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BACKGROUND
CHURCH
CHURCH.
CHURCH GOVERNMENT
The
full background to this teaching is available online at this link
DEFINITION OF TERMS
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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| 3: FROM REVIVAL TO HABITATION |
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 Over the centuries since the Reformation, there have been thousands of Revivals. They have had many similarities and lots of differences, but all have one feature in common - each and every one has come to an end!
Why is this?
Some would say that the intensity is so great that we cannot cope with revival for more than a certain time. Or that the Holy Spirit does His work and leaves.
But the key reason, seemingly common to all, is that revivals die when the people involved start to organise them, instituting systems to organise their behaviour. For once leaders gain an understanding of how the Spirit moves in their situation, through experience, they expect Him to continue that way, formalising, yes, institutionalising 'the method', to help the Holy Spirit out!
This is a natural human trait. Even the great man Moses, fell into this trap when he hit the rock to obtain water, for that method had worked for him previously. This time though, he was instructed to speak to the rock. His human based reaction, even though triggered by a time of great stress in dealing with a difficult people, so disappointed God that Moses was prevented from entering the Promised Land.
Numbers 20:6-13
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 As well, people soon focus on the 'experience' of the supernatural rather than the repentance and life change that is at the heart of the Holy Spirit's desire for each one of us during revival. They will travel large distances for a 'touch from the Lord' rather than being listening to the Lord seeking the changes He desires to make in their lives. Revivals start with repentance, but fizzle out when people look more to the manifestations than to the giver.
Matthew 4:17
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 One minister I know travelled many thousands of kilometres to Toronto where he had a great time experientially. While there, the Lord ministered to Him very clearly about his treatment of his wife. Coming back home, he testified of what the Lord had said. Those who knew him understood the accuracy of the Lord's word, yet nothing changed in 'life with the wife'!
Since that time his ministry has reduced considerably. You may be the judge as to why?
Our God is seeking more. He is seeking a people who will listen to Him! Those prepared to make changes in their lives as and when He requires. Ones who will be obedient to His will. Those willing to repent of old ways and to change their behaviour to become more like Jesus, no matter the cost. Those prepared to overcome pride, to move out of the comfort zone of learned behaviour.
Mark 10:28-31
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Ironically, I have been challenged this week, in an area of my life. Let me assure you, it isn't easy to change! Particularly when it is a behaviour you have grown up with from your youth, one which is a part of you and who you are. But change is essential if we are to grow into the character of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit earnestly desires to be of influence in our lives, to teach us, guide us, to help us change, on an ongoing basis, yesterday, today and forever! While we can't influence yesterday's behaviour, other than repenting of our actions, today is a new day. The question the Holy Spirit gently asks each one is whether we will let Him 'inhabit' our lives. Are we prepared to give ourselves fully and completely to our Lord, doing His will for us, today and forever? Living in permanent personal revival each and every day, establishing His spiritual kingdom within, preparing for the glorious day when He returns to establish His physical kingdom in which to rule and reign with His overcoming disciples for 1000 years.
Revelation 20:4-6
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| PRINCIPLE 3: God is calling out to Himself today a people prepared to allow the Holy Spirit to inhabit and change their lives on an ongoing basis. |
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DAVID'S DOUBTS: "But Lord, it is so much easier to stay as I am! I am comfortable with me!" "But David, are you like me then?" "Ah, well Lord...... no! Okay Lord, I take the hint!"
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| 4: FROM KINGSHIP TO SERVANTHOOD |
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 In Christian circles there is much talk about kingship, about taking the land, ruling and reigning, and much more victorious analogy.
"We will take the land for Jesus!" Unfortunately, it rarely seems to happen - does it? The emphasis on victorious kingship, in a worldly sense, which most of us interpret it in, neither rings true, nor is a reality in the church today.
We teach excellence, we teach vision, we teach success principles, and much more in a similar vein. We look for perfect pastors (an oxymoron) who are as handsome and worldly-wise as was King Saul. Successful men, and women too, to lead us powerfully into the Promised Land of milk and honey.
Just like Jesus was! Conquering the Romans! Leading the people to retake the Promised Land! Taking the kingdom by physical force...! I don't think so. In fact, He died a pauper, on a cross, a criminal's fate, battered and bruised, suffering an agonising death for you and for me. And we are called to become like Him! Oh dear - not a pleasant thought!
In one of the most amazing pieces of New Testament Scripture, Philippians 2, we learn that Jesus, God, came in humility, not seeking recognition, but as a servant. Obedient to the Father, he suffered and died on the cross. It was then, and only then, that Jesus was exalted to the highest place and proclaimed Lord of all!
Philippians 2:5-10
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You see, my friend, we have things all the wrong way round. We look for the glory without first paying the price necessary to attain it. We seek glory now, rather than building treasures in the heavenly kingdom, those that will last for eternity.
In God, down is up! It's no good seeking promotion in the kingdom without being prepared first to sacrifice our life spiritually, as Jesus did physically, on the cross. To serve others. To feel the pain of rejection by the world, often those helped, as Jesus did. Even rejection by fellow Christians, that which hurts most of all. Then, continuing to serve, no matter what the cost to pride, ego, comfort, to our very life.
Matthew 25:21
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| PRINCIPLE 4: God is calling out to Himself a servant church, one prepared to sacrifice everything for Him, as did His Son, Jesus.
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DAVID'S DOUBTS: "But God, it would be nice to be appreciated - sometimes!" "You are by me all the time, my son." "Thank you God!"
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| <Next Week</i> A REVELATION OF…….
GOD'S CALL TO HIS CHURCH continues |
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 With a look at the important subjects of giving and worship, and come up with some surprising conclusions.
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 So many of our concepts of Christian behavior are actually rooted far more in our human nature than in God's Word.
Today, God is calling us to put aside our our human perceptions and go back to His Word.
Babylon in the Old Babylonian Period
The city-state of Babylon, especially under the leadership of Hammurapi, made an impressive mark upon history and Babylon was regarded as a natural capital, even when it was not the actual capital.
After Hammurapi's death, the imperial structure, which he founded, was being continually challenged. Foreign peoples and powers were placing an unbearable strain upon Hammurapi's successors. One of these forces were the horse-riding Kassites who descended on Babylon and put an end to the Amorites as well as civilized progress for the next 400 years.
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
16. Wisdom is easily read, takes time to acquire, but needs to be applied over a lifetime.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
Life's a Laugh: http://www.wwj.org.nz/lifelaugh.php
Links to other sites of interest: http://www.wwj.org.nz/links.php
Till Death do us Part!: http://www.wwj.org.nz/tddup.php
Pets Rule!: http://www.wwj.org.nz/pets.php
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