Spirit sprinkled or Spirit filled?

[murjahel]

THE SPIRIT WANTS TO BESTOW A SHOFAR TRUMPET
TO EACH OF US NOW.


We are now, yes, now, at the time of a ‘trumpet’ to be sounded. The Lord has had a few, like Gideon’s 300, emptying their pitchers, and a trumpet is now to sound to have us break our pitcher. The double portion time is soon to come, and it is time to hear the trumpet announcing the breaking of the pitcher time.

The trumpet is in our right hand, a pitcher to break in our left hand, and a torch about to burst into fiery brilliance is within that pitcher.

Our pouring out of the gospel is coming to completion. The last days are here, and they are ending. The tribulation is about to begin, the rapture will soon remove us. So, as ministers of the Lord, we have a trumpet to sound, and breaking of our pitcher is now to be done, and the lamp of victory will then be lit, shining a light for our latter rain revival time.

Jesus said at the last supper, ‘This is My body which is broken for you...’ (I Cor. 11:24). We have been called to ‘take up our cross, and follow Him...’ This is a breaking time for us now. And we sound the trumpet of victory first, and then the lamp will light as our emptied pitcher is broken.

I Corinthians 14:8
"For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to battle?’

There are many ‘uncertain sounds’ being sounded in our day.

The trumpets of many are sounding calls not sanctioned by the Lord. Some are just distractions to the real trumpet calls. Some are calling people to gain riches, to live in luxury.

Some are calling to hobbies, sports, jobs, ego building, etc. The uncertain sounds of such trumpets, are not being sounded in Zion, they are earthly trumpets that distract from some hearing the real trumpets from God.

Like the 31,700 in Gideon’s day, many are hearing the trumpet call to go home, to take it easy, to avoid rushing to battle. Only 300 heard the trumpet call from Zion in that time. Few are hearing the call of God’s trumpet today. Most are hearing trumpets of ‘uncertain sound’. They do not know that the messages they are heeding is not from God.

Matthew 6:25:33
"Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat... drink... put on...
Behold, the fowls... sow not... heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Shall He (God) not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith! Therefore take no thought, saying what shall we eat...? Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have needed these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you... Take no thought for the morrow..."


The distractions of ‘uncertain’ trumpets is to be avoided. The prosperity preachers distract from the war trumpet of God. If we heed the ‘uncertain’ trumpets, the day of the Lord will come upon us ‘unawares’.


Luke 21:34-35
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged (Greek = baruno, weighed down) with surfeiting (Greek = Kraipale, nausea after overeating) and drunkenness (Greek = methe, intoxication) and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (Greek = aiphnidios, suddenly). For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth."


The most of Christians in our day, are going to be caught unawares by the trumpet call. Most of Gideon’s army did not want to become intercessors, so they were sitting at home, unaware of what was happening on the battle field.

The torch lamp that bursts into flame will bring a new ministry, and we will alert some more as we wave our torches.


The 300 of Gideon, cried out as they stood there. They said; The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon...’ In that same way, now God’s sword and ours will become one sword.

The battle will soon take on a new dimension. The pitcher will be empty and then broken. The torch will burn brightly. The Light of the Spirit will put fear in the enemy. The victory will be imminent. God’s glory will be upon us, shining as the lamp illuminated the 300 as they surrounded the 135,000. The devil’s forces will be in disarray. The 31,700 who miss this victory time will be still hearing ‘uncertain sounds’, and missing this victory.


The intercessors of this age, are like unto the 300 of Gideon. Fewer in number than the whole of the army, but are those who are willing to empty their pitchers, sound the trumpet, and claim the victories of their intercessory prayers.

How amazing it was, on that dark night, for the sudden blaze of three hundred torches, followed by the blast of three hundred trumpets, and the shout of three hundred brave soldiers.

Origen said that these three hundred were like preachers of the Gospel; and their trumpeting message of the gospel of Jesus. Their lights representing the righteousness of Christian living.

Tertullian noted that the Greek letter tau, which looks like a T, or a cross, is the symbol in Greek noting 300, and found significance in that type, that the 300 were symbolic for the last day preachers of the cross. The last day preachers of the cross do empty themselves with preaching Jesus, we break our emptied pitcher, and let the smoldering gospel message shine forth in power.

The trumpeting of our message in these last days, is to be a conquering over the devil, without any military force.

The tau is the sign of the cross; and the trumpets, the symbol for our proclaiming of the coming of Jesus in power to soon rule and reign in this world.

The burning torches in the pitchers, represent the power of the Holy Spirit, as He shines forth with gifts and bestowments of power for this last day ministry.

The time of this last day fulfilment of this is an appointed time. The moon of our day is concealed, darkness is pervasive in the minds of the world. Yet, we are to be ready, as the 300 cross preachers of the day, to break our empty pitcher of preached gospel, let the Spirit’s power be shown, and blow forth the last day message, and shout in victory for Jesus.

The shofar trumpet is a bestowment of the Spirit upon those who will not like the thousands of Gideon would prefer not to be involved, but would rather bravely take the trumpet, and proceed through this dark world, and be anxious for the last day revival of proclamation of the gospel.

 

[Smiler33]

the baptism of the Holy Spirit is awesome, as you have described... I hope you read this whole series here, it is a lot of teaching, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not the 'end' it is the beginning of a new empowered walk... It is the walking through the door, there is so much more to find inside, once filled...

God bless

Thank you. I have learned that you have the baptism and then you need to be filled with the Holy Spirit regularly. I'm just at the start of an exciting new journey. I'll read the thread when I get a chance and take notes. Thank you so much for starting this thread; got a feeling I'll learn a lot from here!

 

[murjahel]

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES
THE SUFFICIENT GRACE
FOR THE THORNS ​

We have looked at many wonderful bestowments from the Holy Spirit that aid the various ministries to which we are called.

The bestowment of the GRACE THAT IS SUFFICIENT the ‘thorns’ is one that may make some want to end this study. It is not one we tend to think of as good, desirable, or even one we wish to study.

Paul was a man of character, for he was patient, loving, compassionate, considerate, sometimes firm, sometimes sympathetic, and charming. Yet, in the ministry, more than character is needed. One needs consecration. Paul was faithful and loyal. Though ruthless in pursuit of the Lord's kingdom, he was gentle and kind in its administration.
Paul had the consecration of a trained athlete, the servility of a slave, the absorption of a sweetheart, and yet he mixed with that the knowledge of a scholarly person.

We need consecration to overcome the distractions, temptations, trials, and attacks that the devil will bring us.

We need to learn how to be the kind of minister that Paul set forth as an example.


In Gideon's army, 32,000 responded. Yet, 22,000 were sent home, fearful of the work they needed to do. 9,700 others were not so fearful, but needed more anxiousness and discipline. Only 300 met God's criteria. There are many in ministry that need to inventory their consecration, their willingness for the battle.


God does have standards for the ministry. He is patient and enduring in His training process. Since we are near the last battle of this age, against a devil and his angry cohorts, we must commit and consecrate as never before, and do it now!


The thorn in the flesh was something that Paul had, and we find many in ministry also have a ‘thorn’ of some kind, also. There is a purpose for it being allowed in the lives of ministers.

Many ministers will have THORNS IN THE FLESH.

II Corinthians 12:7-12
"And lest I should be exalted above measure, through the abundance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you; for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and in mighty deeds."


There have been great debates on these verses. Many do not want the "thorn" to be a fleshly disease. They want to teach that disease cannot come to Christians. So they have trouble with Job's boils, and Paul's thorn.


Some see the thorn as physical, and others see it as spiritual battles. Which is correct? Do we have "thorns" today? What are they? - and - What aren't they? Let those who want to argue do it on another thread... a more important thing to look at, is how to get the 'SUFFICIENT GRACE' that we need in our troubles of life.

Notice that visions and revelations preceded the thorn. Paul had been caught up into the third heaven, and whether he was in the flesh, or in the spirit, he did not know.


The Jewish people talked of seven heavens. The air about us here upon the earth was called the "first heaven." The atmosphere above the clouds was called the "second heaven."

The place called "sheol", which contains paradise, the abyss, and hell fire was called the "third heaven.". The solar system was called the "fourth heaven". The regions of starry space was called the "fifth heaven". The planet we know as "heaven" was called the "sixth heaven". And within that planet called "heaven" [as sheol is within the earth] was the throne room of God known as the "seventh heaven".

While in the "third heaven," that is "paradise", he heard "unspeakable words". These words were messages to him that he was not to repeat, they were not for general consumption. It was "not lawful for a man to utter" the messages that God revealed, and the sights that he was shown.

Just as John was forbidden to reveal the seven thunders in the book of Revelation, Paul was not to reveal what he saw and heard in those revelations.


These abundant revelations, and the frequent returns of Paul to this place, where he conferred with the Lord, and refreshed himself from the abundant trials, could have kept
Paul in "cloud nine" the rest of his life.

The ministry that has the kind of bestowments which have been discussed here, can make one feel superior, more holy or more blessed than others. There needs to be a ‘thorn’ when one has this powerful, this supernatural ministry.

Paul had abundant revelations, so can we, so do we. We receive great manifestations of God’s supernatural power in our ministries of the last days. We are in a place where God sometimes allows a thorn, which reminds us of our human weaknesses, and reminds us of our earthly work still to do.

If God raptured you in the spirit to paradise and the garden of Eden, it would be hard to keep your mind on earthly things after that. If God gave you revelations of things yet to occur, it would be hard to keep them silent.

These abundant blessings meant that Paul had to suffer great trials, to keep him humble, and to keep him reminded of earthly realities.


There is a mountain on each side of the valley, and there cannot be a valley, without two mountains. So do not ever by pass a blessing, but do not be surprised that blessings are pre-empted, and followed by trials.

WHAT IS THE THORN?

The word "thorn" is from the Greek word "skolops". This usually denoted something pointed, and the language denotes something physically painful, and humiliating. The thing that is stressed is the acuteness of the suffering.


The thorn, whatever it was, was something that caused great pain. Paul describes it as a physical ailment that afflicted him, and from which he prayed three times to be delivered. Some believe it was OPHTHALMIA. Some will argue till three months after the rapture on this.

Since Paul generally dictated his epistles, and then only signed them (II Thessalonians 3:17, I Corinthians 16:21). The disease of ophthalmia would account for that. He wrote the end of Galatians with his own hand, but apologized for his large handwriting. (Galatians 6:1 -"how large letters"... ).


The Galatians did not despise him for it, but would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to the apostle, were it possible". Galatians 4:13-15 suggests that he had a disease that affected his eyesight. He says that he was unable to recognize the high priest in Acts.

Even if this supposition is wrong, it does not matter for the main truth to be taught here. The truth is that no matter what trial or trouble it was, the 'GRACE OF GOD' was 'SUFFICIENT' for Paul.


PURPOSE OF THE THORN

The purpose of the thorn was "lest I be exalted (huperairomai) above measure."

The Greek word for "exalted" is "huperairomai" which is used only here and of the Antichrist exalting himself above God (II Thessalonians 2:4).

God did not want Paul to exalt himself due to the many revelations given to him, so God allowed the thorn to keep Paul humble.

To every problem, there is a reason and a purpose.
Do not complain, but "count it all joy."

James 1:2-4
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience... But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."


SOURCE OF THE THORN


The source of the thorn was the "messenger of Satan." The word for "messenger" is "angelos". It was an angel of the devil, or a demon spirit that afflicted Paul with this fleshly problem.

The diseases in this cursed world are not sent by God, only allowed by God. As God allowed Satan to afflict Job, so God allowed the devil to afflict Paul with this thorn.


Do not blame God for sickness, disease, and troubles. The demons and Satan are seeking to devour us, and they await us to have a weak moment, and they attempt to jump through the gap in our hedges.

Sometimes, God temporarily allows a gap in our hedge, but He makes it work together for good when He does.


Satan's goal in this thorn was to "buffet me..."

Satan wants to buffet, attack, and hinder us. The word for "buffet" is the Greek word "kolaphizo" which means "to box on the ear". When we are in the Lord's ministry, we will find that the devil will buffet us with persecutions, physical ailments, trials, and troubles.


PRAYER MADE AGAINST THE THORN


There was prayer made against this thorn. "I besought the Lord thrice..." says Paul. God answered with a "NO!"

There are good purposes to bad events for the Christians, and there are times, though we do not understand it, that a "NO!" is the best answer that God can give us.


THE ANSWER, THE BESTOWMENT, ‘MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT’

God does give us answers when we ask, and God tells Paul here that "My grace is sufficient for thee." The bestowment of ‘grace’ is given for those who are afflicted, attacked, buffeted, and given thorns by the devil.

No matter how great a trial, the grace and mercy of God is sufficient, adequate, and ample for us. Some have charged God with not caring enough, not supplying enough, and not answering our prayers...

God does answer, and He never leaves us, nor forsakes us. And there is "no weapon formed against us..." that can harm us. God is always there to take us through every dark tunnel, over every high mountain, and across every raging sea.

Paul's response to God's answer is better than many of the answers that today's ministers have given. Some today complain, fault God, deny the possibility of a "NO" from God, and demand a miracle of deliverance from every thorn. Paul did not do these things...

Paul said that he took pleasure in the trials, infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses. Because of his talk with God, he understood that sometimes, what seems bad, has good, and we need to trust God's evaluation above our own.

stay tuned... more to come on THE GIFT OF SUFFICIENT GRACE...

 

[murjahel]

PART 2 OF THE 'GIFT OF SUFFICIENT GRACE'...


THIS BESTOWED GRACE IS MEANT TO GIVE VICTORY.


"Infirmities" is from the Greek work "astheneia" which means physical weaknesses or flaws. This probably included the eyesight problem of Paul. Paul was bestowed ‘grace’ that was sufficient to let him endure joyfully this burden.


"Reproaches" is the Greek word "hubris" which means "insults, hurts..." This is like many ministers receive today from so called "saints". If a person has not received these from the religious community, and from the world, they do not have a ministry! The hurts, insults, attacks, and mockings from the world, and even from some in the church, for our infirmities had ‘sufficient grace’ bestowed on Paul. We too need ‘sufficient grace’ bestowed upon us for the attacks.
　


"Necessities" comes from the Greek word "anagke" which means "distresses" or "needs". We all come to times of need, financial distress, and economic need. This is part of the ministry too. God gives sufficient grace to take us through the financial and physical needs we face.


"Persecutions" comes from the Greek word "diogmos" which means "to drive away" or "to reject". We have been driven away from hypocritical congregations, from those who do not want to hear the truth, and from the blind that resent our "light of truth" that we preach. Paul was chased out of many a town, stoned, hunted, imprisoned, etc. Do not be surprised when congregations reject true ministry! Rejection is rendered void of its power to hurt us, by the ‘sufficient grace’ that is bestowed upon us.


"Distresses" is from the Greek word "stenochoria" and means "anguishings". The above words when experienced will bring great anguish to the sensitive of heart, to those with the heart of a shepherd, and to every minister who has the love of the Lord. The ‘sufficient grace’ from the Lord, bestowed as we seek Him while in the crisis of life, is ample.


Do you glory in your trials? Do you become a "fool in glorying?" Many are fools for politics, for sports teams... etc. Why not be a fool for God, and glory in your troubles, instead of faultfinding God for them!!! You could complain, you could pout, and you could quit God... Some will give up, get mad, or resign from the church... OR - YOU COULD GLORY, AS DID PAUL!!!


EXAMINE SELF


It is wise to EXAMINE ourselves, frequently! We know when we have the persecutions, distresses, etc. Yet, we need to examine whether we are having the ‘sufficient grace’ we need.



II Corinthians 13:5
"Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith..."


Remember Paul is speaking to the ministry. The word "examine" is the Greek word peiraza" which means "to make full proof, to test, to try..."


Is your faith false? or counterfeit? If we are truly saints of the Lord, we have power... and if we are not truly saints of the Lord, we are reprobates. Some believe they are Christians who are not! Some will someday say: 'Lord, Lord, haven't we cast out devils... etc.' and the Lord will reply: 'I never knew you!'


Some think that church attendance, tithing, denominational accreditation, or some past experience saves them. Paul tells ministers to test their salvation, examine their hearts and minds. The real test of our faith is LOVE. If we do not have love for the brethren, then we are not Christian.

It is possible to go through a trial, lose love, begin to act on anger, keep up the pretense of faith and religiousness. One can even carry a big Bible, offer long, pious sounding prayers. Yet, if the Lord is on the outside, knocking to regain entrance, they are deep need of 'examination', and calling out for Jesus.

Do not assume that because you have been saved, sanctified, called, and used of God, you need not to examine yourself often!

PROVE yourself!


II Corinthians 13:5
"Prove your own selves..."

The word for "prove" is "dokimazo" which means "to assay metals, to discern". Assay your life, determine its worth. You may have examined it and found it real, but what is its worth to the Lord. Are you a valuable entry in His plan? Some ministers are so weak, so undisciplined, so barren of fruit, and having so many buried talents that they will need to hang their head at the JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST.


It is possible to assay your life, and to determine its worth. And if you are going to improve, you will need to find what are your deficiencies. Every minister needs to find where there is room for improvement.


Be PERFECT.


II Corinthians 13:11
"Be perfect..."


The Greek word for "perfect" is "katartizo" which means "to adjust, to put in order again, to restore." Now that you have examined and proven yourself, begin to put things back in order again.


The fruit of the Spirit was given at salvation to every Christian. Now, there been many 'rocks' thrown on top of that flowing well in the ministry. Like the wells of Isaac, when they went back to them, they found rocks had been thrown upon the fresh waters below. They needed removed, and then the fresh water was still flow.


Sometimes the love, joy, peace, longsuffering, etc. of our wells has been corrupted and hindered by rocks we have allowed to be put over the flow of fresh water. Begin to perfect your well, and remove the rocks of anger, hatred, bitterness, etc.


Be of GOOD COMFORT.


II Corinthians 13:11
"Be of good comfort."


The word for "comfort" is "parakaleo" and has the same root as the word "paraclete" which is used for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. We need the comforting Holy Spirit active in our lives. We need to be in tune with His voice, hearing it every step of the way. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot have any comfort. And if we did not need Him desperately, the Lord would not have sent Him back from heaven to us. The Spirit is our Teacher, our Comforter, our Advocate, our Guide. He is kept busy in this present world in His work of bestowing grace.


Be of ONE MIND.


II Corinthians 13:11
"Be of one mind..."


The word used here is "phroneo" which means "the same thing, have no disputes..." It is reminiscent of what Paul said to the Romans:


Romans 12:16
"Be of the same mind one toward another..."


The reason that Paul went on to explain to the Romans was that:


Romans 15:16
"...that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God."


This is hard, difficult, and so many have gotten into disputes and given up. There are many disagreements between Christians. These need to be resolved... Only with heretics and those rebellious to attempts to resolve such disputes can we avoid the necessity of resolving disputes.

Live in PEACE.


II Corinthians 13:11
"Live in peace".


The word for "peace" is "eireneuo" which means "to cultivate a disposition of peace and harmony." We are to seek to be the kind of person that those who have had disputes with us, can, when they have found that they been in error, come to without fear of repudiation. They should know that we are the kind of person who can readily forgive and restore relationship. Peter could come back to Jesus so easily after his three time denial, and others should know that we are like that blessed, forgiving Lord.

Romans 12:18
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

Hebrews 12:14
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled."

We cannot be forgiven, unless we forgive! We can love, without being loved. We love even those who hate us. We are to do so, to pray for them, to do good when we can to them. But to forgive, we need to be asked, and when asked we must. God loves sinners, even those who never ask to be forgiven. He does not forgive until asked. When we are asked for forgiveness, we go beyond the love we already had, and forgive.

Without that love first, we are only pretending to forgive. We must always have the 'love of God' for sinners and saints. We have agapao love for sinners, seeing their spiritual value to God, and doing good to and for them. Then when repentance comes, if they have personally wronged us, we forgive without pretense. If we never had the love first, it is pretense to say we 'forgave'.

We cannot have the peace of God, and be at war with another of His saints. We cannot keep our salvation, and be on the attack against another of His children. Many are defiled with such sin, have lost their salvation, and have destroyed their ministries! Love is the prerequisite. Forgiveness is easy when then requested. If we do not forgive, when asked, it is because we did not have the love first.

Be friendly.

II Corinthians 13:12
"Greet one another..."

We should be friendly, glad to see each other, and encourage every friendly act with a show of true affection. Positive love needs to be expressed between Christians. We must show and express love to truly have love. If saints withdraw, and shrink back from expressing love and friendship, they will lose such love and friendship.

Do not sin!

II Corinthians 13:7
"Do no evil..."

Paul did not want to return to Corinth to rebuke and to chasten. True ministers of the Lord do not enjoy the rebuking part, and the condemning that sometimes needs to be done. When it does need to be done, its purpose needs to be "edification and not to destruction." (II Cor. 13:10).


The key to avoiding that kind of constructive rebuke, is for each of us to not sin, to do no evil... We as ministers should know the laws of Jesus, and know the dedication needed. We should not pamper evil in our own lives, and condemn it in others. Do not even tolerate the littlest evil in your life.

"A LITTLE LEAVEN, LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP."


IF WE DO THOSE THINGS,
SUFFICIENT GRACE IS
CONSTANTLY BEING BESTOWED UPON US.

We need the bestowment of grace upon us, and to keep this bestowment of sufficient grace is dependent upon doing those things. If we do those things, we will find a ‘peace’ and ‘grace’ on our lives that is sufficient.

II Corinthians 13:11
"...the God of love and peace shall be with you..."

God's presence, peace, and love is vital to our ministry. Many ministers do not have those things. Their ministry may seem less stressful, less attacked by the devil, and less condemned by the religious world, but they are lacking real ministry.

They are lacking the presence of the Lord in their lives. Therefore, the devil is happier, the trials of faith are less, and the people enjoy more the "ear tickling" sermons from the lips of one who has no idea what God wants to have preached...

It involves cost to have the presence of the Lord actively ministering through us. The true ministry is not a primrose path, it is a rocky road. Many will quit true ministry to avoid such hazards as it carries.


Luke 6:26
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you..."


Christ has not asked us to a ministry that He has not personally walked Himself. We are to take up our cross, and follow Him. We need to "walk worthy" of our Lord! That walk will bring thorns to us. The devil will attack, but we need ‘sufficient grace’ to be bestowed upon us from God.

SUFFICIENT GRACE for the trials, persecutions, afflictions, infirmities, etc.. is a gift from the Holy Spirit.... avail yourself of it.

 

[murjahel]

The Holy Spirit, amidst all the other gifts He gives, also bestows on us DEFENSIVE ARMAMENT.

We receive bestowments from the ‘gift’ of the Lord, i.e. the Holy Spirit. He is the ‘Gift’, and many are His bestowments of power upon us. We are to accept these bestowments, for we are in a battle here against the devils’ forces, and we need supernatural power to resist his attacks.

There is a command to accept ‘armor’ from God. We have no option, if we want to win these battles.

Ephesians 6:13
"WHEREFORE TAKE UNTO YOU THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD..."


While growing up, my father often said as he taught the Word of God, "Whenever you see a 'wherefore' or a 'therefore', see what it is therefore..." The word - "wherefore" in the above verse indicates that "because of" what has been stated beforehand, there is something we must do. What was stated just previous to this "wherefore"?

Ephesians 6:12
"FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES."


Since we are in a battle against some evil spirits of various ranks and powers, we need the armor of God.

These beings that Paul is telling us we battle are these:

archas (principalities) -
These are the highest rank of evil powers under the authority of the devil himself. These are probably the arch angels of the devil, perhaps they were arch angels to God before their sin.

exousias (powers) -
These are those that are immediately under those of the highest rank. They are probably angels that fell with the devil in his original sin, or angels that transgressed later, as in the days preceding the flood when they came and transgressed with women and produced a race of half-angelic giants...


kosmokratopas (rulers of the darkness of this world) -
These are the ones that rule perhaps a 1000 other demons. They are the spirits of the giants of the pre-flood days, and they are more powerful than other demons, because they are half-angelic, and half-human.


pneumatika ponerias (spiritual wickedness) -
These are the normal demons that we are accustomed to dealing with in spiritual warfare. They came into existence from the humans that were of the creation before Adam, that the devil was to lead in worship to God. They were all killed in the rebellion that came as Lucifer sinned and had these beings worship him instead of God. Their spirits now roam this earth, and they desire to inhabit a human body, since they no longer have a body. They are extremely evil since they have fallen in league with the devil.


Since we are in battle with these evil forces, special armor is required for us. Our armor needs to make us able to withstand the attack of these enemies.

Ephesians 6:13
"...THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND IN THE EVIL DAY..."

What are we to do?

In verse 11, it tells us to "PUT ON" this armor. This verb is "enduo", which means "to be clothed." It is in the passive voice, which means we just let, i.e. allow, God to give us the armor. Our part is to just receive it, God has made an offer of it. We don't earn, or work to get it. In verse 13, we are told to "TAKE UNTO YOU". This also indicates that we need only to receive it, hold to it, not refuse it, keep it. The armor must simply be accepted.


The armor is complete.


When we have the armor of God, we need nothing more. We are told it is the "WHOLE ARMOR" (Ephesians 6:11, 13). The word in the Greek is -"panoplian". It comes from two words - "pas" = "all", and "hoplon" = "weapon." Among the Greeks, the word "panoplia" referred to the complete equipment that was used by a heavily armed infantry. So, when we accept the armor of God, we are completely armed for the battle that we fight.


The wiles of the devil

Ephesians 6:11
"PUT ON (enduo) THE WHOLE ARMOR (panoplia) OF GOD THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST (stanai) THE WILES (methodias) OF THE DEVIL."


Our goal is to be able to "STAND" against the devil. This word means "to stand firm, unshaken, established, and steadfast." We must not be shaken, unsteady, and defeated by our enemy, the devil. He has his "WILES". This word means "craft, deceit, a cunning device, tricks, and schemes." Many are ignorant of the devil's wiles. Many are defeated because they are not armed properly, and have no idea what tricks the devil is trying.


In II Corinthians 2:11, we are told that we are "NOT IGNORANT OF HIS DEVICES..." This is a different word than "methodias" that was used for "WILES". We don't always know all the devil's "WILES", but we do know his "DEVICES."

This word is "noema", which means "thoughts, purposes, and designs." We do know the devil's purpose toward us. He wants to destroy us, get us to backslide, turn us against God, create disharmony between the saints. We know that, but we don't know the particular details of his plan to achieve his purpose.

Some Christians even forget the "DEVICES" of the devil. Some think that the devil has forgotten them. They seem to think that if they don't bother him, he won't bother them. When one gets into the battle, it doesn't take long to learn that the devil has purposed to destroy us. When Christians get to that realization, they need to then start to learn the "WILES" of the enemy.

MORE TO COME

 

[murjahel]

TWO KINDS OF ARMOR
THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT BESTOWS TO US:
​

1. DEFENSIVE ARMOR

HELMET
GIRDLE
BREASTPLATE
BOOTS/SHOES
SHIELD


2. OFFENSIVE ARMOR

SWORD
PRAYER​

DEFENSIVE ARMOR


1. HELMET OF SALVATION
The word for "helmet" is from the Greek "perikephalaia". It comes from two Greek words:
peri = around
kephale = head


It was an armored headpiece to protect the head from attack.


In I Thessalonians 5:8, it says:
"PUT ON...FOR A HELMET, THE HOPE OF SALVATION..."

The "hope" of our salvation is the return of our Savior. So this helmet refers to the hope of the Lord's return, when we will receive our eternal reward. It is this hope of His coming that gives us the mental fortitude to battle evil. Knowing that we are saved, and that God has a heavenly home for us, will help us in the fight. The fact that we are saved also reminds of the hedge of protection that God puts around us.


2. BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS


The word "breastplate" comes from the Greek word "thoraz". It was a two-part breast cover that protected the body on both sides from the neck to the waist. The breastplate protects the vital organs from attack. Satan attacks our life, and past. He reminds us of all our sins. What protects us is not our righteousness, no, it is the righteousness of Jesus.

Our righteousness is as "filthy rags." So, while the devil is trying to attack you, and your life... remind him that the righteousness of Jesus is your defense.


Isaiah 54:17
"NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER, AND EVERY TONGUE THAT SHALL RAISE UP AGAINST YOU, THOU SHALT CONDEMN. THIS IS THE HERITAGE OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD, AND THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS OF ME."


3. GIRDLE OF TRUTH


The word "girdle" is from the Greek word -"zoma". It was a belt that held the garments close to the body so that it would be easier to move about. The loose fitting garments would otherwise hinder the movement of the soldier. This belt was often hollow, or folded so that it could also serve as a purse.


The fact that we have the truth, and can trust what God has revealed in us, gives us ability to fight better. In this belt of truth, we carry our sword, food, water pouch, etc. All the staples of life are bound up in the fact that we know with certainty that we have the truth.


4. BRAZEN BOOTS


This is the Greek word - "knemides". It referred to the cover for the front of the leg. This front cover that was tied to the leg and often to the leather sandals, protected the lower legs, and feet from the stones, brush, etc. that were in the battlefield. It is the "preparation of the gospel of peace..." that protects us from the rough times and things we meet in life. Whenever a trial comes unexpectedly to us, we need to have studied the Word of God, so the peace that the Scripture gives us can flood immediately to our minds, when the trial strikes. The Word of God produces peace.


Psalms 119:165
"GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHICH LOVE THY LAW, AND NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM."


5. SHIELD OF FAITH


The word for "shield" is "thureos." It referred to the Roman shield that was 2 foot by 4 foot. These shields were usually made of wood that was covered with a metal cover. They were heavy and bulky, but the soldiers moved slowly ahead with them, safe from the attacks of the fiery arrows of the enemy. These shields were often used by gathering a group of soldiers about in a circle. When the shield were held in front of them, it made a hedge like protection. Several other soldiers in the center of the circle could
　

These bestowments of defensive weapons are vital to our survival in this enemy territory. God has miraculously offered them. Too many think their ‘goodness’, their piety, their holiness, will enable them to be un-attack-able. That is a trick of the devil to get us to think we can do without the ‘shield, helmet, etc.’ We need the armor God has provided for us.

 

[murjahel]

THE HOLY SPIRIT DESIRES TO BESTOW DREAMS AND VISIONS



Numbers 12:6 (KJV)
6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
God has chosen to speak unto us in visions and in dreams.


This is the bestowment of His message, His speaking to us via those ways. God’s ministers should desire and require revelation.

God speaks in many ways.

The Word of God speaks to every generation. It is the testing of every other kind of revelation from God.

God may speak to us, directly. We test each of those instances by the Word of God. After God speaks, there can come confirmations in various ways.

One way of God speaking to us, is through dreams and visions.

Mankind has been created to be "eye-minded". This means that mankind thinks, remembers, and imagines in terms of vision. God did this so that He might communicate with us through visions and dreams. Therefore, for the saint, visions and dreams should be common.


Through dreams, visions, or mental pictures, God has imparted revelation to His children.


These visions and dreams can occur when we are:

asleep (Isaiah 29:7; Daniel 2:19,28; Daniel 4:9; Daniel 7:1-2,7,13; Daniel 8:18),

in a trance (Numbers 24:4,16; Acts 10:10; Acts 11:5; Acts 22:17),

in meditation (Jeremiah 23:16),

in prayer (Daniel 9:21-24; Daniel 10:2-21),

or while awake (Matthew 17:1-9; Luke 1:22; Luke 24:23; Acts 9:10-12; Acts 10:3,17-19; Acts 12:9; Rev. 1:10; Rev. 4:1-2; Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1:1; Ezekiel 8:3; Ezekiel 40:2; Ezekiel 43:3).


The images, pictorial illustrations in the mind, making a message of God to be clear, are a vision or dream that we remember, and seek further confirmation of its import.


Some think every dream is a revelation from God.

That is not true.
Those who seek to interpret every dream that comes to them, or to others, end up with a confused mess.

For some dreams come as a message from God.
Some come as confusion and attack from the devils.
And some are natural outgrowths of our active minds, its accumulation of jumbled facts, that can pouring out in manifold manner.

To interpret those that are not from God is misleading to the recipient, for they then try to assume that the interpretation is a message from God. False prophets can seek to lead some astray by interpretation of dreams. Psychics and fortune tellers will use various dreams from the mind to direct persons.


When God gives a dream, He intends for it to be understood.

When it takes a bit of time for God to interpret it to the individual, it is not wise to hurry up the interpretation by going to someone who claims to be an interpreter. Dreams of the unsaved, or carnal Christian, who cannot hear God’s interpretation themselves, can be received from Christians who are given the revelation from God. Dream interpretation is not learned from books or classroom teachers, it is a divine revelation from God for each dream.


Dreams and visions to saints should be interpreted to them from God Himself. Confirmations may come from others, but God is not going to give the saint the dream, and another person the interpretation. He is on speaking terms with the saint, and intends to continue to reveal to the person themselves.


John is given a vision in the book of Revelation, that reveals, unveils, and puts all former prophecy given of the Lord’s coming, into a logical, harmonious order. This vision of John’s is marvelous, and magnificent. We should be in awe of such revelation, and desire more, some for ourselves. It will not disagree with any God-given prophecy, but will be a marvelous precept upon precept, line upon line.


Visions are still for today.


Psalms 89:19
"Then thou spakest in vision to Thy Holy One..."
　
Proverbs 29:18
"Where there is no vision, the people perish..."

Hosea 12:10
"I have also spoken by the prophets, I have multiplied visions..."


Prophecy is a word, a received word from God, but it often is received in vision form.

Isaiah 29:10-11
"The vision of Isaiah... which he saw..."

Isaiah 2:1
"The Word that Isaiah... saw..."

Isaiah 13:1 "The burden... which Isaiah... did see"

Amos 1:1 "The words of Amos... which he saw..."

Micah 1:1 "word of Jehovah, that came to Micah... which he saw."

Habakkuk 1:1 "The oracle which Habakkuk, the prophet, did see"

Habakkuk 2:1 "Write the vision..."

The revelation is not the prophet’s, it is God’s, and comes from words of knowledge, prophetic messages, and dreams and visions. The false prophet’s "prophesy out of their own hearts" and minds (Ezekiel 13:2-17). The false prophets ‘speak a vision of their own heart, and not of the mouth of Jehovah" (Jeremiah 23:16, 26, 14:14).


The Holy Scriptures are a revelation of God, given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to Godly men, and often included visions and dreams. We have here in the book of Revelation, a vision of great magnitude, given to John, the beloved disciple, but meant for all of the church age to read, study, learn, and live by.

Visions are instruments of Divine communication, and usually happen during revival...

Joel 2:28
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions."


Absence of visions, mark times of spiritual decline...

Isaiah 29:11-12
"And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed..."

Lamentations 2:9
"...her prophets find no vision from the Lord..."

Ezekiel 7:26
"Then shall they seek a vision of the prophets, but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients..."

Micah 3:6
"Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision, and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine... for there is no answer from God..."

Understanding through visions and dreams, mark one who is blessed by God.

Daniel 4:9 (KJV)
9 O Belteshazzar (Daniel), master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
　
MORE TO COME ON VISIONS AND DREAMS

 

[murjahel]

HOW TO HAVE BESTOWMENT
OF VISIONS AND DREAMS​

God has promised to give us visions and dreams, so how do we receive the bestowment of those revelations? The bestowment of visions and dreams is for all flesh, male and female, old and young.



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


The methods to follow to get this bestowment from the Lord is:

[1.] Reverence God!

A holy reverence of the Awesome nature and person of God will allow you to be shown visions and dreams. The army of prophets will have a ‘fear’ and reverence for God, for He would not be revealing His messages to those who disrespected His Person.
　

[2.] Admit your desire to understand better of God's workings.

Be ready for new revelations that will make your present Bible knowledge more clear (not contradict the Bible, but enlighten passages that have seemed muddled or unintelligible). Some can get haughty in the amount of Bible study they have accomplished over the years, but the more one truly learns of the Word of God, the more one realizes they do not know. God’s workings are beyond finding out, and beyond predicting. The devil, who had known God for millennia, could not predict the plan of God in salvation, and was fooled into crucifying the Savior, which was a major part of the plan. For us to assume they could predict, and understand God’s dealings, is the height of pride.
　

[3.] Allow God to remove walls of ignorance. Allow new revelation, once it begins, to continue in multiple ways.


The education offered by mankind often builds up walls of ignorance, and God needs to be allowed to remove such walls. Throw out any misconceptions discovered, regardless of dogma, denominational proclamation, or long held creed.


Misconceptions will be discarded constantly, as we see God’s revelation unfolding in our last days. So, the former things, assumed or mis-taught to us, will be discarded. All things, whether from dreams, visions, or past teachings, need tested by the Word of God. Dreams from God do not deny or contradict God’s Word, they confirm it, enlighten it, and the understanding is increased in the Word of God. In visions and dreams, the revelation started in prayer and in Bible study will blossom. New revelation will suddenly come after much Bible study. Scripture will become brightly clear, and will occur as when a light switch is turned in a dark room. Sudden revelations will come, and the true army of prophets will continue their love for the Word, and will verify every revelation in the Word of God. It is there, but often, we have missed seeing clearly.


[4.] Get your mind pure before God. Submit yourself to God and to His Word. Let God continue revelation in multiple ways.


Confess sin, search your heart and mind for any impurity.

The heart that is pure by being repentant and washed in the blood, the heart that is tender by being washed and soaked in tears, will find that dreams and visions come easily. Test all new revelation by His Word. Do not hold firmly what denomination, creed, or long held tenets have taught if it is shown wrong by the Word. Many denominations have false doctrines, and the Lord may begin revealing through vision and confirm through the Bible that you have been deceived.


The proud heart, that has much to explain to God, to keep Him informed, will find dreams do not come easily. The humble heart, submitted to God, ready to be corrected and taught, will find dreams are often to come and be remembered. After being shown new revelation, do not rush final judgment, for if you are receiving it from God, He will continue to confirm it and interpret it, with more Scripture as time proceeds. Most dreams are only the beginning of God’s revelation. There will come more dreams, there will come Scriptural verification, there will come confirmations in various ways. Some want a dream to be the whole revelation.


Some will seek someone to give them the message, and to interpret the dream, so they can put the whole thing to rest.


If you find yourself in that situation, you have frustrated and hindered the amount of revelation that God can give you. You have also opened yourself up to having 25 or more interpretations from the minds of seemingly helpful people.

Then, in the midst of the confusion, you begin to doubt the dream had the significance you could have found it to have.


[5.] Now Pray for visions and dreams... and in faith then praise the Lord for the visions and dreams.


The Bible tells us that when the latter rain revival comes, we should pray for more "rain" (Zechariah 10:1). Dreams and visions are mandatory for an effective army of prophets to operate as God wants them to operate. Pray for them, ask for them, and keep praying for them, even after you begin receiving them. God desires to answer your prayers. It is God’s promise to not withhold any ‘good thing’ from us. So, if we ask as told to do, we can then immediately begin to thank Him, for we know He will do what He has promised.


[6.] Stay humble, visions, dreams, and revelations are meant for all (Joel 2:28), and that you receive such does not prove you are special.


God is "no respecter of persons..." The devil would like to sit upon the shoulders of the army of prophets, and tell them all the things they have ever done that make them unworthy of dreams and visions. That list, can be put under things that God does not remember any more. So, do not get prideful, but do not be beaten to the ground with ‘forgiven already’ sins of the past.


[7.] Openly relate your revelations (unless directed otherwise by the Lord).


You will be mocked, reviled, and ridiculed (as Joseph was by his brothers); you may be disbelieved (as was Jeremiah by his generation); and misunderstood (as has been Daniel for generations). Tell your dreams and visions anyway, you will not be the first to be thought "crazy" and "fanatical". All the prophets were, many were killed to shut them up about visions the others could not endure hearing about.


[8.] Question, question, question.


If you do not have questions, questions that burden, torment, and trouble you, you will not be given visions, dreams, and revelation to answer them. Search the Word, enough to have some questions. Search for the answers, and the Word of God will answer much.

With every answer will come several more questions. All the prophets of God started with some troubling questions, and their revelations came from God in answer to such questions. Abraham wondered where his final home would be when God sent him on his journey.

God showed him a revelation and vision of the New Jerusalem that made him only live in a tent, for he desired that vision to be fulfilled.

Moses questioned what would happen to the nation of Israel, and the revelations to Moses were God's answers to such questions.


Question God, and Question God, and Question God, and you will be given revelation!

 

[murjahel]

ARE YOU READY AND ABLE TO HAVE VISIONS AND DREAMS FROM GOD???


Jeremiah 12:5
"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with the horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trusted, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"


If the revelation of the Word, and of the revelation preached from the pulpit is more than you can accept and bear, then how can God give you more revelation through visions and dreams? If you cannot live for God with the truth you have, you will not be able to bear more revelation! God sought saints who accepted what revelation they already had, and who desired more revelation, and to them He gave more and more.
　


THE DREAMS AND VISIONS, IN THE BIBLE, HAVE LESSONS TO TEACH US


There are 34 recorded dreams in the Bible, of which 22 are in the Old Testament, and 12 are in the New Testament. Joseph spent many years in prison, and yet only a small part of the time there is explained to us. Much of the time, Joseph spent serving the other prisoners. He was as a servant to some of the other prisoners. Two of the men who were with him in the prison were the cup-bearer, and the baker of the Pharaoh. The chief butler was the overseer of the vineyards, keeper of the wine cellar, and the cup bearer of Pharaoh himself. He was responsible to test the wine, to make sure of its quality, and of its safety for the Pharaoh. The baker was the cook for the Pharaoh, and he was to prepare the meals for the court. He was responsible to make sure they were not only delicious, but also not poisoned. The offenses of these two, even if not intentional, were indicators that they had failed at their job.


From the book of Jasher, (an ancient history book quoted by Joshua and Samuel Joshua 10:13, II Samuel 1:18) we learn a few more details of this history. Allow me show what we can learn from that historical record. Certainly, the flies in the wine, as mentioned in Jasher, would be noticed, and were not deadly, if not noticed. So this crime was very likely not intentional. The nitre in the food, as mentioned in Jasher, could have been dangerous to the Pharaoh, and may have been intentional, or at least the Pharaoh, after reflection seemed to think so, and resulted in capital punishment. Within the prison, each of the two experienced a dream from the Lord. The Lord was going to allow Joseph to interpret the dreams for the two.


Many think all dreams are simply reflective of subconscious thoughts, fears, and desires. Most are, or may be, but some do come from God. Even to sinners like this do they come from God. God had the Bible written, not only for the saints, but also for the sinners. He also sends dreams to the wicked, and to the righteous. The wicked do need an interpreter usually, for they are not sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice for personal instruction about the dream.
　


Dreams, visions, and how God uses them, are not well understood.


The Bible tells us that many dreams are from the Lord, and many can be tormented by the demonic powers. Some can hear from God by thoughts implanted into the conscious mind, and this is fine. Yet. some find that God needs to implant the thoughts into the sub-conscious mind.


The dreams with which Joseph dealt seemed to always come in pairs. He had two dreams himself, the cupbearer's and the baker's dreams were two, and Pharaoh had two dreams.


When God speaks by dreams, it is not a question whether or not God is speaking. God will keep giving dreams, over and over, and not allow them to be dismissed, forgotten, or ignored. So, when a dream is from God, it will make a definite impression. They are usually unforgettable, and will cause great concern.


Joseph noticed this pre-occupation of the two men the next morning. They told him the dreams, and told him that they did not know how to interpret them. Since these dreams were from God, only God could interpret them, and Joseph was on speaking terms with God.


How did Joseph know what the dreams meant? How did he hear from God? Those who obey, can hear the voice of the Spirit.


Acts 5:32
"WE ARE HIS WITNESSES TO THESE THINGS, AND SO ALSO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO OBEY HIM."


When we grieve the Holy Spirit, we lose the ability to hear His voice as we did before. The Spirit still speaks, in conviction to us. If we resist long enough, we may lose that. Some have hardened themselves so much that they don't hear the voice of the Spirit, even in conviction. We, as the saints of God need to be sensitive to sin in ourselves in order that we may continue to hear the voice of the Spirit.


Some think they can hear from God if God would allow everything to go right for them. Yet, here was Joseph in prison, betrayed, falsely accused, abused. Yet, he was still hearing from God!


Since the Spirit wants us to know what is being related through the dream, we will hear an interpretation from Him.

He does not give a dream to torment us. God gives dreams, and wants us to know what them mean. Expect God to reveal His plans.


Do not go to people who want to guess the interpretation of the dreams and visions. They can guess, but the Lord is on speaking terms with you, and He will explain your dreams.

He will give further revelation in the Word, in His conversations with you.

When you trust others to interpret the dreams and visions, twenty people will give you 40 different interpretations!

Sinners may come to you, who do not know God, and you may be given interpretations to their dreams. Yet, you are not a sinner, and God is on speaking terms with you.

Let Him further bestow dreams, revelations, and understanding.

He will give the correct interpretations, and He will not be guessing.

 

[murjahel]

BESTOWMENT OF POWER THROUGH
THE WRITTEN WORDS
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO US​

　
The Written Word of God enables us to feed our weak and frail human spirit, and to cleanse ourselves from defilements of the world. The Bible is the inspired words from God, using men as secretaries of the Holy Spirit, passing on to us divine blessings. Revealed in the Word are blessings and secrets to be divine enablements for us.

GOD’S WORD IS PURE REVELATION
FROM GOD.​

Psalms 12:6
"The Words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
The Words of God are pure and clean. They help to clean our lives, our inner selves from the defilements of all else that is about us.

GOD’S WORD IS PROFITABLE FOR US,
FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALS TRUTHS WE NEED
VIA THIS BIBLE.​

II Timothy 3:16
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Yes, the Word of God is ‘profitable’, it is great for ‘reproof’ of errors we may commit, it is profitable for ‘correction’ of wrongs we stray toward, and it is wonderful ‘instruction’ into Godly living.

GOD’S WORD IS INFALLIBLE,
INERRANT TRUTH FROM GOD TO US.​

The Bible contains the mind of God. It is infallible in its original language. Therefore, it is a message we can trust. God is infallible, so His written Word is also infallible. We need to rightly interpret it, we need to correctly translate it from its original language, and we need to be sure our interpretation of it is consistent and harmonious with its entirety.



I Kings 8:56
"... there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant..."



Since the Author is God, the Bible is truthful, for He is Truth.

The Bible is an accurate guide, for He is the Way. The Bible is an accurate revelation of the future, for the Author is the Light.


The Bible is eternal, speaking to all generations of mankind, for the Author is eternal. The Holy Spirit is the One of the Trinity meant to convey the revelations to us through the Word.



Many question how much of the Bible has suffered from transmission errors of editors and copyists? How much is to be understood literally, figuratively, symbolically, historically, and poetically? If we read, study, and verify the harmonious interpretation of it, it is obvious that One mind inspired the whole of the Bible. The Word of God all harmonizes, and has one central theme.


The Bible is God’s attempt to reach mankind. That makes the Bible to be the rule of faith and rule of conduct. That makes the Bible to be the final authority, for it is from the Divine Mind. It also makes the Bible to be the hope of mankind in their search for God and salvation. It makes the Bible to be the test and standard by which to judge all other writings and things.

MANKIND’S ANSWERS ARE
SOURCED FROM THE DEVIL,
AND ARE TOTALLY FALLIBLE.​

Yet, many to whom we minister always want to be the final authority, and to intellectually decide on their own, what to believe, and decide what is truth.


So mankind often see the Bible as foolish. The world cannot understand the holy revelations in the Bible, for they are only discerned when the Holy Spirit gives us enablements as a spiritual gift.


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



Many today are challenged by the ‘satanic’ suggestion, that the Bible, today’s passer of the message of God, may not be accurate and truthful. As the devil challenged Eve, with ‘hath God said?’, many today believe that doubt that the Written Word called the Bible is truly ‘God’ saying what we need to know.


The devil went on to say ‘ye shall not surely die...’ (Genesis 3:4) The devil wanted to take the fear of judgment out of the equation.

The devil then said: "ye shall be as gods". (Genesis 3:5). The gnostic dogma, the new age dogma, the majority of false religions all have this common teaching. It is the ‘man-centered’ philosophy that false religions offer to challenge the Bible’s message. They want converts to look inside themselves for the answers, for the power and wisdom. They do not want mankind to listen and read, accept and believe the message of the Bible, God’s Word. The written Word of God is God’s message to us, who are far from ‘gods’, far from omnipotent, omniscient beings. We need His message for any inner message from our soul will be errant and dooming. Any message from any outside source other than God, is also dooming to our souls. The Written Word of God, is our only hope of right understanding. We need that help.



Every conspiracy of the devil involves the plan to eliminate the idea of the atonement through Jesus’ blood, from the minds of mankind. The Bible which teaches that concept from beginning to end, must therefore be attacked, challenged, ridiculed, and belittled. Yet, the Written Word of God always stands the test!

GOD MIRACULOUSLY PRESERVED THE ‘HELP’,
THE GIFT OF THE WORD FOR US.​

The Word of God has been preserved. As God preserved Moses in the ark of bulrushes, so the Bible has been protected down through the ages.


One time, during Josiah’s reign, the Written Word of God had been neglected for many years, the original copy of it was lost amidst the piles of trash in the Temple. But, then God had it found, and did not let it continue to be lost.

II Kings 22:8
‘and Hilkiah, the high priest said unto Shaphan, the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord...’



The spiritual power confirmed in miracles and wonders, has made the Bible a book unlike any other. God has preserved the written Word from the Holy Spirit, for in it, are revelations from God to man. In it, we find miracles will flow from God, to His Word, through to us. Signs follow the Word.



Mark 16:20
‘And they went forth and preached everywhere. The Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following."



The word ‘confirming’ is the Greek word ‘bebaioo’ meaning ‘establishing’. The Word of God is established to be God’s miraculous revelation to us via the miracles, signs, wonders that follow its preaching and the believing of it.

　

And therefore, when the original gnostic challenger of the message of the Bible, i.e. Simon the sorcerer, performed his own ‘magic’ wonders, Peter (as early church history confirms) followed him, and showed miracles and wonders of the Lord, in healings, and such... that the crowds could see, that the Word of God preached by Peter was far superior to the heresy of Simon magus. The Word of God has survived the challenges of the past, the present, and will survive the challenges of the future.



All confusion, all apparent contradictions and errors come from mankind, not from the Word of God. The Bible was written by 44 secretaries of the Author, over a span of 1500 years. The Bible claims to be authored by God in I Peter 1:10-11, Revelation 19:10, John 5:39, 46, and Luke 24:7.



The Bible is accurate. There were 25 specific prophecies concerning the betrayal, trial, death and burial of Jesus given over a period between 500 to a 1000 years before it occurred. Yet, Jesus fulfilled all of them in 24 hours.

THE PURPOSE OF THE WRITTEN REVELATION
OF GOD TO US IS UNIQUE.​

The written Word of God reveals God and His messages to us.

Hebrews 1:1-2
"God, Who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, Whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the worlds."



God revealed Himself by Jesus, by His deeds and His words. The Bible is the declaration of God about Jesus Who would come, and of His revelation of God’s plan for us would be written.

THEREFORE, THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD
IS A HELP THAT IS ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY
FOR US TO HAVE.​

　

II Peter 1:21
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit..."


The prophecies from God of old, were written down, and many of them are contained in the Written Word of God called the Bible. The messages of the Holy Spirit today will harmonize with the Written messages in the Bible. Therefore, we need this ‘help’ from God, so that we can be sure the messages and voices we hear are truly God.


I Corinthians 14:37
"If any man think himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord."


We need to study the Word, and prove from its messages that these truly are the Written Word of God. God challenges us to do so, and any true study of the Word will come to that undeniable conclusion, that God’s Written Word, i.e. the Bible, is His infallible and true message to us.


The Bible is intelligible. We can understand it. The Bible is a ‘revelation’, meant to reveal, not conceal.


Romans 15:4
"...whatsoever things were written afore time, were written for our learning..."


The mysteries of God are no longer to be mysteries. The Bible is God’s attempt to tell mankind what mankind is able to receive. God’s Word does not surpass mankind’s reason. God did not have the Bible written to tease mankind with ‘non-understandable’ truths.



Ephesians 3:4
"Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ."



PART TWO TO COME... STAY TUNED

 

[murjahel]

WE ARE COMMANDED TO STUDY THIS HELP
CALLED THE BIBLE.​

II Timothy 2:7, 15
"Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things... study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of God..."

　

The Bible (rightly understood) is authoritative. We need to beware error, for some things do require a bit of study. But when we correctly have studied and harmonized the message of one part with the totality of the Bible’s truths, then we can trust this authoritative passage.



Some of the Bible is ‘hard to be understood’. Yet, if we learn and are stable in the Lord, the truths will be revealed by the Spirit of God.



II Peter 3:16
"...some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction."



Many are unstable in their Christian lives, and these then wrestle with passages, allowing misconception and improper exegesis to bring them to error. Many have stumbled in understanding the real message of the Bible.



Even in Jesus’ first coming, some listened to His message and ignored the truth of what was said.


Matthew 13:14-15
"For the people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest at any time, they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand, and be converted, and I should heal them."

SUBMIT TO GOD, FOR HIS WILL
IS REVEALED IN HIS WORD.

​

The authority of the Bible demands submission. When God spoke, "Let there be light"... nature responded, and light came. When we read in the Word, study to verify its message, and know that God is commanding us to certain things, we must submit to it, or be judged for our errant decision.



The Bible speaks much of those who do not submit to the teachings of the Word.

Romans 2:6-9
"unto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish"... shall come.

THE WORD OF GOD BRINGS
LIGHT TO THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD,
AND WE NEED THAT HELP.​

The Bible can be ‘light’ to us, and yet still be ‘darkness’ to many others. We are to live in the light of the Words of God.


Psalms 119:130
"The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."


This light from the Word of God is to aid us in our working.

John 9:4
"I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day."
This light aids us in our war against evil and the devil.

Romans 13:12
"...let us put on the armor of light..."

We are to daily walk in the light that comes from God’s Word.

Ephesians 5:8
‘Walk as children of the light..."


We are to witness this light from the Word of God to the rest of the world.


Philippians 2:15
"Shine as lights in the world..."


We are to use the light from the Word of God to enlighten our watching for Jesus to return.


I Thessalonians 5:5-6
"We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober."

Some ‘ever learn’ but never come
to ‘knowledge of the truth’.​

　

Some who do not use the ‘help’ we call the Bible, are ‘ever learning, but never able to come to knowledge of the truth’ (II Timothy 3:7).


Some others, who think they can just dabble in the Word, will ‘corrupt the Word’ (II Corinthians 2:17), and ‘pervert the gospel’ (Galatians 1:6-8).


There are many who will try to put darkness back on we who study the "light’ of the Word. They ‘lie in wait to deceive’ (Ephesians 4:14), ‘beguile you with enticing words" (Colossians 2:4), ‘spoil you though philosophy ... after the traditions of men’ (Colossians 2:8).


Many, as we notice while walking in the light of the Word of God, will ‘consent not to wholesome words... doting about questions and strifes of words’ (I Timothy 6:3-5). They ‘strive about words to no profit" (II Timothy 2:14-16), ‘teach things which they ought not’ (Titus 1:10-14), and ‘bring in damnable heresies" (II Peter 2:1-3).


God allows people to do any of those things, if they persist. He has sent some prophets, apostles, teachers, etc., to attempt to persuade them from error, but often mankind resist the conviction of the Spirit through their words, and the end result is damnation. As ministers, we have that job of correcting the heresy of the Word of God, teaching mankind to find the Lord, to trust His rightly interpreted Words, and to be ready for His coming. That is a fantastic mission, not an easy one, and we need ‘help’. The Written Word of God is that ‘help’ that we need.



Those who resist our ‘help’ of preaching, teaching the Word, are given over to ‘strong delusion.’


II Thessalonians 2:10-12
"...because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

HOW DO WE USE THIS ‘HELP’
OF THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD?​

1. Receive the Word of God with reverence.


I Thessalonians 2:13
"...when ye received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is, in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh in you that believe."


Isaiah 66:2
"To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word."



2. Have a teachable spirit.


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


So, to understand, we need to be open to the teachings of the Holy Spirit. We must know Him, as a Person, and be receptive of His teachings.


II Corinthians 4:3-4
"If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost, in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds."


Psalms 25:9
"The meek will He guide in judgment, and the meek He will teach His way."



3. Be earnest and hungry for the truth.



Apathetic and carefree study is boring and unrewarding. Love truth, be zealous for truth. Do not be satisfied with your current knowledge, want more.


John 3:19
"Light is come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light..."



What do you love more than Bible study? Work? Recreation? Wealth? Etc.? Lay those things aside, and seek to know God through His Word, as never before.


I Peter 2:1-2
"Laying aside all guile, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word."


Psalms 25:14
"The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant."



4. Be patient.


The Word of God is inexhaustible, profound, difficult to find all truth therein. John 5:39 says to ‘search the Scriptures’, and the word ‘search’ denotes labor of a miner who digs and searches the earth for the precious metal, a work that requires patience.


Acts 17:11
"...they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily."


Notice, their search was ‘daily’, not once and for all, not finished long ago, but a constant, patient, continuing of study.


5. Begin with the simple, and move toward the complex.



This is how we learned mathematics. We did not start with geometry and calculus. We began with addition, and then subtraction. We progressed to multiplication and then division. We found the further we went, the more there was to learn. The same is found in Bible study. Begin with the simple, and it will be like stepping stones to higher and higher plains of understanding.


John 15:15
"All things that I have heard of My Father, I have made known to you."


And then later that same hour, Jesus said:

John 16:12
"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now."


The truths that the Father had Jesus speak, were preparatory for more truth to come. There is no contradiction in those verses, for Jesus had spoken all the things that the Father had told Him to speak, but the Lord knew there would be more truth to discover, when they were prepared for them by the Holy Spirit.


James 1:5,7
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God... it shall be given him..."


We need the help of the Written Word of God. It is an available ‘help’, and needs to be used.

MORE TO COME

 

[murjahel]

YOUR LIFE WILL THEN SHOW
THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS CONTINUING
AN ILLUSTRATED STUDY COURSE FOR YOU.​

God loves to illustrate His truths. As we study the Written Word of God, there will be illustrated lessons demonstrating the truths of the Bible.

The Holy Spirit will use the Written Word of God as our Textbook in life. Certainly, He will speak to our hearts, commune with us directly, but He also has designed the Bible as our textbook, to direct us, to instruct us, to encourage us, as we learn the many lessons we are to learn in His school.

Our lives will have multitudes of illustrated lessons from our Teacher of the Word, from the Author of the Written Word, i.e. the Holy Spirit.

Mark 16:17
"And these signs shall follow them that believe.’

God wants His saints to be shown that His Word is truth, so He illustrates many things in our lives that demonstrate His truth. Therefore, signs and wonders will be in the life of the saints of God who study the Written Word. The casting out of devils, the speaking with tongues, healing of the sick, are some of the illustrations that God bestows upon the saints.

Some are lessons in faith, lessons in how to serve God in a troubled world. The illustrations sometimes are hard. At their end, we rejoice in the illustrated lesson from the Spirit of God.

In the prison, Paul and Silas had an illustrated lesson from the Spirit. The earth quaked, the guard feared, a message was preached, a family came to God, release from prison came in the morning.

These all illustrated the message of the Bible that God sends signs and wonders to follow the preaching of the Word. We will find ourselves in situations where God will illustrate His Written Word in our lives.

The word ‘sign’ is from the Greek word ‘seimeion’ meaning a sign, or mark, an illustration.’

God gave Moses a message of God’s displeasure of Egyptian mistreatment of Israel. God illustrated it with the plagues upon Egypt. Those plagues were signs to Egypt, that they had better let His people leave. (Exodus 4:8, Joshua 24:7)


The miracles of Jesus were signs, illustrated lessons, demonstrating the relationship with God. (Mathew 12:38, John 2:8, Acts 2:22)


The word for ‘wonders’ is the Greek word ‘teras’, meaning a miraculous display or illustration of God’s power and wisdom.
God has always illustrated His truths. He has always given ‘milk and meat’. These are two kinds of truth in Scripture.


Hebrews 5:12-14
"For when for the time, ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age; even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."


Milk and meat, are one way to describe truths in the Word. Meat represents the deeper truths, and milk represents the basic, simpler truths. God takes the simple truths of the Bible, the milk, and illustrates them in our lives, and we therefore have then the ‘meat’ revelation.


I Corinthians 10:11
"these things, written for our admonition’

Hebrews 8:4-5
"Who serve as an example and shadow of heavenly things"

Hebrews 9:8-9
"which was a figure for the time present"

Hebrews 10:1
"... law having a shadow of good things to come..."


The words ‘shadow’, ‘example’, ‘pattern’... all contain the idea we refer to as ‘types’. Types were illustrated lessons of the past.

Abraham knew from Adam’s message passed down, that a ‘Seed’ would come, and fulfill the ‘lamb’ that was offered type. His taking of Isaac to the altar, and then seeing the ram caught in the thicket to replace Isaac on that altar, wa a meat lesson of God’s simple promise. That illustrated lesson still speaks to us in the Word, and we are experiencing illustrated lessons of the Bible’s truths yet today in our own lives.


When we avail ourselves of the help of the Written Word, it becomes more than a book, it becomes a part of the lessons in the "University of the Holy Spirit."

The Written Word of God is one of the spiritual gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit, and He adds to it, miraculous power of understanding, revelation from it, that the world does not see when they read the same book. There is the gift of spiritual discernment of passages, granting us revelation meant to be understood, but the darkness of sin keeps from the unsaved. We read it in new light, and see deep truths meant to feed our souls.

 

[murjahel]

Many gifts of the Spirit have been detailed... and the list can go on and on, for the Holy Spirit has abundant gifts to bestow upon those that are filled with Him...

The main problem is that some are at best only 'sprinkled' with Him... that sprinkling allows some to claim His power, pretend His power, or at least discuss His power they saw somewhere... but none of those is what the Holy Spirit wants...

2 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Some will not even read about the gifts that are available... they have all they want, they want no more than they have... so they are denying the power that they could have, and end up with a sprinkling of the Spirit, but no where near the power they could have had... they reject Him and His gifts...

 

[murjahel]

There are multiple subjects discussed here on this 'Spirit filled' forum... and that is fine... but I thought it important that the truth about what being Holy Spirit filled meant... and the gifts that are bestowed by that Holy Spirit upon us who are 'Spirit filled'... this is the forum that should be discussing these...

I have shown many... and there are more... but... will leave that to others to go on... hope some discussion of Spirit filled subjects will find its way here...

thanks for reading... a lot of work went into preparing all this explanation... but I hoped that some new to Spirit filled living would find answers herein... it still remains, so if any new Spirit filled ones happen before it is too far down... hope the explanations here help.

 

[Hammster]

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