THE FATHER'S HOUSE:

THE FATHER'S HOUSE:

THE DWELLING PLACE OF GOD:

THE FATHER'S HOUSE:

INTRODUCTION:

FOR MANY YEARS THE CHURCH HAS PREACHED AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOSPEL IN THE TERMS OF HEAVEN OR HELL. SOMETHING SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE WHEN WE DIE. THE IDEA OF "JUST BUILD MY MANSION NEXT DOOR TO JESUS" MAY BE VERY APPEALING TO THE FLESH BUT IS VERY CARNAL AND NOT IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT NOR THE SCRIPTURES.
YES, THERE IS A LITERAL HEAVEN AND A VERY REAL HELL, (I HAVE HAD THE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE OF SEEING HELL WHEN I HAD DIED AND WAS ON MY WAY THERE) HOWEVER, THE GOSPEL MESSAGE IS NOT JUST FOR HEAVEN WHEN WE DIE BUT IT IS NOW FOR US TODAY. WE HAVE TOLD PEOPLE THAT IF THEY BELIEVE AND LIVE A GOOD LIFE IT WILL BE WORTH IT ALL WHEN WE GET TO HEAVEN.
THIS IS ALSO NOT IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT NOR THE SCRIPTURES. WE HAVE A PURPOSE AND A MISSION TO FULFILL AND IT WILL REQUIRE A REVELATION OF THE GOSPEL IN FULLNESS AND POWER TO ACCOMPLISH IT.
GOD THE ETERNAL SPIRIT HAS NOW COME TO DWELL WITHIN HIS HOUSE UPON THE EARTH.
NOT A BUILDING MADE BY FLESH AND BLOOD OR BY THE WORKS OF MAN, BUT A BUILDING MADE OF LIVING STONES FITTED TOGETHER FOR A HABITATION OF GOD BY THE SPIRIT.
A HOLY TEMPLE FILLED WITH GOD HIMSELF. HIS CHURCH AND BODY. THE FATHER'S HOUSE.
EPHESIANS 2:18-22, "FOR THROUGH HIM WE BOTH HAVE ACCESS BY ONE SPIRIT UNTO THE FATHER. NOW THEREFORE YE ARE NO MORE STRANGERS AND FOREIGNERS, BUT FELLOW CITIZENS WITH THE SAINTS, AND OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD; AND ARE BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNER (stone); IN WHOM ALL THE BUILDING FITLY FRAMED TOGETHER GROWETH UNTO A HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD: IN WHOM YE ALSO ARE BUILDED TOGETHER FOR A HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT."
MAY THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH GIVE US A REVELATION THAT WILL CHANGE OUR MENTALITY FROM THAT OF ESCAPISM TO THAT OF OCCUPATION AND CONQUEST.
YES, OUR KING WILL RETURN TO RECEIVE US TO HIMSELF BUT NOT BEFORE WE HAVE FINISHED OUR TASK AND HIS HOUSE IS BUILT, FURNISHED AND COMPLETE.

Pastor John Holder

SECTION ONE:

IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE:

JOHN 14:1-3, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also."

FOR MANY YEARS I HAVE HEARD THIS PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE PREACHED IN REGARDS TO OUR HEAVENLY MANSIONS THAT ONE GREAT DAY WE WILL LIVE IN. ALTHOUGH I TRULY BELIEVE IN THE REALITIES OF HEAVEN THAT IS NOT WHAT THESE SCRIPTURES ARE TALKING ABOUT.

THE WORD FOR "MANSIONS" IN THE GREEK SHOULD BE BETTER TRANSLATED "DWELLING PLACE" OR "PLACES OF DWELLING", "ABODE".
THE SAME WORD IS USED IN JOHN 14:23, "Jesus answered and said unto him, 'If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him.'"
HERE THE WORD IS TRANSLATED "ABODE", A PLACE OF DWELLING. THE FATHER'S HOUSE IS NOT SOME PLACE IN THE SKY IN THE SWEET BYE AND BYE, BUT RATHER A PLACE OF DWELLING RIGHT HERE ON THE EARTH IN HIS BODY THE CHURCH. WE ARE THE MANSION, TEMPLE OF GOD OR HOUSE THAT THE FATHER DESIRES TO DWELL IN AND LIVE THROUGH. THIS IS A DWELLING PLACE MADE UP OF LIVING STONES. EACH STONE IS A PLACE OF DWELLING BUT TOGETHER WE BECOME THE HOUSE OR HOUSEHOLD OF GOD.
1 PETER 2:4-6, "To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."

QUESTION? WHY WOULD YOU NEED A MANSION IN THE REALM OF HEAVEN? WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT? TAKE A NAP OR CLEAN THE ROOMS? MAYBE HAVE A PARTY?
THINK ABOUT IT. WHAT WOULD WE DO WITH A MANSION IN A GLORIFIED BODY NOT LIMITED TO TIME AND SPACE. WE CAN EAT BUT WE DON'T NEED TO. WE DON'T NEED TO SLEEP. IF WE WANT TO GO SOME WHERE ALL WE NEED TO DO IS THINK IT AND WE ARE THERE. WHAT WOULD BE THE PURPOSE OF A MANSION IN HEAVEN?
IF YOU REALLY WANTED A MANSION IN HEAVEN I'M SURE YOU COULD HAVE ONE. HOWEVER, THESE SCRIPTURES TELL US THAT WE, THE CHURCH, ARE THE FATHER'S HOUSE. WE ARE HIS MANSION OR DWELLING PLACE RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW ON THIS EARTH.

1 TIMOTHY 3:15, "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in THE HOUSE OF GOD, which is THE CHURCH of the LIVING GOD, the piller and ground of the truth."

2 TIMOTHY 2:20-21, "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work."

1 PETER 4:17, "for the time (is come) that judgment must begin at THE HOUSE OF GOD: and if (it) first (begin) at us, what shall the end (be) of them that obey not the gospel of GOD?"

HEBREWS 3:1-6, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses [was faithful] in all his house. For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some [man]; but he that built all things [is] God. And Moses verily [was] faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose HOUSE are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end."

HEBREWS 10:21-22, "and (having) a high priest over THE HOUSE OF GOD; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

LET US GO BACK TO JOHN 14:3 AND GO THROUGH IT WORD BY WORD.
JOHN 14:3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also."

PREPARE=MAKE ALL THE PREPARATIONS, GET READY. (GOING BEFORE A KING TO MAKE THE ROADS STRAIGHT AND EVERYTHING PREPARED TO RECEIVE HIM)
PLACE=LOCATION, OR STATION HELD BY ONE, OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE POWER.
COME=FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER, TO COME INTO BEING, ARISE, COME FORTH.
AGAIN=ANEW, RENEWAL OR REPETITION OF THE ACTION.
RECEIVE=TO TAKE TO, TO TAKE WITH ONE'S SELF, TO JOIN TO ONE'S SELF.
MYSELF=MINE OWN SELF.
WHERE=WHERESOEVER.
I AM=MYSELF, TO BE, TO EXIST, TO BE PRESENT, TO HAPPEN.
YE=YE, YOURSELVES.
ALSO=LIKEWISE, BOTH, ALSO.

IT COULD BE SAID LIKE THIS, "I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE OR POSITION OF OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO EXERCISE POWER BY THE STATION OR POSITION I GIVE YOU, BECAUSE I WILL RISE AGAIN, (ALL THAT I DID, YOU WILL DO) BECAUSE I WILL JOIN MYSELF TO YOU, THAT WHERE YOU ARE I WILL BE PRESENT AND WE BOTH WILL BE WHEREVER YOU ARE."

JOHN 14:21, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

MANIFEST=TO SHOW ONE'S SELF, TO APPEAR.
MYSELF=MINE OWNSELF.
TO HIM=THE SAME.

IT COULD BE SAID, " I WILL APPEAR IN YOU, MINE OWNSELF AS THE SAME."
THE SAME JESUS, NOT ANOTHER ONE OR A LESS OF ONE BUT THE VERY SAME.
THE VERY SAME JESUS WHO CREATED THE WORLDS AND ALL THAT IS, LIVES INSIDE OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN BY HIS SPIRIT. THE VERY SAME POWER THAT HE WALKED IN ON THE EARTH REALM RESIDES NOW IN US WHO BELIEVE AND WHO WILL WALK EVEN AS HE WALKED IN TOTAL DEPENDENCE ON THE FATHER THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

THE APOSTLE PETER TELLS US IN 2 PETER 1:12b, "and be established in the present truth."

THE PRESENT TRUTH IS THAT WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT IS BRINGING BY WAY OF REVELATION INTO THE CHURCH TODAY. A REVELATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITHIN YOU AND NOT JUST IN HEAVEN WHEN YOU DIE. A REVELATION OF GOD'S DWELLING PLACE UPON THE EARTH NOW IN HIS BODY THE CHURCH.
A REVELATION OF NOT JUST GOING SOME WHERE BUT BEING SOMETHING NOW! THE FATHER'S HOUSE.

SECTION TWO:

SALVATION READY TO BE REVEALED:

1 PETER 1:3-13, "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

1 JOHN 3:1-2, " Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

1 PETER 2:9, "But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"

2 PETER 1:19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"

ROMANS 8:16-19, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God."

WE ARE LIVING IN THE MOST EXCITING TIME PERIOD IN ALL OF HUMAN HISTORY. A TIME WHEN ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD WILL BE REALIZED IN A GENERATION OF PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS THEN THE BEST. GOD ALWAYS SAVES THE BEST FOR LAST. THESE TRULY ARE THE LAST DAYS AND THE FULLNESS OF SALVATION IS ABOUT READY TO BE REVEALED IN A PEOPLE WHO WILL BE THE PLAN AND PURPOSE OF GOD IN THIS HOUR. THERE MUST BE A PEOPLE WHO WILL ACCESS BY THE SPIRIT AND ENTER INTO ALL THAT HAS BEEN PROMISED IN ORDER TO BRING OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BACK TO RECEIVE US TO HIMSELF. THERE IS A GENERATION THAT WILL NEVER DIE. THEY WILL OVERCOME DEATH BY A MANIFESTATION OF RESURRECTION LIFE.

JESUS DECLARED IN JOHN 11:25-26, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

1 CORINTHIANS 15:51-57, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1THESSALONIANS 4:13-18, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE THAT GENERATION THAT WILL NEVER SEE DEATH. A GENERATION CHOSEN FOR THIS VERY HOUR OF TIME FROM BEFORE THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE WORLD.
IT IS NOT BY MERE CHANCE THAT YOU AND I LIVE IN THIS PERIOD OF TIME. BUT RATHER BY THE VERY PLAN AND PURPOSE OF GOD WE ARE HERE TO FINISH OUR COURSE AND CROSS THE FINISH LINE.

MANY GREAT BIBLE TEACHERS AND PREACHERS ARE TELLING US THAT JESUS CHRIST COULD RETURN ANY MOMENT. WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT WE MUST LIVE AS IF EVERY DAY MAY BE ARE LAST ONE HERE ON THIS EARTH, THE SCRIPTURES TELL US THAT CERTAIN THINGS MUST FIRST COME TO PASS.

ACTS 3:19-21, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."

EPHESIANS 5:25b-27, 30, 32, "even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 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. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS BORN IN A DEMONSTRATION OF POWER, AUTHORITY AND GLORY. FROM THE DAY OF PENTECOST ONWARD THE CHURCH WAS ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT POWER IN THE MANIFESTATION OF MIRACLES, DELIVERANCE, HEALING, SIGNS AND WONDERS.

ACTS 2:1-20, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; (JOEL 2:23-32) 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: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:"

ACTS 5:12-16, "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one."

THAT WHICH BEGAN IN POWER WILL END IN EVEN A GREATER DEMONSTRATION OF POWER THAN IT BEGAN WITH.
WHAT IS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE WILL BE BEYOND ANYTHING THAT HAS YET HAPPENED UPON THIS EARTH.

IN EZEKIEL 36:11b, THE PROPHET DECLARES, "and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better [unto you] than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD."

IF THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH WAS IN A MIGHTY DEMONSTRATION OF POWER, AUTHORITY AND GLORY, WHAT WOULD YOU IMAGINE THE END WILL BE BUT EVEN A GREATER DEGREE OF POWER, AUTHORITY AND GLORY.
GOD WILL HAVE A PEOPLE WHO WILL BE HIS PEOPLE AND DO HIS WILL IN THESE LAST DAYS.
A PEOPLE WHO WILL BECOME SO FILLED WITH THE PRESENCE OF GOD THAT IT WILL FLOW OUT OF THEM TO A WORLD THAT IS DYING AND IN NEED OF BEING TOUCHED BY HIS LIFE GIVING PRESENCE.
A PEOPLE THAT WILL ALLOW GOD TO POUR OUT OF THEM BY HIS SPIRIT, PROPHESYING HIS WORD SO THAT HIS POWER WILL BE RELEASED TO BRING INTO MANIFESTATION SIGNS AND WONDERS UPON THE EARTH.
A PEOPLE WHO WILL THEMSELVES BE TRANSFORMED BY HIS WORD INTO A MANIFESTATION OF HIS GLORY UPON THE EARTH.

ALL OF CREATION IS WAITING FOR THIS MANIFESTATION AND IT MUST COME TO PASS IN US BEFORE WE SEE OUR LORD COME IN THE CLOUDS AND MEET HIM IN THE AIR.
THE WORLD MUST SEE JESUS CHRIST IN AND THROUGH US BEFORE HE CAN RETURN FOR US.

LET US GO BACK AND LOOK AT ACTS CHAPTER 3 VERSES 20 AND 21 AGAIN.

"And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."

JESUS CHRIST WILL RETURN WHEN THERE IS A TIME OF RESTORATION OF ALL OF THE PROMISES OF GOD IN A PEOPLE WHO WILL BE HIS PEOPLE, NOT BEFORE.
LET US LOOK AT THE WORD RESTITUTION.
IT MEANS RESTORATION.
IT'S MEANINGS AND ROOT MEANINGS ARE,
(1) RESTORE AGAIN.
(2) TO RESTORE TO IT'S FORMER STATE.
(1) TO SET, TO PUT OR PLACE.
(2) TO SET ONE OVER A THING, (IN CHARGE OF IT).
(3) TO SHOW OR EXHIBIT ONE'S SELF.

THE HEAVENS MUST RECEIVE HIM UNTIL THIS TIME OF RESTORATION OF EVERY PROMISE THAT HAS BEEN SPOKEN BY ALL OF THE PROPHETS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THIS AGE UNTIL NOW.

THE WORDS "WORLD BEGAN" (GREEK="AION") MEAN,
(1) FOREVER, AN UNBROKEN AGE, PERPETUITY OF TIME, ETERNITY.
(2) THE WORLDS, UNIVERSE.
(3) PERIOD OF TIME, AGE.

EVERYTHING THAT GOD HAS DECLARED BY HIS PROPHETS FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME MUST COME INTO BEING IN A CHOSEN GENERATION WHO WILL REVEAL HIS GLORY TO ALL OF CREATION.

HAGGAI 2:9, "The glory of this latter House shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts."

SECTION THREE:

THE GLORY OF THE LORD REVEALED:

THE WORD "GLORY" IN THE HEBREW IS "KABOWD". IT'S ROOT MEANING IS "TO MAKE HEAVY" (with) GLORY, HONOR, ABUNDANCE, REPUTATION, REVERENCE, GLORIOUS.

IN THE GREEK TEXT THE WORD IS "DOXA". IT'S ROOT MEANING IS "TO THINK, IMAGINE, CONSIDER, APPEAR." (TO RECOGNIZE ONE'S APPEARANCE, REPUTATION, GLORY, HONOR, RENOWN.) GLORY, GLORIOUS, HONOR, PRAISE, DIGNITY, WORSHIP.

IN ISAIAH 42:8 AND 48:11, THESE SCRIPTURES TELL US "I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."
"For mine own sake, [even] for mine own sake, will I do [it]: for how should [my name] be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another."

HERE WE NEED A REVELATION OF WHO AND WHAT WE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS TRULY ARE.
NO, GOD WILL NOT SHARE HIS GLORY WITH ANOTHER. HOWEVER, WE ARE NOT ANOTHER, RATHER WE ARE FLESH OF HIS FLESH AND BONE OF HIS BONES. WE ARE MEMBERS OF HIS BODY.
THE SCRIPTURES TELL US THAT THE GLORY OF THE MAN IS THE WOMAN AND THE GLORY OF CHRIST IS HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH.
(see EPHESIANS 5:21-32 and 1 CORINTHIANS 11:7)

LET US LOOK AT THE PRAYER OF OUR LORD JESUS IN JOHN 17:1-11 & 18-26, "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are]."
"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."

COLOSSIANS 1:27 DECLARES, "To whom GOD would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the HOPE of GLORY:"

IT IS NOT THAT WE TAKE THE GLORY TO OURSELVES. IT IS RATHER, HIS GLORY THAT IS WITHIN US, NOT OUR OWN.
FOR TRULY WITHOUT HIM WE CAN DO NOTHING.

WHEN WE SEE THE WORD "HOPE" IN THE SCRIPTURES WE NEED TO ADJUST OUR THINKING TO WHAT IT REALLY MEANS.
HOPE IS THE PICTURE, VISION OR SPIRITUAL INSIGHT INTO THE REVEALED WORD OF GOD.
IT IS WHAT WE ARE TO SEE ON THE INSIDE OF US BOTH IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR MINDS.
AS WE GET A PICTURE DOWN ON THE INSIDE OF US OF WHO WE ARE AND WHO IS IN US WE ARE TRANSFORMED INTO THAT SAME PICTURE OR IMAGE.
"AS A MAN THINKS IN HIS HEART SO IS HE."

WHAT WE PERCEIVE BY THE SPIRIT IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR MINDS WE WILL BECOME.
WHAT WE SEE WE WILL BE.

FIRST WE HEAR THE WORD, THIS PRODUCES FAITH, GOD'S ABILITY TO ACT ON HIS WORD.
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD."
THEN WE RECEIVE THAT WORD TO BECOME SOMETHING IN ORDER TO BELIEVE.

JOHN 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the Sons of GOD, [even] to them that believe on His name:"

NEXT WE NEED TO SEE IT TO BECOME WHAT WE HAVE SEEN.
BEFORE WE CAN ENTER INTO THE PROMISES WE MUST SEE THEM IN OUR HEARTS AND BECOME RENEWED TO THEM IN OUR MINDS.

ROMANS 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

LET US LOOK AT SOME KEY WORDS IN THIS VERSE. THE WORD "WORLD" IN THE GREEK HERE IS "AION", MEANING TIME, AGE OR PERIOD OF TIME.
"DON'T BE CONFORMED TO THIS AGE OR TIME PERIOD."
DON'T LOOK AT WHAT YOU SEE IN THE NATURAL AROUND YOU.
"for we walk by faith not by sight." "BUT RATHER BE TRANSFORMED."
THE WORD "TRANSFORMED" IN THE GREEK IS "METAMORPHOO".
IT IS THE SAME WORD USED IN MATTHEW 17:2 WHEN JESUS WAS "TRANSFIGURED" BEFORE HIS DISCIPLES. REVEALING TO THEM THE GLORY OF THE KINGDOM ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS. THE FUTURE RESURRECTION LIFE TO COME.
IT MEANS "TO CHANGE FORM, TO CHANGE PLACE, TO ENTER THE NEXT LEVEL OR SEASON OF TIME".
"BE CHANGED INTO THE NEXT LEVEL OF TIME, INTO THE FORM OF THAT SEASON."
"BY RENEWING YOUR MIND TO THE HOPE, VISION, PICTURE AND PROMISE OF THAT TIME."
BY SEEING IN THE SPIRIT YOUR FUTURE IN GOD NOW!
AGREEING WITH THE WORD OF GOD AND GETTING THE PICTURE OF HIS PROMISES INTO YOUR MIND. SEEING YOURSELF THE WAY GOD SEES YOU AND CONFESSING WITH YOUR MOUTH WHAT GOD HAS SAID CONCERNING YOU.
THEN USING YOUR EMOTIONS THROUGH PRAISE, PRAYER AND WORSHIP TO PUSH OUT FROM YOUR SPIRIT THAT VISION AND HOPE INTO THE NOW.

MUCH NEEDS TO BE SAID ABOUT OUR EMOTIONS. THEY WHERE GIVEN BY GOD TO BE USED TO EXPRESS HIS LIFE, LOVE AND NATURE. ANY OTHER USE OF THEM BECOMES NEGATIVE AND PERVERTED.
EMOTIONS RELEASE ENERGY EITHER SOULISH OR SPIRITUAL, POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE, GOD'S SPIRIT OR SOME OTHER SPIRIT INTO THE EARTH REALM. WE WILL DEAL WITH THEM MORE IN DEPTH IN ANOTHER STUDY.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:17-18, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord."

2 CORINTHIANS 4:18a, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:"

AS THE HOLY SPIRIT SHOWS US THINGS TO COME AND WE RECEIVE A REVELATION FROM THE WORD OF GOD OF WHO WE ARE AND WHAT THE TREASURE IS THAT WE CARRY, WE WILL BEGIN TO SEE CHRIST IN US THE PICTURE AND VISION OF GLORY.
BEING CHANGED INTO A REVELATION OF THAT GLORY THROUGH US AND THEN SEEN BY THE WORLD ON US.
IT WILL STILL BE OUR SAME BODIES, BUT IT WILL NOW BE HIS LIFE MANIFESTING THROUGH US OUT TO A WORLD IN DARKNESS AND PAIN.
WE WILL CHANGE MORE AND MORE UNTIL OUR KING RETURNS AND CHANGES US COMPLETELY AND GIVES US NEW BODIES.

STARTING WITH MOSES THE PROPHETS OF OLD PROPHESIED OF THIS GENERATION AND THE GLORY THAT WOULD BE REVEALED THROUGH THEM.

NUMBERS 14:21, "But [as] truly [as] I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD."

PSALMS 102:16-18, "When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD."

ISAIAH 60:1-2, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His Glory shall be seen upon thee."

HABAKKUK 2:14, "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."

ZECHARIAH 2:5, "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her."

THERE IS A RESTORATION, BY GOD, OF THE TRUE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, TAKING PLACE IN THESE LAST DAYS, BACK INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST.
THEY WILL READJUST THE FOUNDATIONS AND RELINE THE HOUSE SO THAT IT MAY STAND FIRM IN IT'S LAST STAGES OF BUILDING.
THEY WILL BRING IN A REVELATION OF HOPE (PICTURE, VISION AND INSIGHT) SO THAT WE MAY SEE THE PLAN, PURPOSE AND WILL OF GOD REVEALED FOR THIS END TIME MOVE OF GOD'S SPIRIT.
THEY WILL SHOW US OUR FUTURE THAT WILL SOON COME TO PASS.

AS WE HEAR THEIR WORD, RECEIVE THAT WORD SO THAT WE MAY BELIEVE THE WORD THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED, CONFESSING THE PROMISES TO COME WE WILL BEGIN TO SEE THE VISION OF IT IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS PREPARING US TO ENTER INTO THOSE PROMISES NOW!

SECTION FOUR:

THY KINGDOM CAME:

JOHN THE BAPTIST CAME PREACHING THE MESSAGE, "REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS COMING!" JESUS CAME PREACHING, "REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM IS HERE!"
REGRETFULLY MUCH OF THE CHURCH HAS GONE BACK TO THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET'S MESSAGE AND NOT THE MESSAGE OF OUR NEW TESTAMENT KING.
TRULY WHEREVER OUR KING IS HIS KINGDOM IS ALSO.

MATTHEW 12:28, "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God is come unto you."

IN LUKE 1:2-4, OUR KING GIVES US AN OUTLINE OF THE COMPONENT PARTS OF PRAYER.
"And he said unto them, When ye pray, SAY, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."

THIS IS NOT A PRAYER TO BE REPEATED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. RATHER, IT IS AN OUTLINE OF THE PARTS OF PRAYER WE NEED TO PRAY.
"WHEN YOU PRAY SAY," IT IS IMPORTANT TO PRAY OUT LOUD BECAUSE WHAT WE SAY BELIEVING WE WILL RECEIVE. (see Author's book "FAITH BASICS")
WE ARE TO START WITH PRAISE AND ADORATION. THEN WE ARE TO SEEK HIS KINGDOM AND WILL IN OUR LIVES.
WHEN THE WILL OF GOD IS BEING DONE RIGHT HERE IN THIS EARTH, YOU AND ME, THEN THE KINGDOM HAS COME.
NOW WE ARE IN POSITION TO RECEIVE OUR DAILY NEEDS MET, CLEANSING FROM SIN, FORGIVING OTHERS AND PROTECTION FROM THE EVIL ONE.

MATTHEW 6:31-33, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

WE TAKE THOUGHTS FROM THE EVIL ONE BY SAYING THEM. (see Author's book "THOUGHT WARS") THOUGHTS OF DEFEAT, LACK, FEAR, FAILURE, DEPRESSION AND NEED ARE ALL LIES FROM THE FATHER OF LIES.
THE THINGS THAT WE NEED FOR THIS LIFE WILL BE ADDED TO US AS WE SEEK, PUT FIRST IN ALL THINGS, OUR KING AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (NOT OUR OWN).
FOR WE ARE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
IF OUR NEEDS ARE NOT BEING MET THEN SOMETHING IS WRONG, EITHER WE ARE NOT SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM, OR WE ARE UNDER AN ATTACK THAT NEEDS TO BE STOOD AGAINST IN THE NAME OF OUR KING AND OVERCOME.

LUKE 12:31-32, "But rather seek ye the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom."

AT THIS POINT WE NEED TO BRING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SALVATION WHICH IS A FREE GIFT AND ALLOWS ONE TO GO TO HEAVEN THEY DIE AND KINGDOM LIVING NOW IN THIS TIME.

SALVATION OCCURS WHEN WE HEAR THE GOSPEL MESSAGE, RECEIVE THAT WORD, BELIEVE IN OUR HEARTS THAT JESUS CHRIST CAME, GOD MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH, DIED IN OUR PLACE AND ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD. THEN WHEN WE CONFESS THAT HE IS LORD WITH OUR MOUTH WE ARE SAVED.

ROMANS 10:8-13 & 17, "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

ONCE WE ARE SAVED WE ARE BORN FROM ABOVE, (BORN AGAIN) WE NOW HAVE SPIRITUAL EYES TO SEE.

JOHN 3:3, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

THE CHURCH HAS IN THE PAST TOLD US THAT THIS WAS HEAVEN WHEN WE DIE, SO WE HAVE STAYED RIGHT HERE SEEING BUT NOT ENTERING. (see Author's book "TO SEE OR TO ENTER THE KINGDOM")
HOWEVER, JESUS SAID WE COULD ENTER IT.

JOHN 3:5-8, "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

IT IS ONE THING TO SEE THE KINGDOM.
IT IS SOMETHING ELSE TO ENTER INTO IT.

MATTHEW 11:11-12, "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."

LUKE 16:16, "The law and the prophets [were] until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."

ACTS 14:22, "Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

1 PETER 4:1-2, "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."

2 PETER 1:10-11, "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM WE MUST DIE TO OUR SELF RULE AND ALLOW THE KING TO LIVE HIS LIFE THROUGH US AS US! IT IS A PROCESS OF WARFARE, SUFFERING AND BECOMING CONVINCED THAT WITHOUT HIM WE CAN DO NOTHING.
IT IS FIRST SEEING BY THE SPIRIT THAT WE CAN AND MUST ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM AS A LIVING REALITY NOW. THEN THROUGH THE OUT WORKING (FROM THE INSIDE OUT) OF OUR SALVATION IN DAILY LIFE WE WILL BEGIN TO ENTER IN.
THE KINGDOM WILL COST YOU EVERYTHING TO RECEIVE AND TO PARTAKE OF THE INHERITANCE THAT IS OURS TODAY.

MATTHEW 13:44-46, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

THE KINGDOM IS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO FIGHT FOR IT AND PAY THE PRICE TO RECEIVE IT.
IN THE KINGDOM EVERYONE DOES THE WILL OF THE KING.

MATTHEW 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

THE CHURCH IS NOT THE KINGDOM. BUT RATHER, WE ARE TO BE THE EXPRESSION OF THE KINGDOM ON THIS EARTH. WE ARE THE VEHICLE THROUGH WHICH THE KINGDOM COMES.
WE ARE HERE TO CONQUER AND EXTEND THE KINGDOM'S RULE IN THIS WORLD'S SYSTEM BY A DEMONSTRATION OF KINGDOM POWER.

1 CORINTHIANS 4:20, "For the Kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power."

MARK 9:1-9, "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the Kingdom of God come with power. And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead."

JESUS TELLS HIS DISCIPLES, "SOME OF YOU WILL SEE THE KINGDOM COME IN POWER!"
THEN SIX DAYS LATER HE TAKES PETER, JAMES AND JOHN UP INTO THE MOUNTAIN.
THERE BY THE SPIRIT HE ACCESSES HIS FUTURE AND SHOWS THEM HIMSELF ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS.
THE FIRST BORN AMONG MANY BRETHERN. THE KING OF THE KINGDOM WITH ALL POWER AND AUTHORITY.
HERE WE ALSO FIND MOSES AND ELIJAH TRANSPORTED BY THE SPIRIT OFF THEIR MOUNTAINS BEYOND THEIR TIME INTO THE FUTURE TO SEE THE REVELATION OF GOD COME IN THE FLESH.
THE LIVING GOD MANIFESTED IN THE SON IN HIS GLORY!
WHAT THE DISCIPLES SAW IN THE FUTURE WOULD SOON PLAY OUT AND BECOME A REALITY IN THEIR TIME FRAME.
THEY SAW IT IN THE FUTURE FIRST BEFORE THEY ENTERED INTO IT.

LUKE 22:15-18, "And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide [it] among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come."

JESUS SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES, "I'M NOT GOING TO EAT OR DRINK WITH YOU AGAIN UNTIL THE KINGDOM HAS COME."

LUKE 24:13-16, 28-31, 36-43, "And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him."
"And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight."
"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took [it], and did eat before them."

JOHN 21:4-15a, "But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt [his] fisher's coat [unto him], (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined,"

ACTS 10:40-41, "Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead."

JESUS, THE KING, REPEATEDLY APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES AND EATS WITH THEM.
THE KINGDOM HAD COME UNTO THEM.

ACTS 1:3, "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God:"

AT THAT TIME HIS DISCIPLES WANTED TO KNOW IF THE KINGDOM WOULD BE RESTORED TO ISRAEL. THEY WANTED TO STAY IN THEIR CLOSED IN NATIONALISTIC WORLD VIEW WITH THEMSELVES AS THE CENTER OF THE KINGDOM EXCLUDING ALL OTHERS.
JESUS HAD ALREADY GIVEN THEM THE ANSWER BUT THEY COULDN'T YET RECEIVE IT.

ACTS 1:6-8, "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 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."

JESUS HAD ALREADY TOLD THEM THAT THEY WERE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TO ALL NATIONS, PEOPLE GROUPS AND ALL OF CREATION.

MATTHEW 24:14, "And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world (the inhabited earth) for a witness unto all nations; (people groups) and then shall the end come."

MARK 16:15, "Go ye into all the world, ("Kosmos"=the sum total of the universe) and preach the Gospel to every creature. (all of creation)"
(see Author's book "THE PURPOSE OF MAN IN GOD'S CREATION")

WE HAVE NOT PREACHED A KING TO BE SERVED AND HIS KINGDOM TO BE ENTERED INTO NOW.
RATHER, WE HAVE PREACHED "JESUS CHRIST AS 'OUR' PERSONAL SAVIOUR," (WHICH IS NOWHERE IN THE BIBLE) OUR PET DOCTRINES, OUR RULES AND REGULATIONS AND GOING TO HEAVEN WHEN WE DIE.

ROMANS 14:17, "For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

COLOSSIANS 1:12-13, "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the Kingdom of his dear Son:"

WE HAVE AN INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM THAT MAY BE ACCESSED BY THE SPIRIT TODAY.
THERE ARE THINGS HOWEVER, THAT WILL ALLOW SATAN TO STOP OUR INHERITANCE FROM BEING MANIFESTED IN OUR LIVES.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God."

GALATIANS 5:18-23, "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

EPHESIANS 5:3-6, "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God (ANGER OF THE LORD) upon the children of disobedience."

THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT WILL STOP KINGDOM LIVING AND INHERITANCE FROM BEING REALIZED IN OR LIVES TODAY.
THEY WILL NOT KEEP YOU OUT OF HEAVEN, THEY WILL KEEP HEAVEN OUT OF YOU.
THEY WILL ALLOW "THE ANGER OF THE LORD" (SATAN) TO DESTROY YOUR FLESH AND MAKE YOUR LIFE MISERABLE.

WE NEED TO REPENT OF THESE THINGS, TURN OUR LIVES OVER COMPLETELY TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST AND RENEW OUR MINDS TO WHAT GOD SAYS WE ARE AND HAVE IN HIS WORD.
THEN FOLLOW THE INNER LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ALLOWING JESUS CHRIST OUR KING, TO LIVE HIS LIFE THROUGH US.

1 THESSALONIANS 2:12, "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His Kingdom and Glory."

WE NEED TO STOP WAITING FOR THE KINGDOM TO COME SOMEDAY OR LOOKING FOR IT OUT THERE SOMEWHERE. BUT RATHER, TURN TO THE KING WHO LIVES INSIDE OF US AND ALLOW HIS KINGDOM TO BE EXPRESSED THROUGH US.

LUKE 17:20-21, "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the Kingdom of God is within you."

SECTION FIVE:

ORDER IN THE HOUSE:

IN THIS SECTION WE WILL BRIEFLY TOUCH INTO HOW THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD IS TO FUNCTION.
THIS IS BY NO MEANS AN INDEPTH STUDY ON THIS SUBJECT.
IT IS RATHER, AN OVERVEIW TO ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BRING US INTO A PLACE OF RECEIVING FURTHER REVELATION AND UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING OUR PLACE, POSITION AND FUNCTION IN OUR FATHER'S HOUSE.
PROPER ORDER IN GOD'S HOUSEHOLD IS ONE OF THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD, ABUSED OR PLAIN IGNORED AREA'S IN THE CHURCH TODAY.

AS GOD CONTINUES TO RESTORE THE TRUE GIFTS OF MINISTRY AND INCREASES THE LEVEL OF HIS MANIFESTED PRESENCE, THROUGH HIS PEOPLE, IT BECOMES EVER SO IMPORTANT THAT WE UNDERSTAND PROPER PLACEMENT, POSITION, SUBMISSION AND AUTHORITY IN THE TEARMS OF REAL NEW TESTAMENT RESTORATION.

AT THE RISK OF BEING TAKEN LIGHTLY, WE MUST LOOK AT SOME SPIRITUAL NUGGETS OF TRUTH.

"TO HAVE TRUE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY, YOU MUST BE UNDER TRUE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY."

"TO TRULY UNDERSTAND YOU MUST STAND UNDER."

"WITHOUT SUBMISSION THERE IS NO MISSION."

IT IS NEVER THE PLACE OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY TO MAKE YOU DO ANYTHING, BUT RATHER FOR YOU TO COME UNDER TO RECEIVE."

"YOU ONLY HAVE AUTHORITY WHERE YOU HAVE RESPONSIBILITY."

"TO BE IN FELLOWSHIP MEANS THAT WE ARE ALL FELLOWS ON THE SAME SHIP AND YOU CAN'T GET OFF THE SHIP, IF YOU CAN YOU ARE NOT NOW OR EVER HAVE BEEN IN FELLOWSHIP."

"TO THE DEGREE THAT WE RECEIVE AND BLESS GOD'S MINISTRY GIFTS IS THE DEGREE GOD CAN AND WILL BLESS US."

WE TRUST AS WE OPEN THE WORD WE WILL RECEIVE A REVELATION ON THESE NUGGETS OF TRUTH.
LET US BEGIN BY LOOKING AT THE PATTERN LAID DOWN FOR US IN THE FIRST CHURCH.

ACTS 2:41-47, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

AS THEY CONTINUED "DAILY" IN THESE THINGS THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH.
THIS WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A "USER FRIENDLY CHURCH" BY OUR STANDARDS TODAY.
THIS WAS A FULL TIME COMMITMENT AND WOULD COST THEM EVERYTHING.
TODAY WE ARE TRYING TO ADD TO THE CHURCH WHILE WE IGNORE GOD'S PATTERN WHERE HE ADDS TO THE CHURCH.

WE HAVE DEMOTED JESUS, THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, TO A POSITION OF A "PERSONAL SAVIOUR" SO WE CAN HAVE A "HEAVENLY INSURANCE" PLAIN JUST LIKE OUR CAR INSURANCE, OUR HOMEOWERS INSURANCE, OUR HEALTH PLAIN AND LIFE INSURANCE WITH NO MONEY DOWN AND LOW EASY MONTHLY PAYMENTS.

HOWEVER, THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM REQUIRES A FULL AND TOTAL SURRENDER TO THE KING THEREBY BECOMING A PART OF HIS KINGDOM AND A LIVING STONE IN THE FATHER'S HOUSE.

LET US LOOK AT THE PROCESS AND PATTERN FOUND HERE IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
(1) THEY HEARD THE WORD.
(2) THEY RECEIVED THE WORD.
(3) THEY ACTED ON THE WORD BEING BAPTIZED IN WATER AND THE SPIRIT.
(4) THEY WERE ADDED TO THE CHURCH.
(5) THEN THEY CONTINUED WITHOUT WAVERING.
(6) IN THE APOSTLES DOCTRINE {BEING TAUGHT IN THE WORD}.
(7) FELLOWSHIP {A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP}.
(8) BREAKING OF BREAD {EATING TOGETHER}.
(9) AND IN PRAYERS.
(10) THE BELIEVERS WERE TOGETHER.
(11) HAD ALL THINGS IN "COMMON" {ROOT WORD FOR FELLOWSHIP, "HAD ALL THINGS IN THE PLACE OF FELLOWSHIP"}.
(12) CONTINUING DAILY WITH GLADNESS, SINGLENESS OF HEART AND PRAISING GOD.

RESULTING IN GOD ADDING TO THE CHURCH DAILY.

ACTS 4:32-33, "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."

GREAT POWER AND GREAT GRACE WAS IN MANIFESTATION DUE TO THE ACTIVITIES OF THESE BELIEVERS.
UP TO THIS POINT WE FIND BELIEVERS ARE BEING ADDED TO THE CHURCH.
NOW THE PROCESS OF DISCIPLESHIP IS REPRODUCING AND HOUSEHOLD ORDER IS STARTING TO FORM.

ACTS 6:1a, "And in those days, when the number of disciples was multiplied,"

NO LONGER IS IT JUST "BELIEVERS" BEING ADDED TO THE CHURCH BUT NOW "DISCIPLES" ARE BEING MULTIPLIED, REPRODUCING KINGDOM LIFE AND MINISTRY.
A "DISCIPLE" IS ONE WHO LEARNS TO LIVE THE LIFE OF ANOTHER.
JESUS HAD MADE DISCIPLES. SOME OF WHOM WHERE NOW THE APOSTLES WHO WERE MAKING DISCIPLES.
THEY WERE REPRODUCING THEIR LIFE AND MINISTRY IN OTHERS. THIS IS THE NEW TESTAMENT PATTERN FOR AND OF CHURCH GROWTH.

FIRST: BELIEVERS ARE ADDED TO THE CHURCH.
SECOND: THEY CONTINUE IN A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP BECOMING DISCIPLES.
THIRD: AS DISCIPLES ARE MULTIPLIED, THEY BEGIN TO DO THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY.

ACTS 6:1b-8, "there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people."

HERE WE SEE THE BEGINNINGS OF THE MINISTRY OF HELPS AND THE SETTING IN ORDER OF THE OFFICE OF THE DEACONS IN A LOCAL CHURCH.
IN 1 CORINTHIANS 12:28-31, (PLEASE READ TEXT) WE FIND A LIST OF LEVELS OF OPERATIONS OR FUNCTIONS SET IN THE CHURCH.
EACH LEVEL IS ADDRESSED WITH A QUESTION, "ARE ALL?" WITH THE EXCEPTION OF TWO, GOVERNMENTS AND HELPS.
THE REASON BEING IS THAT EVERY DISCIPLE IS TO BE SUBMITTED IN AND UNDER AUTHORITY TO THE "GOVERNMENT OF GOD" AND INVOLVED IN SOME LEVEL IN THE MINISTRY OF "HELPS".

IN PHILIPPIANS 1:1, WE FIND THE BASIC THREE PARTS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.

"Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:"

"SAINTS"=(GREEK)="HAGLOS"=HOLY, SAINTS, HOLY ONE, MOST HOLY THING, A SAINT.
"BISHOPS"=(GREEK)="EPISKOPOS"=OVERSEER, AN ELDER OR OVERSEER IN THE CHURCH, GUARDIAN, {ONE WHO SEE'S OVER} WATCHMAN.
"DEACONS"=(GREEK)="DIAKONOS"=ONE WHO SERVES OR HELPS IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.

IN 1 CORINTHIANS 12:28, THE WORD "HELPS" MEANS, TO HELP, SUPPORT, RENDER ASSISTANCE, TO PARTAKE.

THE MINISTRY OF HELPS INCLUDES ANY AND ALL AREAS OF HELPING AND SERVING BOTH THE MINISTRY GIFTS AND OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST.
FROM CLEANING THE BUILDING TO GIVING OFFERINGS TO PRAYING FOR THE MINISTRIES.
AS WELL AS SINGING, PLAYING MISIC AND GIVING OUR TIME, TALENTS AND HELP IN WHAT EVER SITUATION IS NEEDED.
THIS IS TO BE ENTERED INTO AND PRACTICED BY ALL DISCIPLES.

THERE IS HOWEVER, AN OFFICE THAT SOME WILL ENTER INTO OF DEACON WHERE A SPECIAL ANOINTING IS PRESENT TO SERVE AND HELP THE MINISTRY GIFTS ACCOMPLISH THE VISION, PLAN AND PURPOSE GOD HAS GIVEN TO THEM.
GOD CALLS SOMEONE AND GIVES THEM A VISION AND A PLAN TO FULFILL.
THEN HE CALLS OTHERS TO COME ALONGSIDE TO PARTNER WITH THEM TO HELP BRING TO PASS THAT VISION AND PURPOSE.

LUKE 16:12, "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?"

WITHOUT BEING FAITHFUL IN ANOTHER'S MINISTRY, YOU ARE NOT YET READY TO STEP INTO YOUR OWN.

1 TIMOTHY 3:8-13, GIVES US THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE OF SERVICE.
"Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being [found] blameless. Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."

WITHOUT THE MINISTRY OF HELPS AND THE OFFICE OF DEACONS THE HOUSE COULD NEVER BE BUILT AND THE VISION AND CALL OF THE MINISTRY GIFTS WOULD NEVER BE ACCOMPLISHED.

IN 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7, WE FIND THE QUALIFICATIONS OF BISHOPS OR OVERSEERS.
"This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

TITUS 1:5-9, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

"ELDER"=(GREEK)="PRESBUTEROS"=ELDER, A TERM OF RANK OR OFFICE, A TERM USED INTERCHANGEABLY WITH BISHOP AND PRESBYTERS, {BODY OF ELDERS} RULING COUNCIL.
ELDER IS THE QUALIFICATION, BISHOP OR OVERSEEING IS WHAT THEY DO.

QUESTION?
WHO OR WHAT ARE ELDERS?
THEY ARE NOT A BOARD OF BUSINESSMEN ELECTED TO TELL THE PASTOR WHAT TO DO.
THEY ARE THE MINISTRY GIFTS FOUND IN THE LOCAL BODY OF BELIEVERS.

BOTH THE APOSTLE PETER AND THE APOSTLE JOHN REFERRED TO THEMSELVES AS "ELDERS".

1 PETER 5:1, "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:"

2 JOHN 1:1, "The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;"

ELDERS ARE THE ASCENSION GIFTS OR AS SOME CALL THEM THE FIVE FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS.
THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE GIFTS FROM THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH TO HIS BODY.

WHAT ARE THE MINISTRY GIFTS AND WHAT ARE THEY CALLED TO DO?

EPHESIANS 4:11-16, "And he gave some, Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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: 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; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 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."

THESE GIFTS ARE TO EQUIP THE DISCIPLES TO DO THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY AND REACH OUR FULL POTENTIAL IN CHRIST.
THEY ARE TO BE THE JOINTS THAT HOLD US TOGETHER AND SUPPLY A FLOW OF LIFE THROUGH THE BODY.
THEY ARE TO REPRODUCE THEIR LIFE AND MINISTRY IN OTHERS.
WE SHOULD NOT NEED TO LEAVE THE LOCAL CHURCH TO GO TO "BIBLE SCHOOL" TO GROW UP INTO MINISTRY. THIS SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN A DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS BY THE MINISTRY GIFTS IN THE CHURCH.
THEY ARE TO BRING US INTO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH.

ISN'T IT STRANGE THAT THE VERY GIFTS OUR LORD HAS GIVEN US TO PRODUCE UNITY HAVE BEEN THE GREATEST CAUSES OF DIVISION IN THE CHURCH TODAY.
HOWEVER, THIS IS ABOUT TO CHANGE AS A NEW RESTORATIONAL MOVE BY GOD'S SPIRIT OF TRUE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS IS NOW BEING BROUGHT FORTH TO ONCE AGAIN LAY IN THE PROPER FOUNDATION AND BUILD THE FATHER'S HOUSE.

EPHESIANS 2:19c-22, "and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

THE LOCAL CHURCH SHOULD PRODUCE MINISTRY GIFTS AND THEY SHOULD BE IN MANIFESTATION IN THE CHURCH.
IN ACTS 13:1-3, WE SEE THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF APOSTLES AND ELDERS.
HERE A GROUP OF PROPHETS AND (OR THROUGH) TEACHERS (THE ELDERS) ARE SEEKING THE LORD.
THE SPIRIT MOVES THROUGH THESE GIFTS AND AN APOSTOLIC TEAM IS SENT FORTH.
"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away."

THIS TEAM WILL THEN PREACH THE GOSPEL, START CHURCHES AND ORDAIN ELDERS.
THEY WILL HOWEVER, RETAIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR LOCAL CHURCH AND RETURN ON A REGULAR BASIS CONTINUING AS A PART OF THE ELDERSHIP OF THEIR HOME CHURCH.
ACTS 14:21-23, & 26-28, "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."
"And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples."

APOSTLES AT HOME ARE A PART OF THE RULING ELDERS, THEY FUNCTION LIKE PASTORS.
ACTS 15:1-2, & 4-6, "And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question."
"And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter."

IN MATTERS OF DOCTRINE AND DIRECTION ALL OF THE ELDERS BECOME INVOLVED.
HOWEVER, THE FINAL WORD RESTS WITH THE RULING ELDERS.
ALL MINISTRY GIFTS ARE ELDERS, BUT NOT ALL MINISTRY GIFTS ARE BISHOPS (OVERSEERS) OR RULING ELDERS.
RULING ELDERS ARE APOSTLES AND SHEPHERDS (PASTORS).

ACTS 15:22-25, & 35, "Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,"
"Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also."

EVERY MINISTRY GIFT NEEDS TO BE PROPERLY RELATED TO OTHER MINISTRY GIFTS.
EVERY PASTOR NEEDS TO HAVE A PASTOR.
APOSTOLIC TEAMS NEED TO BE IN MUTUAL SUBMISSION TO OTHER APOSTOLIC TEAMS.
EVERY BELIEVER NEEDS TO BECOME A DISCIPLE AND COME UNDER AUTHORITY IN A LOCAL CHURCH.
EPHESIANS 5:21, "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."

SOME YEARS AGO THE LORD GAVE A REVELATION TO THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH IN RUSSIA CONCERNING "THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD".
IN 1 PETER 5:6, WE ARE TOLD TO "HUMBLE OURSELVES UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD."
THE LORD REVEALED THAT "THE HAND OF GOD" WAS "THE MINISTRY GIFTS" AND THAT EACH FINGER REPRESENTED ONE OF THOSE GIFTS.

THE THUMB="APOSTLE"="GOES", THIS GIFT TOUCHES ALL THE OTHER FINGERS. HE KNOWS HOW TO BUILD THE HOUSE.
INDEX FINGER="PROPHET"="GUIDES", THE KEY OF THIS MINISTRY IS TO GIVE US HOPE AND A REVELATION OF WHO AND WHAT WE ARE.
MIDDLE FINGER="EVANGELIST"="GATHERS", REACHES THE LOST WITH MIRACLES SIGNS AND WONDERS TO BRING THEM INTO THE CHURCH.
RING FINGER="PASTOR"="GUARDS", HE IS MARRIED TO THE CHURCH.
LITTLE FINGER="TEACHER"="GROUNDS", HELPS US UNDER STAND BY THE SCRIPTURES THE REVELATION GIVEN TO US BY THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS.
BETWEEN THE THUMB (APOSTLE) AND THE INDEX FINGER (PROPHET) YOU CAN FEEL A PULSE BEAT. THIS IS WHERE REVELATION KNOWLEDGE COMES INTO THE CHURCH.
LET US PLACE THIS BACK IN THE CONTEXT OF 1 PETER 5:1-9a, "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 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. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith,"

MANY BELIEVER TODAY ARE HAVING TROUBLE RESISTING THE DEVIL DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE NOT UNDER PROPER SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY.
JAMES 4:6-7, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

YOU CANNOT RESIST THE DEVIL WITHOUT SUBMITTING TO GOD.
YOU CANNOT SUBMIT TO GOD WITHOUT SUBMITTING TO HIS AUTHORITY IN THE MINISTRY GIFTS.
THIS APPLIES TO BOTH DISCIPLES AND MINISTRY GIFTS.

HERE IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF A MINISTRY GIFT OUT OF ORDER.
3 JOHN 9-10, "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church."

MINISTRY GFTS ARE NEVER TO DOMINATE, CONTROL OR MANIPULATE THOSE WHO THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN TOO.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:24, "Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand."

POWER WITHOUT AUTHORITY CAN BE A DANGEROUS THING. AUTHORITY WITHOUT POWER IS A DEAD THING. JESUS OPERATED BOTH WITH POWER AND AUTHORITY. HE WAS IN TOTAL SUBMISSION TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE FATHER IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
LUKE 4:36, "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out."

IN LUKE 7:1-10, (Please read text) THE CENTURION WHO SOUGHT JESUS OUT FOR THE HEALING OF HIS SERVANT PERCEIVED THE AUTHORITY UPON JESUS BECAUSE HE, HIMSELF, WAS A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY.
AS A MAN UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF ROME HE EXERCISED POWER OVER OTHERS.
"THEREFORE JESUS, SPEAK THE WORD ONLY AND IT SHALL BE DONE".
TO THIS JESUS RESPONDED, "I HAVE NOT FOUND SO GREAT FAITH, NO, NOT IN ISRAEL".
THE PERCEIVING OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY AND FAITH ARE LINKED TOGETHER.

MATTHEW 10:40-42, "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."

WHAT WE PERCEIVE BY THE SPIRIT OF THE GIFTS OF GOD WILL BE WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE FROM THEM. AS WE RECEIVE THEM AS A GIFT TO US FROM GOD WE RELEASE THE ANOINTING OF THAT GIFT TO OPERATE IN OUR BEHALF.
AS WE COME UNDER TO RECEIVE FROM THEM, KINGDOM AUTHORITY AND POWER WILL FLOW FROM THEM TO US AND THEN OUT OF US TO OTHERS.

WHERE JESUS WAS NOT PERCEIVED AS WHO HE WAS, HE WAS NOT RECEIVED AND COULD DO NO MIGHTY WORKS THERE.
THE SAME IS TRUE OF HIS GIFTS TO US TODAY.

PSALMS 105:15, "TOUCH NOT MINE ANOINTED, AND DO MY PROPHETS NO HARM."

A DANGEROUS PRACTICE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST IS THE RECEIVING OF ACCUSATIONS AND PASSING ON RUMORS ABOUT OTHERS IN THE BODY.
1 TIMOTHY 5:1a, & 19, "Rebuke not an Elder,"
"Against an Elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses."

THESE INSTRUCTIONS WERE GIVEN TO TIMOTHY, AN APOSTLE, WHO WAS THE RULING ELDER AND OVERSEERER AT EPHESUS WHO HAD RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OTHER ELDERS.
IF THIS APPLIED TO TIMOTHY HOW MUCH MORE DOES IT APPLY TO THOSE OF US WHO DO NOT HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ELDERS.

DO NOT SPEAK AGAINST THE ANOINTED OF GOD.
IT IS NOT ONLY A DANGEROUS THING TO DO, IT CAN BE USED TO DESTROY BOTH YOU AND THOSE YOU ARE SPEAKING AGAINST.
YOU ARE DOING DAMAGE TO THE HOUSEHOLD (TEMPLE) OF GOD WHICH GOD CONSIDERS A SERIOUS THING. (read 1 CORINTHIANS 4:16-17)
THE WORD "CHRISTIAN" MEANS "ANOINTED ONES", SO BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY AGAINST ANY OF YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

LET US LOOK AT SOME OF THE SCRIPTURES THAT TEACH US HOW WE ARE TO RELATE TO THE MINISTRY GIFTS.
WE WILL FIND THAT WE ARE TO "KNOW THEM", "SUBMIT TO THEM", "OBEY THEM", "HONOR THEM", AND "SUPPORT THEM WITH OUR GIVING".

1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-13, "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves."

1 TIMOTHY 5:17-18, "Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward"

1 CORINTHIANS 9:7-14, "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

GALATIANS 6:6, "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."

HEBREWS 13:7, & 17, & 24, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation."
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you."
"Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints."

THE KEY FOR MINISTRY GIFTS IS TO HAVE THE HEART AND MIND ATTITUDE OF A SERVANT.
JESUS SAID, "THE GREATEST WOULD BE THE SERVANT OF ALL."

PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

THE KEY FOR A DISCIPLE IS TO HAVE A HEART ATTITUDE OF SUBMISSION.
SUBMISSION IS NOT SUBMISSION UNLESS IT IS CROSSED OR TESTED.
TO SAY YOU ARE IN SUBMISSION AND THEN RUN AWAY WHEN SOMETHING IS REQUIRED OF YOU IS NOT THE HEART ATTITUDE OF SUBMISSION.
IT IS RATHER, REBELLION WHICH IS AS WITCHCRAFT.
YOU ARE NOT SUBMITTING TO THE MAN, RATHER TO THE GIFT OF GOD THAT IS WITHIN HIM. TRUSTING IN GOD TO MOVE ON YOUR BEHALF.
IF TRUE SUBMISSION IS DONE IN THIS HEART ATTITUDE GOD WILL PROTECT AND BLESS YOU.

THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID, BUT WE WILL LEAVE THAT FOR FURTHER STUDIES. WE TRUST THAT YOU WILL SEEK THE LORD FOR CLEAR REVELATION AND DIRECTION CONCERNING THE THINGS WRITTEN HERE.
MAY THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH LEAD YOU TO FIND YOUR PLACE, FUNCTION AND POSITION IN THE FATHER'S HOUSE.

"FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM:
AND THE POWER:
AND THE GLORY FOREVER!"
"AMEN!"

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