Greetings,
Please read the following passage. Acts 9:10-25
10. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias.'' And he said, "Here I am, Lord.''
11. So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
12. "And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.''
13. Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
14. "And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.''
15. But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16. "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.''
17. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.''
18. Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
19. And when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
20. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
21. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?''
22. But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.
24. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.
25. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
I'm especially focused on verse 17:
a. Ananias (the certain disciple) went his way and entered the house
b. "His way" was the way the Lord had commanded him ("He has sent me")
c. The results were "and the Lord confirmed His Word with accompanying signs" - Mark 16:20
Ananias, "just" a certain disciple; not a big named guy, not someone with a "big ministry", nor someone who was in the "five-fold ministry" (that we know of). Just a certain disciple with whom the Lord could speak, lead and direct, command and expect obedience. Remember Proverbs 3:6, "in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
Now it seems that Ananias was a little hesitant about the guy he was supposed to go see. Who wouldn't be, based on what had been happening. It's a good thing to note; the Lord doesn't tell us everything about every situation dealing with everyone. He expects us to trust Him enough to simply hear His voice and do what He says. And because of this "certain disciple" and the obedience he demonstrated to the Lord and His purposes, God was able to take His "move" to a NEW LEVEL!
If you would read further down in Acts 9 to verse 31 you'd read: "Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. " I see Ananias "walking in the fear of the Lord" in his obedience to the Lord. It was Ananias' fear of the Lord that gave him the ability to overcome the fear of man. It was his desire to please the Lord in everything that allowed him to not be so concerned about what man would do to him. Isn't that the way "certain disciples" are supposed to be?
God's plan, of course, will and does include the "5-fold" ministers - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He has set them in their respective offices of ministry for the perfecting, equipping of the saints so that the saints (or, certain disciples) can do the WORK of the ministry (helping, serving, relieving, exhorting, healing, etc.) and thus bringing edification or the building up of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11,12). But the church won't multiply until the "certain disciples" walk in the fear of God and believe that God's will is more important than their own.
Look back through the passage in Acts 9. Here's what the "certain disciple" was involved in AFTER Saul (Paul) was healed and filled with the Spirit:
1. He spent some days with Saul (Saul spent some days with the disciples...)
2. He helped Saul escape the evil one's plot to shut up the voice of God that Paul was beginning to preach. Once again, see how important it is for "discipleS" (plural emphazised) to be working together for a common, God-given purpose. See that the work of "certain disciples" will effect what happens afterward. It would take MORE than 1 or 2 disciples to let a man down a wall in a large basket.
How many times do we have to fail to accomplish our God-given task because we don't have enough workers working together? How long do we have to wait for "certain disciples" to understand the fear of the Lord and live their life on purpose for His purpose? How much time will be wasted? How many people will be lost in the mean time? Why can't we just get on with God's plan and act like the world is at stake?
I've made up my mind and settled my heart. I am a disciple - first and foremost. Whether anyone knows me, other than the Lord Jesus, or not; I am His "certain disciple". In all my ways I choose to acknowledge Him and He directs my paths. There may be someone I am sent to that I don't understand, like, or even trust. But because I am a disciple, HIS disciple, I choose to fear the Lord rather than man.
Saints, let us find ourselves always where we're supposed to be, doing the work that "certain disciples" do. We will find ourselves right smack in the middle of God's move, with the accompanying signs and wonders. Amen!
Pastor Jan
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Gathering Together
Greetings!
Please read the following passage: Acts 13:1-4~
Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'' Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
In the church at Antioch there were people who heard from God and spoke for God. They ministered in the "office" of a prophet and/or teacher. There were others besides those mentioned, those who had maybe the same offices of ministry as those mentioned. There were undoubtedly others as well who operated in different spiritual gifts, such as the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, etc; gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 - 14.
Luke, the writer of the Book of Acts, records a time when the church came together to "minister to the Lord...". Whether they were singing, praying, shouting, sitting quietly, dancing, along with fasting is not really important. What is important is that they came together. Their "coming together" was a type of ministering to the Lord. Just showing up ministers to the Lord! The Greek word for "Ministered" is one we get our word "liturgy" or "liturgical" from. Liturgy means "prescribed ritual for public service". "Prescribed", in this instance, means that the people were doing things that pleased the Lord. And the first thing they did that pleased the Lord was "show up"!
It is impossible to minister to the Lord and not do what pleases Him. Our words can be so spiritual sounding; we can speak so eloquently about what we believe the Lord wants us to do. We can do so to the point of deceiving ourselves. James 1 - "but be doers of the Word, not hearers only (or speakers, for that matter), deceiving yourselves." Hebrews 10 - "Don't forsake the assembling of yourselves..." 1 Corinthians 14 - "...WHEN you come together, each of you have..." Point to be taken: We are NOT pleasing God by holding back from His gathering.
Of course, there are times when we must be here or there and won't be able to be with the "gathering" everytime. However, if the Lord is leading His church, trying to put His people into position to hear His voice and receive His impartations and commissioning, and, be a part of such "sending forth of the people" such as Paul and Barnabus, then the church MUST be where He wants us to be EVERYTIME!
This isn't to be a message of condemnation, but rather exhortation. There, in the church at Antioch, were people who had a vital part in the sending forth of two powerfully anointed apostles. Paul and Barnabus were known as prophets and teachers up to that day, but after the Holy Spirit spoke, they were Sent Ones, sent by the Holy Spirit for the purposes of the Spirit of God. The scriptures do not reveal how the Holy Spirit spoke. More than likely, though, He spoke through someone who had gathered together and was doing what pleased Him. You see, it really doesn't matter who He speaks through, as long as He has someone who has gathered to please Him.
Throughout the scriptures there are examples of people who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. In these last days, with so many things to distract us and lure us away from "only pleasing Him", it is vital that we settle in our heart that when it's time to gather, then we gather. "Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be...".
The Lord never leads people away from gathering. Not one instance in His word does He tell people to live to themselves. Quite the opposite is true. The very picture He gives of His Church being a Body says that. You may not be "gathering" with me, but the Spirit of God has some place in mind for you to be, regularly, gathering with those of "like precious faith". It sure would be terrible, don't you think, if He would "show up" at the place He's expecting you to be, calls your name, looks up and down the aisles, calls again, and then has to give your assignment to someone else because you didn't gather...Or someone is moved by God to bring something to "bless" you with and you're not there to receive the "blessing". Couldn't happen, you may say. "After all, God knows what I'm going to be doing." Think of it this way; the Lord is urging you, calling you, nudging you, and even believing the best of you. As far as He's concerned, since He looks through the work of Christ as He looks into your life, you're up and at 'em, arriving on time and at the right place just because you're so in love with Jesus! He sees you as His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. He sees you as faithful. He's given you the Holy Spirit so that the fruit He bears, such as faithfulness, you and I will bear also.
What might we be missing when people do "their own thing" rather than aim to please God in all we do. What might others be missing as well. Isn't it time for us to minister to the Lord and be in the right place at the right time? Only Heaven knows what can become of it...
Pastor Jan
Please read the following passage: Acts 13:1-4~
Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'' Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
In the church at Antioch there were people who heard from God and spoke for God. They ministered in the "office" of a prophet and/or teacher. There were others besides those mentioned, those who had maybe the same offices of ministry as those mentioned. There were undoubtedly others as well who operated in different spiritual gifts, such as the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, etc; gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 - 14.
Luke, the writer of the Book of Acts, records a time when the church came together to "minister to the Lord...". Whether they were singing, praying, shouting, sitting quietly, dancing, along with fasting is not really important. What is important is that they came together. Their "coming together" was a type of ministering to the Lord. Just showing up ministers to the Lord! The Greek word for "Ministered" is one we get our word "liturgy" or "liturgical" from. Liturgy means "prescribed ritual for public service". "Prescribed", in this instance, means that the people were doing things that pleased the Lord. And the first thing they did that pleased the Lord was "show up"!
It is impossible to minister to the Lord and not do what pleases Him. Our words can be so spiritual sounding; we can speak so eloquently about what we believe the Lord wants us to do. We can do so to the point of deceiving ourselves. James 1 - "but be doers of the Word, not hearers only (or speakers, for that matter), deceiving yourselves." Hebrews 10 - "Don't forsake the assembling of yourselves..." 1 Corinthians 14 - "...WHEN you come together, each of you have..." Point to be taken: We are NOT pleasing God by holding back from His gathering.
Of course, there are times when we must be here or there and won't be able to be with the "gathering" everytime. However, if the Lord is leading His church, trying to put His people into position to hear His voice and receive His impartations and commissioning, and, be a part of such "sending forth of the people" such as Paul and Barnabus, then the church MUST be where He wants us to be EVERYTIME!
This isn't to be a message of condemnation, but rather exhortation. There, in the church at Antioch, were people who had a vital part in the sending forth of two powerfully anointed apostles. Paul and Barnabus were known as prophets and teachers up to that day, but after the Holy Spirit spoke, they were Sent Ones, sent by the Holy Spirit for the purposes of the Spirit of God. The scriptures do not reveal how the Holy Spirit spoke. More than likely, though, He spoke through someone who had gathered together and was doing what pleased Him. You see, it really doesn't matter who He speaks through, as long as He has someone who has gathered to please Him.
Throughout the scriptures there are examples of people who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. In these last days, with so many things to distract us and lure us away from "only pleasing Him", it is vital that we settle in our heart that when it's time to gather, then we gather. "Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be...".
The Lord never leads people away from gathering. Not one instance in His word does He tell people to live to themselves. Quite the opposite is true. The very picture He gives of His Church being a Body says that. You may not be "gathering" with me, but the Spirit of God has some place in mind for you to be, regularly, gathering with those of "like precious faith". It sure would be terrible, don't you think, if He would "show up" at the place He's expecting you to be, calls your name, looks up and down the aisles, calls again, and then has to give your assignment to someone else because you didn't gather...Or someone is moved by God to bring something to "bless" you with and you're not there to receive the "blessing". Couldn't happen, you may say. "After all, God knows what I'm going to be doing." Think of it this way; the Lord is urging you, calling you, nudging you, and even believing the best of you. As far as He's concerned, since He looks through the work of Christ as He looks into your life, you're up and at 'em, arriving on time and at the right place just because you're so in love with Jesus! He sees you as His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. He sees you as faithful. He's given you the Holy Spirit so that the fruit He bears, such as faithfulness, you and I will bear also.
What might we be missing when people do "their own thing" rather than aim to please God in all we do. What might others be missing as well. Isn't it time for us to minister to the Lord and be in the right place at the right time? Only Heaven knows what can become of it...
Pastor Jan
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
He Brought Me Back To The Door Of The House
Greetings,
Ezekiel 47:1-5:
Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side. Then, when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed.
In the first verse it reads, in an alternate translation, "He brought me back to the door of the House...". A lot of things could be said about this such as Jesus is the "Door" and the "House" is the church (John 10; 1 Corinthians 6; and Hebrews 3). For just a moment, though, I want you to see the first part of the verse - a prophetic word for the Body of Christ - a RIGHT NOW word for us.
"He brought me back..." is something that He is doing, whether we're comfortable with it or not. It is quite a journey, going back to the place of God's plans and intents. It can appear, while we are being "brought back", that we are only losing ground. It may seem like we're completely out of "step" with what everyone else is doing. Perspective is so different when you're on "your way back".
But so much depends on being "brought back". Nothing of eternal value is accomplished unless it flows from the "door" of the house. And, unless we allow Him to bring us back, we will miss the mark and just keep doing our "house business" as before.
God has had enough of man's attempt at building His Kingdom. He is bringing us "back" so that the Glory of God can once again be seen flowing from "the door of the house".
Pastor Jan
Ezekiel 47:1-5:
Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side. Then, when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed.
In the first verse it reads, in an alternate translation, "He brought me back to the door of the House...". A lot of things could be said about this such as Jesus is the "Door" and the "House" is the church (John 10; 1 Corinthians 6; and Hebrews 3). For just a moment, though, I want you to see the first part of the verse - a prophetic word for the Body of Christ - a RIGHT NOW word for us.
"He brought me back..." is something that He is doing, whether we're comfortable with it or not. It is quite a journey, going back to the place of God's plans and intents. It can appear, while we are being "brought back", that we are only losing ground. It may seem like we're completely out of "step" with what everyone else is doing. Perspective is so different when you're on "your way back".
But so much depends on being "brought back". Nothing of eternal value is accomplished unless it flows from the "door" of the house. And, unless we allow Him to bring us back, we will miss the mark and just keep doing our "house business" as before.
God has had enough of man's attempt at building His Kingdom. He is bringing us "back" so that the Glory of God can once again be seen flowing from "the door of the house".
Pastor Jan
Saturday, September 02, 2006
God Is In The House
Greetings,
Mark 2:1 - And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.
Some things to consider and desire:
1. Jesus would AGAIN enter our town
2. It's been far too long, too many days
3. May the word of His Visitation spread throughout the land
I know, some of you are probably thinking, "Jesus is here. He said He'd be with us if we were gathered in His Name. What's the big deal?"
How long has it been since THE HAPPENING in the city is God showing up with signs and wonders? How long has it been since the REVIVAL FIRES of the Holy Spirit prevailed throughout the land? HOW LONG? Far too long! You know, when the Lord came to Mount Sinai and fire was on the mountain, I doubt very seriously if there were people sleeping in (because it's their only day to rest), working their second job (because life is just that way, you know), or doing anything else but standing at the base of the mountain in total awe! Oh God, let there be fire on the "mountain" again!
Sure, He's here because He'll never leave us or forsake us. But that doesn't mean that His will is being accomplished. When He shows up into town the way HE WANTS TO, His Kingdom is evident and His Glory is revealed. The sick are healed, the blind see, the oppressed are loosed, the possessed go free! The depressed find joy and the hopeless find purpose and hope. All this happens when God comes into the house, into the town.
Think with me...whenever Jesus is INVITED to a house (yours, mine, the centurion, Jairus', whoever) things happen. God's will is done even in someone else's house. The key is the invitation. And don't you think His will should be done IN HIS HOUSE?
Hebrews 3 says that the church is the house of God (not the building where the church meets, but the believers). Shouldn't His will be done in our lives? Without question! Why don't we see it more? Maybe it has something to do with an invitation. "But it's His House!" Maybe He doesn't feel welcome. Mark 6 says He went to HIS OWN country but COULDN'T DO ANY MIGHTY WORKS...because of their unbelief.
Brethren, it's time we INVITE the Lord back into His House and welcome Him when He comes. It's time we expect the will of God done in our midst as we receive Him by faith. It's time THAT WE SPREAD THE WORD that GOD has come back to the city. Let it be noised abroad, Jesus is in the House! AMEN!
Pastor Jan
Mark 2:1 - And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.
Some things to consider and desire:
1. Jesus would AGAIN enter our town
2. It's been far too long, too many days
3. May the word of His Visitation spread throughout the land
I know, some of you are probably thinking, "Jesus is here. He said He'd be with us if we were gathered in His Name. What's the big deal?"
How long has it been since THE HAPPENING in the city is God showing up with signs and wonders? How long has it been since the REVIVAL FIRES of the Holy Spirit prevailed throughout the land? HOW LONG? Far too long! You know, when the Lord came to Mount Sinai and fire was on the mountain, I doubt very seriously if there were people sleeping in (because it's their only day to rest), working their second job (because life is just that way, you know), or doing anything else but standing at the base of the mountain in total awe! Oh God, let there be fire on the "mountain" again!
Sure, He's here because He'll never leave us or forsake us. But that doesn't mean that His will is being accomplished. When He shows up into town the way HE WANTS TO, His Kingdom is evident and His Glory is revealed. The sick are healed, the blind see, the oppressed are loosed, the possessed go free! The depressed find joy and the hopeless find purpose and hope. All this happens when God comes into the house, into the town.
Think with me...whenever Jesus is INVITED to a house (yours, mine, the centurion, Jairus', whoever) things happen. God's will is done even in someone else's house. The key is the invitation. And don't you think His will should be done IN HIS HOUSE?
Hebrews 3 says that the church is the house of God (not the building where the church meets, but the believers). Shouldn't His will be done in our lives? Without question! Why don't we see it more? Maybe it has something to do with an invitation. "But it's His House!" Maybe He doesn't feel welcome. Mark 6 says He went to HIS OWN country but COULDN'T DO ANY MIGHTY WORKS...because of their unbelief.
Brethren, it's time we INVITE the Lord back into His House and welcome Him when He comes. It's time we expect the will of God done in our midst as we receive Him by faith. It's time THAT WE SPREAD THE WORD that GOD has come back to the city. Let it be noised abroad, Jesus is in the House! AMEN!
Pastor Jan
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