Are Signs, Wonders and Miracles for Today?

I am writing this blog because there seems to be a serious issue today with people who say they are Christians and yet they are dead set against signs and wonders thinking they are all the works of the false prophets!  After doing some research, I discovered that the people writing these articles may be sincere, but they have not taken into account the many other references to signs and wonders that were (and are) done by Jesus, the apostles and through Spirit-led Christians of today.  So because they have not done their complete Biblical research, given personal examples of how they have been affected good or bad, or spoken to the miracle workers today that they question to discover the truth for themselves whether they be of God or not, we have to question the validity of their arguments. 

From doing my own extensive Biblical research on this topic, I have been surprised to find so many references to signs and wonders, their purpose, and their continued purpose, I have come to believe that living a Christian life without expecting signs, wonders and miracles, or encouraging them in those that are gifted that way, is a glaring result of not only understanding the Bible (which absolutely must be studied in context), but even worse, unbelief!  A heart of unbelief is very serious business with God, so had we better take a closer look at Scripture and see if we are failing in this area!  I encourage you to read on, even if you are skeptical about signs, wonders and miracles (as mentioned in the Bible) being legitimate today.

In my own life, I have been personally and profoundly affected by legitimate, God-breathed, Bible-based, signs, wonders, and miracles.  The first miracle is that I got saved.  The second miracle is that God spared me from dying in a serious car accident when I was teenager.  The third miracle is that even though I was a drug user, backslidden and opposed to the things of God, I ended up in Bible School by a miraculous set of circumstances (I had no desire to go and no money to go).  The fourth miracle is that God completely took away my desire for drugs and the godless lifestyle that went along with it without me ever going for counselling or a drug rehab program.  I had absolutely no withdrawal symptoms, and I never touched the stuff again.  Suffice it to say that if I were to write all the miracles in my life since then, I would have volumes of books.  So I have to confess that yes, I believe in signs, wonders and miracles (many of them having to do with healing of my body, clinical depression, precise direction and answers to prayer, deliverance, legitimate visions, dreams that I knew were from God, and so on) because that is the testimony of my life with Jesus!  And I have also heard many legitimate testimonies and seen miracles in others that were jaw-dropping and astounded me, but probably shouldn't have if I had been believing for them.  I believe without a doubt that our God is a miracle-working God!

Through extensive Bible study and experience, the Lord showed me that when He reveals something or performs a miracle, a sign or wonder, it is never for head knowledge.  There is always a much deeper purpose because God's ultimate goal is to draw us to Himself for the purpose of relationship and He also wants to be glorified so we will worship Him and Him alone.  It also increases our faith.  Why would we pray in the first place if we didn't really believe He would answer us?  How and when He answers us is all in His timing, still, Scripture teaches that we must believe when we pray. 

Let's look at what Scripture has to say about signs, wonders and miracles. 

Jesus gave it (signs and miracles) as a result of those that believe when He gave us the Great Commission:

Mar 16:15    And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mar 16:16    He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mar 16:17    And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mar 16:18    They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

These verses are for EVERY believer, not just for the disciples He was speaking to.  This is very important to note because some skeptics say that it was only given in Jesus' time and in the Book of Acts for unbelievers to see so that they would see and believe and get saved.  They also say it was given ONLY to the apostles for the purpose of ministry.  But they are mistaken because they have neglected to mention one of the main purposes of signs and wonders.  It is found in Hebrews 2.

Heb 2:1    Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Heb 2:2    For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

Heb 2:3    How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Heb 2:4    God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

God confirms our faith by action and deed - there is physical evidence.  If this were not true, none of us would be saved, would we?  After we are saved, there is often a physical evidence that all things have become new just like Paul said:

2Co 5:17    Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And as for faith, it is substance and evidence, something that is not secretive and hidden.

Heb 11:1    Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

So if we really believe the Word of God, then we will also believe in signs, wonders and miracles, and we need to be expecting them!

Now I'd like to address the verses the skeptics have quoted so we know where they are coming from:

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mar 13:22  For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

First of all, with careful study, we discover that the above two passages of Scripture are written to the Jews, not the Gentiles, and certainly not the Church of today, the Bride of Christ.  Christians today may be struggling with apathy, worldliness, sin and many other things, but the signs and wonders of that time that is coming will be so deceptive, that without the Spirit of God, we would not be able to discern the source of it, whether it is of God.  I believe that the Church will have already been raptured when this time occurs. 

So for people who are afraid of signs and wonders thinking that all of it is of the devil and should be shunned and disregarded, this is a very serious charge against the Holy Spirit if the works being done are from Him.  So what does a person who is skeptical do in such a case?  Christians in Jesus time and Christians today have the help of the Holy Spirit to discern such things:

Joh 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:

Joh 15:27    And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

This is not to say that we shouldn't search Scripture and pray if we are in doubt.  We should pray about everything.  How do we discern what is of God and what is not?  I have discussed this in a previous blog, but I will write it afresh here:

We should consider the following:

 

1) Do their works cause others to glorify God?

1Pe 2:12    Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

2) Are they submitted to God (you will know them by their fruits)

2Co 9:13    Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

3)  Are humility and repentance a part of it?

1Jn 1:5    This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.1Jn 1:6    If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:1Jn 1:7    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.1Jn 1:8    If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

4)  Are they full of the Holy Ghost and professing and acting on faith?

Act 11:21    And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.Act 11:22    Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.Act 11:23    Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.Act 11:24    For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

5) Are the works unmistakably a work of God based on the truth as revealed by the Holy Spirit?  Do they glorify God?

Joh 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. Joh 16:14    He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Note that false prophets "seduce" - they do just the opposite of a work that is of God.  A work of God draws you TO God, but a work of a false prophet does not do this.  They will cunningly turn you AWAY from God.  Their works are not based on the truth of God's revealed Word, but they may still quote Scripture (which is likely taken out of context or whole portions of Scripture will have been ignored or removed altogether).  And also important to note is that we are not to look for a gifted man or a woman to perform miracles for us; we are to look to the Lord for everything we need or desire.  He may choose to use a person to meet our need, but we must always remember that He is the ultimate source of everything good that comes to us.  To Him alone goes all the glory.

To close, while researching, I discovered much more on this topic and I have not been able to cover everything here without turning into an even lengthier blog, which could also easily end up in a book form.  But I hope that what you have read has shed some light on the subject and that you will feel encouraged to believe, really believe, that God not only hears and answers prayers, but He is miracle-working God!  The more we read His Word, the more we will believe as we see the awe-inspiring jaw-dropping works of our Great God!  Glory be to His magnificent name.

Should Women Preach?

One of the most controversial subjects in Christendom is the topic of a woman's Biblical ordained role in terms of preaching, teaching and even speaking in church.  Any time a subject like this concerning the entire Body of Christ (made up of true born-again believers) creates division, strife or confusion, we must take it out of isolation and prayerfully ask and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth about it.   And in the case of women's Biblical roles within the church, many times, attitudes towards women have been dishonoring and unChristlike, and in some cases, have created an oppressive and suppressive environment, where she is not free to express all that God has given her (which may include strong leadership and teaching giftings), and to be able to do so in a welcoming environment where she feels loved, valued and needed.  After spending considerable time researching this topic, I have come to believe that the few Scriptures regarding women’s leadership in the church have been grossly misinterpreted.  So I'd like to look at the two main portions of Scripture that are used towards the argument that women are to be limited in their roles when it comes to speaking, teaching or preaching in a normal church setting: 

The first one is found in Corinthians:

1Co 14:34    Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1Co 14:35    And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 

Now I'd like to put it in context.  Let's look at the verses before verse 34: 

1Co 14:26    How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.1Co 14:27    If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.1Co 14:28    But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.1Co 14:29    Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.1Co 14:30    If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.1Co 14:31    For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.1Co 14:32    And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.1Co 14:33    For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 

In this context, Paul is dealing with a church that is out of order.  They (both men and women) are speaking out when they should be silent.  So Paul is giving them a lesson in order, when to speak and when to be silent.  Notice also in verse 26, he says, "when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation."  When he says "every one of you" both men and women were participating.  In verse 28, "both" men and women are instructed to keep silent when they are speaking in tongues and there is no interpreter.  When we get to verse 34, there is something very important to note that is most often overlooked --notice the key word here is "your" - "your" meaning the women in that particular Corinthian church.  He was not addressing all women for all time.  Also, in verse 35 - He is talking about "married" women whose husbands are likely in places of leadership in that particular church.  These verses were obviously not addressed to single women or women without husbands.  So in this particular passage, it was directed to a specific church and to a specific set of married women who were being unruly (and keep in mind, so were the men).   So Paul was trying to restore order to an unruly congregation!

Now we'll look at the second portion of Scripture found in I Timothy: 

1Ti 2:8    I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

1Ti 2:9    In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1Ti 2:10    But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

1Ti 2:11    Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.1Ti 2:12    But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.   

In verse 10 it says that women "profess" godliness.  Does this mean they show godliness by their manner of dress and good works mentioned in verse 9 and never say anything?  No, it says "women professing godliness 'with' good works." The good works, I interpret, are in addition to "professing," which means they are speaking as well.   

Now we will add the context with which Paul was speaking: 

1Ti 2:13    For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

1Ti 2:14    And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 

Why would Paul stick these verses here?  Trusted research sources (both men and women), some of which have spent considerable time in their all-around research, all agree that the women in this church of Ephesus were deceived and were actually trying to teach false doctrine.  It is no wonder that in verse 11 and 12 Paul is basically telling them in a nice way to shut up and to stop teaching this heresy!  It fits because in verse 13 and 14 he is describing the order of creation - the man first and the woman second, and it was the woman that was deceived. He points this out because the women in this particular church were deceived (possibly having to do with Gnosticism) and were elevating themselves above men and had to be stopped (verse 12).  Would he not of said the very same thing to the men if they were in error and teaching heresy? No one is to usurp authority over another as in the following: 

Mat 20:25    But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

Mat 20:26    But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Mat 20:27    And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Mat 20:28    Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. 

And in this particular case with the women of Ephesus, it was the women who were out of line.  The women needed to learn about the truth of God's Word before attempting to teach, and it doesn’t say whether they were to learn it from another person, or anything other than the Scriptures.  Note in verse 11 that it doesn't say that they were to learn from a "man."  

In light of this well documented cultural background of 1 Timothy 2: 11-14, the following Scriptures would seem to make more sense: 

God is no respecter of persons: 

Acts 10:34    Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 

All are one regardless of gender: 

Gal 3:26    For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:27    For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Gal 3:28    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 

1Co 12:13    For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

1Co 12:14    For the body is not one member, but many. 

Submission is for all:   

Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 

1Pe 5:5  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 

In the case of wives submitting to husbands, and husbands equally (and in greater measure) submitting to wives, we read the following:   

Eph 5:19    Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;Eph 5:20    Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;Eph 5:21    Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.Eph 5:22    Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.Eph 5:23    For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.Eph 5:24    Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.Eph 5:25    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;Eph 5:26    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,Eph 5:27    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.Eph 5:28    So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.Eph 5:29    For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:Eph 5:30    For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.Eph 5:31    For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.Eph 5:32    This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.Eph 5:33    Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Let's back up and re-read the first verse: 

Eph 5:19    Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 

Note that men and women are admonished to do this, so this would mean women are allowed and indeed encouraged to partake in any service where men and women meet to worship the Lord. 

As for the men loving their wives as Christ loves the church, Paul gives a beautiful and detailed example of what true submission looks like, and what we should all strive for when it comes to submitting to one another.  It is a Godly, giving (agape), selfless, humble type of love.  It is a type of submission that is God-breathed and God-inspired, and one that requires a heart for God and a submitted life to the Lord in order to be able to love that way.  A woman will not be able to resist such a love, nor would she want to, just as anyone who is met with this type of love (male or female) would find it hard to resist.   

I'd like to close with a few thoughts on Godly headship and leadership in case there is some confusion regarding this role.  If we are to closely examine headship/leadership in the New Testament, humility is required for both men and women and anyone in a leadership role.  Without humility, the leadership is both carnal and worldly and does not accomplish God's purposes. Jesus whole life from birth to death was based on His willingness to submit to the Father's will and choosing to have an attitude of humility in doing so. Why would it be any different for men or women in positions of leadership today?  Let's look at some Scripture. 

Jesus the Good Shepherd:

Joh 10:11    I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 

Jesus warned the disciples about desiring a high and elevated position in life:  

Mat 23:8    But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

Mat 23:9    And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Mat 23:10    Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Mat 23:11    But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Mat 23:12    And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 

Then in I Thessalonians we have one of the most surprising examples of male leadership in the entire Bible (other than Jesus' supreme example): 

This is Paul's idea of apostleship: 

1Th 2:7  But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 

Paul follows the example of not just a woman (who is motherly), but a nurse nourishing and cherishing her children.  The picture is unmistakable as one of "caring" "loving" "giving selflessly to."  There is nothing hard-nosed or hard-hearted here.  This is a man who truly loves and lays down his life and his pride for his brethren. 

So in the case of a woman's Biblical ordained role in terms of preaching, teaching and speaking in church, any role or calling of a Christian must always be consistent with the Christ-like character of Jesus - humility and submission.  And in each case where a women's role is called into question in the church, I believe it must be handled prayerfully, Biblically, and in a spirit of humility and submission by everyone involved, men and women.  To me, this is what Paul was trying to get across in nearly every case where he addressed specific women of that day who had stepped too far out of bounds in their words, actions and attitudes.  He did the same to the men.  The call for submission stands today, equally for men, women, children and all who call themselves born-again, blood-bought Christians.   May the Lord be pleased for the way we treat one another, and for the example we set for the rest of the world to see especially when it comes to how we handle God ordained Biblical leadership.

 

Are Tongues for Today?

I have delayed writing this blog and have been hindered again and again from sitting down to write it.  The idea that I needed to write about it has been stirring in my soul for months now, especially after the idea of speaking in tongues, as one of the evidences of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, has been under fire.  When the topic has come up, which I haven't even initiated, I have heard everything from, "It's of the devil," to "It has ended with the church age."  And yet, in both cases, and all arguments in between, that it really isn't necessary for today, that some receive the gift and many others don't, so therefore it's not important, that it is irrelevant when it comes to Christian service, and so on, I have yet to find Scripture to support any and all of the above statements and arguments.   I have also found that some people are closed to the discussion, others are apathetic or worse, indifferent, and still others will become angry.  So something is strangely amiss here.   

I find this very disconcerting because when I received this incredible life-changing gift, the difference in my walk, my faith, my service, my giftings (which led to more giftings), and the power with which I began to live my Christian life was unparalleled to anything I had ever experienced as a Christian in the 14 years I had been saved (I was 19 when I received the gift and saved when I was five).  My writing took on a whole new dimension, for now I was being inspired by and led by the Holy Spirit and not trying to come up with something from my education, my head or my emotions.  I was called to live in "specific" places, and called to minister to "specific" people.  I was able to witness boldly to cults, atheists and apostates (people claiming to be saved in the church who were not), and continue to do so today.  I have boldly witnessed in places that forbid even the mention of "God." I can't imagine doing any of this if I had not had the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.  At the same time, receiving the gift of tongues was one of the most humbling experiences I had ever had.  I realized how much I needed the Holy Spirit and how limited my own speech was when it came to witnessing and ministry.  After receiving the gift, I wanted that much more of what the Holy Spirit was willing to give me and I have never been disappointed.  He will give to those that ask. 

First of all, it is a prophecy that in the last days (which began after Jesus ascended to heaven after His earthly ministry) that He would pour out His Spirit: 

Act 2:17    And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Act 2:18    And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 

When He says He will pour out his Spirit "upon all flesh," it does not say, "during the first church age," but would mean rather for all ages to come, wouldn't it?  Some believe it is yet for a future time, but it already began during the apostolic ministry and continues today for those who believe and are willing and ready to receive it. 

Secondly, the power is a promise found in Acts.  This is what Jesus said: 

Act 1:8    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

The power is connected to witnessing and service.  Now notice at the end of it, He says "unto the uttermost part of the earth."   Did the disciples and the first church reach the uttermost part of the earth in their lifetime during the first church age?  Some would believe so, for they do not believe that this experience is for the church today, and so we might wonder, where is this same power today as promised in Acts 1:8?  For if ever the church needed power, it is today when godlessness tries to enclose us in and prevent us from standing strong for the name of and cause of Jesus Christ.  And many churches are faltering having depended on their own steam and their own agenda, and frankly, they are lifeless and their numbers have dwindled to a new low. 

The power only comes after the Holy Ghost is come "upon" you.  This endowment is not to be confused with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  The "upon" experience is given for power for service, not salvation.  Yet many have confused this very thing arguing that as long as you are a Christian, you need go no further, you already have what you need.  I am sorry, but then this must mean you are perfect as you are, and do not need any more of whatever God has for you. This could include faith, wisdom (we are to ask for this according to James 1:5), and gifts in the church for edifying the body (which is badly needed today), courage to witness in the face of persecution, boldness to proclaim the truth of God's Word and even to love (agape) and lay down our lives for the brethren.  And yes, He promises the Holy Spirit to all who ask: 

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?  

Are we able to do all these things mentioned above without hesitation and without power (which He freely gives) and find as much success in all that we do?  Why would we assume we need nothing more from the Lord who freely gives us all things?  I for one, could not have come this far for the path of ministry I have been called to.  If the Lord has more for me yet, I will gladly receive it, for without Him I can do nothing (see John 15:5). 

We can read all about the gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 12 and also 14.  In the church there is an order that is needed, and if someone speaks in tongues, there needs to be someone there to interpret the meaning so that the Body can be edified.  So tongues is also for the purpose of edification.  If you have ever attended a service where this has happened (someone spoke in tongues and someone else interpreted), it is a beautiful and powerful thing.  The Holy Spirit will give exactly what the church needs to hear according to Romans 8:26-27: 

Rom 8:26    Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Rom 8:27    And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

Speaking in tongues is speaking in the Spirit and "according to the will of God." This is very important.  How many prayers have been said that were not according to the will of God? 

In I Cor. 14 Paul gives preference to prophecy rather than tongues so that the church may hear and understand and be edified.   He never once says NOT to speak in tongues, but it is better to prophesy which will bring people to their knees because they will instantly know that it is of God and not of man.  The Spirit will utter exactly what needs to be said so that a person knows it's to them and about them and for them. Then, under the direct conviction of the Holy Spirit, they will respond. 

This is what Paul says near the end of the chapter: 

1Co 14:39    Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 

So we must be very careful not to dismiss entirely speaking in tongues and prophecy because it has a very important place in our lives and in the corporate church for the purposes of what the Holy Spirit would have to say to us.  If you have little idea of this important subject, I encourage you to begin with reading the Book of Acts and pay close attention to every reference to "the Spirit," or "in the Spirit."  Note the incredible things the Apostles were able to do after they experienced this empowering of the Holy Spirit.  Then, make it a matter of prayer in your own life and see what God has to teach you about this remarkable and awe-filled gift meant to empower and edify.

Are we Hot or Cold?

Today's blog is not just something to quickly read and then forget about.  It also comes with a warning.  In writing this blog, I have felt a deep heart conviction that I have fallen far short of being "hot" when it comes to zealously loving God and the things of God.  I needed to be reminded and I needed to repent.  It all began as I was reading a blog written by a pastor and the blog seemed to be so dry and religious, the words could have blown away with the slightest breeze.  I wondered, where is the power? Where is the zeal? Where is the conviction of the Holy Spirit that brings about repentance and change?  He scarcely used Scripture, which seems so common in many blogs and posts today.  There seems to be so much intellectual opinion as people would rather share their own clever thoughts and those of others, or so called learned theologians.  Have we even bothered to test the truth of these men to see if they are correctly and reverentially using the Word of God?  Has God truly revealed His Word to them, and is this what they are sharing with us?  As Christians, we have been entrusted with tremendous power from the Holy Spirit, but power without the love of the truth is not effective. The power is in the Word but it must be delivered with grace and conviction and faith!  

After reading the blog, Jesus' message to the churches in the Book of Revelation came to mind immediately.  I quote the message to the church of Ephesus: 

Rev 2:1    Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Rev 2:2    I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Rev 2:3    And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Rev 2:4    Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Rev 2:5    Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Notice verse 4:  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 

After we become saved, we may become too busy and caught up with the things of the world, or even with "churchy" things and we start to neglect the treasured time with the Lord where He builds us up, teaches us, and gently rebukes us when we've strayed.  As we feed on the Word, and obey what He says, our hearts remain pliable and tender towards Him and the things that matter most to Him.  Perhaps we have become cold from too many trials and tribulations, and we feel we can't go on any longer.  Maybe we have allowed bitterness towards God and others to harden our heart and we have become careless (we could care less).   If so, this is a dangerous place to be as a Christian.  For one thing, Rev. 2:5 says that there are consequences to failing to love God first.  For the church of Ephesus they were to love Him first or they would be removed out of their place! 

In every situation and in everything we do, God always looks on the heart.  The greatest commandment is this: 

Mat 22:36    Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

Mat 22:37    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Mat 22:38    This is the first and great commandment.

Mat 22:39    And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Mat 22:40    On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 

We need to be constantly reminded that Jesus wants us to love Him first and foremost and to demonstrate it also by "zealously" loving the truth.  We are to do the good works out of that zeal, otherwise it becomes dead works.  He wants us to stand up for the truth and not be silent and indifferent.  Let's seriously think about what the Lord is saying here and what He requires of us! 

If we read in the Old Testament, God dealt with the children of Israel when they merely put on a show, but their hearts were far from Him: 

Isa 29:13    Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Isa 29:14    Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

Isa 29:15    Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

Isa 29:16    Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? 

Notice in verse 13 it says, their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.  This is what happens when we read too much "about" religious ideas, and neglect the unadulterated Word of God.  Doctrines of men deaden our hearts, but the Spirit and the Truth of God's Word quicken us and give us life.  Think of how many times Jesus rebuked the Pharisees in the New Testament for neglecting the things of God, and merely putting on a prideful show to their own benefit.  In Matthew 7 Jesus declares seven woes against the Pharisees for their prideful and evil ways. 

Clearly, God does not look favorably upon prideful hearts.  Most people are familiar with the passage in Revelation where Jesus warns the Laodiceans: 

Rev 3:14    And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Rev 3:15    I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Rev 3:16    So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Rev 3:17    Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 

This passage is one of the most graphic portrayals of how God feels about a lukewarm heart towards Him.  It turns His stomach and makes Him sick.  If we are prosperous, we must always be very careful that we don't allow our hearts to become callous and lukewarm towards God!  Materially,  we may be right up there with the world, but spiritually we can and will become impoverished when we neglect to passionately love God and the things of God first and foremost. 

In case we have forgotten the kind of love God is looking for, agape love, or unconditional love, is described in I Corinthians 13: 

1Co 13:1    Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1Co 13:2    And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1Co 13:3    And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1Co 13:4    Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,1Co 13:5    Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1Co 13:6    Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

1Co 13:7    Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1Co 13:8a   Charity never faileth:  

Every verse here speaks of a "selfless" love.  Even though we may do many good works, without love, it is a waste of time.  It "profiteth nothing," and we are "nothing."  These are not suggestions.  This kind of love has been commanded by God.  I hope that you have felt something in your heart stirring today that will be the beginning or the continuance of a heart that is "hot" for Christ and the precious things of God.  I know I sure have!  Let's put aside our own busy schedule, and concentrate on time well spent with God.  Time is ticking and we need to get this right.  Let's begin today.

 

Are There Revelations From God?

Some people don't believe that we should pay much attention when someone says they have received a revelation from God.  In fact, they believe that if it isn't a quoted Scripture from the Bible, then it's questionable that it's from God at all.   So these same people are often closed to hearing any prophetic words from fellow believers.  While it is true that we are warned in the Bible in the Book of Revelation not to take away from or add to the Word of God, it doesn't mean that we should shun all revelations from God.  In fact in I Corinthians 14:39, we are told to "covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."  Prophecy and tongues and the interpretation of tongues are revelations from God when they are carried out according to Scripture (decently and in order). 

This topic also brings up an interesting question about communicating with God and receiving direct answers from Him.  If we believe we can only receive an answer from Him in a certain way, aren't we limiting God in the way in which He can answer us?  In my own experience, God has used many different ways and means to answer my prayers and to communicate with me.  Some of the times I have heard His still small voice.  Other times someone has given me wise counsel.  Sometimes people have given me a word of knowledge that I knew was from the Lord because the Spirit confirmed it to me.  On occasion, I have received prophetic words as well from other believers.  These prophetic words could be and were verified when I searched the Scripture.  In some cases, appropriate Scripture was quoted in the prophecy, and also, Scripture came to my mind immediately.  I never had a shadow of doubt that the prophecy was meant for me.  Similarly, when ministers give a sermon, something the pastor says will strike a chord with someone, and something else he/she says will reach someone else.  Are these not specific revelations from God for particular individuals whether it is given in a word of prophecy or by a minister giving a sermon?  It is all God communicating with us, and we need to be open to the many ways He attempts to reach us. 

Receiving revelation of words of knowledge or prophecy from God is really a matter of trusting in Him.  We must trust Him that we are not going to be so easily led astray.  And we must be open to the way in which He speaks to us.  If we are truly His children then He has already said that we would recognize His voice and know Him: 

Joh 10:27    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 

Another important thing to consider, is that how do we read and understand God's Word except by revelation?  It simply can't be done because we are in the flesh.  We have to be in the Spirit in order to understand spiritual things. 

1Co 2:9    But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1Co 2:10    But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1Co 2:11    For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

1Co 2:12    Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1Co 2:13    Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1Co 2:14    But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

Every day we need to ask ourselves if we are being led of the Spirit or the flesh.  If we are being led of the Spirit, we will be focussing more on what is important to God, and less on what is important to us.  We may worry that we are being too spiritually minded, but in Romans 8, it is a much more serious issue if we choose to remain in the flesh.  If we read verse 8, we see that when we are in tune with Him (walking in the Spirit), phenomenally, God uses us to fulfill His righteousness.  This is a profound thought.  If we read on, we see that if we fail to walk in the Spirit, we cannot please God.  And further on we read that if we live in the flesh we will die. 

Rom 8:4    That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Rom 8:5    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.

Rom 8:6    For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

 

Rom 8:7    Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Rom 8:8    So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

 

Rom 8:9    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.

Rom 8:10    And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Rom 8:11    But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Rom 8:12    Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

Rom 8:13    For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 

So when it comes to receiving revelations from God, if we are walking in the Spirit, these will be common place, not something to be afraid of.   

Further, when someone says they felt led of the Spirit, this is also common place according to Romans 8:14: 

Rom 8:14    For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

Verse 14 distinguishes if we have the Spirit of God or not - If we are truly a Christian, we will be led by the Spirit of God. Why would it be wrong or unusual to say, "The Lord led me to do this or say that?" This should be common practice for a Christian. 

Finally, we have an absolute assurance that God will be faithful to lead us into all truth, no matter how wicked the world around us gets.   

Joh 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.

Joh 16:14    He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Joh 16:15    All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

We can stand firm in the knowledge of His Word, and never fear whether a revelation is from God or not.  If we have been reading and immersing ourselves in the Word of God and praying for revelation and understanding, we will most assuredly grow leaps and bounds in our faith, and our works will be pleasing to Him. 

 

Our Plans & God's Sovereignty

In writing the previous blog, Does God Have a Plan for our Lives? the idea of the Sovereignty of God kept surfacing.  The more I thought about it, the more sense it made that this is something irrefutable when it comes to how God works regardless of any plans we may make in life.  Sovereignty generally means "supreme power or authority; supremacy and dominion."  Today, the topic of God's Sovereignty isn't often taught or even mentioned.  But I believe that without a knowledge of this crucial aspect of God, there is a very real danger that we will not only fail to reverence God for Who He is, but we will also be much more susceptible to putting way too much emphasis on what we want more than what God intends for us.  This can also put us in the driver's seat, lead to self-centered pride, and de-throne the majesty and Lordship of our great and mighty God and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It also leads to undue stress, since we may be constantly wondering if we are making the right decisions in life.  As always, we need to search Scripture to find the balance and come to a better understanding. 

God's Sovereignty works in all things.  This is true in life and in death and all that happens in-between.  Things will change throughout our lifetime in spite of any plans, desires and wishes we have, and we'd better be prepared to change along with it. 

Ecc 3:1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecc 3:2    A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; Ecc 3:3    A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; Ecc 3:4    A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecc 3:5    A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; Ecc 3:6    A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecc 3:7    A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecc 3:8    A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 

Ecc 8:8    There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. 

And in Acts, we see that all our times are pre-appointed and determined by God.  Notice especially verse 26. 

Act 17:24    God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Act 17:25    Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; Act 17:26    And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; Act 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: Act 17:28    For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 

The mighty God we believe in and serve knows all things.  But more than this, He has pre-destined, or pre-determined, and before ordained even our good works: 

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Isn't this a comforting thought?  We may look at our life and feel we haven't done much, or our works aren't good enough, or we don't measure up.  But it is often and only through our weaknesses and failures that God is glorified, and this is often where He begins to use us for His purposes and His glory.  When He is glorified, we know that these are the works He is doing through us, works that were previously ordained for us to do. 

And finally, we have one of the most encouraging passages of Scriptures in the Bible when it comes to God's Sovereignty, foreknowledge and promises to all those that love Him: 

Rom 8:28    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Rom 8:29    For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Rom 8:30    Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

I remember when I first read this and began to understand what it means.  I had been concerned that I could never measure up to what God wanted from me, and that I would fail as a Christian, and become so discouraged that I'd want to give up altogether in even trying.  I began to see and believe that for some reason, God picked me, drew me to Himself, and then made it possible for me to live as His child, and that He would enable me to serve Him all the days of my life.  And the best part is that it had little or nothing to do with how good or adept I was at being a Christian.  God would be able to use me no matter how weak I was or how much or how often I had failed.  I just had to be willing to let Him use me.  No matter how difficult life gets, I hold onto the promise in verse 28, that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  I can testify that this verse has been true in my own life in every, and in all situations, no matter how difficult or heart-breaking, or discouraging, God has never failed me, and neither has His Word. 

Sometimes when things seem at their darkest, we may question the Sovereignty of God, and wonder if He really does have a plan for our life.  But the trials and difficulties are when God's power is seen through us, and He is glorified and others take notice. 

2Co 4:7    But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2Co 4:8    We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 2Co 4:9    Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2Co 4:10    Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 

So when it comes to the balance between God's Sovereignty and our plans, according to the Scriptures we have just read, God's Sovereignty always takes precedence in every and in all circumstances in life regardless of our plans. 

May this be our prayer today: 

Mat 6:9    After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Mat 6:10    Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Mat 6:11    Give us this day our daily bread. Mat 6:12    And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Mat 6:13    And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.