WEEKEND POST- PROPHET OR NON-PROPHET (PROFIT)

 The biblical calling of what is known as the prophet or seer is faces contradictory challenges in the contemporary Church. Some, because of their spiritual and doctrinal persuasion, say the ministry is no longer existent or necessary since we have the Bible. Others believe that the ministry of the prophet is vital to healthy Christian faith. Still others suggest that both views are correct. So the mix of understanding can cause huge controversy between otherwise agreeable believers.

In staying true to the context of scripture, the fact is that of all of the callings of ministry mentioned in the Bible, the ministry of the prophet has the greatest track record for biblical frequency. Accordingly, the functions and references to the prophets, seers and prophecy, outnumber the references pertaining to pastors, apostles, teachers and evangelists. Furthermore, if you consider that Ephesians 4:7-11 seems to list what are known as the “5-fold ministry callings”, prophets have to be fundamentally important to the Church and ministry callings. So why would I want to bring this up at this time?

For a number of years now, I’ve been observing a disconcerting development of unusual philosophies, unwisely managed practices and troubling attitudes concerning those who claim they understand what it means to be prophetic. Furthermore, those who practice what they believe to be prophetic is becoming more and more a concern, as I have observed a very non-biblical, irresponsible approach to all that pertains to the gift and manifestations. Sadly, there is a wide difference of opinion on the matter, much of which, from what I can discern as questionable, concerning spiritual authenticity. I know that daring to say so would anger those who defend such, yet, I believe there needs to be some sort of clarification and accountability in the management and testing of these things lest the practice grow increasingly off.

In saying these things, I think it’s important to make a clear distinction as to what is the difference between being “prophetic” and being a prophet. Therefore, let me offer the following explanation to bring some balance to the matter and hopefully encourage people to practice that which is biblically sound along with being spiritually dynamic.

In the Old Testament, only a rare individual was privileged to have the presence of the Holy Spirit. Prophets, priests and kings all experienced the power of the Spirit according to the calling and purposes of God for their times. Furthermore, since the vast majority of the people could not hear God for themselves, and what’s more, no one was born again, it was necessary that a representative for God would speak to the people when the situation required it. Additionally, the message of the prophets was almost always emphatic on one point, that being; the people must lay aside their idols and return to God faithfully. There of course were the assorted prophetic words concerning nations, destinies and matters God wanted to address, however, the prophets of the Old Testament continually called the people back to faith. But remember, no one was born again, and what’s more, only a few had the Holy Spirit. Consequently, they needed someone to speak to them in God’s behalf. That, however, changed at the onset of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on every believer.

The New Testament condition of the individual is entirely different than the Old Testament. For one, Jesus stated that when the Holy Spirit came, the Spirit would guide them into all truth. This is a radical statement! No longer would the individual have the need to have someone tell them what God wanted to say. They could hear for themselves. This is especially significant because Jesus stated that it was expedient that He should go to be with the Father, so the Holy Spirit would come and empower them, reuniting their hearts with God and restoring what had been lost in the Garden of Eden at the fall. (John 16:7) But think on this. If Jesus’ death was fundamentally necessary so that the Holy Spirit could come to indwell and baptize the saints, and each believer could hear from God personally, then why would the Old Testament prophetic gift be necessary any longer? The train of thought would then have to be that if a born again soul seeks to pursue personal prophecy from a supposed prophet to hear what God desires for him or her to do, it is equal to dishonoring what Jesus did on the cross. His death made the way so each individual could hear God for him and herself! We need to understand how precious this gift of the Holy Spirit is! You can hear God for yourself, unlike the Old Testament people who couldn’t and needed someone to tell them what God was saying. So then, why would the ministry of the prophet still be included in the list of ministry gifts that Paul and others wrote about?

Well, for one, the New Testament ministry of the prophet and prophecy is in actuality a new breed of calling very different in motivation, though at times similar in operation to the ministry of the Old Testament.

Eph 4:7  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. KJV

Take a look at Ephesians 4:7-16, and especially verse 8-10. These verses describe the process of Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension to heaven, concluding with the granting of ministry gifts of unusual nature to the people of faith. These gifts were granted at the conclusion of Old Testament conditions and as part of New Testament empowering. Therefore, to generalize the New Testament Christ-given prophetic calling, ministry and functions, as being the same as the Old Testament prophets, is dangerous and error. The prophetic gift Jesus granted to the Church is not the same as the Old Testament because of the change of the recipients of the gifts and the affects of the New Birth. To therefore then ignore this truth throws the believer back under Old Testament practice where the voice of the Lord cannot be heard by the many, and constructs an unhealthy spiritual co-dependence on a supposed anointed individual. God help us! So what does a New Testament individual need to consider when it comes to understanding these things.

There are essentially 5 categories and degrees of what could be called “prophetic” identified in the New Testament and consistent with biblical doctrine.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. KJV

Number One- Comparatively, an Old Testament person needed to be able to hear God, but couldn’t generally without a go-between- such as a prophet or seer, while the New Testament born again individual has been granted the Spirit and can hear God personally. The best definition of the first prophetic category in the New Testament is what Paul identified and urged as being spiritually minded! Every saint needs to be “prophetic” in the sense of hearing God! Otherwise, Jesus’ purpose in departing to be with the Father, and the promised outpouring of the Spirit is pointless. I could spend years discussing the different angles of of what this means and how to mature in this. It is so important.

Number Two- The second category of what’s related to the subject of what’s prophetic is the grace gift of prophecy as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and so forth. This aspect of the prophetic is desperately needing clarification and instruction as well. I would encourage you to investigate the verses that speak of prophecy in the New Testament.

Rom. 12:3   For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7   Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8   Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Number Three- In Romans 12, Paul also wrote of a grace of prophecy directly linked to how one lives and according to one’s measure of faith. Quite a wide variety of authors have commented on this, with some of them saying that these graces are connected to how one perceives insight and is motivated in life. Even so, this I believe can be identified as a significant factor of God’s grace given individuals through the New Birth. But let’s be clear about this. Unbelievers do not possess this grace. It is given at the time of the New Birth.

Number Four- The fourth category of the prophetic is found in the list of ministry offices, or positions, in the writings of 1 Corinthians 12:28-20. Paul noted the office of the prophet, after the office of the apostle, as significant and different from the gift of prophecy mentioned earlier on in the chapter. The people of the New Testament were people who valued and understood New Birth principles that included the revelation that the Holy Spirit was given without partiality to both genders. Because of that, the term, prophetess is not used as an official title for the gifting after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, except in the reference to the woman in Revelation who called herself a prophetess. I believe that it is important to also mention that though this office of prophet is a vital ministry and calling, it is distinct from the gift of the prophet cited in Ephesians 4:7-10.

Number Five- The fifth category of the prophetic ministry is found in Ephesians 4, as already has been mentioned. It is unique because the type of grace gift attributed to it is not the same as what is listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28-30. The Greek word, “DOMA” translated as the word "gifts", is referring to a type of gift that opens up, or is for another gift. Therefore, practically speaking, it’s like a key that opens up the prophetic and spiritual minded hearts of the Church at large.  

Each of these categories are vital for the Church, although not given to every believer. Nonetheless, as people attempt to grow in spiritual mindedness, prophecy, prophetic motivation and the callings of the prophets, problems will occur.

I have become quite upset as of late observing the frequency with which believers cast stones and blame those people they judge at fault, when someone makes a mistake or mismanages the things of the Spirit. What’s more, is that in doing so, the growth that needs to occur in the Body of Christ in the gifts is either stunted or misinterpreted. Please let us remember that people miss it. I understand that this can be very disarming, but if we continue to frame the concept of the prophet based on Old Testament principle and requirement, we miss the purpose of what God wants to accomplish in each and every one of us by His Spirit. I also don’t appreciate the growing problem of spiritual experimentation that comes in the name of wanting to minister the word of the Lord without considering the damage that can occur when a word is incorrect, and without a point of accountability for those words. Heaven knows we all make mistakes. But let’s grow up and learn that one wrong word can damage a heart for many years. Therefore, lets learn to test what we deem prophetic without feeling insulted if correction needs to be made so we can be more accurate.

I’ve listed for you what I believe offers a biblical summary of the New Testament categories of being prophetic. However, before I close I want to include one more list. As I mentioned, there is a tendency for blame casting and accusation concerning people who make mistakes in prophecy. In the Old Testament framework for the prophets, certain parameters for responsibility were required. In some cases a wrong prophecy could result in severe penalty and even death, though not always so, as in the case of Isaiah’s two prophecies to Hezekiah. Hezekiah’s prayer changed the matter, and therefore, the prophecy had to change accordingly. Nonetheless, false prophets were a serious problem in the Old Testament and will continue to be even to the time of the Second Coming of the Lord. Let me however make a distinction here in the following list.

The Old Testament identifies several types of false prophets. Most of these can cross over into the New Testament manifestations because they describe certain types of people with ungodly motivations.

There are three types of false prophets.

1. There were prophets of other gods such as Baal.

2. There were also conscious imposters, or people who knew they were not called of God as a prophet, but intentionally prophesied, though in error and for various reasons.

3. Finally, there were sincere, but deceived individuals who genuinely believed they had a word from the Lord, but did not.

These types of prophets still exist. Therefore, we must be very careful not to assume that just because someone's prophecy is inaccurate, it may not mean that he or she is necessarily a false prophet. Let me explain.

There is also another grouping of people who may genuinely be prophetic, and yet, may have not matured in the gifting. They are, therefore, what I believe should be identified and recognized as "Immature prophets" or "Prophets in Training". This group could easily include a vast majority of people who want to develop in the prophetic, but who simply have not grown up enough to hit the mark. They’re very much like the young prophets in training described in the Old Testament. Moreover, because of the sense of liberty New Testament believers feel, sometimes zeal combined with immaturity takes precedence over wisdom and love.

No matter which type of prophet you may encounter, or what you feel called to, let’s grow up and take responsibility for the words and actions we declare are from God so that we don’t create a spiritual catastrophe and damage others without care for their future! God is not reckless or unloving and neither should we be. It is not a coincidence that before Paul wrote extensively about prophecy and tongues, he emphasized love! That must be our basis for all we do, especially when it comes to being prophetic!

I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT!

In the beginning of this series on truth, I endeavored to establish the fact that the truth that comes from God should be identified as Kingdom Truth. This is so, because according to Scripture, and consistent with hundreds of years of Christian witness, Kingdom Truth is not exclusively expressed in the Bible. That is not to say that the Bible is not Truth: quite the contrary. But throughout the Scriptures, Truth is characterized as coming from numerous Kingdom influences and conditions. I previously posted the following list, derived from the entirety of the Bible context, and repost it again for you to remember and consider as you read.

Truth in the Kingdom of God

(ALMOST ALWAYS PRECEDED BY MERCY)

Truth of God in His Character- Ex. 34:6; Jer 10:10

Truth of God in His Word- John 17:17; Ps 119:160; 1 Thess. 2:13 

Truth of God in His Spirit- John 16:13; 1 John 4:6

Truth of God in His Law- Ps 119:142

Truth of God in our Lives and His Ways- Way of Truth- Ps. 119:130; 2 Pet. 2:2

Truth of God in His works- Dan 4:37

Spiritual truths in doctrines-Gal. 5:7; 3:1

Jesus is- John 14:6

The message of the gospel- Col 1:5

The anointing- 1 John 2:27

Character Truth- Way of righteousness

Please take note that the Word of the Lord is one of numerous sources of Kingdom Truth! That being said, we need to seriously examine our heart attitudes when it comes to our personal estimation of how much truth we actually possess. Think about this. What did believers do for truth when the Bible had not yet been printed for the layman to read? What do believers do now, when a great number of them around the world don’t even own a Bible? Are they without hope for Kingdom Truth? Will God not speak to them if they don’t have a Bible? I regret to say that a wrongful arrogant attitude has settled in on many believers who think that because they have the Bible, they have more truth than those who don’t. Furthermore, have we who own Bibles and read them, albeit with often little understanding, taken upon ourselves an attitude of superiority? I hope not, but my observations have made me wonder. Furthermore, there are commonly accepted teachings that say that now that we have the Bible we don’t need anything else. Whoa! So what then do we do with all the different manners that the Bible itself even says we need to grow in Kingdom Truths? We contradict and indict ourselves of an independent spirit denying that we need to learn from God’s character, the person of Jesus, and in this posting, the person of the Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Truth. Let’s look at this now.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.(KJV)

Jesus expressly instructed his disciples that upon his departure the Spirit of truth would come to guide them into all truth! Didn’t this same Spirit of truth also fall on the Gentiles who didn’t know the Old Testament Scriptures? Hence, who is this person of the Holy Spirit? Obviously we need to be reminded that there is another venue for the Kingdom truths we so desperately need to live out our faith!

In the days of the ministry of Paul, who by the way was called to minister to the Gentile believers largely ignorant of biblical text, he spent significant time writing about the predominant ignorance that existed concerning the subject of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12-14. If we are going to cooperate with the Spirit of truth, we need to first recognize how little we really know of the Holy Spirit!

1 Cor 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.(KJV)

1 Cor 12:1 Now concerning spiritual {gifts,} brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.(NAS)

In keeping with the practice of accurately interpreting scripture, a good example in the literary contextual interpretation, translators caused problems preventing an accurate interpretation of what 1 Corinthians 12:1 actually says when Paul was addressing spiritual ignorance. In most Bible translations that you and I are familiar with, you will notice that the word “gifts” is italicized, or in brackets, as different from the regular texts. This was done when translators who possibly hoped to make the text clearer added in the word “gifts” which was not in the original manuscripts. So the verse should actually read: "Now concerning spirituals, or things pertaining to and of the Spirit, brethren I would not have you ignorant." The additional word complicates the interpretation and takes the emphasis away from the Spirit placing it instead on “gifts”. In reality, Paul was stating that he didn’t want the believers to lack information or intelligence about the things that pertain to and were of the Holy Spirit. Wow! That changes things radically. One can read through the verses of 1 Corinthians 12-14 and realize that more than gifts of the Spirit were addressed. So this challenges us with another question. Have we, like the Corinthian believers, been lacking knowledge and understanding about the things of the Holy Spirit? I believe so, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. We need to therefore realize that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and God wants us to cooperate and benefit accordingly as we grow.

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. KJV

In keeping with a biblical context, and by considering the first mentions of the person and activity of the Holy Spirit, we will see an amazing, wonderful principle presented us in Genesis 1. Here in these verses, the primary purpose and operation of the Holy Spirit reveals that one of the first and foremost functions of the Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of truth, is to bring about transformation, working through the Living Word and the Father. A beautiful heavenly drama plays out as the picture described  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth….” when there in a black, empty, and lifeless-void hung the water- covered, formless ball awaiting a spiritual life-giving, truth manifesting vocabulary. The wind-like force of the “ruwach” or  Spirit of God, hovered and brooded, as an expectant mother over this midnight lifelessness, dreaming, considering, anticipating birth. Adam Clark describes this in his commentary of Genesis 1. Time is not accounted for, but at some point in the anticipation of unforeseen potential, the spiritual gestation travailed and brought forth the words “Light Be!” and light was.  The heavenly luminaries did not yet exist. Light lived through God’s words. These are the essence of Kingdom Truth manifested. The subsequent days of creation erupted word by word, until the sixth wonderful day when God tenderly cupped, and molded, clay, fashioning an earthly shell into a creature bearing His likeness, fingerprinted for intimate fellowship. Breathing intimately into the nostrils of this being, the same Spirit, the breath and life of God which previously brooded over the face of the nearly forgotten emptiness, filled the molded dust frame, and a potential for spiritual words was multiplied into His new creation. The first Adam, untouched by the fall, and in the image of God was also made to imitate God with creative words as we saw when, one by one, each animal filed before the handiwork of God and was named by Adam with words. This spiritual-natural being spoke and created identity with amazing inventiveness and uniqueness.  But the fall of man perverted this tremendous privilege and power. Death and corruption replaced the life-giving tongue. Thankfully, the event of a second birth would offer a restoration of spiritual image, and eventually reclaim human-kind’s spiritual vocabulary and potential for truth.

Eze 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

Consider, if you will with me, the uniqueness of spiritual language as demonstrated in Acts 2. One hundred and twenty of Jesus’ followers waited for a promise. For forty days this powerless, yet determined, band, sought the face of God, probably quite uncertain as to how and what Jesus meant would come at the conclusion of their prayer meeting.  The fortieth day exploded on the scene with heavenly fervor. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit, sounding as a rushing mighty wind was reminiscent of “In the Beginning” when the same spiritual wind descended on a lifeless planet and transformed it through words. In the beginning, God uttered His light-giving vocabulary of truth. Consequently, in the new beginning, that same wind of God blew in upon the awaiting gathering. Ezekiel had seen this wind and fire combination when he looked toward the northern heavenlies, and watched a fiery twister.  Who can imagine the awe the one hundred and twenty experienced at this sound? Yet so wonderfully, just as in the first creation, words were spoken inspired of God, and light was released. It only follows course that then the second creation, in the fellowship of the New born, would begin to utter spiritual words that rattled the strategies of the powers of darkness who were unprepared for the second-born host to speak the words not which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches. We will also learn in a future blog that these words are also directly connected with Kingdom Truth. Unspeakable panic must have terrorized the ranks of spiritual darkness. Satan had no idea that God would do a repeat act, and recreate through words once again. But this second time was different. This time God was not the one doing the speaking, nor did merely one Adamite speak. One hundred and twenty, new creations, endued with power from on high, all began to speak with that same supernatural, mind-stupefying ability to speak God’s mysteries for satan’s demise. How I would have loved to witness that event. Following this spiritual eruption, the once bumbling Peter, preached an evangelistic message that resulted in the conversion of 5000 souls, impacting many nations, and a large portion of Jerusalem. Well-meaning evangelists may seek to preach and see such results, while forgetting that the launching pad for that spiritual missile of evangelism was the many tongues the 120 uttered.

We’re going to spend a lot of time looking at how the Holy Spirit functions, and how the Spirit of truth guides, leads, teaches, speaks, instructs and so forth. This will be a wonderful time to renew your prayer life and seek God for a deeper revelation of the work of the Spirit in your life. Thank God the Spirit is not spooky or impractical. We need this expression of Kingdom truth to walk accurately and with spiritual fortitude in the days ahead.

Unveiling the Spirit of Truth

The sincere student of Scripture is first and foremost a person of prayer. As prayer, intersects with spiritual resolve, the Holy Spirit plants thoughts and ideas that spark questions and godly curiosity. True revelation originates with heavenly inspiration leading to spiritual investigation. Therefore, normal human inquisitiveness falls short unable to supply a suitable environment and cannot muster the disciplined structure required to prospect Scriptural truth! In fact, it can be downright frustrating because without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who affords the hungry soul the grace to do the study, human curiosity is nothing but good intentions mixed with dead works. The spiritual climate for reaping the fruits of study requires several elements, some of which we’ve already considered. Therefore, once you have to the  best of your ability, relinquished your unhealthy filters, and determined to interpret what you read from His perspective as best as possible, you must acknowledge that you need God’s help to  grow in the the truths of the kingdom. This requires the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for study.

GOD GRANTS ABILITY TO STUDY TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM AND WHO ARE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE IT REQUIRES

To those who have ears to hear, consider this. Everything you do must be for His glory, cooperating with His Spirit and obeying His word because His grace has enabled you to do it. Only God can open the eyes of your understanding. Nonetheless, human effort feebly endeavors to uncover hidden treasure troves of truth and fails miserably because it doesn’t understand that revelation is not realized simply because it’s desired. Truth is a manifestation of the work of the Spirit of Truth within you.  

Luke 24:32   And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Luke 24:45   Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

The heartbroken disciples walked on the road to Emmaeus unaware that the man who joined their journey was Jesus. The discussions of that trek were understandably fixated on the grievous and confusing events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. Unaware of who the stranger was, the two disciples listened as he took them on a walk through Old Testament scriptures, revealing all the prophets had foretold concerning what the promised Messiah would endure. His words began to penetrate their grief-darkened hearts, and yet even then, they were still blinded by their sorrow and couldn’t comprehend the meaning of the familiar Old Testament passages. Everything changed, however, when he broke the bread of the evening meal and their eyes were suddenly opened. Only then did they recognize him for who he really was. Alas, to their great disappointment, he then disappeared. Reflecting on the remarkable event, and the day’s conversation, they related that if felt like their hearts had burned within them, while he walked and talked with them about the ancient passages. Please take note of this. God single-handedly initiated the revelation in response to the earnest cry of their confused hearts. Why would He not do the same for us today if we would seek Him?

Thankfully, God opens the heart of hungry seekers in a manner that could be compared to impregnation. In saying so, I do not want to seem to cheapen the interaction  by using terminology that seems fleshly and lower. But the principle is nearly identical. In His sovereign timing, God Almighty, the God of Truth, reaches into the depths of that part of a yearning soul where understanding and a desire for learning waits to be awaken. Some people call this an epiphany. Others define it as revelation. Nonetheless, He is the one who opens the eyes, ears and mind, causing whatever has been closed to be open to new idea, vision and possibility. 

Prov. 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

Proverbs 20:12 reveals that the hearing ear and the seeing eye are made by God. Therefore, your prayer should be, “Lord open my eyes and ears, open my heart, the seat where learning waits to discover truth!” But this prayer is not without price.  Like the five foolish virgins described in Matthew 25:1-10 illumination representing revelation is necessary and costly. If you aren’t willing to pay your personal price, whatever it may be for your particular station and calling in life, you will not be able to see the depths of what God desires to reveal to you. Furthermore, just as the five foolish girls had not bought enough of the expensive “green oil” to burn in their lamps, and wanted to borrow oil from the wise virgins who had paid the price and prepared, you cannot expect to siphon off the oil, or the revelation you want from another person’s life. You must take responsibility for yourself and your desired illuminating revelation.

Olive oil, throughout the Scriptures and in ancient times, was always directly associated with the concept of spiritual things and the “anointing”. What’s more there were many definitions and aspects pertaining to that subject unbeknownst to the modern believer that apply toward the operation and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let me ask you this question. Could it be, if the olive oil was also symbolic of the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit is said to indwell the believer as the “anointing within”, that there is then also an “anointing of revelation” that God desires for us to possess? If so, the process of acquiring that “oil” as comparatively illustrated in the parable of the ten virgins was not without pressure and cost. You must, therefore, determine in your own heart whether you’re willing to pay that price. Additionally, in the fear of the Lord, you must seek God to open the eyes and ears of your heart. He wants to do so because the Spirit is significantly named the Spirit of Truth.

Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, KJV

John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. KJV
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: KJV
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. KJV
1 John 4:6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. KJV
1 John 5:6  This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. KJV
 

For whatever reason, and I may be presumptuous in speaking this, I’ve observed that academically controlling arguments, seeming to originate out of spiritually dull hearts, endeavor to perform mental gymnastics whereby stripping the Word and God of all power.  As a result, many Christians, therefore, have come to believe that God no longer speaks. I suppose you can tell I don’t have much room for intellectualism when it overrules a spiritually-minded life and ignores the Canonical view of the Bible. Sadly, these same believers have been duped to believe that God only communicates through the Bible, while at the same time, they naively ignore the different angles truth is manifested throughout the Scriptures in His Kingdom. If God only speaks through the written Word, then a great majority of the human population of Christian believers are up a river without a paddle and stranded in life. They then have no hope for God to speak to and lead them. Wake up sisters and brothers! I’m not denying God uses the Bible for those who have one. I love the Scriptures. But let us not be so narrow to miss that His Spirit is also a communicator of truth according to the promises of Jesus. I realize the “various” risks entailed and will progressively address those in blogs to come. But this is a subject that can no longer be dismissed as insignificant. We need the Spirit of Truth to speak to us on a daily basis in the means God has revealed in the Word, and in accordance with what aligns with all other aspects of the Kingdom’s Truths. We can sadly become so “heady” that we entirely miss the divine interaction God desires with us by His Spirit and Ways. Therefore, I will attempt to explain and define how the Spirit of Truth works to bring us truth along with some basic understanding of the wondrous person of the Holy Spirit. So buckle your seat belts this will be fun.

WEEKEND BLOG- GO WHERE THE GRACE IS!

 Grace has always been a subject that intrigued me. I've observed that the topic is either overly-generalized and abused, or poorly defined and ignored. Furthermore, many years ago, when I first started my traveling ministry, the Lord led me to do an in-depth study on the matter. What I discovered was that there were so many different opinions and ideas about grace that it made it difficult to dissect and understand. In fact, in some cases, reference materials contradicted each other. 
Moreover, even today, if I write about grace, there will inevitably be a difference of opinion and definition due to the variance of resource materials people draw from or how they interpret the matter. So, I broach this blog with sincere awareness.

According to a wide range of biblical resource study materials grace can be defined from an extensive scope of concepts. Today, however, rather than go into those, I want to focus on a principle of living that is fundamental to any human being, and if applied, opens the door to success and fruitfulness.

All too often, I watch people doing the very thing that opposes their welfare and accomplishment toward lasting fruit. In desiring to make a mark or pioneer something out of the ordinary, they ignore one of the most basic biblical principles necessary to success. By saying this, I am not inferring that we should just go with the flow of what people think and want for the sake of feeling comfortable. That practice generally results in an unhealthy form of compromise that ends up with the need to sell yourself out to do something against your values and purposes. Sometimes you have to swim against the current to make a stand. However, even if doing so, you need grace, or favor, as one of the definitions for grace reveals to fulfill what you have to do in your life.

Grace, or as sometimes-translated favor, is essential for fruitfulness and success. Without it, you accomplish little. But when you’re desperate to do something worthwhile it is very easy for you to hastily go where favor is not! Learn to go where the grace is! I’ve listed the most pertinent references concerning grace or favor with others for your further study. Please note, this is not a short list.

GEN.30:27; 32:5; 33:8; 34:11; 39:4,21; 47:25,29; 50:4; EX.3:21; 11:1-3; 12:36; NUM. 32:5; RUTH 2:2,10; 1SAM 2:18; 20:3; 27:5; 2 SAM.14:22;  16:4; EST.2:17; PS.45:2; PRO.1:9; 3:22; 4:9; 22:11; ACT 4:33; 1 PET.3:7

There are numerous biblical accounts where various individuals involved in all sectors of society needed grace to accomplish what God had given them to do. In some instances groups also required such.

Laban needed favor from Jacob because he recognized that he'd been blessed by the Lord because Jacob was present. (Gen 30:27)   Jacob needed favor with Esau  and acted in a manner that would gain him that favor. (Gen. 32:5; 33:8, 10,15) Joseph, even though a slave in the house of Potiphar and Pharaoh, had favor. (Gen 39:4 KJV) Ruth needed favor with Boaz to reap grain in his fields without being endangered. (Ruth 2:2,10) Esther found favor with King Ahazerus and became queen. (Est. 2:17) Moreover, the Hebrew children got favor in the sight of the Egyptians just before the Exodus. (Ex. 11:1-3; 12:36). These are just the tip of the iceberg.

When you go where grace is people want to help you and appreciate who you are. They’ll work for you and seek to make your work and life easier, especially when it’s a difficult task. Additionally, God gives this wonderful condition when you need it most. Therefore, you need to be constantly aware of your need, and in prayer, seeking God for grace to be manifested in your life. Why would you want anything else?

Sadly, many people make things in life extra difficult for themselves simply because they don’t realize that grace or favor is often granted to them when they behave in a manner that is sincere and inviting. I’ve listed the following attitudes that attract favor as demonstrated in the biblical illustrations.

            1. CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY AND HOW YOU SAY IT!

            2. DEMONSTRATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT IS SAID AND DONE, AS IT WILL AFFECT OTHERS.

            3. APPEAL TO THE SENSE OF DIGNITY AND REASON EACH PERSON HAS. DON’T BE MANIPULATIVE IN THIS! BE SINCERE!

            4. DO NOT BEING GREEDY FOR FREEBIES! BE WILLING TO WORK AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES.

             5. ALWAYS BE SINCERE. SINCERITY IS A RARE THING AND WHEN  YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF IN THAT MANNER, PEOPLE TAKE NOTICE.

             6. GODLY CHARACTER!

      7. INTEGRITY

     8. BE RESPECTFUL OF AUTHORITY!!! WOW COULD I WRITE ABOUT THIS ONE!               

                       

Interestingly, most people need favor, and seek it when they are afraid of something not happening the way they want it to. Don’t let fear be your motivation. Believe God for favor and it will come. If you fear man and circumstances and you'll find yourself enslaved to the people you need favor from.

Take a look at what grace and favor results in!

1. FRIENDSHIP  WITH  PEOPLE  IN  HIGH PLACES OF  AUTHORITY,  FINANCE,  OR SPIRITUAL INFLUENCE! 

             Joseph had favor with numerous leaders. People who have favor rise to the top at the right time.

       2. PROSPERITY- INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE!

3. WHEN YOU HAVE FAVOR YOU ARE ENABLED TO  MINISTER FREELY AND IN YOUR  FULL CAPACITY!

               This freedom is the result of people trusting you. There is no suspicion. They want to hear and see what you can offer.

        4. PEOPLE WITH FAVOR HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BRING DELIVERANCE AND HELP TO WHOMEVER THEY INTERACT WITH.

        5. SELF PRESERVATION

                 When you have grace you experience safety and self-preservation. Evil finds it very difficult to trouble you.

         6. FUTURE SECURITY

Finally, it is important to recognize that, at some time in your life, you may experience sovereign “seasons of favor”. Take note of them. When those seasons end, it’s generally time to move onto something else. In saying that, I am not implying that when things get tough, you make excuses for your own inadequacies or the difficult relationships and flee the work you need to be doing. God expects us to grow up and handle things in new levels of grace as we develop. Nonetheless, if favor shuts down, and serious persecution and slanderous activity increases to the point that you can’t function fully, you need to examine what is happening and possibly step back till you receive new instructions or new favor through vindication.

http://soundcloud.com/drtmusic-1/i-choose-to-love-the-truth

Check out the theme song for my blog. Its available on my new music CD recording- SUCH POWER accessible on www.tamarawinslow.com.

CONSISTENT TRUTH THROUGH THE ENTIRETY OF THE BIBLE- THE THIRD STANDARD OF CONTEXT

One of the most dangerous conditions a believer can fall prey to is building a doctrine or spiritual standard on one or two verses, while ignoring the sum of scriptural content. Nonetheless, that is exactly what has happened throughout the historical course of the growth of the Christian faith. Entire denominations have been built around a single principal or verse without consideration for the whole of the biblical context. Then, if their interpretation is questioned, an argument often erupts, along with willful, unyielding spiritual deafness, to the possibility that there might be other factors than the single principle they've embraced. Furthermore, in nearly every instance where this has occurred, a solitary verse or truth ends up becoming the only truth and eventually evolves into religious, hard cold legalism. This conflict could easily be avoided if the standards for accurate interpretation of the Bible were considerately applied.

One of the most essential approaches toward accurate Bible interpretation is by inspecting what you study with consideration to what the entirety of what the Scriptures reveals. This is generally understood and known as the “Bible Canon”, or the collection of the writings of Scripture. Therefore, genuine doctrine, in order to be accurate and stable, must demonstrate a Scriptural continuity to be considered acceptable. Obviously, it takes quite a lot of time to nail these concepts down, but it is necessary if you would build a solid case for the sum total of biblical authenticity.  Moreover, I don’t know that any human being has read and grasped the entire Bible in one day. So it will take you time!

The "Bible Canon Context: is constructed of three different angles of thought, or “witness”,  affecting its accuracy. When prospecting for interpretations of the Bible, and using this form of context, you have to become like an assayer. In the process of mining, an assayer is someone who tests the various ores and minerals and analyzes them to determine their composition and value. They may use quite a variety of tests, and once they’ve done so they weigh the resulting precious metal to determine its value. The sincere Bible student becomes an assayer of sorts sifting through the “gold and silver” discoveries by applying the three forms of Canonical tests and categories. Similar, also to a research lawyer, Bible students intent on discovering genuine doctrine painstakingly search the entirety of the book in order to find consistent repetition through the various witnesses I will describe for you.

When perusing the sum of Scripture you need to look for what has come to be known as the three forms of witness. These are designated as: the Consistent Witness, the Diverse Witness and the Isolated Witness. Each of these filters enable a believer to remain unswerving in what is theologically sound and proven from the aggregate of the Bible. Ignoring these opens the door for all sorts of problems and eventually produces legalism or pure error.

• The Consistent Witness

A Consistent Witness, or train of thought, is one where a repeated theme is threaded throughout Scripture, and therefore, can’t be questioned in any way as to its accuracy. For example, the Bible consistently reveals that God is good, merciful, just, kind, loving and so much more. His character is undeniable. Consequently, when going through the entirety of Bible passages, as to any aspect of the character of God, or the topics related to Him, repetition really matters. In recent years I have heard an astounding number of believers talk about God’s goodness and then out of the same mouth say, He is no longer a God of judgment. I don’t know which Bible they’re reading from because in the entirety of the Bible, that idea doesn't exist. It is inconsistent with His eternal character, His Ways and numerous other established and accepted doctrines. Furthermore, doctrine is constructed when the same theme applies unfailingly throughout the Bible. The only difficulty with this is, that students may apply their unhealthy filters to the verses they read, and additionally, try to make them say something that’s not there. For example, Hellenism or Talmudic thought may twist the reading of the Word to make something seem like a theme is present, when in actuality it isn’t. So if the student hasn’t dealt with their personal filters, the sum of the Bible will be skewed by personal philosophies. Therefore, the Consistent Witness means that something is always established as that train of thought.

• The Diverse Witness

A Diverse witness is one where a theme is repeated but not constant. Its presence is best authenticated by Historical tests and context. Sadly, when students aren’t knowledgeable about the sum of God’s counsel on a subject in the Bible, they will quickly build a doctrine around one aspect of the theme, generally creating absolutes where absolutes shouldn’t apply.  The standard of Historical Context including- culture, social conditions, local needs, situations of the times. the national religions of the places the Scriptures were in conflict with, the economic conditions, social customs, philosophies and the educational standards and methods of the time would then help in determining the accuracy of the Diverse Witness. The Diverse witness is also one of the most ignored principles of interpretation because it appears as if it is a constant theme, when in reality it isn’t. Therefore, in order for truth to come forward, the student's interpretation of the passages must remain flexible in order to allow additional information to help them understand. 

For example, the question of whether women operated in leadership roles in Judaism, and the early Church, faces this challenge of interpretation. Persons who use isolated passages that seem to exclude women in leadership roles in the Church, such as 1 Tim. 2:11-12; 1 Cor. 14:33-36, also ignore the larger Canonical view. The numerous women listed in Scriptures as being actively involved in ministry leadership roles, and leadership roles in general, override these two passages that were written to address individual situations and location situations of the times.  Furthermore, there is a plethora of historical information available to us that blasts the generalized interpretation some have come to accept as absolute. Therefore to build a doctrine and law on individual illustrations in the Bible and mix in corrupting filters such as Hellenistic culture or inject an ignorance on the historic, lingusitic and social customs of the day, makes the Bible seem to say something that it doesn’t in its entirety. But, from what I have observed, people who are determined to make these things absolute will not be open to considering the necessary Canonical standard of interpretation.

• The Isolated Witness

The Isolated Witness is a where one example of doing something is not meant to be understood as a central normative teaching of the whole Bible. It was never intended to guide and inform, church practice, policy or faith expression. However, when understood in context of history, culture, accurate translation of language and the intention of the author, the verses of an Isolated Witness may be important for certain unique situations. There is however great danger in taking a truth and making it THE truth. This is a hazard none of us can afford.

If you keep these things in mind when you read and determine to interpret your Bible, you will be on the road to an exciting time of discovery. Just remember that in order to be accurate the already mentioned three standards of biblical interpretation should be constantly in your thinking. Nonetheless, not everyone possesses good study tools or has the time necessary to do that kind of research. I hope in the next post to offer you the fourth standard for biblical interpretation that will prove to be the most thrilling, but also the most difficult: the Instruction of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth. That will be our next focus in the upcoming posts!

INTERPRETING THROUGH HISTORICAL CONTEXT

I have to confess. I love researching the historical context of Scripture. It is by far one of the most interesting paths a believer can venture down, when discovering the colorful influences of the past, at the same time reveling in the amazing hand of God, as evidenced through the Bible. Nonetheless, a study of historical context cannot be accomplished without having good encyclopedias, history books, and ancient cultural resources at your disposal. Many of the difficult passages Christians struggle with, and that at times actually contradict other Bible passages are so because we do not understand what was going on in the historical context of the situation of the time.

Therefore, Historical context includes discovering and understanding how the following influences affect the interpretation of Scripture. 

See the list below that cites what influences make up the 

Historical context.

The ancient cultures

The local needs

The situations of the times

The national religions of the places that the Scriptures were in conflict with

The economic conditions

The social customs

The philosophies

The educational standards and methods

The discovery and understanding of the ancient cultures at the times of the writing of Scriptures played a huge role in what, why, how and the purpose of God’s words to the people. Paul, Peter, John, Luke and the authors of the Gospels yielded to God to communicate to the people of their times what God’s perspective and words were, as needed for those unique situations. When we fail to recognize or acknowledge these things we can unknowingly and easily manipulate the verses to say what we want them to say, forcing them into moulds they never were intended to fill. Nonetheless, the spiritual and practical principles that may exist in these verses, should not be ignored, and must be discovered and delved into.

Historical context is also determined by what the local needs and situations of the times were that the biblical authors communicated to. For example, there are numerous instances where different directives for different times and locales were needed. If these directives are taken out of the intended context of the writing, and made into generalized commands and directives, then error and shame inevitably occurs.            

                       

Let me give you an example. Paul wrote to the single women, who were widows, under 60 years old, to marry and have children. (1 Tim. 5:3-16) Yet on the other hand, Paul wrote to the single women of Corinth to remain single. (1 Cor. 7:32-35,39-40) So why would he give such contradictory direction as the Word of the Lord? It had to do with the differences of regional events, along with the social and political climate, where the people lived. Thus, there were different instructions for dissimilar historical situations. Therefore, to take either of these words out of “historical context” and make them into absolute doctrines, without considering conditions surrounding an individual or group, the interpretation of the words then become error and can cause a host of unplanned problems. Yes, there are spiritual principles that can be appropriated from these truths, but those have to be considered against the historical context lest the distortion becomes the accepted interpretation of the texts. There are loads of such seemingly contradictory instructions, especially in the letters of Paul. This is why you need to investigate the historical factors of the context before you jump to an interpretive conclusion. I've observed that when people do not rightly interpret such passages, legalism, judgmentalism, condescending attitudes and divisiveness almost always result. 

 1 Tim 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. KJV

 1 Cor 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. KJV

            

1 Cor 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. KJV

Furthermore, there were significant ancient Mediterranean cultures, religions, economic conditions, and philosophies, that all radically affect the interpretation of especially Paul’s passages. These need to be understood.  One of my favorites is found in the following verse.

Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. 

He that loveth his wife loveth himself. KJV

Paul said that a man was to love his wife in the same way he loved his body. Now why would he say that? The culture of the time was largely affected by the Roman worship of the human body. Moreover, it was the social practice for men to go to the gymnasium for exercise and pampering. Men of that time indulged their flesh often ignoring their families. Furthermore, in Greek culture, and according to the influences of Aristotle and Plato, men need not love their wives. The only purpose of the wife, according to Greek and Roman culture, was for taking care of the domestic needs and bearing children, preferably sons. Men would consequently love their courtesans and prostitutes instead. Therefore, for Paul to say this, and compare a man’s loving his own body to loving his wife, was to say “love your wife as much as you do your body when you go to the Gym!!” But in that culture loving the wife was unheard of. 

You can see then, that when we read this passage, if we interpret it outside of this historical factor, we can misread what Paul meant and was saying. Now it goes without saying that husbands and wives must love each other. But this is just one example where historical context can affect the interpretation.

I know that for those who don’t have access to good resource materials, this could be frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be.

Many years ago I'd become upset over the increase of ministers who sought title, authority and power over their congregations. I witnessed some radical abuses of this, and one morning while agonizing in prayer over the matter, the Spirit of the Lord revealed something to me. He  essentially revealed this by witnessing this to my spirit, “The problem you're frustrated with, concerning the self-exaltation of certain ministries and the perceived murder of the totality and functionality of the five-fold ministry (Eph. 4:7-12), is not a new thing. It began with a man named Constantine the Great. During the reign of Constantine, the totality of the five-fold ministries, as mentioned in Ephesians 4, suffered horribly.” I was so stunned at what I believed I heard that I began to research it out. To my shock, even though I don't have time to explain it all, the history was true. I mention this because when you don’t know where to begin studying, or don’t have access to good research books, God will instruct you. You, however, must then test what you believe you’ve heard against the Bible, and search through whatever historical materials you have available to confirm or disprove it. The fool believes everything he or she hears. If it’s truth and God has revealed it to you it will eventually be confirmed. You just have to be patient and let Him help you.