JOYALMINISTRIES
Wilderness Candlestick
Seven Candlesticks
Sevenfold Spirit
Isaiah’s Vision
Candlestick Removed
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Spirit of the Lord
Fruit of the Spirit
Personal Response
Seven Truths
Salvation by Grace
Let our lesson begin with the emblems and furniture of the
wilderness tabernacle. Moses, while he was engulfed in the glory of God on Mt.
Sinai, was allowed to experience the heavenly throne room of God. The command
was clear and concise, Moses was to make a tabernacle and its furniture after
the pattern shown to him on Sinai (Ex 25:9). The book of Hebrews teaches that
the pattern given to Moses was based on his experiences in the heavenly realm
with God. This series of lessons will not examine the pattern of the wilderness
tabernacle nor will it ponder each piece of furniture. These lessons are
dedicated to study one item of divine furniture found in the tabernacle, and
that item is the holy candlestick. Much has been taught concerning the
wilderness candlestick, but our goal in these lessons is to discover the divine
prototype revealed to Moses in the throne room of God, and also to identify its
influence in our churches and personal lives. We seek to find God’s Holy
Menorah.
Wilderness Candlestick
Exod 25:31-40
And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure
gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches,
his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. (32) And six
branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick
out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other
side: (33) Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one
branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a
flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick. (34) And in the
candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and
their flowers. (35) And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same,
and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the
same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick. (36)
Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten
work of pure gold. (37) And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they
shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. (38)
And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold. (39)
Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels. (40) And look
that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.
While Moses was in the heavenly with God, he witnessed a six
branched, seven bowl candlestick that was the prototype of the wilderness
menorah. Lets turn to the book of Revelation to examine a possible source of the
prototype. John on the island of Patmos experienced seven divine candlesticks.
Its logical to assume that Moses and John experienced the same
candlesticks.
Seven Candlesticks
Rev 1:12-13
And I turned to see the voice that spake
with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; (13)
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son
of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a
golden girdle. (KJV)
Rev 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which thou
sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are
the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou
sawest are the seven churches. (KJV)
In the book of Revelation, John observed, Jesus Christ, the
holy Son of Man standing in the midst of seven golden candlesticks. I believe
these candlestick were not single branched sticks. I am convinced that these
sticks were six branched, seven bowled menorahs.
Notice that the seven candlesticks represented the seven
churches of Revelation. Are the seven churches referred to in the letters of
Revelation the only churches who possess divine candlesticks? I think not! There
are two possible explanations we could consider.
- Anointing
- : Each one of the candlesticks
represents one of seven types of anointing a church could exercise.
- Not Seen
- : John only witnessed the candlesticks
related to the churches he ministered to. Each church established by God would
also possess a divine candlestick.
My personal belief is centered around the seven candlesticks
representing seven different anointings that govern a local congregation. In
later we will study these different anointings.
Sevenfold Spirit
Rev 1:4
John to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to
come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
(KJV)
Rev 3:1
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis
write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God,
and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest,
and art dead. (KJV)
Rev 4:5
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and
thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before
the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
(KJV)
Rev 5:6
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the
throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a
Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the
seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. (KJV)
These four verses clearly indicate that the Holy Spirit has
seven different expressions. John envisioned the Holy Spirit as seven distinct
spirits, but I don’t believe this application would be correct. The volume of
the holy scriptures clearly teach that the Holy Spirit is one distinct person,
who is a member of the divine Godhead. The seven Spirits of God seen by John
must be the sevenfold expression of the Holy Spirit.
(Reference Scriptures: Rom 1:20; Col 2:9; John 14:16-17, 26;
15:26-27; 16:7-11)
Isaiah’s Vision
Isa 11:1-2
And there shall come forth a rod out of the
stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: (2) And the spirit of
the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit
of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
(KJV)
I believe Isaiah experienced the same truth as John concerning
the sevenfold spirit of God. Notice in verse one that the sevenfold spirit is
connected with God’s holy anointing that was imparted to Jesus Christ, our Lord
and Messiah. Let me list the seven different expressions of the Holy
Spirit.
- LORD
- : Spirit of divine government.
- WISDOM
- : Knowing the Mind of God (1Cor 1:30)
- UNDERSTANDING
- : Knowledge of the Holy (Prov 9:10)
- COUNSEL
- : Knowing the plan and purpose of God
- MIGHT
- : Power, valor, or victory
- KNOWLEDGE
- : Divine knowledge of the Truth
- FEAR OF THE LORD
- : Divine Reverence
Consider with me this thought. The wilderness menorah was the
symbol of the divine sevenfold Spirit of God. The seven menorah’s seen by John
on Patmos are divine expressions of the sevenfold Holy Spirit of
God
.
Notice in the book of Revelation that each church established
by God received an expression of one of the seven divine candlesticks. The goal
of this candlestick is to develop an expression of the sevenfold Spirit of God
in the midst of the local congregation
. As I stated before, each
candlestick is a specialized anointing from God that establishes the
congregation’s purpose and mission. The divine candlestick will enlighten the
narrow path with the illumination of truth (Psa 119:105).
The divine candlestick will work in the local congregation
seeking to be a divine expression of each facet of the sevenfold Spirit of God
spoken by the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit will work to establish divine
government, provide insight into the mind of God, and the knowledge of the holy,
raise up the power of God with valor and victory, reveal the truth of God, and
nurture divine reverence in each local congregation that is enlightened by a
divine candlestick.
Candlestick Removed
Rev 2:1-5
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus
write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who
walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (2) I know
thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them
which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are
not, and hast found them liars: (3) And hast borne, and hast patience, and for
my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (4) Nevertheless I have
somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (5) Remember
therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or
else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of
his place, except thou repent. (KJV)
Notice in verse one that Jesus is walking in the midst of the
seven golden candlesticks as a king surveying his kingdom. It is important to
also notice that the presence of Jesus is found in the midst of the
candlesticks, not in the empty halls of vain religion.
Its important to recognize the seriousness of our divine call.
When a local congregation is raised up by the holy unction of the Lord, he
places a divine candlestick in the midst of his church to guide it on the path
of righteousness. Its also important to note that true body life is directly
connected to the divine influence of God’s holy candle light.
The letter to the church at Ephesus provides a clear warning to
all facets of the body of Christ. This church lost their zeal to love and
minister to the Lord in the midst of their busy church schedule. Jesus warned
the leadership at Ephesus to repent for their lost love, and return to the light
of the holy candlestick, or he would remove the stick.
Why would Jesus remove his holy golden candlestick from any
local expression of the body of Christ?
I think there is only one possible answer to this question. The
answer may have different faces, but the root answer will still be the same.
The reason Jesus would remove his candlestick is the local congregation
has no more need of its illuminating light. The traditions of the church and
their dogmatic doctrine have eroded away their relationship with Jesus, and
allowed their faith to become a vain and lifeless religion.
The Human Expression
Personal Revelation
Up to this point we studied the concept that God's holy menorah
is the sevenfold Spirit of God. We also learned that the body of Christ is
filled with the holy light of this seven-branched candlestick. Each local
congregation that is anointed by Jesus has placed in their center an expression
of God's holy menorah. We also learned that the same local congregation could
loose the light of God's menorah when they no longer have need for its
light.
In this lesson we will correlate the gifts and fruits of the
Holy Spirit with the sevenfold expression of the Holy Spirit given to us by the
Prophet Isaiah.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
1 Cor 12:4-12
Now there are diversities of gifts, but
the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same
Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which
worketh all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every
man to profit withal. (8) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of
wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same
Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the
gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) To another the
working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (11)
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man
severally as he will. (12) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and
all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
(KJV)
Lets take a look at the known gifts of the Holy
Spirit.
- Tongues
- Interpretation of Tongues
- Word of Wisdom
- Word of Knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discernment of Spirits
Rom 12:4-8
For as we have many members in one body, and
all members have not the same office: (5) So we, being many, are one body in
Christ, and every one members one of another. (6) Having then gifts differing
according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us
prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry,
let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching; (8) Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:
he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that
ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with
cheerfulness. (KJV)
The book of Romans provides more insight into the gifts of the
Holy Spirit. You will notice that these gifts are understood and experienced
while we interact with the body of Christ.
- Prophecy
- Ministry
- Teaching
- Exhortation
- Giving
- Ruling
- Mercy
Consider with me a possibility that all the gifts and fruits of
the Holy Spirit emanate from the light of God's holy menorah. The divine
candlestick of God is comprised of the sevenfold Holy Spirit. Is it possible
that each gift of the Holy Spirit sprouts from one of the branches of the
sevenfold Spirit of God. Lets consider these gifts and discover how they
interrelate with God's menorah.
The Spirit of the Lord is the essence of divine government. The
gift of Ruling (Administration) would spout from this branch. Faith is a much
needed gift, but faith is the key that moves the hand of the
Lord.
Spirit of the Wisdom
The Word of Wisdom obviously must emanate from this
branch.
Spirit of the Understanding
The Teaching gift has many different sources but the most
logical is the Spirit of Understanding, because the divinely gifted teacher
functions from a divine understanding of God and his word. The Discernment of
Spirits functions with the divine understanding of God
Spirit of the Counsel
Counsel is the gift that emanates from compassion. It’s the
quality of nurturing advice, therefore the gift of exhortation would find its
root in this portion of the menorah.
Spirit of the Might
The gifts of healing and miracles would be divine
manifestations of God's holy might and power. The gifts of Tongues and
Interpretation of Tongues are not what we experience during church services. The
true manifestation of these gifts occur on the mission field when a servant of
God testifies to the glory of God in a language he or she has never learned, but
the audience understands.
Spirit of the Knowledge
The gift of prophecy emanates from several different branches
combined but the gift functions with a divine knowledge into the way and will of
God. The Spirit of Wisdom would also use this gift. The Word of Knowledge must
emanate from this branch also.
Fear of the Lord
The heart of the Lord is mercy and truth (
Psa 85:10 86:16 100:5), therefore the gift of
mercy must be developed in us when we learn to fear the Lord. Giving also is a
developed gift that is nurtured in us through our fear of the Lord. The gift of
Ministry is also a developed discipline for all of God's saints are called to
the ministry.
It is important that we understand each church is a divine
expression of God's holy menorah, and the anointing resident in each local
congregation is a direct result of light emanating from the branches of the
candlestick
.
Fruit of the Spirit
Gal 5:22-25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also
walk in the Spirit. (KJV)
Consider with me the possibility that the fruits of the Spirit
grow from the light of God's menorah, as we allow the Holy Spirit to govern
us.
Crucified With Christ
The key that allows the menorah free expression is the cross of
Christ, and our being crucified with Him. Picture with me the possibility
that the cross of Christ is the cultivating tool used by the Holy Spirit to
nurture in us the His fruit.
This point cannot be treated to lightly; our spiritual success
is intimately connected to the cross of Christ. Simply stated, to the degree we
allow ourselves to be crucified with Christ is to the same degree we allow the
light of His holy menorah to nurture and transform us. We read in the gospel of
Luke that those who are Christ's must learn to deny themselves, take up their
personal cross, and follow Him.
Luke 9:23-24
And he said to them all, If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
(24) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his
life for my sake, the same shall save it. (KJV)
How can we hope to do the will of God when we cannot deny our
own appetites and lusts? What is the cross of Christ? It’s the root and eternal
confidence of all Christians. To Jesus, His personal cross was doing the will of
His Father, and enduring the suffering torment of Calvary. Simply stated; Jesus
was crucified long before He embraced the cross on Calvary. The will of our
heavenly Father is our own personal cross. The light of God's menorah
follows the path of the cross. When we see the fruit of the Spirit
coming forth in our lives then we know that the light of God is shining, and we
are crucified with Christ.
Personal Response
On three occasions (
Matt
5:15-16 Mark 4:21-22 Luke 11:33-36) Jesus used the
concept of a candle as a teaching tool to communicate the truth concerning the
light of God. From these three occasions we can glean three principles
concerning the menorah of God.
Let our Lights Shine
Matt 5:15-16
Neither do men light a candle, and put it
under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in
the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
The first principle taught is the importance to let our lights
shine in the world (
Phil 2:15). No man takes the candle given to him by God and hides it, instead
he puts it on a candlestick in order to give light to the house of God. Consider
with me the possibility that the candle referred to in this parable is part of
God's holy menorah. Resident within us is a portion of the divine candlestick of
God. The light shinning forth from us emanates from the sevenfold Holy
Spirit of God. Notice that the light that shines from us must first shine in the
world, but is also must shine in the house of God. The context of
Matthew 5:15 clearly indicates that the purpose of our candlestick is to fill
the house with light. What House? The New Testament teaches that the house
of God is the body of Christ (1Tim 3:15
Heb 10:21 1Pet 4:17)
The whole reason why we allow our lights to shine before men is
to glorify our heavenly Father in our good works. We read in John 15:8 that our
Father is glorified when we bear much fruit. Again we return to the arena of
being crucified with Christ.
Gifts/Calling
Rom 12:6-8
Having then gifts differing according
to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry, let us wait on our
ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (8) Or he that exhorteth, on
exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with
diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV)
1 Cor 12:4-7
Now there are diversities of gifts,
but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations,
but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the
same God which worketh all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is
given to every man to profit withal. (KJV)
1 Cor 14:12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are
zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the
church. (KJV)
Consider with me the possibility that our portion of God's
divine menorah manifests in our spiritual gifts and divine calling. We see from
these verses that there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit, and one
of the main functions of our spiritual gifts is to edify the church (house of
God).
Reference: Matt 22:14 Rom 11:29 1 Cor 14:1, 7:20 Eph 1:18, 4:4
Phil 3:14 2Th 1:11 2 Tim 1:9 2 Pet 1:10
Eph 4:11-16
And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For
the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth
be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in
wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in
all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body
fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,
according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase
of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV)
These verses admonish us that all Christians must do the work
of the ministry, until we all come in the unity of faith. The body of Christ is
comprised of uncounted multitudes of joints shinning forth their portion of
God's light. The whole body grows and edifies itself in love when every joint
supplies the body with light.
The parable of Jesus taught that no man lights a candle and
puts it under a basket to hide its light; instead the candle is put on a
candlestick to fill the whole house with light. In order to put this parable
into the context of God's holy menorah we must consider the sobering possibility
that our inactivity and lack of ministry involvement in the house of God is
directly connected with hiding the light of our candle under a basket. How can
our heavenly Father be glorified when we hide his holy light? This question
brings us to the second principle that we will examine.
Exposing That Which is Hid (Secret Sin)
Mark 4:21-22
And he said unto them, Is a candle brought
to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
(22) For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested;
neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
When Mark recorded the second occasion when this parable was
presented, Jesus indicated that the light of God's candle will expose the secret
sin in our lives.
Ps 90:8
Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our
secret sins in the light of thy countenance. (KJV)
Its hard to imagine that we all have an arena of secret sin in
our hidden lives, but we do. The presence of secret sin is confirmed by our
weakened personal spiritual condition.
John 3:19-21
And this is the condemnation, that light
is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their
deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither
cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth
truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are
wrought in God. (KJV)
We read in these verses that light came into the world, but men
loved darkness more than light because their deeds were evil. Consider with me
that the light that came into the world is Jesus, but remember, He is God's holy
menorah. Isaiah, the Prophet (Isa 11:1-3) indicated that the coming Messiah
would manifest all seven Spirits of God, and we know that Jesus is the
Messiah.
Notice the response of the world to the light of God. Humanity
hates the light, neither will they come to it because their deeds are evil. In
these verses of scripture two different Greek words are used for the English
word "Evil". When we consider these words a clearer picture forms in our minds.
When we consider the though of evil deeds, we think of sinister, devilish, and
horrid actions. This concept is clearly part of these two different Greek words,
but each word also provides interesting insight.
Evil (verse 19)
poneros
(pon-ay-ros'/4190); from a derivative of 4192;
hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus
differing from 2556, which refers rather to essential character,
as well as from 4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue);
figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially
(morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular)
mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural)
sinners: KJV-- bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked (-ness). See
also 4191.
poneros
- (Thayer Greek/English Lexicon)
1) full of labors, annoyances, hardships
a) pressed and harassed by labors
b) bringing toils, annoyances, perils; used of a time full of
peril to Christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble
2) bad, of a bad nature or condition
a) in a physical sense: diseased or blind
b) in an ethical sense: evil wicked, bad
Notice that this Greek word also has the application of a life
full of labor, annoyances, and hardships. Is it possible that the cares of this
world, its labors, annoyances, and hardships, frustrate the light of God in
us?
Evil (verse 20)
phaulos
(fow'-los/5337); apparently a primary word; "foul"
or "flawy", i.e. (figuratively) wicked: KJV-- evil.
phaulos
- (Thayer Greek/English Lexicon)
1) easy, slight, ordinary, mean, worthless, of no
account
2) ethically, bad, base, wicked
hate - miseo
(mis-eh'-o/3404); from a primary misos
(hatred); to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love
less: KJV-- hate (-ful).
Notice the Greek word used for evil in verse 20 has the
application of that which is easy, ordinary, or worthless. How much of our
lives is consumed with ordinary, worthless activities that have no lasting
spiritual value, nor do they advance the kingdom of God?
Notice that the Greek word used for "Hateth" in verse 20 also
has the application of loving one item less than another. Is it possible
that we love the light of God less than our own worthless deeds?
Those whose lives are filled with empty, ordinary, and worthless deeds
treat with indifference the light of God, they would rather have a
religion not a relationship.
We read that those who are doers of truth come to the light,
and allow their deeds and secret sins to be exposed by the same light. Again we
have a correlation between the divine candlestick of God and the
cross.
Single Eye
Luke 11:33-36
No man, when he hath lighted a candle,
putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that
they which come in may see the light. (34) The light of the body is the
eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light;
but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. (35) Take
heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. (36) If thy
whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be
full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
(KJV)
The third occasion that Jesus presented this parable, He used
it as a tool to communicate the principle of having a single heart toward the
kingdom of God.
Matt 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)
Jesus wanted us to understand the importance of having a heart
dedicated and single in purpose, seeking first the kingdom of God. When our
heart is single and focused on the kingdom of God our entire world view will
also seen in the light of kingdom. A person who has a single heart will be an
ambassador of Christ's kingdom no matter the arena or the
environment.
James 1:5-8
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given
him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is
like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man
think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is
unstable in all his ways. (KJV)
The double minded Christian is absorbed with self-centered
pursuits, therefore he/she is unstable in regards to the kingdom of God. The
double minded Christian is infected with the sin of selfish individualism. The
strength of the body of Christ is dependant on single hearted perception of each
and every joint. How can we be Christ's ambassadors when our lives are filled
with self pursuits. In order to
"… Let (our) light so shine before men …"
take our double minded attitude to the cross, and allow the
single hearted kingdom view to arise from its death. The single hearted kingdom
view is a disciple that must be learn, it is not a natural by-product our a born
again experience. Jesus taught that we are to seek first the kingdom, therefore
it includes an action and discipline we must learn, and our only tutor in this
matter is the cross of Christ.
Fullness of Time
God’s Menorah in Human History
Eph 1:10
That in the dispensation of the fulness of
times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in
heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (KJV)
Consider with me this thought that the divine Menorah is being
restored to the body of Christ through holy, sacred events in Church history. It
has always been God's will to restore to the church the seven divine
candlesticks/truths. Let me briefly present these truths and the approximate
date God restored them to the Church. In the fullness of time the light of God’s
holy menorah will fill both heaven and earth, because all things in Christ have
been brought to together in one.
Seven Truths
This truth was restored by the declarations of Martin Luther on
October 31, 1517, when he nailed his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the
castle church of Wittenberg. The followers of Luther eventually became known as
Lutherians.
Water Baptism
The truth of water baptism on the confession of faith began its
tedious trek of restoration through the teachings of Conrad, Grebel, and Felix
Manz in 1522. The followers of this truth became known as Ana-Baptists. These
saints of God suffered tremendous persecution even to the point of torturous
death, because the professed water baptism upon the confession of faith; they
renounced the authority of the Pope in obedience to the pursuit of their own
conscience. The reformer Zwingli was party to these proceedings against the
Ana-Baptists; even Luther urged the use of the sword against them by right of
law. The Ana-Baptists were the root stock of the Baptist denomination
today.
Holiness
John Wesley was a minister of God not content with the
compromise in the Church. In 1738, he was "strangely warmed in his heart" with
his revelation of holiness. In 1743 Wesley drew up a common set of rules for all
his prayer societies. Wesley referred to his writings as the "best method of
carrying on the work of God." The context of these rules required holy living.
The followers of John Wesley eventually became known as
Methodists.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
For nearly two hundred years the Lord nurtured and developed
the candlesticks restored to the Church. In the latter part of the 1890's small
prayer societies were experiencing the baptism in the Holy Spirit, with the
evidence in speaking in tongues. It was thought by most observers that this
phenomena was the result of a sanctified lifestyle. In 1903, William Seymour,
who eventually became the Pastor of the well-known Azusa Street Mission, began
to preach that the gift of tongues was not restricted to only a few pious
people, but it was open to all who called upon the name of Jesus. His preaching
ushered in a world-wide revival that birthed the Pentecostal
denomination.
Healing
The Latter Rain revival of 1948 to 1951 opened the doors to the
great healing ministries of the 1950's. Foremost among the great ministries were
William Marrion Branham and Granville Oral Roberts. Other names that were common
in these ministries were Morris Cerullo, W.V. Grant, David Nunn, Rex Humbard,
Jimmy Swaggart, Robert W. Shamback, David Terrell, and the controversial but
anointed Kathryn Kuhlman.
Laying On Of Hands - Prophecy
The Latter Rain revival and the healing revivals of the 1950's
collapsed because of unethical financial, moral practices, power struggles and
human egoism. As with Samson, the power of God was undeniably presence, but the
character of God was sadly missing in some cases. These activities caused
considerable hunger for God's holy presence, in the early 1960's God began to
pour out His Holy Spirit on whoever hungered for His presence. This was the
beginning of the Charismatic Renewal; the Pentecostal experience jumped
denomination boundaries, and religious people were coming alive to the reality
of God. One fruit of this restored truth is the establishment of divine church
government.
Resurrection Power - Eternal Judgment
The final truth to be restored to the church will be the most
powerful. All other church revivals will function together to usher in the power
and authority manifested by these two truths. These two truths will demand
holiness, God's church must mature. The two witnesses referred to in Revelation
chapter eleven will usher in the last great revival. The two witnesses will be
much more than two human beings, they will be two anointings released in God's
church. Remember, the two witnesses manifest eternal judgment when the call fire
down from heaven, they also manifest resurrection power when they rise from the
dead. The greatest triumph of these two truths will be the rapture of the body
of Christ.
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