F@ith_Life

The Authority of the Believer Part 4

By Rev. J.A. MacMillan

The Divine Purpose of the Ages

The "God of the whole earth" does not purpose to tolerate forever this rebellion against His righteousness. "By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." Ere this can be accomplished, the instigators to human rebellion must be cast down. In this regard the divine method is clear. "The powers of the air" are allowed to retain their seats only while their successors are being prepared. God, having redeemed a people and purified them, has introduced them potentially into the heavenlies. When they have approved themselves, they will in actuality take the seats of the "powers of the air," thereby superseding those who have manifested their unfitness and unworthiness.

This purpose, present and future, is very definitely stated in chapter 3:9-11. Here it is revealed as the divine will that "now (nun, the present time) unto the principalities and powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the Church the manifold wisdom of God." The Church is to be God's instrument in declaring to these rebellious, and now usurping powers, the divine purpose, and in administering their principalities, after they have teen unseated and cast down.

This is further declared to be "according to the eternal purpose (the purpose of the ages) which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." That is to say, God, through all the past ages, has had in view this wonderful plan of preparing in Christ Jesus a people, chosen and called and faithful, whom He might place in these heavenly seats to rule through the ages yet to come. It is spoken of, in the verses just preceding, as "the mystery, which for ages hath been hid in God," one phase of this mystery being the wonderful veiling of the deity of the Son of God in our human nature, that we through Him might "become partakers of a divine nature" (2 Peter 1: 4) .

This exaltation of the saints and its object were revealed to Daniel in the . midst of his own great world-visions. In verse 22 of chapter 7, after the coming of the Ancient of days, "judgment was given to the saints of the most High," and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom." A ,tittle later (verse 27) we read that "the kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High." The meaning is clear. The saints of the Most High are the overcoming Church, raised to sit in the heavenlies. Below them, and as objects of their care, are the people of Israel, called here "the people of the saints of the most High." Israel will administer the earthly kingdom, and will be head of the nations. But, over all, will rule the exalted Church, as the executive of God.

The Authority of the Believer Part 3

By Rev. J.A. MacMillan

The Rebel Holders of This Authority

It is necessary here to state, what is commonly understood by those who study carefully the Word, that the kingdoms of this world are under the control and leadership of Satanic principalities. The great head of these is, in the Gospel of John, three times acknowledged as "Prince of this World" by our Lord Himself. His asserted claim to the suzerainty of the world kingdoms, made in the presence of the Lord Jesus (Luke 4: 6), was not denied by Christ. Although a rebel against the Most High, and now under judgment of dispossession (John 12: 31), he is still at large, and as the masses of mankind are also rebels, he maintains over them an unquestioned, because unsuspected rule, their eyes being blinded to his dominance (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The whole rebellious -system is divided into heavenly and earthly sections (Isaiah 24:21). These are "the host of the high ones on high" (the unseen powers of the air) and "the kings of the earth upon the earth" (the rulers of mankind and their subjects). Both, the prophet tells us, will be judged in that day when "Jehovah cometh forth out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity" (Isaiah 26:21) and "with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan the swift serpent (the antichrist), and leviathan the crooked serpent (the false prophet) ; and he will slay the monster that is in the sea (the dragon)" (Isaiah 27: 1) Before these acts of judgment occur, the Lord's people will be caught op in the Rapture. As Isaiah's eyes were ho den to the mystery of the Church, he does not mention it, but he does speak of the hiding of the Jewish remnant from the wrath of the dragon: "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast" (Isaiah 26: 20).

The "host of the high ones on high" is carefully divided in our epistle (6: 12). There are first the "principalities and powers." The first-named are mighty princes, whose principalities include large areas of the earth, with authority over the nations included in them. The "powers" are difficult to distinguish from diem, although attempts have been made to state the difference; they are inferior in position, probably as ministers associated in government.

Following come "the world-rulers of the darkness of this age." This name would suggest a ministry of deception, the keeping in darkness of the minds of men, and especially of the leaders of thought. At their overthrow there will be removed "the face of the covering that covereth all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations," blinding their eyes, and keeping them in ignorance of the love and purposes of the Most High.

Finally, there are "the hosts of wicked spirits in the heavenlies"---- innumerable body of demons, to whose close connection with mankind is due the grosser sins and deceptions, the stirring up of the animal passions, and the incitement to all manner of sensual and sensuous desires. These are the beings that are present in the spiritist seance, impersonating and deceiving people of strong intelligence, like the well=known leaders connected with the cult today.

These beings are also at hand in religious gatherings, and are a source of peculiar danger, especially when the emotions are deeply stirred. Many earnest souls, who have been urged to entire surrender, open their beings with the utmost abandon to whatever spiritual force approaches them, unaware of the peril of so doing. Such yielding often provides an opening for the entrance of demons, who under some pretext gain control of the will. To dislodge them, and to once more free the victim, is usually a very difficult task.

The "kings of the earth upon the earth" comprise human worldrulers and their subjects, all unregenerate men. An earthly ruler individually may be a Christian, but he is, by virtue of his office, a member of the great world-system which has not yet come under the dominion of the King of kings. All natural men are members by birth also of this system, and so must be "delivered out of the power (exousias, authority) of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1: 13).

The seats of authority of these rebellious spiritual rulers are also in the heavens. From there they have dominated the human race since its fall. There they will remain until the divine "purpose of the ages" is complete.

Pastor Hacks-Post Ministry Recovery

John 7:38 (Amplified Bible)
He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.

When your minister the Word of God you are literally pouring our your life to the people, (assuming the your ministering out of your spirit instead of your soul) so it's vitally important that you build yourself back up spiritually after preaching.

By praying with your spirit.

Jude 1:20 (Amplified Bible)
But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;

By speaking the Word.

Joel 3:10 (King James Version)
Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

By waiting on the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 (King James Version)
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Pastor Hacks-Praying And Obeying

After praying about and reviewing all my website options I didn't have much peace about any of them.

So one day it just came to me, use the Typepad account you already have and create a basic website.

So I did that and 30 minutes later I had a basic site that told people who we are, what we believe, where we meet and included the typical goofy head shot of the Pastor.

For 5 bucks a month we got our own domain name and web hosting. Which includes IMAP email. I'm using Google Voice for our Church phone and voice mail system.

The point is I could have spent many hours and thousands of dollars or I could just pray and do what the Holy Ghost says to do.

The Holy Spirit knows what you have to work with and He knows what skills you have. If you'll just listen to Him He'll hook you up.

When you pray and obey, the grace will be there to get the job done...

Pastor Hack # 1 pray and obey

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (Amplified Bible)
TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:

The Church I've been serving at for the last 8 years is closing it's door this Sunday.

I've known in my spirit for many months that big time change was coming, so when I heard the news I wasn't dismayed or sadden. I knew this to was just part of the process of the Lord doing His will in the earth.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified Bible)
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

I've known for a couple of years that the Lord was getting ready to move me out into my own ministry. And the Holy Ghost has been working overtime on me to get me in position to make the change.

This process has been both unpleasant and exciting at the same time. Because a change in status always requires first a change in you.

Change is sometimes hard on the soul and flesh. Many people miss their season because they are unwilling to change.

Throughout this whole process of change I've had to fight to maintain my focus on the Lord, His person and in-workings in me. Fight to stay attentive to the voice of the Holy Ghost and be careful not to step out of line of His directions.

Hebrews 11:1-3 (Amplified Bible)
NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
For by [faith--trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.
By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.

So I was laying on the couch last night just counting up the cost of doing this new thing and it was like how in the world am "I" going to do this? Where is all the money going to come from? Who is going to help me?

In a instant I lost my focus and took my eyes off Him and His unlimited provision and put my eyes back on me. Which is not a good thing.

Then Hebrews 11:1-3 came up in my spirit and this holy thought came to my mind..."I have faith in God, I have everything I need".

John 16:13 (New Living Translation)
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

Is Jesus making great changes in your life? If you have faith in Him, His Word and Yield to the Holy Ghost this transition into this new season can be easy.

In fact you might even enjoy it...

The Holy Spirit already has the plan for your success. All the resources you need to put the plan into effect are already there waiting for you to make a demand on them, by faith.

If you'll simply trust, listen and obey this whole process can be easy.

Noontime Prayer for Awakening to God

Live Prayer from Prayer Mountain at noon today, central time. It is time for the Church to wake up and become who she is called to be.

Prayer Meeting Tonight...

Your welcome to come it's from 9 p.m.-12 p.m.

Light Prayer Light Preaching...

E.M. Bounds

The character of our praying will determine the character of our preaching. Light praying makes light preaching…Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still.

Noontime Prayer for Awakening to God

Each Wednesday, believers from all over the world join together through Billye Brim's (BillyeBrim.org) webcast at 12 noon, Central time, to pray together for an awakening unto God in the USA and around the world. Please join us at noon if you can.......if not, you can log in to the prayer archives and pray at your own convenience!

Prayer For An Awakening

2 Chronicles 7:14 (English Standard Version)
if my people who are called by my name(A) humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Every Wednesday at 12 noon (central time) you can join an international prayer meeting via the internet hosted by Billye Brim from Prayer Mountain in Ozarks.

Prayer doesn't change God or His Word, real heartfelt prayer changes us and puts us into position to hear from heaven.

Worldwide Awakening of 1857
This Great Awakening (often called the 3rd) was the greatest to date in its extent, effects and lasting impact.
It began slowly in Canada, when 21 were saved, and grew steadily until between 25 and forty were converted each day. Slowly reports of small awakenings began to emerge from various states in America. Then, in September 1857 Jeremiah Lanphier, a businessman and convert of Finney's (a decade before), began a noon day prayer meeting on Wednesdays in a New York church. The small but growing numbers decided to meet daily in early October. Within six months over 10,000 business men were meeting in similar meetings across America; confessing sins, being converted and praying for revival. It was a lay-led movement that harvested a million souls in two years.
In 1858, from February to June, around 50,000 people a week were added to the church - in a nation whose population was only 30,000,000. Across the Atlantic another million were won to Christ by 1865. This was in Britain's population of 27,000,000. Ulster saw 100,000 converted, Scotland 30,000, Wales 100,000 and England 500,000.
Evangelistic, missionary and philanthropic enterprises blossomed on every hand. Moody and Sankey enjoyed their greatest success. William and Catherine Booth, converted under the ministry of James Caughey, launched the Salvation Army and attracted great crowds to Christ. Walter and Phoebe Palmer, the American evangelists, saw a remarkable work of the Spirit attend their ministry. Charles Haddon Spurgeon preached to capacity crowds each week, filling the largest halls in London. Hudson Taylor began the China Inland Mission. Gawin Kirkham started the Open Air Mission.
Lord Shaftsbury championed for the cause of the young, the poor and the oppressed. Barnardo founded his famous orphanages. David Livingstone and Mary Slessor propagated missionary work in Africa. Such was the impact of this fourth great awakening.
The revival also swept around the world. Rapid growth was reported in continental Europe, western Russia, Australia, The South Seas, South Africa and India.
via revival library

It happened before and it can happen again. When Gods people pray to Him in faith, things start happen.