everything in place, every resource or material we need is already there for us spiritually and physically. All we need to do is to submit our will to God, end our rebellion, if we are not born again believers and ask Jesus to come in and take control of the building site that is our lives. If we are believers, we simply have to faithfully follow the manual/WORD of God and when we need an explanation, ask the Master Builder/The Holy Spirit
for help. Why is it so important to come into divine order? Only what is built by God will sustain, our efforts will have no eternal value and will count for nothing in God’s evaluation.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127 (KJV) p
Angela Slack
Editor and Co-founder
You have questions we’ve got answers
Does Order Mean No Freedom? worship should flow from daily [sin is removed so, we encounter relating to God and those whom Jesus] In Acts, when the Church of Jesus Christ was being formed, we we live among. see where the body of believers The Bible records that God is met regularly to fellowship, eat the same yesterday, today and meals together, say prayers and forever. Before Jesus Christ came experienced miracles, continually into the world, we see that God and faithfully devoted themselves had very specific ways that He to the instruction of the apostles. wanted His people to live/worship. He gave commands He expected Hebrews 10:25 encourages us them to follow and their obedience not to forsake the assembling of to these commands affected the ourselves together, especially as quality of their lives. Individuals the day of Christ’s return becomes also had to bring their sacrifices for imminent. sin and their offerings to God in a 1 Corinthians 14: 40 states, “But all manner defined by God. Anything things must be done properly and less was unacceptable and was in an orderly manner.” NASB. This rejected by Him and impacted not has been misinterpreted to render only the individual but the entire corporate gatherings of the congregation of Israelites. Church, mundane, suppressing Whereas the order of worship the flow of the Holy Spirit. He was was quite ritualistic/symbolic [sin given, to lead us into truth and separated us] in the Old Testament, into the effective use of ‘the gifts’. in the New Testament, corporate These gifts were given, to build up worship is more organic/relational the body of Christ,
Continued on pg 27
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ORDER AND TIMING OF GOD THE
She Isn’t Unclean, Unfaithful or Unprepared!
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In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, Genesis 1:1. So what does that one line tell us? God created... where something has to be created there has to be an intelligence and a balance of order. There was not a big bang as some would believe… BANG! Vs ORDER! POW! Everything now suddenly in order? Definitely not. Order is created by intelligence, not a big bang that somehow formed itself out of nothing.
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We did not evolve from apes, monkeys, fish, cosmic dust, star dust or anything else. We were created in God’s image. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...” Genesis 1:26, then God gave us authority over all things. First God the Creator created all things then He created man. His genetic DNA code is in us and that can only be created by intelligence. Also it was all in perfect timing. First came the
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order of the universe, the earth and all in it then man. So, it has all been done in an orderly sequence. God is orderly. When we go to God in worship and prayer and make our petition known we can be assured that He does hear us. Now, we may think the answer is going to come immediately, sometimes it may. However, if we look back at our prayers of the past most will have been answered after a long period
far better than ours. We only have to look in Scripture to see periods of time when prayers were answered and events happened. Having prayed and waited for answers and listened to the Holy Spirit over time, we can see how God has answered and done things in order. Sometimes we suddenly get an unction from the Holy Spirit, or a sudden urgency to go somewhere, do something or speak to someone. When we obey we often find the answer comes.
of time. To God this will not be a long time. In that time there will be an orderly process going on behind the scenes. Certain events might have to be put in order for many reasons we could not even envisage. In that time we learn to grow in faith and patience, trusting that God has heard us and will answer in His timing. Again, there’s order because God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours and His way of working things out are
Everything in the universe has a function, all is balanced. When we look into the night sky especially on a clear night, at the multitude of uncountable stars to us it may look disorderly. There must be millions of galaxies with all their own systems. We know there are so many suns, moons, star fields, nebulas and whatever else the Almighty has created. However unimaginably vast and chaotic it may be to us it will all be in the order and timing God created it to be. Don’t forget that is just only what we get to see. “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years agowhether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows such a one was caught up to the third heaven.” 2 Corinthians. 12:2. The first heaven is the skies where we see birds fly about and clouds pass us by. The second heaven is the outer space region, stars moon galaxies etc. The third heaven is
where the throne of God is. Now if this is so, how can it have been thrown randomly together from some chaotic big bang? If we read Scripture and listen and obey what the Holy Spirit teaches us we will be led and guided in orderly steps. Life is not a randomly selected, haphazard string of events from day to day. It may seem that way but if we take a step back, a deep breath and ask the Lord to direct our steps to live an orderly life in the power of His Holy Spirit, we might begin to see the order in many things which to our minds may seem disorderly. Creation by the Creator in all its beauty and order is absolutely mind boggling. We see what we see yet in and beyond the great immense vastness of this beautiful universe is the Creator’s order and one day we will see beyond this veil and look into the beautiful eyes of our beloved God, Jesus and Holy Spirit and say WOW! Thank You Jesus for paying the high price and redeeming me back into Your family and the beauty of You. Prayer. Oh heavenly Father how can we express such thanks for the wonder of order You have created. That such things beyond our comprehension is hard for us to even begin to understand. We thank You that You are the God of order and perfect timing of all things in our lives. Lead us and guide us in the power of Your Holy Spirit to trust You that we will be obedient to Your order for our daily living. Thank You. Amen. p
January - March 2019
By Lynda K Smith writer, proof reader, poet and Evangelist
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My Husband is also the King L
Let me set the scene of what was happening around the time of Esther. Disputably around 483 - 521BC, during the time of the prophet Ezra, between chapters 6:15 & 7:9 of Ezra. The people were being restored to the land of Canaan: the promised land: going home after enduring 70 years of
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captivity in Assyria and Babylon. Some had not gone yet, estimated between 2 – 3 million Jews stayed where they had grown up, most of them from the tribe of Judah from which the name Jew was derived. Just as a time reference 2 great world leaders Confucius and Buddha died around then.
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king Xerxes reigned in a vast area of land, it is said to stretch from India to Ethiopia or as it was known then; Cush. His palace was in a place called Shushan or Susa, Persia’s principle city. It is hard for us to understand the power that king Xerxes, (or king Ahasuerus as he was also known) had. He was
recognised by the people as sacred, almost a God. He had all the power, he made the laws and they had to be obeyed. He loved to show off his wealth and power by holding lavish parties and banquets, after partying for a week he ordered his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti in her crown to him to display her beauty. She refused, he was furious, he stripped her of the title of Queen and sent her off elsewhere. It was decided that the king would choose another queen, in what sounds like, a very long beauty pageant.
realised the consequences of what Haman had asked. But she couldn’t, she hadn’t been called for over a month, to go to the king in the inner court without invitation could cost her her life. So, the message went back to Mordecai of her fear and reluctance. He sent another message reminding her that even though she had a high position she would also be in danger. If she didn’t then someone else would but her father’s line would be wiped out. She was there for such a time as this!
Now enters our heroine, Esther, a name which could have been derived from the Persian word for Star; her Hebrew name Hadassah means myrtle. She was a nobody, an unknown orphaned beauty from a Jewish family, an ordinary woman living in a foreign land but she was part of a minority race held in low esteem; yet God chose her for a very important role. Her cousin put her forward for the title but forbade her to tell of her ethnicity. She humbly followed all the rituals and procedures, gathering respect and favour from everyone, until it was her turn to go to the king. When the king saw her, he was captivated by her beauty and crowned her queen. Life was never going to be the same ever, again.
She knew she had to, so she just said, “if I die I die”. (Esther 4:16) She sent a message back to Mordecai asking him and the other Jews to fast for 3 days for her, she and her maids would not drink or eat either, then she would go before the king even though it was against the Law.
Her cousin, Mordecai, just by chance one day, overheard a discussion between two of the king’s officers, who were plotting to kill the king. Mordecai reported it to the queen and she passed it onto the king, she gave the credit to Mordecai. This time a plot to kill all the Jews by the man who hated Mordecai and his race was uncovered. He sent a message to Queen Esther that she had to go before the king and stop the edict that the king had made, Xerxes could not have
After fasting she put on her royal robes and what must have been fear and trepidation, went to the king. Unexpectedly, he received her favourably, extending his sceptre towards her. After inviting the king to 2 banquets, she exposed the dastardly plot of Haman. God had reminded king Xerxes only the night before of Mordecai’s previous help, just before the plot was revealed. Haman was put to death on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai. The problem now was that the Jews were still going to be slaughtered and killed, the edict had gone out to the people in all the 127 provinces. Not even the king could change that, so by writing another edict to counteract the first: the Jews were able to protect themselves and plunder those who attacked them. No-one dared to: in fact it tells us in Esther 8:17 that other nationalities became Jews because fear had
seized them. From that time to today, the Jews celebrate Purim as a reminder of how they were once again saved. Purim is a time of giving and receiving gifts especially to the poor. Although God is never directly mentioned in the whole of this book, His message runs throughout, Esther trusted God with her life even though her first response was not a courageous one. It is an example to us that God, no matter where we are or who we are; no matter how big our faith is or how little, He and He alone is able to do incredible things with us and through us, He show us how He works sovereignly in the lives of ordinary people who submit to His ways. God manoeuvres every aspect of life to position people, governments and situations for His plan and purpose. He, unlike the worldly powers, no matter how strong or threatening, shows us that we can come before His throne of grace and enter His presence with no fear of Him, just reverence for Him. Waiting on God’s timing is often difficult but His timing is always perfect. Esther is a vivid reminder of God’s promise, as written in, Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” As God calls you into your position in His Kingdom, may you realise that you too, are made for such a time as this! p
January - March 2019
By Teresa L. Randle Missionary, Preacher and Bible Teacher
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“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 – 6 KJV My son’s basic training, for induction into the army, was 6 months of hard discipline and reshaping his attitude and character. Now he had a new family and had to learn how to defend them. He had a uniform and weapons which he had to learn how and when to use them and keep in peak condition as his life and the lives of his comrades depended on it. In the field if anyone was injured or died they were rescued and brought home.
Christians go through similar “spiritual” training; learning the weapons of our Warfare. Laying down our lives for our King Jesus. Many drop out as it gets too much for them they prefer the things of the world than those of the Kingdom. They think they will be safer in the world than in the Kingdom of God. However, we need to mature and come to understand when the attacks are coming and where they are coming from and how to guard our own soul. We learn how to respond and above all know that God is with us. ‘I will never leave you or forsake you,’ Hebrews 13:5
An enemy at large There are wars and rumours of wars all over our world just as Jesus predicted and somehow we have grown used to seeing all this bloodshed in the news. There is also another war that is raging all around Many dropped out during the first us if God opened our eyes to see we 6 months of training as they could would be shocked. not handle the discipline or the fact they felt they had no life of their “For we do not wrestle against flesh own once they had sworn their and blood, but against principalities, allegiance to the Queen. He learned against powers, against the rulers battle manoeuvres and of course of the darkness of this age, against role playing war games. He learned spiritual hosts of wickedness in the different warning colours to alert the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 army if they needed to step up to different kinds of defence protocol. He also knew the enemy he was fighting but he said nothing prepared him for the real thing. When the war started he had to go on auto and trust what he had learned.
“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 The devil is always prowling around looking to lead us away from God and to draw us back out of the Kingdom of God back into the world. I have witnessed this many times in my 40 years as a Christian. Jesus was in the desert and the devil showed him all the wonders of the Kingdoms of the Earth, (Luke 4) its cities etc... and said they would be His if He would bow down and worship him. This was a battle for kingdoms against the Kingdom of God but there was only one way for the Kingdom of God to come and Jesus to reign as King. This would be an everlasting Kingdom where the souls He ransomed through His death and resurrection would live with Him forever. Satan of course knew this and tried to deflect Jesus by trying to tempt Him with worldly kingdoms which are only temporary. So Jesus rebuked satan and He did it again with Peter, warning his
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disciples to guard their hearts from “And if thine eye causeth thee to fall, being lured away. pluck it out. It is better for thee to enter into the Kingdom of God with Jesus’ Warnings: one eye than, having two eyes, to be “He rebuked Peter, saying, ‘Get cast into hellfire...” Mark 10:15 behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the “Verily I say unto you, whosoever things of men.’” Mark 8:33 shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not “And from the days of John the enter therein.” Luke 17:21 Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the There are many more violent take it by force.” Matthew The Kingdom of God is Within us: 11:12 “Neither shall they say, ‘Lo, it is here!’ or ‘Lo, it is there!’ For behold, “The field is the world, the good the Kingdom of God is within you (or seeds are the sons of the kingdom, in the midst of you)” Luke 17:21 but the tares are the sons of the The Kingdom of God is within us wicked one.” Matthew 13:38 that’s why satan comes against us. “You therefore, beloved, since The battle we are in is between: The you know this beforehand, beware Kingdom of God vs the kingdoms lest you also fall from your own of satan. steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked...” Hebrews Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God 3:12 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, “But seek ye first the Kingdom of and the Kingdom of God is at hand. God and His righteousness, and all Repent and believe the Gospel.” these things shall be added unto Mark 4:11 you.” Matthew 12:28 And you, being dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you
all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us. He took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2: 13- 15 “Therefore, we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and Godly fear...” Hebrews 12:28 We are in a heavenly war if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Saviour, of that there is no doubt. Satan’s job is to steal and destroy the living hope that the Son of God has placed within us. He rejoices when he sees the light go out of our eyes and the hope within us fade. He laughs and then goes on to another of our brethren. Paul always appears to begin his epistle with the words I pray for you always that… In this final battle for the Kingdom we need to pray for each other like never before and to understand the evil in our days; but we know that greater is He within us than he who is in the world. The battle belongs to the Lord. There is the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of satan which one are you in? Further Reading: *You can find teaching on Spiritual Warfare on our OSB website.
KINGDOMS p
By Barbara Payne intercessor, evangelist, minister, holds Women Unite events in the UK
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GOD’S HOUSE J
Jesus spoke of His Father’s house in John 14:2, He said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you.” (CBS) We understand the following from Jesus’ statement: 12
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God has a house
• This house has many rooms • One of these rooms belong to us if we belong to Christ • Jesus is getting your room ready and will at some point come back to take us home
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Jesus is using this metaphor of a house to help us understand the structure of a much more grandeur Spiritual reality. Other metaphors are sometimes used. Jesus prayed for the Kingdom of God to come to earth but to understand what this Kingdom looks like and how
it functions we must consider the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. We must do the same to understand God’s house.
its pans to receive its ashes, and its shovels and its basins and its forks and its firepans; you shall make all its utensils of bronze…”
We understand from Scriptures that this house is still under construction and that we play a vital role in its building. In this article we will try to bring the pieces together to understand how it’s built. We will, in subsequent articles, go on to look at how it’s run and ordered.
We will also realise that God did not leave it up to chance but put His Spirit even into His craftsmen. We will see that He is the one that hone the skills and inspire us builders to do an excellent job as we work on His house today. It says in Exodus 31:1-7, “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you: the tabernacle of meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furniture of the tabernacle…’”
What is God Building? We have in the Old Testament a literal example of a house that was built for God. The tabernacle was built as the place where God would dwell in the midst of His people. The approach and principle to building God’s Spiritual house is no different from that of building the tabernacle. In Exodus Moses was given very precise instructions as to how to build, decorate and furnish God’s house (the tabernacle). “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker. All the curtains are to be the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five…” We see this kind of detailed instructions for every aspect of the building. The same care was taken when giving details on how to worship and how to make the instruments/ clothing etc. to be used in worship. “You shall make an altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide—the altar shall be square— and its height shall be three cubits. You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it. And you shall overlay it with bronze. Also you shall make
to His apostles for the building of the Church which is God’s house. Paul one of Jesus’ apostles said this, “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ…” Galatians 1:1 Again Paul refers to himself as a “wise master builder.” He said, “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation…” 1 Corinthians 3:10 The closest present day parallel to the job title ‘master builder’ in Paul’s time, I believe, would be what we know today as building engineers who would interpret the blueprint, do the necessary structural work like blast into rocks to lay a proper foundation or build and install steel frames capable of supporting the building. The engineers would also pass on to the foreman and construction workers the information they need for finishing. Go to the SHARE Blog to view a graphical flow chart comparing literal building hierarchy with that of the Spiritual.
So God gave a detailed outline for the building and also put His Spirit into those who are to do work. Let us take a closer look at God’s present building project.
God - Owner, Architect
Hierarchy of builders Master Builders God is the owner of the building and head of all builders. He is the architect and master of all master builders, the one who worked out the design and drew up the blueprint for engineers and builders to follow. As Moses was given the details for the building of the tabernacle etc. So in the New Testament Jesus gave instructions
Elders/Overseers and Group of Local Church members
Designer
and
5 Fold Ministry - Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher and Pastor
Watch this Space: We will continue this series on God’s House in a follow up article in the next issue of SHARE Magazine. p
January - March 2019
By Homer Slack author, preacher, Bible teacher, IT tutor, programmer & graphic designer
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An Audience of One I I attended the worship team rehearsal for the Sunday morning service of one of our leading congregations. Their music director is exceptionally talented and well-known. All the musicians are professionals and the singers are not your typical shower variety. It was a wonderful experience just being in that fairly private space that evening.
One of the songs they were rehearsing was Matt Redman’s very popular “Heart of Worship”. In case you don’t know the story behind the song, here it is in a nutshell. Redman’s pastor was concerned that their worship sessions needed more depth. He decided to conduct an experiment, removing the sound system and the band for a season. Each Sunday, there would be no major music production. All they had was people coming to their Heavenly Father with humble hearts and voices. Out of that experience, Redman penned the now famous words: “When the music fades, All is stripped away and I simply come Longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will bless your soul I’ll give you more than a song For a song in itself is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the way things appear You’re looking into my heart! I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You, all about You Jesus I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it When it’s all about You, all about You Jesus” (©Matt Redman, 1997)
So here I was in this Jamaican Church worship rehearsal. The instrumentation was perfect; the chordal structure on point; the arrangement impressive; the tonal quality of the voices beyond beautiful. Everything came together in one accord. All of us in the room felt it deeply. The director exclaimed, jumped and shouted. The rest of the team joined him in celebrating their success in pulling the very best out of the song. Something nagged at me. Isn’t this what the song was supposed to be preventing? A focus on the “song in itself” rather than on Jesus, the subject of the song? It struck me that this is indeed the weakness of songs or tools of worship - the fact that it is only a tool, no matter how wellwritten. I found that I couldn’t rejoice with the others, because in that moment I caught a sharp vision of what our Creator wanted out of our corporate worship experiences. He wants us to move past ourselves, and past our media of worship - the musical pieces, the poetry, the performance - and to see Him alone. He is jealous for our full attention. Worship really ought to be focused on an audience of ONE. By now you may realize that the
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present state of worship through music and other creative arts in the corporate setting is not as I think it should be. I have identified three main things to take into consideration as we worship. Worship is directed at God and God alone. We come together because of Him and His saving acts toward us. Our choices of expression - whether they be songs, poems, drama, stories or visual art should not attract more attention than He Himself. Worship is not a song but a lifestyle. The true ‘House of God’ is the physical body of the believer. Whatever we do in our bodies ought to be an act of worship. When we see worship as taking place only when we ‘go to Church’ and are ‘led’ by those who have been assigned the role of ‘worship leaders’ in the Church community, then we are coming up short in our understanding. Don’t get me wrong. This is not to say that this assigned role is always unnecessary. What it means is that the believer must broaden their understanding of what it means to worship. Worship will therefore be practiced in our private spaces and times with God, through our interpersonal relationships, in our lifestyle choices as we take care of our bodies (right nutrition, exercise, water intake, rest, etc.) It is as we worship through our lifestyles that our worship finds expression through the artistic gifting that we have received, in the power of the Holy Spirit. If we have been developing a real relationship with our Creator, then a ‘Worship Leader’ becomes redundant. Our real ‘Worship Leader’ would be the Holy Spirit Himself, doing His job of taking us to the King so that we fall before Him in worship and praise. It would be an instinctive act and not one that has to be worked up and stimulated by an external stimuli. Worship must be in spirit and in truth.
This is what Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:24. One of the ways to read this is that, our worship must be authentic expressions of our true selves. One of the challenges we have faced in our culture is that our indigenous language and music forms are often not considered appropriate or worthy to be used in worshiping Jesus. Church worship originally was about people who acknowledged their unworthiness and their need for God, coming together to offer Him their deepest expressions of gratitude in a unified voice, recognizing that they were all one in Christ Jesus their Savior and that the ground was level at the foot of the cross. However, because Christianity in our culture was planted and became entrenched within a class structure, the two systems (Christianity and Classism) became entangled somehow. Worship in most cases then was designed for the comfort of those who were fluent in the Standard English and were comfortable with the European and American (Western) musical expressions. Imagine how difficult it must be (equality and justice aside) for certain sectors of the society to heed the call in John 4:24 to worship from, way down deep in their hearts (transliteration from the Jamaican New Testament) when the language and music are not what naturally emanates from their hearts! The worship space must therefore facilitate true, authentic worship in the heart language, music and other artistic expressions, where each person is led by the Spirit of God to offer up highest praise to their Creator because of who He is and what He has done for us. p By Jo-Ann Richards Goffe Cultural Advocate, Ethnodoxologist, Singer/ Songwriter, Speaker, Teacher, Author.
January - March 2019
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15
? e c n a Bal
, Honestly Is
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h c u S e r e h t
? g n i h AT
Is balance a scale, settled on its fulcrum with equal weights on either side? Firstly, that isn’t realistic, there’s no day when there are ONLY 2 things, that get equal effort. We have children, work, family, personal care, spiritual health, worship, service, vocation and hobbies… Balance implies that we know what’s required and then allocate appropriate time to each thing. That suggests prioritization. Yet, although we acknowledge family as more important to us than our jobs, we spend more time at work than with our families; and with God at the top of our priority list, time in spiritual practice can fall a poor third
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to work and family time. Are we out of balance? Things Come Up I think prioritization rather than balance is more realistic. Have you had that call from a loved one where you dropped everything, to serve and to help them? Or when your child doesn’t sleep the night through and you don’t sleep either but then you don’t go to work because your exhaustion means you might be dangerous or unkind to other humans; are you out of balance then? I don’t think so. I think you made a choice about what your priority was in the moment. As a mom of a child with special needs, I’ve noticed that it’s hard to
January - March 2019
know ahead of time all the things that I’ll deal with each day. Who knows which combination of a snow day (no school) and a stomach virus (no sleep) and a winter storm (no heat or power) a panic attack (no peace) will come my way? If I don’t know, how can I plan, much less plan in a way that establishes balance? A Time for Everything With the massive unknown created by competing roles and surprise events, I’ve decided that balance is a myth and that another strategy is needed to maintain peace and sanity. It’s called ‘figuring out your priorities’. I know we all know our general priorities, God, Family and so on but usually there are at least 5 things calling for our attention and only 1 thing that’s urgent. The trick is knowing which one.
“There is a time for everything,” Ecclesiastes 3. It’s true and such a relief! It means that, if I don’t have time for it, then ‘it’, may not be a ‘thing’ that I need to be doing. How do we determine our priorities? Four Steps to Figuring it Out. 1. Choose the easy way. I believe if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing the hard way but that doesn’t mean I need to choose the hard way all the time! As a ‘type A, get things done person’, I’m pretty competent at most things and I can be caught doing many, things that I just don’t have to do. I don’t have to build the nativity set myself, I can buy one. I don’t have to pick the children up, I can let them take the train. Some of the items competing for our attention can be delegated to others or just done the easy way. Think what is most efficient! 2. Priorities. What do you really, want to be spending your time and energies on? Sometimes we are caught doing tasks for others, that’s outside of our comfort zone. This is often the case with ministry and service opportunities. Sometimes saying ‘no’ to a request will leave space for the person or opportunity that really fits the need to be found. So make a list of what you really want to be spending time and energy on. Specially note the priorities that you think take more time/energy than they should and the others that are not getting enough attention. Make another list of the things that you currently spend time on that aren’t on your first list. These 2 lists are prayer prompts… opportunities to discuss your time and energy utilization with the Maker of time and energy. Abba Father! 3. Schedule. Block out time you want to use for the items on your list. I like
to create an ideal week with blocks for learning, work with clients, selfcare, worship, etc. This is also a discernment opportunity. God will help you find a rhythm for your week and month. As you do, ensure you create generous time boundaries for transition between activities. For example, I realized that I can spend several hours in activity with my children or with clients but the moment I stop and am by myself, I need at least 30 minutes of recovery time before I can move to the next activity. I’m usually found sitting in the car before my next appointment reading, listening to music or browsing social media. That 30 minute boundary needs to be part of my transition time. The same goes for preparation time before activities. If you are the person that tends to have a 20 minute shower even though you plan for 5 minutes, own that about yourself and honor that time. Notice your typical trends and PLAN TIME FOR THEM. That way, they don’t sneak up and hijack your schedule and you won’t feel deprived. 4. See Clearly. Even though we plan, stuff happens, which is often outside our control and can overwhelm us. My husband Isaiah leads our church’s worship team. Sometimes, team members get sick or are otherwise unable to participate. So, at a moment’s notice, he could be on the schedule in a role that he hadn’t planned to be in. The unexpected happens all the time and you have to respond to it. For all of us, knowing when to say yes and when to say no, is an act of discernment. I’ve noticed that it’s difficult to separate the competing voices and demands when we are anxious and unsettled. The Scriptures are right. Peace guards our heart, the place of discernment and intuition (the knowing you sometimes can’t
explain). Often it’s impossible to think clearly without this peace. In such times, I know the priority cannot be determined without that clarity and It’s quite difficult to perceive without peace, so peace becomes THE priority. This lesson is a tough one to grasp and can be even tougher to master. The truth is that we don’t effectively align with our priorities and know how to respond to the situations that face us if we aren’t anchored deep down, knowing that we are safe and capable and have access to all the resources we need. A wise friend calls this the ‘non-anxious presence’. When I allow myself to be present in a non-anxious way, regardless of what’s going on around me, I can see the situations so much clearer, hear the priorities of my heart loudly and can discern the promptings of the Spirit. Even though there is no such thing as perfect balance, there is such a thing as balancing, so that we can honor the fact that there is a time for everything. Balancing involves working smart, understanding our priorities, creating time for those priorities and practicing peace so we can respond to the daily upheavals with grace, being able to see the situation, our priorities and the invitation of the Spirit, clearly. The issues faced and the time and energy needed to engage those things will vary daily. There are no formulas and thank God for that! Life is dynamic. Only the knowledge that we have access to the One who loves us fully, knows us completely and will guide our moments so they build His Kingdom on earth. Here’s to BALANCING well in 2019. p By Faith Clarke Author, consultant & manager of Melody of Autism helping parents run family centered ventures while supporting special needs children.
January - March 2019
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I
Imagine a humble, professing believer in Jesus Christ, who wakes up trembling in the middle of the night with his heart racing. He is sure that he heard a voice calling him that clearly said, “I am sending you to the ghettos of New York to preach My Word and to transform hundreds of lives.” He calmly sits down on the edge of his bed. His wife is still wrapped up under covers completely unaware of what is happening to him. He had been just an ordinary member of a Spirit-filled Baptist church, a deacon with a real heart to serve, not seeking recognition from his fellow believers. Then the voice continues. “Pack your bags and be ready to leave within two days. I will lead you step by step.” At the end of two days God leads him to the poorest neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. His wife is with him, a bit shaken by the sudden change of events but a humble woman of great faith supporting her husband. Within a year God uses him to start several house groups. (Acts 2:44-46) He has appointed leaders who meet with him regularly to report the Church’s progress. The Greek word the New Covenant Scripture uses to describe him is “apostolos,” and means ONE WHO IS SENT. Not long after, as the house groups meet one Saturday night in a rented auditorium, as they lift their hands in worship singing “You are Worthy, O Lord!” a brother at the back of the assembly senses the movement of the Holy Spirit upon him, and feels that he cannot hold back any longer. However, with self-control he waits until the song fades away and with raised voice says, “The Lord is calling His people to
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Scriptural Pattern of the
New Covenant Church reach out to the lost, to go into all the world, to preach the good news to all who will listen. Prepare yourselves, My people, for I am with You. It will not be Your work, but mine as you fast and pray!”(Matt 28:19:20) People begin to fall on their knees, tears stream down faces. Others with raised hands sing again, “You are Worthy, O Lord!” The brother had spoken forth the directions in which God wanted the Church to move. The Church then, with its various house groups, had been scripturally built upon a foundation of an apostle, who had been sent to
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establish a work of God, and a prophet, who spoke forth the spiritual directions the Church should take. Of course, there could have been more than one apostle and more than one prophet. However, the cannon of Scripture was always the chart from which the pattern of the Early Church was built. Within that cannon, all the words of those whom God had sent to establish His work, or the words of the great prophets of the Old Covenant had set the pattern by which God’s people should live and by which an assembly of His people can find examples of the way God works to build up the lives of believers (Eph 2:19-22)
was in some back room of the building, on his knees crying out to God for direction for himself and the healing of hurting hearts and confused lives. Paul, the apostle, in writing to Ephesian believers listed one more gift to the church: the teacher. The teacher was a distinct gift, that operated beyond intellectual understanding of Scripture learned in a college. The teacher opened up hidden meanings of the Word of God that often confused believers, too lazy to search the Scriptures for themselves. Such teachers operate through divine revelation. They study the Word of God diligently, dissect each passage, break it down in simple understandable terms, so that even the uneducated can perceive what God is saying. They examine the context and period in which passages were written. Like the Berean believers they have not accepted any teaching without searching the Scriptures for themselves. (Acts 17:11)
Not long afterwards God called some to the ministry of evangelism. However, nobody began to take on their function as a title that gave them prestige among their fellow believers. For example, no one was called “Evangelist John,” or “Evangelist James,” but like the New Covenant apostles were called “Paul, the apostle” or “Agabus, the prophet.”
brother’s function followed his name, e.g. Paul, the apostle. Neither did their wives take on titles like “First Lady Katherine.” Remember when Ananias laid hands on Saul of Tarsus, he greeted him, “Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me that you might receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 9:17)
Then God raised up leaders for each house group who shepherded the believers. They became the pastors, who led the people like sheep are led. And they were not called “Pastor Henry,” or “Pastor Jonathan,” but simply “Brother Henry” or “Brother Jonathan.” Check the Scriptures and you will find that a
And the work of a New Covenant pastor was not the weekly message to believers but the care of individual believers. The pastor visited, ministered and knew each sheep. (Ezekiel 34 -36) He was not the general chairman of the assembly but a humble servant that sometimes was incognito, not even seen because he
Above all, God wants a people who are intimate not only with Him but with each other, who demonstrate that they own nothing on this earth and are simply pilgrims passing through a strange land, looking for a city, whose builder and Maker is God. (Heb 11:9,10) Here finally are a people who because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love. (Eph 4:16 AMPC) p By C Richard McCaw author, music teacher and many years as a Bible teacher
January - March 2019
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19
TESTIMONY From Secret Service to Kingdom Service
By Pastor Yanko Dobrev
In the Army
The Beginning of my Conversion
On April 1st 1983, my two years of army service ended and I returned to my home town, Silistra. I can’t explain how but I ended up working for the Secret Police. I was just a pawn in this monstrous organization that was crushing everyone who had a different opinion from that of the Communist Party or ‘posed a threat to our national security’. One of the intentions that Communists had for Bulgaria was that by the year 2000, there would be no one who believes in God.
In March 1981, I joined the army and served for 2 years as a specially trained driver in the army headquarters. My mission was top secret; in case of war I was to drive the officers to a secret command centre. It was well hidden and carefully guarded. In case of war the primary task of the enemy would be to discover this place. If they succeeded, that would mean there will be no one in charge, to give orders, supply food and weapons for the army and ultimately, hungry and weaponless, we would lose the war. Our mission was this serious and so our training was very serious too. The Bulgarian army had always been very disciplined and well trained. I would like God’s army to be like this. 20
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At this time, a friend gave me a New Testament but I shared a house, my housemates brought their girls around all the time, they smoked, drank and so I could not read. I decided to move in with a friend from the Church, who lived about 5 miles away from Silistra. There I was able to read and keep my notes.
In Quest of Truth
I read the New Testament in order to find out what I should do to have eternal life. I got excited most when I read Acts chapter 2, about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I was thought that if Jesus has risen and if He is alive today that means that I can be baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. The words of Jesus: “Except a man be born of water and of Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” did not give me peace day and night. I was
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praying: ”Lord I want to enter Your Kingdom, but I do not know how. Please, teach me!” Very soon, God answered my prayer. A friend from the Secret Police told me that 2 years ago they found a group of about 5 women who were reading the Bible and speaking in other tongues. They belonged to a certain dangerous sect. He said that a criminal whose name is Paul Ignatov from Sofia was their leader. Once he had been to Silistra to visit this group and the police wanted to get him but he escaped. Then the police threatened to imprison them if they didn’t stop meeting. My friend told me that one of these women worked in a food store and her name is Ruska. I went to this store and found her. I told her that I am reading the Bible and want to visit their meeting. She told me that they did not have services in Silistra anymore but on Sunday she could bring me to Russe (a big city about 70 miles from Silistra), where they have underground meetings. The name of the Church was “Church of God”. I anticipated this day. Next Sunday morning we met in the apartment of the pastor, in Russe, there were about 50 people. Exactly at 10:00 the Church service started with praise and worship, then there was prayer and some people had visions and they shared them with us. The pastor preached, after that he prayed for the sick people and they
50 years old. At that time I didn’t understand that this was a prophecy for me.
said that God had touched and healed them. During the prayer I was able to hear the people around me speak in other tongues. I was very excited. For the first time I was witnessing this kind of Church service. When it was over I talked to Pastor Ivan Georgiev and his son Peter Georgiev, the current pastor. They explained to me about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These people were very warm-hearted and loving. Then I made a decision in my heart to attend this Church and to believe only in the Bible. Then my prayer was: “Lord, baptize me in the Holy Spirit! Lord, I want to see this kind of Church in Silistra as well! Amen!”
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
I returned to my rented flat and I started to pray and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to baptize me in the Holy Spirit. Sometimes at night, I went out of the village and knelt down, lifting my hands towards the sky and prayed. I was desperate for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I believed [then] that if I did not receive it, I wouldn’t have eternal life. One day I visited a Church in another city called, Shumen, held in the apartment of the pastor. When I went in, the pastor’s wife said to me: “Brother, a minute ago, before you came in I saw you in a vision. And God told me: This youth will be My worker for My Kingdom in Silistra!” After God spoke to me, you came in.” I was very surprised. I met this woman for first time in my life. She was about
A month later, I visited Russe again. That morning they had a guest speaker. At the end of the Church service he started to pray for some of the people. Then he came to me and started to pray. After the prayer he said: “Brother, I do not know you but God gave me a revelation while I was praying for you. I saw in this vision as a small stone. I asked the Lord: ‘Lord what does this stone mean?’ God told me: This young man for whom you are praying will be a cornerstone for the establishing of My Church in Silistra!” This was the second prophecy for my ministry but again I did not understand what God was telling me through this. My single concern was the baptism in the Holy Spirit for which I was praying day and night. I might have been praying for 7 or 8 months but I did not receive it. I returned to the Church in Russe again and there I met “the criminal”, the overseer of the Churches in Bulgaria, Paul Ignatov. The people there told me that he was persecuted and sent to prison because of the gospel. He preached a fiery word that touched my heart. After the message he invited everybody that wanted to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. About 15-20 people came up and I went too. We started to pray. I could hear with my ears the people around me that started to speak in other tongues. But I didn’t. When I went back home, my prayer was no longer: “Lord Jesus, baptize me in the Holy Spirit! but Lord Jesus, what is the reason for not baptizing me in the Holy Spirit?” So, for a couple of days my prayer to the Lord contained only this question. He answered me with a revelation in a dream. I dreamed that the Secret Police
was informed that an international terrorist would come to Silistra, from Turkey. We knew that he was staying in a certain building on the third floor. A colleague and I went to another building that was across from this building. We went up to the third floor and rang the bell of one of the apartments. A woman opened the door and we went into the room where we could see the balcony of the terrorist. It was a short distance away. The woman opened the window and my friend stood by this woman. I was one foot behind them. In this moment from that balcony a man appeared that was dressed in a royal garment with wide sleeves and His hair was long and it was covering His shoulders. He shone brilliantly. Immediately I knew that this was Jesus Christ. In His left arm he was holding a pot and with His right hand He was taking out coins and throwing them onto the streets. I could hear the voices of the children below gathering them. Then He looked me right into the eyes. He took a coin from the pot and threw it towards our window. My friend and the woman tried to catch it but it fell into my hand. It was very big it seemed as if it was made of glass but it was shining. On it was written: “You cannot serve the Secret Police and God at the same time!” Immediately I woke up. It was 1:00 a.m. and I was very excited. All night long I was pacing through the room and asking the Lord, “what I should do?” Next morning when I met my colleague from the dream, I told him about the dream and that I intended to quit my job. Then I went to the chief of the Secret Police and told him that I was quitting my job because I had decided to serve Jesus. He said to me: ”That is impossible! You cannot leave the system alive. I will call one of our experts on religion and he will prove to you that there is no God!” So, he did it. One man came and started to tell me how many controversies there are in the Continued on pg 34
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youth # SHARE Scripture and
Contemporary Gospel Music
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There are a myriad of things that one can see when interacting with the Internet that range from sweet and cuddly to morbid and murderous. However, the downright strange videos usually take the cake. Viral content has become the order of the day and the more novel your content is, your likelihood of views increases. Two videos that find themselves perfectly suited for the classification of novel are “Beyoncé Mass” and “Ballys and Bibles.” Both epitomize the tension between sacred and sacrilegious.
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The “Beyonce` Mass”is a video viewed by 170,091 persons on a channel called ‘Broadly’ that features the multiplicity of women’s experiences through docufilms. This video features a Church where a female leader conceptualized a Mass that highlighted how the artistry of Beyonce` can be used to express the narrative of black women and their spirituality. Hit Beyonce` songs were sung during the Church service and then a message preached that spoke of how Beyonce in a sense epitomizes black female empowerment through her art.
“Ballys and Bibles” continued along the same thread. The video begins with a group of rappers in balaclavas (gang masks) rapping on stage in a Church service. The crowd is filled with young people all hyped up about the music. The rationale behind this very unique scene is that this type of rap music is being used to draw in young men and women off the streets and out of a lifestyle of violence. These two videos beg the question: Is contemporary worship and Gospel music compatible with the worship described in Scripture? To explore this question as best as possible there are a few considerations. Firstly, a description of what scriptural worship looked like both in the Old and New Testament would be helpful. Secondly, we’d need to explore if there are any inconsistencies that are seen in principle with contemporary worship/gospel music and scriptural worship. Finally, we’ll examine different perspectives on this discussion. The Old Testament provided for us a shadow of God’s ultimate desires that were fulfilled in the person of Christ. These shadows cast themselves through sacrificial offerings for sin and to show gratitude. Old Testament worship essentially brought to the Nation of Israel the holiness and righteousness of God, the acts that were performed would point to and remind them that God was to be revered. Therefore in its outworking, Old Testament worship involved sacrifices, priestly roles and special feasts/events. We also see liturgy throughout the Old testament especially in the Psalms that magnify God for His character and wondrous acts. However,
through the coming of Jesus Christ a few of these things were done away with, as He fulfilled all of them. Worship in the New testament then involved the offering of praise as our sacrifice (Hebrew 13:15) as well as the offering up of our personhood by way of our lifestyle and choices. (Romans 12:1) It excluded the need for priests making sacrifices for us but instead having access to God’s presence for ourselves. New Testament worship is essentially a lifestyle versus an event or special feasts. (John 14:23-24) Finally, we see that the purpose of liturgy in the New Testament Church was to extol Christ and to edify the saints (Colossians 3:16) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” The two videos previously mentioned, though possibly extreme examples, provide us with a sort of motif for modern worship and contemporary music. In both videos we see a display of what would popularly be considered as secular acts. On the surface Beyonce’s lyrics don’t particularly scream glory to God, neither does wearing symbols of gang violence generally call to our remembrance the Holiness of God. We see examples of the impure perishing in God’s presence, would these offerings have stood up to God’s holiness? With an appreciation that God is more concerned with our hearts than rituals, would the acts demonstrated in these videos prove acceptable worship by New Testament prescription? One could argue that these acts could be an offering of praise if the intention of the persons singing the lyrics are to glorify God and to edify the Church.
With these considerations in mind we can conclude that this might not be a black and white topic. Is contemporary worship and Gospel music incompatible with the worship described in Scripture because secular elements are involved? Many would unapologetically agree that this makes them incompatible, because indeed what communion has light with darkness? And if in truth God is holy; separate and in a class by Himself how can He then receive unholy offerings? While a few might not be as staunch in their stance, as Paul is seen in Acts 17:27-28, 1 Cor. 15:33 and Titus 1:12 quoting pagan lyrics, drawing from secular concepts to exalt Jesus as the true Lord and to edify the saints. Then there are those who will out rightly claim this as an effort to be relevant and engaging. In lieu of creating a conclusion I’m yet to fully appreciate, I’ll end with a few considerations for each argument. Holiness is a standard to which God holds individuals accountable, the Holy Spirit and Scripture should always guide our outlook on ungodliness. Secondly, in light of presumed exceptions to scriptural principles we must examine based on context, Paul used secular quotes as reference, not in support of their wisdom or inspiration, but instead to point to error of popular belief. Finally, it is important to be relevant to a context; Jesus pulled on agrarian examples to point to Kingdom principles, but he never drew from the profane in an attempt to honour God. Therefore in ministry and edification we must be careful to not compromise in our attempt to be relevant. p
January - March 2019
By Petra Imani Nicholas Creative Writer and Poet
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g n i n i a t n i Balance a M In Your Christian Walk
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In the book of Deut. 25:4 we read, “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.” Paul in referencing this same Scripture in 1 Cor. 9:9 – 14 explains that God is not really talking only of the oxen but He is saying that those who minister the word should get sustenance from the ministry. I would love if we would examine the Scripture found in Prov. 11:1 with that same mind-set; that God is saying more than the thing He mentioned. It says in the ASV, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight.” I believe that God is not only speaking about weights and measurements but also about our lives, pursuits and activities.
There needs to be Godly balance. The Corinthian church had all the spiritual gifts present yet they were amongst the most carnal/fleshly church at that time. The Scripture in 1 Cor. 1:7 (NKJV) says, “…that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.“ They came short in no gift yet at the same time Paul rebuked them for their carnality and fleshliness. Let us examine a few Scripture references of their carnality and fleshliness:• 1 Cor. 3:1 – 7 records Paul, the apostle saying, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto
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January - March 2019
spiritual, but as unto carnal, even • The leaders and the Church obeying them; instead, they should seemed to have been intimidated rejoice about what He had done for as unto babes in Christ. I have fed by the offenders and did n o t them. He had written their names you with milk, and not with meat: in heaven. address the different issues. for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: • They were partaking of the Lord’s There is also the need to be Supper and not discerning the balanced in how we handle people for whereas there is among you holiness of the Lord’s body. (1 who have sinned. Some are quick envying, and strife, and divisions, to expose and punish those who Cor. 11:20 – 34) are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of • Should it be the gifts versus the have sinned. The Bible says in Gal.6:1 (NIV), “Brothers and sisters, Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; fruit of the Holy Spirit or gifts if someone is caught in a sin, you are ye not carnal? Who then is balanced by fruit of the Holy who live by the Spirit should Paul, and who is Apollos, b u t Spirit? The Scriptures actually restore that person gently. But ministers by whom ye believed, teach that both should be watch yourselves, or you also may even as the Lord gave to every present but that the gifts must be tempted.” It doesn’t say that man? I have planted, Apollos be balanced by the fruit. I Cor. you try to restore, but, that you watered; but God gave the 12 talks about the gifts but the should make it happen. We need increase. So then neither is he last verse, verse 31 (NIV) says, to be passionate about restoring that planteth anything, neither “Now eagerly desire the greater those who have fallen. They may he that watereth; but God that gifts. And yet I will show you the not get restored, but, it shouldn’t giveth the increase.” most excellent way.” It means be because of passionless effort. It that there was a better way to says that they are caught/trapped. • Paul calls them carnal because operate in these gifts than the It may require much work to restore envying, strife and divisions was carnal/fleshly route that the them. It suggests that only spiritual very present in that Church. They Corinthian Church was taking. It Christians (those who live by the were carnal so he could not feed is the way of the gifts balanced Spirit) can restore them. The Bible them with the meat of the word by love. (1 Cor. 13) says that you should only give up (solid food) but only with the basics (milk – easily digestible There is an incorrect, emphasis on someone after you have done food). They had ministerial placed on what you do over (i) who everything to restore them. (Matt. preferences they couldn’t you are, (ii) your motive for getting 18:15 - 18) properly receive ministry from, it done and (iii) a right relationship We need to maintain good nor discern God using persons with the Lord. relationships with our brothers that were anointed but not of When Jesus sent out the seventy and sisters in the Lord. If one has their preference. disciples in Luke 10, in groups of anything against you then you • There was at least one person two, He never told them to cast need to leave your gift at the altar committing sexual sin and they out devils only to preach and heal (worship) and try everything in your were not dealing with it. By not the sick. They came back rejoicing power to fix the issues. (Matt. 5:23 addressing it they were in danger that they had been able to cast out - 24) It may not happen but fixing it of not discouraging others from demons also. (vs 17) The truth is, must be your priority. You are not partaking in it. (1 Cor. 5:1 – casting out of demons is expected allowed to say, “It’s their problem.” 7) of all believers and that authority You must make every effort to fix it. Learn to forgive those who have • They were taking out lawsuits though not stated was there for done you wrong because it affects against their brothers and sisters them. He said to them in verse your experiencing forgiveness. 20, “But don’t rejoice because evil in Christ. (1 Cor. 6:1 – 8) spirits obey you; rejoice because (Matt. 6:15) p • They were knowingly eating food that was offered to idols and didn’t care how it affected other persons. (1 Cor. 8)
your names are registered in heaven.” He was saying do not get excited and distracted about the demons being subject to them and
By David Ferguson Bible teacher, Pastor of Restoration Family Church Int.
January - March 2019
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World In View
The Dragon Awakes... China’s Rise To World Power
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Political scientists believe that Asia is currently the centre of the world’s power base and the leader among Asian leaders is China. The Great Asian Dragon! For thousands of years, China didn’t have “much” by “world standards”, but they were self sufficient, peaceful, wealthy and they had integrity... 50+ yrs after taking a bite of “the apple”, [free market economy] they have so much superficial wealth [ that now] they have huge debts, they are at war with all their neighbors and they are desperately dependent on minerals and raw materials from other countries [primarily Africa] to prop up their superficial status! Sarah Arinda: youtube.com/channel/ UC2j9AbVRJ_NfGkJAQYOGO8A
Economic sustainability- In 3 decades it took 500 million people out of poverty and became an industrial, trading giant, claiming the title “the production capital of the world”...Made in China is ‘a thing.’ Some analysts claim that
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China is headed for bankruptcy since it’s debt rating dropped for the first time in 27 years, is having a growth slump, an increase in debt and a record 800 billion in spending. This overconsumption is stabilized due to massive loans owed to it as the world’s 3rd largest creditor.
gbtimes.com/germany-surpasses-chinaworlds-second-largest-creditor-nation
Political stability is assured since President Xi, achieved lifetime presidency, via public support to change the constitution. He is determined to control South Asia and It remains to be seen if the One Road One Belt Policy to control trade with Asia and the world is successfully realised. If so, then it means that possibly we will all be speaking mandarin soon, as per capita it’s already the most spoken language on the planet. Expanding our linguistic repertoire is not so bad, what will be the shocker is, if Communism becomes part of the deal for vulnerable nations who are increasingly dependent on China for huge loans to build vital infrastructure and expand industry. The biggest worry is African states. China moves covertly on the world
January - March 2019
stage making huge changes at the boardroom level. We must pray that the Dragon never rises to domination and that the Iron Curtain never again shuts, thus restricting the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. Prayer watch. The Bulgarian Parliament’s failed attempt to restrict religious freedoms of Christian Protestant groups, On November 17, 2018 was a shocker for most but not for those who are watching and praying over Europe. Interestingly also, Muslims were not included in this drafted Bill, they were as free to worship as the Orthodox Church. This bias clearly substantiates the fact that this is spiritual warfare in heavenly places over Bulgaria. The strengthening of ties between Russia and China is cause for concern as they are exerting increased influence in Eurasia and Africa through economic imperialism. Watch and pray for Bulgaria, paying attention to the Rise of China and the threatened resurgence of Communist power. p
QA &
does order mean no freedom?
Continued from pg 5 “...until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 NASB Order is necessary in corporate worship as in any society. Yes, all the individuals that come together, must decide on a way that the time together must flow. So, 1 Corinthians reveals that the crux of the matter, in corporate worship is edification. “What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:26 NASB Edification means the strengthening of the church by helping everyone to grow stronger in their faith. Edification ensures unity and immunity to winds of false doctrines of deceitful men; we would no longer be babies but mature. In other words we respond to God with understanding. In light of all this, Paul encourages order, that is, each of us; the speaker of tongues, the prophet, the exhorter or teacher, inspired by the Holy Spirit, manifest their gift in the midst of the brethren but without confusion. “If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to
himself and to God.” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 NASB This is because, if there is no interpreter, only you are edified. The prophets are encouraged to prophesy one at a time and even then three at the most and the other prophets “judge” the word. “And if a message from God comes to someone who is sitting the first speaker be quiet.” (1 Corinthians 14:30 ERV) Divine order being maintained. Not religious order but order as set by the Spirit of the Lord. The Holy Spirit being unencumbered, we hear His voice and like obedient children go with His flow, even if it runs counter to the plan we thought He had. Trusting God’s Spirit to give us discernment, to lead, guide, direct, protect and give us wisdom during our corporate worship will yield a results acceptable by our Heavenly Father. The divine flow will ensure that both believer and unbeliever are strengthened in the assembly. It is incumbent on each gifted servant of the Lord that each person carry out whatever the Holy Spirit has impressed upon them through their specific gifting. The sinner will fall to their knees in repentance and the believer will grow in faith, as the song leader introduces the songs the Holy Spirit puts in their spirit. The spoken word/poetry would encourage the downtrodden, the teacher explains the Scriptures, bringing revelation as the light of God’s Word uncovers the dark places in the minds and hearts and lives of
those gathered. However, I must point out here that each servant would best serve in the congregation of believers when they have been allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit daily. Picture each song leader, dancer, exhorter, prophet and evangelist etc… already ignited by the Holy Spirit from their daily special times alone before the throne of the Lord, hearing from God and daily manifesting their gifts at school, at work, at home, in the stores and restaurants. Can you see that? Then imagine these ignited souls coming together in the assembly of the Church, the called out ones. What a mighty Holy Spirit fire? Everyone already so familiar with the voice of the Holy Spirit and His way of working, that all His desires for those gathered would be met. What a service! Believers, be desirous of being used in corporate gatherings to carry out the will of our God. Use the Word of God to determine our way of life. Freedom and order should coexist in all corporate gatherings, not one or the other. p
By Lorraine Rainford Women’s Pastor and Integrative Nutrition Health and Lifestyle Coach.
January - March 2019
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Tale kings of A The
Story Teller To book the story teller email: editor@thesharemagazine.com 28
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Just before the Roman army besieged Jerusalem, one afternoon Benjamin, the six-yearold son of a young Jewish widow was sitting on the checkered straw mat on the floor eating lentil soup. His freckled face smiled at his mother in the kitchen and said, “Tell me about Judah’s kings.” Hannah was a beautiful twentyfive-year-old, whose husband had perished some years before while defending the city. A small lamp lit the dark room from its niche in the wall. Sighing, she smoothed out her long black hair. She held a large clay bowl of vegetables and gazed at the three large pottery jars of grain, wine and oil that stood like sentries against the wall. The odor of goat stew filled the room. She rested the clay bowl on the oven and smiled as she stroked the gold bangles on her hands. “I like hearing about kings,” Benjamin added. She contemplated her broken nails, folded her arms then frowned. “Benjamin,” she explained, “they are not nice stories. Besides, you’ve heard them already. Where shall I start?” “Who was that good king?” he asked, looking up at her again. “King Josiah,” she replied. “He found scrolls of God’s law in the temple and helped our people to worship God again.” A dark frown crossed her face. “But he was killed in battle by the king of Egypt.” Then she added, “The people chose Shallum, his fourth son, to be king and changed his name to Jehoahaz.
Unlike his father, he didn’t care for the poor, only for expensive food and beautiful cedar panels in his palace. However, Necho, king of Egypt, attacked and made Eliakim, his older brother, king instead and changed his name to Jehoiakim.” “Nobody can change my name!” exclaimed Benjamin. “Jehoiakim was a very wicked king.”1 She sliced a cucumber in half and added, “He cut up the scroll of God’s Word and burnt them. Imagine, God warned us that if we disobeyed His commandments, our country would be destroyed.”2 She explained that Jehoiakim also overtaxed the people to pay taxes to king Necho, and when the Babylonians conquered Egypt he surrendered temple articles, royal family members and nobility to save Jerusalem from destruction. After three years Jehoiakim stopped paying taxes to the Babylonians and went to war against them.” Benjamin chewed on some flatbread. “Then?” he asked. His mother’s eyes fell sadly. “The kingdoms of Moab, Ammon and Chaldea joined the Babylonians to fight against our people.”3 He stopped chewing as he saw tears in his mother’s eyes. “Nebuchadnezzar besieged our city, captured king Jehoiakim with the richer people and plundered the temple treasures. When Jehoiakim died, the people made his son, Jehoiachin king. But he also never loved God and worshiped idols. He reigned for only three months and one week. Then Nebuchadnezzar took him to Babylon, and after forty years the new king set him free. She recalled the warnings of the prophets before Nebuchadnezzar
attacked, plundered the Temple’s gold and silver, taking away several thousand prisoners, including king Jehoiachin and many of the Judean royal family. About ten years later he returned with a vengeance. Some record that his second siege lasted eighteen months; others that it lasted thirty. Horror fell upon the inhabitants. “The walls were breached, the temple and palace burned to the ground with the houses of all Jerusalem’s great men. “Desperate women cooked their children for food,” besides plunder and masacre, “women and virgins were raped in Judah.” Zedekiah, our very last king, installed by Nebuchadnezzar, fled the city shortly before its fall, but he and his sons were captured and his sons were brought before Nebuchadnezzar and brutally slain before his eyes and his own eyes were gouged out. Then he was led in chains to Babylon. Thus, Judah went into exile for about seventy years. Gently, she cupped his chin in her palms and quietly said, “Remember: God told us to remember His Sabbath. He wanted time with us so we could learn to love Him. His prophets warned us that if we broke His laws, we would never escape.”4 A rumbling sound began softly and began to steadily increase. The walls of the house shook. Opening the door his mother hurried up the steps to the rooftop. Benjamin’s footsteps echoed behind hers. Suddenly, they saw the watchman on the wall lift the shofar to his mouth and a blast split the air. The slow tired footsteps of soldiers kept thumping TRAMP...TRAMP... TRAMP moment by moment along
the rough dusty road. She could see them not too far away, led by an army captain. The Roman army had been walking for miles, weary, halffed and bereft of female company. She panicked remembering how mercilessly women were raped and slaughtered. “Oh, God!” she exclaimed and fell to her knees. Benjamin looked over the walls and saw the Roman army under Titus advancing. He could hear soldiers gathering weapons of war and frightened shouts. Doves on the rooftop cooed anxiously. During the long months of the Roman siege that ensued, famine and panic spread as people began to starve. Suddenly, Hannah dragged Benjamin’s hand and raced down the stairs. She remembered the advice that Yeshua, her Messiah, had given to flee to the mountains and if on the housetop not to return to the house and to pray not to be fleeing in winter or on the Sabbath. Hannah and her son were among the multitudes fleeing Jerusalem, who later safely reached Pella, a town beyond the Jordan River in the region of Decapolis. Judah dishonored and disregarded the Sabbath of the Lord, so God allowed a heathen king to besiege and finally to destroy Jerusalem. p NOTES: 1. 2. 3. 4.
2 Kings 23 - 25:30; Jer 36:1-34; JewishEncyclopedia.com en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JewishBabylonian-war 12 Oct. 2015;
Furher Reading
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege of Jerusalem(597 BC)16 - 1 April 2016; • Conservapedia.com/Jehoiakim 27 Dec.2007; • Lam 4:12; • 2 Kings 25:1-7
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On
Whose Authority?
The Challenge of being sons and daughters and subjects at the same time
You may know the Queen of England but does she know you? 30
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“Who do you think you are, telling me what to do and who to believe? What made you so sure of yourself that all is well and things will turn around for the good? Remember where you came from! I know your past, I know your parents, this is me you are talking to!” Does this resonate with you, what the evil spirit said to the Jewish exorcist in Acts 19:15? “And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
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Ah, it may not be verbatim but the context is the same. Churches are full of people who know of Jesus. The pastor preaches Jesus, they have heard of the name Jesus. I know the Queen. She carries power and authority but what authority do I have to use her name in my life and in my situation? Am I related to her? If I am, I sure have the inner confidence and security of knowing she loves me because I am flesh of her flesh, bone of her bone. I have her DNA. I have the right to come before her with the full assurance
of knowing I have the legal right to exercise my sonship authority that bears the name I carry. I can pick up my phone the moment I wake up each day and text the Queen saying, “Good morning, mother;” confidently expecting a warm, loving text in return from the Queen, my mother, who will reply because I have a personal relationship with her. The question I ask you is, how is your relationship with God? Is the bond strong in love? What about your position as a believer who is endowed with the power and authority of The Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission? Do you know what you have been entrusted with? Do you know how to use it? How does it feel when you wake up each morning and say lovingly, “Good morning, my Father?” Does it come naturally and does it bring that reverential, awesome, delightful glow deep within you? Or is it just a religious, dead as a dodo feeling… nothing is stirred within? The Jewish exorcists mentioned previously in Acts, failed in casting out the demons because they had no personal relationship with Jesus. They only knew that Jesus was the God of Paul, not their own. They did not have the right to use the name of Jesus. They had no personal connection to Him. The apostles knew their God-given power and authority in Christ. They knew their position in Christ. They knew they were chosen, predestined, adopted into the family of God and last but not least they have been accepted in the ‘Beloved.’ Peter the disciple who betrayed Christ three times was so deeply convicted of what he had just done that he wept bitterly. He realised who Christ is. He
realised what he had just done. Every fibre of his body was burning to tell the world “This Jesus was betrayed. You nailed Him to the cross and killed Him, but God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip.” And here is the silver bullet… Peter realised the truth about Jesus. That revelation came because of the connection that pre-existed between Peter and Jesus. He was the first to bear witness of Him. On the day of Pentecost he spoke boldly and the people were cut to the heart. Christ became so real to Peter. He knew Jesus. He knew how much we mean to Jesus that He died for us. He knew at the mention of His name, signs, wonders and miracles will follow. Peter knew what he possessed…” you will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12. Why? Because they were connected. The person who has true faith in Jesus is promised that he/she will do greater things than Jesus’ works. Peter and the rest of the disciples knew and witnessed what Jesus did whilst He was still with them. They saw Him spit on the ground, make some mud with the saliva and put it on the man’s eyes. They saw Jesus pray for the loaves of bread and fish and right before their eyes they were multiplied and fed the five thousand plus people. They saw Jesus command the evil spirits to go into the swine… Peter and the rest of the disciples knew what was promised to them. He is a follower of Jesus. He is a child of God. They are connected. The apostles never attempted to perform miracles in their own power.
When the beggar asked Peter for some alms, Peter with the full, confidence, firm assurance, looked at the beggar and exclaimed, “In the name of Jesus Christ rise up and walk.” Such boldness and courage coming from the mouth of the once coward, betrayer, the traitor! What changed him? A personal relationship with His Saviour. Many churchgoers will perish in Hell because they have no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Peter said, “such as I have I give thee.” He knew He had authority from God to perform the miracle. A churchgoing person is not a Christian. A Christian is one who knows Christ personally. A person whose love for His Saviour makes him/her obediently and lovingly and courageously follow our Saviour. We are not ashamed to tell someone how God saved us, how He changed our lives, how He delivered us from our past. We are not afraid to be His witnesses. We are not timid. For those who know their Saviour are courageous and they shall do mighty exploit. Wham, Bam! How much do you love Christ? It is evident in the way you tell people of your faith. The way you have changed directions. The burning passion within when you speak, when you pray and when you give your heart to people. We are neither afraid nor ashamed to share the Gospel. We speak with love and with authority because we know the sovereign power behind the name. Why do we do such things? We do it in His name and His authority because we love our Saviour who saved us from where we were. Be bold, be strong the Lord is with you. Shalom, my friend! p By Stephanie Meakin Author, Founder/Presenter of Voice of Hope and Justice, Evangelist
January - March 2019
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In Praise of Hymn
For I’m Building a People of Power Verse For I’m building a people of power And I’m making a people of praise That will move through this land by My Spirit And will glorify My precious name Cho Build Your church, Lord. Make us strong, Lord.
Reviewing Great Christian Hymns
Join our hearts, Lord, through Your Son Make us one, Lord In Your Body In the kingdom of Your Son Build Your church, Lord. Make us strong, Lord. Join our hearts, Lord, through Your Son Make us one, Lord In Your Body In the kingdom of Your Son
Author: Dave Richards. Dave Richards wrote this song whilst their House Church was worshipping one night in 1975. It became an anthem throughout the New Church Movement in UK. Dave pastored The Church at Merryfield House in Witney near Oxford at that time, then helped plant other new Churches, until becoming the Senior Pastor of Basingstoke Community Church in 1981, from where he exercised an apostolic ministry into Africa,North America, India, Europe and the Nordic Regions. He and the churches he still serves as a Spiritual Father, have lived out this song amongst the nations, and are still doing that today. https://hymnary.org/text/for_im_building_a_people_of_ power.
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Order! Order! Order!
Bring the family into Your Order, Oh God! Place the rule of Your Spirit deep within, Bring the Community into Your Order, Oh God! Purge the rebellion born of sin, Bring the nations into Your Order, Oh God! Mystery Babylon has intoxicated them to their chagrin, Order begins in Your house, Oh God, Oder! Order! Order, within! Order our minds and thoughts, Change our carnal thinking, Order our steps in Your Word, Respectfully carrying Your authority, Not just go rushing in. Order! Order! Order! Our words our deeds even the songs that we sing, Let them lead us to, Your Mercy Seat… To worship as the Cherubim, Divine Order upon God’s People fall, From God’s mountain top snowball, Living waters of the deep overflow, From Spirit wellsprings dug deep within.
Order in alignment, Rank and file, Roles and functions in sync, None left behind, left out, neglected, rejected, abused, ALL People of God, “Fall in ! Line upon Line, Principle upon principle, Your Rhua breathe, Your Rhema bring, Anointing, functions and giftings assign. A A A A A
blueprint, master plan, tapestry, Picture, Divine Vision.
Your Glorious Bride, Hidden in Christ we abide, Your way of being, Man’s pride denied. © Angela Slack January - March 2019
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Would I pass if I took it?
God’s DNA Test
• I’ve got my heavenly Father’s eyes, my view is from a godly perspective.
l
f
• I hear only the voice of my Shepherd and I don’t listen to the voice of strangers.
S e
• I speak no evil my words bring life to the pure in heart.
o
• I lift up and not push down, I am a servant to humanity.
o N
• I am only impressed by God and His standards.
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• I put less value on things and more value on people.
e
• I have no personal agenda my priorities and promotion are set by heaven.
T
• I am Kingdom focused and motivated by Kingdom purposes.
Continued from pg 21 Bible and tried to prove to me that there is no God. Finally, he asked me what my decision was and I answered: “I believe in Jesus and will work for Him.” After
a couple of meetings my boss told me: “The best thing we can do for you is to send you to prison but you won’t come out alive. What will you choose?” I repeated: “I choose Jesus.” In a couple of days they called me 34
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and told me that I have to sign some papers. One of these said, that they were releasing me from that job and another one was that I had to keep secret everything that I knew about the Secret Police. I signed them. After this I took the bus to Russe. I went to a family that was living close to the bus-station. I told them: “I came to pray for the baptism in the Holy Spirit.” The three of us knelt together and started to pray. I prayed with the words: “Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and receive me into your Kingdom and baptize me in the Holy Spirit!” I felt the a power that filled me from the top of my head down to my feet. I felt I was in the air. Then I heard myself speaking in other tongues that I could not understand. I was speaking for a long time. I did not want to stop.
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Then the Lord spoke to me: “Now I am receiving you as My son. You won’t make an earthly career for yourself but you have stepped on a firm foundation. Do not be afraid! Do not worry about anything because from this moment on I will keep you and lead you.” In this moment I was the happiest man on the earth. While I was walking to the bus-station I was praying in tongues. I could not believe all this had happened to me. Finally I was in the Kingdom of God. If you would like to have the greatest experience in your Christian life, ask the Lord to forgive your sins and take you into His Kingdom. If you would like to be the happiest person on earth, receive the Holy Spirit’s baptism. Experience your Pentecost and speak in other tongues. Tell everyone about your experience and challenge them to crave for it. Amen!
p
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