Psalm 100:1-5
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Matt 5:8
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Do you know of anyone that haphazardly prepares for a date, especially when the goal is to really impress that very special person? You know... it's like a check list exists in their head...let's see: teeth are polished; breath smells good; clothes are up-to-date and match; the car is clean and ready to go; bought the roses and chocolates. Have I forgotten anything?
Why don't we think like this when we gather to come into God's presence? The common thought is – it's just church. Even though our God is full of grace and mercy, still the Bible gives us some “court etiquette” that should be more than considered when preparing to come into God's presence. Psalm 100:1-5 is a great place to start!
Let's look at the check list:
1. Make a joyful noise.
2. Serve the Lord with Gladness.
3. Come before His presence with singing.
4. Make a conscious effort to consider the following: a. He made us, b. We are His people, and, c. We are the sheep of His pasture.
5. Enter His gates with thanksgiving (extending our hands in adoration).
6. Enter His courts with praise (clear, beaming, boasting and behaving clamorously foolish, ready to celebrate His name).
7. Be thankful and bless Him.
Now, before anyone gets the wrong idea, there are also benefits to this kind of “coming into” God's presence. As we look further at Psalm 100, we see they are:
1. God's goodness is displayed.
2. God's unending, everlasting mercy is released.
3. God's enduring truth of “His love for us” is driven deeper into our hearts.
Looking now at Matthew 5:8, we see the benefit continue to add up, saying:
4. Blessed, or fortunate, happy and well-off, are these who pursue God.
5. The “pure” in heart shall stand clean and clear before God
When David wrote songs about intimacy with God, he projected a different relationship than the other tabernacle found in the Old Testrament. When taking a look at the differences between Moses and David's Tabernacles, it doesn't take too long to see there was a clear shift in philosophy in the transition from one to the other.
I have formulated a brief list of these differences and placed them side-by-side for you to compare:
David's Tabernacle / Moses Tabernacle
One Court / Gates
" " / Outer Court
" " / Inner Court
" " / Holy Place
" " / Holy of Holies
No Veil to separate people from God / Veiled Ark of God's Presence
One Sacrifice at its Dedication / Daily and Annual Sacrifices
24/7 Singing with a 4,000 voice choir / Songs were rare
Daily Prophetic Activity / Only Moses prophesied
Everyone Worshiped / Only Moses worshiped
Place of Worship / Place of Legalistic Liturgy
In this side-by-side comparison, another truth is revealed: David's Tabernacle was actually more like the New Testament relationship Jesus established and what other writers said about Him. Comparing David's Tabernacle to what the New Testament says:
David's Tabernacle / Jesus said...
One Court / One Way, One Truth, One Life
No Veil to separate people from God / The Veil was torn and removed
One Sacrifice at its Dedication / Christ is the One sacrifice for all
24/7 Singing with a 4,000 voice choir / Rejoice in the Lord always
Daily Prophetic Activity / Covet to prophesy; forbid it not
Everyone Worshiped / Psalms, hymns & spiritual songs
Place of Worship / Worship God in Spirit & in Truth
We know, according to Hebrew 9:11, God no longer dwells in temples made with hands. However, just like it was in the Old Testament, response is still a key element God looks for. Luke 1 is a perfect example. This is the occasion when Gabriel, the archangel of God, came to deliver the same word of God to both Zacharias & Mary, saying, “You will give birth to a son...and you shall call his name...and I'm announcing his destiny.”
The same news came to two people, but with different responses. Zacharias' response was filled with fear and apprehension. Mary's response was, “Be it unto me, as according to your word.” Which response was the most accepted? It was Mary's, for God caused Zacharias' tongue to be glued to the roof of his mouth for the duration of Elizabeth's pregnancy. The summation of his response was, “I can't...and...God, You can't.” Mary's was, “If You say so, then...let it be.”
Both of these and their sons, Jesus and John, received their destinies. So, it's wasn't that God was so angry at Zacharias that his (and his unborn son's) destiny was thwarted. This is not God's way. Nevertheless, response is a key element found throughout the scriptures as it relates to court etiquette.
What about you? Have you been haphazardly entering God's presence, as you gather to worship Him? Don't be guilty about grieving the Holy Spirit. Show some appreciation for God's presence by preparing your heart. The greater the preparation of ones' heart to meet with his God, the greater the opportunity of receiving above and beyond what he has asked for. Go for it!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Seven Signs of a Prophetic Church
by Bill Faught, Jr.
At the core of every ministry there are foundational truths, which continually guide them throughout the journey toward its destiny. Such is the case for Legacy of Worship, Int’l, and Bill and Lynda Faught. This page will be updated periodically to keep current with the revelation that the Holy Spirit continues to download. Enjoy these present-day truths that are also timeless and eternal!
II PETER 1:19-21
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:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
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 Ghost.
(For more than twenty years there has been much talk about the prophetic gift in the Body of Christ. While many have laid claim to being prophetic and even walk in the Prophet’s office, this study will shed additional light on what defines the gift biblically. There may be more signs of a prophetic church than what are mentioned here, but these are the seven we have identified.)
In the opening text, the use of the word “prophecy” is simply compared to a reflective light. The first sign of a prophetic church is that she will use both the written word (the Bible) and the spoken word (prophecy) as “reflective lights”. We have been commanded to “...shine as lights”. The “sure word” that Peter wrote about was also compared to “a light that continues to shine in a dark place until the day dawns and the Daystar (Jesus) arises in our hearts”.
Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we can only reflect the Light of the world, Jesus. The moon is luminous, or, in other words, it is a reflected light. The moon has no light of its own. We are the same.
One of the key words in the opening text is continue. A prophetic church will continually declare “the Word of God” and/or “a word from God” until it comes to pass.
Another example of this is found in Acts 2:34-35, where Peter quoted the Book of Psalms, saying, “...sit here, until I make your enemies your footstool...” This “sitting here” effect is a sign of a prophetic church. It’s not simply just a matter of stubbornness but a matter of being confident about hearing what God has said, then believing it. In the subordinate sense of the word, it is a “reigning with Him” until it happens. This is at least part of what the apostle Paul was referring to when he wrote, “You have been raised up together, and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).
The second sign of a prophetic church is that her focus is upon raising up the next generation to surpass them, both in the prophetic and the progressive revelations coming from God’s throne room. God’s will is very clear - as stated in Joel 2:28 – “...your sons and daughters SHALL prophesy”. In the Webster’s Dictionary, “shall” means to be obligated, compelled and determined. If we insert this definition, Joel would have declared, “...your sons and daughters are obligated, compelled and determined to prophesy”. The commitment voiced here is beyond a casual position on the prophetic.
A very blatant example of this commitment to training the next generation is found in Samuel’s day, where he participated in a school that raised up a company of prophets (I Samuel 10:5-6). Samuel did not want Israel to fall back into the awful place of the lack of the Word of God that existed when he arrived on the scene. Remember, the light had gone out in the temple. This was the deplorable state of Israel before God answered Hannah’s prayer and a prophet was born.
This training is consistent with the pattern found in the New Testament, where, in Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul revealed, “And He (Jesus) Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting (or the equipping) of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ”.
This discipleship and mentoring is an element of concern in most prophetic churches today. Additionally, Psalms 24:6, 71:18, 78:6, and 145:4 show ample proof of the importance God placed on declaring to the next generation what God said yesterday and what He is saying today.
The third sign of a prophetic church is how she devours the Word of God in order to become fluent and fluid in prophecy. In Ezekiel 3:1 and Revelation 10:10, people of God were instructed to “eat the roll” or “eat the book”, then go and speak to the people or a nation. The Psalmist also declared, “Your Word have I hid in my heart...” (Psalm 119:105). In each of these situations, there was a bitter or “hard to speak” message to speak to the people. The principle here is: the deepest words that shake or form a nation must not come from a shallow heart, but from a heart that has devoured the Word of the Lord. Then, the word can be maturely and justly delivered.
This can also be compared the “burden of the word of the Lord” (Zechariah 9:1; 12:1), which does not come to cause a grieving spirit, but partners with the intercessions of the Holy Spirit. The angel spoke to Apostle John, relaying how this “bitter word” or “burden of the word of the Lord” was given to him in order to create the venue to speak before people of great influence (Revelation 10:8-11).
This “burden” of the Word of the Lord can also be compared to a pregnancy, where something of great value is carried for a period of time and brings great deliverance. The pain or difficulties experienced are definitely overshadowed by the joy.
Fourthly, a sign of a prophetic church is that she views revelation (or what God is saying) as His heart revealed and - with reckless abandon - is willing to vigorously pursue it. This pursuit of God’s heart verbalized can be compared to both experiencing the blessings of “keeping God’s sayings”, as described in Revelation 22:7, and accepting the charge to “war over prophecies”, which is an excerpt taken from the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy. (I Timothy 1:18)
This “keeping” and “warring over” God’s Word is an important element in seeing God’s Word and will come to pass. Whenever a word from the Lord comes, it is not only immediately tested, but it is also contested. We are often guilty of placing the word on the “proverbial” shelf. While an argument can be made for the necessity of placing it there to wait for confirmation, more times than not, we leave the word there. This passivity can allow opportunity for the enemy to steal the seed of the Word.
The fifth sign of a prophetic church is that she is recognized for knowing and hearing God’s voice. According to the words of Jesus from John 10:4, He, Jesus, goes before His own and they follow Him: for they know His voice. While every child of God should have this quality of relationship with God, not all will actively pursue it. This is a sad and unfortunate reality these days. When this is the case though, many times the prophetic church acts as a bridge to re-connect people to God through speaking on His behalf. Even in this scenario, the prophetic church only declares what she hears. A fabricated word would otherwise arouse the Lord’s displeasure and possibly a curse.
Paul encouraged the Church a greater understanding of the Gifts of the Spirit. Among the purposes for these gifts, the utterance gifts are to “...reveal the secrets of men’s hearts” (I Corinthians 14:25).
One aspect of the prophetic has been gaining popularity for while now is “dream interpretation”. This is the Church’s answer to the thirst for the supernatural by non-believers today. With the continuing fascination for the supernatural, more than ever, there is a great need for the Church to KNOW God and SPEAK what He is saying. Of course, this can also be delivered through many forms – both inside and outside of the four walls of the church building.
In these days, it is absolutely necessary to “holding fast” to the faithful word...that we might be able by sound doctrine exhort and convince the gainsayers or fortune tellers (Titus 1:9; 2:1-15).
The sixth sign of a prophetic church is her willingness to be periodically re-calibrated by the Spirit of God. This is not to be confused with just a willingness to stay “current” or “relevant” to ones generation. If we change for the sake of change or be-cause it is the popular thing to do, we have missed the boat completely.
While sitting in our living room visiting with a couple from Phoenix, I heard the voice of the Lord speak only one word. The word was recalibration. I waited for an appropriate moment to speak what I had heard. The lady responded, “I manage a Star Bucks - that’s a word we use everyday.” She proceeded to explain how the term was used. To condense the explanation, let it suffice to say: espresso machines have to be re-calibrated everyday to present a consistent product.
Because, for the most part, a prophetic church will have its ear to the heart of God, she will not resist change. Periodically, recalibration by the Holy Spirit is necessary that we might present a consistent product to the lost world. What is that product? What should the Body of Christ be known for? Simply put, we MUST portray and present the true heart of God.
Lastly, the seventh sign of a prophetic church is she “bears the testimony of Jesus Christ”. In the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John assuming the position of worship. While there, the angel said, “...worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”. An open heaven followed!
Several times throughout the New Testament we are challenged with the concept of “wearing” Jesus. Paul said, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). Even when Jesus was ready to be taken up into the clouds (Acts 1:8), He declared, “But you shall receive (be clothed with) power from on high...”
In conclusion, these seven signs are not the only signs you’ll find in God’s Word. There will be other signs, but at least we have a brief list to consider the next time you hear a ministry lay claim to “being prophetic”. Jesus said, “By their fruit you shall know them”. Be glad we do not live in the Old Testament days, for many who claim to be prophetic would be stoned. Selah!
At the core of every ministry there are foundational truths, which continually guide them throughout the journey toward its destiny. Such is the case for Legacy of Worship, Int’l, and Bill and Lynda Faught. This page will be updated periodically to keep current with the revelation that the Holy Spirit continues to download. Enjoy these present-day truths that are also timeless and eternal!
II PETER 1:19-21
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:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
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 Ghost.
(For more than twenty years there has been much talk about the prophetic gift in the Body of Christ. While many have laid claim to being prophetic and even walk in the Prophet’s office, this study will shed additional light on what defines the gift biblically. There may be more signs of a prophetic church than what are mentioned here, but these are the seven we have identified.)
In the opening text, the use of the word “prophecy” is simply compared to a reflective light. The first sign of a prophetic church is that she will use both the written word (the Bible) and the spoken word (prophecy) as “reflective lights”. We have been commanded to “...shine as lights”. The “sure word” that Peter wrote about was also compared to “a light that continues to shine in a dark place until the day dawns and the Daystar (Jesus) arises in our hearts”.
Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we can only reflect the Light of the world, Jesus. The moon is luminous, or, in other words, it is a reflected light. The moon has no light of its own. We are the same.
One of the key words in the opening text is continue. A prophetic church will continually declare “the Word of God” and/or “a word from God” until it comes to pass.
Another example of this is found in Acts 2:34-35, where Peter quoted the Book of Psalms, saying, “...sit here, until I make your enemies your footstool...” This “sitting here” effect is a sign of a prophetic church. It’s not simply just a matter of stubbornness but a matter of being confident about hearing what God has said, then believing it. In the subordinate sense of the word, it is a “reigning with Him” until it happens. This is at least part of what the apostle Paul was referring to when he wrote, “You have been raised up together, and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).
The second sign of a prophetic church is that her focus is upon raising up the next generation to surpass them, both in the prophetic and the progressive revelations coming from God’s throne room. God’s will is very clear - as stated in Joel 2:28 – “...your sons and daughters SHALL prophesy”. In the Webster’s Dictionary, “shall” means to be obligated, compelled and determined. If we insert this definition, Joel would have declared, “...your sons and daughters are obligated, compelled and determined to prophesy”. The commitment voiced here is beyond a casual position on the prophetic.
A very blatant example of this commitment to training the next generation is found in Samuel’s day, where he participated in a school that raised up a company of prophets (I Samuel 10:5-6). Samuel did not want Israel to fall back into the awful place of the lack of the Word of God that existed when he arrived on the scene. Remember, the light had gone out in the temple. This was the deplorable state of Israel before God answered Hannah’s prayer and a prophet was born.
This training is consistent with the pattern found in the New Testament, where, in Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul revealed, “And He (Jesus) Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting (or the equipping) of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ”.
This discipleship and mentoring is an element of concern in most prophetic churches today. Additionally, Psalms 24:6, 71:18, 78:6, and 145:4 show ample proof of the importance God placed on declaring to the next generation what God said yesterday and what He is saying today.
The third sign of a prophetic church is how she devours the Word of God in order to become fluent and fluid in prophecy. In Ezekiel 3:1 and Revelation 10:10, people of God were instructed to “eat the roll” or “eat the book”, then go and speak to the people or a nation. The Psalmist also declared, “Your Word have I hid in my heart...” (Psalm 119:105). In each of these situations, there was a bitter or “hard to speak” message to speak to the people. The principle here is: the deepest words that shake or form a nation must not come from a shallow heart, but from a heart that has devoured the Word of the Lord. Then, the word can be maturely and justly delivered.
This can also be compared the “burden of the word of the Lord” (Zechariah 9:1; 12:1), which does not come to cause a grieving spirit, but partners with the intercessions of the Holy Spirit. The angel spoke to Apostle John, relaying how this “bitter word” or “burden of the word of the Lord” was given to him in order to create the venue to speak before people of great influence (Revelation 10:8-11).
This “burden” of the Word of the Lord can also be compared to a pregnancy, where something of great value is carried for a period of time and brings great deliverance. The pain or difficulties experienced are definitely overshadowed by the joy.
Fourthly, a sign of a prophetic church is that she views revelation (or what God is saying) as His heart revealed and - with reckless abandon - is willing to vigorously pursue it. This pursuit of God’s heart verbalized can be compared to both experiencing the blessings of “keeping God’s sayings”, as described in Revelation 22:7, and accepting the charge to “war over prophecies”, which is an excerpt taken from the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy. (I Timothy 1:18)
This “keeping” and “warring over” God’s Word is an important element in seeing God’s Word and will come to pass. Whenever a word from the Lord comes, it is not only immediately tested, but it is also contested. We are often guilty of placing the word on the “proverbial” shelf. While an argument can be made for the necessity of placing it there to wait for confirmation, more times than not, we leave the word there. This passivity can allow opportunity for the enemy to steal the seed of the Word.
The fifth sign of a prophetic church is that she is recognized for knowing and hearing God’s voice. According to the words of Jesus from John 10:4, He, Jesus, goes before His own and they follow Him: for they know His voice. While every child of God should have this quality of relationship with God, not all will actively pursue it. This is a sad and unfortunate reality these days. When this is the case though, many times the prophetic church acts as a bridge to re-connect people to God through speaking on His behalf. Even in this scenario, the prophetic church only declares what she hears. A fabricated word would otherwise arouse the Lord’s displeasure and possibly a curse.
Paul encouraged the Church a greater understanding of the Gifts of the Spirit. Among the purposes for these gifts, the utterance gifts are to “...reveal the secrets of men’s hearts” (I Corinthians 14:25).
One aspect of the prophetic has been gaining popularity for while now is “dream interpretation”. This is the Church’s answer to the thirst for the supernatural by non-believers today. With the continuing fascination for the supernatural, more than ever, there is a great need for the Church to KNOW God and SPEAK what He is saying. Of course, this can also be delivered through many forms – both inside and outside of the four walls of the church building.
In these days, it is absolutely necessary to “holding fast” to the faithful word...that we might be able by sound doctrine exhort and convince the gainsayers or fortune tellers (Titus 1:9; 2:1-15).
The sixth sign of a prophetic church is her willingness to be periodically re-calibrated by the Spirit of God. This is not to be confused with just a willingness to stay “current” or “relevant” to ones generation. If we change for the sake of change or be-cause it is the popular thing to do, we have missed the boat completely.
While sitting in our living room visiting with a couple from Phoenix, I heard the voice of the Lord speak only one word. The word was recalibration. I waited for an appropriate moment to speak what I had heard. The lady responded, “I manage a Star Bucks - that’s a word we use everyday.” She proceeded to explain how the term was used. To condense the explanation, let it suffice to say: espresso machines have to be re-calibrated everyday to present a consistent product.
Because, for the most part, a prophetic church will have its ear to the heart of God, she will not resist change. Periodically, recalibration by the Holy Spirit is necessary that we might present a consistent product to the lost world. What is that product? What should the Body of Christ be known for? Simply put, we MUST portray and present the true heart of God.
Lastly, the seventh sign of a prophetic church is she “bears the testimony of Jesus Christ”. In the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John assuming the position of worship. While there, the angel said, “...worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”. An open heaven followed!
Several times throughout the New Testament we are challenged with the concept of “wearing” Jesus. Paul said, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). Even when Jesus was ready to be taken up into the clouds (Acts 1:8), He declared, “But you shall receive (be clothed with) power from on high...”
In conclusion, these seven signs are not the only signs you’ll find in God’s Word. There will be other signs, but at least we have a brief list to consider the next time you hear a ministry lay claim to “being prophetic”. Jesus said, “By their fruit you shall know them”. Be glad we do not live in the Old Testament days, for many who claim to be prophetic would be stoned. Selah!
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